Hawks

By Anakin Joe

February 26, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Come on, Sekou. Is Solomon that much different than Josh Smith in his rookie season? Yes, I know there is a big age difference. But Smith developed with playing time and Solomon has been buried on the bench. Heck, if nothing else, Woody should make sure that our bigs (all or most of them) use their 6 fouls. I want to win as many games as possible, so I wouldn’t say something like “stop playing Zaza and play Solomon.” But I would hope that Woody would find 15-18 minutes each and every night for the young fella.

By vdunkndunk

February 26, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

I don’t blame Solomon for picking up quick fouls last night, since the Hawks were not allowed to breath on Amare. Apparently the refs agree with you Sekou: Amare is not human like the rest of us…he is blessed with a divine right to go to the freethrow line every time he touches the ball (at least as long as he is playing the “lowly Hawks”).

If you’re wondering if Amare is human, by the way, just look what happened when Josh Smith matched up against him. Josh blocked him 3 or 4 times and changed a bunch of his shots. I’d like to see those two guys match up in a pickup game without the refs there to protect Amare.

Don’t get me wrong, Amare is a great player and he played great last night. I’d say he easily deserved to score 30 points…but about half of the fouls called for him were a joke. And not only that, but he was also was allowed to lower his shoulder and charge with impunity.

The refs only called it once. And I believe they were forced to call it because Amare had done it all night with no whistle, and then Josh does it one time and they call the charge. So when Amare did it again a second later, I think they felt obliged to call it.

But sometimes I swear that the NBA instructs their refs to call the game according to two sets of rules: one for the superstar (Amare) who shot as many freethrows as the entire Hawks team, and one for everyone else (like anyone in a Hawks uniform).

By Don Mills

February 26, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Fire Billy Knight!!!!

By jhan

February 26, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

If Solomon can’t get any burn after that performance last night, then I will jump on the Fire Woodson bandwagon. The kid plays with such energy that he can only help this team.

AJ showed great veteran leadership. I love the way he was directing traffic on offense & helping to position everyone on defense. The guy stepped right in and became the leader while he was on the court. Finally!

By William

February 26, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

I think that play where Solomon picked up the loose ball and made his one field goal is what I mean by he can give you the energy and athletisim of alot of the “smaller” players on the hawks (seriously, alot of times the smallest guy on the court is 6’8” with this team…its just the bigest guy is like 6’10”) but has the length to bother bigger players. At least two of his fouls yesterday were HORRIBLE calls.

Jones has the FREAKISH length that Saer Sene has (you know, the guy in the NBDL that people were saying the Hawks should have taken with the 5th pick) but not nearly as raw. Yes, he is thin, and honestly, he is never going to be a big solid guy, but you have to play a guy that forces other teams to shoot to the top of the backboard to get over him.

And yes, the only things bad about the Anthony johnson trade is A: We could have had him anyway, and B: 13 million is now used for the point guard position. Thats alot of money for a non solid position. Besides those two things, I don’t understand how anyone can be mad about giving up the 36-38 pick in the draft for a very VERY solid point guard.

By Clyde

February 26, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Sekou the problem is Woody. He is so obsessed with burying rookies on the bench. Lorenzen Wright has given us next to nothing this year but yet he still manages to start only because he’s a veteran. Woody needs to stop. He needs to play people based on their productivity not on the amount of time they spent in the league.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By ToeKnee

February 26, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

OK, Solomon played well last night, and I think Woodson, just like us, noticed. Remember, he didnt just yank him out of there, he let him play. It’s important to bring young guys along, and if you havent seen the improvement by every other young guy except salim and shelden, then your not really paying attention to this team.

Solomon does deserve to see a bit of the floor every night, and i would be VERY surprised if Woody doesnt throw him back out there tonight for a little bit. But dont go crazy here. He’s still as raw as…..i dont know, something very raw. anyways, anthony johnson looked great, GREAT PICKUP, your a fool if you’d want another second round project to produce three years from now, than having AJ step in and play right now. This is a rough stretch, but if we keep fighting the way we did last night, Solomon too, then we can still make a run at the playoffs. Look at the schedules; the Hawks’ are going through their toughest stretch right now, and we already beat houston. teams like orlando and new jersey still have western conference stretches ahead of them. Keep your heads up, and on straight, and lets get some W’s baby!! GO HAWKS!!

and GO WOODY!! I also dislike having such a distant GM, but somehow I can just tell that Woodson is working his butt off for the Hawks, and I hope he stays. I just feel he deserves a bit of love here in the blog.

By honest_abe

February 26, 2007 01:07 PM | Link to this

toe knee unfortunately trying hard doesn’t tranlate into competence.. woody needs to go!

By Tyger

February 26, 2007 01:10 PM | Link to this

Solo deserves to play more. Shelden got his respect as a #5 pick and got the first shot at BIG minutes.

But, now he should play with or compete with Solo for that BIG spot off the bench.

Solo is so much taller and physically gifted than Shelden, who still has to figure out how to maximize his skills.

I like the rotation w/ Lo Wright and Pachulia. LoWright doesnt score like he used to and isnt as quick but he is physical. And he knows it and the other teams know it. And that helps.

Paculia has played better as well.

Obviously, AJ was a great acquisition and another notch in the gunbelt of BK. He locked down the backcourt for two years for less than $3.9M. J. Kidd costs $18M per and isnt 5X better than AJ.

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 01:14 PM | Link to this

wanted to bring over my last post on the previous blog…

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 01:00 PM | Link to this

NEWKID, thanks for the recap. good post, points and observations!! good call by you and WILLIAM on AJ postin’ up the smaller guards.

WILLIAM, nice post too!! many of us here have called for PT for SJ for some time now. nice to see him FINALLY get on the court and PRODUCE!!!

WOODSON HAS TO come to the realiztion of what BEST suits this team in terms of style of play!!!! again i’ll say, we ain’t PISTONS-like!!! we are more SUNS-like!! EVERYBODY KNOWS IT…ESPECIALLY THE PLAYERS!!! hopefully with a more competent floor general in AJ, WOODSON will allow him to run the more uptempo offense that the team is built for!!! but reality says…we are dealin’ with WOODSON, aren’t we???!!!! but as a fan, i’ll continue to hope!!!!

