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AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 11 > Entry

Where’s the beef? (The remix)

By Sekou K Smith | Thursday, October 11, 2007, 10:50 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Miami - One of the two or three most hilarious things I’ve seen this year has to be the sight of poor Solomon Jones trying to guard Shaquille O’Neal Wednesday night at American Airlines Arena without a hammer in one hand.

Shaq backed him down (with Jones bouncing off of him like he was chest-bumping a trampoline) and got rag-dolled around by the Big (whatever Shaq is calling himself these days). I hate if for Solomon. It’s not his fault he’s only 235 pounds, or roughly 120 pounds lighter than Shaq (who by the way appears to be in pristine shape).

But that’s where the Hawks’ problems will begin on defense this year. Even with their upgrades in the post, they’re still going to too light to handle the league’s remaining battleships (Shaq, Dwight Howard, etc.). It’s clear after watching these first two preseason games that another big man added to the mix (a veteran big man, a real vet and a real big man) is not only needed but a necessity.

Zaza Pachulia is the Hawks’ biggest guy and he’s not big enough for either of those battleships mentioned. Shelden Williams and Al Horford certainly aren’t bulky enough to handle those guys if Zaza isn’t. And poor Solomon.

By the way, the Hawks rallied from a 14-point deficit to take a 50-48 lead into the locker room at halftime here against the Heat. When they run, they compete. When they don’t, just like Monday night, they get taken to pieces in the paint.

The Hawks did end up winning the game, 106-100 in OT. Some quick observations:

If Josh Childress can play anywhere close to this level every night (25 points off the bench on 7-for-11 shooting and 11-for-12 from the line) he’s going to do damage. He worked the baseline with ease and wasted very little motion on the offensive end. He also had a monster block on a Devin Green dunk attempt.
Whatever ailed Joe Johnson in last week’s public scrimmage has been fixed. He was back to his usual form on Wednesday night, scoring 21 points (in just over 25 minutes) on 6-for-10 shooting, while also grabbing five rebounds and dishing out three assists. When he’s in a comfort zone, JJ makes it look so easy. He didn’t even play when the game was on the line, resting the way a superstar is supposed to during the preseason.
Marvin Williams was solid again, knocking down shots (6-for-13) and being aggressive (5-for-6 from the line) and rebounded decently (six). He also had two assists and three turnovers. This is the type of line they need from Marvin nightly.
Josh Smith struggled from the floor (0-for-5) but made up for it with 15 rebounds, seven assists (they listed him with four but he had seven by my courtside count). It’s a good sign that he knows that when his shot isn’t falling he needs to do all the other things to stay effective. When he recognizes that he can go inside and do damage on nights like these, when the outside shot isn’t falling or when he’s in early foul trouble.
Shelden Williams was extremely efficient (4-for-4 from the floor in just under 14 minutes) and battled Alonzo Mourning in the post. He has to play well in limited minutes this season if the Hawks’ second unit is going to be effective.
The last guy I’ll mention is Mario West, my new favorite player on the planet. He only played nine minutes. But it was the highest-octane nine minutes you’ve never seen (sorry, I know the games aren’t on TV right now). He was all over the place. He blocked a shot (that the stat crew didn’t give him credit for), scored three quick points, caused two turnovers, had a steal and totally changed the tenor of the game with just his presence on the floor. Even the players and coaches on the Heat bench acknowledged his impact.
Three stats that stuck out: the 22 turnovers (resulting in 25 points) are brutal. The Hawks have to take much better care of the ball if they want to develop any type of offensive flow. And the 51-38 rebounding edge for the Hawks really jumps out at you when you consider what type of emphasis Pat Riley puts on that category with his crew (and the Heat, in all their disheveled roster glory, did play really hard until the whistle last night). The Hawks 34-for-48 showing from the free throw line is putrid. But they did get to the line 48 times, which is sort of a backhanded victory.

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Comments

By Floze

October 11, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Mario West????

Please no more…

By ToeKnee

October 11, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Yea, you can hand me a ticket to the Mario West bandwagon. I mean, what more could you ask for from that roster spot? But Seke, do you really think we need another big man?? I mean, I see a guy like West making much more of an impact than some big guy who we would probably just have to slow down for. I know when it comes down to playing a guy like shaq or howard in the paint they’re just gonna destroy us…but as you told us when u described your man-crush on dwight howard(sorry, had to do it)not many teams have big guys like that. When we play those teams we just have to try and use our length and athleticism, and defensive pressure(WEST) to try and keep the ball out of their hands. I think we have the talent we need to run with anybody, and create so many mismatches that the only advantage a team should really have on us is if they DO have a dwight howard or a shaq. but i think between josh,zaza,shelden,solo,lore’nzo, and al we can hold our own down low against the majority of teams in the nba.

