Hawks

By jami$$iondadon

January 26, 2008 5:03 AM | Link to this

FINALLY DARKWINGDUCK TAKES FLIGHT! The aggressiveness & wolverine tenacity that made him the best talent in hisdraft.IF ONLY HE DID THIS CONSISTENTLY.We can move him 2 his natural position sg & trade JJ 4 da point & center we need.JJ’s ballhawking on O stops the growth of the team he’s extremely inconsistent&unathletic. U don’t have this many top 5 picks come out the best at their respectivepositions only 2b unincorporated properly(mainly mw& ah whose the post option we need)FIRE WOODY WE’LL SOAR REALTALK

By doc

January 26, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this

really good win last night. need one more to stay in the race before coming home.

yes, the duck answered his critics. he at some point has to find his heart to do this every night, by that i mean a passion or desire to go all out each and every night. otherwise, he is a bust as a second pick. he doesnt show his heart every night the way others drafted behind him do, tha is the difference not the ability.

glad to see him answer his critics, now i want to see it the next game instead of falling back into the mix.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 26, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this

Maybe the Hawks should just haul Duck’s mom around to every game so Duck can get inspired.

By ray

January 26, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

Finally. This must have been the Marvin Williams ol’ Steve (not to be confused with Steve T, I guess) has been crowing about.

Well, can’t take away from the guy. He had a great game. And I admire the fact that he didn’t give up after being absolutely punked by Earl Watson on his first breakaway steal and down-court charge. Truth be told, he should’ve posterized Watson with a dunk. 6’9 230 vs. 6’1 170? Yeah, posterized. But he didn’t give up, and that’s good.

But here’s my take on this, harsh as it may seem: Until I see this kind of aggressiveness from Marvin on a daily or nightly basis (or at least 75%-80% of the time), I am thinking that this was his night, and in front of his support group. A great night indeed, and we needed it. But one great night does not a different player make, nor an all-star make, nor a secure second offensive option make. Marvin must do this type of thing consistently or he will be no better (or as good) than any of the other starting SFs in the east, let alone in the league.

One more thing: Marvin can have games like this in the West a lot. Think hard about that…think real hard.

By the way, none of this makes me feel like keeping him over Josh Smith. I can’t forget about the one-man SWAT team going off (especially in the 1st quarter!). He’s no natural offensive dynamo, but don’t tell me it was simply Marvin’s 33 points that won it. Can’t forget Horford’s double-double either. If there’s a single big I want shooting the short-to-midrange jumper on a post pattern, it’s Horford. Please keep giving him the ball. Give it to him some more. And this offseason, I expect to see him get some work done on his post game.

By Sekou K. Smith

January 26, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Two words: LUKE RIDNOUR! You should have seen my boy lat night. He made things interesting late for the Sonics.

By Dawgs

January 26, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Luke was good the second half.

Ray,

I completely agree. Marvin has left me starvin more often than not. If he has this in him i need to see it more than once ever 15-20 games. I have seen plenty of bench warmers come in and score 30 once or twice a year. What we need is a freaking leader. Hell JChill was hustling last night like I haven’t seen him do in weeks err months.

This team has the talent to hang with any one. If they all play agressive people will cry when they face them.

Lets hope they don’t trade away the heart of the team.

By roan st

January 26, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Trade duck now! His value can’t get any higher than at this point. Maybe the hawks can recoup enough to ease the pain of this busted draft pick.

By doc

January 26, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

is this just one night or a facsimile of what gerald wilkens did to the hawks when he came hme earlier this year?

stay tuned.

By Ben

January 26, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

I agree, Sekou.

Let’s trade Acie + Lo for Ridnour, and package Marvin, Lue, ZaZa for Gasol, and get a couple NBDL players

By Tiger Woo

January 26, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Please !! We don’t need Gasol. He’s not the answer.

By Tiger Woo

January 26, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

roan st,

Trade duck now?

Billy Knight may not be the best GM, but thank God he doesn’t listen to some of the proposed trades on these blogs.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 26, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

YAWN !!! Okay Marvin did his thing last night,33 points ha?

Not that impressed its one game. I need to see that type of aggression on a nightly basis. The man showed he has the talen - he needs to show he can be the go to guy.

If marvin played close to the way he did last night JJ might be on the blocks -but Marv is like Jekyl n Hide-light you up one minute and the next he’s deferring to other guys and looking lost. We’ll C its a long road trip hope he comes out the same on sun.

I wopuld still trade him before Smoove though

By I.MUS WRITE

January 26, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

YAWN !!! Okay Marvin did his thing last night,33 points ha?

Not that impressed its one game. I need to see that type of aggression on a nightly basis. The man showed he has the talen - he needs to show he can be the go to guy.

If marvin played close to the way he did last night JJ might be on the blocks -but Marv is like Jekyl n Hide-light you up one minute and the next he’s deferring to other guys and looking lost. We’ll C its a long road trip hope he comes out the same on sun.

I wopuld still trade him before Smoove though

By Singindablues

January 26, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Sometimes I feel like I personally jinx the Hawks. I come in late, flip channels and come across the game (we don’t get tv games too often around here). Up by 20+, great. They must be playing good tonight so I sit back to see how they look when they’ve got it going. Wrong. They don’t score a point for what seems ten minutes, look as if they just picked up dribbling and ball handling skills within the last few days and play defense like, “was I supposed to slow down that sonic player as he walked to the basket for a layup?”. wth was going on! It was becoming very close to what would have been one of the greatest meltdowns in NBA history. Really, it was only a play or two by the sonics away from being an incredibly depressing loss. This wasn’t so much a good win as it was “surviving a most embarrassing moment” kind of loss. So help me out here. Is this team really that average or can they honestly compete at a playoff level? I don’t get to see them enough to tell. The fourth quarter of this game, they seemed overmatched at every position on the floor by a team with thirteen straight loss’s! I’m trying to see some place for hope but from “deer-in-the-headlight” coaching to too many players on the floor seemingly lacking basic fundamental skills, I just don’t know where this team is going.

By Steve T

January 26, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Peole Steve T has also been crowing about Marvin, in fact I compared his shooting to bird and I took a lot of heat. People laughed when I said that we need to run Marvin off the screens and picks more. He is only 21 and he will only get better.

Where is this natural position thing keeps coming from. Now you want to move a 6-9 240 man-child to guard. The guy is a forward that can play the 2. What does he has to do to prove he is a 3. I thought the 3 was a play that was a foward/guard type.

The trade I would like to see is we move Chill and some other to Seattle for Wilkins, and RIDNOUR. If we can get a big too, I would take it. JJ is hurt right now and he needs to rest. With Wilkins in the fold, we can rest JJ. Ridnour could hslp tutor AC.

I know some are giving up on AC, but I like the way the guy attack the basket aka Tony Parker. The thing he needs to work on is finishing at the basket, and I think that will come when the gamne slows down for him.

By Preston

January 26, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Yes….Marvin played very good last night….can’t take anything away from that……but, his jump shot was falling for him all night…..it is funny how playing in front of your family and friends bring out the best in these guys……..DIDN’T WE JUST WITNESS THE SAME THING WHEN THE SONICS WERE IN ATLANTA AND DAMIEN WILKINS HAD THE GAME OF HIS LIFE PLAYING IN FRONT OF HIS FAMILY HERE????? and what did he do last night?????? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!! I hate to rain on Marvin’s parade especially after he played soo well, but this was his best showing in his 2 plus seasons here, so let’s just see if he can follow it up with a few more, and then I will be a believer.

By Tiger Woo

January 26, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Preston,

Damien Wilkins did have 14 points last night - not all bad.

By the way, Wilkins followed up his 41 point performance vs. Atlanta with 19 pts. vs. Charlotte, but he hasn’t has more that 17 points in 32 games since. He also had 8 games with 2 points or less - 23 games with less that 10 points.

What I’m saying is that Wilkins hasn’t been nearly as consistent as Marvin this year - only 1 game scoring less than 10 points.

By tb

January 26, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

I hear you Preston. It’s called taking it for granted. I’ve been atround athleters that made no money but gave it al every practice and competition. Just because they wanted to be the best they could be. As soon as you make $ the main motivation, everything goes to hell.

