Hawks

By Ken Strickland

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

Come on RAY, don’t be so pessimistic. Now granted, I do have a very very very slight tendency to be a weeeeee bit overly optimistic. Therefore, the Hawks level of success should fall somewhere between our emotionally influence projections. Last yr not a single starter worried about anyone taking his position. That won’t be the case this yr.

During last season, I mentioned how Billy and Woody weren’t on the same page. I remarked how BK had loaded the roster with greyhounds and Woody wanted to walk the ball up. When we played western teams we were forced to run. Our competitiveness and won/loss record against these teams were outstanding(considering our overall record). When Woody played his preferred style of ball, we got manhandled because we don’t have that kind of talent.

The biggest improvement this team can experience will be at head coach. Although he’s coaching in the East, and he has a East coast mentality, he has to realize he’s got West coast talent, and lots of it. If he and this team are going to be successful, he has to learn to coach to his talent, not to his preference or to the conference his team is in. However, his style has its place, even on a running team. In close gms it’s always best to have a structured OFF so everyone knows what to do and what everyone else is doing. But this talented team of greyhounds need to run in order to get to those tight gm ending situations consistently.

The Hawks aren’t as big or as strong as most of the teams in the East. However, we’re certainly faster and more athletic. We might not be as fast as some of the Western teams, like maybe the Suns or Warriors, but we’re certainly more athletic, and/or bigger/stronger. We should be forcing teams to adjust to our uptempo style of play, like Phoenix does. Like Dorothy in the Wizzard of OZ, Woodson has to realize he’s not in Detroit(LBrown) or Indiana(BKnight)anymore. If Woodson makes the necessary adjustments, everything else will fall into place, except the sickening ownership fiasco of course.

By ray

September 2, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Good point, Reese. I see I’m not the only one who noticed how Shelden seemed to respond to questions relating to playing time. Almost seems to me like the guy is expecting to be a bench warmer and hopes to get playing time ANYWHERE down low. Hmmmm.

Then again, perhaps I am just succumbing to the negativity that shrouds this franchise.

One thing is for sure. If there is not a significant improvement in the paint on both ends, it WILL be another long, nasty season.

By Sekou K. Smith

September 2, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

G Money,

Sorry it took me a while to get back to you. I was smothered under an avalanche of hater mail and voice messages clowning my Wolverines (appropriately so, because some things are inexcusable. But I won’t go there now or until after Lloyd Carr has been relieved of his duties - something I’ve been calling for the past 12 years).

But the Hawks are returning en masse after Labor Day for a month worth of player arranged group workouts that they hope will bolster their chemistry and ready them for the upcoming season.

If it were just one or two teams doing this it might be impressive. But every team in the league has jumped on this trend. It’s just more of the year round work that goes on around a league that never gets credited for the work they do. But hey, that’s the way it is.

By reese

September 2, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Now that september is here its time for my rendition of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly in relation as to what has occurred this summer.

The Good: Josh Smith spends his own money to work out with Olajuwon and Calvin Murphy. Shelden Williams studies film to analyze him game to look for improvements. Zaza is playing for his national team and scoring like crazy.

The Bad: Josh Smith had to spend his own money and wasn’t financially supported by the team. Zaza states that he and woodson discussed what he needed to bring to the team (defense,rebounding,blocks). When asked how he has played this summer, he doesn’t mention any defensive stats. Yet, he states that the hawks have seen him play for 2 years now and they know what he brings. It appears to me that there is still a disconnect in how the player wants to play and how the coach wants him to play. Hopefully, Josh childress is spending as much time at the dinner table, weight room, gym and watching film as he has spent studying for classes and sitting in a class room. There is no mention of what Woodson is doing to improve his coaching and whether or not he is willing to adapt to the strengths of his players over the continued drive to make the players adapt to his style of coaching/play. Lorenzen Wright is still on this team and not one free agent was courted by the GM.

The Ugly The summer is almost over and the ownership mess still hasn’t been resolved. 2 coaches try to leave and are forced to stay. Coach Brown is now has the title of consultant. Must be that the consultant budget had money and that the coaching budget was tapped out once alton lister was added. The notion that Shelden Williams will play time at center next year. When asked if he can play the position. He responds with I’ll do anything to get playing time.

