Hawks

By Ricardo

March 1, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

SS -

I don’t know how you do it - AJC must pay you really well to follow this organization around from town to town and courthouse to courthouse. They are a total joke! Broke, bumbling owners fighting to keep something that, if sucessful in keeping, they’ll just run into the ground. On top of that, we’ve got a clown for a GM who is going to keep making terrible decisions on draft, trades, salary cap - you name it. Wost franchise in all of professional sports.

By William

March 1, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Wow. I know they are 1-5 post allstar, but they have those 5 are San Antonio, Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago and Oklahoma.

All of them are top 5 in their conference save the Hornets who are only that low due to injuries earlier in the year. They have had a tough stretch, true, but they can make a push now. Antwain Jamison is down and the Wizards are reeling, Grant Hill is down and Orlando is plummeting, Jamal Crawford and David Lee are down and that might lead to a New York Knick plummet, Dwayne Wade is down and out and it will lead to a Miami plummet. Point is that a nice run here is believeable.

They are playing hard. Save that Dallas and Chicago game(well minus that third quarter against Chicago) the Hawks could very well be 4-2 post allstar. They finished Feb 5-8 which is better than most guessed.

I do agree that watching the Hornets get production out of their bench players minutes was interesting. Because they knew what was expected of them, and weren’t playing scared they were going to get yanked. Once again, this is a coaching flaw. Our bench players play well and get rewarded with DNP’s. Which would be understandable if the starters weren’t playing well for games and being dog tired down the stretch.

End of games come down to execution which is usually the product of coaching. The hawks simply don’t get good shots at the end of games because they have a flawed offesive stragedy and that is why they routinely lose the close ones. They are being outcoached nightly.

I know, basically every post I make says this. Well its because I see a team that is seldom outmatched or really outplayed(last night they were outmatched rebounding wise and I am sure everyone saw that before the game. It was one of Steve Smiths points before the game) and of course they got hurt on the offensive boards. But what you didn’t see was the Hornets getting uncontested rebounds(well, not many) you saw them being tipped in the air and the Hornets just being better equipped to get to the boards (although adjustments were made in the 3rd quarter). Sure there are nights where the other team is simply better all over like in Dallas. And blowouts will happen in the NBA from time to time, but the Hawks are losing far to many winnable games. There are far to many times where a guy will score the ball on 4 straight times down the floor, really have it going offensively and defensively and gets pulled because woodson seems to substitute due to a timetable and not due to the flow of the game or making adjustments.

I am not saying I would do better as a coach or anything, but a offensive minded assistant or at least a guy that can get in to woodsons ear about a better use of personel would help this team if firing woodson isn’t an option (i have given up hope that it is one).

By Matt from Hotlanta Hawks

March 1, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

I know they don’t let you into the whole practice, but you should have an idea for the kind of effort that the players put forth on the practice court, right?

I was at the opening night game.

I was at the Laker’s game.

The home crowd stinks. Atlanta fans, by and large, are terrible. There is a reason this team plays better on the road- at least they know what to expect.

By g

March 1, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Sekou, this is exactly what I was saying on the last blog. Clyde, Anakin Joe and the rest of you bloggers, the players are responsible for most of this mess. You have to want to win. In some games we have the heart of a lion and other games we just play dead. I have been going to all and watching all of the games the past 3 yrs. Only JJ and JS give 100% all the time. J-Smoove may mess up and make some bone head plays but you can never question his heart. How many other players on this team can you say that about? I do admit coach messes up also but the players have to want it. You cannot coach effort or heart.

By doc

March 1, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

that to me is another cliche there sekou, earn your time earn it in practice. practice is to develop skills and try out different things as well as the coaching staff the time to stop pause and slow down the game to allow the players to get it right.

if you deliver in games that is what i want to see not all out scrapes in practice in a group that usually is worn out from the previous games. practice is important to get to, participate in with focus but it isnt to do warfare on each other then expect to have anything left at the end of games to compete especially if the coach wont do the substitutions that are smart to keep players fresh so they dont get beat in the end agin like last night. i have been to three games up close and personal thanks to jhan, in all three the other coach let the home team get close with his starters off the floor only to come back and blow us out, ando called it the first time and we both made the observation the next time we did a game together. look at the bucks game in nov, the lakers game in jan and the cavs game in dec which was scripted a bit different as they just put some wide bodies out there and choked off everything in the middle where the chosen one to get the ball couldnt move i.e. jj so our “offense” slowed down. maybe they should be working on developing an offense in practice for games then seeeing who can get it rght for the cameras rather than beating up on each other, geesh.

“PRACTICE!” as ai says is “PRACTICE”!, important but i want to see who can win games baby, not one on ones in “PRACTICE”. how many folks who have played sports who know of the guy who looks sorry in practice but glows at a different intensity when the lights are on and it brings out the best in them. give us a break on the cliches sekou as i know you have seen the same in many superstars and lesser souls. if you believe it then please start giving us a daily run down of what you see in practice so we can know who is really the players on this team.

By farthammer

March 1, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

how come whenever the hawks woes are mentioned, the ownership feud is cited? the thrashers were on a nosedive over the past month and their GM went out and made [good] trades and didn’t use the feud as the excuse? is resolving the ownership issue going to bring back our 2nd round pick and rid us of our 4th mediocre point guard? put the blame where it belongs - billy knight

By Dan

March 1, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

This team has not rebounded well all year long and it has hurt them in several games this season. Last night’s was just the latest example.

