Hawks

By Steve T

July 15, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

You guys are a tough crowd. How many points do you expect a man that plays 16 minutes to produce. The best I would expect is 8 points. If he was score 8 points in 16 minutes then he needs to be a starter.

Let us look at how he produced when he average close to 20 minutes. In 04 - 05, he started and averaged 22 minutes. He shots 54% from the field. He averaged 7.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. Those number are not bad. He would not be a bad role player.

Now from his career, he has averaged 16.6 minutes, shot 52% from the field, scored 5.5 points, had 5.1 rebound and block 1 shot. I am still laughing about he can not block shots. Blocks 3 4 Times 7 vs. Utah 11/15/03 He had 3 blocks in 4 games last season. It sounds like a shot blocker to me. Then in 03, he had 7 blocks.

Points 21 @ Boston 04/13/07 22 vs. Boston 04/13/05

Offensive Rebounds 8 vs. Indiana 04/11/07 9 @ Dallas 01/02/05 Defensive Rebounds 11 vs. Boston 04/04/07 12 2 Times Total Rebounds 15 vs. Boston 04/04/07 20 @ Philadelphia 04/18/05 Assists 3 vs. Washington 04/01/07 4 vs. Houston 12/28/04 Steals 3 2 Times 3 12 Times

Year Team G GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG 02-03 MIL 49 30 15.5 0.483 0.000 0.518 1.3 2.7 4.0 0.2 0.4 1.1 0.55 2.60 3.4 03-04 MIL 75 0 16.8 0.524 0.000 0.492 1.7 2.9 4.6 0.4 0.7 1.4 0.60 2.50 5.7 04-05 MIL 81 81 22.0 0.539 0.000 0.538 3.2 5.1 8.3 0.4 0.6 1.3 1.00 2.80 7.3 05-06 MIL 74 0 12.0 0.553 0.000 0.461 1.2 1.9 3.1 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.47 2.30 5.2 06-07 MIL 54 8 15.6 0.474 0.000 0.467 1.7 2.8 4.6 0.5 0.4 0.6 0.91 2.60 4.8 Career — 333 119 16.6 0.523 0.000 0.502 1.9 3.2 5.1 0.4 0.5 1.0 0.71 2.50 5.5

By reese

July 15, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

The owners, bernie mullen and billy knight have all said that the hawks would use the off season to get a point guard and a big.

The problem is that Billy Knights definition of a big stops at 6’10. He has completed 4 drafts and has yet to draft anyone 6’11 or taller.

The 2 guys (zaza, wright) that he brought in that are 6’11” are not athletic. Zaza is a 1 dimensional player and wright is a no dimensional player.

I don’t care how many times that tell me that the league is changing and bigs are not needed, I will never feel comfortable nor enjoy watching Shelden Williams play Center.

I can’t even comment about Acie Law because I have never seen him play.

Face it, if the hawks do not make a move to bring in some more players this off season, then we are going to have a very hard time sniffing a playoff spot this coming season.

By reese

July 15, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

J-Rock and A-ville Ranger, I understand every thing that you are saying. I’m just saying that I want a different caliper of player. I want someone who is capable to challenge JJ and Josh Smith with the level of intensity that should be played. I want someone will play solidly on both the offensive and defensive end.

I understand that salary may be an issue with the hawks and thats why I’ve brought up low cost alternatives.

Jarrett Jack is not the point guard that the hawks need. We might as well keep T Lue, he has similar numbers and only has 1 more year on his contract.

Steve T, I was with you on Camby, but jumped off when you brought up Gadzuric. He doesn’t block shots, only avg 4 points and has a similar salary as pryzbilla.

By reese

July 15, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Matt, then you would have also had a problem coaching Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Ron Artest.

I’m not sure if you have ever managed or coached people in you career, but if you have, then you know that you can’t always throw away or stay away from controversial people. Especially, when they have a skill set that is needed. You have to become creative with how you manage those individuals.

I say all of this, but I really don’t think that Josh Smith has an attitude problem. Yes, he has challenged his peers on their decisions, but that does not necessarily mean that he has an attitude problem. It is like our fellow blogger MJ3, he just hasn’t learned other ways to eloquently express their displeasures.

By Steve T

July 15, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

I am glad some of you guys are not GM. Let face it unless we are trading to get someone like Camby, I do see a player that they can trade for. There are way too many guys that can bring what J.Pryzbilla to the table and will not cost as much.

I would perfer Dan Gadzuric. He is a 6-11 forward/center. Let compare the two. Dan played 15.6 minutes last season. He scored 4.8 points and had 4.6 rebounds. In 6 out of 10 games, he had a block.

On the other hand, Joel played 16.3 minutes. he scored 2.0 points a game and 3.9 rebounds. He did block 1.6 shots. The blazers will take the trade all day every day. Shelden as a rookie did better. He had 5.5 points and 5.4 rebounds.

Now let us look at the Dan’s season highs: 22 points 20 rebounds 4 Assits 3 Steals 7 Blocks This guy can bring something to the team. He would not be a bad role player. The hawks seem to have a problem when someone get injuried. With this guy, he could provide something. He can score, rebound and block shots.

By A-ville Ranger

July 15, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Reese —-Those four players are all different cases.Mcgrady is still a question,some games he gets it some not.Carter has learned to be a roll player,a big roll yes but not the franchise.Iverson I wouldn’t want.He takes too many possessions and shoots too low a percentage(not to mention he’s a punk).Kobe is a top player,I wouldn’t spend the payroll he takes up though.Duncan,Shaq, (if healthy) and James. Those are the only guys I’d put half my team’s resources towards.As for Francis I don’t like his offensive game at all.he’s a free-lancer not a team guy.

By j-rock

July 15, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Exactly GHook! Get this deal done sooner than later.Horford,Smith and JJ should be the nucleus for a long time to come!

By Matt

July 15, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Reese,

I agree about MJ3’s language, but I can’t disagree about the substance. I’ve said the same thing several times. Why should we give a $60 million contract to a kid with an attitude problem, and who hasn’t really proven anything yet? Josh Smith is undoubtedly very talented, and he has had some great games. But the Hawks looked pretty sad when he was our primary option. Heck, we didn’t look that great with him as our #2 option.

I say that we see how he looks in training camp. If he looks like a star on the court, try to sign him before October 31. If not or if he’s still having serious problems following play calls that aren’t for him, then there’s still no rush. He’s only a restricted FA next year, which means that if he has a true breakout season, then we can still just submit a qualifying offer match any offer and keep him.

In any case, I think rushing to sign him to a new contract would be foolhardy. Images of Bonzi Wells and JR Rider come to mind…

By GHook

July 15, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Enough messing around BK. If Josh Smith doesn’t get an extension, you won’t either.

By j-rock

July 15, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Reese my trade proposal is for J.Jack and Pryzbilla for Sheldon not Pryzbilla for Sheldon straight up.J.Jack brings 12 and 5 to a team with no clear cut starter at point.This deal would especially be great if they would take AJ or speedys contract off the Hawks hands.Your best point about Prybilla is he is injury prone.His contract is not outraguoes.Its 5mil this season and escalates to 6 the next two seasons with it reaching 7 mil in 2011.In todays league where Raef Lafrentz is getting 11 mil and Adonal Foyle is getting 9 mil Prybillas is not that bad.Having at least one 7 footer who can bang and do the dirty work is an important part of most teams.The spurs have Elson,the mavs have dampier(i know he is overrated),the heat have Mourning(he isn’t 7 feet but he plays like he is) and the cavs have anderson varajao.I don’t see this on the Hawks squad right now.Is sheldon interested in this role or does he want to be a mid range jump shooter who doesn’t work hard on the boards and defensive end?Just my opinion bro…..Go Hawks!!!

By reese

July 15, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

j-rock, Joel Pryzbilla does not have any offense, he is always hurt and has a career 5.4 rebounding average. His contract doesn’t expire until 2011 season ends. I think that you get the same or better out of Randolph Morris for a lot less money. If you compare shelden and pryzbilla, shelden have better stats except for blocked shots.

A-ville Ranger, Steve Francis is an available free agent you plays at a high intensity level, just was bought out by Portland and has just made a lot of money, plays excellent defense and offense, is a big guard that can ease Acie Law’s transition into the NBA. Your description of Steve Francis reminds me of people’s opinion of Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Vince Carter or tracy mcgrady. I guess you wouldn’t want any of those play ground type players, who have also had their character questioned, on your team either.

By j-rock

July 15, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

J.Jack,J.Pryzbilla>S.Williams

ReeseI question people who think sheldon williams will be more than Alan henderson.

J.Jack/Law/Speedy JJ/Salim/Chill MW/Chill/Smoove Smoove/Horford/Jones Pryzbilla/Pachulia/Jones

Pryzbilla will be for rebounding and defense something the Landlord has only done the end of last season and against a Jackie Butler less spurs summer league roster.We all will see when the season begins but I am not expecting much from the overrated, 6-7 duke center.I am very excited to see Horford and Smoove on the floor together!Go Hawks!!!!