By neil

February 26, 2007 01:15 PM | Link to this

I was at the game last night and one thing you could notice was that Solomon was really getting under Amare’s skin while they were in the paint mixing it up. I mean, Amare was really getting frustrated down there with him on the block. I don’t have the stats in front of me, but I’m pretty sure that when Solomon was in the game we outscored the Suns.

Which leaves me to my next point: why on earth did Woodson take the young guy out in the fourth quarter when it was obvious that he was being a difference maker. Woodson brought back in Smith who was in foul trouble earlier that quarter and took out Solomon. It would have made more sense to leave in Solomon and take out Childress. Smith and Solomon down low is a potent package that needs to start being explored immediately!

By demetris

February 26, 2007 01:26 PM | Link to this

if your on the fire “woody” bandwagon please remember this team started completely over (from “underground” up). This is year three with third year players (minus joe johnson) so everyone “be easy”… great pick up in aj… we should have drafted Marcus Williams and all our point guard problems would be taken care of… and it would have saved cap space to sign the joshes and make a play on dwight howard next year

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 01:28 PM | Link to this

SS, i know i have been callin’ for SOLO to get PT since AT LEAST the beginning of JAN!! and i know CLYDE has been right there too!! in one of my previous RANTS i said (to paraphrase),’who cares that he (SOLO) is raw?? hell the whole team is raw. hell the coach is raw!!!’

for me, it is easy to see the upside that PT would bring SOLO!! it’s a no-brainer!! that is what kills me about WOODSON!! he REFUSES to do the obvious for this team!! the OBVIOUS that would at least help this team make the next step!!! 2 shot blockers/changers like JS and SJ in the game at the same time?? gimme a break!!! it’s a NO BRAINER!!!

SOLO brings AT LEAST the skills and game equal to LW!! but then he brings that ONE thing that LW nor ZAZA brings…shot alterin’ ability!!! imagine how that helps lift JS’s defense presence even more, knowin’ that he’s got help!! imagine that MAYBE MARVIN DOES NOT wanna be left out on the action and picks up his defense game!!!!

like i said…PT for SOLO…IT’S A NO BRAINER!!! HAS BEEN ALL ALONG!!!!

By Anakin Joe

February 26, 2007 01:50 PM | Link to this

Come on guys. Wright doesn’t produce box score type stats but he has provided some toughness in the post. Don’t get me wrong, I have been disappointed in his play. But defense is also about knowing where to be on the floor. Its not just about blocking shots. Its also about denying position and rotating to the right spot on the floor. Solomon absolutely needs to get more playing time. But let’s not assume that a 170 pound PF is going to be a world class defender. When we are playing a fast tempo brand of game, Solomon should absolutely get more run. When it is grind it out, half-court friction, give me a little more beef (Wright, Shelden or even Batista).

But to the points of many bloggers, Woody doesn’t seem to always make substitutions in that manner. And that is extraordinarily frustrating.

By A Thinking Fan

February 26, 2007 01:55 PM | Link to this

YOU WIN WITH VETS! YOU BUILD WITH YOUTH! You stay competitive with a combo of the both while you’re rebuilding…

Clyde - where is my T-shirt

FIRE ALL OF THEM - BELKIN INCLUDED!!!

By Dan

February 26, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this

I think Jones should play more. He is better than Sheldon Williams. The “Landlord” looked terrible last night. He got in for one short stretch and was so bad that Woodson did not even consider playing him again. Jones should get those minutes wasted on Sheldon Williams.

new topic….am I the only one down on Joe Johnson right now? I love the guy and am glad he is on the Hawks. Last night, however, he let the team down. He missed the technical free throw late and missed three wide open 3 point shots late in the game. If he is going to be an All Star, he has to come through in those situations.

One game, I know, but more is expected from Joe. He has to make those big shots. Last night was a game that could/should have been won. I don’t care what Stoudemire’s final numbers were.

By William

February 26, 2007 02:22 PM | Link to this

I am not saying give him Lo-wrights minutes. Solo on guys like Duncan, Howard, and other big, physical players that back you down would be really really ugly. Solomon wouldn’t stand a chance.

But at the same time, Lo doesn’t stand a chance against athletic front courts(I know, its seems weird that I say he would do well against Howard but not against athletic front lines). Mikki Moore killed the Hawks because he is long, quick and agile. not a banger. Solomon would match up perfectly with him. Lo and Zaza matchup well against Eddie Curry.

The point is good coaches make adjustments. Kurt Thomas played 5 minutes last game, not because D’antoni doesn’t like him, but because lo wright was guarding Amare and it left Kurt Thomas on marvin Williams, who he could chase off screens and Marvin got all those open jumpers. So he pulled him and went with Amare at center and marion at the PF. Those are the types of adjustments that you have to make to win games.

Woodson notoriously doesn’t make adjustments. Like leaving speedy in at the end of games with his 50 percent freethrow shooting when you KNOW the other team is going to foul. Especially when you have Salim “I have shot over 90 percent from the free throw line in my career” stoudimire on the bench. Or having a play called for Joe but 5’11” Rafer Alston is guarding 6’8” Josh Childress….and still running the Iso for joe.

These are the things that people alot of fans are frustrated with. I never get mad when players have a tough game, because that happens…players have tough games. But honestly, Salim Stoudimire has outplayed Speedy recently but he is back to DNP’s (I know AJ took his minutes…good, but you have to reward good play with minutes on a young team or they lose the confidence…which might have something to do with Salim’s shot going AWOL for most of this season).

The thing is, nothing about Mike Woodson is something that couldn’t be changed if he was open to it, but NBA coaches are generally the take me the way I am or leave it types. This team needs a coaching change. I honestly belive that we have seen the best out of this team if it will be coached by Woodson. Or at least bring in a offensive minded assistant coach (People underestimate it, but a defensive coach like Phil Jackson wouldn’t have one ring had he not brought in Tex Winter to be his offensive mind).

