Hawks

By mykhalc

January 28, 2008 3:13 AM | Link to this

F’N RIDICULOUS!!!!

does WOODSON still have a job??? if so, F’N RIDICULOUS!!!!

By SQUAWKER

January 28, 2008 3:16 AM | Link to this

Sekou,

That was absolutely painful in all the ways you described. JJ has been catching tons of heat from people -what’s your take on that. I think it’s ridiculous considering what he has done for us the past few seasons. Heck, he put up 37 against them a week ago.

Anyways, as always I have to ask if you have heard any more trade rumors. I enjoyed the Salim piece - I too wonder why he doesn’t get some consistent time. You mentioned our lack of shooters - um, am I missing something?

I am also curious to hear your take on the progression of Acie Law. It seems most fans agree he still has that “deer in headlights” look out there and is scared to screw up. Considering his talk around draft time and his play at A&M, I am surprised that of all things confidence would be his problem. Do you ever see him as someone who will be able to knock down shots in the future?

Thanks for all you do keeping us in the loop, Sekou. Peace.

By mykhalc

January 28, 2008 3:36 AM | Link to this

SEKOU, i’ve been talkin’ about the lack of ability to close out games for this team for over 2 weeks now!! you can see that that is where they’re headed each and every nite that they have a lead goin’ into the 4th qtr!!!

obviously, this team is talented!!! obviously, they need direction on how to close out games!!! obviously, WOODSON HAS NOT and CANNOT provide that need leadership nor direction!!! and he has ample opportunity to lead and direct them with the many close games over the month!!! it ain’t gonna happen…PERIOD!!!

WOODSON has got to go…NOW!!!!!

By Cali OG

January 28, 2008 4:30 AM | Link to this

The pain…the agony of bein’ a Hawks fan. The danger is that the players probably lack confidence in Woodson’s decision making, and know that their hands are tied, cause their only remedy — another players only meeting — won’t get to the root of their problem: Woodson’s stubborn insanity-based leadership style of making the same mistake of refusing to make adjustments or situational subtitutions yet still expecting different results. I mean why wouldn’t you change your line-up and at least get Salim in there when McMillan went to a zone and began to cut away at the lead? Or how about Mario on Brandon late in the game? Or Solomon to protect the lane? Or as someone else mentioned, an end of game scheme other than an Iso to JJ? Oh well, just a matter of time before his head coaching career goes up in flames and he’ll have no one to blame but his own stubborn a$$. But this one hurt big-time…

By smartguy

January 28, 2008 4:52 AM | Link to this

Another perfect analogy:

Mike Woodson is our Don Rumsfeld. Continually and horribly flawed strategy on the battlefield, and lack of leadership (and intelligence) at the top to do anything about it. Both went on for way too long. Lets hope this is Woody’s last day as Atlanta Hawks Head Coach.

By mykhalc

January 28, 2008 4:54 AM | Link to this

s/b…obviously, WOODSON HAS NOT and CANNOT provide that needed leadership nor direction!!! and he has had ample opportunity to lead and direct them with the many close games over the passed month!!! it ain’t gonna happen…PERIOD!!!

my bad. i’m so pi$$ed i can’t type str8!!!!

By smartguy

January 28, 2008 5:15 AM | Link to this

From Tim Tucker’s timeline of the Hawks ownership mess, on Aug. 6, 2005: Gearon Sr. says the central issue is Belkin’s desire to operate the teams “on the cheap.” In other news, the pot has just called the kettle black.

Myk, I woke up fired up still, and judging by the way the last blog blew up, I guessing that we’re not alone. Woody has run this team into the ground for long enough. Look how the Bulls have turned around. Its not rocket science, its really not. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, FIRE MIKE WOODSON.

By Brave Fan

January 28, 2008 5:58 AM | Link to this

Sekou, I was just thinking about your article about the Hawks being close to making a move.

What about Jason Kidd? The Hawks could put together a good package of youth in order to acquire Kidd, and putting him with JJ at the top of the key could be lethal.

