Hawks

By doc

January 18, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

YEAUP!

By thecamera

January 18, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are what they are: a .500 team that is a borderline playoff team. That’s good growth from where they were three years ago, so complaints should be minimal.

However, this off season will be the most critical in the team’s last 15 years. For the team to improve, moves will have to be made. With so many players hitting peak earning potential, moves will have to be made.

The same flaws the team has now are the same flows they’ve had since 2003. No starting point guard, no starting center, and their five best talents (Joe Johnson, Josh Childress, Josh Smith, Marvin Williams and Al Horford) all swing players.

Who stays? Who goes? That’s the $50 million dollar question.

By Dan

January 18, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

I agree. If you would have told me at the beginning of the year that the Hawks would be playing around .500 ball at this point in the season I would have been happy.

They are, however, looking in the eyes of a tough stretch of games. Tonight’s game at Toronto and Monday’s against the Blazers are matchup nightmares for the Hawks. Toronto has a size advantage and Portland has an even bigger one. I don’t see the Hawks winning either game. Add on the upcoming west coast swing and this season could be falling apart.

If the Hawks are still playing around .500 after this stretch of games, then we have something here. If not, then the Suns can be happy. They will have a lottery pick to look forward to.

As for getting another player via trade, that won’t happen. Does anyone get the feeling the Hawks are looking to make a move? I don’t. They won’t do sh#t at the trade deadline. They never do.

By Tyger

January 18, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Well, that is the question, whether the Hawks tinker with the future for a more realistic run at the playoffs now?

As the current salaries are structured, everyone cant be re-signed anyway, but can you set the table now for the summer?

Several teams are going to make moves before Feb. 21, but does anything make sense for the Hawks?

Guards are always available, Mike James brings enough veteran grit to make a difference on this young team. Think AJ but younger and a better shooter.

I’d also like to see the Hawks make a run at Jamaal Magloire. He’s a better matchup in the middle and his expiring salary matches ZaZa’s perfectly.

Hawks could also decide to think longer term and free up some roster spots and future salary by dumping some reserves now, rather than later.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

January 18, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Despite the Hawks dubious record on the road, I do take solace in the fact that Sekou/Blog Z seems to post more often……

I agree with the sentiment expressed thus far, preseason .500 ball would have been “about right”. The fact that we all seem to be disappointed speaks to the fact that we all know we should be a top 3 team in the east. Honestly we match up with every single team in the east save Boston (that includes Detroit).

The problems though, besides obvious lack of PG/C are we dont know how to handle the inconsistencies; we react too much. We clearly dont run enough for our roster. Name a team that has a “5” (Al), a 4, and a series of 3’s/2’s that can all lead or finish a break (“Duck” being the worst of them). AJ is the PG most likely to run and he can only do it for so long with the miles he has logged. Law doesnt seem to get the concept of constantly pushing the rock, though he has the wheels to do so (if not the handle yet). Lue…. moving on.

When run works we get a lead and then cease running in order to “preserve the lead”. How the hell did we get the lead in the first place? When it doesnt work, players get shook about the TO’s or just “forget” all together. On the ample occasions where we dont run, it’s in a vain attempt to play some half court ball where basically only Duck (shooter) and JJ (one on one) are suited. That’s why Smoov turns it over so much and why Chils is so deferential with shots- there is no rush/impetus to shoot, which he does well.

Blog Z’s veiled reference of

“If a team makes up its mind to play a certain way, they can do whatever they want. But it has to be a commitment made by all. And the Hawks, while saying all the right things in the preseason about being committed to that style, simply haven’t stayed true to that. Blame whomever you want for that one.”

is an appropriate dig on Woodson for not constantly pushing his team to run. We have to be prepared for TO’s and sloppy play from time to time- comes with the territory. The problem is that with us being a “defensive” team, we arent going to win too many low scoring games because we dont shoot, rebound, or execute that well. Running allows us to get to the hoop or foul line.

We have the talent and it is producing (Duck, Smoov, Chils having career years; Al & AJ are more than we thought we’d get, Joe is only one “slumping” at 22,4,5). I do blame whoever I want, because he deserves it… his name is Mike Woodson.

By mykhalc

January 18, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

LUE?? ZAZA?? SALIM?? SHELDEN?? what do we honestly think we can get for ANY of these cats??? pretty sad when one third of the roster produces soooooo little!! place the blame/reason however you choose. but a fact is a fact!!!

By CAM

January 18, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have been better then I thought they would be. They are going to have to make some tough decisions if they want to be a playoff team this year and serious contenders for years to come and all revolves around three players. Marvin Williams, Josh Smith and Al Horford. I love each and every one of these guys games but the truth is Josh and Al are playing out of position so it is amazing that this team is doing what it is. Al Horfod is the most untouchable because for the next 10 years he should be a staple here but either Marvin or Josh wil have to go. They are almost the same where one is a better jump shooter the other is better on defense. The Hawks wont be able to afford all three of these guys in three years and need to make a decision now. Billy Knight won’t make any deals though because he will have to trade either his prized number 2 pick (Marvin) or the Atlanta Native and possibly our most exciting player (Josh) its a dilema that most teams would love to have but it is something that he needs to come to grips with and soon in order for the Hawks to be for real for many years to come.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 18, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Damn, Mykhalc beat me to it. This is the problem for the Hawks — if they want to make a trade, they have to break up the core of their team. Nobody is going to trade for the Hawks’ role players, because they all suck. I could maybe see some contender dealing for Lue, but that’s about it. Salim, Shelden, and Zaza won’t get you anything more than 2nd-round picks in a trade. And if the Hawks want to package them with draft picks, they can’t even do that because they already don’t have their first-rounder for this year. Salim in particular has way more value to this team than he would in a trade, which is why he needs to get more minutes.

By Astro Joe

January 18, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Here’s what I’m hoping, that the west coast trip proves as the upteenth reminder that we MUST play at a quicker tempo. I recall last season that we had a fairly successful trip (at least the first few games), I’m looking for a little better this time around.

Of course, it comes down to coaching. I think the first 36 games have clearly shown that we have a core that is certainly able to land a playoff berth and even scare a team or 2. But what happens next is really up to Woody. I am fearful that he is content with this projected 40-43 wins. I think this team could possibly steal another 2-3 games with a true commitment to using these athletes to get up and down the floor.

By Chris

January 18, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Bring back Mt. Mutombo to throw some ‘bows in ‘08.

“Whatcha gonna do, Mutombo?”

“Dunk on dem!”

By smartguy

January 18, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Fire Woody and watch the Hawks fly.

By randy

January 18, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

SEKOU you read my mind! I love the real talk. Very true what you said about finishing 4-6. There is no way that the Hawks can match up with Boston or Detroit, it would be a sweep, dream all you want. But we have already shown we can beat everyone else in the conference.

Also, as I have been hammering recently about our PG situation…Acie Law isn’t going to be our quick fix we been waiting for it looks like. AJ is not a starting PG as Sekou pointed out. And with the trade deadline approaching and the Hawks unable or unwilling to cough up some cash or trade one or two of our unending line of Forwards for one, we will end up with those last 2 playoff spots at best.

So blame Woodson all you want, but we are playing without the needed personel to be a real contender. There aren’t many bigs to trade for, but there are plenty of PG’s on the block and good ones. I’m sure we can get one if we dangle a Josh Childress and/or Shelden Williams along with some other trash we have like TLue, Zaza, etc…

By I.MUS WRITE

January 18, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Trades ??? Pulleez ~ Other that JJ we have only signed two free agents since 05 Craig Claxton and No Wright.

I dont see us making any moves -so many players have come and gone that could have fit in well here but management sat on their hands and watched the team struggle

Whats changed -not a dam thing- so dont look for any new faces here.

Mike James /Steve Blake /Brad Miller

These guys would be nice pick ups for Sheldon and expiring contracts,but dont hold your breath

By ATL Rattler

January 18, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

I agree with some of the early comments, that if they’re still .500 after the west coast road trip, then I feel we have a team that could make 4-6 a playoff spot. Couple of points:

1) We do miss Salim, he brings another outside shooter - no matter how streaky. Sort of like a Vinnie “the microwave”.

2) If they were to do a trade, which is perhaps we haven’t signed an extension to Smoove, then if we trade J. Smith or Marvin, for Bibby. It don’t even have to be one of these, but they have the most value - just some kind of package to bring it a better, consistent point guard. Bibby’s trade value is down compared to where it was during the offseason, before his injury.

By anthony

January 18, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Sekou its time for the Hawks to go out on the limb like Boston did and get another good player. I would talk to Phoenix about Amare Stoudamire it seems they are willing to trade him. Give up Marvin Williams, Shelden Williams, a PG and Josh Childress. Move Josh Smith back to his position Sf and have Horford play his natural position Pf with Amare at the center spot. Acie Law PG and Joe Johnson SG we would be a instant contender we could play with Boston and Detroit immediately.Why does Billy make his job so hard tell me why tis couldn’t work Sekou!!!!!

By ATL Loves the STeelers

January 18, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Alot of my thunder has already b een stolen. Why the Hawks havent locked up Josh Smith is clueless to me. They probably won’t be able to keep Chils so maybe they dangle him as trade bait, even though I like his game coming off the bench. If they could find a way to shore up the bigs we could do something in the playoffs, but with our current bench that includes a monumental busts(Sheldon Williams #5 pick) we should a .500 season and a playoff berth a huge sucess based where we’ve came from over the last three years.

By Pete

January 18, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

YOU ARE DAMN RIGHT on all of this!!!!!!! They got to shake it up!

By mykhalc

January 18, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

ANDO, (bless his return LOL) made a good point yesterday. to paraphrase, ‘this team has reached its’ limit in production’. and i will agree with him as long as WOODSON is in charge!!

i’ve talked about mindset a lot lately and i believe this team is truly a reflection of its’ coach. so until the franchise decides that ‘this’ team ACTUALLY should be producin’ more then, they too, show that they are satisfied with a .500 team.

as much as i appreciate the dauntin’ task that WOODSON signed up for, to me, it is clear his coachin’ skills are limited. his coachin’ will continue to limit this team even tho he takes no shots, runs no breaks, nor defends no opponent. he ‘merely’ sets the tone, direction, PT, in-game adjustments, and mindset that we see reflected by his players. now unless EVERYONE is choosin’ to ignore his directions then can i be that wrong??? or can all our eyes bein’ seein’ the same false images??

this team has achieved what it has to this point because of AL HORFORD!!! i’m not negatin’ JS’ maturation, MW steppin’ up his game, AJ’s steadiness at PG. but this team has achieved because AL is a difference maker with IMMEDIATE impact!!!

now we need a coach that is a difference maker!! that’s all i’m sayin’…PERIOD!!!

By ryc30078

January 18, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

The hawks need to package ZaZa and T-Lue to the Knicks for Eddy Curry a legit center. The Knicks would seriously consider this deal because of the expiring contracts. This team needs another low post presence besided Al Horford.

By mykhalc

January 18, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

and before some of you cats choose to debate with me, STOP and imagine ZAZA back in the middle as he was last year!!! ‘nough said!!!

By I.MUS WRITE

January 18, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc- thats right we would be atleat 5 games worst if Al was’nt here and we had to depend on ZAZA and Sheldon-uuuhhhhh

If we shake things up with a trade then it has to be Marvin/Sheldon -Chills does too much for this team

Sign the yungn JS- I was un sure last summer but its time give the man his money.

By mykhalc

January 18, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

I.MUS, just to add, AL brings a mentality/toughness that did not exist before him. JS definitely has bought into it and appreciates ALL that HORFORD does!! and it was evident as far back as pre-season!!

and for those concerned about JS not bein’ signed, JOE said somethin’ months ago that has stuck with me as the voice of reason. he said, para-phrasin’ again, ‘no team should set the market value for its’ own about-to-be free agent’. smart business move especially for the broke a$$ SPIRIT!! and especially if the offer is gonna be a lowball offer!!!

my prediction is the SPIRIT do somehow find the cash to re-sign JS!! and THEN, he becomes ‘THE’ man, the face of this franchise!!

as much as he might not have been ready before he has ALWAYS shown the FIRE that is needed to be a leader!! he WANTS the last shot (referrin’ back to his argument with WOODSON 2 seasons ago about his number not bein’ called for a last shot attempt). so when he becomes the highest paid player on the team maybe order is really set then since JJ seems more comfortable in the support/complimentary player role. at least that’s my opinion. and at that point, as much as somethin’ can be etched in stone in the NBA, i definitely think the core of this team will NO DOUBT be JS, JJ, and AH!!! everyone else truly becomes an expendable/tradeable piece of the puzzle…IMHO!!!

By ray

January 18, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Wow. Cheryl Miller said that? Actually, I know she did because I read the article in which she was quoted saying it. Horford is out of position and being asked to do things outside of his natural position. Nice touch, Sekou. I think a lot of people did not hear or see this one.

Now I can’t wait to hear the revised arguments about the need for another effective big on our team. Sekou has come right out and said it as well. I remember a few blogs back when I asked how many games would we have to be pounded in the middle before people realized this. The thing is…it doesn’t matter how many people continue to deny this undeniable fact. What matters is whether management chooses to continue to deny it. People can say what they want here. But will managment step up?

By mykhalc

January 18, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

well i happen to agree with BARKLEY regardin’ AL. he said it will actually help him (him playin’ outta position) in his career and his move back to the 4, whenever that happens. then CB talked about how he played the 5 in high school and how that actually prepared him for playin’ the 4 in college and the pros.

anyway, i don’t care where the hell they play AL…just make sure he’s on the court as much as possible…PERIOD!!!!

By randy

January 18, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

What does Billy Knight do all day anyways, look at internet porn? When he does do anything, he either picks up lousy free agents (like “Gimpy” Claxton and Lorenzo Wright) or screws us over a barrel in the draft.

Besides bringing in AJ, which they were practically forced to do because they simply were out of PG’s to play, he hasn’t made any new pickups in over a year and a half. SERIOUSLY, CAN SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT BILLY KNIGHT DOES ALL DAY??? If Spirit wanna save some money, fire BK and replace him with me…I’ll be glad to look at internet porn all day.

By randy

January 18, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

If Durant beats AL in ROY, it is only cuz Durant shoots 40 times a game. Al does so much more. He get boards, blocks, points, and he passes the ball better than our point guards.

The difference between last year and this year is Al Horford.

By JMF

January 18, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Sekou, you hit it straight up. The Hawks still must have a point guard. I do not know the answer and it is always easier from the sidelines but I think they have to give Law the ball. Risky, but what alternative do we have. I agree with you about the problem in the hole. I saw it exposed in preseason when Portland played. However, fixing the problem in the hole may not be as simple as fixing the point. Give Acie the ball. The Hawks cannot run because they have not committed to running and Johnson is not the best guard for a running team. The change has to occur not!

By Frank

January 18, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

There are a few simple, and I mean SIMPLE, solutions.But times a wastin!

1)FIRE the coach! He is a bum.He has no philosophy on what this teams make-up is and how to translate it on the floor gamenight. p.s. ITS BEEN 4 YEARS!

2)GET A POINT GUARD (MIKE BIBBY)now.He is very atainable.Make the move,his contract is up and oh yeah he can hit a jumper,how novel!

By bg

January 18, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

I agree with some of the things you brought to our attention. But I think they had to learn to win the way they are winning to be honest with you. I mean we are a playoff team already, just looking at the playoffs the past few years, the teams that have been in the playoffs have had no more talent than this current hawks team have right now, I mean look at Cleveland last year, so I mean we can go to the playoffs with this team thats no doubt in my mind about that.

As for running thats all good and dandy but you have to know how to play in a half court game. Ask the Cleveland and the Suns. If you have no half court game you are not going to win the big one. Its obvious they know how to run. And when they run they are a better team. But in the playoffs you can’t run all the time. In the playoffs you have to know how to function in close games. Since they are all close games, you also have to learn how to put teams away in those games. You can only learn how to do this by playing in close games which we have been doing. King James didn’t know how to put teams away before he went to the playoffs, his team got put out his first time in the playoffs, he learned how to step up in the second half of games and put teams away from being in those close playoff games, and Joe Johnson will learn this as well in the playoffs. That’s just how it goes. This team is just now learning how to win so we should be enjoying watching our young hawks grow up.

As far as another big man, WHO WOULDN’T LIKE ANOTHER QUALITY BIG MAN, get real, Every team in the league is saying that. The Point Guard play will improve the more and more Law gets playing time, I mean he did get hurt, and he missed a lot of time, so give him time he will hit his stride soon enough.

By Daniel

January 18, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

This trade works on ESPN Trade machine:

ATL Get: Pau Gasol Memphis Get: Zach Randolph, Zaza Knicks Get: Sheldon Williams, Damon Staudamire, T. Lue, L. Wright

Thoughts?

By Ken Strickland

January 18, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Let’s consider the Hawks with their current roster. We are a very poor outside shooting team. To be effective, especially down the stretch, both JJ and Marvin must hit their outside shots. If Marvin is off, teams double JJ. If JJ is off, we usually lose. For some reason Woodson has refused to take pressure off JJ by putting a shooting threat next to him. Actually, we only have 4 outside shooting threats on the entire roster, Salim, JJ, TLue and Marvin.