By Macaroni Tony

September 1, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Hello Hawks fans I do like the approach that SW is taking for this up and coming season. So some of our Hawk’s players did come back to start training early, and I thank that is great (it’s time for Philips Arena to rock like the Thrasher’s did). On another note my heart does go out to Jameer Nelson and his family. I know that’s hard to go through, losing his dad like that right before the season start WOW. Another thing that I liked that SW said was when he was more aggressive the better he played, so we are looking Sheldon Williams and not Sheldon Parker this up and coming season. Go Hawks

By jhan

September 1, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Sekou, what happened to the Wolverines? I feel so bad that I can’t even throw any jabs at you!

By smartguy

September 1, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I almost forgot, I think Billy Knight deserves a little credit for picking out Batista. I am not, nor ever have been, a Billy fan, but its not all his fault Woody was too stupid to ever get any prolonged production from Esty.

Still, SIGN SMOOTH NOW!!!!

By smartguy

September 1, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Excellent point, Curious. You have to score to win. All Woody ever talks about is defense. Yes, Defense is very important, but more of a balance would be beneficial.

SIGN SMOOTH, PLEASE!

By curious

September 1, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Great stat- When the Hawks avg. over a 100ppg. Their record was 9-4. I think that says your emphasis should be on getting up an down. Woodson won’t.

By curious

September 1, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Astro Joe- Good point. Due to the fact that the asst. head coach tried to leave along with another asst coach. Herb Brown has been demoted. I think that says a lot about the morale of the coaches going into a season. Woody’s biggest problem is an inability to adapt. He refuses to change his system to fit the team given to him. He won’t listen to his coaches about running or different plays on offense. Results, the same three plays we have been seeing for three years.

By MannyT

September 1, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this

Sekou

Thanks for the Sheldon article. It’s very timely in answering some of the quesions that popped up here about off season workouts.

jambazy I can’t say if your boy Rod Benson will make it to the NBA. However, he could be this generations version of John Salley within the D-League. Seems like an amusing guy.

By ray

August 31, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Joe, that’s a very plausible theory. For one thing, we always talk about how employees should act, without mentioning the behavior of employers. Interesting. After all, how ARE you going to react if your boss was always yelling at you every time you made a mistake? Seems that this happens a lot in this particular workplace. I’m sure most of us, as alluded, would not react well to an employer who is verbally abusive. Oh, but wait, this is sports and it’s okay for your boss to curse, deride, and generally verbally abuse you.

I wonder why this hasn’t been brought up before amidst the storm of criticism of employee behavior?

This is the main reason why I don’t give much merit to the job analogies/comparisons. It cuts both ways, whether you like it or not.

By Astro Joe

August 31, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

G Money, that would be nice, but I’m not sure if that is likely to happen. Here’s a theory (since obviously I do not know what the inner psychology of the collective team).

I wonder if the Hawks think about getting together and think about what happens when they usually are assembled as a team. Disappointement, losing, yelling (from Woody) and frustration. I wonder if they view this as a difficult working environment, one with poor employee morale, ineffective leadership, a tarnished corporate image and disgruntled customers. When the common folk like us have worked in that kind of office setting, I wonder how many of us would have volunteered to improve team performance and attitudes?

Again, not saying this is the case for our Hawks. But I do wonder if they dread the end of their vacation or if they truly are encouraged and hopeful (like Portland) that success is truly within their grasps. God bless them if they do believe.

By G Money

August 31, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Sekou,

Speaking of hustle…I just read that the Trailblazers are already practicing (on a voluntary basis). All except for three vets are there getting it done on their own. The column states that Brandon Roy is the player who was istrumental in bringing the team together early. I also read that the Knicks got together on their own for a week this summer (according to an article/interview with David Lee).
In each case the practices were closed.

Have you heard anything about Hawks players trying to get together to make things work prior to training camp? I’m impressed by the work ethic of two teams that are probably going to be “former” doormats this season. It would be encouraging to know that our guys are trying to make things happen on their own; however, it is totally unexpected.

