AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USReality check (as if you needed another one)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Reality is no friend to the Hawks. Every single time they get on a dreamy stretch and start winning some games, reality comes back to kick them square in the pants.
Losing to a Boston team that’s going through a dreamy stretch of its own (they did upset the Spurs in San Antonio the other day) is one thing. But being taken to pieces by an Indiana team that hadn’t won since Valentine’s Day (fine, Feb. 21) is about as unacceptable as any loss the Hawks have endured this season.
The Hawks just don’t have that “Time to make the donuts” attitude necessary to sustain a consistent level of play, good or bad, for extended stretches. It’s probably their best and worst trait at this point; that they don’t stay down forever anymore but can’t keep a good rhythm going for more than about a week.
Reality tells me several things about the Hawks that we must remember on their good nights and bad nights:
The Hawks still don’t have a consistent threat at point guard (duh, I know I’m stating the obvious, but the truth is the truth). Anthony Johnson’s a healthy upgrade over what the Hawks have had all season. But until they come up with a vibrant, younger alternative at the position, that spot will remain one of the Hawks’ greatest deficiencies.
They have similar issues at center, where Zaza Pachulia and Lorenzen Wright have done what they can, but haven’t been able to provide the consistent high level of play needed. I’ve been arguing about this since before the season. Without at least a nightly presence in the middle, the pressure put on the forwards and also the shooting guard to make up for the lack of force in the middle is simply too much to overcome. Hawks coach Mike Woodson was down on his young trio of Josh Smith, Marvin Williams and Josh Childress after the Indiana game, and perhaps rightfully so. But they got little support inside, what with Solomon Jones having to try and pick up the slack when Zaza (whose numbers actually appear respectable) wasn’t able to take advantage of Jermaine O’Neal’s off night.
Despite how smitten folks were during that four-game stretch without Joe Johnson, it should be clear by now that without him the Hawks are without a true night in and night out threat that other teams have to worry about. One scout from an Eastern Conference power that sat behind me in Indiana Saturday night was full of praise for the Hawks before the game. He went on and on about how well they had played without JJ. Then after the game he reminded me of the points I made above, as if I needed to be reminded after watching this team deal with the exact same issues for the past two and half years. But it was good to hear someone else say it (do you have any idea how ridiculous it feels to write and talk about the exact same thing over and over again, day after day, season after season? … well, of course you do. Ha.)
I guess there’s always May 22 (draft lottery day) to look forward to … or not.
Speaking of the draft, I did eyeball a couple more college players that intrigue me. Julian Wright from Kansas looks like the type of player NBA types love. I dig his game. He’s active and does so many of the little things that the good players do. He and his teammate Brandon Rush look like solid future pros. The Georgetown big boys (Roy Hibbert and the vastly underrated Jeff Green) look like safe picks to me as well, with Green working his way up most mock drafts into the top five or six picks. And I know that most everyone seems convinced that Tyler Hansbrough is not going to be a standout NBA player. But I can’t get over the fact that my man brings it night after night and outworks whoever is guarding him every time. I know what he “supposedly cannot” do (scouts love to tag him the dreaded Mark Madsen comparison) and I still like him.
And what will become of Randolph Morris? I wonder what’s going through his mind right now. He could help fill out the frontcourt rotation for some team (Josh Smith is always talking him up, having played with him during their teenage years). He can pick and choose his spot, which should make for a very interesting decision-making process for the Atlanta native.
I still haven’t seen any college point guards that make me get excited about their pro potential (though, Acie Law from Texas A&M looks to me like he could be a steal if he drops out of the lottery and into the mid to late teens and Florida’s Taurean Green is growing on me with his clutch shooting and pick-and-roll ability).
Comments
By honest_abe
March 19, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
i was impressed by two collegiate pgs that i watched play over the weekend.
this guy impressed me with his blazing quickness. he had no problem getting wherever he wanted on the court. his jumpshot wasn’t too impressive but he shoots free throws extremely well. i just like pg’s that can blow by anyone and everyone when they want.
there’s only word to describe this guy. smooth. in every sense of the word. the guy does everything so effortlessly… he’s got a killer handle and a sweet stroke.
these two guys stuck out to me. i’d love to see either in a hawks uni at some point in the future.
By mavid
March 19, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
blog Z,
a few points:
1) mark madsen? if there is ANYONE Hansborough is similar to, it is definately Nick Collison. Dudes have the exact same game (I don’t think anyone can refute that one)
2) How about Mario Chalmers? He’s not ready for the NBA yet, but I just get the feeling he’s going to turn into a great NBA player some day. Best defensive PG in college.