And imagine if they could get him without trading Smith. Kidd has a big contract, yes, but that comes off the book next season. Plus, the Hawks are a contender, and he wanted to be traded to a contender, says his agent. I think that would be a great move. He could tutor Acie Law for two seasons if he so chose. It would be a great pickup if they could get him.

By Glutton for Punishment

January 28, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this

I was so angry, i turned it off with a few mins to play. I KNEW what was gonna happen…. THIS TEAM HAS NO HEART… IF WE HAD ROY PLAYING THE POINT, THIS TEAM WOULD BE DANGEROUS!!! WE COULD HAVE HAD PAUL AND ROY !!! I think i am gonna covert a become a New Orleans fan, or Portland!! At least they have heart..

By Bertie

January 28, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

I have been thinking of possible trades scennarios and which players I consider untradables in order to post on this blog but it is all futile as long as we have Woodson as the Head Coach. The guy probably is the best Assistant Coach in the NBA and might be NBA Head Coach material but not with this team. Making major trades to mold the team to his coaching style is not acceptable. This team needs to run all game long. To keep up the pace minutes on the starters need to be reduced and reserve minutes increased. Playing half court (Woody ball) exposes the weaknesses of this team.

By kwooden1

January 28, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this

I listened to this game, all the way until Zaza made his last basket. I was thinking that the game was not over, but I was hoping that they could finish Portland off. I’ve agreed with everyone on the blog about the coach, but I will give him credit for yanking Lue, after his man scored two layups on him. It looks like the players are going to have to take it upon themselves to player better at the end of games. They all can’t watch JJ (again I did not see the end of the game, but I’m assuming) They can’t look to the coach for answers, either he doesn’t have them (the one I believe!!) or he wants the players to figure it out on their own (a teaching technique or something). I think this game should be the spark for them to figure it out, I’m sure they feel a lot worse about the loss than we do! JJ didn’t shoot well this game and they had a chance to blow a good team out at their place. They actually haven’t played a bad game since the Indiana loss. I’m very disspointed but I’m beginning to realize that the organization is not going to help the situation, (they don’t know how to make good trades, so why even wish for a trade) so the players are going to have to do it on their own. It appears to me that they get just enough coaching outside of the games to be successful, so I’m going to have to trust the players to get themselves to the Playoffs!!

GO HAWKS!!

By Sorry folks

January 28, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this

This team will never get better with Woody & Billy at the helm. Billy has built this team around PFs when we need a stronger presence at the PG and C positions. Meanwhile, Woody continues to run the team in a counterproductive fashion. A good coach could take this team to the playoffs(not that they would get out of the 1st round). Woody will not.

Expect more of the same with Colonel Sanders and Curly running the show. The Spirit group are unqualified to make a proactive move and as always will make changes only after it has been painfully obvious to everyone else but them.

Shelden- please go away! The biggest bust in franchise history

By Willie Coyote

January 28, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

You’re right Sekou…it is “BEYOND FOOLISH” that this team refuses to play to their strengths when playing that way got them the lead. It keeps happeneing and even when they win, they always have to hold on because once the second half hits, they go back to walking the ball up playing the way the other team hopes they will play. This just sucks.

By G-thang

January 28, 2008 8:10 AM | 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 bronkelliott

January 28, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

One thing needs to be made clear. this team can not win with Mike Woodson as coach. Jeff Van Gundy would not have tolerated the sloppy play and the continuous crumbling at the end of each game. this team has no maturity to close games! Get rid of Zaza and woodson. Give the bench guys a chance to play and see who will step up defensively at the end of games.

By vdunkndunk

January 28, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Our GM drafted Shelden Williams instead of Brandon Roy when every other GM in the league would have taken Roy, and last night we got a great look at why that was such a terrible decision.

And apparently our coach can’t think of anything better to do in crunch time then give the ball to JJ over and over again and ask him to win the game all by himself.

