Hawks

By Lacsho

March 8, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

It’s called leadership!!!!!

By Dan

March 8, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

I want him to come back. I know they won’t make the playoffs, but I think this team can and will next year. If he comes back, and they win some games, it might carry over to next year. I think these guys are close.

These guys are not tanking, and I never thought they were. They need to continue playing hard and getting better. They will lose that pick to the Suns at some point, anyway. I am just wanting to get it over with this year. That way we can finally stop worrying about it. It has been hanging over the organization like a dark cloud.

The more important topic of conversation is this coming offseason. Billy Knight has to do a better job. Can’t have anymore Sheldon Williams or pieces of crap like Speedy Claxton. This past offseason was his worst one as GM. The move to get Anthony Johnson was a step in the right direction, though.

They have to get a big guy (free agent) and pick a player in the draft that can contribute, regardless of their position (assuming they get a pick from the Pacers this year).

I think a lot of the work has been done. Knight just needs to make some serious noise this offseason.

By mykhalc

March 8, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

the dude is a pro’s pro!!! PERIOD!!! and contrary to ‘some’ beliefs, DOES NOT contain the ‘TANK CELL DNA’ that ‘SOME’ on this blog obviously have inherited!!!

on his possible return i say, JJ knows hit body better than anyone!! i’ll roll how he rolls!!!

By doc

March 8, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

it is like asking a race horse not to run and only trot, it is time for woody or bk to step in and make sure this investment is not damaged goods next year. id say he doesnt play until the blood is completely gone by mri. any significant injury takes 6 weeks to heal and this one is significant if what is said is true about “compartment” issues. remember how shaq continued to bleed into his thigh after the injury and couldnt walk much less run two years ago. it is foolish to push on and i personally want to see how these guys do without him for a while, tank the season to see other guys at work, not to lose games. you still dont get the point many have made sekou or blog z, whoever you are today.

By mykhalc

March 8, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

DOC, good post and info as usual!!

ok, i’ll amend my post…i’ll roll with JJ upon a ‘SUCCESFUL and CLEAN’ MRI. ok…i feel i’m solid now!!LOL

By mykhalc

March 8, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

and DOC, i caught your post on SALIM on the previous blog. thanks for the insight. i’m not a hater on SALIM. i just want to see him EARN his rep on the court. my vibe is, i THINK he thought his ARI rep SOMEHOW carried over to this league??!!?? and how wrong could he be IF that is what he thought!! the cat obviously has talent. i think a little humility would serve him well!!!! and by his post-game action last nite, i’d say someone is in his ear or he’s comin’ into some of his own realizations!!??!! whichever it is, it looks positive!!!

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

March 8, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

I’m all for Joe coming back, but dont want him to mess around and hurt himself for the future. I’m sure he’ll want to play with Team USA this summer-meaning even further wear and tear on the body. This does show he’s THE MAN and well worth the contract and picks. Rise Up!

By Ken "The Snake" Norman

March 8, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Big Hawks fan, but I think it’s called delusions of grander. Time to face facts.

By Tyger

March 8, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Hmmmm…JJ out, AJ running show and everybody plays = winning formula.

Why has it come to this (JJ injury) b4 Woody decides to use the assets he’s been given??? Crying veteran is not an appropriate response.

Instead, look long and deep and find the positives in your team and exploit that. This team has always been bigger than just JJ, but it sure hasnt been coached that way. And that has been the “achilles heel” of this season.

Woody cried “injuries” the 1st half and “vets” the second half, while we had contributors watching b/c they were not vets.

I dont know Salim’s final stats but where would he be in his development with 8-10 consistent minutes per night instead of 8-10 DNPs??? You can just see his improvement. Even without his jumpshot, his ability to score, push the rock and create fit an uptempo team like ours.

Solomon ditto, when you havent played and dont expect to play its hard to shine. Regular minutes would go far in his case as well.

Shelden played surprisingly well, I just dont like all that jumpshooting from my Goon, if you can call him that.

Anyone got a term for a sophisticated goon?

By Anakin Joe

March 8, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

OK. Let’s say this. JJ should rest and no the team isn’t tanking. Let’s not equate ensuring the health of the franchise player with tanking what is left of this season. This is not quite like Paul Pierce taking off 2 months from the Celtics. I appreciate JJ having the “we’re not out of it until the fat lady sings” approach. I also recognize that our schedule looks light over the next 4-5 games. But again, why risk the franchise player for an unlikely playoff run? Even if we were to finish and have to send that pick to Phoenix, I’d still be all about “saving JJ”. The worse case scenario is JJ tries to come back, suffers a devastating injury that lasts until next season AND we send Phoenix the 4th pick. There is only one variable of all those within our full control… keep JJ inactive for the remainder of the season or until 3 doctors clear him to play (including our own resident Doc).

