AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCan they do it?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The only bad thing about this nine-day gap between the end of the exhibition season and the start of the Hawks’ regular season is it gives people more chances to ask the dreaded question: Can they do it this year?
I can’t tell you how many times I hear it. And from all sorts of people you’d never expect to be interested in the Hawks. It’s like everybody I’ve run into since the start of training camp knows that their eight-year playoff drought is the league’s longest.
My barber spends the first five minutes of my weekly visit on the Hawks and their playoff chances - he was convinced they were headed to the postseason last year only to have his dreams shattered by Christmas. Since I haven’t come to a conclusion about their playoff chances this season (still working on that and my prediction for their wins/losses), I can’t really provide any hints about what might happen.
Are they better than they were a year ago? I think so. Without a doubt. But are they good enough to make the top eight in the Eastern Conference? I’m just not sure yet. I’ve heard all sorts of conflicting reports from other writers regarding what the teams they cover have looked like so far. But it’s the exhibition season, which some teams take more seriously than others.
I’m inclined to believe that the Hawks will at least have a fighting chance to be in the hunt for one of the final playoff spots in the East. More important than what any of us believe, however, is that the Hawks seriously think they’re going to compete for one of those spots.
They’ve talked about it in the past. But it was just rhetoric, hollow words from guys who had no idea what it takes to play at a playoff-caliber level over the course of an 82-game season.
Whether I agree with them or not, the fact that they’re drinking their own Kool-Aid is a good sign. Because if they’re not convinced of their own chances, they’ll get run off the floor during the first two weeks of the season.
After perusing many of the previews that have the Hawks finishing anywhere from (a surprising) second in the Southeast Division standings to next to last in the entire Eastern Conference, the only thing I’m sure of is that the Hawks will win more than 30 games this year.
I’ve seen nothing that would suggest this team would regress from the past three seasons. It’s reasonable to expect this team to continue it’s gradual improvement (from 13 to 26 to 30 wins). Whether it’s a 13-game leap like two years ago or a four-game leap like last year, remains to be seen.
So for anyone that I happen to pass on the street between now and Friday’s opener against Dallas, I don’t know. I don’t know if they can do it.
Comments
By MikeS
October 26, 2007 3:54 AM | Link to this
If they can avoid the injury bug, I think they have a really good shot at the playoffs. We haven’t had a team this deep for as long as I can remember. I mean seriously, I think you have to go back to the ‘Nique years… (while those Deke-Mookie-Smitty teams of the late 90’s were great and obviously had a better starting lineup, they were never that deep. I mean Eldridge Recasner was playing big minutes for god’s sake!)
By hawks-4-life
October 26, 2007 4:22 AM | Link to this
This is the kind of article that p** me off but thats life, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/specials/preview/2007/enemy.lines/hawks.html
By tony
October 26, 2007 4:22 AM | Link to this
I can say without a doubt that this team will make the playoff this season and this is why. Last season they won 4 of the first 5 games last season against CLE, TOR, ORL and NYK before injuries plaque the team. They were 26th in assists. With the addition of Acie and the leadership that he brings will greatly improve their assist total - who by the way had more assists in his college career than Steve Nash when he played in college. They were 22nd in rebounding. With the addition of Al Horford alone with Josh Smith we can lead the league in rebounding this season. More importantly we now have a go to guy - AL HORFORD! He will score at will down low as he get more and more comfortable in this league. Al brings that Charles Barkley mentality who will never back down from anyone and that’s scary! Our bench is deep and they could possibly start for other teams in my opinion. BRING A CHAMPIONSHIP TO ATLANTA GUYS!
By tony
October 26, 2007 5:16 AM | Link to this
hawks-4-life, I agree with that article about Josh Smith, Marvin William and Shelden Williams. All 3 of them are very selfish players but I truely believe that Acie and Al Horford muturity level will bring out the best of those guys. I believe if Josh Smith would just play to his strengths which are rebounding and blocking shots and let the game come to him the team will be better off. Marvin is more suited at the guard position and he need to stop trying to do too much and let the game come to him as well. I still believe we will make the playoff.
By hawks-4-life
October 26, 2007 5:58 AM | Link to this
Ok the Josh Smith part is true to an extent but exaggerated too. Marvin never recovered from his injury last season, to me he still have an excellent chance of being the best pick of his class. JC shot is awkward but does he mention how effective he is. JJ made the all-star team yet this guy breaks his game down like he is nothing but a bonafide chucker. Only one with any props is Horford the rookie (who i give mad props to and is definitely a baller) who didnt even play one regular season game. I bet my 5’9” ars could beat the living crap out of this guy in a one on one game, and I havent played in 5 years.
By hawks-4-life
October 26, 2007 6:16 AM | Link to this
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-AtlantaPreview0708
By doc
October 26, 2007 7:26 AM | Link to this
thanks to the link for the articles h-4-l. gee, sometimes the truth hurts. what was said rung true and as sekou says has been written right here by the dumb bloggers that bk says dont know anything as well as the national press and gm’s and everyone in between including many a scout i presume. good summary of the “bad” baby hawks who are young, stubborn, fragile with flights of fancy that only get our hopes up. what that guy wrote is only what has become the norm, what it is known for and is what this team has to show it can grow beyond or fall back into.
with the season start up they will show themselves early and may be able to build on confidence early if they get some wins against some good teams that came out of the gate slow last year. remember suns and mavs were about a collective 1 and 10 to start the year and the spurs were almost just as sluggish.
funny, from the espn article, chad ford who has seemed to be a self appointed franchise hater of the hawks had them posted about where most of us see them and unfortunately looked to be the more optimistic of his colleagues.
i think if you use the cnn write-up as a guide to the woes of the hawks you can quickly see in the first ten games how much they have grown and whether they are ready to make a move in spite of what should be an expected rough start. see them hold true to what they need to become in spite of the mounting losses then good things. if they slide into old habits and too much of the negative he writes is actually revisited on the court then their record may actually be worse at the end of the year and we can wait for implosion and/or billy knight to be on the bench coaching just as the thrasher gm has become. yeah aj you said maybe how the thrashers handle it will be a signal for how it will come down for the hawks; that is your answer.
By hawks-4-life
October 26, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
Also its not only about fast starts cause last year (im not sure) i think we were 4-1 to start the season. Its about building and maintaining a winning streak and coming back stronger after losses to so that you dont fall into 10 games losing streaks. On a side note being in the army i dont get to go to games but when i was stationed in upstate new york i drove 3 hrs to toronto to see the hawks cream the raptors. It was an amazing night.
By doc
October 26, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this
h-4-l, glad you came out of the closet to contribute, welcome to you, just as we welcome our amoeba brothers, too. like to see there are fans throughout. geographically, you might be the most northern for now. keep it up.
By hawks-4-life
October 26, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
doc was never an undercover fan. Just been busy ya know. Like right now im stationed in germany. I cant see games cause i only catch like national broadcast. So all i can do is read box scores, watch highlights and read blogs lol.
By Astro Joe
October 26, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
hawks-4-life, thanks for your service and be safe. I agree that how they handle adversity will ultimately determine if they can crack the playoff slots. A 7-1 preseason record could have them a little too geeked. Sekou often used the word “swagger” last season. I was always ruffled by that word, as it doesn’t fit with our 8 year record of futility. I’m hoping there is no swagger coming off a 7-1 preseason.
