Hawks

By hawks-4-life

December 19, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

The team is now starting to come together why make a move that can possibly hurt team chemistry. The deadline isnt till february if needed.

By dan

December 19, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Don’t do anything. See how this year works out and build through the draft. They are fun to watch…

By dan

December 19, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Don’t do anything. See how this year works out and build through the draft. They are fun to watch…

By dan

December 19, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Don’t do anything. See how this year works out and build through the draft. They are fun to watch…

By Astro Joe

December 19, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

I say we need to see Acie healthy and determine if he can be a productive PG this season. If not, then we need to get another 20-24 minute guy to come on board and help out AJ. I have liked what Lue has brought to this team in the past but it is clear that he does NOT need to run the point for us anymore. If he wants to be a short SG, then fine. But we don’t need him pounding the ball for 20 seconds only to make a bad pass or a clutch shot as the clock expires. This team runs so much better when we are moving the ball early in the shot clock and Lue doesn’t seem to play that style of ball. So if Acie can’t do it with AJ, we need someone who will.

Sekou, what’s the deal with Solomon? Why not send him to the NBDL for game-time experience? Maybe you can get Alton Lister to give us a “state of the big men” feature story. I’d rather see a Kelvin Cato/Dale Davis type occupy that last bench seat than someone who never gets game experience.

By vdunkndunk

December 19, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

I don’t think the Hawks need to be desparate to make a move. Right now I actually that Marvin, Smith, and Horford are at least the equal of most frontcourts in the league. And Joe has the SG position nailed down.

So to me, our biggest need right now (other than a bona fide superstar) would be healthy, reliable, veteran starting NBA PG who can shoot 3’s and push the pace. If we could get a guy like Calderon from Toronto, perhaps in exchange for Childress and Zaza, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

By mavid

December 19, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Top 4????

You’re crazy Sekou! I dont think anyone reasonably expected that one!

Why trade for a nasty perimeter defender when we have Mario? Give that guy 10 minutes a night on some elite scorers. They wont have fun.

I agree with your last blog. What we need, at this point, is a shooter or two. I’d try to trade J-Chill for a shooter (no knock to Chill, who I respect and like as a player), but a shooter coming off the bench could be a bit more effective.

Now, if we could get a shooter who is ALSO a pg, that would be even better. Ive wanted Calderon for ages, but I think the asking price on that one has risen expotentially as late.

By SSI Fan

December 19, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

I know this will stir things up, but I was interested in the comment that Sekou got form his “scout buddy” which was quoted in the last blog that Atlanta has “two of the better young tweeners in the league” in Josh Smith and Horford. I take that to mean that Smith is a size between small forward and power forward and that Horford is the size between a power forward and center. While both are good players I do not believe that a team can win the championship with 2 undersized players at the power forward and center spots. It is true that they create matchup problems for the opponent with their quickness but are at a disadvantage sizewise. I prefer the size mismatch for inside power players rather than the quickness mismatch there. There is a reason that the last several NBA champions have had either Shaq or Duncan on the team, they create a size and talent mismatch inside.

The Hawks have the talent with the present roster to make the playoffs if they continue to play at their peak. If you are happy with that then no changes need to be made, but if the goal is to build a championship caliber team they have to somehow get bigger at the center and/or power forward positon.

By redmud

December 19, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Billy Knight is where he wants to be. He’s got a young, talented team that’s making a splash and beating some good teams right now. This is the time where you wait for someone to make you an offer you can’t refuse. Winners get better by trading with losers. When late January gets here, teams with losing records will be looking to unload veterans for younger guys, prepare for the future. Let them make the offer, you counter, blah blah blah, you get better now, they get better later. This is Beginning GM 101 people, it’s easy mode if you have the young talent on your side, which the Hawks do. Wait and see. Any other move made early would be a big mistake. -REDMUD

By D ole Hoops Coach

December 19, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

I read this blog regularly—but hardly ever post. I am going to put in my two cents on this one.

I think the Hawks need to keep their core group together. Chills is part of that group and should not be traded.

They idea of bringing Eddie Curry here borders on insanity. Who needs a very talented, but lazy, big man with no heart on a team that is showing a lot of heart. Makes no sense.

I was watching the Bulls/Lakers for a while last night. The Bulls have a logjam of 4s & 5s. Zaza is a player who generally doesn’t fit well with the Hawks, but might give the Bulls a guy off the bench with some offense that could help them. Noah was getting very limited minutes and gives the Bulls something they have in surplus, big guys who play D, but are limited offensively. He would help the Hawks with his ability to run plus he would play D in the lane especially when Josh Smith is taking a breather-something that Zaza just doesn’t do. I doubt the Bulls would do that deal straight up, but perhaps an expiring contract or 2nd round draft pick, etc could make it work.

A guy who I think could really help this time that could be available is Andre Miller. He has moved around alot, but has stepped in and helped teams win repeatedly. He is a pass first guy who can run the break and makes great decisions with the ball. If Philly continues to struggle he could be available for not too much back if they see Lou(is) Williams as their point of the future & want to get him more minutes in that role.

Otherwise, I would love to see the Hawks stay the way they are and just keep growing.

By pound4pound

December 19, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

12 / 12

The Good: Marvin Williams and Al Horford. Who would have thought these guys would have been the second option for Joe Johnson? Both guys are fearless going to the rim.

The Bad: Joe’s flat shot and Josh’s TO’s. We could be a lot better off if Joe was in last year’s All Star form. He was doubled last year too and that shot fell. Also, Josh just hand the ball to one of the guards on the break. Seriously.

THe Ugly: Woody’s offense and Speedy Claxton. All off season long we heard that Speedy was healthy and playing pick up games. WTF? We also heard how the Hawks were going to air it out too - but we have the same Aweful Awfence.

By I.MUS WRITE

December 19, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

PG help is a must. Aj is doing a really good job but I dont think he plays at this pace for 58 more games.

Bring in Calderon for ZAZA/Chillz Calderon gives us 16 /8-10 assists a game, AJ is a good back up and Law needs more time.

Acie is having problems running the point during the regular season -so we will need two experienced guys if we want to make any kind of run in the playoffs. We could pick up a servicable big for cheap to replace ZAZA.

I have had enough of the TLue/Speedy show so lets sure up the backcourt.

With Calderon running the point and our team being a 7 seed i think we can take Orlando in the first round- us

By Astro Joe

December 19, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Sekou used that single word that has jinxed us in the past in his latest article. Oh well, I’m betting on a humiliating lost tonight as we mistakenly walk on the court with swagger and get run over by the Wade-Haslem-Shaq express.

By terrell barron

December 19, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Toronto is not going to trade Calderon, with TJ Ford being one play away from the emergency room. Acie will be o.k., if not, that point guard from Texas should be there when the 2nd round starts in next years draft. There’s like a million good points coming out this year. I still say that Acie can get it done, Woody just has to start letting him play his game.

By MannyT

December 19, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Sekou AAAGGGHHH!! This is the deja vu blog if you read what folks post. There is more trade talk on this blog than on the stock market. Why focus the entry on what happens here every day w/o encouragement. Get your barbershop buds to read your blog!

While many fantasy GMs may have a desire to trade, there is no real likelihood of a decent trade coming soon. I would bet that BK opens up to the press before we make any minor trades. Here are the reasons.

PRE DRAFT Who was more in a position to make a move than a team with 2 picks in the top 11? Nothing happened

BIGS 1. Could have had Kurt Thomas for a bag of chips this summer, but we were out of the loop.

1. Big Eddie Curry is less attractive now than he was as a free agent. Why pay more now for a guy achieving less?

2. The best available bigs are, like Kurt Thomas and the knock on our current frontcourt, tweeners i.e. PJ Brown and Chris Webber. Neither free agent is likely to come here unless they smell a championship very soon.

PGs

1. We have 4 (AJ, Lue, AC, & Speedy) and 4 halves (Salim, Joe, Chills, & most recently Mario). More of them have to get healthly.

2. Until Woody gets a chance to use more of the PG posse, you are probably offering hurt guys for healthy ones. This devalues our end of the trade unless we are talking cap room. Cap space is more valuable later (February) than sooner for most teams.