And let’s use these last few games to drive up the trade value of players like Salim, Marvin and others. What if Marvin comes back and averages 18 & 6 in JJ’s absence? Or Salim can dish out 4-5 assists while providing an offensive spark? Heck, even Zaza could use some more games like last night. He’s contract and production make him a very valuable asset.

So instead of discussing “tanking”, let’s just use the remainder of the season to showcase and develop our youngsters. Does that sound better?

By Volman

March 8, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Good post, Tyger…

I am really happy that Joe is out right now. It was almost like a surreal thing happening for this Hawks team..

You guys are all thinking in your head that this is good for the Hawks’ chances of getting a top 3 pick.. Nobody wants to say it now because Sekou has called us out, but people ARE THINKING IT!

Like others have said, though, I am happy to see OTHER PLAYERS GETTING A CHANCE! Guys like Solomon, Shelden, and Salim getting in there to get some minutes is great. I am not looking at Win/Losses the rest of the season.. I want to just look for some progression out of these young guys on this team.

Woody, I KNOW you must read our posts on here (haha) so please put in Slava for some minutes!! The guy can knock down a consisten elbow shot, and runs the offense well… Plus, he’s 6 more fouls too.

I know a lot of you might be laughing at the thought of putting Slava in, but the Hawks ARE paying for him aren’t they? Might as well get 3-4 jumpers in while he’s in. It might JUST WORK.

Great playing by AJ.. I say he starts next season at point, followed by Craig “fast to Injury” Claxton. Will Lue be gone next year?

Go get em Hawks!

By Peep

March 8, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

I respect you Joe for wanting to come back. The longer you stay out the more ping pong balls we have. Probally doesnt matter. Just our luck we get the first pick and Oden and Durant stays in school.

By Dan

March 8, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Volman

If Lou is not on the team next year and Speedy is, I am done. It just p#sses me off everytime I see Speedy sitting there in his street clothes picking his ars. Screw that guy for coming here. I can’t believe Knight signed him to that contract.

Speedy has been the biggest reason that this season has not panned out. He was brought here to make a difference. Instead, he failed to take care of himself this offseason and has just been paid millions to sit the pine. There has to be someway to get out of that clown’s contract.

By RA

March 8, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

I think, for what it’s worth, that Joe and Speedy should take the rest of this year off and get healthy. I think that now is the time to see exactly what our needs for next season are going to be. It’s time to see exactly how productive J-Chill can be, and it’s time to see if J-Smooth can grow up into a leader that can knock down big shot after big shot, not just every once in a while, but every night. It’s time to see what this Solomon Jones is really made of. It’s also time to see whether Royal Ivy can really play or whether they need to let him move on. I think that a lot of questions can be answered over this next month and a half. I just hope the answers are good.

By mykhalc

March 8, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

DAN, SPEEDY and WOODSON are the reasons!! LUE has one more year on his contract.

VOLMAN, hell yeah SLAVA should see the court!!!

By Dan

March 8, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

mykhalc

I thought Lou signed a two year deal. I couldn’t remember. Good. That guy is an important part of this team. If they make the playoffs next year (and I think they can, if Knight can come through this offseason) Lou will be a big part of it.

Also, I agree, Slava should get a chance to play. How can he have to sit behind Sheldon Williams?!?!?!

By honest_abe

March 8, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

yip jj and craig need to stay on the bench. both need to get fully recovered from injuries so they can come back strong next year. besides craig can use this down time to learn how to shoot a jump shot.

yup last night just reinforced everyone’s belief on here that woody sucks! WOODY SUCKS!

durant ain’t going back to college. why in the world would he go back for another year? the guy has ruled the college scene and how can he pass up being the first pick. oden on the other hand looks like it’s possible he could come back for another year. his offensive game still isn’t polished and from what i’ve heard he doesn’t seem like a guy that isn’t chompin at the bit to turn pro.

By alphonsow3

March 8, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Let em play if we make the playoffs its great if not we left everything out on the floor.

By J. Shuttlesworth

March 8, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

PLAYOFFS??!!!?? You talking ‘bout the PLAYOFFS??!!???