It would help tremendously if Horford took more outside shots from the high post. That would make it much easier for JSmith inside. JChildress is a very good open shooter. However, since our PG’s refuse to penetrate and pass out to the open man, he is usually a nonfactor outside. Woodson seems to think TLue is the answer. Lue is a very good clutch shooter, but not a consistent outside scoring threat. Salim can get off 2 or 3 shots in the time it take Lue to get off one.

No NBA team will use their guards to double JJ with Salim on the court. But they’d risk it with ALaw, AJ, TLue, JChildress or DWest out there. Our PG’s should push the ball at every opportunity, even on made baskets. Our PG’s should attack the lane, until the DEF cuts him off, then pass to the open shooter. We then crash the basket for the OFF rebound.

The Hawks need to attempt as many easy and open shots as possible. If the man pulling the strings isn’t totally committed to running, it’s not going to happen with any consistency. Almost every gm we’ve won, we dictated the tempo. We’ve lost almost every gm when we didn’t, especially down the stretch. COACH WOODSON, THE HAWKS DON’T HAVE ENOUGH OUTSIDE SHOOTING AND PG PENETRATION TO WIN DOWN THE STRETCH PLAYING A SLOW HALF COURT OFF. Besides, teams should be gasping for their collective breath after 3qtrs of running and jumping with us. Anyway, good luck tonight Hawks.

By Daniel

January 18, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Don’t sell AJ short. He is a good teacher for Law and has consistently held down the position well and compliments JJ in the back court nicely.

In my opinion ;-).

By birdwatcher

January 18, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

I too agree that it is complete BS when Woody says he can’t influence the Hawks to run…he’s the freakin’ coach. Get off the couch!

I really wish Acie’s minutes were higher at this point in the season. Remember the beginning….AJ was to be temporary. He got hot for a spat and all of a sudden our plans to groom our young PG when to hell. Next thing I know, AJ is stepping out of bounds for no good reason. (I know that’s not completely fair, but you get the point). I still believe he’s our future PG. He needs a ton of reps with the starters in order to gain that confidence needed to play the position which in my mind is the most difficult position on the floor.

Trade ZaHa, Shel-dom, and Lou for some inside help and sign Horford to a 20 year deal!

By cp

January 18, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Everyone pretty much made the poitns I wanted to make. It is unbelievable the things Woodson comes up with as a reason we can’t run the ball more. If he has not noticed we play better when we run then we need to find a coach who does recognizes this. He seems like a nice guy but just not the right fit for this team. I said it in the last blog, we let teams dictate what type of tempo we play instead of us forcing our style of play on them. That style should be uptempo but Woody just does not get it. As far as im concerned Sheldon, Lue, Za Za are all available the problem is who would want these bums. We need a gm who at least looks like he is trying to improve this team. I only see BK around draft time other than that this guy does absolutely nothing.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 18, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Assuming BK doesn’t want to break up the core of this team (Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, and Al Horford… maybe Marvin too), he is not going to be able to swing a deal for an Amare-type player. Let’s establish that first. Phoenix would never trade Amare for anything less than a package centered around Josh Smith.

Beyond those core players, there’s not a whole lot the Hawks have to trade. Childress has some value, Lue and Anthony Johnson have some marginal value to a team like Boston, but that’s about it.

Basically the Hawks are probably not going to be able to make a splash at the trading deadline. But I’ll tell you who the Hawks should try to get — either Steve Blake or Sergio Rodriguez from Portland. Blake is more experienced but would be more expensive, Rodriguez is less experienced but would be available for next to nothing. Both are pretty unselfish point guards who put up pretty good assist/turnover ratios. Blake shoots better, Rodriguez is a little quicker. But at the very least, one of them could push Acie Law for playing time and make him better. At best, one of them could legitimately push for the starting spot on this team. Is either one the long-term answer? No, but would either one be more valuable to the Hawks right now than Shelden or Zaza? Absolutely.

By LA Hawk

January 18, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Blog Z, Obviously another big is the ‘biggest’ problem. What do you know about Lance Allred, the top rated player in the D-League who happens to be a 6-11 center? He’s available to be signed by anyone so what in the h ell is BK waiting on? I know it’s D-League but as we all know there aren’t any half decent bigs available. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ian_thomsen/01/18/weekly.countdown/1.html

No idea how to link anything in this blog hopefully this works.

By curious

January 18, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Can anyone tell why the guy who has 14 of your sixteen points in the first six minutes doesn’t shoot the ball again until 2min left in the quarter?

By mykhalc

January 18, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

good link LA Hawk!!!

By jami$$iondadon

January 18, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

U guys r finally getting it.hawks have a tophalf nba roster out of da 30 teams.Sekou said it best as i’ve said it ! a good coach coaches 2 his strengths,Woody does da opposite.even without exceptional pointplay we’ve run teams like dallas&phoenix off da court. fire woody get bibby&curry keep jj smoove al mario &chills if we can. that starting 5 is top 5 in da league you’ll have a potential top ten at every position.Do it let’s get get get it.

By ntrigue

January 18, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Why is Josh Smith on the bench right now????

By ntrigue

January 18, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Solo is the truth and everybody will see if he ever get 20 plus mins a game he can easily give us 6-10 points solid defense,blocked shots, and plenty rebs. Give him a chance he should be seeing action before T-lue and Lorenzen wright. Fire Mike Woodson!!! He has so much talent on his team he doesnt know what to do with it

By Professor

January 18, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith is on fire right now. He is showing what he can do potentially on a night by night basis. Now if we can only get JJ going…..

By woodsonisanidiot

January 18, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Why is Woodson not giving JS the ball? He has 20 pts and you don’t let him touch the ball again. Brilliant.

By mykhalc

January 18, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

ok…time for ACIE to step up!!! i’m waitin’ to use my ‘GIVE ACIE THE DAMN BALL’ rant again!!! it’s been on the shelf loooooooong enough!!!

also it would be nice if WOODSON did look at the tandem of SOLO and LW off the bench a bit more!!??!! they were at least attackin’ the boards!!!

By THE Hawks Fan

January 18, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

AJ WTF??????? Where is ur head at??? Calderon is a weasel, he talks crap all the time. It was a 2 point game. Give him a hard foul going to the rim. But a Bo to the back of the head IN Front of the official is just crazy and SELFISH!!!! This team needs ur azz to play and play well. Hope we can pull this out, but just kinda lost for words right now. Jeezzzzussss. You know drugs are legal in Canada, Im just sayinnnn. Come onnnn Hawksss!!! Pull it out!

By randy

January 18, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

AJ, why you throwing elbows, you thug. Atleast Acie can get some extended minutes.

BK GET BIBBY!!

By mykhalc

January 18, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

but i would start JJ at pg with MARVIN at 2, JS at 3, AH at 4, and LW and the 5. this gets the ball is JJ’s hands to start the 2nd half. he needs to get it goin’!!! anyway…GO HAWKS!!!

By ray

January 18, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Wow, wow, wow. Josh Smith is really driving this bus tonight! I am enjoying the heck out of watching him and Horford get it crackin’ out there. And you know what? They have infected Marvin in ways I haven’t seen before. He’s been going hard to the bucket.

Now it’s time for Acie to use this opportunity to run the Raps off the floor and show what he can do. I was frustrated as I don’t know what watching him haul a$$ down the court right through the opposing defense all the way, only to pull up, stop, and give up the ball. Not to mention passing up all those jumpers. Come on, Acie. Crank it up, baby.

By mykhalc

January 18, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

man, as much as i want ACIE to succeed, he really looks as if he’s been attendin’ the LUE SKOOL of PG!!!! get it in gear ACIE!!!

By rainman

January 18, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

My only hope is by monday the day of the BROTHER that the Hawks get rid of one. Woodson is a joke. His kind should play not coach.

By curious

January 18, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Why is this coach not giving JS the ball? He carried the team the whole first half and only gets one shot in the third quarter. No postups at all.

By THE Hawks Fan

January 18, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

I reallllllly dis like ( u should not hate anyone ) Ryan Hollins. Acie was playing soooooo good when he fell on him. Now Acie just looks lost. Acie please go back and watch the game last year with Durant and Texas. Pleaseeeeeee.I would rather pick my nose for 45 mins then to watch T Lue pound the ball for 20 seconds. He makes a shot here and there, but is worthless on D and DOES NOT or CANT PUSH the ball. Why the HELL is coach Woodson Sandbaginn Mario????? J Smooth goes for 20 in 1 half and no touches the rest of the game??? He should have at least touched the ball on EVERYYY possession. I have taken a half pack of Tums watching this friggin game. No running No Scoring on the road No DEFENSE EQUAL no win. This is not a Half COURT TEAM!!! Period!!!! They have to RUN!!!! IM going to start drinking before the Snow starts falling.

By Luis Malave

January 18, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Once again, Mike Woodson demonstrates that he does not know what he is doing.How can you deny Josh smith the ball when he was getting in the zone. FIRE HIM!!!!!!!

By randy

January 18, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

TLue= TRASH Law= TRASH AJ= TRASH

GET BIBBY NOW!!!!

By Joe

January 18, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Tough to stomach getting beat on a lucky shot by some scrub named Anthony Parker. He is a poor man’s Reggie Miller whose sister is much better than he is. Sucks for him that he will be out of the league in a couple of years.

Where did Josh Smith go in the second half?

No excuse for losing to those scrubs that Toronto puts out there. They have one good player and a bunch of guys playing WWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYY over their heads.

By randy

January 18, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

HAWKS SUCK period. Please move this stinkin team outa Atlanta so I don’t have to watch these LOSERS anymore.

By Luis Malave

January 18, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

FIRE MIKE WOODSON!!!!!!!! HE IS WORTHLESS!!!!!!

By HAWKSUCK

January 18, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY!!

FIRE BK!!

FIRE EVERYONE!! THEY ALL SUCK!!

YOU SUCK HAWKS!!

By rainman

January 18, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

The owners should know that after the Vick thing we all hate black people now even the blacks so it is ok to get rid of these to bums and send them back to the cotton fields. Please get rid of woodson and Billy.

By Luis Malave

January 18, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Mike Bibby would definitely be an upgrade. But don’t give anybody up. The Hawks should use a draft pick or something.

By GET BIBBY

January 18, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY

By mykhalc

January 18, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

invasion of the body snatchers!!! that is NOT the same ACIE on the court!!!

well at least i KNEW they were not gonna know how to close it out!!! still sucks tho!!!

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Acie Law is not the answer with his broken jump shot. I’d rather have T Lue on the floor - at least he can provide some scoring.

Another dud of a draft pick - I know, you say he’s a rookie and it’s too soon to call him a bust, but he is who we thought he was.

By FIRE WOODSON

January 18, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON

By randy

January 18, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

JOE their scrubs can shoot a jumpshot atleast.

By Atl Flavor

January 18, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Rainmain Yo momma still luvs the brothers!! Call and ask her after her mouth is unglued. Pencil prick fuggaaa!!

By jami$$iondadon

January 18, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

i told yall horford & js r da future but woody want jj 2 be da star but he is not 1,woody wants 2 b a halfcourtteam but they aren’t 1,he needs a shooting penetrating pg but he want play him(salim),da longer we keep dis fool as coach da longer we will continue 2 flurish as losers.BK FIRE WOODY F*** NOW!!

By Pete

January 18, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

To anyone who will listen………….

They had their chances……Do the rest of the players think Joe Johnson is Michael Jordan or something? They all seem to check in the 4th quarter. They completely get away from their offense in the final quarter.

The good and bad of Lue…..he hits shots to spread the floor but he hurts you because of his defense and his lack of mobility. Law on the other hand turns the ball over which leaves Woodson in a bind to play no point guards at that position. In Law’s defense, he creates more movement on the offense Woodson needs to give him more reign over this team.

The half court offense is so terrible in the 4th quarter. The Hawks should hire one of those European coaches that uses a strong motion offense.

This stagnant nonsense has to stop.

The Toronto game was like a playoff game. The possessions get tight but you still have to execute not stand around.

By Pete

January 18, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON

By Pete

January 18, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY GET BIBBY

By mykhalc

January 18, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

is AJ automatically suspended 1 game ‘cause of the flagrant 2???

By Pete

January 18, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON FIRE WOODSON

By RaJaH

January 18, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Everyone’s calling for trades but forgetting who our GM is. Keep it up and we’ll be starting Gerry McNamara and Kevin Pittsnogle after the All Star break! BTW when are the Hawks going to waive Speedy?

By Pete

January 18, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

To anyone who will listen………….

They had their chances……Do the rest of the players think Joe Johnson is Michael Jordan or something? They all seem to check out in the 4th quarter. They completely get away from their offense in the final quarter.

The good and bad of Lue…..he hits shots to spread the floor but he hurts you because of his defense and his lack of mobility. Law on the other hand turns the ball over which leaves Woodson in a bind to play no point guards at that position. In Law’s defense, he creates more movement on the offense Woodson needs to give him more reign over this team.

The half court offense is so terrible in the 4th quarter. The Hawks should hire one of those European coaches that uses a strong motion offense.

This stagnant nonsense has to stop.

The Toronto game was like a playoff game. The possessions get tight but you still have to execute not stand around.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Bibby is an improvement but he isn’t the solution - just a bigger version of T Lue.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

At least Acie Law is consistent:

18 minutes - 0 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 1 turnover, and 1 foul.

Way to fill the stat sheet!

By tony

January 18, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

POOR FUNDALMENTAL BASKETBALL! We have alot of talent but they make poor decisions too often. We need court smart athletes who has good shooting ability. We need a coach who will teach his players how to pass the ball like the Harlem Gootralers. :) Lets hire Magic Johnson as our next GM and Kurt Rambis as our next HC.

By Joseph Powell McClelland

January 18, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

To win, we have to make a change. Or we can have another losing season.

1. Fire Woodson.

Let another coach run them for a month. Lets see what talent we really have. Woodson has too much burned bridges on the team. He is always is dispute with a team player.

1. Let Zaza come back in, tell him not to shoot, and go bruise up their big, foul out of the game, and let 4’s save their files and stamina.

2. Waive speedy (joke), trade Sheldon, Lou, Law, and whoever sits next to them on the bench for a POINT GUARD (You know the guy who drives the ball, pushes the ball, finds the open guy.) Woody only plays 6 maybe 7 players a game.

3. Fire Woodson for a second time to be sure he has left the building.

By Joseph Powell McClelland

January 18, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

To win, we have to make a change. Or we can have another losing season.

1. Fire Woodson.

Let another coach run them for a month. Lets see what talent we really have. Woodson has too much burned bridges on the team. He is always is dispute with a team player.

1. Let Zaza come back in, tell him not to shoot, and go bruise up their big, foul out of the game, and let 4’s save their files and stamina.

2. Waive speedy (joke), trade Sheldon, Lou, Law, and whoever sits next to them on the bench for a POINT GUARD (You know the guy who drives the ball, pushes the ball, finds the open guy.) Woody only plays 6 maybe 7 players a game.

3. Fire Woodson for a second time to be sure he has left the building.

By Joseph Powell McClelland

January 18, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

To win, we have to make a change. Or we can have another losing season.

1. Fire Woodson.

Let another coach run them for a month. Lets see what talent we really have. Woodson has too much burned bridges on the team. He is always is dispute with a team player.

1. Let Zaza come back in, tell him not to shoot, and go bruise up their big, foul out of the game, and let 4’s save their files and stamina.

2. Waive speedy (joke), trade Sheldon, Lou, Law, and whoever sits next to them on the bench for a POINT GUARD (You know the guy who drives the ball, pushes the ball, finds the open guy.) Woody only plays 6 maybe 7 players a game.

3. Fire Woodson for a second time to be sure he has left the building.

By doc

January 18, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

the tide went out again.

i guess we are now 1.05 games below .500?

By Volman

January 18, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

I have no earthly idea why the Hawks just pass it to Joe in the 4th quarter. They NEVER run an offense. It’s miserable to watch in the 4th.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OFFENSE!!!!!!!!!!! or lack there of.

By Volman

January 18, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

I have no earthly idea why the Hawks just pass it to Joe in the 4th quarter. They NEVER run an offense. It’s miserable to watch in the 4th.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OFFENSE!!!!!!!!!!! or lack there of.

By new jersey faithful

January 18, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

I dont get it, isnt the main reason the Hawks dont trade or sign any FA is because of the ownership problems? Until the ownership is staightened out, whats the point of even getting our hopes up??

By cp

January 19, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

I try not to get too high after a win and too low after a loss but whatever. Wake me up when this broke azz spirt group does something like get us a real gm and coach.

By HB Ando

January 19, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

SS, you have to be ready for the truth to handle it. As long as folks here live in a fantasy world, where the Hawks are legitimate, then acknowledging the truth, much less conceptualizing it, remains a reach.

The truth is that this team is built for mediocrity. Somebody serious will ultimately have to move on.

That’s the truth (we’ll discuss this construct, in greater detail, in the coming days).

By HB Ando

January 19, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this

As usual, one has to ask the obvious question: where does Billy Knight store his head, other than up his a*?

