Hawks

By mainmayne

January 9, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Someone wanted to make a trade for Jermaine O’neil. Why? Although he’s only 29, he’s looking like an 11 year vet, on the decline and injury prone.

If any trade was made it would be to get into the lottery or as close to the lotter as possible in the upcoming draft to possibly get one of the studs coming out in the draft this year.

After Beasly, Mayo, and Rose (which could be the best class since 2003 - remember James, Melo, and Wade), the class still has Eric Gordon, Nicolas Batum, Kevin Love, DJ Augustine, and more.

By Astro Joe

January 9, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Sekou, not trying to defend poorly constructed rumors nor the folk who try to agitate the rumor-mill. But, we have the single quietest GM in the league. His despise of the media and fan base forces those of us who read the plans of other GMs to “make stuff up” in lieu of hearing from our team’s voice. And as much as some of the trade rumors are just stupid, they are also a plea to our embattled ownership group to DO SOMETHING.

You tell me, who speaks to this fan base on behalf of the franchise? I’m guessing that I can find a quote from 29 other GMs in the past 30 days about their team.

This team can’t expect to leave a huge vacuum (especially 6 weeks prior to the trade deadline) and not expect some ill-informed fan (or columnist) to not make an attempt to fill that void.

Want the stupidity to stop? Give us a Q&A with the head man regarding his approach to the imminent trade deadline. Or expect more of the same.

By gerrymander

January 9, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Hawks only need a strong Center and a new coach to be a playoff contender. Horford’s talent can carry them most nights but a true C is needed to be consistent. Imagine how good Horford, JJ, and Smith would be with a strong C eating up rebounds and kicking balls out. Woody simply doesn’t know how to motivate or win. If Hawks don’t make postseason, he will be gone. Bring in a less analytical coach who can identify with the players and convince them they can win.

By vdunkndunk

January 9, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Sekou, you forgot to mention MY worst-case scenario for Josh Smith: the Hawks match a max offer for him and he subsequently becomes the second-coming of AK-47. Of course, there was a time when the comparisons between Josh Smith and AK-47 were seen as a good thing for Smoove.

But now that we have a better understanding of how AK’s career has played out, do we really want to give a max contract to a SF/PF ‘tweener who fills up a stat sheet and blocks a lot of shots, but can’t score well enough or consistently enough to deserve a max contract?

I see some potential for Josh Smith to make an all-star team based on his PER and SportsCenter highlights, but I’m not sold that he will deserve the contract that he gets. Will he ever provide a consistent low-post scoring presence? Will he ever get a consistent jump shot? Will he ever learn to handle the ball well enough to play SF? If he gets hurt or gets older and loses some of that athleticism, what does he have to fall back on?

By vdunkndunk

January 9, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Basically, if we want to get better we’re going to have to trade someone good enough to get something back in return. And to me, that person has to be either Josh Smith or Josh Childress (or Zaza or Shelden, but I’m not sure who’d want those guys).

Why? I like Horford in the long run at PF better than Smoove, and I like Marvin at SF. So to me, we’re set at both of those positions with players whose contracts won’t be up for extensions for the next year or two, and that frees us up to trade Josh Smith for a big-time player (and if we could also trade Childress for a solid PG I’d do that too). I just think we need to use some of our existing players to balance this team, and what we need most is lowpost scoring and a decent PG.

I guess I’m just not sold on Josh Smith as a guy who deserves all the money he’s going to get. I don’t think he’s good enough offensively to really worry other teams in a playoff series if they want to game plan to stop him, and at this point I’m not sure how much better he can get.

He’s still young, but he’s been in the league for a while now and in the next 3 or 4 years he’s going to hit his ceiling. And I’m just not sure his ballhandling will ever improve (he can’t even handle the ball consisently in the open court - a lot of high school kids handle the ball better than he does), his jumpshot will never be deadly, he’ll always be undersized at PF, and his athleticism can only get worse from here on out.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 9, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Just for the record Josh Smith is our best all around player. Trading Josh Smith for Gasol would be bussiness. Letting Josh walk with no compensation is really stupid.

Hypothetically speaking-what if we dont resign him this summer- he plays out his rookie contract,and leaves …. Then we are right back to square one.
Okay no Smoove for Gasol straight up, then what about Smoove for Gasol/Lowry… does that sound better? Ahm not really- i dont want to see JS anywhere but here in ATL,but bussiness is bussiness gotta protect yourself.

Think of how many guys walked away from our team (Rasheed,Stephen Jackson etc…)

ROGER CLEMENS~ My god will you just shut up and admit u were on the juice. This is getting rediculous. My belief is that they all juiced. Now I guess Roger knows how Barry Bonds felt when the media was’nt buying his garbage… HMMM u never hit over 55 hmrs~ then u put up 73.

I used to give guys the benefit of the doubt~ until I watched Pete Rose lie for like 20 years only to come clean in the end. The public is more forgiving when you just fess up and move on- Now Roger is going to retire~~~ Whoop d dam doo, you got paid now you can ride off into the sunset like Mcguire and Palmeiro…………..MUS

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

January 9, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Glad to see people sticking up for Smoov, I think it’s a case of “can’t see the forrest through the trees” a lot of times here in ATL with dudes like Smoov (inconsistent), Marvin (not named Deron or CP3), Chills (not named Deng or Igoudala), etc. Though as a fan, I’ve been guilty of this too, we have a pretty good roster- just need a big to absorb minutes and a shooter to relieve Joe’s burden. Let’s appreciate what it is that we do have. None of the players can be listed as busts and quite frankly all are coming into their own with their respective roles.

I also think that we cannot be in a position to panic as a franchise either. The goal on pretty much everyone’s mind has been “playoffs” not championships. Since “we” are conceding we dont have championship roster, why try to bust up the major cogs of it when we all know that the biggest impediment to our success is inexperience? I do acknowledge that we will have to part with “something” in order to round out the roster, but supposing we didnt “go for it” I think we’d be ok. The understated trade for AJ last year looks pretty good right now I’d say. We are in the thick of things right now, I want to see how it plays out a couple more weeks before we start tossing darts at the board- though the trade machine is fun.

By douwatchthesamegameIdo

January 9, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

vdunkndunk JS is this team’s best low post player. He has become really efficient in the post. Woodson on the other hand has him playing at the 3pt. line 60% of the time. Problems with coaches that used to play is they create players for what they were as players. Everything Woodson runs is to get jumpshots. He will run a post play out of a timeout. Smith is destroying the Nets and with 3 min in the game he runs a post up for Horford. Smith is not AK. He is better because you play similar to a player now he is like him mentally. Guess what AK was an all-star in the West. They gave him a max deal someone thought he could play. Before Boozer Ak was a dominant player in the NBA. Now u think he can’t play. Let him get traded to another team and see how good he will be again. It is obvious that most of you guys never played or couldn’t. There are many players in the NBA who were great players and didn’t get to shine because of situations.

Do you guys ever think of how good Smith would be with a pg? He creates his own points. Just think if he played with someone like Kidd or Nash.

By Clyde

January 9, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Tiger Woo

January 9, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Sekou,

While I don’t endorse the Josh Smith for Pau Gasol swap, I wouldn’t say Gasol is “is heading down the other side of that mountain” as you say.

After all, Gasol is only 27 years old - jsst one year older than Joe Johnson and 2 years younger than Kobe Bryant.

By randy

January 9, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

They need a center and point guard. Wasn’t this what we were saying they needed since 3 years ago?? But I guess the great Billy Knight addressed this with signing “Gimpy” Claxton and Lorenzon. Glad we are getting productive minutes from those 2 clowns.

Some things never change…

By JohnGTFan

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

WOW. Trade our best player (while I love JJ, Smith is obviously our best player) because the Hawks have hit a skid. Unreal. I understand a lot of these concerns…but so many of you 2 weeks ago were saying “do nothing…don’t interrupt the chemistry we have going”. Every team..yes, even the really good ones, go thru stretches. Give these kids some faith and credit…they will bounce back. This isn’t the same “baby Hawks”. They have grown. They have matured.

I’ll be the first to admit…we need a big body. But I belive that’s it. I like AJ at the point until Law is ready. I love our depth. We have the right mix. But what we DON’T DO is trade our best player. I mean come on. Don’t jump off the boat if it isn’t sinking! The only thing I would like to see is ZaZa traded for just about anything…I don’t care who/what it is…just get him out of a Hawks uniform. And Woodson, while I think he’s been “a little” better this year…I still don’t believe knows how to get the most out of his talent…needs to go. I’m tired of seeing him with his arms crossed looking lost like a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat that isn’t there.

On another note…I’m hoping the birds will fly high tonight vs the Cavs and get back on the winning ways!

Sekou Looking forward to the March 17 game here in DC against the Wiz again. We’re going to get that tour hooked up for you. Shoot me a message on myspace!!

By I.MUS WRITE

January 9, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

MADNESS… J KIDD does’nt play here neither does Steve Nash, How good would we be with Dwight Howard…(Howz about Shaq in his prime) .These guys are’nt coming here so lets stop day dreaming. If they did it would take half the roster which would put us in a worse situation. No changing the past we have what we have.

By Tyger

January 9, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

For the Record

I hope Josh Smith re-signs a long term deal with the Hawks. And yes, the Hawks “have” to open the pocket book and that remains to be seen.

I understand Smith’s frustration, we’re all frustrated. He wants badly to show the world his value and he has, to a degree. But he also has to show that he is a winner!

I’m not an advocate of trading Smith anywhere and especially not for any overpaid losers.

However, there are other deals out there to be made to balance this roster and the Hawks should pursue them.

Maintaining cap flexibility has been a noble goal and we have acquired assets. Yet, it is not clear, which players are vested.

One thing is clear, you cant keep them all - and the risk that they may blossom elsewhere is a risk you take - when you acquire so many of them in succession.

Complicating matters is the draft position of the players taken that are now coming up for renewal.

Josh and Josh were 6 and 17. They’ll probably get paid in reverse order. Marvin next at #2, Shelden at #5, Horford at #3.

Who’s not going to take at least or more than the other guys that were drafted at their positions? Is Marvin not going to get paid like a #2 pick or Shelden at #5?

Is Chill going to say I know I havent played like a #6 pick so I’ll take less?

We see it in Chicago, they re-sign Kirk Heinrich above market value, yet low-ball Luol Deng and Ben Gordon, now neither will re-sign, the Coach gets fired and everybody loses.

Theyre trying to save money for Tyrus Thomas and Noah but the ship is sinking. They already overpaid Ben Wallace and Nocioni.

So, in sum, if you want to keep everybody - prepare to pay; if not, make a decision on whom to keep and start balancing the roster now.

Who can say that opportunities will be better in the summer. Contracts expire and all you have is cap space and cap holds, which doesnt win games, you need players.

BK can get what we need, but we have to accept that the present team is flawed.

But there again, the Atlanta Spirit is a dysfunctional unit and when you hang up the phone; do you really have a deal? Or do we have to perpetually get back with you?

By kevin

January 9, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith is on the verge of greatness. Once he develops a consistent outside shot he will be a top-10 scorer in the NBA. Josh Childress is the one that should be traded for a solid back-up point guard.

By jlewis

January 9, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Sekou:

Hollinger’s argument only sees dunks. Like Charles Barkley says “you haven’t arrived in this league until you require a doubleteam” it’s a reason Josh is always open.

By vdunkndunk

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

douwatchthesamegameIdo: Even when AK-47 got his max contract, before Boozer came and when the Jazz where terrible, he still never scored more than 16 ppg (and he only did that once). AK can’t dribble, he has no jump shot, and he has no real post game, but he got a max contract because he could block shots, get steals, get assists, and rebound, and the Jazz thought his offensive game would come around.

Sound familiar? It should. In less than two seasons AK-47 went from being seen as a max-type player to a bad contract, and it’s very possible the same thing could happen with Josh Smith. Plus, I believe Horford will develop into a better pure PF than Smoove, and Marvin is already a far better SF.

So I don’t think trading Smoove will hurt us that much - even if he is our best player, which I don’t agree with - AS LONG AS we get a really good player in return. I don’t want to give him away, but if we could get an all-star big man in his prime for Smoove, then I would do it. I mean, Gasol is a 27 year-old 7-foot all-star who has never averaged less than 17 ppg, with a career average of 19 ppg, 9 rpg, and 2 bpg.

By Ryder

January 9, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

OK, had to take a few days off to let the venting go away, but what Sekou said makes sense (who knew a Michigan man could do so, but I digress). The Joshes aren’t going anywhere this year, so please give it a rest on the trades people.

First and foremost, there is NO chance in h*ll BK is making any mid season deals. Play fantasy GM if you want to, but it’s not happening, not in today’s No Balls Association (thanks Simmons).

Also, the ongoing battles between Belkin and the Spirit hamstrings what could be done to bring in major free agents. So Atlanta’s best and possibly only course of action is to spend on what they’ve got now and ensure their core is set for the future.

As for Woodson, I get the feeling that he will be one of those coaches that can only get Atlanta so far, and then that’s it. We’ve seen this happen time after time in the NBA, where a playoff contending team needs someone to help them get over the hump. It might be the same case here unless some seriously quick fixes are made.

