AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLook at all these rumors
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sacramento is one of my favorite places to visit on the road. And I’ll get my chance to check it out this season when the Hawks are out that way for one of their Western Conference swings. Flattering as it sounds, there is no truth whatsoever to the rumor that I’m departing these parts for Sacramento.
The reason I am posting in the “wee hours” is because I am and always have been a raging insomniac (I snore like a bear, too, and I’m not exactly a morning person either). And while I usually spend my late night hours reading or listening to music, lately I’ve decided to put on my Blog Z cape to entertain myself in the wee hours.
I love rumors, especially the crazy ones (that ultimately aren’t true).
Now, on to a few more house cleaning items (and cut me some slack for going off topic for the first time since training camp started):
mykhalc, I didn’t mean to confuse you on the starters in Sunday’s article. Zaza and Speedy are both out right now. And that includes practices my man. And both Al Horford, Mario West and Acie Law IV have done time on both the Blue and White teams in practice. When the Hawks are at full health, all three of those men are on the White team.
You know I’m always engaged in some sort of discussion with one of my boys. Our latest has been arguing over which is more useful in sports, a philosopher coach or a strategist coach. Follow me now. We were talking specifically about NBA coaches, but it’s really something that extends to all competitive sports. It’s my belief that few guys at the pro level are going to outsmart someone else 82 nights a year. Talent trumps this other stuff anyway. So a coach with a tried and true philosophy makes much more sense to me (a guy who can weave them both together with equal precision and impact comes along once every 100 years - think John Wooden, who also had a robust amount of talent during his tenure at UCLA) than some cat who thinks the spread offense will be his salvation. Of course, I’m skipping from sport to sport here. But my point is this, for all his Evil Coaching genius, Steve Spurrier couldn’t outsmart anyone at the NFL level. The same way all these college coaches that have tried their routines at the NBA level have found out over the years. Can you help me settle this argument (feel free to agree, or not)?
This water crisis has me worried. But it doesn’t appear to mean a thing to restaurants in my hood (currently that’s Smyrna). I was at three different spots over the weekend, more on them in a second, and they weren’t in conservation mode. Water was flowing like crazy and there was ice all up in my sweet tea glass. I’m no environmentalist but I did feel the need to speak up at the Taco Mac on the East West Connector Saturday night. My waitress just laughed when I told her that I didn’t want to waste the glass of water she brought for me (unsolicited). I’m seriously planning on doing my part. One shower a week until we get some rain (uh, that’s a bad joke). Actually, I made sure there is going to be rain soon by paying $20 bucks to get the whip cleaned inside and out (too lazy to do it myself this weekend). Dating back to 1997, any time I wash a car or get one washed, rain shows up within 48 hours. So someone call the Governor and tell him to ease up on Bush, Blog Z took care of things.
Speaking of Saturday night I can’t help but bring up my boys just this one time. I’m not ready to forgive or forget Lloyd Carr for the first two weeks of the college football season but it’s something to see a team come back from the brink of complete disaster to win six straight games. I just hope they can keep it going (and maybe help me win back some of the swagger and petty cash I lost the first two weeks of the season).
Back to my weekend of workouts (the Hawks and my early morning strolls on the Silver Comet Trail, I do 45 minutes to an hour of brisk walking every morning. Gotta get back to my fighting weight baby) and ruining those workouts by restaurant testing in the new hood. I remain a true barbecue specialist, having stuffed my belly full of it from coast to coast and even across the Canadian border. And while I’ve been somewhat under whelmed by Atlanta’s offerings, I did discover a little bright spot on the East West Connector and South Cobb Drive. I wasn’t terribly excited about this spot, Atlanta Ribs, going in but they won me over (though they could sweeten up the sweat tea a bit). Their beef brisket is the best I’ve tasted around here. And like the Governator said, “I’ll be baaack.” Any suggestions around town? I’m willing to fight our brutal traffic for good food.
Quick crossover back to basketball. The Southeast Division is already on injury overload, especially in Charlotte. First Sean May gone for the season with microfracture and now it appears that Adam Morrison is done with a knee injury, too. If they win 30-plus games again this year, with a new coach in charge, Bernie Bickerstaff should get some love for Executive of the Year.
We’re down to the final 10 days of possible negotiations for contract extensions for the draft class of 2004. And I’m hearing nothing but crickets for the Hawks duo of Josh Smith and Josh Childress. I’ll keep working it up until the Halloween deadline. It’ll be interesting to see if someone buckles before the deadline in an effort to get a deal done. Stay tuned.
If you’re not convinced that Al Horford is a legitimate candidate for Rookie of the Year, take the word of a good friend and NBA scout who has seen the major contenders already this preseason: “He’s by far the best rookie that I’ve seen. Kevin Durant can score the ball and he’s going to be special. But this guy [Horford] is just a winner. He makes winning plays on both ends of the floor and he does all the little things to make his team better. There’s a reason why everyone from the third pick on down wanted to get their hands on him.”
Since you know I haven’t been getting my rest lately, I should probably vacate these premises for a few hours and let you all have at it … until I wake up at 3 a.m. and get back to yapping.
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Comments
By doc
October 22, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
i thought you would let your boys in the hood in on it early. glad to seey ou still contributing.
By Edo River
October 22, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
Waaay back up at your first topic about philosopher coaches….Do you think the same is true for NFL? or only applies for NBA?
The problem I think you should factor in here, are the MEGA personalities you have to cater to, unless you have built from the ground up like the Hawks. The Hawks seem like a team brought up as a college team usually is
On eating too much meat. It is definitely bad for your system. You can carry or complain about it while you are young, BUT I guarantee you will pay when your body crosses age 45. (I know still a long ways away) The people who eat way less meat, not vegetarians, prove that they live longer healthier lives. Also I’m sure you are aware of the environmental impact of raising all that beef….pig may be smaller impact but what are they raised on? chicken is even better, but how are they raised?
By Edo River
October 22, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
One more thought on the contracts, What is the point of waiting until someone else blinks first? What’s wrong with showing some love, baby?
By Mr. Gilley
October 22, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
Good Stuff Sekou! I just hope everyone is healthy come November 2nd, because I don’t want any excuses and I want nothing but WINNING!!!
