Hawks

By depressed in atl

August 20, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

ken stricklund is a windbag. if you had half a sac buddy, you’d criticize me to my face - like a man

By Ken Strickland

August 15, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Everyone seems to favor signing JSmith to a long term contract. However, after looking at the Hawks last 2 #1 draft picks, something different may be in the works for Josh. Consider the following:

1-SWilliams was considered the most NBA ready player in his draft, especially at his position.

2-This yr we draft Horford who is also considered the most NBA ready player in his draft, especially at his position.

3-Both play the same position currently being played by JSmith. Both can also be used periodically at the 5 position, which is a major weakness of the team.

4-With Josh becoming a FA after this season, and possibly being in high demand, along with commanding a large contract, he might be expendable. That could make him a prime candidate for a sign and trade. Josh would definitely be worth a high lottery pick and possibly something additional, especially if we include some of the excess baggage on our roster.

5-Horford and Shelden are better inside players and are better suited to play the half court style of OFF that Woodson favors. They both seem to be better individual defenders than Josh, who is a better off the ball shot blocker.

It seems BK has been trying to get Woodson the kind of PF that better fits his Pistons/LBrown/BKnight style of basketball. There are only 2 players on our roster, JJ & JSmith, with enough value to get us a lottery pick and/or a quality 5. Unless Belkin wins, don’t expect BK or Woodson to be fired. If mgt isn’t willing to pay big for players, do you really expect them to pay big for an experienced head coach or another GM. Ask yourselves if you can come up with the name of an experienced head coach, not any of the usual retreads, that could actually help this team and is available.

By Astro Joe

August 15, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Curious, I have a firm grip on both reality and the “reality of a blog”. Smith is no less worthy on an opinion than Woody, Vick, Wickman or any other Atlanta (or national) sports figure.

By curious

August 15, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe- You are showing your ignorance with those comments. I have never heard of JS being in trouble off the court. I have heard of him doing plenty of things in the Atl community. He played well in meaningless games. I guess you can say the same for everyone on the Hawks since they haven’t been in playoff contention. He is not perfect and still needs to mature. No doubt about it, but who the hell are you to decide what he does in his life. Maybe you need to worry more about your own instead of this young man who has no idea who you are. By the way you don’t pay him the Hawks owners do. YOU ARE NOT ONE OF THEM. Get a grip on reality.

By Astro Joe

August 15, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Yeah, you guys are right. Despite last year’s issues that included cursing out his coach, refusing to run plays called by the PG and getting into shouting matches with a teammate, the fact that he played well in meaningless games and is spending the summer in Houston makes him untouchable. We should absolutely sign this guy to a $50M+ deal, why wait? And in a few years when he is linked to dog fighting, we can all continue to excuse the immature behavior because of the excitement he brings to the fan base.

I’ll move on now and pick on Childress. That afro is keeping food off the table of several barbers in the country. What a bum!

By G Money

August 15, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Smartguy,

I agree with you. Perhaps Woody and BK aren’t on the same page exactly. Perhaps Woody and staff needed to look at old tape of Phoenix, Golden State and maybe the 05-06 Clippers to gain some insight.

Given the successful use of Childress at the point sometimes, I’d have gone back to some old Laker tapes to understand how “Showtime” was initiated and how it worked in the 3rd quarter of most games. We need to Woody to be both a student of the game and a better practitioner of psychology so that he can really be effective and motivate these guys. It would be nice if he had studied under Riley as well as Brown. Riley always made adjustments to fit the building blocks of his team.

Sekou, Do you talk much to Woody in the off season. While you’re chasing down the players, it would also be nice to know how Woodson goes about making adjustments, adding wrinkles, and discarding things that won’t work for this team. Thanks.

By smartguy

August 15, 2007 7:05 AM | Link to this

Smooth said “nothing gets in the way of winning.”

How nice would it be if our coach had the same attitude?

If Woody could put winning above his own philosophies, system, and personal pride, then I would actually give us a chance this year. As is, with Woody’s unsuccessfull and unchanging approach, I’m afraid Phoenix will be getting our pick next year.

Woody’s system is terruble, especially on offense. His lineups and rotations need major work. His leadership and coaching need at least an adjustment.

The single member of the Atlanta Hawks who needed to do the most work this offseason is MIKE WOOSON.

Kudos, Smooth, the vast majority of us LOVE you. Keep up the good work, do the best you can with an incompetent head coach for one more year, and please stick around for the long run.

By ray

August 15, 2007 2:16 AM | Link to this

Astro Joe,

I kinda took Smith’s words as meaning something else when he said he was “distracted” at home. I figured that meant he’s been in the ATL long enough and knows enough people (of the less responsible sort)to get into nonsense when he should be working on his game. And I figure there was more detail to that than what he divulged in the interview.

