Hawks

By J. Shuttlesworth

April 10, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I guess you don’t want to call folks out by name, but I will.

Peter Vescey is a blowhard, and that’s no breaking news. Any reporter who uses the words “I’m told” before quoting someone is not doing his job.

Smith is a young guy who plays with emotion, and he let it get out of control, and no one stepped in to slow him down. It’s all part of the learning process, and he’ll be fine.

By Tyger

April 10, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

No argument from me about Jsmoove, he’s a horse’s a* and he knows it.

Don Imus is more interesting however. Every black man knows intuitively to never comment negatively about a black womans hair. U just say it looks nice everytime, period, end of story.

My difficutly is, what exactly are we supposed to be mad about?

a)nappy headed ho’s b)gibbaboes and wannabees c)Toronto Raptors

To me, the Toronto Raptors reference was not only the funniest but most disturbing.

I personally know what to say and not to say publicly but I’m reluctant to compare some “nappy headed ho” comment to the Holocaust.

B/C we all know you better not say s** about the Holocaust or your a* is grass, but you can heckle Blacks all day everyday.

By Anakin Joe

April 10, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Sekou, any speculation on who will replace Smith in the starting line-up the next 2 games? I’m guessing that Woody may be forced to start Lue & AJ in the backcourt or will Salim get to start (assuming he’s healthy)? And is Zaza playing tonight? Seems like Woody will be forced to play Solomon at SF at some point in the next 2 games. Suddenly, Marvin is the only player left in the 6’5”-6’8” range. SHOCKING!

By mavid

April 10, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

^^ maybe it would be better if we did neither?

By JJ

April 10, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

josh is losing some money not serious money. cuz as soon as someone stupid lets him go all 29 other teams will be throwing money at him. Nobody cares about him blowing up.what people don’t understand is he is human. i am so tired of you guys thinking atheletes are not regular people who just happen to play sports. people blow up so get over it. you all act like this is the first time you have heard about an argument between two people. Grow the hell up. Josh is 21 and he made a mistake but you guys have this “holier than thou” attitude about atheletes when you forget they are regular people with regular problems like we. And don’t act like you have never blown up on somebody. becuz u are a god damn liar.

By Floze

April 10, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

I, for one, am glad to see someone with some heart in this organization. Josh Smith busts his tail to come back from surgery in January and you have half of the Hawks starting roster watching from the bench on Sunday. Please! What many fail to realize is that it doesn’t matter who is in a Hawks uniform. I don’t care if Greg Oden comes in next year or Greg Ostertag! If the organization isn’t committed to winning every rebound, loose ball, point and game - then the only thing that changes for the Hawks is the name on the back of the jerseys.

We have to change the culture around here and I hope this outburst will be akin to Chuck Smith calling out June Jones for the Falcons! We need a coach that encourages players to want to take the last shot. God forbid a player treat this like an NBA game and not way to move down a slot in the lottery.

By JJ

April 10, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Sekou i want you to bash magic johnson for butting heads with his first coach. GO AHEAD I’M LISTENING.

By James Adams

April 10, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

The 2-Live-Stews have NEVER said anything stereotypical about Whites, ever. riiiigghhht. Freedom of Speech for comedic sake is reserved for minorities only. Dave Chappelle and Carlos Mencia have NEVER made fun of other races. Im sick of the double standard in this country regarding race. Wheres Don Rickles when you need him?

By Anakin Joe

April 10, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

JJ, you’re the one who needs to calm down. Smith has about 164 games left on his Hawks contract. He is not about to get booted off the team nor do I think he will decide with 164 games left to leave his hometown club. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with expecting a professional athlete (or any other compensated adult) to act like a professional. Dude has been in the NBA for 2+ years under Woody’s guidance. Sure, he can lose his cool. But he has to accept the consequences (which it sounds like he has). I’ll never be “okay” with someone acting in an unprofessional manner. You can disagree with someone without throwing a temper tantrum.

And by the way, I don’t ever recall Magic blasting his coach in public during the game. He may have worked behind the scenes to get Westhead replaced (much like Shaq did recently with Stan Van Gundy), but tell me about the time that he (Magic or Shaq) put a game in jeopardy because he was pouting on the sideline. GO AHEAD I’M LISTENING.

By JJ

April 10, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

putting a game in jeopardy.pulease that game was garbage and the fact that josh wanted to take that shot shows he still has the heart to play for this chickens*it of a team when someone like vince carter would of quit a long time ago. look that is the last time i am gonna talk about that last post becuz i am threw with it.