By roan st

October 11, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Just testing the blog. No comments on last nights blog made me wonder if things are working.

By Eric

October 11, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

It ain’t looking good for Speedy! This is Law’s team and we’re going to find out painfully. Can we get any thing from Claxton on the open market?

By swatguy

October 11, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Sekou, If we don’t have the beef and there is none available, Liston and crew will have to teach a technique suitable. Perhaps we think about Shaq-Dwight Attack and put hem on the line. Double in the paint is a thought. Is Este anywhere in the radar? Certainly if West is defending the perimeter successfully, he should fill the roster.

What is Lorenzen doing during all this?

By mykhalc

October 11, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

the blog is back!!!!

SEKOU, i thought the same thing about JS. he did the work in other areas on the floor. man, 15 boards!!! again, now is he a 3 or 4!!!???!!!!LOL

and SEKOU, we know you are givin’ us the recap/hilites/things that stand-out, but i think it is a tellin’ sign when, to my recollection, SPEEDY or ZAZA have failed to make your ‘mention reel’!!??!!! (and i listened to the game so i KNOW there is no need to mention them)

ACIE IS earnin’ the startin’ PG job, IMHO!! with 3 mins to go in regulation, he takes his man down and posts him up and scores!!!! gotta love it!!!

i hear ya on the beef part. it’s what BIG RAY, ANDO, and a few others have been dialed in on too!!!!

did HORFORD get to match up on ZO??? nobody matches up with SHAQ!! so no need in me askin’!!!LOL

By Sekou K. Smith

October 11, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

There are big men to be had, folks. Sometimes you have to make a deal to get the kind of player (a bruiser please) that you need. I know there haven’t been many big deals around here in the past few months. But the Hawks have the tools to make it happen. It’s just a matter of when (and more specifically if) they feel the need.

And don’t knock Mario West. He’s my 2007-08 Luke Ridnour project. Maybe I can get someone that counts on the Super Mario bandwagon.

By Astro Joe

October 11, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

I wonder if the free throw shooting issues are related to the uptempo offense. I can’t help but wonder if these guys are trying to catch their breath at the free throw line and losing focus on making the shot. But it is nice to be able to nick-pick about things like missing a dozen or more free throws the last 2 exhibition games.

Kelvin Cato?

By Melvin

October 11, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

what about ZaZa and/or L.Wright for B.Haywood…. At less that would eliminate the locker room fights with Ethan Thomas.

By randy

October 11, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Sure, Shaq and Howard will tear us up. But they tear everyone up! And besides those 2 guys, who unfortunately play in our division, there are no dominant centers elsewhere that we can’t match up decently with. Also if the Hawks wanna run, you don’t want a Shawn Bradley type running the floor with you.

Sekou , could you name a few big men to be had that could fit well on our team that would be a vast improvement over Zaza and Horford? Just curious.

By ScoobySnacks

October 11, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Sekou There is some beef available? Who? You tellin’ me there someone who can handle Shaq and or Dwight. who and where has this defensive super power been. And who has been hiding him. The team that is hiding a Shaq/Dwight Howard stopper on their bench somewhere needs to be fined and banned from the league. I haven’t heard or seen anyone like that.

By Gutz

October 11, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Sekou, please list the available big men that are out there either via FA or trade and who you would be willing to give up on our current roster to get them? I just don’t see who we would want to give up for some big stiff. In my eyes our core are JJ, Smoove, Chill, Marvin, Al, Law, Shelden, Salim and Zaza. I wouldn’t want to give up any of these guys personally. No one is going to give us a good big bruiser type player for bums like Speedy, Lue and AJ.

By gutz

October 11, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Melvin, Haywood is going NOWHERE now that Etan Thomas is having heart surgery and probably out for the year.