OTHER POSITIONS Do we really need any more guys that play the 2/3 positions Rueben is probably a more expensive combo version of Chills and Mario. Woody just needs to figure out when to plug his bench in when healthy. The choices are somewhat easier when most of the bench is not in uniform.

Let’s cool the Heat tonight! I’m ready to see the road blues in person.

By terrell barron

December 19, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Way to fire up the opponent AJC. DIESEL’S OUT OF GAS. We better hope so. I wouldn’t be suprised if that photo of Shaq wasn’t displayed in the Heats locker room. GO HAWKS

By terrell barron

December 19, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Detroit at Boston tonight at 7:00 Garnett vs. Rasheed, Pierce vs. Prince, Allen vs Hamilton. GREAT MATCHUPS! I’ll be flip floppin all night long. WHERE’S THE REMOTE? LOL GO HAWKS!

By JohnGTFan

December 19, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

SEKOU

I am always a big supporter and love your articles…but you should know better than to post that about Shaq and the Heat. If ATL loses tonight and Shaq goes for 28/15/5…we’ll all be expecting your blog tomorrow title “I wasn’t thinking” or “My previous article was dumb”.

Anyway, hoping ATL continues it’s hot streak and comes rolling here to DC on Friday, because I cannot wait to see my fav team in person!!!!!!

Go Hawks!!!!

By Ryder

December 19, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Sekou, why can’t you just be happy with what we’ve got now? I’m so sick of people crying for “another veteran” and trying to play fantasy GM. Say if you do bring in another bruiser, then who do you sit down? Has anyone stopped to think about that one? Of course not, i’m not surprised.

Too many people on this blog cry for another PG or another PF without thinking who it would affect on this already loaded roster. This team has worked extremely hard to get to where they belong, in playoff contention. I wonder if any of you “fans” have even seen the article written by Charley Rosen on foxsports.com where he gave Mike Woodson an A for how he’s managed to get this roster to mature. I haven’t been much on Woodson’s bandwagon but even I have to admit he’s doing a much better job in spite of the injuries.

For the record, I love how this team (which is already in place) manned up and took out Utah without their best sixth man or even a true backup PG. Instead of writing about who Atlanta should bring in, Sekou, why don’t you find out what’s going on with Acie and Childress? Are they confirmed to play tonight? Or are they waiting until Friday, or until after the holidays?

I’ll be at the Verizon Center on Friday and i’m looking forward to the team that’s already playing well enough to contend.

By TJ

December 19, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

LOL - The Diesel’s out of diesel…Now see, Shaq had 18 pts., 10 boards and 7 blocks in the Hawks’ first game against the Heat. In the old days, Shaq stayed reading the critics and answering them on the court. Problem is - for the Heat, that is - that if he only gets 11 shots per game, he can’t dominate versus anyone.

For us, we have to run to keep Shaq from affecting things on the defensive end. If we get to at least 90, we’ll win this game, but if it’s lower, that’s Pat Riley’s pace, and when you got D Wade flying and falling all over the place, taking 20 free throws and what not, that’s a formula for defeat. Keys to victory Stuff the lane, guard the 3, and run! Not easy, but doable (I really really wanted Minnesota to beat them Monday night. Al J went 22/20, but Udonis saved them, so did the refs (DWade with 20 FTs…))

Sekou, I’m hoping someone on the bench returns tonight; any updates on that?

Go Hawks! I expect a victory

By I.MUS WRITE

December 19, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Man did Sam Mitchell personnally call anyone one this board? Ok thats what i thought. Anyone can be traded(Garnett-AI) Lets get a great Pg for some of our expiring contracts and Chillz/Sheldon or ZAZA.

Calderon for anybody other than JJ/Horford/Smoove/Marvin

By Ryder

December 19, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe you took the words right out of my mouth. Articles like this and the other one about them getting confidence is the perfect setup for a beatdown Miami style. The true mark of a maturing team is one who knows not to get too high on their victories, let’s see what the Hawks have that in them.

JohnGTfan i’m looking forward to seeing the Hawks in person on Friday. For years i’ve had to endure crap from Wizards fans who keep asking me Are the Hawks still in the NBA? I am SO praying for a beatdown where I can reply, “H*LL YES THEY ARE!”

By JohnGTFan

December 19, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Ryder

I hear ya man!!!!! I’ll be in section 210 on Friday.

By Dan

December 19, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Who is really to say what the Hawks should do? It all depends on what their plans are for Childress and Smith. If they are not going to resign one of them, than trade the one that is not going to be resigned. Don’t F around and get nothing in return when you have something other teams would want.

My opinion is to not do anything. The time to make a trade was in the offseason and Billy Knight let that come and go without making any deals. Fine. No need doing anything unless, of course, a great deal comes along.

On another note….I’m sick of these guys not being able to stay healthy. I know all teams have injuries, but not like this. If Lue, Chills, Law can’t ever play, why do we have them? Might be a good idea to have guys that can actually get on the floor. We aren’t going to win many games with only 9 guys suiting up. Something has to give. Either these clowns get healthy or they leave. Too me, it should be that simple. But, with this team…..well, we all know that story.

By new jersey faithful

December 19, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Dont trade anyone yet….yet FLY HIGH HAWKS…FLY HIGH!!!!!!!

By Master

December 19, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Master plan:

1. trade Speedy and T Lue for Derron Williams.

2. trade Chills and a future first round pick for Kobe.

3. trade Smooth for T Mac

4. trade Solo and Zaza for Kwame Brown.

5. trade Horford for Dwight Howard.

This blog is worthless with all this crap.

By tb

December 19, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

I think lumping Acie into the same injury category as Speedy/Lue is insane. Did you guys see the injury. He was driving hard to the hoop and one player undercut him and the other fell on his ankle, hard. I’m sure he has a legit injury and that when he comes back healthy, he will resume his steady progress that he had started prior to the injury. Both he and Chils tried to come back from their injuries too early and weren’t able to play.

Acie will be back. Please keep it real.

There are possible trade senario’s. Let’s first support what we have.

By mykhalc

December 19, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

tb, thank you…a voice of reason!!!

By terrell barron

December 19, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

I MUS WRITE, AI and Garnett were at the end of their careers, my man. Their former teams were in rebuilding mode. Calderon is a young player on a young team(not to mention, a team with a point guard with a BAD NECK. And I know, ANYONE CAN BE TRADED, but would that be a smart deal for Toronto, considering the circumstances, I dont think so.

By Sekou K. Smith

December 19, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Man, what a bunch of paranoid jokers you are. Any written about swagger or a trade and we’re all setting up the team for failure. You guys are hilarious.

Your team just beat Utah at home for the first time in 10 tries and you’re worried about a jinx? Good gracious.

Finally, there simplu is no news on the injury front (it happens people, sometimes there’s nothing new to report).

Childress won’t play. Acie will suit up, possibly, but is no shape to play significant minutes against the Heat. And for once and for all, regarding Speedy Claxton, when there is SOME news to report I’ll make sure it’s on this site and in our paper prominently.

But there is no update right now. Relax.

By BosnianBaller

December 19, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

We need one more big man(True Center) and Eddy Curry is not the answer b/c he sucks and takes up too much cap space.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 19, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are solid at forward. Patterson wouldn’t really help this team that much, I don’t think. What this team needs is a big guy who can D up on other big guys. Horford is a nice player, and Lorenzen Wright climbed out of his grave the other day and played some solid minutes, but can this team really count on defending the elite big guys in the league when it matters? I don’t think so, not right now. Zaza sure as hell ain’t gonna get the job done on D. You’re not gonna find a significant upgrade at PG without breaking up the core of this team, but you can probably find a big guy with decent defensive abilities to take Solomon Jones’ spot on the roster. This team is not going to light things on fire offensively, but they are a good defensive team now, and with a reliable big guy who can D up they can become an elite defensive team.

By I.MUS WRITE

December 19, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

TB- was Caron Butler for kwame Brown a smart trade? Was The Indiana trade a smart one? (Murphy-Dunleavy for Stephen Jackson/Al Harrington) The answer would be NO- sumtimz those type trades happen.

This team is in need of one thing a true point.That would make us really deadly to have a guy with range who can distribute the rock.

Chillz/Sheldon/Lue for Calderon/filler

This trade would give toronto a back up pg for Tj Ford an athletic wing and a banger inside to help Bosh.