Basically, our coach and GM have done enough to get fired a hundred times over, but our owners are either too poor or too busy suing each other to do anything about it.

By stinger

January 28, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

I’ve gotten into the habbit of watching the first half of our games - then changing the channel however last night I returned for the final 5 minutes - Big Mistake This game broke my will. “Dr. it hurts when I do this (twisting arm violently) or when I watch the hawks - Doctor replys don’t do that and don’t watch the hawks you moron” Very sad.

By Luke0981

January 28, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

I watched the game last night as I do almost every game that I do not attend and as you guys point out it was the same ole same ole. I was just sitting there waiting for the big collapse on D to get the blazers back in it. Granted Outlaw was earning his poing but Roy had at least 4 uncontested layups in the final 4 minutes which is inexcuseable. I think it is time for Woodson to go and this is the first time that I have said so in my mind or publicly. We have players that are athletic and can play but they seem too preoccupied with their own stats than doing the dirty work that it takes to build a winner. Josh Smith can play ALL the defense for the Hawks someone has to help out in the lane and Joe can’e take every decisive shot for the Hawks plus where is Salim and Solomon. Salim is deadly from the perimiter and Solomon while limited is a defensive stopper in the paint and hustles for rebounds. This team can win as constructed now but they need a new leader in the worst way. A trade may help but the biggest need is a strong coach to instill discipline and a system for these young players.

By Dale

January 28, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

I use to never write the blog however, now I find it as a means to cope with my anxiety and the Hawks dismal coached performance on yesterday. I woke up this morning feeling as I did when I played a game and had lost the night before. it hurts!!!!! I watched the Hawks look so awesome early in the game only to be out-coached in the last quarter and truly in the last minute. Yes, I have been one of the ones blasting JJ, however I guess it is not totally JJ’s fault that every big play drawn up by woody is an iso for JJ at the top of court…”Hey, Woody everybody in the NBA knows that is the play you are calling!!!!!” As fans we cannot cry over spilled milk, yes Sheldon has been as big of a disappointment as John Kokac was and even when we traded for Danny Manning,yes we could have had an awesome point grade to penetrate the lane….but NO…we get Sheldon who plays like his girlfriend at the Univ. of Tennessee. What can we do to fix it!!!! I agree, get rid of Woody, Zaza and I believe the Hawks may can finish the season 41-41..if they go 23-19 over the next 42 games. Last comment, I know we need a good guard truly one that can penetrate the lane, but I must say I appreciate the hard work and leadership Anthony J is bringing to the court each night….. Let Steve Smith coach!!!!!!! His three keys to the game are ALWAYS what the Hawks need to implement!!!!!!!!!!

By randy

January 28, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY!!

This bum couldn’t coach a high school team.

By Dawgs

January 28, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

So much talent so much waste. Let us not forget they almost lost the game before too.

Sorry Woody but I now have to call for your head along with the rest of the masses. You have had your time and you keep making the same mistakes.

Garbage.

By mountain jim

January 28, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

That was my last free game watching via League Pass Free Preview… Needless to say, as a Hawks fan of 30 years, the League Pass is not going to get my money for the rest of the season to watch that again and again! Woody lost that game - not the players. No way JJ should have been playing 1 on 5 for the last shot. But that’s the only play Woody knows for the last shot.

I am so ready to get rid of Woody and so is this team.

The winning free throw was homerism officiating of the worst order - Roy pushed off, there was no foul on us.

By CoachRob

January 28, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

How many chances does Woodson and Knight get? Year after year, chance after chance, these two individuals have come up short and continue to make excuses.

As for the Hawks, they made their bed several years ago when Babcock and Kastan decided to disassemble the team a few years ago, the franchise is getting what it deserves when they took apart a winner in those years.

By Chad

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

I’m trying to be a Hawks fan, but they just won’t let me. I could see defeat and or disgust in the huddle when the game was still tied. It’s obvious this team has no faith in their coach or GM (Johnson’s complaints earlier this year). If the owner’s truly want to win and grow the fan base, they better change something…Quick.