By A-ville Ranger

July 15, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Reese Just say no to Steve Francis.The guy is a playground type with absolutely no concept of team play.Add in one of the worst attitudes in the game and you have a poison pill.

By reese

July 15, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Wow, so many things to address, forgive the long post. 1)MJ3, If the only reason that you want to get rid of Josh Smith is because of his immaturity, then it might come across better if you didn’t curse and chose different words to express your thoughts. Face it Josh Smith is arguably the best all around player on this team and the majority of us fans respect his game and want him on this team. Oh I know, the hawks are not really your team and you are trying to manuever a trade to get him to your real team.

2)a thinking fan, did you watch any of Yi’s summer league games or are you just rambling. What are you using to base your dislike of Yi? I have watched him play and he looked like he would have been a compentent rebounder, shot blocker and scorer. If you don’t take my word, the hawks two best players (joe johnson and josh smith), who have played against him, endorsed his play. If that still doesn’t change your opionion, then watch him play for yourself before you criticize his game. I’m starting to believe that you are like BK and don’t like players who are 6’11 or taller.

3)ray, if we have the chance to get Steve Francis on the cheap, I do not see any reason why we shouldn’t do it. So many people say that the best player available should be drafted when speaking about the draft. Well, if you look at the free agents that are left, he is the best available free agent. I don’t think that our chances are good or even if BK is looking at him. But the teams that have said they are interested in him are Dallas, Houston, Clippers and Miami Heat.

4)I’ve watched Randolph Morris play in 3 or 4 SL games and I truly do not understand why BK never tried to sign him after the final four ended last year. Some of us fans asked him to do it and Josh Smith told him to do it. Morris is a true 6’11 player who is rebounding and scoring down low and mid range. He is not the most exciting player to watch. However, he gets the job down and would have been a good player to compliment the existing hawks players. Plus, Isaiah signed him for under a million a season.

5)Its funny how the NBA has televised and highlighted their websites with the teams that have players who are highly marketable with the Vegas summer league. It was free adverstising for those teams and a chance to build up interest for their fans. I was able to watch Oden, Conley, Yi, green and Durant. I could have watched Brewer and brandon wright, but I didn’t really care about those players. Thats draft picks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7. It sure would have been nice to see how our rookies and 1 year players would have matched up against those players.

6)It would have been nice to see sheldon, solomon and horford match up against players who are 6’11 and taller. Utah played rafeal arujo and a european 7 footer. The jazz had 7 blocked shots and I think that milsap had 4 of those. San Antonio’s summber league team only had 1 player 6’11 or taller and he only played 8 minutes.

7) I look forward to seeing the hawks summer league team. Yes, I would like to see them win all of their games, however, I realize that the summer league is a place for players like shelden and solomon to practice new facets of their game. It is also an opportunity for horford and law to get introduced to a teams series of plays, coaches and implementing things learned against better players. Therefore, I am looking for other features about the players that I feel demonstrate that they can play in the league.

8) G Money, when people bring up names like pryzbilla, brevin knight, anthony johnson, and lorenzen wright, then I have to question how long they have been a hawks fan or can they judge what this team needs. These retreads have been here before and will not make a difference on this team. I have the same feeling when players like luke ridenour is brought up. But, I’m starting to realize that people care more about the character of the player and are less concerned that they have talent which compliments our 2 core players jj and j smith.

By A Thinking Fan

July 15, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Ken & G Money Good posts by you both…

By Ken Strickland

July 15, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Adding more talent doesn’t necessarily translate into creating a better team. If that was true, the Knicks would be a much better team. Does RLewis really make the Magic a better team? Can he compensate for the loss of Darko and GHill? Even if he can, it doesn’t make them a better team, just one that isn’t any worse off. The biggest adversaries the Heat will have to overcome are age and injuries. I don’t see them being a force over the course of the entire season. The Wizards don’t play enough DEF, and are too weak inside to be more than an exciting team to watch. The Bobcats will be the team to watch in our division.

If we don’t have a repeat of last yrs injuries, and we play better DEF, we will be in the hunt. We are as deep and as talented as most teams in the East, but we are inexperienced and very young. If the Hawks establish a suitable style of play, and an early rotation, we will be a factor this season.

By G Money

July 15, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Why would anyone want Pryzbilla back? Perhaps it’s like reminiscing…the good ole days are always fondly thought of even when they really weren’t. Shells is better than him right now. In the meantime…I’m rooting for Shells too. I hope that he proves me and everyone else wrong about him being selected so high. I’m also so happy to hear about Horford. That’s great. Additionally, I think Acie is going to be all right. If he can get the ball to players where they need it and defend, his shot will come with time. Avery Johnson had the worst shot for years but he worked on all the other aspects of his game to compensate for his shot that was slow to develop. He continued to work on his shot until people had to start guarding him.

Nonetheless, I believe the Hawks are in for a tough season, but a good one. I initially thought that we’d be around 40 games. Maybe that’s still possible, but the point made earlier that everyone else in the east has tried to improved is really true. Our young birds are going to have to learn to fly pretty quickly.

By j-rock

July 15, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

I’m excited Sheldon is doing well.Thats right Shell head keep that trade value going up!That way we can send:

Sheldon,Salim and Lo wright

for

J.Jack and J.Pryzbilla or

Sheldon,chilldress and AJ

for

E.watson/ridnour,R.Swift and D.Wilkens

Of course I will route for Sheldon if he is on the squad but it is of my belief that he is not talented enough to significantly help the hawks.I would hate to see chilldress or salim leave but with the addition of one of those centers the Hawks will have a better chance at makin the playoffs.Earl watson and J.Jack have good defense and can start.D.Wilkins is an underrated player off the bench.Either way the hawks need a true center to compete with D.Howard,Shaq,E,Curry and Okafor.Go Hawks!!!!!!

By A-ville Ranger

July 14, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

23 pts-11 rebs—— good night for Shelden.I’ve posted more times than I can remember that there’s no reason to assume that Horford will be a better player than him.I really hope Shelden gets starters minutes enough to show what he can bring.I watched him enough at Duke to think he can play a low post position in this league.

By ray

July 14, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

I sure wish I could see these games. So, we beat the Spurs SL team and Sheldon got it right this time. Coach Drew says he settled down and took what the defense gave him. Good for him.

I see Horford didn’t score much, but he didn’t take many shots, either. I also see he hit the boards a little harder this time.

Law is still struggling from the field, and I see he took fewer shots this time. He’s still getting the dishes, though, which is good. I look to see him take over some games with his shooting at some point. Thing is, he has to develop himself to the point where he can hit that shot when he needs to without having to dominate the ball to jumpstart himself. I don’t think some people know how difficult that is, especially when you’re being counted on to distribute the ball more than score. Being a mature player, I think he’ll make the transition better than Salim did by far. I think what we may be seeing here is proof that Law wants to be the pg he is being asked to be. However, I hope Woody and his staff don’t smother the guy’s ability to score. It is crucial that he maintain and be allowed to continue to develop those scoring skills that made him a star in college. Why? Because if he doesn’t then he won’t be able to take the pressure off of Joe as much as is needed.

Joe, you would think that a guy coming from 4 years at Duke would know better than to do what Sheldon has been trying to do. He played center in college, where did this away from the basket idea come from? What you practice is how you play. Why not go with what you know, especially when that is exactly what you’re brought in for? At any rate, I hope he takes the success he had against San Antonio and learns from it. Worse case scenario is he suddenly thinks he’s a low post scorer extraordinaire and starts fudging up again. I hope not. Also, I hope Woody and Co. don’t forget what Law showed in college. It seems to me like he’s playing the pg spot, and not trying to dominate the shot column. But they have to cut him loose here and there. JJ is our #1 option, Smoove is probably second. We still don’t know where Horford or Marvin fit in all of this. But Law can score, I promise you. They don’t need to completely get him out of the habit of doing it, or we’ll have the same kind of problem people were worried about with Conley: defense sags to prevent penetration-pg becomes useless.

By Nookah

July 14, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Just took a look at the box scores. Again we outrebounded the opposition but in my opinion we gave up too many OR’s (16). To me that’s far too many. Remember we lost last night by 1 offensive rebound (Millsap). We seem to still lack that inside “take no prisoners mentality”. Solomon seems to be off to a slow start. Al had 3 assists (not great but he seems to be looking for the pass inside and FG% was again 50% and 9 rebounds (5 offensive). Acie had another rough shooting night(FG 33%) but again had 5 assists and 1 steal.