Itz a long shot but hey lets take a chance because every player I mentioned we can do without for the right peice.

Man 6 Heat players …..and you guessed it no Shaq or d wade-what a let down- Ricky Davis /Earl Barron etc…
Earl Barron is Huge but anyway…. Booooooooooo Go Hawks

By doc

December 19, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

sekou, just a touch of the blog z for stirring the pot here a bit. gee what makes anyone thing this regime would or could do anything to upgrade the product? here we go again blue skying, the best of the bunch is master except for the last piece of the bait.

can the hawks duplicate what the blazers are doing, now at 8 in a row seemingly coming against folks in the west?

that is the type of surge i await.

By newkid

December 19, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Question for the board. Don’t the Spirit forego ‘rights’ to Lo Wright, TLue, Salim, Mario, and Anthony Johnson at season’s end (i.e., no compensation)? If yes, and barring BK being convinced that one or more of them will be absolutely essential to a successful ‘07 - ‘08 campaign, for those players the Spirit do not intend to re-sign, is there any reason to allow the trade deadline to expire without a ‘no holds barred’ effort to trade them for compensation? Is there logic in ‘playing it out’ with these cats, then allowing them to walk without at least trying to employ their expiring contracts and/or residual on-court skills to better the team?

Just asking.

By Astro Joe

December 19, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Doc, don’t the teams have close to identical records (Hakws 7 Blazers)? Doesn’t that mean that we were better early than they were?

Blog Z, didn’t we have a few “firsts” last season? A decent west-coast swing as I recall. A few wins against some quality teams like Pistons, Lakers & Suns. We’ve been in this neighborhood before (weren’t we like 8-10 before wheels came off). Got that “s” word working and fell on our face. Isn’t this the same team that struggled against T’Wolves twice and lost to Sonics at home? Yes, much better play in the last 6-8 games and the guys suiting up have stepped up nicely. But when the “s” word was used last season, it was almost always the precursor to a beat down.

By terrell barron

December 19, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Parcells turned us down. The Falcons cant win for LOSING. PATHETIC

By Traceman

December 19, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

I.MUS, TOR is NOT trading Calderon to us for that package. It simply is not going to happen. I don’t even think TOR would trade Calderon to us for Chillz and Law, let alone Chillz, Shelden and Lue.

They might consider sending us TJ Ford for your proposed package because of his injury history and his uninsurable contract but TJ’s problems are what make Calderon unlikely to be traded unless we offer them JJ, Smoove, Marvin or Horford.

I heard rumors that BK went after Calderon with our #11 pick before the draft and TOR declined.

By Tiger Woo

December 19, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Terrell,

At least the Falcons are trying to recruit someone to change the direction of the franchise. Can’t fault them for trying.

By Traceman

December 19, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I am not worried about a jinx but I don’t see how a headline saying the “Diesel is Out of Gas” helps the Hawks. I think about the only way we will lose tonight is if the Old Shaq shows up. Although it is clear he is not the player he once was on a consistent basis, he can still be dominant on a given night. I just hope that night is not TO-night!

By Traceman

December 19, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I am not worried about a jinx but I don’t see how a headline saying the “Diesel is Out of Gas” helps the Hawks. I think about the only way we will lose tonight is if the Old Shaq shows up. Although it is clear he is not the player he once was on a consistent basis, he can still be dominant on a given night. I just hope that night is not TO-night!

By Astro Joe

December 19, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

newkid, if the owners need the salary cap flexibility next season to resign Smith and/or Childress, then they may allow all of those guys to come off the books to obtain that cap space. So I wouldn’t say that we receive nothing if we don;t trade them by the February deadline… we could be receiving the cap space required to keep one or both or our core players who are due extensions next season.

By doc

December 19, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

aj, the comment was not meant to demean any of the accomplishments of the baby hawks. it is fun to see both teams begin to prosper in wins rather than flirt round draft choices besides i like the blazers. they have chosen a similar path and seem to have done it well; perhaps a bit better with better choices from the lottery and possibly from trades like getting roy for foye.

chicago seems to have missed their window now in their what seventh or eightth year of rebuilding after jordan and still have to get over the same hump that the hawks and the blazers still have to go over. it is a building process. again i reference the idea teams and individuals need to learn how to win even if it is ugly. wins dont count for style points;look only to the fundamental spurs to see that. a win is a win and eight in a row is better then three is all i am saying and begins to put stamp on the rebuilding process.

blank still doent get it that a mans past can follow him like a plague, geez bill plays the game well. maybe the last laugh can be blanks as the last guy snuffed by parcell’s so ceremoniously is the pats owner. that in itself might have played as big a reason for the ego stricken parcell’s to set his eye on taking down the bellichek led pats, pay back.

yes, i will repeat it even though the money will be huge the main motivation for parcell’s will be to go head to head with the pats in the same division.

By doc

December 19, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

terence called this one right on the money about parcell’s.

By newkid

December 19, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

That works AJ, but wouldn’t it be more sensible to - even under the worst circumstances - look at moving several of these cats for say ‘09, ‘10, or ‘11 second round picks? Wouldn’t that accomplish the end you described whilst giving the Spirit (or Belkin) multiple future 2nd round opportunities to pick up a future Maxiell or Boozer? Wouldn’t you think some of those teams looking to minimize their ‘07 - ‘08 luxury tax hits would be intrigued with the prospect of giving up say a 2010 2nd round pick in order to dump Lo Wright’s salary (X 2) - ~ $6 mil - at the end of this season?

By Astro Joe

December 19, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Doc, as far as I’m concerned, the Falcons dodged a bullet when the pig-caller left and yet another when the Tuna decided to turn down Blank’s offer. AB needs to stop hanging around farm animals and fish and go get him a solid personnel guy.

newkid, maybe something like that will happen closer to the deadline but it’s too early for those kind of moves. Teams will be more likely to give up value as we move closer to mid-February. I have to admit, right now the thought of any more rookies (especially 2nd round rookies) is nothing that gets me excited. Not to mention that we haven’t developed a single 2nd round pick under Woody.

By newkid

December 19, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

It’s ‘trade deadline thinking’ I had in mind AJ (only 7+ weeks on), but gosh I hope BK and the Spirit aren’t viewing it as ‘too early’ to have such thoughts and conversations (with prospective teams). Learned real early in my career that I don’t offer much to those who expect advice from me if I wait until the 11th hour to provide insight. If BK isn’t at least thinking - even if not acting - along these lines sooner rather than later, trust me he won’t be around here in ‘09.

Oh, and maybe past isn’t prologue relative to our (er, Woody’s) failure to develop past second round talent. Who knows who’ll sit the coach’s end of the bench in future.

By Ryder

December 19, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

The Falcons should just move to Los Angeles and get it over with! The Braves (and eventually the Hawks when they win) own this town and the Falcons are nothing more than something to do after church on Sundays. Sorry Blank, but your sad sack franchise is dead in the water.

Back to the Hawks. Astro Joe you of all people should know that second round picks are usually hit or miss. In the right system they can develop into stars (Arenas and Ginobli) or, in the case of Salim, busts because they don’t play to the coaches style.

The only way I’d even consider any types of trades is if they know for sure that they aren’t going to keep guys like Lue, Wright, and Childress in the long run. You can throw AJ in there since he seems to be reviatilized.

Atlanta is in a tricky position right now. Say they hang around the .500 mark come Februrary, do they decide to keep it going and risk losing their depth? Or do you make a deal not knowing how someone fits into Woody’s system?

Ruben Patterson oh puh-leeze! He has shown that he can’t be trusted, and if there’s one thing Woody won’t need is another potential head case (kind of negates all of that junk about his low post scoring).

As for those on the Andre Miller bandwagon, who’s to say that he will fit into what Woody wants in his offense? Trade talk at this time of year is foolishness anyway. Let’s talk about how the team is starting to come together with some winnable games on the upcoming schedule (Miami, Washington, Indiana).

By cp

December 19, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Yea I really doubt Toronto trades Calderon with Ford’s injury history. He is too valuable too them just in case Ford is hurt again. Right now we have 3 trading pieces in my mind. Za Za, Sheldon, and Lue. What they could bring us I have no idea but that is BK’s job to see what he could pull off. I like the way this team is playing but we do need another guard to help out JJ. Who’s available I have no idea. I hope they come out with energy tonight and defeat the Heat.