By jambazy

August 31, 2007 6:53 AM | Link to this

Hey guys and girls. I usually read this blog on a daily basis. Love the hawks blog and hope the best for the upcoming season. On a side note I thought i should give some love to (http://www.toomuchrodbenson.com/index.html) I stumbled upon this blog in my insatiable appetite for NBA news. In my opinion the second best blog after (http://www.nba.com/blog/gilbert_arenas.html check it out. Mad funny stories. Maybe the hawks will check him out PF..too many? but the guys a class act. Good for laughs though. Had me going for hours. Hawksville city.

By Dub C

August 30, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

Its down righ horrible how Batista can score 20 points against the NBA’s best talent, but can’t seem to get off the Atlanta bench. No fault of his, but its just another example in the long list of bad coaching decisions Mike Woodson has made over the years. I’ve been a Hawk fan for…..ever, and its sad to see talent on our bench (Salim, Solo, Batista) not get ANY playing time. I’m not saying they should play 35 minutes per night, but last year was sad.

By MannyT

August 30, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Macaroni Tony You are correct that Blueland rocks more for the home team than the Highlight Factory. I’ve only attended regular season Thrashers games, but I would keep the current Hawks away from those crowds. I would hate to see the guys realize how much more energy there is in the stands for NHL in the ATL. I think the fan appeal for Hawks games uses an Entertainment Tonight model (ooh—look at the stars in the seats.)

I’m all for Hawks success. Maybe it takes this long trek outside the elite to appreciate what we had. I have been to a Hawks playoff game in the Omni. I got the tickets on the day of game 5 of a five game series against Detroit. I recognized that I had moved to a town that did not quite support the playoff team.

I had more difficulty getting tix to regular season Michigan basketball games when they won it all with Glen Rice et al.

Hopefully, the entire Hawks side of the organization will rise up and give the opponents the blues this season…especially Woody.

I am amused that Esteban matched his season point total (20) for the Hawks in one night vs. Team USA in international ball. The Hawks could only find him useful for 81 minutes all last season. LOL

By ray

August 30, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Looks like Yi’s group blinked first. Welcome to Milwaukee, fella.

By ray

August 30, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Anxious to see what Woodson shows himself capable of this year.

By Macaroni Tony

August 30, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

MannyT I apologize if that post was too offensive, but it is sad that we leave in one of the best cities in the south but we’re the joke of the league. I don’t want to step on anyone toes but I do want a team that will go to the playoffs. I worked at the Omni during the time that the Thrashers were in the playoffs and I just want to feel that experience for our young Hawks (Philips Arena was rockin with the Blueland theme). I did meet Woody down there on one occasion, and he did looked very rough, but I want say wether he was drunk or not. I still will not change my mind of the way that Batista was used, because it could have been better. He should have been using the energy that he has to hurt other players and not ours. We should’ve had someone like Lister to work with our big’s s long time ago and then we could get more out of LW who on some occasions have more fouls then points, and ZP who flops on simple lay-ups. I’m just wishing like everyone here just for a chance to sit in the stands cheering for my Hawks during playoffs. (yes, I did read you post MannyT, my post was just a follow-up to your post)

By Macaroni Tony

August 30, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

MannyT I apologize if that post was too offensive, but it is sad that we leave in one of the best cities in the south but we’re the joke of the league. I don’t want to step on anyone toes but I do want a team that will go to the playoffs. I worked at the Omni during the time that the Thrashers were in the playoffs and I just want to feel that experience for our young Hawks (Philips Arena was rockin with the Blueland theme). I did meet Woody down there on one occasion, and he did looked very rough, but I want say wether he was drunk or not. I still will not change my mind of the way that Batista was used, because it could have been better. He should have been using the energy that he has to hurt other players and not ours. We should’ve had someone like Lister to work with our big’s s long time ago and then we could get more out of LW who on some occasions have more fouls then points, and ZP who flops on simple lay-ups. I’m just wishing like everyone here just for a chance to sit in the stands cheering for my Hawks during playoffs. (yes, I did read you post MannyT, my post was just a follow-up to your post)

By MannyT

August 30, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Macaroni Tony

You can see from my posts that I am not standing by the coaches use of Esteban, but why do you have to go all super negative with the drunk stuff?