The thing that bothers me most is that rebounding is an effort thing. Just box out! So many times the Hawk players just jump for the ball and never seal their man off. They lose so many possessions that way. Amazing that Woodson is a Bobby Knight guy and has not gotten all over these guys for failing to do something so important.

Another problem has been free throw shooting. This team has left so many points at the line this season. They probably beat the Spurs if they hit just a decent amount at the line. Even Joe Johnson sucks at free throws! I don’t have the numbers, but he can’t be much over 50% at the line since the All Star break. Just unacceptable for a team that has such a small margin for error.

I really can’t complain too loudly, though. I honestly did not think this team would win one game in February. I thought they have played well, but have just shot themselves in the foot too many times to win a lot of games. Free throws screwed them against the Spurs. The officiating was awful against the Suns, and Joe Johnson decided it would be OK to miss big shot after big shot in that game. Last night, it was rebounding. What will it be tonight.

Question: How many of you want the Atlanta Spirit to lose their hold on the team? I can’t decide what I think. At first, I didn’t want them to lose. Then, I wanted them to lose, after the December train wreck. Now, I am starting not to care.

All I know is this offseason has to be more productive than last offseason. Billy Knight should have a very hot seat right now. He has to bring in way better than the trash he brought in last summer (Sheldon Williams, Speedy “I fake injuries” Claxton, and getting jack s*t for Al Harrington).

By Dan

March 1, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

William

Good post. I agree.

I think the organization (The Sprit group, Knight, Woodson) baby some of the guys too much. Marvin Williams is shooting well right now, but he disappeared for about 3 months this season. He has been a nonfactor. Yet, do you ever see him pulled out of games? No…..I think the starters need to feel more heat. This has to be the most babied team in the NBA.

Also, if I were Woodson, and some worthless rookie like Sheldon Williams made comments in the paper that he didn’t know what I wanted, I would not let him see the floor again. It would be one thing if Sheldon was actually a contributer, it’s different when he says those things and does not produce on the court. That guy sucks! Woodson should bury him on the bench for even having those thoughts.

By GM R

March 1, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

The ownership dispute doesn’t help but I don’t believe it’s a major factor in the current situation. The Thrashers have managed to plug key gaps and we haven’t heard anything about hockey talent being uncomfortable coming to the ATL due to ownership issues. The real problem for the Hawks is the disfunctional roster accumulated by BK. The biggest impact from the Belkin battle has been a misguided loyalty to BK from the current owners.

By jhan

March 1, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

After the strike, I have to believe all hockey players are just happy that their league is still around.

Last night was a perfect example of what we have been saying for years - we need a quality C & PG for this team. Looks like a new coach & GM wouldn’t hurt either!

By mykhalc

March 1, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

i’d be curious to what each player would have to say about WOODSON as THEIR LEADER if they could do it anonymously, being TOTALLY honest??? i bet THERE is where you’d find the problem!!!

G, you are right in that MOST of it has to come from the players…the effort, the execution, the will, etc. but the FLOOR PLAN has to come from the HC and staff. and that plan has to be bought into!!! the PLAN has to be part of the motivation too!!! players have to believe that they step onto the court with ALL the tools and chances to win!! their effort and skills along with the PLAN must feel like a winnin’ combination!!!

do you feel WOODSON has a plan that suits the makeup of this team?? do you feel you see that bein’ executed in the games??

currently this franchise is OVERMATCHED FROM THE TOP DOWN!!! first of all, the owners DO NOT operate as ONE, for the betterment of THEIR CLUB!! then, the owners have court restrictions, cash restrictions…a GM that makes consistent questionable moves…a HC that has the most ‘LOST’ look on his face at times…very questionable rotations…to me, a very real, lack of a plan!!! and somehow the players should transcend ALL OF THIS????!!!! not in my book, no matter how professional they are!!!

how functional can a household be when the parents don’t have their $hit together??? how productive is any business when the employees DO NOT believe in the plan???? and i’ll end with this…WHEN HAS A GROUP OF 20-24yrs (for the most part) been able to LEAD their way to ANYTHING without the GUIDANCE of someone that has already SUCCEEDED at doin’ what they are tryin’ to do?????

like i said, OVERMATCHED FROM THE TOP DOWN!!!!

By Tyger

March 1, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

The Hornets game is an example of many that just kills me. With their backs against the wall, they fail to get it done. And it’s not just the players its Woody too.

His approach is fundamentally flawed, doesnt produce wins even when healthy, and undermines his long term viability.

Byron Scott trusts his bench 11 deep and they all contribute, young and old. Considering our record, Woody could have easily developed an 11 man rotation and still won 22 games.

But he insists on playing the same 8 guys irrespective of whether their tongues are dragging the ground or not. It’s borderline stupidity, disguised in old school rhetoric.

There’s simply no tangible reason Solomon Jones, Salim and Shelden shouldnt play 5-6 minutes per game.

We get AJ b/c Speedy sucks and what does he do? Play AJ at SG!!! If AJ plays PG exclusively last night, we win.

By dap

March 1, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

I have NO reason to expect better, but this offseason has to be our best. After this year our cap room will disappear. It is a shame to be a loyal fan when it is becoming more and more apparent that the coaching staff is flawed, the GM is flawed, the ownership is flawed and the make up of our team of forwards is very flawed.

