Hawks

By RaJaH

January 7, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

What about Mbenga? He was waived from Golden State today. I haven’t seen much from him but word is he’s a good defensive center.

By curious

January 7, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

WHAT HAPPENED TO WOODSON RUNNING THE BALL? The Hawks win in spite of Woodson not because of him. He has the worst offense in the NBA. The Nets coach called everyone of the Hawks play out in the arena the other night. ALL OF THE PLAYS.

By Ben

January 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Sekou, can you please tell this to BK and ASG? Heck, tell them 300,025 times that WE NEED A TRADE AND OUR CURRENT BIG MEN BESIDES HORFORD BLOW.

TELL BK THIS. I’LL BUY YOU DINNER AT THE MOST EXPENSIVE RESTAURANT. PLEASE PLEASE WE NEED A MOVE

By Ben

January 7, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

PLEASE TELL BK AND ASG WE NEED A TRADE. TELL THEM THIS 301,305,202 TIMES, UNTIL THEY REALIZE WE NEED A TRADE.

By doc

January 7, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

say more curious.

By Mike

January 7, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

I’m with the young Hawks, and I’m calling for a victory against the Cavs.

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

By Mike

January 7, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

I’m with the young Hawks, and I’m calling for a victory against the Cavs.

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

By Ramon

January 7, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

Sekou, we know you like to pose questions, and I usually love them. However, answer this question for us. You see more of what happens with the team than any of us. If you were the GM for a week, what would YOU do? And would the things you desire to do, be held back by the ownership struggles? Please give us your opinion on these matters.

By mavid

January 7, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Mbenga is just more of the same. A poor quality post-guy. He’s actually worst than what we have.

I agree we need an inside guy. It’s just about what degree we want to get. Do we want an All-Star like Gasol and are OK giving up a Smoove or a Marvin? Or, should we be more reasonable and go for a Collison-type?

Even better: does BK even have the OK from the ownership to make a trade? Im not sure he does at this point…

By dirty sanchez

January 7, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

i’m with the 80’s short=shorts, tucked in jerseys, respect for coaches- refs- fans, nba ain’t nothin’ but coon ball for coon entertainment

By Ken Strickland

January 8, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

DIRTY SANCHEZ, I’m not certain what you mean by using the word coon, but I’m pretty sure it has racial intent. This isn’t a Falcons blog, nor a confederate web site, so you need to take your inbred racist BS elsewhere.

By vdunkndunk

January 8, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

We have some great guys here, and I’d hate to see them go, but considering Josh Smith’s upcoming free agency, his attractiveness to other teams, and the other players on the roster (like Marvin and Horford), it seems to me like trading Smoove and expiring contracts for Pau Gasol might make sense for both teams.

By SQUAWKER

January 8, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this

Good stuff, Sekou.

WHY DON’T YOU WORK UP A PIECE ON BIG MAN TRADE CANDIDATES. THAT WOULD BE A GOOD READ. ANYONE ON YOUR RADAR? ANYONE BUT LUKE RIDNOUR.

By Dr. Tobias Funke

January 8, 2008 4:28 AM | Link to this

Sekou, what’s the story with Sam Cassell? The Clips seem to be falling out of any sort of race pretty quickly, and I noticed an article today on another site that said he may consider a trade to a team that wants to contend. He seems like a perfect fit for us at PG because he plays a similar style to Acie and could really teach him a lot while providing an instant spark at the point. I’m not knocking AJ, because he’s done an amazing job (when Woodson remembers to play him), but he’s not a season-long solution. I think of him in the same way I thought of Willie Harris this year for the Braves — talented player who seems to have entered the Overachievement Zone. Unfortunately, he’s not likely to stay in that Zone all season, whether it be due to injury, fatigue or just coming back down to Earth. Cassell could be the perfect bridge until Acie is ready to take over as a full-time starter next year.

By tb

January 8, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

That is some interesting info from the locker room.

Nice to see them hang together.