This is the same Calderon that folks like me were suggesting we seek out 2 years ago (along with a young back up from Utah, named Mo Williams). How is it that laymen like me continue to identify emerging talent before a well-staffed BK, only to watch yet another year of his inaction?

In every way possible, this man has under-performed his role. And not just slightly.

This franchise is frozen, in a Catch-22 kind of way, by revolving ineptitude. Now, we’re just improved enough for the idiots that own the franchise to justify not firing Billy or Woody.

Why? Because the marginal gains must be fortified by the public perception that things are going in the right direction.

Because that’s the only way to sell tickets.

So while the we have a team that screams “mediocre, at best”, ownership and the front office would have you believe that the Hawks are on an unstoppable ascent to the top of the Eastern Conference.

While firing the GM and the head coach would provide the franchise the best possible avenue to make the serious changes necessary to make such a move, the broke-a* owners simply cannot afford to honestly admit that this roster, and this coach/GM, is about to peak at the near-.500 slot. Because that honest assessment, of this flawed roster, would impair the ticket sales.

Here’s the truth: after this season, Joe Johnson has two more years on his contract. With no first rounder, no likely substantive trade, and the stark reality that no legitimate, path-changing free agent would agree to come here (one only has to revisit Johnson’s not-to-subtle statements regarding his unmet expectations that help would quickly follow his signing), there is simply no reason to expect that this roster will be relevantly better next year.

So, if we go into the next year, with the same tragically imbalanced roster, is there any reason to believe that Johnson will stay in Atlanta, after his contract expires?

No. So, if we can’t compete for the Eastern Conference title (really, can anyone suggest that we’re going to eclipse the Celtics, Magic and Pistons, next year?), doesn’t it make more sense to leverage Johnson, who has a cap-friendly salary, and who would be far more valuable to a legitimate contender, where his obvious lack of leadership would be a solid fit for a team who already has a “lead dog”?

I mean if we cannot project to win with him, before he acknowledges his frustrations with the franchises’ lack of follow through, by not re-signing, then shouldn’t we shop his obvious talents, for a lottery pick and a solid perimeter scorer?

Again, if you are satisfied by the Hawks finally, after over a decade, reaching the lofty status as an 8th seed contender, then don’t bother railing against this concept.

We don’t need to change a thing, if we want to spend the next 3 years battling for the 8th seed.

But if you want to see this franchise make some moves that gives them the chance, just the CHANCE, of battling with the big boys, then you have to relieve yourself of any personal attachment to the players on this roster. You have to view every single player as an asset. You have to ask yourself, “what needs to be done here, to make this franchise a legitimate contender”.

And the answer isn’t patience. Because this club still doesn’t have the presence in the post, or the leadership at the point (wow, how redundant does that statement sound?), to seriously compete with the aforementioned “big dogs”, much less teams like Toronto, who have not one, but two point guards that eviscerate what we put on the court.

We don’t have a Ford, or a Calderon, or, heaven forbid, a Bosh.

We’ve got a great two, who isn’t comfortable being a vocal leader. And we’ve got a tremendous talent, in Josh Smith, who will never be a go-to guy in the half-court offense.

Fatally flawed.

Built for mediocrity.

As much as the Spirit are afraid to squash their ticket buying momentum, by acknowledging this reality, it’s the cold, hard truth.

And if they’re really committed to competing for NBA championships, then they have to make decisions that contradict the fools’ gold they’ve sold to the largely uneducated Atlanta public.

We are not on our way to a championship. We are rapidly confronting the collective flaws that are comprised of our roster, coaching staff and front office.

There are assets, here, to work with. Changes have to be made to take advantage of those assets.

If you want the realistic chance of greatness.

Of course Billy could offer Marvin to New Orleans for Chris Paul. And Shelden to Portland for Brandon Roy. Or Childress to Chicago for Deng. Or to Philly for Igoudala. But that’s just ludicrous. Almost as ludicrous as Billy passing conventional wisdom, and drafting his favorites.

Where is the accountability?

By mykhalc

January 19, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this

ANDO, your quote…And we’ve got a tremendous talent, in Josh Smith, who will never be a go-to guy in the half-court offense. there is no way at this point, IMHO, i think you can even come close to believin’ that statement…not with ALL the strides this cat has made as a player this year. and at 22 yrs old, man the sky is the limit for this cat!! EVERTHING he’s doin’ is better…PERIOD!!! his handles in traffic, his assists, his shot and shot selection, all 1000% better. and to top in all off the cat NEVER (ok hardly ever) disappears!!!

at the start of the season we all b$tched about parts of his game (well except REESE LOL). NO WAY anyone can legimately criticize anythin’ he’s bringin’ to the court now nor doubt the upside to his continued maturation, which includes the likely possibility that he becomes a very good go-to cat in the half-court…no way!!!

By mykhalc

January 19, 2008 3:34 AM | Link to this

and to add, JS needs to experience a half-court offense before he has a chance to shine!!! ‘cause i KNOW neither one of us is callin’ WOODSON’s half-court sets anythin’ but offensive!!!!

By Duke Stripper

January 19, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this

We needs more ballers and shotcallers aka Larry the Legend whitepasty assasin….ya’ll probably to dumb and young to remembet basketball jones but he could fix what ails the pigeons oops da hawks

By burp bailey

January 19, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this

P. Riley u deserve 12 in a row…Hawks need to move to Macon fire GM and change mascot to dodo birds

By marv albert

January 19, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

i like to wear ladies underwear and bite womens butts

By honest will

January 19, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

josh smith will never be a go-to guy. he should be traded as long as there are enough ppl who think he is worth the money he wants. you cant give a guy max money who cant shoot 3s but plays on the perimeter, or get a decent shot off when needed. also, he seriously seems to lack IQ, not only basketball-wise, but much more importantly general intelligence. im sorry, but i think this kid is dumb as f**k. everytime i hear him talk i wish he could be traded in that second. he will earn 15mil a year only for stuffing the stat sheet, but he doesnt have a winners game. doesnt take good shots, doesnt shoot well, doesnt rebound or defend consistantly enough (other than highlight-reel blocks coming as the weak side help defender). and talk about him in a halfcourt offense..hes lost, and should be shot to relieve his misery, only that there is no misery because hes too imbecile to notice.

we should try to get a big man or pg out of a trade that includes him.

By Mike

January 19, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Thanks Skeou for repeating what we have been saying every since that four game slide. The problems with the pivot want go away.

Jamal Magliore is asking to be traded from Jersey. He want solve all problems in the pivot, but he is an experienced veteran that could help out on defense and rebounding. His cap number is only 4Mil, so that’s a very do able trade and it makes since in terms of salary and need. Zaza, an expiring contract, or some combination should be enough to pull this trade off. The big plus is that you can make this deal without ripping the core of your team apart.

I know there has been a lot of knocks on Magliore game, but coming to a young athletic team like that’s loaded with gifted forwards could resurrect his career. This is probably the safest move for the Hawks to make in the pivot position. Another good thing about Magliore is that he want require that everything run through him on offense to be effective. He’s a garbage can player that sraps for loose balls. He doesn’t score enough to be your featured guy on offense, that’s why he’s such a good fit for the Hawks.

Its funny how hate can get the best of you, because like always HB makes great points but he gets carried away. If you watch the game last night, then the obvious has been proven. We talked about this on the blog every since TLue came back from injury.

He just sucks the life out of the team. For what little offense he gives you, it doesn’t offset the paralyzing affect he has on the movement of the ball. It’s simple when he’s in the game the ball stop moving. Only one guy is going to get a shot other them him when we run an offensive play. Other that he’s going to stand there and pound the ball to something happens. It’s probably do injury. He will never regain the quickness and mobility that made him such a dangerous threat to be on floor.

Acie has shown that he is not ready to lead this team. That doesn’t means he’s a bust or wasted pick, it just means it going to take time for him to get back to where he was before his injuries. He’s starting to press too much, trying to make something happen, instead of concentrating on setting up his team mates. He should be making sure the right plays are run and focusing on playing hard nose defense. He’s not doing that any longer and it’s hurting the team.

By Mike

January 19, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

This is a continue from the last post. It was getting too long, so I broke up. I save the best for Last!!’Right.” Didn’t mean to so long winded on this one. But know some changes have to made.

Now this will make everyone laugh. The solution to the PG position, absent a trade, and using AJ as starter, “IS SALIM!!!!” WHY SALIM? Glad you asked. He has more experience than Acie and he is a better option than TLue.

Guys I know this sound crazy, because everybody knows Salim is a shoot first guy. But most people forget he’s got great court vision, a decent handle, and he can penetrate and take the ball to the hole. What we learned last night with this current roster is without AJ at the PG where are dead at crunch time in the game.

Woody can deny it all he wants, but until a trade is made, Salim and Mario should be given minutes at PG. The PG position hurt us sorely last night. It was obvious for everyone to see. Unless they are show casing TLue for a trade, they should keep him on the bench. Everything grinds to halt and the team looks lethargic when comes in the game.

By Tiger Woo

January 19, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Mike,

You are right about your Salim comment … that IS funny !!

However, he does deserve a chance to make an impact on the team. Acie Law is not the answer.

By Tiger Woo

January 19, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

What are the Hawks glaring needs?

(1) A penetrating point guard - that equates to a point guard that is an outside shooting threat. Without that jump shooting threat, defenses will collapse in the paint. That’s what makes Chris Paul / Steve Nash / Tony Parker. etc. so effective - you can’t leave them open on the perimeter.

(2) More outside shooters - the Hawks basically have 2 effective jump shooters on their roster - Marvin Williams and Joe Johnson - and Marvin’s range is limited to inside the 3-point line. As a result, teams can double team and trap Joe Johnson without worrying about being exploited by spot up shooters. How many times have the Hawks been burned by a three point barrage this year?

(3) Inside scoring - besides Josh Smith and occasionally Al Horford and J Chill, the Hawks don’t have an effective scorer in the paint. Joe Johnson can get in the paint and score at times, but he isn’t athletic enough to finish consistently. Look what Chris Bosh did last night - something we are sorely missing.

By Mike

January 19, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Yea Tiger Woo, I thought we all could use a laugh right about now. Going into the season we knew there would be stretches in the schedule where the lack of PG and Post play would be a problem. Not making any excuses but the Hawks was getting a lot of physical contact going to the rack that wasn’t being called. You could see that the refs weren’t going to give us any calls last night.

I didn’t mention that in my previous post, cuz that ain’t what beat us. I like what Sekou does, he calls the organization out as whole and the coaching strategy. Everyone in the organization including that scoundrel Belkin is to blame for the current state of the Hawks. We got a lame duck situation where nobody can do anything.

If HB or anybody else has some inside information on what leverage and authority BK actually has to make a trade I wish they let us know? Because talk is cheap.

Sekou perhaps it’s time to do an interview with the Spirit to find out just what leverage does BK have to make a move. Of course they will decline the interview, but it is sorely needed at this point.

I still say better use of the current roster with a better offensive scheme will at lease take advantage of the talent they presently have.

I’ll be at the game Monday celebrating Doctor King Day, hopefully we can get a win before the West Coast trip.

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

By I.MUS WRITE

January 19, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Our point guards may be the worst in the league seriously- AJ is a career back and he tends to lose his head at times ,what was the elbow for you dam goon-Im surprised calderon did’nt sock his azz.

TLue is a good shooter and thats it-no D,super slow and dribbles too dam much. When lue has the ball its dribble dribble dribble until the clock is at 5 sec-then he either shoots a deep jumper or passes to teammate for a rushed shot. EVERY DAM TIME…..COME ON

Acie Rumor- misses every shot he takes and continues to turn the ball over. He doesnt do anything

The only players on the roster I absolutely would’nt trade are Horford and JS. For the right peice everybody else can go including JJ.

If you watch JJ its really noticeable how unathletic he is. He has alot of difficulty finishing in the lane.He’s not a vocal leader but he is our best ball handler and long range shooter. If trading JJ brings us a Gerald Wallace,Baron Davis,or a good center then lets do it.

Our coach is really an idiot- Any body with a b-ball mind knows that you feed the hot hand. Why didnt josh get more touches in the 2nd and 3rd qtrs-jus rediculous

I think Janero Pargo,Farmar, or mike james could all help us at the point. The PG is a major problem right now that needs to be fixed-even more than our post situation.

If we dont make any changes-we will be an 8th seed and will be swept by either detroit or Boston.

“PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS DONT TALK ABOUT THE PLAYOFFS” I dont even want us in the playoffs if we are gonna get swept which is highly likely.

HB ANDO- Are you really a Hawks Fan or do you just come here to be negative it’s hard to tell sumtimz,but you do have valid points so do your thing i guess.

GET A FREAKN POINT GUARD NOW!!!!!!!!

By tony

January 19, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

maybe i am the only 1 who see what’s going on with acie. jj and js have no respect for the kid-that’s what’s going on with acie! during every game, they do their very best to keep the ball out of acie’s hands. acie law want to be the leader for this team but our young selfish veterans(jj)(js) r preventing him from establishing himself as a leader. acie knows jj and js have 0 respect for him and so he’s pressing to make plays. acie is no worse than jj and js when it comes to making good decisions on the court. i was really hoping that bk would draft mike conley jr because his a pure ball handler and can break down a defense with his quickness but we have acie now so mw need to give him more control so that he can establish himself as the leader for this team. magic johnson new gm and kurt rambis new hc next season.

By Clyde

January 19, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Hey I’m with Ando. If we are not in the playoff race by the trade deadline we have to consider moving Joe. Let him move on to a contender so we can get a veteran and a draft pick. Derrick Rose is my point guard pick for this year.

This team right now is reaping the benefits of bad draft decisions. Childress over Deng(allstar) and AI. Marvin over Chris Paul(allstar this year) and Deron Williams. Sheldon Williams over Roy (allstar this year) Marcus Williams, Rudy Gay and Sergio Rodriguez. Drafting all those forwards have finally caught up to us.

FREE SOLOMON JONES

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By I.MUS WRITE

January 19, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

JJ/ZAZA/LO WRIGHT to Minnesota for AL JEFFERSON/1st round pick. Draft: Derrick Rose Trade: Chillz for James Jones or Kappono

By Wink from Lithonia

January 19, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

The TRUTH…

“THE HAWKS ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE … UNPREDICTABLE!!”

“THE COACHING STYLE IS UNDEFINABLE”

“THE MANAGEMENT UNIDENTIFIABLE”

“THE ORGANIZATION IN CHAOS”

TRY TO WIN WITH THIS AS YOUR FOUNDATION AND YOUR PLAY DOES NOT INSPIRE A PASSIONATE FAN BASE!!!

…THIS IS OUR TRUTH…WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO HANDLE IT!!!

By I.MUS WRITE

January 19, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

WINK -Thats Whass Up -I feel like you right now.

By Nate ArchiBALL

January 19, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Sekou, What’s the latest on the Belkin vs the Atlanta Spirit?

By jami$$iondadon

January 19, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

GOOD COMMENTS FROM BG,JOE POWEL, MIKE,& KEN.Maglore might improve da team in a halfcourtset but he plays wit 1 of da best pgs 2 do it& they suck worse than us wit 3stars.Clips have center,pf,pg & cant win.Minn,charlotte,mia,mil,memphis,ny,indy&bulls r terribleteams wit goodpgs and bigmen so a goodpg & center don’t make u a contender. we have big talent 2 keep teams honest if we use them collectivly 2 and foul & we have a goodpg wit handle,shot,& penetration Salim we need a coach,a identity ,& sum vets.

By kwooden1

January 19, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I going to take a more positive look at things than everyone, even though I was really disappointed in the lose last night. I listened to the game on the radio and AJ getting ejected didn’t help at all. The guys kept fighting but Toronto just hit more shorts and Bosh played really well.

The team has a lot of challenges to overcome and you can’t expect a play-off contending team without a lot of pain to make up for those issues. Obvious mistakes in drafting over several years, poor in-game coaching and players that are still reaching their potential. Considering these things, I believe the team is about where they should be. I actually think the upcoming road trip will be really good for them. I hope that they can focus on basketball and forget the distractions of being at home. Everybody sees that we have a running team and hopefully they can learn to play at that pace over the next few games.

I think the core of JJ, Marvin, Al and JS can be a championship caliber group over time. If JS can become a better shooter, Marvin keep improving overall, Al continue developing his offense and JJ just become even more consistant. If you had a decent PG and Center to that group you have a very good team. Which goes to my next point..

There are major organization issues that need to be resolved. The owners appear tentative at making additional moves and the GM and coach don’t pay the price for their mistakes. So, with all these issues we still have a team that .500 and has the potential to be much better right now. I feel bad for the guys because most of the time it looks like their playing the game by themselves with know help from the owners or the coach.

I hope that Woody can keep improving his in-game coaching. (again I didn’t see the last game and probably didn’t want to if the coaching was anything like the Wizards game I saw) Hopefully BK can make a trade to get another big man for this season. I believe that the guys are going to keep improving as players and Acie will get his game back together.

I still believe in the PLAYOFFS!!!, I don’t care if its the 8th seed. The PLAYOFFS is the PLAYOFFS!!!!

GO HAWKS!!!

