Hawks

By Yawning

April 12, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Boring….as usual. It is funny how you had to throw that last paragraph in there to get ANYBODY to comment on this post. The fact that there is an uproar is utterly ridiculous. Oh well, you never have anything interesting to say…and once again, you did not disappoint.

By sammy miller

April 12, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Who’s worse you or terence!

By dale

April 12, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I don’t agree with your point on Imus. I’m a black man who could care less what Imus says. We live in a nation were people have the right to say something stupid, and thats what he said! What is the uproar about? If you don’t like what he says, don’t listen to him, what’s so hard about that?

By D-Bo

April 12, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Sammy, what’s wrong with Terrence and Sekou?

By newkid

April 12, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Sekou, did you perhaps neglect - quite by oversight I’m sure - to mention the most glaring of the ‘structural problems’ in need of attention; one that can’t be addressed through the draft, free agency, or trades? That would be the glaring need at the head coaching position.

By D-Bo

April 12, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Dale, shut up! You nappy headed h@!

By RA

April 12, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Now, first of all, SS has to cover the Atlanta Hawks, chore for which he has my undying gratitude. Secondly, thirdly, and fourthly,he has always given in my opinion, a very balanced appraisal of this team when every other columnist writing for this newspaper wanted to hang them all from the highest tree. Say what you want, as far as I’m concerned Sekou Smith’s name shouldn’t even be put in the same category with Terence Moore’s.

By dale

April 12, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

D-Bo, I don’t have naps anymore, I’m bald. Also, I’m not a ho, I’m a dogg.

By Anakin Joe

April 12, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

I completely understand how the Imus story segued into lyrics in the hip-hop community. If Generic Rapper-Z can get away with lyrics and videos that disrespect African American women with little uproar from influencers like Sharpton and Jesse, then doesn’t that make it okay? Some parents may assert “do as I say, not as I do” but is that right? Is it more hurtful for my sister to hear a 67 year-old DJ with a Montana ranch insult her or a contemporary from her own community? If African Americans sometimes appreciate being honored “from their own” during award ceremonies like NAACP and Essence, then why don’t they feel more hurt when one of their own offers up a poor characterization of them? When a blogger says your blogs suck, does it feel the same way as if it came from a fellow journalist?

I doubt there are too many brothers who would allow any other brother to call their wife, mother or sister a ho, yet we allow that language (and worse, image in music videos) to be portrayed very, very often in one of preeminent forms of music in our community. I completely get how the bartender gets some of the responsibility when the customer gets blitzed and wrecks his car. Sure, the majority of the blame goes to the customer, but the bartender should not feel innocent in the matter. Likewise, I understand how a man like Imus, who very, very, very likely picked up on the phrase from somewhere in hip-hop, can be linked to the originator of the abusive comment.

If I had my way, the words that Imus used would go away. I’d spend much more time on the language than I would the user of the language. Want to stop corrupt politicians? Change the rules around donations and lobbyists. Want to stop offensive terminology? Remove the terminology from the modern day vernacular. Want to expose the hip-hop product to “non-licensed users” to make a few million dollars? Expect problems.

I now return you to hoops talk…

By Dan

April 12, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

I will give a free pass if Sekou’s post is not that interesting. How could it be? The Hawks are stuck playing out the string, yet again. Half the team has decided not to play. The team is just a nonstory right now.

Is anyone else depressed that the Thrashers have beaten the Hawks to the postseson since the opening of Philips Arena? They were an expansion team, for Christ’s sake! Just sad…..Go Thrashers!! I’m going to check out the game tonight.

Sekou

What do you care what Imus has to say? The only people who have a right to be outraged by his stupid comments play for the Rutgers women’s b-ball team. And, if I were them, I never would have held a presser responding to his remarks. I would have simply asked “Why do we care about a Howard Stern wannabe?”

Also, let me throw this out there, I am a white guy. I have heard black sports talk show hosts, comedians, friends say things about white people that are just as offensive. I, however, don’t get all up in arms.

I think a lot of this is people reacting to what the media has to say. I’m betting 80% of the people who are so worked up about Imus would never even have heard the comments had the media not told them to be upset about them. The media controls not what you think, but what you think about. Kind of scary…

By D-Bo

April 12, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Dale, you’re hilarious!

By henry

April 12, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Dale,

You said it right, who gives a rats a$$, got bigger fish to fry.

By D-Bo

April 12, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Dan, I bet 80% of the people who believe that rappers call women hos have never heard rap music, but believe it’s a defense for Imus because the media has told them so!

By Yawning

April 12, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Very well said AJ…so well that you obviously dont get paid to write for the AJC. I know for a fact there are a lot worse things said by all races every single day in the office, on the air, at home, etc.

RA, the difference between SS and TM is that one is a beat writer and the other is a columnist. One is paid to give the facts with little opinion and the other gives nothing but crazy opinions!

By T-Diddy

April 12, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Here you go Sekou, here’s an article for you to chew on. Like big sexy said, one of those chicks that got on to that podium and ripped Imus probably left that press conference, got into her car, and threw on some 50 Cent. Its just hipocrisy!!

http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/66339.html

By MsDee

April 12, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

hot off the press NCAA BB Ohio State C Greg Oden, G Mike Conley, and G/F Daequan Cook reportedly expected to enter NBA draft

By JMar

April 12, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Sekou, What’s your opinion on Randy Hill of foxsports.com’s article with the Protect That Draft Pick Award:

“In a close race, the Atlanta Hawks slip past the Milwaukee Bucks. With the Suns ready to pounce on the Hawks’ lightly protected choice if it lands outside the first three selections (Joe Johnson sign and trade), the Hawks have had great injury and insubordination timing.

Johnson and Josh Childress are physically done for the year, while Josh Smith recently earned a two-game suspension for giving coach Mike Woodson an earful.

Unfortunately, Smith will return in time for next week’s must-lose showdown with the Bucks, whose injury epidemic has enabled them to rank third in the ping-pong ball standings, just one spot ahead of Atlanta.”

Is it just me, or is he putting “broken foot” into the same category as various strains and such that the benched Celtics and Bucks starters are complaining of? And just after we beat the Bucks and Celtics, the two teams we were supposedly tanking to get past?

By Dan

April 12, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

D-Bo

Do you really think that many people have not heard rap music? And who is defending Imus?

Imus is an idiot. He tries to be funny, but isn’t. Most of the rappers that have those lyrics you mention are morons, too. But, whatever….this is a tired topic.

Let’s get back to all the exciting Hawk talk.

By dale

April 12, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

D-Bo, I understand the points you are trying to make, but you can’t buy that crap that our “so-called” black leaders are saying! Bottom line is there is a double standard, and it’s sad!
And please don’t try to justify rap music, I go way back. If Professor “Griff” of Public Enemy years ago was a white man talking about blacks, the media would have been all over him.

Freedom of speech is freedom of speech! I don’t like what Imus said, and if I was the father of one of those girls, I’d would have to pay Imus a visit. But then again, who the hell cares!

By Yawning

April 12, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Exactly my point D-Bo. Nobody was commenting on this blog until I brought up Sekou’pointless rant at the end. It is a tired subject, but he had to interject that as a way to get peoples attention….sad journalism if you ask me.

By ME,Myself and I

April 12, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Sekou, you can say what you want about the Imus situation agreee or disagree but your statement is incorrect. You might not hear the same phrase in rap artists songs but you will hear the same words. Another thing is why do we always hear about the outrage when a Don Imus says something stupid but there is nothing said when Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton, or Cynthia Mckinney do or say something stupid. Not trying to shift the blame from Imus because his words were thoughtless and hurtful to some young ladies who deserve credit for getting as far as they did in the tournament and in life. I think that he was trying to make a joke and didn’t think about the implications of his words nor the hurt that they would cause but then again neither do Jesse or Al or Cynthia think before they let out their hate towards anyone who disagrees with their point of view. Imus should be censored and punished (which he is from my understandning0 but the playing field of life is so imbalanced when it comes to public outcries. I think that people need to step back and take a look at themselves before bashing Imus or anyone else when it comes to race relations. Public perception is one thing but how do people act when not in the limelight are the true telling signs of who they are, I believe that Mr. Jackson has paid numerous dollars to a woman to keep a child out of wedlock a secret, Mr Sharpton had the Twanna Brawley incident and Mrs. McKinney has had too numerous to mention things happen but we still accept them as something other than just ordinary people so why is Don Imus being persecuted so for some stupid words that he said on a radio show? Answer me that Sekou.

By mavid

April 12, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

wow sekou the sports guy bill simmons really digs ya:

Check out Sekou getting more props (his name was spelt wrong, but still):

“Multiple people sent this along: One of the best NBA reporter/bloggers out there (Seiko Smith) had a funny take on the latest incident that got Josh Smith suspended and directly defies Peter Vecsey’s NY Post story about an “incident” between Smith and Zaza Pachulia. Thought this was really good.

By the way, I’d pay at least $500 to have someone who gives a crap like Seiko Smith covering the Boston Celtics. I’m not kidding. Something tells me he wouldn’t be regurgitating the “young players have really improved under Doc!” (a boldfaced lie, by the way — the only one who’s gotten better is Al Jefferson) and “you never want to enter a season with a lame duck coach” BS (really, the players give a crap if their coach is in the final year of his contract?) and hoping Doc Rivers comes back just because another year of Doc makes their job easier. The way the Celtics have been covered over the last few years makes me want to throw up. Shame on everyone. This team has changed its long-term plan four times in four years, they don’t play defense, they have one guy who’s gotten better in three years, they’re the second-worst team in the NBA … and every Boston media member is fine with the coach and GM coming back? Nobody’s even questioning it?”

Looks like other people appreciate Sekou as well. nicely done

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 12, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

The key difference between rappers using words like “b***” and “ho” in their songs and Imus saying “nappy-headed ho” on a radio show is that by qualifying the word “ho” with “nappy-headed”, Imus made it clear that he was referring specifically to the black players on the team, making it a racist remark. When rappers use “b***” and “ho”, rarely if ever do they make it clear that they are referring to a specific race. Urban black people grow up using words like “nigga” and “ho” to describe males and females respectively, without the derogatory connotation that goes along with those words in mainstream society. When you take rapper language and Imus’ language in context, there is a clear difference. I’m not saying it’s right for rappers to use those words, but there is a key difference between rappers and Imus.