Having said that, perhaps it was better he go someplace he wasn’t as easily tempted to “party” and could concentrate more on business. Perhaps this is another step in the right direction, showing a growing maturity. Perhaps I just sound like a homer. But I’d like to believe that the kid is heading down the right path. He’ll have all season (barring injury) to prove me and anyone else wrong or right.

By reese

August 14, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Astroe Joe, give Josh Smith a break for not using the words that would satisfy you.

More importantly, how can the rookies vote Durant as the rookie of the year and yet vote Al Horford the most ready player. I would think that the person winning rookie of the year would be the most ready player.

By curious

August 14, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe- What gives you the right to be judge & jury about where JS works out? Maybe, he does have distractions in ATl and is working on getting rid of some them. Maybe that is why he is in Houston. Since we don’t know why aren’t you just happy the kid is working out trying to get better.

By tyger

August 14, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

P.S. Also very pleased to hear Smoove seeking help, some of these kids are too arrogant, apparently he is coachable.

There wasnt a better dribbler, shooter or competitor than Calvin Murphy. Likewise, there wasnt a big man with better moves than Hakeem.

So, if we get back an improved player with a reliable shot, handle, footwork and temperment, then he wouldve positioned himself for a max extension.

And they shouldnt have a problem giving it, but he has to show it on the floor and it has to translate into wins.

But that is the type of internal development that you have to hope for with such a young core.

By tyger

August 14, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

I’ve mentioned this before but since its so dead around here, lets review:

The Hawks have overall picks:

Add second rd. steals:

Salim Stoudamire, Solomon Jones and ZaZa Pachulia - and the talent acquisition becomes even more impressive.

Picks 1-5 should become Allstars if not Superstars. Thats Marvin, Horford, Jsmoove and JJ.

I swap Shelden and JSmoove b/c we took Shelden early but we stole Smoove late. And JJ has developed into an Allstar.

Chill and Shelden could start for most teams; or be solid contributors off the bench for good teams.

AC Law has future All-star written all over him.

And any team would sop up Salim, Solomon or ZaZa as soon as they became available.

So who’s not hot: Speedy, AJ, Lue, LO

Thats $15M in contracts with $8-9M expiring, we ought to be able to do something.

By BosnianBaller

August 14, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

I am suprised BK hasn’t done more considering this is a make or break year for him and Woodson.

By Astro Joe

August 14, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

G Money, yes I have ventured outside of the perimeter for some much needed rest. I call it a vacation. I have even gone out of town for training to help me be a more productive employee. What I have not done is said that the reason I chose an out of town program over an in-town program is because I’m distracted at home. (And I sure wouldn’t say that during contract negotiations).

Maybe he just used the wrong word. Had he said he went to Houston to find a Beyonce look-alike, I would have applauded that decision and wished him much success. Had he said he wanted to experience life outside the shadow of his father, I would have been thrilled. If he said that he wanted to take advantage of the fact that his agent had these great contacts, that would have been cool. He could have even mentioned he wanted to get away from the city after his late season suspension. Maybe he meant all of those things and summarized it all in one word, distracted. That single word has me “distracted” from the rest of the interview. I hope he won’t be distracted when he returns and starts practicing with his role-playing teammates.

By G Money

August 14, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Astro,

Obviously, you have never gone away for vacation, never sent kids to camp or traveled any further than around the loop to Doraville, Snellville, Hapeville or Douglasville. For nearly all young men with idle time in a city that they know and more importantly that knows them, there are hundreds of distractions. Even without the noteriety and money, there are distractions of the first order for most 21 year old males.
Add on a multimillion dollar contract and watch all of the birds of prey come out. Maybe all kids should go to college in the state too. I don’t quite get your points. Get real!

Additonally, everyone complained about Smith taking shots from the perimeter all last season. If my basketball recollection serves me, Hakeem had a great turn around fadeaway jumper that he used to perfection down low. So I guess if Smith comes back with a better low post game, better handles, and an improved outside shot to go along with his defensive prowess, we should boo him because he spent time in Houston over the summer…. It’s starting to make sense for me.

On another note…there are some weekend packages for the Hawks going on sale this Saturday afternoon along with the season ticket pkgs at Philips Arena

By Ryder

August 14, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Well perhaps if the head coach had any idea how to implement roles on the team then the players wouldn’t misunderstand them so much wouldn’t they? Woodson has no idea how to take advantage of this talented Atlanta team and utilize them into a successful system. Josh Smith is probably frustrated at this and that’s why he and Woodson clash so much. I understand he is a bit immature at times but at the same time I’m sure he feels (as do the rest of the team) that they are capable of doing so much more.

I’m sick of Woodson trying to teach these guys to zig when BK built them to zag. I like to hear that these guys are working hard on their individual games.