By Kappy

February 26, 2007 02:46 PM | Link to this

A couple of things:

1) I loved how Soloman played yesterday. Anyone else think he might be a better prospect than shelden?

2) I NEVER b*** about the refs, hell, i am one sometimes, but the officiating last night was so biased in phoenix’s favor. There were 3-5 calls last night that were inexcusable.

3) I also NEVER b*** about Woody, but what was up with us not fouling with 40 seconds left and we were down 5. THE GAME WAS NOT OVER! But apprently, Woody mailed it in. That’s unacceptable in my eyes. What kind of message does that send to our young players? Every other NBA team would have been fouling, trying to extend the game, you know, normal things teams do when they’re down by a few and trying to come back. But the Hawks are rarely in that position. I don’t think they knew what to do.

4) It might get ugly in Dallas tonight. What kind of schedule is that anyway? I’d like to know if any other team in the league has had to play Phoenix and Dallas, on back-to-back days, with one on the road and one at home. Thats cruel and unusual punishment.

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 02:59 PM | Link to this

JOE, not sayin’ SOLO is the ‘ALL’ to anythin’!!! but personally, i’d MUCH rather have a player that the opposin’ team knows and will challenge their shot if they bring it into the lane/post!! and to your point about defense bein’ more than just blocks, you’re right!! and that’s why it’s sooooo crucial that SOLO get the PT. ‘cause with the reps and PT he will learn where to be when!! and that will make him THAT MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE!!

By Ken Strickland

February 26, 2007 03:13 PM | Link to this

This is my take on the SJones issue. Zaza is 6’11”, 280lbs, and LWright is 6’11” 245lbs. The height and/or weight advantage enjoyed by our C’s didn’t stop Stoudemire from dominating them both, nor most other teams C’s. It’s not always about the position one plays, but how one plays the position.

Against certain teams, and in certain situations, SJones can be an asset. He can certainly provide an inside DEF presence. And as far as fouls are concerned, all of our bigs have been prone, especially JSmith. This team needs to establish a definitive style. We have demonstrated over the course of the season that we don’t compete well playing half court basketball. We have definitely demonstrated that we can run with the best of them(Phoenix), and be competitive in the process. The way things are now, when we play a EC team, we play their half court style, and get our butts kicked(see Chicago). When we play a WC team, we play their running style, and we are almost always competitive, and often victorious. We should play the style that best suits us, play it every game, learn to play it well, AND FORCE OTHER TEAMS TO ADJUST TO US.

Why keep playing players that are obviously limited, and on the descending side of their career. We should be playing, and developing, players with potential that are on the ascending side of their career. Despite the negatives any of you can conjure up, in reference to SJones, I’ll guarantee this. He will produce as many, if not more, points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and fouls than LWright, given the same minutes and/or opportunity, despite his size. And I will also guarantee that with time and experience, he will get better at it. Can anyone say the same about Wright?

Woodson has to make the mental adjustment from the style of play, and experience level he had in Detroit. The situation he has in Atlanta, in those areas, is the complete opposite. We have the QB(AJohnson)we need to run the up tempo style. All Woodson has to do is release the Greyhounds. Just my opinion.

By egatsby

February 26, 2007 03:16 PM | Link to this

This is simple the reason Solomon Jones doesnt play is because Billie Knight doesnt want to look like an idoit for drafing sheldon williams.They gotta play sheldon cause he was picked #5. Sheldon does not have near the talent or potiental as solomon. Sheldon cant even dunk he too small he cant block shots he has no athletic ability. I watch every game and the few times that I have seen solomon play he reminds me of Marcus Camby. Oh and thank God Royal Ivey doesnt play anymore

By Clyde

February 26, 2007 03:31 PM | Link to this

If Lorenzen and Zaza can’t get the job done then let Solomon try.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Wedgie Evans

February 26, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this

On a good team, Solomon Jones should be sitting on the bench, or maybe even in the D-League. On the Hawks, where the starting center’s greatest asset is fouling and the backup center’s greatest asset is missing layups, there’s no reason why Jones shouldn’t be starting, let alone playing. What are the Hawks going to lose by playing Solomon more? Instead of Lorenzen Wright committing a foul a minute, it will be Solomon Jones instead, and at least Solomon can learn from the experience and become better.

By ToeKnee

February 26, 2007 03:53 PM | Link to this

umm, in case you hadn’t noticed, Shelden doesnt play. because he looks lost and doesnt bring energy to the team. SOLO does bring energy, but there were a few times where he was kind of searching for what to do next. I KNOW, I KNOW, the only way to fix that is with more PT, and I hope he gets it. But I still feel mixing in these young guys with guys like Lorenzen, AJ, all our vets, helps them to realize how to play the NBA game. As much as PT helps, just like Sekou told us about Josh, watching the game can help you see what you should be dong when you get out there. That said though, Solo’s got to see some more action, I love the way he plays!! Talk about pulling a player out of your own backyard, I had almost just written him off until next year.

Everyone talks about how the Hawks need to figure out their own ‘style’ of play. Yes they do, but you need to realize, as JJ said in a post-game interview, that the Hawks have the talent and athletic ability to play BOTH WAYS!! It’s great to be able to run the floor when you need to, but sometimes you’ve got to slow it down, and bring it into a half-court set, and just try and dictate what you want to do. I thought we did a great job yesterday, but just caught some bad breaks. seriously, if it werent for that $#$&(^% barbosa, we really should have won. those threes just kept thwarting all our hard work. if JJ had hit one or two of his it would have been down to the wire. but hey, those are the breaks. i really see improvement in this team all the time, and it’s hard for me to criticize too harshly when their improving, which the majority of the players seem to be doing(JS,JC,Solo,Z,AJ,Marv,and JJ’s just always the man!) Let’s send a shock to their system tonight in Dallas! GO HAWKS!!

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 04:05 PM | Link to this

KEN, what you said!!!

By Boheezy

February 26, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this

I agree….let solomon play Woody. The kid has alot of potential and brings energy..Salim also needs to play more as well. I still dont understand why he doesnt play….Another thing….Cant we just buy out Speedy’s contract and cut him loose and just count our losses? and like Clyde says …. FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By neil

February 26, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this

Any guesses on how many minutes Solo gets tonight after a great game last night? My guess is none.