You hit a libertarian cord with me. I don’t know the man’s personal habits and I generally don’t care. His vices are his business, just like your vices are your business.

He’s got a job to do, if he can do it well, I couldn’t care what he does on his own time as long as he isn’t hurting others. If he cannot do it well, I care only as much as getting him replaced with someone better suited for the job.

By smartguy

August 30, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Right on, MT.

Woody is the biggest obstacle the Hawks have to overcome.

By Macaroni Tony

August 30, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

The article about Batista really shows me that Coach Woody is a bum, and shouldn’t be coaching this team. Coach Woody never tried to use Bastista in different situations when we were short staffed because injuries, he would just leave him on the bench. Bastista only played in 70 games over three seasons with the team, and Woody let him score 12 points in one game and then he took him out. I hope that he do get picked up on another NBA team (and do good), because I have always thought that he could play. I’ve always thought that Diaw was a bust, but I have always love Batista energy and style of play. I don’t think that we could go futher until we get that drunk to leave the face of our bench.

By ray

August 30, 2007 7:26 AM | Link to this

Jhan, it’s no sweat. I just didn’t want to be misunderstood. As for agreeing with my opinions, I usually agree with yours as well. However, I’m probably as much wrong as I am right. Oh well, I hope Smith proves me right for believing that he’s learned his lessons and will be a much better player to coach as well as teammate to play with. If not, then I owe you a couple of drinks, right? :)

My main concern really is that ownership either retain his valuable services (which I hope to see evidence of greater value this season) or use them to obtain the valuable services of another player(s) that we could use even more. I just don’t want to see Smith jerked around, because he will get a good contract SOMEWHERE. Whether that’s Atlanta or somewhere else needs to be something the ownership group controls. They don’t need to put themselves in a position to lose the use of such value.

I’d like to see the guy stay, especially if he improves significantly in all areas (especially in the area of self-control…and jump shooting). However, it’s always foolish to not consider other lucrative options should they appear.

By anotherearlyexit

August 30, 2007 4:27 AM | Link to this

Stick to B-ball Sekou. You know little about Katrina if youre quoting Spike Lee. Louisiana won’t make any real progress til Republican Bobby Jindhal is elected governor in a couple of months. He’s leading by 50 points in some polls. The people down there know where the fault lies. Has John Edwards forclosed on any more house down there today? LOL.

By MannyT

August 29, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Esteban looks more effective against the US national team in 1/2 of the 1st quarter than at any time when he wore a Hawks uni.

Go figure.

At least I still have that warm up jersey!

By Robert

August 29, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

* Yeah the Hawks might make the playoffs if they get rid of that sorry waste of a position player..no talent having…couldnt command significant minute anywhere else player known as ZA -ZA *

By MannyT

August 29, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Rattler I would not say Esteban was good, but I would say that we got very little out of whatever talent he has. I think the mark of a good coach/manager is to get the most out of whatever skills you have. If Batista was a big body that hustles, find situations to put him in the game to take advantage of that energy. I don’t think it happened here.

While I don’t think Diaw was great, the biggest difference here versus Phoenix was where he was expected to play. He plays front line positions there to take advantage of his speed and athleticism versus big people. Here, he played back court positions where he did not have speed and athleticism.

Make a system that fits your players or get other players that fit your system. There is no need to teach hawks to speed walk and bears to flap their arms to fly.

By A-TownRattler

August 29, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe there are still folks who think Boris Diaw is good. Last year should have showed he was a player in a good system(when he played center). When he didn’t play center & Amare was there the whole time, he looked just like he did with the Hawks, mediocre at best.

Batista doesn’t do well in the NBA style of play. When the Atlanta Hawks have to go play teams from suchasuchastan, & teams in South America, then maybe Batista should be added back to the squad. I’ll give Woody one more year, just to see if he can pull it together since this will be the core group’s 3rd year together & hopefully no injuries (knock on wood).