By jami$$iondadon

January 19, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Ladies & gentlemen everyteam has flaws,as well as every player & strengths as well & this team has it’s flaws&strengths as well as the next team,that’s why u have a coach 2 put the rightplayers in da rightpositions 2 succeed in da right system. We don’t have datcoach. Dat’s our greatest flaw he doesn’t put da rightplayers in position2 succeed plus he doesn’t have a system.in all sports good coaches win championships. Except 4 shel i like billy’s drafting,mw was rated#1 in his class.al&law were praised.

By jami$$iondadon

January 19, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

my continuation and in da draft of 04 only orlando and maybe chicago can be seen as better on dat night. i dont care wat u say i’ll take chills over deng and ai2 anyday, they average 18& chill average 14 & they’re 1 options chills a 6thman,plus he has better handle,passing,and defense than those guys. Yall kill me let alone smoove let’s get on everygm 4 not drafting him.Billy drafted a pg wit marv dat year 1 of da best in da country 2 make up 4 cp dw,and if he started we’ll be deadly.BKS FAULT WRONGCOACH!

By cp

January 19, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

It is amazing to me that people still want to get rid of Josh Smith. Unfreaking believable. Right now he is our best player. I like Joe but but he does not have that fire or will to lay it out there like Josh. Ok let me re phrase it, Joe is our best player overall but Josh has been our best player recently in my opinion. It is funny how Josh Smith still catches flack but Marvin rarely gets any. If Marvin is not scoring then he brings nothing else to the table. Marvin needs to step it up. The Wolves are not giving up Al Jefferson no matter what we offer. They gave up KG to get this kid so do you really believe they would give him up for Joe Johnson. Jefferson has been the only bright spot for that team and he will continue to get better. I wish Woody would let Acie play his game. I know this kid is a baller but the coach seems to be holding him back. He has Acie looking over his shoulder just like he had Salim doing in the past. Tell that kid to do what he do. Right now he doesn’t know if he should shoot or pass. Let the kid play and stop killing his confidence. Let Solo play i mean its not like he is hurting the team when he is out there. Showcase Sheldon so we can get him out of here. T pound the ball Lue is what we thought he was. A pg who plays no d and pounds and pounds and pounds the ball. We should have went after Blake a few years ago but didn’t. Call Denver or the Wolves up and see what it would take to get JR Smith or Gerald Green to this team. We could use either one. They are both athletic 2 guards who can shoot the 3. We need that. I like the Magloire idea. He cant be no worse than Lo Wright.

By cp

January 19, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

It is amazing to me that people still want to get rid of Josh Smith. Unfreaking believable. Right now he is our best player. I like Joe but but he does not have that fire or will to lay it out there like Josh. Ok let me re phrase it, Joe is our best player overall but Josh has been our best player recently in my opinion. It is funny how Josh Smith still catches flack but Marvin rarely gets any. If Marvin is not scoring then he brings nothing else to the table. Marvin needs to step it up. The Wolves are not giving up Al Jefferson no matter what we offer. They gave up KG to get this kid so do you really believe they would give him up for Joe Johnson. Jefferson has been the only bright spot for that team and he will continue to get better. I wish Woody would let Acie play his game. I know this kid is a baller but the coach seems to be holding him back. He has Acie looking over his shoulder just like he had Salim doing in the past. Tell that kid to do what he do. Right now he doesn’t know if he should shoot or pass. Let the kid play and stop killing his confidence. Let Solo play i mean its not like he is hurting the team when he is out there. Showcase Sheldon so we can get him out of here. T pound the ball Lue is what we thought he was. A pg who plays no d and pounds and pounds and pounds the ball. We should have went after Blake a few years ago but didn’t. Call Denver or the Wolves up and see what it would take to get JR Smith or Gerald Green to this team. We could use either one. They are both athletic 2 guards who can shoot the 3. We need that. I like the Magloire idea. He cant be no worse than Lo Wright.

By jami$$iondadon

January 19, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY BILLY IT’S YOUR BEST MOVE HIRE SKILES,VAN GUNDY,OR BROWN GET A OFFENSIVE SYSTEM TRADE LUE,LO,SPEEDY,ZAZA,AJ,& SHEL THEY DONT FIT WAT WE NEED 2 DO

By I.MUS WRITE

January 19, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Is Woody in Acie’s ear telling him to miss every open shot he takes-I dont think he is. These guys are professionals. Is Woody causing Acie to turn the ball over or make dumb passes-I dont think he is. Gerald green has really bad shot selection-I wouldnt trade JJ for him or JR smith. 98%of the players in the league are tradeable-

EX. The bulls traded a young beastly Elton Brand so why not Al Jefferson-granted it may take more than JJ-This is all hot air anyway…3yrs (JJ,Craig,Lo) so come on do you really think there will be a trade.

By will

January 19, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

We need a point now. We have talent but we don’t have a floor general who will dictate pace. Until we get a point who forces the action then we will be a .500 team. You’ll notice when AJ was playing like a better than average point we could not be beat. In fact whenever our point plays at the level of the opposition we seem to do alright. FIND US A POINT BILLY (fire Mike Woodson?).

By cp

January 19, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I did’t say trade JJ for either Smith or Green. I was saying see what it would take to get either one. Right now they would be better than any other guy we have coming off the bench other than Childress. You let Childress back up Marvin and have either Smith or Green back up JJ. They are both still young guys but they would give us more even with bad shot selection than we are gettign out of Sheldon, Lue, Za Za, and Lo Wright. It’s not like we could’nt use their scoring. I seriously doubt they would give up Jefferson for anything other than a package of JJ and probably Marvin or Smith. Jefferson is averaging what 22 and 11 a night I think with absolutely no help over there. Mc Hale is not a good gm but that would be a bad move even by his own standards. They would have no low post presence. I dont see Jefferson leaving the Wolves nooo time soon.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 19, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

CP itz all entertainment - I know that deal wont happen, but I would atleast try a JJ/Chills package to see where Mchale’s head is.

This dam snow is ruining my day!!! Brrrrrrrr

By Steve

January 19, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

SO WHY THE HELL IS ACIE LAW NOT STARTING AT PG???? WOULD WE RATHER HAVE ANTHONY JOHNSON GROW WITH JJ/SMOOVE/ MARVIN/HORORD AND CHILLZ???? IS THAT THE BEST LONGTERM PLAN, IS AJ OUR PG OF THE FUTURE????

Let Acie grow, if he’s our PG of the future there is only one way to find out. Its a BLESSING to have Anthony Johnson and have him to play 22 minutes a night as our stabilizing/security blanket to walk the youngster through the lumps that he and we are sure to take (Much like our own Speedy Claxton did with the spurs for young Tony Parker).

It is in our best interest for THE NOW and ESPECIALLY for the FUTURE to have Acie Law is our starting PG. He can find his comfort zone, develop as a pg (He’s already NBAReady in alot of ways and plays mature and poised beyond hsi years), and most importantly DEVELOP WITH OUR YOUTHFUL CORE INTO A COHESIVE UNIT. THAT WILL BE A HUGE REWARD FOR US DOWN THE ROAD…..

Worst case scenario: IF HE ENDS UP NOT BEING THE GUY ITS BETTER TO FIND OUT RIGHT NOW THAN LATER ON.

By Steve

January 19, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Doc: Al Horford is a big. He’s 6-10 and 245 pounds, that IS NOT a swingman. He’s a 4 that can also play 5, a true Power Forward that can also play center. Think: Amare Stoudemire.

By Steve

January 19, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

We have a team that is maturing into a definite playoff team.

I dont think we need to make any moves, I think the future is extremely bright.

The only thing we have to do is find out if Acie Law is our PG going forward…… and if he isnt then (AND ONLY THEN) we have to make a move to get our PG that can push the tempo, dictate the pace, and do all the things a good PG should do being our stud PG going forward.

By Steve

January 19, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

This team reminds me so much of the 03-04 suns……… ready to run with great young talent and players but NO POINTGUARD ABLE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

1 year later the Suns land Steve Nash and the rest is history……. for this year we have GOT TO play Acie and see if he can grow into a comfort zone and see if he’s gonna be the PG going forward.

If not, than this summer we have GOT to “Land our Nash”, and the rest will be history. Everything else is in place for this team to be a great and EXCITING team going forward for the next 5-10 years, all we need is a PG.

Lets find out if Acie is going to be that guy. If he’s not, than act accordingly. One thing is for certain: AJ isnt that guy, and he isnt good enough to make the positives of the now outweigh the negatives of the future when it comes to making the decision to play either him or Acie.

By Steve

January 19, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

BG.

THAT WAS A GREAT POST. I AGREE WITH YOU, THAT IS HOW WE WILL LEARN. AND I AM ALSO ENJOYING WATCHING THE HAWKS GROW, AND WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY WATCHING THIS YOUNG AND SUPER-TALENTED TEAM GROW OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS. WE ARE THE YOUNGEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE (Along with Portland), and WE’VE GOT A LOT OF GROWING TO DO……

I agree with you on Acie too, and I hope youre right about him being our guy going forward. Hopefully that is the case, because all we need is our PG going forward and we’re good for the next 10 years. That is the last straw that we need, the PG.

I will also enjoy watching this team grow though, just wanted to say that I like your patience and coolheaded/reasonable mentality on our young and talented team going forward. I will also be patient and enjoy watching this very good young core on our team going forward.

By Steve

January 19, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

KWooden, I also agree with you. very good post, the future is very bright with JJ JS Al Marvin and Chills….

YOU CANT RUN WITHOUT A POINTGUARD!!! IT IS IMPOSSIBLE!

Is Acie the guy? Is he not? Finding out this year will be crucial for the future

we’re good enough to get the 8 seed while finding that out (With AJ holding his hand through it and stabilizing as our backup PG playing 20 minutes a night)…..

By Steve

January 19, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

I also agree on the coaching riff. Woody does alot of good things, dont get me wrong (Defense, defining our roles and having players accepting/thriving in them, minimize mistakes, rebound, play hard, toughness, poise, never-say-die attitude)……

BUT, If Nate McMillan was our coach and Woody was in portland than we would be 26-16 fighting Orlando for 1st place and Portland would be 18-19 in 10th place out west. JJ would be getting much love like Brandon Roy is, Horford/Marv/Chillz/J-Smoove would be getting secondary love like Aldridge/Webster/Outlaw/Jack is, and ETC ETC ETC.

So Coaching does have ALOT to do with it.

By Sope Creek

January 19, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Sekou - Nice to have a realistic perspective approaching the half-way mark. I agree with your comments. But I’m not sure how readily available a point guard is right now, and we still need another big for the rotation. I’m wondering whether the Bulls are upset enough with Joakim Noah to want to part with him for something plausible, but not great, in return. For example, I’m wondering whether a trade for Zsa Zsa straight up, or perhaps Zsa Zsa and Sheldon, for Noah might be attractive just so they can quietly remove what they might perceive to be a problem.

And I’d also keep my eye on Portland. My sense is that they’ve got too many point guards, and either Jack or Rodriguez, or maybe even Steve Blake, to pick up from them. Not sure what the offer might be, but there’s talent out there that might be had.

By Steve

January 19, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Oh well, at least we’re nasty in NBA2k8. There I am the coach, Acie is coming along very nice as our PG and we’re running and gunning on the way to 50 wins this year!(08-09 season). (I fired the coach and turned up the tempo right away by the way, and also unleashed Acie as our starting PG. Its really paying dividends here in year 2, all of it.)

By Steve

January 19, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

OH SNAP!!!!

AND THE KINGS HAVE JUST OFFERED ME JOHN SALMONS FOR SHELDEN WILLIAMS!!!!

HECK YEA I’LL MAKE THAT DEAL!

By SQUAWKER

January 19, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

HEY SEKOU…

I’M STILL GIGGLING AT YOU ABOUT RIDNOUR. IT’S NOT JUST HIS PLAY; IT’S HIS CONTRACT, BRO!

By Ryder

January 19, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Steve you and Ando are the only two people on this blog who haven’t jumped the gun (ok, clyde too), maybe because too many on here are too quick to over-react when the Hawks lose.

Sekou don’t you think (I know tough thing to do for a Michigan man but just try) that if the Spirit thought a trade would help it would’ve been done by now? This team has only one or two guys than any GM in this league would ever trade for. All of this Zaza/Shelden or Childress trade talk is garbage, and you know it!

No idiot GM would want these guys unless they were desperate to get rid of someone who was going to leave anyway. Besides, in the NBA you NEVER trade big for small, just look at what happened to the Wizards when they traded Webber to Sacramento, they plummeted while the Kings got better. No GM is giving up a big guy for the small bits on the Hawks.

Besides, geniuses, Bibby would suffer under Woodson’s offensive system. He doesn’t play defense like he used to, and his salary/bad attitude would cripple this team. Anyway, if BK really thought that a PG like Bibby would help he would never have drafted Acie Law.

Trade Joe Johnson, your only all-star? Put down the crack pipe! The man brings it day in and day out, as does Josh Smith and Horford. Unfortunately they play for a coach who has no idea how to make in game adjustments, and that is why they will continue to blow chunks on the road.

Oh I can’t WAIT for the west coast swing!

So here’s a smack of reality for you Atlanta, this is it (not channeling Kirk Franklin)! This is the horse that BK is going to ride on come hell or high water. No trades will happen because Atlanta is bent on making this work (no problem there) with this coach who they can’t fire because they don’t want to pay on a coach they’ve let go but know he’s not the real answer (major problem there).

Steve you present a good analysis, to me though the Hawks sticking with Woodson is like being in a dead end relationship. You know you should’ve cut ties a long time ago but just lack the cajones

Much like Ando I’ve accepted reality, I’m not going to go Anakin Joe on anyone, but it is what it is. I support them through and through, but i’m not stupid enough to fall into this trap that a trade is the answer.

Remember people, in the NBA to get talent you have to give up talent, and that’s not happening here unless BK gets a serious epiphany between now and February.

Better start praying……..

By Astro Joe

January 19, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Let’s see, Orlando was an 8th seed last season, got trounced in their one playoff series. Did they rip aprat the team after that set-back? When your one of the youngest teams in the league and you or on pace to win about 30% more games than the previous year, you don’t comtemplate trading your single best player, especially when your record will likely land you a playoff berth.

History shows us that teams landing the 8th seed do not typically declare themselves bullet-proof and stop trying to improve themselves. And as long as these owners believe that there are brighter days ahead, they are not likely going to dynamite this team. (Especially when a head coaching move would be far less expensive and far more effective at improving the team in the long-run).

By jami$$iondadon

January 19, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Dis is 4 RYDER Joe Johnson is not a ALLSTAR!!! Quit living in a illusion since we r talking about THE TRUTH. KOBE WADE LEBRON TMAC PIERCE ARENAS R ALLSTARS DAT BRING IT EVERYNIGHT & DONT DISAPPEAR WIT DA GAME ON DA LINE.JJ SHOWS UP ONCE EVERY 3 GAMES. HE IS TRADEABLE’Steve rightonpoint wit da sun’s no nashline i said dat lastweek. My list of attainablebigs curry,oneal,okafur,dalbert,kayman,pryzbilla,dauelee,wilcox. Points bibby,kid,felton,crawford,blake,jack,ridnour,telfair.TRADE ANY1 BUT SMOOVE&AL.LET’SGO

By doc

January 19, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

STEVE, I HAVE BEEN VERY QUIET, HOW DO YOU BRING ME INTO THIS ISSUE REGARDING WHERE AL PLAYS BEST? or was doc considered like “dude” in the general sense.

just dont think al is the same as amare as he isnt a fluid and doesnt come close to moving like him, give him two years and fifteen pounds which he will take on and he is a mountain but never an amare. kinda along the lines of what ando said about him just in a different way. not saying one better than the other but one is an all star and one not, al may be huge but will maybe become that at four is my suspicion.

personally, i think we are about where i expected the team to be or possibly a game or two ahead. it is what it is. coming off this trip will be about halfway home. expected 35-38 so unless they find a game or two on this trip that will be just about there at the halfway point.

now it is time to return to my taoist medical qigong meditation retreat. sorry guys to yell. ;-)), usually leave that to my karma bud myk.

peace.

By ray

January 19, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

And so the pathetic saga continues.

Mykhalc, Josh has made absolutely great strides this season. He’s still not a go-to guy in the half court offense. And this is so for a number of reasons, including the ones you mentioned. He doesn’t have the experience in a well orchestrated half court offense. That reason alone is enough to keep him from being a go-to guy. That’s in no way taking away from what he’s capable of and what he does. He excels even more in the open court.

Simple fact is, Smoove isn’t being coached to his potential either. And yet, his ability (and apparently he is capable of learning as well) overcomes things like this. Imagine when he is able to refine those moves in the post, those drives to the basket, that slowly budding jumper.

Ryder, you’re right. A trade isn’t the answer simply because there’s no evidence to suggest that Billy Knight will do the right thing in a trade scenario. Having to give up talent to get talent is an obvious concept. The more complicated concept is giving up talent for talent that makes your particular team better. Giving up a talented swingman (be he forward or guard) for a talented big man is a trade that makes us better. Giving up a serviceable big, along with someone else for a good pg (not great, just good and solid) is a help. There are a few ways to do it. But as stated, there’s no reason to believe that Billy will do something like this, and do it right.