Joe needs to watch an 8-game winning streak by his teammates before he needs to think about getting back on the court.

By jhan

March 8, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Shaun Livingston is the reason why Oden & Durant will come out this year. Why would you risk being injured by staying another year in college. The risk vs. reward factor is 100% on the risk side for both.

By mykhalc

March 8, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

ok…i KNOW this is gonna ‘cause an uproar but i could care less!!!LOL

i’m over the youth thing for this team!! we’ve got enough!! and we’ve got enough that HAS NOT EVEN BEEN TRULY EVALUATED YET!!! i want VETS now!!

ok here’s the uproar. if we get a chance to ODEN or DURANT great!! can’t pass it up…I GET IT!! but i’m all for goin’ after DEKE this summer!!! yep, i said it!! he IS THE ANCHOR this team needs!!!! i know he’s a gazillion years old but he STILL produces!!! and the way he’s play he’s got another 2+ yrs of productivity, IMHO!!! i hope his injury last nite WAS NOT SERIOUS too!! so he’s my FA signin’ for the summer!! yep, i said it!!!LOL

By G Money

March 8, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

As for tanking…it’s not even about that although some would like for us to do so. It is about making progress. We all know what JJ is capable of and what he has done for this franchise. Boy, sit down and take a load off. It’s time to let some other folks pick up the slack. Could Solo be another 2nd round sleeper? I agree that Craig should also just try to get well.

Woody needs to remember how to have fun, experiment, and not be so dogmatic and formulaic in his approach to the game. It’s stifling. New millennium NBA basketball is a different game. We don’t use the peach basket or the set shot any more. Girls can play on both sides of the mid-court line. These guys need to understand the basics but as we’ve all said before, they are built for motion at a minimum and all out galloping when the opporutnity is there. BK has probably unwittingly built a west coast style team with an old east coast playbook. I’d be happy if Woody just saw the light for the last 20 games. Let the sparrows fly.

By honest_abe

March 8, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

here’s the uproar.. u need to get off the meds mykhalc.. actually he’d help this young team.. i just can’t stand the guy! ugh…… words can’t describe my contemp for that finger wagging baffoon, who takes 10 minutes to take his first step after catching the ball on the low blocks. actually he usually gets pushed up near the free throw line… then watch him shoot the ugliest sky hook known to man. i just can’t watch him play.. i just can’t!

By MannyT

March 8, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

JJ should get healthy first, then come back—even if that means shutting down for the rest of this season.

You want a Duke worthy term for an enforcer—call him GH (Gerald Henderson). If we keep it positive, you can call him an enforcer or your favorite “nice” police term (the law, 5-0, po-po)

It is nice to see that all those guys that were not worthy practice opponents last week are now making contributions…go figure.

STOP WORRYING ABOUT THE DRAFT. Let’s see what the bench can do so we get a better read on our talent. Maybe Woody even throws in a few new plays that leverage their skills.

By mavid

March 8, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

this just in

Jermaine O’neal is having serious knee problems and could be out an extended period of time!

That indy pick could end up sliding to the 11-14 range…exciting right?

By obet

March 8, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

obviously the writer is not a born leader,no burning desire to win…JJ will go down fighting…!!! there is plenty of time to heal for the next season..even its not feasible right now for him to get better..and be able to play ..That s your 70 million talking!!? But this team can win without him..they are competitive without him.. we have a bright future,,,,go hawks,,!!

By mykhalc

March 8, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

ABE, too funny!! but i actually have 3 refills left!!!! then we can talk!!!!LOL

By Wedgie Evans

March 8, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson’s saying the right things. It’s important that as the team’s leader and best player he keeps the rest of the team motivated. That said, just because he’s saying he’ll come back doesn’t mean he should do it. Yeah, the Hawks are only 6 games out of the playoffs, but they are only 5 games away from the worst record in the Eastern Conference. The chances of this team making it to the playoffs were already slim and are now all but gone. Keep playing the young guys… I’m not calling it tanking because the young guys are better than the veterans on this team. Rest your leg, Joe, and get ready for next season when you can come back at 100%.

By reese

March 8, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Now, to those fan tanking Bloggers, lets enjoy this season before salavating over next years draft pick, next years free agent, next year’s trade.

Let’s continue to challenge Woodson to play more players in roles that allow them to succeed.