The idea of Smoove / Chil for Biendrins / Ellis is intriguing.

Seems like one of: Smoove, Horford, Marvin, JJ will have to be move to even think about getting something good at C.

If Smoove could get disciplined enough to play outside in from about 18 feet, he could play the SG. That would make Marvin the one to shop.

Would we really keep Horford over Smoove. I don’t think so. If we did have Beans at C; who would you rather see playing PF with him; Smoove or Horford? Smoove puts up big numbers across the board. Tough call.

Chil is the Wildcard, maybe Shelden.

You take Smoove / Chil / a pick and some expirings and your in the Garnett area. Maybe you get him.

Marvin / Shelden / Lo

for

Biendrins

I’m not sure if I like it. Just thinking about getting a C.

What about Woody. I still think we need improvement at HC. He is doing OK with attitude, but his technical coaching is very inferior.

By RA

January 8, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this

Here’s my spill for what it’s worth. ZaZa needs to get over the fact that he lost his starting job to a rookie and come off the bench playing like he has for the better part of the last two years. If he can’t do that for us, we need to package him so that he can do it for somebody else…

By Darrin "The Vent King"

January 8, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

The Hawks will be okay. A couple of moves here and there and they will pull through this. Not worried at all.

GO HAWKS!!!

By ejh

January 8, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

As a Hawks fan I to believe we need some more help down low, but that is not the only problem with this team. Further more to make a trade another team has to want to trade with you and nobody is doing that until the trade deadline, becasue they want to see if they are in playoff contention or out of it. So there probably will not be any trades until the end of February. That being said the Hawks have to realize they are a different team from a year or two ago, that means Woody too; this team has matured and players realize their development of their skills means taking on more resposibility and leadership. This team is not just Joe Johnson anymore, it is a cast of good ball players. I was at the game against the nets Saturday and I clearly notice that the Hawks lost that game not only becasue they could not stop the high pick-n-roll, but because of Joe Johnson, not becasue joe had a bad shooting night, but because of his willingness not to share the ball with his team mates. The hawks had a fourteen point lead in the first half,and that was with Joe Johnson on the bench. They came back and took a 79-76 lead when Joe Johnson went to the bench, why? Because Joe has become this guy who wants to go one on one with players and not play with in the confines of team ball, that means moving the ball around and whomever is open take the shot, because now you have four guys on the floor who are capable of hitting shots, J-smooth, J-chills, Marvin, Al and AJ or AC, these guys can make shots, Joe has to realize the game is going to be easier for him when he starts trusting his teamates as they have trusted him. When you have Smith go for 34, Marvin 18, Chills 16 off the bench and AJ 14, that tells you they have better ball movement on the floor with out Joe Johnson. Josh Smith at 22 is one of the few guys in the NBA who can get you 30 points 20 boards and 5 blocks and 6 assits in a game, that means this guy can dominate a game from the PF position, Joe Johsons can not do that, so if the trade for Barbosa and Stoudamire are still available for Joe Johnson make the deal. Because this team may be better without Joe Johnson and adding those two guys from phoneix.

By SSI Fan

January 8, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

SS. What did Horford measure at the combine?

I have been blasted here before for suggesting that Horford and Smith are undersized to be the starting center and power forward on a team capable of winning the championship. Horford wasn’t even the tallest starter on his college team. I would certainly make a trade to get a quality legitimate size center, but the Hawks are going to have to give up quality to get quality. They would seemingly have to give up M. Williams or Smith. I would not trade Horford unless I were overwhelmed with a trade proposal. A legitimate starting center would allow the Hawks to move Horford to power forward and start either Smith or M. Williams at small forward.