By terrell barron

August 29, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Josh will probably ask for at least 5 yrs at 60 mil. Hell, Chill will command 45 mil over 5 yrs. There’s no way our cheap owners will pay to keep both. NO WAY

By Mr. Gilley

August 29, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Sekou.. I am so sick of everyone overlooking Carmelo Anthony…The most consistent scorer for the U.S. Team and he leads them in scoring everytime.. And Lebron doesn’t have the same affect in international ball like he does in the NBA. And I do see Kobe playing great on the ball defense and pressuring players and Jason Kidd does make the team run and make great passes but DO NOT IGNORE the consistency of Carmelo Anthony..I didn’t see you mention his name the OLYMPICS PLAYER OF THE YEAR…C’mon Sekou stop going with the hype of the media and realize who brings it and don’t ignore the leading scorer. Also, outside shooting is a big factor.. i.e. Michael Redd and Mike Miller….Its more than just Kidd. The U.S. lacked outside shooting.. They went 3-24 or so in a big loss against Puerto Rico last year. Bring all of the facts Sekou!!!

By doc

August 29, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

yes sekou, it is silly to think otherwise that he isnt ready for a 50mil contract at the bottom end forgoing possible injury this year. how j smith is treated this year is a barometer for how the broken atlanta spirit(BAS, which includes belkin) is going to do business for the near future. it is their lunchini yes, with that, noted buyer beware. look deeper than the fantasy games we play here with fantasy acquisitions, coaching changes and business practices going forward. the josh smith case is the action that will support or discredit anything that is said by the BAS about how they are going to support “our” team, the atlanta hawks.

By Sekou K. Smith

August 29, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Folks,

I don’t think a max contract has ever been the goal of the Smith camp (and granted I’m speaking for them here without authority). But I can’t imagine they think they’re getting the max on this deal, his third deal, however, is another story. Listen, dude’s 21 and entering the true physical maturation stage of his career (the prime comes later, around 25 or so). That’s why I don’t think his camp intended on getting that monster deal this time around. I don’t see what the big deal is in signing him to a $55 or $60 million deal. That’s not ridiculous money (especially since it’s not my luchini) in today’s NBA. But trying to pay him anything under $50 million simply won’t get a deal done. Whether you like him or not, dude’s an elite talent (albeit one that still needs to polish off much of his game). And based on what Kevin Martin agreed to, the market for elite talents (not players but talents) starts at $50 million and goes up.

By jhan

August 29, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

Ray - sorry for the not catching your drift. I’m usually pretty good at seeing the underlining meaning in these blogs. I usually agree with most of your opinions.

I will agree with you that Smith is someone who needs to be rewarded. He is probably going to be the best all around player on this team by the end of next year. I wonder if the Spirit is going to risk waiting another year to sign him. If they do, they may end up giving him max money.

By ray

August 29, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this

Jhan, you missed the point of my post. ENTIRELY.

First of all, I admit I was being a horrendous smarta**, for those of you who couldn’t figure that out. Why? Because it’s fun sometimes and I just had to really kick this one off, since I knew the topic of Josh Smith is a bit of a hot one here on the blog.

Second, I was trying to bring attention to the fact that Josh has real talent, has so far avoided off-court trouble, and hasn’t had quite as much on-court trouble as people keep wanting to make it seem like.

Third, the guy was punished, admitted fully to his mistakes, and took it like a man. Then he followed a very rough season with a summer of hard work instead of hangin’ around and getting into trouble. And the guy doesn’t miss practices, team meetings, flights, etc. Not once did I ever say he was not to be held accountable for his actions. NOT ONCE. All I’ve ever said is that the incident is over, has BEEN over, and let’s move on.

But no, so many people want to hang onto it. I still don’t know why. It would be one thing if he was doing this regularly. Then I’d be chanting along with the rest of the crowd “Let him go!”

One other thing. My job does not even remotely compare to Smith’s. I have people ranked above and below me. Insubordination is much more serious because of what we do. Such behavior could cost life and limb of other officers or citizens. The worst it could possibly do to a ball player is get him shipped to another team, where he will still make more money than most of us will see.

And don’t give me that public event stuff. Law enforcement is a job that is one big, constant public event. You have NO idea.