By cowa

October 11, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Regarding the beef, which everyone has been saying for a while, what veteran big is out there that can be had? After considering all the teams and where they are in their roster cycle, only four names came to mind: Jeff Foster, Joel Przybilla, Etan Thomas and Brendan Haywood. Przybilla probably isn’t available anymore with Oden out for the year. With Thomas having heart surgery and being out for the year, both he and Haywood aren’t available either. That leaves Foster, who Indy may want to move to dump salary, but they would probably want a draft pick (2nd round) on top of salary match (Foster and Kareem Rush for Lo Wright and Anthony Johnson?). andy foster only has one year after this remaining on his contract, and that has a player option as well, so he could opt out if he doesn’t want to stay on the Hawks.

I read all the time about how we just need to trade for a center. Unfortunately, I don’t see any available at the moment, no matter what we offer.

By redhawk

October 11, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

SS: I always enjoy your reports, but you talk about the “battleships” Shaq, DHoward, etc. Who is the etcetera? I just can’t think of any other big men with the offensive skill of those two. As great as Garnett is, he does it more with height and skill than bulk. And Shaq is gonna be out half the season, so that only makes one and a half battleships—okay, now that I think about it, Eddy Curry is getting close to that. While I agree the Hawks need another big veteran up front—I’m not worried about them facing battleships every night. The best centers—Stoudemire, Yao, Camby, Chandler, Gasol—not a battleship in the bunch. Ben Wallace can’t shoot, and Oden plays in the West, and not until next year. Sorry, but you’re way off this time.

By A Thinking Fan

October 11, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

AH is sooooo SOLID and quiet with it too!

By mykhalc

October 11, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

that’s why i asked about the HORFORD vs ZO match up, if it took place!!??!! ‘cause to me, ZO’s physical makeup is closer to the average size center across the league…6’10, 6’11…260-290lbs…???

By mississippi

October 11, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

The type of vetern we need is in the dale davis or antonino mcdeeyes vain. Those guys aren’t available but someone that plays defense, knows where to be and when and doesn’t need alot of minutes. I Sekou suggesting that someone of significance on our roster is on the block? I don’t know.

By J. Shuttlesworth

October 11, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

The Hawks could use another big body, but I like what they have. Let’s send the guys we’ve got out there, and see what they can do. If it looks like they have a chance to get into the post season, then picking up a big body at the deadline would be great.

I also think it’s not the doomsday that some people seem to think it is. They’ve got the bodies to be competitive every night, and giving some of the young guys tough match-ups might help them out in the long run.

Plus, I do not believe any minor move (a la Lo Wright or Jeff Foster) will make a difference. Big men are tough to come by, and you have to pay top $$ for them. If the team looks like they really need a big guy, then work out a major trade and get a real player in here next off-season. Mostly, I’m not ready to trade youth for size at this point.

By mykhalc

October 11, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

i’m gonna say this AND contradict myself at the same time!!!!

ZAZA is only 23 yrs old. so i know he IS STILL a work in progress. HOWEVER his lack of willingness and/or skill to bang trumps any size advantage he might bring over HORFORD.

HORFORD, no matter what his size disadvantage might be, will man up in the 5 spot waaaaaaaaaayyyy more than ZAZA at this point!!! 21yrs old, rook…right???!!!

ok ZAZA, on second thought, the 23yr old, 4th year pro thing DOES NOT work as a reason anymore!!!!

BUT good 2nd unit material!!!! let’s put him where his heart really says he wants to play…off the bench!!!

By cp

October 11, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Jeff Foster is a great rebounder and doesnt need to score the ball so I think that move would easily help this team. The only problems is he is kinda injury prone and who would we send them? I like this team I just hope Woody gets it this year and Marvin has a break out season I see no reason why Acie shouldnt be starting.

By Tyger

October 11, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

I hate to say I told you so, but…

its been obvious for the past few years that the Hawks needed help in the middle. All the Hawks’ BIGS are converted PFs and play that way, they dont have one true center on the team.

But its also disingenious to claim we need more size when you havent even exercised the talent you have. If Lo Wright has shown anything, its a willingness to bang and play hard. And if he’s not going to play against Shaq, then when is he going to play?

Thats one of the main problems I have with Woody and I see that nothings changed. His inability to fully utilize his assets. He wants to invoke a 9-10 man rotation as though we are a veteran team, which we arent, and win or lose with them.

While 5 other talented contributors sit endlessly despite being better matchups on occassion. Its those occassions that a good coach reaches deep into his bench and pulls out the one “goon” we have to lay some wood and keep it honest under the hoop, even if just for 5-10 min per game.

Otherwise, someone put out an APB on Michael Olowokandi a 7-1, 280 former #1 that can still defend.