Please play Salim

By Volman

February 26, 2007 04:42 PM | Link to this

I don’t know HOW anyone can say that L-Wright and Zaza aren’t “Getting the job done”. Come on..these guys are COMPETING with every big, every night. What about the Orlando games where they handled the best center in the eastern conference? (Dwight Howard)

I love Solomon for the fact that he’s a great raw talent who works VERY hard out on the court, but he’s my age, 20.. right? He’s SOO YOUNG (as all the Hawks are) and he looked almost scared out there like he doesn’t know what to do, or doesn’t want to mess up.

I say if we can get him 10-15 minutes a night to foul some guys and alter some shots, then I’m happy.

Is Solomon Jones the answer to our center wowes? No.

Aside from the Solomon talk, Who likes Anthony Johnson? The Guy can ball!!!!!!

By Volman

February 26, 2007 04:44 PM | Link to this

Diop/Dampier vs. Solomon?

That’s like over 500 pounds of raw nastiness against 150 pounds of Solomon.

I hope he gets in though…

Let’s see if the referees give us the Suns’ treatment when we go to the basket tonight. (yeah right)

We NEVER get fouled… does anyone remember the time when JJ went to the hoop and got knocked to the ground and no foul, out of bounds on Joe? Unbelievable. This team gets no respect… eventually it’s going to get earned. Eventualy.

By Anakin Joe

February 26, 2007 04:55 PM | Link to this

I’m all for giving Solomon more minutes… in the right situation. I’m not sure Dirk is the right situation tonight, but I’d give him a shot at least.

All I was trying to say earlier is that some post defenders will not have their success show up in the box score. I’m NOT defending Wright, he has been pretty bad most of the season. But I also saw Wright and Zaza hold down Dwight Howard several times this season. And I cringe at the notion of Howard being checked by Solomon, that would be like Deangelo Hall trying to stop Larry Johnson at the goal line. OUCH.

I’ll bring up my “great low post defender” examples again. Charles Oakley and Rick Mahorn. Neither would finish the game with 3 blocks. But they would force guys out of their comfort zone and generally hurt opposing players down low. They made the game uncomfortable for the opposing low post player. That is every bit (if not more) important than swatting shots. Especially in a league where most guys only have limited moves in the post.

I’d love to see Solomon and Smith on the floor together. But I’d settle for keeping one on the floor at all times.

By Omar

February 26, 2007 05:05 PM | Link to this

Apparently, Phoenix invented a new offense last night that our Hawks had never seen before. The ran it all night and it resulted in the most wide open looks I have ever seen in a game. I think the name for this new offensive set is the “Pick and Roll.”

Basketball cannot be as easy as Phoenix made it look last night. Why couldn’t the Hawks adjust? Was it Nash? Wash it Amare? Why can’t SALIM get any PT?

If watching Phoenix taught me anything, it is the importance of having good shooters on the floor. I hope watching Phoenix taught our Hawks something as well. Why can’t SALIM get any PT?

By Johnson

February 26, 2007 05:15 PM | Link to this

SEKOU, CAN YOU DO A PIECE ON HOW LONG THE HAWKS ARE WILLING TO WAIT FOR SHELDEN WILLIAMS TO DO ANYTHING WORTH NOTING. I MEAN WASN’T THE LOGIC BEHIND DRAFTING THIS GUY THE FACT THAT HE PLAYED 4 YEARS AND WAS SUPPOSED TO BE READY TO GO IMMEDIATELY. THE GUY HAS SHOWN NEXT TO NOTHING AND IT IS DISTURBING TO ME THAT HE IS GETTING A FREE PASS FOR HIS PATHETIC PLAY. ON TOP OF THAT HE LOOKS LIKE HE HAS FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME AND ITS BRUTAL TO WATCH HIM PLAY. HAS BK EVEN ADDRESSED THIS POOR PICK OR ARE THEY STILL OF THE BELIEF THAT HE WILL DEVELOP INTO SOMETHING THAT HELPS.

By ToeKnee

February 26, 2007 05:50 PM | Link to this

thats totally uncalled for. yes, shelden has been dissappointing, but that insult is even offensive to me.

i thought he would be ready to contribute this year too. the biggest thing that worries me is that, unlike every other young guy on the hawks, he seems to be close to his ceiling as far as talent goes. he better learn some veteran moves from lorenzen quick or he won’t even last in the nba.

By Leon

February 26, 2007 06:04 PM | Link to this

As soon as the draft was over, all the buzz surrounded justifying picking S. Williams at #5. In every instance, BK claimed we needed to get a big man who is ready to play now. Am I missing something??? In no way does Shelden look like the most NBA ready player in the draft. I said it then, and I say it now. Shelden Williams was not worthy of a #5 pick in the NBA draft.

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 06:05 PM | Link to this

SALIM, the pure shooter without the stroke…or how ‘bout with the stroke but without the end-result…POINTS!!! nope, SALIM has had enough minutes in 2 seasons to show what he can do for THIS TEAM!!! NOT A MATCH!!! PERIOD!!!

WOODSON’s got ENOUGH to concentrate on now!! makin’ sure AJ sees the court with the right combinations and seein’ SOLO gets minutes is ENOUGH for our coach to handle right now!!! i’m laughin’ but i’m serious!! how would you prioritize the followin’???…

1) insertin’ AJ into the lineups 2) PT for SOLO 3) how many mins for SPEEDY 4) who starts…AJ or SPEEDY?? 5) what happens when LUE’s healthy 6) SLAVA…is he just waitin’ to happpen too?? 7) how does SALIM fit in…and where??

now, i’m not crazy enough to think ALL these things can be decided outside of game day. but WOODSON has proven he NEEDS ALL THE TIME HE CAN GET TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES!!!