Of course I agree with Ando’s assessment that we do not have a championship-ready roster. I’d suspect that there may only be 2-3 teams that can make that claim and maybe none in our conference. The immediate goal is the playoffs and I do believe that we have the roster to make that happen. But I doubt that we have the coaching staff to make it a reality. Right now, I say 36 wins and a 10th place finish in the conference. But even in the losses, I suspect that we will compete most nights and have very few nights where we look like the league’s laughingstock. I can even envision a scenario where we play up to the level of our competition and get smoked by lesser teams (like the T’Wolves & Sixers) because we enter those games with “swagger”. But overall, it will be much easier to wear Hawks gear out in public this year, without getting the starnge looks (like you’re wearing an Atlanta Flames baseball hat or something).
By hawks-4-life
October 26, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
This is going to be a rough we fellas because everyone is going to try disecting the hawks every which way they can before tip off. Honestly im not worried about a quick start but rather consistent play. Its hard to carry anything over from pre-season except confidence because of the lenghty time between games. I know our weakness and as stressed by other seasoned bloggers 90% of the other teams have holes too, so who better in the east than us. I know the major players but through good CONSISTENT play from our key plays the “p” word is attainable. For me consistent is showing up ready to ball every night.
By Ryder
October 26, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
hawks-4-life, it’s ok, I can’t see the games here in DC because the Hawks are never on national broadcast here in the states either lol.
As harsh as that SI article was, that is the perception from about 90% of the media out there regarding the Hawks. It’s for good reason too. For too long this franchise has been known for the following: Trading their only franchise player (Nique) when they had the best record in the East in 94, only to flame out in the second round of the playoffs with the Human Egg Danny Manning.
-Having what Bill Walton once called “the most boring team to ever win a playoff series” and then they blew up that roster so they could obtain the wonderful services of Isaiah Rider, and the many titles he brought.
-BK decided that Atlanta didn’t have enough small forwards so he decided to draft Marvin Williams instead of Chris Paul/Deron Williams.
Face it folks, the only people who are really optimistic about the Hawks are Sekou, the folks on this blog, and perhaps Chad Ford (#1 Hawks hater) in regards to making the playoffs.
It’s going to take a lot of time (and some winning) to change the national perception about the Hawks, who I believe are the only team to still not have a nationally televised game this year.
By Ryder
October 26, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Astro Joe, 36 wins and a lack of consistent effort will get Woodson fired. This team needs to come out with a hungry attitude similar to their fellow hockey tenants did last year, even when they had losing streaks.
This year I see them winning 40 games, since they will win many of the kind of close games they lost a year ago with Law at the point. That will be enough to get them into the playoffs, in which they will get swept in the first round.
By Ryder
October 26, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
Astro Joe, 36 wins and a lack of consistent effort will get Woodson fired. This team needs to come out with a hungry attitude similar to their fellow hockey tenants did last year, even when they had losing streaks.
This year I see them winning 40 games, since they will win many of the kind of close games they lost a year ago with Law at the point. They will win some games against Western conference teams because they can play that up tempo style. Atlanta will beat the teams they’re supposed to beat (Charlotte, Sixers, Pacers) and then they will have some of those “how the h*ll did they beat THAT team” kind of games, which will get them into the playoffs as the 8th seed.
By kwooden1
October 26, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Before the preseason started by believed the Hawks were 2 years from making the playoffs, but since the preseason I’ve seem several things that make me think they can make it next season. (not this season) Clearly Horford can play and Law is as good or better than a healthy Speedy. The main thing I saw was guys driving and getting fouled. It takes time to learn to score with others and it takes a lot of good coaching. The things I’m looking for this year are more assists from Smith and JJohnson, more rebounds and good shooting percentage from MWilliams. If those players can get better than they will have a good team, that can consistantly make the playoffs. Hopefully Woodson will do a lot better job managing games, opposed to sitting and watching JJohnson shoot. Don’t forget that the Hawks can defend the rim, which is a key for any great time. Go Hawks!
By hawks-4-life
October 26, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Human Egg Danny Manning. LOL. You’re right, it seems we are not just playing to make the playoffs (lets face it no championship yet..baby steps) but we are playing for respect too. For all the forwards BK may have pick I still take the roster now than the crap he inherited.
By tb
October 26, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
I predict 37 wins.
But, I am very enthousiastic about the future of this team.
They have the players to approach the playoffs this year and the upper-echelon in the coming years.
Woody will either totally prove himself or be replaced.
Law will be a good NBA PG, Horford could be very special. JJ is, Smoove is getting there and Marvin and Chil are both very nice NBA players. Then we have Shelden, Zaza, Salim, Solo, Speedy.
I don’t want to get carried away, but this time I feel confident that even if there is a let down or two left in this bunch, they will be numbered and short-lived.
By hawks-4-life
October 26, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
IF THERE IS A LET DOWN ONLY ENTITY SHORT-LIVED WOULD BE WOODSON!!
By Dan
October 26, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
I may be setting myself up for a huge letdown, but I’m on the bus. I think they make the playoffs. Hawks win 43 games this year.
By Omnihawk
October 26, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
“I think so. Without a doubt.” -SS lol I’m definitely kind of sure he is right.
By LL Cool Scott
October 26, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Don’t start revising history and saying that Billy Knightmare has done a good job. He’s had 5 lottery picks in 4 years - and probably only made the right choice twice (with both picks this year). My great-aunt could have put together a talented roster with that many high lottery picks.
By Richard Simpkins
October 26, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
A little more positive outlook than ESPN and SI. True, home cooking at work, but gotta love the enthusiasm.
http://vivaneverland.blogspot.com/2007/10/2007-2008-atlanta-hawks-preview.html
By Richard Simpkins
October 26, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
A little more positive outlook than ESPN and SI. True, home cooking at work, but gotta love the enthusiasm.
(http://vivaneverland.blogspot.com/2007/10/2007-2008-atlanta-hawks-preview.html)
By bwtbird
October 26, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Of course they CAN make the playoffs…the obvious question is WILL they? IF they can stay somewhat injury free…IF Woodson allows them to truly play with pace and spacing…they WILL make the playoffs…it just ain’t that hard. 38-42 wins will get the 7th-8th spot- Alot of Hawk fans are disillusioned (understandable) by the mismanagement and mistakes over the past 8 years…and while some of what SI alludes to has some truth, some is simply parroting the party line….Hawks are bad, poorly coached, mismanaged and will always be so…well…Woody let them play, stay healthy and refer back to those “knowlegeable” sources in March…for kicks go read some of last years prognostications for Golden State!!
By Mike
October 26, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
What’s guys I still read the blogs like clock work. Everyone has been doing such a good job of keeping the flow going, I have been setting back and enjoying the ride.
If I listen to my family members and the supposedly sports guru opinions about the young Hawks, I could have easily given up on these guys a long time ago. These are my boys so I’m going to ride or die with them.
The Hawks situation is very similar to what happen to the Bulls after the MJ era. The team struggle while the young guys matured. Chicago could have sign both Eddie Curry and Tyson Chandler with the cash they gave Ben Wallace. They’re a very good young team, with the aforementioned guys; they would be a great young team.
This young Hawks team has a great chance to duplicate their success, of course it took a coaching change to make things happen in Chicago, and I suspect it will be the same case with the Hawks.