Jerome James, 7-1, 300, NYK may be bought out soon or maybe we could dump Speedy, since its obvious we dont need him either.

Earl Barron, 7-1, MIA is being hidden behind Shaq, Zo, Doleac. AJ ought to pry him lose.

There are bigs around, no not franchise players but BIG guys that can give you a few quality minutes when called upon.

But what good would it do, if you never call upon them?

By infamouskrs

October 11, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

couldn’t agree with you more, Tyger! interesting names…as long as James could stay sober (during practices)…the Heat doesn’t make a deal with the Lakers for Kobe (involving Barron)….and Olowokandi doesn’t buffet his way to the ATL (weight issues) !

all in all, as we’ve all said….over and over…with the divorce still in place…i don’t foresee major trades going down!

sign the JOSHs’….cut your losses with contracts (post-season)….and HOPE Woodson plans to RUN more this year!

40+ wins this year (if healthy)!

still a fan of a Kobe trade..as long as Knightmare has the better poker hand! :(

By Steve T

October 11, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

I know we need a big man, but I do not want to mortage the house for one. I would rather had skill over size because we will not battle the Shaq and Howard every night. The rest of the big men in the NBA are not that big and skilled.

By infamouskrs

October 11, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

imagine if Billy WOULD HAVE went with Spencer Hawes on draft night (food for thought, considering alot of bloggers were hoping for that 1) !

By mykhalc

October 11, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

so ACIE got the start tonite, eh???

there could be hope for WOODSON afterall!!???!!!

By Steve T

October 11, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Hawes may be good, but I still think Horford may be the best player in that class. Now the question is can Hawes bang with Shaq and Howard. I do not think so.

By Remembering Roundfield

October 11, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Shelden Williams will play those minutes if Woody gives him a chance. I still wonder what possessed BK to let Bautista go, as he would have provided an excellent high energy option and 6 more fouls to throw at the “Beastie Boys” of Florida! I hope Marvin, Chils, and Acie continue to play at a high level. If so the playoffs are a given, and maybe even deeper than the first round!

By mykhalc

October 11, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

a 3rd qtr run!!!!!????!!!! OMG!!!LOL

By honest_abe

October 11, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

tyger: seriously we give woody all kinds of heat for his incompetence. but your answer to not having a big is lorenzen? unless you think its entertaining to see 3 fouls in under a minute, lorenzen is god awful. i keep remembering the guy that bordered on serviceable during his first stint in atlanta, but i then realize that short period of time was his prime.

if the hawks want to make a serious run at the playoffs they need someone who can bang and effectively guard the paint. we all know that the hawks have too swingmen and pg’s. we need to make a deal now!

damn if it were only possible to get andrew bynum. isn’t ha seung jin available? heh

By roan st

October 11, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Tonights game looked like Acie was auditioning for the starting job and if thats the case he’ll probably get it. He played 38 minutes with- 10pts/ 6 reb/ 6ast/ 3 steals. Neither speedy, lue, or johnson played at all. Horford also had a good line in the box score- 10pts/ 9reb/ 2ast/ 2blks. Marvin had another good game as well as jj. Hawks win again.

By kwooden1

October 11, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

One thing that looks very promising for the Hawks are the amount of free-throws their shooting. They are commiting about the same amount of fouls as the other teams, but their shooting alot more free-throws. Looks like their PF/SF are attacking the basket, taking advantage of their quickness. This will be a real benefit in the regular season if it continues. Law and Horford had good/great games again!

By itwi

October 11, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

There are no beefy centers available to the Hawks that wouldn’t cost either a king’s ransom in a trade or reduce the minutes that Horford/Shelden deserve.

Trading Shelden for a defensive center makes some sense, but what team in the NBA would make that trade?

By travis

October 11, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

OMFG!!! THE HAWKS ARE 3-0 IN PRESEASON!! and are looking damn good. I am concerned though how they get down by dbl digits early. if they do this against a good team, they could be in trouble.

A COUPLE OF THINGS…where are all of those idiots who were begging for the hawks to pick Yi? I suggested that they may pick him because of the Chinese connection that the city was trying to establish.

Where are the idiots who were calling for Hawes?? because his dad played here.