One more thing: correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t the Hawks better off if the Pacers don’t make the playoffs and end up with a pick between 11 and 14? Because as I understand it, the pick is top-10 protected, not lottery protected. If the Pacers barely miss the playoffs, the chances of them getting a top-10 pick and keeping it is slim to none.

By tb

April 12, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Seems like the issues surrounding the ownership/coaching fiascos could use some addressing.

I want to discuss when Woody is leaving and who is best suited to replace him.

The Hawks are ready to make a move

By Lacsho

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

It’s so sad that we live in a time where a person like Imus can make racist and sexist remarks, and people think it’s no big deal. This guy has a nationally syndicated show that has a fan base of 5 million people. This is not the first time Imus has made these kinds of remarks.

Source: Wikipedia.com African Americans • “Nappy-headed hos” April 4, 2007 (about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team, which had recently played in the national championship finals; the team has eight African-Americans and two whites) • “Chest-thumping pimps.” (Description of the New York Knicks.) • “William Cohen, the Mandingo deal.” (Former Defense Secretary Cohen’s wife is African-American.) • “Wasn’t in a woodpile, was he?” (Responding to news that former black militant H. Rap Brown, later known as Abdullah Al-Amin, was found hiding in a shed after exchanging gunfire with police. Imus is alluding to the expression “n**** in the woodpile.”) • “A cleaning lady.” (Reference to African American journalist Gwen Ifill. Imus has said he did not make that statement.) • “N**** jokes” (What Imus told a 60 Minutes employee that Imus’ program producer, Bernard McGuirk had been tapped to do on the radio show, as Imus later admitted saying when confronted by Mike Wallace in a 1997 interview) This guy is a very powerful figure In America. He generates million upon millions in revenues through sponsors. His show is governor by the FCC. Come on people wake up. Perhaps you should of herd several African American young girls crying on the radio because of his remarks, or maybe because I have an daughter that looks just like those beautiful young ladies and it really bothered me to say the least.

What’s the easiest way to spin a situation like this? Hmmmmm lets attack rap music, but before we attack rap music lets see who is actually in charge of putting some of that crap on the radio. Furthermore let’s find out whose responsible for releasing albums, but hold on how many African Americans own record companies? Who owns Mtv, Bet, and the majority of the radio stations? The answer is Viacom. So before you go after the obvious target, I implore you to dig a little deeper, and get to the root of the problem. Rev Sharpton and Rev Jackson vehemently denounce rap lyrics degrading their own people and women of all races. They have led several rallies and protest against this type of Hip Hop.

Lastly I would feel the same way if an African American would have made those comments, and honestly I would have been more outraged. It’s important that situations like these are used to build dialogue, so we can get a better understanding of one another, and hopefully we will become more sensitive when making comments about someone’s race, religion, or gender.

I guess this is where I’m suppose to say lets go Hawks!!!

By Clyde

April 12, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Here is the difference between Jay Z or 50 Cent vs. Imus. Imus singled out a certain group of females and called them hoes without even knowing them. Rappers don’t call hard working black women hoes if they are not one. Everyone knows Jay Z would not have Beyonce on his arm if he called her a hoe. But if they know a woman is sleeping with everybody and they daddy then she gonna get called out.

Everyone knows hoes do exist but calling women hoes based on their “nappy” hair ain’t fair.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By gatorhater

April 12, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Someone brought up a good point earlier, why doesn’t some of these entertainment stars or comedians get their balls cut off publicly for their remarks towards blacks. Is it because they are black? The uproar is about the subject of the comments, correct? I hear from rap stars on CD’s, comedians on HBO daily. They are not called to explain themselves or apologize. Seems like a double standard to me.

By JD

April 12, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Anyone ever heard Martin Lawrence’s show at the MGM Grand? He rips into whites, blacks, it doesn’t matter. Clyde, comedians constantly “call out” people without knowing them. You don’t see them all over the media for making racist comments. It seems if a Black person makes comments about a black person… it is OK. But, when a white person makes those same comments… well, he is a flat out racist and should be hung. Sorry, but I do not understand the difference.

By dale

April 12, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Lacsho, you are making Don Imus out to be something more than what he actually is. Imus is a tired old shock-jock, what he says means nothing!!! It’s not like he is a senator I.E. Robert Byrd! I mean give me a break, if Imus called me a nappy headed ho, is that supposed to make me cry or something?
Don Imus has no influence on me, my thoughts, my approach to life, or anythingelse.
Stop being so darn sensitive!!
People say stupid things, believe me I’ve said much worse!

As a black man, I’m actually more offended when somebody calls me an African-American. I mean what hell is that? I’d rather be called an Negro! Just get over it!

By MannyT

April 12, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Speaking of basketball…

Sekou, what is the atmosphere like at Hawks practice these days? I recall awhile ago, there was some concern that folks were not earning their keep at practice to earn game minutes. Now that the squad is half hurt it must be tricky to run a good practice. At the same time, with even Slava getting out of witness protection lately, practice could be more energetic than expected given that we are playing out the string.

A basketball fan would like to know.

By Sekou K. Smith

April 12, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

I’ll go ahead and dive in here, knowing that my original point (in addition to the one’s that follow here, could very well be overlooked in favor of rants that were going to pop up here regardless).

• My point on the Imus thing is this, if the language in rap music didn’t outrage you before Imus made his comments, why start now? Again, this is about Imus (and dale, I care about what Imus said because he trashed those girls for no reason man, just to make fun of their appearance, heritage and culture because he could. That’s being a bully, even if it is from afar, and that’s not cool). Now, just like the rap music (and every other kind of music) that I don’t like, I simply don’t buy or listen to it. So dale is right. I should do the same with the Imus radio show (never have listened to it and dude made sure I never will). But to take what he said and turn it back on black people or the rap community is scapegoating at its finest.

• As for that draft pick from the Pacers. It is top 10 protected, meaning if it lands anywhere between 10 and lower, the Pacers keep it. If they make the playoffs, they won’t be in the lottery and the Hawks are guaranteed to get the pick. So no, if you’re the Hawks, you want the Pacers in the playoffs in a major way. To answer your question Najeh, I like guaranteed much better than slim to none.

• My feeling about the Hawks coaching situation is this, and I’ll say this one last time so no one is confused. I don’t care if Mr. Magoo was coaching them the past three years, if he had to work under the same circumstances, I’d have a hard time placing all the blame on him. I’m not saying Mike Woodson is blame free (he’s far from that), perfect (not even close) or free from any of the usual responsibilities any coach has (depending on his specific circumstances), but if you move him out and don’t change the organization’s operating culture, than what has really been accomplished?

By Lacsho

April 12, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Dale that’s the difference between you and me. It’s ok to disagree.

By Russ

April 12, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

The Imus stuff is ridiculous. Imus is a comedic entertainer. Black, Asian and Latino entertainers can say what ever they want b/c whites see it as entertainment and freedom of speech. If a white mans opens his mouth in the same manner he is racist and should be fired. Just a another double standard imbedded in society. When you listen to Imus and his remarks it is evident he is joking and not trying to round up a fight. Certain segments of society have to get over themselves.

Further more, hip hop artist continuely use much worse degrading racial language and the urban public buys it up. Some no body, (Imus) makes a comment in fun and he is a racist. You would think he is the grand wizard of the KKK with how certain parts of society take offense to this. It is simply some old man trying to be cool by repeating all the stuff he hears on TV without realizing how uncoll it makes him sound.

Personally, I think its funny to hear some old white guy try to use hip urban language. It simply entertainment not meant to offend people and be taken so seriosly. Many black entertainers do this with other races where their direct intent is to dawn grade a particular race. However, no other races are offended b/c they are mature enough to see its simply entertainment not a civil rights speech.

People just need to lighten up. There is much more REAL news in the world to invest your time in.

By newkid

April 12, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the response Sekou. Sounds like a plan. Let’s do change some of the tires on the car and get another spare, maybe insert a new set of plugs, and we certainly could use a bit of body work and a paint over as well. But let’s also be absolutely sure to bring on a more appropriate driver to steer this thing we’ll invest to improve. For it is certain that this current driver has done a fairly good job of demonstrating that what he does best is more appropriately done in a’bumper car competition. He’ll flat rip the new and improved version to shreds for sure.

By snellville

April 12, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

I am sure no one is forgetting Howard Cosell. He was run out of town on a rail for the same type of comment.

It is a shame people speak before they think.

Hats off to the Rutgers Team, let them use this for next year and if the coach is smart it is already on the off season bulletin board. Rather than complian about him use it to your advantage. That is what a person with class would do.

Remember sticks and stones but words will not hurt me.

By doc

April 12, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

sekou thanks for your comments on the pacers and whether they get lottery protection in the playoffs. please clarify how long they get to stay in the lottery if they dont make the playoffs? some suggest if they dont get a top three then they fall out of the lottery and go back int he pack. please clarify as it sounds like some of the tie breakers for nfl playoffs.

see you brought your can opener to work today. guess there wasnt a better b’ball story.

By newkid

April 12, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

This Imus thing certainly is commanding huge attention here, and quite a bit in the way of comparisons to the language of some hip hop music artists. Gotta admit that I don’t know much about the language of hip hop artists (who am I kidding, I don’t know ANYTHING about it other than I’ve not been able to decipher what’s being said in the little that I’ve been able to hold still for), but do these cats also have syndicated radio and tv programs that have huge audiences and are sponsored by big advertisers, etc? And do they indiscriminately spew the same sort of in sensitive venom - as Mr. Imus - on their broadcasts? If so, wouldn’t it make sense to ‘encourage’ the advertisers and networks to take the same sort of actions most of us would like to see taken with regard to Mr. Imus? What am I missing?

By Tyger

April 12, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

A. Pacers realize they are better off in the playoffs, than in the lottery. Duh!!!! They stink too, but are still in the hunt and anything can happen.

We get their 14-17 pick and preserve face, in case we lose our top pick. Unfortunately, the latter part of the 1st round is littered with Wings. Roy Hibbert hasnt declared and AC Law is gone by then, now what? Steve Hawes??

Sadly, Hawks repeatedly stating they dont know what they have after three years??? Why???

Well, what they have is perhaps the best young core in the NBA: JJ, Chill, Smoove, Marvin, Salim, Solomon, ZaZa and Shelden.

But also too many 3rd tier, injury prone, aged, overpaid, small point guards: Lue, Speedy and AJ.

