Hawks

By Ken Strickland

August 13, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Everyone seems so fixed on what the Hawks, and certain Hawks players, can’t do. Based on paper additions, there seems to be a consensus on the mass improvement of the other Eastern teams. There are sooo many variables that could come into play that will affect the possible outcome.

1-Miami, as a team, is almost eligible to apply for social security. What if they lose DWade again?

2-Washington is very weak OFF/DEF in the middle, and still treats DEF as if it was a STD. What if they lost their rifleman?

3-Indiana is fragile, weak off the bench, and there is descention with the team and it star player. What if they lost Oneal?

4-Boston is trying to pull off the same trick that Miami pulled when it won the title by building the team around age and experience. They don’t have a young, energetic, talented, and versatile player like DWade, who can control the ball and the game, to fall back on. What if they lost any one of their big 3, especially KG?

5-Charlotte had our number before they bothered to sign or draft anyone. So far, we have not been competitive against them playing a similar style of ball.

6-New Jersey is an interesting team that is very weak in the middle. Their solution, through the draft, is no taller than Horford and has character issues. Like Washington, they are allergic to DEF. What they be without Kidd or Carter

6-Chicago has trouble scoring, especially inside, but they do know how to play DEF. In 05 their GM realized the the team needed more OFF from their center. So, he make an effort to remedy that situation by signing Ben Wallace to a huge FA contract. Offensively, Big Ben has no redeeming qualities. What would they do for OFF without Deng or Gordon?

7-New York is rather self explanatory. Adding Randolf just gives them 2 strong and physical inside scorers that are still trying to figure out why they have to go to the other side of the half court line(it’s called DEF).

8-Orlando added more outside OFF, but lost everything else that goes along with it. Losing Grant Hill cost them leadership, versatility and possibly some team chemistry. RLewis will never replace what they gave up by not resigning Hill and Zarko. What would they do without their franchise player in the middle.

These are all fragile teams that’s given up depth to consolidate their talent. In some cases, the upgrade is imaginary, and only looks good on paper. Injuries are their constant enemy. This yr, the Hawks have the depth to withstand injuries a lot better than in the past. I’m not going to predict what the team will or will not do. But, I will tell you what this team CAN do.

By Ken Strickland

August 13, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Everyone seems so fixed on what the Hawks, and certain Hawks players, can’t do. Based on paper additions, there seems to be a consensus on the mass improvement of the other Eastern teams. There are sooo many variables that could come into play that will affect the possible outcome.

1-Miami, as a team, is almost eligible to apply for social security. What if they lose DWade again?

2-Washington is very weak OFF/DEF in the middle, and still treats DEF as if it was a STD. What if they lost their rifleman?

3-Indiana is fragile, weak off the bench, and there is descention with the team and it star player. What if they lost Oneal?

4-Boston is trying to pull off the same trick that Miami pulled when it won the title by building the team around age and experience. They don’t have a young, energetic, talented, and versatile player like DWade, who can control the ball and the game, to fall back on. What if they lost any one of their big 3, especially KG?

5-Charlotte had our number before they bothered to sign or draft anyone. So far, we have not been competitive against them playing a similar style of ball.

6-New Jersey is an interesting team that is very weak in the middle. Their solution, through the draft, is no taller than Horford and has character issues. Like Washington, they are allergic to DEF. What they be without Kidd or Carter

6-Chicago has trouble scoring, especially inside, but they do know how to play DEF. In 05 their GM realized the the team needed more OFF from their center. So, he make an effort to remedy that situation by signing Ben Wallace to a huge FA contract. Offensively, Big Ben has no redeeming qualities. What would they do for OFF without Deng or Gordon?

7-New York is rather self explanatory. Adding Randolf just gives them 2 strong and physical inside scorers that are still trying to figure out why they have to go to the other side of the half court line(it’s called DEF).

8-Orlando added more outside OFF, but lost everything else that goes along with it. Losing Grant Hill cost them leadership, versatility and possibly some team chemistry. RLewis will never replace what they gave up by not resigning Hill and Zarko. What would they do without their franchise player in the middle.

These are all fragile teams that’s given up depth to consolidate their talent. In some cases, the upgrade is imaginary, and only looks good on paper. Injuries are their constant enemy. This yr, the Hawks have the depth to withstand injuries a lot better than in the past. I’m not going to predict what the team will or will not do. But, I will tell you what this team CAN do.

By Ken Strickland

August 13, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Everyone seems so fixed on what the Hawks, and certain Hawks players, can’t do. Based on paper additions, there seems to be a consensus on the mass improvement of the other Eastern teams. There are sooo many variables that could come into play that will affect the possible outcome.

1-Miami, as a team, is almost eligible to apply for social security. What if they lose DWade again?

2-Washington is very weak OFF/DEF in the middle, and still treats DEF as if it was a STD. What if they lost their rifleman?

3-Indiana is fragile, weak off the bench, and there is descention with the team and it star player. What if they lost Oneal?

4-Boston is trying to pull off the same trick that Miami pulled when it won the title by building the team around age and experience. They don’t have a young, energetic, talented, and versatile player like DWade, who can control the ball and the game, to fall back on. What if they lost any one of their big 3, especially KG?

5-Charlotte had our number before they bothered to sign or draft anyone. So far, we have not been competitive against them playing a similar style of ball.

6-New Jersey is an interesting team that is very weak in the middle. Their solution, through the draft, is no taller than Horford and has character issues. Like Washington, they are allergic to DEF. What they be without Kidd or Carter

6-Chicago has trouble scoring, especially inside, but they do know how to play DEF. In 05 their GM realized the the team needed more OFF from their center. So, he make an effort to remedy that situation by signing Ben Wallace to a huge FA contract. Offensively, Big Ben has no redeeming qualities. What would they do for OFF without Deng or Gordon?

7-New York is rather self explanatory. Adding Randolf just gives them 2 strong and physical inside scorers that are still trying to figure out why they have to go to the other side of the half court line(it’s called DEF).

8-Orlando added more outside OFF, but lost everything else that goes along with it. Losing Grant Hill cost them leadership, versatility and possibly some team chemistry. RLewis will never replace what they gave up by not resigning Hill and Zarko. What would they do without their franchise player in the middle.

These are all fragile teams that’s given up depth to consolidate their talent. In some cases, the upgrade is imaginary, and only looks good on paper. Injuries are their constant enemy. This yr, the Hawks have the depth to withstand injuries a lot better than in the past. I’m not going to predict what the team will or will not do. But, I will tell you what this team CAN

By curious

August 12, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Don’t you think it says something about the Hawks organization that the players go elsewhere to get better. What Hawk player has stayed in town this summer? Could it be because half of the coaching staff does not want to be there anyway? These owners play a bigger part in what goes on a day to day basis than people think. I think Billy is the fall guy for some of their decisions. He has made his own bad decisions but I think they have made some that he gets credit for. Sekou, could you answer that for me?