By SSI Fan

January 26, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Marvin and Josh Smith are obviously different type players. Marvin seems to be better working within the flow of an offense while Smith seems to be better in fast break or free lance type situations. Marvin is now a better shooter and Smith now has a better inside game. Marvin would not be a good power forward and unless Smith improves his shooting he will not be a good small forward.

Most people seem to agree that the Hawks need more size at center. If the Hawks could pull a miracle and get a quality young center in trade, then the question is whether Horford or Smith is the starting power forward.

By roan st

January 26, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Tiger woo, this was you’re qoute at 5pm yesterday.

“I’m waiting for you to start singing praises for Duck - then I’ll definitely know you are related to Steve.”

Now all of a sudden duck has one good game on you’re on the marvin williams bandwagon. LOL. Marvin will revert right back into his shell before to long. He always does! My quip was just an attempt at humor because of the game he had last night that his trade value might have peaked. To bad you’re not the GM of an opposing team because in less than 24 hours you went from a huge critic to a big fan. Which ironically is my point, that somebody out there might be feeling marvin today as much as you do.

By ray

January 26, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Sekou, yep, Ridnour looked gooood. How many times will we talk about having missed on opportunities to get him or Earl Watson? Don’t answer that, lol!

Roan St, you nailed it. Like I said, look real hard at what Marvin does out west. It’s almost like that’s where he belongs…know what I mean?

Tiger Woo, Gasol isn’t your pick, I understand that. He does provide some things we don’t have at all though. Besides, one of his biggest problems has been his lack of help down low. Alongside Horford, he would no longer have that problem. The two would be deadly together in ways that you may not have imagined. Talk about matchup problems. You could literally run the offense through the post, watch both players thrive, and watch our outside shooters like JJ thrive without having to fight all those double and triple teams. No more plays where JJ pounds the ball and tries to beat the entire defense with no help.

Want more details on how good this can work? Ask my man FLASH. He’ll fill you in. Plus, with help down low Gasol would remain healthy more often and would therefore be more effective. Remember, this guy is a 17-18ppg and 8-10rpg threat when healthy. And he blocks some shots. But enough of that. If not Gasol, then who’s your pick?

Doc, I’m fairly certain you nailed it. Flash in the pan, but we’ll see. We’ll see.

By Steve T

January 26, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

The problem with Wilkins production is reduced playing time for younger players. It is not his fault because it is a money game. I think he will make a great addition to the Hawks because he can us minutes at the 2/3 spots.

By mykhalc

January 26, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

my post from the last blog…

By mykhalc

January 26, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

Steve (Hawkfansince84tilforever), lemme sum up tonite before you get tooooooo carried away on MARVIN again…

DAMIEN WILKINS nite in ATL!!!

MARVIN WILLIAMS nite in SEA!!!

that puts it in perspective and reduces it to what it really was…until MARVIN can CONSISTENTLY prove differently!!!!

By Tiger Woo

January 26, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

roan st,

I was never a huge critic of Marvin - he’s a decent player - I just couldn’t understand why steve was building up Marvin as the next big thing and saying he was better than J-Smoove.

Since your quip was just an attempt at humor - my bad - I guess I didn’t interpret it that way.

By Tiger Woo

January 26, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

ray,

I guess Gasol is an okay player - I just wouldn’t want to lose any of our prime assets to obtain him.

I really think Zaza can perform if given the opportunity. He looked good last night - as long as he remains patient and Woody is patient with him - and he doesn’t try to force his offense, he should be fine.

Gasol hasn’t done a heck of a lot for Memphis this year - they are 12-31 - of course it’s not entirely his fault.

By Steve (Hawkfansince84tilforever)

January 26, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Marvin is a beast, an absolute stud.

Not many teams have a guy who can as a 3rd option put up 17/6/2 a night on 48% shooting, he has been consistently very good in that role the whole year (As a 21 year old in his 3rd year no less, most teams dont have 2nd optins that can match his production and those are guys in their “primes”) and his shooting really helps us TREMENDOUSLY as the only guy that can shoot very well and stop those droubts besides JJ.

Doing this all at only 21 years old in his 3rd year in the league after coming out after freshman year in College (where he didnt even get to start)…… the experience and maturity is now there and we are starting to see the great player that everyone saw coming into the draft and we’ll have him for a long time.

He is a very skilled and talented young player, great athleticism, length and size at the true Small Forward position with tremendous allaround skill…. we’re now seeing the tip of the iceberg as his potential is now starting to come to fruition. Long way to go as he is just beginning his path and is still very young and has alot more upside, but he has come a long way already and is showing how good he is and will be in the future, sky’s the limit for Marvin…… Marvin Williams is an absolute stud…. Awesome!

By doc

January 26, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

myk certainly agree though i was off on the correct name thinking of his ancestry. hope it is more than just a surge of interest on his part in coming home. at some point marvin has to prove he is a go to guy. i am concerned when he states as he did in the interview, “well if they want me to do more, then i am more than willing to try”. geez, it is about KNOWING what your team needs based on the situation on the court not for waiting for the invitation after the game. i like marvin and want him to be successful but when does his bball IQ step up. please dont compare him to larry bird, that is sooooo lame.

i also think there is a consistent theme of lack of communication on this team. i shudder at the number of times i have seen players be ignored by woody as they walk of the court, good and bad, when he says nothing where that is the time to best learn. it doesnt always have to be negative but instructive. he has as many lost opportunities as marvin does on delivering at crunch time on fast breaks. hwoody has to be more than a monument and basketball isnt that difficult that he cant say something in the moment. if it is get a new coach. i yeah. some have already suggested same.

By Steve (Hawkfansince84tilforever)

January 26, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

If we got Pau Gasol (Gasol/Horford frontcourt, JJ and Marvin knocking down every shot created thru double-teams) and a solid starting PG that can also shoot the rock we would easily win 50 games and be fighting Orlando, Washington, Toronto and Cleveland for top 4 in the East.

Trade Smoove and Chillz w/ expiring deals added for Gasol and Lowry.

By Steve (Hawkfansince84tilforever)

January 26, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

If we got Pau Gasol (Gasol/Horford frontcourt, JJ and Marvin knocking down every shot created thru double-teams) and a solid starting PG that can also shoot the rock we would easily win 50 games and be fighting Orlando, Washington, Toronto and Cleveland for top 4 in the East.

Trade Smoove and Chillz w/ expiring deals added for Gasol and Lowry/damon.

By mykhalc

January 26, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

DOC, ditto on all you said. and in regards to MW especially, i too, was thinkin’ about his statements. he DOES know that his team NEEDS/WANTS to win every nite right??? so why hasn’t this light bulb gone off before???

i won’t blame it all on MARVIN either. i look no further than WOODSON, once again!!! i’ve said it before that this team reflects the personality of its’ coach!!! so when you have MW make comments like he made, watch ACIE play as if his head was on backwards watchin’ WOODSON the whole time, ZAZA disappear, SALIM be abducted for the season, SOLO with a reneged ‘get outta jail free’ card, and the list goes on then i can almost understand MARVIN’s statement. an UNKNOWING coach can only be believed and followed to a certain extent!!! and at some point you gotta step out on your own and just play ball!!!

when you see JS and AH bring it EVERY nite REGARDLESS then couldn’t MARVIN just follow their lead???? as a teammate you would EXPECT so!!!

i’m glad MARVIN had a breakout game but he needs to adopt this kinda attitude nite-in nite-out…PERIOD!!!

and STEVE, MARVIN brings ONE thing JS does not bring consistently…a consistent mid-range jumper. that’s it my friend. it can be summed up just that simply…PERIOD!!!

By I.MUS WRITE

January 26, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

MYHKALC- YOU’RE ON IT NO NEED FOR ME TO COMMENT ON SPRING BREAK. IF HE COMES OUT ON SUNDAY AND PUTS UP 12 AND 3REBOUNDS -IM GOING TO BUY HIS MAMA A PLANE TICKET TO EVERY GAME UNTIL APRIL.

By mykhalc

January 26, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

I.MUS, LOL!!