By Bigmuddy

March 1, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Sekou: Does BK ever show any thought that his “plan” may have major flaws and is just not working out— i.e. all small forwards w/o a big or Pt Gd? Also how does he react when people like Paul and other missed Atlanta picks just kill us while Sheldon and even Marvin have not lit it up. Surely he is human and recognizes that mistakes have been made—or does he?? Thanks

By E

March 1, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

They WILL NOT get better. Have they ever? I see 3 key problems. Number one these so called owners need to start acting like owners and actual run the team. Their job so far makes me question what type of business men they really are. Number 2, Billy Knight. How about finding a GM with a little bit of sense. I present you with what could have been. We drafted Pau Gasol, a big man which we sorely need right now, and traded him off during his rookie campaign which he ended up winning rookie of the year. Pau Gasol is an excellent player now. When we drafted Childress Loul Deng was still on the bored. Deng is now becoming a huge star on an up and coming East power. Now I don’t like to down play Marvin Williams too much but Chris Paul WAS available at that pick. Paul plays point guard which is a position that i’m not even sure Knight knows exist. Not to mention he was a rookie of the year as well and made an annually sorry team much better which he could have done for us. So let’s see here, our starting line up COULD BE Pau Gasol, Josh Smith, Loul Deng, Joe Johnson, and Chris Paul. To me that seems like an annual contender at the top of the East. It’s at least good enough to get you into the playoffs. Finally Coach Woodson. Eventually the coach has to catch some heat. There are other teams who are as consistently bad as us who make coaching changes at a more rapid pace. Why not give Stan Van Gundy a call? And why you are at it maybe Dominique or Spudd Webb would consider a front office position. As far as I’m concerned the problem starts at the top and has definately trickled it’s way down.

By Anakin Joe

March 1, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Where do they go from here? I’d play the regulars for the next 2 weeks before turning it over to the bench.

Players need to earn time? Okay, so we play JJ the entire 2nd half and watch him hide in the corner because he has nothing left because Slaim doesn’t practice hard? We force Josh Smith to do everything in the 3rd quarter but sell popcorn and then instead of resting him, we ask him to continue to play hard because Solomon didn’t practice hard the revious day? Essentially, you;re telling 7-8 players to be prepared to die on the court because the coaching staff is incapable of getting youngsters to dedicate themselves to practicing hard. But Salim can come in during the last 120 seconds to try to save the team, but he can;t get in before that because he was lousy in practice?

Okay, I’m about to lose my ever-loving mind thinking about how absurdly STUPID that is. Why the F do we have the youngest roster in the league if our coaching staff can’t convince these guys to practice hard? Oh yeah, because youth equals inexpensive. I forgot. And p**-poor coaching remains in place because of their guaranteed contracts. Follow the money.

I don’t care what the judge says, just say something and put us out of our misery.

By Wedgie Evans

March 1, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

By trading away this year’s first round pick, the Hawks have already committed themselves to making a playoff push until the end, as much of a pipe dream as it may be. I know it means jack-s**, but if you remove the December stretch where this team lost 12 of 13 games, this team is otherwise a .500 team. Woodson should be giving more minutes to Stoudamire and Solomon Jones not because they are young and need experience, but because they are better options than the veterans he plays in their place (Speedy Claxton and Lorenzen Wright). Tanking this season serves no purpose other than to give Phoenix a better shot at Greg Oden or Kevin Durant.

By smartest

March 1, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Lets go Belkin! Lets go Belkin! Lets go Belkin!

The only saving grace for our worthless coach is the even dumber gm, and the only saving grace for our wretched gm is our sorry gropu of owners.

Really, the GM sees only one position on the floor. and the COACH fails to put the players on the court who give us the best chance at winning. (remember the game winner that wasn’t by jeremy richardson? anybody know where he is now?)

Even worse, THE OWNERS have no clue, and are content running the hawks into the ground.

Lets go Belkin! Lets go Belkin! Lets go Belkin!

(lets hope one maryland court has more sense than our entire organization)

By D-Cider

March 1, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Myself, my son and a few friends will be at the game tomorrow night rooting for the Hawks! Hopefully, they will show up! Yes, Sekou, your parents got it right with DC..

By MannyT

March 1, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

If the players that seem bolted to the bench during games cannot earn their keep during practice, why are they here?

I would have to guess that you can find some D-league guys that are willing to hustle during practice. Were the guys on 10 day contracts lazy? Were Bozeman & Friege lazy? If the bottom half of the team is not pulling their weight in practice, why are they on the team?

If Slava Medvedenko is not worthy in practice, what did he do to convince the Hawks he was worth signing mid-season? This is not a witness protection program, it’s a basketball team.

Either play the guys on the bench (a little bit) or get rid of them. Joe Johnson needs a little rest before crunch time.

I remember the “who are those guys”team that Stotts had before he was let go. At least they hustled. Why can’t our bench hustle in practice to earn a few minutes in the game?

Something smells about the practice excuse.

By mavid

March 1, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

honestly, reading that thing on Belkin, its clear that he is a shrewd business man

BUT, he also seems like a major-league a-hole as well. i just dont like the guy

why can we just have arthur blank??

and oh yeah, the tanking option is seeming more and more like the thing to do

By D-Cider

March 1, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Myself, my son and some friends will be at the game tomorrow night. hopefully, the Hawks will make a game of it. And, yes, Sekou, your parents got the name of the city right..