By Astro Joe

December 19, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Doc & Ryder, I read a great article today about Portland and the way they have nurtured Travis Outlaw (a 2nd round selection). They recognize that everyone has a preferred learning style. And they have made it a point to try to discover the best way to teach each of their young players. In Outlaw’s case, Monta Williams (former Hawk player I think) will take a diagrammed play onto the court (after practice) and show Outlaw where he and his teammates will be on the floor based on that specific play. As Outlaw became more comfortable with how the plays would “look on the court” (and not just on the white board) he was able to just ball vs. thinking about logistical issues.

I doubt that many 22 year-olds even understand the concept of “how they best learn” so it is incumbent on the organization to do the heavy lifting. Maybe a guy needs to hear it while another needs to see it while yet another needs someone to provide individual tutoring. I just like that Portland is doing this and I’m guessing it will pay huge dividends not only for the more mature young guys like Roy but cats like Oden, Aldridge and the Euro players they have drafted in the past few years.

Wouldn’t it be great if the Hawks were employing some modern learning techniques to help what is still a youthful group of players?

By Eric

December 19, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Stay the course. They are 10-6 with Anthony Johnson starting at PG. Keep him as the starter. Try to work Acie into the lineup bit by bit (once he is healthy). Joe J will warm up the shooting touch, Marvin and Josh are legit #2 and #3 scoring options, and Horford can handle the 5 most nights (only the biggest centers push him around, on those nights Zaza needs to step up). I like what they’ve got going. Don’t touch a thing.

By Peter

December 19, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

After saying that we were a playoff team last year I wisely decided that I wouldn’t post anything until we were a .500 team in January.

But if I were to write something I’d write that the Hawks don’t have to remind themselves to play “uptempo” against West teams. They have no choice. If Woody played the entire bench and really ran all of the time we’d have a better record. But, maybe he does that in the new year. One big question..

I jinxed us by writing before January didn’t I?

By Sekou K. Smith

December 19, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

The “Diesel out of gas” deal was done by someone else. Not only didn’t I write it, I’m not even sure I’m convinced it’s true, just yet. But seriously, I can’t imagine Shaq needed any more motivation from ajc.com than he gets from his own coach and the Miami media that’s been cracking him upside the head every chance they get (they are 7-17 folks).

By Ken Strickland

December 19, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

All of this talk about trading any of our core players is premature. JJ, Chills, Smooth, Acie, Horford, Zaza, Marvin and Shelden comprise our core. We’ll likely make the playoffs with what we have. Even with Calderon or Patterson the Hawks aren’t ready to do much more than make the playoffs. Any major adjustments should be made in the off season, not now. Get Calderon out of your minds. With Ford’s injury history it’s unlikely he’ll be going anywhere. If anything, they might consider trading TJFord for ALaw and some filler.

Our fate this yr is in the hands of our trainers. If Speedy isn’t able to return he’ll likely receive a medical settlement. What we need most is a quicker, faster version of TLue, and a simular version of MWilliams. That would improve our outside shooting and help maintain our uptempo pressure. We should be able to fill at least one of those needs in the upcoming draft. We can try free agency to fill the other.

GOOD LUCK TO THE HIGH FLYING HAWKS TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Ryder

December 19, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, I can’t argue with results and so far it looks as if what Portland is doing works, even without Oden.

This is what I fear most about this organization (the only thing) is that a lot of what they are doing is operating with the hope that Woodson will get everyone on the same page. Comparing him to McMillan, a guy who was a great PG in Seattle for years and is experienced in coaching young players just shows how much trouble this team is in.

I’ll go back to my earlier example of Salim. I do believe that he could develop into that long-range specialists this team desperately needs. Another example is the development of Acie Law. He has no idea what he is supposed to be at times, either a scorer or a PG who just distributes. That my friends does fall on Woodson.

That said, I’m cautiously optimistic about the future development of this team if the organization isn’t able to think long term. The best organizations (San Antonio for example) have a set style in place which allows their talent to execute regardless of who is missing. Why do you think they played well without Duncan? Can you imagine the Hawks without both Horford and/or JJ for any stretch of time? Ouch!

I just wish Woodson could coach only defense and Larry Drew the offense. Well Joe let’s see what happens tonight?

By the way, anyone seen Clyde? I still want my T-shirt for Christmas, you know just in case.

By doc

December 19, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

aj there are three basic learning styles and or communication styles. one is verbal or auditory, one is visual and the third is kinesthetic. a good give away is how most folks talk either by “seeing” things, “hearing” things or “feeing’ things. a good author like sekou appeals to all senses to keep his audience enraptured.

all are valid and all are real. it is what gets in the way of folks learning or getting along by communication. seems the portland franchise is pulling out all the stops to get it right and understand just because someone doesnt get it one way it doesnt mean they arent trying or better yet stupid.

it happens in school all the time. where it really gets in the way is that people learn or comprehend at different levels as well besides conscious to subconscious to the unconscious. though it sounds funny if someone learns at a unconscious level by auditory that person will essentially fall asleep if you put him in that mode for too long. most of the ballplayers are probably kinesthetic learners at the conscious or bata level and have a hard time sitting still to learn and fall asleep without some movement.

so the moral of the story, tell your wife the next time that if she talks too much that it is your unconscious that is taking over to communicate thereby causing your eyes to roll back in your head, that she might need to stir it up a bit by the physical kinesthetic self. hopefully, she wont slap you and understand the psychology of it. also if she falls asleep every time you touch her it might mean she relates kinesthetically at a subconscious level and it isnt your fault. heh heh

By doc

December 19, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

aj, the article online?

By Ryder

December 19, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Good showing by the Hawks so far tonight. Gotta watch those fouls though, they’ll come in handy when it’s time to institute the Hack a Shaq in the 4th. Looks like Zo’s not coming back. But the refs are screwing things up in this 3rd quarter. Gee what a surprise.

Sekou, for future reference, forget ever using the words Shaq and motivation in the same sentence. If he ever bothered to stay in shape he wouldn’t be “out of gas”. If his own problems at home didn’t motivate him, what makes you think the team’s regular season record will matter to him?

By Fred

December 19, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

PLEASE NBA, DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE CORRUPT REFEREES!!!!!

This Hawks/Heat game is an absolute travesty. The Hawks are clearly superior, but the refs are allowing the Heat to stay in the ballgame.

This is the most corrupt entity in the world, and the product will continue to suffer.

By new jersey faithful

December 19, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

I really hope they pull this out, this is the kinda game they need to win!! They HAVE to beat the teams they are supposed to beat!!

By Fred

December 19, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are 15+ points better than this joke of a team Miami is running out there. The refs have totally given this to the Heat. There is no way that the Heat could break 80 points on their own without this corruption. This is an abomination.

By new jersey faithful

December 19, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

GREAT WIN!!!!!

By randy

December 19, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

13-12 record!!! over .500!! We keep winning the close ones. GO HAWKS!!

By doc

December 19, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

sweeeeet!

By smartguy

December 19, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Marvin looks great. His passing and his rebounding both seem to be much improved. AJ looks awesome. Good job for Woody.

By terrell barron

December 19, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Great win. AJ is on a roll! Marvin is playing great! JJ looks to be back to his old self! After the Falcons debacle, I really needed this. GO HAWKS!

By terrell barron

December 19, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

I’ve NEVER seen that much emotion fron JJ, NEVER! Great win. 13-12

By Ryder

December 19, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Great win by the Hawks, especially after Smoove fouled out and Horford in foul trouble the whole night! They manned up (again!) even while Wade was getting his usual love from the refs. That said, who ever thought the day would come when Mike Woodson would outcoach Pat “The Rat” Riley? Also, has Anthony Johnson justified BK trading that 2nd rounder yet?

Finally, I beg for a mea culpa: keep the Falcons here, because it seems that every time they screw up this year the Hawks do something amazing that gets the fans to notice them even more!

Great win guys, now let’s lay the smackdown on Washington Friday night. See you at the Verizon Center!

By randy

December 19, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

I AGREE ABOUT THE REFS. Hawks won despite them. Wade running down the court every possession crying for a foul—what 25 free throws isn’t enough for you??? Then the refs changing a call because Pat Riley didn’t like a call. If it wasn’t for the refs, we would have won by 10 or 15.