The questions are who is avalable and what do the Hawks have to give up to get someone. Is there a team with a good young center who would trade him for salary cap reasons, like when the Bulls pretty much gave Tyson Chandler to the Hornets? A lot of people give Paul all the praise for the Hornets improvement, but I think Chandler is at least as important to that team.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

January 8, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

I think it’s pretty clear that we need another big man to eat up 25 minutes a game. We all love Al but he is a rookie (wall looming) and he is prone to get into foul trouble early. What this does is shake up the rotation that has been working pretty well. Gotta be realistic though fellas, while we have to give to get, it also has to make sense. Why would GS give up Biendrins for for another F, they has as many/more than we do- all of which can play. Though it same conference, I think a Magloire would be a more likely scenario.

Also, Im surprised nobody has mentioned what has been obvious to me during this recent losing streak- WE NEED A SHOOTER. Much of the reason we drafted Law is that he can shoot when need be, so far he has yet to grasp the whole ball in net thing (I’m being patient, just speaking to this season thus far). In the Indiana game, we were at a loss trying to get any type of offense going after midway through the 2qtr. Though I know the league is about defense, sometimes you gotta go stroke for stroke with a team and it has been document that the Hawks are bottom 5 in 3pt%. Even further than that though outside of Joe and Marvin we dont have anyone who can/will shoot. (I emphasize the will since Chills is not a gunner). Salim is hurt physically when needed and mentally when able. This would also open up the inside for Al and Smoov, while also allowing the drive and kick game. Anyone notice when AJ or Chills hit from the baseline we are usually doing well- drive/kick. You have to be able to hit the three, particularly when Joe is having an off night/stretch. I saw recently that Stoudamire, Damon is on the outs in Memphis and someone from that paper/scene floated a Lo (from Memphis) for Stoudamire. That could kill two birds with one stone. His contract is not bad and I believe up after this year. AJ is fading with all the minutes logging, Lue is ineffectual. Law can continue to learn and grow from a player who he is most like (in comparison to the other PG’s on the roster). Losing a big won’t help, but we could make a couple of small moves to just tweak the roster, I think we’d be alright.

Thoughts?

By Ryder

January 8, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

I think Atlanta may need to consider bringing in Mbenga, because if Zaza isn’t able to contribute by playing D in the paint, then they need someone else who will.

Also, Woodson needs to let AJ play more at the point. Lue should only come in very short spurts at this juncture. AJ had this team clicking on all cylinders and as for Acie he needs to work more on his jump shot right now. The PG skills will develop over time.

I do like how the team is sticking for JJ when he’s struggling with his shot. That is what teams do. I just wish Woodson would let these guys play their game and not try to overthink out there.

By Ryder

January 8, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

I think Atlanta may need to consider bringing in Mbenga, because if Zaza isn’t able to contribute by playing D in the paint, then they need someone else who will.

Also, Woodson needs to let AJ play more at the point. Lue should only come in very short spurts at this juncture. AJ had this team clicking on all cylinders and as for Acie he needs to work more on his jump shot right now. The PG skills will develop over time.

I do like how the team is sticking for JJ when he’s struggling with his shot. That is what teams do. I just wish Woodson would let these guys play their game and not try to overthink out there.

By c3

January 8, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

What we really need is a shooter to go along with these young athletes. We are the worst 3pt shooting team in the league. And we should trade t-lue and lorezen for a jr smith (in denver) or a matt carroll (in charlotte) type player. Because both are not contributing and have expiring contracts!

By JB

January 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

I’ve got some thoughts for curious, who wrote: WHAT HAPPENED TO WOODSON RUNNING THE BALL?

1. I’m not sure, but I don’t think his wheels are what they used to be.

2. Last I checked, dribbling the ball down the court must be preceded by getting the ball. If you don’t cover your man and you don’t rebound, ain’t gonna be much of a running game.

3. The main place the Hawks are weak (for all the talk about big men), is at the point. This despite having four on the payroll. I love T-Lue to death for his heart and his guts, but every quick PG in the league will eat his lunch. I love AJ for how he played during that five game stretch, but he hasn’t played that way the last four. I love AL3 for who he will be…..and he’s close already. And I love Speedy for…..well, it must be his name, coz it sure ain’t his knees. But until Law gains Woodson’s confidence, we are hurting against quick guards who can take us off the dribble. As long as Chris Paul and the rest of the league are blowing by us to the basket, the only running we’re gonna do is at practice.

