Hawks

By ray

December 13, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the new blog, Sekou. The invasion of the last one was getting to be truly annoying. Although, it looks like maybe I got the last word in….bwahahahahahahahhahaaaaa! Or maybe not. Who cares…

By MannyT

December 13, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Frank, Dean, Joey, Peter and the rest of the rat pack definitely includes the Hawks this season.

A 41-41 record makes the playoffs. While trades might (or might not) help, the Hawks can do that with the current team…assuming that their level of health is at least average.

While consistency helps, it is not required for the Hawks to get those 41 wins.

Let’s go Hawks!

By I.MUS WRITE

December 13, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

The playoffs are definitely with in reach. Right now we are playing really good ball. Our bench has to make major contributions for us to stay in the hunt though.

AJ is playing well keep it up…. Between Sheldon,ZAZA and LO Wright somebody has got to help Josh and AL man the paint…. Props to Sheldon he has been playing well. With everyone healthy i think we can be a 6 or 7 seed

By Ryder

December 13, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

It seems as if the Hawks are no longer making injuries as a reason they lose these games. It’s good to see that they are beginning to gel as a team.

Face it, they will have bad nights where they are just overmatched (like when they play Detroit) or when they run out of gas (like on Tuesday against Toronto). However, they will also have nights when everything is clicking (against Orlando) or beating teams they should beat (which will happen Saturday against Charlotte).

I like the way AJ is playing as well. Don’t know when Lue is coming back (what’s the word on him Sekou?) but they will have a healthy rotation of PGs throughout the year.

As long as Atlanta can avoid those 3 game losing streaks they will be in the mix come April.

By JerryWest

December 13, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

We are really missing Speedy’s defense as quick PGs continue to dominate us.

By Big G Money

December 13, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Thanks Sekou for the change of pace. I agree with the other guys here. This team is no fluke. They are maturing and close to reaching that place where they can consistently beat the bottom tier teams and sometimes beat the top tier team and hold their own againt the mid-tier. It’s a great improvement over past years.

If we wouldn’t have to give up anything, a PJ Brown would be a nice addition. I’d even take him over Solo as much as I like him. Or for sure I’d take him over Zen. The young nucleus is definitely worth keeping together at this point unless it’s some kind of blockbuster trade. The tier 1 teams use good vets as the guys coming off the bench. It’s a formula that has worked for nearly all of the teams. At some pt the Hawks will be good enough to attract good vets for a reasonable price because they see we have a chance to go deep - not this year though….play-offs this season, and with some modifications, a chance at the division finals next season (if the ownership paralysis abates).

By MannyT

December 13, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

I know most of the bloggers here think Speedy is blog code for whipping post, but JerryWest has it spot on.

Speedy’s unique contribution to this team was defensive pressure on the PG to slow him down and minimize pressure on our interior defense.

TJ Ford showed exactly why we need those skills on this Hawks team.

By terrell barron

December 13, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Who cares about the Raptors? I dont. Didn’t we also defeat the Mavericks. Sekou, your’e acting as if you feel a little guilty for Al’s hit on TJ. You said yourself that Al is a class act, and the foul was unintentional, so why are still showing love for the Raptors? They just spanked our butts, in the highlight factory. I hope TJ makes a full recovery, but I could care less about the Raptors. I want to see my team in the playoffs this year, and last time I checked, Toronto is in the Eastern conference. GO HAWKS!

By Floze

December 13, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

What I liked so much about the Toronto game was what looked like a completely new offensive game plan. We were swinging the ball around leaving Joe and Marvin wide open. The defense sucked and to be expected when the 1’s are getting their way inside the lane. SOOOOOO many wide open jumpers. But we were on the wrong end of a back to back and no team wins too many of those.

I also saw Fitzdale leaning into Woody’s ear when the panned over to the side line - maybe times are a changing.

By JohnGTFan

December 13, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Sekou

Going to be at the game in DC on the 21st? Hawks are going to have some fans here (myself included of course)! I can’t wait to finally see this team live! Hopefully they’ll keep playing at their current level and come beat up on the Wiz.

By Steve

December 13, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Excellent blog as always (even though it’s just an analysis of current standings)…I guess more blog is better than no blog!

Anyway, have you heard any rumors on the trading front? While I’m super glad to see the Hawks run off some victories, it is clear that the lineup isn’t perfect and there are some serious holes. Even though BK has done relatively little outside of the draft - I usually say “the NBA season is Billy Knight’s offseason” - I think this season he can make some noise with a trade or two.

Any word on that?

By Khao$

December 13, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

If Horf get suspended for the hard foul to Ford, I’ll be disappointed. I think that intent should weigh heavily in Stern’s decision. It’s obvious from film that Horford didn’t set out to hurt TJ. I fine would be appropriate, maybe to send a message to the league that while players should be aggressive, they should also take precautions on the court for the welfare of their NBA fraternity. Given the fact that the foul could have been career ending, perhaps a fine would be appropriate.

However, given all the intentional (again that word intent is brought up) dirt that Isaiah and the Knicks have done, I would be a bit upsit his Horford gets punished for a mistake and the Knicks continue to breed a culture of deviant behavior without being reprimanded. Stern telling them to settle out of court isn’t a reprimand.

By Ryder

December 13, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Here’s something from the rare “Perhaps BK knows what he’s doing after all” file:

[text to be linked]http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/1213sunsnotes1213.html[text to be linked]

Where are all of those who are crying about trading Diaw? Sekou?

By mavid

December 13, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Mannyt=T, Speedy would be great, if he could actually suit up.

Khaos, I could be wrong, but I think Horford has to get a 1-game supsension per league rules (b/c it was a flagrant 2). Any more than that, and Id be p**.

By Clyde

December 13, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

I think Solomon Jones needs to start in place of Horford Friday night.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Sekou K. Smith

December 13, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

JohnGT,

Wouldn’t miss a trip to D.C. for almost anything. I’ll be there and can’t wait to see what both teams will be doing by then.

I don’t anticipate their being a whole lot of trade rumors swirling until we get a bit closer to the Feb. deadline. But it could get wild if the standings are bunched up like this into the new year.

Saw the item on Boris. Sounds like his Suns coaches and teammates are struggling with the same issues his Hawks coaches and teammates did when he was here. The only difference is he’s making way more coin now than he did then.

t barron, I don’t feel guilty at all for the lick passed and received the other night. I just hate to see either guy have to deal with the fallout from what happened, because it was a freak accident that happened. Nothing more and nothing less (and I don’t care what some, I said some, of our venom-filled friends from north of the border say).

Horford did get a 1-gamer, if you haven’t seen the link. It shouldn’t be a shocker. You knew he was going to get at least one game.

By Tap Daddy

December 13, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Sekou Does Woodson have any plans to move Acie back to the starting lineup or is he gonna stay with Anthony Johnson? Acie seemed to be getting it together before he went down with that ankle injury.

By cp

December 13, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

A good 4 or 5 game winning streak would be real nice. This team has to learn to play better on back to back games. I would love to see Solomon get some time since Horford is out 1 game.

By TJ

December 13, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, Big Al got suspended one game. Maybe we get a sighting of Solomon Jones tomorrow night? I think that Shelden deserves to start tomorrow. Rebounding and smart athleticism = the keys to victory. The lineup of Shelden with the 468 crew (Joshes, Marvin, and Joe - all standing around 6’8”+) would be interesting to see in spurts. Hands in the face of shooters will be much easier with such length.

Salim will get time tomorrow as will Mario. Mario on Chauncey, shut him down for the 3rd/4th quarter would help us out big time.

The Hawks are more than capable of winning this game, and so are the Pistons! lol We’ll see how things play out.

Go Hawks, I expect a victory…

By Ryder

December 13, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

It hurts that Atlanta won’t have Al against the Pistons. What they should do is employ Mario West on Chauncey from the get go, and double team Prince, because he owned Atlanta in the last game.