In previous years, the hawks always complained that they never kept players on the sideline who were healthy when the max players were 12 while other teams had rosters of 16 and 17 guys faking injury.

Now, the max is 15 players and woodson continues to play a rotation of 8 to 9 players.

Woodson, I’m tired of excuses, play what you have and give it your best coaching effort. We don’t want to hear about injuries, rookies, poor practice execution, back to backs or any other excuse.

Your players are playing hard on the court. They are playing out of position and yet still try hard. Sometimes a player can try hard but the other player is just better, just bigger, just taller, or just in their natural position.

I don’t know how many times to say it or different ways to say it. Place your guys in roles and situations to succeed.

I will admit that there was a moment late in the game where washington coach Jordan substituted a small lineup on the court and Woodson stayed big with keeping Zaza in the game. It payed off and zaza was able to block those little guys shots. Kind of reminded me of how other teams big men were blocking atlanta’s small lineup players shots.

By mavid

March 8, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

wasnt there some people at the game??

where yall at??

By A Thinking Fan

March 8, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Did I read SS mention Shaq in this article? The guy that a lot of ATL bloggers said he needs great guards to make him great… DOC tell me how is Shah playing these days with the “Great” guard out now. I’m back!!!

By doc

March 8, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

atf, i saw shaq actaully running, digging, you know head down and all in the last game, hustling back to the other end. he hasnt had to do that in years, hopefully he can last into the playoffs. i dont diss on the guy just see it for what it is. two years ago they lost because he had the severe thigh contusion, last year they won with dwayne doing magic, not because of shaq’s ominous presence as his numbers were very pedestrian. personally i would like to watch the mobile and active shaq again, that is more entertaining to me. wish he was in phoenix with my suns because they are going to need one more big body to make it to the finals.

By Jay

March 8, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Until you show me a better reason to win over tanking, Im not buying it.

Win: Worsen the Suns pick, but they’ll still be picking in the top-10 most likely, sneak into playoffs as the eight seed just to get blasted by the Pistons.

Tank: Draft either the center we so desperately need (Oden) or the most dynamic player to come out since James/Carmelo/DWade (Durant). Put enough pressure to fire Knightmare (Shelden is looking like a HUGE bust, just like the Speedy signing.

Nuff said. We have much more to gain by tanking.

By ray

March 8, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Anakin Joe,

I just spend who knows how many paragraphs on the last blog topic saying EXACTLY that. Showcase and develop the youngsters. Now is the time for it.

Evidently, the word is what matters here, and not the idea. So I guess we don’t use the awful “T” word again. Whatever. But I do know this:* beating the division rival means what it means for one game*. I’ll never bash the team for a win. Never have. We have Memphis next. They’re a Western Conference cellar dweller. If we lose to them, what conclcusions can be drawn or points made then? Wanna make points about all those other games, like the ones we should have won but didn’t? How about all the comments about “they just wanted it more” or “we just didn’t have it”. Hey, this blade cuts both ways. I, for one, said that quitting was never an option. Just rest the regulars that need it and play the guys who hardly play. You can call it whatever the hell you want.

Speaking of which, my vote is for letting JJ rest. I know he’s competitive, and that is certainly a good thing. But there are also 70,000,001 reasons why we don’t want him to injure something else (like a joint or tendon) if his body isn’t 100%. While making it sound like it’s only about the money, consider that we don’t want a “speedy” recovery if it means a “Speedy” situation down the road.

Oh, and the last 70,000,000 of those reasons were monetary. The first reason was because he’s a hell of a person, athlete, and ball player. And I wouldn’t want to see him out there like Grant Hill or somebody…struggling for years to overcome injury.

By ray

March 8, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Reese, I’m trying to enjoy it, but especially since the break, it’s been slim pick’ns. I’ve settled mostly for individual development and performances. And I just have problems with Woody…

By JB

March 8, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

I love that he wants to come back. If I’m Woody, though, I don’t even let him in the gym on game days. That way, not only is our investment protected (since it’s clear that one thing you gotta love about our investment is that he doesn’t consider himself an “investment”—but he does consider himself a mule). But also, there are more minutes for Solo & Salim, meaning either they’re stoked up to actually contribute next year OR we’re finally able to put their skills on display and build up their trade value.

By ray

March 8, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Heh. Let’s see…Orlando currently has the 8th playoff spot. Between them and us there’s the Knicks, Sixers, Bucks, and the Nets. Without JJ, we’re going to make a push (right past those four teams) and then wrest the last spot from Orlando when he returns.