SALIM would be the last of my concerns as a coach right now. and i’m still stickin’ to my PT for the CORE4 of 30-40 mins/game for a chance to win. what the addition of AJ does, in my mind, is reduce JJ’s mins at the 2, JC mins at the 1, and SPEEDY’s minutes period!!

now the addition of AJ actually might be a blessin’ for SALIM in that it could allow him to relieve JJ at the 2 instead of AJ slidin’ over to get those minutes. AJ, at the 1, would provide the needed size in the backcourt for SALIM to actually get burn at the 2. but again, if i’m WOODSON, SALIM would not a priority right now!!

By D-Row

February 26, 2007 06:36 PM | Link to this

im going to say this right now Salim>>>>>>Speedy. What i saw when salim got into the game a couple of nights ago, was a player who knew how to score in the lane and how to run a fast break. Please Woody, Start Anthony Johnson, our pg rotation should be AJ, T. Lue(when he gets back), Salim. Just say speedy’s hurt again and then trade his worthless butt. Also, why cant we just sub in solomon when josh smith gets tired, or is in foul trouble, doesnt that make sense to always have a guy who can alter shots in the game. We should also play him when zaza and lorezen get in foul trouble (like last night.)

By Mike

February 26, 2007 06:44 PM | Link to this

Sekou I agree with you, but let’s not forgot what Lorenz mean to the team. Again it’s the intangible you get from Lorenz. He is not going to blow you away with fancy scoring number; although he did use the have the ability to score more than he does now. But he’s good role players and every team needs role players. Lorenz is not a dominate post player, but he’s a savvy vet that knows how to play the game. He’s always going have problems guarding mobile athletic post players like Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, Christ Bosh, and Omeka Okafor. But so will everybody else in the league. S o that’s our starter at the post, now Zaza that’s another story, that’s the main guy I wanted Woody to reduce playing time so Solomon could get a chance to get on the floor. I have to admit though, Zaza has really step his game since the All Star break. He needs to maintain this level of play the rest of the season. But Woody still has to continue to finds ways to get Solomon more playing time. The more he plays, the more his game will improve. Same goes for Salim. How can Woody expect for Salim to come into the game after setting for three or four days and be red hot with his jump shot. On days when Joe is tired; Marvin, J-Smoove, and J-Chill are struggling to score. Why not give Salim a chance. If he gets some consistence playing time his shots will go down, some nights he’ll heat up like a microwave. On does nights Joe can get some rest. It just makes sense to play both of guys more, because they can help the team.

By Steve T

February 26, 2007 06:55 PM | Link to this

This game only shows that the Hawks need a good big man. They got pounded on the inside. If I were the coach, I would not have allowed that to happened.
I have several bigs and I would have pound anyone coming in the paint. The ref can call the fouls, but I am going to make sure that they are hard. If I pound you long enough, I believe it will take it toll on you. We have the bigs and we need to use them.

Yep, I been crying since day one that Solo need PT. I was one the people who e-mail the Hawks about this guy. I like the fact that he was a shot blocker. I did not know he such nastiness in him.

By Flash

February 26, 2007 06:57 PM | Link to this

Leon- I remember all of the critics surrounding the pick of the landlord at number 5. “The most NBA-ready player in the draft” Try another one Billy!! That excuse has not panned out so well. I don’t like trading for third string point guards for early second round picks either. There are a lot of steals that occur early in the second round (Carlos Boozer at 35 for example) I would have given Salim more minutes before I went and traded for a third string pg.

By honest_abe

February 26, 2007 07:06 PM | Link to this

do you believe in miracles?

so the hawks have beaten the rockets, suns, timberwolves, nuggets, clippers, warriors… the craziest thing is they’ve beaten most of these teams on the road.

preeeeetty impressive don’t ya think?

sure if you listen to guys like ando.. they’ll make sure you realize that those teams had key pieces missing when the hawks won. he’ll also say that a big reason why the hawks won is because those teams didnt’ take them seriously.
WHO CARES???

all i know is this team is getting better at a very fast rate. get a coach who knows how to substitute, a coach who knows how to adjust based upon the opponent, a coach who knows how to draw a play coming out of a timeout… is it really too much to ask for a competent head coach? whens the last time this franchise had one? lenny wilkens. since then lon kruger (a college coach with no idea how to coach in the pros), terry stotts (a decent head coach but was learning on the go as it was his first shot at the gig here), mike woodson (a great assistant who has no business being a head coach)… despite this enormous problem of not having a good head coach the hawks have still made impressive strides this year.. couple that with their unusual success against western conference teams and yes you heard it here first.

HAWKS WIN!

oh ya great points william.. where’d you come from.. i enjoyed reading your posts today. welcome aboard!

By honest_abe

February 26, 2007 07:07 PM | Link to this

flash: the only thing you’re forgetting is that aj is not a 3rd stringer here. in fact we basically traded a 2 round draft pick to get the best pg on this team.. so all in all. it was a very good trade for this team.. now if you want to discuss that we should’ve/could’ve gotten him earlier. well that’s a different debate.

By Ed W.

February 26, 2007 07:11 PM | Link to this

I agree with you on this one, Sekou. What I like most about Solomon is that he adds effort to his athleticism. I think he definitely has a shot at becoming an Anderson Varejao-type, which we definitely could use.

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 07:23 PM | Link to this

i’ll admit i did not want to give up a 2nd for AJ…but i believe he’ll continue to prove me and others wrong with his play thru the remainder of the season. just goes to show what experience REALLY does bring!! no doubt, he has the skills!! but the experience, leadership, and scorin’ he brings to this VERY YOUNG team is a WELCOMED CHANGE!!!

By BosnianBaller

February 26, 2007 08:31 PM | Link to this

Hey ED w. soloman is going to be much better than Varejo.Jones has a pretty good shot. I just want to know why wright gets more pt than him. Wright is 30, but he’s playing like he is 40. it’s unfotanate that the younger guys are not getting pt since we are losing anyway

By ray

February 26, 2007 08:36 PM | Link to this

Before I say this, lemme give a shout-out to my man ANAKIN JOE, ‘cause this is really his word I’m spoutin’:

Had the Hawks organiazation brought someone in to work with Solomon Jones, it is likely he would have had more of a solid impact this season, and therefore would have gotten more playing time. Instead, he is left to flounder out there, hanging only on his youth and athleticism. Wright hasn’t taught ANYBODY much worth remembering.

