Hawks

By Ryder

October 10, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

That’s what I’m talking about! Law is a winner plain and simple. Conley may have the natural pg skills, but much of his success was attributed to playing with a big man. Law was the number one scorer and distributor last year of his team, so he knows that it takes a no-nonsense approach to leading a lineup. The rest of this team already has confidence in his abilities to get the job done in the clutch and he will become a passing pg with all of the options around him….

…speaking of which, this last quote “if a guy like [Golden State coach] Don Nelson, he’d have Smith, Horford and Williams out there together. He’d go crazy for a frontline like that with the way he likes to play.” makes me weep when I think of all the talent that’s being wasted under Mike “I’ll make Josh Smith a PF come h*ll or high water” Woodson.

By J. Shuttlesworth

October 10, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

That mystery exec hit the nail on the head. The Hawks now have interchangeable parts. Put your best players on the floor and let them play basketball. They should all be able to rebound, defend multiple positions, and should create some match-up problems on the offensive end.

I think Woody really has the tools, and it’s up to him to use rotations and match-ups that work to best utilize the players. And I think that really puts a lot of eyes on him. Its time for the coach to step up and show how well he can play, now that he’s got a full chess set to play with.

By mykhalc

October 10, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

SEKOU, again great articles and the blogs are poppin’ too!!

your interview with ACIE just confirms what i believe, whether right or wrong, is that BOTH ACIE and HORFORD are ready…PERIOD!!! this comment sums it up from ACIE, “Really, it’s just about taking advantage of the most obvious opportunity.”. it speaks greatly about his vision and KNOWIN’ what pass to make or not make. like i said, he has IT!!!

and i guess i fall into the DON NELSON school of thought (guess livin’ here does that LOL) with this team. ‘caused my startin’ point/lineup would have MW, JS, and HORFORD out there together. but everybody here knows that by now!!!LOL

SEKOU, i think the key to this team, this year, is not so much a ‘key’ player like you asked and blogged about last year goin’ into the season (with your answer bein’ ZAZA). i think it really comes down to WOODSON!!!! not that it didn’t last year too, but I THINK it REALLY is on him this year!! i’m just prayin’ that the b ‘ball gods shine the ever-lovin’ light on him!!!!

By vdunkndunk

October 10, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

I was really sceptical about Law before the draft (I really wanted Rodney Stuckey), but the more I hear about him, the better I feel. It sounds like everyone who sees him is impressed so far.

I also hope Woody will get Smoove and Horford, along with Marvin or Chills, on the court together as much as possible. I’m of the opinion that Marvin is more of a SF, Smoove more of a PF (although he can play either F spot), and Horford more of a PF (although he can play some C too).

But like that exec said, does it really matter? Get all our best players on the court and run. I really look forward to seeing Law, Joe, Chill or Marvin, Smoove, and Horford on the court all at the same time for long stretches this season.

By roan st

October 10, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Gotta love law’s confidence, demeanor and professionalism for a rookie. No question in my mind that both law and horford are going to be big time contributors this season unless woodson gets in the way. These two draft picks may go a long ways toward helping billy’s tarnished image around the league. If we can just manage to get a decent big and our owners don’t turn into donald sterling cheapskates then our future won’t look to bad. Although woodson must go after this year unless this team does something dramatic. Playoffs or else would be the mandate for woodson if I were owner.

By Astro Joe

October 10, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Doc, Magic maxed out Howard a few weeks back. The differences between Howard and Smith are fairly obvious (as is the difference between the owners of the 2 franchises). Meanwhile, most teams are still negotiating with their ‘04 picks, including Deng & Gordon in Chicago, Okafor in Charlotte and Iggy in Philly.

Due to his length of time in the league, Smith would “max out” at $14M/season. I’m guessing that the Hawks would like to slot him in the Tayshaun/Josh Howard/Nene salary of $10M/season. He can’t do anything to get out of his Hawks deal until AFTER the ‘08-‘09 season. He’s locked in with this team for another 164 games, unless the owners choose differently.

If it looks like he’s Batman, pay him more, if it looks like he’s Robin (Josh Howard/Tayshaun Prince/Kevin Martin) then pay him the $10-11 and call it a day. I personally think we don’t know yet. Again, I say keep the carrot dangling out in front and exploit the contractual advantages the owner’s negotiated during the last CBA.

Sekou, thanks for the confession. now I’m waiting for the confession from those guys who compared Horford to Shelden in the days prior to the draft.

