Hawks

By ray

December 30, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Mavs are hard to stop. They’ve got most of all that’s needed: big center, big shooter/scorer (Dirk), more shooters/scorers (Howard,Terry, even Stackhouse), quick pg who draws fouls and can score…you name it. Teams like this remind us of our deficiencies. That and we had foul trouble and couldn’t shoot. It happens. Next….!

The glaring obviousness of needing more help down low hasn’t gone away, it’s been scrubbed another color by this team’s success…which seems to be fueled by better-than-ever defense, more-cohesive-and-explosive-than-before offense, and several intangibles.

Here’s to hoping for more wins, and knowing that other teams are going to start tinkering (or full-out overhauling) with themselves in an effort to get better. Hopefully we find the happy medium between making no moves at all, and making too many or stupid moves.

By ray

December 30, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

A couple things I thought about:

Ryder’s “Hawks analysis” post from the last blog was fairly well on target.

Without trying to rock the boat, I have to continue to say that there is a need for more effective size in the post. Horford is big man, beast, all that and a bag of chips and a Coke. But…like some of us have said earlier…how long can he keep it up. Night in and night out, it’s the physicality of it. Regardless of the toughness of his mind (which is obvious), his body can only take so much. He’s being called upon to do virtually all the heavy lifting. His only true running mate is Josh Smith, who can only help so much because he’s got his hands full having to guard the opposing teams’ most talented and elusive 3s and 4s.

Why? Two reasons: Pachulia and Williams. Marvin’s defense isn’t good enough yet. Pachulia isn’t getting it done, period.

Don’t get me wrong at all. I like both guys. Marvin is bringing a good amount of offense and will get better…hopefully a lot better. We need all the help we can get. But the thing that really bugs me about Pachulia is the same thing that bugs me about Sheldon. Both guys seem out-of-whack, disjointed, and generally uncomfortable. 9 times out of 10, their offense is out of sync with everyone else.

Pachulia only seems to provide halfway decent defense and rebounding when he is involved (or featured) in the offense early. Guys, this doesn’t work. In my opinion, ‘tis the former which should be standard, while the latter is a reward for providing the former. In short, good defense and rebounding should be something that is done regardless. However, to keep your bigs happy, you give them the ball, particularly for easy dunks and layups as a reward. The exception to this theory is when you have bigs that should be featured because of the damage they can do offensively. With the exception of Al Horford, we have no bigs that can, or even project to be this kind of offensive player.

Besides that, what happens if a guy like Pachulia or Shells can’t get their shots off against stiff opposing defense, or are just having an off night? What then, they will be useless for the rest of the game? No! While guys like Flash are certainly right about running offenses through the pivot, you must have guys who can actually do this. Horford can. I don’t see Woody running these plays much. I wouldn’t consider Josh a big, though he can run this too. The problem is that Pachulia, Shelden, and Lorenzen don’t do this. So the question is, how do you maximize the effectiveness of these guys? Because while we’re talking about this, Horford is out there mostly alone…doing the heavy lifting. Again, Josh is out drawing some very tough assignments. Sometimes more than one a game. The guy had to defend both Nowitzki and Howard against Dallas. What did Dallas do to negate this? They used what we should use: mismatches. The minute either player got near Marvin, it was trouble.

Still Marv gets 18, and he’s getting better. Law had a better offensive game and should really be causing problems later in the season. Horford just about matched Dampier stat-wise. But stats aren’t the whole story. Gotta get the beast some help…

By Astro Joe

December 30, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Sekou, what’s the latest on Speedy’s knee? (Sorry, couldn’t resist).

Regarding Stern, what more can he say about dress codes or ball selection? He lost one, won the other… much like Speedy’s knee, what else needs to be discussed on those 2 topics.

Here are a few unrequested topics I’d like to see covered in ‘08… our European players (Akyol & Andersen) and their potential to suit up for the Hawks next season. At least a monthly update on ownership court proceedings (most likely from T. Tucker). Analyses from each assistant on their specific area of focus (e.g. Lister on big men, Drew on offense, Fitzdale on defense, etc). Q&A with BK near trading deadline regarding state of Hawks.

Here’s my new trade to get us over the hump… Speedy, Shelden, Lo & Lue to Portland for LaFrentz & Jack. LaFrentz is an underrated shot-blocker and can knock down open jumpers from long range. Jack is a very good back-up option at PG. Portland gets short-term salary cap relief and a true banger in Shelden (only Pryzbilla has a desire to bang amongst their current big men). Essentially, it is a trade of spare parts for both teams.

Or, I’d settle for Juan Dixon who apparently can be had for a turkey and cheese sandwich. I always liked his toughness.

By LL Cool Scott

December 30, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

We don’t necessarily need help inside if this team commits to running and commits to playing small ball. And I wouldn’t make any drastic moves to better compete in this year’s playoffs considering we have ZERO chance of contending for a title. We have to continue to make personnel moves with an eye on 3 to 4 years down the line when our young talent hits its prime and is ready to contend.