By jhan

August 12, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

I’m thinking that the Hawks will address their starting Center need next offseason. We know they are broke and can’t take on multiple high dollar deals. Instead of signing Childress & Smith to long term deals, they will do a sign & trade with one of them. Maybe Marvin really develops this year and makes one of them expendable. If we were able to land a legit Center, losing Chills, Marvin or Josh wouldn’t hurt that much. That is really the only idea that makes any sense to me. We won’t have a pick but will have lot’s of cap room & good young players to trade.

By jhan

August 12, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

I’m thinking that the Hawks will address their starting Center need next offseason. We know they are broke and can’t take on multiple high dollar deals. Instead of signing Childress & Smith to long term deals, they will do a sign & trade with one of them. Maybe Marvin really develops this year and makes one of them expendable. If we were able to land a legit Center, losing Chills, Marvin or Josh wouldn’t hurt that much. That is really the only idea that makes any sense to me. We won’t have a pick but will have lot’s of cap room & good young players to trade.

By travis

August 12, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

the key to the hawks season will be that 1st month. they play 8 teams who was in last year’s playoff. dallas can be beat, golden state proved that. we beat detroit last year, at home. we lost to phoenix at home, but we ran with them. we beat washington, took miami to over time, but lost. we got mauled by san antonio.

during the 1st month, we also play 6 of the top 8 in the east, detroit, wash. ,n.j. ,boston, miami, and chicago. if we can get 9-6 or better, i think this will give the team and the fans that winnning spirit and that we are seriously ready to take on the east. during the 06-07 season, we started out 6-7 and finished up 30-52. during the 05-06 season, we started out 2-12 and finished up 26-56. during the 04-05 season, again we started out 2-12 and finished up 13-69. we have a history of started out lousey and remain that way throughout the season, but if we can start out diffently, hopefully, we will get different results. GO HAWKS!! Sect. 217 row A

By G Money

August 12, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Hey everyone, G Money is back. Really I haven’t gone anywhere. Been reading the posts for the most part and all the articles that have been posted. Thanks Sekou for the latest on Josh. I just don’t get why some say that the Hawks are a bunch of individualists just because they go somewhere with people they trust to work on their individual games. Even you guys who are married want to take vacations away from your wife every now and then (unless you’re really pecked).

I commend Josh on seeking out old school proven talent and leadership to help him get to the next level. I am as impressed with his agent and wish that more agents would help provide that kind of counsel to their players. Working on the finer parts of one’s game isn’t a group activity. The things that you need to do to make your game better may not be what others need to improve theirs. It’s pretty simple.

We should all hope that these Hawks are seeking out every guru imaginable to help them this upcoming season. Unless they find someone who can heal the sick and lift them from the bottom of this league, that’s where they’re going to be come April.

Why is it that the Thrashers can make moves and the Hawks can’t? If the Spirit don’t have money then the Thrashers shouldn’t have money. Is it really the Spirit and Billy? Or is it just Billy? I guess it can’t be just Billy because any ownership group that reads a magazine, watches ESPN or talks to others on the phone would know that the East is changing in a big way. Those wins that we were all counting on draft day against the Celtics, Magic, Bobcats and others are less of a possibility than Ando writing a positive article about the Hawks managment.

It would be great to read an article about how Woody has changed that raggedy playbook for once and added some new pages from any west coast club. Then we might have a chance of fitting the system to the personnel. The long and short of it is that the Hawks are short — short on talent, short on length, short on muscle, and short on strategy and basketball acumen.

I’m not turning my back on them because I believe that the draft picks were solid. The talent on the team is going to be really good one day. But without some toughness in the middle (Zen is a throwaway), the Hawks aren’t going to be able to compete night in and night out for a long time.

I’m a former ticket holder who would love to have a reason to purchase a couple of tickets, but I just don’t have a reason. Just like I don’t have a reason to blow a ton of time talking about the same things that I talked about last season. I’m not insane (at least certifiably).

By reese

August 12, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Everyone needs a break sometime Sekou and we were able to hold the fort while you were gone. By the way, thanks for the follow up story on Josh Smith. I thought that he only spent 1 day with Olajuwon and Murphy. Its good to see that he is spending more time with those 2.

I just don’t see the comraderie among this group of hawks players. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that they play the same position and realize that in order to succeed some of them must go.

For those of you say that you would rather see the hawks players rest instead of playing against or for team USA. Wake up. Most of these guys would be juniors or seniors in college right now and hopefully would be playing on national teams anyways. They should be in the best shape of their lives at their ages, this was an opportunity to get exposure for the themselves (with contract years coming up for some), to get exposure for the hawks, to see how their individual workouts have improved their games, to talk to and play against their peers to truly gauge what else they need to improve and to gain knowledge from a different group of coaches who may be reinforcing concepts taught by woody or introducing new techniques not taught.

Finally, again, the Penny Hardaway signing by Miami reinforces the waste of a 2nd round pick to acquire Anthony Johnson. Hardaway worked out for the hawks last year, had an impressive work out, has played at a level of competition that most of these hawks could only dream of and has the same physique as most of these hawks. Signing Hardaway last year would have allowed us to keep our 2nd round pick which could have brought us a center via draft or trade.

By ray

August 12, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Well, I meant to welcome Andy back, but instead I see Andro has returned. Oh joy.

By doc

August 12, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

i am soooo pleased that there is still someone in this world who thinks i can get to the promised land with guidance.

By ILL-logical

August 12, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

This am’s article on JSmooth highlights the opportunity and challenge for the Hawks in the coming season.How to win as a team when you are not all on the same page and don’t have the talent at key positions to overcome the lack of cohesion between playres, staff and management.

My bet is that this is the last season we will see JSmooth in a Hawk uni because there are no indications that winning will be at any greater level than it is now.And there a ton of teams that would love to have his talent propel them to greater heights,especially that he is finally maturing both emotionally and physically.

By HB Ando

August 11, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Well now, clearly, any concerns I might have had about being rusty, in my ability to elicit a reaction out of my peeps, has been quickly put to rest. Also, I must point out that since I mentioned that all of 10 total people, all regulars, seem to constitute the current, off-season fan base of the Hawks’ blog, roughly that many unique folks have posted.

Heavy is the burden of being right constantly.

You guys are so bored that there’s nothing here about basketball. Just a bunch of back and forth snipping at one another. Doc’s got so little to say that he’s called me out like six times since I showed back up. And took me to task for bringing nothing new to the game right after I made of point of saying that there was nothing new to say.

As they say, I am LMAO. Abe, glad you’re still stirring it up.

Ray, from the sound of it you’re needing a hug. I didn’t mean to impugn your intellect. You know I think you’re the smartest law man in the land (though I question whether I’ve just underscored a serious oxymoron).