By Jay

March 1, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

You know, I make fun of people always mentioning Esteban Batista as some great player. Then I see it from Sekou and I wonder if all the traveling is getting to him.

This guy (Batista) hasnt been on the active roster for a LONG time. And when he has snuck on there, he rarely gets any minutes. But now is the time to lean on him? Let me guess…just like we should package him and Salim for Ridnour?

Give me a break.

By Sir Stealth

March 1, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

I agree that we’ve got to play our younger players more right now. Do Billy Knight and Mike Woodson ever talk to each other? What was the point of taking Shelden in the draft if we were just gonna make him ride the bench. I seriously doubt that he’s been that bad in practice, and he could help in games. He didn’t light it up but he didn’t stink it up either. As it is, this team is just headed for a mediocre season that will just be not quite completely crappy enough to actually get a pick.

Meanwhile, Billy Knight continues to craft his masterpiece. There are a lot of bad NBA gms, but I’ll put ours up against any of them, any day. Even Isaiah. I still remember exactly where I was when I found out that the Hawks had taken Josh Childress over Luol Deng, and I thought my head was gonna explode then. Now nobody even talks about that pick because it struggles to even crack the top 5 of miserable things that the Hawks organization has done to throw more dirt on itself since.

I know some will say its not productive to continue to talk about past moves gone bad, but there’s little else to talk about. I’ve gotten behind the Hawks this season and been happy and encouraged when things are going well. I want them to succeed and don’t think real fans want their teams to tank seasons for better draft picks. But the fact that we would be a better team now had we kept Pete Babcock as our gm makes me want to jump off my balcony right now.

By mykhalc

March 1, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

BELKIN has NO LUV for the HAWKS or the city!!! BET THAT!!! worst mistake that could happen to the franchise would be him gettin’ control!!! yep, even WORSE than it is now!!! NO DOUBT!! NO BOSTON/BRUIN/CELTIC should EVER have anythin’ to do with ownin’ an ATL franchise!!! NO WAY, NO HOW!!!!

By BosnianBaller

March 1, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Those young guys Sekou talks about should get pt even if we do suck. If the vets couldn’t get the job done then put in the youngsters(jones,Stoudamire,Batista,ext)Get the valueable pt that the young players need in order to improve their skills not just for this season but also for next and also increase their trade value most noteably salim.

By trade Vick for CalvinJohnsn!

March 1, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

The hawks currently are tied for the 7th worse record in the NBA. Only memphis and boston are assured worse records than the hawks….if we can get the 3rd most pingpong balls in this years lotto we have a GREAT chance to land Durantt or Oden!! GO Hawks…loose…everygame!!

By Clyde

March 1, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Is it safe to call those 2 little white girls that robbed a bank thugs??

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By reese

March 1, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc, if Shelden Williams blocked 3 shots a game and averaged 12 rebounds a game, then yes he can play center. However, Shelden Williams does not intimidate anyone and it is a stretch calling him a 4. He is too slow and awkward to play the 3 spot and too short and unskilled to play the center spot.

Sekou gave us a forshadowing of the coaches evaluation of players when he told us at the beginning of the season that some of the players who would be cut practiced better than the players kept.

I think that a lot of those decisions are based upon guaranteed contracts and not performance.

Now, we are more than half way through the season and we are just now being told that players practice effort is keeping them on the bench.

I can see it now, Solomon jones goes up for a shot or rebound in practice against Lorenzen Wright and somehow lorenzen just out hustles him on every play. The coaches never call lorenzen for holding, pushing in the lower back to shorten his jump and grabbing the jersey to prevent fast breaks.

The coaches tell solomon and any other young bench player that you have to get over those tricks of the trade because thats what other teams players do.

Then Lorenzen gets in a game and tries that same old school garbage against other teams players and has 2 fouls in the first 2 minutes of the game.

Things are so clear to me now. NOT. Give me a break. There were stretches where the hawks didn’t have enough players to practice or were playing 4 games in 1 week. Yet, Solomon Jones still did not leave the bench.

He plays well in the first game of a back to back and doesn’t see the floor on the 2nd night. Did he oversleep and miss shoot around or something or is woodson holding certain players up to a different standard that they will never overcome.

Woodson, do us fans a favor to prove your assessment of these players. Place them in the game in situations that will allow them to compliment the other players.

Examples, play solomon along with lorenzen or zaza and josh smith. Play salim alongside jj and aj. Play shelden against another undersized slow footed power forward.

Better yet woodson, get a double technical in the first quarter and lets see if your assistant coaches have any skills or are they the reason why you lack player rotation/complimentary knowledge.

By reese

March 1, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

To answer Sekou’s question of where do we go from here. You pray that woodson stops penalizing his bench players and incorporates them into games.

You pray that the players continue to demonstrate the same enthusiam and fun that they were having in February.

You coach as though you want to make the playoffs and not as though you are trying to tank the season.

You pray that Randolph Morris doesn’t realize that Billy Knight just used the last roster spot and doesn’t even ask the hawks if he can come play for them after his Kentucky season is over.