By kevin

January 9, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

I would rather see a trade with Scramento. Josh Smith and Zaza for Brad Miller and Mike Bibby. Miller and Bibby both have 4 years left and they complete the team. Miller can rebound play inside and is a big threat on the pick and roll to nail the jumper, which would make JJ that much stronger of a player. It allows soloman to play back up 4 and sheldon and horford to back up the 4 and 5 with Lo as your extra hak a shaq center. It also gives you two vet pg’s that can play, and allows law to spot light at the 2 some.

By Bravo papa

January 9, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Are you people crazy? Trading JS would be like nique all over again. JS suffers from the same problem the rest of the Hawks do lack of coaching. The problem is MW he sucks people. MW is a garbage player who needs to be on the bench. He is so unathletic its not even funny. No handle, no post up game, no long range game, and no D whatsoever!!!!!. Trade MW, TLue, Zsa Zsa, and SW. We can pick up Bibby or Jarret Jack. Maybe Camby and James Posey. Fire Woody and Billy!!!!!!!! Keep Smoove!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Krib

January 9, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith our best player? Comon. Joe is by far our best player. How do i know. HE DEMANDS A DOUBLE TEAM !!. How many times do you see teams double teaming Josh Smith? I would let him go if i get a very good deal in return !

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 9, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith is not, and might never be, a #1 option offensively, but he’s still WAY better than Pau Gasol (or any other soft European for that matter).

I would trade him for an elite post scorer who can also play defense, but that’s about it.

Also, Hollinger is a moron. Calderon on the All-Star team? You gotta be kidding me. PER is the dumbest thing I have ever seen.

By AJCfanatic

January 9, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Why don’t we trade our next 5 first round draft picks to the lakers for Kobe and josh childress, speedless claxton, salim stoudemire, and zaza for tyson chandler and a draft pick and then talk about the championship baby. but on a more serious note.. I wanna know what earl boykins is doing these days

By Tyger

January 9, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Ryder, you make good points:

1. The Hawks are hamstrung in the ATL Spirit - Belkin wars.

2. If BK not free to deal, then he’s in a cruel cycle of perpetual draft picks that eventually will walk.

3. But thats the cheapest way to run a franchise, the Clippers have done it for years.

4. The Spirit vehemently deny this approach, yet, the evidence is there.

5. BK has done well with the draft, but now its time for the higher level thinking - which he cant do with this ownership.

6. We can feign competency by sticking with what we have; signing the Joshes to qualifying offers; making tiny deals to quell the critics; but its all a mirage.

7. If the Joshes have to sign qualifying offers, they’ll play underpaid for the year and bolt.

The Hawks cant match b/c there are deadlines they have to meet and Belkin doesnt promptly return calls asking for money.

The real questions are do we re-sign Childress or Shelden? One or the other or both have to be sacrificed to keep JSmoove and balance the roster for Horford.

ZaZa, Ty Lue, Salim have value; why not try and upgrade the roster now; they are not the future.

We could at least get some future picks for them and open a roster spot or two.

By JMYK from S. Springs

January 9, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

look im in favor of Jermaine O’neal regardless of age we need to win now were not going to stay young forever o’neal will help with size, leadership, and he knows what it takes to get to the playoffs hes been many times he would also be reaquainted with his friend AJ who he thought should not have left Indiana.

By doc

January 9, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

tyger seems like you finally get the picture that has been drawn for you by the likes of many. go back two years and you can see we were saying the same things then. it is about like bringing up paul or roy or etc., etc., etc. but it goes back to the broken atlanta spirt to step up and show folks this is not going to be l.a. clippers south. that has been my projection and i certainly want to be wrong on it as i was with paul.

i said this year has greater implications going forward than whether this team makes the playoffs. really it is fodder to think that is the real issue for the year. it is the one the owners want YOU and everyone else think is important but it is more revealing and more important to see how they handle the negotiations for the josh’s this summer. that will be the real handle on what can be expected of this franchise. i imagine they will sign one of them and try to get a first for the other to split the difference. however, if they dump both after showing as well as they have you can kiss this franchise goodbye competitively for a few more years.

tyger welcome to the dark side.

By bg

January 9, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

First off I would like to say, some of you are really smoking some good stuff, I would think that you so called Atlanta fans would have learned something from, what has happend to us over the years, from letting Patrick Kearny get away, TJ Ducket who we needed this season casue we needed a big back, to letting Deion Sanders, MV7, Donique Wilkens for who? who? Danny Manning, ARE you Serious!!!!! You fair weather ATLANTA SPORTS FANS are killing, the real Die Hard Georgia SPORTS FANS..

I met Mr. Josh Smith and believe me he wants to Play, Eat, Win Championships, and REST his head here in Atlanta his whole career…..Mr. Sekou is right, this whole thing stinks and if you are one of the few
who believe this trade rummer is good or legit..you have issues.

Hopefully we want let our other young player go either aka DANGELO HALL OF THE FALCONS, HAY GOOD PLAYERS COST MONEY!!!

By Clyde

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

I’m tired of doing all this talking. I have said all I can say the past 2 years and ain’t nothin’ changed. I’m tired. This all I gotta say:

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By vdunkndunk

January 9, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure that trading Josh Smith for Pau Gasol in particular is the right move, but I’m still not convinced that signing him to a max contract is the right thing either. If we keep Horford and Smith together longterm I just don’t see who will ever be a consistent lowpost presence on offense for us, and we’ll always be undersized. I’d rather keep Josh than give him away for less than we should or let him go in free agency for nothing, but I do wish we would look hard at what’s out there and try to come up with something to improve the balance and chemistry of this team - i.e.,Pau Gasol and Kyle Lowry from Memphis, or Jose Calderon and Joey Graham from Toronto, or maybe some nice picks.

It’s not that I don’t like Josh Smith - it’s that I’d rather go with Marvin and Horford and use Josh to get some balance at positions of need, like PG or C. Josh still has a high ceiling, but he’s also high risk when it comes to giving him a huge contract because his skill set, other than shotblocking and athleticism, are not developed enough to allow him to be a dominant offensive player, and he may never develop, and he will slowly lose that eyepopping athleticism and will probably become more prone to injury as the years go on because of all the leaping and wear and tear.

By terrell barron

January 9, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

More Chill, less Marvin. More Lorenzen, less Zaza. PERIOD!

By kwooden1

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

Great discussion on Josh Smith, but all I have to say is HAWKS WIN! HAWKS WIN!!! Way to end the losing streak and beat a rising Cleveland team. JJ got his game in gear, and the rest of the team followed. Keep fighting guys. As for the trades, we all realize something is going to have to happen because you really only can pay three players. In the Hawks case right now I think it should be JS and MW. (JJ is already PAID!!) At some point you might have to pay Horford also.

GO HAWKS!!

By Mike

January 9, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

First of all, thank you Hawks for a great victory tonight. I said LBJames would get his, but we would win the game. Guys will complain about blowing a lead, but a win is a win. We needed this win and they got for us.

On the subject of trading Smoove. Why would trade one most talented young rising stars in the game. When you think about a kid being 22 year old with that kind talent its insane. Who ever you bring in at the Pivot, you’re still going to need Smoove shot blocking, Oh he’s only one of the top shot blockers in the NBA. I said it once and I will say it again. Smoove will continue to shove crow in the mouth of his detractors. This guy is a future All-Star.

I wonder why it’s so hard to appreciate a guy that plays his heart out every night. Does he drive you crazy when he takes bad? H yes, Does he drive you crazy when me makes silly turn over? H yes, but I have seen Smoove make a conscious ever to take the ball to the rack. He’s making an effort to improve his game. He needs to keep working on his stroke, but so did a lot of great players that has played this game. I love the way Smoove accepted the challenge of guarding one of the top players in the game tonight.

Smoove, Chill, and Marvin are still learning how to take advantage of their length and athleticism. They are just scratching the surface of their talent. I agree that someone will have to dealt, but no way I trade Smoove.

We got a glimpse of Smoove at 3, and AH at 4 tonight, they looked good. So basically JJ, Smoove, and AH is your core and everybody else is tradable.

GREAT WIN GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Wink from Lithonia

January 9, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Spinnin - here’s my spin.

Trade Josh Smith while the league is facinated with him and his potential. I would not sign him, I would let this season play out, and go with a sign & trade.

Josh is a tremendous shot blocker, but not a good on ball defender. Usually, provides weak side blocks and track guys down from behind on breakout. Most of the point guards we play have no fear of going into the paint to attack our basket; they usually finish at the rim, especially in 4th quarter.

His athleticism is suspect in the paint. He is very weak around the rim in traffic; he mostly flips the ball at the rim to finish a drive vs an overhand with authority slam. (Jason Maxiell for Piston, 2nd yr, slam everything around the rim)

Lastly, maybe it’s his fault or coaching, but the ball end up in his hands with the shot clock running down on a consistent basis with him standing above the 3 point line, not in the paint,at the 3 point line. Dare I say, this is not good, because he does not have the skill to make this shot or put it on the floor to get to the rack (flip shot).

So while the league is hood winked with his “stat stuffing & similarity to AK47”, let’s move him to a west coast team, let them pay max value & we get max value and sign player of need. The players BK has acquired, Josh is expendable.

If we are wrong, he would be in the West. We would play him twice per year and then if we both make NBA Finals.

By Mike

January 9, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

First of all, thank you Hawks for a great victory tonight. I said LBJames would get his, but we would win the game. Guys will complain about blowing a lead, but a win is a win. We needed this win and they got for us.

On the subject of trading Smoove. Why would trade one most talented young rising stars in the game. When you think about a kid being 22 year old with that kind talent its insane. Who ever you bring in at the Pivot, you’re still going to need Smoove shot blocking, Oh he’s only one of the top shot blockers in the NBA. I said it once and I will say it again. Smoove will continue to shove crow in the mouth of his detractors. This guy is a future All-Star.

I wonder why it’s so hard to appreciate a guy that plays his heart out every night. Does he drive you crazy when he takes bad? H yes, Does he drive you crazy when me makes silly turn over? H yes, but I have seen Smoove make a conscious ever to take the ball to the rack. He’s making an effort to improve his game. He needs to keep working on his stroke, but so did a lot of great players that has played this game. I love the way Smoove accepted the challenge of guarding one of the top players in the game tonight.

Smoove, Chill, and Marvin are still learning how to take advantage of their length and athleticism. They are just scratching the surface of their talent. I agree that someone will have to dealt, but no way I trade Smoove.

We got a glimpse of Smoove at 3, and AH at 4 tonight, they looked good. So basically JJ, Smoove, and AH is your core and everybody else is tradable.

GREAT WIN GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mike

January 9, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

sorry for the double post. My page went blank on my first post.

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

By Pete

January 9, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Keep Josh Smith………He is an All-Star in the making!!!!!!!

By ray

January 9, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Sekou, dat’s right, give it to ‘em. One thing is for sure: I see one of the “uninformed” back-pedaled faster than most of us can go forward. Ha!

Clyde, all of what talking? Man, we can barely get anything more than a t-shirt slogan out of your a$$? You are killin’ me….”I’m tired of doing all this talking..” Indeed! Best laugh I’ve had all day.

Good win by the Hawks tonight. Better team defense, better team scoring. Less individual play.

Horford was able to dominate on the boards again. However, do not expect this to happen against all teams, each night. And again, when he’s out, who do you turn to for the production that he gives? Fortunately tonight Lorenzen Wright did a better job on the boards than he has in the last year or so.

Nice to see JJ had his game going, too. Again, not every night and what do you do when he’s not in the game.

Move has to be made. End of story.

By Steve T

January 9, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

People it has been proven that when JJ has a fair game we can win. He did not have a great night, but it was OK for the win. BK siad before the JJ trade that he could become the “Larry Bird” of the Hawks. I think he proved that he like Bird for this team

Now the only thing I wish he would do is come to pratice 2 hours before the rest of the team. Bird would show up 2-3 hours before eveyone. He would shoot 3s until everyone showed up. Marvin needs to show early and get his jumper right for the game. He has a nice shooting stroke and like Bird, he needs to work on his shot everyday.

Bird would shoot so many jumpers that when game time came he could make the shot with ease. A friend of mine swore Bird use to mark the floor because he hit so many shot from one spot. The sercet was Bird had shot so much from the spot that it became second nature. Marvin, JJ, Chill and Law need to do like Bird and pratice until you can make that shot in your sleep.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 9, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Horford shows every sign that he can and will one day become an Elton Brand-like 20-10 guy in the post, and that one day could easily be within the next couple of years. You can make an argument that Josh Smith is more valuable as a trade asset than as a member of this team, but keeping him is certainly not going to hurt this team offensively. At some point within the next two years I expect Horford to firmly establish himself as offensive option #2 — and if Josh Smith is your #3 you have a pretty damn solid team.

Players like Josh Smith are key to winning, because they impact the game positively without touching the ball. Between his blocks, his above average court vision (for which he gets zero credit), his rebounding ability and his athleticism he is the perfect complement to a future Johnson-Horford scoring tandem. Sure he needs to refine his skills (if he worked on throwing more crisp passes and not forcing he could really be dangerous with the ball in the high post) but you are really selling him short if you think he has only displayed athleticism and shot-blocking up to this point in his career.