Now I know one swallow does not a summer make but howabout the Landlord (10/12 -FG% 83%) 11 rebounds (5 offensive). Devin Green and Raivio seemed to be bright spots too. Raivio played OK in the first game. He only got 6 mins. and had 3 pts and 1 assist. Tonight he had 10 pts on 4/7 shooting (55%) and 3 RB’s 3 assists and 2 TO’s.

Let’s keep on being positive fans and hope the Hawks can get it together this year. Like Travis and a host of other bloggers, I think we are still an “inside ballhawk” short. Magloire is gone to NJ, Mikki Moore to Sacramento, who else is left? We need someone desperately. Let’s hope we get one. I was really hoping we would get Randolph Morris. I thought someone like that that would be cheap and who could bang inside. I was thinking along those lines only because I knew we are compromised by our ownership situation and I think this is having more of a debilitating effect than we really realize.

Anyway let me stay positive and the good karma will follow.

Nuff Respect!!! GO HAWKS!!!!

By Travis

July 14, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Can I have some feedback on how the Hawks look, as a team, compared to everyone else? I still see them in 4th place in the SE division. Are we better than Miami, Washington, (Gilbert should be back by Feb), Charlotte, or Orlando? I see us in 12th place in the East. Clev, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, NJ, Orlando, Miami are the top seven, so you have 8 teams fighting for 1 playoff spots. ARE WE GOOD ENOUGH TO GET THAT SPOT? The Celtics have beefed up, so have NY. We need 1 more piece in free agency, but nothing is coming out of Hawksville. Thoughts? And I am a concerned season ticket holder, sect 217 row A. GO HAWKS, GET A KEY FREE AGENT!!!

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

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

I’m watching the Force game on ESPN right now and Mike Greenberg just said that Philips Arena is one of the better ones he’s seen. Let’s hope more Hawks fans were watching and hearing that!

Also, thanks DAWG, I’m going to sign up right now.

By ConyersDawg

July 14, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

You can see the games for free on nba.com. All you have to do is register!

By A Thinking Fan

July 14, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Where are all the Yi Brothas? Horford had a solid game! All we heard is about how Yi did! Well Yi ain’t done SMACK!!!

See my other post below Yi LOVERS!

By cp

July 14, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

I read a post from another blog from a guy who went to the game. I’ll copy n paste it…..

Horford looked great tonight. He ran the floor extremely well and is a terrific passer. I was pleased with his performance, especially since I’ve touted him as a special prospect since well before the draft or the hype surrounding him ever accumulated. He did struggle some against the big 7’0 Euro, but, overall, it was an excellent performance.

here is another guys persepective……..

For ATL people… Acie Law was great for a rookie, and so was Horford. But I think that Horford was better than Williams. I would believe that he would be better… coming from Duke and second year… I expected more… he just played average.

By Anakin Joe

July 14, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Ray, unfortunately, Shelden took a bunch of 16-18 foot jump shots. 2 of his shots were essentially heaves at the end of each half, so I’ll give him a pass on 2 attempts. But the others? No excuse. It also sounded like when he tried to make a move in the post, it resulted in a travel call. I agree, he should decide to be Charles Oakley and stop trying to be Carlos Boozer. But I don’t expect him to put his ego in check anytime soon.

One more thing, the Jazz announcers thought that the last play we ran with Horford in the high post passing down low to Shelden (who scored the basket and was fouled) was a terrific play and showed Horford’s skill to pass to another big man. We know that Horford and Noah both were good passers and would often feed each other. Maybe we can find more ways to exploit Horford’s skills to find a fellow big at the basket.

By ray

July 14, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Read the article, and from the sounds of it, plus JOE and NOOKAH contributions, Horford is as advertised, at least on the offensive end. I see Horford didn’t block any shots, but neither did Sheldon or Solomon. Considering the score and what the Jazz guards were able to do, however…that may not be the telling factor. Coach Drew says the defense was terrific, and the fact is, a blocked shot is not the end-all/be-all of defense. Perhaps our squad played good team defense.

Seems the only guards doing any damage were Lojeski and Almond. I’m willing to be both did most of it from outside.

Also, it was good to see that Horford had at least a 50% on field goals while also hitting 6 of 7 from the line. Let’s see how consistent he can be. As for Law, we’ve seen this before. Want to bet he’ll be shooting better once he finds a better balance between facilitating and looking for his own shot? Hard to get into a rhythm when you’re trying to feed everyone else. Of course, you could say I’m just making excuses…

Shelden gets 8 boards. Well, that much I’d expect. Shooting 5-14? If you’re playing center and take 14 shots, you need to be hitting no less than 7 of them. Get closer to the basket and convert. I still say he needs to concentrate on doing the dirty work. He just has not given any indication that he is an inside scoring threat, and if the first SL game is any indication at all of things to come…we’ve found that very thing already in our top pick. Of course, it’s too soon to say that with certainty, but already the numbers are speaking for themselves in comparison of the two players.

The frustrating thing is that we can’t see these games. Then we could better judge for ourselves who is doing what. Otherwise, posts like mine are very distant speculation at best.

By Hawk Flap

July 14, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

Could we get a little more detail on the rook performances last night in Utah? Stats are great but the true fans here on the blog would appreciate a bit more…like hustle-factor, speed of play, passing skill, Horford’s power in the paint or lack there of…that kind of stuff is what we’d love to hear about. You’re the only one we get it from, Smitty. Thanks! Also are any Hawks Summer Games on NBA tv or online?

By Big XL

July 14, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this

If, if, if the Hawks sold out to their youth and actually started a complete team for once, the starting line-up would be: Jones/center(bear with me please), Alford/pf, Smith/sf( it is his real position), J.Johnson/sg(obviously) and Law/pg(instantly the best on the team). Now hold on, before you blast the idea, look at the second string: Tony Montana/c(you know who I mean), S.Williams/pf(his real position), M.Williams/sf, J Chill/sg, and Stodamire/G. That lineup started at some point last year. Imagine that, the Hawks could be the deepest team( by # of previous starters) in the league.

You probably noticed certain names missing; Lue, Claxton, A.Johnson. Claxton & Johnson should be collecting social security. Lue on the other hand, well its time to move on. Yes, he is a good shooter, but he’s really a short sg playing point. He lacks court vison, so his game is best in the half court. He misses players( namely Smith) streaking up court on fast breaks, which could give the team a lot of easy baskets. It seems this young athletic team really slows down when he is running the point. He has positives, but the negatives outweigh them. He’s not going to improve as a player, but the youth on this team can.

By Nookah

July 14, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this

Hi Guys, got some numbers for you vs. Utah: Horford - 32.01m; FG 6/12; FT 6/7; RB 6; A 2; ST 2; TO 5; PTS 18; Solomon - 16,21m; FG 0/1; FT 2/2; RB 2; PF 4; ST 1; TO 1; BLS 1; PTS 2; Shelden - 24.51M; FG 5/14; FT 0/1; RB 8; PF 3; ST 1; TO 3; PTS 11; Acie - 28.27; FG 3/13; FT 1/2 RB 2; A 5; PF 2; ST 1; TO 2; PTS 7; Mario West - 16.49M; FG 2/3; FT 4/4; RB 1; PF 4; ST 1; BLS 2; PTS 8.

As a previous blogger said Acie had a poor shooting night but had 5 assists -not great but early days yet. Horford seemed to have had a decent game but had 5 TO’s and no fouls? Was his defense that good or was he not stamping his authority on the defensive end? Didn’t see the game, can someone who saw it give us an assessment? Solomon also had a very quiet night not an impressive start. Shelden had 8 RB’s, 11 pts and no BLS. Mario West for all the Tech fans had a decent game with 8 PTS and 2 BLS.

However, we still lost. Although this is Summer League I am very worried about the loosing culture. We MUST change that!!!

Nuff Respect!!! GO HAWKS!!!!

By cowa

July 14, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

AJ, I believe Hayes would be a great fit on this club. Cheap to sign, and I’m sure he would see this team as a great way to re-establish his career.

Also, with the Blake signing by Portland for somewhere near the MLE, Jack could be there for the taking. I’ll go back to the deals I was preaching before the draft of Jack/Przybilla for Chills/Wright. This would clear up the controversy/log jam Portland now has at PG (remember, Blake beat out Jack for the starting PG position in 05/06), as well as get them out of the Przybilla contract (now that they have picked up Oden and Frye ot go along with Aldridge). I know this leaves us with FIVE pgs, but upgrading both our PG and C, and adding some serious D, as well as the trade opportunities that this would allow us, seem to offset this by a large margin. We should be able to get future 2nd round picks for either Lue or AJ at the absolute worst. Your new rotation would be 14 deep with Przybilla/Josh/Marvin/Joe/Jack as your starters, and Zaza, Horford, Sheldon, Hayes, Speedy, Law, AJ and Jones off the bench. Some great trade chips there. And the best news is that all this could be done while still being under the cap.