By cowa

August 29, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

I agree getting Smith signed, sealed and delivered as soon as possible. But no one is talking about Childress, who is also up for a contract. IMHO, I don’t think we are going to be able to sign him to a long term contract, and then it’s probably just a one year qualifying offer. Rather than just watch our young talent go to other teams with minimal compensation, what about a deal before the season starts, hopefully at the beginning of training camp.

Golden State is looking for a back-up PG for Baron Davis. They also don’t have Michael Pietrus in their long term plans, as they are still talking S&T with the Heat and probably other teams. Lastly, Don Nelson can’t tolerate Patrick O’Bryant’s lack of bball IQ, and he really doesn’t fit into their scheme, so he wants to dump his contract. So here’s my deal:

Childress, Anthony Johnson & Lo Wright for Michael Pietrus & Patrick O’Bryant

The reasons the Hawks do this trade: while I love Childress for all the things he does, he will be too expensive to resign, if we want to resign Smoove, Marvin & crew down the road. We can do a S&T with Pietrus for a salary higher than his qualifying offer that would make him happy, and tie him up long term at a reasonable rate. Not a great offensive threat, but a very good defender and extremely athletic. O’Bryant is a LT project, but the guy is only 21 and is a legit 7’. Plus, he’s still cheap on his rookie contract, so not much to lose. AJ is just trade bait at this point (and I really like him, but we just have too many PGs) and Lo is just trade filler so Pietrus can get the raise he is looking for.

GS does this deal because: AJ plays a similar style game to Baron Davis (except for Davis lofting up ill advised 3’s), and makes more sense than the FA PGs left on the market. They add Childress, who besides being a very good all around player, hails from Stanford and the Bay area, and would be going home. GS then can sign Childress to an extension without if they wish. Lastly, they get rid of O’Bryant while getting a quality player in Childress in the deal. Lo Wright has an expiring contract, so that could be moved at the trade deadline or just swallowed for cap room at the end of the year.

Again, I really like Childress, but I just don’t see where he can possibly fit in financially from this cash starved ownership group. Better to get something for him now than possibly nothing later on.

Thoughts?

By infamouskrs

August 28, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

i think Ray’s post should be eligible for the blog hall of fame! right on point, big guy.

it’s wonderful to not see Josh’s name in the paper or on ESPN for any of those troubling things that seem so common with young athletes today!

so to the Hawks front office: REWARD THA KID…step up and lock in 1 of your franchise guys!

By Kevin

August 28, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

If there is anyone on this team who can justify receiving the max contract for a young player, it is Josh Smith. He plays with a passion, and he makes things happen on the court. Being one of 5 players on the court, you have to make your presence felt. I can’t say that for many of the other Hawks. Now to me, Josh is all about hard work. While he has had a scrape or 2 with his outbursts, I think he brings the most hope to this organization to get us out of the cellar. We still need more than JJ and Smoover to step up on a regular basis to help this team.
The other hurdle we have to climb is Coach Woody; don’t look for him on ESPN once he has been let go here.

By jhan

August 28, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Have to agree that Woodson is on a very short leash. After the first 6 games this team really needs to produce.

Didn’t I read where the Hawks already offered Smith 5yrs - $45mil? That is not a bad starting offer. Let’s see how Martin & Smith perform this year. I hope Smith plays so well that our next offer has to be a max contract!

Ray - next time you are at a public event with your boss & his cronies why don’t you get in his face and tell him to F******** off and see what happens. Because you are a good employee do you think he will just shrug it off? You have to hold Smith to a minimal standard of respect for his employer, especially in public.

By smartguy

August 28, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

Yo Manny! I loved the point about how much better we will be when Woody gets the boot this year. And I do see the pattern ESPN has, but still, why would they want Woody? I would bet that the common sports fan has no idea who Mike Woodson is. Likewise, the only thing that makes Woody a standout is owning the worst winning percentage in NBA history.

Look, whatever, whoever it takes to get Mike Woodson out of Atlanta, I’m all for it. Maybe Bristol will take him, but I’m guessing his next best job will be sitting next to Nolan Richardson coaching Mexico.