Like you, I support the team. But the organization isn’t fooling me one bit and I am absolutely disgusted with management and ownership. Unfortunately, coaching isn’t exactly something to smile about either.

Well, I guess the losses to the Raps and Bucks are just more bumps in the road….on the way to yet more disappointment. Can someone heat up some trade rumors for us? If there’s any fantasy ridiculousness that I’d be willing to take part of, that would be it. Even then…

By mykhalc

January 19, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

DOC, i gotta yell. my hearing is bad!!! too much bass over the years!!LOL enjoy your retreat my friend!!

BIG RAY, you know i’m NOT foolin’ myself about where JS is in his development!! and you and i posted very similar, if not, the same views. i just had to call our man ANDO out on the statement ‘never be a go-to cat in the half-court’. that’s a powerful a$$ crystal ball he’s holdin’ if he really feels like he can say that with such certainty and assuredness, especially with the GREAT strides the cat has made the first part of this season!!!???!!!

but like ANDO says, don’t be hatin’ on him ‘cause he happens to know b’ball better than everyone else!!! LOL it’s truly a gift!!! (messin’ with ya ANDO);o)

By D in ATL

January 20, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Sekou, you are so right! Especially with the team controlling and running an uptempo style. First, we are not a physical team, however we are a pretty good defensive rebounding team. Second, when we do play good defense, we need the reward of an easy score because we do not have a consistent point guard threat or an offensive presence down low to run a solid half court game. Third, we do have versatile, big, athletic players (6’7” or taller) players who can both handle the basketball and/or finish the break. An uptempo style would hide our weaknesses and give incentive for our still young team to play better defense (remember the high-flying uptempo 50+ win late 80s teams who were among the top 5 in defense with Doc Rivers and Spud Webb playing point?)

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying we have a Steve Nash on the roster. However, I am willing to bet we have a better than 70% record with 20+ assists. What other team in the NBA has a front line that can both start the break and finish it? What easier way to score than a 2 on 1 or 3 on 2 break against an opposing 6’2” point?

Have you seen this team when they run and play defense? They are exciting, efficient, and they win! Until we get a point, a big defender and rebounder, and Al develops more post offense, we need to run, defend, and run!

By STRETCH

January 20, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I just feel bad for the faithful fans in ALL of Atlanta, cause the front office’s of ALL the franchises SUCK!

Arthur Blank hires and makes a guy the GM, someone they didnt even have a face interview with, and at the same time looking over all the proven NFL coaches that are available!

The Braves said “We have more money to spend” and so far, theyve gotten rid of Andruw Jones and Edgar Rentaria and brought back a 42 year old Tom Glavine!

The Hawks…they simply refuse to get off of their Azzes and show the fans they are trying to do something…ANYTHING, any sign of commitment to winning!!!

By pay attention

January 20, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

ACIE LAW, I love your heart dude, but I have never seen a player’s scouting report list as a weakness making layup’s? Bro, I played close attention to it the past few games and….it’s true! There is no rhythm to your release on the glass. It’s more like a half foot runner.Now, I’ve seen you finish enough times to know that you can finish. However I found it quite interesting to have a player struggle with such a basic fundemantal of the game of basketball, a layup. Makes you think back to the days of that foormer NY Mets catcher who couldn’t return throw of the ball without beating it into his glove , like ten frickin’ times. I guess we all can have our glitches. I just wish it wasn’t my home teams dag-on point guard. Go Hawks

By Ken Strickland

January 20, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

I will be the 1st to admit we could use some help in the middle and at PG. However, we need better free throw and outside shooting more than anything. All teams have weakness, but most of them offset those weaknesses by stressing their strengths.

Our weaknesses are outside shooting and our half court OFF. The Phoenix Suns use speed, quickness and outside shooting to offset its lack of size, height, inside strength and poor DEF. Our main problem is our inability, or unwillingness, to totally commit to an uptempo, fast breaking OFF. We need to either find another shooter or two, or better utilize the ones we already have.

By ray

January 20, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Ken, you’re right: all teams do have weaknesses. And they do offset them by utilizing and stressing their strengths.

So, if our weaknesses are outside shooting and half court offense, (as you say…and it’s true) then what are our strengths? Well, how about interior scoring and defense? One doesn’t exist and the other isn’t consistent. How about our ability to run and score? Again, not consistent.

Herein lies the problem: which “strength” or almost-strength do we enhance? Or, do we make a change that allows us to develop a strength? Phoenix uses speed, quickness, outside shooting….and employs a coach that knows how to utilize/maximize that kind of system. Plus, they have enough shooters to succeed when forced into a half court game for any length of time (which happens to every team at times).

We can add another shooter or two. What would our coach do with them? We have one we could use. He’s gettin splinters from the bench.

We could employ a running offense more consistently. Does our coach know how to utilize a running offense? No. His idea (as we have CLEARLY seen) is to run a few times and immediately relapse into an ineffective half court set where the team runs a maximum of three or four incredibly predictable plays. Oh, and those plays all involve JJ as the focal point. Well, that is except for the one rogue play where Smoove gets the ball thrown to him about 5 feet outside the 3-point line with about ohhhhh…2 to 4 seconds left on the clock. That’s always a good one, especially for those who like to hate on Josh Smith.

We could install an effective half court offense. As far as coaching goes, I think I covered that in the previous paragraph. As for the offense itself, you can’t completely blame a coach for an ineffective half court offense when he doesn’t have all the pieces. One of the most important such piece is addressed in the next paragraph:

We could add another big fella. One that averages more rebounds and points than fouls. One that remains fairly healthy. One that helps take the pressure off of Horford and Smoove. One that can score on the low block some, and play high-low post with Horford. One that doesn’t flop, and is more than willing to mix it up inside. One that adds toughness. But Billy doesn’t have a clue who these guys are or how to get them. He probably only got Horford because somebody told him he’d get his afro cut off, and be tarred and feathered if he didn’t draft him. Otherwise, we’d have gotten Brandon’s narrow a$$ from UNC. C’mon, you know I’m right (ooops…did I just steal Ando’s line?).

So! Where to begin? Oh wait. Broke owners, dumb GM, stressed out and misplaced coach. Yeah, where DO we begin?

By HB Ando

January 21, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

Joe, seriously, any analogy with the Magic begins and ends with Dwight Howard. I mean the reference is nonsensical. He’s emerged as the most powerful low-post presence since Shaq. Do you see anyone on this roster prepared to make such a leap in dominance? Here’s a better point of comparison, for the change in the Magic: they fired a head coach that they knew wasn’t right for their personnel and who they knew couldn’t take them any farther.

That’s some silly stuff…..

Fired the coach and paid stupid money for Lewis. Do you see either of these type of moves likely this summer? No money, no first round pick, a horrible GM, and both a fatally flawed roster and head coach.

There’s a recipe for success.

By curious

January 21, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this

Ray*We could employ a running offense more consistently. Does our coach know how to utilize a running offense? No. His idea (as we have CLEARLY seen) is to run a few times and immediately relapse into an ineffective half court set where the team runs a maximum of three or four incredibly predictable plays. Oh, and those plays all involve JJ as the focal point. Well, that is except for the one rogue play where Smoove gets the ball thrown to him about 5 feet outside the 3-point line with about ohhhhh…2 to 4 seconds left on the clock. That’s always a good one, especially for those who like to hate on Josh Smith. * Maybe you should get Woodson’s email because that can’t be be expressed any better. We are talking about a professional team.

How about this one? U switch everything on defense and Chris Bosh has 20 on your pg because they keep running the pick & roll. Very simple the same play. Woodson never made an adjustment. He didn’t trap the pg or tell the big to stay with Bosh. He stood with his arms folded and let Toronto destroy his team with one play. When he put Lue in, Calderon just penetrated and passed to the perimeter for I think 3 3pt shots in a row. Those are the only two plays Toronto ran. Coaches say run a play until the other team stops it. Woodson runs the same plays for JJ and they always get stopped. Last but not least don’t run anything for the guy who had 20pts at halftime. I know I am not a coach but I think 40% of this blog can coach just as bad as Woodson.

By smartguy

January 21, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this

Good stuff, Ray and curious. To me, there is nothing more frustrating than watching your favorite team consistently being underutilized and underperforming solely due to the fallacies of the head coach.

We have been beating this drum for far too long. Terrible offensive system, no creativity or variety in play calling, and probably worst of all, no ability to make in-game adjustments. I have NEVER seen a coach so incapable or unwilling to make changes to things that aren’t working. But I guess that problem comes from the top down, because we also have an ownership group incapable or unwilling to make a change.

By Willie Coyote

January 21, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this

Woodson is ruining Acie Law, plain and simple (as previously pointed out on this blog). He has that look of a guy who has been told to play a certain way even though he could help the team playing the way that made him a 1st rounder.

By ray

January 21, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Curious, Smartguy-exactly. And I had tried to defend him for his good points. Unfortunately, they don’t exactly seem to be outweighing the bad. Yet another thing you lay at Knight’s feet. How in the devil do you justify keeping a coach who can’t work with the roster that’s been set up. At this point, it’s not all the coach’s fault, even. I blame him for what he does wrong, but not for being in the wrong situation.

By smartguy

January 21, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Ray, the only reason Woody is still around is because Spirt is too cheap to pay two coaches at once. I don’t think there is any doubt if BK had his way that Woody would be long gone.

Of course its not all Woody’s fault, but the coach should coach to his team’s strengths, not its weaknesses. There is no roster in the NBA that is perfect. There are a very limited number of quality big men and point guards, so blaming BK for our lack there doesn’t work for me. If we signed Ben Wallace two years ago, would that still be good? Ditto with others. You have to coach and play with what you have.

By Mr. D

January 21, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Woodson and BK please play the best players. Do not consider draft position or salary. Solo is a better shot blocker, shot changer and rebounder than Sheldon/Lo/ZaZa. Acie/Mario/Salim are better suited to run/gun than Lue/AJ.

Play for the future/present play Solo. If he gets 30 minutes he will fill the box score. Slasher have to think twice before they come against him. Acie/Mario/Salim can run/go to the hole better than the old guys.

Shoot the ball every 10 seconds. Run the entire game. If Portland can be a factor in the West. The Hawks have the talent to be a playoff factor in the East. Tweak your approach.

By Ken Strickland

January 21, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Big RAY, what’s up? The Hawks have a number of strengths. We are just as quick and as fast as the Suns. However, we are bigger, taller, more athletic, and we play much, much better DEF. The Suns have 3 advantages over us.

(1)They are a much better outside shooting team.

(2)They have much better production at the PG position.

(3)They are totally committed to the uptempo fast breaking OFF, and force other teams to adjust to their style.

No other team runs as much as the Phoenix Suns. Yet, over the last 2-3yrs, they have been unable to outrun or dominate us. Even with our PG problems, we have come closer to dominating Phoenix than the other way around. The Hawks have only 2-3 players capable of consistently shooting over a defender(JJ, Salim, and maybe TLue). Childress and Marvin are excellent open jumpshooters while Horford and AJ are adequate.

With our size, speed and quickness, we should be getting more OFF rebounds. If we pushed the ball consistently we’d create a lot of 3 on 2, 4 on 3 and 5 on 4’s. Horford and JSmith’s speed, quickness and athleticism would give us a tremendous advantage in those situations. We would have our C, SF & PF going after RB’s with the opposing teams guards and forwards.

Anytime a team initiates their OFF before the DEF is set, they have the advantage. You give yourself a better chance at getting wide open shots, and you have a much better chance of getting the OFF RB. This type of OFF makes it almost impossible for DEF’s to double team. How many times have you seen teams successfully double team any Phoenix players?

If our OFF can create more open shots, our overall shooting percentage will correspondingly increase, along with our PPG average. How else do you explain the success of the Phoenix Suns, the shortest, smallest, and one of the worse DEF teams in the NBA. We can’t match the Suns overall shooting ability, but they can’t match our DEF and athletic ability. The physical style played in the East hasn’t stopped the Suns from being successful playing Eastern teams. THE ATLANTA HAWKS SHOULD BECOME THE PHOENIX SUNS OF THE EAST. All Woodson has to do is tell our PG’s to push the ball and attack the lane relentlessly. I guarantee you the Hawks would be more successful. GOOD LUCK IN TODAYS GM HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Astro Joe

January 21, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Ando, I’ve been screaming from day 1 on this blog to change the coach. I’m now on the Alvin Gentry bandwagon for our next leader.

Point still is that a potential #8 seed that is still very young does not need to disband. That is nonsensical. This is not the Hawks team from ‘98 that had no upside. We are clearly not done with the work but there is no need to rebuild. And trading away a 27 year-old JJ certainly feels like rebuilding to me.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 21, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Frustration at its finest- We have the core players in place to be really good,but we seem to be fighting an uphill battle.

Frustration- ASG with there legal situation keeps us from getting the C or Pg to get over the hump.

           BK- Gm who blows 2out of 3 drafts and overlooks serious talent (Roy/GAY) to add to his 6'9 forward collection--excuse me Sheldon is 6'7.

Gm cant bring in players or fire the coach because of the ownership feud.

         Woody- Tired of beating that horse.We all know he is terrible.

Its really hard to be a fan of this team. NO coach,No draft picks,No center/pg, No resolution to the ASG feud. If these guys are to cheap to fire Woody and pay sumone else to do a better job then what hope do we have of landing the necessary players in free agency or for that matter resigning our own.

I would’nt be suprised at all if JS is’nt resigned in the summer. They didnt want to pay JJ 70 mil so how do you think they feel about paying josh 70-80 mil. This JJ thing started the fued in the first place.

Its hard watching a team thats going nowhere. Portland-They were the Jail blazers 4 yrs ago, now look at their team. They went out and got players and a top notch coach. Come June they will be battling the big boys outwest. Wehave been rebuilding since MOOKIE and STEVE SMITH left.I dont see that changing until some one is fired .

By ray

January 21, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Ken, we should be getting more offensive rebounds. We don’t, and I’m sure you know why. Seems to me like when one of our guys takes a shot, the entire rest of the team is sprinting backwards to get back on defense. Josh Childress is one major exception. Why give up completely after one shot?

It’s not like we don’t have the speed to match or over-match other teams. And yet, we are constantly giving up offensive rebounds to other teams. I can hardly attribute this to anything but coaching. Every time we take a shot, you see 3-5 bodies of the opposing team in the paint looking for the rebound. Our guys are already across the half court line when it happens. This smells of Woody.

Joe, I have to say that trading JJ feels like rebuilding because it is. This organization has been in constant rebuild mode. That train has never left the station. Added some horsepower? You bet. Since BK has come here, we’ve had the same two problems: problems at the point, problems in the post. Each year, we’ve had the same strength: swingmen (this includes JJ).

And tell me something: if given the choice, would you rather build around a Dwight Howard, or a Joe Johnson? The 8th seed bit has very little to do with this analogy. It’s nothing more than a tool to build an argument with. As Ando said, that organization has already made the moves it needed to make to get the ball rolling. They chose well on who/what to build around, and adjusted accordingly. And adding Lewis was a major adjustment that is paying off. Any reason to believe this will be happening here? Uhhh…NO.

By the way: NOBODY has been screaming for a coaching change since Day 1. We didn’t know anything about Woody’s coaching ability at first. Even after a year, it wasn’t clear, because we had a very young, very inexperienced, talent-lacking team. But we have known for a couple of years now.

By ray

January 21, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I.Mus, you’d think it couldn’t be that hard. Fire Woodson, give Larry Drew a promotion and a raise, then see how he does. All the while, keeping your eyes open and looking for the type of head coach who can fill the spot (in case Drew can’t do it either). I don’t expect that from Billy though.

Talk about a no-win situation. We get to watch how a young team is supposed to be built: the Trailblazers. The right drafts, the right trades. The right coach. Can we beat them? Yes. Will we? Who knows. Here’s the bad part: if we do win this game, the same people who think we have the perfect roster setup for a glorious future have one more game to add to their pathetically misguided argument. And like clock-work, we’ll lose to a team we have no business losing to right afterwards. Of course, nobody will have an answer to this that will make any sense. Except for the same old answer that people continue to deny, that is.

Yeah, it’s tough being a Hawks fan. Even when they’re winning more games (at the moment) than they have in the past.

By Astro Joe

January 21, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Ray, Orlando is FAR from being a model organization. In fact, they have made FAR worse moves than the Hawks. Take away a lucky bounce of a ping-pong ball and tell me what great thing they have done in the past 3 drafts? Would I want to build around any #1 lottery pick? Yes I would. Tell me how to guarantee how we can make that happen. I’ll wait.

Look, we’re not going from door mat to Eastern Conf. finals overnight. It is an iterative process. The first step is to reach the playoffs. Then, you adjust your team based on competing in those playoffs, not to compete in the regular season.

We DO NOT need to rebuild. Why is this even coming up? Because we lost to the Bucks, who were 10-5 at home when we played them? Because we lost on the road to Toronto? Because we have lost 2 games to the Knicks? We’re probably the only Eastern Conference team who hasn’t had the chance to play the Knicks yet. Not once. And with the recent Stern ruling, I think that we have only “technically” played the Heat once. So our schedule has allowed us to play the conference doormats once, while every other team has been padding their record aginst the Heat & Knicks. Guess what? Our turn comes arond in a few weeks. Do we play well when we run? Yes. And guess what, we’re headed out west soon where even Woody can’t stop both teams from running.