By Wink from Lithonia

December 30, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Hawks are playing better than expected, Josh Smith is over rated. He needs to take some Prozak on offense and slow down! To his credit he has reigned in the 3 point shot, but his passing is bad ( I don’t mean bad good) and he is weak around the basket,unless he is filling a lane. He is no John Stockton on the break, his drives are like a train wreck waiting to happen and weak at the rim with those little under hand flip shots, instead of the overhand power dunks. His on ball defense is not very good. His true talent is weakside defense & blocks from behind. I admit he is a stat stuffer, but he is not consistent from game to game. He had about 76 games in a row with a block, which suggest to me he is more a defensive player than our Robin to Batman (JJ). At the half against Indiana, he had 3 points, 3 fouls, 4 turnovers and no blocks.

Resolutions:

Josh Smith to play under control and slow down.

Forget Speedy.

AC Law to get his confidence back and take ball to rack…in other words…act like he belongs (See Horford)

Hope Al continues to be Al and does not hit the wall… awesome acquisition!!

JJ resolve to lead this team every night and that the “Fat Dude” left his jump shot under the tree??

That role players accept their roles ie (Super Mario)

Mad Marvin continues his aggressive play of late and shoot that little tweener set jumpshot… no off the dribble jumpshots he’s not capable.

Maybe, if Salim introduces himself to Coach Woody before each game he will remember he has another shooter to turn too!!!

Oh yeah, that Woody would call an early timeout when he is playing on the road against a perennial playoff team (Dallas) who have loss 2 straight games… before your team falls behind 12 to zero!!!!

All things considered, I think we can make the playoffs!!

“Why not us - Why not now?”

Here’s hoping we can have a Happy New Year in ATL!

By new jersey faithful

December 31, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

Resolutions: 1)stay healthy 2)beat teams we should beat 3)get the bench more involved 4)run,run,run 5)defense,rebound,hustle 6)make and go deep into the playoffs! FLY HIGH HAWKS!!!!!

By SalimFan

December 31, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this

Resolutions huh…OK

Josh childress- Fix your shot so that you can actually shoot when you’re not wide open. It’s the NBA everyone can make OPEN shots…put some arc on that goose neck. somebody get hime a shooting coach to work on that. That’s the only thing keeping him from reaching his full potential…the fact that he can’t shoot over anyone.

-Trade zaza and speedy for some quality players. (LIKE VLADAMIR RADMONOVIC!!!!)Hint Hint…

-Give Acie and salim more time

-Utilize the pick N’roll in the halfcourt like pheonix does. We have athletic forwards who can throw it down just like Amare.

That’s about it for me….

By cp

December 31, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this

I hope this team continues to play well in the new year. I hope for health. I hope coach lets the guys run and run . Marvin to stay agressive. Law to get his legs back. To keep Lue on the bench. Send Solomon to the NBDL if wont be getting any pt. Well i have too many too name but hopefully in the end we make the playoffs.

By randy

December 31, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

Can we change Speedy’s nickname to “Gimpy”?

By randy

December 31, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

Can we change Speedy’s nickname to “Gimpy”?

By Samuel

December 31, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Yea cuz, I wonder why when certain people commit acts of thuggary the legs as you say are shorter Tom Thumb while other legs resemble Manute Bol.

Tim Danaghy did more to set back pro basketball than any doo rag could ever do and Andy Reid’s Walgreens in Suburban Philly.

Real Short Leg

By Gray Mule

December 31, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

My wishes for 2008? More wins than losses. A healthy roster. An onership resolution. Win the games we’re capable of. Steal some wins from the great ones. Some playing time for Solomon Jones and it’s well earned. Salim drives and scores a lot and regains his shot. Wright, Shelden & Zaza play “BIG” every game. Games where everyone plays and everyone has a great game. Don’t want much, do I?

Happy New Years!

To the Hawks and all Hawk fans.

Gray Mule

By Mike

December 31, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

My well wishes for 2008. I already got what I wanted for the Hawks in 2008 because this team is where I hoped they would be going into to the start of year. The biggest challenge is on BK and Woody. I think things have started to take shape in term of immediate need for this team, and that is definitely help at the post. As we get close to the trade deadline there should be somebody we can get to help us out. There are two things I think will be key going in 2008.

1. With guys returning from injury Woody has got to do a better job of substituting guys based on the team and game situation. Some time your starters are going struggle, let’s face it they’re human. When we’re struggling to score get, Acie and Salim into the game early. When Zaza and Shelden are not producing, give Solomon Jones a chance. Don’t just go with the same guys every game mix things up. Rotate Marvin and Chill from first unit to the second unit some games. Always use SUPER MARIO to harass the other teams PG, SG, or PF. There is never a bad time to put Mario in the game when one of these position players gets it going.

2. Bk has to bring some help in at the pivot spot. It doesn’t have to one of those huge five team trade deals. We all have talk about the glaring weakness in the post. Let’s see what’s available and get this kid AH some help. Since Woody absolutely refuses to play Solomon, send him to the development league, and start auditioning some guys like a Kelvin Cato for ten day contracts. It’s time to make a decision on Solomon, this is too good of kid to let him just root on the bench. You always hear GMs and Coaches praising guys for good character and attitude, well this kid Solomon has these intangibles but obvious it doesn’t matter to the Hawks. Solomon deserve better than what he’s getting from the Hawks. Either develop this kid or let him go some where else and play. This will free up a roster spot to bring in another Big.

I think the future is bright, but the time is now. Use Salim and Solomon, or move them to another team where they will get a chance to play and develop.

On the subject of Speedy, no one expected Grant Hill to be playing in the league at this point in his career. Give this guy time to decide what’s best for his career and his family. I think Speedy knows how the fans of Atlanta feel about him. He’d have to live in a cave not to. We can only bash this guy for so long.