I like the fact that Josh Smith wants to focus strictly on his game and maybe for some players the best thing to do is to get away from home so that way their minds are clear to focus on basketball.

I detest the way the Atlanta (lack of) Spirit does nothing to help push this team in the eyes of the locals. They really need to do a better job of promoting Smith. Like him or not he does bring excitement, and in this city they need all the positive pub they can get. Although I think Smith needs to work on his maturity, hopefully Atlanta will sign him long term because he could be the type of player that people will want to see at Phillips.

By Astro Joe

August 14, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

G Money, there is a difference between saying “I decided to work on my game by seeking help from among the very best teachers I could find” and “I need to avoid the distractions of Atlanta”. Guess what, dude plays 41 games in Atlanta. So excuse me if I’m concerned that he views this city as a place where he has distractions. At least Chills has a personal connection to northern Cali.

I applaud Smith for working on his game with incredible teachers like hakeem and Murphy. Those cats are far better than Mark Price and Tree Rollins. But I can’t ignore the “distraction” comment.

Yes, every team has guys who play a role. But shouldn’t roles change with each training camp? If Smith comes back with a comparable “Dream Shake” shouldn’t his role change? I guess I’d prefer a discussion about roles from the head coach and not from a 21 year-old who had problems understanding his role during the most recent season.

By G Money

August 14, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Wow, Astro, that was some extrapolation. Every team has role players. If you’re a point guard, you have a role. A center has a role. In the scheme of different offenses/defenses there are roles to be played. You sound a bit hyper-critical attempting to dredge up something that seems a bit fictitious.

And why wouldn’t a player leave town. Chills is in Palo Alto working on his degree. Maybe that’s too far away. Perhaps he should have taken an online course. There haven’t been any JJ sitings here either. Perhaps they should all live in a small dormitory on the backside of Philips arena. I don’t quite get it that some people are just looking to say negative stuff when there isn’t anything negative about a person going to two of the best in the business to improve his game. If I’m not mistaken, that was the very thing that several were complaining about last season. WTF?

By terrell

August 14, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Its obvious that a lot of you are not true Hawks fans. We already know that Chills is at Stanford right now, and it has also been stated that Josh Smith has been working with Calvin Murphy. WHERE HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN!

By Astro Joe

August 14, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

So I finally took the time to read the Josh Smith interview. On a team with so many interchangeable parts, I find it interesting how much “role” comes up in these interviews. I almost view it as “stay in your place” vernacular. Like Smith has decided after his performance late last year that he is the #2 scoring option and others (read Marvin, Horford, Law, Zaza, etc.) need to stay in their places while he gets his quota of shots. I also recall JJ saying how some guys don’t play well at home an here is Smith leaving town to get away from disractions. Wonder if this makes him vulnerable to leave as a free agent? While in Houston, I hope he drops by and spends some time with John Lucas. Lucas’ pearls of wisdom could help the still maturing Smith avoid some pitfalls in the future.

By Ben

August 14, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Yeah Sekou, get off these guys’ back. They’ve only been on vacation for 4 months.

No seriously Tom, you are an idiot

By Tom A Hawk

August 14, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

The players deserve some time to themselves during the off-season. Get off their case and stop stalking them.

By G Money

August 14, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

While I hold out hope I am not going to Vegas to bet on the Hawks. Golden State made big noise last season and they really weren’t expected to. It is conceivable that the Hawks could do the same. They’d have to change their approach to the game, but if everyone comes back in stellar condition and with all the holes in their games worked through, the other teams might be surprised (the first month).

By Joe

August 14, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

I agree with Doc. The Hawks need all the publicity they can get. They have good young players who present themselves well to the public and they should be more visible in the Atlanta area during the off season. Whoever wants to keep off season information about the Hawks secret is just not helping selling tickest for the season.

Fans want and seek information about their teams, but the Hawks web site (which has been rebuilt) is absolutely void of most information a fan would like to see. The AJC sports pages do an okay job of covering the off season but still should be fed by the Hawks Public Relations Dept. with more news. Secrecy is at work here for the Hawks. There ownership situation lies with the Judge, so I guess the Hawks current management must be operating on the less said the better and who can blame them, they could be ousted from their ownership any day now. Come on Judge, make your decision soon, you are holding the Atlanta Hawks fans hostage while waiting your decision. Since this boils down to a legal ruling based on contract law, the decision should not be so difficult that it takes almost a year to make.

By Peter

August 13, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

I Love to Hear the News.

By BosnianBaller

August 13, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

Our only chance is if Marvin turns out to be the player we think he can be. Do we really think last years team and the aditions of law and al will get us to the top. We still dont have a center can we get anybody(Cato)

I am praying Marvin and solomon jones break out this season because the east is much harder this year then last year

By doc

August 13, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

thanks keb for the chills sighting update. i enjoyed your concert at the atl symphony this winter, you seem pretty down to earth yourself.