Where are the idiots who were calling for Conley Jr.?? funny how all of these guys have changed their handles and are signing in under new names…

By mykhalc

October 11, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

ROAN ST, and even if he wasn’t auditionin’ and WOODSON was restin’ SPEEDY ‘cause of his knees, it is even MORE REASON ACIE should get the job!!! but like you i kinda feel the reason ACIE and JJ played those kinda minutes tonite was to further establish THEIR CHEMISTRY!!!!

By Eric

October 11, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Has anybody noticed that the Hawks first 6 games are against playoff teams including Dallas & Pheonix! We’re going to know what’s up real soon!

By Remembering Roundfield

October 11, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Gee folks, what would happen if the Hawks wake up and realize they could be playing this well all year! No more “young team slumps”. Its up to the veterans to make sure the intensity is there EVERY NIGHT!

By doc

October 11, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

gee travis, i guess they are the idiots standing in line BEHIND the idiot someone who is hopped up about the hawks winning a game against the hornets second string in the preseason no less. it is the preseason and i hope they are able to build experience, but geez, somehow adam morrison got 20 and from the likes of the box i read the hornets did NOT play but one guy targeted as a starter on their club and we got some reasonble minutes from the guys we expect to produce. travis, i can only hope you have the same enthusiasm and exclamations after the first 15 games. if you do maybe we can say that potential has grown into substance.

glad to see that now that we have a quality guard that sekou, who cried the last two years about our lack of one is now finally coming on board for what is really needed, a BIG to play with our smurfs.

also, seems that someone finally called out woody by quoting a bball expert that he has to change his approach to get the best out of the horses he has and it wont be by standing around in a half court offense. gee where did that idea come from or has it ever been discussed by these idiot’s on this blog?

By roan st

October 11, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc, I think even woodson realizes that Acie is far and away the most talented Pg on the roster. Plus with his maturity and confidence theres no reason he shouldn’t be the guy from day one.

By Volman

October 11, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Did you guys go to the game?

I was there (Season ticket holder) and it was great. The BOBCATS played their main guns….a good amount of the time. You cannnot say that the Hawks had their starters out there the entire time playing “scrubs”. Those are the guys who will most likely be playing for the Bobcats, and same for the Hawks. Joe was NOT IN when Richardson was NOT IN. Joe was not in the game at the end when it seem like the team needed him in…that shows depth.

Acie can DEFINITELY start at the beginning of the season. He made some GREAT passes on the break…and made Shelden look great on a couple of them.

Horford was a beast down low, but definitely got called for traveling 5 times. His dunks off of rebounds and on fast breaks ELECTRIFIED the crowd. It was a preseason game and the fans were on their feet cheering “defense”..it was cool.

Joe made a couple great three’s in the early third quarter that seemed to put the game out of reach (16 points or so lead).. he had a good game shooting the ball.

I didn’t see Zaza do too much because he didn’t play much. Same goes for Okafor, they both weren’t in a lot of the time.

Marvin and Josh Childress were the main offensive threats at the beginning of the game. If they can keep this up, then WOW.. This team can do some things if Joe doesn’t have to touch the ball on every possession. There were like 3 times in a row down the court when the ball wasn’t fed straight to Joe, and that was good to see.

I’m about to go out clubbin’ tonight, so I can’t post much more.. but it was a great win, Bobcats starters or not. Morrison, Carrol, Richardson, and Okafor seemed to take most of the shots so it was not a scrub game.

MARIO WEST SHOULD MAKE THE TEAM. ENOUGH SAID.

Go Hawks!

By Cedric

October 11, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

The rookies looked good again and I thought that JJ and Chills looked like the attacking wings like we need them to be. Even though JJ had the rock in his hands alot when we made the 3rd quarter run, I thought that he and Acie looked like former running mates. Horford finished the first half very strong.

By mykhalc

October 11, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

yep, no doubt ROAN ST no doubt!!

now that leads me to this. and i know i’m gettin’ ahead of myself when i say it BUT who’s the freakin’ cat that complained that he couldn’t find his groove comin’ off the bench last jan/feb??? yep SPEEDY!!! so what happens when his startin’ job is taken from him again by a rook??? if last season was an indication then i’d say ONE UNHAPPY CAT!!! and one i would not want around for the sake of team chemistry!!! now if he can accept the fact that he lost his startin’ job AGAIN then fine. but if not, i hope that ownership is ready to eat the majority of his contract!!??!!! i know that’s askin’ a lot from the STOOGES GROUP but it really might come down to that in the end!!!??!!