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

By The Flash

December 31, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Ray we’re not terribly far about on this big issue, but enough so I’ll say it again.

Duke ran things through Shelden, who got the attention of the best of the best in college for three years running, and handled the responsibility well.

If you have an offense that sees pivot entries as the initiation of the offense, the pass out to a guy whose defender has reacted to the entry and is off balance when his guy catches (that is the minimum we would be looking for), then the big knows what the heck is expected of him.

On the other hand, if the big touches it on an ad hoc basis when the exterior guys got nothing better to do, what’s he supposed to do with it, other than try to score the ball, that he can count on as helping his team?

If you can’t help offensively, and hurt the guy defending you, the guy defending you has the edge on the other side of the court. Happened in every game I ever played in, and I think in every game I ever watched.

The problem with Big Ben is not that he’s gotten old, it is that he and his teammates were not schooled by Larry. Ben might not have had huge stats when Larry coached, but he was integral to Detroit’s offense. Developed a little baseline game, a little in the lane game, in which when he caught with room, could knock down a shot, take it left or right with reliable finishes.

The other guys got him the thing. If he had it he knew it, otherwise he threw it out, and he was aware of where the other guys wold be. Most of all, he understood the game the same as the other guys did, and would know the “smart” movement of each of them when the defense collapsed, as it had to, at least a little, when the ball came in.

Then, of course, when Ben was two feet wide from the lane, his defender still had to deny, which left the lane open for penetration. There was Ben to make the athletic catch on an over-the-shoulder feed, give a head fake that left the big defender looking like an idiot as Ben dropped it in.

In that context, Ben ruled the middle on the other end. You take away his ability to meaningfully contribute, if not often dominate his guy on the offensive end (you don’t need big points to do that) the other guy has the confidence, the momentum, and everything changes on defense.

That is what is missing on this team, and until it is present, no big no matter how skilled will make a meaningful difference.

Like I’ve said before, maybe if you bring a big named guy with big bucks, the coaches change the focus and get the ball inside early and often and make the big the “pivot” for an inside out offense. My view, they do not have to wait for that; nor do we. If Shelden seems lost it is because the concepts this team holds about offense permits nothing else.

By randy

December 31, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

I would play Shelden more. He has the thickness to play tough on these bigs. I know he is only 6’8”, but I didn’t hear much from Dwight Howard in Orl or Dampier in Dal when he was the anchor. He snatches rebounds, understands the game better than last year, defends, and can score. I would sit Zaza, I was a big Z fan in years past, but this year he just looks awful. Give my Duke boy 12 minutes a game Woody! And start sending “Gimpy” Claxton his paycheck, its terrible to make the poor guy hobble in every week and pick it up!

By ray

December 31, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Flash, understood. It’s not the understanding or interpretation of your concepts that set us apart. It’s my perspective vs. yours. Your concept works just fine both in theory and in practice or application. However, this is assuming that you have a coach who not only understands the concept, but actually wants/committs to the use of it. Since Woodson doesn’t do that, you have a choice: replace the coach, or redirect the players. Woody’s still here.

We were told there would be more of a running offense. We’re still playing mostly half court sets. Sure, the ball is being pushed more, which is good. But a running offense this ain’t. Fortunately, we have still been winning. The point, however, is how slowly and minutely such changes are being made. Woody isn’t coaching much differently than before. His play calls don’t seem to have changed all that much. Your concepts (such as the Princeton offense) is not likely to happen unless this guy changes his philosophy. I don’t see that happening anytime soon, maybe not ever. So, you end up trying to do something else with the players you have. You and everybody else are right: considering what Shelden came from, he’s very confused and out of joint with what is expected of him here. And who’s fault is that? The guy who brought him here to play for a coach who won’t use him even remotely like he was used to in college? Or…the guy who expects him to do something he simply doesn’t do? Or is it the player’s fault for not adapting accordingly (at least not consistently, effectively)? Does it matter? The situation is a failed setup.

If you have a guy who works best a certain way and a coach who will not use him that way you can only do one of two things: change coaches, or change players. Or leave the whole thing alone and impede the progress of both team and player. Either way, something’s gotta give, ya know?

By The Flash

December 31, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Happy New Year Ray Your response is exactly why posting here is the next best thing to being able to actually get out there and do it. difference between a realistic, that would be you, and a dreamer with his tippy toes sometimes on the ground, that would be me. Well said!

The best to the rest of you guys too!

By ray

December 31, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Happy New Year to you too Flash…and everybody else!

Flash, nothing wrong with dreaming. At least you’re dreaming about what actually exists and works. Trust me, even a realist dreams…whether admitted or not. One person’s dream, another person’s reality. Hope is the beginning of eventuality.

By Astro Joe

December 31, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Ya’ll Be Careful Out There Tonight. Or do what I’m doing and stay home with the family, put the kids to bed and try to get your midnight groove on with your wife (after a bottle of the bubbly).

Happy New Year to One and All!

By Mike

December 31, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Heres to gettin yo midnight groove on with your wife.

Happy New Years Guys

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

By mykhalc

December 31, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

to the cats…

HAPPY NEW YEAR and wishin’ you all the best in the upcomin’ year!!!!!!

celebrate it safely!!!!!

GO HAWKS!!!!