By Astro Joe

December 13, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

I would start Lo Wright tomorrow evening against Pistons. He can harrass Rasheed into 2 early technical fouls and then we can play 6’9” and under ball for the remainder of the game.

By Juan

December 13, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

It sure would be nice to have Speedy Claxton tomorrow night since we are tremendously shorthanded. Oh, wait, I forgot, he has “sore” knees. What a joke! Get rid of this bum — yesterday! The information is out of the bag, Speedy. You are fooling no one. We all know the MRI’s show no damage to your knees. Get on the damn court or get the hell out of Atlanta and retire. The public is aware that you are a gutless wimp! I have been a sports fan for a long, long time, and you are, by far, the biggest joke I can ever recall. Congratulations, bum.

By Ramon

December 13, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, sorry, but I don’t think it would be smart to play 6’9 ball versus Maxiell. To be honest, I’m more scared of Maxiell than I am of Rasheed. B/c Rasheed is going to waste a few offensive possessions by going to the 3 point line. Most times that takes him out of position for an offensive rebounds. But the offensive glass is where Maxiell owned the Hawks last game. Although, they’ve lost 2 games to the Pistons, I look at the series as 1-1, lol.

Then again maybe you can outrun the Pistons, for the first 3 quarters. There PG situation isn’t great after Billups. The one thing for sure is you can’t beat the Pistons in a half court game. Because in a slow tempo game, their starters get a chance to rest while still on the court.

By tyger

December 13, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Hawks can play better with what they have, problem is, Coach has no creativity.

Until he ventures further into his bench we’ll continue to win one lose two.

If the Magic game wasnt a blueprint for victory then I dont know what is, but guess what, 24 hrs. later, the same ole 8 players despite having played 40mpg. the night before.

It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure that maybe, just maybe on the back end of back to backs I oughta get some fresh legs out there.

Just a humble suggestion.

By ray

December 13, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Gonna be a tough game against the Pistons. Particularly without Horford. However, getting away with a win against them without him will do so much for the team’s confidence. I expect to see some “never give up” style of play from our guys. Hopefully a win is the result of it.

We could use a back-up pg who can put pressure on the opposing teams’ pgs. Law is pretty decent, especially for a rookie, but he’s still a rookie and will have to learn how to deal with guys like Ford. But then, lots of guys can’t deal with ultra quick guys like Ford.

We’re going to need some very solid play out of Sheldon and the rest of the “down low” crew. We’ll really need a good game from JJ and Smoove. Otherwise Detroit will walk all over us.

By MannyT

December 13, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

No Al on Friday gives the coaches an excuse to try something different. Hopefully there is a Jedi Mind Tricks for Coaches on somebody’s desk.

Astro Joe Oddly Rip Hamilton has more techs than hawk for a day (Rasheed) so far. This might be a good night to let Mario chase Rip for extended minutes and try to disrupt his game.

By MannyT

December 13, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

Sekou I just read your Josh Smith article. When I think of this team, Josh is the most appropriate face for it.

No disrespect to JJ, but he is more the exception than the rule when you look at the entire team.

These Hawks remind me of Batman Forever where Van Kilmer has to live with the fact that he is both a smooth, good guy and also a bit of a whack job that runs around in a costume.

The real Josh and the real Hawks are inconsistent. They are up and down from night to night. However, the better that the coaches recognize it, the better the entire team can be used situationally each night. Sometimes you need 30 minutes of Salim. Other nights you need 30 minutes of Mario. Once we get this and people get comfortable not expecting the same minutes every night, there is an extra win or two each month to be had this season.

Chuck Daly did a great job of this with the bad boy Pistons. I don’t recall anyone ever running the same play over and over as much as he did when he found the hot hand or right mismatch.

Friday’s game is a fine time to find the best inconsistency that works for a night.

By Melvin

December 13, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

The Nets waive Ruben Patterson today. The way this guy hustles plays defense, and score garbage points could be asset that the Hawks could benefit from. He’s a Mario West with more Offense.

By No to Solomon

December 13, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

No way should Solomon Jones get minutes. He needs to put on muscle and learn how to not turn the ball over before he sees the floor again. That boy is just a lanky POS whose only good for 2 things right now - fouls and turnovers.

Get him to bulk up so that he can play D without fouling, and then he can see the floor again.

By Ramon

December 13, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

Melvin, Patterson has always, reportedly, had an attitude problem. He may be a positive addition on the court, but his locker room present could possibly take away from what has worked since the team meeting. I think he’s worth a 10 day contract just to see. But I still wish they would use a good portion to get a 2 year deal with PJ Brown.

By HB Ando

December 13, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Hard to imagine that the Hawks will beat the Pistons, at their house, without Horford and his double-digit boards. But I thought we’d get crushed by Orlando too, so it’s a good thing that I don’t gamble on sports.

SS’s article on Smith generates hope. It’s good to know that Smith is hearing the constructive criticisms of his inconsistencies. He’s only 22. I know that there have been several discussions, here, over the last three years, about what some of us were like when we were 22 (hint: not to mature or reliable).

The $64,000 question (OK, let’s be honest: it’s the $64 million question) is whether he’s going to readily accept the guidance and coaching of his older teammates and the staff, or if he’s going to allow sycophants, hangers’ on, and/or an unchecked ego to convince him that he doesn’t need to listen to anybody. The very fact that he acknowledged that he needed to stop jacking up so many long-range jumpers, and that he was of more value to the TEAM by playing closer to the basket and attacking the rim, and glass, relentlessly, is HUGE. I mean, HUGE!

The more he takes this approach, and publicly verbalizes his recognition that he understands the difference in decision making, the more confidence the Spirit can have in committing themselves to what will likely be a very expensive contract.

Of course the rest of the league is tracking these very same issues. So, it’s likely that with every “smart” game he plays, the size of the inevitable offer sheet will rise accordingly.

And with every dollar that number goes up, it’s a dollar less that the team can offer to Childress, this summer, and Marvin, the following summer. With all these early picks, decisions will have to be made about who will be kept, and built around, and who must move on, for complementary pieces for the guys who stay.

An increasingly cerebral Josh Smith is akin to the Hawks winning the lottery. If he can continue to progressively mature, on the court, then he makes some potentially tough decisions, for the Hawks’ ownership, that much easier.

I’ve gone on record as saying he has the most trade value of any Hawk, in my persistent belief that some of the lottery youth must ultimately be swapped for the balance we lack. But his potential to make himself, practically and literally, untouchable, is the optimal scenario for all Hawks’ fans.

Heading down to the game on Saturday (thanks, Jhan), with the wife. She asked who, on Charlotte’s team, she would be getting to watch. I had to tell her that there wasn’t anybody that she had ever heard of. And, since she’s with child, she can’t even enjoy a beer or cocktail. But we’ll check in with Sekou, and she’ll tolerate my incessant commentary on the game, and the implications of the minutia.

By Clyde

December 14, 2007 4:30 AM | Link to this

No To Solomon you said:

“Get him to bulk up so that he can play D without fouling, and then he can see the floor again.”

What about Lorenzen Wright? All he does is foul.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By I.MUS WRITE

December 14, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

The Mitchell Report…… YAWN!!!…..NEXT…….

By Astro Joe

December 14, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Ando, congrats on the new kid. If its your first, I have 2 words of advice… Diaper Genie.

By ray

December 14, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Manny T, I like the sound of that. Mario West chasing Rip around the court. Sounds like disruption to me. Of course, that opens things up for Prince, and that means Marvin will have to play much better defense than he usually does.