By Hoosier

January 28, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho,….Woody got to go! Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho,….Woody got to go!

Sekou, ask A. Johnson what was going through his mind at the end of the d game, when he would not even look at Woody drawing up the last of two last second shots for Joe. Woodson did not go to West Point, because there are never any surprise attacks. We always throw the ball to JOE. JOE gets double teamed, shoots air ball, then we hear buzzer. Over and Over and Over.

Even when the Hawks had the lead and with the ball, you knew they were going to loose. Woody’s body language in the huddle just gave it away, and the players had the same body language.

He did not even need to have a super play in waiting, all he had to do was be a Leader last night, and it would have been a ‘W’. I went to school with Woody at IU, so it pains me to say this, but Woody’s got to go!

By I.MUS WRITE

January 28, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Excuses,Excuses,Excuses…….. Another 20 point lead blown!!! My God have sum pride. The thing that really stands out is how Brandon Roy (a 2nd year player) dominated our supposed alltar on both ends of the floor in crunch time.

By oldmike

January 28, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Sekou-why is this guy (Woodson) still coaching this team? If this was anywhere else he would have been fired long ago. No lead is safe. This team - even without a top notch PG - should have a record on par with New Orleans. However, no involved ownership means no meaningful decisions. I was sick to see them lose last night. It is painful to watch them.

By Jacob

January 28, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Why the hell does Woodson still have a coaching job in the NBA? Great talent stockpiled on the Hawks, but they havent figured out how to play with each other yet…and THAT responsibility falls to our crappy coach. BTW, take Billy boy with you when you leave Woodson.

By xldoug

January 28, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

To be angry and frustrated is understandable…to say the players lack “heart” is stupid. The players lack direction…lack leadership…lack shooting ability..lack a plan…but heart? How is that quantified? Many have summed up the unbelieveable lack of imagination that Woody has…the horrid track record of BK in the draft. Be that as it may…give this roster to D’Antoni or heck even Don Nelson and they would have 24-25 wins right now. And we wouldn’t have posters saying they lacked “heart”

By Dr. Tobias Funke

January 28, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Nothing will happen. Woody’s not getting fired, because the person who would fire him (KNIGHT) is just as worthless and hasn’t done a thing all year except sit around with his thumb up his a$$ and ignore interview requests. Yeah, Billy, you’re a frickin’ genius, aren’t you? That “all power forwards, all the time” plan has worked out brilliantly, right? This team is the most pathetic excuse for a “professional” franchise I’ve ever seen, and idiots like Billy Knight and Mike Woodson are getting a free ride because nobody in the front office seems to even notice that the Hawks make the Clippers of the 80s & 90s look like a championship-caliber franchise.

WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR SOMEONE TO FINALLY TAKE ACTION AND FIRE KNIGHT & WOODSON? IS THIS EVER GOING TO END? GEARON? BELKIN? ANYONE LISTENING????

By I.MUS WRITE

January 28, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Itz becoming more and more obvious that the problem is’nt our players its our Dam Coach for the millionth time- I wouldnt do any trades right now i would wait until summer for that. Anyone we trade for outside of maybe a Kobe or Garnett really is’nt going to help us right now -because of our Coach and the way he handles players and situations.

How the hell do you lose a twenty point lead in the second half? Seattle should have never gotten back inthe game the way they did.

C O A C H I N G - Help us * a fans desperate plea

By Krib

January 28, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Its just a loss. PS we are still in the 7th spot in the East. At the start of the season, we all just wanted to be in the playoff hunt. Well, now we are. I see the Hawks getting better. All teams have dissapointing losses but we have to look at the bug picture.

By steve

January 28, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

How do the ASG justify keeping Woodson? It was obvious two years ago that he lacked the smarts to be an NBA head coach. There is no coincidence in losing the close games late, its all coaching. BK passed on CP3, Roy, and Deng and he is still employed. Basically, the Atlanta Spirit are the real joke in all this… thanks Gearon for a winning month. We all really appreciate it. Now, please find a buyer for this team because ATL fans know you are incompetant.