By Bobby

April 10, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

What is strange as that me and my partners could have joked the same way while watching a game and I am black. To be honest the double standard is getting old. Say Cracka all day but they can’t use the equvalent. I saw J. Jackson walking all up down with the crew but what about our own folks using derogatory words like this. Where is the outrage? Rappers been calling women hoes for years - no outrage. Maybe we have numbed the masses to the “N” word and all other racist phrases because we use them on a daily basis hours and hours a day every day of the week that they become less offensive and so commom to use that it becomes less offensive to them and they also become somewhat comfortable with these phrases. I know I have cracked on my friends when I was younger based on skin color or other features and I thought it was funny so did my other friends unless they were the onesd getting joaned (sp). It shoould not be a one way street. If it is taboo then it should be taboo across the board. In Brazil, you would be arrested for using the “N” word even if you are black as Miles Davis. The “N” word is against the law. Maybe we need to institute that instead of this “I can say it but you can’t”. I am not saying Imus is not wrong but we should not let our people slide because they are black.

By Matt

April 10, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Anakin,

Love it, man. You hit the nail on the head. Intensity and passion are one thing. But you can be intense and passionate without cursing out your coach. No one will ever accuse John Stockton, Tim Duncan, or even of doing anything short of their best and hardest while they were on the court. But never once did you see them curse out their coach in a game. The only player I know of who has was JR Rider, and we all remember how much he helped this team…

Intensity and professionalism are NOT mutually exclusive, and we should expect BOTH from our players.

That said, Smith will be fine. He’ll bounce back and play his heart out just like he did before. He knows he did wrong, and is accepting his punishment like a man. I’m amazed that fans are so blinded by their hate towards Woodson that they refuse to do the same.

By Matt

April 10, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Oh, and JJ, if I cursed out a partner in my firm during a meeting or a conference call, you can bet your a* I would be fired. Not a 2-meeting suspension - they would show me the door. And I assume the same is true of most jobs. If an employee curses out his boss in public, we expect them to be punished. I’ve found that this is especially true in jobs where people are getting paid lots of money for their work.

So if anything, you’re the one pushing for a different standard for athletes than for normal people.

By JJ

April 10, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

i could have sworn that i was threw with this topic. and now to answer this guy matt.Do you think the hawks would fire him over this. Seriously. your job and an NBA job are completely different. Teams will fire a coach b4 they fire a player. i can guarantee you that. But Matt thanks for your 2 cents. I am not disputing your opinion becuz you are entitled to your opinion.I’m saying that I understand why he blew up on him and that is my opinion and I am sticking with it.

By Fred

April 10, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

The TWO Poverty PIMPS Rev Al & Rev Jesseshould clean out their closet before demanding IMUS to be fired. The world would be a better place without these two good ole boys. I believe the following is just as bad as what IMUS said, and BOBBY your blog hit the nail right on the head.

The Rev. Sharpton for example - in 1987, he led the Tawana Brawley fiasco, calling the white prosecuter a rapist and a rascist, and stating he would not rest until the whole world was brought to its knees and justice was served. Of course, we all know now that he lied, Brawley lied, the whole thing was made up to create a racial incident where none existed, and a suit was filed and WON against the Rev. Sharpton by the prosecuter for libel and slander.

1991 - The Rev. Sharpton incited a riot against Jewish people, when a Hasidic Jewish cab driver accidentally ran over a 7 year old black girl, leading a march of 100’s through the Jewish neighborhood chanting “no justice, no peace”. A Jewish student is surrounded during the march and stabbed to death by a mob of the marchers shouting “Kill the Jew”.

1995 - A black landlord in Harlem, the United House of Prayer, raises its rent on Freddy’s Fashion Mart owned by a white Jew, forcing him to raise his rent on his sub-tenant, a black-owned music store. The Rev. Sharpton incites another riot, setting up picket lines, making speeches that he will not stand by while “a white interloper moves a brother so another white can exand his business”. Sharptons pickett lines chant “burn the jew store” and simulate striking matches, and finally one of the protesters go into the store, shooting 4 employees and sets the store on fire. 7 employees die in the fire.

Lets also not forget when Jesse Jackson called New York City “Heimytown”.