By Remembering Roundfield
October 22, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this
I think the sooner we see Horford in the starting five, the better off our chance to win,and the better chance he will have to win ROY. I think Speedy will start when he’s healthy but if he doesn’t play head and shoulders above the rookie then he will be trade bait(but of course we’re not going to find any takers because of how much we overpaid to get him).
I love the way Chill is playing, I just hope that Marvin will be of the same mindset, and will begin to realize more of his great potential. Maybe Smoove should work the paint a little more (okay, maybe a lot more) and cut down on the long jumpers. I think the player who has a chance to surprise the most people is Shelden.I see what most of you write about him, but I believe that he will prove his worth this year if he gets the chance.
I’ve been seeing reports that Joakim is developing pretty well up in Chi-town.Maybe the battles between the Hawks and Bulls will develope into something special. Imagine these two teams as perennial powers vying every year for the Eastern Conference Championship.
By Trackboy1
October 22, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this
If Horford is going to get playing time right away, why not let Solomon go to the D League to play everyday, gain weight, and lift weights? Wonder if Sheldon would benefit by a little D league time too?
By Clyde
October 22, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
Hey if we in a drought then we need to give the fish in the aquarium away and use the water for something else.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By mykhalc
October 22, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this
SEKOU, first all glad to know that it was ONLY rumours!!! but the NORCAL AREA is a very enticin’ and invitin’ place. i know i’m hooked and stayin’!! but good to know you’ll still be leadin’ your BLOG Z bloggers into the season!!!
secondly, thanks for practice squad breakdown. i see how the parts are interchangable now.
oh and for a great standby don’t forget about R.THOMAS REST and GRILL on PEACHTREE, open 24 hrs with a full menu, breakfast and dinner.
and i’m standin’ by my lineup ACIE, JJ, MW, JS, and HORFORD!!!
what’s ZAZA’s status and likely return timetable??? best guess only, of course!!!
By Sekou K. Smith
October 22, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this
ZP is on ice at least until opening night. No need to rush him back.
By JohnGTFan
October 22, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this
SEKOU
Assuming ZaZa will be ready for opening night, and Speedy not, what do you see as the probable starting lineup against Dallas?
By Sekou K. Smith
October 22, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this
First five for the opener: AJ, JJ, MW, JS and ZP.
By JohnGTFan
October 22, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
I like that lineup…and shouldn’t ATL have one of the deepest, if not the deepest, benches in the league? With Law, Horford, Solo, Lue, Chills, etc…nice!
By Al
October 22, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
Sekou, It’s been rumored that the Trailblazers are looking to move Channing Frye. Do you think the Hawks would be interested?
By J. Shuttlesworth
October 22, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
Fat Matt’s Rib Shack
if you don’t know, you better ask somebody.
By Van
October 22, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
sweat tea? Nasty.
Sorry, I should give you some Spelling Police leniency on the late-night post. I just got a good laugh out of that one.
Glad to hear you’re not bound for Sac-town. I’ve got some friends at the Bee who love it, but that has to be one of the most boring big cities out there.
By Astro Joe
October 22, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Whew!
Sekou, is it possible to win the ROY with 0 games televised nationally? Who votes for that award anyway? Seriously, Hawks get less national broadcast love than lady’s softball. And if he is more Duncan than Amare, I wouldn’t expect to see too many of his personal highlights on SportsCenter. I’d bet the ranch on Durant (assuming he stays healthy).
By MannyT
October 22, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Since you travel and like music, let me recommend a BBQ book that you will enjoy, Smokestack Lightning It’s probably a bit dated by now, but how many traveling books on BBQ are done by jazz dudes?
The water crisis is more real than the average folk want to face up to. If you think about the population growth in this area and the lack of rain, you don’t have to be that wise to figure out water is scarce. There is a reservoir near me that was full 13 years ago. Now you can run easily 100 ft into it w/o touching water. You are more at risk of falling into the big cracks in the ground than getting wet.
I am looking forward to tonight’s game. I want to see if the new court matches the Wizards uniforms better than the Hawks.
By mississippi
October 22, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
SS- glad to hear you are not moving. I wanted to point out that washing the car is a huge waste of water, many many glasses of water would have to be served to equal one car wash.
On basketball: In previous weeks there has been near constant talk about who the point guard starter will be and how we have too many and that one needs to be traded. Now we are in a situation where JJ or Chills may have to play some point. Irony, is the word I think I want to you. The starter and the minutes seem to be working themselves out, unfortunately in a negative way. I worry about the upsetting of chemistry when Lue and Speedy return.
By Don!
October 22, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Sekou,
I don’t think there’s a ‘right’ answer for which coach is better, a philosopher coach or a strategist coach.
I mean the simple answer is to say, “Look at Phil in Chicago and LA, he’s proof that the philosophy method is the best method.” And of course, Coach Wooden is better known for his pyramid of success than his Xs and Os.
However, you have strategist coaches like Larry Brown (don’t laugh) who preach their system more than their interpersonal relationships.
I think, bottom line, that in pro basketball it’s still about the players — and you need two Hall of Famers on your team to win a championship. The coaching style that best meets the needs of those two (or more) players will be successful.
That’s why I like coaches like Riley and Popovich more than Phil and Mike Fratello, who are (IMHO) the yen and yang of philosophy and system coaches in the NBA. Riles and Pops can merge both styles to meet the needs of their team, and its HoF players.
Anyway, that’s my two cents.
Later,
Don!
By The Flash
October 22, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
The Zards bought in Pete Carill as a special pre-season instructor. Offensive concepts that permit players to grow intellectually in their understanding of the game, improves performance at both ends and leads to mature/empowered players.
Phil knows that too. The Triangle, with another “old man” helping players not named Kobe grow as men and knowledgible players (Kobe has known it all since the beginning, both a blessing and a curse) is at the root of all that Phil does.
Sure, he does many other things to broaden the range of his players as men, as human beings, during the course of each season, but they are in the business of progressing on life’s journey as basketball players by profession. The Triangle provides an endless vehicle for progress, growth on that path, and Phil and his assistant, whose name escapes me, help players along the path of such growth.
Learning new “plays” does not produce growth. It’s like learning geography in grade school.