By tyger

August 13, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

No hope on the horizon

For all those holding out hope that the Hawks will do something to address the center position and overage of point guards. Forget about it!

Unless, they can make a 2 for 1 with an expiring contract, which is dang near impossible. Forget about it!

Hawks wont spend near the salary cap, so forget about it! They have $41M in committed contracts this year. About $8-$9M come off the books in re. Lue, Lo, AJ - and thats going to JSmoove and JChill, probably 70-30, to keep them around where they are.

Next up is Marvin and then Shelden. They’ll probably move one or the other, since Horford and Law come due soon after.

So, if they cant move Speedy w/ZaZa; forget about it!

By Keb Mo

August 13, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Chils is in Palo Alto, CA. Saw him having dinner at Penisula Creamery within the Stanford Mall. Very down to earth, very nice car!

By doc

August 13, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

a j i guess i forgot the new age way to promote a team that is a cellar dwellar and one that did not make a mark in the off season to change perception to a management team that is aggressive and ready to move to the next level. sad, that this machine is so ambivalent to getting fans to buy in to their product.

you know i really like these guys and want very bad for them to succeed. it leaves me cold when the subliminal message is we dont really care about going the extra mile to win folks over. next we will hear how difficiult the media is in this town. yup, feel it coming.

By ray

August 13, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Mavid,

I love ya bro, but please don’t get the self-appointed prophet started.

As for the article on Smith, I too am excited about the possibilities. However, the Josh Smith detractors will no doubt say that this is only further proof that he’s all about improving himself and not helping the team. Funny, I thought improving yourself was helping the team. And besides, the guy mentioned the need for everybody to know and play their roles. I’m sure someone will look for a way to twist that one…

By Astro Joe

August 13, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Doc, you must have missed the announcement. Hawks are changing their uniform color scheme and have a new logo. That was the single marketing initiative of the off-season. No need to promote the players, check out the new colors. Make the young nucleus available for the media? That would assume a full-time PR staff looking to promote the on-court product. Hey, new colors means more court-side seating that will pay for the single marketing initiative of the off-season.

By vdunkndunk

August 13, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are getting stronger, but so is the Eastern Conference in general. It’s good to hear Josh Smith is working out hard; hopefully everyone else will come back improved as well. I think if the Joshes can become more consistent, Speedy can get healthy, Marvin and Shelden can take steps forward, and Horford and Law can contribute solid minutes, the Hawks could be a pretty good team. That’s a lot of ifs, but not of them are impossible.

By terrell

August 13, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Good comment DOC. The Hawks need all the publicity they can get. I cant wait for the season to begin, even though its going to be tough to make the playoffs. I think we have a chance to be one of the best young teams in the NBA in a couple of years. The only thing that worries me is Woody. Will he let this team play an up tempo game and quit being stubborn like his boy Larry Brown? When we ran we played well, but for reasons unknown we stopped at the end of games only to give up leads and eventually lose. Let these guys run man, they will at the very least get fouled while taking it to the hoop. But hey, thats just my opinion. GO HAWKS! And I know its the wrong blog, but BOBBY, you’ve got to bench Andrew. HE’S KILLING US

By doc

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

funny how it is that sekou is having to hunt these guys down when the program needs publicity and a lift in the off season. the yankees create press, positive or negative to keep themselves in the news. now what do the hawks do? seems like they remain low profile and hide out like criminals on the take.

sekou, you shouldnt have to find these guys, the pr department should be hooking you up with these guys once a week to use the opportunity to enhance the fan base. oh yeah, maybe the broken atlanta spirit doesnt have that entity trying to save money and then wonder where are all those folks that “wont buy our product or come to the games”

cudos to tiger as he hunts down big jack, one of my heroes growing up. both seem to do it the right way and collect no flies to date. men’s men.

By smartguy

August 13, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

When are we going to re-sign our best player?

What excuses is Woody preparing for this year?

When is Belkin going to take over?

By travis

August 13, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

sekou, i think that what the hawks are missing out on is team chemistry. anyword on if any of these guys workout together. i remember reading about the summer league up in utah and it said that law, horford, shelden were all hangin’ out together and having fun. i think that if you are goin’ into battle with guys you would atleast get to know each other.

By mavid

August 13, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Great to hear about Marvin. That article on Smoove has me amped. If Marvin follows suit, maybe these Hawks will surprise us (which to me would be going over .500).

Oh and Ando, I think I remember you saying we should draft Noah and comparing Conley to Telfair. I wouldn’t be so confident that “you’re always right” just yet ;)