By Steve T

December 19, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

How do you like AJ now? Billy may a wise move when he got this guy for a 2nd round pick….. not bad.

The Hawks just went above .500 for the season. They are looking good and they may make the play-offs.

Marvin had 26 points 10 rebounds and 2 assist. I want to hear from all the people who think Marvin was not worth the pick. I expect Marvin to do this night in and night out.

By new jersey faithful

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

Hey, does anybody know when/if the Hawks will ever be on national TV during the regular season??

By johnson

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

great win tonight. Wade took 22 free throws! 22 ! that is ridiculous, not to mention boring to watch…thank God for DVR

By Fred

December 19, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

That was an OUTSTANDING win. Had to overcome the refs and Dwyane Wade. The Heat are not very good, but that is a game we have found a way to lose the last few years. And guess what else? We keep winning these, then we suddenly become the refs’ darlings. What a great win.

By reese

December 19, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

First of all, great win tonight against Miami. MannyT, not hating on Marvin, I just want him to increase his intensity. There were 3 key aggresive plays that Marvin made tonight. 1)Long rebound grabbed by wade and Marvin reaches out and deflects the ball out of bounds to prevent a fast break. 2)Marvin fights through a double pick to step in front of Ricky Davis and causes him to travel. 3)Marvin rotates from the weakside and takes the ball away from haslem who was open under the basket after a pick and roll.

The Good: JJ, Marvin and AJ scoring 20 points. AJ keeping the team running and making big shots down the stretch. AJ increasing the pressure offensively and defensively against the Heat’s rookie point guard. JJ and AJ getting 9 assist apiece to keep their teammates in the game. 5 players in double figures. Marvin getting a double double.

The bad: missing free throws down the stretch by jj and horford. Poor help defense by zaza.

Otherwise, another exciting win for our Atlanta Hawks.

By Astro Joe

December 19, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Nice win. Maybe even ended the “s” word jinx.

Doc, here you go: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;ylt=AheSS2mSDmR34W0NgWy6xm8vLYF?slug=aw-outlaw121807&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

By Ken Strickland

December 19, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

We are starting to break the century mark with regularity. The players are making Woody’s half court OFF work, especially at crunch time. I love the adjustments Woodson made against Miami’s zone. After that last lob dunk by Smooth they didn’t play it again.

The Hawks are now playing as a team on both ends of the court. I can’t wait until Chills, Lue and Law are 100%. So far, there seems to be only 2 teams that dominate the Hawks, Detroit and Boston. GOOD WIN HAWKS!!!

By A-ville Ranger

December 19, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

If it ain’t broke, don’t bench him.Anthony Johnson has been exactly what the doctor ordered the last two games.Surely he’ll get the opportunity to prove it’s not a fluke.

By Melvin

December 19, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Great win by the Hawks tonite despite the bad calls from the refs. D.Wade with 22 free throws attempts is ridiculous. This guy get more calls than Jordan…

By Melvin

December 19, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Ken, Make that 3 teams. Don’t forget about the Spurs….

By reese

December 19, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

As far as trades go, I’ve been resigned to the fact that this is our team. However, one has to notice that we are consistently getting 5 players in double figures. AJ and JJ have started to push the tempo and are making midrange jumpers in the half court game. We are winning games even though we commit more turnovers than the other team. We are winning games against teams where their star players are scoring 30 plus. We are holding our own on the boards on most nights.

When did all this start to happen, after childress and lue went to the sidelines with injuries. Mario West has come in to provide the intensity that was lacking. AJ has stepped up his game and is providing scoring, pushing the tempo and aggressive defense. Your core of JJ and JSmith have been complimented by AJ, Marvin and Horford. Players are making mistakes down the stretch but are being picked up by their teammates and therefore, they have not been detrimental. Woodson has been faithful to those returning from injury and giving them playing time.

So what am I ultimately saying, make a deal using lue, childress, zaza, wright or shelden. But only make a deal that benefits us. Otherwise, play it out with what you have as long as the team is winning.

By kwooden1

December 19, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

HAWKS WIN! HAWKS WIN! Another great win for the Hawks, again I can’t say enough about how they are fighting through to finish games. JS fouls out, JJ misses all of his threes and Horford barely plays, but they still fought through for the victory. I’m not going to say anything about the foul shooting difference and I hated to see Mourning get hurt. Another great game by AJ and Mario is player we have to keep. Marvin is definitely improving his game and becoming the Hawks consistant second scorer.

GO HAWKS!

By mykhalc

December 19, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

good win by the YOUNG GUNS again tonite!! team ball again!! and AJ is playin’ great ball, no doubt!!!

with all that has happened with the ATL franchises lately it would be a great story to see WOODSON somehow shine thru!!! i have DEFINITELY been down on him as a HC but i definitely think he brings class as a person. and if his team keeps playin’ for him like they are now then MAYBE he grows and learns just as his team does. the main thing is the players seem to be respondin’ to him now and he seems to be lettin’ they just play ball!!! seems to be a good mix!!!

i ALWAYS thought WOODSON coached better with less choices and it still seems to hold true!! but we need more healthy bodies, no doubt!!

with cats like PETRINO disgracin’ the city, it would be great to see someone like WOODSON, whose has seen ALL the tough times, and created some of his own too, come out on top and benefit from his loyalty and dedication to a sufferin’ franchise!!

let’s hope he can keep the team playin’ like they are now!!!

By doc

December 19, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

loved it as marvin’s teammates were coaxing? him to take it to the basket and be a force. ok maybe they were kicking his a$$ to go for the basket himself and he really took it to heart.

thanks aj i’ll check it out.

By Juan

December 19, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

The officiating in tonight’s game was atrocious, plain and simple. The referees did an exemplary job of making sure their precious “D-Wade” got to the line an inordinate amount. Plus, that no-call on Marvin in overtime was a complete joke. Look, we all know that the NBA issues a mandate to the officials to make sure the high revenue teams do well. Well, Davie, your beloved Heat are now 7-18 — even with your crooked zebras, whom most likely had the Heat +1.5. Great win Hawks!!!

By mykhalc

December 19, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

SEKOU, i trace this ‘team’ play back to the players only meetin’. is there anything that you can share with us that was aired in the meetin’ that you think is makin’ the biggest difference in their play over the last couple of weeks???

By G Money

December 19, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Hey, hey, hey!!! 13-12 is great. Where are the naybobs now? Team ball beats great individuals nearly every time. I don’t see how anyone could be talking trade at this time (unless it is for LWright or CClaxton). These wins are about teamwork.

By G Money

December 19, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Hey, hey, hey!!! 13-12 is great. Where are the naybobs now? Team ball beats great individuals nearly every time. I don’t see how anyone could be talking trade at this time (unless it is for LWright or CClaxton). These wins are about teamwork.

By Clyde

December 19, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

While we are talking about extentions we need to lock down AJ for a couple more years. Lue and Speedy are done with. Who would have ever thought that our answer at point guard would be sitting on the bench. Good win tonight.

FREE SOLOMON JONES!!!

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Volman

December 19, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc, are you watching these games? haha.. I hope so! I never really post much on here anymore, but these games are fun!

(I almost got into a fight with some Heat fans tonight…Ahh, I wish Hawks fans were around my season tickets!)

Great win Hawks!

AJ Needs an extension

By cp

December 20, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

Great win for this team. I think they are now playing with that swagger they had been missing for a while. When Marvin learns to play with this type of intensity and aggressivness every night then he will be the player a lot of people thought he would be. I cant lie at times its frustrating watching him because you see all the tools but he seems satisfied with being a nice player instead of being a great player. Hopefully he plays with fire the rest of the season.

By mykhalc

December 20, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

Volman, wassup bro!!! can you say NBALP???? LOL oh i forgot, YOU say ‘season tix’!!!!! i’m enjoyin’ the play as of late my friend, no doubt!!! stay outta trouble man!!! you got grades to make!!!!;o)

By Ken Strickland

December 20, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

MELVIN, thanks for the reminder. They give everyone trouble, especially when it counts the most.