3) Randolph Morris. We need more on this situation from you Sekou. Is BK talking to his family? Utilizing the ATL Celtics connection between him and Josh Smith? Correct me if I’m wrong, but can’t we sign him to a contract that is very similar to a 2nd round draftee? Now, I’m not saying dude is gonna come in and solve all our problems at the 5(although I actually think he has the POTENTIAL to), there is very little risk in signing him. I saw enough to make me believe he’ll get it done at some level in the NBA (not sure what that level is, but its above shelden williams!). He’s from ATL, he’s friends with josh smith, he knows we need a 5, he can get playing time here if he does his thing, etc etc etc… This is perhaps the most intriguing situation for us this summer.
4) Roy Hibbert will be a nice pro. So will Acie Law. I’d be thrilled to draft either with the Indy pick (presumably somewhere 10-16).
5) What about that VCU guard Eric Maynor? He struggled some that 2nd game, but I love the way he plays.
6) Finally, if BK drafts Josh Mcroberts, I will no longer support this team.
That is all. Hoops overload for sure.
By Techster
March 19, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
We need an entirely different roster to win any real games. Here are a few players we could consider getting: Jason Terry, Rasheed Wallace, Boris Diaw, Al Harrington, Tony Delk, Gary Payton, Antoine Walker, to name a few. Fire Billy and Woody!!
By Dan
March 19, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
I just got back from Winston-Salem, NC yesterday. I was there to watch my Michigan State Spartans. Anyway, how can anyone say Tyler Hansbourgh is not going to be a good pro? I suggest they go and watch him in person. I think they will have a change of heart. The guy can run, shoot, and plays physical. What else do you need?
Also, I posted on Friday that Hibbert (the center from Georgetown) is not very good. I was at the BC/Georgetown game on Saturday night. I have changed my mind. Hibbert looked like a new player that night, compared to how he played on Thursday. He attacked the basket and made some good moves to the bucket. He might not be such a bad pick up after all….
By jhan
March 19, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
Acie Law looks to be solid. It was funny to hear the anouncers get excited about saying “He actually threw a pass” during one point in the game. Not sure if that’s his normal game or not. Haven’t seen him before.
By Tyger
March 19, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Hawks still have lots of work to do; success is dependent on players that are still too young to be relied upon. They need more leadership than avg. team.
AJ provides some, but his age and conditioning are showing. We do need a younger version.
Randolph Morris is a prize. After falling out of the draft completely in 2006, he is now a top 5-10 BIG. We could fix the Shelden Williams mess, with $2M/4yrs. And still have plenty cap room left to re-visit the PG situation again.
This time, put Ty Lue and Speedy on the expendable list. Both have been great at times but injuries to their legs dont permit major min. anymore. They both have more value to vet playoff teams, as clutch bench players.
So, the expendable list takes shape over the coming month. Ivey, Batista Medvedenko, are free agents. Add Shelden, Lue, Speedy and you have 4-7 roster spots to improve upon.
By hawks are cursed for trading Nique.
March 19, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
Techster: finially a blog on here that makes sence. The hawks should blow up there team and start over. Keep joe johnson and josh smith and get rid of everyone else. Trade Marvin williams overhyped a* while we can still get something for him.
Sekou: u have been out of touch with reality the whole season. your article labeled “reviewing film critical to hawks playoff pursuit” should of really been named “woodson and knight seek meaningless wins to save there jobs” the hawks could review film all day long…heck they could have hundreds of pple reviewing film and it still wouldnt help the roster. There not making the playoffs and even if they did WHATS the point??? to be killed by detriot?? The Gm sucks, the coach sucks…and the roster has alot of roleplayers with no dominant big man or true star quality pt guard. no top free agents wanna come here and well have to highly overpay to get a mediocure center in here.(can u say michael owalakinki) (yea billy knight would probably give him 20 million a year) Face it man…u should of been saying since the beginning of the season that the only way the hawks will ever be TRUE contenders again is thru the DRAFT!! this franchise sucks…thank God the hawks are the one atlanta team im not a diehard fan of cause if be pulling out my hair. its baseball time…Go Braves!!
By Anakin Joe
March 19, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen Randolph Morris play a few games and he looks very, very ordinary to me. Why wouldn’t he refuse to sign for anything less than what a top 10 pick gets? If I were his agent, I would suggest that had he been coming out this year, he would surely be a top 10 draft pick and therefore, the bidding for his services needs to start around 4 years and $8M. I understand all of the Atlanta connections, but I haven’t seen anything from this guy that makes me think he is an upgrade over Zaza. More like a Marc Jackson type. As I have said ad naueum, this team doesn’t need to get younger. Its time to trade some of our youth for vets or spend some money. If we keep signing and drafting unproven guys, we will stay in perpetual rebuilding mode. No way I want to have a 21 year-old Morris and a 22 year-old Zaza playing a combined 48 minutes.