I don’t like trading Chills, but I think he will cost too much to resign long term, with Josh expecting somewhere around $45M for 5 years, adn Marvin up the year after that.

By ray

July 13, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the recap, Joe. Do we play again Saturday night?

By Anakin Joe

July 13, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Listened to tonight’s game against Jazz. Sounds like Shelden continues to insist on being a scorer and still has not worked on his foot work. Seems like Law is determined to be a facilitator and did a pretty good job. His shot was WAY off tonight, but it sounded like he had a decent game running the team. Horford I think led all scorers with 18 (and added 6 boards). Sounded like he was very smooth and well composed in his first NBA action. I didn’t hear much about Solomon. Hawks lost by 1 point after Millsap collected an offensive rebound and converted a lay-up down low. I’ll be interested to look at the stats to see if anything jumps out (other than Law’s horrific shooting night).

By ray

July 13, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Roan St,

What really gets me is some of these same people want to bring in proven troubled individuals like Steve Francis. No, seriously! Get rid of a young guy just oozing talent…and bring in a talented, aging guy who can’t stick to any team despite his talent. Then when we argue, they want to say we don’t recognize talent when we see it. Really….I’m glad there’s other people out there that realize what the guy can do, and that he has a lot of room to grown and mature. Gotta give Billy credit on picking him. Especially considering this: of all the picks Billy’s made here, Smith has been far and away the most valuable so far. And that’s considering how many lottery picks we’ve had. Wow. Of course, we’ve yet to see how Horford and Law do.

Steve T, you got it on the head. Youth, talent, still upside, best defensive presence we have. What would we replace him with?

By Steve T

July 13, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

“Unless Josh Smith stops acting like aa little kid who throws temper tantrums when he doesn’t get the ball, no way the Hawks should re-sign him. That little $h!t needs to learn to act like a man instead of a diva before we give him $60 million.”

MJ, you need to change your handle. The man wants to WIN and WIN bad. I wish we had a team full of Josh Smith. The hawks would be NBA champs if everyone played with his passion.

You people kill me. I doubt if you ever played a sport or if you did you were a good loser.

Now let me ask you this question, if the game was on the line, what would happen if Bird, Magic, or MJ did not get the ball. All hell would break loose. Bird would tell his teammates that those are his shots.

It is refershing that somebody on the hawks is taking losing to his heart. I do not know how anyone would even think about trading a Josh Smith. The kid can rebound and block shots like he is 7-2. Then he works hard during the summer to get better. If this kid is not a leader then I do not know what a leader is. This is why I want him to take Solo and Swilliams under his wings.

By Jonj

July 13, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Mr. Sekou Smith,

Were the Hawk’s lying about offseason changes occurring? BEcuase right now I have heard nothing and seen nothing?

By roan st

July 13, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

Ray, amen on josh smith. I believe the kid could become the great franchise player or even savior. He is as complete a player at 21 as a team could ask for. I cringe whenever somebody talks jsmoove and trade. Go ahead billy and make that crucial mistake. If that dude is traded I’m out of here for real this time.

By Anakin Joe

July 13, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

Flash, thanks for the feedback. I’ve been disappointed that his health has not allowed him to put together 75 consecutive games. I’d take a gamble, may 2 years guaranteed for around $5M with a 3rd year as a team option. But first we have to shed ourselves of AJ (and Salim, since this regime won’t use him properly).

By ray

July 13, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Aw this sucks monkey nuts. We don’t get to see the Hawks play in the summer league until Wednesday, the 18th?

Knight and Woodson are great men of character doing a great job? Well they certainly are if they’re working for the other 29 or so teams in the NBA.

By ray

July 13, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

Where does this keep coming from?

I don’t see where Josh Smith is the team-wreaking individual people keep claiming he is. Tantrums? I saw that dude doing far more damage to the opposition than I did to the team.

Yeah, okay. Trade him. For what? For who? Let the man play this year just like everybody else. If he proves himself to be a distraction and a locker room pollutant, then find and facilitate a trade that makes sense. ‘Cause believe me, if you’re trading the guy, you better be getting one hell of a player(s) in return.

Yeah, let’s trade the guy. We don’t need 16.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 3.3apg, 2.9bpg, and 1.4spg. Nope. Not to mention a guy who averaged over 20ppg/9.5rpg in march and 21ppg/10.2rpg in april…when the team’s best player was out. So, when you talk about dude growing up, try to remember his age. And if you’re wanting to trade him, figure out how you’re going to replace those numbers. He’s been in the league how many years, drafted right out of high school? How grown up did you suppose he would be?

This season is a proving ground for the entire organization. Players have something to prove, coaches have something to prove (Woodson, I mean). It is what it is. Put up or shut up time. Unfortunately, we have little to go on ‘til the season starts. Gonna have to settle for summer league, camp, and anything/everything ol’ Sekou can give us. As usual, I’ll be hangin’ on every word, heh!

By smartguy

July 13, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Great points, Randy. When it comes to winning, Josh Smith is one of the top two contributors on the team. Kick Woody to the curb, and buy Smooth a big new mansion.

By some sense

July 13, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Ya win w/ players, and J. Smith is a player. Player’s are emotional; two “spats”, even when one is w/ the coach, don’t qualify a player as a baby. Josh is refreshing; he wants to win as, I’m convinced, the whole core group - owners, exec’s, coaches, and players do.

They will win.

Take it to the bank.

By Randy

July 13, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

It amazes me that some people are saying Hawks shouldn’t resign Josh Smith because he got into a couple spats last year. First of all, one spat was with AJ, a nobody who just came in to the Hawks and tried to boss Josh around like he knew the system better than Josh. The second spat was with the coach at the end of year and from my perspective it looked to be over the fact that Josh wanted to win more than Woody. All these things blew over and I don’t see the point of making a mountain out of a molehill. Look it up, Josh rarely complains over fouls, rarely gets technicals and pulls Rashad type of tantrams. He only wants to win and is constantly improving. He is working this summer with the Olijawon camp to get even better. He is a future All Star and should be paid like one. And if the Hawks are smart they will try to extend his contract, whatever he wants, as soon as possible.

By The Flash

July 13, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

AJ missed your inquiry until now. If you’re still listening, Jarvis never seemed to catch his rhythm last year. The back to back knee cap issues seemed really to have compromised his game. However, before all that, I thought he was very, very solid.

Even after he came back last year, his shot selection was terrific and he was willing to take it even in tough circumstances.

I’d be concerned about a recurrance, and also about his ability to recapture enough to make the shots that used to be money before he was hurt.

I don’t watch much, but I always thought he defended and did the little things well, and has a knack for being where they ain’t on the catch in positions where he could hurt you.

I’d certainly give him a serious look if he wanted one. As a back up to JJ, or a shooter off the bench at the three, he could be valuable. But, based upon last year’s performance, from what little I saw I would not just go out and sign him.

By MJ3

July 13, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Unless Josh Smith stops acting like aa little kid who throws temper tantrums when he doesn’t get the ball, no way the Hawks should re-sign him. That little $h!t needs to learn to act like a man instead of a diva before we give him $60 million.

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 13, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

I’ve been living in Southern California for the past 11 years and it’s about time that I’m coming home! I’ll be moving back to the area at the end of this month. I’ve never been to Philips Arena. But I think I can start to go now! I’m pretty excited if you can’t tell. Now I don’t have to pay for that NBA package any longer.

Can’t wait to see these kids in action!

By smartguy

July 13, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Resign Smooth NOW!!!!!!!

By GuyFromUruguay

July 13, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Yep I read that stuff about Conley too, and although I liked him, I can see that unless he develops his shot there’s no chance he’s breaking down defenses.

By some sense

July 12, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Some points to consider heading into summer league play:

What team starts four better players than Williams, Jones, Law, and Horford?

As good as Bradley is, he’s probably premature on S. Williams.

Might as well forget comments about Conley, etc. if for no other reason than he doesn’t play here.

Knight was hired to rebuild the team; Woodson was hired to coach a rebuilding team. Two talented men of character and patience. Improvement every year.

Assistant coach situation may have been handled poorly, but…life goes on for all.

Joe Johnson is really good; Josh Smith had a breakout season last year; Childress and Williams had step-up years. Gotta step up before you can break out. Other talented players include Stoudamire, S. Williams, Jones, Horford, and Law. That’s nine players. What if Claxton, Lue, and Pachulia step up? Might have somethin’ there.

Ownership - Nothin’ real good’s gonna happen until ownership becomes settled for once and for all. Remember the Falcons under the Smiths, the Braves before Ted? EVERYTHING starts at the top. Even if Belkin wins, at least someone will be in charge for good. Shame if that happens, though, ‘cause he’ll never match little Mike’s passion.

Take it to the bank.