If they managed such a feat, either we’d have to give Woody his props, or the players decide to throw him out of the gym and play their own brand of ball. But I’m not sippin’ that koolaid…

By The Flash

March 8, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

Jhan, it’s funny, but seeing Livingston’s injury, I had exactly the opposite reaction. Made me wonder if anybody is keeping stats on serious injuries to immature bodies in the NBA, guys who come out early. Seems it would be interesting to know.

Boozer, McGetty, Paul, Josh, Marvin, Bosh, Livingston, Hughes, Kobe. Just asking here, but it seems that the physical and emotional strain that these young guys get put under cannot be good for them. Wonder if there is anyone keeping stats. Surely GM’s are; how come we don’t know em?

Oden, I’m betting is coming out. That hand might well cut short his career. He will get it while he can. I agree with you about Durant, though; he’s definitely done.

By reese

March 9, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

Ray, thats why I enjoy watching Josh Smith play. He gives his all on both the offensive and defensive end.

Looks like an earlier post of mine was lost. I’ll try to repeat it.

When JJ is healthy, JJ needs to play. This is not like when we had Al harrington last year who needed to sit. The plan is that JJ will be a future part of this team.

This team needs to build chemistry, this team needs to play together in roles that will allow them to succeed. This teams needs to allow Woodson to place combinations on the floor that maximizes our advantages.

Mykhalc, this is why I say that Marvin needs to come off the bench. He and Josh smith do not compliment zaza. Having solomon and josh smith alongside zaza balances this roster. I don’t even mind playing slava, wright and any other two bigs together as long as they will try to compliment each other.

Doc, I saw your earlier post about the best combination of players. However, I just use my own observations. This is Zaza’s third year with the team and it was pretty obvious from day 1 that he was not a defensive minded nor athletice big man. However, he is offensive minded and willing to take shots.

Therefore, it was obvious to me that we should have placed another big man who was defensive oriented next to him. Instead we placed the undersized harrington and now the slightly built/too short marvin and smith. To make matters worse, he throws a lineup out there where Shelden Williams is the center. Shall we say Ugly.

I’ve asked sekou smith several times to ask woodson would he be comfortable playing 2 tall players on the court at the same time. Woodson has answered by continuing to place an undersized power forward on the floor.

Its a shame that woodson takes 3 years to learn this lesson or has he learned. I guess we’ll see by his actions for the rest of the year.

Again, anyone else who thinks differently is subscribing to the Billy knight plan of playing 6’7 thru 6’9 players in as many positions as possible.

By trade Vick for CalvinJohnsn!

March 9, 2007 4:48 AM | Link to this

I guess there is a God after all….If the hawks grab Oden or Durrant, joe geetting hurt will of been the best thing to happen to this franchise in years!!! Maybe we can trade marvin williams for another top pick and get a good young pt guard. Us trading our second round pick was a bigtime mistake by a gm seeking meaningless wins just to try and save his job. The coach and gm should both be fired after this year! Even thou its not really the coaches fault….even pat riley couldnt win with the talent we currently have!! Go Rockets!!! Now thats how u build a team!

By Dan

March 9, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

trade Vick for CalvinJohnson,

Trading the 2nd round pick was not a mistake. AJ is a good player. He is way better than anything you will get in the 2nd round of the draft. If your thinking 2nd round picks are going to be a factor in getting this thing turned around, you need to start thinking something else.

By Rod

March 9, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

I think personally, the Hawks should draft Oden. I love Durrant, but Oden will give the Hawks a force in the middle. I love ZaZa, but he could be used to play center and PF. It would give us some flexability, and allow players to rest without worrying about a liability coming off the bench. However, I wouldn’t be upset if we ended up with Durrant.

By Mike

March 9, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Well let the often ignored, seldom responded to, but always on point blogger put his two cents in. I agree that it would be it would be ill-advise for Joe to try to play if he’s not fully recovered. But Joe’s a warrior it should come as no surprise that he made those comments to Sekou. I would love for Joe to take some time off and fully heal. But I’m not Joe, I agree with the other blogger , Joe knows his body…if he feels he play, I know he’s going to play. If you have learned nothing about Joe by now, you should have learned that he believes in this team, and he believes in his young players. This is a blessing for Woody and Joe. Both of these guys are always in the thick of battle they can’t sit back and watch the fight. They’re both consumed with trying to teach these young guys how real life is in the NBA really is. Woody will finally see that too much of what the Hawks try to do on offense depend on Joe, when that happen, everybody is standing watching Joe. Joe will get a chance to watch a season veteran like AJ run the team, and then he’ll understand you got to get in these young guys grill when they’re taking bad shots, and standing around not setting picks. Woody can’t do it, it’s take a veteran on the floor to take charge during the game. Joe will see ways he can help the team just like J-Smoove did when he had to sit and watch.