By Darrin "The Vent King"

January 1, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

True, there aren’t many things to complain about right now with these Hawks considering the last ten years but here are some things I would like to see down the road-

1) Sekou, you’re dead on about acquiring another big body. It made no sense how much of a non-answer we had for Dampier and he isn’t even all that- JUST BIG. Someone like that down low with Horford would be sick! 2)I like the job AJ has been doing at pg too and he has made me eat alot of crow lately and yes Law is the future(really like him!), but for NOW, we need depth there with another experienced pg. That would be nice. I like Lue, but that’s whenever he is healthy. 3)As much as I love the guy, Josh Smith is racking my nerves with those wanna-be Magic Johnson passes. How is Woody NOT smashing “J-Smoove” over the head in practice for his part-time out of controllness? He needs to get himself under control ‘cause I have a bad feeling if the Hawks are thinking of trading one of those forwards, he may inadvertantly put his name at the top of that list. I do not want that cause I love watching him swat shots and monster-dunking on opponenets and plus that would not be popular for Atl P.R. seeing he’s from here, but play like that can kill chemistry. Especially when he goes into “black hole” mode- you know those times when the ball is passed to him and you can tell it will NEVER be seen again no matter what else is going on. Hopefully he’ll pull back and get a signature offensive move while he’s at it. I hate to complain about him cause he’s hometown grown and he’s fun to watch, but I guess I’m more frustrated with this guy because he has the most unbelievable talent potential of the youngsters on this squad and I want to see him reach it NOW! 4)KEEP IT GOING MARVIN!! Don’t let up now. Game needs to continue to grow(it takes too long sometimes for him to get his shot up) and you have to keep being aggressive. That’s one of the main diff in his game right now AND these Hawks IMO. Instead of waiting for things to happen like the last couple of seasons, he seems willing to make it happen. It is as ever as important for that to continue as it is for Joe Johnson to continue being our Kobe/A.I./Wade/LeBron or whatever you want to call that guy that saves our butt everytime nothing else works and even when it is working! That’s also what I believe is one of the biggest and important improvement in this team outside Al Horford’s obvious contributions- Marvin’s play. Please keep it going man-nnnn!

As I’ve been saying in these blogs since we drafted him, I like how Horford has brought that “extra-pass” mentality from his Gator-days up here to Atlanta. I believe that is one of the most under-rated and under-stated skill in b-ball. I swear, I’m a Gator fan so I’ve saw every b-ball game they had the last two years and at times during this season, the Hawks look like those Gators in regards to the “extra-pass”. I believe this is what makes the Spurs, Pistons, Mavs, and Suns so good besides the talent. You mix talent with team play as far as sharing the ball AND defense and it’s- LIGHTS OUT! We’re nowhere near being on that lights out level with it, but for once in TEN YEARS there is actually a blueprint for success with these guys in that regard. All they have to do is keep following it. Yes, the tunnel has been dark for some time, but if I didn’t know better I swear I’m finally seeing some light at the end of it.

GO HAWKS!!

By JohnD

January 1, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

The schedule will not be friendly to the Hawks over the next 2 months so the 15-13 may be a high point if road wins do not come more often.

Does anyone here think a Dampier would be worth the $10-15 million he is being paid by the Mavs? He is generally considered a bust in Dallas.

By doc

January 1, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

hope all have made it safely into the new year and sucked down some collards and black eyed peas for good southern luck. peace for all in the new year.

good show today for michigan, guess blog z is happy to let lloyd carr go out a winner.

By Mike

January 1, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

CONGRADULATION SEKOU, you deserve it, I’m glad you got your 2008 wish. Man Michigan look great in that spread offense. They kick some assssssss today.

I’m looking for the same thing from the young Hawks.

GO SEKOU, AND GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By wink is an idiot

January 2, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Wink U forgot to mention that JS had 11 pts in the 4th quarter and won the game. Maybe JS would not have as many turnovers if Woodson put him in the post instead of standing at the 3pt line. U guys are incredible first the guy was selfish no he is out of control making passes. He does turn the ball over too much. I agree with that but so does JJ and Zaza.

By randy

January 2, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Gee, Brandon Roy is already a SuperStar. I would just like to tell Mr. Knight, “I told you so!”. But thats OK we got “The Landlord”, can’t have too many Forwards/Wannabe Centers on your team!

By doc

January 2, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

resolve to win five of next seven games. very doable against teams that are struggling or underperforming. just hope they all don’t get well at the same time.

By mykhalc

January 2, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

hope all brought in the new year safely!!

SEKOU, meant to holla at ya about the title!! nice tribute/take off to the man, GIL SCOTT-HERON. love that album!!! your boyz pulled out a win yesterday!! i’m sure it made JAN 1 that much better for ya!!

By Samuel

January 2, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Myk,

Cuz don’t know nut’n about that.(Gil Scott-Heron). He’s too young. He probably was referring to the sampled version by my boys Parliment Funkadelics i’m sure.

Yea, I was impressed by the Maze and Gold myself. They really do have some athletes up there. Where has that spread offense been all these years.

How bout them Dawgs too. My boys from Mississippi State and UGA. Moreno is the truth and Sly Croom is a serious up and comer on the coaching front. We won’t be able to hold him long in Cowbell country. Maybe we can get a trip to Atlanta out of him before he moves on.

Looking foward to tonight’s NBA tilts. Hawks first then the rematch between Golden State and Dallas on NBA-TV.