By cp

January 26, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Im just going to paste what I put on the last blog. Najeh I was thinking the same thing about Marvin mom’s. Lets fly her around to every game, hell bring his barber with him if this is what it is going to take for this kid to finally show people why he was drafted number 2. Im sorry to the person who got offended in the last blog but the Sniper saying Marvin walks like a old man was funny to me. But let me past what I put in the last blog.

First off, the Seattle cheerleaders were some nice looking women. Props to that. Its hard to get excited about a win against one of the worse teams in the NBA. Once again we struggled in the fourth quarter. We should have had the whole bench in during the fourth quarter but for some reason its hard for us to hold a lead. Good game by Marvin. His jumper was on and for once he was agressive. Ridnour was abusing Anthony Johnson. I like what I saw out of Petro and Collison also. Horford is a beast on the glass. Nice game by Za Za. Please remind me why we have Sheldon Williams again? At this point id keep Za Za and move Sheldon. Maybe some delusional team will think he has some type of talent and take him off our hands. This guy is horrible. Law really struggled tonight. I dont think I have ever seen someone miss so many layups and point blank shots. He has to get in the gym and work. Snapper made a great point tonight. By the way the Seattle play by play guys are great. Snapper jokingly said Marvin walks like an old man and I was laughing hard. Well back to his point. He was talking about how the Hawks were struggling to finish the game off and many people say that is the personality of a young team. He said with a young team you have to give them a personality. Tell them that you are going to play this way every game win or lose . I was like dang can he please call Mike Knapp on the phone and explain this to him. We have no personality and we are to far along in the season not to have one . One minute we are uptempo the next we are halfcourt. Mike Knapp give this team a dang personality.

By cp

January 26, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Gerald Green wants to be traded. We can probably get him cheap from the Wolves. He is an atheltic 2 guard who has some range. He can come in and give JJ a rest and probably help our 3 point shooting woes. Wont hurt to pick this kid up at all in my opinion.

By mykhalc

January 26, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

cp, good post as usual man. had to comment on the cheerleaders and the SEA play-by-play cats…TOP NOTCH!!! SNAPPER had some great points about the HAWKS and you could tell they were lookin’ at both teams in REAL and OBJECTIVE ways, unlike that ridiculously poor team that CHI has for play-by-play!!! talkin’ about overpaid and outta their league!!! well, waitin’ on sunday!!!

By preston

January 26, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Anyone remember thet last time Acie had his head in the game and actually looked liked a good player?….it was a few weeks ago in Dallas when he had his family and friends attendence….point being Marvin had a monster game last night….he is being praised as he should be………but if he comes out and stinks up the joint tomorrow in Portland, then everything that he did in Seattle will mean absolutely nothing.

By cp

January 26, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Yea mykhalc the Seattle play by play guys were very good. The Portland guys suck. Have you ever heard the Cavaliers or Bucks play by play? Straight horrible. I really would like to make a play for Gerald Green. His trade value is low so it wont take much to get him and he could help this team.

By Steve T

January 26, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

I am going to tell you people who do not know basketball something. A player like Smith is untouchable right now because of his ability at 6-9 to control the paint. If you pair him up with a 7-0 shot blocking center, it would be awesome. The only area he needs to work on is hitting the outside shot.

However, as much as I like Chills, he is movable. I love Chills inside game, but unless he can develop a outside shot, he can be trade. Right now we need a guy to give JJ a rest. Mr. Wilkins is a very nice option. He can shoot very well from the outside and he can fill in at the 3 if he has too.

Let us look into downline when we have a team on the ropes. We need to take this team out of the game. We can have AC at PG, JJ at SG, DW at SF, MW at PF and AH at C. We have four guys that can streth the defense.

Now when we have the big lead we can give JJ a rest. We move DW to SG, MW to SF and bring a well rested JS back in at 4. Now we have an inside/outside game.

By Brave Fan

January 26, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Sekou, any rumors of a Hawks trade? Somebody once said Pau, but I doubt we would trade for him when Horford’s been absolute godly.

By mykhalc

January 26, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

cp, your are right. it was the POR cats i was thinkin’ about..str8 up pathetic!!! CHI wasn’t too far behind if i remember correctly!! san fran fog has got me a little cloudy!!LOL

By ray

January 26, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Gosh, Steve T, I’d have never figured that out about Josh Smith. Who would’ve known he could control the paint at 6’9”? Who knew before you said it that he was a shot blocking machine? You’re one hell of a scout, dude.

Doc, Again…you nailed it.

Mykhalc, you know the deal. I couldn’t ignore what you said about Woodson being part of Marvin’s problem. You know what’s funny? Every time one of the guys makes a good play or real aggressive move, who’s right there to congratulate, encourage, and support them in the effort? Who’s the biggest cheerleader of his teammates :Josh Smith. Every time. Especially with Marvin. Woody should learn to do so. All he gives is scowls and exceedingly dumb looks.

By Chikara

January 26, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Marvin had a great night. While the rest of you harp about trades, the only stat that matters most is the standings. It’s not pretty, but at least it’s good to be discussing the Hawks in playoff contention in late January. Trades on this team won’t be necessary if the system was in place that takes advantage of their talents.

I feel bad for Acie Law….his confidence has obviously been shot by Woodson yet once again people will blame BK instead of looking at the real problem, a coach who is still over his head. A real coach would not have allowed the second worst team in the league to make that kind of run in the 4th quarter.

Well fortunately Miami just beat Indiana so the gap between them and the Hawks has grown.

Ok, this next comment will have to be in bold so some of you can get this in your minds:

In the event that Atlanta does pursue a trade, how do you think that player will really work given Woodson’s inability to coach offense?

Ever stop to think about that? No, you’re all too busy playing fantasy GM when you should be playing fantasy coach and talking about strategies that takes advantage of their talent NOW. Atlanta could trade for Tim Duncan and Kobe yet still suffer due to Woodson’s desire to coach scared.

A real fan would realize that truth.

By g-thang

January 26, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Wow!! The #2 draft pick from ‘05 has a career high of 33 pts? I would have expected this often and regularly from a guy drafted this high. Trade Marvin/Salim/ZaZa for some help down low

By Ken Strickland

January 26, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe all of the the negative and conflicting attitudes towards MWilliams. First, you complain because he isn’t aggressive enough, doesn’t score enough and doesn’t take matters into his own hands enough. When he does, you start downplaying the accomplishment and automatically writing it off as an aberation. We’re just approaching the 1st half of his 3rd season, his 1st as a starter. Last yrs broken hand really set him back. So far this season, Marvin has been just as consistent, if not more so, than JSmith or JJ.

In the past, especially last yr, this team lived and died based on JJ’s performance. We couldn’t win, or even be competetive, without him playing at an Allstar level. That’s why he was an Allstar. This yrs team has learned it can win without JJ consistently playing at an Allstar level. We now have 2 additional starters that have proven they can score 30+ pts and take over a gm. The entire team, especially those 3 players, are still trying to adjust to that fact. Certainly none of you are foolish enough to think all three can take over the same gm at once.

JJ is a vet starter, and this is the beginning of JSmith’s 4th yr, 3rd as a starter. That would naturally place Marvin as the 3rd option when taking over a gm becomes an issue. And last night, you can bet he was encouraged to be particularly aggressive by everyone, for obvious reasons. Neither Josh nor Marvin has had a veteran presence to mentor them on the nuances and tricks of playing their respective positions.

As far as last nights gm being an aberation, remember, there has to be a 1st time for everything. Also, the longest journey starts with the 1st step. This is the 1st time in Marvins pro career he’s proven, especially to himself, that he can do what he did last night. You complain because he hasn’t done it before, then you want to immediately trade him when does. There is simply too many knee jerk reactions, emotional judgements and ill conceived ideas being bantered about.

We all seem to be in agreement on what should be done in the case of Woodson. But some of you are thinking and reacting just as irrationally as Woodson when it comes to certain players and situations.

By smartguy

January 26, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

The Portland announcers the other day were straight up obnoxious. They really think their crap don’t stink. I thought I was the only one who might have been put off, but they were just awful. Best announcers in the league: Boston Celtics, bar none. Those guys are so dry and sarcastic, not to mention they are pretty honest; and they give the Hawks mad props when they play. Its funny how announcers from different teams look at our team. Some think we are talent-laden and are almost scared to play us. Others (portland) still think we just plain stink.