The thing I keep reminding people is while the Hawks dubious legacy may stretch 8 or 9 years, none of the current guys on the roster has been with the team more than 3 or 4 years. These guys aren’t interested in the past legacy, they want to establish a legacy of their own. Especially Josh Smith he’s a home town kid. I stated it before, and I’ll stand by my statement. These guys will win this year in spite of their detractors. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By MsDee
October 26, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Well, I was one of the fans to go see the Hawks scrimmage on last night. I must say, they look really, really, really different this year. Confidence I see in a lot of them. JJ is and will always be JJ..His 3’s were ringing everywhere on the court, Jsmoove still shot more than driving but they we going in this time, Jchill..I just cant say enough of this guy..pure talent!! Marvin W is definely becoming that consistant shooter we need him to be. And Mario West…WOW!! That boy is a hustling freak!! He would aggrevate the day-lights out of me!! He was everywhere..I love him!! Salim, I dont know about..he just dont fit with the team anymore, or has he ever?? Al Horford didnt get the ball all that much and I was disappointed cause T lue just wanted to pound the ball all night. T lue is not a pass first point guard at all! But all in all, the Hawks will win 45 games. I say this because 10 of the 45 games, teams will take for granted..
By KevinM
October 26, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Dan, you are very optimistic as well as many others here. We are just starved for a serious basketball team.
Saying that, there are many people who see the Hawks as individuals instead of one unit. I see the Hawks as sometimes just coming down the court and wasting a possession. They have done this too often. They don’t lose because of energy; they struggle in large chunks of games. Can this team consistently score 100?
I would like to think so, but where they are now after 4 years of rebuilding is nothing short of still pining for the best lottery balls. I want them to win, but there are still a lot of question marks. The only way to be convinced is for them to achieve something, not just against the elite teams.
They have to win 28-30 home games. Recently, they haven’t played well at home. The road games are where you steal a victory every now and then. If they dominate their home court (and AS, find a way to get people in the stands before the game and at the end of games!!), they can compete. You have to keep the visitors from being confident when they come here. I thought they would win 36 last year, and they barely won 30. I don’t hold that much hope this year. Many of the Eastern clubs just got better, especially Boston. If 7 out 8 teams from last year make the playoffs this year, that leaves you very little wiggle room for that 8th slot. Don’t you get tired of hearing about wanting to make the playoffs? Why can’t we hear someone from this organization wanting to win the championship? Isn’t it what its about? Making the playoffs is th e first step, but let’s reach a little further here.
By The Flash
October 26, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Keys:
Employing a style, approach that will minmize injury. Luck, of course, is huge in terms of injury. But style of play can effect the incidence of injury. Teams that take that into account, imo, will improve their chances considerably.
Employ a style of play that provides room for growth, improvement, greater understanding by players as the season progresses. Provide opportunities for such growth in related areas to keep players fresh, to keep their minds vital, to make their lives interesting. The Triangle and Phil Jackson’s use of assigning players books, exposing them to different experiences provide a model.
You betchya I have some terrific ideas; sorry, you gotta pay unless my boy somehow wins. Later.
By G Money
October 26, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
I’m really surprised by the comments and naysayers. Certainly, history gives you every right to feel as though this team is lottery bound. Certainly, Sekou, you have every reason to feel guarded or unsure of how much better these Hawks really are. However, I happened to be in the vicinity of Turner and chatted with, of all people, one of the guards who watches the Hawks every practice. He stated that the Hawks are night and day different than they were last year. Having been to a couple of the pre-season games I tend to concur. I also rang up my friend in New Orleans, the same one who said that Speedy is a good player but could never/would never play a full season. He stated that after beating the Hornets, the Hawks were going to be all right.
Whether you believe it or not, “Swagger” or “confidence” is an important part of this game and this league. There are maybe a half dozen teams that you really say have what it takes to make it deep into the play-offs. The Hawks are no less capable than at least 16 other teams. A few breaks, everyone stays healthy, and we’re in the play-offs. Real belief is like the Warriors. No one gave them a chance in hell of doing what they did last season. If you look at all the pieces, the Hawks have the opportunity to be that team this year. With both Acie and Horford bringing a winning mentality, along with Mario West bringing a “go all out on every play” work ethic, that should boost everyone’s game. If Woodson can instill a team first mentality while implementing a new offense, the Hawks are going to be all right.
The pieces are different this year — more mature, better players, with better attitudes. I even sense that Woodson is a little different this season as well.
Upon further review… JJ: always brings it night in night out, a bonafide all-star who causes match up problems. Marvin: His length and range are going to cause problems at the small forward position. His stroke is there. JSmoove: Defensive monster, like Windex to steal and old phrase, and his shot and his handle are better this year. Has a more complete game which should allow him to play inside out or outside in. Horford: He is NBA ready, no doubt. What’s his role? Can shoot inside and is a dynamo on defense. Can play the 5 against MOST NBA centers one-on-one (See Marcus Camby). Acie Law: Was considered the number 1 point guard in the NCAA last year until the tournament. We all know why - smart, effective, good shooter and definitely a team leader. Has enough quickness to guard all but a few points in the NBA. Chills: Can’t say enough about the game he’s bringing this year. I wondered what BK saw in him when he drafted him, but now we all know. He can do it all including shoot! I haven’t even mentioned ZaZa, AJ, Mario, Lue, Solo or Salim.
Just like last year, we’ll know by Christmas time, if those of us who sense a change are right or not just like we knew last year that we weren’t going anywhere.
Oh by the way, Josh Smith is a better defensive player than Luol Deng. Chills will get 6th man consideration if he stays healthy and doesn’t have to start.
By Ryder
October 26, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
One thing to keep in mind is that most NBA teams don’t settle into their rotation until after Christmas. By that time enough games have been played where coaches can determine the best lineups for their teams. In addition the players are in their groove and we will truly know if the Hawks are who we think they should be.
Basically that means we shouldn’t be ready to crucify this team should they start off 1-5. Remember their first six games are against teams who were in the playoffs last year and another who is regarded the best team in the East (Boston). However, it’s good that they get pressed early on to see where they need to improve. I’m just ready for some winning basketball!
By Mike
October 26, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Salim will be one of those players that you trade, and than ended up needing. It’s funny because it’s seem impossible for Woodson to find minutes for Salim, once he goes to a team and get some consistence minutes most of his detractors will be eating crow. He’s a streaky shooters, he has to put shots to get his rhymes. It’s no big secret he has been slowed due to injury. Name a guy that hasn’t struggle coming back from injury playing limited minutes.
Most teams negate the athleticism of the Hawks by going zone; you can expect a heavy dose of zones once the season starts. That’s when you need a player like Salim, a zone buster. The guy is only two games removed from a hamstring injury, and people are tossing sand at him. Never mind the fact Woodson will never give him the minutes to thrive in his system.
He is a big game shooter, plus he’s got ice water in his vain. He’ll take the big shot with the game on the line. Acie is the same type of player, but the Hawks don’t an abundance of these young players to simply give one away. Give the guy some time to work his self back into game shape. When teams go zone and they will, there will be a dire need for Salim.
Doc you know I wasn’t going to keep letting them dogg my boy without say nothing.
GO SALIM and GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By mykhalc
October 26, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
MsDEE, thanks for the recap of the scrimmage. i gotta agree with you on SALIM. personally, i ALWAYS thought his game was more hype than anythin’ at the pro level. but regardless of my feelings, WOODSON CONTINUES not to look his way. i think WEST will take what few minutes he might have gotten this year. SALIM needs to be packaged with SHELDEN or someone to bring in a servicable BIG. and servicable is all i think you get from a SALIM and somebody trade.