By d

July 12, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

anxiously awaiting the hawks’ summer play. Looks like aaron Brooks has a handle on thins avgs of 20 pts and 7.5 dimes…pretty impressive…and stuckey is doing his thing…..bring on the law….and about time people start asking about Cenk. Been pimpin’ that guy for weeks. When’s that guy coming state side?

By Ricardo

July 12, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Fred E - Certainly gotta admire your approach - no disagreement on your post.

By ray

July 12, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Matt is probably right. After watching Conley in the summer league games (haven’t seen Law yet, obviously), it’s hard imagining him being such an impact player right away. He definitely has the court vision, and the speed. He doesn’t look too very small on the court either. However, he also doesn’t look any faster than Kyle Lowry, who is a better shooter. That’s right, Lowry was better at getting to the basket, too. I know it’s too early to pass any kind of judgement on Conley (still like the guy and wish we could have gotten him, though not smart at #3). However, watched under pressure a few times and it’s true….he cannot shoot. Gonna be some long hours in the gym with that jumper or you’re going to see a lot more of Lowry, assuming he’s healthy. Of course, if TJ Ford can do it, so can Conley.

I watched Ford against New Jersey in the playoffs months ago. He was causing all kinds of problems just because he worked on his jumper. Well, Mikey…you know what to do.

Having said that, I’m anxious to see what Law does. He can shoot, and likes to. I want to see just how good, even though it’s just SL. I also want to see how he takes it to the hole and creates for teammates. Right now, I have to say that from what I’ve seen, I love his attitude. He says he wants to be what the team needs him to be, and is determined to prove himself. That’s always a good start.

By ray

July 12, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

LifeLongHawksFan,

I see what you’re saying. I kinda give Marvin a pass because his pre-season injury almost took his progress to a standstill. That’s not to say that he would have been a 20ppg guy had he not gotten injured, but I DO believe he would have done better if he had been healthy at the start.

As for Sheldon, he kinda stunk it up in the summer league last year. And then Billy and Woody said that he would probably “do better against tougher competition”. Well, we saw the results of that. I wonder what would happen if you showed Woodson that quote NOW. At any rate, if Sheldon does bruise up most of his competition and tears it up in general, I’ll cautiously consider it progress. It’s still the summer league, but if he does a much better job there than he did last year, that at least says the effort and mindset have changed. Then he simply has to translate that onto the court.

While disappointed in him, I know you don’t throw a guy away only one year after he’s been drafted. The fact is, he did produce some, and in certain situations. Besides, like others have said, it’s not like we have a plethora of low post guys to choose from. Besides Horford and Sheldon, there’s Pachulia and Wright. And Wright was damn near useless last year. If any of them go for any reason, it has to be for the sake of bringing in an upgrade. I’m perfectly fine with a guy like Haywood or Magloire to take the place of Wright.

Upon further reflection, I think this year Sheldon has a chance to really prove exactly what his worth is. If he gets in there and plays better defense (for Pete’s sake, get better a positioning yourself, Sheldon), rips some boards, and raises his field goal percentage, he’s worth keeping around unless you can get someone better for the right price. There’s no excuse for the field goal percentage. If you can barely shoot the jumper, then stick with put-backs, jump hooks, and various other close-to-the-basket shots. I know he can hit the jumper on occasion. But usually when he’s attempted it, it’s been a last second or out of position shot. Like I said, you have to change your game to raise that FG%, especially if you’re playing that close to the basket.

I think that’s what Sheldon has most to offer and what role he can still play with the team if he sets his mind to it. If not, let him go elsewhere.

By MALONE

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

There was a Cenk Ayol (sp?) flurry of talk a few weeks back. What happened there? Any chance he is a Hawk anytime soon?

I bet Shelden pleasantly surprises in Summer League.

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 12, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Ray, I’m afraid of what “The Landlord” might do. What if he comes in and plays Summer League MVP type ball the way Marvin did last summer? I think we all got onboard that train thiking it was heading for a quick streak down the tracks. But it didn’t translate as well into the regular season. I just want modest improvement myself. There shouldn’t be many players in that league that could muscle him around.

I think we should judge on how he handles the low post. If he can manhandle all of the rooks and 3/4 of the league vets there, then all’s well.

He’s definitely in trouble of losing PT. But I don’t think he’ll be going anywhere this season.

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 12, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Nooka, OUR Hawks need more fans period! We all love this franchise. We just don’t approve of the moves it makes sometimes. That’s what rights the fans have. They don’t have many (according to BK). So don’t bash all the Hawks fans on here as a whole.

I have loved this team since I started watching them play in the early 80’s. I couldn’t watch earlier because I was a toddler.

I may jump on from time to time and question a move the Hawks front office makes or doesn’t make. But that doesn’t taint my love for that bird.

By ray

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

Well, I see where other teams have been making moves. Darko has a chance to really do something in Memphis. He can play high-low with Gasol all day long. Like another blogger said, adding Gay and Conley to that tandem makes it look like a strong core to build on.

Meanwhile, we have our own core. I can’t wait until tomorrow evening just to see how Solomon Jones and our two rooks look. I’m not sure what to expect from Sheldon. Improvement at the least, though. He needs to have more of a nasty streak. Get right in the paint and bang the hell out of anyone who comes there. Make them not want to come back. Use that beef. It’s not like he doesn’t have the size, he just seems to not play as big and strong as he looks.

I know one thing: he’s on the hot plate if he can’t at least give Horford a run for his money. Where’s your money at on that one? Either way, tomorrow night we get to see what both are made of….sort of…it’s still the summer league, so…you know.

By Nookah

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

Fred Everett thanks for the positive vibe. You seem to be one of the few genuine fans who really want to see the Hawks do well. The majority of people on this blog only criticize and “cry” down this organization. The Hawks need more fans like you.

Nuff Respect!!!

Go Hawks!!!

By BOBOHEY

July 12, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

TRADE THAT GORLIA FACE AND SPEEDY AND LORENZEN WRIGHT SOLEMEN AND PICKS FOR BEN WALLACE DUHAN

By BOBOHEY

July 12, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

TRADE THAT GORLIA FACE AND SPEEDY AND LORENZEN WRIGHT SOLEMEN AND PICKS FOR BEN WALLACE DUHAN

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 12, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Do any of the Hawks fans here prefer to have Chris Mihm or Mikki Moore over Lorenzen Wright? I sure hope Lo takes off and neither of these two head to town.

By Fred Everett

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

Ricardo…yes, the legal wrangling does impact the situation negatively but that is nothing new. While we wait for the next chapter in this legal saga…I would be most interested to learn about how are players have…or…have not recovered from their injuries as this WILL have an impact on the upcoming 2007-8 season. Additionally…it would be interesting to learn, in some detail, about the progress each of our younger players are making this summer. If I can not get this from the AJC Sports Section…where exactly do I go for an inside perspective ? I am of the opinion that the AJC writers could and should dig deeper to inform team fans of developments we can not access ourselves.

By mykhalc

July 12, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

i understand the stance that BK HAD TO take on the assts. what i DO NOT understand is how it even got to that point!!???!!! it’s already been expressed here, but again, how were the interviews EVEN ALLOWED to take place when there was no chance of them bein’ released??? AGAIN, as much as i love the HAWKS they CONTINUALLY take INEPTNESS to the next level!!!

By Ricardo

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

Good News - I never said that I wasn’t rooting for them or that I didn’t like the players - I am and I do. My point is only that I don’t see the reason to manufacture “feel good” stories in the off season for the sake of doing it. In the Hawks world there is currently room for optimism and I acknowledge that and agree that when we do something good the AJC should report it. There is also, however, room for reality. And right now reality is an an ownership mess that has handcuffed management’s ability to effectively run and develop the team - and that’s a bigger story that Za-Za’s elbow or whatever.

By Harry Hawk

July 12, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Paul Millsap and Shelden Williams make a good comparison from last year’s rookie class.

Millsap - 82 games, an even 18 minutes a game, 52.5% FG, 67% FT, 5.2 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 6.8 PPG

Shelden - 81 games, 18:41 a game, 45.5% FG, 76.4% FT, 5.4 RPG, 0.5 BPG, 5.5 PPG

Millsap was better on the offensive glass by half a board a game. Shelden was better on the defensive glass by almost a full board a game.

The big difference, you ask?

Salary.

As the 17th pick in the second round, Millsap made $625,000 last year. As the fifth overall pick in the draft, Shelden made $2.95 million in his first year.

If for no other reason at all, that’s why so many people are disappointed with Shelden Williams. As so many other people have stated since before the guy was drafted, the Hawks could have gotten Shelden ten to fifteen spots lower in the draft and paid him a lot less. While Shelden should improve some in his second year, just remember to check up on Millsap and see how he’s doing for 1/4th the amount of money.