Jhan, when are we going to the spot? We need to get Doc to join us. Doc, Jhan and I have our own version of a soup kitchen, were we contribute our time and money to wayward souls. It’s call the Pink Pony and we feel like we’re doing God’s work there.

Finally, glad to see that the real Astro is back, and similarly pleased that he’s still misinterpreting, and misrepresenting, my sentiments. The more things change, the more they stay the same. As we coming up on the third anniversary of Sekou’s blog, just HOW MUCH impact has your 3 years of ramblings “influenced managements’ decisions”?

That’s what I thought.

Once again you’ve confused the truth. It was an overabundance of passion for the game, and the Hawks, not a lack of either, that led me to take a break. It was the absolute conviction that nothing of substance will change, or evolve, until Billy K.and the Spirit (which, as the name of a lounge act, sounds just as ludicrous as their as their performance as management has been) are gone. I told Doc and Jhan, at Philips, during the draft, that if they drafted Horford and Law (I’m actually better with the Law pick than Horford, but could live with both if they were the impetus for additional moves this off-season), made no other changes, and didn’t address their lack of a legitimate center, that I just couldn’t take it any more. Does that make me less of a fan, or weak?

Nah, that makes me a realist. A pragmatist. And if you want to go all the way back, three years of blogging, to my Day 1 doomsday predictions for this management group, a prophet.

My mother said that, as a teacher, she couldn’t change the world. But, she felt good that if she could assist, and guide, a handful of kids, every year, then the circle of impact she could enact could replicate farther than we can ever know. I see my role, my responsibility, here, in a similar light. There are only 10 of you who care enough about he Hawks to continue onward, soldiers of the game. But if I can guide, and teach, you ten tenacious souls, then my voice here on earth can extend to the farthest reaches of the land.

I see that my insight here has been missed. For those of you who’ve felt aimless, or an obvious sense of loss, in my absence, I am sorry. I promise never to leave you again (at least until the next time I do).

Mavid, I’m here as a servant to the people. So, as I find that Joe’s crustiness continues to have a life of it’s own, I offer myself, for the sheer pleasure of the proletariat, as his foil, returned.

Did I mention how nice Maker’s Mark and Ginger is on a ridiculously hot August day? I leave you now for fine Mexican food, where I may switch to margarita’s. I’m sure that Joe will find a way to question the logic of such a change in drink, but I’m just not sure why he’ll bother……

XXOO

Andro

By ..............

August 11, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

thanks for the article on Smoove. He is the one play who continues to workout every summer to get better. I wish we could get something on Marvin. Because he really has to step it up this season. But back to Smoove, people can continue to doubt him all they want. But he continues to prove the haters wrong. He continues to prove to me that he wants to get better. As the face of this franchise Smoove has to step it up more. And I think he will. He loves this city and want’s to be here. So Billy do your job and resign him…

By travis

August 11, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

the hawks also appear to be a “cursed” team. athletes and organizations are very superstituous. the hawks got rid of dominique for manning and steve smith for j.r.rider. they have tried to “make up” for the error of their ways by bringing both back to the organization. chicago cubs, boston redsocks, portland trailblazers are all suposedly “cursed” temas, even tho boston broke their curse with a championship. are we cursed? what can we do to break it? the past 7 years, we have won no more than 35 games. over this same time period, we average about 28 wins a season.

By Samuel

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

Cuz,

That was some good work. I must say that I am extreemly excited to see what Josh brings to the table this year. He’s just as important to our franchise as JJ IMO. He has allstar potential. Hopefully, we can get him signed ASAP. If he hits the FA market, there’s no way we will be able to match what he’ll bring.

By travis

August 11, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

the key to the hawks season will be that 1st month. they play 8 teams who was in last year’s playoff. dallas can be beat, golden state proved that. we beat detroit last year, at home. we lost to phoenix at home, but we ran with them. we beat washington, took miami to over time, but lost. we got mauled by san antonio.

during the 1st month, we also play 6 of the top 8 in the east, detroit, wash. ,n.j. ,boston, miami, and chicago. if we can get 9-6 or better, i think this will give the team and the fans that winnning spirit and that we are seriously ready to take on the east. during the 06-07 season, we started out 6-7 and finished up 30-52. during the 05-06 season, we started out 2-12 and finished up 26-56. during the 04-05 season, again we started out 2-12 and finished up 13-69. we have a history of started out lousey and remain that way throughout the season, but if we can start out diffently, hopefully, we will get different results. GO HAWKS!! Sect. 217 row A

By MannyT

August 11, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this

Sekou Thanks for the Josh Smith article. It’s the kind of thing folks have been asking about all summer. Hopefully a few more of his teammates will make themselves available for the same.

By Samuel

August 11, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Angry?

I’m having a ball. Abe, this is Grown Folks business. You’re way out of your league.

By doc

August 10, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

no ray, nothing here is worth getting personal about, just discussion and expounding on views. there is absolutely nothing of real truth here. it is just fun to discuss life, people and events with people of passion that i can respect.

peace.

By honest_abe

August 10, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

sam: the more you type, it’s getting more obvious to everyone on here just how clueless you really are.

By Astro Joe

August 10, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Penny is back. Alan Houston is looking for a team and Reggie Miller is thinking about putting off the HOF to go for a ring. Seems to me the Hawks should be on the phone with Roy Tarpley, Keon Clark or Chris Washburn.

Oops, never mind.

By clint

August 10, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

its almost the middle of august and thats when bk has made his SHREWD moves. JJ, Zaza, & Lo Wright. Any chance he bids on Jarvis Hayes or Andray Blatche, I think they might be worth taking a chance on. any thoughts?

By ray

August 10, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

OOoooo, and now the personal character challenge card is being pulled. Look out Ando vs. Joe, the new match is The Peace Doctor vs. The Angry School Teacher! Only $69.95 on pay per view….

By ray

August 10, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Joe, I knew you couldn’t resist. I knew it. Congratulations on your new found illumination, LOL!

Uh…when’s the preseason start again? October? Damn..

There’s nothing like talking about stone-throwing when you’re standing next to a big pile of rocks, holding your hand behind your back.

By mavid

August 10, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

AJ, well-said. Hopefully, Ando comes back for that one (I’d love to see yall duke it out again).

By Samuel

August 10, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Yea, That’s what you say but your words prove otherwise because fact is you know nothing about these men. I would never base my opinion of a man on what I read from some sportswriter. I thought you were a better man than that Doc.

I hear you talk about all your great work in the past and present but to be honest,i’m startin to wonder.

I have done my share of activism. I’ve walked with some great men and even put my life on the line fairly recently. I know what kind stuff they have to go through when accomplishing great things. Every one of them had a mystress and tax issues according to those who hated their work. I wouldn’t want to go down in history as a stone thrower.