Incomplete, soft BIGs: ZAZA, LoWright arent the answer. Solomon and Shelden are promising but undersized. A GOON is still our biggest off-season need.

The riddle is acquiring him w/o making the collossal mistake that is Speedy Claxton.

By doc

April 12, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

i just want to be called a loving human being and a part of this wonderful race called human.

imus is a cheap blow hard just like so many entertainers, he got his due reward after he made his gazillions. i just wish the rev had gotten his for as much hate as he has stirred up in his ever loving christian life, people have died as a result of his rhetoric, literally. he is a pacman jones in pastoral clothing ultimately, his karma will catch up with him, i guess. talk about the kettle calling the frying pan …. white. new color scheme in my home. i guess you thought i was going to say african american color or something along those lines. lighten up, grace (forgiveness) is somewhere in our beings as well.

By The Truth

April 12, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Sekou:

This whole thing wouldn’t be an issue if the media didn’t make it an issue…congratualations on doing your part. And don’t you even begin talking about scapegoating…Imus himself is a scapegoat! If these girls and these people appearing on talk shows complaing about how they are scarred and are so utterly offended, they may be in for a tough life. Not saying his comments are right…but come on…there are bigger fish to fry. Stick to the Hawks coverage if you can stomach writing anymore about them.

By Macadoo

April 12, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

To the wonderful Reverend Jackson:

Dear Rev. Jackson :

I read with interest your Sept. 12, 2006, article “Goodwill, unity, money have been squandered since Sept. 11,” which appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times. I do not object, as such, to your poisonous screed (informal writing) directed at President Bush. I object to the substance that so freely flows from your mouth and that can best be likened unto that which is consistent with encopresis (incontinence) albeit in your case, the malady can hardly be defined as involuntary.

You purport yourself to be a minister, a reverend, a so-called man of God but a minister is a servant and a reverend is a member of the clergy, which means said individual is to be obedient unto the God he serves. If one serves the “god” of chaos, deceit, lies, w*******-mongering, dysfunction, greed and resentment then perhaps within ecclesiastical environs it can be said you serve well. Apart from same being the case, you are antithetical of everything that can remotely be identified as a biblical servant of the true “Living God.” But I get ahead of myself.

In the piece you wrote, our military is “stranded … [in Iraq ] with inadequate training and inadequate direction.” On what did you base that premise? On what basis do you brand the finest all-volunteer military in the history of civilization as poorly trained and inept? Or was your statement an effluence (a flowing out) based on an apriori (without examination) moment designed to gain political points for the upcoming election?

You spoke of “catastrophic climate change, global pandemics and unsustainable trade deficits” but you never make mention of the catastrophic zeitgeist (general moral state of an era) that has wreaked havoc and “more economic damage” upon the community you self-servingly claim to represent. You are never heard making reference to the “pandemic” level of black on black crime, black abortion rates, black single-parent homes (albeit you contributed to those numbers) and black criminal behavior, all of which threatens the future of blacks as a whole.

You wrote that the president, “instead of asking Americans to sacrifice to meet the challenge [of 9/11] … called on them, literally, to go shopping.” You condescendingly wrote, “He allowed business as usual to go on in Washington .” I ask you how much more could Americans have sacrificed than watching their innocent family members and co-citizens perish? How much more sacrifice could the president have called upon the people to make? Or by sacrifice were you saying that the president could have called upon Americans to give more pints of blood or more supplies to charity groups that were immediately besieged with donations? Perhaps you reasoned that ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of volunteerism and acts of mercy were not sacrifice enough. Or were you suggesting that President Bush should have ordered everyone to hide under their kitchen tables and quake in fear?

What part of the American spirit do you perceive wasn’t grieving after those attacks? What do you believe the people of Washington and its metropolitan area experienced daily as they commuted past the final resting place of those aboard United Flight 77? What would you have done differently? How would you have displayed leadership?

In the article, you spoke of the 9/11 commission being “nonpartisan”: Does that include Richard Ben-Veniste and Jamie Gorelick? You derided the very intelligence tools that have prevented terrorist attacks on our soil since 9/11. You intentionally and erroneously labeled domestic eavesdropping “warrantless wiretapping,” never mentioning that it prevented Lyman Farris from blowing up the Brooklyn Bridge , was instrumental in protecting the Sears Towers and was key in uncovering the UK suicide bombers’ plan to blow up 10 international passenger planes just one month ago.

You blame the president for bringing “discredit to the nation across the world.” My question to you is, who brought discredit on the nation in 1979 when we had a president who betrayed a trusted ally and was unable to free Americans held hostage. Who brought “discredit” on America in the years preceding 9/11, as the mongrel followers of a pedophile and false god bombed American interests around the world? Is President Bush to blame for the 1993 World Trade Tower bombings?

You referred to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as “ugly and dishonest.” I ask you, is that not a more appropriate self-description? You are the man who rubbed the blood of a fallen hero on your clothing and then lied, saying he died in your arms. Shall we outline your financial dealings?

You claim the president’s credibility is gone, when in truth it is you who has no credibility. President Bush is fulfilling the role of his office. But as a minister, can the same be said of you? Are you fulfilling God’s prescripts for the priestly office you claim to hold? How many people have you personally led to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? How many people have you preached the salvation message to?

What have you done to bring glory and honor to the name of Christ? Is that what you were doing as you paraded your pregnant mistress around the White House while supposedly ministering to a president taken with sexual sin of his own?

“Goodwill, unity, money” have indeed been squandered, but not since 9/11. They have been squandered on you and your morally depraved kind. You claim a title that should offer “hope,” but instead you offer fool’s parsley.

My prayer for you would be, and is, that you would confess the error of your ways while there is yet time, because the “Living God” takes a dim view of those who intentionally lead his children astray

By hawks are cursed for trading Nique.

April 12, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Sekou, NOW u talk about how deep this years draft is and that oden and durant are once in a decade type players. Funny how u werent saying this back in october when u and everyone else was wanting the hawks to meaninglessly get to the playoffs back in october. But owell thats the past and it seems u see the light now. And why do u want the pacers to make the playoffs? wouldnt that make the hawks have more like the 16th or 17th pick than the 11th or 12th?? And that Imus guy is a idiot, but hes probably right about black culture and rap. As someone thats worked apts in south atlanta since 98….when i see little kids playing outside there not exactly singing jesus loves me. Face it man…theres cool black pple out there…then theres dumb niggs. (just like theres white trash) Like the niggs that jumped u and took your kids skates right? Catch up with the times man and realize u live in one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the US….stay strapped homie….and dont feel bad about pulling that trigger if u have 2…they dont care who they take advantage of or run over to get what they want….why would u care if u killed one dumb nigg to show the rest the error of there ways??

By mavid

April 12, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

^^^ ban this guy

By Lacsho

April 12, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

hawks are cursed for trading Nique

That has to be one of the most ignorant statements ever on this blog. It is ok to go to the library and open up a book, or better yet read a Thesaurus.

By nomo woody

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

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE

FIRE WOODY!

FIRE WOODY!

and billy, too.

By H2

April 12, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

First, thanks for your comments, Sekou. I really want the Hawks to have a successful draft/season…anything positive.

Look, as an African-American, and male, I am infuriated about the comments made by Mr. Don Imus. It shows that he is an insensitive, abhorred spectacle of a man (to say the least). Imus, albeit unsuccessful, tried to steal the joy from a group of young women who are young, intelligent and positive contributors to society. They, conceivably are making an impact for women of all races and religions around the world. Shame on you Imus…you, apparently, do NOT have daughters, sons, or a wife! Of course, you do have the latter (which makes me question your treatment of her as well). From this moment on, the name Imus will no longer part my lips - for he no longer exist in my world.

Now, I’d also like to focus on the African-American community, my community as well. We African-Americans have been silent and derelict over the last couple of decades, and we continue to be passe’ about the use of such language, i.e. the “N” word; the terms “b*** and ho’s (not even the formally spelled: “w*******”). We have allowed OUR own people to “dehumanize” our young women (and men in some cases) by using unflattering and highly inappropriate language towards one another - whether on the streets of America, or in the lyrics of our music (rap, etc.) that we see as ok. Now, that the person on MSNBC (remember, I’m not spouting his name again) has said something, we are just beside ourselves! I one time remember watching an episode of Oprah (at 3 a.m. in the morning), and she had some high profiled Black actors on as guest. A couple of the actors said they regularly used the “N” word as a term of endearment. As a Black man (I’m beyond African-American now), and having grown up in the 1960s south, the last thing I wanted someone to call me (black or White) was the “N” word. As today’s kids would say: it was a “beat down” word; a word used to terrorize and rob you of the GOD given dignity that a real person was due. What that tells me, even today, is that its still ok with some of us to degrade ourselves…but let someone outside the family say the same things…then, well, it’s on!

Forget about that guy and lets police our own for a change.

By Clyde Jr.

April 12, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Yea stay strapped just like my daddy.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By imus

April 12, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Jesse Jackson snorts cocaine and screws nappy headed ho’s! Reverend my A*!

By Volman

April 12, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

Dan, I agree with you 100%.

Here are some of my thoughts:

I think that Imus’ remarks were stupid to say about anyone in general, not just “African Americans”. He should not have said it, and should definitely get punished for it..not fired though.

This press conference crap where you have the girls standing in the background not saying a word as the coach talks about how sad everyone is, is very sad itself. You don’t need to go to every major television station to set up an interview. I turned it on ABC, saw Oprah, and then the Rutgers team…sigh..I’ve seen press conferences on CNN, ESPN, ABC… It’s getting out of hand.

I think racism is terrible, but as a white male, how many times has it been reversed on me? In sports, it’s pretty ridiculous if you ask me. I won’t get into it too far.

I’m not trying to stir anything here, and trust me, I hate racism. Period. BUT, how can this guy say something like this yet there be an uproar over what Imus said?

http://www.break.com/index/double_standard.html

Go Hawks.

By DNice

April 12, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

First thigs first. Don Imuys deserved what he got. Like the preacher said on TV the other day. Would Imus not been fired on the spot if he called the President of CBS’s wife a nappy headed ho? There is also a difference in Rap music and comedy shows. You pay to hear whatever the comedian, rapper, rocker, or whomever else is singing a song. On National TV, and radio you are not afforded those same liberties. The ones coming to Imus defense are the same one’s who blasted Janet for showing a tiddy on TV. Personally I thought the tiddy was cute (LOL), but nothing was cute about his comments. Saying that Lil Johnny did it 1st does not give you the right to say the things that he did which also included the comment about Serena and Venus going on National Geographic.