At least one of the Steves has a clue. Trading Smooth for Gasol is the worst idea ever.

In the interest of making sure everyone has a chance to read what I have to say, I wanted to repost from the earlier blog.

By smartguy January 26, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Wow, I am so impressed that we beat the worst team in the league. As for Marvin, how about trying to impress the fans in your team’s hometown. How about more intensity and aggression at Phillips??

Yes, I have been a little disappointed by AC, but we have to give him a bit of a break. First, he is just a rook. Second, he was hurt at the beginning of the year, which has been a killer for other rooks over the years (Marvin’s rookie year). Third, he is playing for a coach who has scared the living crap out of him. AC’s inexperience, coupled with his lack of confidence, is proving to be an issue. Nonetheless, you can’t write someone off early in their career just cause they don’t appear to be a budding superstar.

On the positive, I have actually seen some good things from AC. I like his ball control, pace, and passing ability. When his shot starts to fall, and he gets a little confidence, he is going to be a good player (maybe even very good).

Another good thing for AC is that he seems to be able to physically keep up with both types of opposing point guards. In todays NBA, there are little, quick pgs (CP, Parker) and there are big physical ones (Derron, Chauncey), and mismatches can be exploited. From what I have seen. AC can handle both types; he has the strength and size, and also the quickness.

Ya’ll have to stop making snap judgments on players in their first year or two. That goes for AC, Sheldon, and anyone else. The list of good, and great, players who happened to struggle early in their careers is a long one.

FIRE WOODY!

By mykhalc

January 26, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, yep i noticed the same thing about JS!!! no denyin’ what he brings to this team…none!!! and as much discussion we’ve had on here about JS, especially since the start of this year, i’ll EASILY take what the cat brings as opposed to anythin’ he does not!!!

it’s gonna be real interestin’ to see how the ASG handles his upcomin’ contract!! personally, i DO NOT SEE how they will let the hometown, home-grown talent go elsewhere!!! but i only have to think the name of ‘NIQUE to know ANYTHING can happen with an ATL franchise!!!!

By mykhalc

January 26, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

KEN, no hater of MW here. but consistency at a ‘lower’ than talent level is not my idea of producin’ either!! and guess what, MARVIN showed what he’s capable of last nite in his play and his statement was an admission that he ‘could’ be bringin’ more. and this team needs MORE…PERIOD!!!

but like i said in an earlier post, i look no further than WOODSON for the ‘why’s and what’s’ regardin’ a lot of things about this team!!!

By majortee

January 26, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

mw played great last night. the hawks need to try for the next couple of week to give salim some minutes so other teams could see that he’s not injured and maybe offer trade options to the hawks. I also think they gave solo some time for other teams could take a good look at hime too! trade Zaza he doesn’t offer this team anything and plus he wants to be a starter, hes probably the only big with value for this team.

By Ken Strickland

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

MYKHALC, no sweat my man. You know, before players can prove to someone else what they can do, they must 1st prove it to themselves. Everyone in the Hawks organization knew Marvin would be playing before his family and friends. I’m certain both Woodson and his teammates encouraged him to be aggressive and showcase talents.

Maybe, just maybe, all Marvin needed, or needs, is to be given that OK on a regular basis. It’s not something that comes easily or naturally for everyone. At least now we know he’s capable, and now he knows it too.

Early in the season we were near the top of the leagues in turnovers, and it cost us some wins. I can guarantee Woodson made it a top priority, especially to his PG’s. Acie is naturally aggressive and a risk taker. That’s why he was such an outstanding clutch player in college. You can bet Acie is playing to prevent mistakes and avoid Woodson’s method of dealing with adversity. I’m certain he doesn’t want to end up in Salim’s situation.

The Hawks need a breath of fresh air and a recharge of attitude. The last time that happened the players provided it for themselves with a players only meeting. You can’t rely on that anymore. I’m not so sure the Spirit are willing to pay 2 coaches salaries. Remember, if an assistant is promoted his salary has to reflect his elevated position. I believe they are hoping the team can stumble into the playoff with Woodson at the helm.

By jami$$iondadon

January 26, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

when i said i’ll move mw2 da 2 ,4 it’s not different than da 3 it’s a perimeterposition i feel we can trade jj.4 when it’s all said & done js,ah,&mw will b better players than jj he has reached his maximumpotential,da core has barely scratched thier’s.Yes dis is yourcore.Ah da amareish talent wit duncan fundamental wit better handle&vision than both,js da matrix on steroids bigger,stronger,faster&mw rashardlewis wit tenacity.now we need a coach wit a system a few vets atl there is hope. FIRE WOODY &FLYHIGH

By Don

January 27, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou,

Did you get an iRoy? It’s a special edition iPod nano, that I read about in a Marty Burns article over at CBS.

I think it’s a great idea, and I’d be interested to see how it’s panning out over in the Portland media.

Marty’s kind of upset, saying it’s a straight bribe — but since journalists don’t get a vote for the NBA All-Stars, I hope you or BlogZ enjoy yours.

Of course, if you have an ethical issue, you could mail it to me. :-)

But seriously, check into that while you’re up there this week.

Thanks,

Don!

By Lil E

January 27, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

It’s too early to trade Joe. Geez.

I’m afraid to see what this team will look like in the transition periods between new coaches. I think that needs to be saved for the off season.

We don’t need to make trades right now. We might hit a huge slide if any of our pieces disappear. I wish Joe would have said his pre-season comments last summer. It’s a damn shame he waited until opening night to open his mouth.

By randy

January 27, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

I am with you SEKOU. Luke Ridenour would be a huge improvement over our current cast of point guards. This just in: Acie Law just got stuffed again!

Glad to see Duck do so well last night. When he is on he looks great, just gotta keep up the intensity.

By Horford Rox

January 27, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this

Gasol is something I pass after eating one of those Varsity chili cheese dogs! It’s almost criminal for me to eat the onion rings. Yo Hawx, please take a pass on Gas(ol)!

By Chris Paul

January 27, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Just imagine how great Josh Smith would be if I were getting him the ball every night!

By ray

January 27, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Look.

Let’s not get this twisted. This isn’t about loving or hating Marvin Williams. This isn’t about expecting him to score 30+ per game (unreasonable by anyone’s standards). It’s not about his broken hand (last year’s news!). It’s purely, unequivocally about effort…and assertiveness. If this is the beginning of a more efficient and aggressive Marvin, then GREAT.

The man showed us something we’ve not seen from him since he’s been in the league….not once. He’s had some good games, but he really took it to Seattle. But again, it’s not the statistical result (33 points) that will matter night after night. The ending statistical result will vary. It’s the affect he’ll have on his team that matters.

Marvin isn’t by nature a selfish guy. But he needs to learn that there’s a difference between selfishness and leadership. Leadership is when you know the team needs something from you, like scoring. So, you take the ball and you score. Selfishness is when you don’t care what the team needs, you just take the ball. Leadership requires that you carry the burden when it’s called for. Our team does not have a clear second offensive option and/or threat. We’ve repeatedly stated that Marvin could be just that. The Seattle game showed anyone who understands basketball at all that there is a way for us to win handily without JJ having to score 20-30 points.

So here’s the deal: we need to see the effort from Marvin to be this kind of player. The same effort he gave in Seattle. It’ll make his team and teammates better. And there’s no excuse for him not to give such an effort.

However, Woodson has to give him the vote of confidence as well. If Marvin isn’t getting the ball and having some plays run for him, then it’s Woody’s fault for certain. If he tells Marvin to back off some, then it’s definitely his fault again. Get the hell out of Marvin’s way!

As far as the effort and aggressiveness goes…if the opportunity is there (and it should be), then the onus is on Marvin. Nevermind the points, give the effort.

By ray

January 27, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Ken, I started to argue with you on a few points, but I re-read your post and realized you were right and that we are actually thinking some of the same things. That, and you just about always have so much class, regardless of how strong you obviously feel about something. I think a lot of people are coming around to your line of thinking as far as Acie Law goes, as well. Acie is obviously a model player who is trying to do as his head coach bids him do. Unfortunately, that blasted coach is killing Law’s game. Once more my friend, excellent post with an even temper. In a room full of hot-headed bloggers (myself included often enough) you’re one cool cat.