By mykhalc

January 2, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Samuel, LOL bro. well i guess the young cats gotta learn and hear it ‘some’ kinda way!!! man i look at all the social consciousness that was goin’ on back in the day and then look at what’s before us now and just shake my head in disbelief!!! i think i’ll go pull out and listen to some GIL SCOTT now!!! ;o) gonna go have some ‘planned’ de ja vu!!!LOL

By Ken Strickland

January 2, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

RANDY, it would be exciting to have another scorer like Roy on the team. However, are you certain he would make us better or just more exciting. Roy is a very talented 6’6” SG that can score lots of pts. We already have one of those, and he’s an allstar we call JJ. At the time of the draft, we needed rebounding and interior OFF/DEF. SWilliams had all of those credentials based on his college numbers. So at the time he wasn’t the worst pick.

With JJ at SG, and the emergence of JSmith at PF and MWilliams at SF, where would you play Roy? There are some who would suggest playing him at PG, but that’s not his position any more than it was for JJ. I’m certain you all remember that failed experiment? Shelden hasn’t lived up to expectations, but he is still a valuable asset to this team.

I love this team and the players we have, especially the way they’ve matured both individually and as a team. You have to admit, what is happening with these Hawks almost makes the last 3-4yrs of frustration worthwhile. GOOD LUCK TONIGHT YOU HIGH FLYING HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Astro Joe

January 2, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Samuel & mykhalc, why listen to Donny Hathaway’s self-consciousness and political awareness when you can groove to T-Pain? YUCK! But then again, I do recall some cat named Gregory Abbott who had about as much singing talent as my goldfish invading my radio about 2 decades ago. Every era has it’s mistakes.

Doc, seems like we should be getting fairly healthy too. It will be interesting to see how Woody integrates Law into the PG rotation. I can even envision a role for Lue upon his return, I can’t help but see Salim on the outside looking in. Glad the boys are playing again tonight. A bad loss against the Cavs may allow doubt to creep back into the psyche… here’s hoping for a comfortable 5 point win tonight.

By doc

January 2, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

aj, healthy was meant more in terms of the opponents attitudes and demeanors that are a bit out of character along with the number of losses they have at this point in the season, instead of the literal sense. agree that it will be interesting to see how these guys look when all are healthy as they can get during a season. dont think in september i would have been calling for the hawks to get five of the next seven but if they continue according to recent form it is a reasonable goal.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 2, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Brad Miller or Calderon now!!!!! nuff w/h all ths speculation lets make a move that pays off-PG or C….

By Mike

January 2, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc, throw my by boy Roy Ayers in that old school mix.

Yeah that cat Sly Croom is hot!!!, you got a couple of years to enjoy him before school come calling. That Kid Moreno is the real deal.

I’m looking for the young Hawks to continue to garner respect around the league. Smoove will continue to stick crow in the mouths of his detractors. Teams better jump on the Hawks before the All-Star break, cuz they always finish the second half of the season strong. That’s barring major injuries of course.

GO HAWK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Ryder

January 2, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Happy new year to all my blogging brothers! Great job by the Wolverines yesterday here’s hoping Chad Henne or Mike Hart find their way down to Flowery Branch Sekou, and i’m looking forward to what the new year has to offer for the Hawks.

…..Talk about coming out of the gate strong! Atlanta has to go to Cleveland tonight, and it’s as Josh Smith said recently, they can’t afford to play half-hearted anymore because teams are ready to play them tough.

This month is going to be the ultimate litmus test for this team, and here’s why. They go on the road to play Cleveland, Ind, and Toronto, as well as beginning their first West Coast swing at the end of January. Sandwiched in that is a five game homestand.

I truly believe that depending on how the Hawks do this month will determine if they will try to swing a deal in February. I believe they will still be a game or so over .500 come the end of this month. They will need more help for AJ and I beg, plead and pray NO MORE INJURIES!

Astro Joe don’t knock “Shake you Down” that was the slow jam back in the day. LOL Well, well…….

By Astro Joe

January 2, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

It’s long sense past time to put these let’s get Calderon requests to bed. Unless someone can explain to me why the Raptors would let go of the only PG on the team with reasonable health. As I suggested before Ford’s most recent scare, the Raps could just as easily move TJ since he comes with uncertainty.

Personally, I’m content with our PGs for the remainder of the season. I’d love to see a deal where we could secure a big like LaFrentz, Nene or Krstic, but I’m about 99.9% sure that won’t happen.

By The Flash

January 2, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Ray I don’t recollect whether you go back that far, but back in the 50s and at least early 60s, there were any number of offenses that began with an entry pass into the pivot. Herb, I am sure, forgot in one day, 1000 times more of them than I ever knew.

So, it’s not just the Princeton I’m talking about. On the other hand, Herb ain’t running the team, and the guy who is ain’t showing no sign of changing anything about the offense any time soon.

By Astro Joe

January 2, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Ryder, any singer who utters lyrics like “eeny, meany, mighty mo” should be placed on a rocket and exiled to Pluto (or whatever the heck they are calling that former planet these days). LOL!

By Ryder

January 2, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Once again the Hawks are coming out flat in the third quarter. Come on guys let’s pick it up!