If any player on this team should be traded some time soon, it’s Marvin Williams. Marvin still shows no signs of ever developing into a good defender, rebounder, or passer for his size, and although he is a reliable scorer he still doesn’t score in the post efficiently. At best he strikes me as a very poor man’s Carmelo, and seeing as how ‘Melo himself is almost completely one-dimensional, that’s not a very good thing. At least Melo’s one dimension gets him 25 points per game — Marvin doesn’t have that kind of scoring talent, but he does have the below-average rebounding and defense.

Among the young players due for extensions within the next few years, I would extend Josh Smith and Al Horford and try to trade Marvin Williams, Salim Stoudamire, and Josh Childress for a pass-first point guard. I’d keep Shelden only because he wouldn’t cost any money to extend and would provide a big body who can get some boards, plus he would have next to no trade value. A core of Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Al Horford with a pass first point guard and some role players would be a pretty good mix going forward.

Oh yeah, and trade or cut Zaza. Please. He is painful to watch at this point.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 9, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Damn that post was long as hell. Sorry about that. I guess I fulfilled all yall’s reading quota for today.

By terrell barron

January 9, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Chills should start, with Marvin coming off the bench. Better defender and rebounder(offensive and defensive).

By anonymous

January 9, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Artest for Marvin. We neeed his toughness. Sacremento is going young, and are willing to move him. AJ,Joe,Artest,Josh,Horford Law,T-Lue,Chills,Sheldon,Lorenzen

By hawkshackisanidiot

January 10, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

This is why you keep Smith. He went and guarded Lebron when he got back in the game. For all of you who claim he is terrible man to man defender and he did a good job. What he is bad defensively is closeouts. He comes out way too fast and will fall for any pump fake. This is why a lot of jump shooters get around him. He took three charges in the second half and made Drew Gooden walk late in the game. Maybe I am not bright but shouldn’t everyone be impressed with a stat stuffer. He in not going out the team concept to do it so isn’t a good thing. Wink I am sure you aren’t impressed with Jason Kidd all he does is get triple doubles. If it so easy to be a stat stuffer there would be a lot more players doing it.

By cp

January 10, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

Good win tonight. I was going to make the point about how good Josh Smith could be if we had better pg play but someone beat me to it. Can someone please explain to me how they see Marvin as a better player than Josh Smith?. I like Marvin but im not buying that argument. Marvin for his size is a poor rebounder, improved defender but still not very good, not a good ball handler, doesnt really create shots for himself. He has a nice jumper and gets to the line but he just doesnt seem to have that fire that will make him a great player. Josh will be the better player than Marvin in the long run just as he is better now.

By Daniel

January 10, 2008 6:57 AM | Link to this

Smith for Gasol is ridiculous but would you consider Gasol if it only cost Zaza, Sheldon and Speedy’s medical retirement? Take Pau and Navarro if it keeps them happy but that scenario keeps our core intact and adds the post firepower for a run this year/next year.

It’s going to have to be somebody.

By A Thinking Fan

January 10, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

Broke & Cheap ASG STOP leaving out that major piece of info in this discussion…

By Myrtle Beach

January 10, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Listen dudes i pay money for the NBA package just to watch the Hawks. How stupid is that? I’ve seen it all since the beginning.

I. MUS WRITE is “RIGHT” on and the Clemems writing is priceless, you’re the man that needs to be writing for the paper. I can’t stop laughing!

Thanks and keep it up.

By Ken Strickland

January 10, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Good win Hawks. I was especially impressed with the DEF. We held a team with the leagues top scorer to 81pts. We have got to concentrate more on making our free throws. We could have won that last gm against Cleveland if we’d done a better job of shooting our FT’s. If we continue to play good DEF, we should defeat Washington.

RAY, like I said, it was just a bump in the road. This team is the NBA’s 3rd youngest and is still in the learning process. With any young team just learning how to win, there will be inconsistency. The ability to come back from that bump in the road against a team that previously defeated them is a positive sign. We need to concentrate on making certain we don’t lose more than 2 consecutive gms the rest of the season.

You have to give them credit, when the Hawks are on their gm they are really exciting to watch. We also need to start shooting better from the outside. Teams are starting to pack the lane trying to force us to beat them from the outside. That’s why we are drawing so many charging fouls. AJohnson hasn’t been as aggressive offensively as he was during the winning streak. Both he and ALaw need to stop playing to avoid making mistakes and put more OFF pressure on the opposing DEF.

By ILL-logical

January 10, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Gasol to the Hawks is unlikely but IF it could be done, Jsmooth must stay!

Why?

Because a frontline of JSmooth; AH and Gasol would provide the physical mis-matches that are currently being exploited AGAINST the Hawks.

IF the Hawks want to not only get into the playoffs but stay in the playoffs, they need to be able to not only match up with the big boys but make them pay both offensively and defensively.

SS: I fear you doth protest to much-is it intuition or are you just wishing?

By vdunkndunk

January 10, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

I still agree with Wink from Lithonia: trade Josh Smith now while he still has youth, potential, and athleticism on his side. I’m just afraid that if we don’t trade him before he gets a huge pay-day, two years from now he will be seen as a guy who got paid for potential and athletic talent, but never fully developed into a good enough scorer to justify the investment.

The NBA is littered with players who were seen as up-and-comers, were rewarded with a big contract, and then within a year or two they’re seen as bad contracts. I predict the same for Josh - plus I’m perfectly happy with Marvin and Horford at the 3 and 4 spots anyway, so we can afford to gamble a bit. Now’s the time to use Josh Smith, and possibly Childress, to balance out this team with a quality PG and C (or at least a big PF who can demand a double team and score in the post).

By I.MUS WRITE

January 10, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Thanks Myrtle Beach,~ Just get tired of hearing the crap (Roger = Pete).

I know there is’nt going to be a trade this season,so let me focus on who we should resign. I once though that Chillz was the odd man out- upon further review it may be Marvin. Marvins defense is kinda suspect,and when his shot is’nt falling he does’nt do much to impact the game. Think about it: Passing-ok Rebounding- below average for his size Handles-okay Defense-suspect to missing I dont know if he will ever put up 20+ points a game and become a 2nd scoring option

I was down on Chillz for a minute but he is looking good as of late. Chillz does so many things to help the team-it will be hard to replace his effectiveness. We should resign the Joshes in the summer and shop Marvin to balance out the roster. Marvin ,filler and maybe a 2nd rounder could net us a nice defensive center.

The line up could look like Law,JJ,Smoove,Horford,Center

Bench: Chillz,Sheldon, Whatever we could get for ZAZA/Salim.

Where the hell is Mario… give the yungn some run,every time he’s in the game he makes sumthing happen.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

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

This is something that has had me worried for a good minute. Out of all the players on this team, I knew J-Smoove name would be the one of the first names to pop up in trade talks and I believe its mainly because of his part-time tunnel vision. Don’t get me wrong, I like having Josh Smith on our squad, but sometimes he seems to go into some “I’m going to show them all I’m the greatest!” zone and forgets about team ball. It has happened. Hopefully that will curb cause he is a helliva talent and I don’t want to see him go. I think as he gets older and matures, all of that bravado of his will calm down, but I do think that is an issue with him especially with some of the outbursts I’ve heard he’s had with the coach. Once his head catches up with his talent- WATCH OUT!!Hopefully this is all just growing pains and he’ll get to stay here.

GO HAWKS!!!

By doc

January 10, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

mike every perturbation is a bump in the road as long as you are moving forward. otherwise it is a wall. once moving then it becomes a bump. since they moved forward then it was a bump.

really good game last night. thanks again to the master jhan. good to see ando and meet one of jhan’s buddies, good night all around with the victory.

thought the way it started there was no way, then we outscore them 55 to 26 over the next 30 minutes but have to hold on at the end for the victory. it came because they refused to be beaten and played with huge energy and execution. to do the d it takes effort on their part as well as maybe a tired team on the other end. well it is time to put another win up there in a stretch of 5 games in 8 days. crucual to be giving the effort as it wont come easy. kudos to al, chills and smash, jj was good but there were times you had to wonder where he was. fun to watch all at four.

zaza has gone to the bottom of the heap. my daughter was out playing soccer the night i pulled her toenail off. pitiful and very lame.

By Ryder

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

Gasol for JSmoove? Are you guys on crack? Gasol is too moody and does not play well enough defense to justify any deal for a guy who is not even developed into the prime of his career. Quit trying to bury everyone who has “athletic” talent. Tayshaun Prince and AK-47 play the exact same way and you don’t hear anyone asking to trade them.

This team just needs to unload the dead weight that is Zaza and replace him with a veteran banger who can dispell Horford on occasion.

If they let go of JSmoove the Hawks will regret it worse than when they let Nique go.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 10, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

…the difference being that Josh Smith is much, much more athletic and productive than Prince or AK-47.

By ray

January 10, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

najeh davenpoop, nice post.

Doc, Ando feeling better? That’s good.

Smoove for Gasol? Never. As for Gasol, he’s not likely to come here unless we can give Memphis something they REALLY want. Seeing as how they were smarter than us and picked Rudy Gay (ummm….who’d we end up with that year?), already have the shooter in Mike Miller and Navarro, well…what DO we have that they’d want? Nahhh. Gasol is more likely to go to Chicago.

Ken, one win after a 4-game losing streak doesn’t make the losing streak a “bump.” To a team like this, a 4-game losing streak is historically trouble. Hopefully, this season such history is finally in the past. Like you said, we need to work at and learn to keep the losses from mounting. We both know that enough losses, much less in a row, can be trouble for our team…simply because this is a somewhat fragile new-found strength. We haven’t been able to play .500 ball (or anywhere near it) for years. Hopefully this is the true beginning of that change.

By The Flash

January 10, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Hire Larry Brown. He will improve this team immediately, just as he does every team (except Zeke’s Knicks) he has ever coached. He will know what to do with JS, and what type of player is needed to fit where he is taking this ball club.

That, as my boy Tony would say, “is the list.”

By anon

January 10, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

An obervation.

Watching players like Lebron and JJ last night was a treat indeed. They both have the sort of dribbling skills, head and body fakes, and changes of pace that allow each to free himself for shots and to be creative around the basket. I tried to compare those skills in Lebron and JJ with Marvin’s skillset, and what a huge difference. Marvin seems to have two primary elements to his offensive game; either the standstill jumpshot off a pass from a teammate, or the head-down full speed bull charge to the basket. He seems to have the physical tools (i.e., height, length, and body structure) to be a force, but wow could he ever use a set of skills that include dribbling, footwork, and fakes to free himself. The year he spent in the Carolina system, where ball movement is emphasized above all else, seems to have severely retarded development of his individual skills.

Perhaps with the exception of the his head fakes, Rip Hamilton is similarly limited. What makes Rip so effective is he runs relentlessly around screens so as to free himself for the open jumpshot. Marvin, on the other hand, tends to stand around the perimeter waiting for the defense to collapse on Joe or a pentrating point guard, then expect the kick-out pass. How far can we go with a 6’9” 235 lbs small forward who plays good defense, but is so limited in what he gives on the offensive end of the court? Can/will he add sufficiently to his offensive repertoire to render him worth a huge long-term deal, or will he always be the two-dimensional player who shows little or no offensive artistry beyond a beautiful catch & shot jumpshot that doesn’t come close to being fully utilized because of lack of motion?

By randy

January 10, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

If they trade or don’t sign Josh Smith for whatever stupid reason, I hope he comes here with his new team and gets 30pts, 15 rebs, 10 blocks and his new team blows us out by 50 points. Then all you morons screaming for “Trade JSmoove” now will be screaming “Why did they trade JSmoove?”. Face it, the guy is the best player or second best player on our team. The owners should sign him next year, no matter what other richer teams may offer. They were idiots not signing him last summer and I am really not sure what is going on in their minds. As for Pal Gasol for Josh Smith. That is the most ridiculous thing I have heard. If you are gonna deal Smith (which I would advise against) atleast get a real center, Gasol is softer than Marvin.

By realitycheck

January 10, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

vdunkndunkI predict the same for Josh - plus I’m perfectly happy with Marvin and Horford at the 3 and 4 spots anyway, so we can afford to gamble a bit. This is the problem with the people on this blog. You’re not Billy Knight. It doesn’t matter if you are happy with that lineup. Also, you can’t make trades. What is interesting is now since Zaza hasn’t been playing. He now has an injury too. Woody’s doghouse should be called the injury house. Salim hasn’t played in close to a month with an ankle that was day to day. By the way Zaza says his toe really hurts.

By G-thang

January 10, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

“He who crows the loudest, eats the most crow!” Aiight, I am finished eating’ my crow. The Hawks won, which I said that they won’t. Way to go!! I was concerned about that 18 point lead and how it nearly vanished towards the end. Keep it up Hawks. 217 r A

By randy

January 10, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

I love seeing Josh block shots and taking it to the rim, Jchill being the trashman around the basket, Horford cleaning the glass, Marvin playing string music with his jumpshot and Joe relentlessly shooting it anywhere he pleases! Most of all I loved seeing the Hawks run!! The 3rd quarter was a nice display of what happens when you run like the Suns. Good job Hawks!

By vdunkndunk

January 10, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

RealitycheckDon’t worry - I’m perfectly aware that I’m not Billy Knight. And if I was Billy Knight, I would have fired myself by now.