By BosnianBaller
March 19, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Go to NBA Draftnet.com
By Clyde
March 19, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Mike
March 19, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
I like the kid Ty Lawson from UNC for the PG position. He’s a great floor general that can shoot the three. He’s great at pushing the ball up the court, and he shows up big in big games. Tyler Hansbrough is a great college player with a lot of heart. But at 6’9” in the NBA he’ll have trouble getting his shot off in the post. I think he will be a good player but he can’t fill the void we need. I think he’ll have a good NBA career, he want dominate the post like he doing in College. But the kid has tremendous up-side.
Give credit to Boston and Indiana they exploited the biggest weakness on the Hawks team. Mainly they know that we are relying on Zaza to take up the scoring slack for JJ. They also know Zaza is the weakest link on defense. Both teams ran their offense through the guy that Zaza is guarding. Everybody is gambling leaving their man trying to help Zaza out in the post. That always creates problem for the rest of the team. If I had to plug a hole on the roster it would be the 5 spot first, because even if we get a PG, teams will still get uncontested lay-up and dunks. After that we definite need could use some youth at the PG position. Depending on who declares, there might be a chance to get both in this draft. I think we all love the Hawks, but we’re back to reality like Sekou said. Let’s hope the Hawks keep playing hard down the stretch, and the stars alien and bring us two first round picks.
By hawks are cursed for trading Nique.
March 19, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
“this team doesn’t need to get younger. Its time to trade some of our youth for vets or spend some money. If we keep signing and drafting unproven guys, we will stay in perpetual rebuilding mode”
Anakin: what are you talking about…whos gonna come here?? did u not read my blog above yours? the hawks could spend $ yes…but it would be on a claxton type rather than a iverson type….or a owalakandi type over a Duncan type. Face it the draft is the only way this team is gonna be any better in the future. otherwise wed be overpaying players like we are now that are mediocure. I dont really see how bringing billips here would help us because what we need is a defensive minded big man like Oden. Would we be closer to say washingtons level….sure…but washington is still far from being on the level of the Detroits, or Mavs, Spurs of the world. To be on that level we gotta have a dominant big man…something we do NOT have right now.
By Ed W.
March 19, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this
I love Acie Law. He reminds me a little of Deron Williams - not as good a passer or defender, but quicker and a better penetrator. Plus he is as good of a clutch shooter as I have seen in college. I don’t think he’ll be a star, but would be surpirsed if he isn’t a solid player.
Ty Lawson and Mike Conley intrigue me with their potential.
By Mike
March 19, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
I’m call out hawks are cursed for trading Nique, how you expect anyone to take you serious when all of your blogs are base on hate instead facts. Why don’t you get your head out you’re A* and realize that your comments are weak. Nigue is in the Basketball Hall of Fame and you’re still coming with the same lame blogs.
Anakin is right, why would we give up our best young talent and draft picks for mediocre players. J-Smoove, S-Chill, and Marvin have shove crow down your throat since they came back from their early season injuries. Wait till you get some of that crow out your mouth before you post anymore blogs. This team is one or two players away from being a legit contender, and they’re still the youngest team in the league. Look at Chicago, they spent 60 mil and they brought in a couple of good veteran. Since you you’re such a basketball guru, tell me are they any closer to winning a championship? Now figure out what it would cost Chicago to get Tyson Chandler and Eddie Curry back.
Man your blogs are weak and lame get a new game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By reese
March 19, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
First of all, great win hawks. Congrats to Josh Smith, Shelden Williams and Marvin williams for being the players with positive stats in the offensive/defensive categories. Congrats to marvin and smith for getting double doubles. Congrats to Jchill and zaza for scoring over 20.
Josh Smith reminds me of Wilt chamberlain in some respects (much smaller numbers, but same I can do anything attitude). You tell Josh that he can’t score and he gets his career high of 32. You tell him he can’t pass, he gets 10 assists. You tell him he doesn’t rebound. He gets double digit rebounds.
I liked the number of minutes that the starters played. They started strong and were rewarded with rest.
By reese
March 19, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
I tried to watch some college basketball this weekend and was annoyed at CBS’ coverage of the games. I hate switching between games. I only saw a little bit of Durant. I know people were saying that he was skinny, but I didn’t realize the he was that skinny. Unfortunately, I didn’t see enough of him to form any type of opinion. I hope that he stays in school.
I didn’t get to see Oden play, so based on what I’ve seen so far, I hope he stays in school.
Noah and Randolph both look like they were laboring down the floor. Both would benefit from a conditioning and strength coach as well as another year in school.
However, just to play around. Suppose Noah came out and was drafted by the hawks. Randolph Morris decides that he wants to come home to Atlanta and signs with the hawks.
Noah is better suited as a power forward and Morris is better suited as a Center.