By The Flash

April 10, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Tyger, for the record, a newsman for the NY Times was on CNN last night recounting about how Imus repeatedly referred to him on the air as that “hooked nosed hymie,” etc. The news guy said that that is just what Imus does, and that he does not think that Imus is a bigot and should not be fired. I think that the guy misses the point here, although I understand his perspective.

First, who the hell besides rappers hold those kind of images, that kind of lingo, to be thrown out in a satirical riff, as Imus explains it. More importantly, these were young women who had done nothing controversial; they were not some adult who had put themselves in the spotlight in a way that invited ridicule. I get that that is what Imus generally does for a living, and that he is a man known for good deeds. But, this here was really some twisted s*, and the more you think about it the more twisted it looks.

BTW, my hope is that the pressure builds so that these big networks and other media organizations pull the plug on the lyrics in music that is filled with the same kind of vileness that Imus spewed.

I am no prude, but that stuff really needs to go. As a sponaneous art form it had its place perhaps in a generation of creative young black artists rising from the shadows. That time and place has past, however, and the big money behind the genre, black and white, has to dry up.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 10, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Trying to tie the two strans of this post together…… It is wrong for Smoov to have fired back at his coach- as we all know (including him). This type of action happens across the spectrum of employment however, so to not expect it from athletes from time to time is unrealistic (though that’s not excusing an incident). What makes it “easier” to happen in sports is that unlike most other professions, athletes make more and are higer profile than their bosses (coaches and gm’s). Couple that with the fact that the nature of their job is competition on a grand stage- it will lead to tempers flaring. Smoov is also the best player on the court for the hawks and should have been considered for the final possesion (even if he didnt take the actual shot). He admitted wanted to make amends for the previous gaffe vs. Miller. YES he should have rolled with Woody, but I admire his passion- it wasnt selfishness or a slight to his teammates, just pure desire for the W. He’s a humble, low-key guy.

Segwaying(sp?) that point to double standards, those in power always are the ones who are subject to it. In race relations whites have the power, in gender relations men have the power, in economic relations the rich have the power. Imus is the tri-fecta, thus being the subject of all the backlash. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong, nor trying to take the moral high ground. Things are what they are, not what they should be. Imus knows that and I venture to say that everyone competent enough to post knows that too. Devil’s advocate is great but it doesnt really speak to the issue because it assumes a level playing field.

By GT

April 10, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

One thing is sure. Imus is not saying “nappy headed ho’s” any more. His body has been about drug through every street in New York and beyond. The truth is the man has insulted about every molecule of life as we know it with immunity. I don’t think a black man could pick him out of a lineup until this happened or maybe the Brian Gumbo protest might have blown a slight breeze his direction, but most people mixed that in with Gumbo’s arrogance and came out thinking Gumbo deserved it. We live in a mean world. No one notice it when it is the other guy. The Imus show is very popular with educated people who look down on the rest of us. Imus defines himself as a nice person. Play back the tapes of previous programs there is nothing nice about him no matter how many kids he puts on that ranch. Nice people don’t need to publicize their good deeds, like a criminal doing community service, hell half the time good people are in such a habit of doing good they don’t even realize they did good. A good person is Bill Cosby, and he is funny too. Crosby does not have to tell me he is a good person he walks the walks before he talks the talk.

By MannyT

April 10, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

If only this team would play as tough as the sideline talk. Let’s see someone make the other team think twice about living in the lane.

Josh was wrong. He needs to learn how to curse and finger flip behind the scenes and not get so agitated in the wrong places at the wrong time. He has a job where everyone can see his youthful mistakes on TV.

As for the Imus thing, in this country if you really want to make a statement, do it financially. If you think the issue deserves major attention drain the revenue engine that feeds his employer. You put pressure on sponsors and guests buy not financially supporting their businesses. Then you contact them and tell them why. Money talks, BS talk gets you about a 2.5% pay reduction this season before you get a big raise because you can play ball.

By Charles

April 10, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Part of the problem with the NBA today is that all of the young, rich and imature kids coming into the league without having had a chance to grow as a person. Anyone who supports J. Smith’s behavior is as much of idiot as he is. If you are in the work industry—then try fliping off on your boss the way Smith did and see how long you are employed. If you chalk it up to your competitive nature and or letting off some steam, I will guarantee you thatyou will not be around to collect your next paycheck.

By Dan

April 10, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Sekou

Outstanding post. I agree with everything you said.

I have heard/read all the same arguements you have about why Smith’s tirade was OK. It just kills me that so many people will stand up and defend that guy.