Speaking of hot-headed:

Chikara, clearly we are not on your level of basketball intellect. So here’s what you should probably do: start your own blog. No really!You could even call it “The Real Fan’s Blog.” And just think, none of us dodos would come, so you’d have no one there but the real fans! Let’s see, we should all be playing fantasy coach because….why? Ummm…you’re about 2-3 years behind, buddy. We’ve been screaming about Woodson’s inabilities for some time now. As for trades, superior players make a superior team. And sometimes those players end up exposing a coach and removing him. No trades would be necessary if the right system was in place? We should be talking about strategies to win games with what we have?

Tell you what genius. Dig up the archives on Sekou’s blogs for the last 2 or 3 years and see if anything you said really turns out to be a new concept. NOPE! Go back to chasing billy goats, you troll. By the way, this is fantasy, as nothing discussed here has any bearing on what actually happens on the court, on the sideline, or in the front office. But hey….only a real fan would realize that truth…

By reese

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

First of all, great win against Seattle. Its funny reading all of you bloggers who are in love with Josh Smith now. Where were you when I was one of the only ones stating the importance of keeping him based upon his overall play.

Its nice that Marvin had 33 in the game. But I like the fact that he also had a blocked shot and had entries in every positive offensive/defensive category along with JS and Horford. I think that the bigger reason for the win is that we had 6 players in double figure scoring, shot 80% from the free throw line, out rebounded the sonics, increased our total shots to over 80 and not 1 player played 40 minutes.

I’m with those who want to see Marvin play like this on a more consistent basis. It seems as though Marvin is a person who needs someone or something to motivate him (like 100 family and friends in attendance). He has not learned how to motivate himself.

By Ken Strickland

January 27, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

RAY, I really appreciate the props. There was a time when I was a hothead and very tempermental. But a serious stroke changed my attitute and approach to how I view and react to things. It put life into proper perspective for me. Instead of getting emotional and reacting from that place, I give myself time to try and figure out the other persons perpective. Sometimes the answer is somewhere in the middle of the opposing opinions. Sometimes you realize you’re using different methods to say the same things.

I believe the 2 most important elements needed on this team is better outside shooting and better PG production. We especially need more PG penetration to collapse the DEF and create more open shots for our players. Let’s look at what we have vs what we need.

(1)Before this season started, Salim Staudamire was seen as the epitome of self confidence. There were exibition and regular season gms when he took control and single handedly shot us to victory. There were also gms when he scored more points in a matter of mins than players scored the entire gm. Now look at him. Before the season started he promised himself, his teammates and Woodson he’d change his attitude and conform. Look where that’s gotten him. He’s lost his confidence, his shot and any sense of attachment to the teams success. HE DAMN SURE DIDN’T DO THAT TO HIMSELF. We need another shooting threat. Believe it or not, we have one of the most prolific shooters in the league firmly anchored to our bench. WHY?

(2)We need a penetrating PG that can break down DEF’s and create easy uncontested shots for our shooters. In college, ALaw was not an outstanding shooter or ballhandler. But, he did outstanding things in clutch situations because of his unwavering self confidence. Earlier in the yr he demonstrated that confidence, especially during that 5gm winning streak. He penetrated at will, finished strong, and played solid DEF against some of the NBA’s premier PG. Now look at him. He’s playing like he’s afraid of ending up like Salim. Instead relying on his instincts and playing with confidence and attacking the DEF, he trying to aviod making mistakes. You can’t tell me that ALaw can work with Salim daily and not feel, and be adversely affected by, his frustration, dissappointment and pain.

These two players possess the attributes the Hawks need most. Yet, Woodson’s selfish, dogmatic, Bobby Knight approach, has turned them into virtual nonfactors. WOODSON DOESN’T HAVE THE RESUME AS A HEAD COACH TO CONTINUE CLASHING WITH HIS KEY PLAYERS. Of the players Woodson has clashed with, JSmith is the only on that’s still aggressive. JJ had some issues with him earlier in the season and you can see his lack of aggressiveness. Of course injuries are playing a part in that. Salim and Acie have been neutered by Woodson. Now we have Zaza going through the loss of confidence factor. Maybe Marvin’s lack of overall aggressiveness is due to astute observation of what can happen if you make waves with Woodson. This young, inexperienced, and extremely talented team seems to be suffering from a destructive psychological virus that’s being implanted by its HC.

TRUST ME, THIS CRAP IS PAINFUL.

By Ken Strickland

January 27, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

One more thing. How many of you remember Quinn Buckner, another former Bobby Knight player that played for Don Nelson and the Bucks?

Do you remember when he got his 1st HC position? He tried to force his players into his system by pulled the same dictatorship crap Woodson is pulling, and it quickly got him fired. HAS ANYONE HEARD HIS NAME MENTIONED SINCE?

By terrell barron

January 27, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Memphis is buying out Damon Stoudemire’s contract, making him available. Should we take a chance on him?

By jami$$ion

January 27, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

HAWKS WILL B SH!T TIL WE FIRE WOODY. Y would u get da old stodumire when u have the better younger version & won’t play him. Dat’s like having Peyton on the bench & starting Archie.We need a coach skiles,hubie brown,van gundy, dam maybe cleveland should trade lebron cuz his 3point percentage’s lower than smoove & they run a halfcourtoffense and all lebron do is run around & stuff da statsheet.Yall fake@zzGM’sKILLME.Is js lb no but he’s just as athletic.GET A COACH&REALPOINTNOW BIBBY,KIDD,FRNCS.JJ4SAM&CM!

By ray

January 27, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Ken, I recall Buckner. You’re right. Again. There’s more to coaching besides getting guys to play hard. Of course, that’s been obvious to many of us for some time. I really think a coaching change is a must, but don’t know what it will take to make it happen. I still think some personnel moves would help. However, it’s not always about choosing your battles. Sometimes it’s about knowing when to fight those battles.

terrell barron, not a bad idea. However, Stoudamire will go to a contender that needs a veteran pg. He won’t come here where chaos reigns. I look for a team like Boston to try for his services.

By ronald

January 27, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Marvin William is a bust we as fans get tire of seeing a team play dumb it make you sick when you see the hawks play it hurt player like Al Harford and Ace Law because the coach not trying instilling in them how to win and how to thank on the court Mike Woodson need to go along with Billy Knight

By jami$$ion

January 27, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

O YEAH PAUL SILAS A BE A GOOD COACH2. IT’S NOT HIS FAULT BARON& MASHBURN ALWAYS GOT HURT ROUND DA PLAYOFFS. OR LEBRON WAS A ROOKIE & HAD NO TALENT AROUND HIM.WHICH LINE UP’S BETTER. A AH,JS,MW,JJ,FRANCIS. B AH,JS,MW/JJ(1’S TRADED)MAGGETTE,CASSEL. C AH,JS,CHILLS ,JJ,BIBBY, D GASOL,AH,CHILLS,JJ,LOWRY. E CURRY,AL,JS,JJ,NATE ROBINSON.F KAYMAN,AH,SMOOVE,MAGGETTE,LAW OR AL,JS,MW,JJ,LUKE RIDNOUR. ALL TRADES EXCEPT E & F INCLUDE ZAZA 4 MAGLORE.WAT YALL THINK?

By Ken Strickland

January 27, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

TERRELL, I wouldn’t go after DStaudamire. He and Salim are cousins, their styleS of play are very simular, and the fate of one would likely affect the other. Besides, Damon seems to be coaching sensitive. He was a near Allstar in Toronto when IThomas was the GM. Damon became infuriated when he was fired and angrily bolted the team when his contract expired. He hasn’t performed at that level since. Besides, if a player’s already lost some of his confidence, why would you think he’d improve under Woodson’s style.

JAMI$$ION, I wouldn’t be to quick on considering Paul Silas either. Don’t forget, Cleveland dismissed him because he wouldn’t guarantee mgt he’d start Lebron James immediately. He might have some of the same problems Woodson’s having. You know, trying to adjust to an entire team of Lebron James’(age and experience wise).

WE NEED TO MAKE BETTER USE OF WHAT WE HAVE BEFORE BRINGING IN SOMEONE ELSE’S CASTOFFS.