By hocker

January 8, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Too bad the Hawks brilliant GM Billy Knight never had a chance to draft Chris Paul. Without a good point guard this team is still horsecrap — at best, a .500 team.

By randy

January 8, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Horford should be our PF, Josh our SF. That is their natural positions and where they are most effective. Marvin Williams should be traded to facilitate some sort of Center trade.

Will this ever happen?? I doubt it.

By Tiger Woo

January 8, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Hey hocker,

Actually, Billy Knight DID have a chance to draft Chris Paul - he chose Marvin instead.

By Dr. Tobias Funke

January 8, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Tiger Woo, I believe hocker’s post contained a teency-weency bit of sarcasm.

By Ben

January 8, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Randy, that’s what I’m thinking.

Marvin + ZaZA + Lue for Gasol

That way, you have Gasol / Horford / Smoove, 3 amazing and legit shot blockers. Then sign Jamal Tatum.

Easy contender.

By Ken Strickland

January 8, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Like I’ve said before, whenever the Hawks hit a bump in the road, the trade everyone for everyone else posts begin. What’s with this obsession with ” playing their natural position” stuff? With JSmith at SF and AHorford at PF, who, besides JJ, is going to shoot from the outside? Who’s going to keep DEF’s from playing more zone, or packing the lane and forcing us to beat them from the outside?

We don’t have enough outside shooting to start with, so why make it worse by putting JSmith at SF and Horford at PF? Most of our losses have come at the hands of teams that shoot very well from the outside. Indiana beat us by shooting lights out, especially in the 2nd half and from 3pt range. I happen to agree with CP3 on the issue of what we need. We need to compliment JChills with an outside shooter that can keep DEF’s honest. Actually, we need one that Woodson doesn’t have issues with. If used properly, and with some degree of consistency, Salim could fill the bill.

By Dr. Tobias Funke

January 8, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Ben, if you were Memphis’ GM, would you make that deal? Me either.

By The Flash

January 8, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Larry Brown is a star quality coach. He has to be tearing his guts out by now. He made Billups into an All Star, and is terrific at developing young players into a team.

I have no idea what his settlement with the Knicks was, but it has to leave him some leeway on a price tag. Now, in the past, I was sure that he’d never replace Woody, but now I’m not too sure. I’d have to think he’d do it because he’s no kid and I’m bettin that he’s dyin to get back in it.

Can you see Larry bringing AC along? What about sharpening Marvin’s game? Smooth, Al? I tell you whom I think might benefit the most from Larry. JJ.

I think JJ knew coming in how to be a role player; figured out after a bit how to be a do-it-all guy; and probably could best learn from a master how to integrate himself into a team with lots of different talents, maximizing his own contributions and theirs. JJ might not have figured that one out yet and its reasonably certain that Woody ain’t gonna be of help to him.

This, by the way, is the least expensive way to improve the team. Say Larry takes half of what the Knicks paid him, with some of that deferred. Quite a lot of bang for the buck. Tell me another move that brings that kind of cost-benefit reward?

Okay, I’ll let it rest, even though it’s a great idea.

Doc, what’s up with you and this law enforcement kick. First it was Vick and Bonds, now Clemens. Tell me you don’t have to love the guy for telling the sports writers that they could shove it with their questions about the Hall of Fame—that he did not need no Hall of Fame to tell him what his value to the game has been?

Me, whether he took roids or not, I love the dude, and I am so so not a baseball fan, and found his dower demeanor offputting beyond description. But telling the writers where to go; that to me was priceless.

BTW, JJ might just be having difficulty adjusting to not looking for his shot as a first, second, and third option, and not having teammates who are constantly deferring to him. If he is hesitating because he does not know how long to look for his shot in the context of his new environment, that is where a real genuis at the offensive game could really be of help. A guy who could communicate in terms that JJ, a genuis in his own right, will be able to take in. Point guards, great ones like Larry was, are able to communicate in that way. Oops, I forgot for a second. Later, boyz.