By John

December 20, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

The atmosphere at the game tonight was great. I was really impressed with the Hawks. They have to keep winning these games that they are supposed to and lately they have been doing it. Holding off a veteran team like the Heat is a great win, even though their record is terrible. We won despite Wade having a great game, with tons of help from the refs. The calls he gets are ridiculous. Joe had a great game and AJ has proven that he IS this team’s PG. HE runs the show and hits big shots, unlike Lue who only hits shots. He also is a much better defender. The fact that this was without Childress, along with Smoove and Horford having fairly quiet games makes the win even more impressive. Man, it feels good to win some. It is so much better when you have stuck with them through the extremely rough years.

By Bronnt

December 20, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

Agreed, the officiating was horrific tonight. They kept showing replays when Smitty was pointing out missed foul calls. My favorite was when D-Wade flopped because Marvin Williams set a moving screen on one end, and on the other endd, Haslem did the exact same thing to Marvin only it wasn’t called. Is it because Marvin didn’t flop, or because he’s not Dwayne Wade?

Is it possible the answer at PG was the FOURTH-stringer? I thought we had too many PGs on the roster going in, but right now it looks like we just barely had enough. It’s time to get Claxton out of here, we absolutely don’t need him any more if AJ is going to play like this. Unlike many of you, though, I still like having Lue around because he can make jumpshots-AJ has been showcasing a nice jumper of late, but when he’s had to sit, the lack of another shooter really causes the D to collapse on JJ. Besides that, he’s antoher veteran on a team sorely lacking in experience. I don’t think the Hawks can let him go just yet.

Calderon ain’t happening! He was important to the Raptors coming into the season, and with Ford a huge injury risk, he’s become essential. Even with Ford healthy, they’ve used both of them in conjuction to great effect. As soon ask them for Chris Bosh.

I got this link from over on Hawks.com, but check it out. Dave McMenamin, feature writer on NBA.com, has Horford ranked #1 in his rookie rankings.

http://www.nba.com/rookies/rankings.html

That’s not even really surprising, having watched Horford all year long. What I loved seeing was his “next 10” after his top ten. Mario West is listed! (so is Acie Law)

By BA

December 20, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this

Everybody has been wrong about Billy and Woody. Obviously, it took a long time to recover after they cleaned house; three years later, it comes together. You can’t judge Sheldon yet, it’s just too soon to write this guy off. But look at the good moves- they brought in Joe Johnson, had to fight for it! Marvin is looking strong, smoothest shot on the team. Josh Smith was a steal where they drafted him. Big Al hustles, he’s been as good as advertised. And like the guy said on this blog last night, “Anthony freakin Johnson!” All you hear on the radio in this town is negative about Billy and Woody, and I’m sick of it. ESPN has us ranked under stinking Philly, and I’m even more sick of it. Go Hawks!

By Ken Strickland

December 20, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this

CLYDE, now that’s what I’m talking about. Your post was positive and you added another logo. Good for you. Now, be honest, you have to give Woody some props, because he’s been a big part of the teams resurgence.

This team has 4 starters that can fill up the stat sheet and take over at both ends of the court. Marvin still isn’t a great one on one defender, but he no longer hurts the team. He’s learned to play the lanes and get steals and deflections. Our big guards, JJ and AJ, are creating matchup problems for opposing teams, and you can now Add West to the mix.

In tight gms like tonight TLue is a valuable assest, as well as JChildress. Zaza is back and seems to be energized. I want to see how we play with all of our assets healthy and playing at 100% efficiency. I can’t can hardly wait until we play Washington. They are playing well.

By BA

December 20, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

Sekou, this is a great blog. Heard you on the radio today, sounded on point. That show is syndicated. Keep up the good work, maybe when you’re on ESPN they will actually acknowledge that we have a team here!

By Enough

December 20, 2007 4:34 AM | Link to this

The Hawks are doing well by default. Woody and his ill advised rotation is limited due to injuries and thus has forced him to play the proper guys. Lue while he is a spark was logging too many minutes and thrusting up bad shots in critical moments. The play of Sheldon has picked up big time and it was always baffling to me why AJ wasn’t getting any play. The key to the Hawks will be the bench, Acie, Sheldon, Childress and Zaza. I think Acie can develope, Sheldon is showing signs, J-Chill could easily start in Marvins role but Marvins jumper is becoming money in the bank. But Zaza and injuries could hurt. The rest of the bench is suspect, West no offense, Lue tries to do too much, Wright didn’t know he was still on the roster and the tall skinny guy Solomon who knows, heck with the way he blocks shots and high energy guy could replace Sheldon or Zaza but Woodson is also a big question mark. Shouldn’t make a move for the sake of making a move but if a solid big becomes available ala the way Sheed put Pistons back envogue, you bust a move. Or just play it out and see how the young guys respond and next year you may have a solid core and can bring in a solid vet like Shaq to push the team over the top.

By G Money

December 20, 2007 5:22 AM | Link to this

Clyde, “Free Solomon Jones” is way too funny, but oh so true.
Ken, I’ll keep what we’ve got, but I’m not so sure about the value of TLue at this point in his career. As AJ and the rest of the core continue to get minutes, develop confidence and believe in themselves and their shots, the stagnant kind of ball that Lue gives you may not be what is best for this team to win. Besides, he can’t defend many opposing point guards any more.
Nonetheless, I say let’s keep everyone - it’s about the team. Leave it alone and see what happens. So far the product is better than any we’ve seen in the last 7 years. Enjoy!

By Jonj

December 20, 2007 6:07 AM | Link to this

I THINK WE HAVE THAT DEFENSIVE MINDED PERSON IN AJ HE MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO GUARD THE BEST DEFENDER, BUT HIS DEFENSE IS SOME OF THE BEST I HAVE SEEN IN AWHILE.

By Jonj

December 20, 2007 6:13 AM | Link to this

OH AND AS FAR AS TRADING I AGREE WITH WHAT REDMUD SAID

SIT BACK AND WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO OFFER YOU A DEAL YOU CAN’T REFUSE

By Willie Coyote

December 20, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this

I think D Wade just shot another free throw.

By kevin

December 20, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

you know.. I dont really think pg is our issue. I think with emmergence of AJ, Law can back him up, and mario west and salim can fill for spot duty. I really think another big would really help. If you could package sheldon,tlue and maybe a pick to a team with an extra large body, this team would be in much better shape. Al could then back up the 4 and play 5 when the team goes small. It allows Zaza to come off the bench where he seems to strive. Could a Brad Miller or Troy Murphey be had. They wont get many blocks , but they can score and get rebounds. Both a more mobile but have the size to play center in the east.Heck Jeff Foster would probably be a good pick up as well. Come one BK, use that indiana connection one more time.

By doc

December 20, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

an important item may have been lost in the victory. it might have been a true warrior’s last game. my thoughts and wishes for a return to the court for ZO are seen knowing it may not do any good. he was and is a very class act.

after what i have read of zo’s last game and moments in an nba locker room as a combatant it only serves to reinforce that image. folks, to have come back after a kidney transplant is sooo huge and almost impossible. the drugs that he is on will affect the speed of healing so his career is probably over. maybe just maybe the initial read of a blown patellar tendon will be incorrect and he can carry on like the iron man he is; otherwise, i am sure we can all bid him a safe journey forward and anticipate good things to continue to come from him.

By Tyger

December 20, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

“Hawks 2007”

Hawks in midst of growth curve and no one deserves more credit than BK himself. He’s weathered the storm, kept his team and coach in place, acquired the right pieces despite his hands being tied behind his back and now we are reaping the rewards.

BK has built this team through the draft and one trade with only one glaring mistake: Speedy Claxton. The selections of Horford, Law, Smith are sheer genius.

Just think had he listened to the pundits, we would be stuck here whining about how Mike Conley keeps missing layups or why Yi doesnt like ATL.

Woody is a dunce, but he deserved the chance to field a team with some hair on its balls. Now, those guys are coming together right before our eyes.

Do they need tweaking is the question? Certainly, ZaZa isnt going to change into a defensive stopper. And Chills isnt going to become a 3 pt. specialist anytime soon.

However, dont we have a 6’11 shotblocker with young legs on the bench and a Mini-Microwave in street clothes?

I’m not convinced that we dont already have the assets necessary to reach the next level.

I am convinced we dont have the vision to incorporate them into the scheme of things.