By mykhalc

January 27, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

great energy by the HAWKS in the first half!!!!

By terrell barron

January 27, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Thats the best first half of basketball I’ve see all year from the Hawks. Their playing like a TEAM. Leading by 15, in Portland. Now lets finish strong!

By Steve T

January 27, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

How many point has Marvin Scored? I have noticed that JJ is not himself? The hawks need to sign another scorer to give JJ a break and some much needed rest.

By JohnGTFan

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

Win or lose, ATL has to be the worse team in the NBA in the 4th QTR playing with a lead. I swear, NO LEAD is safe with this team. And criticize any players you want (I’m sick and tired of JJ’s 9/21 nights), but that falls COMPLETELY on coaching. How does this moron(Woodson) still have a job? Come on BK, you must have received the letter by now that some village is missing it’s idiot!

By JohnGTFan

January 27, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

And for those of you the past week or so saying that JJ is our best player……ARE YOU SURE NOW? This isn’t just one game folks..this has been going on for QUITE A WHILE NOW. Kidd wants out of NJ..I say send JJ and whatever to NJ for Kidd and whatever big they throw in.

By JohnGTFan

January 27, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

I guess no sense in guarding their best player (Roy) in the 2nd half…layup after layup after layup…2nd half probably feels like a practice to Portland.

By JohnGTFan

January 27, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

9/23

By jami$$ion

January 27, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

KEN ,I LIKE DA HAWKS AS IS, MINUS WOODY AJ LUE LOWRIGHT& SPEEDY,4 A NICE PG THEY CAN GO.But we need a coach with a system badly. More than anything else. I’ve never seen a coach with so much talent at his disposal coach so badly,except Isaiah in NY & I can’t fantom the idea of his team being so bad he has top arguably 5 talent in the east at all positions,so it could be worse.And Ken Paul did start LB, they fired him cuz LB didn’t like his scheme.But he’s an upgrade over Woody let alone hubie,skiles,n jvg

By T

January 27, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

CHOKE! CHOKE! CHOKE!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 27, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Mike Woodson… damn. How hard is it to call a pick for your best scorer to get an open look. What a moron.

By randy

January 27, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

This is one of the most amazing choke jobs I have ever witnessed. How many frigging times must Brandon Roy burn us with easy layups before we put an extra man on him. UNFRIGGIN-BELIEVABLE

By Steve T

January 27, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

I have seen enough…. Fire WOODY! How in the LLLL with the game on the line you let JJ go one on one. The man is hurt and you want him to go one on one. Why you have the other guys standing around without anyone cutting to the basket.

FIRE WOODY NOW!

By randy

January 27, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 27, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

If this game doesn’t get Mike Woodson fired, I don’t know what will.

Is Bob Weiss available?

By T

January 27, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

4-11 or maybe 5-10 in the month of january. the hawks are back folks. let the misery of professional sports in the ATL continue.

By smartguy

January 27, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

WOODY IS AN IMBECILE. no offense down the stretch. Here, Joe, dribble a bit, then throw up a shot. Please don’t drive, like Roy did the last three possessions for a lay-up.

UNBELIEVABLE. This is de ja vu all over again.

The only scores we got late in the game were on the fast break. HERE JOE, just throw it on up there. Don’t worry about a good possession or getting a good shot, just dribble a bit and throw it up.

WOODY HAS NO CLUE ON OFFENSE.

WOODY HAS NO CLUE ON OFFENSE.

HOW LONG ARE WE GOING TO GO THROUGH THIS????

PLEASE

PLEASE

PLEASE

we must, must, must have a new coach.

FIRE THE SPIRIT. KICK GEARON TO THE CURB.

By FIREWOODY

January 27, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!! FIRE WOODY!!!

By JohnGTFan

January 27, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

I have refused to give up on this team…and as close as I am, I’m not quite there yet. But all of these 4th quarter meltdowns…have to face a bit of reality. This is last year’s Hawks. How do you lose this game? ONLY ATLANTA could have lost this game. Not Miami, Memphis, Philadelphia…NOONE could have lost this but ATL. Looking a lot like another below .500 season and a lottery pick (you’re welcome Phoenix). Oh well, I’ll still be pulling hard on March 21 when they come back to DC.

By ahhyess

January 27, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY!

Get a new batch of shirts ready, Clyde.

FIRE WOODY!

By mykhalc

January 27, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

good effort thru 3 qtrs and STILL DO NOT know how to close out a game!!! wantin’ the ball at the end and havin’ it in your hands at the end, 2 DIFFERENT THINGS!!! it was fun thru 3 qtrs tho!!!! a real wasted effort!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 27, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

JohnGTfan, Joe Johnson wouldn’t be going 9/21 if the Hawks actually ran plays. No other #1 option in the league has to go one-on-five every possession, with no screens and no movement from anyone else on offense. Just look at the 2nd to last possession in this game — 24 seconds of people standing around watching while Joe is frantically trying to find an opening. Maybe it’s the players’ fault that they don’t come give him a pick, but somehow I doubt that since it happens over and over again.

Fire Woody.

By smartguy

January 27, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

We lost two games in one week purely due to inept coaching. What more is it going to take?

By Wow

January 27, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

That makes me absolutely sick. Did we get a 17 point lead by running iso joe all game? Then why is that all we do down the sick disgusting stretch. This is a new low…I am mad as a hornet! By the way, sheldon had a great game tonight and I’m glad we passed on that Roy character! Wow, I have watched almost every game the last 4 ugly years and this was the worst yet…

By Dr. Dave

January 27, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Tonight just confirmed one more time that we need to fire Woodson! No team defense to stop Roy’s lay-ups at the end. With less than a minute left the play is to give JJ the ball and let the other 4 stand around til the clock runs out. I am sick and tired of watching us lose to teams that have less talent than we do. Enough already!!!!

By Brian

January 27, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

And I actually bought season tickets this year??? Hey Spirit Group, either fire Woodson and Knight or sell the team!

Mr. Blank,

Will you please buy the Hawks????

FIRE WOODSON!!!!!!

By Matt

January 27, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

I’m tired of these g******* 4th quarter collapses. The Spirit is INCAPABLE of firing Woody as long as the ownership group is in question, since firing him necessitates hiring someone new. But Lord knows they’re getting someone new after this year.

By new jersey faithful

January 27, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

HOW DO YOU LOSE THIS GAME?????? WTF HAPPENED TO THE OFFENSE????? THEY HAD EM’ BEAT!!!!!!! WHAT A F*CKING JOKE!!!!!! AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH

By Preston

January 27, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

I just got home………..missed the entire game…….what the hell happened?????????

By 2 by 4

January 27, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Hello Spirit! Do I need to smack you upside the head to make you see? Really, if I do, just tell me, and I’d be happy to knock some sense into you. You guys obviously wouldn’t know stupid if it was six inches in front of you with the label STUPID written on its (Woody’s) forehead.

By randy

January 27, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODSON!!

By HawksFan1010

January 27, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

It all goes back to the draft……..we pick Sheldon “I get car jacked” Williams and not Roy!

FIRE WOODSON and KNIGHT!!!

Hey Gearon, If you always have been a true Hawks fan like you say, how in the world can u stand for this???

By new jersey faithful

January 27, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

IM GLAD I ONLY WATCHED THE BEGINING OF THE GAME AND MISSED MOST OF THAT MISERABLE 4TH QT! WHAT A F@CKING JOKE!!!!!!!

By jami$$ion

January 27, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

I’ve been screaming trade JJ 4 da longest. read my last post i’ll trade dat bum 4 bibby,kidd,or 4sam&corey maggette str8up!4 somereason Woody & most of u bloggers think yo highest paid player is your best player, jj is not kobe and until deez dumbf×cks c dat we r screwed.He’s not even athletic or quick enough 2 get past the doubleteam or smart enough 2 pass 2 da open man in a timely matter 2 hit a decent shot.BK theres no way u built this team 2 b run like this!Fire Woody play salim trade jj buyout speedy

By FIREWOODSON

January 27, 2008 8:43 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!! FIRE WOODSON!! FIRE WOODSON!!