By Tyger

January 8, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

It Gets Worse: Smoove not Re-signing

Reliable sources tell me Jsmoove has made up his mind NOT to re-sign with the ATL.

He is tired of the losing, BK not signing him to an extension over the summer, dumbfounded coaching and disorganized/disingenious Spirit LLC.

By Ben

January 8, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Tyger, you’re a MORON. He’s a RESTRICTED FREE AGENT.

By ray

January 8, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Tyger…heh heh. We’ll see.

Flash, admittedly things like what you wrote are what makes me not back off of Woodson completely. I really do think he’s not responsible for a number of things and is a good guy. But I’ll acknowledge any day that his game-time decisions and play calls are less than desirable. And that’s putting it nicely. But here again, you have a nice neat chain of “unreasoning”. Billy builds a roster, hires the wrong coach for it, and the Spirit Group allows this to continue. I can forgive them for not knowing sh!t about basketball. But not knowing business? Seriously, many of us can see that the set-up is just plain bad. We’ve hashed out before how our team has managed to win what they have somehow between players and coaches…DESPITE management. And sometimes despite coaching. It is what it is. You really think 1)Larry would come here and 2)Billy would hire him? I hope you’re right and I’m crazy. You’re the dreamer…I’m the realist. I’d rather the dreamer be right a few times. Makes for a much better story.

Wow. I think we just had this conversation last blog, did we not? The Hawks need to make a move to get real, live significant help inside. Yep, I do believe that was discussed last blog. And the blog before that, and the one before that, and…oh you get it.

Ken, if this is a bump in the road, I’d hate to see your definition of pothole or pitfall. As for your “natural position obsession” comment, I don’t understand you at all. And I don’t understand why you either won’t or can’t grasp the concept: Every pf needs a center for company and vice versa. You DO NOT send ONE guy into that war zone by himself. Look at all the premier bigs in the league. EACH has his frontcourt running mate. Even dominators like Shaq and Duncan. To simplify even more, each low post guy needs the company of another low post, dirty-work oriented guy in there with him. We don’t have that.

As for the outside shooting: a high-low post offense breaks a zone as much as, if not more than, outside shooting. It allows the outside shooting to open up more. Same can be said of penetration. Outside shooting alone will get you nowhere because you end up depending on a much lower percentage shot each time you head down the floor. If a guy like Salim would’ve opened up the flood gates for us, it would have happened already. So what’s your solution here? What are you saying? Get another shooter, maybe get another coach altogether (probably not happening this season) and all our problems are solved? NO. This does not address interior defense, perimeter defense, team defense, rebounding, etc. It just DOESN’T.

By ray

January 8, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Ben, heh heh. I wasn’t going to say anything….heh heh.

By doc

January 8, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

flash, you know the one about sleeping with fleas.

rocket sounds a lot like rose did as he went under the scrutiny of baseball and denied everything and acted as though the hall didnt mean anything to him or he would be above it all because the people would give him the benefit of doubt. seems that is a funny thing to ask for which rocket has and stated up front when it was 5 days before he and his camp could deny ever taking anything up, er in the azz by an injection. now he wants me to believe he was taking a substance that he can take in a swish and swallow form for same effect which is not to save a joint or act as a pain killer which it doesnt and wants me to believe him that he needed lidocaine which hurts like hell to soften the pain of the injection. this is the rocket mind you that picks up bats and throws them at base runners. this is the rocket the intimidator.

now the lurid details of mcnamee somehow gets out (perfect timing , no?) into the press about how he was associated with a case of possible date rape and the drug gbh that gets dropped by the police and gets mcnamee canned by the yankees as a trainer ONLY to be hired by the rocket so they can continue to “train”. now who is the scum?