You pray that Indiana doesn’t get the number 1 ping pong ball, that Atlanta doesn’t get the number 4 ping pong ball and that atlanta will now have Zero draft picks in next years draft.

You pray that the ownership issue is resolved sooner rather than later so that we can stop using ownership as an excuse and we know who is going to be the GM/Coach after this season

By Sir Stealth

March 1, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

Reese, I liked the last 75% of your post a lot better than the first part. If Shelden barely gets in in game situations, how do we really know if he’s as deficient as you say? There really is no point in not playing him and giving him a full chance at this point.

Why are we trying to squeeze another five or so meaningless wins out of this Billy Knight masterpiece? I am NOT saying we should tank games just to end up in the top three. I can’t fathom cheering for your team to lose, no matter what it means down the road. That being said, the team isn’t going anywhere and we should at least see what someone we’ve invested a top five draft pick in can do, because it honestly can’t be that much worse than the mediocrity we’ve got now. I feel like if the Hawks improve at all on their crappy record from the past couple years then Billy and Woody will actually think they’ve achieved some sort of progress or success, but this team isn’t going anywhere with the status quo like it is now. Joe Johnson is awesome, Josh Smith often is, and a good NBA team is still nowhere in sight.

By mykhalc

March 2, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

REESE, slooooooooooowwwww down my brotha!!!:o) you missed my point!! my analogy with BEN was in reference to JCHILLS playin’ PG not SHELDEN at the 5!!!! no way bro. i may only be the BOXSCORE KING in the BAY, but even i KNOW better not to say SHELDEN and BIG BEN in the same breath!!!!!LOL soooooo slow your roll BIG REESE!!!!!!LOL

By reese

March 2, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

Sir Stealth, I played sports and I don’t see any true player ever getting the idea in his head to tank the season.

I respect the players who question a coach. Communication between player and coach is very important.

Why would a player want to tank a season to acquire a group of players who could potentially come in and take their position.

Why would a GM want to tank the season when there is a possibility that they won’t get a draft pick in next years draft. When there is a possibility that the draft pick that they do get is in the high teens and will probably produce another project or a player that the coach does not want to play. When there is no guarantee that the elite player they are eyeing may not declare for next year or better yet, may not be that elite.

Why would a coach want to tank a season when it is not a sure bet that the GM or Owner who hired them will be here next year. Why would a coach not want to teach his players how to win instead of how to lose. Do you think that woodson is that good that he can turn a winning mentality off one year and on the next. He should want to get the best out of his players. If he can’t get it done in practice, then get it done in a game.

Why would I as a fan want to see a Owner, GM, Coach and players who are trying to tank the season. I’m not a loser and I don’t want my team to be a loser. Guess what a loser is not always defined by the number of wins and losses, but by the way they play the game.

By mykhalc

March 2, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

REESE, i REALLY like the double tech thing!!LOL

By reese

March 2, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

OK Mykhalc, its late here in the east coast and sometimes I miss the comparison.

Hopefully, both childress and shelden as well as other players will get the opportunity to play so that JJ and Jsmith will be well rested in the 4 qtr. The supporting cast should depend on who is playing well that night and not based upon some predetermined rotation.

By reese

March 2, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

Mykhalc, I said it in jest as you realized, however, Woodson needs to make a statement at some point to get it across that his team is getting an imbalanced number of foul calls against his team.

Get the double tech, have the GM stand by his coach and send examples into the league office of previous games where his players were unjustly called for fouls and where his players did not have fouls called.

This would be an example where woodson and bk are working together. Not where we see the players provided by BK languishing on the end of the bench and woodson saying he doesn’t have players.

By mykhalc

March 2, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

REESE, i like the double tech ‘caus it gets WOODSON off the freakin’ bench and outta the game!!! YEAH BOY!!! NOW WE’RE TALKIN’!!!!!!

By CJ

March 2, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this

This team has mutliple flaws. We all know it. I think it’s wrong to put the blame squarely on the players. Woodson doesn’t trust his bench. I don’t know about practice..at this point I’d take what the coaching staff says with a grain of salt. They seem more interested in self preservation. With the ownership troubles and Knights botching of the roster…it affects player morale. I can almost garauntee some on that team are just playing for their contracts. Good luck trying to re-sign after 3yrs are up(or overpay). Woodson isn’t going to motivate them because he is mediocre himself. These are problems that require a clean slate..and if bold moves are not done..this team will be cripple for several more seasons to come. The problem is Knight is the wrong person to execute those moves and the owners are stuck in mud (and debt). Where is Ted Turner when you need him.

By CJ

March 2, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this

In my opinion…nobody on the team is untouchable excet JJ (obviously) and Josh Smith (which I am suprised to say). This team could atleast bust their hump to get a 3rd high quality starter such as Bibby or Miller. Even Marvin is expendible since we have a tweener in Smith already.

By Dave

March 2, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

Where do the Hawks go from here? Who cares, as long as they just go? I think the Mexico City Hawks has a nice ring to it. Maybe Boise. They can have a blue court to match the turf.

By DawgGone!

March 2, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

Seriously… Is it too late for the NBA to step in and say…

We will not allow this to continue. You have 90 days to sell this franchise back to the league and we will sell it after words.

Will the NBA stand up?

By newkid

March 2, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Here’s a bit of a longer view on the subject of where we go from here.