By Fred Everett

July 12, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Ricardo…correction…AJC article said, “who’s listed at 6 foot 9 but who seems closer to 6 foot 7”. As I mentioned…Sheldon is 6’ 8 1/2”. As to “dumb stories”…I, for one, would like the AJC to write an article about the recovery from injuries…how is Joe’s calf…how is Sheldon’s shoulder…what about Chill’s twice broken foot…what about the season long knee and groin problems for Speedy and T-Lue as well as their recent knee surgeries…also, Zaza’s elbow injury……all of which were on-going injury issues as the season closed. Instead…we get negative slanted AJC articles such as the one about Sheldon. Frankly…I would rather read factually based articles that inform me about the team and its players than continual trashing.

Go Billy…Go Hawks !

By Good News...

July 12, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Oh I forgot Ricardo, you only root for winning teams, forget rooting for them to get there. This is the team we are given and I for one and going to root for the players we have. Not dream about getting Kobe or KG in trades that will never happen. Not trading for another backup point guard. Not dreaming that any team would take Wright, Lue, AJ, Speedy… What free agents are out there that would help us…none. Billups was going back to D-town,Howard is not leaving Orlando, others are going to winning teams so why not root for our young guys to improve. Any of you remember how teams used to take years to get to the finals, the pistons of the 80’s, the bulls. They just didn’t show up. They grew in the league together and then once they go to the playoffs they made trades to better themselves. We will get to that point. We had a long way to go and we are still not quite there. We have a ton of players with rookie contracts. I have said this over and over. Next off season(not this one) will be the one where decisions will be made(coaching, JChill,JSmoove). Until then this is the team we have.

So what is up with Speedy and his trip to the specialist that was hinted at? Has Marvin bulked up? These are things I would like to read about. Not that our ownership is a mess. Already knew that. Why not update us on the progress of the case?

By Big Kev

July 12, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

I think Jarvis Hayes would be a great addition. He would not cost a great deal and would add a solid vet scorer to the bench. It would allow salim to fill in as a 3rd point and SG and also as a late game 3 point option. It would allow Chill to slide to the 3 and with tlue as a back up point , you have a pretty good 2nd unit with zaza and sheldon. The hawks really do need to try and find a way to shed them selves of AJ and LO, cause no one is taking Craig claxton off their hands.

By Ricardo

July 12, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Fred - Point of clarification - the article said that Shelden PLAYED like he was 6’7 not that he was 6’7. Why do you want little dumb stories about what the players are doing in the off season? The AJC doesn’t do that for athletes of any other sport (other than Vick, but cmon, this year that’s different). The fact is that if this team was moving in the right direction or if there was anything positive to report, AJC would do it. We haven’t signed any new free agents, we’ve made no trades - we’ve done nothing other than make a couple of draft picks a few weeks ago - and that got a lot of positive coverage. You know the expression - “you can’t make chicken salad out of chicken poop”. BK and Spirit are chicken poop.

By Anakin Joe

July 12, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Any interest in Jarvis Hayes? Looks like the Wizards will cut him loose. We could probably sign him for less than $3M/year. But first, we would need to dump AJ. BK had mentioned trying to acquire a big shooter. Hayes is from Atlanta (Douglass High School) but has obviously never been able to stay healthy. Flash, did you ever see enough of him playing while healthy to draw a conclusion?

By the other Mike

July 12, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

The Hawks did well not to splurge into the early part on the FA market. It’s unbelievable the kind of cash being dish out for players that up to now hadn’t even made the All Star team, Billups being the exception. The only real significant deal besides the resigning of Billups is the Bobcats resigning of Gerald Wallace to a reportedly 57mil. That’s cheap compared to Lewis. I think Wallace has a more complete game than Lewis. That was a good deal for the Bobcat. If Orlando had signed Wallace instead of Lewis than I would have been worried? Lewis can score but he’s weak on defense.

I disagree with Mark Bradley and anybody that thinks that Sheldon was a wasted pick. Maybe drafted too high, but not a wasted pick. Sheldon can help the Hawks in the post. Please people remember it was Woodson that had a banger like Sheldon guarding fitness players in the post; his game is not built for that. He’s one of those slow foot bangers that every teams needs. In those situations Woodson should have used Solo in those games, instead he absolutely refuse to play Solo until ¾ of the seasons was over with.

Actually the signing of Hartford should help Sheldon. Hartford got the foot speed and quickness to guard fitness players in the post. Sheldon , LoWright, and Zaza are all guys that lack explosive quickness in the post. If anything the Hawks should be trying to package LoWright and Zaza with a PG or SF. Sheldon is a high character high basketball IQ guy. I expect him to work hard in the off season to quite all the naysayers, the same goes for Marvin.

By the other Mike

July 12, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

The Hawks did well not to splurge into the early part on the FA market. It’s unbelievable the kind of cash being dish out for players that up to now hadn’t even made the All Star team, Billups being the exception. The only real significant deal besides the resigning of Billups is the Bobcats resigning of Gerald Wallace to a reportedly 57mil. That’s cheap compared to Lewis. I think Wallace has a more complete game than Lewis. That was a good deal for the Bobcat. If Orlando had signed Wallace instead of Lewis than I would have been worried? Lewis can score but he’s weak on defense.

I disagree with Mark Bradley and anybody that thinks that Sheldon was a wasted pick. Maybe drafted too high, but not a wasted pick. Sheldon can help the Hawks in the post. Please people remember it was Woodson that had a banger like Sheldon guarding fitness players in the post; his game is not built for that. He’s one of those slow foot bangers that every teams needs. In those situations Woodson should have used Solo in those games, instead he absolutely refuse to play Solo until ¾ of the seasons was over with.

Actually the signing of Hartford should help Sheldon. Hartford got the foot speed and quickness to guard fitness players in the post. Sheldon , LoWright, and Zaza are all guys that lack explosive quickness in the post. If anything the Hawks should be trying to package LoWright and Zaza with a PG or SF. Sheldon is a high character high basketball IQ guy. I expect him to work hard in the off season to quite all the naysayers, the same goes for Marvin.

By Fred Everett

July 12, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Thank you Godd News…I agree. Yesterday we trash Billy…today we trash Sheldon (with mis-information…Sheldon is 6’ 8 1/2” as measured in the 2006 Orlando pre-draft tests, not 6’ 7” as referenced in the AJC article). Why not write about how our guys have recovered from injuries…Joe…Sheldon…Speedy…T-Lue…Chills…Zaza ? Why not write about the “direction” each player was given for summer workouts…and…the progress they have made ? Enough negative stuff. We have a teriffic young team…and we just added 2 of the top 11 players drafted.

Go Billy…Go Hawks !

By Melvin

July 12, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Darko,Pau Gasol,Rudy Gay, Mike Miller and Mike Conley…. that’s a nice young nucleus to build a team around for the future…

By Godd news..anybody???

July 12, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Why can’t this paper ever run a positive story?? It was about who to trade the other day with a picture of Josh Smith and now you get “Eviction Notice”. Can’t we have some stories about what each player is doing in the off season. Why hasn’t there been an article about JSmoove’s workouts. What has JChill been up to. Has Sheldon been working with anybody or has he bulked up? Has Marvin grown any? How is JJ doing with his injuries? Anybody really hits the weights? Why not fill the off season with some of these stories. There are enough players, it should fill a couple of weeks interviewing each player and giving the fans a profile so they get to know each player. That is how you build a fan base. Little kids will read that. They aren’t going to read through these blogs. Other cities do this. All we get is negative! It can’t all be bad, can it?

By ejh

July 12, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

In commenting on Knights decision to not let Drew and Fizdale pursue other opportunities, I do not think it was his decision alone to not let them go. I believe Billy felt it was O.K. for those guys to go, but only if he was able to find a replacement for those spots and whomever the replacements were would be under the understanding that this would be a one year deal, unless the Hawks have a playoff year and they get extensions. Ownership may have passed that down to Billy and the assistant coaches may have been aware of this. But that part we do not know. Also just a few weeks ago the Orlando Magic hired Stan Van Gundy, he was still under contract to the Heat for another year, but Pat Riley only let him out of the contract because the Magic were willing to give up a second round pick. Then after Stan got the job he wanted to go back and hire two of Pat Riley Assistants; Actually they were Stan Van Gundy’s assistants because he hired them when he got the Miami job, but Riley told him NO! These assistants only have one year left on their contracts as well, but nobody said anything when Riley would not let his assistants make a lateral move, but people do when it is Billy Knight, go figure.

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 12, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this

Chris, I was thinking the same thing. The Franchise recruiters will be out in no time. He is still explosive, but not at all a fit with this team.

By evg

July 11, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Hey guys! Darko signs with Memphis.

Jul 11, 2007 10:29pm ET Report: Milicic, Grizzlies Agree on Three-year Deal Chad Ford of ESPN writes, “Free-agent center Darko Milicic agreed in principle to a three-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.”