By mykhalc

October 11, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

VOLMAN, you are in mid-season form already bro!!LOL

By doc

October 11, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

volman, it seems that yahoo updated the box from wha i originally saw but please dont say the hornets played anywhere close to full throttle when wallace didnt see action, richardson and okafor played less than 20 minutes and morrison was their big minute eater and acie, marvin and jj were ours. glad to see the enthusiasm though dont use it all up during the preseason when it dont count.

By MannyT

October 12, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

On the big man front, Orlando picked up Adonal Foyle in late August after he was bought out by Golden St. He was available and you didn’t have to take anyone off the roster to get him. He would have made a good fit, because our center need is to play defense.

I am glad that AC is doing well. I wish folks would wait to see what Speedy does in regular season now that he should be healthy. We need his on ball defensive pressure even more if we don’t have that big center on defense.

By john

October 12, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this

Acie Law had an Ok game.. you people need to relax. I’ve seen a healthy Speedy Claxton and it’s better than Acie Law. for the record It’s PRESEASON, acie looked like a reg Back up going head to head with felton. He played better as Felton was done for the night. his assist per 48 mins is very low. evryone who wants him to start will be crying at the beginning of the season. look at that schedule, if acie starts it will be the shock of his life when the real lights are on. His confidence will be gone. The PRESEASON doesn’t mean squat. Vets have nothing to prove, they’re just getting game action trying to get their legs under them. throw out all the preseason stats and the record, cause if you think Law will be matched up with watson everynight think again. he is a solid four yr pro who will help the team not save them. you guys are getting excited over 10 pts, 6 a*, in 38 mins in a meaningless game.

Woodson, Why is Joe Johnson playing 38 mins on a back to back in the preseason???

In order for the hawks to be successful Woodson must realize that Joe Johnson isn’t kobe, wade, or lebron. he doesn’t need to dominate the ball to be be successful, too many times last year they were giving joe the ball for isolations which caused the offense to be stagnant as everyone watched.. there is never any movement on the weakside therefor those defenders guarding the guys on the weakside just sat there and waited to contest shots.

By mykhalc

October 12, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this

JOHN, YOU can have SPEEDY ANY SEASON!!! i’ll take ACIE head-to-head against SPEEDY any day. 3 or 4 yrs ago it might have been a different story…not today…IMHO

By Cali OG

October 12, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this

Was at the game tonite and what I saw in Acie Law was an NBA ready point guard in a similar fashion that Chris Paul was. Poise, letting the game “come to him”, no turnovers that I can remember, hitting the open J, going continually strong to the hole inspite of it getting rejected a couple of times, timely and deft assists, a complete floor general. And played tough D on his man as well…Al Horford needs to get out of the bad habit of shuffling his feet prior to making his move — I noticed on film that he did that in college as well, but got away with it. Otherwise, he is the beast that he’s been accused of, for sure.

By john

October 12, 2007 2:27 AM | Link to this

2 yrs ago the guy was avg like 14 and 5 in 29 mins.. But unlike the rest of the peple I am going to wait to see how speedy play in the first month of the season and not judge ANYONE off f their preseason games.. u guys were really excited over 35% shootin,3 assist,2 to, and 7.5 pts.. Obviously everyone was frustrated with the season speedy had last season but let’s be serious anyone who is familiar with NBA bball knows that’s nowhere near what speedy does. I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he is healthy because if he wasn’t he would retire and not repeat last year all over.. I like Acie but he’s not ready defensively, it’s too easy to penetrate on him and get into the lane. i watched him in college last yr and the pg from louisville took him apart and the guy was only a freshman with a less than stellar shot but got to the cup at will on Acie. speedy was hurt last yr but he still was able to contain penetration until proven otherwise I’m going to ride with the guy who is proven in the league until acie proves me wrong in NOV

By john

October 12, 2007 2:43 AM | Link to this

if this team stays healthy they will finish anywhere from 5 to 8 in the east with only det, chi,clev, and Bos ( no way the NBA will let that marketing giant not make the playoffs) locks to make the playoffs

By mykhalc

October 12, 2007 2:53 AM | Link to this

JOHN, fair enough. but preseason IS the place that you start to get an idea of what cats are bringin’, ESPECIALLY rooks. so there are judgements that HAVE TO be made from these games.

i was all for the SPEEDY signin’ 2 yrs ago. but he has been nothin’ but a disappointment since arrivin’. some of it his fault, some not. personally i don’t like the way he runs an offense. there is NO FLOW when he runs it. and then there was his attitude when he felt he was somehow ENTITLED to start when he tried to return!!???!! not a team player with that attitude.