By new jersey faithful

January 2, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

I THINK NOW THAT WOODY HAS A FULL BENCH, THEY MIGHT GO BACK TO THEIR LOSING WAYS CAUSE HE SUCKS AT SUBBING AND MANAGING THE BENCH!!!!! AND THAT KILLS THE HAWKS!!!!!!

By THE Hawks Fan

January 2, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Ok stop the MADNESS!! We got to 3 games over .500 playing the running style with about 9 players. Now we are back to pounding the ball on offense, no passing, no rebounds , playing 20 guys and no running . Fugg Cleveland, besides King James they have no 1. No need to mention names, we all know who was playing and who wasnt during that 5 game stretch. It may have nothing to do with it at all, BUT im just saying. We didnt get to loose balls didnt follow shots didnt REBOUND!!!! We can sit around and keep saying oohh what a feeling to love the Hawks right now, but a 2 game slide can turn into something reallllll bad if not corrected and in a HURRY. Come on Hawks, DO NOT LET UP!!!! Not an INCH.!!!!!!

By kwooden1

January 2, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Listened to the game tonight, disappointed in loss. I’m not disappointed in the effort, Al has really helped this team take care of the problem on the boards. Looking at the stats I was disppointed in the point guard play, in terms of assists. If someone who saw the game let me know why our guards weren’t making assists it would help my fustration. Were the guys just missing open shots or were they taking bad shots? If they were just missing shots, I will hold in my fustration, but if the guards were just making one-on-one moves and taking shots I will be upset. Can’t argue with Lebron taking over the game, once he gets in a rhythm he’s basically impossible to stop.

Hopefully, AJ and Lue will bring the assists up next game and we can get a win at Indiana.

GO HAWKS!!

By jlewis

January 2, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Tell me, does Lue and ZaZa do something extraordinary in practice? Because there seems to be a direct correlation with the Hawks losing games when they are on the floor, especially Lue at the end of games in crunch time, he can’t defend anyone. ZaZa is no better than a D-League player.

The Hawks coaching staff is the dumbest in the league if they can’t see this. This team has won despite Woody.

By mykhalc

January 2, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

ok…i missed the start of the game. so was there a reason ACIE didn’t get any burn tonite???? i hope that was NOT WOODSON bein’ WOODSON of old???

i just ain’t feelin’ LUE when it comes to bein’ a part of an uptempo team!! POUND POUND POUND!!!! man he slllllooooowwwwwssss everythin’ down soooooooooooo much!!!!

good effort by the team tho!!

but i said it before, WOODSON does better with less choices…PERIOD!!!!!

By mykhalc

January 2, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

my bad…i see ACIE got a big 8 mins of PT….

By new jersey faithful

January 2, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

So didnt clevland have runs of 12 and 9 points or something?? Why not bring in the fiery point guard to slow someone down? Was West injured or something??

By MannyT

January 2, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

I.MUS WRITE Is Brad Miller on the trading block?

I missed most of the game, so I don’t know the reasons, but it was interesting to look at the box score and see that JJ had fewer minutes than Marvin and Al. While that might not be a bad thing in the long run, I think we agree that Woody seems to do better with fewer bench options.

We still seem to struggle with the shooting percentage. While it probably won’t happen this season, the Hawks may have a player in the queue that can be useful next season. However, it does not look likely due to his current success in Europe.

By terrell barron

January 2, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

Here we go again. PRAISE THEM WHEN THEY WIN , KILL THEM WHEN THEY LOSE. Lets see how they do on the 5 game homestand. Lets take care of Indy and come home and kick some a*. We could have been blowed out tonight, considering how we were shooting, but we hung in there and nearly pulled off a win. Last years team would have folded in the same situation. Lets stay positive guys. There’s going to be some bumps in the road. Now if we lose to Indy and then lose, lets say, 3 out of 5 at home, I’ll probably change my opinions, but until then, I’m going to stand by my team. One more thing, why is T-Lue playing more minutes than Acie?

By terrell barron

January 2, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

I recall Woody saying that he didnt like Conley because he could’nt shoot the basketball. Well, can Acie? It’s hard to tell, considering he never shoots. Question is: Why is Woody not allowing Acie to take shots? The kid can score, if given the opportunity. I know you have to get your teammates involved, but if the defense respects your shot, it will open lanes for everyone else. Just my opinion, of course.

By Enough

January 2, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Smart comments from all that observed Woody and his substitution mess. Lue kills ball movement and just doesn’t have it anymore. Not having Acie to make them up tempo during the scoring lulls killed them tonight. He leaves Marvin out there when he isn’t doing squat that should be Chills minutes, and Sheldon is useless. Zaza is okay in spots but was out of sync tonight. But as my wife who keenly observed when Lue plays the Hawks suck. I also sense a chemistry issue when he is in there, the Hawks better wise up and ship him out. We can understand Acie’s mistakes but really what are we gaining playing Lue.

By Ramon

January 3, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

I think Law and West should split Lue minutes. And after tonight I really don’t think that needs ANY explanation.

By cp

January 3, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

The main reason I was yelling to keep Lue on the bench is because he pounds the ball way too much thus killing any ball movement. His defense is non existent. We have a tough stretch coming up and this 2 game losing streak can turn ugly real quick. As a lot of us have said before, the more players Woody has to work with the worse he coaches. Lets get this corrected before we go on a long losing streak.