The starting team will have two bigs in it. Marvin and Smooth will not start together, or, if they do, will not last very long together. If Shelden, or the other bigs, are not part of the offensive flow, you will continue to be disappointed. If they are part of the offensive flow, we’ll see.
By doc
October 22, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
kinda fits with flash, i think you need guys that can communcate their style well. for the long run it probably has to be less about the x and o’s as much as expressing concepts well in a way that doesnt wear and tear on the relationship and allows self management and player creativity.
the more important thing then is he has to be smart enough to manage the game to either create problems or quickly reassess to change flow when it goes against what he has out there. that is probably where the coach wins players confidence and makes them more “attentive” to the concepts in practice if they see and know is going to prove to work in games.
By Sekou K. Smith
October 22, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
Astro Joe,
If you’re ballin’ out of control, you can win the Rookie of the Year trophy on Mars. Word will get around.
By mavid
October 22, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Acie wont get a chance at starting for the opening game?? It really sucks that we’re going into the season with AJ as our starter (no offense to him, but I was def hopin for Speedy or Acie). I hope Zaza isnt too effected by this injury.
myk, R Thomas is aight when there’s nothing else open, but the man asked for ribs! Personally, Ive gotten one too many bland meals there (healthy can be done with more flavor).
Fat Matt’s is obviously a staple, but I actually like Maddie’s on Scott Blvd. in Decature better. Good live music too. Delicious ribs and sides. Def give it a shot if you havent been there Sekou.
Oh, and the most satisfying meal in the ATL might just be Taqueria Del Sol. If you’ve been there, you know what Im talking about.
By mykhalc
October 22, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
SEKOU, not at all surprised if that is the startin’ 5 on openin’ nite. as much as i wanna see the rooks in there, you know that WOODSON would not start ‘em, regardless of their performance. i can easily live with AJ over SPEEDY. and like others and myself have posted, we like the tandem of AJ and ACIE.
personally, i’ll be watchin’ closely to see how WOODSON handles SPEEDY upon his return. does he make him the starter that he NEVER was??? or does he make him earn minutes?? if i was a bettin’ man, the bet is a no-brainer!!???!!!
By Darrin "The Vent King"
October 22, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
I’VE SAID IT BEFORE AND WILL SAY IT AGAIN: AL HORFORD WILL BE THE NEXT KARL MALONE (without the choking) IN THE NBA!! Write it down, take a picture, I don’t give a whaaaaat!!
GO HAWKS!!
By mykhalc
October 22, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
MAVID, bein’ a vegetarian for over 20yrs, i totally spaced the ‘ribs’ part!!LOL but ‘some’ of their dishes are definitely more bland than others, no doubt. i’m just thankful when i’m in ATL that i can eat no matter the time!!!
By roan st
October 22, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Woodson better be careful about his stance on not playing rookies when he clearly should. If horford doesn’t start then I can live with it as long as he gets some serious minutes. This kid is the real deal and woodson better not screw up by not giving him his due. After watching the thrashers fire a coach with a world championship on his resume’ leads me to the conclusion that woodson better produce early. If Acie and horford get buried on the bench then I will be the first one calling for woodson’s head! NO MORE FREE PASSES FOR THIS GUY!
By justinit4falcs
October 22, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
I am a heavy falcons, and hawks have been my bball team for years ,but I haven’t followed them much. I want to say thanks for your articles, they truly keep my interest and I am excited for once about the upcoming season. Due the current falcons agh-hum “team” it looks like Hawk will be the main focus for me! You are doing a great job. Also try Shane Rib Shack if you are ever around Mall of GA area.
Keep it UP! Sekou, Me and My boys have some great debates off your articles, as well. holla
By bwtbird
October 22, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
Sekou: You might have tried it but the absolute best BBQ in Atlanta is at Fat Matt’s on Piedmont- I live in Omaha and stop every time I go through…
By jhan
October 22, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
No way the rookies ride the bench this year. Acie is already better than AJ, Lue & Speedy. If you move Smith to the 3 than Horford is immediately the best PF on the team.
This team finally has quality depth. Not even Woodson would let 2 young studs rot on the pine. At least one can only hope.
By Ken Strickland
October 22, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
I see I’m not the only one excited about this teams prospects. Last yr Speedy went down before the season even started and neither he nor the team could recover. This yr, the additions of ALaw and AJohnson will make that an unlikely reoccurrence. This team can also better weather those nights when JJ and/or JSmith are off their gm.
Teams can no longer double and triple team JJ in order to shut our OFF down. If we run and crash the boards, like we’re capable of doing, teams will have to adjust to us instead of the other way around. No team that’s capable of running with us can match us physically or athletically. No team that can match us physically and athletically, can run with us. We simply have to know when to run and when to pound it inside.
You might not like BK or his approach, but you can’t deny the talent he’s put together. This teams success will not be measured by how well it plays to its strengths. It will be measured by how successful they use their strengths to minimize their weaknesses. With good coaching the Atlanta Hawks will be a playoff contended. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
By JohnGTFan
October 22, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with ken. I have been critical of BK in the past, but my goodness this team has serious depth.
By Glenn
October 22, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Sekou , went to the Bobcats/Hawks game last week . I must say I was extremely impressed with Horford especially as compared to the Williams boys . He traveled some but the rest of he game seemed really solid . Also very impressed with Law . He looked very comfortable at the point , almost polished . I look as forward to this season as I do to your insight. I’m a BBQ nut as well . Sam & Dave BBQ1 on Lower Roswell rd. in Marietta is my favorite . If you are up that way it’s quite nice , especially if you are partial to beef brisket .
By roan st
October 22, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Ken, I agree with what you said but one of the big fears on this board is Woodson. Yes we would all like to have that dominating five but we don’t. That aside we finally have a talented young team ready to make a move. The million dollar question is whether Woodson can get the most out of this team. That is a fair question if you look at some of his past decisions.
By ray
October 22, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Glad to see Blog Z isn’t going anywhere. What a scare…
By kevin
October 22, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
I think that if horford turns out to be the beast he appears to be, then the hawks will have to do something either with jsmoove or marvin. I would think one of the two should be able to bring you a starting center. I like horford playing the 5 uptempo, but with a good defensive center, this team would really be something in my opinion.