By MannyT

August 28, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

GuyFromUruguay It is a real pregame shooting shirt from the old red uniform days. Won it on that mezzanine level spinning wheel 2 seasons ago. Makes me look like a 6 yr old wearing his dad’s clothes.

Ray I figured out that we cannot sign Smith now. We need to save that cap room for the new ritalin signing bonus that all players who do not get into trouble will request. That $$$ goes to Childress and all the point guards we have to resign ;-)

We did get a trade exception for Harrington—except we didn’t use it. I think I saw it next to a Festival of Trees coupon in my desk.

smartguy When was the last time you saw a coach get fired that did not end up on ESPN for at least a few halftime segments? I think it must have been slid into a collective bargaining agreement somewhere.

By ray

August 27, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

What? Sign Josh Smith…maybe even early, before the price decidely goes up? Seems like we’ve had this conversation before..and before that, and before that.

Well, why sign this guy before the season is over or halfway over? After all, according to some people, there are just much better guys to have, right? So, uh…how do we go about getting these guys who are better? Have we forgotten the current ownership situation for starters?

Oh wait, let’s just forget about all that and talk about just how bad a guy Josh is. He did flip off the fans once. Got into a few spats with his coach and teammates. Certainly that is way off the deep end, and never happens with other players in the league. Nope. Never.

Let’s look a little closer at the guy’s resume. He had absolutely no right as a young, talented, driven player who wants to win, to be frustrated by constant embarrassing losses, bad coaching, bad management, all-around general confusion, an all-time high of key team injuries, lack-luster playing, and lack of ability to play on the part of some teammates. Also, he is allegedly guilty as charged of NOT being involved in gunfights outside of strip clubs, substance abuse, abuse of spouse/girlfriend/anybody within reach, money-laundering, racketeering, gambling, homicide, attempted homicide, wrecking his or anybody else’s motor vehicle, carrying or concealing a non-licensed weapon, DUI, DWI, arrest or detainment on suspicion of any misdemeanor or felony punishable by state or federal law.

In fact, he is reportedly guilty of not being found in violation of any city, town, municipal, state, or national law/infraction, to include those of traffic code enforcement. Particularly any that would be immediately reported by any local or national media. Hmmm…nothing in here about his involvement in dog-fighting or dog killing.

Although, I did hear a rumor about him teaching miniature poodles an arcane form of kung fu for the upcoming pay-per-view 5 lbs.-and-under ultimate dog fighting championships on DIRECTV.

Ah, wait..here it is. Reportedly was involved in off-season training program somewhere in Texas with former notable NBA players.

Yeah, this guy is definitely the scum of society. Not only should the Hawks organization NOT sign him to a reasonable contract before it’s too late, but he should be allowed to walk like Al Harrington did. God forbid we try to get some sort of value in return at the very least. Naw, wash our hands completely. We’re already top notch talent in the east. Who needs another young idiot when you can find a dozen old ones?

Where’s Calbert Cheaney when you need him? We could give him 3-5 million per. Better yet, a guy like Latrell Sprewell. I’ve not seen many guys who can get a better GRIP on the player-coach relationship.

By GuyFromUruguay

August 27, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks Sekou for mentioning Batista :)

BTW he’s still raw - and young, but the raw part is what made him a liability on the NBA.

But also, seeing some games, I think the Hawks went 4 on 5 on OFF when Batista was around (well 1 on 5 way too often with JJ).

MannyT: I’d buy you the sweatshirt :P the Uruguayan e-bay is called Mercado Libre btw

By Bertie

August 27, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

Saturday night at the FIBA tournament Puerto Rico was leading Uruguay by 19 at the half and ended up losing by 3. Batista scored like 24, dominated the paint, and he was relentless in leading his team to victory.

By Van

August 27, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

I saw a stat last night that he was the 2nd leading scorer in the FIBA tournament with 22+ points just behind Brazil and Phoenix Sun’s Leandro Barbosa. Could he be another Boris Diaw just waiting to be breakout once he goes to another team? Hah

By BosnianBaller

August 27, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Leonard Washington and Black Bush.Simply classic.