Would you bloggers rather see lineup of 1) Noah, Smith and Morris or lineup 2) Noah, Smith and Marvin or lineup 3) Morris, Smith and Marvin or lineup 4) Morris, Noah, and Marvin.
I myself would choose lineup number 1.
By GLid
March 19, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
The way our luck is going we’ll actually get the number two pick - but Oden will decide to stay after they lose to Vandy. Oden’s already said he might stay in college to work on his game, and from everything I’ve seen (I watch a lot of college ball) it’s probably a good idea. He’s there defensively but he disappears for way too long on offense - he doesn’t seem to want the ball.
Durant’s as good as gone. He’s playing with a shoot-first point guard who can’t really shoot and a coach that won’t get him the ball. He’s said he’s looking to his family before he makes his decision. Now I’m sure mom and dad want him to be happy but eight figures will help ease the pain of missing out on the college experience.
Taking Randolph Morris would be a mistake. I’ve gone to see him play UGA twice now and he’s been consistently outhustled and outplayed by players that will never put on on NBA jersey. He’d be a serviceable backup but that’s obviously not what we need.
Anyhoo, Oden’s gonna stay, Durant’s gonna go, we’ll get the no. 2 pick and draft another forward - probably Horford if he keeps it up in the tournament. Cool, now we have another young forward - I hate you Billy Knight.
BTW, does anyone else like Aaron Brooks as much as I do? I have a feeling he’s going to turn into a Morris Peterson type player. God I hope BK isn’t completely inept and takes a PG with Indiana’s pick.
By Richie Rich
March 19, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
LOL…Roy Hibbert is pathetic!
Also, Greg Oden needs to stay in school. He gets pushed around way to easily by much smaller players. I can’t see him trying to bang with Amare or Dwight Howard, he would get t-bagged all night long.
By Clyde
March 20, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
How bout Josh Smith. Yall laughed at me when I said the man could play point but the numbers don’t lie. 10 assists is amazing from the power forward position.
Also Josh Smith has a chance to become the block king this year. With tonght’s total he is 3 blocks away from catching Marcus Camby. Imagine if he hadn’t had that stint on the disabled list.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By matt
March 20, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
Great job Hawks!!! You still suck yet you refuse to suck enough so that we can get the top pick in the draft! You’ll suck just enough so that the player we choose won’t be worth a flip! Great job! If your gonna suck at least be the best at it so we can get Oden (sp?) to patrol the paint at a much needed position!!
By honest_abe
March 20, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
once again clyde you are missing the boat. what’s new, eh? by your rationale anybody that doles out a fair number of assists can be labeled as a pg. i guess that would include big pf’s like charles barkley or that other nimble little floor general named shaq.
i understand that josh sometimes gets a rebound than releases and leads the break. that my friend does not make him a freaking pg! your infatuation with stats is troubling in that it really shows how little you know about the game.
now pg’s are usually the ones with the most assists. since they are the distributors and for the most part have the ball the majority of the time. but a pg’s job is more than just getting assists. it’s making sure everyone is in the right place. it’s getting a team into the right set. it’s being able to recognize mismatches and weaknesses from the other team. it’s getting your other teammates the ball in their comfort zones. pg play has a lot more to do than with getting assists. so, clyde take that sorry argument for josh smith being a pg and shove it down your pea sized brain.
i’m just playin with ya clyde. but i think everyone would agree with me. josh smith is not point guard material. besides his handle is still shaky.. kind of a scary thought really a 6’9 hybrid forward with a shaky handle being our pg. hmmmmmmmmmm
By Anakin Joe
March 20, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
You have to like the fact that Marvin initated a meeting with Woody to clarify the “young guys were awful” comment. That takes bowling balls to go to the source of criticism and request a meeting to clear the air. And Marvin played very tenacious defense all night long. Granted, Sacramento looked like they were ripe for the picking, but in games past, we would have allowed them to compose themselves and steal a victory. Last night, those young guys went for the jugular vein.
Again, its not just about stats, leaping ability and highlights. Marvin really showed me something by confronting Woody. And even more by going out and locking up with a potential menace like Artest. Kudos to Marvin Gaye Williams. Maybe these young guys are maturing.
By jhan
March 20, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
hawks are cursed for trading Nique
Could you please show me an example of a team that won a championship by building exclusively through the draft? I don’t agree with your take on this subject so a little information would help.
By GLid
March 20, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
We really don’t have any other choice than to build through the draft right now.
Last I heard until the ownership situation is resolved we can’t sign anyone to a deal longer than one year.
By Neil
March 22, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
LOSE ALL GAMES THE REST OF THE YEAR PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE ONLY 1&1/2GAMES OUT OF THIRD WORST RECORD COME ON LOSE HAWKS WE COULD HAVE TWO TOP TEN PICKS