I wonder if they (Hawks) will pay the huge money it will take to resign him. I can’t imagine spending max dollar on some clown that acts like a two year old child everytime he doesn’t get his way. Smith is young, but old enough to know better. I don’t think the powers-that-be on the Hawks should forget this episode anytime soon.

Smith can say he was wrong and that he is sorry until he is blue in the faith. Time will tell if it matters. Something tells me that he will do something like this again.

Also, watch that 24 episode from last night. Awesome!!

By OddJob

April 10, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

I can’t get the hawks games here in nc,but looking at the box score on tonights game it looks like the kind of play I’ve said Zaza and Sheldon could do with the right guard play and coaching.I know the Celtics don’t have the players or motive to shut a team down in the paint but this game should still be looked at as a guide on how to play these post guys.

By mavid

April 10, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

wow, we even suck at tanking. talk about a meaningless win.

but, we’ve locked up the 4th worst record, so we do have a legitimate chance to get into the top 3

By Dan

April 10, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

mdavid

I was at tonight’s game for one half (I’m a season ticket holder). That was all I could take. Both teams basically did not care if they won or lost. The Celtics had so many guys on the “injured/not in uniform list” that small font had to be used on the scoreboard just to fit them all in. Just sad….plus, the arena was so empty that I think I was hit by a tumbleweed at one point.

I should be up for a medal of honor for lasting a half.

I love going to games, but tonight was not even any fun.

By Floze

April 10, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

It amazes me how people on this board are more concerned about how much someone makes instead of how many wins this team has!

Winning is the only thing that matters. Woody is an obstacle to winning and has lost this team’s respect. I am surprised it has taken this long for someone to blow up at him.

The problem is that Woody isn’t as p** as Josh at losing - that is why he has to go!

By F. A . Skippy

April 10, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Floze It’s ridiculous to take a player’s side when he curses his coach,no wonder these kids are such punks.

By Dan

April 10, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

F.A. Skippy

Thanks for being the voice of reason.

Floze

You are missing the boat here. Don’t confuse a competitive drive with just being a spoiled punk. Players should be allowed some ownership in the team and be allowed to disagree with a call from the sideline.

Just cussing out a coach because a play was not run for you is selfish and not in the team’s best interest. Smith was not upset about the loss. He was upset he wasn’t allowed to take the last shot. Forgetting, I guess, that he already p#ssed away a chance to make a big hoop earlier, but settled for a jumper he can’t make.

Lue was the best choice. He has come through for the team on many occasions.

By Chris D'

April 10, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Tonights game was the only NBA game I have ever watched and the whole game looked like it was trash time at the end of a blowout.

Dan, hats off to you for making it through a half. Instead of nickel beer night maybe the Hawks should try nickel ticket night for the rest of their home games this year.

You want to here something funny. The announced….Attendance: 13,780

By Chris D'

April 10, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

FYI…to all the draft dodgers out there. The Toronto Raptors had the 5th worst record in the NBA last year and they got the first draft pick via the lottery.

By F. A . Skippy

April 10, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Floze man you’re all messed up!! but seriously, whether or not we have a new coach next year the coach is the coach or the inmates are in charge.

By Dan

April 10, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Chris D’

Was that the announced attendance or the announced empty seats?

Also, good point on the draft. I really am not that concerned. They have to pay the Suns back at some point, might as well be this year. I am tired of that debt hanging over this team. Just give the Suns the pick and let’s all go on with our lives.

By Floze

April 10, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

No doubt, there needs to be order on the team and the coach should be the leader. But with this team, at this time, my frustration isn’t with a guy who wants to win - so bad - he returns from surgery after TWO weeks. It is with a coach that can’t get Joe Johnson out of street clothes when he even said tonight he is at 85%. If you aren’t outraged at the production of the Hawks then why waiste your time posting on this blog?

Ask yourself this - is Josh Smith attitude towards Coach holding the Hawks back from the playoffs? Is Mike Woodson the person to take the Hawks to post-season? If you answered No to both those questions - then why aren’t we looking for a new coach?

By F.A. Skippy

April 10, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Floze I understand the frustration but if Smith got away with this or if people don’t let him know he is on the wrong side on this one, it will carry over to the next time he gets it in his head he knows better than the coach.These young guys need to understand how it works and what their roll is.

By F.A. Skippy

April 10, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Floze bottom line is you never side with a player over the coach,NEVER!! if he is not making the best of things you replace him,but till the minute he’s gone he’s the coach.This isn’t for the coach it’s for the players,like I said you can’t pick and choose,the coach has to be boss.