Abe,

You might need to study the real, ALI. Not the media darling of the past 5-10 years,son. Get the book, Message to the Blackman and talk to me then.

Furthermore, hitting a baseball is as individual as boxing. When you step into that box your teamates can do nothing for you son. It’s just you and the pitcher. But you wouldn’t know anything about that would you. Barry has triple the amout of walks than anyone in history. People who are not team players don’t take walks.

By travis

August 10, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Post up that is all that i have been screamin’ during my blogs…yeah, we had a good draft, but we have not made any big moves thru free agency. i don’t see us makin’ the playoffs this year, assuming all things remain constant. i have the hawks finishing last in their division, behind charlotte and finishing about 12th in the east. they are no where near vying for one of those 8 playoff spots and i am a season ticket holder, not a hater or naysayer. i have the hawks 4-11 the 1st month of the season and about 13-31 by allstar weekend.

By doc

August 10, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

well, i wonder if our hit and run artist will be back anytime soon to dump his brand of bile on us and have so many send their love as he spits up on them?

By doc

August 10, 2007 7:05 AM | Link to this

samuel, for some of us it has nothing to do with hate but with rational thought, dont assume the former when it has no foundation.

By doc

August 10, 2007 7:02 AM | Link to this

samuel, maybe i just dont like barry. kind of like the fact you just dont like dogs. i think they both have potential to have fleas, barry gets his by his choices as it was his choice on who to get close to. i guess your measures of men are different, if you like dark sides or can look beyond it i am surprised you cant find more to appreciate about W, talking about power. HEH HEH

i guess i like men of character and i thing ali and reggie can fit into it. rose and bonds fall short. aaron comes up strong for his full body of work starting from his humble beginnings, his own wonderful swing i saw many times from right behind the dugout with that firm left side and cobra quick wrists driving line drive after line drive and his defensive play in right field where you cant disgusie a weak arm and his continued class after he retired. i admire ceertain individuals more than others at times and i think barry falls short. mcguire falls short as well when i see only his image in the court of congress with tears of silence not his massive forearms steorids bulit and his own crushing swing that was a wonder in itself.

i think by now you realize it has nothing to do with barry’s race but his own issues that might ultimately turn it into a greek tragedy that i see before i can really celebrate his accomplishment. see it might be short lived. what do those do if he really is guilty, serves time and have said wait until he has his time in court? i’ll wait before i expend any more energy towards the crowning of barry.

By honest_abe

August 10, 2007 5:46 AM | Link to this

another stupid analogy… first, yes i never liked mr. october. i’m a braves fan and never cared for any yankee. as for mr. ali. boxing is an individual sport so it doesnt’ require you to be a good teammate something barry wouldn’t know a single thing about. once again someone takes what i write and turns it into something else. who said anything about bragging? i said barry’s a jerk and a bad teammate. ali was great with the media. he was funny and entertaining. i’m not old enough to had the privilige of seeing him live but i’ve read books and seen video clips and those espn classics. the bottom line is ali and even mr. october were winners and that i have to respect. barry is loser in every sense of the word.

oh yes and before i forget. barry’s standoffish behavior to the media, fans and his teammates aren’t rumors its common knowledge. hence the lukewarm reception from across the country in seeing one of the most hallowed sports records being broken.

By post up

August 10, 2007 2:57 AM | Link to this

Very concerned about the Hawks

Now that the Celtics and other teams have made their move-projections have the Hawks 13th in the East and the initial elation about the draft has faded. I deeply concerned about the Hawks. This court thing may be the holdup. I don’t like the dissing of local player Josh Smith. The PG position is still suspect. No true center. A team full of swing forwards. BK not letting his assistants leave. It is questionable if Woody can coach or win a big. Does the irrogant BK know how to put a true play-off contender together? All these questions and no true answers. I hope I’m wrong but I think we are heading for a typical Hawks year+REBUILDING

By Samuel

August 10, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

Doc,

I like to stick to what I know about these guys. I don’t know any of them personally although I have been fairly close to Ali on a couple of occassions. I know that this world can say some very mean things about people they don’t like.

You may have liked Ali but believe you me Millions hated what he was all about. Sure,they claim to love him now since he’s been silenced and slowed but when he was in his prime, we was hated as much or even more than Barry.

Tiger is my boy too but I can’t say for a fact that he hasn’t taken something to enhance ability, nor do I care. When I listen to Beethoven or Miles, I could care less how they created what they did. I just know I love it. Every man has a vice you know.

All I go by is what I see on the field of play.

Reggie was my boy but he was no Barry Bonds. Yea, he has more rings but, my God, look who he had around him compared to Barry. Talk about hips moving through the zone. My God, it brings chills everytime I see him jack one out.

By doc

August 10, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

samuel, i liked tiger the first time i set eyes on him at augusta in his first masters as an amateur. he was special and i dont want to seem like i was the first to observe it. wasnt necessarily the correct thing at that time. i just liked the way he has carried himself and am very endeared to his dad who i think brung him up right. barry didnt have that influence and it shows, barry’s dad was one of the best but got in his own way as some of us are wont to do and may be part of the chip on the shoulder that he has carrried during his playing career.

tiger is far from swole and had a good body to fill it out on and did it in a progression that all have noted and followed. he seems to keep good company so far as well so the grand jury and feds havent come looking for him as yet, still young though so he has time yet to fall. if you say so it must be so along with barry and roger clemens though you will be one of the first in line to make the claim. funny, he hasnt gotten longer as he has bulked up so for what reason would he? he has always hit it farther even when he was a punk at stanford. his hips got through the zone faster than anyone has or will ever do it again, awesome. so like tiger, bonds’ swing is beautiful and is remarkable in its consistancy and repeatabilty. his on base avg is at about .500 and he avg hr’s in every what twelve or 13 at bats so he deserves a curtain call next year. cool, just dont get the same vibes from him that i do tiger, never have and never will i guess. i also like the game that doesnt seem to be long ball, it is more creative and more as it used to be. i can watch the other kind of game of longball at the softball field. be it purist or what not i was brought up on it and played it

ali always got it right and i supported his muslim and c.o. stance and please don’t compare mr october to barry the former a winner, the latter a home run hitter. those guys are in a different category as men than barry. you kind of knew what they stood for and it wasnt all about themselves, barry i am not so sure. but yeah, he sure does have a pretty swing just nothing else to emulate; one dimensional as a man thus far maybe a few tools as a player in his time. he has plenty of time to grow as his quest is finished, maybe he will dig his way out of his crap; balco, anderson, irs, grand jury, mistress, etc or it will all blow over or not stick like teflon.

By Samuel

August 9, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Doc,

If you don’t like Barry’s swing then you don’t like baseball. I hear all the crap you guys spew but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s the best to ever do it. And Doc, don’t be so quick with the Tiger praise. They can bring him down as fast as they built him up. It’s funny you guys don’t question how he got so swole.