By FIRE WOODY

January 28, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

The answer is simple. Why did we not attack the lane…Portland had a foul to give when the game was over…that is ridiculous. It’s basic basketball. When up by 18 we should have been attacking the basket every time down!!!! This slows the game down and prevents quick runs by the other team and gets the other team in foul trouble. Also we would have not looked so tired and out of it defensively. I am tired of seeing jumpshots from Smooth and JJ when we have big leads. I saw a lot of kick outs when we did drive late….that is the coaches responsibility to remind his players over and over on what to do!!!!!!! And last thing, I am tired of the give it to JJ and everybody stand there approach to the end of the game. Can we run a play to get the ball in motion. We have other talent but we never use it!

By Dr. Tobias Funke

January 28, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Krib, the big picture is very clear. At best, the Hawks are a 7 or 8 seed in the playoffs, which means a likely sweep in the first round by Boston or Detroit. Is that your idea of progress? Personally, finishing under .500 and extending the season by four games doesn’t really do it for me after years of watching Knight build this team to be a contender. Fact is, we’re not a contender and we’re not close to becoming one soon. Contenders know how to close out 20-point wins, and contenders have coaches who use time outs late in the game to actually diagram plays, not stare silently at the players who obviously have tuned him out. ENOUGH ALREADY

By Chris

January 28, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Brandon Freaking Roy. Just imagine him running the point with JJ, Josh, Marvin and Big Al out there. We coulda been a contenda!

Instead, we got The Landlord. Well, The Landlord better watch out. He may have trouble paying the rent next year.

By terrell barron

January 28, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Brave fan, who in the world would the Nets take for Kidd, besides Horford or J.Smith? They have Jefferson so they dont need Marvin, and he probably wouldnt want to come here if Joe was leaving. Actually, they still have Vinsanity so they dont need Joe either. Vdunkndunk, Roy was drafted 6th overall, so 5 other GM’s passed on home. The way he’s playing, he should have been numero uno, not Bargani.

By Hubie Fratello

January 28, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!

By Mike Woodson

January 28, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Hello everybody…….sorry about last night’s game, I really did it this time….. I knew that would be it for me, and I would probaly be fired today……..huh?…..You mean to tell me that am still the coach of the Atlanta Hawks?????……..SWEET MAN!!!!!!…….Salim……get back on the bench, I am still here!!!!!

By Paul

January 28, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Bruce Levenson, Michael Gearon and the rest of the ASG are culpable as well. You cannot blame Mike Woodson for showing up every day to cash their checks while they foolishly delay the inevitable.

Is the ASG too cheap to cut their losses right now?

How many more times must I see Anthony Johnson rolling his eyes in disgust during a late 4th quarter TO before a change is made?

Do these owners live under a rock? They are the ones to blame for this fiasco!

By KP

January 28, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

It is time for Woodson to go!! Watching a coach allow his team to go down so rapidly in flames after working so hard to secure yet another road win - made me want to vommit! Do you mean to tell me that the play he drew up on the last 2 possessions was to iso Joe to go one-on-one - and that was it!! How about drawing something up for Marvin? Also a poor use of timeouts during Portland’s final run - never called one! Go get Mike Fratello! Anybody else!!

By blazerfan

January 28, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

As a former Hawks fan before moving to Portland 13 years ago this Hawks team is so much better than the product that has been put on the court over the last 10 years. The Blazers have a chemistry that I have never encountered in the NBA. They never say die, play hard even when games seem out of reach and get the most out of there talent. Its clear that the Hawks have as much if not more talent than the Blazers and what is lacking is a perimeter shooter. Having watched them twice in a week, I would feel really good were I still a Hawks fan. A second outside shooter seems to always be the Hawks problem dating back to the days of John Drew. There it plenty there to trade. Hopefully they won’t over pay for a shooter. Lastly, when will Marvin Williams play up to his talent. The Blazers had no answer for him and if he ever applies himself he could be an elite player. He’s got a pretty J, can jump through the roof and handle the ball like a guard, so why does he disappear?
It seems like perhaps the Hawks ought to give Larry Brown a call. I guarantee that they don’t blow a 19 point lead if Brown is there coach. I know he’s a hundred, but any guy who can coach AI can coach this bunch. Good luck Hawks fans, I still root for ya when not rooting for my Blazers.