By Astro Joe

January 10, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Whoever posted the following to the Sports Vent deserves a gold star for the day and an extra slice of cafeteria pizza:

If folding your arms and looking sad won ball games we’d have the best coach in the NBA!

By Mike

January 10, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Ray I got to agree with Ken on this one. This team is different from last year. These guys will not crumble and go away this year. Nobody in the league is over looking this team. You knew win or loose they would come out and fight last night. What doom this team in the past was 7 and 8 game loosing streaks.

We witness something different last night although it was settle. Joe knew LB was going to try to take the game in the fourth quarter, this time you can see that he was going to match LB shot for shot. Smoove stepping up to accept the challenge of going head to head with LB knowing if graze this guy, the refs would call a foul. Al and Chill crashing the boards late in the game. When LB did his I told you so speech these guys could have easily given up, but they kept fighting. That’s maturity. These guys are going to scrap and fight all season long.

Randy I’m with you on Smoove. If they trade Smoove, look for him to give us the same kind of treatment we get from CPaul for passing him over in the draft. Smoove will come back and make everybody in this city eat crow. We always take about Chill intangibles, but what about Smoove’s intangibles.

Doc I got tickets for the game tomorrow. My seats probably want allow me to see you and the ANDO Man at the game, but I’ll will be there with ya in spirit.

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

By Ken Strickland

January 10, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

RAY, the only way to end a losing streak or start a winning streak is to win (1)one gm. So you shouldn’t downplay the win. If a 5gm winning streak doesn’t automatically indicate the team will have a winning season and make the playoffs, a 4gm losing streak doesn’t indicate they won’t. That especially holds true this early in the season.

The Hawks already have issues with outside shooting, especially when JJ is off. So how will replacing MWilliams, our only other proficient outside shooter, with JSmith going to improve the situation? That’s the same flawed logic used by the Bulls. They felt they weren’t getting enough OFF production from Chandler, so they traded him and signed BWallace. Do you think they’d make that same move again if given a 2nd chance?

I don’t understand all of this negative assessment of MWilliams play. He is consistently and efficiently putting 16+ppg on the board as the 3rd option. Everyone wants to critcize his DEF, but I haven’t seen PGasol’s name on any or the all DEF teams. Marvin’s not a great DEF player, but he doesn’t hurt the teams DEF. He’s not a DEF stopper, few players are, but he’s what you would call a neutralizer. That means he offsets the production of the player he goes up against.

Give this team and its players time to continue growing, maturing and learning how to win consistently. It takes experience for that to happen, and we haven’t reached the allstar break yet. The 1st half of the season is for learning, experiencing and developing team chemistry. The 2nd half is for putting that learning, experience and team chemistry to maximum use. That’s when a 4gm losing streak becomes more than a bump in the road.

I predicted a win over Cleveland, and I am predicting another win over Washington tomorrow night. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By I.MUS WRITE

January 10, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

I forgot who it was, but someone here suggested Larry brown as our next coach. We already have Larry Brown -his name is Mike Woodson. Woodson is a Larry Brown Disciple and believes in the same principles as L.Brown. Slow the ball down,Half court offense,Strong emphasis on defense.

Our team is built to run and we dont have the personnel to be effective in a half court offense. Also Tlue and Aj would be our starters off top-Y? because L. Brown does’nt give rookies a chance and Acie would never see the court-thus hindering his development.

Defense-im all for that,but we dont have the length or willingness to play D that the pistons have. In 04 they played D by commitee Big Ben, Sheed,Prince,Rip….. we have Josh and Al and not much else defensively-forgot about JJ.

Woodson is Larry Brown so forget about it. Atleast these guys seem to like Woody -I dont think these guyz would play hard for Brown or buy into his philosophy. Im all for a new coach -lets just be careful who we ask for

By doc

January 10, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

cool mike give a shout at the refs for me. the guy behind me and i got a response from none other than labron during the game after his air ball. cool guy and easy to see why he is a fan favorite. you should have seen the 12 year old who caught one of his sweat bands after the game. i told him he couldnt pass out on me in front of everybody, even told him to call me if none of his buds believed it. the kid was over the top in glee and joy. topped off the evening well. also classy how he held the ball at the end of the game, it honors the opponent and victor. liked it and shouted it to him.

mike, just do it man!!

i.mus just barked up the wrong tree if the flash is reading today. wish i had a cell phone to tell him someone compared woody to larry. could be fun at the old blog coming up.

By Mike

January 10, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Yeah Doc I will give a big shout to the ref to support our boys. Couldn’t agree with you more on LBJames. I remember when he was drafted out of high school, all the young teenagers was hollering how he was going to dominate the NBA. Us old heads was laughing thinking yeah, “Right”.

My sister loves LB, that’s her favorite player. Me I stick with the Hawks, so you know she’s been slamming me every since BK picked Marvin over CPaul and DWilliams, and please don’t mention Sheldon. But all that has change, now it’s my time to Shine. When I went to visit family for the holidays, everybody was talking about going to the Hawks game. Yeah I felt a little vindication, especially since they’ve been slamming me for the last three years.

My daughter goes off to college next year, after that I’ll be able to get my season tickets back. I remember one year we tailgated a Hawks basketball game. It was great we had a ball. So I forward to hanging out with the Blog crew at the Hawks games.

Yeah IMUST can get carry away at times, but you know he must write, so what can you say.

Clyde keep doing your thing Bro, it’s a long season.

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

By Clyde

January 11, 2008 3:53 AM | Link to this

I’m gonna be at the game tonight. FIRE BILLY AND WOODY t-shirts will be in full effect.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By doc

January 11, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

mike can we trade bk for your sister. seems she might be a better judge of talent. have a really good time tonight. get us a win got to have a few more before they hit the road.

By yessir

January 11, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

Clyde go sit down somewhere. I will have FIRE CLYDE T-SHIRTS IN SEC. 109.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

January 11, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

LET’S TRASH THOSE WIZARDS 2NITE! tHEY ARE SITTING IN OUR 2ND PLACE SPOT…TAKE IT BACK HAWKS!!

By Mike

January 11, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Doc that’s funny, but I’m afraid she may be a poorer judge of talent than BK. She actually thinks the Cavs are a championship caliber team. Now that’s a joke. There is only two players on the squad I want, and that is LB and Varejao. Other than that Cleveland is no better than Hawks. I think the Hawks have a better roster because if LB doesn’t be superman they don’t win.

I’m calling for another victory tonight.

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

By Ken Strickland

January 11, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Washington and Cleveland are both dangerous when hitting their outside shots, especially 3’s. They’re both soft in the middle and Washington plays very little DEF. So we should attack the basket like we did against Cleveland.

I’m still concerned about JJ’s shooting woes. He had a good OFF night, but it was due to penetration, not his outside shooting. When teams double JJ, our PG’s should go get the ball from him and attack the basket like it’s a 4 on 3 fastbreak. We actually played better OFF with Chills at PG. Teams know Chills will go to the basket with or without the ball. Therefore, he has to be accounted for and that makes it more difficult to double JJ, especially with their guards.

VENT KING, have no fear. We will defeat Washington, especially if they don’t shoot lights out beyond the 3pt mark. GOOD LUCK TONIGHT HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By I.MUS WRITE

January 11, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

No one said Woody had the X and O knowledge that Larry Brown has -I said he believes in the same principles which does’nt fit the players on our roster… go back and read my post. Larry Brown is one of the best basketball minds in the game no doubt- but if you look at his track record it takes players a while to warm up to the guy and his teachings- (AI/Stephon Marbury etc..)

More importantly do we want a guy who is only going to be here for 2 or 3 years…. AHMM NO The man changed jobs like he changes socks, and lets not forget the full fledge mutany that took place in New York while he was there.

Yeah go ahead, bring Brown in here and watch smoove and every yung player here sign else where -then itz back to the dam lottery.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 11, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Clyde keep your shirts homie those guys are’nt going anywhere and u know it…. How about break them out in June when the season is done.

By doc

January 11, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

i.mus you better watch what you say. if the flash is reading and on his game today you will get a keyboard thrashing! heh heh. all is good.

By Ken Strickland

January 11, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

I.MUS WRITE, amen to that.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 11, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

DOC -I hear you: Im patiently waiting though, things are a little slow at work so im ready for battle.

By ray

January 11, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Mike, I can’t help it. I’m cautious by nature when it comes to our team. I see that we are different than in years past. Healthier for one thing. As I said, hopefully history is changing.

Ken, I’m not downplaying the win. Re-read what I wrote. What happens when you lose 4, then win 1, then lose 4 more? That used to happen a lot here in the last few years. Happened last year too. Last December of this season was the first time we haven’t played like that.

A 4 game losing streak is a bump to a team that is used to winning. Are we used to winning? When’s has this team last had a season where it played at or above .500 ball? What I’m saying is that with us not being used to winning, our new found strength and resiliency is still somewhat fragile. I agree whole-heartedly that we are tougher than before. I agree that losing streaks like that don’t guarantee no playoffs anymore than winning streaks (like in December) don’t guarantee playoffs. I don’t recall making such comments to begin with. I do think anyone would be hard pressed to find something in my post that is untrue, though.

Again, the toughness that we’ve shown this season is NEW. Therefore, it’s not like the toughness and resiliency you see from a team that is a consistent winner. Season’s not even half over yet, we’re not yet “winners” for a season. What we are is better. Apparently rather significantly better (not just 4 or games better). And I like that a lot. Here is what I am trying to say: until we become a consistently winning ball club that knows exactly what it must do to win, we must be careful of the losing streaks, particularly extended ones, because they can be harmful to what we’ve built. it’s too easy for us to lose our identity and begin struggling. Fortunately, this season we’ve bounced back from things so far. I hope to see that continue.

One more thing: it’s not necessarily all about how many losses in a losing streak. It’s how we lose that tends to bother me. It’s things like attitude, effort, and execution. Pardon what I’m about to say, because it will probably sound insane: You have to lose for all the right reasons. Especially when you are learning to win. You can’t lose because you think winning is now automatic. You can’t lose because you figure a 75% effort should be enough. You can’t lose because you’re making all the same mistakes you made last year. If you’re losing because of this, you’re not a better team, you’re the same team…not a different one.

Losing because you just played several games in a row: it happens. Losing because in the last few seconds, the coach calls some serious bone-head plays: it happens, particularly to us. Losing because it’s Detroit, and they’re playing to ALL of their strengths tonight: it happens to the best teams. Ask the Spurs about last night. Now THAT was a bump in the road…

By ray

January 11, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Marvin Williams does have a sweet stroke. He’s not a 3-point shooter, but that’s another story all together. It’s true that he’s the only other jump-shot threat from anywhere beyond 15-17 feet. Before we over-value that let’s examine why:

Josh Smith never had a jumper. He’s trying to develop one, but probably isn’t doing what a jump-shooter does to get better. Like shooting several hundred jumpers a day. Instead, he’s busy working on low post moves (which are working most of the time, and are nice to watch) and basically just playing the role of PF.

Salim: is either hurt or just not getting the playing time. Simple as that. You can debate whether or not he merits the playing time, but why go there right now.

AJ: a decent shooter at times. But not what one would call a shooting threat.

Childress: not with that form, sorry buddy. Hits the jumper often enough when wide open though, and finds many other ways to score.

Horford: can hit the shot from where you’d expect a big man to do so. Never gets the ball enough to do so consistently. In fact, doesn’t get the ball enough in the post either, where he can also produce.

Shelden: not confident enough…in anything it seems.

Law: Rarely shoots compared to how much he did in college. Trying hard to be a pg, and getting inconsistent minutes. Confidence in shot seems to not be there, judging by body language. Rookie year is hard, especially when you’re coming in trying to provide something for a team that’s lacked that something for years.

Lue: can shoot, but needs to be open a lot of times. Stays hurt lately.

Pachulia: is having a hard time doing anything right at the moment. Were those numbers from the first two seasons a product of being the only half-decent, true big on the team (with significant minutes)?

Mario West: probably would be better if he was asked to provide scoring, or simply took it upon himself to become a better shooter. Look for him to do this in the off-season because he’s that kind of guy. He has already established his hustle and defensive prowess/intensity.

Lorenzen Wright : yeah right. He wasn’t brought here or anywhere else for that.

Solomon Jones: lives 4 floors below Woody’s doghouse. Comes up every now and then to scoop the poop. Nobody knows why. Don’t we have a D-league where this guy can get some PT at least?

So there you have it. The one guy clearly designated as a shooter is usually either hurt, or doesn’t get the minutes. It doesn’t help that he’s small, doesn’t handle the ball exceptionally well, and doesn’t play the best defense. And oh yeah, there’s still the ghost of past relationship between him and the coach. The rest of the crowd largely consists of Billy’s wonderful forward group plan. And his collection of “cough…cough” bigs that don’t usually do what they were brought here to do. The exception is of course Horford, another excellent player being called upon to do more than he should have to (and what the other guys were SUPPOSED to be doing).

So, if you’re upset that we don’t have enough shooters, see Billy. If you are adamant about keeping Marvin (no, I’m not saying get rid of him) because of this issue, then you have no vision, because he’s not the only solution in the world to our outsided shooting woes. Nor is he the best. If you like the roster the way it is and get p** anytime someone mentions a trade, then you shouldn’t have read this, as it will make no sense to you whatsoever.