yeah my observation, it is comical and as comical as a shakesperean play with all the trimmings. flash, you know the game he is playing, he is going after the guy who has the leanest pockets rather than the real accusers which were the hands that fed him…. major league baseball. if he really wanted to go after something then go after their report which was what accused him and defamed his name and has cost him so much in appearance money that he would have gotten through the years if baseball hadnt dragged his name into it? the problem with going after baseball is that rockets camp still doesnt know what further evidence there is and they certainly have deeper pockets than mcnamee. rocket cant find out what the other guy has until deposition time, right? do you think he is really going after baseball or even mcnamee? isnt it all a ruse to keep rocket very quiet at the congressional proceedings playing a pending legal case as a reason for being quiet all the while continuing to puff up indignantly at the mere mention of his involvement? maybe it is just my cynical way learned through the years that the high and mighty play on the weak. it might be better than having to take the fifth right? dont think his lawyers and pr people might not try this angle?

shakespeare said it best, “out, out damn” mcnamee or something along those lines. i am enjoying his histrionics flash and telling the writers off is just part of it, it might be his last opportunity to do it. it is very interesting theatre, no? dont have to pay $350 for a ticket and the entertainment lasts longer than 2 hours.

btw my friend the more important questions are; how are you and were your holidays spirited by family? any new healing techniques or are you holding to your continued growth in feldenkreis?

By doc

January 8, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

ray sing to the choir.

By htwo0rider

January 8, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

AJ should shut up and play instead of jawing with Woodson when he comes out of games. Even when the Hawks had a double digit lead it wasn’t safe with the lack of defense they played for most of the game. You can’t turn it up a notch with 5 minutes left and win the game.

By Pete

January 8, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

The Hawks need to put some true pick and roll plays into their offense. It would help Joe get into rhythm if he is part of that type of 2 man game.
In this losing stretch Woodson and the Hawks reverted back to their old ways. No offensive movement (too much 1 on 1 play) , turnovers, weak D and no overall energy.
Too much Lue!!!!!! Crazy stat but the Hawks are more successful with AJ, Law and West at point than Lue

As for players Play AJ and Law more trade Lue for Patrick O’Bryant in Golden State or Primo Brezec in Detroit. Or try Zaza and Lue for Pryzbilla. I was saying Mbenga 2 years ago…..He is still raw but he has lots of energy but so does Solomon Jones who gets no love.
Danny Fortson(overweight)?

By Ken Strickland

January 8, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

RAY, for any team that’s won only 69 gms over the last 3yrs, this is a bump in the road. Exactly what are the parameters for determining whether a player is or is not playing his natural position, what ever that might be. Magic Johnson was a premere PG, and is a HOFer. He was as tall(6’9”), and as big(240lbs+), as most of the current PF now playing. Was he playing out of position, and would you suggest moving him to PF because that’s his natural position? What about SMarion, EBrand, Gus Johnson(an old school 6’4” PF that played for the old Baltimore Bullets), Alex English or Sir Charles Barkley? What are/were their natural positions? Certainly not PF, based on traditional one dimensional criteria for judging PF’s(height and/or size).

JSmooth’s so called natural position should be judged based on his production, and nothing else. He’s played both positions and he’s excelled at the PF. He doesn’t come close to shooting well enough to effectively play SF, especially for the Hawks. Your comments about every PF needing a C to go to war with is valid. I don’t see how that applies to any of my comments though.

By new jersey faithful

January 8, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

I thought BK doesnt trade his draft picks?? But if its true about JS not wanting to play in Atlanta, and he wont resign, then he must be traded to get something in return for the guy.

By curious

January 9, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

But if its true about JS not wanting to play in Atlanta, and he wont resign, then he must be traded to get something in return for the guy I hope you are not believing that comment. Just because someoned makes something on a blog doesn’t make it true. Mbenga has never played anywhere he has been. Why would u bring him here to sit on the bench. The Hawks already have Solomon doing that. Do you remember when the Hawks signed Medevenko and Woodson they played him about 10 games during the season. For the Hawks to sign a new player they would have to cut Mario West. I don’t think that is going to happen.