Marvin doesn’t have the foot speed, but he’s got the strength, size, and length. If he would just use it to his advantage, he could overcome the lack of foot speed and lateral movement. Denying his opponent the ball, and then denying him position is usually enough, unless dealing with a bonafide superstar. And face it, most of the guys playing at Marvin’s position are not as big or strong as he is. They’re usually quicker, though. Come on, Marvin…you can do it. And while you’re at it, we need a much better game on the boards tonight too, with big Al being out.

Same goes for you, Sheldon.

Ando, right on. Best situation is Smoove making himself untouchable. And right now he’s on that path. Let’s hope he continues that path. If not, we’re right back to trade bait…whether you like to hear it or not. However, right now I’m not seeing anything to indicate that it will happen, which is good.

By Ken Strickland

December 14, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Any team wanting to sign JSmith knows it will take more than just an offer sheet. It will take a sign and trade, plus some valuable assets and a lot of money. In other words, they will have to do what we did to get JJ, maybe more. ANDO is right, we can’t afford to resign all of our former picks. The 2 Joshes will be highly sought after FA’s. Marvin, Horford and Law, by the time they’re eligible, will definitely be highly sought after. I believe a lot of teams will take a long look at Shelden as well. With consistent playing time, he could easily become a consistent 10/10+ guy. He’s what winning teams are looking for.

It will be interesting to see which of our young guns BK will commit to. If JSmith does become involved in a sign and trade, it will also be interesting to see what BK asks for in return.

By I.MUS WRITE

December 14, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Thursday December 13,2007 at approximately 1 pm Sheldon and Marvin Williams walk into my work. I happen to be really busy working on some new accounts ,but I managed to over hear an intresting conversation.

My boss was talking to both guys about the season as well as Sheldons sudden emergence. The one thing that really surprised me was what they had to say about Woody. According to them “everybody” on the team loves Woody and they really want him to be here for the long haul.They are also starting to buy into Woody’s system,(whatever that is) Marvin also said that “Woody is the best coach i’ve ever had” That left me scratching my head, but one thing was obvious -these guys respond to Woody and they dont want a coaching change. So is it just us (the fans) who want Woody fired? We are’nt in practices, on the plane, or sitting on the bench so maybe they know sumthing that we dont……. Its just like I thought there wont be a coaching change. The players seem to love ol Woody, so lets give him til the trade deadline to see what the team looks like…. if we are well below .500 then we can start calling for his head again (no homo)

Good post KS- If I were GM- I would definitely keep Josh Smith and let the rest of the leage come to us with offers.We have a while for Acie and Horford, Marvin I would also keep-which leaves Sheldon and Chills. I think Chills is going to be the odd man out. If Sheldon keeps playing like he has been then he will be here as a 10/10 guy off the bench.

Gawd -how many time are we gon play the pistons? The schedule gods are not on our side. They looked really good against Houston on wednesday… but watch the boyz go up there and hit sumbody in the mouth. We need to make a statement without Horford.

Statement beign: We aient the same ol hawks -no way in hell yall beat us 3 times in the first half of the season…..Wish i could be there at the palace but itz okay I’ll be watching Hawks!!!!!!!

By Astro Joe

December 14, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

I. MUS Write, thanks for the inside info. If they are beginning to appreciate Woody as they mature as adults, that is GREAT. I hope that translates into a playoff birth. It still doesn’t change the poor substitution patterns, lack of a defined offensive personality or our inability to develop 2nd round talent. But it should mean good effort everytime out on the court. I can’t help but wonder if this fondness for Woody is new or if they have always adored their coach. The former seems more likely to me.

By The Dark Karma

December 14, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith is a fan favorite. Keeping him is not just signing him. It is committing to build around him. He is younger than Joe Johnson, therefore he would be the cornerstone from which the rest of the team will be built. Joe Johnson is not the personality of this team. He is another very good shooting guard who people mistakenly think is the future of this franchise.

Boston found this same thing to be true of Paul Pierce. Paul Pierce is more dynamic and emotional than Joe Johnson, and still was not enough to carry the team. There is no reason to think that Joe will do better. But such is the flawed thinking of our management. This same management believes that a franchise can survive and be quite successful without a true center. Josh Smith is the face of the franchise if he is kept. If he is not, then management clearly wishes to go into another direction.

The majority of this team is young and has had no experience with other Nba coaches. That is the reason they like Mike Woodson. They have nothing to compare to. The veterans likely could care less. They will get their playing time. And they will get their money. They have been in long enough to know what is important to them. Joe Johnson did not come to Atlanta for love of the game. He came for seventy million dollars. Lorenzen Wright came for less money. And that he was not wanted by his former team. Anthony Johnson was traded. Craig Claxton was also offered a nice contract. A contract no other team would have given him, due to his historically injury laden career. Tyronn Lue likely does not wish to move, and has few teams with an interest or need in his skills. Or the money to match his demands.

By ntrigue

December 14, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Sekou what do you think about this?

Soloman needs to get some time when our big man are in foul trouble or when we need help protecting the basket. I know he still needs to get stronger but his athleticism is needed imagine him J Smoove and Horford as the front line when we need defense in the paint blocks would be flying all over the place teams woulds start leving their gameplan and start taking more bad jump shots.

By HB Ando

December 14, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Joe, thanks and THANKS!

By newkid

December 14, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Just saw a piece on HoopsHype indicating Eddy Currry wishes out of New York. At 25, and with the heart thing, he’s got four years left on what appears to be a very reasonably salaried contract (

By I.MUS WRITE

December 14, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Yeah Astro Joe -Could’nt believe what I was hearing, if the players love woody and we win 37 games then its all for nothing. I would rather them hate the guy and win in the first round.

I noticed when marvin said that-Sheldon did’nt respond-maybe because he knows coach K is a better NBA coach than Woody -right now!!

Marvin has’nt had many coaches-high school,aau,1 year with Roy williams… so im guessing Woody is more of a father figure for some of the younger guyz…If that is the case where does the X’sand O’s come in? “the best coach i’ve had…..HMMMMM

By newkid

December 14, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Sorry, don’t quite understand why my 2:30 post got truncated. The point of it was to speculate on whether Dolan’s payroll and Curry’s desire for new surroundings might suggest there’s an opportunity for a Curry for LWright/SWilliams kind of deal as the trade deadline approaches.

By Itwi

December 14, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

If you can, can you comment on this speculation re: Speedy Claxton:

*I believe there is a new doctor in Canada he trusts that found an issue with his knee. The Doctor told him that either rest or surgery would be required. So currently Speedy is just trying to rest his knee and hope for the best, knowing if he needs to get surgery he would be out for the season. Thats why he really isn’t in the news- all he is doing is simply resting it and there isn’t a rehab to update people on. But even if he does need to get surgery he still intends to play again next season. *

By I.MUS WRITE

December 14, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

No way in hell we get Curry for Salim and Lo Wright…. Lo Wright the hack machine are u kidding? If thats the case y is’nt LA offering Chris Mihm or y is’nt Milwaukee offering Charlie V- etc…… I woulld love to have him here he is a big body who can score-not much on D, but I would grab him in a heartbeat for ……. Lo Wright???

After the Orlando game they put him on the telepromter his stats were 3 rebounds and 4 fouls……..Hell I would take Theo Ratliff for Lo wright at this point.

By I.MUS WRITE

December 14, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

No way in hell we get Curry for Salim and Lo Wright…. Lo Wright the hack machine are u kidding? If thats the case y is’nt LA offering Chris Mihm or y is’nt Milwaukee offering Charlie V- etc…… I woulld love to have him here he is a big body who can score-not much on D, but I would grab him in a heartbeat for ……. Lo Wright???

After the Orlando game they put him on the telepromter his stats were 3 rebounds and 4 fouls……..Hell I would take Theo Ratliff for Lo wright at this point.

By ray

December 14, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

IMus Write, must be fun where you work. Hawks players walking in on all the time and stuff. You lucky dog, you!

By jhan

December 14, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

IMUS, I don’t think we win the Orlando game without LWright playing. He did an excellent job defending & boxing out Howard.