By ray

January 11, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Ever wonder why we have outside shooting problems? Take a close look at each player. This is the roster we have. We have two shooters that actually play and one guy who could shoot more if he actually got the ball more: Horford.

We have to use outside shooting because we have no credible inside game. Josh is taking it to the hole (and doing well). Horford doesn’t get the ball enough (which is puzzling). People keep wanting to say that if Marvin goes, we’ve cut our outside shooting ability in half. First of all, what we have right now isn’t the only or even the best offensive option. If JJ’s not having at least a decent game, we tend to be absolutely sunk. THIS IS NOT A GOOD THING!! Why? Because as wonderful an open-jumpshot guy as Marvin is, he does not, WILL NOT, take over a game. He’s not that kind of guy! Other options have to be explored or we can all just say “well, if JJ has a decent night we’ll win. Otherwise, it’s loserville for us.”

How stupid can you get…

By Ken Strickland

January 11, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

RAY, don’t worry, I understand the point you were attempting to make. We are on the same page as far as Marvins value to the team as a starter. I just don’t understand the obcession some people have with wanting JSmith at SF. It seems based on some dillusional idea that it’s his, so called, natural position.

We have a pure outside shooter on our team that’s respected by everyone in the league, except Woodson. Do you think any team would leave Salim Staudamire open to double JJ? I would definitely play him more, and in tandem with JChills and/or ALaw.

Chills and Law would do the bulk of the ballhandling. TLue is a better ballhandler and floor general than Salim, but that’s not why we have Salim. He is a pure streak shooter, a zone buster, and he can get his shot off anytime. He can stretch a DEF by himself, especially if he’s on.

I would play Shelden at PF more, and use SJones more as an option at C, depending on the situation. Just my opinion, what do you think?

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 11, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Ray makes a great point about Horford. I don’t understand why he doesn’t get the ball more either. It seems like when the Hawks need someone to post up it’s either Joe Johnson (when he’s guarded by someone small) or Josh Smith (who is still very raw as a post-up scorer). Like the Chicago Bulls have shown us, you can’t build a team that scores entirely from the perimeter and on fast breaks. Horford may not be the athletic freak that Josh Smith is but he definitely is more polished in the post. And it’s not like he’s an inefficient scorer right now, he’s shooting 50% for crying out loud.

In an earlier post I compared Horford to Elton Brand. If you look at their per-minute rookie averages, Horford is as good as, if not better than Brand in every category… except scoring. Why? Because Brand got 18 shots a game as a rookie, while Horford barely gets 7. Give Big Al the ball, Woody. The sooner he develops into an offensive threat on the block, the sooner this team moves into the elite in the Eastern Conference.

By Actual National Hawks Coverage

January 11, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

You don’t see article or videos specifically about the Hawks in the last 8 years….

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba;ylt=Anb5axqSPETUzGKoTUaM1g5nYcB

By cp

January 11, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Butler will get his the key is to hold the other guys like Stevenson in check tonight againt the Wizards. I think Horford and Marvin need to put up more shots but they dont seem that agressive. I think with Horford its more because he is a rookie with Marvin well he just seems to be that type of player. I have been yelling to send Solo to the NBDL for while now. It is no need in letting the kid rot on the bench. Let him get some valuable pt in the NBDL.

By terrell barron

January 11, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Better beat the Wizards, or else.

By Astro Joe

January 11, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Flash and Other Out-of-State Fans, evidently, the Sunday match-up with the Bulls at 2:00 EST will be televised on WGN - Chicago’s Superstation.

I’ll be enjoying the game in person with my 2 little ones. They’re at the age where they think every basket means life or death. “What’s the score Daddy? 18-16? Oh no, we’re going to lose”. But then again, they’re not usually awake to see the end of a game. And I remember going to bed as a kid and thinking that if my team we’re behind on Monday Night Football by my bed time, the game was essentially over.

It sure was fun being young and dumb!

By diesel

January 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

I’m reading your comments about not trading Smith for Gasol. I know I’m a day late and all, but I have to do some bit of disagreeing with you.

First off, let me say that I don’t want to trade Smith because of what he brings on defense. No doubt he’s probably the best defender in the East maybe in the NBA with his help defense. However, I think there are more serious issues that you have to consider when speaking about trades that it doesn’t seem like you’ve considered.

The first is ASG situation. Supposedly, they’ve offered Smoove 10 mill per year… and supposedly he turned it down. You can tell me if that’s rumor or not? Secondly, position. Right now, Horf doesn’t play well enough to stay out of foul trouble and even with Horf we lack a low post offense. I would call Smoove a Pseudo PF in that he has no low post moves offensively. Moreover, he has a bad habit of taking outside shots. This is a terrible mixture. However, I do believe that Smoove is growing as a player and he has plenty of time. Still… Smoove may have time, but the question is does JOE have time. We have in essence made JJ a baby sitter here. We paid him to come and watch Marvin, Smoove, and Chillz grow up. Well, now they are somewhat grown and we’ve added some new faces to the nursery however, the window is getting smaller. If we are going to be a championship quality team, it will take more low post offense than Smoove and Horf can muster. There are rumors that JJ asked management to seek Gasol over the summer (you can verify that if you can). If that be the case, then it seems like he recognizes our need to compete and he knows what is needed. There are also other factors such as Locker room presence and style of play. What will our style of play be? We really don’t have the shooters to be an uptempo team in the mold of Phoenix and we don’t have the low post offensive players in the mold of Detroit. Therefore, with no 1st round draft picks this offseason, it becomes neccessary for us to define how we will spend the next season and a half. Will we continue to wait on development (which is what you suggest) or do we define our offense and try to compete. For all that you have mentioned about Gasol (being over the hill at 27 and all) what you failed to mention is that he was the catalyst for Memphis’ playoff runs 2 years ago. Moreover, we now have much more talent that they did.

Personally, I would love to keep Smoove and trade Marvin in a package for Gasol. However, I wouldn’t say exploring a Smith for Gasol trade is boneheaded?? I think you need to reexamine that!

By doc

January 11, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

well one win has been turned into a maybe, do over on 3/8. stern takes it out on the hawks one more time. okay put him back into the game and play hack a shaq on next possession because that is what they were going to do and the heat were gong to sub him anyway … well maybe.

By mykhalc

January 11, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

now it’s bad when PAID employees don’t even pay attention to the game they are bein’ paid to watch and keep track of!!!???!!!! ridiculous!!!!

By Astro Joe

January 11, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

This is what happens when our cheap owners asks one of those 7th grade snare drummers to double as the scorekeeper.

By mykhalc

January 11, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

i just wanta know where does the league think we’re gonna get the $50g from????

good effort thru 3 qtrs….

By RANDY

January 11, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

OMG, THESE REFS ARE HORRIBLE!!!

By JohnGTFan

January 11, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

my anger getting the best of me…but they don’t deserve to win when you can’t make free throws late in the game. not deserved at all

By kwooden1

January 11, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

I never blog during a game, but I have to say something about the terrible coaching during this game. I will just start with the lack of substitutions during the third and fourth quarters. Guys are fouling people to just to stop the game so they can get out. There are no offensive plays in the fourth quarter, just give the ball to Joe at the top of the key. Joe look good until about the fourth time in row. The guy isn’t superman!! The only time the guys look really good is when they were on the fast-break. Where were the double and triple screens for Joe. When Jamison got his fifth foul, why didn’t they run a play right at him. Even when they spread the floor for Joe, they have AJ to deep in the corner for Joe to pass to him. (do they even practice that set!!) I know they missed free-throws and that is on the players, but Woodson was useless this game. It was good to see them come out of half-time and put on a Show, but the Show was over when Woodson let the guys tire out.

As I said before in the blog, compare Woodson to E. Jordan as coach, you were all looking. You can’t tell me the Wizards bench is that much better than the Hawks. Jordan left his starting center on the bench for the entire second half and overtime because the guy wasn’t playing. Would Woodson even think about doing that? You could clear see the Wizards were the fresher team in the fourth and overtime. You see how Jordan put different people on Joe and left his best one-on-one defender (Stevenson) on him, after Stevenson had rested during the end of the third and beginning of the fourth. I can go on and on about what I saw during the game, I’m glad I can only see a few games a year. If I had to watch this kind of coaching for 82 games, I would definitely be on the Clyde wagon, at least for coach!

GO HAWKS!!

By Luis Malave

January 11, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Terrible loss! Again the coaching is to blame, and tonight the foul shooting too. At the end of regulation the plays with Joe Johnson were working. All of a sudden they stopped and went to a high post with Josh Smith and he turns it over. This team is capable of winning now. More then needing a center, they need a coach, who knows what he is doing out there. One other note is, what is going on with Acie Law. He does not seem to understand that when there is penetration and kick out to a set shooter, you have to shoot the ball. I never saw him play in college, but does this guy know how to shoot? Right now he is a liability on the floor. He does not seem quick enough and he is working the pick & roll all wrong. He is a lefty working mostly to his right side and towards the sideline, as opposed to going left and towards the middle. So far he has been terrible. Overall the Hawks have the talent to do great things this year. The only thing they are missing is direction.

By Clyde

January 11, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Luis Malave

January 11, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

I will sum it up real simple: The coach stinks, the foul shooting stinks and Acie Law stinks.

By Daniel Malave

January 11, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

I will sum it up real simple: The coach stinks, the foul shooting stinks and Acie Law stinks.

By curious

January 11, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

kwooden1 U are so correct. The Hawks never score out of a timeout. The possesion that JJ got called for a backcourt. The Hawks didn’t have anyone else above the ft line. AJ hurt them late also. He passed up shots and put JS and I JJ in a bad situation at the end of the shot clock. I think I am going have to buy a Clyde shirt. You can expect guys to play the second half & ot without rest. Some of those bad plays are fatigue.

By A-ville Ranger

January 11, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Who will be in the playoffs first the UGA football team or the Hawks ? just kidding.The thing I’m here..(or is it there?) to comment on is Chris Paul,watching him tonight convinced me he’s the second best 22 year old pg I’ve ever seen,Magic of course being the best.

By MannyT

January 11, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

While it is a sad day in Hawkville, I did learn five things at the game tonight.

1. I can’t argue against Clyde lately…especially tonight.

2. kwooden1 makes me wish BK was really good friends with Eddie Jordan instead of Woody.

3. Sekou needs to get the AJC to run one of those coach for a day contests for fans. I don’t think any fans will notice the difference as long as you wear a suit and fold your arms often.

4. The Hawks stat person thinks (s)he has 6 fingers on one hand.

5. I still think we can get 41 wins. Maybe 42 if we win the replay minute in March

5.1 (From the original blog topic) Unless we sign & trade one of the Joshes for a bunch of 2nd round picks, we won’t keep the cheap payroll. However, if we do, maybe we can get a cool D-League name like the Atlanta Fire Ants

Instead of dragging a crumb of food, the ant could drag a penny around to highlight the refusal to spend cap $$$.

By MannyT

January 11, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Luis & Daniel must be twins. The blog alike.

By Tiger Woo

January 12, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Way to give a game away Hawks!

My observations:

Too many second chance points for the Wizards. How does Jamison get 7 offensive rebounds?

Interior defense too porous. Too many layups. Where was the defense when Daniels spun to the basket in overtime to score the go-ahead basket?

When is Acie Law going to make a contribution? Does he even own a jump shot? He seems to be playing scared - he makes a mistake and Woody nails him to the bench.

By Matt

January 12, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, but tonight’s loss was primarily on the players. I won’t say that about any of the Hawks’ other losses this season, but it’s the PLAYERS who are responsible for failing to hit free throws. That’s something you don’t work on in practice, because players are expected to do it on their own time. Despite what everyone around here is saying, the rebounding and defense weren’t great, but it was certainly good enough to win, and the ball movement was actually very good tonight (30 assists on a 3-1 A/T ratio is great).

Missing nearly half your free throws is unacceptable. Missing 6 of your 10, like Smith did tonight, is just disgusting. He played well everywhere else, but we win this game if he shoots 80% from the line, like every NBA player should.

The coach is responsible for lots of things, but hitting free throws is not one of them, and this loss was primarily because of players who failed to hit free throws.

Oh, and the Heat redux is bull.

By sickofwoody

January 12, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

Matt You are correct guys have to make their free throws but your coach has to get you some rest also. When players get fatigued they make mistakes they usually don’t. Woodson b**ches all night at the refs and his own players. Guys are not machines. Do you see some of the minutes these guys are playing? He should be lucky his players aren’t complaining to him about running the same play the whole game for JJ. They lost because of the free throws but JJ has to pass the ball if he has 3 guys on him.

By randy

January 12, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this

OMG! The NBA is making Atlanta and Miami replay the last 50 seconds of that game when they didn’t know if Shaquille fouled out or not! The score will reset at 114-111 after Horford shot his free throws with Miami Ball. UN-FRIGGIN-BELIEVABLE! Instead of taking their loss like men, they whine like little girls because some over-the-hill lug couldn’t play the last 50 seconds. Maybe we can redo that game tonight with Washington since the refs screwed us with a bunch of bad calls. NBA IS SO RIDICULOUS, I AM SO CLOSE TO NEVER WATCHING THIS GIRLY LEAGUE AGAIN WITH THE WHINERS AND FLOPPERS THAT DISGRACE THE LEAGUE! SHOVE YOUR BOOKY SCRATCHING REFS UP YOUR A-HOLE STERN!