His jokes were not funny and he got what he deserved. While I will not call him a racist because that is an overused term. I will say that he was jsut plain dumb, sort of like Jim Mora and his interview.

Do the crime pay the time. If I hear a black man on TV saying the same thing we all know he would be fired also so dont act like it wouldn’t. Look how quickly Harold Reynolds got the ax from ESPN. I also wish people would stop callings Blacks African Americans. Last I checked I am an American who happens to be black. If white americans are not called Anglo-Saxon, or Indo-European Americans, then why do we have to be called something else. For that matter look at the Bible. We all originated from Africa and the only people on the North American Continent were the “Indians”, which they are not really “Indians since Dumbo Columbus was looking for India and thought he found it so he called the Natives “Indians”.

Now that I have that off of my mind I want to say that the Nappy Headed GM and Coach need to be fired that reside in Philips. Get a competent GM and you will see how a franchise should be ran. Like another poster said it is sad that an Expansion team made it in before an established team.

By An Inquiring Mind

April 12, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Well, Sekou, now that you’ve helped to claim the scalp of Imus, can we assume you will turn your righteous fury toward other people who have made racist comments?

You could start with Charles Barkley and Bonzi Wells. (More than likely, many of the folks who post here are unaware that, several years ago, Wells called some of his white opponents “crackers”. He also spit on them. Just do a Google search.)

I also look forward to Sekou’s denunctiation of the Duke hooker … oops, I meant to say, “exotic dancer”.

Speaking of denunctiations: how about calling Jesse Jack$on and Al Charlatan on the carpet for their anti-Semitic remarks, Sekou?

So, what’s it gonna be, Sekou? Are you angered by all racist comments, or just some of them?

Your answer — and your subsequent actions (or inaction, as the case may be) — will determine whether or not you’re a man, or a just another Scoop-Lite, race-baiting punk.

By mavid

April 12, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

sekou please do not introduce race issues here again. As a regular contributor, I can say that it always ends up bad (as Im sure you have now noticed)

By Samuel

April 12, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

WOW,

I’ve been thinking about this Imus thing and I’m really not sure what to think.

On the one hand, I wish black people would stop always playing that victum role. The man said what he thinks about Black Women and Black People in general. When will that stop being a surprise to black people. He just let it slip. Yall know that.

Is there a double standard? Sure there is. Whites will always be held to that double standard as well they should. They earned it.

Didn’t Michael Ray Richardson just get banned from the NBA for saying a lot less about certain Jewish people. Double standard.

I never heard his show, but I can guess that most of his audience was attracted to him because they could identify with him. He was their voice.

Bottom line, when the money(sponsorship) was cut off. He had to go. Money rules.

Clyde, you made a very true statement. As dispicable as some of these gangsta rappers and young cats are. Rarely, if ever, do I see or hear them disrespect Black women who respect themselves and who have struggled to take care of their as_. I’m around this segment all day long and It’s really very interesting how they still have that self accusing spirit in them. But they are losing it day by day and that’s scary.

Sekou’s Bloggers Fantasy League Finals Update

Tupelo Hustle 5 Rainman 5

Three days left. Who will take home the hardware?

By Sekou K. Smith

April 12, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

I’ll continue to raise issues (basketball and non-basketball related) that I think are important to discuss. And for the record, a good healthy dialogue is never a bad thing. We don’t have to agree folks. If we could just respect each enough to agree to disagree, that works fine for me.

By Tyger

April 12, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Didnt Tim Hardaway get banned from the All-star game and all NBA events for saying he hated GAYS?

And like i wrote earlier, dare anyone say anything negative about JEWS or the Holocaust and see what happens.

see Michael Ray Richardson reference above.

Didnt Jesse Jackson get roasted for calling NYC, “hymie-town”?

So, when has free speech been free?

By Dudley Dude Right

April 12, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

To the poser posting as Imus.You should pray to whatever sheet-headed god you worship that Darwin was wrong because if he wasn’t I’m guessing in a generation or two your line will be selected into history.I’m not talking about the real Imus,that,s a tough call,he has done alot of good things and who knows what’s in his heart but you’re an easy call.

By Mike

April 12, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Sekou

I’m going to have to disagree with on Woody. When everybody came back from injury this season the flaws in Woodson coaching was exposed. He was diametrically opposed to using Salim, Solomon, Estaban, and Slava at all had it not been for the injuries to Speedy, TLue, JJ and JChill. We all know BK created this situation but there are coaches in the league that have had to deal with the same thing. You can be nice all you want to Woodson, but he is not the right coach for this team. It’s no way you can tell me that had Woody been willing to be a little flexible and allowed the aforementioned guys some PT time to earn his confidence they couldn’t have help this team in a major way. For the longest he would use a trio of LWright, Zaza, and Sheldon at the 5 spot. That made the whole team defense virtually none existent. Then he simple rode JJ in the ground. The same JSmoove, JChill, and Marvin.

All the time all this was happening those guys I mention was getting DNP’s. You can’t blame that on the organization. I want even get into his offensive sets. Now lightning could strike and Hawks could some how land Oden or Hiebert in the draft, or He decides to change of his coaching philosophy, or other than that he will eventually get fired. The system he employs want work with this team. The Hawks got old PG’s that are easy to breakdown, and no shot blocker to seal of the middle. Yet you run the same plays night end and night out with the same people. I could keep going on and on, but I want. For one reason I like Woodson. I think he is a good coach, but he is not the right coach for this team. Give’em and older veteran team to coach and he would fair better. Enough Talk.

I enjoyed your blogs, You’re my number one SJ at the AJC. I’ll Halla @ Ya next season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By mavid

April 12, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

yeah, but people just get down-right racist. These blogs about race never seem to lead to good, “healthy” dialogue. Just my opinion.

By Volman

April 12, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Yeah, this talk isn’t healthy… but the thing is that it’s making money for television… this means money.

It HAS to be talked about..but it’s sad.

Can’t we all just get along? Enough of this talk.. let’s get back to being upset because the Hawks won’t get a top-3 pick.

By mavid

April 12, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

we still got a 38% chance man. makes it interesting.

By doc

April 13, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

nets may help the hawks cause going down the stretch. has a game heads up with the pacers, one with bulls and two with the knicks. they might be able to back up far enough especially if the pacers take them and fall out of the playoffs. they are only two games ahead of the pacers with four to go. gee, i’m getting optimistic again about the hawks, go pacers.

By doc

April 13, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

nets may help the hawks cause going down the stretch. has a game heads up with the pacers, one with bulls and two with the knicks. they might be able to back up far enough especially if the pacers take them and fall out of the playoffs. they are only two games ahead of the pacers with four to go. gee, i’m getting optimistic again about the hawks, go pacers.

By tb

April 13, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this

Sekou, you seem to be missing the point. This is an Atlanta Hawks Basketball blog sponsored by the only ATL newspaper. People come here to talk about the Hawks. When you as the paid moderator/theme setter start to bring in other totally unrelated subjects that are socially sesitive, you are hi-jacking the forum.

You also have the right to voice your free speach, but when you impose your opinions and views on us through this Basketball blog, you are over-stepping.

By Matt

April 13, 2007 2:37 AM | Link to this

I do think it was off-topic, and I wouldn’t have posted it. But this is Sekou’s blog space until the AJC says otherwise. If you don’t like it, you can head somewhere else.

By mavid

April 13, 2007 3:58 AM | Link to this

wow, bill simmons link has made sekou’s past blog one of the most popular AJC stories over the last bit

By Georgiaboy

April 13, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this

The Hawks need to tank the rest of the games. They should have been tanking since March. Because if we bring back the same team we had this year, we will be in the same situation with the same record next season.

By cwm

April 13, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

sekou is our (hawks ) pick with phoenix protected pre lottery or post .. i thought it was pre…

By Caught in the middle

April 13, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Volman, that was an AMAZING video link! I am completely speechless. That’s scary for every human being alive!

By Caught in the middle

April 13, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Exterminate all white people!

By ray

April 13, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

If the range of opinions and emotions about race-related topics(of any type) on this blog alone are indicative of is thought across the nation (and it is indicative in some ways)….then the constant confusion, pain, and twisted ways of this nation (as far as race relation is concerned) should be of no surprise.

Josh Smith vs. Woody. It was what it was. Nothing new, nothing uncommon. Not giving Josh a pass on this, not focusing on Woody’s problems either, because the subject of the discussion was Josh Smith’s reaction. Story’s over, no matter who blames who for what.

Back to the race thing. Each race and nationality in this country has problems. Each has members who are guilty of using derogatory language towards themselves and there own while becoming angry with members of other races for doing the same thing. Funny how one person can interpret a comment like this: well, he meant it in a funny way, while another sees it as it was intentionally hateful and venomous. So where do you draw the line? Is there a line to BE drawn? Perhaps certain terminology should be avoided altogether to prevent offensive verbage situations. Which brings me to another point…

Where does this really begin? Well, to me it begins partially with the idea of freedom of speech. Constitutionalized though it may be, we are human beings, first of all. Which means we can and will frequently make mistakes both large and small. Notice there’s no phrase that says Responsibility of Speech. What freedom is there without responsibility? Well, that’s more or less a rhetorical question, so don’t flame me. Or do. I don’t care. At any rate, everyone wants to scream freedom of speech. Must mean that you can say whatever, whenever, for why-ever. No responsibility added. Unless of course, you say something about the President, like the Dixie Chicks, who saw their record sales go “ground ZERO”. Or if you say something worse, in which case they will keep track of your butt, everything you say, everything you do, everywhere you go, and hunt your a$$ down if the need is felt.

But other than that, you can say what you feel. Of course, somebody has to go and ruin that. The problem is, that somebody tends to be most or all of us, at one time or another. The only one who hasn’t “abused” freedom of speech is a hermit. And he/she is probably right now verbally “abusing” some plant or animal. Or at least somebody would like you to think so.

Freedom of speech is great. But where are the lines drawn? They seem real dang blurry to me. Who could make the rules for this? Better yet, who could follow them to the letter? We make the rules. We teach our children, right? And it stops right there everytime. Some people just don’t teach their children. So, society as a whole, whether in large groups or small, cannot get together on anything.