Shelden? Well, buried on the pine big time. So much so that he’s learning bad defensive habits. Like bad defensive positioning. Take a look at the picture of him and Amare Stoudamire where Stoudamire is putting up a simple left-handed layup. Go ahead and take a look, it’s on the page where all the blogs and articles are listed for the Hawks. Tell me that isn’t a result of bad defensive positioning. That’s what’s missing. And there is nobody in the organization to teach young Solomon the tricks of the trade. Joe the dark one was right. Where’s the specialist?

Another word on Solomon. Sekou is right, it’s all up to this young man, especially if the organization isn’t going to hire any experienced help for the forwards/low post guys.But he can do it.

While it’s always a risk to compare players (you get flamed by other bloggers who disagree), I’ll do it anyway. Just looking at body structure, and not actual talent/skill sets, there are several guys who you can compare Jones to. Remember how Chris Bosh looked when he came into the league? Skinny as a rail, and having to play a lot of C/PF for the Raptors. He worked hard, added some pounds of muscle, and stayed in the paint. Same with Jermaine O’Neal. Kevin Garnett. Theo Ratliff. Plenty of guys who will never reach 245 and beyond when they step on the scales. But it’s on Jones to do this. To work on his post moves, to hit the weights like a maniac. And, if I were him…I’d seek someone out like Oakley, like Mahorn. Someone who doesn’t mind helping teach him the tricks of the trade. Get to it, young fella.

By ray

February 26, 2007 08:44 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc, you got it spot on. Woodson is trying…our dang patience, that is. I just wonder if he is part of the team’s inability to find an identity. Oh, I’m a liar…I’m not wondering at all.

Hold that thought…did I just see Smith blow by Dirk for the And 1?

By ray

February 26, 2007 08:45 PM | Link to this

Okay, Woody. Wright has two fouls and two minutes haven’t even gone by in the game. Could you please put Solomon in and let him get some of that early high pressure burn?

By ray

February 26, 2007 09:35 PM | Link to this

AAAUUUUGGGGHHHH!! Defensive rotation, guys!! Even more so than Phoenix, you do NOT want to give Dallas so many opportunities to shoot jump shots. How do we keep letting Nowitzki and Stackhouse get such ugly mismatches? Nevermind, don’t answer that. I know exactly how.

Dallas keeps exploiting mismatches even when they don’t have to (sometimes all they have to do is run pick and roll). Why can’t we exploit mismatches? Nevermind…I know that one too.

It’s good to see Josh taking it to the hole as much as he has been. He just needs to concentrate on finishing strong and using his body to shield the ball. Otherwise, they’re going to keep ripping him as he goes up. Just like Jordan in a younger day. All that drivin’ and flyin’ to the rack only to have it ripped on the way up. Keep at it Josh, you’ll get there.

Good to see Marvin getting after it. But he needs to do it consistently, not here and there.

I don’t want to get too heavily into baggin’ on Speedy, but there is a clear difference between having him in the game vs. having AJ in the game. Clear difference.

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 09:39 PM | Link to this

ok, RAY, VOLMAN, help me out. why am i NOT seein’ the lineup of CORE4 and ZAZA showin’ up in the boxscore together??? i see SPEEDY instead!!! and i see the lead go to 15pts by the MAVS!!! are my conclusions wrong!!!??? offbase??? tell me it has nothin’ to do with SPEEDY!!!PLEASE!!!!!???!!!

this is what kills me about WOODSON!! how in the hell can he forget what has been his best lineup to-date??? sometimes IT IS about makin’ our opponents match up with us!!! guys just tell me i readin’ the boxscore wrong!!!!???

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

RAY, you were readin’ my mind bro!! see it’s easy…SIT SPEEDY!!!! start AJ, JC subs, SPEEDY picks up whatever is left until LUE returns. then SPEEDY can sit next to IVEY!!!!! IT’S EASY!!!! GEESSSHHHHH!!!!

even the BOXSCORE KING in the BAY can see it!!!!!

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

ok…19 pts down with 2mins left in the 3rd. i swear i have not watched the boxscore since the end of the half but i bet i can guess how the lead happened…WOODSON HAD NO METHOD TO HIS SUBSTUTION MADNESS!!!??? just tell me i’m wrong…..

By Chris D'

February 26, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

So it is Solomon Jones’s fault he is getting 8.3 minutes a game. He plays good in a game then he doesn’t play for two games. Don’t blame anything on Solomon Jones. If he is lucky maybe he can go to an organization that has a clue.

Lets see if Jersey loses Kidd and Carter this summer they might be the one team in the East next year with less talent than us. Oh but wait they drafted their point guard of the future never mind.

Screw the Hawks I am tired of this lame a** team. We get to sit through three years of total crap so we can rebuild into a mediocre team. Thanks….

By ray

February 26, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Well, that’s part of it, Myk. The other part is “oh no, we got down by too many points to a team that is better than us.” And they are. But not EVERY night. The guys have to learn to play 48 minutes of tough basketball, win or lose. Every time Dallas slips, Avery Johnson is telling his guys “look, they give up easy. Just runs some plays and get some open shots and they’ll lose their fire quickly.” And he’s right.

By preston

February 26, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

O.k I didnt want to go here…but I have finally given up on Woodson. We will be “rebuilding” as long as he is here. This team competes, but Woodson is terrible at making substitutions and game defining adjustments. He has absolutely destroyed Salim’s confidence and is wasting this guys talent. He could easily be getting quality minutes from Salim and Solomon, but he just lets those guys pine away while he has that clueless look on his face, and his starters give up way too many easy baskets b/c they are so winded.

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

thanks RAY!!

By Clyde

February 26, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY T-SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE AT ATLCONNECT@HOTMAIL.COM

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By mykhalc

February 26, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

RAY, you started to address a point earlier and i want to continue.

i think you are right that the team lacks a ‘true’ identity because WOODSON REALLY DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS AS A COACH!! he lacks a style, an identity!! we all know what he wants his style to be. but it can’t be that, with this team, as it is constructed now!!!

and the unfortunate thing about it is, for 2 yrs WOODSON has had an excuse. the excuse was lack of talent and youth!! NOW, he has talent and really DOES NOT know how to use it nite-in nite-out!! his immaturity, lack of identity, and lack of experience as a HC is truly a hinderance to the contiued growth of this team!!!