By Ramon

January 3, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this

CP sorry but Woody didn’t do a terrible job tonight. Its not his fault none of the shots were falling in the first half, and in the second half when they did, no one would play defense. Defense in the second half wins this game by 10 points easily. It wasn’t Lebron that won the game, it was the offensive rebounds. Lebron only scored 30 pts. He scores 30pts every night. It was about not getting offensive rebounds in key moments.

Horford is a beast in the game, but if he ever gets to 70% from FT line he will average 15 ppg EASILY.

By cp

January 3, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this

Yea I understand im just saying i hope he doesnt go back to the old Woody now that he has more players

By doc

January 3, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this

couldnt focus totally on the game one eye on the screen and one elsewhere, not sure if i didnt see a critical shot in the waning minute taken with labron shooting over lue. no way he doesnt make that uncontested shot. cant understand why west doesnt get a shot at helping try to slow labron down in the second half, there werent any other answers, why not him for some size and quickness. especially when you know that jj is going to bring the ball up and be the shooter in a situation like last night. lue is not going to speed it up or play defense against a bigger opponent.

ramon, the problem was labron, though he scores about 30 a night, scored over 30 in the second half against the hawks last night. defense kept them in the game in the first half with a lot of picks, just not there in the second. also got out rebounded especially on the defensive side as the cavs got repeat shots from their big guys hustle under the boards. anyway i gave it a shot as a prognosticator and one i thought that was winnable turned out to be a loss.

By doc

January 3, 2008 6:47 AM | Link to this

also not sure how it translates, they shoot over 50%, we shoot 40% and steve smith was saying more than once how our zone defense was killing them. did i miss something?

By ray

January 3, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this

Too little too late. And too much Lebron, too many offensive rebounds. We couldn’t shoot (although JJ hit some big 3s late).

Does anyone see now why Horford needs help down low? And glad to see T. Lue back…but I’ll be watching the next few games to see how his play is affecting things (chemistry, other players’ PT, etc).

By ray

January 3, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this

I am having trouble again seeing what it is that Shelden does well. It’s like he doesn’t get off the ground on defense. If he does, it ain’t far. Here’s the deal: either involve the man in the offense or don’t. He isn’t involved enough to get into a rhythm. When he IS involved, he doesn’t convert, or doesn’t get fouled. Last night, when he was fouled, he couldn’t hit a free throw even close. I mean, they were bad misses. Even the extra one he was given for the lane violation. And watching him against Anderson Varejo (who is no offensive juggernaut) was just ugly.

Either he can’t help himself, or the coach is not helping him. Either way, he’s not what we need him to be. We need better enforcement and production in the post than we are getting from him.

By ray

January 3, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this

Okay Doc, you said what I was thinking but was slightly reluctant to say: Lue doesn’t seem to be helping things. Still, I will see how things continue over the next few games. He has been a help in the past, providing offense where others have failed, but that was in the past when others weren’t stepping up so well (i.e. Smith, Williams, etc). And we were a worse team then.

How Lue affects the game is also a direct reflection on Woodson and his decisions. If he decides to play the guy consistent chunks of minutes, while keeping Stoudamire, West, and Law on the bench then that says everything: he hasn’t learned a thing, and his decisions are plain bad. I say this freely, because at the very least, West and Law have provided some things you WILL NOT GET FROM LUE. Through no true fault of his own…he’s smaller, slower, and less defensively effective…PERIOD. Besides, Law is not going to learn much of anything sitting behind Lue. He needs to play bigger minutes. One, so AJ can make it through the season (let’s not burn him out…PLEASE..or we only have Lue left). Two, so the guy can get some reps. Why hold him back until next year when he can learn and produce now? Again, this all reflects on Woodson. Decisions like this can greatly affect the course of the season: win streaks and loss streaks.

By Dap

January 3, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

It’s not Zaza’s fault that he has weaknesses in his game. It’s not Josh’s fault that he can’t shoot too well from deep.

It’s that coaching staff that allows plays to run through Zaza and for allowing Josh to hang out outside the 3 point line instead of cutting towards the basket.

It is sad to see Marvin simply watching from the outside while our less than creative guards dribble and dribble and dribble.

By Mike

January 3, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Ray, you touch on the problem. It’s help in the post. Varejo punished us with his offensive rebounds. That was the difference in the game. You know super stars like LBJames are going to take the game over going down the stretch. Too many second chance shots on offense, and poor substituting by Woody.

It’s time to see some type of deal. This team has got to get some help in the post. You would have thought Zaza with his big body could have helped us out. “Right” LOWright came in and did a decent job, but Woody never went back to him. You would have loved to see Woody use Mario five foul on Lebron in the fourth quarter. Yeah he made some big shots, but most of them were uncontested. Once LB got going, you gotta get the ball out his hands and make someone else beat you.

We want be able to remain in the upper echelon of the eastern conference without some help in the post. Can someone tell if Solomon is hurt, I notice that he didn’t dress the last two games?