I think your boy, Gary Player, put it out there. If Tiger ever quits saying all the right things, he’ll be crucified in a heartbeat and don’t forget it.

Abe, I take it you weren’t a big Reggie Jackson fan and definately not my boy, ALI It aint braggin if you can back it up.

This years Fantasy league will be one to remember. I’ll be up 20 games on Hilliary by December.

By Astro Joe

August 9, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

WOW and all this time I thought it was admirable to stick by a team through the rough times. I actually admired the fan bases of the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Browns. I never thought that spending a few minutes e-chatting with some fellow fans was a sign of a less-than-full life. Never thought that any on the blog were of the loser variety. Maybe the preferred way is to wait until someone manages things exactly the way I want them to before I get on the band wagon. Maybe I should wait until someone from Belkin’s office contacts me thru Sekou and asks me to be the wizard behind the curtain, pulling the strings for the franchise. Or perhaps I can land the Hawks Hack gig, after all, I sure write pretty. Please, someone, validate my time on this blog!

After all, the purpose of this blog is to influence management decisions. And if BK won’t read my blogs (and Levinson won’t adhere to my emails), then what is the value of a blog in the first place? Maybe because my opinions are ignored by the true franchise powers and challenged by fellow bloggers, I should just disassociate myself from this land of bloggers without influence. Let them wallow in their own misery.

Naw, I like my way better. Man up despite the rough and dysfunctional times. Stay true to your team despite leadership flaws. And enjoy the company of a few fellow loyalists who may disagree with an opinion but share your passion for a sports franchise. Yeah, that’s the path I choose, with no regrets and no humiliation.

The Dark Side has been exorcised. ASTRO JOE IS BACK!

By honest_abe

August 9, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

howdy doo ando… good to see your still alive. nothing quite like ando p** over any optimism built up by us foolish fans with a dose of reality. heh..

barry’s got skills. i mean the guy was a five tool player since his days in pittsburgh. but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s a complete jerk. the sight of him standing at home plate for five minutes admiring his home run pretty much epitomizes his entire career. me, me, me… then he takes himself out of the game so he can get some more lovin… and the giants lost the game by the way… he is everything wrong with the game of baseball. i think the general disinterest in the breaking of one of the greatest records of all time pretty much sums up what america feels about the biggest jerk in sports.

aj: chicken manure is quite the fertilizer…

By doc

August 9, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

see that blog z haas stepped up to the line.

again, ray just keeping it real. ando’s head is swelling so much now the superlite version will turn into the raging roidiac we love so much.

By doc

August 9, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

samuel, if i want to watch a swing and have a hero it will be tiger. he has more game in his little toe than barry has in his whole body for what he does both within the ropes and out.

it is cool though as i said before; best of the users, barry and roger, congrats to them both. no hate though they had to keep up with the jones’. they are selig’s legacy.

By ray

August 9, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Doc, how can a lovefest turn YOUR stomach? I thought you was DA LOVE DOCTOR? LOL…I know, I know, it’s all in fun.

Ando, please tell me that was just a poor choice of words. I know you don’t let the foolishness of this organization get you stressed out. If so, it’s a good thing you weren’t a Chicago Cubs fan (or at least I hope not). Or a Cleveland Browns fan. Talk about stressed out…there was probably a mass suicide watch there for decades…might still be, Heh!

Besides, I miss those killer tennis matches with you and Darkside Joe. I swear, just like those guys in the barbershop in the Eddie Murphy movie “Coming to America”, hence the barbershop analogy on the earlier post.

Doc, if you’ve seen the movie, I know you could agree.

By Samuel

August 9, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Don’t Laugh Yall but the Heat just signed on of my all time favorites, “”Penny” Hardaway. Shaq and Penny back together again. Can the big fella reward another ole vet with a ring? Never know. People laughed when they signed Payton and Tone and made them champs.

This must be the year of the comeback: Penny and possibly Reggie Miller and Alan Houston. MJ might as well suite up and show these young bucks a thing or two.

One More Thing

I know this may bring out some haters but I can’t help but give props again to my boy Barry. I’m sitting here watching him on Baseball tonight. That swing is technically perfect. A thing of beauty.

By ray

August 9, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

Ando, good to see you back.

I understand your viewpoint. It’s the same one you always put forth. It’s the truth. Doc, said it better than anyone else: this is the “liar’s table.” While you’re busy trying (or not trying) to find eloquent not-so-subtle ways to call some of us stupid, I’ll say this: I for one don’t come to this blog for the sake of any real results from the Hawks organization. I’m a fan, but I’m not on this blog for the organization. I’m on this blog to talk to guys about basketball and sometimes other things.

It’s like going to the sports bar to trade stories, opinions, B.S., and such. Only you’re in the comfort of your own home and no one interrupts you. And it doesn’t matter what time you leave, ‘cause you’re already home. You simply type what you want and read/respond to what others have to say. Think of us as the old, half-bald guys who show up to the local barbershop every day, or time-to-time. They know their hair isn’t going to grow back. They know they’re not really there for a haircut. They’re there for the simple companionship: just to shoot the breeze, yap their traps, and get away from it all. Same with us, we know already that things will be what they’ll be. We’re just here to talk about it. Of course, we could just come here, read what you have to say, acknowledge it as truth and gospel, and leave it at that. But then we’d be a bunch of mindless individuals hinging on your every word, and not having anything to say unless you tell us it’s okay to post (assuming you deem it’s worth your and our time to do so). I’d rather be wrong about everything all year long and have fun on the forum. You should too. We need another ol’ half-bald guy at the barbershop. Especially one who knows what he’s talking about.

By doc

August 9, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

ando, dude you just arent relevant when you stay away so long. you sound like some of those fly bys you used to rag on or have you forgotten. no ando no feelings hurt here, and just harrasing you a bit for staying away so long. the lovefest over your return has turned my stomach a bit. just trying to keep it real.

By Sekou K. Smith

August 9, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

travis,

when you have to predicate everything on “provided they stay 100 percent healthy” - which we all know is impossible - it’s hard to rate the Hawks among the East’s top eight right now. You’d like to think they have the potential to be that type of team. But I’m not ready to step off that rooftop just yet. I’d say they’re in that tier of teams just below the top eight with a fighting chance to slide into the mix, with the proper mix of fortuitous bounces.

By jhan

August 9, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Ando, glad to see you back. Can’t really argue with any of your points, even though I would like to!

AJ, I hear you about our youth. If you think about it though, our “youth” are turning into 3rd & 4th year players. No excuses not to produce this year. If your not cutting the grade in year 4, then someone made a mistake in your evaluation.

I like what Boston did on paper. If those “older” players wind up on the DL for any time, they are in trouble. Still I have to give them props for trying to make a run.