RYDER, like you i live outta state, san fran here. this was my year to ‘invest’ a little time and cash in the YOUNG GUNS. NBA LEAGUE PASS!!!i was gonna do it last year but held off (WOODSON and SPEEDY will make a cat do that)LOL but this year i HONESTLY feel they will be worth it. HORFORD and ACIE make the team that much better. NLP might be worth lookin’ into!!???
well last year i was way off with my prediction thinkin’ they would play .500 ball. so this year i’ll play it a little more conservative. my prediction is 40-42. i’d luv to put that 42-42 back up again this year but not sure if they can make the 12 game swing. so there you have it 40-42!!!
By curious
October 26, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Employing a style, approach that will minmize injury. Luck, of course, is huge in terms of injury. But style of play can effect the incidence of injury. Teams that take that into account, imo, will improve their chances considerably. Flash How do you do that? What type of style would this be?
By Chris
October 26, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Has this great city really fallen to such lows? THE HAWKS may be the best team in Atlanta this fall. Ouch. Gonna be a long few months.
By Chris
October 26, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
By the way, Astro Joe, I don’t live in a trailer. I live in a nice house for which I work very hard.
My neck is not red. And I’ve never played a banjo. But thanks for the warm thoughts.
By T.C
October 26, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
they can make the playoffs if they trade sheldon williams one of the point guards and a draft pick(2)for marcus camby.that would allow horford to play his natural position being more effective and a defensive pressence at center.
By Samuel
October 26, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
Anything is Possible, However I don’t believe it’s very likely.
The top 7 teams are pretty much set. I can’t see any other team cracking this top 7 outside of a serious catastrophe like Lebron going down for the year.
Miami Detroit Cleveland Chicago New Jersey Boston Toronto
The rest will be battling it out for the #8 spot.
Washington is the front runner. If Arenas stays healthy, They will make the playoffs, Period He’s just that good.
Orlando,Milwakee and New York are the second tier of lotto teams. If Michael Redd and their big guys stay healthy they could challenge Washington. Orlando will fall off, IMO. They will miss the leadership of Grant Hill. New York added another potential All Star in Randolph. Also, they are still in the Kobe sweepstakes. I believe the Big Apple is the only city big enough to handle that ego. LA wants my boy Curry. Zeke doesn’t want to part with him, however I believe he will breakdown and do the deal. Kobe and K Brown for Curry and Crawford. New York gets Kobe and they are playoff bound FO SHOW.
Atlanta will be improved but in all actuality,who can they bump?
By jb
October 26, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
g-money i want to see for my self bump what someone said.the season is about to start we will see who’s right.talk is cheap especially coming from 1 guards view.his view couldve been a 360 slam.
By T.C
October 26, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
mr.samuel try curry crawford and the next 5 number 1 picks.you actually think they would trade kobe AND k.brown for curry and crawford? please!i dont think so.you still might have to add 5 more players including the next 5 number1 picks to that trade for a kobe bryant.i dont think there owner is that stupid to make a trade like that unless your a prophit.
By T.C
October 26, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
mr.samuel try curry crawford and the next 5 number 1 picks.you actually think they would trade kobe AND k.brown for curry and crawford? please!i dont think so.you still might have to add 5 more players including the next 5 number1 picks to that trade for a kobe bryant.i dont think there owner is that stupid to make a trade like that unless your a prophet.
By Kevin M
October 26, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Kobe and Kwame for Curry and Crawford? Hilarious! You think Kobe can be traded for anything less than 3 potential starters? Kobe will go only if the Lakers think they have enough. As for the Hawks and their chances this year, most of you are saying we will be better than Charlotte, Orlando, Washington, Milwaukee, Indiana and the Knicks? Okay, I’ll give you the Knicks. That puts us still on the lower rung.
You guys shoud shoot for a 5 game improvement, because that is probably what you will be looking at. Instead of a 3-20 December, you will have a 8-15 December.
Hey, if you don’t have a home court distinctive advantage, you aren’t going to impress anyone. That is where I see the improvement needs to be. 30-11 gets this team in the playoffs from a home court record. That will be quite a feat!
And can we quit saluting the talent of Salim? He is still looking for the type of game Woody wants to see. He hasn’t shown it in the preseason (again) and I don’t expect much to change. Expect Mario West to get his minutes because of his intangibles (if the preseason is an indication). And TLue will not be sitting the bench behind these 2, so minutes are even thinner to come by.
By HB Ando
October 26, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Two years ago I predicted 26, and hit it on the nose. Last year, I was at 31, got bombarded with posts about being a hater, and caved in with a 33 win prediction, at the last second. It was 30.
I’m saying 36 wins, unless a trade is made to upgrade the center position.
No playoffs for you (I’m the playoff nazi).
By Samuel
October 26, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
What did they get for Shaq? Better than having him opt out, go where he wants and they get Nothing.
By blue
October 26, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Kobe for Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, and Possible Josh Childress, Hawks make that trade now Please!!!!!!!!!!
By Ryder
October 26, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
mykhalc, I forgot about the league pass thanks for the tip! I used to listen to the radio version on my computer at work last year, so i’m going to subscribe asap so that I can check out the Hawks this year. I’m excited to see what’s going to happen!
By T.C
October 26, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
mr samuel you got a point but i think the lakers would pull a rabbit out of a hat to get kobe to stay before they dont get something to there liking, getting just 2 players.kobe knows what he’s doing by putting pressure on management to get a player with allstar caliber.its either blockbuster trade or the rabbit.
By mykhalc
October 26, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
RYDER, nice bro. they’ve got special runnin’ right now. hop on it bro and good luck!! GO YOUNG GUNS!!!
By cp
October 26, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
I think everything is a IF this season. If we stay healthy, If Woodson finally shows that he understands how to make adjustments and make substitution patters that make sense , If Law can be the pg we really need and If guys like Marvin and J Smoove step it up we should make the playoffs. Well I guess every team has that If thing going. But I do think we can make the playoffs.. I hate to say it again but IF we are healthy and Woodson sticks to the running game plan we can make it. I think we can win about 40 games this season. I have high hopes for this season so hopefully everything works out
By MJ
October 26, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
Barring any injuries like they suffered through last year the Hawks make the playoffs easily not the last seed of the playoffs I am talking at worst the fifth seed. The Hawks last year would have won at least 40 games if it was not for the injuries that happen to Speedy at the beggining of the season and JJ towards the end. Last year this team had no chemistry, how many different line ups did they use? This year they only got better I am talking 50 wins better… and no I am not smoking dope right now… Al Horford will be the ROY…Durant will flop because Seattle won’t be able to hide his D…Oden well…we all know that one…and Acie will actually be the best point guard in the draft…
By honest_abe
October 26, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
although i have been real negative during this offseason, i still think the hawks have a pretty good shot to make the playoffs.
boston has 3 stars, 2 of them are starting to age and the other has had some injury issues. they don’t have much other than that. if chemistry is an issue or injuries become a problem that team quickly becomes one of the worst in the leastern conference. but as it stands, i could play with those 3 and still win the jv conference. finish 1st
the bulls are a lock to make the playoffs. guaranteed. mark it down. young, athletic and feisty. rawr. finish 2nd
detroit still has their core and thats good enough to finish 3rd.
look for stan van gundy to get the most out of that orlando team. they will end up being the surprise of their conference and the league. dwight howard emerges as the most imposing/dominant in the game today. finish 4th
cleveland. did they regress? who cares they still have lebron. finish 5th.
toronto will be a steady team. no big changes. they peaked as high as they will ever get last year. they finish 6th
new jersey has an old kidd which is still better than just about every other pg. they got rj too, he’s pretty good… they’ll fight for a playoff spot between 6-8…but vince will make sure they dont’ get very far in the playoffs. they will finish 7th
that leaves milwaukee, philly, indy, charlotte, new york, miami, washington and YOUR ATLANTA HAWKS fighting it out for that last playoff spot.!