By A Thinking Fan

October 10, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

AJ Thank you for callin’ out those wanna YI brothas. Al & Law are/have been the real deal for a long time. U have to know the intrinsic aspects of the game to make the right player personnel calls - Right DOC? Just jabbin’ with ya guy…

By DHD

October 10, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Stupid me….I’m excited about the Hawks. If the ownership doesn’t screw this up and trade 2 of our young studs for an old guy, we have something here. it may not be this year, but with this crop, we will be in the playoffs no later than next year.

I wouldn’t mind seeing Josh, Marvin and Al underneath together with Shelden and ZaZa backing them up.

By Randy

October 10, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

I like everything I heard and hear about Law. Up until a couple weeks before the draft, I was a diehard Conley guy. But then as I disected the numbers along with the experience discrepancy, I couldn’t see how Conley was that much better if any better to take him at 3. So draft day I was very happy they went with the Horford and Law. I think Law is a great addition and should be a starter very soon. As to whether Josh Smith plays 3 or 4 will depend who is on the court. Marvin is too soft for a 4, but it is hard to see a 6’10 guy playing SF. When Horford or Shelden are in with Zaza then Josh obviously is at the 3. Marvin is kinda hard to figure, and if he keeps on disappearing in the corner like he did alot last year, someone will step up and take his job.

By The Flash

October 10, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Here’s what I think. I think that you pay Smooth as much as his value is as a 3.

The reality is that he knows 4 and does 4 exceptionally, only there are times that he will get eaten, and not just by Howard. there are any number of 4s who he just cannot defend.

So, if he is going to spend considerable time at the 3, he has to earn the really big money by his production at the 3. It is okay if he is not good enough as a straight 3 to earn the really big money, because of what he can do to a lot of people at the 4. But, he must be an upper end 3, not a mediocre one.

If he is a mediocre 3, you cannot pay him big time dollars unless he shows a willingness to really try to do whatever it takes to contribute more as a 3 and you really believe that he will achieve a high level.

Sorry, Sekou, the guy who said what difference does it make is not a Hawks’ fan and is not signing the checks. It matters a lot, unless your only measures of success of individual stats and hi-lite spots.

By mykhalc

October 10, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

JOE, nice post and info about the contract stuff. good stuff to know!!

and for the record, i think WE ALL KNOW that the parts are interchangable at certain positions. i think the big debate was/is who to START at certain spots!!??!! that’s where we have 2 different schools of thought. but we all know once it’s tipped off then the game itself SHOULD dictate things!!! GO YOUNG GUNS!!!

By Krib

October 10, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Hi Sekou, I am curious,given what you have seen from Al and the potential upside, would you do an Al Horford trade for Amare?

By Bubba

October 10, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Hi Y’all!! Well, I think I hear the ol’ engine beginning to turn over and start up again. If I take a step back, looks like we got pretty good personnel. I’m hoping the two picks we got this year will be instrumental in the years ahead. As for as positions, I really don’t care. Kinda nice having a number 3 that is 6’10’, don’t you think?!??

By Wink from Lithonia

October 10, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

AC Law is a good addition only if Woody allows him to play. I was a Conley fan also, but I think by taking Horford at 3 we were able to control the draft to get an opportunity for a point guard, we addressed two needs, with quality players. I think Law will have a bigger impact. The bigs will have to work itself out. I fell see anyone mention JJ with any of these line ups… he is our STAR right? Jury is out on Smooth, especially if he comes back jacking all those 3 pointers, pay him when he produces, we have him under contract for 2 seasons. Marvin is probably the odd man out in my opinion. He has to have a breakout year. If not sign Smoove as small forward and move Marvin for a center & Horford goes to power forward as it should be. Marvin is the square peg we are trying to fit in a round hole, because he was a number 1 pick, this is year 3, he has to play or get his soft A— off the the pot!

By bp101

October 10, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Is it too late to bring Don Nelson here???

By dallas comegys

October 10, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

I must give credit where credit is due. Around draft time, I pleaded that the hawks should take conley. conley may still end up being a great point guard, and he has the intangibles that make for a winner. However, when i had slighted Acie Law, i did not realize that Law also has those qualities that makes for a great player. He is fearless on the court and a proven winner. I should have realized this fact considering Texas A&M would be miserable if not for him. From what i have seen and heard so far, the man is a player, period. I cant believe BK got this one right. Law’s got the skills, leadership, maturity, and heart that make for a great player. Its his attitude that has really impressed me so far. This is gonna feel really strange to write but, -good job, BK.

By tb

October 10, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

It’s clear that we have good rotations and multiple players that can play more than one position.

If Shelden can develop into a C at least as good as Zaza, we might be in good shape. Until what we have (Zaza/Shelde) can prove that they can hold up the C position, it will be our weak link.