The notion that we need to think about rebuilding now is assinine. If there are going to be trades this year, we need to be buying and not selling. (And no, I won’t feel different if we lose in later this afternoon to Portland).

By terrell barron

January 21, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Stranger things have happened, but I just dont see us winning today.

By D-Steel

January 21, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Hawks in need of Bigs in their Rotation

All contracts aside the Hawks need to pick up a big or two to compliment Al Horford who is a true power forward. Right now those who watch the hawks game in and game out either win close or lose close are searching for answers. So what could get us over the hump in these tight games? The Atlanta Hawks need something like a poor man’s Marcus Camby. A center that is dedicated to eating up the glass. He does not need to be a scorer he just need to be a reliable force at keeping the opposing team off the offensive glass. Right now the Hawks stand 17th in the league in rebounding, but that stat is misleading. Those numbers are probably dramatically skewed due to the grown-man’s work done in the paint by Al Horford. What happens when Al is on the bench. That is the stat of the season for the Hawks. While I applaud the efforts of the rookie forward, I tend to scratch my head when he is match up against the likes of Big-Z, Garrnett, Howard, Chris Bosh, and that is just the eastern conference. Listen it is really simple and I’m about to make my case. I really believe after watching the Celtics and Tom Kite; the Lakers and Kirk Rambsey; Detroit I with Sally and Robman; and Detroit II with Ben Wallace you need a guy to do work on the glass. The Hawks have enough fire power on offensive that we don’t need a scoring center. We could look on a NBA roster for that 7th or 8th man. We need a big body to set crisp screens and take care of the glass. How many times are we going to see Sheldon Williams and Zaza turn the ball over with an offensive foul trying to set a pick. Not to mention their meager rebounding efforts as of late. We are talking about the fundamentals of basketball. If Chris Dudley were still playing he would be a perfect fit in Atlanta. Just think what this team would look if we limited those offensive rebounds by the other teams and could get out on the break. Right now our forwards can ill-afford to leak out because we have a rebound by committee. I would love to see Al, and both the Josh’s have a chance to leak out, but if you look at the tape they are the ones corralling the rebounds. Before you can run you must rebound. Man, by my count that is a lot of potential fast break opportunities turned into put backs by the opposing teams. To many times when Al exits the game the Hawks get beat up on the glass. Check the film.
I have watch this team give up to many offensive rebounds to the opposing teams and more second chance points that I care to take. Rebounding and pick setting. I’m sure he’s out there as that 7th man on somebody’s roster. Right now second chance opportunities are killing the Hawks and are often times the difference in a win and a lost.
People around the league kid Dallas for paying Eric Damphier the type of money he is making. If you look at their roster he is the perfect fit. They have enough scoring. Look at Detroit pick up Nazi Muhummad, again they have enough scoring in place. Why are the Hawks idle on the play transaction front at this point in the season? I got two names for Atlanta Hawks GM, Scott Pollard and Jeff Foster and Indiana fades in the playoff hunt. In the 2001-2002 in Sacramento Pollard saw significant minutes and average 7.1 rpg. Common theme, that team was loaded with offensive weapons. Please don’t stop looking at those NBA rosters for a complimentary big or two. In the mean time I’d like to see Saloman Jones get more time in at the center position. I was disappointed to see him exit the game against Chris Bosh. I believe his length could bother a lot of shots, not to mention he may be able to set a pick with creating an offensive foul. I also believe once we get a big body on the court we could see Al exploit a match up against many of the leagues power forwards in the game down on the low block and not expend so much energy defensively guarding true centers.

By Ken Strickland

January 21, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Amen to everything you said ASTRO JOE, especially the comments about the Orlando Magic organization. They are owned by the same person(s) that owns the Amway Corp of Ada, MI(the Co and its owners had close ties and provided support to the Dutch who maintained Apartheid in South Africa). People seem to forget the Magic once made it to the NBA finals. Do you remember how quickly that team was dismantled? Ownership refused to pay the money to resign C SOneal, PG PHardaway, SF NAnderson, SG DScott or PF HGrant.

This is the same AMWAY that always braggs about being a cash based, debt free fortune 500 company. So neither money, nor salary cap prevented them from resigning any of their star players. I won’t go any further with that.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 21, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

I really comend the Portland organization. The owner basiclly said clean this up or heads are going to roll. They got rid of Ruben Patterson,Qwentel Woods Rach Randolph etc and replaced them with character guys in a short period of time. Oden comes in next year and they instantly become a top teir team RAY-i really wish it was as simple as sending Woody on his way. Im all for giving Drew a chance to see what he can do- maybe thats why he and Woody are always bickering on the sidelines. Drew knows the game and situations and Woody is trying not to be shown up by someone more competent.

ACIE RUMOR- cant hit layups ha? I guess everybody is starting to see what I see. PG of the future???? I like Acie but he is nowhere near ready to take over this team-

As much as i hate T Lue’s playing style i would rather see him than Mr. Law right now-he’s a turnover machine. whoa itz 2 ……

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

I.MUS, totally on the opposite end of your view regardin’ ACIE vs LUE!!! BTW, nice drive by ACIE and he’s the only PG that looks to go after rebounds. POUND THE LUE, should see selective minutes, at best!!! i’ll admit ACIE gotta step up a lot better and hopefully this game will help restore some of his confidence. we’ll see how our infamous HC handles him today!!!

By cp

January 21, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

It is sad we have this broke a* ownership team or whatever they call themselves. They wont get rid of Woody until the season is over with. Like it was said earlier, no way they pay another coach to come clean this up while still paying Woodson’s salary. It’s frustrating to see how everyone realizes how good we are when we run but our coach is not commited to it. I even think some opposing players were saying that but yet clueless Woodson just does not get it. I doubt we beat Portland. They are just a much better team than us. We do however get to see another player we passed on instead of taking. So while Roy probably scores 24 grabs about 6 boards and dishes out like 6 dimes we get to see Sheldon do absolutely nothing if he even gets in the game .. Another great move by our gm. It is so hard to be a fan of this organization. I like the players but the front office and ownership is another story.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

BTW, free NBALP today for those that are out of the ATL viewin’ area like me!!! FLASH, ya might be able to view this one!!

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

s/b pound the ball LUE LOL but he’s got a good shot. ya can’t take that from him….

By Astro Joe

January 21, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

mykhalc, looks like a boxing match, according to the box score. And Law appears to be having a very solid game, scoring, assists, boards and no TOs (early in 3Q). I’m taping the game and look forward to watching it later this evening.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

JOE, i missed the 3rd qtr but gettin’ ready to settle in and check out the finish. you are right, even as we start the 4th.

ACIE did look better in the first half. LUE had a good 1st half also. i know ACIE hit a 3 in the 3rd. when was the last time he did that??? here’s hopin’ for a ‘W’!!!

By woodsongametimecoach

January 21, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Portland announcers said that the Mcmillan wants to get the ball to whoever TLue was guarding. I don’t blame Lue. I blame Woodson for putting him into those situations. Does he really think that he can stop Aldrige and Outlaw? Sergio is destroying the Hawks with the pick and roll.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

JJ is steppin’ up in the last 2 mins!! showin’ he wants it!!! nice!!! tied it up!!! way to step up JJ!!!!

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

OT!!! ROY had good D on JJ on that last regulation shot!!!

By smartguy

January 21, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

11 seconds left, side out. What does Woody call????

Iso to Joe.

Same call same result. The iso to JJ just doesn’t work in crunch time. How many times does it take to learn that lesson? Hopefully we can overcome Woody’s inept coaching to still win in OT. What a joke of a coach.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

????????????????????? why stop a fast break WOODSON??????

By preston

January 21, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Is it me or is Marvin Williams, for the past few games has been taking a lot of forced, bad shots…..and it is obvious at this point that he really does not have the best coordination….it seems like he is always mishandling the ball and/or falling down on the court, even though I am always hearing alot about his athleticism…..he was playing very well early in the year, but he has not looked good at all lately. Concerning Woodson, I am just as frustrated as everyone else…..I think that he is wasting a lot of guys (Salim, Jones, etc) that could easily contribute to this team.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

L

By woodsongametimecoach

January 21, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

U have to tip your hat to Outlaw. He made the big plays. I thought that was a terrible shot but he made it. Was anyone suprised by Woodson’s play call at the end? Portland announcers thought it would be an alley-oop to Josh Smith. Obviously they haven’t seen too much of Woodson. This offensive channel is Joe Johnson 24/7/365. If Marvin isn’t scoring do you ever notice he is on the court? I am not trying to make a joke. He doesn’t get deflections, play defense, rebound nothing else. He scores.

By cp

January 21, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Tough game today. I will continue to support Marvin Williams but at this point Travis Outlaw seems to have a brighter upside than Marvin. The guy is dang near just soft as hell. Coach Woodson is the Greg Knapp of basketball, no adjustments what so ever and will go away from whatever is working. Lue was getting destroyed on defense yet he did not put Acie back in. Man what do we have to do to get a new coach in here. Law finally seems to have a good game going and cant get back in the game to save his life. We were beast on the boards but once again no type of defensive adjustments when Rodriguez and Outlaw were dismantling us. Woody new name is Greg Knapp. I dont wanna hear any more Trade Josh Smmith nonsense. If anything Marvin should be the one dealt if we even make a move, which i doubt. Marvin does not rebound well, does not get you assist, not a good defender, hesitant on the offenive end, and gives you nothing if his jumper is not falling.

By E

January 21, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

How about bringing Mike Glen back and replace woodson with Steve Smith what a idiot to take Lue out when He is HOT watch the replay of Lue on the bench afterwards Hejust shakes his head.

By t

January 21, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are below average. They will fade to the lower half of the eastern conference standings over the next few games and will likely stay there. They’re just not very good. Period.

By terrell barron

January 21, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Our best catch and shoot player is on the bench with only .09 left. WHATS UP WITH THAT? Whats the deal with Woody and Salim?

By notsosmartguy

January 21, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Smartguy…what a joke of a commenter.

JJ goes on a tear in the last 2 minutes, and you’re actually gonna criticize the coach for giving the ball to him? Please. Grow a brain.

By terrell barron

January 21, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

I’ve been trying to give Marvin some love this year, but I’m starting to change my mind. Will you please get a rebound, for crying out loud. When he gets the ball, no matter who is guarding him, he can never take him off the dribble. I’m getting tired of watching him run around with 2 left feet. He’s just taking up space. His eyes are always looking for JJ. He only has one option right now, and thats coming off a screen and hitting a WIDE OPEN jumper. WOW! If he’s defended he’s useless. Sorry Marvin, but I’m a little frustrated right now.

By Tiger Woo

January 21, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Hawks played a good game … it’s very simple - JJ missed when he had the opportunity to win the game - Outlaw didn’t miss for Portland when he had his opportunity.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

well i’ll use my energy to vent on ZAZA….USELESS!!!! 9 mins and he could not find ONE reb!!!! but he sure as hell wanted the ball on offense only to force things that are just not there!!!! he has NO FEEL for the game!!! or better said, no feel while he’s IN the game!!!

WOODSON????????????? never mind…..

By ray

January 21, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Joe, did I say that the Orlando was a model organization? No. Did I say we should trade JJ and/or think about rebuilding? No. Did I say we need to build around a NO.1 pick? No. So, you’ve gone and made a point in an argument that doesn’t even exist between us.

I mentioned rebuilding because YOU did. We haven’t left the rebuilding stage yet because we STILL don’t know if we’re even going to make the playoffs. We are STILL missing pieces that we’ve been needing. Take away a lucky ping pong bounce and tell me what great thing they have done in the past. Good one. I’ll do you one better: How about all the lucky bounces we’ve had in the past three drafts? What great thing have we done with them, eh?

Would I like to build around any #1 lottery pick? Yes I would. Tell me how to guarantee how to make that happen. I’ll wait. Again, it was a simple question. You wanted to compare Orlando and Atlanta, not me. You got hung on that one, because you missed the point: it wasn’t about the ping pong balls. It was how to go from step one, to step two, to step three, and so on. And since we have no dominating game changer to build around (like Dwight Howard) then the analogy isn’t such a good one. Now you want to say that Orlando has made far worse moves than we have. Want it both ways, do we? Fine, we’ll take the argument you cooked up:

Drafts: They got lucky on draft day and were smart enough to take Dwight Howard when they could have taken college sensation (and solid guy) Emeka Okafor. Other than that, nothing else to be that excited about. They drafted Jameer Nelson and JJ Reddick. Nothing great, but of the two, Reddick was the true dud. We passed on Chris Paul (a clear game changer) for Marvin Williams. We passed on Roy and Gay for Sheldon. We could’ve had Iguodala or Deng. We got Childress (still love Chill though). The point? One good ping pong ball bounce for them, and they made the right move. They built from there. All those great draft slots for us, and we couldn’t do better? And don’t try the argument of “well, if we drafted Paul, then we wouldn’t have this guy or that guy.” Drafting Paul would’ve given us something truly special to build around. Ask New Orleans. They’re still sending us (and every other team that passed on him) a thankyou card for that one.

Free Agents: They paid big money for Rashard. He’s a go-to guy. Don’t forget that they had added Hedo Turkoglu a couple years before that. Yeah, that’s right-another 17-18ppg scorer…besides Dwight Howard.We paid for Lorenzen and Speedy. Let’s see…I think they win that one.

Personnel moves: They got rid of a coach who couldn’t take them any further. We still have the same coach.

Playoffs: They were an 8th seed LAST year without Lewis. We weren’t close to the playoffs. They are currently holding down the 3rd seed with Cleveland breathing down their necks. We are talking about fighting for the 8th seed.

Lemme see. We paid $70 million and two 1st round draft picks for a guy who wasn’t even the best guy on his old team, and we still haven’t built anything around him. I don’t understand, Joe. Orlando has made far worse moves than we have,had less lucky bounces of ping pong balls… yet they’re clearly better than we are in the same amount of time. Perhaps you can explain? I’ll wait.

By smartguy

January 21, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Woodson sucks and everyone knows it. Wake up, Spirit, or we’re gonna miss the playoffs again.

FIRE WOODY!

By ray

January 21, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Joe, I don’t expect you to change your mind about anything. It’s never been you M.O. here.

Tiger Woo. Heh, that simple, was it? Well, I guess so when your offense includes giving the ball to JJ, as it always does. After all, he’s the only go-to guy we have. Nobody else can score in the 4th quarter, I suppose. Heavy is the burden…

By preston

January 21, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

terrell brandon- my sentiments exactly….I feel 100% as you do about Marvin…….at least earlier in the year his shot selection was much better….it seems as if he took what he had and his shots were falling……….now it seems as if he he pressing and rushing his shots, and he is off balance and throwing up bricks……where is all of the supposedly athleticism….the guy has some of the most uncoordinated moves of anybody on the floor for the hawks. I am really getting frustated now…..he was not a bad as a pick as Sheldon, who is starting to spend more and more time on the bench, but he is not doing anything to make me forget about CP3.

By ray

January 21, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Smartguy, oh but we have the perfect team! Just you wait (for how many more years?). These things don’t happen overnight, you know!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 21, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

When it’s the last play of regulation and Joe Johnson needs to make a shot to win, why the hell does nobody come and give him a pick? It’s not like he had to make a 3… if someone had given him a pick he could have driven it inside, maybe found some daylight, drawn a foul, who knows. Instead he is forced to heave up some off-balance contested b******. Great coaching, Woodson.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 21, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Marvin is capable of doing exactly two things: shoot mid-range jumpers and drive inside at full speed hoping to get fouled. He can’t play D, he can’t rebound, he can’t pass, he can’t really hit 3’s, and he can’t post up. The sooner the Hawks find a sucker who will trade a point guard for him, the better off they will be.

Speaking of trading for point guards, seems to me the Blazers have three PGs who can’t all play big minutes. Why is Billy Knight not trying to trade for Sergio Rodriguez or Steve Blake?

By ray

January 21, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Preston, nothing can make you forget CP3. Nothing short of extreme pathological denial. He is so special and we SO missed by not drafting him. Nothing against Marvin, of course.

Ken, that was very interesting information on the Magic organization. However, if it had anything at all to do with what is being currently discussed, I must have missed something somewhere. Fact remains that they are better built and a better team than us, despite the fact that we beat them earlier in the season. And, they’ve shown they’re willing to make risky moves. Seems to me that we were once a playoff team as well, and got completely dismantled. I fail to see where you were going with this.

By Tiger Woo

January 21, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Ray,

You are correct … “heavy is the burden”. Who else on the Hawks would you go to for the final shot to win the game but JJ?

Nice game by T Lue.

Looks like Shelden Williams is firmly nailed to the bench - another DNP. Man, what a wasted pick. I won’t even talk about what Brandon Roy could be providing for the Hawks right now.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

i b$tched about the mindset about not bein’ able to close games out for the last 2 weeks. and i stated, that the team was a minute away from a 5 game losin’ streak (a couple of blogs ago)!! well we ain’t there yet but hopefully the cat that was disagreein’ with me NOW gets what i was sayin’!!!

it is NOT chance NOR coincidence that we constantly lose the games decided in the last 2 minutes!!! place the blame where you choose. you know where i’m at on it!!! tho i will admit JJ DID seem to want the ball in his hands THIS game!!