By doc

January 3, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

i guess it is time to let lue get back into the swing of things. i am left to hope that he still has something to offer that wasnt on display while the team went through december on a roll.

cautious optimism?

hopefully, woody wont forget there was a certain energy that held through december and it only increases rather than goes down as he tries to get lue his minutes. aj was less of a force as well, hope it doesnt undermine what he did earlier.

gee, isnt it great being a coach? like paul johnson’s line that he attributed to someone else; “if you listen to the guy in the stands, you end up sitting with them.” well, i guess he doesnt know how good the view from the liar’s table is, does he? just doesnt pay as well. heh heh

By doc

January 3, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

mike, i guess you saw the same game. low actually played only three minutes but was a positive 7 for the span. size matters against the cavs if you go slow. slow play only helps them as they know how to beat the pistons game if i remember right. lets see how they adjust as they see the cavs back soon at the phillips. see what the coach comes up with.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 3, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Im a little late ,but Happy New Years to everybody. I thought we played well last night minus the usual suspects (ZAZA/T LUE). Cleveland really exposed our lack of size in the post. We have been doing a good job of playing small ball throughout our winning streak,but lets not kid ourselves we will continue to get dominated inside until……… u guessed it- we get a big man with some game.

You cant win in the playoffs if you cant rebound or stop the other teams post players.

ZAZA leaves me scratching my head after every game- The guy hits 2 jumpers a game- to go with 3/4 turnovers and a 1 on 4 spin move every game. ZAZA -if you are reading this -STOP THE GARBAGE !!!!!

Y is TLUE getting minutes like last night? I swear i can still hear the ball dribbling. He is going to hender Acies developement. What is Woody see’n that im not-T Lue is a undersized slow chucker. Just see- Gibson get to the rim at will-dam it Lue tackle his butt if you have to my gawd

I have been calling for a PG(CALDERON) but I think our lack of size has to be adressed immediately… CHILL/ZAZA to Sac town for Brad Miller. Maybe Sheldon /Tlue for Pryzbilla

Mario should have got some run last night ….. How many long jumpers did lil boobie hit - Almost forgot…….. LEBRON is the truth…. I guess we are all witnesses

By I.MUS WRITE

January 3, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

I also think we should take a look at Francisco Elson from the Spurs - He is exactly what we need an active big man who plays D and attacks the rim

By Steve T

January 3, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Happy New Years! Speaking of size, what ever happen to that big Greek who looked pretty good a few season back. He may be could have turned into a player by now. Estban was a tough guy but we never gave him at playing time. How can he get better just sittimg on the bench.

By terrell barron

January 3, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

T-Lue,Sheldon,Zaza,Lorenzen,Solomon for Prizbilla,Jack. lol

By Melvin

January 3, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Tough loss for the Hawks last nite. Woody substitution sucks. As pointed out many times at the lair’s table. Woody seems to do a better job when he has less options. Why did he put TLue back into the game during the final minutes. Uh, it was his first game back. I think AJ facial expression said it all as he was watching from the bench at the end of the game. As for ZaZa, just like TLue. He doesn’t compliment the team in their uptempo style of play. He’s trying to force the action too often instead of letting the game come to him. He’s confuse as when to be finesse or when to be a bull. When to shoot his jumper or when to drive the lane. The uptempo play has him out of sync. It time sit to him and free Solomon Jones… Did anyone else thought it was a bad continuation call by the refs which resulted in a 3pt play for the Cavs when TLue foul Lebron which cause him to lose the ball, then he gain control after the ball bounce off the floor before he shoot it? I think that play happen in the 3rd quarter.

By Ryder

January 3, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

I think Woodson did a good job of trying to matchup with Cleveland, it just came down to not guarding Gibson or Hughes beyond the perimeter. I understand that Lebron is going to get his (by the way, he hit some amazing shots) but Atlanta can’t afford to have the other guys get open to hit threes. I love the effort in spite of the loss.

Woodson has gotten this team to buy into his program, although I still think he is trying to feel his way around with his substitutions. That said, I think he is working Acie into the lineup in small spurts.

I try not to jump on the whole “we need another big” conversation, but it’s obvious that something may need to get done. Cleveland’s bigs were having their way on the boards last night and by getting another big coming off the bench they can give Al more minutes at the 4 spot.

Ok, they didn’t get it done against two of the league’s best teams. That said, they need to take care of business against Indiana on Friday.

By Ken Strickland

January 3, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

While I don’t like the outcome of last nights gm, I love the effort and maturity. Cleveland gave us their best shot, expecially in the 2nd half, while we played well below our recent standards. Yet, they couldn’t put us away with a decisive win that said they were a better team. If we have an average OFF gm in the rematch, and even if we play DEF like we did last night, we’ll kick the Cavalier’s butts.

For those using this gm to continue whining about our supposed lack of size, please stop. Cleveland led the NBA in OFF rebounding last yr. I guess the other NBA teams become shorter/smaller when they play the Cavaliers. Or maybe they’re #1 because the NBA only counts OFF RB’s when playing the Hawks. They are tall, but they’re also athletic as well. They have a lot of good outside shooters in their 8-9 man rotation, especially from 3pt range. Their misses create a lot of long rebound opportunities and their height and quickness allows them to get a lot of them. So, maybe you have to consider this is why they’re a good OFF rebounding team against all NBA teams, regardless of size.

They’re bigs are tall, but not big or physical, which is their major weakness. If they’re not hitting their outside shots, unlike last night, they become an average team that loses frequently. Win or lose, the Hawks have definitely moved to the next level. We are now forcing teams to play their best gm, or at least best half, in order to get close homecourt wins. I LOVE THIS TEAM, GO HIGH FLYING HAWKS!!!!!

By I.MUS WRITE

January 3, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

we dont care what cleveland led the league in -we need size now!!!! like last night was the first time we got manhandled on the boards …. puleez