By Clyde

February 26, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

WOODY THINKS HE’S STILL COACHING THE DETRIOT PISTONS. HE NEEDS TO REALIZE ATLANTA IS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT BALL CLUB.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Good Bloggers

February 26, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

You all deserve props for excellent points as does Sekou. The Hawks have a good young talent base whom I think would be excelling with better coaching. Thats’s giving props to BK but it is what it is. Speedy and Sheldon are killing the Hawks. But Woodson has options now in Johnson and Solomon. I know they can’t be much worse. Lo Wright is what he is a big for fouls not expecting much else. But shore up those two spots and the Hawks could make a push. Tonight was a tough task for any team after all that running with the Suns and the Mavs can do both well half-court and fastbreak. The real test starts after this game. With about 25 games left, the Hawks should at least win 14. Puts them at about 37- 45. Big time improvement, anything less look at Woody. Should they over acheive a little and put together some type of run that puts them over 40 wins which is what it will take to make the playoffs, Woody should be coach of the year. They have positioned themselves to be either a team to take serious next year, or go into next year with the same problems. They are without question an improved unit, its happening before our eyes. But they may have the answer to some of thier problems sitting on the bench. AJ is the starter and Solomom should be thier 8th man.

By smalvil

February 26, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

can someone help me out here….I wasn’t paying too much attention, but I coulda swore I saw the hawks cut the deficit to 85-90, only to have to mavs go on a double digit run. tell me that wasn’t the case.

By Clyde

February 26, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WITH THESE TWO LOSSES I SEE EVERYONE STOPPED TALKING ABOUT THE PLAYOFFS.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By mavid

February 26, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

i think at some point we all need to be realistic and understand that this team has a bright future down the line (we are so young, but talented), but just isnt equipped to compete with the best of ‘em yet

By reese

February 27, 2007 01:18 AM | Link to this

Mavid, talent is in the eye of the beholder. I was at the Phoenix game on Sunday and the guy next to me said that he thought that Shelden was a talented player and that Childress needed to be traded.

After I finished laughing at this statement, I began to explain how shelden was not athletic, he is to short to play power forward, he can’t shoot and only deserves 5 minutes a game.

He then explained how the hawks would lose their lead when childress came into the game. Low and behold, the hawks went from 14 to 3 to 16 to 14 when childress entered the game.

Neither Childress, nor Joe Johnson were aggressive in the first quarter. It looked as though they were pacing themselves.

However, it was an exciting game. Why was it exciting, Wright and Zaza got in foul trouble. Also, Shelden was 5 steps slow and was placed on the bench. Woodson was forced to play Solomon.

Solomon put a stop to the pick and roll by just standing there with his arms up in the air and spreading out his legs. Nash could not see open positions for his cutters.

Both Solomon and Josh Smith anchored the defense while the hawks made their comeback against phoenix.

There were two problems down the stretch. 1)Anthony Johnson is not in shape to play a lot of minutes. In other words, he is used to being a backup like our other point guards and is not missed by Indiana, nor Dallas. For those of you who think he is our saviour, then enjoy him while you can.

2)Woodson’s substitution pattern late in the game was horrible. He had Josh Smith playing the Center position and no one else on the floor (childress, marvin, joe or anthony j) played help defense.

A bigger travesty is that Solomon didn’t see any playing time against Dallas until the game was out of reach.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The hawks players do not have the luxury of practicing against quality big men and therefore they have to learn in games. Therefore, Solomon Jones needs to get some playing time against every teams big men to learn how to play the position. Plus, give him some time with Zaza, Wright or Slava on the floor with him.

By reese

February 27, 2007 01:38 AM | Link to this

For those of you who think that I am complaining about the Anthony Johnson deal, your right. Guess what 2 players were on the hawks in 2000 when they won 28 games and in 2001 when they won 25 games.

Answer: Lorenzen Wright and Anthony Johnson.

They’ve been here before and I’m not excited about watching them again. BK looks like an idiot bringing back scrubs that have no business playing a lot of minutes in this league. If you want to bring players back, bring back Jason Terry and Theo Ratliff next year. Let those Veterans play alongside Joe, Jsmith and Solomon Jones. Ugggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

By Eternal Optimist

February 27, 2007 06:05 AM | Link to this

I’m not trying to be biased here, but has anyone noticed that the Hawks cannot buy a foul. Even Joe. I mean our superstar goes to the hole night in and night out, and the ref’s don’t give him the respect to call the obvious foul.

By honest_abe

February 27, 2007 08:54 AM | Link to this

i was dead on as always..

By Anakin Joe

February 27, 2007 09:46 AM | Link to this

So how is Speedy’s return to the starting line-up working out so far?

Is Lue done for the season?

Anyone else notice how deplorable our defense has been since the All Star break? Down right horrific. Granted, Phoenix and Dallas are 2 of the better offensive teams. But we allowed Manu to light us up, McGrady did the same and it just feels like we can’t stop anyone at anytime. We need a win tomorrow against the Hornets.

And when does Speedy’s return to the starting line-up pay-off?

By jhan

February 27, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

I agree our defense has been horrible the last few games. You do have to take into consideration who we have been playing. San Antonio, Houston, Phx & Dallas. Those could be the best 4 teams in the West. They are all veteran teams with established stars & coaches. Teams like these should beat the Hawks like a drum.

By Orlando Rivera

February 27, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Allow me to take you all back a few years ago; to a time when it was the Hawks who were always in the playoffs (I know, I know it’s hard to believe that once happened but believe me it did happen) and it was the Mavericks who were always looking to the lottery around the mid ’90s. Why do I bring this up? Think about how the Mave rose into an elite team, and I hope this serves notice for all of those Hawks fans who are starving for success.