By H from Marietta

January 28, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Who’s going to fire Billy or Woody? We’ve got 9 owners and 7 executives/presidents, who probably can’t make a decision on what to have for lunch… Atlanta Spirit, what a joke!

By Joe

January 28, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Why was Mike Woodson on the plane last night? They should have left that bum in Portland.

By H from Marietta

January 28, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

HOW MANY DRAFT PICKS DO WE WASTE EVERY YEAR??? OUT OF ALL THOSE PICKS, WE GOT 2.5 DECENT PLAYERS… HORFORD = 1, J.SMITH = 1, CHILL = .5 BECAUSE HE WAS DRAFTED 6TH OVERALL… MARVIN’S AN INCOMPLETE AND 2ND OVERALL… LANDLORD NEEDS TO BE CARJACKED AGAIN… ACIE’S A SHOOT FIRST PG… GO FIGURE! I GUESS ONCE THE SUNS GET OUR PICK, IT REALLY WON’T MATTER FOR THE HAWKS B/C THEY AREN’T GOOD AT PICKING TALENT ANYWAYS…

By DAWG

January 28, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Agreed! This town really does love this team, and we’ve got all the potential we could ask for. We have an extensive supply of young, athletic players. Turn’em loose! Let’s run, gun, dunk, and have some fun!

And Salim, we love you man!

By Hank

January 28, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Time for a coaching change. To much talent now for the Hawks not to be winning.

By ProudTechFan

January 28, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

I have been a hawks fan all my life, and I have seen the hawks lose the past few years and for the most part you get used to it. That’s sad to say or admit to for that matter, but it’s the truth. I have also watched this team in particular this year and seen games that we could have won. But last night was the most heart breaking loss I have witnessed in a long time. When Joe Johnson missed the last shot of the game, my heart dropped. It was the worst feeling in the world. It was like watching my YellowJackets lose to UGA for the seventh year in a row. I was emotionally spent last night, and it will only heal with a win over the Suns.

Go Hawks!!! You’re still my team

By oldmike

January 28, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

One other thing. Woodson is a defensive minded, half court set coach. This useless GM has assembled a roster of athletic, run and gun tweeners. One and one doesn’t equal 2 here folks. Why doesn’t the NBA step in and run this franchise? Or at the very least force the Spirit to resolve their issues and start operating the Hawks like it matters.

By preston

January 28, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Hello Everybody, this is Mike Woodson…I am sorry about last night’s game, I know I really did it this time, and I my firing was justified today as I…wait a minute..huh…what’s that Billy…I ain’t going nowhere?…..I am still the coach of the Atlanta Hawks?………SWEET, MAN!!!!………Salim! Shut up and get back on that bench…..I am still here!!!!!!!

By terrell barron

January 28, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

It’s going to be painful looking at Woodrow on the sidelines again. I am so p** right now. They better win 1 out of the next 2, or I’m done. They usually play well against Phoenix and The Clippers are’nt very good this year. A 2-5 road trip might keep us in it, but if we lose to the Suns and the Clippers its going to be extremely difficult to recover.

By Chris

January 28, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Got to watch my Jackets rally from a 13-point deficit to beat Virginia on the road, then I was treated to my Hawks snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Ah, the highs and lows, ebbs and flows of being a sports fan in Atlanta…

By Voice of Reason

January 28, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Woodson is the worst of a mighty bad collection of bad Hawks coaches. He actually makes me miss Terry Stotts! Heck, I’ll take Bob Weiss back. What’s worse is that Billy Knight is equally ineffective, and the Atlanta Spirit group is slowly sucking the life out of the franchise. (They’re doing the same to the Thrashers, but that’s for a different board…) Who can blame Bernie Mullin for fleeing this grease fire?