Orlando should be a good team, but I think they WAY overspent for Lewis. Max contract for a jumpshooter? The cat doesn’t rebound or defend particularly well. I don’t think I would have spent that much on him. Time will tell.

Nice to be talking about BBall again. My initial prediction is 36-39 wins. Another small improvement. The table will be set for the next GM & Coach. Quality young talent & plenty of cap room for next year. Looks like the next GM will be set up like Doc’s favorite GM - Jerry West. West inherited a nice squad that BK built, took them to the playoffs, and then left town after he did nothing to make them better. Here’s hoping the next GM will take the next step.

By HB Ando

August 9, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

One last thing, for MannyT:

How about Sadlands, for a little Billy Knight in the Unforgivable????

It’s the fans who need to take a stand…….

By HB Ando

August 9, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

SS, you know I wouldn’t leave forever. Who would drunkenly visit you during half-time if not me?

Sam, I’m in. I’d say 24 is fair. It’s roughly a move a week, which isn’t unreasonable at all.

Tyger, good to know that after all this time, you’re still FedEx.

Doc, how would I know what’s been said? I haven’t been here. And it sounds like you got your feeling a little hurt. Are you maybe hanging out with too many hippie, massage therapists?

Look, I’ll be around, but there are plenty of alpha males here (Ray-Ray, what up?) running the show, so I’m envisioning an evolved return role, for this season. Maybe “Blogger Emeritus”.

I’ll be full-force, all-in, the day Billy and the Spirit are swept out of town. But there’s simply no reason to stress myself out about the Hawks as long as these Kings of Ineptitude are in the house.

I’m sure it was thoroughly discussed, but how about word that the Suns refused to part with the Hawks’ ‘08 first rounder, in the Garnett deal? If there is any greater sign about league expectations for the potential value of that pick, I don’t know it. I figure the Suns think they’ve got a pretty good shot at drafting OJ Mayo, the next great star, who will then play next to, and, ultimately, replace, Nash.

Hmm, Johnson for free or Johnson for Diaw, Rondo (watch him emerge as an 8 dime, 2.5 steal PG feeding the Big Three) and OJ Mayo.

I still can’t figure out how many years it will take us to recover from Billy’s repeated blunders. But if anybody in the league needs a forward or a back-up PG, they’ll know where to come knockin’.

I’m out like our playoff chances in ‘08. Word!

(Oh yeah, Clyde, I’ve worn your shirt proudly a couple of times. Thanks again, bro!).

By mavid

August 9, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Sekou, you could argue the Bulls did a pretty good job of developing internally via young players.

Big Ben is really their only big external FA signing (and had they just kept their own Chandler, they probably would be about the same today).

By tyger

August 9, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

HA Ndjob,

Welcome back, longtime no disgust.

I see nothing has changed, you cant even give BK credit for an excellent draft, despite every credible hoop mind doing so.

Nevertheless, the Hawks have improved, how much remains to seen. But AC Law and Horford are upgrades and add to our core of young stallions.

The summer isnt over and all the chips havent fallen yet, so hope is still alive for roster change.

Thus far, there has been plenty of roster change in the East, yet no one can say with certainty that it will achieve the desired results.

Hawks may be better off resisting serious roster change due to the risks associated with major moves.

The Celtics, for example, look great on paper, but their cap is now bloated with aged, injury prone players w/o depth. One injury and they’re behind the 8-ball.

It’s rumored ZaZa is available, hopefully, he could fetch us the defensive minded center we need.

By Samuel

August 9, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Ando,

I did invite you. I also said that we can up the number of moves. I don’t won’t no excuses this year period. So be thinking about how many moves will satisfy you. Please don’t say unlimited. Somewhere between 10 and 25 I would think.

Oh yea, guys i’m thinking of developing a SBDL for guys like Abe and Coyote. Just kidding guys, you’re welcome to run with the Big Boys. We need a week off every once in a while.

Cuz, you in or out?

By doc

August 9, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

oooh how many times have the pragmatists aregued that same line for weeks to months sekou? glad to know we were on the same wavelength as you and ando.

you know ando was very mannerly today even as he trashed our merry little group. it was kinda like andro-superlite.

By SSI Fan

August 9, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

I believe that we tend to overrate the abilties of the hawks players. If you accept the propositions that Josh Smith is the second best player on the hawks and that he is a power forward, then I count at least 7 power forwards now in the eastern division (which consists of 15 teams) that were better than Smith last year: Garnett, Zach Randolph, Bosh, R. Wallace, J. O’Neal, Okafur, and Dwight Howard.

How do you think the Hawks starting point guard, center, and small forward would rank? Maybe that’s why the Hawks had the 4th worst record in the league last year.

By travis

August 9, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Sekou, where do you have the Hawks finishing this year? Do you see them in the playoff hunt? I don’t have them in the top 8, top 14, maybe. Assume all things remain constant, I don’t see them making the playoffs this year. However, I am looking forward to some good teams coming through Philips Arena this year.

By Sekou K. Smith

August 9, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Ando had me worried for a while. I was beginning to take his absence personally. But he makes, much like Samuel and you other regulars, very valid points about the state of affairs here in Hawksville.

We’ve spent so much time the past three years hashing out issues that never seem to resonate with the powers that be within the organization, it does feel a bit like self-abuse.

But I’m not sure what else we would do with ourselves if we didn’t have a passionate interest in how this thing turns out.

There is no question the Eastern Conference has turned into a bear in a manner of weeks (from the draft to KG’s red carpet ride to Boston). The competitive evolution of the NBA or any other league, however, dictates that the idle teams are the ones that will feel the wrath of progress.

The Hawks would argue (correctly) that their progress has been done internally, what with the continued maturation of their young talent. But not even the most optimistic of folks can locate an example where a plan fertilized strictly by in-house ingredients produced exquisite results (good grief did I really just write that stuff?)

In other words, Ando’s right. More needs to be done if the Hawks have any designs on making their move from scrap heap to middle of the heap (the top is out of the question for now).

Oh, and it’s good to have you back prowling these streets Ando.

By travis

August 9, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

William Brown my only problem with your thesis is our current coach, woody, is a disciple of knight(he played under knight at indiana) and he coached with larry brown at detroit, so bringing larry here would not work and carlisle could not do it at his last stop. im thinking along the line of a don nelson, the golden state warrior coach, or a coach like adelman from the suns. the hawks have a lot of young runners, but woody won’t let them run. i don’t think that carlisle or brown could do it here for that reason

By doc

August 9, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

ando you got the glove thrown at you by samuel in the last blog.

for the first time i can say you really didnt bring a new perspective or thought, only rehashed what has been said by othrs while you were gone. welcome to come and talk b’ball as well since that is relative. some have even gone to the dogs so to speak to hash over current events.

glad you are well bro.

clyde, seems you are back from brazil, guess you didnt get a fresh perspective there blood.