By Bubba
October 22, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Hi Y’all, Sekou, you want good bar-b-q?? Go to O.B.’s Barbeque, exit 218 on I-75. Take a left on the exit, go to the first road to the right, take it. Go to the next stop sign, take a right. It will be just down the road, on the right.
By maurice
October 22, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Kevin, are you serious? Yeah we need a defensive center to slow down the uptempo game. So slow that he affects the outcome of games because he can’t get down the floor in time on defense or offense. So slow that our uptempo game will slow down because the point guard is holding up driving down the court so he can get in position. So slow that in that time of waiting the ball is stolen and the opposing team has 2 more points on the board. Oh, yeah that will work. The defense and offense start with the guards. If they are not working nothing is working. Look at all the blocked shots the J Smoove has in a game. More than a lot of those so called defensive centers. guess what? We didn’t have a guard last year. Defensive or offensive. The analysts aren’t saying the Hawks need a center as it’s most glaring need. It’s a point guard. Yes a good center will be nice. Not just a defensive one. One who could get up and down the court and score. One preferrably faster and leaner than Shaquille O’neal. But with all the big bodies or medium bodies and a healthy squad, we could use one of them for garbage duty to Hack a Shaq if the center is scoring at will.
By Ryder
October 22, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Sorry guys, Horford has no chance to win ROY, not with all of the hype surrounding Durant. Regardless of how well he plays, he won’t get enough playing time from Woodson (distrust of rookies) to give him enough opportunities to show his tremendous talent!
By Astro Joe
October 22, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
Where is this “distrust of rookies” coming from? Woody played both Smith and Childress extensively during their rookie campaigns. And I’m pretty sure that Marvin got a fair amount of run, even though Harrington was still on the team. Shelden started out with good playing time early. Then lost it due to some combination of injury, ineffectiveness and miscommunication.
If you’re saying that Woody doesn’t play his SECOND round pick during their rookie seasons, that is probably fair. But as much as I don’t like the job he has dine, I can’t complain about the playing time he has provided his 1st round picks.
I’m sure someone will correct me with facts if I’m wrong, but I think Smith, Chill and Marvin all got decent PT in their rookie seasons, right?
By niki
October 22, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
Is Al Horford engaged? That is the latest rumor I have heard…
By roan st
October 22, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this
WOODY is notorious for not playing guys who have clearly earned it or benching guys who deserve to be benched. However you want to look at it. Yes both the joshes got extensive minutes in their rookie seasons but that was probably due more to the fact that the team had just been completely dismantled. Who else was he going to play? Both solomon and salim deserved playing time last year when other guys failed to perform time and again. Watching lorenzen wright flop game after game and solomon getting splinters in his rear end when he should have gotten a chance was frustrating. Woody has shown a definite propensity to mistrust younger guys on this team. I just hope he gives both horford and acie their just due if they earn the playing time. Thats all I’m saying.
By Ken Strickland
October 22, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
The Hawks don’t NEED a 5 to compete or challenge for a championship. Detroit, Chicago and San Antonio didn’t do badly without a dominant 5. They succeeded by having a dominate DEF, and/or having dominate players at other position.
However, it would be much easier, but not a requirement, to challenge for a championship with a dominate 5. Since BK blew up SKastens old roster, this team has been like a new born child. It’s been learning how to walk, talk, tie its shoes and learn its ABC’s. This yr will be the equivelant of the young Hawks entering school for the 1st time. We might not sit on the front row, but we’ll be sitting near the front and actively participating in class.
Consider this, when, since the ownership fiasco, has media and fan focus been overwhelmingly about the players and the team, not the owners? This team has become so talented, deep, and versatle that JJ is now the only Hawk that can’t be effectively replaced if injured. We are now able to consider a situational player or specialist, MWest, for a roster spot. That indicates we’ve come a long way baby.
MWoodson can no longer complain about having too much youth, inexperience and no quality PG. Everyone that is a part of the core of this team has really stepped up. Now it’s time for the coaching staff to step up and mold this talented grup into a competitive, winning team. I’m not completely confident in Woodsons ability to adapt or adjust to a new style of OFF. However, I’m not going to predict doom and gloom based on Woodson’s past performances. I’ll give him the chance he deserves to get this talented team to the next level. Good luck Woody.
By Daniel
October 22, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Try the Swallow at the Hollow (1072 Green St, Roswell). BBQ was INSANE. They also do great music.
Orlando is our only real problem this year. Maybe Miami too (what can you do with Shaq?). With a little luck we could win our division…you heard it hear first.
By roan st
October 22, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Hawks win again and yes the zards played their big guns significant minutes. JJ had a horrible night offensively ( 3-14 shotting)and the hawks still win! That is a good sign this team is growing!
jsmoove- 22pts 11reb 6ast 4blks ( man that is off the chain).
marvelous marvin- 24pts 6 rebs
josh childress- 22pts 4 reb 5asts
Beating a playoff team with jj having an off night is bigtime for this team!
By clint
October 22, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
Sekou, Who has the advantage when the contract talks involving the joshes go down to the last minute? I do remember KG getting 6yr/126M at the last moment before his third season began. I could only hope the hawks keep these two youngsters. They have both improved each year and have never been in trouble off the court.
By Astro Joe
October 22, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
Yawn, another pre-season game another pre-season win. Yawn. Marvin and the Joshes look very strong in yet another game. Boring. I’m so tired of all of these pre-season wins. Win. Win. Win. Another SE division opponent, another pre-season win against a division rival. Ho hum.
By ray
October 22, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Myk my brother, you finally got to see what that lineup looks like…sort of. No Acie in the starting five. I have to admit once again bro’ that it looked pretty good. Of course, that was against a Washington team that is built just as small or smaller than we are. Still, we won and better still- the Joshes and Marvin were wonderful. I hope to see many results like this in the regular season. Hope we can effectively run a lineup like this often, but don’t want to do it if it involves Horford and Smoove getting beat on too much down low. If this proves quite successful, I definitely owe you a cold one or two…or three if we ever meet. For now, you have to settle for the bragging rights, LOL!
Ryder, I think you may be wrong. Plenty of hype surrounding Durant but some of this will depend on how his team does. Horford is a strong darkhorse on a team that should do better than Seattle. Not only that, but Durant will be counted on for SO much. We don’t know how the pressure will get handled. Not saying he won’t do well, but not saying that Horford has no chance either.