things will continue to show themselves. but i definitely think the HAWKS have found the PG they were lookin’ for in LAW…IMHO

By wan

October 12, 2007 6:26 AM | Link to this

anyone who seriously thinks the hawks will finish between 5 and 8 in the east is either blinded on both eyes by his fandom or just out of his mind.. or just doesnt know anything about basketball. the hawks, as much as it hurts, are at the bottom of the east. a question for all you out there: just take a look at the eastern teams and tell me which teams you honestly think are worse than the hawks!

i came up with philadelphia and indiana, but both are close. that makes ATL the no 13 in the east. orlando has better chances, new york, charlotte and milwaukee as well. those are the teams that battle to stay close to the eighth seed. our hawks need a lot of luck, a better coach, way more consistency (which they wont have), and several other teams battling injuries to even get close to that no 8 spot in the east. come on guys, be realistic and dont lose the perspective. i know we all concentrate on the hawks and that makes us lose the perspective and the ability to evaluate this team objectively.

By doc

October 12, 2007 7:13 AM | Link to this

wan, concur. there are a lot of teams that are better than us who are instable and if one little thing falls they go down. if all the hawks’ guys have career years and other teams falter due to the wear and tear of the nba year then we might slip in there. in my humble opinion a really good year is 35 to 36 victories and that says a lot for a team that sits at the bottom of the cap list, has how many rookie ontracts to build its team off joe?, and no relevant big. just the way i see it without the candy and rose colored glasses. can i be a fan and watch them and be encouraged? yes, just be real guys. if a lot of folks tumble we can possibly do it, just like last year but this new year has only brought us only two raw rookies that havent yet played up to nba speed and if you think the preseason is a judge of it then you are mistaken.

the magic are an enigma and may turn out to be the timberwolves of the south in they have a real star and nobody to put around him to seal the day. last year they ranked as one of my greater disappointments and as good as howard is he hasnt shown the ability to put the team squaurely on his back and lead them to wins night in a night out. this is/may be his break out year if he can show that can or will, like garnett did.

By ray

October 12, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this

Guys, it’s the preseason and are we knifing each other already? If somebody wants to get excited, by all means, let them do so without attempting to ruin it. I think most of us are simply excited about the upcoming NBA season, new players, and like the fact that our team is winning instead of losing, despite that it is the meaningless preseason. Besides, if we lost every preseason game, then what would you be saying? I’ll bet you wouldn’t be saying: ” Hey guys, it’s just preseason, it’s not a big deal and the losses don’t count, so it means nothing.” In fact, I KNOW you wouldn’t be saying that. We know it doesn’t count in the regular season won/loss column, but at the same time, it’s much better than summer league and does give room for some judgement. After all, you can’t wait until the season to start tinkering with your lineups. You have to start that in training camp and in preseason.

If it’s all meaningless and useless, then by all means don’t post. You’ll feel better. The rest of us will too. In the meantime, try not to confuse enthusiasm with futility.

Doc, I’ve never known you to be so sour. Don’t pay attention to fools like that. Where exactly did that one come from anyway, I don’t recall him being around for 2 or 3 years, do you? Perhaps he should go back under his bridge, ‘cause the billy goats around here are a bit tough to tangle with. No room at the Liar’s Table for those who act like they are surrounded by “idiots.”

By the way, I see your boy Yi is indeed struggling, as I thought he might. But it’s something that he is able to identify (judging by his words in some interviews) and he will get on track. Then all the “idiots” can shut their pie holes. After all, his second night of play was nothing like his first…And he has displayed a keen intelligence. The book has not been written yet, as you well know.

By doc

October 12, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

you know ray they say in the court room “dont ask the question if you dont know the answer”. not sour just answering the guys question.

com’on ray. yi after one game struggling? after playing a 40 game summer season with another team for his country and having spent what 18 hours in a jet only four days earlier? didnt marvin or start slow in his first game this year and make up his points at the foul line even though he had been practicing a month with his guys and has now played wit them for two years? or jj and marvin when the fans came to see them? yes ray, all chill on the look to see the other guy fail before there is a pattern set beyond one game or even consider the situation. let us wait until the season is over or at least a third of the way in and the coach has a chance to see where he fits like they did with bargnani last year who came on strong after folks buried him, too.