Remember, Dallas once drafted the 3 J’s (Jackson, Jamal Mashburn and Jason Kidd) into thinking this would be the cornerstone for their franchise. Of course we all knew what ended up happening, but think about this. They had a talented core but thanks to some inept coaching in Richie Adubato. Eventually when Mark Cuban came along he had a purpose to transform Dallas into a powerhouse. He brought in Donnie Nelson, who has a philosophy of playing an up-tempo style of basketball.

As a result, they began making shrewd trades (Dirk Nowitski for Robert Traylor?) and brought in players who could adapt to Nelson’s kind of ball. Although there were a couple of losing seasons, you could see this team was on the way. Why? Because they had has a plan in place each time they took the floor, and that was to run each opponent off the court.

While that was happening, Nelson took one of his veteran point guards and mentored him to one day take his position. You may have heard of him, one Avery Johnson, who installed a nastiness and focus to go along with the offensive gameplan invented by Nelson. Now Dallas stands on top of the heap. Imagine what those fans went through!

Now this brings me to today’s Hawks. Atlanta brought in Billy Knight, who drafted a team with the thought that they would run teams out of the gym. Ok, so he didn’t draft Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, Randy Foye, Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay, Marcus Williams, Deron Williams or a list of point guards that would’ve helped this team out (assuming that Woodson would’ve been able to use them properly anyway).

Ok, if that’s the case then WHY HIRE A DEFENSIVE ASSISTANT COACH? Oops. That’s what I believe a lot of you forget. We could have the Phoenix Suns or Dallas lineup and it would not matter because Woodson would’ve tried to fit a round peg into a square hole.

It’s time to look beyond the “giving Woodson a chance” idea and begin building for the long haul. Ownership issues aside, that will mean nothing if this Hawks team has no idea what they’re doing when they go on the floor each time out.

What Atlanta should do is this (because I doubt BK has the guts to do so) they should let Woodson go and bring in a veteran coach (perhaps a Paul Silas type) who can install the type of basketball that takes advantge of JSmith, Marvin, and JJ’s immense talents. Have either Anthony Johnson or Ty Lue become an assistance coach and groom them into a head coach one day. Injuries aside, Woodson has had three years to install some type of plan that will at the very least allow his players to grow. Instead we’re still acting surprised when Atlanta wins any game. I mean really, how many teams can you honestly say Atlanta can beat sans Memphis or Boston?

Will it take time and perhaps another losing season? Yes, just like it did for Dallas. However, at least the fans of Atlanta will see there’s something building for the long haul, just like it did for Dallas. They will become an elite team by bringing in players who adapt to that philosphy, just like it did for Dallas.

If anyone out there is smart enough to come up with a better plan, I’d like to see it. Although I doubt it.

By HB Ando

February 27, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this

Wow. Give myself a time out for being so bored here that I dissolve into slap fighting with Joe again (actually, family in over the weekend and too busy with work), come back and it’s the same litany of excuses.

Who, exactly, hired Woodson, and keeps him as the coach? Who drafted a team built to run, and a coach who’s forte is defense and half-court? Good Bloggers says Billy has put together good talent, but Speedy and Shelden are killing us. Who spent $25 million on a career back up, with bad knees and a full career of games missed due to injury? Who drafted Shelden at #5 despite having exactly no one else associated with the NBA viewing him as worthy of that high a slot.

Who just upgraded his point guard position, by wasting a second rounder, to trade for a guy who is better than his $25 million point guard, and, who, was previously waived by said GM?

Hawks are 1-4 since the break. So much for making a statement that they are for real. They’re not. They are 5-8 in February, with a full contingent of players. Four of those five wins came against teams missing their top player (Nash, Davis, Brand and Yao).

Can you guys please, please just be realistic about how bad we are, and how bad we project to remain? We’re going to end up with the fourth or fifth worst record in the NBA. We will get one of what could have been 3 picks, in a very highly rated draft class. We now lack picks or contracts to trade for an upgrade in our front court. We have no money for legitimate free agents and appear to be a destination that most players would refuse to come to, if given the offer.

Orlando, Dallas? I have one word for you: “Cuban”. That’s why that will never happen here, so get over it. It’s just a ridiculous comparison.

I’ll give you a better plan, ‘cause I am smarter: Sell the team to an investment group, led by Magic Johnson, and move it to Las Vegas.

We’re so bad that I’m actually hoping for an owner, Belkin, who I have no reason to believe will be any better, save for the fact that he’ll fire Billy Knight 3 seconds after he walks through the door. Problem is that with the unnecessary loss of this lotto pick, the damn Billy has done here will haunt his replacement for the next several years.

Finally, I have to go back to Mavid and my discussion on Shawn Williams as our previously discussed option for using the now gone 2nd rounder. If you look at his production and level of competition, at BC, it’s safe to say that he’s a bigger, stronger, more legitimate prospect than Soloman. So, if he ends up going at, or just past, where are second rounder ends up, I will respectfully disagree with all who said giving up a second rounder was unimportant. However, I will, obviously, agree with the likelihood that Billy would have, once again, botched the pick anyway.

Oh, and really finally, how many folks out there want to defend Shelden Williams talent right now? Mr. Ready to Contribute Right Away (AKA, why would you suggest he has no upside, Ando) is showing the following improvements, for the month of February (and please don’t tell me that he’s been unfairly buried on the bench-there is simply no logical reason other than he can’t cut it on the floor) here are his “monster” numbers: 8.3 minutes, 2.6 points, 2.3 boards, and .08 (not a typo) blocks. Please tell me some more about how Shelden just needs time………

Shaq “Rhinopossum” Watch: Joe says 11 and 8 the rest of the way. Current numbers since break: 19 and 9.5. Saying that’s not a significant difference is like saying that Drew Gooden’s numbers aren’t that much different than Pau Gasol’s……….

By HB Ando

February 27, 2007 02:29 PM | Link to this

Here’s an interesting quote by Danny Ainge, on his failure to leverage his young assets via trade this season:

“I acknowledge that, and I’m trying to rectify that, but at the same time I’m not going to trade Gerald Green and Rajon Rondo for some 30-year-old guy just because he’s a veteran. It has to make sense for us in the long run.”

Sound vaguely familiar? Bad picks, wasted picks and traded picks. The legacy of Billy Knight……..