I also have questions about Marvin, but I think he is going to answer those questions this year. I think he’s going to come into his own and be impossible to defend at the three.

I’ve been thinking about a triangle type scheme for our three BIGS (Zaza/Shelden, Horford, Smoove) if Smoove is at the three with Law and JJ on the outside.

Funny thing is, if Marvin does step up, it could very well be that Smoove (or Shelden) is the superfluous piece.

With a strong Marvin and a Horford that could very well outplay Smoove at the 4 and Shelden and Zaza available, Smoove could become that trade piece that gets us a Biendrins type C.

By Ryder

October 10, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

I think one major reason they haven’t signed Smoove yet is because management wants to see which SF will be here long term between him and Marvin. No question that Marvin Williams better step up his offensive game this year. This is his third year in the league and he has to develop an offensive moveset by now. He is too soft, and Smoove doesn’t have the consistent jumper a SF needs to be effective. I still think that Marvin needs to come off the bench and Horford needs to start at 4 to truly be effective. He can be a stud sixth man and this way they can bring in Shelden at 4 when they want to rest Horford.

PF- Horford SF - Smith C- Zaza PG- Law SG - JJ

Sixth man- Marvin That lineup will grow into a playoff contender by next year, unless the rookies adapt faster than expected.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

October 10, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Astro/Anykin Joe- As far as smoov goes being a batman/robin type- who cares about identities. To be honest Joe isnt a batman either (and it pains because he is my one of the top 30 players in the league). If you want to compare the team to superheroes, I’d say X-men was more apt- strength of team is in compliments to each other instead of one bonafide leader. The only problem is that Woody is no Prof X. Bottom line, like it says in Rounders “Pay him. Pay the man his money”. The franchise is afraid to let Marvin get away for “what he will be”, dont let Smoov get away for what he already is(and still could be)….

Sekou- Echoing the sentiments of others, great stuff as usual. I was/am a firm believer in Conley. I was at the draft (one of two Hawks fans I saw) and was saddened when Memphis took Conley. I had to let that go though to maintain an open mind. Law will be more valuable to team now as it is currently constructed. I also think Law’s versatility will better enable the Hawks to overcome the pending gaffes by Woody and his schematics, he can play uptempo apparently, as well as run the half set(something our current PG’s can only do one or other). I know it’s early but in a way I’d almost liken him to Chris Carter (UM stand up)-“all he does is get it done”

Positions are overrated nowadays. The nature of today’s game allos teams to have the moving parts that the Hawks have. Al is not going to be a good match-up at C every game so when that happens I’d almost favor sliding Marvin to bench and Smoov to the 3 and inserting Zaza to bang. Though his defense can be suspect, having Al in there will alieviate some of the burden on Smoov to rebound, and might help start our fast breaks. Considering the start to and length of the NBA season, if the Hawks are going to make the playoffs, it would be in our best interest to ease Al in so he can stand up to an 82+ game season inside.

By savethecityHAWKS

October 10, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

sounds good so far i hope the hawks can save the sports scene in atlanta we need a some help i just think woodson isnt a good coach he hasnt shown or proved anything. and the gm the guy who is charge of picking the players is the worst he did ok this year but from past drafts all of his choices are suspect clean up the front office and the hawks will be good

By ray

October 10, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Sekou, that executive pretty much said exactly what I feel about Smith, albeit more efficiently (and I’m no expert anyway).

As far as Law in concerned, he definitely seems to be doing and saying the right things. I love his attitude. What a winner. He will help this franchise turn around, particularly if we can get some other issues taken care of…

Mykhalc, just when we had settled down, this comes out! You gotta laugh at that. I think we helped keep the blog on fire with our tennis match, eh? Well, that sufficiently explains things. While I feel what that NBA exec feels, and you subscribe to the Don Nelson Doctrine, let me say this: I should have realized that the main reason we disagree is because of how we see things. I figure You see what COULD BE based on the players, and you’re absolutely right. I see what IS, because of the coach, and I’m right, at least for the time being. I’d have no problem going with your lineup with a coach that knows what to do with it. How many times have I screamed: “matchups and mismatches!!” Woody doesn’t seem too good with those, so I’ve disagreed with your lineup. Never disagreed with the talent of it, though.

However, down the road (if we can get there) things do change. Detroit is the only team I can recall that won with a smaller frontcourt in the last 10-15 years or so. Larry Brown knew what he was doing (which oddly enough doesn’t explain Woodson’s ineptitude). Don Nelson has won well that way, but could never get past the 1st or 2nd round of the playoffs.

Of course, we gotta make the playoffs first…But now I promise to shut up about my opinion vs. yours, LOL! One of many things we certainly agree on , my brotha’: WOODSON!