By randy

January 12, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

I am glad I wasn’t the only one noticing that Woody did not substitute but one player in the whole 3rd and 4th quarters plus overtime (with the exception of Mario West in the last minute)!! Hey Woody, want to know why their free throws were short, cuz they weren’t getting any rest. Between the Refs screwing us over, Woody’s lack of substituting, and those whining little girls in Miami who can’t take a loss, this has been a very frustrating night!

By mykhalc

January 12, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

man, hated to see them blow that one!!! all those that say FT’s cost ‘em…i agree 100%!!!

and for all those hatin’ on ACIE right now, can’t blame you much!! but i can blame WOODSON!!! how can a guy go from showin’ his goods back in the pre-season, lookin’ solid while doin’ so, then be named the starter and start playin’ good ball before his injury and come back from injury and just look lost???? (i know, see MARVIN’s game last year for reference) it’s obvious the cat has no confidence in his game now. and with WOODSON bein’ classic WOODSON in regards to rooks, and now applyin’ that to his one-time starter, it’s not suprisin’!!! WOODSON has sucked the life outta this cat’s game!!!

well it’ll continue to allow WOODSON to play ‘POUND THE BALL’ LUE!!!!

this team would be soooooooo much more promisin’ and producin’ with an innovative HC!!!! i thought it would’ve made a nice story if somehow WOODSON came out on top with all the sh$t that’s happened in ATL since the beginnin’ of the VICK demise. but with him bein’ in the HC seat, it only prolongs the agony!!!!!

By Matt

January 12, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, but NBA players should be able to hit free throws with their eyes shut while being held upside down after running back-to-back marathons. Free throws require next to no energy to complete; it’s a simple motion that is primarily done using muscle memory. Fatigue is NO excuse for missed free throws. None.

And besides, the players were missing free throws all game, and not just in the 4th quarter.

There’s plenty to hit Woody on, but blaming him for players missing free throws is absurd.

By mykhalc

January 12, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this

Matt, in theory it sounds right and logical…BUT the reality of it is, fatigue and conditionin’ affect everythin’ on the court, especially concentration and muscle memory!!!!! and i say this first hand usin’ muscle memory A LOT in my craft and profession!!

By Matt

January 12, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this

Mykhalc,

Then riddle me this:

1) If fatigue is the reason for missed free throws, how do you explain the fact that the Hawks were missing them the entire game, and not just the 4th quarter? Smith missed 2 free throws in the first 2 minutes of the game, 1 more in the 2nd, 1 more in the 3rd, and 1 at the beginning of the 4th. Only 1 of Smith’s missed free throws came in the final minutes of the game.

2) If fatigue is the reason for missed free throws, how do you explain the fact that the Wizards, like the vast majority of NBA players, DO hit their free throws even when they’re tired?

Just look at the Wizards tonight - they sealed the win by hitting all 6 free throws at the end of OT. Daniels went 4 for 4, despite the fact that he had played more minutes by that point (48) than any of the Hawks had by the end of regulation.

It’s worth emphasizing - the Wizards shot 9-10 from the line in OT, when their players had played more minutes than the Hawks had at the end of the 4th. Why? Because good, focused NBA players know how to hit free throws in any situation.

(Oh, and the Wizards’ only missed free throw in OT was by a guy who had played less than 35 minutes).

Free throw shooting is the one and only thing that I refuse to assign even an iota of blame to Woody. The real men of the game always step up their game when it’s late in the game, and the vast majority of NBA players have no trouble hitting free throws when they need to - even when they’re tired and even when it’s in the 4th quarter or OT (or even Double or Triple OT).

Sorry. No way you can plausibly pin missed free throws on Woody. There are plenty of things you can blame on him - but not that.

By mykhalc

January 12, 2008 4:36 AM | Link to this

Matt, definitely not tryin’ to pin the missed FT’s on WOODSON!! no man, the players gotta own that one. i was just tryin’ to make a point and give my opinion on the effects of fatigue and conditionin’ on muscle memory.

my belief and experience is when fatigue and conditionin’ start to affect things then that is when you ‘HAVE TO’ dial in ‘MORE’ concentration to be able to execute the things that rely on muscle memory. dialin’ in things mentally is what allows one to compensate when fatigue is a factor. somethin’ has to tell one ‘how much’ to compensate for an exhausted or fatigued muscle state.

nah man, i feel what you are sayin’ about the FT’s tonite. they were missin’ ‘em all nite long, no doubt. like i said (and you said), the players gotta own that one!!! no argument there!!!

By ray

January 12, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this

AAAAARRRRGGGHHHHH! What a CHOKE-A-THON at the charity stripe! That was just awful. And a waste of Smoove’s very, very nice game, as well as Horford’s glass-cleaning clinic.

On top of that, we just did not need the beating Stern gave us. Guess he’s reacting like this since he got HOSED on the Tim Donaghy thing. Well, Mr. Big Daddy Stern, since you want to get so involved and personal with the Hawks organization, perhaps you can do something about this ownership group we have, eh? Oh what’s that? You’re NOT God? And when did you arrive at THAT conclusion. I wish you actually read this you pompous, pedantic, pretentious pile of platypus poop. And now for how I really feel…

Ken, I’d be glad to see Solomon Jones actually get some court time. Meaningful time that is. Watching a guy like Andray Blatche last night reminds me that Solomon is still there. You have to wonder just what it is that keeps him on the bench. Is he injured? Nobody talks about this. If he needs that much work on his game, then for crying out loud, get the guy to a d-league team where he will definitely get to play.

I thought we brought in Alton Lister to help with development of our bigs? I’ve got to think that Solomon can do what Shelden does if given the time. And you’re not going to learn how to not foul out if you aren’t playing. Practice is nothing compared to games. He needs game time. But we know how Woody is…

By ray

January 12, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

Najeh Davenpoop, it’s puzzling is it not?

Here’s what’s worse: When Zaza had the starting center job and played the big minutes, he got more touches than Horford does now. It’s been said that Zaza needed to be involved in the offense early and often to facilitate his production on the other end. Not only does Horford produce better on defense and in rebounding, but he does so without the touches Zaza got, and regardless of whether or when he’s involved in the offense.

The old fashioned system was that you rewarded your low post guy with touches (usually for easy scores) when they produced on the boards and on defense. Unless of course, your low post guy was a major contributor or focal point of your offense. Zaza isn’t, yet we used to give him the ball early and often. Horford clearly has better capabilities down low and plays like the old fashioned type of “goon.” Yet, he’s involved in the offense spottily…

What’s the deal Woody?

How about late in the game when JJ was trying to drive to the basket for one of his short, floating jumpers? Remember how the entire Wiz team collapsed toward him? Might have been a nice time to pass to a guy like Stoudamire, wouldn’t it? He might be short, but he’s a sniper. Just a thought, particularly since we don’t have many shooters and every team in the universe knows what play is coming. Can’t defend Woody or anybody else on that one.

By kwooden1

January 12, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this

Coach for Day! contest MannyT thats what I’m talking about!!

The players lost the game because of their free-throws, I’m not going to argue with that, because I agree! The players will fix their on problems theirs, but we don’t pay a guy (and a bunch of other guys) to basically do nothing!!! I have to watch Eddie Jordan and really think about what he’s doing, because he has plan and differnt offensive and defensive sets he runs. (I’m actually learning something) You saw him run Butler at the top of the key twice at the end of regulation and then didn’t run it again in the over-time. He saw that having his best score at the top key wasn’t as effect as having his veteran PG. He ran Daniels at the top of the key in over-time. He was doing SOMETHING it wasn’t an accident. I know there aren’t that many plays to run in basketball and everyone knows them. But it’s the coach job to know WHEN to run them!!!! We all know what Woodson’s going to do, it makes you really wonder what they are doing in practice.

I will say this, if they start winning again, its better for the player’s sake to not change coaches until the off season. Players don’t like changes when things are going well. But for now this organization should see that they have some talent and need start making hard decisions to build a winning team for the future. They will probably have to make a trade at some point, but definitely find a new face for the players to listen to.

GO HAWKS!!

By doc

January 12, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

the players pannicked at the end of reg. they lost their composure. had a chance to run clock and set up for the last shot and they forced a poor shot and left the ball in the wiz hand to win it. lost opportunity because three guys (?smoove, chills and marvin) got over anxious and lost themselves to where in the game they were.

they also did it again in over time when they came back on the court with 5 secs remaining on shot clock and didnt get the shot even close to going toward the basket. it was still in smash’s hands as he was doing fakes when the buzzer went of. this is about either lack of smarts, execution, experience or something even deeper than that. this is the type of game that vets matter that can still play. i’ll say it again; it is not about the starters but the finishers and these guys didnt finish.

By smartguy

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

Woody still sucks. Last year, he had serial arguments with his players. This year, Woody is arguing with a different assistant coaches each game. Every time they show the bench, Woody seems to be having an argument with an assistant. Previously it was during time outs, but last night Woody was turned around during the game arguing with one of his coaches (Larry Drew?).

This guy’s inability (or simple unwillingness) to get along with other players and coaches has been apparent for a few years now, but when our coach turns around during a game (with action right in front of him), I think there are serious issues that need addressing.

And doc, I also noticed how we looked panicked a couple of times. Yes, this is the players issue, but when a good coach sees his team flailing the ball around with 20 seconds left, he should call time out and let them regroup.

FIRE WOODY!

By Ken Strickland

January 12, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

I got up this morning ready to jump on anyone blaming anyone but the players for this loss. It seems everyone was on the same page and recognized this gm was lost by the players at the foul line. JSmith started the gm off missing his 1st 3.

I also want to mention a particular play that really upset me. With 20 seconds left before the half, AJ gets the ball and is in a 2 on 4 situation. Instead of pulling the ball out for the last shot, he jacks up a 3. Washington gets the rebound and scores with the last possession. That was 2pts they shouldn’t have had. That was a boneheaded play by a veteran PG that should have known better.

RAY, I’d give Solomon more playing time. How much would depend upon his production. Did you notice how they were doubling JJ, especially in the 2nd half? We need to do more to protect him against that. Watching the Wizards drive and kick to the open shooter reminds me of our poor overall PG play. ALaw seems to be playing more to avoid mistakes and has lost his OFF aggressiveness. With 2 DEF players on JJ, why can’t our PG’s find the open man? Why can’t our they penetrate against a 3man DEF? If you know JJ is going to be doubled you let him initiate the OFF. That way you force the double with time on the clock and avoid the last minute forced shots, or worse, clock violations.

For anyone feeling our missed FT’s were due to fatigue, just remember, Washington played the same minutes we did and made all but 2 of theirs.

By Sautee

January 12, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

I’ve been a Marvin defender mostly for his future potential. But damn, when you are 6’9” and have a full head of steam (last time down in regulation) how do you not flush it with two hands? That weak underhand s**t will get blocked every time. I’d LOVE to see Marvin be as aggressive as Smoove.Bad loss, free throws, coaching, blah, blah. All too true. Let’s come back against da Bulls having learned something, please!

By I.MUS WRITE

January 12, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

The loss last night hurts- i mean almost as bad as the Seattle loss.No comments on Woodson because im still steamed - My god Stevie Wonder can see how incompetent our coach is.

As bad a coaching job as that was ,free throws were the reason we loss the game. You cant leave 13 points at the line and expect to win especially when the other team goes 20 for 22. Marvin was off last night,those missed free throws late in the 4th qtr could have sealed the game, was’nt it plain to see that Marv does’nt contribute much when his jumpers not falling-this guy dosent have that killer instinct he reminds me of Odom-great talent but he only wants to fit in. Every time i see Marvin on the court he seems a thousand miles away- like he’s on a beach sumwhere….. Marvin AKA. Spring Break. Can we please stop with the Josh Smith trade rumors. I would match dam near any offer this summer as long as its not in the Rashad lewis neighborhood. He has to be here for the long haul-period, dont care about his shot or his handles -just sign the guy. Horford is an animal- I think he is going to bust right through that rookie wall…. JS,Horford,JJ,Chills are our future. Speaking of the rookie wall is Acie Law chained to it. He is’nt playing well at all- He looks kind of scared out there, like sum one is whispering in his ear before the game. I thought he was much more coming out of College Station- maybe he should go back there to look for his jumper. Enough with this rookie crap we are almost at the half way point. The schedule is really tough the next few games I hope we can get back to our winning ways- HAWKS!!!!!

By Bigshelly

January 12, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

The Hawks need a change, they’re not going anywhere with this collection of players. The trade that need to happen (if it’s possible) is with the Kings. Get Bibby and Brad Miller to the ATL, the Kings are going young. Ship them AJ, Chills or Marvin, Zaza, and the second round pick. This will give the Hawks what they need, help for JJ and AH. Plus, a starting lineup (Bibby/JJ/JS/AH/Miller) that can push ATL to the next level.