if my enthusiasm slipped by you then i guess i understated my motive. the guys that go real high up are the same ones that come back to slander the players when they dont live up to THEIR expectations and trash the guys. i feel strongly that this team will make headway this year and should be considered a success at 35-36 wins. beyond that is gravy and i wont be disappointed. set the bar low? no, just realistically and simply stating my reasons. nothing sour about it just stating my facts, just as you ambivalently waffle back and forth with your facts on whether josh is a four or a three. to me it doesnt matter, it only matters that he stays healthy and plays 35 to 40 minutes a game in the team concept and we will be a success whether it is as a three or four. but what would we have here if no one opined? it is all good, even those so short sighted to call others idiots.

By smartguy

October 12, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

If Hawes is already a bust, then so is Oden. If Yi is already a bust, then Critt is a Hall of Famer. Everyone should just chill out. If a few preseason games is enough for you to start making absolute judgments, then your opinion is worthless in the first place.

And whoever wanted Adonal Foyle should have their head examined as well. Oh yeah, and isn’t Charlotte the Bobcats?

And the Thrashers. Boy do they look good. GO SPIRIT!

Do something right and SIGN SMOOTH!

By bwtbird

October 12, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

John, what is your fixation with Speedy?? He is horrible…at least at this point in his career. He NEVER could shoot…He NEVER could effectively run an offense…and now he can’t even do the ONLY two things he could ever do: run the pick and roll and accelerate to make plays in the open floor. Acie Law is suc a superior player overall that most observers can figure that out after a few minutes…Jarrod Rudolph over at Hoopsworld is much closer to pegging Acie…as the upcoming ROY than you are as basically back-up fodder….sheesh…Speedy???

By ray

October 12, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

Doc, I said Yi struggled (as I thought he might for the same reasons you mentioned) in the first game, by his own admission no less. I then went on to say that he played much better the second game (thereby refuting the results of the first) and would be fine. But as usual, any mention of him in any possible negative light gets you wrapped around the axle in no time at all…

Hell, the “sour” comments were attempts at humor. Missed my mark again, I see.

As for “waffling on my facts about Josh Smith”, I don’t understand you there. And if you think I was being wishy-washy then you definitely didn’t understand me either.

As for the rest of that stuff, I aimed generally at “out of nowhere” posters that like to come in and say how stupid people are for showing any enthusiasm. I don’t agree with people who think we’ll be a high playoff seed or that this team is a frog’s hair away from the playoffs. But I’m not going to call them names or assert that they are less than intelligent. But like you said, everyone has a right to their opinion and how they decide to voice it. Why not. I can think of ways to really set this sh#@ on fire and make the falcons blog look like the very object of tranquility.

By Ryder

October 12, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

I see what John is saying, as it does take time for most rookies to adjust to the NBA speed once the regular season begins and that starting a veteran may be the best thing to ease into the process, no matter how talented he is.

When it comes to Speedy though, I have to make an exception. John, there was nothing in his game last year that warranted him being the starting pg. Woodson shouldn’t start him, unless he has a fire lit under his butt and performs the way a pg is supposed to do. Acie Law has the respect of his peers which says a lot already from a few games.

It’s going to be a long season and a lot of roster questions will need to be answered. I think this preseason is a pivotal one for a team who is on the way up.

Will they make the playoffs? That remains to be seen. However I can say for once it’s great to talk more about the team on the floor rather than the front office.

By ray

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

I’m disenchanted with Speedy. I see what he can be, just like everyone else. But can he ever be that again? I don’t pretend to know what it truly takes for a guy with his injuries to get back to 100 percent. But I wonder if that is even going to happen. He’s already said he’s not 100%. And now every time you turn around, he’s being rested, despite this only being the preseason.

Clearly, he should be better than any rookie. Experience alone would indicate that. As for Law, I like what I’m hearing so far. No, I don’t expect him to be super franchise saver. But he can certainly help. If you want to be down on him, help yourself. If you want to sit here and talk so-called “facts” then here’s a couple for you: as of right now we have a healthy rookie taking the bull by the reins as much as he can. And we have a veteran who could be good but cannot seem to stay in the game. There’s your dang facts.

By SCOOBYNACKS

October 12, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

BTW Back to the beef issue Anybody notice 4 of the last six NBA champions did not have a starting center over 245 lbs at the time.

By Wally O

October 12, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Did anyone read the Hawks previews on www.fromcourtside.com ?