By Dub C

December 20, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

doc, I agree with you about Zo. I’ve been a huge fan of Zo’s since he was at Georgetown and he’s a true warrior. That injury was tough.

The Hawks look very good right now. Being in south GA, I’m fortunate enough to seen 75 of the Hawks 82 games on TV. I’m somewhat torn on if they should tinker with their squad. My gut tells me that they should do NOTHING and go just as they are. They are playing with energy, and chemistry. Even though they are still missing some folks due to injury, that’s no excuse. Someone earlier said Free Solomon Jones. I totally agree! With injury riddled Washington tomorrow and some rest until Indiana the day after Christmas, hopefully we can get some players back (especially Chills and Salim).

Go Hawks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By best moment

December 20, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

I think the best moment was seeing Woody congratulating his players on the bench last night and even smiling as the clock ran down. He then of course turned around, crossed his arms and resumed his stare…. Looks like they are all finally having fun.

By Dawgs

December 20, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

SSI Fan not to knock you or anything but Detroit has been winning of late too… Big Ben isn’t exactly a giant size wise.

By Volman

December 20, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Myk, I’m definitely going to throw in some of my contributions (if you call it that!) to the blogs now that the semester is over… I miss these blogs!! There are SO many more people posting on here now! Look what wins gets this blog! haha.

Anyway, great win Hawks…

Myk, do you get any extra coverage on the Hawks with NBAPlus?

By THE Hawks Fan

December 20, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

That was a great game! The best part was the “The Atlanta Fans” taking back Phillips arena. Sooooo many years of sitting through SOLD OUT games because people came to see the VISITING team. To watch those Miami fans leave with cracked faces was priceless. So you Laker Knicks Celtics and Cleveland fans be warned: The Hawks are back!!!! You would have thought history would have repeated itself this year with all of the injuries, but these guys battled back like crazy. Dont even think about “Tweaking” this team. I still havent got over the Nique and Steve Smith trades that KILLED the good seasons the team was haveing. I wish Alonzo nothing but the best. The way Miami is playing and the state of the team he will probably be glad by the end of the year he is not with them. Last but not least, Can we please get some Number 6 Jerseys at Phillips ???? GO Hawks!!!!!!

By ILL-logical

December 20, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Great win last night both for the team and the city.

HOWEVER. Before anyone orders finals tix or breaks their arm patting themselves on the back, let’s take a deep breath here and consider the following:

A.13-12 is OK but it is very early. B.Winning only hides weaknesses temporarily. C. Losing brings out the worst here.

Let’s hope that management has their eyes on winning now and winning big.

By Mike

December 20, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Great Win Hawks!!!!

Sekou, I have to ask myself when you talking to your scouting buddies and they are giving their assessment of the team, does any of that information ever filter down to Woodson. I have said all alone that absent a major trade, the Hawks just need to make better use of the personnel they have.

Case and point, picking up on one of Doc blogs, why can’t Salim be use as the scorer we are supposedly in so desperate need of. This guy has earned the right to get a chance to fill a void we have at that position. Same goes for Solomon. Both of these guys can help this team become even stronger. Why wait until the team is depleted with injuries before you give a guy real minutes, you are going to need these guys any way, because injuries is a part of the game.

I would keep these guys together and find a way to get everyone on the team involved in the grand scheme of things. What we learned from watching AJ is that guys on the bench can have a major impact on the out come of the game.

Let me congratulate Woodson and his coaching staff for a terrific job. If you can dogg this guy when they’re loosing, you gotta take your hat off to the guy for having this team above .500.

I remember so many people on this blog dogging BK for giving up a second round pick to get AJ, now even Clyde wants the Hawks to sign him to an extension. But Clyde is right. AJ can be our starting PG , Acie can back him up, and Salim, and Mario could help out.

I’m dam proud of the effort this young team is giving on a nightly basis. Yes these young Hawks are growing up right before our eyes.

Man I love to see Joe play with so much fire and emotion. Some will disagree, but gotta give Woodson and his coaching staff credit for improved play we are witnessing.

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By A Thinking Fan

December 20, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Most ATL Fans are some of the biggest Bandwagon, Flip Flopping fans in the world!!!

GOOD WIN! GO HAWKS!

By G Money

December 20, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

The real question I’d like answered is does anyone have any idea about the timeframe for getting players back healthy. I know Salim has a hurt ankle and Chills and Acie are nursing lingering injuries.
Sekou, is there any word other than “day to day” for the injured? Obviously, no one thinks Craig is coming back. Do we have to carry him the entire season before we could potentially get some relief?

By hawks-4-life

December 20, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

WELCOME TO ATLANTA WHERE THE PLAYAZ PLAY….IVE WAITED SO LONG TO SAY THAT..LOL

By Jbravo

December 20, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

I think that getting Curry will be a great move. Curry isn’t being used at his optimum because of the black hole that is Zach Randolph. Despite our improved record, we are desparately in need of post scoring, especially when we play teams like the Pistons, Celtics, and Wizards who fiercely defend the perimeter and harass JJ. Curry would free JJ of double teams and will allow him to get more 1 on 1 matchups. Josh Smith and Horford’s rebounding will make up for Curry’s inefficiencies. And as bad a defender as Curry is, he is better than Zaza. I think a deal including Zaza and Childress will easily get it done. While I love Childress is a great hustle player, he is a luxury that borderline teams like us cannot afford to have. His energy can be replaced by Mario West.

By doc

December 20, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

atf, some might call it flip flop and one can trash those that were naysayers if you want. only, if you listened to what those naysayers said (and maybe yourself) that had to happen to get competitive are happening. it had to be a huge assumption that all the pieces would fall into place without going outside the organization to fill it. still quite certain the curve might have been shortened, things might even be better if certain things had been done but that is only an opinion so dont decry as though i say it as fact and you can argue however you want. we all stumble, we all have our successes and this is very satisfying to watch. let us hope this newfound confidence continues. all is good right now.

i really like what i see in zaza though he is having to change his game a bit from the finess guy, getting the points playing long minutes in the post while trying to not foul because there was no one there to sub him into becoming a bit more of a force inside doing some dirty work. he can continue to grow just like marvin getting harrassed last night for giving up the ball and deferring a shot to become the man himself. that has to be huge for him to have his guys at his back. then to go out and contribute down the stretch last night ending up with a double double against a team that essentially wore his a$$ out while his former coach sat there and watched him stumble and cower like a babe looking as confused as acie does now. as far as acie he will catch on but not as quickly as we all thought and myk provided the exclamation point, too.

got to give major cred to aj as he has stepped up his game and i still am an enquiring mind wanting to know, what was said in that stand down at the beginning of the season? i am glad those two got it worked out. growth in team and coach, fun. seeing an actual nba offense with ball and player movement, critical stops and bounds …. PRICELESS.

By SSI Fan

December 20, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Dawgs, Ben Wallace is now a Bull. The Pistons won the championship when they paired the 6’11” Rasheed Wallace at power forward with the undersized Ben Wallace. They were only undersized at one of the two “big” positions not at both.

All this trade talk is fun but everyone knows that BK is not going to trade any player that he drafted. The only player drafted by BK that I can remember being traded is Diaw.

By Ken Strickland

December 20, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

G MONEY, I’m with you. A trust factor among certain players has developed that didn’t exist before. JJ would often force up shots in certain close situations. Now, he doesn’t hesitate to pass out of the lane to either AJ or Marvin. Before now, it appeared TLue was the only shooter he trusted. Before the last 10-12gms, teams would double JJ, especially with Lue out of the gm. Now Marvin and AJ are making teams pay. As a result, JJ is now able to consistently get to the lane for short runners or passouts to open teammates.

I still wish someone would impress upon JSmith that the backboard can be his best friend. He often gets close to the basket, but not close enough to dunk, and either overshoots or shorthands his attempts. Players like Shaq, TDuncan and even DWade as very successful scorers because they rely heavily on bank shots when in traffic underneath.

The truth is, we are all impressed and excited about the Hawks at this point. I know I find myself viewing each upcoming gm as a way of judging this teams degree of progress, maturity and growth. A lot of you complained constantly about BK drafting so many forwards. Now, we are a team of simularly sized versatle players that can play multiple positions. Teams don’t run plays designed to create mismatches because of our uniform size. In fact, we switch constantly as a part of our DEF philosophy. We’ve been scoring pts in bunches lately and most of them have been inside the FT line. That approach also sends us to the FT line often. Man, the Hawks are playing solid fundamental basketball on both ends of the court.