I never understood why teams in basketball and baseball wait around to sign players.If you sign them first then you set the market.Thats why crappy pitchers get paid 10 mil per

By mavid

August 27, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

We basically HAVE to sign Smoove and I am confident we will (well, pretty confident at least). At the same time, if we’re gonna have to give him an enormous contract anyways, I’d like to see him go out and earn it this year!

If only this dang ownership problem could finally get taken care of, and then things like contract extensions wouldnt be such nail-biters.

If we can’t pony up for Smoove, what have the last 3-4 years of rebuilding been about???

By The Flash

August 27, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

A Wild Guess Z’s optimism could well be the product of Drew’s apparent elevation. Z would be terrific as the pivot in a Princeton-type offense. If Z gets lots of touches, he will have an edge on the guy guarding him that will transfer to the defensive end.

Should I repeat that. You want better defense from the bigs, you involve them more in the attack—in framing it and finishing it. When a player exercises dominion over an opponent while on offense, good things follow.

There are a few exceptions when it actually works the other way. And, it can work the other way for periods of time even if your last name isn’t Bowen. But, by and large, the defense first mentality, particularly, the rip-the-offensive-guy’s throat or heart out approach to defense, has gone the way of the goony bird.

If Zman is happy going into this season, it must be he has Drew on his mind.

There was a time when the center position was known as “THE PIVOT” because it was the pivot point through which the offense ran.

Could be interesting.

By smartguy

August 27, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Why would ESPN want Woody?

By smartguy

August 27, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

If we don’t extend Smooth soon, then I will have lost all faith and hope for this franchise. And I know I’m not alone. For the few of us who have stuck with this mess for the past few years, Josh Smith was one of the main reasons. We don’t really care what its going to cost, just get it done.

Esteban Batista’s explosion just goes to show how underutilized he was here, which is really an indication of how bad our head coach is. One of the main things often cited for Hawks’ improvement is better reounding and an increased post presence. I’m not sending Esty to the Hall, but maybe something we really needed was right under our nose all along. Well done, Woody.

Good point on JKidd, SS. He has been a much better player since deciding to dump that disaster of a wife. Remember, he was almost traded last year, now no way.

And Zaza, I really wish I could share in your enthusiasm. I was there last year, believe me. But after watching another year, it was impossible to ignore just how inept Mike Woodson is; I don’t see any way in which we are going to significantly improve with him coaching our games. Our talent is good, and has improved, but we still don’t have enough to overcome Woody.

By smartguy

August 27, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

If we don’t extend Smooth soon, then I will have lost all faith and hope for this franchise. And I know I’m not alone. For the few of us who have stuck with this mess for the past few years, Josh Smith was one of the main reasons. We don’t really care what its going to cost, just get it done.

Esteban Batista’s explosion just goes to show how underutilized he was here, which is really an indication of how bad our head coach is. One of the main things often cited for Hawks’ improvement is better reounding and an increased post presence. I’m not sending Esty to the Hall, but maybe something we really needed was right under our nose all along. Well done, Woody.

Good point on JKidd, SS. He has been a much better player since deciding to dump that disaster of a wife. Remember, he was almost traded last year, now no way.

And Zaza, I really wish I could share in your enthusiasm. I was there last year, believe me. But after watching another year, it was impossible to ignore just how inept Mike Woodson is; I don’t see any way in which we are going to significantly improve with him coaching our games. Our talent is good, and has improved, but we still don’t have enough to overcome Woody.

By MannyT

August 27, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

My first thought…Kevin Martin contract offer sounds like the price of popcorn will skyrocket in Philips for the 2008-2009 season (or we will be rebuilding all over again.)

Thanks for letting me know that my autographed Esteban shooting shirt should get me some cash on Uruguayan eBay.

If there is good team chemistry, I’ll give the homer version of 42 wins. If there is team revolt .333 record until Woody get reassigned to ESPN in January and .500 record under interim coach (Drew?), puts us about 32 wins. I reserve the right to change this once I actually see the roster we have at the end of October.

What does T. Prince injury do for names withdrawn from Beijing team? Executives get antsy when folks get hurt. I like the team better with several role players.