Look, I’m not saying freedom of speech is the problem. I’m saying the abuse is, and that responsibility of speech should be encouraged, promoted, and maintained.* Especially where race-relation is concerned.* It most definitely ain’t the perfect answer. But maybe it’s a place to start for at least some of us.

Now all I have to do is remember this before I go out and curse somebody out tomorrow…

By ray

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

OH, yeah. I hope the Pacers make the playoffs or do whatever is necessary to get us that pick we so desperately need. That would be one guaranteed pick. I don’t know about the other one. I have bad feelings about that one.

So, I wonder what the first ten picks will consist of for the most part? C-PF types, SF-SG types, or combo guards? Depends on who declares for one thing.

By infamouskrs

April 13, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

I’ve got a question…hopefully someone can answer…….

With all of the court proceedings and the ownership issues still in limbo…is the team hand-cuffed from making any GM or coaching changes? There has to be a reason for letting a professional franchise become a joke of the league.

I couldn’t agree more with the rest of you that NEVER understood why Salim or Solomon have rode the pine a MAJORITY of the year! It makes absolutely no sense to me. Why would Salim want to stay here after being treated like garbage by this coach (you know he’s got to be praying for a trade)?

just a guess…but i can already see Billy promising to take Corey Brewer with our Pacer pick! (just horrible)

By Anakin Joe

April 13, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

infamouskrs, as i understand it, any changes in the GM and/or Head Coach require consensus agreement from all of the owners of the team. So while it is technically possible that they could replace one of both, it is HIGHLY unlikely anything will happen during the divorce proceedings. They may all agree on the need to fire one or both of the leaders, but there is NO way they could mutually agree on a replacement.

By Tree Rollins Band

April 13, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

If Milwaukee’s tank job ends up working and they get the #1 pick after the lottery is done, how about the idea of doing a trade with them, straight-up, Marvin for Bogut?

The salaries match near enough to come within the CBA, and their stats are fairly comparable. I know the Bucks passed on Marvin to get Bogut in the first place, but if they draft Oden #1, their needs are different now. They’ll have their franchise center, and Bogut has shown that he isn’t happy playing PF or not getting his minutes. And why have two #1 picks playing the same position anyway? Also, I believe Marvin has more upside than Bogut, although of course Bogut plays a more valuable position.

As for the Hawks, it would help with their roster imbalance and give them a true starting center without increasing their payroll much. Also, if the Hawks get the #2 or #3 pick, it would enable them to take the best player available without having the problem of not enough forwards minutes. If # 2, Durant, and if #3, Wright or Horford. Then you’d have PG (hopefully addressed in FA or with the Pacers pick), JJ, J.Smith, PF (Durant, Wright, or Horford if we’re lucky; otherwise Shelden/Solo/Zaza), and Bogut. That’s a pretty good roster, if we fill the PG position.

By michael m.

April 13, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

like i said over a week ago, conley would most likely change his mind. we need to get this cat on our team. oden and conley together would make us eastern conference champs within 2 years. … after oden and durant, there is no one i would rather add to the squad than conley. he would have the biggest impact.

Trio To Leave Apr 12 - Sources say all three, Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook likely will make themselves eligible for the NBA draft. Albert Powell’s opinion is a “90 to 95 percent” chance the trio will ultimately decide to enter the draft.

Cook said that he is leaning toward staying in school, but he says he doesn’t have all the information he wants yet.

Powell was an assistant on that group’s AAU team (coached by Mike Conley Sr.), a member of Dunbar’s coaching staff and close friend to all three families.

“If it’s one,” Powell said. “It’s all of them.” — Dayton Daily News

Coach Thad Matta, to his credit, will offer advice if solicited, but he won’t make a sales pitch to his freshmen for their return.

“I told them, “I’m not going to tell you what to do,’” Matta said. “I’m looking at it as what is best, number one, for them. I know I’m crazy for saying this, but I’ve always wanted what’s best for the kid. What’s best for me and for the program is that they come back. But if guys go (pro), I’ll be happy for them.” — The Columbus Dispatch

Though no NBA decisions have been made at Ohio State, the future of freshman point guard Mike Conley Jr. is back up in the air after he said in the aftermath of Ohio State’s loss to Florida 10 days ago that he was 100 percent sure he’d be back for his sophomore season.

After a celebration of the Buckeyes’ basketball team in front of 4,000 fans at Value City Arena on Wednesday night, OSU coach Thad Matta said, “I don’t think Michael understood completely what was on the other side of the fence when he said that.” — Cleveland Plain Dealer

By infamouskrs

April 13, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

thanks for the “heads up”, Joe…still waiting for ASTRO to re-appear someday (lol)!

i’m still can’t believe the fact that this group (who i believed all and any potential owners had to be voted in) were approved by the NBA board!

By infamouskrs

April 13, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

we all have to remember this…..even if the hawks do draft 1 or 2 players with “tremendous up-side” or “unlimited potential”….Woody (if he’s still the coach next year) wouldn’t play them anyway!

coach tip: if you’re not going to play the rookies….SEND THEM TO THE D-LEAGUE to gain the needed PT!

By Anakin Joe

April 13, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

infamouskrs, as long as Woody is the coach, I will continue to be “Anakin”. Woody forces me to consider the “dark side”.

By Zoldars

April 13, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

I think Salim is one of the best players we have. Woodson is a dolt.

But we will get picks 4 and 9 and be totally screwed. While, at the same time we are getting worse, we help the good get better. This is the comedy tour of basketball franchises. We should advertise the franchise as “the hilarious hawks” or something. “the funniest guys on court!” Dont even think of promoting them as a sports team, as it is a waste.

And to bring up a tired old point yet again, I think it sucks that we cant say what we want in america. Freedom of speech is a limited act. Banning words such as “ho” or beotch or nappy- whatever- is just throwing away our rights and liberties as citizens, and further handicapping us for the future, and essentially enslaving the american dream. We should feel free to express ourselves without fear of persecution because someones feelings were hurt. A shock jock on the radio giving his (attempted)humorous approach (as a comedian, not a racist)with edgey humor, is exactly what they are supposed to do. Get ready for nazi america with the media leading the bull charge of witch hunts. I do not agree with what imus said, but its an indication of things to come. You heard it here first. (And besides as it has been said above, no one would even know or care, if the media hadnt stuck it’s stink finger into everything) Achtung!

By ray

April 13, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Heh. Woody has proven throughout the year that he’s an assistant coach, not a head coach. We’ve said this before. And he’s been given every scenario to prove otherwise. When Joe was out, he was forced to come up with a different game plan. There was a time during the season when all the major pieces were healthy. What was the problem? You can’t blame him alone, but you can’t blame the players alone either.

Yeah, Josh Smith has made bad decisions as far as shot selection. Even the best guys do it. He has to learn. But one wonders how much a more credible coach with a more effective game plan would have changed that. Effective game plans/play designs put players in a position to maximize their collective talents, at the right times and for the right reasons. You just don’t SEE that with this team.

A solid plan lets a player see how things are supposed to work and what he needs to do to keep it working. It also lets him know what he’s done wrong and the effect that a bad decision makes. Again, this team exhibits none of that. And again, this indicates that we are dealing with an assistant coach, not a head coach.

By Anakin Joe

April 13, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

On a team that often needed a defensive spark, he refused to use Solomon early in the year. On a team that often struggled to score, Salim sat on the bench. We have even seen recent productive spurts from Slava and Batista, after-thoughts during the first 70 games of the season. And after 3 years as the Head Coach, this team still has NO playing personality… NONE!

When this team fails to compete, I blame BK. When we lose because of poor in-game decisions, I blame Woody. As I continue to say, this is NOT a playoff team even with Phil Jackson, Pat Riley and Hubie Brown sharing the bench. But I have EVERY confidence we could be within a game of the 8th seed with a quality coach, DESPITE THIS SEASON’S INJURIES.

By Dan

April 13, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

on another note*

Did any of you people goto the Thrashers playoff game last night? I got a chance to go. Sucks they lost, but the experience was awesome. The building was packed out. Fans were reacting to every play. Nothing like a Hawks game, I’m afraid.

Just hope I am there to see it when the Hawks are center stage like the Thrashers were last night. After attending part of that game against the Celtics last Tuesday, it is very hard to imagine. Playoffs seem beyond my wildest dreams.

By infamouskrs

April 13, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

don’t forget RAY…..the decision to hire him AS the head coach was made by a man that was exiled from his last job as GM!

what a great move! You’ve got 1 of..if not..THE youngest squad in the league…and you give the duty of teaching and developing these guys to a ROOKIE head coach! BRILLIANT

By Dan

April 13, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

ray

I am not sure where I stand on Woodson. His record is terrible, but can you really count the first two years he was here? His first year they had just blown up the previous team. The second year the parts still weren’t in place. This year, the injuries have been unreal.

My only grip with him is the lack of boxing out. I goto a lot of games and that is something this team still does not do. With their lack of size, boxing out is essential. Plus, it is also a skill that is effort related and not talent related. They just don’t/won’t do it.

Josh Smith has issues. I don’t know what else you want Woodson to do with him. He stopped settling for jumpers right after the hernia operation. This last month, however, he has started settling again. Throw in his prima-donna attitude and you have a handful to deal with. I think Josh Smith would be hard for any coach to deal with. Plan or no plan.

By Dudley Dude Right

April 13, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Dan I’ve tried to make the point that the coach is the coach regardless of whether Josh was the best person to run the play through or if he thought the coach was to hard on him.The only time a player should refuse to do what a coach demands on the court or other basketball related things is if their rights are violated.If the coach isn’t right for the job fire him,but till that time he is the final word.

By The Flash

April 13, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Imus is a former drunk with some smarts and great timing who still acts like he drinks. He spews out all kinds of vileness, which passes because we’ve all been around guys who drink and are “funny” in that tired, sorry assed way. The guy who said Imus ain’t worth all the fuss, got it right. I also think that the networks did too. Who needs that trash on the air. Screw him.

I ain’t worrying about no double standards. I think that the rap lyrics are much more poisonous than Imus, because of who listens. The money behind this garbage needs to dry up like yesterday. The stuff is sick.