By Clyde

April 10, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

I’m proud of our Hawks. We beat a summer league squad tonight.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Matt

April 10, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Alright I’m just gonna leave it at this - all you who are defending Smith or bashing Woodson over this are just plain wrongheaded.

Tyronn Lue is - and correct me if I’m wrong - the only player on this team who has hit a buzzer-beater to win a game this year. He’s a vet who doesn’t back down under pressure and has a smooth J.

Josh Smith acted selfishly when Woodson drew up a play that called for a guy to take the last shot who has already proven that he can knock down a clutch shot. Smith, on the other hand, had just launched a bad shot on the previous play. It more than makes sense that Woodson would call for the guy who knocked down a game winner against NJ to get the ball over a guy who threw up a prayer against someone half a foot shorter than him.

Woodson was right. Smith was wrong. They BOTH admit this. That doesn’t mean that Woodson is usually right, or that Woodson is a good coach, or that Smith is a bad/selfish/whatever player in general.

It just means that in this particular instance, Woodson was right and Smith was wrong.

If you can’t acknowledge that - grow up.

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Matt I agree with your assessment but even if Smith was the best to take the shot it wouldn’t matter,this time or next,the coach is the coach the coach is boss.That’s how it works.

By curious

April 11, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

Matt- Great answer. F.A. Skippy You never side with a player. What type of logic is that. When a coach or any adminstrator disrespects his team in public and private that person has a right to question him. JS was dead wrong about the TIME and Where he challenged him. Woody is a bully and uses the same language consistently with his players that Smith used with him. Since he has had run-ins this year with at least 5 of his players you don’t think he is anyway responsible for the working environment. When your winning % is 28% and your players/employees don’t have a positive working environment. THE BOSS is Wrong. If you go to any Hawks game you can hear how little respect Woodson has for his players.

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 2:44 AM | Link to this

Curious If the coach misbehaves you fire him!that’s the point.It’s not to say a coach is always right,it’s saying there is a protocol that is absolutely essential to a team.A team isn’t a democracy,I find it hard to believe you guys have been on a successful team.Again if the coach crosses a line of behavior or doesn’t get the job done you fire him.John Thompson said it very well regarding John jr and Pete Carrell at Princton,he told him to shutup and do what he was told.That’s not to say that a player couldn’t go through channels or request a trade or in Thompson’s case transfer but unless a coach is violating a players rights insurrection by a player should never be tolerated,and I’m sorry but if you think a player should have an equal say to a coach in a game you don’t understand the team concept.Show me an owner or coach that wouldn’t have punished Smith,regardless of who the better shooter was and I’ll show you a bad owner or coach. I’m sorry curious but you’re just wrong on this one,but since we’re equals here it’s your right.

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 3:20 AM | Link to this

curious You think Matt’s logic was good ? read carefully,he is saying that because in his (Matt’s)view Tyrone was the better option that is why Smith should have gone along.Now the other side of that would be if in Matt’s view Smith was the better option then that would make it ok to challenge the coach in a game.He’s THE COACH get it ? If you think that’s sound thinking then again it’s your right.

By tb

April 11, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Discipline Smoove

Fire Woody

I cant take watching such an unprofessionally coached team.

Smoove can change his attitude. Woody can’t learn to coach.

By speedo

April 11, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

NYPost

April 10, 2007 — THE NBA must be thrilled about the graceful 24 hours it experienced Sunday/Monday. Aside from Miami Beach police playing ring around (James) Posey in the early a.m., the Hawks suspended Josh Smith two games yesterday after Mike Woodson banished him to the locker room during Atlanta’s loss in Philly for calling him names he’d only heard from rappers.

My first thought? What took the coach and GM Billy Knight so long to crack down on this remarkably skilled, exceptionally infantile and exceedingly selfish 21-year-old?

For three seasons I’ve written about Smith’s vulgar disrespect for Woodson, his assistants and a teammate or two. Yet, for the most part, his boorish behavior has been unchecked. As far as I know, there has been no loss of significant minutes or money. At the very least, he’s been privately docked some insignificant dough.

Last year, Smith’s belligerence got so out of hand, I’m told, Zaza Pachulia pinned him to the Hawks’ locker room wall after a game.

“Talk to me like you just did on the court,” the 6-foot-11, 250-pound Georgian warned, in essence, “and you’ll miss the rest of your career.”