Regardless of whether Horford gets ROY, I will be quite happy if he does in the regular season what he’s been doing in the preseason, and helps this team win.
Ken, good to see you man. One trippy preseason, huh?
By roan st
October 22, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Joe, if your so tired of the preseason and it bores you so much then why were you the second one on here posting after the game? From the looks of it you seemed to be pretty much on top of the preseason games. Are you not the one who supplied links for the box scores on some of the preseson games this year? I’m pretty sure you did!
By HB Ando
October 22, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
Roan, I believe that Joe was mocking the naysayers, who don’t attribute much value to a strong pre-season (that Joe is clever like that).
Joe, did Roy not win ROY, on a bad team, in a small market, last year? And Paul, the year before him, in New Orleans? Clearly, market size should not be prohibitive for Horford. As drafting either Paul or Roy would not have been prohibitive in improving this teams’ future. Thankfully, Billy bumblef&%# his way into keeping our first rounder, for one more year.
Ray, I’m not sure how to respond to your response. Seems like what I thought I wrote, and what you had to say about it, were way unrelated to one another. Doc gave me a number for you, when we went to the draft. We can discuss it on the phone, or we can dissect it on the blog. Let me know, either way, as I’ve been looking forward to chattin’ you up.
SS says the starting five is what most of us would expect (and not what Myc would hope for). But Myc, and others, may well be right that the best team we can put on the floor would have Horford at the five. I’ll stick with my belief that that would work if we were playing a college-length schedule, rather than 82 games.
Unprecedented depth is there, for the first time in forever. Guess there won’t be many excuses for Woody.
By hook or by crook, I still see a sub-.500 team, come years’ end. They’ll be lot’s of excuses, and moral victories. But no playoffs.
By HB Ando
October 22, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Nice win for the Hawks. 7 man rotation against 10. Won’t see that in the regular season.
Keep hope alive (but try and maintain some perspective)………
By Clyde
October 22, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
The sucess of the Hawks lies in the hands of Josh Smith.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By HB Ando
October 22, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Clyde, that may be the single most scary thing anyone has ever said on this blog.
Ever.
By Volman
October 22, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
Good win tonight, Hawks…
I have to run to sleep in a couple of minutes, but here’s what I saw from tonight at the game:
Myk, you got your wish with Horford at 5! haha.
-AJ was not himself tonight. I didn’t see him with that extra “pep” in his step tonight. He got a technical..he looked frustrated. T-Lue came in and did a decent job… Childress even played the point a little.
-Joe had a sub-par game tonight. His shooting was off, but he made a couple nice shots in the first half.
-Josh Smith made some electrifying blocks tonight, and had a couple nice dunks to pump up the crowd. I still wish he’d drive a little more…He’s trying to post up a lot more, and you can see the outcome of his work with The Dream this summer.
-Marvin shot this team back into the game. He had a streak of about 6 or 8 points in the fist half that brought the Hawks back. He was aggressive with his drives and cuts and made some nice shots… He even rebounded, a little!
-Horford—- it was good to see him in the starting lineup. I have a friend who is an avid Florida fan, and he was extremely pumped to see Horford starting… Anyway, Horford had some nice moves and good plays… He is going to be a stud, and he already is. I don’t know how well he can play the center position.. Let me rephrase… He could play the center position, but at one time, he jumped as high as he could, and so did Haywood, and Haywood came down with the rebound due to those extra 2 or 3 inches he has on Horford. That’s his only problem.
-Josh Childress was the MVP of this game. He was EVERYWHERE. He was all around the ball for tips and rebounds.. He made some great hustle plays..He scored.. He did everything. This team does not win when Childress plays poorly off the bench… When was the last time he played poorly? haha
The fans were GREAT tonight… A good crowd.. LOTS of energy.. It didn’t feel like a preseason game… It wasn’t sold out or anything, but this was an extremely fun game. Great stuff
Let’s do this in the regular season now, guys! The playoffs are calling!
-Go Hawks!
By Steve T
October 22, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
The hawks looked good but they need a floor leader. They got sloopy at times. The forwards need to give the ball to the guards. We had some turnovers because of poor ball handling. This game proved that the hawks are deep.
BTW, blog z it must be nice to be so loved.
By mykhalc
October 23, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
fellas, nice win AGAIN by the YOUNG GUNS!! hope they can keep it rollin’ into the regular season! then we ALL will have to ACCEPT the wins!!! know what i mean???LOL
BIG RAY, i’m glad WOODSON was forced to use the lineup. i was scared he’d start SHELDEN!!???!! but i guess he wanted to keep him in his role of comin’ off the bench in relief of the startin’ 5!!???!!!?? i’ll say this again too. WHOMEVER is teamed with HORFORD, SMOOVE or ZAZA, will benefit, no doubt!!! to me, he is NOW provin’ to be the ‘X’ factor!! he does WHATEVER the team needs to win!! if he’s at the 4, he’ll post up and score more. if he’s at the 5, i think his emphasis is on defense and the glass, with postin’ up bein’ secondary…IMHO. he is a BIG TIME player, no doubt!!!! ROY??? absolutely has that chance!!
VOLMAN, great recap as always bro. and as you know i’m just NOT concerned about any of the disadvantages that HORFORD might go against. i think he and CHILS are cut from the same mold…players that KNOW how to play the game smart, agressively, in control, and do what needs to be done to help the team produce a ‘W’…PERIOD!!! and you are right about CHILS. his play off the bench ACTUALLY can right the wrongs of MW and JS IF they are not havin’ productive nites!!
STEVE T, the floor leader IS the rook that was in street clothes!!
as much as i’m a dreamer of havin’ ACIE, JJ, MW, JS, and HORFORD start the games, i am realist too. and WOODSON is still holdin’ the keys to this bus!!!
By mykhalc
October 23, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
oh yeah ANDO, your reply to CLYDE’s post, COULD NOT AGREE MORE!!LOL his shot selections changed the momentum that was buildin’ in the 2nd qtr!! he had a good game tho. but he can STILL pick the most F’up time to do some of the things he does!!! but as DENNIS SCOTT said, ‘some kids just take a little longer to learn’!!!