More than anything Woody will learn to trust his bench players. When you look around the league the best teams rely heavily on their reserves coming off the bench to make a contribution. That’s got to be the goal of Woody. It’s his job as the Head Coach to find a way to use all the talent at his disposal. Some guys respond better in game situation then they do at practice.

On a personal note, Joe I know you feel like you got to go out every game and prove to fans of the ATL that worth the big contract and trade pick BK gave up to bring you to the Hawks. You have already done that, everybody knows you’re a warrior and dedicated professional. If your not 100% don’t risk it, even if we do make the playoff.

By Anakin Joe

March 9, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Reese, the problem with Zaza, Solomon and Smith on the floor is a lack of floor balance. I would prefer to see a better jump shooter like Marvin in (rather than Smith) to balance Zaza in the post. I absolutely agree that Zaza and Solomon are a logical pairing, especially since Solomon can nail the 12 footer. But when you throw in Smith (who is far from an accomplished outside shooter), you have all 3 front court players compressed in a small area to be effective.

Most of us focus on the balance of the roster, but when you throw in the floor balance of specific line-ups, you can really see the challenge of this ball club. Zaza, Smith and Marvin work because Marvin brings perimeter balance. But Smith is smallish as a PF.

A Channing Frye/LaMarcus Aldridge type would be perfect with Zaza and Smith. With Smith’s emergence (despite boneheaded moments) and Childress’ ability to produce from the bench, I’m hoping that Marvin plays well during the next 20 games so that his trade value increases. Neither the Knicks nor the Blazers have their “SF of the future” but they are both deep at the PF position. Seems like the beginnings of a good trade scenario. At the same time, I think Smith’s offensive production is helped at the PF position. He is able to take most of them off the dribble and that won’t happen as frequently when he is defended by quicker SFs. Watch what happens tonight if he is guarded by Rudy Gay (as opposed to Swift).

By Chris D'

March 9, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

HOODLUM, hockey players are gangstas:

“With anger in his eyes and purpose in his strides, Simon swung his stick with two hands into Hollweg’s neck Thursday night and bloodied the chin of the New York Rangers forward.”

By Volman

March 9, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Mike,

Joe will see ways he can help the team just like J-Smoove did when he had to sit and watch.

That’s your best point of the post.

There’s a comment for you!

By Mike

March 9, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Volman Well thanks for that keen observation. Guys we ain’t trading Marvin, and cut J-Smoove some slack, these guys are still finding their way in the NBA. J-Smoove, J-Chill, and Marvin have some much up-sides it’s scary to think what a trio they will be if they realize half they’re talent. If we don’t get at shot Ogden, we take a chance on a big body 7 footer left in the draft. We got enough scoring and we got enough PF’s. If we get Durant we trade in a package for dominate post player. Why keep trading young players away just they’re about to brake out.

By Volman

March 9, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

I know what you’re saying, Mike. We DON’T need to trade anyway any of our youngsters. I really think that this next year, or the year after that.. that this team will be VERY GOOD, and with some upgrades (big man, possibly PG) a contender in the weak East.

I know, us bloggers for the most part say “next year”… but I guess we will just have to see what the “nba gods” have to throw at us in this draft. If this draft goes well, and Billy does his job this off season, then this team will go in the right direction next year.

By Mike

March 9, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Ya I agree 100%. I think next year is our year. I agree there may come time when we might have to offer up one of the young guns, but only for a dominate post player. Not another young PF or PG. If we get a serviceable center that can defend the post, we can build from there. A lot of bloggers scuff at the kid Hibbert from Georgetown, but if we lose our pick and we can get’em with the Indiana pick. I think it’s still a win for the Hawks. That’s if he declares for the draft. Give the Hawks a shot blocker at the post; I say we make the playoff next season. Don’t write off this season yet, the only team in East that’s really surging is Miami. The East is so weak anything could happen.

By Mike

March 10, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

To all bloggers if you don’t have nothing good to say about my Hawks, DON’T POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!