I certainly don’t want to keep him around but the guy does have some value. Especially with ZaZa out & Horford suspended.

By Ken Strickland

December 14, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

I MUS WRITE, I’m not in favor of us even considering ECurry. He’s overweight, doesn’t rebound well for a big man, and plays absolutely no DEF. However, if for some reason we do want him, he can possibly be had for the aforementioned combination of players. The Knicks are at or over the cap and need relief to sign better players. We can give them the expiring contracts they would want or need.

DARK KARMA, I love having JSmith on our team as much as anyone. But, resigning him might not be our best move. Consider the following:

(1)With AHorford, he is the one player we can effectively replace. (2)He is the most valuable commodity we have on the team right now. Trading him could be our best chance of getting the big we need to team up with AHorford, plus an extra pick and/or player. (3)With our ownership situation and financial situation, making a financial committment to him right now might not be realistic. (4)In a yr or two maybe our ownership situation will be resolved and we will be better able to resign our remaining FA’s. (5)We have only 3 players that are able to consistently win gms with their outside shot(MWilliams, JJ and TLue). Marvin is the only frontline player that can do that. That is invaluable to a team that’s short on on outside OFF, especially 3pt shooters.

It would hurt me to see JSmith playing somewhere else. But, sacrificing him might allow us to acquire exactly what we need to go to the next level and become a championship contender.

By MannyT

December 14, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

I.MUS WRITE Your 12:50 story reminds me of Jack Welch vs. my 1998 boss. Most fun I ever had was working for that guy. The only problem was that the management above restricted our ability to succeed. We did good work, but it was almost impossible to avoid the impending doom. Unless we changed, we were not going to beat the internet!

Unless Woody changes how he gets guys to do things on the court, he won’t beat the NBA internet (i.e. Popovich, D’Antoni—in Woody’s case, Scott Skiles)

All that said, we can still have a decent 41-41 season, but it will take a change in how we do things to get beyond that level.

PS—Nazr M traded to Charlotte

By A-ville Ranger

December 14, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

I’ve been lobbying for the Hawks to pursue a trade for Jose Calderon since last year.His numbers tonight, 16-ast 5-reb 18-pts with just 2 to in only 29 minutes.I can see why some fans don’t get it,many don’t know a butt hole from a donut but if management couldn’t see Jose’s value they should be fired for incompetence.This guy is worth Shelden and Law.This isn’t kids trading cards it’s about building a championship team and a 26 year old pg who can drive to either side,finish with either hand,get his own shot from most anywhere on the floor,finish a fast break,shoot 50% and ave 15 pts, 10 ast is worth more than a pg who MAY be pretty good in time and a PF who seems not to have a place on the team.Law will likely never be as good as Calderon is right now.If these guys don’t get that, they need to change careers.

By Matt

December 14, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Man, we needed Horford out there tonight. There’s no way that we were gonna be able to run against the Pistons with the way they were playing D. They force every team they play to play grind-it-out ball, and we were without our best grind-it-out player. ‘Zo was surprisingly effective on D and on the boards, but Zaza was torn to shreds, and Smoove was running around like a chicken with his head cut off.

One bright spot for the game - JJ seems to be getting his stroke back. Hopefully once Horford rejoins the ranks tomorrow night, they’ll be in good shape.

I’m still thinking that Woody needs to go, but I’ll say this - with the way that Detroit team plays D, NO team with an average age of 24 is running against them. And without the running game, the Hawks are mincemeat.

By LA Hawk

December 15, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Look at Lo Wright’s quote about how Woodson ‘coaches’ them. Woodson tells them to ‘watch the Pistons’. Well, that’s exactly what they were doing - and have done every game against them - watching.

By Timmy Bob

December 15, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

good one LA Hawk

By doc

December 15, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

couple of things last night reinforced. acie isnt the man yet. he had several chances to make his mark in several ways and came up short every time passing, defending, shooting and driving. we need some shooters bad on this team, the touch just isnt there.

sekou, you maize and blue guys have got to love it … the appy state kids downplaying their victory over the wolverenes in light of their own national championship; a threepeat no less. go mountaineers! way to carry out the mission and not let it go to your heads. that note might evenbring out blog z. heh heh. luv ya sekou, mean it.

ando have a good time on the sidelines with the lady tonight. stroke the belly a couple of times for me, quite an experience, been quiet about it since you told me.

By I.MUS WRITE

December 15, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Work is work,but I really do like my job. I get alot of perks(tickets etc..) and I see the hawks players as well as visiting teams on the regular.

Ray *you may be right about Curry-he is overweight and looks a little lazy to me. Lo Wright has’nt played all year,that would make me pull the trigger on that deal -not to mention Curry is 25 yo 6’11 290- Curry Horford and Smoove works for me….

Props to Lo and ZAZA they looked good on the boards last night

Last night was an example of what I meant by Law still has some work to do. Right now today Aj looks better-??? Law had a number of turnovers and silly fouls not to mention the jumpers and layups he missed- I maybe wrong but I have only seen Acie hit 3 jumpers all season. Coming out of college he was supposed to be a dead eye assasin-scoring was supposed to be the thing he does the best- well hopefully he will come around 3/4 of the season to go HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Ken Strickland

December 15, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

I MUS WRITE, actually ALaw didn’t have the rep of being a sharp shooter coming out of college. He was a clutch shooter known for consistently hitting the big shot. I would compare him to the Spurs RHorry. Horry has never been known as a sharp shooter or even a very good one. But he’s still in the NBA because nobody in this era, especially coming off the bench, has hit as many gm winning or tying playoff shots as he has.

Remember the Orlando gm when ALaw couldn’t buy a basket from the outside. Then, just before the half ended he launched, and made, a half court shot between two players with his off hand? Those are the kind of shots he was known for making.

I can see AJohnson’s confidence and OFF aggressiveness getting better each gm. It has definitely affected his DEF. He hasn’t gotten his shot back yet, but when it comes, look out. His aggressive play as of late reminds me of the playoff series he had when he literally carried the Pacers. AJ is isn’t spectacular, but he is fundamentally sound. He could be a good mentor for ALaw and take a lot of pressure off the rookie.

Did you notice the aggressiveness of Zaza last night? I mentioned in an earlier post that I believed that would happen. The play of Horford has lit a fire in both he and SWilliams. We are not a team that can win against the top teams with any of our key parts missing. In addition to Horford, we need Chills and Lue back. We will win tonight, FLY HIGH TONIGHT HAWKS!!!!!!

By doc

December 15, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

oh what fun! +/- added to the boxscores on yahoo. that will bring up some interesting discussions.

By I.MUS WRITE

December 15, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Acie is a good clutch shooter.. ie at the end of quarters or with the clock running down. That bites- I would rather him be a good shooter within the flow of the offense or atleast finish when he beats his man off the dribble. I found myself wanting more of AJ and less of Acie last night -I just dont think he is the guy right now -it may be march before he gets it

My god Maxielle is a monster-its hard to believe that guy is 6’5- He plays like 6’9

Friensko- we need to look at this guy 7’0 285 with a mean streak-I saw him twice this year 20 yo all he does is bang, rebound and move people in the post

By BosnianBaller

December 15, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

I blame the Detroit loss on Mike Woodson. We came back from 14 down in the third quater to cut it down to 3 then for some reason the idiot calls a timeout and it went downhill from there.

By Steve T

December 15, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

The Hawks need to become better at hitting shots. Josh Smith was 4-15, Zaza was 2-9, and AC was 2-7. Now if these guys hit close to 50%, that would be 8 more points for Josh, 4-6 more points more for Zaza, and 4 more points for AC.

When Horford comes back, I would like to see the hawks play him at power forward. I would let Wright, Zaza and Shelden handle the center spots. I would like Smith start at the 3.