Many of use view Josh and JJ as likely the core of the team if it’s to regain respectability within the next 5 years. But isn’t it worth wondering if either of them will wish to stay here if several things don’t happen this off-season? Joe is completing the 2nd year of a 5-year deal, and it can be reasonably argued that as he looks at current circumstances with the team, coaches, and management/ownership, he doesn’t see much in the way of improvement (if any) since he opted out of Phoenix. Why would he wish to endure much more of the same? It’s clear to all that Josh Smith is an emerging star who’ll be pursued by probably half the teams in the league at the end of his deal next year. If there aren’t drastic improvements in circumstances here this off-season, why would he wish to prolong the agony?

I’ve gotta believe that these guys (and their agents) will watch EXTREMELY closely this summer to see 1) if/how the wretched ownership debacle is resolved; 2) whether the current ‘over their heads’ coaching situation is addressed; and 3) if/how the deficiences at 1 and 5 are resolved. If these matters are not satisfactorily addressed, look for Josh to bale after next year, and look for Joe to ask to be moved as well. This is likely a make or break summer for the team’s prospects over the next 5 years.

By Peter

March 2, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

I think this is great and needs a coach that puts that fire in them . They are always playing at half speed. That’s not going to cut it for them to win. I think they should go hard every game and open up the rotation to the bench players like Jones, Stoudamire what do they have to lose?

Hawks fans do suck though!!!!!! It is like people are afraid to cheer for their team at Philips Arena. I have been to many games this season and the aren’t into the game unless it is a sure win. We have to help too to get to the post-season

By Anakin Joe

March 2, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

newkid, good points. But in the case of Josh Smith, he’d have to be willing to take a fairly big pay cut to simply walk away from the Hawks (or he could “demand” a sign & trade deal). I would expect that JJ could be dealt if Belkin takes over. His trade led to the whole ownership debacle and Belkin may decide to oust everyone associated with the divorce, execs and players alike. Watch him trade JJ to Boston for Theo Ratliff and Delonte West. That way his beloved Celtics will be better and he will attempt to sell Atlanta fans that he is looking to rebuild with those 2 expiring contracts (next season).

By Sir Stealth

March 2, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Reese, I never said that I thought that the players, coach, or management wanted to tank the season. I am only referring to fans (“fans?”) who cheer for their team to lose and wish that it would tank the season in order to get a higher draft pick. Bill Simmons has written about this on espn.com, saying that he truly enjoys cheering for his Celtics to lose in hopes of landing Oden/Durant, and I completely disagree with him. I was just trying to make a distinction between wanting a team to lose and wanting to see what young players can do because playing veterans in hopes of eeking out a few more wins in a mediocre season doesn’t do any good.

By newkid

March 2, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Joe, don’t discount the bump in earnings derived from playing on a consistent playoff team in a major market. High profile players - and Josh certainly could become such a player - in major markets on winning teams often earn far more money ‘off the court’ than they do in NBA salary. If it’s about the money (and when isn’t it?), then I gotta believe his agent and accountants are oftern whispering these sort of nuggets into his ear.

By Silky Smooth

March 2, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

The hawks need a new coach. Mike Woodson lacks the passion and drive the hawks need. Why is Solomon Jones and Salim always on the bench. Put Salim in for instant offense. I’m sure Joe can use the rest. Solomon needs the minutes and when he comes in the game he brings a more up-tempo beat to the club. It is too late to make a playoff run now that the nets and heat are starting to play well. Give Solomon and Salim a chance to learn the system. Joe and Josh can’t do it alone!!!!!

By Dee

March 2, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

I agree SILKY SMOOTH..we need a new coach. What good is having role & bench players on a team if only the role players are playing. Coach Woodson wont even give his bench players a chance. If the reason is because of practices, dont take it out on the rest of the players who work hard to win as a team. Just punish those who goof around in practice by running extra laps or something. We have great players & back-up players on the team. There is no reason why more of them should not be playing!!

By Coach B.

March 2, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

BK

Who is on the scouting staff for the Hawks? I only hear about BK going out on scouting trips. I guess the only input that counts is BK. All the players he has drafted would be backups on other teams. I don’t see how you can miss the way the Hawks have year after year.

Soloman Jones 20 blocks in 315 mins

L wright 24 blocks in 897 mins

Zaza P 27 blocks in 1523 mins

If Soloman Jones played 1523 mins he would have over 100 blocks for the season. We need that protection around our basket. Zaza is a good backup at best. Soloman can’t get better on the bench. We are looking at next year if we be real about it. The playoff run ended in December.

SS He was better last year. We need to find out if he has a spot on this team.

SW He is a low post player shooting jump shots this year. He needs to call Carlos Boozer to learn how to play.

RI and EB we can trade them for draft picks.

If we have a pick in this draft we need the best 5 or pg that is available. Please know more 3’s or 4’s.

By preston

March 2, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

LOL……Where do they go from here???? Back to the drawing board!!

By mykhalc

March 2, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

BELKIN WILL LOSE!!! NO DOUBT!!! my precidiction is that the rulings will be over-turned and an arbitrator be assigned to set the value for his buyout!!! it’s ashame that it could be ANOTHER 6 months before the ruling is handed down tho!! but hey, we’re HAWKS fans!! WE ARE USED TO THE CONFUSION!!!!

By Anakin Joe

March 2, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

mykhalc, you have to love the comment by the judge about no improvement in the standings. That’s LOL funny.