new york is just a bunch of selfish, overpaid players who don’t care to play any d. they also have that trainwreck of an individual as their coach. finish 10th
miami is ancient and broken down. they have question marks over their entire team. dwade holds the key coming back from injury. but the age factor might be too big of a hurdle for even “flash” to overcome. finish 11th
milwaukee has another diappointing year. who cares about the bucks anyway.
indy, philly and charlotte will be scratching each others backs to see who will win more ping pong balls.
now washington could probably be picked to finish 8th or a little higher. but i think atlanta has more overall depth. (and i’m a homer) also, they can run with washington. they finally have a floor leader who isnt’ 2 feet tall and is only good for dribbling the ball too long and shooting jumpers, or someone who has two creaky knees and never sees the floor, or a journey pg who couldn’t even sniff the rotation on one of the better teams in the nba. acie must and will be a major improvement. now what can i say about al horford. this is the guy i was raving about during his junior year. this is the guy i said had the game that would tranlate better into the nba than noah. he’s here and he’s going to be a monster. i think the maturation of the hawks core of players (chills, jsmith, marvin) is going to really make a difference this year to the tune of 42 wins. yep maybe just one too many tylenol cold pills but i’m predicting a .500 season. heeeeeeeeeeeeew haw!
go hawks!
By mykhalc
October 26, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
MJ, smokin’??? maybe not. drinkin’ the koolaid??? maybe!!LOL
By RJStrong
October 26, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Limited coverage in Australia, but i’ve been following the ‘new’ hawks progress for 3 years now as best i can and it seems like the experiment has come to a head. If the hawks don’t break their losing ways this season then i worry that the culture of losing may start to truly embed itself into the minds of our young and talented group, preventing the development of a championship mindset. In saying that, i believe the hawks are at worst a playoff contender, and at best a genuine second round playoff calibre team (barring mass injuries) this season. We haven’t seen this kind of depth in at least a decade, probably more, and it’s up to Woodson harness the dynamic density of the teams makeup.
We need 3-5 different set lineups that vary in purpose, with Woodson’s job to make the players understand the purpose and mindset behind each of the lineups. If we can implement these lineup changes successfully come game-time, then we can truly use the vast array of talent on our roster in a purposeful and productive way, allowing us to shape the game over the course of the 48 minutes. If we can’t do that, then we’ll probably restrict ourselves to the usual inconsistent acts of brilliance us hawks fans have become accustomed to.
It feels as though the time is right… we’ve been soaring for long enough now… time to strike.
By ray
October 26, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
I don’t usually care to make predictions. But here’s one for ya about this blog:
Some of us will be optimistic, some will follow whatever bandwagon there is, and others will continue to say things like what that cnnsi article said.
When the team fails to do what we want them to do, we’ll play pin the tail on the donkey, with numerous arguments and insults directed at each other while we discuss who the donkey is. I wonder if my Bulls team has a blog…
By Steve T
October 26, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
Tony, Marvin and Shelden are not selfish. Marvin proved that in college. He could have started at NC, but for the good of the team, he came off the bench. Shelden played at Duke…. nuff siad.
Sekou, the hawks can do it if they learn how to protect the lead in the 4th. If you recalled that they lost almost 10 games due to losing the lead in the last 5 minutes of the game.
By Remembering Roundfield
October 27, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
I too am hoping that the various “if’s” that others have written will come to fruition, and have one or two more to add. I know that Al and Acie are going to hold their own and even prosper, but we really need Shelden, Lo Wright and Pachulia to play bigger (and better) than they have in the past.And we really need the coaching staff to do a better job of utilizing all of the players to the best of their ability. If that happens we can expect 40 to 45 wins and maybe even more. The team has the talent to run with the best teams, but doesn’t have the beef to play a plodding, slow-down game. If our coaches will keep the team running, then the zones that teams employ against us will give our shooters (including Salim) lots of wide open shots. If we play our cards right this could be a Braves-like “worst-to-first” year for our Hawks. It could happen! Go Hawks!
By Rick
October 27, 2007 5:20 AM | Link to this
Without a real center on their roster I don’t see the Hawks making the playoffs. That plus the fact that they don’t play much defense. Woodson’s talk about them playing an uptempo game is just talk if they don’t win the rebound battle, which they probably won’t because they lack a real center …
On a more positive note, I was glad to see that Mario West made the 15-man roster, but will he make the team?
By Samuel
October 27, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
Last Chance to Enter the Premier Fantasy League in America
Sekous Bloggers
All the Big Boys are in. Ando, Astro Joe, and the reigning Champ(your’s truely).
We have two more spots before the draft tomorrow (Sunday) at 2p.m.
If you think you know the NBA, then test your skills against the best. Go to Yahoo Fantasy Sports
League Name: Sekous Bloggers ID number: 39462 password: Hawks
Abe, with comments like those, I can see another series of as$ whoopins comming for you son.
By William
October 27, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Join Clubhawks.com the forum for your Atlanta Hawks.
Get daily news and rumors while talking about your hawks 24/7.
By William
October 27, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Join Clubhawks.com the forum for your Atlanta Hawks.
Get daily news and rumors while talking about your hawks 24/7.
By William
October 27, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Join Clubhawks.com the forum for your Atlanta Hawks.
Get daily news and rumors while talking about your hawks 24/7.
By rainman
October 27, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Hey sam I was second in the league last year why no love for the white boy. Cant wait to play again this year but i do hate the max moves rule.
By big johnny
October 27, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
stay away from the injuries and this team will be fine. Need to get better as the season goes on, so at playoff time your ready to go! Should we call them the baby birds?
By Astro Joe
October 27, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
rainman, I think we’re matched against each other in the first week of fantasy ball. I’m real confident that my squad highlighted by Adam Morrison, Greg Oden, Craig Claxton, Alan Houston and Sean May will beat the ever-loving crap out of your team. I’m looking to dominate this season.
By Samuel
October 27, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Rain,
Didn’t mean to slight cha. You just don’t post much. I know you always come hard.
By Kappy
October 28, 2007 1:36 AM | Link to this
Just an FYI, the pw for the fantasy league is hawks, not Hawks. its case sensitive.
we still need one more team in order to do a live draft. come on!
By Ken Strickland
October 28, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
SEJOU, you titled your article CAN THEY DO IT, and the obvious answer is YES THEY CAN. However, the question should have been WILL THEY DO IT, and that remains to be seen. We’ll have a very good idea by the allstar break.
By rainman
October 28, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
when you look at the lineup not a lot has changed but the bench will be huge this year. Last year when josh went out we had no one the protect the paint now with horford in there we still have a shot changer. Plus solo can help at times as well. Cant see how Lo wright gets on the court this year except maybe against shaq.
By terrell barron
October 28, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
For you people still bithing about BK passing on Paul and Williams. Would you trade Law and Horford for either one of them? I wouldnt. I doubt we would have them if we would have taken Paul or Williams. We would have had a better record. Give Marvin some time. Remember, he is a lot younger then Deron and Chris. One year of college, opposed to 4. Now the Sheldon Williams pick was ridiculous, if you ask me. But that draft class was bad overall. Maybe he can bring back some of his toughness that made him the landlord in college. 42 wins 40 losses
By rainman
October 28, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
No we wouldnt have hor and law but we wouldnt have claxton either plus we could have went after different players such as bigs instead of having 8 point guards on the team. Kings need one bad and so do cavs got to be some kind of trade that would help us now or in the draft.