I would let Hordfor play 30 minutes which leaves 18 minutes for Josh at power forward. I would let Zaz and Shell play some minutes at power forward.

Marvin would split time at shooting guard/forward. We need to find a scorer when JJ goes to the bench. Marvin can hit shots.

AH will play 24-30 minutes at PF JS will play up to 36 minutes at SF. LW will play 24 minutes at center. JJ will play up to 36 minutes at SG AC and AJ will split the PG position. Zaza will play center/pwoer forward Marvin will play gaurd/forward. Shelden will play center/forward.

I think this team will give us some size and a stronger bench.

By Ken Strickland

December 15, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

STEVE T, let’s take a look at the possible shortcomings of your proposed lineup. The 1st sentence in your 1st paragraph reads, “THE HAWKS NEED TO BECOME BETTER AT HITTING SHOTS”. How is moving JSmith from PF to SF and Horford from C to PF going to make either of them better shooters? Without Marvin, JJ would be our only real outside threat. Your lineup would force JSmith to start jacking up more outside shots(NOT). With the lineup you suggested, teams would play more zone, especially with JJ out of the lineup. Or, with JJ on the floor, they’d play box and one. Either way, teams would force us to beat them from the outside.

Your final statement was, “I THINK THIS TEAM WILL GIVE US SOME SIZE AND A STRONGER BENCH. Now, look at it this way. How is switching JSmith from PF to SF and Horford from C to PF going to make either of them taller? If you want to get taller and strengthen our bench, start Zaza and send Hordford to the bench. With my suggestion you won’t have to bench our most efficient outside scorer, MWilliams. Besides, with Marvin coming off the bench, and playing so much SG and SF, what do we do with JChills?

By Tiger Woo

December 15, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

All teams have injuries - but the Hawks have to be the most injury-prone team in the league.

T Lue - out. J-Chill - out. Acie Law - out. Salim - out. Speedy - still out.

By Juan

December 15, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Any new updates on the possible release of our resident bum, Speedy Claxton? Word on the street is that he has a scratchy throat that will require him to miss, at least, another three months. At first, I just wanted this quitter — and he is a quitter — gone, but now, I hope the Hawks can find some legal loophole, since there is no evidence that he is injured, to void his contract so that he doesn’t steal another nickel from this franchise. Yes, that is what I want for Christmas: Speedy Claxton’s injury-faking a* off of this resolute team as of yesterday.

By Ken Strickland

December 15, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

JUAN, I read an article recently about Speedy’s situation. Doctors told him he had two options for his particular problem. (1)He could have surgery, which would put him out for the season. (2)He could rest the knee for an extended period of time. Speedy chose rest rather than miss the entire season. Therefore, he’s expected back sometime around the Allstar break.

If he makes it back successfully, the 2nd half of the season would be perfect timing. His speed, quickness and DEF ability would be invaluable in a playoff push.

Good win HAWKS, I told you so.

By MJ3

December 16, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

BosnianBaller,

Woodson called timeout because Smoove had gotten knocked down pretty hard on the previous play, and he wanted to get him checked out. With the rate that Hawks have been hitting the mat with injuries, can you blame him?

By doc

December 16, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

samuel, havent said much about the topic we explored respectfully on so many occasions and how bonds’ “chase” made a mockery of baseball; specifically selig and the players union, the lead dogs with egg on their faces. suggested his records were meaningless in the context of time however relevant for the present day.

at the time i did suggest strongly that roger the rocket clemens was a big user and his records were just as suspect and should not be compared to the all time greats but within his own era of roidball. the guy who came out looking the best after the proclamation by mitchell was bonds but it was more by addition by subtraction to the “integrity” of baseball than from being exonerated.

the report only touched the surface and was based on essentially two main suppliers so you got to think there were very few guys doing it own their own abilities for the complete portion of their careers; i.e. when there was a threat to their existence or income they went for the clear especially in the minors. i also say there were many from the late nineties on in that boat and a few within the 70’s and 80’s. some of them were probably inducted into the hall already like mike schmidt or carlton or nolan ryan.

it is what it is, so i just cant get too excited about any of the individual accomplishments that are popeye like, so the man in my opinion is maddog nor can i be surprised by the extent of those caught in the net of deceit. funny, i bet there wouldnt be too many ballplayers willing to stand up to their claims of being innocent and take a lie detector test if offered.

good win by the young guys last night and it is fun to see that jj is getting his legs and reactions back to where they were before the injury last year. we have got to get that consistently out of the big three of marvin, josh and jj doing it every night. the wins will come if they as a group can avg 60 points a game, 15 boards and 10 assists per game. the nights that they meet that measure of excellence will go into the win column. we would also just begin to resemble the celts with their own big three who are torching the east.

also got to like the role that big baby davis is beginning to play on that team. hopefully, shels is watching him as a role model. get one more guy like house that can come off the bench and score from long range and we are good for the playoffs if the big three do their jobs. got to think salim is the guy but he is told to play and concentrate on defense instead of do what he does best score.

maybe woody will learn that not all guys are cut out to play defense and board first, especially if he is a smurf in this league and give him some reign to do his thing. the best time for woody to let the guy loose is to show him confidence and put him in the game to do just that when they are up by ten and really try to nail the other guy instead of getting tentative at that point. the pressure isnt on then and he could really develop his confidence to spark the team instead of the times he is put out there when the team is seemingly out of it. perspective woody, priceless.

By Samuel

December 16, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Doc,

That whole situation is Exactly what I thought it was, A Farse. Like everything else this country’s politicians and leaders perputrate.

The executives and politicians pick and choose the “bad” drug of choice while the most detrimental drugs like alcohol and tobacco are acceptable and go on killing and destroying families.

I still say, “no drug can make you a better baseball player”. Can they help you recover from injury better, maybe. Do they have side effects? I’m sure. You got drugs being advertised on TV everyday with some pretty dangerous side effects, yet we accept them.

I also still say, this is still all about destroying Barry Bonds. All of a sudden Mitchell advises no punitive action being taken. Did he advise the Feds to drop the case on Bonds. No way

Damn Hypocrites

By doc

December 16, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

no, it can make you a better ballplayer as attested by clemens reclammation of his game, the first baseman that went from a singles hitter to a hall of fame candidate after canseco shot him in the fanny, mcguire and canseco stepping into their own as the bruise brothers and the hit list keeps on going. i can agree with all that you say my friend except the notion that performance enhancers do what they say they do make minnie mouse into mighty mouse. the guys with the best skills of course continue to have the best skills for the most part but how in the world do you explain brady anderson going from 5 homers a year to 50 in one bulked up season? samuel even you at your best provoking self at some point you have to drop the ruse line “it doesnt make you a better ballplayer at something or track star and it only helps you heal”.

i speak from a surgeonr’s experience; the worst healers and the worst protoplasm to operate on are those on steroids because healing takes inflammation to do it right and to call in the necessary cells to heal and steroids do just the opposite, turn off the natural healing response. that is why they are used for severe arthritis and to stop organ rejection cold in its track along with the other side effects that come with it. it is a fine balance that only the best docs are able to walk without injuring the patient. those are facts samuel, not what the local drug dealers of anabolics deliver which are lies.

By Steve T

December 16, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

The hawks could really use a player on the bench that could light it up. I do not know if Salmin could be that person, but a great scorer could make this team even better and deeper.

I guess on the bright side the Hawks can win even when they get a few injuries. Last season, the hawks would have gone in to a tail spin. People say things happen for a reason and this may make the hawks only better.

By Samuel

December 16, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Brady Anderson wasn’t even on the list.

So you’re gonna just implicate the guy based on a hunch. What happened to innocent until proven guilty. If that’s the case then no record in the last 25 years should stand.

Most of the guys on the list are scrubbs. Obviously it didn’t make them better players. Why Not?