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

January 27, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

This is exhibit 9648A as to why the Hawks NEED A SHOOTER. The reason we couldnt all collapse on Roy is because Portland has shooters he can kick to- a la Rodriguez earlier.

Joe has no such luck. The reason on the first drive Joe got doubled by Aldridge is because Josh was the man out at the 3pt line they had to leave. The second time it was AJ in the corner. Neither of them are shooting options like that. If we had a way to punish teams for doubling we would have at least 3 more wins on the season- AT LEAST.

I wont even get into the coaching on this one….

By JJ

January 27, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

that is it I am threw with this team until they make it back to .500.I guess people were right when they said the hawks will only win 32 games this season. I get it now. This team is horrible.Terrible.Awful.Pitiful.Pathetic and Atrocious.

By cp

January 27, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

This is easily the most frustrating loss this season. John I was thinking the same as you while watching the game. I was like this team has played well thru 3 quarters but I know somehow they will allow Portland to come back and what do youo know they did. Woodson has to go. This guy is freaking clueless. We get a big lead by running and once again he slows it down in the fourth quarter. We looked hesitant and guys did not want to shoot the ball. Za Za was getting destroyed definsively and any other coach in the NBA would have sat him down and brought Horford in earlier but not Mike “Gregg Knapp” Woodson. How could he not see how bad Za Za was getting beat. Watching Brandon Roy carve us up made me sick to my stomach. We passed over this guy for Sheldon freaking Williams. Sheldon was inactive today if im correct. Too make it worse those Portland play by play guys freaking suck. If the NBA only played 3 quarters the Hawks would win a championship and Woodson would look like the greatest coach ever but unfourtantely for us fans they play 4 quarters. Im p** right now. This is rediculous. We were up 19 how in the hell did we lose. FIRE BK AND WOODSON

By Mark Wahlberg

January 27, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

Who is the bigger idiot: Mike Woodson or Michael Gearon Jr.?

By Dan

January 27, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Can someone answer this question for me, please?

Why does Woodson insist on always calling for Joe Johnson to take the last shot? I am so f’ing sick of watching this play NOT work over and over and over and over again!

This idea that your best player HAS to take the final shot is total BS. Woodson has to be f’ing kidding me.

We have the worst coach in the league. Too bad no one in that ownership group has the sac to can him and bring in a real coach.

Also, aren’t you glad Billy Knight decided we needed Sheldon Williams over Brandon Roy. What a f’ing idiot! Someone get Billy Knight DirecTV so he can watch the college games. That Sheldon Williams pick is the worst pick I have ever seen.

By mykhalc

January 27, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

WOODSON could not design a winnin’ play if his life depended on it. his lack of an offensive design will continue to handcuff this team the rest of the season. they run for 3 qtrs then when the opponent starts to deny the breaks and play defense, there is NO design, NO offense in place to help them score!!!

BK is tied to the hip with WOODSON…so we are stuck with what we got!!!!!

By g-thang

January 27, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

As I said in my earlier post, the hawks will not win 35 games and will miss the playoffs for the 9th year. Thanks Woody and Knight for Killin’ my SPIRIT.

By terrell barron

January 27, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Did anyone see Woody just staring at his clipboard during that final timeout? He wasn’t saying anything, just staring. CLUELESS!

By Dr. Dave

January 27, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

The Hawks do have shooting options besides JJ. Salim is the ultimate sniper and is glued to the bench. How bout letting Acie Law go for it? He shot his share of game winners in college. He was the “shooting PG” that everyone was afriad of. Marvin can stick a 15 jumper. Chills can go to the basket. Woody takes the ball and the confidence out of all of their hands. He also makes it tougher on JJ to shoot a game winner when he has everyone standing around, allowing the defense to key on Joe. Repeat after me, “FIRE WOODY”!!!!!!!!!!

By g-thang

January 27, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

up by dbl digits all night and lose by 1? TSK, TSK…they rate that they are going, they will lose the replay of the MIAMI game

By randy

January 27, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Atlanta Spirit, please sell Atlanta Hawks/Thrashers to an owner than knows what the hell they are doing. You are losing your a$$ due to incompetence and making sports fans like me miserable. PLEASE GO AWAY!!

By randy

January 27, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

LOL Terrell, I seen that too. After 4 years, Woody still have no friggin clue what he is doing.

By terrell barron

January 27, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Stop dogging Joe. He’s not the one calling those bone headed plays.

By smartguy

January 27, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

TIME FOR A BOYCOTT. If Woody is still the coach for our next home game, and you’re as unhappy with him and the Spirit as I am, then please just don’t go.

The NBA and the Hawks are supposed to bring us some sort of enjoyment. Watching a Woody-coached team is more like Chinese water torture.

By randy

January 27, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Woody never rests Joe. Do you really want a guy with tired legs taking the final shots or guarding the best player on Portlands team?? The first couple minutes of the final quarter you always rest your best player. Come on Woody, this isn’t brain surgery.

By cp

January 27, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Seriously how many plays does Woodson have in his playbook. His playbook has to be as thin as some cheap toilet paper. Mike Woodson and Gregg Knapp are brothers from another mother. Never in my life have I ever seen two coaches that will go away from whats working and stick to the most predictable play calling known to man. Here is a novel idea Woodson, if you get the lead by running and attacking the basket why dont you keep doing it. How much longer do we have to go through this crap. FIRE BK AND WOODY. It is nice to see that our number 5 pick in the draft is inactive while one of the many better players we passed over owned our so called best player. Roy was killing JJ on the defensive end then on the offensive end he owned him. I dont ever want to hear again how we did not have a spot for this kid or any of that other nonsense. With talent like that you find a spot.

By Steve T

January 27, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Let us look at the stats: JJ - 9-21 - 42% this is not going to cut it. MW - 7-10 - 70% He needs more shots. JS - 8-13 - 62% He needs more shots.

The offense needs to be ran around JJ, JS, and MW. Woody needs to go with the hot hand, and tonight it was Marvin and Josh. He needs to design play where Marvin can get a good look at the basket. He is very good at hitting the 18 foot jumper. Woody needs to develop Marvin and use that sweet jump shot of his.

GET MARVIN AND JOSH THE BALL MORE. GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO HELP THE TEAM!

Trust Each And Every Man!

By mykhalc

January 27, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

well after 2 games with POR i HOPED they have learned at least one thing!! ROY is a BAD match-up for JJ!! JJ is not quick enough to get around him and ROY plays solid enough 1-on-1 D to deny him a open jumper!!! and what makes it soooooooo bad it is that LAST play had just been tried within the previous possessions when ROY caused JJ to turn it over!!!

can we get a coach that can actually coach???? oh yeah, i answered my own question in my other post!!! f’n ridiculous!!!!!!

By BosnianBaller

January 27, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

NEED A CENTER.LITTLE LEAGUE TEAMS DONT GIVE UP 4 LAY UP’S IN A ROW.SCREW KNIGHT AND WOODSON

By Marie

January 27, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

That game was just plain disgusting! A middle school team doesn’t give up that many points.

By Angry Tim

January 27, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

So, in the last 8 SECONDS, Joe Johnson had two missed jumpers sandwiched around a foul that put them ahead. Well, isn’t that special?

By Inside

January 27, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Mike Woodson to resign and Larry Drew to be named Interim Head Coach.

By Mike Woodson is a bum

January 27, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

There is no way that bum coach should get on the plane after tonight’s loss. Woodson sucks and is in over his head. We have too much talent for this. Marvin Williams is not a pro. THAT WAS PATHETIC.

By mykhalc

January 27, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

you brought false hope on your last post!!!LOL

By Clyde

January 27, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

Hey where’s my boy clyde=moron? What did you think of today’s game?

The official FIRE BILLY AND WOODY t-shirt is still available. E-mail me at atlconnect@hotmail.com.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By terrell barron

January 27, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Inside, Please tell me your’re serious?

By terrell barron

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

Teams seem to give us leads, because they know good and damn well that we will let them back in it in the 4th quarter. Either from us tiring out or Woody slowing down the tempo.