By ILL-logical

October 10, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

The fact that SS is even posing this question almost answers it: JSmooth helps this team most as a 3 because it allows Al Horford to play( and hopefully dominate) at the 4 and lessens the impact of not having a stong, shot blocking , kick azz rebounding 5.

A sidebar: In my opinion on of the issues in the JSmooth debate is the early relationship between he and Coach Woodson.As a Bobby Knight, the coach is bound to a code of strict discipline and respect for order that could not and would not condone an 18 year old rookie with no college experience publicly disrespect him.don’t know how to resolve it but can’t not think that is a factor.

By mavid

October 10, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

All I know is that MW, JS and Horford playing the 3-5 spots could be a match-up nightmare for a bunch of teams. The real question is whether Horford can guard NBA 5s (he can definintely score against them), But, at the same time, could he be any worst than Zaza at it?? Nope. In fact, he’s probably better.

Law is a gamer. A dude who plays up to the occasion. We need a guy like that.

Smoove can play the 3 or 4. That is a good thing. At the same time, he’s better utilized at the 4 where his rebounding and shot-blocking talents can be accenctuated. Plus, we need some perimeter offense, and playing Smoove at the 3, Horfy at the 4, and Zaza at the 5 doesn’t give us much. Put MW at the 3, Smoove at the 4 and Horfy at the 5, and we’re in better business.

I also wanted Horford/Stuckey, but am glad that Law is proving me wrong as well (although Stuckey is looking real good himself too).

By Omnihawk

October 10, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Al for Amare? You need to stay out of the KoolAid.
I think we drafted some good players, but they are not going to get us to the playoffs. At the end of the day we have a rookie PG and no real center, competing in a bulked up East. Should be fun to watch, but we will be irrellevant by the Allstar break.

By mykhalc

October 10, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, i thought the same thing when i read SEKOU’s blog this mornin’!!!LOL too funny bro!!!

and like i said earlier, nothin’ but mad respect for you and your opinions even when we happen to stand on different sides of the fence, which IS VERY RARE!!

your last posts says it very clearly!!! NICE!!! i don’t even wanna touch it ‘cause it says it ‘right to the word’!!LOL what i do know is, for me anyway, that is does take bein’ in the same room, with a cold one, to make the points clear as to where the other REALLY knows where the other is comin’ from!!! i do my best to be clear but i KNOW i fall short many a times when postin’!!!

like i said earlier in my previous post, you in yours, and all of us along the way (at some point), it is REALLY ON WOODSON this year!!!! i’m tryin’ my best to see the ‘smarts’ in him!!???!!!???

i will admit that my WOODSON meter did move ONE degree in the positive for the mere fact that the team WAS ACTUALLY ALLOWED to employ the up-tempo style in a game!!! and i WON’T even put an asterisk by it ‘cause it was a pre-season game!!!LOL

By SGT

October 10, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

There was a time when a combination like Happy Hairston and Jim McMillan could be on the court together and just be “forwards” and their Lakers teams were very successful.

That to say, I don’t think it’s a big concern whether Smoove is a 3 or a 4, either.

By mykhalc

October 10, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

gotta say NBA LEAGUE PASS won over NFL TICKET!!!LOL most of you can guess why!!! glad i waited!! of course, P2P connection via PC (for those, um, streamin’ NFL games) did help me reach my decision!!!;-)LOL

GO YOUNG GUNS!!!!

By Scott

October 10, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

I don’t think you put Josh Smith in the 4, let Horford work in the four and pound them inside, while Josh Smith uses his athleticism at the three, along ith tat jumper he keeps working on that will be money eventually. i’m very excited about this year!!!

By Scott

October 10, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

I don’t think you put Josh Smith in the 4, let Horford work in the four and pound them inside, while Josh Smith uses his athleticism at the three, along with that jumper he keeps working on that will be money eventually. i’m very excited about this year!!!

By Darrin "The Vent King"

October 10, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

I feel good things are on the horizon in the not so distant future for these Hawks. I attended the open practice sat morning and liked what I’ve seen from both our picks, Law and Horford. Winning begets winning. You come in with that winning spirit and it can become infectious IMO. Horford is bringing that from his championship days in Florida and so is Law from Texas A&M. Law was a gutsy, clutch, floor leader for his squad. Horford was the solid rock his teammates played off of. Law lead a team that lost EVERY single game in their division his freshman year to top tourney seed his senior year. To not give up on a college team that went 0-forever his freshman year and attempt to transfer says alot about Law. I met his father outside too. Cool dude. Told him we were happy to have him in the “A” and he was pretty happy to hear that and said he and his son were happy to be here. At the practice, players seemed to want to defer to Law which is real good, and Horford? My Lord, that dude is a BEAST. I saw him block at least four shots, grab rebounds, even pulled a spin move in the post off his defender and go up for a nice alley-oop. Horford looks no different than the rock solid player he was at Florida. These two are going to make a change with this club if those bickering owners’ negativity doesn’t permeate the team and ruin it first. I mean how do they expect a city to get behind a team with ish like that going on. I hope they get Belkin’s devisive butt out of here before he ruins what could be a good thing FINALLY here in Atlanta.