By ray
October 28, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
terrell, Yes I’d trade Law for Deron Or Chris. Why? Because…although I like Law, I’ve yet to see him play a single NBA regular season game or a full season. Let’s see: Chris Paul is so good the Hornets are building around HIM and he got to play in the Olympics with the big boys. Deron Williams teams with Boozer to form the second version of Jerry Sloan’s favorite bread and butter (pick & roll) pg/pf combo. And begins the path to pg greatness.
Not the right question, terrell…And it’s not about trading one for the other anyway. It’s called building correctly at the right time. With Paul or Williams we’d have been better and still had a draft pick (although not lottery). And we would’ve had a pg good enough to start now and for the next decade, instead of a rich person on the IR (Claxton). Perhaps we’d have been seen by other players (and their agents) as a team on the rise…in spite of our ownership. Our moves in the FA/trade market would’ve been better, or had better potential.
It’s called overcoming obstacles via the draft, not creating more obstacles in spite of incredible draft position, which is what has happened thus far. Law and Horford are good picks, maybe great picks. But why did we have to wait 2 years to get this?
By doc
October 28, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
oooh ray that is gooood.
By ray
October 28, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
rainman, you’d think so. But by all accounts, our management is evidently quite happy with what we’ve got. Gee whiz…
By Hawksville Resident
October 28, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Yea I’d take Paul today if the trade presented itself.. But it won’t.. No use crying over spilled milk right? Fact is if we win this year, we’ll should all be happy regardless. If we lose,..Well the people who made those draft mistakes will be gone quicker than my money in Vegas! Either way I’m happy! Opening Week of the NBA is here!!!
By Hawksville Resident
October 28, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Yea I’d take Paul today if the trade presented itself.. But it won’t.. No use crying over spilled milk right? Fact is if we win this year, we should all be happy regardless. If we lose,..Well the people who made those draft mistakes will be gone quicker than my money in Vegas! Either way I’m happy! Opening Week of the NBA is here!!!
By jhan
October 28, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Ray, I think the question was would you trade Law & Horford for Paul? Had we taken Paul, our draft position would have slipped every year after. Therefore no chance at the 3rd & 11th pick in the 2007 draft.
By Steve T
October 28, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
Ray, I would not trade Law for any of the other PGs. They both are very good players, but I like Law’s history. Law is known for hitting big shots in big games. It has done it on every level thus far, and I expect for him to do it on the next level.
Last season, the Hawks lost 10 or more games because no one hit the big shot when we needed it. I believe Law will be that man that will hit clutch shots when we need it. The thing we need to focus on is finding a big center that can run and play defense.
By Steve T
October 28, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
HR, I do not think Billy made a whole lot of draft mistake as the Hawks did in the past. Almost every player he has pick can play in the NBA. In the past, the Hawks could not buy a player in the draft.
Marvin Williams is young (under 22) and he may becoming into his own. He has lots of years to play basketball. He lead the Hawks in scoring during preseason. The good thing is he has not peaked yet(talent wise).
Josh Chill is a very good player. What can you say. The guy finds ways to help the team wins.
Salmin and Solo are not bad for second rounds picks. Solo is still peaking. He needs to add 25 pounds of muscles and we will have a solid player that can block shots.
Josh Smith is a good player. I do not know many players his size that can control the paint.
Law and Horford are the best two picks the Hawks have ever had. Horford just may turn out to be the best player in that draft class bar none. Law is a very good PG that can hit the big shots.
Billy stole JJ. JJ is a great player that people did not realize how good he really could be. We got an all-star on the cheap.
Zaza was another steal. We got a bench player that can help. We got hime cheap. He is worth every penny we spent.
So where are the many draft mistakes. The jury is still out on Shelden, but he can help the team.
By Gary
October 28, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
I, for one, don’t think the pre-season was a fluke. The Hawks have enough talent now to make the playoffs, the key is whether they have the chemistry to convert that talent into wins and I really think they do this year. The two rookies seem to have energized the rest of the team. Not only do I expect both of them to get a lot of playing time, I think they will bring up the play of the younger veterans who will now have to compete harder for playing time. I think this is going to be a fun season.
By doc
October 28, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
yeah jhan, he is crazy or smart like a fox. i am sure he can say he blew tha pick because he didnt wan the team to get too good too fast and that might cost the owners in the long run, he intended to keep us in mediocrity land by “missing” on those picks and throwing in sheldon as a smokescreen like he cared about the front line. understnd your logic but it doesnt fit if this franchise wants to become a winner. if they give up josh s. then we a truly the second coming of the clippers especially if what we get in return is a draft pick.
By Ken Strickland
October 28, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Despite both negative and positive opinions on whether the Hawks will make the playoffs, one thing is clear. This is the 1st time in yrs any of us has been able to even debate the issue. That, my friends, is a refreshing change. This is also the 1st time in at least 5yrs the overwhelming concern of Hawks fans is the talent we have instead of the talent we coulda, shoulda had.
There is little doubt the Hawks have a lot of extremely talented players. The key to the success of this season is how well that talent can come together as a team, both OFF/DEF. As far as the CPaul, DWilliams Vs ALaw, Horford debate, why bother. The hawks have been one of the weakest rebounding teams in the NBA the last 4yrs. We have also been one of the weakest teams inside the paint both OFF & DEF. Tell me how either CPaul or DWilliams would have solved those problems? The success both players have had has been due largely to being on veteran teams with an inside presence.
We are less than 1wk away from the start of our season. Why are we still debating who we coulda, shoulda drafted. That’s the kind of crap(smile) we reserve for the off season when we BB junkies are going through withdrawal, right. Damn, I handled the entire off season better than I’m going to handle the next 6 days. GO HAWKS, AND LET THE SEASON BEGIN.
By Clyde
October 28, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By jhan
October 28, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
Hard to argue with that doc. There is no way possible BK knew what was going to happen. He epitomizes the “even a blind squirrel” theory. Hope his ineptitude actually helps us in the long run.
By Astro Joe
October 28, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Anyone care to revisit the signing of Moses and Theus? Trading Nique? Come on, let’s revisit every transaction leading up to this season of renewed hope. How about the hiring of Bob Weiss? That and Lon Krueger were 2 of my all time favorites.
By doc
October 28, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
jhan aint that the truth, ineptitude comes through and delivers. i’ll take it if they get to something above the 36 i predict. just think .500 is way too much to expect, that is an 11 win increase without a significant move beyond two rookies. they will have to end up being too awesomely good rooks to have us improve that far. say it would be in the same category as a paul and a duncan who both came out and became stars in their first year out of college. that historically just doesnt happen too often and not on the same team and in the same year. talk about needing to have lightening strike twice .. whooo.
By Ramon
October 29, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this
Doc, though I agree with you some, remember one significant change (hopefully) will be HEALTH. That is significant. I truly believe if JJ wasn’t injured the Hawks would’ve won 6 more games at least. The Hawks didn’t even play half of their season at 95% strength. So that is something that may have them closer to the 40 games, possibly.
Also remember, the Hawks lost alot of games in the last 3 minutes. Hopefully with improved defensive rebounding, and better offensive back court, they will be able to close out many of the games in which they lost at the last second.
Needless to say, barring major injury, I’ll say 43-47 games.