By G-thang

January 12, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Last night’s game p** me off so bad!!! It was a winnable game, but they found a way to lose and this is not the 1st time that they have done this. In November, we should have beat Seattle, Bucs, Cleveland, Indy, and both Washington games. We did well in Dec. We are 15-17. Do you realize that we could/should be 21-11??!! If you win that games that you are supposed to win, everything else will take care of itself. We should be Chicago, but I can’t say with confidence that we will…Sect 217 r A is where I live on gameday

By eeee

January 12, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

MattI’m sorry, but NBA players should be able to hit free throws with their eyes shut while being held upside down after running back-to-back marathons. Free throws require next to no energy to complete; it’s a simple motion that is primarily done using muscle memory. Fatigue is NO excuse for missed free throws. None. Really. I think it is funny that you sitting on a blog are talking about how easy that is. If it was that easy everyone would be doing it. So Tim Duncan should be ashamed when he misses too. Yes, they missed fts. Can’t deny that and the Wizards made the ones that counted. But anyone who is remotely athletic knows playing a lot minutes will have an effect on your game. Since you know so much go run a mile and shoot ten free throws and see how you do superstar. Some of you clowns need to deal in reality. These guys aren’t perfect and neither are you in front of a keyboard wishing you were them.

By rich brave

January 12, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Hawks Fans:

As I have posted on other Hawks blogs already this morning, I will not bore you with details. I’ll just reiterate that your city has the makings of a great team. From reading here, some of you apparantly feel the coach is the problem. As a Wizards fan last year I felt the same about Eddie Jordan. Now I’m not so sure. Arenas is out, and the Wiz are not Lizards without him. Keep the faith. Change what needs changing, but hang onto your young talent. They’ve got what it takes to win BIG.

By ray

January 12, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Ken, with the exception of a handful of plays like you mentioned with Anthony Johnson, I feel like he’s done us a pretty good job the last month and a half. You’re right though, it was a bad play. As for Acie Law, I see what you’re seeing. Seems like the guy did almost nothing but shoot his 4 years of college, yet we see none of it now. I can only think of one particular reason why that might be. You may or may not agree, but I figure it’s coaching…

eeee or whatever it is you’re calling yourself. Matt used simple exaggeration to illustrate what anybody here should know (except you evidently). Fatigue is a factor in all things, but these are some of the best athletes in the world. The free throw is an uncontested, take-your-time shot from a reasonable distance. That’s why they’re called free throws. Guys need to practice them. Matt was right, how do you explain the Wizards hitting most of theirs? Yes, Tim Duncan misses free throws. It’s a flaw in his game. Michael Jordan missed some in his time too. All you were seeing was frustration over an inordinate amount of misses, it shouldn’t have happened. We’d have never gone to overtime had we made more of them when we needed to. Compared to any other shot, the free throw is easy just because it’s uncontested.

Tell you what else is easy. Talking smack on a blog where you don’t have to worry about physical consequences. You’re on a blog, so don’t get it twisted. You want to talk about dealing in reality? Go to a sports bar (or hell, just a bar with a tv playing sports) and talk that smack. See just how real it gets, wise-a$$. As for your last sentence, that’s true. And it goes especially for you, so try following your own advice. Or, continue to be a champion of hypocrites.

By Ramon

January 12, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Matt, sorry I have one quick question for you. When was the last time you made TWO free throws in the fourth quarter of an NBA game after playing 30+ minutes? Thats all I’m curious about. When you’re in a gym with your buddies, ANY shot is routine and easy. However, in a REAL game, there are MANY things that can affect your shot.

There are many things that could’ve won the Hawks the game. You can look and say free throws lost the game. Or you could look and say if they would’ve gotten 3-4 more defensive rebounds they would have won. You could look and say if the players had fresher legs in the last quarter they would’ve played better.

You can say a lot of things as to why the Hawks lost. But to say that they lost from something that is ‘easy’ to do, if you haven’t ever completed it in your life would be… lets just say ignorant.

Also to single out Smooth when he scores 35 in a game without going crazy on a few free throws, is just foolish. Thats like saying the Mona Lisa could’ve been better if the artist took time to clean the brushes between colors more.

By ray

January 12, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Rich Brave, thanks for the contribution and comments. Especially if you really are a Wizards fan and not some Spirit Group stooge (sorry, but we have reason to suspect such things from time to time).

As for Woody, I’ve defended him lately. However, his decision making still gives me fits. I don’t know how much of this is really him messing up. He can coach his butt off, while players just don’t execute. But a lot of times…I puzzle at the play calls. I’m no coach and never have been, so my opinion is only so educated. I keep getting the feeling that he’s not a bad coach per se, but not the one we need. Still, the actions on the side line have never helped.

As to whether or not he’s having issues with his assistant coaches, that may be unjust rumor and conjecture. If anyone could tell us about that it would be SEKOU. Sekou? Anything on that at all?

Either way, we need more aggressiveness out of Law when he’s in the game. He plays better like that, and so will the team.

By ray

January 12, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Guys, valid points about fatigue. But the most glaring thing was the free throws. And they were being missed all game long. Again, how do you explain the Wizards making nearly all of theirs? Furthermore, how do you explain many other players making them at the end of games after playing 30-40 minutes or more? Are they just in better shape, is that all there is to it? Come on…give Matt a break. Perhaps he used the wrong word in using “easy”. Perhaps “easier” would be better. Fact is, any free throw, regardless of how tired you are, is easier than any contested shot. It simply takes more enery on a contested shot. Yet guys are making those at the end of games. Tell me that’s not true. You can’t. You’d be wrong.

Just another frustrated fan at a game we should have won. And we all know that missed free throws were a very large part of why we lost, period. Our free-throw shooting was atrocious and we know it. Ask the players how they feel about it. I’ll bet most would tell you right off the bat “I should’ve made them, regardless, I should’ve made them.”

By the way, just because you may or may not have played however many minutes in a competitive organized game and had to shoot free throws at the end, doesn’t mean that others haven’t. I have myself played the whole game more than once, in high school. Made most of my free throws too, even at the end. So much easier than a hotly contested jumpshot, layup, or dunk.

By jhan

January 12, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe some are trying to blame Woody for those missed free throws. What better shot can you ask for if you are a player? You have time to catch your breath, relax & take an undefended shot.

Tim Duncan should be ashamed of himself if he misses free throws in the fourth quarter & his team loses. I bet if you asked him that question he would agree.

kwooden - who would you like Woodson to play if he decided to sit any of our starters for the 2nd half? Do you really think Wright, Stoudamire, Sheldon or West are capable?

Ramon - when was the last time anybody on this blog even played one second in an NBA game? Just because we aren’t NBA players doesn’t mean we don’t understand what needs to happen. Would you get on the players if they missed 13 dunks last night? Of course you would. Why are free throws any different. Steve Smith said the same thing during the broadcast last night. You have to make free throws - especially in crunch time. Last time I checked, Steve Smith has played in the NBA. Maybe he doesn’t know what he’s talking about either.

By kwooden1

January 12, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

jhan, yes I’m saying he should play Wright, Stoudamire, Sheldon, West, Law, are those guys any worse than Blatche, Mason, Songaila, Young, etc? (a bunch of 2nd round and undrafted guys) If your not going to play guys than you better use your timeouts to rest guys or don’t play fastbreak basketball. It’s as if Woodson never has a plan or just lets he guys figure things out and hopes for the best. I’ve never coached before, so I would like a coach to tell me what I’m really seeing, if I’m completely of base I will accept that. But everytime I watch a game I see the same things, including the games that they win. (One game Woodson let Marvin foul out with about 5 minutes left, without evening moving to substitute in Chills! Lucky they WON that game!!) I hope that Woodson can improve his in game coaching. I know he is going to have them work on their free throws and defensive rebounding for the Chicago game, so we should see improvement. But during the actual game, I think he forgets any plan they might have had, especially if the game is close.

GO HAWKS!!

By Mike

January 12, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

First let me just eat my crow like a man. That was a heart breaker last night.

The effort was good, but the execution was terrible going down the stretch. I wish I could blame Woody, or a trade for the lost last night, but it’s growing pain for the team and the coach. With all the comments I’ve read, we still had a chance to win that game. They lost as a team last night.

I know Sekou don’t like it when we dogg Woody, but don’t you just cringe when he calls a timeout and grabs the clip board. But the last play in regulation he let them play, and they just didn’t execute. Chill said it best after that Cavs game. Instead of playing to win, they start playing not to loose. Even with all the missed free throws they still had a chance to win the game.

What we learned yesterday from the Miami ruling is not even David Stern is ready to let this team move into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. The Wizard, the Cavs, Jersey, nobody is going to make it easy for us. We gotta keep fighting. That traveling call on Marvin change the whole complexion of the game. We were about to go back up by 6, and that play allowed them to cut it to 2. It was a struggle the rest of the way. These guys kept fighting last night they never gave up. That’s what I saw.

They could have won that game with the roster they currently have, they just didn’t execute going down the stretch. It will be interesting to see what team shows up for Chicago cuz that’s a winnable game for the Hawks. Hey I’m looking for us to beat the Bulls.

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

By jhan

January 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Ramon, if Woody decides to play those guys large minutes & we get run off the court than what do you do? Are you going to be happy that we lost but our starters are well rested.

You have to realize that if our bench players were any good then they would get plenty of playing time. Look at our 5 game win streak. Woody was only playing 7-8 guys on a regular basis. I didn’t hear you complaining then.

I don’t think Woody is a very good coach either, but to advocate playing the scrubs on our team extended minutes is ridiculous.

By Mike

January 12, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Jhan be careful about calling guys scrubs. Some of these young guys careers want take off until they’re traded and get some consistent time to play.

It’s no way you can say these guys are scrubs when they don’t even get a chance to play. Fatigue will be a major factor as the season where’s on. Then we will need these scrubs. Except for Zaza he had his chance.

By Matt

January 12, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Ray,

Thanks, my man. You’re right that I shouldn’t have said “easy” because nothing that these guys do is easy. But if high school and college players are expected to hit their free throws anytime, where (and that is something that I and many of us here know is the case), then it’s absurd to hold NBA players to any less of a standard.

Fatigue affects everything. But it’s no excuse for a missed free throw. I think if you asked every player on the Hawks, they’d tell you exactly the same thing.

By ray

January 12, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

No problem, Matt. You were on the money, especially in regard to standards. Hoping for better against Chicago.

By rich brave

January 12, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Ray:

Yours of 1:08 p.m. I’m a huge Braves fan all the way back to Boston. Check out my posts on other venues. I’m telling you dog, the Hawks have got legitimate written all over their faces - and they know it. Keep Smith, Johnson, Horford, Childress and Williams. Mix and match. Fill in where necessary. I don’t know enough about the logistics of basketrball to tell if the coaching is at fault or not, but you’ve got the youth that the Wiz don’t. Keep them together and you will rule in the NBA.

Trade secret: the Wiz have acquired a shooting coach and its making a h&ll of a difference in their game both on the floor and on the line. They used to be absolutely abysmal until he came along, and that ain’t pepto baby. Get your owner to pony-up a little jingle for a shooting guru and you’re off the snide and on to championships with this group you’ve got. If the team already has one - get another.

By g-thang

January 13, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this

The Hawks were 4th place in the east, now they are battlin’ for the 8th spot. they are 2 wins in front of charlotte. and charlotte is horrible!! I am amazed at how they keep losin’ the games that they are supposed to win. We should have 20 wins right now, we should have beaten Wash. twice, shoulda beat sonics, shoulda beat Indy at their place and the Cavs at their place. We will lose to Chi, Den, and NJ.

By doc

January 13, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

woulda, shoulda, coulda, outha’s dont count! execution does. that includesfocus and court presence. both were not on display either in crunch time decisions or at the foul line. so close but yet so far.

By mykhalc

January 13, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

good win!!! but somebody pls tell me what was with the SOLO sightin’ today????? WOODSON have a brain-freeze and go against his usual ways??? i really don’t get the cat as a HC….

By Tiger Woo

January 13, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

I agree mykhalc … and now it looks like Shelden has taken SOLO’s spot on the bench - he doesn’t appear to be injured, but he hasn’t sniffed any playing time in the last 2 games.

Good win though … good to see Joe Johnson finding his range - now we get ready for a tough matchup vs. Denver on Tuesday.

By Tiger Woo

January 13, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Hey g-thang,

Just looking for a losing streak, huh? (We will lose to Chi, Den, and NJ). So much for that prediction.

By cp

January 13, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Good win today. Does Marvin Williams have small hands or something because he lost the ball about 3 times today making a move. Im glad Solo finally got some burn and he played good. He needs to add some muscle but other than that I think the kid can be a good player off the bench he just needs the minutes. We got up big early by running and more running. The secon half we slowed the game down and played not to lose. Someone has to remind Woodson that if we get up to that kind of lead by running and gunning then we should continue to do it. Dont let up on anyteam. I really thought Chicago was going to come back and make it a lot closer than it was. We really need to get that killer instinct and learn not to let up on teams . We cant go away with what is working. Law had a nice game also . Would have had more assist but guys were not finiishing around the hoop as well as I have seen them do in the past. Nice win

By mykhalc

January 13, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

cp, i thought the same thing about lack of killer instinct and ACIE havin’ a decent game.

since i haven’t seen a game in person i could be wrong when i say this but it just seems like no matter what is happenin’ on the court i always have the feelin’ the cats are ALWAYS lookin’ over their shoulder ‘cause of WOODSON!!!???!!! and if that is true they will always be lackin’ an identity as a team because of that!!!

and i’ll say this too. regardless of how many game winnin’ shots LUE might hit durin’ the remainder of the season, he is an offense killer. he stifles any flow that might have existed before he comes in the game. at the most, he should not see anymore PT than SALIM and be used in the same kinda situations IMHO!! but what do i know…there was aSOLO sightin’ today and who saw that one comin’?????