By terrell barron

December 16, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Can Marvin Williams shoot 3’s? I dont think I’ve ever seen him take 1. If he’d add that to his game we could have a scary team. I’m not trying to dog him, just wondering why he never shoots 3’s, just 15-20 ftrs. GO HAWKS

By terrell barron

December 16, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

We all called BK an idiot for trading our 2nd rdr for AJ. And now everyone is showing love for AJ. I guess BK isnt as stupid as we thought.

By terrell barron

December 16, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Where in the world is Mike Conley Jr?

By travis

December 16, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

1/4 way through the season and the Hawks are 7th and Clev is 8th. That means that the Hawks would have to play Orlando, which is 2nd and Celtics would play Clev. I know that we beat Orlando once already, but can we get 4 wins in the best of 7? When we click on all cylinders, I think that we can, but when we play like we did against Minnesota and Seattle I don’t think we can

By The Dark Karma

December 16, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

If Bonds was found guilty of that which he is accused, it would matter little to those who choose to believe that he is not guilty. No amount of proof, regardless of the source or validity thereof will be enough to convince a person that he is guilty if in fact he actually is. The reason is because some people simply choose to believe what they believe.

This discussion has rarely been about justice. It has nearly always been about the support of one person. Often times it has an underlying connotation, one that has much more to do with the support of a particular race or ethnic origin more than anything else. In this there is rarely any real justice. Thus the circle of hypocrisy is complete.

By doc

December 16, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

samuel, that is pretty funny or maybe just plain lame for an argument when you go for the line brady wasnt on the list. hulk hogan wasnt on the list either but i bet you would find it hard to get ten people in a room of any intelligence and not have 9 of the 10 say he was a user. or maybe you would see something in a tootsie roll wrapper that smelled and looked like crap and insist on either eating it or waiting for the bacterial coun.t i would call it for what it is based on the obvious. clemens, shef, dykstra, tejada, boone brothers, canseco’s, sosa,palmero, mcguire, petit and justice just to start, is hardly a list of scrubbs. there is a serious problem that it represents a huge number of mvp’s and cy young winners. feel it safe to say the tall lefty stopped his stuff and declined quickly and became much more human looking.

samuel, as usual provocative but not filled with much other than bravado in your response. fantasy is what you seem to be good at. heh heh. you might have to discern one of your kids on the juice and counsel him accordingly to its huge risks health wise or maybe just win and look the other way. that is reality and which would you choose, lassiez faire?

quite true dark karma what we choose to believe even when the evidence is sitting right in front of us.

By ray

December 16, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Terrell, AJ is playing well and has managed to stay healthy. If he’s injured tomorrow, what does that say about Knight? The fact that we as fans are grateful for AJ’s performance says nothing about BK. Nothing.

By Ryder

December 16, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

It shows ray, that you can never have enough experience at the PG spot. Imagine if AJ wasn’t here, I don’t think Royal Ivey would’ve had the same impact. Acie seems to be injury prone, which isn’t a good way to start a career, and Lue will come back eventually.

Whether Speedy comes back is irrelevant. It’s much more important to have Chills healthy than either Speedy or Lue. Utah will be quite the challenge but hopefully the Hawks can pick it up against a Western Conference contender.

By terrell barron

December 16, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Ray, why do you refuse to give BK some love, man. I know he’s not the best GM in the world, but he’s definately not the worst. Kupchak traded Caron Butler for Kwame Brown, Isaiah Thomas (I’m not even going to go there), how about Elgin Baylor blowing all those 1st rd picks. He picked Olowakandi 1st overall, for crying out loud. All I’m saying is, it could be a hell of a lot worse, my friend.

By Steve T

December 16, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Please give Billy some credit. He knows talent and what you should pay for that talent. He knows we need a big but he refuse to over pay for that talent.

The hawks are only missing two players. We need a big that can rebound and block shot. It is hard to find this guy but he may be out there.

The player that would help get us over the hump is a guy that can score. We need someone on the bench that can really shoot. We need this guy so that when we have a big lead, he can help us maintain it. Plus an additional scorer may help open up the floor.

By Clyde

December 16, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Hey Steve T Solomon Jones can rebound and block shots.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By No to Solomon

December 17, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

Solomon Jones can’t do jack diddly except foul and get knocked down on D.

He’s Lorenzen Wright, but without the guts to hold his spot on the low post.

By Peter

December 17, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this

We need to take Lue and Wright’s expiring contract and go to a team that needs some cap relief.

To get a combo guard with strong slashing/finishing/ball handling or a scoring big man to collapse defenses (this would be tougher to get) with that being said here are my candidates and teams to look at as trading partners:

Ruben Patterson (FA) P.J. Brown (FA) Ron Dupree? (FA) Luke Ridnour (6.5Mil) SEA 63 mil Flip Murray (1.2Mil) DET 65 mil Mike James(5 mil) HOU 73 mil * *Jarrett Jack (1.2 mil) POR 73 mil *Steve Blake (4.3 mil) POR *

By Samuel

December 17, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this

Key word Doc and DK is evidence. The ones who tested positive should pay. Isn’t that the evidence? Not heresay or hunches.

By Greg

December 17, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

I was thinking that Speedy (a.k.a. I’m-never-going-to-play-for-your-team-but-keep-sending-me-those-checks) Claxton was signed for just 2 years and we could start thinking about releasing his worthless @ss pretty soon, but I just looked it up and he was signed to a 4 year deal!! Just great. Everyone in the league knew he was Mr. I’m Injured again and can’t play, but we gave him a 4 year contract. Brilliant.

By MannyT

December 17, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

It will be interesting to see how the Hawks bigs hold up tonight when Boozer and Milsap are in the game together.

While the Hawks continue to fight through injuries, I hope they take a cue from the Wiz and Coach Eddie

How is it that Joe Dumars can consistently get a trade that works for him? I read that moving Nazr’s contract allows him the cash to bring back Webber if that works for both sides. Also Primo B. is excited about playing in Detroit.

doc I think Justice made a good case for himself about not being a steroids guy. The messy part of this is the net gets tossed so wide that almost everyone in baseball looks like a suspect.

By Astro Joe

December 17, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

MannyT, I agree with you but that is clearly the fault of the Player’s Union… that so many are now suspect. Sure, MLB closed their eyes to the abuse but when they were ready to realy step up, Fehr decided to sell out the sport to the almighty dollar bill. If I were a current player, I would grab the beat writer for my team and head down to the nearest clinic for them to test my urine AND blood. And if my peers or the Union objected, I’d tell them to pucker up and kiss my a$$. No way would I want to be associated with this nonsense and I’d do what I’d have to do to make sure no one EVER accused me of doing such. Of course, that assumes that I am good enough to make aliving without that stuff (like Griffey, Jr., A-Rod or Smoltz).

By Flappin Hawk

December 17, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Sekou, Any news on Chills or AC…will they be able to play tonight? Looks like JJ has worked his way back into b-ball shape, has there been a noticable difference at practice? Has the Landlord recovered from the theft? We need beef in the middle tonight. Boozer never gets called for a foul when he hooks a player on a drive to the basket…superstar treatment? GO HAWKS!!

By Chris

December 17, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Hawks are 3rd in the East in points allowed per game (93.6), behind only Boston and Detroit. 6-4 last 10 games. Keep up that pace for the remainder of the schedule and they finish with a record of 46-36, which last year would have been good enough for the 5 spot in the East. Things are looking up, folks. We just need to start scoring a little more, especially in the 4th quarter when we have a habit of letting teams back into the game.