By doc
October 29, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this
ramon injuries are part of the game. if you look around the league there were several other teams in our division that had significant injuries and suffered to get wins or even tanked games. to take the discussion further if injuries dont come their way are much more improved by the moves they madein the off season that we diddnt come close to making.
last year i said 36 wins if no injuries, this year still 36 based on what we have done and what others have. already the wiz and the bobcats have had significant injuries,the clippers have had a season cancelling injury before the season starts. usually the teams with the most heart and proven depth come through when injuries occur neither of which we KNOW the hawks to have now. that is what keeps us guessing and discussing and the fun of this forum.
if the hawks have a heaven paved season with divine intervention and EVERYTHING goes perfectly their way then i would agree this team is capable of 43 wins. with that said they have two proven back-up points on the injury list before the season starts that were expected to play bigger roles than they have ever had in their lives as a pro even at their advanced ages and a third very aged point deemed our starter that has never been the man at any of his many spots along the way including two with the hapless hawks before he came back here last year. that leaves us dependent on a very good rookie to be the man. if he delivers in paul fashion then you get your 43 wins. if he falls short, guess what?, 36 wins at best. if you think law is that good then why was he still available at 11 and others were suggesting he might be a reach there and preferred the likes of stuckey, also not a traditional point and closer to the college replica of law that is a scoring point guard with a weak supporting cast though a division lower or even crit who probably has more upside if kobe doesnt take him down.
By doc
October 29, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this
ramon the hawks werent that close as they lead the league in loss differential last year at about 10 points per game lost. in other words they got blown out more than any other team in the league last year. sorry, it just wasnt that close and every franchise looks back at the games they should have won. it is also why i say repeatedly, it is not the guys starting that everyone always argues about, it is the guys to finish. who do we have in that role this year and is it truly any better than last year?
By tb
October 29, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this
Doc, you’re missing a
By tb
October 29, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this
Doc, what about the fact that last year we were both short on quality players and a year younger, on a team counting on young players.
We added two high quality picks. both should integrate the rotation and produce. Last year they would have been Lo W or someone I don’t even want to remember.
If Speedy can play 60 games at about 20 minutes a game, I’d call us the deepest, young, talented team in the league.
The big difference that all this makes in relation to that argument is;
when crunch-time arrived last year, our 5 best players were on the court, but with well over 30 minutes of game in their legs; all season long.
We should be able to take about 5 minutes off of the above players game avgs, which should have a big effect on the last 2-5 minutes of the game.
By .TC
October 29, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
rick, mario west did make the team.15 man roster is the player limit now.
By ray
October 29, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Jhan, that’s exactly my point. Like I said, it was the wrong question. Really easy to ask a question like that in hindsight (trade two players we have now for one we could’ve had). The idea of our draft position slipping each year would most likely indicate that we were improving significantly (i.e. winning more)and maybe even made the playoffs. We wouldn’t have spent the money on Claxton and Wright. Instead, we could’ve gotten a solid and more effective center type. A guy who can play D and grab rebounds. Not a guy who scores 16 points, grabs 3 rebounds, and acquires 4 fouls (no blocks, steals, or even shot-changing plays) and calls it a damn good night.
Instead, we FINALLY end up with a pg (who I like) and another pf (who I also like), and still NO CHANCE at a center unless we trade one or more of our many forwards…which probably still won’t happen. But I don’t even know why I’m bothering to say this. It’s not like you haven’t heard it from Ando a thousand times already. But people keep bringing it back up…for God knows what reason. And some still don’t get it. Man, I know what Ando means now about the public perception, although I still maintain that it’s nothing to worry about. People see what they choose to see.
Steve T, don’t get me wrong. I like Law a good deal. I’m glad he’s here and not yet another swingman. I’m not saying trade one guy for the other. I’m saying look at the numbers. CP3 is headed to the All-Star game. So is Deron Williams. Soon. Look at what they do for their teams. Law is just getting in the door, and has only shown this big-time shot making ability in one exhibition game (although admittedly he hasn’t really had the chance yet) Comparing experience and real time NBA production is a wash in this case. But are you telling me that Law is better than either of these guys? He hasn’t had the chance yet to prove it in the NBA and he wasn’t head and shoulders above what these other two guys did in college. Again, we’re talking about proven production at a high level vs. no NBA experience. I don’t think even Law has enough upside for any NBA GM or coach to NOT take that trade. Memphis didn’t think so either…they picked Conley.
All the same, I’m glad we got Law.
By ray
October 29, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
I see the Miami Heat are still clawing at some semblance of decency. Got themselves another hired gun in Ricky Davis. I don’t think they’ll miss ol’ Antoine a bit. He and Posey hated Riley’s guts anyhow…
A few teams needing pgs. Surely we can do something useful. Oh wait…we’ve got two still injured. Nevermind. Here’s to hoping Law gets PLENTY of minutes and makes good use of them. Then he’ll get to play more and learn more…just no landing on the wrists anymore..you hear that ACIE? We don’t want you to turn into Speedy!
By Good News...
October 29, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
I’ll say it again. I really like CP3’s game but how many playoff games has he played in??? And truthfully if we took CP3, I have no doubt people would then be complaining that we didn’t take Deron Williams after his playoff run.
Hindsight is always nice!
We are still 2 years away from being a true contender that makes the playoffs consistently(I know that sucks to hear but come one the truth hurts some times). We may make a run but it will be surprising. And since we don’t have a draft pick, I see the dead weight off this team next year and one of our young players gone. Hopefully through that we will have a young big man(Hibbert in my dreams) and I would love to see another strong(pure) 2 guard in the rotation.
I may not have like the Sheldon pick(I still think ownership problems had a lot to do with that pick… easy to sign), but we do have athletes and next off season is where BK has to make this all fit by trading away talent for other talent to truly balance this team. Else it is back to rebuilding with a new GM.
By Good News...
October 29, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Let me explain this as I know I am going to get killed for my last post.
If we took CP3, would we still have drafted Josh Smith! I would say no, cause Chills probably would have dropped that far and we would have picked him.
Now, would you still fell strongly with this team of CP3,JJ,Marvin,Horford,ZaZa??? And last year we would not have made the playoffs with CP3,JJ,Marvin,Sheldon,ZaZa???? Would you really pay to watch that!
No highlight reel, no excitement…and truthfully we still would be a year or two away from the playoffs since Horford is a rookie and as good as he will be, he is going to make mistakes(look at his turnovers just in the exhibition games).
By Good News...
October 29, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Alright I’m getting back to work…I think I just lost my credibility..
sorry been drinking the Koolaid all weekend…it was Halloween.
Got my drafts mixed up.
Where’s my coffee!!!!
By ray
October 29, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Good News, you’re likely right about next season being a clone of the upcoming one. No decent draft picks, if any at all, and probably no good trade or free agent signings. But let’s cross that bridge when we get to it…if we can even find it.
In the meantime, yes you got your drafts mixed up. We got Smoove and Chill before Marvin. So yeah, we STILL should’ve gotten Paul or Williams. Wouldn’t have mattered which one, and we would have no reason to complain about either not handing us the playoffs. CP3 has had team injury issues but played magnificently. Deron has a super coach and good healthy, talented teammates. Law shouldn’t even be compared in that regard alone. Already he has a coach who’s less than impressive, and a mismatched group of mostly third/fourth year players, and a pile of injured or inept vets. But he does have JJ. That ain’t enough.
By Dale
October 29, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
By doc
October 29, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
tb a HUGE “if” right from the start, if speedy is healthy … yeah right, you might have missed my point we have no secure point guard of notoriety and all of a sudden folks think that because we drafted out of need finally, that, that guy is the man. it is yet to be determined how good he is, now with two aged points on the bench indeterminantly someone is trying to press the idea if the team stays healthy we win a ton of games. we are already hurting is my point that some might have missed, including you. to my knowledge NO ONE including speedy knows when he is going to be back then you put in if speedy is healthy we are in good shape. guess what? you proved my point.