By doc

January 27, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

roy breaks everyone down in the lane and not just the hawks making it easy to get to the basket. that is his specialty and why he should have been brought in to do what no other player on the hawks can do, stay under control in the lane to either score or dish it back out. jj would have been so much better as well as the team if bk had just done the smart thing.

besides making duhon available do you not think the bulls wouldnt have loved to have had roy on their side? two gm’s really blew it on roy who could have brought so much to the or the bulls.

still havent seen anything that i can hang my hat on in acie yet to fill the void, out of control, poor shot, cant make the layup even if he makes it through and not showing he is a lock down natural on the defensive end. still has time to show up but havent seen anything but short intervals to suggest he can be the man.

By Inside

January 27, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Last time, it was conditioned on a loss at Seattle. Like Scott Skiles, Mike Woodson has come to the same conclusion that what he is doing just isn’t working, and that its time for someone else to have the chance. However, now I’m being told he’s going to sleep on it before signing his name. It was 99%, now its 80%. Larry Drew will be the Interim if it does happen.

By preston

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

Well, I am glad I missed that one.

By clyde=moron

January 27, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Oh Clyde. You made yourself scarce when the Hawks were winning in December. I’m making myself scarce now that they’re losing again. Why? Because my sole purpose on this blog is point out what a disloyal, jacka$$ of a fan you are - you kick the Hawks when they’re down, but don’t give them credit when they’re doing well.

Tough loss tonight, but now and forever - GO HAWKS!!!

You’re still a moron, Clyde.

By ray

January 27, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Well there you have it. Brandon Roy can run the offense and is clutch in the 4th quarter. But no, we didn’t need him, he’s just another SG, right? Riiiight.

Nate McMillan is obviously leaps and bounds beyond Woodson. How else do you explain his ability to call plays that routinely abused our most inept help defender? Don’t know what I’m talking about? How about the recognition of the fact that you can sit Travis Outlaw on one end of the court and work the ball to him all the way around the circle before Zaza can get over to challenge the shot? Happened to us for 3 3-point attempts in a row. Outlaw happened to actually miss the third one because Josh Smith came back in the game. That’s called recognizing a mismatch and exploiting it. It’s called play-calling.

Meanwhile, we ride Joe like a Brahma Bull when a fresher, more energetic Roy is all over him with Aldridge rotating over to help when it mattered most. Do you think the Blazers saw the same damn play developing again? I think the whole arean saw it!! And still our guys obediently stood around and watched!!

Portland should’ve had no chance against us. Even when their big guys and shooters are taller and outnumber ours. We had them by the throat. They are younger and less experienced. And yet, they played on like a veteran team. They were coached like a veteran team. And they responded like a veteran team.

I’m sick of this. Absolutely sick of it. We played like a bonafide team in the first half and most of the third quarter. What the hell happened? Why is it that a guy like Travis Outlaw can have such confidence and become a go-to guy in the 4th quarter, despite his youth? Why is it a guy like Marvin Williams can’t? And don’t tell me he played anything like he did against Seattle, because he DID NOT. And you can’t blame it on pg play, because neither Law nor AJ had a single turnover. Not one. I am so disgusted. Enough of this crap.

By jami$$ion

January 27, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

inside quick playing with our emotions. u know dat b*** ain’t gone quit,get malvo 2 snipe dis trick asap! BRING ON DREW. LET’S GO HAWKS!!

By mykhalc

January 27, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Inside, your post was more believeable when you said he’d be fired!!!

WOODSON’s MO is STUBBORNESS!!! you think WOODSON’s is open enough to believe HE IS the reason sh$t ain’t workin’ around here!!! nope. the problem is they are not executin’ his offense!!! yeah right!!!

thanks for takin’ my mind off the game for a minute tho!!!

WOODSON will leave when the ASG does a SCOTT SKILES on him!!! at least CHI has some balls when it comes to their team!!!

By mykhalc

January 27, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

ZAZA looked liked he was playin’ musical chairs on defense and never could find a seat!!! ridiculous!!!! and yes i know he was not the only problem!!!!!

By smartguy

January 27, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I hope Inside is right, too, but it makes too much sense to be possible with the Goons and Woody. I was just watching Sportscenter, and realized not only did JJ miss two shots in the last 8 seconds, but he didn’t even hit rim, on either. Nonetheless, I’m sure Woody will call the same thing next time he gets the chance.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me thirty times, shame on the ASG.

By rainman

January 28, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

When asked why he should be our coach woodson said “im black and a Bum perfect for the Atl”.

By cp

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

That was exactly my point Ray. I find it rediculous that people say we could have not used Roy. Im not buying that crap. Once again you find a spot for a talent like his. How in the hell did BK not even invite this kid to a workout. I remember some draft website asking him before the draft did he have a workout with the Hawks and he was like no and did not understand why. Man enough is enough. I know people on here say we cant live in the past or hindsight is this n that or we are playing armchair gm but forget all that, Roy was a no brainer. BK brought in 3 pgs in for a workout knowing he would not take one. This guy is a joke. CP wanted to be here. Marcus Williams wanted to be here. How many guys u know come out and say they want to play for the Hawks? How much longer do we have to put up with dumb and dumber. We cant even hold a 19 point lead. We play uptemp and look great but for some reason Woody just cant have it. He has to slow it down. Guys on our team were looking scared in the 4th quarter. Mike Knapp left people like Horford and AJ on the bench too long. Man forget t shirts we need a freaking fire BK and Woody billboard

By reese

January 28, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

It was a tough loss tonight against Portland. Yes, Terrell Brandon, I noticed woodson’s lack of leadership in the time out as well. His players heads were down and they needed inspiration, they needed a play in which they felt confident and they needed a game plan based upon the situation at hand.

Its hard to criticize Woodson for calling the play for JJ. Especially, when McMillan did the same thing and called plays for Brandon Roy. Brandon played better and smarter than JJ.

The criticism is directed at the lack of playing your shooters meaningful minutes. Portland played 10 players a minimum of 14 mins. Only 2 players played more than 30 minutes. In other words, McMillan has all of his players prepared to be in the game during critical situations.

Yet, Mike Woodson only played 8 players more than 14 minutes. He brought Mario west in with 8 seconds left in the 2nd qtr to play Brandon Roy. Mario had been sitting the whole first half and was not loose enough to stop Roy.

Salim Stoudemire had a great game against Portland last year and he is playing in front of his hometown. We just saw what Marvin did and Salim doesn’t leave the bench to see if he can be inspired.

If you don’t want to play salim to give JJ some rest, then play Tlue at the guard spot and play zone. If you can’t stop Brandon Roy on the previous 3 drives, then start off in a man and switch to a zone or trap him to make someone else beat you.

The problem with that approach is that we did that in the 3rd qtr and their players hit the open 3 point shots and therefore, woodson lost confidence in that scheme. One he failed to realize is that Zaza was the one rotating out to stop outlaw. Once Josh came back in the game he blocked the shot.

My other criticism is that woodson refuses to play Solomon jones any meaningful minutes so that we could have a defensive lineup of Smith, Horford and Jones down the stretch.

As far as late game isolations for JJ, at that point in the game JJ has control of his own destiny. He can call for a pick, he can penetrate to the basket and shoot or pass.

However, Woodson should have the other players doing something to cause diversion. Back door screens, cutting thru the lane, pretending to come and set a screen, packing the lane and looking to tap in the jump shot or looking for the alley oop.

Also, Woodson doesn’t fool anyone by having AJ, childress or Marvin standing behind the 3pt line waiting for JJ to pass. JJ is not going to pass and if he did, they are not going to shoot.

But the Hawks are not the only team who blow last second shots. Kobe Bryant passed to a wide open Luke Walton who didn’t even look at the goal and passed it right back to Kobe as time expired.

By Daniel

January 28, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this

Tragic.

By Mac-Town

January 28, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this

We need SHOOTERS. Notice games against teams like Toronto and Portland? That’s the difference. That is how these teams stay in the game, get themselves back in the game, and build big leads against us.

Well we have at least one shooter but the stupid coach lets him (Salim) ride the bench!!!

Also that D is awful. This isnt the FIRST night. How many times are we gonna watch players from the opposing teams with easy lay ups off of SET plays.

By RaJaH

January 28, 2008 3:28 AM | Link to this

So…Will we be hearing “Fire Woodson” chants at the next home game?