AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 31
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Hump day ramblings …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While chomping at the bit for the season to start (from my remote office at the Panera Bread in Vinings) I had a great exchange with a fellow customer while waiting for my bagel and OJ this morning.
I’m on the cell with a writer friend form another city and we’re talking over the prospects of our respective teams. I tell him that I see the Hawks winning anywhere from 38-45 games depending on how the injury and luck bounces fall. And this dude directly in front of me in line turns around and says, “You’re crazy. We’re going to win at least 55 games this year. And we’re definitely going to the playoffs.”
My response, “Mam, can I get two shots of whatever this cat is having in my orange juice please.”
First thing, mind your business big homey. There’s nothing worse than a person all up in your phone conversation without an engraved invitation. Second, decaf works better for the criminally optimistic. Uh, 55 wins? Come on now. That’s just, as Mike Tyson would say, “Ludicrist.” And finally, how in the world is a team that’s won just 69 games in three seasons supposed to rip off 55 in one season (without adding a single All-Star to aid that cause)?
I can understand the reason for tempered optimism after watching these Hawks blaze their way through the exhibition season - you have no idea how many people have emailed or called asking if this team is “finally legit.” But to say something like “55 wins” with a straight face, even if you really believe it in your foolish heart, is just silly.
So in the interest of keeping things somewhat realistic around here today, I’m calling for predictions. What’s your guess on how many games the Hawks win this season? I’m sticking with my range but I’m going to focus it even tighter and go with 38-42 - numbers that would have landed a team in the playoffs last year but numbers that I don’t know will do that this year with the Eastern Conference supposedly improved from a year ago.
I came to that number based solely on the Hawks making the reasonable improvements from one year to the next and factored in all the games they squandered in the late minutes last year, figuring improved point guard play could help them recover at least half of those. So let fly with your predictions and we’ll tear each other’s to shreds as we go along.
Now, for a couple of other quick observations before you dive in:
- The opening night starting lineup could look something like this - PG - Anthony Johnson SG - Joe Johnson C - Al Horford SF - Marvin Williams PF - Josh Smith
Zaza Pachulia won’t play and hasn’t really practiced since injuring his knee and ankle two weeks ago in Charlotte. Speedy Claxton also will not dress. And Lorenzen Wright, who injured his foot in Monday night’s scrimmage at McEachern, will probably be on the inactive list as well. That leaves an interesting crew to deal with both Dallas and Detroit (Sunday night at the Palace). It also leaves Hawks coach Mike Woodson with a crew that will have to get up and down the floor to be successful against both those teams. Acie Law IV is ready to go, his left wrist will just be taped up for the foreseeable future. But he can play with his injury (sprained ligaments). There’s a chance there could be a late change to that first five, but I’ll update you on that if it happens.
- Little tidbit picked up while eavesdropping on a conversation on the sideline before a recent exhibition game. The conversation turned to the contract extensions that weren’t given to Josh Smith and Josh Childress. A star point guard from an opposing team was stunned. “They’re not going to sign Josh Smith to an extension. That’s crazy. I wish I had him. With all the [this is a family blog so I can’t include this word] he can do, he’d be an All-Star if he played with me. I hope they’re crazy enough to let him go. I’ll take him right now.”
Not coming to terms with either guy could end up costing the Hawks a ton more than it would have had they found a way to get deals done now. It’s a gamble sure, but one probably not worth taking if you expect this team to come together the way the Hawks front office is hoping it will.
Did you stay up late enough to watch the Lakers-Rockets last night? I don’t know why so many people have been touting the Rockets as a championship team. I just don’t see it. I’ve always been a harsh critic of both T-Mac and Yao (mostly for their failures in the postseason). But I love Rick Adelman’s freewheeling style. I just don’t know that this Rockets team is built to run with it the way Adelman’s Kings teams did.
Kobe was, well, Kobe. Love him or hate him, he shows up every night with his swagger and cut-your-heart-out attitude. That Lakers team, though, captures our argument about philosopher or strategist coach perfectly. I don’t know which one Phil Jackson would qualify as these days. They look like they’re just scratching and clawing to stay relevant in a loaded Western Conference.
Utah’s still rolling along, they punished the Warriors last night by putting up 117 points on opening night. Even with months to think about it, the Warriors still don’t know what to do with Carlos Boozer (32 points and 15 rebounds) or Deron Williams (24 and 8 assists).
OK, enough of my yapping. Back to your predictions for the Hawks this season. And try and base them in reality. And be fair. Don’t hate just to hate and don’t be a fan boy (or girl) just for the sake of being one. Cook up something that makes sense so the haters won’t come after you. This is a hate free zone today, hopefully (haven’t I done enough already today?).