By infamouskrs

April 13, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

dan…say what you want..but JSmith has been puttin’ in work, all year! the guy was upset because he wanted the last shot! if you’re gonna rip a guy for showin’ that kinda intensity…..are you a real Hawks fan?

this guy has done MORE, if not execeding all that he was expected to do this year! i APPLAUD tha guy! great year J, don’t let a few negate that.

By Dudley Dude Right

April 13, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

infamouskrs man you just don’t get it! you can’t be a team AND a loose bunch of freelancers,it simply can’t work!THE COACH IS THE BOSS!!

By Dudley Dude Right

April 13, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

There’s been talk of trading for Andrew Bynum.I watched him close last night,he’s amazingly thin for a 280 lb guy he looks like he could carry 310 easy.He moves like a small forward,very agile for a big man.Now for the bad stuff,he has no post skills at all that he showed last night,he looks like a complete clutze on defense,and doesn’t show a lot of drive.Still with an amazing body and wheels,he’s an interesting guy.I’d have to see more and know what’s between his ears before I’d think of going after him.

By Clyde Jr.

April 13, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

MY DAD WENT ON VACATION.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Oddjob

April 13, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Clyde jr I don’t know what that means but it seems cool somehow.

By mavid

April 14, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this

Hot off the press: Oden is in.

Surprise, surprise. I bet Conley is next.

By Matt

April 14, 2007 3:59 AM | Link to this

Gotta love all the people who don’t know WTF they’re talking about bashing Woodson. I was an asst coach for a D1 college team back in my days of youth, and I promise you that Woodson knows what he’s doing, and he’s actually been GREAT about doling out PT to the rooks and sophomores.

Anakin, I normally love ya bro, but are you serious when you list Solomon as a defensive stopper??? The boy can block shots in the open court, but the kid is frankly still terrible at low post D. And if you’re a 4/5 who can’t play low post D, you’re not helping anyone in the game. Tonight’s game frankly proved that - I saw him get one nice block, but he fouled MUCH more than he blocked, partially because he bit on pump fakes several times. He’s definitely talented, but he’s got to do a lot of work on the practice floor at becoming more disciplined before he’ll be a reliable presence on D.

I’m surprised that you guys say that Woodson doesn’t know how to play rooks. Do you not remember Lenny Wilkens? He former NEVER played the inexperienced players on his squad, and none of the talented young players that the Hawks drafted in the 90’s ever went anywhere with the team as a result (with the semi-exception of Alan Henderson). The most frustrating example of that to me was when he cut Scot Pollard and Shammond Williams in favor of Mark West.

Childress, Smith, and Williams are already more productive and are getting more minutes than any Hawks rooks were under Wilkens, and more than anyone except Jason Terry had been under Kruger. Those three players also had more MPG during their rookie years than ANY Hawks rookie (JT and Hindu included) since before the Wilkens era.

I don’t remember any Hawks 2nd round picks getting the PT that Woodson has given Salim and Ivey, or even as much as Donta Smith got during his time with the club. All three of those guys got more minutes in their first seasons than any other Hawks second rounders in recent history - including Chris Crawford (the most productive Hawks 2nd rounder since I don’t know when).

Now could they have been played more? Of course. And I certainly wouldn’t have been averse to seeing JJ and Josh’s PT cut by 3-4 minutes. But the Hawks’s young players

Oh, and any of you who actually think that Slava and Esteban will still be in the NBA 5 years from now, I have some a pyramid scheme that’s right up your alley. I love those two (especially Esteban, who’s from my mother’s home country), but they simply are not guys who have what it takes to land a steady job in the NBA - not now, and probably not ever. Joe Johnson playing in his 45th minute is more of a threat than either of those guys are in their 5th minute.

Alright, done with my rant. Sorry, I just can’t stand the arrogance of people who think they can coach from the cheap seats.

By infamouskrs

April 14, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

this is not about arrogance, or “coaching from the cheap seats”….it’s about the lousy record Mike Woodson has as the team leader!

is everyone OK with our team being “bottom-feeders”…year in, year out?

By roan st

April 14, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Matt, it’s quite obvious from your rant that you don’t watch many hawks games. Woodson is clueless as a coach and as far as your claim that he is good about dooling out PT is downright ludicrous. Until jj and childress went on the shelf many of our players went long stretches without ever seeing the floor. At times this season guys like solomon, salim, and even shelden williams would completely disappear for long stretches of games. Until woodson was forced to play these guys late in the season they were giving little to no contributions because woodson wouldn’t give them a chance. Now that woodson’s hand has been forced to play these guys we are seeing that all of them have some potential. If these players whould have been worked into the rotation in the first part of the year guys like jj and childress might be healthy now instead of worn down. Don’t come on here and tell us regulars whats going on because we know what the problems are with this team. And woody is one of the biggest and most of us hope he is gone at seasons end.

By JJ

April 14, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

yeah read this: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2007/news/story?id=2837151

By infamouskrs

April 14, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

well put….roan!

By Matt

April 14, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

I actually do watch Hawks games quite frequently, thanks. I actually TiVO most of them and look at some segments repeatedly.

Woodson is far from clueless as a coach and, frankly, anyone who says otherwise has pretty obviously never had to coach a game of competitive basketball in his life, and has no clue about playcalling or doling out PT.

My point was comparative - Woodson plays his rookies more than Wilkens did, and more than most NBA coaches do. Soloman hasn’t earned his PT yet, and Shelden was an opening night starter who proved ineffectual. You earn your PT. You don’t just dole it out to guys simply for the sake of giving them minutes. That doesn’t help the team, and it doesn’t help those players either.

To quote Sekou from awhile ago, I call clown when I see it. He took a swipe at you guys last night when the Hawks scrub squad got their clocks cleaned by an AllStar-less Wiz crew that was giving maybe 80% effort. Those guys haven’t shown jack with their newfound minutes. They’ve shown that their best effort still don’t get the Hawks any Ws.

You think any NBA team will win games with Slava getting 15 minutes a game and Solomon getting 20? Fine. Go live in your fantasyland.

I’m not ok with this team being mediocre, but the answer is most definitely not giving more minutes Batista (who should’ve been cut before the season) and Slava (who’ll probably be out of the NBA again come 2008). Again - JJ is more effective playing in his 45th minute than those guys are fresh. The Hawks would have won fewer games, not more, if those guys saw more floor time this season.

By Steve T

April 14, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Does anyone doubt why Marvin Williams was the 2nd pick in the draft? The guy just needs to play and grow in the role he will fill for this team. He has scored 20 points in the past 3 games.

Shelden is worth the 5th pick. He has had double doubles. He will get better as the game slows downs.

The Hawks future looks bright for the coming years. The Hawks needs to draft a center, and sign a good FA that can play center and power forward. We can wait on a PG down the rooad because we had Salmin, Speedy, Johnson, and Lue.

By mavid

April 14, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

^^ Marvin is gonna be fine. The problem with last night was the 5 TOs though.

By mavid

April 14, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

oh and tonight’s Mil-Char game is very important for us. If Milwaukee loses, we very well may tie them for 3rd most ping pong balls

By Chris D'

April 14, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

It is nice to see the Hawks marketing department getting in and contributing to the Blog.

Mavid, Steve T and Matt I respect the job you are trying to do it is tough and it ain’t going to get easier anytime soon. Keep working hard…

By Oddjob

April 14, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Steve If there is a center worth taking I’m all for it.Looking at this years crop I’m not sold on any of them though.Hibbert is the guy most people are talking about,he looks very slow running the floor to me.Hawes is a good skill guy but doesn’t have the frame to ever be a strong low post player.Bottom line is I’d take Zaza over any center not named Oden in this draft.The only low post guys Im convenced could make the birds better are Oden,Durant (not really a pure post guy)and Branndon Wright Horford is interesting but I don’t know that Sheldon isn’t as good as him. Point Guard looks to be the one area where we likly can upgrade,Law and Conley both look like players who might upgrade the position.Who knows if Conley is coming out ? if you do please post.

By Chris D'

April 14, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Mavid,

I think you mean Milwaukee needs to win. They are 2 games behind us. But don’t get too excited because in 04’-05’ they finished 4th from the bottom, got the first pick and picked the “great big white hope from down under.” The Hawks who finish solid worst with 5 games to spare went duo and got “Marvelous” Marvin “the great lets hope”.

I would prefer we don’t get the third worst record in the NBA this year because then when someone leap frogs us and goes 1-3 it will be even worse. I think 4 is perfectly fine. I picked 31 wins at the beginning of the year it would be cool if my dream came true.

By mavid

April 14, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

yeah, chris, i meant win obviously.

And dude, in no way do i approve of the Hawks management. BUT, i do think Marvin is gonna be a nice NBA player for a long time to come (probably even an all-star at some point). I know people say it all the time, but it is true that dude is only 20 years old. The fact is that he is 6 ‘9, can handle the ball, has a pretty shot, etc etc etc. He’ll be fine.

Now, should we have taken Chris Paul? Of course. But that doesnt change the fact that Marvin will develop into a nice player.

By mavid

April 14, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

and shelden was a HORRIBLE pick, but thats been discussed to death. at least now he’s putting up some numbers, and maybe that will increase his trade value

By Matt

April 14, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

Chris,

I don’t work for the Hawks and never will. I think that Knight and Woodson have more than their share of flaws. But I defend them more than I slam them on this blog because people who don’t know what it’s like to manage or coach a basketball team outside of the Yahoo Fantasy leagues just love to give their almighty opinions anyway. And backseat drivers just always p** me off.

The pinnacle of arrogance is to believe that no one could possibly hold a differing opinion from yours unless they are either stupid or getting paid to say it. Thanks for proving that.

By Matt

April 14, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Mavid,

Agreed on Marvin. And as I’ve said before, I don’t think there was anything better we could have done with that #5 pick, besides trading it away, since we were already so overstocked with 2s and 3s.

By Oddjob

April 14, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Matt Brandon Roy was mt choice last year and I’d still take him today.You need one of two things at guard a true point or two guys who can do anything.With Johnson and Roy we would have the smartest most versatile set of starting guards in the game.

By roan st

April 14, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

MATT, you great basketball coach and general manager tell us all what university you led to new heights with your basketball acumen. Which school and the years in which you coached? What exactly was your role on this mystery team? Since your still a basketball genuis why aren’t you still coaching? Tell us poor backseat drivers where you learned your craft!

By Clyde Jr.