GO HAWKS!!!

By LEA

October 10, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

I think what a former coach like Don Nelson has to say about Smoove means A LOT more than the wanna be coaches on this blog…

By Texas Aggie

October 10, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

It seems many on here don’t know about Law’s collegiate days.

YouTube him when you have some free time. There is some amazing stuff on there.

By vdunkndunk

October 10, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

To me, what Josh Smith does well is rebound, block shots, and finish around the basket. What he doesn’t do well is handle the ball, shoot the jumper, or guard quicker players on the perimeter.

Basically, the above sounds a lot more like a PF than a SF to me. And since Horford can play C, and Marvin and Chills are better suited to play SF, why not just play Smoove at PF?

Call it a 3 Forward lineup if it will make you feel better, but Josh Smith is far more effective in the post than on the perimeter, so that’s where he should play.

And I think his quickness, along with Horford’s, will give the Hawks some unique Phoenix-like advantages against bigger post-players, without putting us at a real disadvantage because both guys rebound and block shots so well.

By Astro Joe

October 10, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Uh, LEA, Don Nelson is a current coach and that was NOT his quote above. It was from an unnamed source who was suggesting how current Golden State head coach, Don Nelson, would employ some of our assets. But hey, what do I know?

By mykhalc

October 10, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

is the game with the HEAT bein’ televised in ATL??

By LEA

October 10, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

He still knows more than you….

By Astro Joe

October 10, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

LEA, I agree and thanks for adding so much quality to our “den of know it alls”. We’re all so fortunate to have you on board.

By terrell barron

October 10, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

I hope all the YI lovers saw his game today. HORRIBLE! Thank God and BK that we didnt select that guy. I knew that Law and Horford would be studs but I really didnt know where Horford would fit, unless he was gonna play center. This was by far BK’s best draft. GO HAWKS

By cp

October 10, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

I can’t lie I was on that Conley bandwagon but I talked to my friend in Texas after the draft and he told me Law would surpise me. That he was a good player who won’t hurt you. So im pleased with our picks. Im ready for this season to start.

By Ty

October 10, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

Wish we had you back covering the Dogs! Beat the vols! Go State!

By Sekou K. Smith

October 10, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Thanks Ty. Best fun I’ve ever had on the job was covering the Dogs. Good luck this weekend.

By A Thinking Fan

October 10, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Al Horford= “Solid!”

By mykhalc

October 10, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

3 mins to go in the game and our PG posted up!!!!!!!! it’s a FIRST!!!!!ACIE ACIE ACIE!!!!LOL

By Cedric

October 11, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Why is it important about who is starting and whatever, the main thing is who is in there when the game is on the line. Players in whatever positions does not matter also it is about W’s & L’s and production no matter where your position is. Hopefully Woodson or BK gets the right personnel on the floor each and every night and let the pieces work as one. Holla at yall at the game tomorrow. Club level Manager.

By Cedric

October 11, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

I say wait until after this season to offer our two Josh’s extensions when AJ, T.Lue and Lo-Wright contracts come off the books. Let’s hope nothing crazy happens until then. On the Hawks upcoming season, I think everybody should support them especially this season because we have nothing else to look forward to at this moment in any other sport. Philips Arena should at least be semi-full supporting both teams because football is not happening for ATL in 07-08. Holla at ya boy on the Club Level this season and bring the loot for ya teams.

By The Flash

October 11, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this

Law ain’t really showed the best part yet. The guy is stone cold tough. Dumars kind of tough. Toguht like that is good. This team needs tough. The kid was a really good pick!

By Geno

October 11, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Somebody Tell Acie Law to please shave his armpits! It’s less drag when he’s pushing the ball up the floor but even more importanly they would look a hell of a lot less ghastly!

By terrell

October 11, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Starters: Law, Joe, Smoov, Horford, Zaza 2nd team: Speedy, Salim, Chill, Marvin, Sheldon Bench: Solomon, T.Lue, AJ, Lorenzen, West Sekou, I threw West in the mix. Hopefully, hell still be here.

By William

October 14, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

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