This season the league fined Smith 25G for saluting heckling fans with a finger on each hand up while walking off the court after being ejected from a Bobcats game. His apology the next day maintained such conduct was uncharacteristic. I maintained it was completely characteristic.

I maintain he’s perfectly understood. From what I know, he’s trouble looking for trouble.

Two summers ago, a source swore he was in a club when the under-age Smith was asked to leave after acting up when a bartender refused to serve him. That’s when things almost got of hand.

“Josh kept threatening he was going home to get his gat and was coming back with his peeps,” the source asserted. “Thank goodness Josh Childress was there. He kept calming down Smith and telling him to chill. Finally, he got him out of there before anything physical or worse happened.”

Yup, if I’m the Hawks, Smith’s the guy I want to bankroll this summer as my franchise player. The predicament is, if they don’t, we all know there will be at least one team (and all it takes is one) who’ll be more than willing to take a five-year, $50 millions-$60 million guaranteed gamble the season after next (when he becomes free) on such a talented head case.

In the meantime, I’m left wondering why the Hawks finally decided to discipline Smith. Was his obscene outburst so public that Woodson and Knight had no other choice? Or was it his new vocabulary words that sent management over the edge?

By Anakin Joe

April 11, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Doc Rivers knows how to tank. Rajon Rondo was doing what every other passed-over rookie does to the Hawks, making them pay. Dude played a virtually perfect first half, so how does Doc reward him? By having him sit most of the 4th quarter. Telfair comes in, the Celtics offense gets off track, there is little on-ball pressure and Lue gets super hot, and the Celtics lose. It was a very subtle yet effective tank job by Doc. The backcourt defense was so bad when Rondo wentout, that even Ivey lit up the scoreboard in the second half. Again, Woody was out-coached.

By the way, we could probably get Telfair from the Celtics for a dozen Krispey Kreme donuts, a six-pack of RC Cola and a microfiber basketball.

Unfortunately, we will probably beat the Wizards Friday evening. Flash, if I were Eddie Jordan, I’d have Jamison dressed in bubble-wrap for the remainder of the regular season.

By curious

April 11, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

F.A. Skippy you are missing the point. JS was wrong and should of been suspended. I don’t dispute that at all. Woodson has the right for TLue to take the last shot. My point is that Woodson should not be the coach of the Hawks. He has proven to the NBA that he can’t coach. He has a high school offense and an obvious dysfunctional relationship with his players.I have never heard any coach after every loss constantly blame his players like Woodson. The same problems they had 3 years ago they still have today. He runs a half-court offense with one of the most athletic teams in the league. His guards get destroyed every night and he doesn’t do anything about it. The only thing he has done different is got to that 1-2-2 zone. Everyone on this blog knows every one of the Hawks five offensive plays. I think that says enough about his coaching. The Hawks have lost at least 10 games that have had leads of seven or more in the 4th period. That’s coaching.

By newkid

April 11, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Flash and Manny, great posts yesterday. Thanks for telling it like it is.

By Samuel I AM

April 11, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Sekou I have a question for you. Any reason you can think of why Hawks fans refuse to accept Shelden Williams?

This guy minutes have been all over the place. Woodson not using him on a consistent basis. When he has played and given at least 20 mins a game. Shelden play well and produces. Sure he may not have a lot of points most nights. He come in and rebounds and play solid defense.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/gamelog?statsId=4133

By bravo papa

April 11, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou. Where is Salim? Do you think woody has any idea how to use him? Salimdoes strugle a little in pick and roll defense, but that becomes better with PT. I think woody doesn’t play him is because salim hates his guts.

By Matt

April 11, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Bravo,

Salim’s recovering from a sprained ankle. At this point in the season, you can’t fault Woodson for not rushing ANYone back from injuries, and trying to see what the bench squad can do with increased minutes. I think that Salim’s performance before his ankle injury showed that Woodson does indeed know how to use him.

F.A. Skippy,

You totally, totally missed my point. See the post I made before the one you’re referring to - I do NOT think it’s ok for a player to EVER curse out a coach during a game. The point of my last post was more to call out those fans who are trying to justify Smith’s behavior by saying that he ‘deserved’ the last shot by pointing out that even THAT isn’t true.

So just to be clear - Smith was wrong twice here, and Woodson was right twice. Smith was wrong to think he deserved that shot AND he was wrong to curse out Woodson. Woodson was right to draw up the play for Tyronn AND he was right to punish Smith for his unacceptable reaction.