By William Brown

August 9, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Hawks Fans you have one elite player on the Hawks. Joe Johnson! All the other players are servicable to good. The way to win now with the talent the Hawks have the need a big name coach like a Larry Brown or Rick Carlise, someone who will have their respect, and get them to buy into the system to create a winning attitude. I believe that if coached right the Hawks could have 3 elite players. Josh Smith, Josh Childress, Joe Johnson. They would be then comparable the Celtics just younger.

By SSI Fan

August 9, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Either everyone else is wrong when they give the Hawks players little or no respect or we Hawks fans are wrong when we think the Hawks players are elite players in the NBA.

By travis

August 9, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

MsDee i feel your enthusiasm, as i am a season ticket holder, but i don’t see the hawks winning 45-50 games next year. on paper, they don’t compare to the teams they are playing. i have them 4-11 during the 1st month and about 13-31 by AllStar break. i still have them finishing 12th in the east and last in the division. BOSTON has signed Scoll Pollard today, so they are really beefing up their line. I have the 8 playoffs spot like this: 1. Detroit 2. Clev 3. Chicago 4. Toronto 5. N.J. 6. Boston 7. Miami 8. Orlando.

i would caution you on being overly optimistic. would not want you cryin’ in your beer by midseason.

GO HAWKS!! Sect 217 row A!!!!!!

By HB Ando

August 9, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Waz up, fellas?!

Sam, I expect an invite for the rematch. I only lost because of injuries and the inability to add the most basic of healthy bodies to my roster during the playoffs. Not an excuse, but the definable truth, statistically.

I have to say that I don’t know whether to honor you guys, you die hards, or question your motivations, to continue to contribute to this forum. There’s an old saying that the definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Clearly confirmed by Billy’s general management of the club. But equally compelling that a handful of intelligent folks (with very differing perspectives) continue to put their time and energy into discussing a Hawks’ franchise that is guaranteed to provide at least another year hair-yanking futility.

My silence has been an acknowledgment to myself, and to others, that this franchise under it’s current ownership/management simply isn’t worth my time. Look who’s shown up for this “off-season edition”. 10 hardcore old-timers. That means there are about 10 people in Atlanta that care enough about the Hawks to come discuss them in August.

One has to wonder, with absolutely no disrespect intended, whether you guys simply need new hobbies. I love you all, but how do you keep coming back? It’s sheer masochism.

The same arguments from last summer, as to where Shelden would fit in, with Marvin and Josh penciled in at the forward slots, and clearly too undersized to man the five, are only compounded by the arrival of Horford. There was tremendous discussion leading up to the draft that Billy had to come out of this off-season, either via draft, trade or free-agency, with a legitimate answer at the 5.

He didn’t, which you all know, because you’ve continued to have these discussions. Every team in the East, that was a near peer of the Hawks, got better than we did in the off-season. There’s simply no logical argument that sees this team being substantially better than lasts, given the ongoing imbalance of the roster, and the lack of turnover at the coaching and front office level.

I love you guys, but the collective image I have, of your collective foreheads, bloodied and bruised from pounding them against the pillar of ineptitude that is the Hawks, is more than I can stand to watch.

This talk about greater effort, a chip on the team’s shoulder, still doesn’t change the fact that, in baseball parlance (it is baseball season, after all), this team is, at best, a Triple A all-star team, competing on a nightly basis against legitimate big leaguers.

Six months ago folks like me, lot’s of folks, said this wouldn’t get better until Billy and the Spirit, and Woody, were gone. They aren’t. And there’s is no good reason to believe that what seemed logical six months ago, isn’t that much more clearly true now.

Hang in there, fellas. I want to commit to a return, come the beginning of camp. But it’s hard for me to not feel foolish trying to offer fixes for a team that clearly doesn’t know how to fix itself (and is too arrogant, in direct conflict with it’s image in the mirror, to admit that maybe they need new leadership).

Come on now, can any of you really believe that having Belkin take over could be a worse fate, for Hawks’ fans, than the Spirit?!

Sam, let me know if you want to take on the real competition…….

By tyger

August 9, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Just Say No to Summer USA

They need to focus on individual, fundamental improvement across the board. If you notice, most of the players selected are 5 tool guys: shoot, rebound, pass, dribble, defend. Most of our guys are 2-3 toolers.

But my main concern is injury. JJ showed well last summer, but due to the 48mpg he’s burdened with, injury was inevitable. And most every other summer player was injured as well.

So, I’m not enamored with summer play, I really think it should be reserved for the college kids anyway.

After watching some of the Rocky Revue, I’m really impressed with AC Law, Horford and Shelden. They worked well together and showed the makings of a really solid bench.

But Horford is not a center, he isnt much bigger than Marvin.

Shelden put up good numbers and his instincts are improved, but he’s undersized, and that wont change.

AC will struggle early but he is the the future. I’m really happy with what I see from him.

I really dont like this undersized approach, the East has gotten bigger and longer and we continually propose a frontline of 6’9, we’re going to get pounded.

What difference does it make it we can beat the other team down the court if we cant stop them defensively?

By MsDee

August 9, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

I am confident,(maybe too confident) in the Hawks this season. I looked over the 2007/08 season schedule and predicted that the Hawks would win 45-50 games. Now before you guys give me the (what is she smoking look) I will give you my top 5 reasons with the #1 being the top reason!

PS: Now the reason why I didnt mension Al Horford is because, though he is “NBA ready”, he still will have a lot to handle being his 1st year as a F/C. I give him this year under his belt, he WILL be an promising star!!

My top reasons!! Any comments??

By Mr. Gilley

August 9, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

I wont to talk about a lot. Like WHAT HAS MARVIN WILLIAMS BEEN DOING? Haven’t heard about him all summer. Also, Josh Childress. But I guess you implied that he has been quiet so you do not know. Very well, I liked the talk about Dwayne Wade and him needing help in Miami. But the thing is they still look like they will take the Hawks easily and cruise through the regular season like the other teams and get a top 5 spot and then attempt to turn it on. I think they have a lot to prove. Was the championship season a FLUKE? Does SHAQ have any more gas lefdt or should he go back to tracking down theives? Is Dwayne Wade the same player he was in the NBA FINALS? There is always something to talk about when you Love the game of Basketball. You are the moderator in the debate or discussion about sports so you dictate the discussion or what not. I cannot wait until I graduate and go to grad school and have a beat writer job. My NBA audience will always have something to talk about? Never any gray area! No knock on you, im sure you have others things going for yourself. I met Gar Heard yesterday and he said he is no longer assistant coaching. He is retired!! I thought he was doing some work in the D-League but I was wrong I guess. Do a feature on the former Hawks coaches and/or assistants and see if they are cursed like the Hawks are now. SO how about it Mr. Smith??

By samjam

August 9, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

“show up for camp with a chip on their shoulders the size of Philips Arena”.