By cp

January 9, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

Mbenga is a taller Sheldon. He wont provide anything but fouls. Honesty I dont know if we will turn this thing around till we get some owners with some deep pockets who will then hire a gm who gets the job done. Our owners are broke and wont make a move. They continue to sit on their hands and come up with tired cliches. Then again it might just take another coach. A new coach might come in with a better offensive gameplan and really turn this around. But since I dont see either happening anytime soon this team will remain right around being average.

By Clyde

January 9, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By ray

January 9, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

Ken, your analogy using Magic Johnson is off base. Obviously his natural position was pg. Obviously he was far and away the best ball handler and distributor on his team. Therefore, he played pg. His height and overall size allowed him to matchup where he wanted. As for the others, the same applies. Barkley was another exceptional player who could effectively play PF night in, night out, ALL YEAR LONG.

By the way it was the “natural position…obsession” comments that I was referring to. And production doesn’t guarantee an accurate position definition. Some guys provide a great deal of certain kinds of production despite their natural position. Would you consider Dirk Nowitzki a guard? Didn’t think so, despite the fact that he can outshoot half the guards in the NBA. Is Shawn Marion a PF? He sure gets plenty of rebounds.

As for Horford, he’s naturally a PF. Gee, seems to me that this is the position he played at Florida. He was listed as such the entire time he was there. Don’t try to bait me with the “what’s the criteria” approach. I’m not going to go for it, because different things apply for different types of players. A player shows and proves where he is most comfortable. Ask Horford to play center and he’ll say “yes sir”. Ask him where he’s most comfortable throughout an NBA season. Different answer, I’m willing to bet. Especially after he undergoes a full season like this. The fact is this: just because you can count on a guy to do what’s asked of him, doesn’t mean you continue to do so, especially when his talents and overall abilities point to the fact that he is not playing in the position that maximizes his potential, ability, and effectiveness.

Likewise, Smoove has excelled while playing PF. However, despite his jump-shooting woes, he is at times better suited as a SF. Funny, you don’t want to label a position by challenging me with what”criteria” defines the position, but then immediately imply that Smoove is no good at SF because he doesn’t shoot the jumper well. So, how does that idea apply to other players? Shooting well makes you a SF? And what happens when he learns to shoot better? Will he suddenly become a SF then? His supreme athletic ability is what allows him to play PF, but when played against the bigger, stronger PF types, he can be overmatched. It’s a mercurial situation with him. He can both cause mismatch issues (quickness, jumping ability) and be subject to them (tall, strong, but not that strong…and not rugged in the post).

I just think that a player proves over time where they are most comfortable and effective. That’s all..

By kevin

January 9, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

I wonder if Sacramento would be willing make a deal. Josh smith,Zaza and tlue for Mike Bibby and Brad Miller. Bibby and Miller have immediate replacements and this would lower their payroll. It also gives them a potential future all star and player that can fill in at sf while artest is out. Bibby is not getting his starting job back according to Theus, and with the kings in rebuilding mode, it would be a great trade for both teams I would think.

By randy

January 9, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Kevin,

Hawks management have already stated they will make no major moves for the rest of the season and most likely not until the lawsuits are handled which could drag on for another decade.

So forget that trade, ain’t happening.

By SSI Fan

January 9, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Ken Strickland and Billy Knight are the only people I know of who think that championship teams can be built with a bunch of 6’ 8” players.

Comparisons of shorter players who played 30 years ago are ludicrous. Over 30 years ago I was a 6’4” starting forward for 3 years in college, and I couldn’t get on the floor today with the same size and skills. S. Marion and E. Brand do have 1 thing in common. Neither has ever played for the NBA championship.

By randy

January 9, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

We definately have a problem defending inside and getting any offensive production from outside shooting. That is what you get from drafting only forwards 4 years in a row. Even Law is just a slashing to the basket combo guard. Sad because this is the same problem we’ve had for the past 3 years and yet BK continues to draft more wingmen. We didn’t get Chris Paul, but hey who needs him when we got Marvin? We could have got Brandon Roy, but atleast we got the “Landlord”. LOL when will the could have’s that made so much sense at the time to everyone but BK come back around to him?? This is the worst rebuilding job I have ever seen.