By Jerryatric
October 23, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this
Um, did any of you guys actually see the game today? If so, were you as scared as I was by the number of 30-foot treys that Smoove tried to serve up? My grandma could have scored 20 points if she had shot as much and as out of control as he did in the last the two quarters. He looked nice around the basket and on the boards, but that boy will have “Isaiah Rider” written all over him (tons of talent, nice stats, but not a winner) in my mind until the day he learns to pick his shots.
Chill, on the other hand, was a doggone BEAST. That boy couldn’t miss, and he was The Glove II on D. I actually would rather see us sign him than Smoove just because I think he’s more ready to help a team win than Smoove is, but hey, I realize no one’s with me on that boat.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
By G Money
October 23, 2007 3:59 AM | Link to this
What are you guys talking about as it relates to Smoove? Stat line says he threw up two 3-pt attempts and made one - that would be 50% from beyond the arc. He also had 11 rebounds to go along with 24 pts and 4 blocks. If he does that every night he’s an all-star in this league. Perhaps the stats are wrong. If not, you guys have to watch being led by other bloggers into seeing something that isn’t there. The reality is that there are no long range bombers healthy other than JJ who can shoot the 3 at this point. You guys are nuts if you think the Hawks shouldn’t resign Smoove. Frankly both Chills and Smoove should be re-signed.
By Dan
October 23, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this
Would like to see DeSagana Diop a young big Center in a Hawks uniform
By Clyde
October 23, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
HB Ando its scary but its the truth.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Astro Joe
October 23, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
roan st, Ando had it right, a futile attempt on my part at sarcasm. I have listened to as many of these pre-season games as my family life allows. Typically, that is the 2nd half of the games. I think there is something to be said for the individual performances in these pre-season games. That’s what they are for, to see which fringe player stays or goes and to determine player rotations. I absolutely think that Marvin’s and Childress’ performances this pre-season mean a lot. And while I am a little worried because Smith has not had a great pre-season, he played better last night AND he has started slowly each of his previous 3 seasons.
Ando, you’re right about Roy last year (the NBA threw the Hornets some national exposure bones coming off Katrina and to support the OKC adoption, so Paul did get some league-endorsed publicity that season). But I would submit that he did not have to overcome a “defacto ROY” like Horford will with Durant is this year. It’s kind of like having to overcome the pre-season selected Heisman Trophy winner. It is their award to lose. If Durant and Horford average the same points, is there nay doubt who takes home the award? Even if the Hawks win 10 more games than Seattle, Durant will still have the trophy in his living room in June. I’d bet a Chick-Fil-A #1 combo on it.
By Astro Joe
October 23, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Sekou, was your boy Salim still smiling after last night’s game?
By kevin
October 23, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
when I said a defensive center, big and slow was not what I had in mind. I was thinking more of zaza clone with better defensive skills. If the team will spend the money, and resign this core group, and then add a center via the draft, then fine, but I really dont want to see someone walk when you can get a working piece.
By ray
October 23, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Ando, I have long thought that blogs and such are (as fun as they are) among the worst platforms for clear, effective communication. Based on your reply I will assume I misunderstood you (we’ll call this erring on the side of caution) or you simply disagree. Most of it was rhetorical inquiry and a an attempt to display that there is at least one here who can be as long-winded as you (okay..that’s not a dagger, just a poke in the ribs). Trust me, I’m not nearly as hot-aired in person, though quite gregarious by nature. Hit me up at boomstik45@hotmail and I’ll give you the new number. Doc did call me on draft night and I called him back. We pass a few e-mails back and forth. And I’m not time sensitive, so don’t worry about calling too late. As it is, I’m one of the night shift commanders right now, so I’m up all night. Looking forward to talking. Or listening.
By Ryder
October 23, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Astro Joe, could I get Barg’s root beer with that #1 combo?
No question about it Atlanta will need to have Acie Law manning the point at the end of games this year. How does AJ miss two free throws like that? It’s obvious that he should be relegated to third string behind Law and Lue.
Face it Atlanta is going to have to win using small ball and an uptempo pace. I like the fact they were able to maintain focus against the Wizards last night. Hopefully they will be able to parlay that into momentum against Dallas next week.
By Good News...
October 23, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Not to beat a dead horse…
But Agent Zero’s’s quote of “I hope they don’t play zone”….
Why is it that everyone in the league can see that we have talent but we just don’t seem to use it correctly.
Gilbert’s right…how can you shoot over a bunch of 6-7 guys on the perimeter…how can you get the ball inside against a zone fronted by long athletic wings….the zone helps double team the centers we cannot guard one on one. The zone forces jump shots which we know is not a skill many players have anymore.
Oh yeah, I forgot, we want to grind out the game and play half court offense with a small lineup. We want to play man defense with an undersized interior….
What’s the Shark up to these days, is he available to coach!
By Yams
October 23, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
The key for the Hawks will be to build off the momentum of the pre-season. The first 5 games are very tough and this team could very easily be 0-5 or 1-4. They could slip back to the “here we go again” attitude. Let’s hope not.
By smartguy
October 23, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Clyde is right, whether you can see it or whether you want to acknowledge it, Josh Smith is the most important piece of this franchise. Is he a perfect player right now? No, but he’s darn good nonetheless. If they let him get away, it will hurt the team and the fans alike.
By Ryder
October 23, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith is not as important as JJ, no matter what you want to believe. Leave the highlight reel dunks out of it. Josh Smith a great athlete and improving by the day, but there’s a reason Joe Johnson is the franchise player on the Atlanta Hawks no question about it.
JJ is the first option on offense, he is the one Woodson bases the isolation offense around. Josh Smith cannot create his own shot and is not a threat from the outside like JJ is. JJ is a better passer and is the one this team falls back on during crunchtime.
Josh Smith is the perfect second banana, and Hawks management is making sure that he keeps his attitude in check all season as well as having him continue to play with that hunger that has gotten him to the next level. He is much more aggressive on defense than JJ and with the two of them playing together this team will have more options down the stretch.
Atlanta will not let him get away, but for right now he is second behind Joe Johnson as far as franchise players go.
By For Real
October 23, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Keep Josh Smith, Al Hortford and Law. Then trade Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams and two other players for Kobe. New starting five:
PG: Law SG: Bryant SF: Smith PF: Hartford C: 12 fouls
By Ryder
October 23, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith is not as much the franchise player as people want to believe.