By terrell barron

December 17, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

I think our biggest need is a 3 pt specialist, or just a good shooter in general. Woody wont play Salim long enough to get into a groove. I still say that we should have went after a vet like Eddie Jones, Eddie House, or someone similar. JT would really help, if he were still around too. As far as the game tonight goes, we should see some great matchups. I say we use the game plan from the Orlando game, with a few adjustments. Dont be fooled by Boozer’s height. He plays a hell of a lot bigger than 6-9. He uses his body well to get position, and that fall away shot is unblockable. Horford MUST stay out of foul trouble tonight, or look for Utah to get a ton of offensive rebounds. GO HAWKS

By I.MUS WRITE

December 17, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

I think we should consier bringing in Flip Murray. Flip is 6’5 and scores in bunches,he could come in at point or SG. That way when JJ sits down there is’nt a big drop off in scoring.

By doc

December 17, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

samuel, evidence also includes guys going from 120 pound weaklings to 200 pound bruisers that all of a sudden hit more home runs than they have since little league. if you are waiting for the tape of the guy getting the injection as true evidence it wont come unless the glove doesnt fit, then you get hung. plenty of evidence thus far on bonds and plenty others as they still continue to deny use. plenty of evidence on pete rose and he finally told the truth much too late. straight facts samuel.

the justice system and life in general holds more contempt for those that continue to manipulate and make mockery of it. look only to vick and his cohorts penalties. if there is a lesson is that when guilty, most are absolved but only after they pay penance.

as far as justice, yes he may or may not have done it. however, it is huge as a problem that the system as it was left everyone suspect of fraud that excels. much of this investigation has shown that those that did use ended up with the awards at the end of the season and huge salary increases certainly enough justification to do it. cant say i wouldnt have done otherwise if on the brink of stardom but know when i had my chance to do it i passed. i certainly wasnt in that category of an mvp but it may have gotten me a serious look into the major leagues. i was smart enough to know the ravages it would place on my body eventually and what my true talent was so i said no thank you. the emphasis is on the lack of talent for that level so i am not trying to be saintly in the comment just to emphasize how prevalent it has been and is from the 70’s on. others in the game have probably done the same not fall prey to the temptation.

too many are saying, “i looked at it in my locker and couldnt shoot up” or “i tried it for two days” to realize it is a huge attraction for all of them. no one was looking at the integrity of the game which is one of the code words for induction into the hall so it must be of some relevance though under selig it has been neglected. he is the culprit and will be framed by this for his lack of leadership and governance. he had the authority to bring it to an end or into the spotlight but chose to look the other way.

aj, cant get too much of an argument here about fehr but just maybe he followed selig’s lead and i guess the players union as well. if the union had pressed for some kind of a referendum or reformation i think things could have changed without all the stuff on their faces. if you want to dance with the devil you got to pay the piper. they made the system so everyone would be suspect and some players including smoltz argued that many years ago. the innocent protected the guilty in this charade.

as far as tonight’s game, really good guards tear this team up especially ones that penetrate and can score. deron fits that bill.

By Samuel

December 17, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Yea Manny. You got so many people who like to throw stones and keep up gossip.

Doc, wasn’t it you that suggested that “Sean Taylor’s past might have caught with him”, before the mans body way even cold?

Since you like to “cast the wide net”, what about Sheldon’s carjacking. What was he doing on Cascade Road? HUUUUMMMMM!

Where does it stop?

I could cast a net or two about MD’s and their drug use. How often are they tested since there’s a little more at stake than hitting a freekin baseball.

Oh yea. I do discuss drug use with my students and players almost on a daily basis. Not only steriods but Alcohol, Cigaretts, Smokless, and Red Bulls. I hate all of them. That being said, if one of my players all of a sudden goes from hitting 5 homers to 50, my first response will not be to have him tested. I’d have to give him the benefit of the doubt. That’s just me. I’m sure I would have known if he was on drugs without any test. People usually do.

I’ll bet my check (which aint much) against anybody on the board that i’m probably the most drug free person on this board. My record and the way I live my life speaks for itself.

By Ken Strickland

December 17, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious that our overall play has improved since that players only meeting. But have you also noticed how we’re pushing the ball more consistently. Our ball movement, assists, and our 2nd/3rd qtr scoring has improved. But, the biggest improvements seem to be our reduced number of turnovers and our much improved half court OFF. That seem to be attributable to less one on one play.

I know Woodson didn’t, all of a sudden out of the blue, install an OFF that has players coming off picks and using back picks and lob passes. I’ve also noticed we’re taking advantage of our size at guard and posting JJ and AJ regularly. That’s something I’ve been complaining about us not doing enough of all season. Do you think that maybe, just maybe, we were placing too much blame on the coach(s) and not enough on the players? It seems the players were the ones that decided to stop playing so much one on one, pick and roll and run the OFF that was already in place. We can certainly see the results. No more drastic 2nd and 3rd qtr lapses.

Tell me if you’ve noticed the same changes.

By Ramon

December 17, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Has anyone else noticed with the Hawks defeating the Heat, Bobcats, and the Magic that they are just as good as anyone in the division (if not better), especially with Arenas out at the moment? As the season goes on, your record versus YOUR division will play a lot into your playoff position. Long as the Hawks are able to compete, which they have been doing with a injured roster, they will definitely make the playoffs.

More than anything, the Hawks are LEARNING how to win. Last year they were learning how to play. But it is a big difference. Many games in last season were decided in the last 10 minutes, and the Hawks lost those games. I do think the Hawks would possibly do good to look for a Latrell Sprewell type player to get 20-25 minutes per game.

By doc

December 17, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

no, i said i only hope that it ISNT a case of taylor past coming back upon him with the implication that it would only add to the already tragic events as it seemed he had truly turned things around. it was wasteful enough and tragic enough to not have to see it written as such.

as far as docs, there is a net in place for that and some fall into it, knew two personally. no, it doesnt include testing but it does involve self regulation and support programs that works some of the time and yes some docs have to report others though it is a very sticky issue that raises major competitive issues. i personally wouldnt have objected to drug testing nor would i have objected to controlling the rediculous hours i had to work like they do with pilots. it would have made things safer. i also acknowledge the medical system is responsible for huge health issues and deaths each year because of their ways and is one major reason i am doing alternative medicine. i may have been a victim of some of that myself so you are singing to the choir on that one and i will not defend it in any way. however, when i wasnt there to be the surgeon often there wasnt someone to take my place and take care of folks. in other words not enough of them to go around.

btw your best offense on the issue is to attempt to put folks on the defense samuel. just cant bite on it.

and yes samuel, i have counseled folks when they were having rage issues, sex issues and drug problems when it was under my watch or brought to my attention on the job as i held titles of responsibilty in the hospitals i worked. some appreciated the concern some didnt, their perogative as it was mine to show concern for the system and the individual. some cases you cant give people the benefit of the doubt especially when it is staring you right in the face ala enron in a financial fiasco and someone might hurt themselves or others.

By I.MUS WRITE

December 17, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Samuel- You know that drugs include more than Roids and Marajuana.

So in other words u dont do: COFFEE-BEER-LIQUOR-TYLENOL/PILLS ETC…

If the answer is no then props to you my man, we should all be that strong. I happen to like a cup of Joe in the mornings and a beer/shot sumtimes after a long work day.

I guess it all balances out -I hit the gym about 3-4 times a week so what the hell……..

almost forgot…. we need pg help

By jhan

December 17, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Ken, I agree with you on the coaching point. I’ve said multiple times that Woodson can’t design an offense that is as stagnant as the Hawks have been running.

Maybe now the team is finally starting to buy into his scheme. Defense & ball movement along with attacking the glass is what will make this team a winner.

By MannyT

December 17, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

I like the change in the team recently that shows more movement on the court. I think Utah is a great test of where the Hawks stand tonight. I plan to be there.

I also think Eddie Jordan and Ernie G are doing a good job in DC this year—particularly w/o the broken Nacho (Arenas). I hope we can have a record at least as good as theirs by the end of the season.

Samuel If only those w/o sins threw stones, I could live in a glass house.