By Melvin

December 20, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Althought I like this team ‘as-is’ . I wouldn’t mind seeing Management make a small tweak to add another shooter/scorer or big. But I wouldn’t trade any of our core players (JJ, JS, AJ, AH, MW, JC & ACIE). Maybe Portland would be willing to let C.Frye go with the emergencies of Outlaw or the Supersonics maybe willing to part ways with L.Ridnour to clearup their logjam at pg or the Kings may be willing to trade B.Miller to reduce their payroll. Maybe the Pacers are ready to cut ties J.O’neal. The asking price for Steve Frances may be reasonable. I think there are deal(s) that could be made to improve our roster without trading our core players…

By terrell barron

December 20, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

I’ve got to admit, it was nice seeing ol’ Woodrow smile for a change. Was it just me, or was Acie still favoring that ankle? Maybe we should just sit him before he tweeks it. He’s going to play a major role, down the stretch. GO HAWKS!

By terrell barron

December 20, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Melvin, I didnt see Sheldons name in your core of players. Why not?

By Ryder

December 20, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

There seems to be more of a trusting nature among this team, especially by JJ. Although he’s playing the same amount of minutes as last year (in due part because of Chill’s injury) he isn’t forcing himself to be the only option on offense. Marvin, Josh, and AJ are hitting enough shots where teams can’t double on JJ anymore. That is a sign of growing up.

Curry would kill any chemistry that exists on this team now. They would have to change their offensive approach and he is death on a fast break.

I think Acie did tweak his ankle again. Hopefully he can take some much needed time off when Chill comes back. His game allows Atlanta a multitude of options on both offense and defense.

These next three games are pivotal to the remainder of the ‘07 calendar year. Washington, a team that is riddled with PG injuries of their own, Atlanta should be able to handle them even if Caron goes off (hoping to see my fellow Hawk fans out there, JohnGTfan and Sekou). Indiana, who is one of those bubble teams that will be interesting to find out how Atlanta deals with them. Finally, at Dallas, let’s see what happens when the Hawks play a major contender on the road.

By G Money

December 20, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Hey doc, it’s hard to play well when you’re injured. When you’re well it’s hard to play defense on DWade. I think Acie’s lost a bit of his confidence because he’s trying to play through pain for the first time in his career. It isn’t something you figure out right away. It’s also a sign of maturity and becoming a man. He’ll get tougher, but I don’t his play to improve until his health does. The same could be said about Salim.

By terrell barron

December 20, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Is he worth the 5th pick? PROBABLY NOT. Can he help the Hawks? YES HE CAN.

By Tom

December 20, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

I know the subject of the quality of ref’s comes up often, but do you have any inside info on what Stern is doing about it? As a fan of the game (not necessarily just the Hawks), watching a game like last night’s game is exteremly frustrating. The no-calls on the Hawks players beacause they’re not marquee names and the phantom calls on Wade are deplorable. No professional league should have their credibility questioned on a nightly basis like the NBA does (granted it is always worse when you have Bennett Salvatore, Violet Palmer or Dick Bevetta do your game). What is the NBA doing about this???

By doc

December 20, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

g i said the same thing about jj a few weeks ago. however, though he is injured he doesnt have the feel for the game yet that i expected as the season began and yes as last night shows he is going to have to get used to being thrown around in the middle and expect contact. he is shying away just a bit and it has his shot coming up short and passes a bit off that along with not feeling well so he can do it night in a night out.

it is a huge jump from tex a&m to where he is as he has already played what used to be a full season in college and it isnt even january and every guard he faces in practice and in games is better than anyone he played in college. just the same jj hurt, delivered; acie hurt well, as you said, he has to become a man. i also expect it to come about before the end of the year.

By terrell barron

December 20, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

We need 1 out of the next 3 to remain at 500. Washington, Indy, Dallas. All 3 teams are playing great. GO HAWKS!

By terrell barron

December 20, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

At least Acie’s out there doing what he can to help the team, unlike his fellow teammate, Craig”I CANT FEEL MY LEGS”Claxton.

By Let's Help Get Some Hawks On The Team

December 20, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Take some time and vote!

http://www.nba.com/allstar2008/asb/eng/ballot.html

By I.MUS WRITE

December 20, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Is Acie really helping us? I admire his courage to play through injuries but……. No- Woody needs to sit him until he is completely healthy.

Plain and simple the guy is’nt ready. To many turnovers, missed shots and stupid fouls.

How many times during the summer did we hear about Acie being our #1 point guard and how he is this and that….. PREMATURE EVALUATION……

We need to be thankful that we got AJ for that 2nd round pick because we would’nt be .500 if he was’nt here. AJ is the man right now- and he is doing a reat job.

Lets trade Chillz by the deadline, with filler to get that big man we covet so much… Chillz is going to be in another uniform next summer lets get something in return for the guy.

I like Chills but he is always hurt and cant be a prime time scorer for this team because of the emergence of Marvin and Smoove. How about Chills and T Lue to Sacremento for Brad miller. Gordon Giricek is also available- He would help alot-you cant play JJ 53 minutes and think he is’nt going to break down at some point. We are gonna be fine -just make some minor adjustments…. GO HAWKS!!!!!!

By G Money

December 20, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

By my calculations, the Hawks are exactly in the middle of the NBA; not a bad place to be versus last year. As long as they continue to consistently beat the teams that are below them and manage to surprise an occasional upper tier team, they will be going to the play-offs. Imagine that! They are statistically tied with UTAH’s record (whoa, who would have thunk that?).

Clyde, you may have to start selling some patches for those t-shirts to at least cover BK’s name. You may even have to send the shirts overseas to either sell as part of bygone Americana or just to give to the needy. I’m sure that Ando has a gross of them already, so maybe he should just get a bolt of black material and make his own patches (wink). Just joking with you guys. I think we all hope I have the last laugh on this one.

If we can get the other guys healthy; get some rest over the holidays, it could be an interesting run to the All-Star break. I used to say that the magic number for a good season was 7 wins per month. I need to amend that to 8. If we average 8, we might have a date for the play-offs. I can’t even believe that I’m writing about play-offs and the Hawks in the same breath.

By Ken Strickland

December 20, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

JBRAVO, ECurry is not better than Zaza, especially for the Hawks. First of all, each of the Hawks frontline starters outrebounds Curry. Chills(4.9) and Zaza(4.4), are right behind Curry’s 5.4 avg, and they come off the bench. We need more rebounding not less. Curry as a starter ranks 46th in the Eastern conference in blks. So he would be a rebounding and DEF liability.

Curry’s only contribution would be his low post OFF, and we run a high post OFF. Imagine how many of last nights runners and drives by JJ, AJ and Marvin wouldn’t have been possible with Curry in the middle. JSmith would have to start hoisting those long range jumpers again because Curry would have the lane clogged.

Zaza is a good rebounder and high post C, which compliments our attacking the lane style perfectly. Finally, can you imagine Curry’s fat A— trying to get up and down the court in our uptempo OFF?

By John

December 20, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

There is no reason to make a trade just to make a trade. Keep things they way they are. No Patterson or Eddy Curry. Curry can score but can’t rebound and would only take minutes away from Horford. Patterson would only take minutes away from Childress when he is healthy, which is not a good thing in my opinion. We are winning and playing extremely well right There does not need to be any changes that would mess our chemistry up.

By Frank

December 20, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a hawks fan for 25 yrs. and I’ll be honest,with as weak of an eastern conference that there is this year, we truly have an oppertunity to make some serious noise in the playoffs since the late 8o’s(not that weve been there much lately). However,here are my views on what needs to happen.

1.) no injuries to J.J, J.Smith,Horford,A.Johnson.(as in NONE) 2.)We need to make a move with Childress before we lose him with no return in free agency.(either p.guard or big man help, the best VALUE! 3.)Keep being agressive with the ball .Stop setteling for jumpers and drive the ball. Look at A.J’s success over the past 10 games(and record with him as a starter)He’s a vet that understands the nba.

IF WE DO THESE THINGS GET READY FOR A FUN POSTSEASON, FINALLY!