April 14, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By ray

April 14, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

MATT,

Ah geez. We’re sorry we came to this hallowed blog to give our opinions (which I thought was the purpose of a blog in the first place). And damn us eternally to Hades for having an opinion about the coach and gm that differs from yours. You speak of arrogance right after some of the most arrogant statements I’ve heard here in a while. So, riddle me this? Have you ever had an opinion on politics? How about Law Enforcement? ‘Cause if you have, yet have never spent significant time in said professions, then you don’t know WTF YOU are talking about. And I’m betting you’ve done exactly that. We all have. Speaking of which, you were a D1 coach, right? Oh wait, an assistant D1 coach. So, you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about either, right? I mean, the pro game is not the same as the college game now is it? And we all have seen evidence that some of the most celebrated college HEAD coaches haven’t been able to experience much (if any) success on the pro level. So where does that put YOU, smarty pants?

Or maybe you thinking coaching is the same at all levels?

Funny, Sekou’s cousin Samuel is a coach himself. And I respect what he brings here whether I agree with it or not. At least my man doesn’t come out like he’s a basketball genius who knows it all at all levels. And he’s an ACTIVE coach. But that probably ain’t good enough for you either, huh?

You know, at times like this, I would not have said much at all. I would have sat back, and watched you get handled by the infamous (and absent) HB Andro. I do miss his rapier wit at times.

By ray

April 14, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Clyde, Jr! Supportin’ the family theme! Heh, heh…gotta love it.

Since when did Lenny Wilkens have as many rooks and young players as Woodson? I wouldn’t be so hard on the man if we could see a shadow, or even a hint of a gameplan out there.

Dan, I really don’t have an answer. Woody doesn’t have control of this team. I know he’s the boss ‘til otherwise stated, but…And Josh Smith may or may not be a prima donna. I kinda don’t see him as that so much as I see him as immature. The way he acts versus Iverson in his early days is different. And I’m not bashin’ A.I. He was just tough to deal with early on.

Never can blame the coach for everything. But I don’t see enough to be giving him a lot of credit either. As for the players, each man is clearly responsible for himself. But no one seems to really have a mentor here. Lue and AJ are as far as it really goes. And of course, the entire organization is in a shambles from ownership on down. That affects so much. Still, the players are responsible for themselves: decisions and actions. It’s just that what standard or rigid structure is in place for them to adhere to? What rock solid foundation is there that says “fly right our way or we go right out and get someone who will” ? None.

By DC Hawk Fan

April 14, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

I’m back to blog because the Hawks played the Wizards again. If this is the way that Woodson has coached all year I’m glad I’ve only seen the Hawks play three times. The only thing that I give Woodson credit for is getting the Hawks to play defense. (and I don’t really believe that, he just keeps the tempo slow) His decisions during the game, his line-ups, substitution patterns all don’t make any sense. Its clear that he’s not an offense minded coach, but I don’t think he does anything during the game to help the team. He doesn’t make key line-up changes, or run different plays. It’s clear that if the Hawks get even one draft pick, they need to make a good selection and change coaches. I’m following the Cleveland game on Gamecast now and he has S. Williams covering Ilgauskas, does that make any sense?

By infamouskrs

April 14, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

trailin’ by 35 early and late in the 4th…..guess us “back seat” coaches got alot to learn still…………

By Steve T

April 14, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

The hawks will be fine. They just need to get a good big man. I think they need to get Solo in an off season program. He need to train with a pro body builder to add 25 pounds in his frame. He also need to work out with Hakeem in houston.

If I was Billy, I would only let Solo out of town for 2-3 weeks. Then he would be at my house working with a trainer. This guy has so much potential. He just need to get stronger.

By Chris D'

April 14, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Matt,

That is very nice of you to not only call be arrogant but hoist me to the pinnacle.

From my elevated level of arrogance the only factoids I wish to look at, at this point in the season is that the Hawks are for the 3rd year in a row one of the 4 worst teams in the NBA. Going into next year barring a lucky lottery draw or a delusional free agent that decides to come join this mess the Hawks will be dwelling in the basement once more. I for one am rather tired of the crappy product that slaps the name of my city on its chest and goes out and wins roughly 3 out of every 10 basketball games.

If you prefer please continue to blow smoke up their a**

By Matt

April 14, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

I never said Woodson was a good coach or that he deserved to keep his job.

I just said y’all couldn’t do any better.

By Chris D'

April 14, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

3 wins out of every 10 games…

Does anything else really need to be said?

By roan st

April 14, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Matt, don’t keep us in the dark. What school did you coach or is that just something you made up! If you don’t say then I’ll just assume your a liar.

By infamouskrs

April 14, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

BIG COMMENT…….just thinkin’ “ya’ll could do better”….nuff said….i’m not the only alcoholic in this blog that KNOWS the only cure is a different approach to the game!

JERRY JONES, PAT RILEY, BILECHECK (probably wrong)…..these coaches bring enthusiasm! no reason why we shouldn’t be in the same league!

By doug

April 15, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

a lot of the rutgers players could not speak because they were freshmen, a policy that most schools have.

By doug

April 15, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

all you have to do is support interracial marriage. the black gene will predominate, black kids will be created instead of white ones, and most white kids will cease to be created.

By doug

April 15, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

cook should probably leave with the other two ohio st players. he might be a good college player but a mediocre pro. if he stays without help he could be exposed and not have a good year next year. if he leaves now he may go in the second round, if next year he may do no better than third round.

By trogolodyte

April 15, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

I heard on the braves blog that your Oddjob likes to do his own dog………

By Matt

April 15, 2007 2:11 AM | Link to this

Roan,

Think whatever you want, brother. I don’t need your approval to post here, just as you don’t need mine. I know where I coached, and I know who I am, and I prefer to blog anonymously. Deal with it.

You have the right to say whatever you want, but I have the right to call you an arrogant backseat driver for saying it. Deal with it.

By Beck

April 15, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this

Not that I have a huge problem with Woddy but with Sam Mitchell staying in Toronto is there a chance that we might land Ivroni (spelling error I’m sure) from PHX? This team is built to run like PHX and it will sure make it easier to draft this year (without the #1 or 2). Thoughts?

By Fan

April 15, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

B/c if a black man said the Imus comments in a bar filled w/ black men, the majority would laugh.

By roan st

April 15, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Matt, just admit that you made up that crap about being a D-1 coach and we can move on. Otherwise you have no credibility on this blog. Naming the school will not cause you to lose your anonimity.

By Matt

April 15, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Roan,

I won’t say the school because it wouldn’t be too hard to figure out who I am if I told you what school I coached at, since I was the only coach named Matt there in the past 20 years.

In any case, I don’t give a rat’s behind about your assessment of my credibility. You don’t have to believe me if that’s your dish. But like everyone on this blog, I don’t need the approval of you or anyone else. Besides, I have the feeling that you wouldn’t give my word any more weight even if I did tell you who I was and where I coached for, since you seem pretty convinced that you’re right about everything already.

So think what you want, bro. I couldn’t care less.

By Josh

April 15, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Good game Estaban,why Woodson doesn’t give him any PT????

By roan st

April 15, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Matt, you sound just like that degenerate from the falcons blog named birddawg or aka matthew from SLC. I swear I think thats who you are cause he post the same kind of b.s. and attacks everbody when their opinions differ from his.

By Matthew At The SLC

April 3, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this

When will you people get it through your thick skulls that the Falcons DO NOT HAVE THE CAP SPACE IN ORDER TO DRAFT AND SIGN A TOP 5 DRAFT PICK!!!

For crying out loud people! Do y’all know nothing about football, and the era of the salary cap that’s been around since the mid 1990’s? Are you the same people who could not understand that there is no way the Falcons could trade Vick because of the many of the same reasons? Just freaking forget it. It’s not going to happen. It makes no sense for the Falcons to trade a bunch of picks they absolutely need for a wideout that they cannot afford to sign.

God, some of you people are so insistant in your stupidity that you give me agita.

I think this might be you matt and if so you are detested on the falcons blog and will be here as well if you don’t change your attitude.

By Oddjob

April 15, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

guys,guys,guys Truth is we’re a bunch of armchair coaches,so lets just relax and get to the coaching part.Conley’s dad made it sound like his son hasn’t made his mind up on coming out.So what’s the move ? I’m not sold on Hibbert he just looks too slow running the court to me.The 7’ forward from China is interesting but he could get banged off the court.Law along with Conley seems to be the best fit to me at this point.OK fellow want’a’bes wat’da’ya think ?

By Matt

April 15, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Actually, don’t care about the Falcons at all (the Eagles are the one team I’ve adopted in my time in Philly), but it’s nice to know that there’s a wrecking ball on that blog too. I think every blog needs someone who is willing to play devil’s advocate.

It’s quite amusing that you think I jump down people’s throats who disagree with me. Actually, I don’t have a problem with people disagreeing with me. My problem is with people acting like they know more about how to coach a basketball team than Woodson or how to sign/trade/draft players than Knight. I certainly don’t know more about basketball than either of them, and I know I wouldn’t have done any better were I in their shoes. So I generally avoid slamming and name-calling with them, and certainly avoid pretending like I know more about who should be given PT when I’m not the guy who sees them in practice every day.

I don’t care about being popular. That’s the nice thing about maintaining my anonymity. Feel free to ignore me. Otherwise, you’re just gonna have to live with someone who disagrees with you.

By roan st

April 15, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Oddjob, I would agree with your way of thinking on the two guards. I would rather have a talented point guard than a marginal big man any day. No way will we get a talented big with Indy’s pick so we might as well take a good point guard. Our only hope to get an inside presence for next season will have to come in free agency. Unless we get a miracle from above and land the top pick and take oden.

By Chris D'

April 15, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

There go the Pacers, Nets win, Nets win. If Orlando can beat the Celtics tonight we are a lock for a lottery pick most likely at 12.

I have to give BK a little credit for getting a draft pick from Indiana for a whole lot of nothing.

By Chris D'

April 15, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Matt,

I think it is a good diversion that folks disagree on this BLOG. Talking about the Hawks the whole time does get rather depressing.

I ain’t mad at ya…

Lets start thinking about which Center or Point Guard we can draft at 12.

By Matt

April 15, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

I will say one thing, after watching the Suns today (well, from last night…I love my League Pass/TiVO combo). I do wish the Hawks would run a more uptempo offense, which obviously isn’t Woodson’s cup of tea.