Even when the Hawks were on that 5 game win streak, they weren’t playing especially strong, they would just barely win at the end usually after blowing double digit leads. Now their true colors are showing.

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but it is hard being a fan of such a disaster of an organization.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 9, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

TYGER_ I really hope your sources are wrong,but if the are right about Smoove then that makes things a little easier. If he is going else where this summer then we need to make a trade ASAP…SMOOVE/LUE for GASOL……

Then we could resign Chills after the season, I dont think I would move Marvin he is our best shooter- unless we couldnt get GASOL -then I say we try MARVIN/ZAZA for M.ELLIS/O BRYANT. Larry Brown— NO WAY !!!

Lets go after Brad Miller -how about a JSMOOVE/CHILLZ/TLUE for B MILLER/K MARTIN

By MannyT

January 9, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

On nights where the Hawks face a serious front line, you use the fouls you have between Shelden, Zaza, Lorenzen & Solomon to back up Al.

When the front court is less dominant Solomon hangs in witness protection with Speedy & Salim on the inactive list.

One day Woody might turn his front court weakness into a strength. Remember, that big inside presence has to guard someone. Bill Laimbeer, long ago and Mehmet Okur, Rashard Lewis & Hawk4aDay, now are examples of big men who shoot well enough from the perimeter to create offensive advantages.

If you are going to deal, this type of player is one way to get your shooter and a big man at the same time.

Also, there is no reason to trade a restricted free agent unless you get a great deal. Tonight you will see Anderson Varejao in a Cavs uni exactly because he was a restricted FA. He signed offer sheet w/Charlotte, but had no real chance to get there unless they tossed Cleveland a sign and trade deal that worked for the Cavs.

Let’s Go Hawks! We need to defend the home floor and get a win.

By The Flash

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

Terrific post doc. I always bring out the best in you. heh, heh, heh.

Holidays were terrific. My daughter had a house guest from the West coast who had been with her parents among our closest friends til they moved, and having her was a ball. My son and his friends had a visit from an exchange student who had played soccer on the high school team last year, and he and the guys were also over (had to keep a careful eye on the boyz with the two nymphetes around so I was hoppin.)

I’m really jazzed about the Feldenkrais work and have been doing many ATMs (awareness through movement lessons), we MP3 disc all our trainings, and am both learning a lot but also feeling better all the way around.

Interesting, one of the students in my training, a former Marine who retired due to an injured spine, has studied many different disciplines and is certified in that approach to improving allignment that you mentioned last year. Samba is an extraordinarily generous guy and lives a few miles away.

He has offered to work on me with that method, which is a way of both getting the benefit and learning. so far we have just practiced our Feldenkrais skills but I am looking forward to exposure to that other thing (can’t recall the name but when I saw a book in his apartment, I recognized the work immediately). I’ll let you know. Thanks for asking.

By Luis Malave

January 9, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

I think that the Hawks for the first time in many years have a chance to finally make a playoff push. There are afew things they need to accomplish first. Mike Woodson needs to go. First of all, Joe Johnson had an off-night because he is tired. You don’t have to have him play 48 minutes for the Hawks to win. He is not managing Joe’s minutes right. Second, you have some really good three point shooters, like Joe, Lue, Salim and Anthony. Use them a little more. Opponents have been killing us from the 3pt line. If our shooters get a chance to set, they would not get down as many points as ther are getting during this losing streak. Shooting three’s is the new trend, so deal with it. Third and finally, he waits too long to call a timeout when his team is in a cold streak, while the opponent is enjoying a 10-0 or a 15-0 run. I subscribed to NBA League Pass and I watch each and every game and it just kills me to see the potential that these team has and not have the proper guidance to fully develope that talent and potential.