By ray

January 21, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Najeh, you nailed it.

Ah, another unhappy player: Pachulia. I was beginning to wonder when this might come up. In spite of a continuously short roster, Zaza has been out of the game, out of the rotation, and more or less out of the loop in general. I feel bad for him, but I’ve been thinking for some time now that his time here…may just be short. Is it him, is it the coach? Don’t know if I want to even get into that. One thing is clear: he’s becoming frustrated with lack of PT, win or lose. While this may still be premature, don’t be surprised if he wants out. Fact is, he’s not producing for us. And you can take that any direction you like…

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

i see by SEKOU’s article that WOODSON felt the same way about ZAZA’s effort today as i did. he sent him to the locker room with 9:46 left to play. WOODSON i don’t want you to get the impression that we are on the same page about NOTHIN’!!! so don’t try to think like me!! it’s not possible!!!LOL (ANDO what cha think???!!!!) LOL

By C lyde

January 21, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Ken Strickland

January 21, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

That was an excellent gm. Like I’ve said before, we need another shooter. Those last few possessions in regulation and overtime would have been a perfect time to play Salim.

TLue took the pressure off JJ and allowed him to get wide open jumpers. However, when Lue went out, JJ was able to be pressured. Salim would have provided protection with Lue out of the gm. Down the stretch I would have played JJ at SF and rotated Lue, Law and Salim at guard.

That lineup would have encouraged Portland to consider posting our smallish guards. That would have at least gotten them off the 3pt line and given our shotblockers a chance to help. They killed us from the outside, not the inside.

By ray

January 21, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Tiger Woo, could you imagine? Some people keep saying that we need another shooter on the team. Geeez! Brandon Roy was IT! Imagine what he could’ve been doing in the backcourt with JJ! We wouldn’t even be whining so much about having missed on CP3! Two deadly shooting guards…no need for either to play a traditional pg role. Either can initiate the offense and/or bring the ball up the floor.* If you’re not going to go with a more traditional pg, then this would have been the way to go. Some idiots STILL can’t see that. But *now we need another shooter….ugh.

I think I need to take a break from this. I can feel my blood pressure rising even now.

Mykhalc, you know the deal. It is what it always is. No debate about it.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

for a player that has done much of nothin’ over 2.5 seasons SALIM sure gets some luv!!! his rep is faaaaarrrr more imagined than his game is real!!! i guess i’m just missin’ it!!!! geeesssshhhhh i don’t get nor have i seen it!!!

By Tiger Woo

January 21, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Losing these close games at home is going to come back and haunt the Hawks. They have lost 3 overtime games at home already this season.

Hawks reserve center Zaza Pachulia was sent to the locker room with 9:46 to play by coach Mike Woodson. Pachulia was upset over being yanked in and out of the game. Pachulia had played eight minutes up until that point. He had only played six minutes this month before that, four minutes in one game and two minutes in another.

I don’t blame Zaza for getting upset. Why not let him play and get back into the flow? Zaza was actually a nice piece for the Hawks last year. It’s not as if they don’t need help in the paint.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, yep and i feel ya bro!!

By preston

January 21, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

The sad thing is, is that the hawks as a team, are a very good, athlectic bunch…..the team has shown that it can compete and win games….we actually have a better bench than the majority of the league….and that is what frustates me the most……we see guys like Salim…Solomon, and West come off of the bench and provide the team with a spark…..the fans get pumped up and the team plays with renewed energy and enthusiasm……and then for some inexplicable reason, we will not see these guys again in games for weeks????? Why does Woodson do this??? This odd strategy is killing this team….it is wearing out the starters again just like last yr, and they are not finishing the 4th quarter strong. Today we played well, but the starters had a couple days rest. If Woodson does not get consistent with playing guys like Salim, Solomon, and West….this upcomming road trip will be the unraveling of this yr’s team, and hopefully him also.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Tiger Woo, well i blame him!!! ZAZA has the PERFECT opportunity to get PT on an undersized team!!! the perfect one!!! his problem is the things that this team needs, he either does NOT want to do or can’t do!!!

HORFORD said it best in his TNT interview with CMILLER. he said if he’s gotta play the 5 to get time then that’s what he’s got to do!!! perfect example of a player understandin’ what it takes to get on the court and stay on the court!!!

ZAZA should flat out be embarrassed that he let an undersized rook take and KEEP his job!!!! but i’ve said it over a year now, he is comfortable not fightin’ for his job!! he showed it last year with LW and now with AH!!!

i just hope that it (his displeasure) creates some movement on the trade front!!!!

By terrell barron

January 21, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Woody, please trade Zaza immediately! Sheldon too. Also move Salim and Solomon if you are not going to play em. If you can find any takers for Marvin, you can ship him out too. Get Horford some post help, while your at it. And please dont call time outs when we are on a fast break. o.k.! I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired!

By Mike

January 21, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Just got back from the game. Joe may have missed some shots, but take away his performance we don’t have a chance in this game.

Who had the audacity to complain when Woodson took TLue out the game? He was killing us on defense. The Trailblazers were scoring at will when he was on the floor. It wasn’t until he took TLue out the game that they made their run to tie the game. TLue is just too big of a liability on defense. In fact Woody waited to long to take TLue out the game. What’s the good in trading scores when your down by 7 seven points deep into the fourth quarter?

We’ve seen it all before, it’s coaching at crucial times at the game that doom this team. ANDO, and anybody else can talk about BK draft picks all they want, but until we see this team coached by someone other than Woody, it’s hard to criticize this team. The more games I go to, the more obvious it becomes that Woodson is not capable of taking this team to next level. It just not there. He makes the guys work so hard to score with his offensive scheme.

Poor play calling and poor substitution doom this team every time. They must be trying to show case TLue and Zaza. No way you put the two biggest defensive liabilities on the team on the floor at the same time. We go up by 11 and then we go with Zaza and TLue, and the next thing you know Portland seize control of the game and we’re down by five.

Acie had a great game and you leave on the bench and forget about him. Joe is about to get a break away lay-up to tie the game with 37 seconds left in the game and you call a time-out and do Portland a favor. In over-time Outlaw is the guy with the hot hand, with 11 seconds left to play no way I allow him to get that ball, Smoove can’t work miracles every night and shut someone down, I don’t take that chance, I make someone else on the team take that shot, I double team Outlaw, he’s the last guy I want to have the ball with the clock running down.

Oh well another heartbreaker. The guys played their hearts out, but we still got the same result. I’m all for seeing what Larry Drew can do with this team. I had backed off saying any thing because I wanted to give Woody the benefit of the doubt, but I can see this team always struggling to win in Woody’s system. It’s painful to watch at times, but I gotta stick with by boys.

It was a very entertaining game. Portland played great; I don’t want to take anything away from their performance. They made the big shots when counted, we didn’t. The crowd was rowdy, we tried to will them to a to victory, but Portland kept attacking, they never let up. They deserve to win.

By Tiger Woo

January 21, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

I agree Ray,

Picking Marvin over Chris Paul has proven to be a bad choice in hindsight, but at least Marvin is contributing.

If you want a good laugh, Check out this scouting report on Shelden Williams. A shot blocker? Owns the paint? Overall score: 92

http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/sheldenwilliams.html

Then check out Brandon Roy’s scouting report. Ball handling and passing - 0 rating? Overall score: 80

http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/brandonroy.html

The scouts appear to be clueless!

By terrell barron

January 21, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

I hate to tell yall, but Zaza is no help in the paint. We’d be better off giving Solomon his minutes. The offense staggers when he’s on the floor. It’s so obvious.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

i guess ZAZA figured if it can work for AJ then why not me????

By Tiger Woo

January 21, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

mykhalc,

I see you point in a sense, but Woody’s coaching moves make no sense to me. Zaza got hurt early on and Horford stepped in and impressed us all - he definitely earned his playing time.

When Zaza came back, he was obviously rusty and struggling to find his game, but in my opinion, Woody has no patience and didn’t give Zaza a chance to work his way back and gain some confidence. Sure, he made some mistakes, but at least give him a chance. Now he’s burying him on the bench - does that make sense?

Same with Shelden Williams. He was actually showing some signs of improvement earlier this year - now, all of a sudden, he’s buried on the bench. I’m sure he’s wondering what’s going on.

Same with Solomon Jones. Plays one game - contributes - and then he’s back on the pine for the next 3 games.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Mike, nice recap. saw what i saw and i’m san fran!!!LOL

By cp

January 21, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Woodson is clueless I really dont think this guy gets it. Like I said earlier I have supported Marvin but this kid just does not have it in him in my opinion. How in the hell does BK not even work out Roy to see him up close? Forget the Marvin pick the Sheldon pick might be top 10 ever bust. This guy is a second round talent at best but somehow the genius BK took him over Roy, Gay, Marcus Williams, and a host of others. Forget a fire BK and Woody t shirt we need some billboards. This crap is rediculous.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Tiger Woo, don’t get my ZAZA vibes confused with agreein’ with ANYTHIN’ WOODSON does coachin’ wise!!!LOL and i hear what you’re sayin’ too!!! but the fact is ZAZA has had 3 years to entrench himself as the main 5!!! hasn’t done it and he couldn’t/wouldn’t do it if he had another 3 years…PERIOD!!!

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

WOODSON callin’ a timeout on a steal and fastbreak opportunity, down 2 with 37 secs to play sums up who he is as a coach…PERIOD!!!! and that’s not even the sad part. the sad part is, durin’ the timeout he calls the same iso for JJ!!!! gimme a break!!! he coulda yelled that out while JJ was headed down court!!! “slow it down, pull it back to the top of the key for JJ, everybody clear to your spots, alright run it”!!!!!!

By Tiger Woo

January 21, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Zaza Pachulia averaged 12.2 points and 7 rebounds a game last year. Did he suddenly lose his game?

Maybe the Milwaukee Bucks knew something we didn’t know …

ATLANTA, GA (Aug. 11, 2005) — The Atlanta Hawks today signed free agent center Zaza Pachulia (pronounced Za-Za Pa-CHUL-e-ya) to a contract, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Billy Knight. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Hawks originally submitted an offer sheet on Pachulia to the Milwaukee Bucks on August 3, and the Bucks elected not to match the offer.

“Zaza is a young player who gives us size in the middle, and shows surprising toughness for his age,” said Knight. “He has filled an important role off the bench during his brief NBA career and we feel he will continue to show tremendous progress in the future.”

A two-year NBA veteran, the 6-11, 240-pound Pachulia averaged 6.2 ppg and 5.1 rpg in 18.9 mpg last season (.452 FG%, .644 FT%), appearing in 74 contests for Milwaukee. He spent his rookie campaign (2003-04) with Orlando, averaging 3.3 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 11.3 mpg (59 games).

He was originally picked in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Magic. Following his season in Orlando, he was selected by Charlotte in the 2004 Expansion Draft, then acquired by the Bucks for a 2004 second-round draft choice.

The 21-year-old native of the Republic of Georgia played parts of four seasons for Ulker (Istanbul, Turkey) from 1999-2003, helping the club capture the 2001 and 2002 Turkish President’s Cup, as well as the 2001 Turkish National Championship.

Zaur Pachulia (has legally changed his first name to Zaza) was born February 10, 1984 in Tbilisi, Georgia. He will wear uniform no. 27.

By cp

January 21, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Woodson aka Grep Knapp needs to go. Law was finally having a good game. He was rebounding and getting dimes. So what does Woodson Knapp do, doesnt put him back in the game at all. The guy hits a rare 3 pointer and cant get back in the game. Woodson Knapp then puts in Childress who does absolutely nothing once he gets in. I said it in a previous blog, Solo has a good game and wont probably be seen again no time soon. Im pretty sure someone in that locker room wants to go Sprewell on Woody Knapp.

By HB Ando

January 21, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

At the very beginning of this season, I noted that the Warriors failed to exercise their option on Patrick O’Bryant, making him an unrestricted free agent at years’ end. At the time I said it would make a lot of sense for the Hawks to seek a trade for him, since the Warriors stand to get absolutely nothing when he leaves this summer. Though there is very little objective game feedback on what he is capable of, all logic points to him being a horrible fit for Nellie’s fast-break system, rather than lacking in NBA talent. Heck, Solomon is a classic fit for Nellie’s style. And if we’re not going to do anything else but bury Zaza on the bench, maybe a package of Zaza and Marvin could net us O’Bryant and Monta Ellis.

I hear from Ray that recently this subject is being bandied about as a new idea. OK. New or old, it remains true that getting him in trade, with a commitment to re-sign with the Hawks, makes enormous sense for a team lacking both a center and a first-round draft pick.

This little tidbit was picked up from Hoopshype:

“Backup Patrick O’Bryant, who hadn’t played a meaningful minute in the last two months, entered the game and picked up three fouls in his first four minutes. But he also blocked a shot, poked away a pass, hit a nifty jump hook and grabbed a pair of rebounds in a productive six-minute stint.”

He’s younger than Shelden, and 7’1. Can there possibly be any down side in seeing what the Warriors would take, in trade, for a guy they get zilch for this summer?

Billy, where ‘ya at? This isn’t tricky or expensive. Just clever, a concept we know eludes you at the most basic level. Can you not give us a little “blind squirrel stumbles on a nut, now and again”?

I also read a blurb from the Memphis rag that said Billy has a standing offer on the table for Gasol. Why does that seem unlikely? Oh, me of little faith…..

By Tiger Woo

January 21, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

OK mykhalc,

I can agree that Zaza is probably not the answer as the “main 5”, but are we ready to concede Zaza’s signing as another free agent bust along with the following players?Shareef Abdur Rahim, J.R. Rider, Antoine Walker (not a total bust), Lorenzen Wright, Al Harrington (let go after Marvin’s draft - questionable decision), Speedy Claxton, Stephen Jackson (who they could certainly use now).

The problem with the Hawks is their personnel decisions makers regarding draft picks and free agent signings. Which Hawk free agent besides Joe Johnson has really proven to be successful? Most of their signings only last for a few years and then they give up on them. Their draft choices lack creativity and are usually by the book. That’s why Marvin Williams was chosen at # 2 - they listened to the so-called experts who said Marvin was the consensus # 2 pick instead of drafting a point guard which they sorely needed - who wasn’t hyped as much as Marvin.

Then they draft Shelden Williams, who was over-hyped at Duke as the landlord who “owned the paint” and bypassed two dynamic players in Roy and Gay. No imagination or foresight by the Hawks decision makers. Why do other teams find “diamonds in the rough like San Antonio (Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili in the 2nd round) Golden State (Monta Ellis - 40th pick in the 2005 draft) - believe it or not - I’d rather have Ellis over Marvin - who was picked # 2 in the same draft.

By HB Ando

January 21, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Mike,

That’s an interesting twist. I’ve been just as unsparing in my concerns about Woody’s coaching. But let’s take your comment about a different coach working with this roster. How do you think Woody would have done coaching a lineup of Paul, Johnson, Deng or Igoudala, Josh Smith and any of our remaining bigs (Zaza, Wright)? Seriously?!

We only have Horford because Billy failed so miserably that we were left with a legitimate chance at catching the ping pong ball, that kept us from sending a 4-6 pick to Phoenix. Does anyone really believe that was part of a master plan?

When Joe talks about Orlando lucking up with the ping pong ball to snatch Howard, can he really be serious in glazing over just what a massively inexcusable combination of repeated front office mistakes and dumb luck had to occur for us to end up with the 3rd overall pick last year?

We have Horford because Billy was SO WRONG in every decision he’s made. I just checked Webster’s, and his picture is next to the definition of incompetence.

Whatever failings Woody has as a coach, and they are many, are simple misdemeanors compared to the felonies that Billy Knight has perpetrated on the fans of the Atlanta Hawks.

Clean house. The whole house. New owner, new GM, new coach. You don’t have to rebuild to retool. This roster cannot climb it’s way into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, as weak as it is.

Danny Ainge put together a roster full of young, promising talent, which produced nothing last year. He finally had the foresight to leverage those assets (to return to an ongoing theme) to put together a veteran roster, build to win now. You folks who think Josh Smith and Joe Johnson should be untouchable, aren’t even looking at the talent that the C’s gave up, in Al Jefferson. We don’t have to be the Timberwolves in making aggressive moves. We can seek to be the Celtics.

Why does the idea of trading a Johnson, Smith or Marvin have to conclude with starting over? Would acquiring Gasol mean starting over?

So many folks here call for action, but refuse to consider making bold moves. When folks talk about acquiring a guy like Magloire, who’s now on something like his 4th team in the last few years, and, who has failed, at each stop, to establish himself as the first option in the post, maybe it’s time to acknowledge that he’s not that good.

Gotta give to get. Nobody is going to take a package of Billy’s mistakes, and send us the answer to our prayers.

There are two realistic scenarios: make a bold move, that entails some risk, and includes moving one of our more talented pieces, or have this same conversation again next year, while we contemplate our chances at grabbing the 8th seed. Again.