By Nookah

July 11, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Jason, I just read your 7:08 pm post and thanks for that comment. My only disagreement with you is that he would not be able to find a WNBA team that would tolerate him!!! He is indeed a quitter and all for himself.

Nuff Respect!!

By G Money

July 11, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

On this one I have to side with Billy (ugh). NO ONE would come to help bail Woody out of the mess he has made over the past 3 years. Why would I, an up and coming coach want to go to a system that is on its way out? Why would I an established assistant looking to move up and run a team want to come to the Hawks where I know the turnaround could take forever when you can’t sign any long term contracts to any really star athletes?

If I’m Billy, why would I f** myself if I know this is my last shot too? Ladies and gentlemen this is the Siberia of the NBA. No one wants to come here and do hard labor in the cold and be forgotten about.

By ray

July 11, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Can things be any more screwed up here? Coaches trying to leave (who can blame them, reasons speculated), no movement in the free agent/trade market (that we know of) for our team and the dad-blasted blog keeps running BASS-ACKWARDS!

I think two guys by the name of Moore and Bradley are the secret saboteurs! Ah, conspiracy….

By JB

July 11, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

I’ve defended Billy more than anyone I know. But I’ve had a hard time with this one. It’s almost as hard to swallow as Shelden at the #5 pick. It makes me wonder whether the two guys don’t want to work with Woody anymore.

But Mavid has a point regarding the difficult position Billy’s in because of ownership—who else do you get to plug in when this could be the turnaround year. I’m starting to see Billy’s thinking on this. You’ve got one last shot to make it work. And playing your trump card early might save the whole shebang. It’s a gambit, but by golly, it might just work.

Hope he’s right about them being professionals.

By Chris

July 11, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Can we fix the damn blog so comments are arranged in descending, rather than ascending, order? It’s pretty ridiculous. Get on that for us, Sekou.

And where are the people calling for the Hawks to sign Stevie Franchise? I know it’s coming…

By mavid

July 11, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Sekou and all

This one is not hard to figure out.

We let these guys go, who in the world is going to agree to take their spots?

We really can’t get any quality coaches until the ownership mess is done. So yeah, if I’m BK, I probably HAVE to do the same thing.

BK knows noone legit wants to come here right now. If Belkin wins the court case, they’re gone just like that. Might be able to get an up-and-coming coach willing to take a risk, but not an established one.

And you know what, call me crazy, but both these assistants know what the deal is!

They know the Hawk’s can’t really find anyone to replace them. I’m sure while they’re not happy with it, they understand it. And I think they’ll give their all still.

But yeah, please Arthur Blank, buy ALL THESE FOOLS OUT ASAP!

By roan st

July 11, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

GEEZ! Rashard lewis gets 110 million from the magic. I think lewis is a fine player but c’mon he ain’t no 100 million dollar guy. I can remember when people on this very board grumbled about the hawks paying jj 70 million. If rashard is worth 110 million then jj is the steal of the century at 70 million.

By Mook

July 11, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

smartguy,

If you think it would send a positive message to fans to sign a kid who acts like a whiny punk to an $80 million dollar Koncak…I mean contract…well, I have a piece of ‘prime beachfront property’ that I’d love to sell you.

By Jason

July 11, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

melvin, you retard. i can’t believe you said francis would be good for the hawks. that butt-f*** quitter is the biggest cry baby i have ever seen put on a uniform. he belongs in the wnba.

By infamouskrs

July 11, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

(thinkin’ aloud here) i wonder why you’d tease the guys and then AFTER they find work….SLAM THE DOOR and basically tell them they’re trapped! can any “legal-action” <— (i know we’re all sick of these words) come out of this situation if the staff IS canned mid-season?

Clyde, what are the chances you could rent a BILLBOARD for your catch-phrase?

small change though…. “HONK IF YOU HATE BILLY”!

By Melvin

July 11, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Dear B-ball god, Steve Francis would look good in a Hawks uniform. A 2nd/3rd legit scorer…..

By The Flash

July 11, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Is Carrill still with the Kings? If he is, that was no lateral move Drew wanted to make. A year or two with Carril to hone his understanding of the offensive game, and Drew writes his ticket to the very top.

By The Flash

July 11, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Is Carrill still in Sactown. If so, Drew going there could have been a terrific opportunity, to hone his understanding of the game under Pete and then perhaps ascend to tremendous stature after a year or two.

By cp

July 11, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Dang its almost like we are cursed. This is like the third straight summer of drama for this franchise. I thought this summer would be so different with 2 picks and a few options to improve this team but as the draft got nearer I just kinda felt like whatever. Now we have this mess. This team just cant seem to get it right. We arent removing some of this dead weight on the team and we dont seem to be in a rush to sign Josh Smith. Man its hard to support this team with this type of crap going on.

By The Flash

July 11, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Raise your hand if you think Drew should have been the head guy leading into this season. Keep your hands up if you think that Larry wants it to come nasty and messy, which is what mid season firings entail. Next question.

By newkid

July 11, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

WOW roan st, did you say this legal matter with the ASG could last into 2009? Two more years in addition to the two that have already elapsed? It’s just amazing how long it takes to move matters along here. Just saw an article elsewhere on the AJC site that indicated UGA was short-listed (among five institutions) as candidate for a national center for research on how to protect our domestic food supply from the designs of terrorists. The piece mentioned that it’ll take another 15+ months for national government to reach a decision on the finalist, and I believe the process to this point has taken more than a year. Not to mention the time it’ll take to develop the physical structures and attract the research scientists. Somehow this doesn’t make me feel very safe.

A colleague (Chinese native) just returned from an extended visit to his homeland in Beijing. In a recent chat he told of the 6 (yes SIX) concentric I-285 type perimeter highways currently in place around the city. Five (5) of those have been constructed in the past 10 years, and the number will increase to 8 in the next 2-3 years. How’s that for being time-effecient.

By oldman79

July 11, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

It could be that the Hawks belive that Drew could be thier next head coach.

By smartguy

July 11, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Stop the pain. Bring on Belkin

And sign Smooth ASAP if you want to send a positive message to the fans.

By Hawk Flap

July 11, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Loyalty should be a 2 way street. These coaches could have been fired at any time within the last 2 years, but ownership stuck with them. Therefore the coaches should give their loyalty in return.

After they are all fired midway thru next season they will have plenty of time to get their resumes ready for a magnitude of job openings that will be available at seasons end.

By Conan

July 11, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Sorry Sekou…but i don’t have a lot of sympathy for these coaches only having 1 year of job security? Want to know how much job security 99% of people have?? Day to day on the whims of their boss so save me the sympathy please.

By Bubba

July 11, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Hi Y’all! This decision will not help balance the boat. You got a guy who wants to be closer to home and one that has a chance to work for a Finals team. Ouch. If I were one of them, I would not be happy. My idea of an organization that does the right thing is one that trains you in your current job, grooming you to take a step up into a better position, and allows you the ability to move laterally if you so choose. If someone determines that they would like to leave, there is another person that has been groomed for their position. Guys, I just don’t see it.

By Matt

July 11, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Posted this in the last thread, but it’s more relevant here:

*I still like the Horford and Law picks. $5 says Law is better over his first two seasons than Conley.

I don’t think we should read too much into the reasons for the assistant coach’s decisions. Drew wanted to be closer to his family. Fizdale was offered a spot with a young team that just made the NBA Finals - and being an assistant in an organization that consistently makes it deep in the playoffs is a great position to be in if you want a head coaching job (just ask Mike Woodson).

I don’t know why Knight said no, but I’m guessing that there aren’t many decent coaches out there willing to sign 1-year assistant deals under a coach in the last year of his contract (I certainly wouldn’t uproot my life for a 1-year contract), which means any new coaches would probably have to be offered multi-year deals. So my best guess is that Billy let them interview, but then the owners said something to the effect of “We don’t want to sink money into long-term contracts for new assistants when there’s only 1 year left on the head coach’s contract.”*

By Clyde

July 11, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By MannyT

July 11, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

For the hard core honor the contract folks, I would ask why give them permission to interview for the new jobs? That implies that you might be willing to let them go. It’s not like they took long lunches and ended up interviewing with other teams.

Also, when you manage an organization, you have to make tough choices. This one looks like the risk of yanking the chains of the assistants is more important than the residual effects of having folks around that had one foot out the door. Because sports has smaller, highly visible employees than most industries, all the steps you take are very visible.

Without understanding what goes on behind closed doors, I cannot pin this on BK or the owners, but I can say it smells. If it were in my fridge, I’d have to toss it out. However, it’s a judge that gets the last word on when we get to clean out the moldy stuff.

By A Thinking Fan

July 11, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

REPOST:

Reese & Doc You have to wait and see YI play Bb against the best TEAM & Individual schemed DEFENSES. This is Pony League stuff. Doc, just ask your boy Steve Nash about schemed & playoff defenses with **grown a$$ men playing it against you!!!