By The Flash
October 29, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Ray The reason that BK did not pick Paul or Williams is because he was convinced that he had his point in JJ, whom he believed was the next Magic only with a shot.
That is why he did not pick a point. He was not, as the pundits say, eshewing drafting for a positional need; he thought that he had the need covered. Hell, pundits for S.I. on line and here, not only quoted BK as saying so, they whole heartedly endorsed the idea that JJ was the answer at the point.
Having paid 70 mill, and then insisted on giving away the ranch to “insure” that Phoenix did not match, BK was not going to spend a one-pick on what he believed would have to be a back up for years to come.
Personally, I still see JJ best as a small forward.
By Astro Joe
October 29, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
I still say if ‘Nique had been willing to share the ball, we could have done some damage with Moses and Theus on that squad. I love ‘Nique, but when he had the chance to do something special, those years as offensive option 1-5 caught up with him.
I figure, as long as we’re re-visiting history, I should weigh in with my own opinion of a mistake in the life of a failed franchise.
Sekou, any truth to the rumor that Zaza is out for 1-2 weeks?
By mykhalc
October 29, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
JOE, i’m with ya on that. i was a seasoned tix holder that year. and NIQUE was EXACTLY what you say he was that year. i remember the first home game that year where REGGIE hit the game winner, not NIQUE, and boy did that start the sh$t!!!
FLASH, my man, you are right BK thought he had his PG in JJ for sure. to me he wasn’t that far off with the vision of his backcourt last year. it was CHILS at PG and JJ at the 2. he had his vision half right!!! just the wrong positions for his desired players. tho not a true PG, CHILS ran the team better than any of ‘em last year and provided the chemistry on the floor that proved to be their best core unit. CHILS is really the closet thing to MAGIC than anyone else on the team…flat out gets it down 99% of the time!!!
got my NBA LEAGUE PASS ready for openin’ nite!!!!
By mykhalc
October 29, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
s/b…flat out gets it done 99% of the time!!!
gotta slow down…ain’t gonna make openin’ nite get here any faster!!!LOL
By RANDY
October 29, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
Why didn’t they sign Josh in time?? Did Josh not wanna sign anything until next summer or are the Hawks just stupid? From past behavior, I tend to have to think the latter is probably correct. Atleast Josh will be a restricted free agent, which will allow the Hawks to match any offer he gets to keep him. But still they are rolling the dice.
And don’t buy into all that crap about the Hawks will do this or that, win this amount and lose this amount, it is all speculation. All we can go on is how they looked during the preseason and most of us probably haven’t seem them play since last year (their last televised game). But the fact that they are 7-1 in preseason (albeit), it is still impressive. No doubt I am gonna watch. If i could sit through the last 2 seasons and go back for more every game, you bet I will be there this season! GO HAWKS!!
By Clyde
October 29, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Hey I heard Nique was kinda arrogant.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By mykhalc
October 29, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
probably should clarify my statement a bit…CHILS didn’t exactly ‘run’ the team. he just happened to be the ‘best’ person to play the 1 spot with the startin’ unit. ok…that’s better…LOL
By tb
October 29, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Hey Doc, didn’t say we needed Speedy. Just that with him healthy, we are deeper. I’ll let Law have his minutes. I think he has what it takes to keep it afloat until he learns the NBA ropes. He also has Lue/AJ/Speedy/Salim/JJ/Chil that can spell him for some minutes at the point.
After so many tough years it seems that some of you don’t want to see progress. I see it and I’m ready for it.
Law will turn into a steady starter at least.
Zaza/Horford/Shelden will be able to man the 5.
I’m looking for 39 wins.
By Astro Joe
October 29, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
mykhalc, of course the other rumor about ‘Nique/Theus were about what was going on off the court. Supposedly, ‘Nique was feeling the competition for all of the Hotlanta ladies. Theus had the ability to “jerk out” as many if not more than ‘Nique. Back then, brothers like Theus got more (blank) than Waffle House toilet seats.
Meanwhile, Moses refused to clear the paint for those driving dunks and low-post pumps that Wilkins brought to the table. Moses was living in his lane and Theus was living in his clubs. The UGA legend was not happy with his new teammates and it showed.
By tb
October 29, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Been thinking about the “out of balance team” idea lately. I was wondering if it was true. It would be nice to have a 7’0” 275 lbs player of starting quality.
So I set about floating some trade ideas on various boards. What I gathered was that Hawks fans and most non-Hawks fans see our players as more valuable than the reasonable trades we could envision for a center.
I went through a lot of the possibilities:
Daly/Petro/Haywood ect…
Seems like every time the consensus was that the Hawks shouldn’t do the trade.
Which leads me to the conclusion that the Hawks are pretty set and that it is in fact difficult to improve this team through trade. Our players are viewed as more valuable.
We have a young, talented and very deep team. Many of our young players are already quite experienced though; Josh’s have three full seasons, Marvin two and Shelden (college seasoned) one. Then we have new recruits Horford and Law who have shown throughout SL and pre-season that they are for real. Our draft is being called top level. Two guys that can start and have all-star type potential (especially Horford).
The thing that impressed me about the Hawks pre-season wins was that they always seemed to be able to put quality players on the court. Even though a few key players missed some games, we were stilll deep. It seemed to wear the other teams down. That’s what I’m hoping to see this season. I’m looking for a crunch-time when the other teams best players are draging and their shots are coming up short and our guys are getting the board and pushing it the other way.
I might need to move my prediction higher.
By rainman
October 29, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
hey anyone that wants to get in another fantasy league let me know. it drafts tonight at 7:30 so not much time left.serious players only.
By Astro Joe
October 29, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
tb, I think most fans over-value the players on their team. Kind of funny when you consider our record the last few years. But I think also think that many fans truly just want a “rotational” player to help us defend the paint. Someone like Diop comes to mind for me (and he will be an UFA next season). IMHO, even if we had Diop on our roster Friday, we wouldn’t be looking at the 2nd round of the playoffs. So I’d rather play out this season, see what we learn about Smith, Marvin, Chill and Horford. Who should stay and who needs to serve as a trade asset, and then make our move. If all goes amazingly well, we could still sneak in this year’s playoff without that defensive center. Again, not every playoff team has “perfect balance”. Orlando snuck in last season without a scorer who could create his own shot. They spent a max deal to fix that gap during the off-season with Rashard Lewis.
By mykhalc
October 29, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
JOE, LOL. yep, there was a lotta drama goin’ on that year, no doubt!!! and to add, it was that kinda thing/play/attitude that kept NIQUE off the 50 GREATEST and an invitation to the DREAM TEAM…a clear indication that ‘some/many?’ did not think NIQUE made his teammates better. i enjoyed watchin’ him but he definitely was part of the reason that the most successful HAWKS teams NEVER QUITE got over that last hump!!
By The Flash
October 29, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
myman You and me are together on Chill. I have to look into one of those passes. Would love to actually know what I’m talking about when I kick back with you guys. My home away from home, boyz, thanx!!!
By Astro Joe
October 29, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
Flash, $159 for NBA League Pass for a few more days before they hike the price up. And this week of games is FREE, so you can check out the home opener even if you choose not to subscribe.
Here’s a link: http://www.nba.com/nbatv/leaguepass.html
By mykhalc
October 29, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
FLASH, yeah bro. hop on it!! that way we can all be at the LIAR’S TABLE havin’ witnessed that WOODY LOOK first hand!!!LOL