I know I’m not perfect…and I am not trying to be perfect, just better today than I was yesterday.

As for all the baseball and drugs stuff, society will be better off when we can look to sports for diversions and NOT role models. To me baseball has always led the if your not cheating, you’re not trying branch of sports, so I have little vested in its issues.

By Ramon

December 17, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I have to say, this is the BEST move your boys in Ann Arbor could have done. They should be excited to have Rodriguez instead of Les Miles. Now maybe they can beat the Buckeyes. But they’ll never be better than UGA (had to throw my loyalty in there lol).

By The Flash

December 17, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Samuel, I’m with you 100 percent on this Bonds thing. The prosecution’s a farce; what, he prevented the Feds from getting Balko? Or, in discovering that roids were indemic to baseball? What planet they think we are living on?

Mitchell should be ashamed of himself for taking this gig in the first place. Bud, he should have gone to bat for Bonds. He and the other owners got rich off of roids, with no risk whatever to themselves. Did not just turn a blind eye to it, encouraged it.

Second basemen earning 1 mill hits 20 and makes 7 the next year. They didn’t know, they weren’t paying for the roids, so the guy and others would take em the coming year? Please.

And, this just shows the underbelly of the Vick prosecution and that ridiculous add on to his sentence by the judge because he did not come “clean.” He admitted to everything, even to stuff I still ain’t sure he did (actually kill dogs himself). Doc, I don’t want to hear it—if they threatened you with a RICO prosecution, 20 years in the slammer, you’d swear that Belkin was robbed, for g-d’s sake!

BTW, the most promising thing I read about the Hawks was Shelden’s 6 for 6. This team must get the bigs lots of touches, some of them will be excellent scoring ones, for it to really succeed. If they get pivot play inside, and scoring off of it, they can beat anybody.

Once JJ gets used to doing less, being less the go-to guy, if they actually run the offense through a pivot, this team will be powerful.

Six for Six by Shelden says to me that they are starting to get the ball in the hands of the bigs the way they ought to. That is very good.

By The Flash

December 17, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Samuel, I’m with you 100 percent on this Bonds thing. The prosecution’s a farce; what, he prevented the Feds from getting Balko? Or, in discovering that roids were indemic to baseball? What planet they think we are living on?

Mitchell should be ashamed of himself for taking this gig in the first place. Bud, he should have gone to bat for Bonds. He and the other owners got rich off of roids, with no risk whatever to themselves. Did not just turn a blind eye to it, encouraged it.

Second basemen earning 1 mill hits 20 and makes 7 the next year. They didn’t know, they weren’t paying for the roids, so the guy and others would take em the coming year? Please.

And, this just shows the underbelly of the Vick prosecution and that ridiculous add on to his sentence by the judge because he did not come “clean.” He admitted to everything, even to stuff I still ain’t sure he did (actually kill dogs himself). Doc, I don’t want to hear it—if they threatened you with a RICO prosecution, 20 years in the slammer, you’d swear that Belkin was robbed, for g-d’s sake!

BTW, the most promising thing I read about the Hawks was Shelden’s 6 for 6. This team must get the bigs lots of touches, some of them will be excellent scoring ones, for it to really succeed. If they get pivot play inside, and scoring off of it, they can beat anybody.

Once JJ gets used to doing less, being less the go-to guy, if they actually run the offense through a pivot, this team will be powerful.

Six for Six by Shelden says to me that they are starting to get the ball in the hands of the bigs the way they ought to. That is very good.

By terrell barron

December 17, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Utah, Miami and Washington, Can we win 3 in a row for the 2nd time this year? If so, I’ll be very impressed.

By terrell barron

December 17, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Oops, my bad, that would be 4 in a row for the 1st time this season. I left out the Charlotte win. GO HAWKS

By Ken Strickland

December 17, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

We all know that JSmith now realizes his greatest OFF value is playing inside. Now we have to convince Zaza that his greatest OFF value is shooting from the outside. His exceptional outside shooting ability, especially for a big man, would open the lane. The further he draws his man from the lane, the easier it’ll be for him to drive to the basket. That would give JSmith and our other inside players more room to operate. Also, taking more jumpshots would also cut down own his turnovers and increase our OFF rebounding opportunities.

I’m glad we have both Zaza and Horford available for tonights gm. This will be a gm of matchups. GO HAWKS!!!!!!

By ray

December 17, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Terrell, I’m just saying that AJ’s performance is about AJ. He could have been a bust as bad as Lorenzen Wright was last year (and mostly this year). Yes, I know we could have guys like Isaiah Thomas. He really stinks it up.

Samuel, I’d take that bet and guarantee you don’t win any money from me. Don’t know what you think you know about everybody on this blog, but that was a rather presumptious statement. On the flip side, that IS something to be proud of, but not to the point to even suggest that others cannot reach your personal standards.

Also, though I can claim as much as you can, I am not one to think that this makes me better than anyone else here. Not trying to get into it with you, but it is what it is. I’ll take your word on your claim and respect you for it. But I respect others too, regardless of whether they can make the same claim.

By doc

December 17, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

flash, your disdain for the feds and that part of the legal system is cute as it is consistent. it really gets your dander up and brings out the rebel in you. what did they do to turn you on? definitely an agenda there dude.

i certainly dont know the legal system like i know the medical one, it seems unfortunately for the ones they get the evidence on they draw the line whereever they want it and are quick to make examples whether you like it or not. knowing a few they seem to know when to hold em and know when to fold them. so yes if i was in any way involved i would definitely step out of the way and scream loudly belkin was robbed even if it got ATF “a thinking man” on my back for the rest of my life. heh heh

By terrell barron

December 17, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Our rookie is playing well against a guy who was an all star last year. Props to Al Horford.

By terrell barron

December 17, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Great half of basketball. Only down 2. GO HAWKS

By Samuel

December 17, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

I didn’t say others couldn’t reach my standards. I said i’m probably the most drug free person on this blog. I could be wrong but I doubt it and I stand by the statement. I take pride in that.

I didn’t say it made me a better person compared to others, it’s just a source of pride for me. Some people take pride in their money, their jobs and other things. I pride myself on that. I grew up in the drug generation of the 70’s so I would be a fool the criticize anyone for doing drugs considering all the drugs and alcohol I did as a teenager and young adult. Never again.

Doc questioned wheather I would look the other way if I had a kid on my team on drugs. I was just saying that I hate them (drugs) and I don’t differentiate between the illegal or legal ones.

I still say that professional ballplayers are entertainers and entertainers do a lot of things to perform. I wouldn’t do it, but it still doesn’t make them any less an entertainer.

When I enjoy Denzell or Miles or Elvis or Morrison or Beethovan, I understand that they were probably on drugs. Wheather or not it enhanced their performance, I don’t know. I just know that they were the best and gave Millions enjoyment.

Now do I tell my son that shooting up on smack will make him a better French Horn player, of course not but I understand that people do.

By doc

December 17, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

samuel, please dont take my arguments to suggest any harm to you. i respect your path and how and why you live it as you seem and why you chose it. the passion and commitment are obvious.

however, i cant give you free passes when you make trite and very false comments like the guys caught in the net were only scrubs. a good one third of them had been all stars. the message that gives kids coming up is that the way to do it is to do drugs. though it wasnt bait to me nor a topic to really defend but agree on about egregious behavior in the medical field, i assure you one third of the doctors in the us arent on performance enhancing drugs WHILE they work.

i hope you see how detrimental it is and why i for one am going to continue to argue for reform rather than looking the other way and to suggest how dangerous they are.

By The Flash

December 18, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

docNo agenda. I worked as a federal prosecutor for a year, would still be if they let me. I have close friends who were high end federal prosecutors, very high end.

I know when a system is being abused for political purposes. I have tremendous respect for federal prosecutors; I hate when what they do is sullied, which it has been in both of these instances.