It definitely looks like BK will be handling the June draft and probably the July free agency period as well. Let’s hope for a 3 month resolution, as this is not exactly a calculus-level legal issue here. To assume that the right to request another appraisal was a “race”, is to assume that the appraiser delivered the documents at the precise same time (across 3 different cities). So this should be a fairly easy ruling. But what do I know, I flip burgers for a living.

By Wedgie Evans

March 2, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

I’m no expert on these absurd legal proceedings, but from what I have seen I think Belkin’s got a better case than Atlanta Spirit. Apparently Spirit failed to file their paperwork to take over the team in time — if this is true, Belkin’s going to win.

Not that it matters anyway… I really hope the NBA pulls a Montreal Expos on the Hawks. Kick out the current ownership, and let the league sell it to a new owner. In fact, here’s an idea… get all of Atlanta’s multi-millionaire rappers together and get them to buy the team. At least they will care about what goes on on the court. Having a team of Young Jeezy, T.I., Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris, and Big Boi from Outkast owning the team couldn’t possibly be worse than Atlanta Spirit.

By HB Ando

March 2, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

How sad and ironic is it that the two most important events that are occurring for the Hawks this season (now that it has about played out in the expected, unsatisfactory fashion predicted by the keen-eyed of us, since last summer) are the court battle today, and the luck of the ping pong balls in a few months?

Since there has never been a guarantee that ending with the 3rd worst record would see us keep the pick, due to the odds-based process that defines draft slot, it is simply what it will be. The good news is that folks like me, who called for fan-tanking months ago, can rest that tanking isn’t even necessary for this team to lose. They try and they lose. As I suggested a while back, both Philly and Milwaukee are improving down the stretch (Philly, due to the kind of PG play we could only dream about here, as well as the emergence of Igoudala, as a legitimate stud, and Milwaukee, with the return of Redd and the outstanding play of Mo Williams, another emerging stud, who Billy likely could have acquired two years ago, when Utah let him go cheap), and are likely to end up with better records than us. I’ll guess that it comes down to us and Charlotte, who would yield the third slot to us if our records were the same, as they dominated us in head-to-head play this year.

So, it will come down to dumb luck, for a team that seems pretty much cursed. With all other outlets for improvement, this off-season, hashed over repeatedly (no money, no assets, no contracts, and, if we don’t get lucky with the ping pong balls, no lottery pick, as well as the logic that no top free agent would even consider, for a second, signing with such a screwed up franchise, especially with how it’s worked out for Joe Johnson), it all comes down to this:

We get lucky and keep a top-3 pick, especially a top-2, should both Oden and Durant come out, and despite making almost nothing but bad decision, Billy Knight, and the Hawks’ franchise, could still be bailed out. And the next GM would really have something to work with. Even if we keep the pick, and work it into a package for a top, veteran big, we’ll be in solid shape.

But if we miss the pick, given all the other factors that are clearly defined, we’re simply going to stay somewhere between horrible and, at the very best, mediocre, for the foreseeable future.

If we miss the pick, and there is neither a GM change, or a coaching change, or, hopefully, both, it’ll be pretty much time to cease the masochism of following this team. It is not unreasonable (notice, I’m not stating it as fact) that had Phoenix, GS, the Clips and the Rockets, all had their missing, key players, healthy, that February would have been a 1-win month. Again, I’m not stating it as fact. But if you cannot acknowledge the very real possibility of such an outcome, you’re not being honest, or logical. One can even extrapolate that our lone other win, in OT by 2 points, against a NJ team that had to use Mikky Moore (who pretty much dominated our big men), as their primary post player, could easily have gone the other way. So had Brand, Nash, Baron and Yao, all been playing for their teams, we could honestly be looking at a 1-13 month. Attribute that point to pessimism, if you feel the need, but it seems like a pretty reasonable assessment.

We just need a little luck, and Billy can come out and tell everybody it was all part of his master plan.

Man, think about it: if David Stern can just say, “With the first pick in the 2007 NBA draft, the Atlanta Hawks pick……….”.

And, really, hope anybody but Billy Knight gets to make that decision.

And then the dream becomes: we draft Durant, and package Marvin, Indy’s first and Zaza, for Gasol. We go into next year with Johnson and Johnson in the backcourt (because our $1.3 million PG is better than the one Billy gave $25 million to), Smith, Durant and Gasol on the front court. Durant wins rookie of the year, and we’re a 5 seed.

Amazing what one lucky event could do to change the fortunes of the most snake bit franchise in the NBA (with a little help from a front office house cleaning).

Please let us just be lucky one time…………

By honest_abe

March 2, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

ando i must admit that’s one helluva portrait you just painted. looks good. not realistic. if hawks do get the 3rd most ping pong balls. they will slip to 5 maybe 6. and it goes to phoenix.

while we’re here dreaming i might as well share with you mine. here’s something i think will happen. hawks will go on a roll in march. finish just high enough to not get many ping pong balls but not good enough to make any push toward the playoffs. the pick goes to phoenix. hawks get lucky and indy goes on a late slide and the hawks get the 18th pick. javaris crittendon comes out early. he slips all the way to 18. oh yes i win the lottery tonight. invest and make it grow to 3 billion. i buy the hawks. i fire everyone including phillips employees and that dreadful bob rathbun. only employee that stays is good ol stevie holman. i’ll let you and aj be co gm’s. so you guys can butt heads and call each other names. i then draft crittendon. then resign drobjnak and diaw.. rehire lon kruger as coach.. maybe even convince the “big dog” to come out of retirement!

and i guarantee playoffs!