By Dan

April 11, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Samuel I Am

What games have you been watching?

Sheldon Williams has been terrible this year. He had a nice stat sheet last night, but don’t put any stock in that. The Celtics did not field an NBA team last night.

Williams is an OK (at best)rebounder, but contributes little or nothing on the offensive end of the court. He can’t hit a 15 foot jump shot to save his life and is such a non-athlete that he has a hard time guarding most opponets.

He played well last night and I thought he played well in the Super Bowl Sunday game against New Jersey (remember, Josh Smith, that was the game Lue hit the game winning shot at the buzzer). Other than those games he has been a nonfactor. Saloman Jones is a better player, which is why he starts now ahead of Sheldon.

Billy Knight was listening to Dick Vitale too much when he made that pick.

By Matt

April 11, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Anakin,

I don’t think Doc Rivers was doing a tank job by benching Rondo, largely because there’s no reason for Boston to intentionally tank at this point. They had 4 more wins than Memphis, and 3 fewer than Milwaukee with just 6 games to go. The odds of them switching spots with either team was and is pretty minimal.

Frankly, I just think that Rivers is just not a good coach. He has had precisely one season - his rookie year as a coach - where his team performed better than expected, and a few where his team has performed worse. I know Doc has a lot of respect around the ATL from his days as a Hawk, but his record as a coach is mediocre at best (better than Woodson, but still…).

I think at this point, he might just have wanted to see how his benchwarmers can do so he can tell the GM who to keep and who to cut after the season - kinda like Woody is doing now for Atlanta (we’re pretty clearly going to finish as 4th worst at this point).

The upshot of all this is that I think the Hawks should look somewhere besides Boston once the time comes to replace Woodson.

By Matt

April 11, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

I think Shelden is a solid player capable of having a solid career. Frankly, you can’t ask for much more considering the crappiness of last year’s draft. There’s not enough minutes to go around at the 2 and 3 spots for us already, and a Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay, or Randy Foye would not have done much here - and those are the only rookies drafted within 5-6 spots of Shelden that are making any real impact. And none of those 3 are on their way to being superstars - even Roy would be the 3rd or 4th option on most teams.

The Shelden pick wasn’t bad or good. There just wasn’t anyone who would have made much more sense at that point.

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Matt To quate cool hand Luke what we have is a failure to communicate.As my mom would say no ifs, ands, or buts…do it!!!!!I don’t think I can make my point better,so once again the coach is the coach till the time he’s not the coach anymore.

By JLOOFATL

April 11, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

I think it was right of the suspension of Jsmooth. You dont have conduct like that on or off the court with your Coach or your teammates. If it was any of us doing that to our boss we would be fired. We have to train our youth that you cannot disrepect adult of authority in this way. I do feel that there is a lack of leadership on this team. I thought the hiring of these veteran was thier answer but that is not the case. I would like to see their veteran teammates take control of the conduct on the playing field.

Jsmooth is young and in the learning process and will get better with maturity. I hope him the best.

I do hope this team will get leadership in all area of the organization that will hold higher standards to these players.

By Neil

April 12, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Well it doesn’t look like we will get a top three pick, but how about that Indiana pick. From the mock draft boards up it looks like the two top point guards will be left on the board so maybe all is not lost. I think we should get Acie Law or maybe a big like Hibbert if he is still available. As long as Indiana wins another game and the Knicks keep losing it should be a pretty sure thing that they won’t get a top ten pick.

By Mark

April 12, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

And who will be the first team to offer Smith 60 mill this summer???

By Me

April 12, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

DON IMUS FOR PRESIDENT!!!

By SIXERS FAN

April 12, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

hey hawks fans how bout me being a 6ers fan? at least u guys have a foreseeable future…we got a PG who cant shoot and andre iguodala…and 77 yr old joe smith who just qualified for AARP. We have ZERO future…at least u guys have talent on the squad

By Micaroni

April 12, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Don Imus should not have been fired. Also Pete Vecsey is usually very credible. It is possible he got this one wrong. Also Josh Smith is a knucklehead. The NBA needs to fold six franchises to get down to 24. Also get rid of guaranteed contracts. Next change the age limit to 20 or two years out of high school. The Hawks as a franchise stink. ATL you need to be ashamed of this team.