That being said, I don’t think there’s another PG in the league who could run that offense even remotely as well as Nash. That boy is just sick. He has court vision and the ability to make pinpoint passes in transition like no PG I’ve seen besides Magic, Isaiah, and Stockton. I think CP might get there eventually, but he just doesn’t have the laser accuracy on his passes that Nash does. I’d be curious and nervous to see if there’s any other PG in the league today who could run that offense successfully.

I’m thinking Conley is the only PG in the college ranks now who might have it, and I’m even doubtful about him. Acie Law doesn’t seem to have that natural knack for controlling the tempo that you need for that kind of game.

The only other coach I know who ran an uptempo offense that relied on such lightning, precision passes is Rick Adelman, who is currently jobless. Mike Iavaroni (D’Antoni’s offensive Asst) might also be an interesting recruit. I’d be curious to see what either of them could do with our squad if we nabbed Conley.

Otherwise, I honestly think the best PG we have for an uptempo offense like that is Speedy. His knee problems just made him useless on the floor this year, but he was a GREAT transition point guard when he was healthy. Tyronn also is a pretty good PG in transition, as he’s shown over the past week or so. I’d actually prefer him over Acie Law if we change to an uptempo coach, since Acie seems to prefer pulling up for a mid-range J over driving and dishing.

Just some thoughts.

By ray

April 15, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

I like Conley. He’d hit the same wall all rooks eventually hit (well, except the exceptional ones) but that’s no biggie. Us getting him, however….probably not likely. Especially with a GM who refuses to draft a point guard since being with this organization. Oh wait, he did draft Cenk Aykol. Who we don’t even know is still alive. Sorry, but the point isn’t necessarily about whether the job could be done better as much as how much worse could it have been done?

By ray

April 15, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

I kinda disagree on the Steve Nash point. Remember, he played behind a guy named Kidd. A healthier Kidd can run dang near any offense, including the one Phoenix has. But yeah, right now Nash fits it better and is the right chemistry fit, so no argument on who should be there. But Kidd can run that kind of offense. It took people forever to learn how quick Kidd could get up and down the court.

Who knows, Conley or Law (or some guy we’re not paying attention to or don’t even know yet) could develop into that kind of pg. But all the right components have to be there. The right coach, the right plays, right players, etc. To run this style of ball, we already don’t have the coach, don’t have the pg, don’t have the rebounder(s) who are adept at throwing that quick, outlet pass. Heh…

By Oddjob

April 15, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Matt good point on Nash,take him out of the suns lineup and it’s a confused mess.I think you can use elements of their full court game and still play the half court sets that win all the titles.The great Lakers teams with Johnson could run,we all remember that,Magic likes to point out they were a very good half court team as well,and he says you have to have both to win it all.I’ll say again Billups would be a very good pg to play with this bunch of athletic kids.People say he looks to score first,to me he uses his scoring and penetration to break down defenses.I think Zaza and Sheldon would thrive with a guy like Billups running the offense and it couldn’t hurt Smith and Marvin to have some structure around them.I know the salary situation probably won’t allow us to go after him anyway so we’re back to looking at the draft,Law or Conley ?

By Matt

April 15, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

I like Billups, but he is one of the most downtempo PGs who’s played the game in recent years, and I actually think he’d be an awful fit with this Hawks line-up if we were gonna try to run. To be honest, both Smith and JJ can run the floor better than Billups can, which is not what you want for a PG if you’re hoping to get points in transition.

If we get Billups, I think we sure as hell better make sure we get a good big, because an uptempo game would not be the best thing to do with him.

I definitely, definitely say Conley over Law if Conley comes out this year. Law has actually drawn many comparisons to Billups, both for the streak stroke on his shot (pro) and for his shakiness in controlling the tempo of a game (con). I’d prefer Law over Billups, though, since Law is still young enough that he might grow into a good uptempo PG.

By Matt

April 15, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

Sorry, “streak” stroke was supposed to be “sweet” stroke. Oops.

By doc

April 16, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

hey matt, thanks for your generous input. the whole problem with your theory is the team plays as well or as terrible whether the scrubs are mopping up or the whole team is together. the few chances that the team had to perform under woody as it was designed this year was awful. in fact their record was as bad if not worse than when the scrubs were in.

sadly the team has gotten in a rut for the last year to play very bad ball for extended periods and some good ball for very short periods. all told the record shows for two years now that with the players available and the coach they have the team is going to play at a .300 to .350 level. no reason to expect better unless the re is a significant free agent addition (fantasy league for this team mired down in the excessses of the broken spirit). it played as well with jj as without jj. we saw similar records similar unexpected wins and similar games they should have been competeitve but didnt show and games they had comfortably in hand only to cough it up.

at the begginning of the season they were competitve with the raptors; now they arent, one team grew the other festered. now which one was that and where is the coaches responsibility beyond the scream of there were injuries?

i gave some chain earlier in the season, now is the time to pull it back and really look deep to see that the results arent there. this time last year i think players were listening now i think they have turned it off to their coach. it happens whether you are coaching y, d1, high school or pro. the problem with pros is it is harder to get guys to listen after they have shut down for a coach.

wooden leads the league in cliches, i’ll give him credit for that. i guess he learned that from larry brown his mentor but a coach whose style was to wear thin quickly in spite of the success as he had to keep moving on to continue with the success.

matt, again thanks for your input, we make a premise from the start to agree to disagree without taking this silly stuff personal. it is the liars table so you might fit well with this motley band of blog z followers. it is going to be interesting to see how candid sekou allows himself to be as he summarizes the season as promised. yes, there were injuries but there were a lot of ther reasons this team folded down the stretch instead of solidified. yes, the team can be better next year with the components they have, the extra time on the court will have to mean some inmprovemnets for the inexperienced players; the players are going to all think that they can contribute and play significant minute rather than seee the brunt borne by a few as we see minutes built up by few in the 38 to 42 minute range then see bodies break down. the wear and tear is too great as we have seen but the payers are going to have to accept it and play better together to get the results without tearing themselves up.

jj didnt take a break last year, he is in denial if he thinks he can go like he did at twenty, the attitude change may have to start with him first. face it he really didnt do the damage at the end of the games nor did he become the stopper and the scorer we wanted, being asked to play both roles. instead he looked dead tired as he had no hops to lift shots at the end of games and he watched as other players beat him consistantly on the other end of the floor. i dont think i saw too many great defensive plays; steals, bounds or blocks from him all year. he wasnt as good this year as he was last, we didnt improve over last and he is the type of player that really should be able to do it whether there is a great point next to him or not. just put it in my hands is the motto of the greats along the lines of kobe, dwayne or gilbert and where he want s to be. if he cant then it is time to be a team player, ask to sit when he is tired and get a coach who can coach to win and preserve his team.

matt, now dont run away because selou loves the hits that this blog gets, dontcha bro?

By Matt

April 16, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

All I’ll say is that it’s a little silly to blame the Hawks’ injury problems on overplaying his starters. JJ went down because of an impact injury (as did Salim), and Smith has managed to stay pretty healthy. Maybe you could blame Childress’s injury on overplaying him, but I think that’s even doubtful since Childress wasn’t averaging much more than 35 minutes a game. And the other guys who got injured didn’t even average more than 30 minutes a game.

So just want to put that theory to rest…

By doc

April 16, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

not bing able to deliver at ends of games arent. many have seen that and even thepalyers have mentioned it. recovery is important and takes more time when there is fatigue. two injuries for a guy who hasnt missed a regulas season game in years? fatigue does set players up for injury. also it is a apparant that their practices are very competitive, it all adds up. just dont think that woody takes too many things like that into consideration.

watched many games this year as opposing teams sat players then staged fourth quarter rallies to break down the hawks, think it is more meaningful than happen stance matt. as a coach you have probably seen how poorly weary bodies function and there is no lift in the legs and shots clang off the front rim consistantly, or palyers dont react and get caught in positions that increase chance for injury because reaction times are changed.

By gastr1

April 17, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

Sekou, I want to support your comments. I am very tired of “non-racist” white people who complain about Terence Moore because he speaks about racism as if someone else was going to do it if he didn’t…

What has not been properly mentioned is that this has not been about one comment but a pattern of extremely offensive remarks in a format that does not reveal itself as parody. Rap music, Borat, SouthPark, etc. are closer to fiction and are understood as such and are allowed more leeway in their point of view because they are critiquing themselves or institutions in power. Conversely, when an institution or political icon of the power structure mocks or criticizes those who are not in power, even in jest, it qualifies as ABUSE of that power.

And that’s what’s wrong with what Imus said. Instead of comforting the afflicted or afflicting the comfortable, he afflicted the afflicted (vulnerable). Gwen Ifill can take care of herself, unfair or not, but college students who have no role…sheesh.

By ConcernedBlackman

April 17, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Why does Sekou bring this up? It is the one issue that has transcended from our forfathers and still plagues us today. It’s simple to me. As I listen to blogs and talk show host it seems to be split down the line by race mostly. Whites are tired of discussing anything that has to do with race because they see it as another opportunity for blacks to grandstand about what whites feel is obsolete and barely visible in their world. Modern day blacks have seen, talked and heard so much about racism that they are becoming desensitized to the issues.

I offer you this on the controversy, and just my opinion, I think we can agree that there are double standards in this country in a lot of areas, but none as great as when it comes to issues of black and white. For instants the black quarterback has always been percieved as a athlete before he could be appreciated as a smart player and the list goes on.

When it comes to Rap music lyrics and how blacks communicate with each other it boils down to this. There is a double standard. A black person can say racially insensitive things to his own race and not be ostracized like his white counter part because of the history in this country between the races.

When white people beat, hanged, raped, set on fire, set dogs on, murdered, mentally abused, etc… that set the tone for everything that is done by that race towards ours. So if you say racially insensitive things then everything I just mentioned becomes a part of the black mindset. It opens up old wombs that have never healed.

Blacks can and will tollerate each others disrespect long before they will the white mans and the past history is why.

It doesn’t make it right but the double standards that we live by everyday are not right either but we just adjust to them like we have always done and move on. I suggest you do the same.

Good blog Sekou.

By volstar

April 22, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Concerned Black man. Why do you whine and complain when blacks have made millions from sports and rap. I will only attend hockey games in the future because I only want to support white sports, if blacks hate whites let them support each other. Whites should not buy rap music and should boycott all sports dominated by blacks.