Simply put, take Josh Smith off this team, and there’s Marvin Williams/ Josh Childress who can provide the offense and all around intangibles (not to mention better outside shooting). Take Joe Johnson off this team, and Atlanta is toast! There’s a reason JJ is the captain of this team, and he is the go to guy whenever this team breaks down.
Although Josh Smith stepped up his game late last year, he still needs to show more consistency in his outside game. Personally I think he can drive to the basket on anybody in the NBA, and I really would like to be wrong on him come April when this team is on the doorstep of playoff contention.
For now though I will take the HB Ando approach to wait-and-see.
By LEA
October 23, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
LOL at Ryder…..
By mykhalc
October 23, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
RYDER, the asterisk to JS’s drivin’ on folks is that, right now, he needs a clear lane to pull it off. he’s got big holes in his game, right now…whether as a 3 or 4. but DESPITE all that, he’s still likely to bring a double-double every nite!!
as ANDO said, his upside is tremendous!!! he has that chance to BECOME everythin’ that some think he is already. and tho i still think he has a good chance to become the face of the franchise, hometown cat and all, he’s got HORFORD on his heels at the 4. SMOOVE has gotta play smarter this year or we will constantly see him bein’ yanked by WOODSON for HORFORD…IMHO. the only category where HORFORD lags SMOOVE right now is in ‘THE FLASH’…again IMHO.
By Omnihawk
October 23, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Ryder, the results from last year kind of contradict your theory. Everyone saw the tailspin we went into when Josh Smith had his operation. However, when Joe went down, we managed to win about as much as when he was healthy. As far as playoff aspirations, I think if either of them goes down “Atlanta is toast.”
By Ramon
October 23, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
No one said Josh was the face of the franchise TODAY. They were stating that the season rides on him and it DOES. With JJ you know what you’re going to get. But if Josh Smith brings you 19 pts, 9 rebs, and 2-3 blocks a night, this team will be wonderful. So he is the backbone of the season. Just like Isiah was the FACE of the Pistons, but Dumars was the backbone to that team. If JS keeps his game together, and avoid young mistakes this team will be a 6 seed in the playoffs NOT 8.
Also remember in 3 years from HIGH SCHOOL NOT COLLEGE, BUT HIGH SCHOOL, Josh Smith is easily considered as the second best player in that year’s draft.
By curious
October 23, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Ryder- If he can’t create his own shot how does he score Ryder? He has taken people to the basket all preseason and it is still not good enough for you.
By Astro Joe
October 23, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this
Keep dangling that carrot.
No need to give up the leverage that was negotiated by the owners. If he flips a finger to the fans, curses out his coach and refuses to run a play (all done last season), then you have more useful information for contract negotiations next season. And if he is the model citizen and highly productive player, then that should go a long ways toward a playoff birth and you re-sign him and build off the momentum of a playoff season.
Dangle that carrot.
By LEA
October 23, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
Astro I don’t know why you want to make Smoove out to be a bad person. Because he is far from it. What I don’t understand is why people always bring up the fact that Smoove screamed at the coach. But so did Marvin,Salim, And Shelden. And i am sure more has…. And again for the last time. Smoove loves this town , but if he feels like the HAWKS are playing games with him. Then I don’t blame him for leaving……
By smartguy
October 23, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.7 blocks is what Smooth is putting up in seven preseason games thus far. Absolutely tremendous. Its like 3 assists and 3 blocks don’t count for anything. Point contribution is not the most important thing (and I’ve been preaching offense all summer). Almost everyone disagrees with you, Ryder, and judging by that poll about 70% of us really want this guy signed before the season starts.
Its official: Spirit just doesn’t get it. They’re risking flushing a majority of the remaining fans right down the drain.
For Real, I like your trade idea. I think the Lakers would insist on Horford and JJ, which if AH is the real deal, then its a great trade for both teams. Lakers would be much better (Critt, JJ, Odom, AH, Bynum), and we would get a major boost. All that said, the most important thing to me is to get #5 locked up long term.
By BosnianBaller
October 23, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
We can thank cheap a* Spirit again. First no amare. now after this season no J smoove. Can somebody explain why the hawks would sign him in the offseason when they wont sign him now.
Please get rid of these crappy gm’s like waddell,knight,and Rich Mckay who is omly eating b’c off a draft where he drafted sapp and brooks.
I was always suprised why people dont show up in atl to watch the pro games. now i am not
By Chuck D
October 23, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
Breaking News: Atlanta Spirit changes name to Atlanta Clueless.
Breaking News: Atlanta Spirit changes name to Atlanta Clueless.
By roan st
October 23, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Just read the article about josh smith and contract talks and was pleasantly surprised to hear that the hawks had already made an offer in july. Evidently smith and his agents spurned the offer and will wait it out until next summer. Hopefully they can come to terms with josh childress before the deadline.
By roan st
October 23, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
For the people complaining about the ownership group you guys don’t know what kind of counter offer was made. Maybe smith and his agents are asking for something ridiculous. Were any of you in the room during contract negotiations? If so please give us a break down on what happened and some contract parameters. I’m worried about the spirit group as well as the next guy but we just don’t know what really happened behind those close doors! What if the spirit did make a reasonable offer? We just don’t have the answers right now.
By mykhalc
October 23, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
i smell ANDO’s scenario growin’ in a BIG way now!!! for all those that feel like NOW is the time to sign JS, what would you do now that you have HORFORD and can work his salary for the next 4 years??? i know if i was JS i’d be hopin’ HORFORD sees more time while i’m on the floor at the 5 then when i’m not!!! well that’s if JS really wants to remain a HAWK!!???!!! like ROAN said, we have NO IDEA of what the offer was!!!
By Don
October 23, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Sekou, the recent AJC Top 50 dining guide steered me to the best BBQ I’ve had here, or anywhere for that matter. The pork is so good and tender that you almost feel guilty saucing it. As an article or two on the wall inside says, it is “competition barbeque”, not the dry stuff served most places. I’ve only been to the BBQ1, which is on Lower Roswell Road just east of Johnson Ferry in a little strip shopping center.