By Gee

April 13, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Please, all of you non athletic, fat, lazy, wanna-be reporters need to get a life and some hobbies. Josh has a right to vent. Woodson is garbage as a coach, the atlanta spirit are garbage owners and even Billy Knight should be fired..pronto! It’s nice to see that SOMEONE cares about winning and is showing some sort of spark. As it stands, Cleveland, Toronto, Memphis and even lowly Orlando have made better draft choices and homework as far as putting a quality team together. I still can’t get over these last 2 draft blunders! Anyone seen Shelden Williams? The can’t miss undersized PF? Hmmnn…Chris Paul, Derron Williams, Randy Foye? Were all passed over for the team full of forwards we have now. Someone needs to come in and blow this mess up and start over. I used to love the Hawks with nique, tree and doc. Sadly those memories are all I have now.

By T.O

April 13, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

For anyone who knows Josh Smith’s past, you know that he’s nothing but a crybaby punk. You would think that his maturity level would have risen after being in the league for a few years but since his play has improved, he wants to act like sissy. There’s no doubt that he’s one of the Hawks best players but his run in with Coach W. is not going to be the 1st. He’s got the potential to turn into a Rasheed/J.R Rider type of player. I say get rid of him.

By Steve

April 13, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Hoo-ray for Josh Smith.

As others here have mentioned, it’s about time someone on the Hawks showed a pulse. Smith seems to be the only one p** off about the Hawks losing ways. You can certainly make a case that no one else on the Hawks seems to care.

As for the ridiculous comparison to Terrell Owens, well Sekou, you are showing an entire lack of ability to look at issues on a case by case basis. Owens gets in his coach and fellow players faces for one reason … HIMSELF. He doesn’t care as much about winning as he does his own personal ego. Josh Smith may have some ego, but the reason for his outburst was because the Hawks were losing .. AGAIN.

Quite frankly, I would rather have Josh Smith around here than anyone else on the Hawks until the rest of them can show some sort of desire to actually win. I could bet that 10 minutes after a game you couldn’t tell the Hawks had lost because it doesn’t seem to bother any of these players.

It’s time to get rid of Woodson. The Hawks had more talent this year than a handful of teams that finished above us. If coaches like Byron Scott can do what he did with all the injuries and lack of talent he has, then it’s obvious someone could get the Hawks to play with a pulse. Woodson certainly can’t. It’s too bad the only one in the Hawks organization that can see this is Josh Smith.

By samiam

April 13, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how I keep hearing people say that black people haven’t said anything about the lyrics in rap music. Like myself, we have been complaining about it for the last six or seven years.

Please loose the seliective memory. Like it was said before, you don’t EVER talk about a black womans hair.

People look at it this way, if you call a woman of non-color the “C” word, that’s what it’s like. Please understand.

By VB

April 13, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Interesting two-track debate today… Whatever happened to basic human decency? All of the folks who are justifying Josh’s outburst based on frustration or applauding the fact that he “has a pulse” are missing out on one essential truth - for people with manners and a little bit of self-respect, it is NEVER OK to go off on ANYBODY in a profane and disrespectful way, especially someone who is your boss (however warped that concept is in the NBA). It is troubling that so many people on this blog see tantrums and tirades from athletes and celebrities as acceptable - it says a lot about the toilet our society is in right now. Josh has every right to be frustrated and he has every right to go to his coach or anybody else involved and speak his mind, but there is a proper place, time and method for everything. We cannot justify his lack of self-control because of the circumstances or his perception of Woodson’s coaching - we all have situations where we want to slap our bosses but we (usually) restrain ourselves. To say that this outburst is no big deal and try to justify it away is equivalent to saying it’s OK to cuss out your mama, give your daddy the finger, call the Principal a b_ or tell your Pastor to go (bleep) off. Josh may have been right, but his behavior was all wrong. Shame on us - many of whom I’m sure are parents trying to teach our kids the right way - for trying to convince ourselves otherwise…

By Steve Skelton

April 13, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

No doubt, there is no excuse for what Josh Smith did the other day, and I hope he knows how many kids look up to him around here (since he grew up here, won the dunk contest, etc…). I do admit that it has to be frustrating to play for such a bad team with a coach that apparently needs a new career, but cursing the man out in front of an arena crowd and TV cameras is about the dumbest thing you can do….well maybe except for giving the folks in Charlotte the two bird salute. Hope the kid grows up soon and also that the Hawks organization will rise from the gutter one of these days. They’re pretty pitiful at this point.