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 11, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

I think the worst part is the idea that jobs that they could have possibly gotten this year, might not be availabe next year. Obviously these same jobs will not. But anything that’s comparable might not even be available. That’s the most unacceptable part of this.

By roan st

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

I have bad news for all the fans who think this next judges ruling will end this saga. Since this case is being heard in the court of special appeals the judgement can be immeadiately appealed and taken to the regular court of appeals. Michael gearon to his credit tryed to push this to the maryland supreme court where the next ruling would have been final. But those idiots in maryland refused to here the case and sent it to the special court of appeals. So in essence whichever side loses they will appeal the case immediately. This thing could last into 2009 unless david stern could convice both parties to reach some kind of settlement. I hope once this decision is reached stern will try to step in and say enough and get this thing resolved out of court. I hope.

By Jt

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

I’m sorry but I guess that I am in the minority. Whereas, I think it would have been a very reasonable gesture to allow the coaches to leave (particularly Drew, for family reasons) they are indeed under contract. And if they had been fired during their contract term, they would have still received their compensation. I am a school teacher. I operate on a year to year contract. I cannot be terminated without just cause, but I also cannot opt out of my contract without penalty. If these coaches are good coaches, they will land somewhere next year. Their talent will make room for them. I also have the feeling that if only one of them had been offered another position (Drew), then maybe he would have been released.

By Joe

July 11, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

The shame of it all is that it is taking way too long for our judcial system to reach a final verdict on the dispute within the ownership of the Atlanta Spirit Group of investors. It is affecting not only the lives of the investors, the management and coaches of the Hawks ,Hawk players,and the ability to bring in players on trades that can help the Hawks to a better win loss record and a chance to make the playoffs,it is time for a final resolution. We should encourage our court system into reaching a final resolution of this lawsuit and left’s get back to some normalcy in how the Hawks are managed. The current situation borders on lunancy.

By J. Shuttlesworth

July 11, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

This is ugly.

Any update on when to expect a ruling from that snail of a judge in Maryland?

By it

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

just by the way YI Jiallian statline against the knicks (he was playing in the Chinese international team and not the Bucks)

3 pts (0-6) 5 turnovers

AWWW MAN i wish we drafted that big skinny asain!!! he totally dominated that bulky smart 6’6 renaldo balkman guy…. JEEZ look at those stats!! HE could have played center for the hawks i mean hes a 7 footer…. i wish we drafted him…

(sarcasm)

By mike

July 11, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

I think more than anything it’s an indictment on Woodson system. Let face it why would you want to continue to be an assistant coach in a system you know is flawed. Just listening to the sound bites from Woodson tells me not to expect to see much up-tempo basketball next seasons. All you ever hear is a bunch of excuses from Woodson. It’s never his system fault it’s always the players.

Larry Drew is a promising young coach. He’s a much better communicator with the young guys. He is also vital member of the summer league staff. Maybe BK wants to keep’em for a back-up plan. I’m not that familiar with the other coach. I don’t like the idea of forcing guys to hang around. I think it’s classless that BK doesn’t acknowledge the commitment these guys made to organization that’s thus far has been the laughing stock of league. That alone should be enough to allow these guys a chance to pursue other opportunities.

Sekou thanks for keeping it real bro,

When the dust clears we’ll see that while Woodson may be well like within the organization, he is simply ill-equip for the task of being a head coach in the NBA!!!!!

By smartguy

July 11, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Yes, the one common denominator is Billy Knight. This guy either likes drama more than Paris Hilton, or he has zero ability to effectively communicate and run an organization. I’ve been hammering Woody all summer, and I still think he bears the vast majority of responsibility for the teams losses the last three years. That being said, BK is a total idiot.

The owners are impressed with BK’s ability to analyze talent, but at what point do say enough of this crap? It is always something with BK, and if there is nothing, then there is probably a problem because he’s crawled under a rock.

Watching this mess is like watching a good friend die slowly. Belkin can’t get here fast enough.

By Hawks2Falcons

July 11, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Sekou have you heard anything about Josh Smith getting an extension this summer? Is management going to take a chance and allow him to leave town after the season.

By Hawks2Falcons

July 11, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Sekou have you heard anything about Josh Smith getting an extension this summer? Is management going to take a chance and allow him to leave town after the season.

By MALONE

July 11, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

I have this feeling that we’re going to get off to a bad start and Woody will be gone by Dec 15th anyway.

It will be who we hire to replace him that will determine our ultimate playoff fate.

By Matt from Hotlanta Hawks

July 11, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

There is no way that keeping these guys on staff is going to be better than letting them go if it is against their desires. Do we really need to test how professional they can be? If they were allowed to interview, they should also be allowed to leave, period. Bringing down the hammer is absolutely horrendous management, and whoever is responsible is a terrible person. Despite what the owners and Knight say, this organization appears to be as dysfunctional as it gets- what happened yesterday sends a worse message than allowing our assistants to leave.

By Anakin Joe

July 11, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

If it was BK’s decision, then I truly believe that he chose his loyalty to Woody over what was right for the assistants. Do you think an ex-coach like Dwayne Casey is taking the lead assistant job with a franchise as screwed up as this? No way would he consider moving his family to Atlanta, knowing that if Belkin wins the ruling he will be fired the next day. So Woody would be stuck with possibly a less qualified staff than he has now. How does that help your friend in the last year of his deal, to have him bring on board new assistants a few weeks before pre-season? And isn’t Drew supposed to be our PG guru? We finally deliver a quality student to sit at his knee and he wants to walk out the door?

Yes, it stinks. No, it reeks. And no doubt the ownership fiasco is at the heart of it all. Just like the fans are held hostage, now the coaching staff is too. Misery loves company.

By Ricardo

July 11, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

MannyT - Right on the money with your comments. I’d only add that the reason that they didn’t let anyone go last year or the year before was that Spirit wasn’t willing to eat any of the money that would be forced to pay. Until this entire mess is resolved (once the MD judge makes his decision the loosing side will appeal) this is the type of fun we should all expect!

By Fred Everett

July 11, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

I get a bit weary of the negative twists by fellow posters. The answer is really quite simple…Larry Drew is highly regarded within the organization…we are going into THE most important year of the Atlanta Spirit ownership period…we are very well poised to secure a good Playoff Seed. I hardly blame Billy and Woody for not wanting to disrupt the Staff at this critical moment. Besides…Assistant Coaches contracts are supposed to be two way streets…not one sided guarantees.

Go Billy…Go Hawks !

By SSI Fan

July 11, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

It is a classless act, but I don’t think BK made the decision. The main reason for the neverending turmoil surrounding the Hawks is the ownership situation. Because of the existing court order, Belkin has the absolute right to buy the other owners interests, but the other owners are still in control. There will be no sense of normalcy until the appellate courts in Maryland have determined the appeal(s). Hopefully once the ownership issue is resolved, David Stern will determine that neither Belkin or the Atlanta Spirit is worthy of owning the Hawks.

I wonder why the Thrashers aren’t having this same constant BS.

By curious

July 11, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Sekou- Do they not want to let Larry Drew go because he would be the coach in case Woodson got fired? Also, doesn’t Larry Drew want to leave because Woodson won’t make any offensive adjustments?

By MannyT

July 11, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Trust your gut! Something is out of whack.

Individually, one incident is not a big deal. No one or no organization is perfect. Collectively, when you stumble every 3 steps you are not unlucky. You are likely drunk, possibly have a medical issue or dumb enough that someone can really mess with your head at every turn. There are issues behind the closed doors that fester until the ownership thing gets settled.

As a fan, it would be nice for the foolishness to settle down. It makes you wonder how much of the losing can be linked back to things off the court (and possibly in the court house.)

If we have decent talent that does not normally cause trouble, coaches that are in demand, good draft pick positions, a nice facility, and more cap space than most teams over the past few years, why doesn’t it translate to more progress (wins/attendance)?

All that said, I stick with my comment from yesterday. If not for the bad timing of bailing right before summer league where you do need your assistant coaches to be in place, I would have let them go. It is harder to accomplish things once everyone knows your were essentially out the door even though the reasons are logical for the attempted departures.

By wordsmithtom

July 11, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

OT: Hope you all watched Shaq last night on his ABC show that focused on child obesity. I couldn’t be more proud of the big fella. A man standing up for kids. I know he changed the lives of the kids in the program and I’ll bet that many parents will be inclined to examine the food choices their kids are making.

Shaq showed he is a man, not just a ballplayer. Kudos!

By MsDee

July 11, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

S. Smith, do u believe the reason B. Knight would not allow them to leave because he has no replacements?

By MsDee

July 11, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

S. Smith, do u believe the reason B. Knight would not allow them to leave because he has no replacements?