Great sides too: I can vouch for the slaw, baked beans, potato salad and mac cheese
Sam & Dave’s BBQ2
660 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 770-792-2272. www.lostmountainbbq.com Well, mop me with Carolina sauce and color me crazy. This second location of the Pork University crowd’s first, BBQ1, is just as good, if not better, with some of the best pulled pork and brisket in the area. The beans are smokier and sexier, with a sweet, brown sugary darkness, and the cole slaw still has that peppy, poppy-seed-and-pineapple zip. The three-cheese macaroni ‘n cheese should be illegal. But it’s the pork and beef barbecue has that slow-smoked, striated, pink-ringed madness that turns men, women and children from polite, napkin-using, elbows-off-the-table types into crazed maniacs ready to kill for the closest wet nap. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Closed Sundays. $$
By jhan
October 23, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
There is no need to sign Smith right this instant. He is here for this year & next. If he has another outstanding season you can match any offers. You can do a sign & trade for a legit Center in the offseason. If he gets hurt & can’t play anymore, then you don’t get stuck with the albatross contract.
Worst case you trade him for a big man & Horford becomes the full time PF. From what I’ve seen/heard of Horford, you could do a lot worse. I
By Good News...
October 23, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
Why are people upset he did not get signed. None of the other forwards in the league from that draft have been resigned yet either. I’m sure Smoove’s agent is asking for the max cause the market has not been set. I laugh when people get upset. Nobody signs early anymore. Injury, laziness, these are some of the reasons why. Pay him now and watch as he gets hurt and can’t play anymore. Sign him now and watch him turn into Antoine Walker. It’s all business. Agent Zero didn’t sign. It’s the way it goes now. Like Astro said…dangle the carrot!
By Ken Strickland
October 23, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
RAY, I never stopped monitoring the Hawks blogs, but I had to change my mindset before reentering the frey. I realized I had begun to think negatively after spending so much time on the confederate sites(Atlanta Falcons blogs).
I think I know why BK, and the Hawks, are reluctant to expedite the resigning of JSmith. It really is a smart move. Josh will become a restricted FA this summer. If the Hawks decide to retain him, they can match any offer. However, if Horford performs up to expectations, JSmith would bring the Hawks a lot of compensation if another team signs him to an offer.
By MannyT
October 23, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
The bargaining agreement is setup to favor the teams on the rookie deal and the first contract after. Ownership can wait it out and sign Smith for the market value after some other team decides what that is next summer.
If the Hawks like several guys on that team, Smith leaves via sign & trade. Horford gets the 4 spot and cash frees up. Hopefully the trade part of that deal brings a decent center.
If the Hawks prefer Smith to the sign & trade option, he stays and the Hawks can avoid the work of determining his value, because some other team does it.
No one said you had to work hard to retain a restricted free agent.
By Matt
October 23, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Hey all,
Only got a minute, but I just want to reiterate what I’ve been saying all along - there was never any rush to re-sign Smith. He’s clearly a talented player, but we STILL have the option of matching any offer for him next summer.
Anyone who knows how these negotiations go knows that Smith’s agents were not going to take less than $60 million, and at that price tag, the Hawks are just as well off making Smith prove that he can put aside his ego and help lead this team to victory. If that happens, we can (and I’m sure we will) match any offer that another team makes for him.
So everyone chill out. We’re not losing Smoove.
By Astro Joe
October 23, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
LEA, I’m just stating facts. I don’t know if he is a good guy or a bad one. All I know is that coming off those specific incidents (and I never recall hearing that Marvin, Shelden or Salim were suspended for cursing out their coach), it is not difficult to understand why the team isn’t anxious to give dude a 400% increase a few months later.
We complain about bad GM moves from BK. Setting the value of your own free agent (especially when the value for comparable players in his own draft class has yet to be determined) is a really, really bad GM move. If he signs an offer sheet and we feel that is a fair offer, then match. If not, negotiate a S&T and get some value in return. That’s how we got Law, from doing the same with Harrington.
By Clyde
October 23, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
All I know is Billy has been known to make stupid moves in the past. I just hope this Jsmoove thing doesn’t turn into something else to add to his resume.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By mykhalc
October 23, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
JOE, great point!!! Setting the value of your own free agent (especially when the value for comparable players in his own draft class has yet to be determined) is a really, really bad GM move.
By cowa
October 24, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this
One point that I haven’t heard anyone bring up on the Smoove extension is the injury factor. God forbid anything to happen to him, but if a Shaun Livingston situation were to happen, the Hawks would be hamstrung for years on the salary cap. If you can push that chance out another year (I’m still in favor of signing him long term) when you don’t have to, I think it’s the right thing to do from the franchise’s perspective.
Look what Speedy’s signing has done to us so far. I was in favor of the signing originally, like most of us. From what I’m reading, he may never get back to full strength. If so, he’s just dead weight on the roster and hampering our ability from a salary cap perspective. We certainly don’t want two situations like this on our team.
I don’t think there is any need to lock up Chills either, for the very same reasons as have been stated.
I’m basically on Clyde’s side when it comes to BK, but I will admit that the one thing he does well is manage the salary cap. Speedy’s contract is a diminishing one over time, when he theoretically gets older and less productive. It makes sense. And I think he’s right on these non-signings as well.
By ray
October 24, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
Not going to sweat the Smoove situation. I want to see him really put it down this season and make us more excited about having him. And then hope management makes the right move (whatever that turns out to be) when the right time comes. That, and I don’t see the point of arguing about it further. I know one thing: if things go south in Smoove’s mind, there are a lot of other teams salivating at the very idea…Let’s just say that Josh has nothing to worry about job-wise. If he gets tired of being here, he won’t have trouble finding suitors.
So, the regular season is that much closer. Looking forward to the vehement arguments about anything and everything in the games that count. Well, not the arguments…
By Rick G
October 24, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this
Found this article that gives hope to everyone in the ATL this season. Finally someone actually says why the Hawks WILL make the playoffs and not finish last.
[http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?storyid=5752] (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?storyid=5752)
By blue
October 25, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
SEKOU I GOT A TRADE FOR YOU JOSH SMITH JOE JOHNSON FOR KOBE. WHAT DO YOU THINK. AND MAYBE JOSH CHILDRESS