Careful Sekou, you’re channeling TM’s strained use of analogies.

Who cares what they think? We’ll have our day in the sun. And maybe the ref won’t call BS goal-tending on Doc Rivers, this time.

Thanks for your great work.

By Anakin Joe

August 9, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

I optimistically view the upcoming season as the end of an era. The Era of Dysfunction. From ownership to the GM, Head Coach and right down to the players. I am truly hopeful that we will not enter the 08-09 season with so many young guys, such horrific coaching and an ownership group that is powerless to make significant moves. So I look at this as an 82 game audition. Who gets to stay? Who should receive a contract extension? Whose trade value is maximized and will return immediate value (see Salty with the Braves)? Who will own and run the team? Other than that, there is no need to expect any team achievement. I’m thinking 33-35 wins max.

You can’t grow a rose from just any pile of crap. It’s the NBA’s version of American Idol and I’m Randy Jackson (before the stomach surgery).

By destin

August 9, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

Malone - I agree with you that the two most important things concerning the Hawks right now are the ownership battle and the coaching staff. Is there any lawyer out there that can give a best-case/worst-case timeline on the legal procedings? Who can name the best qualified coaches available if Woody doesn’t make it through the season — or if we would have to wait until the end of the season to obtain a quality coach?

By mountain jim

August 9, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

Unless I buy the NBA Season Pass, I will not get to see any Hawks games this year, as they got dissed by the national schedulers again.

So the Hawks need to use that ‘snub’ as well to garner some future national tv respect, or I need to have more money to throw at premium sports packages….

All the Pro leagues and DirecTV are making a killing by blacking out games we should be able to see on our local regional sports networks, but not allowing you to buy a package just for one team’s games at a reasonable cost, like I would like to do. (Here in NC they black out Hawks games and Charlotte games for me on FSN, I am in no ones ‘home’ market.

By Edo River

August 9, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

Mr. Smith, I concur with you. when I compare many of the comments made by the Braves in the past (before this year). They Expected To Win. Though they didn’t in the post-season, that attitude HELPED carry them a long way down the 162 game season road.

The coach and mgt have done the best that they could to collect and preserve and build a foundation with the potential for this attitude you speak of, to grow. Will it? I don’t know. The players have to speak continually among themselves about this. They have to know. And they have to keep the faith.

By doc

August 9, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

not knoking the rules, as i said, it wasnt what kept me out of it and i know it was thought to be fair and since all played by the same rules it was. just suggesting though that 50 moves might be too many the ability to make moves also puts a premium for keeping up with the league a bit closer and may add to the flavor of the season as you have to continue to “scout”. now, “blood” samuel, i know too were up at 6 every morning doing just that. i caught on pretty quickly within 3 weeks to the moves of the “big dog” though the lead was huge by then. the big dog looked like one of those mushers as he lead the pack through the cold winter of hawk discontent . uh oh back to the dogs again.

By Samuel

August 8, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

OK. Yall win. Yall come up with a number of moves and i’m ok with it. I’m just that confident that I can see the diamonds ahead of time. I’m already startin to mentally preset my draft order.

By doc

August 8, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

well sekou, welcome back. we had to provide a lot of filler yesterday when you didnt show up. it might have helped the early ratings just on hits per day but it also may have chased even the regulars forever. enjoyed the repartee with samuel and newkid, but maybe next time you will come in sooner just to save the blog from blogging down.

gee, how much fun is this, yawn. two years ago all were excited that there was talk of a bigtime free agent to dissolve into literally the spirit into the broken atlanta spirit right before our eyes. then last year there was the watch for how big al would exit, to where and for what. we got some vanilla sauce for that one (ray, that is for you). now this year maybe a big flat nothing to anticipate until the hawks lace on the sneaks and go after each other.

samuel, i am honored that you request my participation in the fantasy league; i do see right through it as you want the big dog to chew on me during the season. :-)) i felt the restrictions might have been a bit too tight last year though it wasnt what kept me out of it. the year before had been too loose especially that last frantic week as players went to to the bench for no reason and no amount of warning or preparation could make up for it. actually was a bit of true fantasy to be able to read up on who was coming on and try to out manuever the next guy and make a lot of moves, it kept me sharpe as to who was doing what during the season and for those guys who went out like my crazy pacer artest did on me, a way to work around him.

it was fun but work demands may make it one and done, still for me. will check it out and see the rules and decide on it later. it was a blast and it was fun trying to chase down the big dog who led all season until he gave out at the finish line and lost his bite.

By Samuel

August 8, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Cuz,

That’s why I’ve really grown to hate the phrase: He’s a good character guy. Not that I have anything against good guys but give me a Rasheed or a Rodman anyday and I’ll beat you like a drum.

I know I talk a lot of stuff but I actually am looking forward to this year with or without a legit big.

The beginning of last year showed what this team is capable of. Add a Law and a Horford ,who I believe are two Gamers(who should start from day one because they seem to have that chip).Not to mention they both are very talented and we should have a good squad.

I said before last season and I will say it again. NBA players(especially playoff teams) coast seriously during the first half of the season. They are basically playing themselves into shape. They are not used to teams denying the pass. They wont work to get open. They also don’t deny the ball on defense and don’t get back on the break, cause they’re not in shape.

If we come out pressing, denying every pass and running, we can go into the allstar break over .500 pretty easily, regardless of who we play. Make teams mad they have to play us cause they got to Work. We got the team to do it. If we don’t have 20 wins by the break. It could get ugly all over again.

By ray

August 8, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

SEKOU!! What’s up, man…

The chip on the shoulder bit is as true as it gets. And here’s what I think. Guys who will bring that big attitude with them: Salim, Acie, Smoove. Guys who have one, but need to wake it up a bit more: Chill, Horford, maybe Marvin. Guys who need to develop a mean streak period: JJ, Shell, Zaza.

JJ needs to take the court like this is his jungle and he is the baddest predator in it.

Zaza and Shell need to get mean and use their size. Shell could really lay a beatin’ on some people if he’d just get meaner.

By Clyde

August 8, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By MALONE

August 8, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Any timetable whatsoever on the Belkin-ASG mess?

Anybody else think if we start bad (6-10 or thereabouts), that the hatchet might fall on Woody? Any thoughts on a mid-season replacement?

By MannyT

August 8, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

It’s good to see a new blog even when there isn’t much news.

If I read you correctly, we need more edginess out of this team like Salimmmmm Stoudamire!

It’s fine to have nice guys, but some of them need that chip on the shoulder, (real or imagined) to drive you a little harder. For the guy across from you to see just enough crazy to say, it’s not worth trying to stop ya!

Maybe Blueland should be the Badlands on hoops nights. A little Clint Eastwood in Unforgiven. We tried to be nice, but not we gotta take a stand…the last stand.