By Astro Joe

January 21, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Ray, your 12:51 post sounded like you were agreeing to more rebuilding. You’re review or Orlando’s moves was good. You left 2 things out. Fran Vasquez, lottery pick. Remember him? How does his NBA career stack up against any Hawk 1st round pick in last 5 years? And remember their coaching changes? Doc leaves and is replaced by whom? Brian Hill, team retread. And did Hill last 2 seasons after having previously been fired by the same team? (I don’t think so). Hill is replaced by whom? Van Gundy? Uh, NO! Try Billy Donovan. Does Donovan have more NBA wins than Woody or Kruger? No. He did the ultimate-Petrino. Difference in the 2 franchises? Howard and an owner who provides his GM a delete key and a ton of cash. (And Rashard makes more than JJ and isn’t half the player).

So Ray, if you weren’t advocating for more rebuilding, I apologize for misunderstanding your 12:51 post.

Ando, check out POB’s stat line from earlier today. I agree that we desperately need a defensive center (who doesn’t?) but do we need another project? Trade Zaza & expiring deals and let’s bring in a proven big. And by the way, that was a generous description, GS failed to exercise his option. They didn’t fail, they actively opted to kick a recent lottery pick to the curb. No need to trade for that (unless it’s a 2nd round pick).

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Tiger Woo, i’m not sayin’ ZAZA is a bust. but he IS PLAYIN’ like a bust right now!! why??? i would say WOODSON has somethin’ to do with it firstly. but i put it mainly on ZAZA. how many mins last year did he need to get 12/7??? i don’t know. i’m really askin’!! if ZAZA is truly a team player then he would do what his team needs for him to do in order for the team to be successful. to me ZAZA acts like gettin’ his shot off when his number is called is the ONLY thing that matters!!! and if that is truly his take on things then WOODSON has put him right where he needs to be…at the end of the bench.

what i’m seein’ is that WOODSON DOES NOT have command of this team and the players show that with their disdain in his choices!! they obviously feel/know that they KNOW BETTER!!! and they just might. WOODSON’s lack of a committment to a solid/known rotation has got to be maddenin’ for those cats!!! it is for us as fans!!! but when i see a cat like ZAZA just not produce and see a cat like SOLO bust his butt with hustle and effort in the areas that the team REALLY NEEDS then i say it’s time for change!!! and i just hope that NO MATTER WHAT WOODSON’s time is up at the end of the season or before!!!! that HAS to be part of the change!!!

By Astro Joe

January 21, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Ando, changing coaches is the most logical option, unless you’re such a BK hater that you don’t want to see if anyone else can make this work. The ‘04-‘06 drafts are done. There is enough talent to do something with this roster. No, not a championship roster. But before we can talk titles, we have to get in the playoffs and there is enough here to do that (with a quality coach).

And you have to understand salary cap issues and matching salaries before offering up a ton of trade ideas. The bigger the superstar, the more difficult the trade. Theo’s contract was essential to that KG trade. Fortunately (or not), we don’t have a $15M expiring contract that we are desperate to move. We’d have to include like 4 players to get in that ball park (and who has roster space for a third-of-a-team?). It’s not that easy.

My Orlando comparison is NOT to say we haven’t made bone-headed decisions. But it is to say that every other team that makes bone-headed decisions gets to use a delete key and make adjustments.

Sekou, what’s the deal for Salim again?

By Tiger Woo

January 21, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

mykhalc,

In 05-06, Zaza averaged 31.4 min. - 11.7 pts. and 7.9 reb. - .451 FG %

In 06-07, Zaza averaged 28.1 min. - 12.2 pts, and 7.0 reb. - .474 FG %

In 07-08, Zaza is averaging 14.7 min. - 4.8 pts, and 3.6 reb. - .356 FG %

Pachulia played eight minutes vs. Portland and had only played six minutes this month before that, four minutes in one game and two minutes in another.

How can he be playing like a bust when he doesn’t even get in the game anymore? Has he totally lost his game after having 2 straight productive years? Sure, Zaza has his limitations, but why destroy his confidence by benching him - then putting him in the game sporadically and expecting him to perform?

Mark my words … when the Hawks dump Zaza, he’s going to resurface as a productive player on another team.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Tiger Woo, i have no doubt that your words will probably ring true!!

but ask yourself this, WHY and WHEN would you EVER take HORFORD off the court for ZAZA?? 2 reasons only!!! necessary rest for AL and foul trouble!!! other than that ZAZA is gettin’ the mins he deserves!!! last year was different. the choice was LW!! simply put, ZAZA has a different level of competition that he has to deal with now!! and that’s why he is where he is…mostly!!!

By Sean

January 21, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Can someone point me in the right direction toward a decent Hawks message board?

By curious

January 21, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

There is one record Woodson is getting close to. He has argued(major disputes) with JS,AJ,Zaza,MW,SW,SS,LW,Speedy. I don’t know about everyone else but I personally have never heard of a head coach specifically arguing with individual players this often. Maybe he can get through the whole roster and we can call the Guiness World record experts.

By terrell barron

January 21, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

There were 5,6, other teams that passed on Roy, so he’s not the only GM that missed, he’s just the only one that selected Sheldon, which will never be understood. At least in the minds of Hawks fans. However, you have to look at it from BK’s perspective. B.Roy is a shooting guard. We already had Joe. This team was in desperate need of a shot blocker and a rebounder. Sheldon was supposed to be that guy. Some players just dont live up expectations. As it pertains to Gay, he’s a sf, and like every has always said, we dont need anymore swingman. Its easy to say that we should’ve selected these players, because they are playing well, but at the time, it made no sense to draft them. A 7 ft. beast would have been the best option that year, but I dont know if any were available.

By jami$$iondadon

January 21, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY TRADE ZAZA SHELDON LUE SPEEDY LO WRIGHT 4 WILCOX & RIDNOUR

By terrell barron

January 21, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Has anyone ever thought: What if Milwaukee would’ve taken Marvin 1st overall? Yall do know that it almost happened. We still would have passed on Deron and Chris and went with Bogut. So unless we would rather have Bogut instead of Marvin, that subject should be dropped. However, with the way Marvin has been playing of late, I might even make that swap. lol

By doc

January 21, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

i guess the comparison of the relative value of having a roy vs. a sheldon hits home when one gets a close up and personal view that includes a loss to the team that roy plays for. one year it is draft for best available so we lose though it is apparant the best wasnt taken even then, with a follow-up year of drafting for need and blowing it again. ultimately, i see this as more than just billy or woody and instead say it is the problem of the broken atlanta spirit.

lets see, heading out for 5 on the road and nearing the halfway point. unless they win more than 1 of the next four the prediction of 35 to 36 wins are looking dead on if you extrapolate present wins to a full season. where are the “50 wins this year” folks?

one more player with communication problems with the coach. anybody see a trend here?

By HB Ando

January 21, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Joe, I’ve never offered a trade idea that didn’t conform to salary cap guidelines. Ellis and POB for Zaza and Marvin would work.

Also, please name me one, viable center solution that we could trade Zaza and an expiring contract(s) for.

I’m trying to offer realistic options. Would you have called Bynum a project last year, after Kobe called him out? Or Biedrins, before last season began? Once again, it’s about what appears to be an absolute lack of talent evaluation in the front office. Anybody can figure out that LeBron is going to be great. But the best teams (San Antonio and Detroit) are buoyed by guys that no one else accurately assessed. Parker and Ginobli. Rip Hamilton and Prince. Every time Billy has zagged, when conventional scouting projections suggested zigging, he’s missed.

Fire the coach? Sure. Woody can’t manage a game to save his life. And the half-court offense is virtually non-existent. But give Woody the roster that just about anybody else, in Billy’s place, would have drafted, and we’re not splitting hairs here. New Orleans and Portland were right where we were/are, just a 3 years ago. I predicted, before LAST season began, that the Blazers would win more games than us, and was almost uniformly dismissed for such an outlandish prediction. Oddly, I was right.

Billy has failed miserably. Woody was set up to fail from the get go. And despite his gradual improvements he’s clearly not the answer. Any attempt to characterize my position as ALL Billy, and NO Woody, is wholly inaccurate. I’ve repeatedly said the whole crew should be replaced, from the Spirit, to the GM, and, finally, the coaching staff, if you honestly desire a team that has the potential to compete with the best of the East, in the next five years.

I am not advocating starting over, with the roster, as Joe has suggested. I have merely pointed out that unless major moves are made, in the next year or so, it’s largely unlikely that Joe Johnson will decide to stay here when he’s up for a contract renewal. If that’s a fair assessment, and if it’s an accurate prediction that we will not be a true threat in the East, prior to the the final year of his contract, then does it not make sense to leverage his value, around the league, to make the necessary moves to position this team for future championship potential?

Let me try it this way: if Joe Johnson told you that without major changes, veteran help in the way of trades or free-agent signings, in the next year or so, would you, much like the Twins and there situation with Johan Santana, not look to optimize his value, and relatively reasonable contract, to pick up a replacement scorer and a top-five pick in the upcoming draft? It seems that he alluded to this level of dissatisfaction, with the way the franchise has been run, since his signing, during the beginning of the season.

I’m just saying that if he’s not in this for the long haul (and the long haul is still the only way we’ll see this team have a shot at playing for a championship), then, in a summer where you are a borderline 8th seed in the East, lack a clear solution at the 1 and the 5, for the 5th straight year, and do not have a first round draft pick, or unlimited funds for free agents, or an ownership situation that lends itself to being even a passing consideration to pending free agents and their representatives, then how many realistic options do you have to improve this team considerably?

Our two most valued assets are Joe and Josh. Marvin still has enough upside to offer some possibly compelling return. Horford is your four of the future, so he’s probably more untouchable than either of the other three. Somebody has to go, in order to balance this roster. And that truth is not mutually exclusive of the franchise’s need to find a better head coach. Both of those things need to happen.

At 18-20, we’re on 39-win pace. A loss to Miami in the 51-second make up and we’re right at the 36 wins I predicted.

I simply do not believe that this roster, generally unchanged next summer, becomes a legitimate threat in the East. If I’m right, then you have to make some changes to address it’s obvious, and long-standing deficiencies.

Stand pat and you guys can have this exact same conversation, 12 months from now. And though you might find this truth to be an incentive for such a scenario, you can have it without me. I’ve largely lost my patience and interest. If I wasn’t such a ridiculous basketball addict, I’d have been long gone. But I can still see some light at the end of the tunnel. I just know the train needs a new engineer to make it to the light.

By Clyde

January 21, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

Looks like the party is over. What happened to all those people talking bout making the playoffs? This team needs a GM that knows how to evaluate talent and a coach that can develop talent. We also need a coach that believes in his players. If you don’t have faith in your players then you should cut them.

Fire Billy and Woody t-shirts are still available eventhough its cold as hell outside.

FREE SOLOMON JONES

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Tiger Woo

January 21, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

OK mykhalc,

If what you say is true, what are our big man choices?

Shelden? - 5 minutes in the last 7 games - 0 points.

Zaza? - 21 minutes in the last 11 games - 1 point

Solomon? - 60 minutes all season - 16 games DNPs - 10 more games - 2 minutes or less

Lorenzen? - avg. 9.7 minutes in Jan. - 0.3 points

Horford is playing well, but he can’t do it alone. Woody needs to have confidence in at least one of the other bigs. What if Horford gets hurt - God forbid?

By Tiger Woo

January 21, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

terrell barron,

Brandon Roy is a combo guard - he can play the point and the 2 guard spot - we already had Joe, but they could easily play together. Joe could even play @ small forward - there would be so many potential scenarios - heaven knows the Hawks could use another scorer / jump shooter such as the dynamic Brandon Roy - rookie of the year.

Shelden wasn’t even that impressive in college. He is who we thought he was - a dud.

Yes … I’d rather have Bogut than Marvin … Bogut at center and Horford at power forward / backup center would be a big improvement. The Hawks would be just fine without Marvin - believe me.

As I stated earlier, Woody has no confidence in any of the other bigs, so Horford is basically on his own - he’s sure to burn out or get hurt at this rate.

By cp

January 22, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

Yea I’m not buying into the we didn’t need Roy talk at all. Him next to JJ would have been great. I know other teams passed on him but that ain’t got nothing to do with us passing on that type of talent once again for a player that nobody else had on their radar. Sheldon was already a borderline mid first round pick in my opinion. and when his measurements came out then people started to drop him in the draft, well not with us because we have BK as gm. Any one who watched Duke games knew this guy was not a good player. He was a limited player. Sheldon had the benefit of a lot of calls due to him being at Duke but a lot of problems he has now was very apparent then. The guy had terrible hands, was slow, not athletic and etc. Then you add in the fact that guys were having career nights against him night after night and you had a recipe for disaster. I will never forget hearing rumors that we were taking him. I was praying that it was a smoke screen. I said it is no way in hell BK is thinking about taking this guy and nobody else in the lottery is eying him. I just knew he did not make a promise to a guy he did not work out and probably a good month before the draft. Well I was wrong as hell. I just doubt any other team had Sheldon on their radar like that where we just had to take this kid. Did we even work out many players that year? If I recall we barely had anyone in for a workout. Enough is enough. We have some talent but our coach and gm are just dumb and dumber. It is time for a change and its that time now.

By reese

January 22, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

OK, the last 3 games have been entertaining even though we came out on the losing end. I’m not even trying to understand how the hawks determine who will dress out for a game because it doesn’t really matter. Woodson is going to revert to his comfort zone of giving the majority of the minutes to JJ, MW, JS and JC. Horford will get minutes as long as he stays out of foul trouble. Lue will get minutes as long he is hitting his shot and until woodson finally gets tired of seeing the other team attack him when he is on defense. AJ has seen his minutes increase at the detriment of AC law. The rest will get token minutes at best.

We can debate all we want about the lack of playing time for Zaza. The key is that he has not proven in the time that he has been here that he makes this team a winner. Horford has brought rebounding, shot blocking, help defense,the occasional double digit scoring and intensity. BK has stated as well as many here on this blog that Zaza is a bargain at 4mil/yr. Its time to state truth and that is we are overpaying him.

Not only is zaza not playing well in games, he is not helping horford or josh smith practice against a player with height. Both Smith and Horford had trouble shooting over pryzbilla who just stood there with his hands up.

To tell the truth, BK should do the following for the next 2 to 3 weeks to make things simple for woodson and increase playing time for players. Send AC, Solomon and Shelden to the Dleague. This would allow these 3 players the playing time they need to get better. It would give woodson a bench of veterans that he must play.

After the 2 to 3 weeks you bring these guys back from the dleague and let the competition begin for roster spot/playing time for the rest of the year.

By Mike

January 22, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

ANDO I can agree with you, but only to a point. Your disdain for BK alone is not shared. Now if you want to include Belkin and the Spirit than we are in agreement. I have disdain for the way the Spirit run the Hawks organization as whole, not just BK and Woodson.

There is a center that will fit within the cap number of Zaza, its Jamal Magliore. His cap number is reported to be around 4mil, that’s well range to package Zaza and incentive piece to make that trade happen. Just because these players are not excelling in Woody’s systems doesn’t make them all a bust. Look at Royal; he’s being productive playing in a different system. Who’s to say Marvin and Sheldon couldn’t do the same.

Will someone please compare JJ numbers to ROY they play the same position. Are you advocating creating the same problem at the SG position that we already have at the SF and PF. Drafting more guys that play the same position? Wouldn’t drafting Roy be the same thing? Roy is better off where he’s at? Roy has a nice smooth game. But lets face it, if he played for the Hawks he would ride the bench in Woody’s system because Woody favor veteran over rookies.

I can’t argue with the list of guys BK passed on, and I agree bringing in Patrick OBryan is not that big of a risk, when you’re the Hawks.

But answer me this. If the Hawks are so hopeless and talent less, then why are they taking every game down to wire and forcing the tops teams in the league to bring their A game to get win, what does that say for the other teams that are suppose to be so superior to the Hawks. If what you say is true about the Hawks roster, why are guys fighting their hearts out every night? Why haven’t they quit by now. Portland is one of the top teams in the NBA, why did they need to go into overtime to be the Hawks.

This so call team that is inferior to everyone else in the NBA, why because of BK. Look around the league Bro. You’re letting a lot of GM and Owners of the hook. This is still one of the youngest teams in the league. All I ask is that you evaluate the team fairly. Don’t let your disdain for BK blind you to effort that these guys are putting out night in and night out. This team has improved in spite of Woody’s coaching and the Cheap Asssss Spirit. That says a lot about the character of the guys that play on this team. We all know the Hawks have their flaws, but they are far from being the door mate of the NBA.

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

By terrell barron

January 22, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Tell it like it is Mike.

By JSmoove

January 24, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

WHY ARE BOYKINS AND WEBBER STILL ON FREE AGENCY!!! we could really use them both, and we need to get rid of zaza’s useless butt, we need to trade him, drop him, or sell him for gas money or something man that dude is useless to us now,think about it when he was our 3rd best player last season… uhh nuff said. GO HAWKS!!

By BOYKINS AND WEBBER

January 25, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this

Free agency? Neither of us would wear a hacks “uniform” if our lives depended upon it. Just like your CEO, WE QUIT!