By Tiger Woo

January 13, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

I thought the Hawks did a good job of maintaining their advantage over the Bulls. All teams make a run at some point, but unlike the Cleveland game, the Hawks never let the Bulls get the deficit below 12 points and when they did, the Hawks quickly increased their lead.

I have no clue why Woody plays Solomon so infrequently. The guy is 6’ 10” and has long arms - can definitely provide needed defense in the post.

By kwooden1

January 13, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

HAWKS WIN! Did realize the time of the game and didn’t get a chance to listen. Stats look really go especially the first quarter. It sounded like Woodson used a few more guys, but I can’t tell if that was because he was following a plan or was the game out of hand. Either way I will take the win. Looks like the guys took care of the free-throws and rebounding for this game.

GO HAWKS!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 13, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

6 offensive rebounds in 18 minutes.

Think Solomon deserves a little more burn, maybe?

By no solomon

January 13, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

4 fouls in 18 minutes.

Think Solomon needs a little more seasoning, maybe?

By Steve T

January 13, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Solo had a fair game. He had 7 rebounds in 18 minutes so there is much potential there. The kid needs to get in a good workout program during the off season. I would like to see him gain 15 - 25 pounds of muscles.

By mykhalc

January 13, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

yeah, seasonin’ via more burn!!!

By Mike

January 13, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Glad to hear these guys came back with the same intensity as they’ve had the last two games. What’s even better is that we got a win. They will need all that and then some when they play Denver.

Mykhalc and CP I think it will take the second half of the season before these guys develop a killer instinct. They are just learning how to win. If they can keep winning going into the second half of the season, then they will develop that killer instinct and start to put some of these teams away early. If they can avoid the 4 and 5 game skids they will be okay.

Hey it great to hear Solo is still on the Hawks roster. I think Woody is begrudgingly listening to the bloz crew. I really think Solo can help the team out. Here is hoping that there is a Salim sighting next, “Right.”

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

By Tiger Woo

January 13, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

Solomon played hard - gotta be ready when the coach calls your number. The 4 fouls mean nothing - he had some positive contributions out there.

I mean, Andres Nocioni fouled out in 23 minutes - does that mean he needs seasoning as well?

By cp

January 13, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Yea Solo needs the muscle but he also needs the minutes. He contest shots and he is very active on the glass. He plays hard. I think the fouls come with him being so agressive and the lack of pt. Give the kid some minutes. And once again Woodson if we are playing well by running well dammit keep running. I hate to see us get off and running put up good numbers then come out the second half by walking the ball up the court. We have the athletes and we play pretty decent defense so i dont wanna hear no bs about why we cant run all the time.

By Alex

January 13, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Anybody watch the Wgn broadcast of the game the Chicago announcers are terrible!! they suck!!!!! glad we have smittyyyy

By Mike

January 13, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

CP that’s what I’ve always said about Solomon. He challenges shots, play tenuous defense, and crashes the boards. Everyone keeps talking about he needs more muscle, what do you want a big wimpy guy like Zaza, or and under weight tenuous kid like Solomon. Hey I take Solomon any day. Yes he needs more bulk. Yeah he looks awkward you would too if you never played. Let the kid get some PT and see what he can do. We can use all the help in the post we can get.

By ray

January 13, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Glad to see that win, and in that fashion. It’s obvious from the box score that our defensive intensity was good. The Bulls are struggling, but I’m absolutely sure it was our defense. Two things tell me that: the way they beat us last time was totally different, and this time Ben Gordon didn’t take many shots. Which means there weren’t many for him to take.

Good to see that we won despite all of our starting forwards had foul trouble. And did I read that right? Marvin blocked 4 shots and Solomon got to play…18 minutes?? Wow, maybe somebody reads the blogs or something (yeah right).

I’d say that Solomon definitely showed up and displayed that he deserves the PT. Despite his lack of strength, he contributed well. Don’t knock him for 4 fouls. That’s what happens when you never play. If he got more time, he’d learn to play without fouling so much. Besides, at least he was mixing it up. And dude got 6 rebounds. OFFENSIVE rebounds, if I recall. Give the man some playing time. He’ll continue to earn it. He’s hungry. Now let’s get at Denver!

By Astro Joe

January 13, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Woody’s quote was interesting about why he played Solo, because of Chicago’s athleticism. Meanwhile, neither Noah nor Tyrus played (if Tyrus played, I missed him). But regardless, it was good to see Woody use his roster based on the game circumstance. But it may have been nice if he looked at the court and not just the opposing team’s roster.

But let’s not make Solomon out to be some great discovery on the bench. While I would love for him to be the 6’10” version of Mario West, I don’t think he is that. And there really is no reasin for him not to be a bigger version of West.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 13, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

It’s not like Shelden and Zaza are providing such valuable contributions to the team that Solomon should give up minutes to them.

Play Solomon more.

By Tiger Woo

January 13, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe,

Tyrus Thomas played 10 unproductive minutes and Joakim Noah was suspended for the game.

New Jersey is athletic as well - there was no Solomon sighting in that game - strange …

By Nate ArchiBALL

January 13, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

The power of the blog…. Solomon Jones was freed today.

Sekou - Great piece on Acie Law.

For all the criticism BK receives, we all must admit he has put together a group that stays out of the headlines. All of our discussions concerning Hawk players are about their on the court activities.

Chris Paul is the second coming of Nate Archibald. He controls the game like Nate did in his prime. CP3 should get some consideration for MVP.

GO HAWKS !!!

By Clyde

January 13, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

I ain’t got nothing bad to say tonight. We snapped a loosing streak to the Bulls and Solomon Jones got to play. Things might just be turning around for the Hawks after all. Now all Woody needs to do is insert Solomon into the starting line-up. Sit Marvin down and move Al to power forward and Jsmooth to small forward.

GOOD WIN TODAY

By Ryder

January 13, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Great win by the Hawks! It’s refreshing to see them get up to a big lead and maintain it throughout. JJ had an MJ moment in the first quarter. I watched the game on WGN and those announcers do suck! Actually, when I listen to the games on league pass the Hawks seem to have the best announcers, like they are really passionate about their team.

Anyway, the team played well. I heard about what happened to Noah, gee didn’t expect that to happen (sarcasm) guess his free wheeling style doesn’t work in a league of men. Solomon came in and played well, however that was more about Zaza being out than anything else. I don’t know if this is a long term thing but we’ll see.

By Mike

January 13, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Doc there you have it, your boy CP continues to impress. All of accolades he receives are well deserved.

Nate ArchiBALL I agree, that was a very impressive piece on Acie. BK has assembled some quality young guys. That week we drafted Smoove, I seen him with his Dad at Marietta High School at my Daughter AAU track meet. He was a humble kid, he was in the crowd checking out the track meet like everyone else. I ran into Chill at Brands Mart with his Mom doing some shopping. It’s not a cliché’s these are some really good character guys.

That’s why you like to see a kid like Solomon get a shot. This guy has spent most of his NBA career grinding on the pine. You would never know it from his attitude and enthusiasm for the game.

By Volman

January 13, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Weren’t there people who wanted Noah at #3??

Where are you at now? hah.

Great win though, Hawks. It’s good to see Joe still has that “score at will” burst..where he can COMPLETELY take over the game.

Smoove’s dunk in the lane was RIDICULOUS.

By reese

January 14, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

First of all, great win agains chicago. I haven’t commented in awhile so forgive the long post. 10 Comments 1)Keep Josh Smith

2)AC has lost the confidence that he displayed early in the season. People say that rookies are inconsistent. However, it doesn’t build a players confidence when the coach pulls the player out after making a mistake. I hope that AC is learning that it easier to take the open outside shot than trying to drive into the lane against teams who rotate and pack the lane against the hawks.

3)I love horford’s on ball defense, help defense and rebounding. I like when he pushes the ball down for fast breaks, when he looks for the long outlet pass and his willingness to take the midrange jump shot. Would like to see him go back up when he gets an offensive rebound. Would like to see him improve his free throws.

4)Woodson, you’ve got to play your bench players and allow them to play through their mistakes.

5)I didn’t see the Chicago game, but I saw some things I liked and disliked. Likes, 5 players blocked shots, Solomon Jones got to play, 54 rebounds and 4 players had 8 or more rebounds. Dislikes: Only 3 players scored in double figures, only 10 players played in a blowout win.

6)Some observations in the Washington game. AJ was trying to get a 2 for 1 when he took the shot in the 4th quarter. Woodson had his long lean team of JJ,JC,JS,Marvin and Mario for that possession where JS grabbed the rebound dribble down court, passed to JC who passed to Marvin for a drive to the basket. The only problem I have with that play is that Marvin didn’t go strong to the basket and dunk the ball or get fouled while trying.

7)In the Cleveland game, JJ slowed the pace of the game in the beginning of the 4th qtr. Luckily, we were able to win the game despite trying to nurse a lead too soon.

8)The only reason that I can think that Solomon Jones has not gone to the NBDL is that they feel that he needs to spend some time with Alton Lister. Otherwise, I do not understand why he has been sitting on the bench during all of these games.

9) During the Washington post game show, the interviewer asked Josh Smith what did Woodson say that motivated the hawks to push the tempo in the 3rd. Josh Smith replied, Woodson didn’t say anything, the players took it upon themselves to push the pace.

10)The hawks need to avoid the less than 20 point quarters. Some suggestions are to quit worrying about making mistakes like turnovers or missed shots. Make your free throws, continue to push the tempo, take your offensive rebounds back up instead of kicking the ball back out and take more 3 point shots on the offensive end. On the defensive end, continue to have 4 to 5 players block shots, continue to have multiple players get 8 or more rebounds and don’t confuse other teams missing open shots with playing good defense. However, take advantage of those missed shots and push the ball down the court for a fastbreak.

By Matt

January 14, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

First off…Clyde…

I agree that Solomon’s got promise, but getting that boy in the starting 5 over Marvin? Sorry, man. Let’s see him put together a string of good games off the bench before we start him - especially if it would mean benching a guy whose averaging 16.4 and shooting a very good (esp. for a non-post player) 49% from the floor. Marvin will finish the season averaging at or above 17ppg, I think. Sending him to the bench at this point would be crazy.

I’m with you and Ray that the man needs some more PT, but he hasn’t come close to showing that he’s ready to start yet. I don’t think we’ll see that until next year at the earliest (and then only if we trade Marv or Smoove).

By doc

January 14, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this

reese, good comments. 9 is interesting. dont agree on 6 with the “strategy” of pushing the ball on that series. they had the ball, they had the clock where they had the last shot and they didnt have a clear break away situation as washington was contesting it all the way down the court. it was time to slow down, call a t o and set up the last shot as to make it quick was to put it in the hands of a team on the road to beat you with a three point play. just not smart bball in my opinion. veteran teams do it differently than the way that one was handled.

mike i wish i knew cp was coming but i didnt; just am marveling at what he is becoming. i really cant say he is “mine” and not the point of my discussion about him.

really good win yesterday. geez arent they all? didnt see any of it, nice to se some of the recaps. funny how 4 teams are out of he running at this point in the year and two of them are the bulls and the heat along with the knicks and sixers. for any of those teams to resuscitate themselves will require a houdini and a rabbit to be pulled out of the hat. with those numbers “our” chances are greater of getting to the promised land of post season play. gotta keep winning and cant give up the home court advantage in the coming week especially after the wiz game.

speaking of the wiz, got to give the wiz cred for not throwing the season with their injury situation. i think they will hit a hard spot in the road and slide but who knows.

By Steve

January 14, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Al Horford is your low-post monster PF of the future.

J-Smoove, Childress, and Williams should all be kept, period. This teams got a VERY VERY VERY bright future, and we are already damn good.

JJ is a very good young leader/franchise player, and our chemistry is great. We are very exciting, fun to watch, and already are very good even though we’re the youngest team in our league. Our guys fit together very well, we have good depth, we are damn talented and good on both ends of the floor.

Once we get our PG we are gonna be a monster. The center position will be a defensive/shotblocker/rebounder/ banger that can run the floor and has length, maybe Solomon Jones, (A joakim Noah would be perfect. Trade Shelden for him) and that is fine.

We are 11-3 when AJ plays 28 minutes or more. He stabilized our PG position and youre seeing how good we are with it.

We should keep EVERYBODY(JJ, Acie Law, Marvin, J-Smoove, Chills, Horford) no matter what, and Acie Law very well may be the PG we are looking for of the future. And AJ is doing a good job now shooting us towards the playoffs……. think of the Suns once they added Nash. Our team will be a monster in a few years once we have our PG running the show (Possibly Law, Calderon maybe), we’ll be extrmely fun to watch and extremely good because we are better defensively. Horford may be better in the post than Amare as well, kid got serious game.

Be patient and enjoy this very fun to watch and good young team that we have. Our young talent is outstanding and has great chemistry. We’re well coached, play the right way on both ends, compete extremely hard, have good leadership, good character guys on top of that they accept their roles and thrive in them. They like playing together too and have fun out there.

Man we got talent, Watch them grow, its gonna be fun watching them move up the ranks for the next 5 years.