By Clyde

March 2, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE AT ATLC0NNECT@HOTMAIL.COM

ATLCONNECTHOTMAIL.COM

By mykhalc

March 2, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

JOE, you are right. that comment was tooooooooooo funny (and sad)!!!LOL let’s you know, no matter what, people KNOW!!!

By Bonnie

March 2, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Hey, Clyde, what do you think about the thug who helped the two girls rob the bank?

By mykhalc

March 2, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

WEDGIE, you and i definitely see it differently. who knows how it will really prevail tho. but i think the ‘spirit of the law’ will come into play here. and there is no way (in my mind at least) that BELKIN will be allowed to have picked BOTH appraisors(sp?). no need for a second if that is allowed to stand.

but here’s what kills me about BELKIN!! he would RATHER destroy and/or reduced the franchise to its’ LOWEST than to be PAID FAIRLY for his initial investment!!! he reminds me of these ‘credit card’ people that jack up finance rates to ‘SOME’ customers or the real estate investor who drives out ‘SOME’ people who lived in one place all their lives because ‘SUDDENLY’ their property goes on the ‘prime’ list!!

he’s an opportunist with NOOOOOOOOOO LUV for the city or the team!!! and it shows like hell!!! from all the ineptness that the NON-BELKIN owners have shown as owners, they do have BIG LUV for the team and for the city!!! and for me, as a diehard HAWKS fan, that means a helluva lot!!!

i lived in ATL for 23 years and was a season tix holder for 5 yrs when TED owned the team. and it’s nothin’ like havin’ an owner that lives and dies with play of his/her/their team. and if ANYONE thinks that’s BELKIN’s MO then they need to put down the pipe!!!

By Clyde

March 2, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Bonnie He’s a thug just like those two little white girls. I heard they only got charged for theft. If they were 2 black males do you think they would had gotten the same charge?

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By JB

March 3, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

I’m ready to give the team to Simon LeGree. Belkin obviously has a sharper competitive edge, as well as a keener wit. That has to trickle down to the team.

By Mike

March 4, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this

At some point the coaching staff has to be held accountable for the debacle taking place with the team. Steve Smith brakes down the scouting report for each game. On most nights he’s right, and the Hawks coaching staff is wrong. It might be because Woodson have a bunch of guys on his staff that thinks like he do. Dave Stern have change the rules of game so much that the old school style of play Woodson is trying to implement with the Hawks is doom. Unless you have a dominate center, you stand a chance. To make matters worst BK draft guys that don’t even fit the style of play. What good would do to have CPaul in Woodson system? He might get the Salim Stoudimere treatment. It is obvious that Woodson lacks offensive coaching assistance on his staff. His plays are poorly conceived, the team always struggle to get a good shot after a time-out, or out of bounds play.

Sekou, as much as I support the team, on night like these I’m as frustrated as everyone else. There is no excuse for the recent play of the team. One of my biggest concerns was would Woodson run the starter in the ground. These guys are young, but they’re not machines. When you look at the minutes the starters log, you know at some point guys are going to start to wear down. It’s the coach responsibly to know his player limitations and when fatigue is starting to affect their play. What make matters worst is when you refuse to use your bench. When you see your team struggling, why not look for a spark off the bench? This season will be a total waste for Salim, Solomon, and Shelden. These young guys need playing time to continue to improve. It should be painfully obvious what left for the rest of season for the Hawks.

I said before and I’ll say it again. Woodson is a good coach, but he’s not the right coach for this team. Guys you say what you want, but frustrating watching the Hawks beat some the tops teams in the West, and struggle against teams in the East with lesser talent. That’s coaching. I hope my guys don’t pack it in and continue to fight down the stretch. Go Hawks!!!!

By trade Vick for CalvinJohnsn!

March 4, 2007 2:27 AM | Link to this

Mike….u want the hawks to WIN??? WHY??? Give me the 3rd worst record in the nba this season and land Durant or Oden…and this season will of been MORE of a success than if we had gotten swept out of the first round of the playoffs like so many of you fans were hoping for! Hawks….ive resented you since u traded nique…give me a reason to wanna come watcha hawks game besides if my favorite team “houston” is in town! Get a dominant big man (Oden) and keep joe johnson….show some loyalty to the fans and players for once and then the true fans like myself will come back!! Oyea if we get a Oden we should get a true defensive coach like van gundy…and have joe johnson beour mcgrady….then well be a East power!!

By Mike

March 4, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Of course I want the Hawks to win. If wasn’t important to play to win, why keep score. I love Nique. Even Nique support the Hawks. I’m not against the fans, because I’m a fan. I would love to get Ogden, or Durant in this year draft. When you’re a young team like the Hawks every win counts. The Hawks are still trying to learn how to win, so they need to fight down stretch for every win they can get.

By BhamHawk

March 6, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are struggling and I’m not quite sure what the answer is. But as motivation, I look at the Raptors. A couple of years ago, they were embroiled in a mess, coaching and players. But Colangelo stood pat and look at what they are doing now. This maybe and could be the Hawks, too.