By jami$$ion

January 28, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

1st off I’ll like 2 say goodmorning 2 my fellow brothers this blog is our church for sports,and we r very faithful followers. Dear Pastor Sekou, do u have any info about a replacement 4 coach woodson.B4 the season he was on da hotseat,the seat has cremated.We the fans & the city of ATL deserve better it is disrespectful 2 us,thecity,theowners,gm,&theleague. We’ve lead n every game or were in every game in da 4th except da SA,BOS,IND,&CHI games while only using a 1/3 of this roster.Quit blaming BK

By Mike

January 28, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

I didn’t get chance to watch the game, I only mercifully had to endure the last seconds of the game. Same old story.

I said it once I’ll say it again for myself, and Sekou. Woody can’t take this team to the next level.

It’s time for a coaching change. Let Larry Drew take over before it’s too late. These guys deserve better coaching than what they are receiving from Woody. Yeah he’s a hellvua defensive coach, but that’s just one side of the equation. You gotta have an offensive scheme that takes advantage of the talent of your team. You got guys not dressing out that are perfectly healthy. How do you build team chemistry like that?

Everybody gave this guy the benefit of the doubt. His record speaks for it self. Since the Cheap Asssss Spirit want spend money on a veteran coach, and your dysfunctional organization can’t draw a big time coach, give Larry Drew a chance. I think he’s a rising star stuck in a broke down organization.

This is the cheapest solution for a bunch of Cheap Assss Owners. I’ll be at the Jersey game this Saturday, not because of the flawed organization, but because of the guys on this team. It amazing that this team can play so competitive with the dysfunctional coaching this team receives.

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

By terrell barron

January 28, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Tell me about it Chris. No Lead is safe, as long as YOU KNOW WHO is around!

By terrell barron

January 28, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

We’re all disappointed, so imagine how the players feel. They play their asses off in the first half, and then for some unknown reason they stop running and end up blowing a 19 point lead.

By H from Marietta

January 28, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Remember the good ole ‘80’s joke, Go Braves!, and take the Falcons with you!!!

New Joke = Go Hawks!, and still take the Falcons with you!!!

By Eric

January 28, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

WOODSON LOST THE GAME, HE LEFT ZAZA IN THE GAME TO LONG. ZAZA GAVE UP THREE THREE POINT SHOTS TO OUTLAW AND FOULED ROY DIVING TO THE MIDDLE FOR A AND 1, THEN WOODSON DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO TAKE HIM OUT. ALL WE NEED IS ONE GOOD TALL SHOOTER, AND PLEASE GIVE US A NEW COACH!!!

By Chris

January 28, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I’m about damn tired of seeing us hold an opponent to 30-something in the first half (see: Portland last night and MLK day) and letting them put up 50- to 60-something in the 2nd. And to take a shot-clock violation after a TO…I mean, seriously…

By jami$$ion

January 28, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Did BK passover some good players yes & so did an azz of other gm’s. And if we had roy or deng woody wouldn’t play them effectively,they’ll never reach their potential. And yall tripping bout BK’s picks he is a allstargm compared 2 babcock’s futility. we don’t need 2 trade any1 until we get a new coach,unless it’s speedy’s contract. The main culprit outside of woodson’s 4thqt playcalling is jj 4 carryingout those suicidalpossessions that kill ourteam.He’s not quick enuff 2 penetrate,draw,&kick.N JJ knowsit

By norm

January 28, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

I need to vent. Woody has Acie playing scared. JJ plays no defense and is not a leader. Josh is the best player on the team.T Lue is a midget. Salim is not playing because he doesn’t have NBA talent.Billy Knight is arrogant and a poor judge of talent.I’m tired of that goofy stone face look on Woodys face.Spirit group is a joke.JJ plays too many minutes which doesn’t make sense because he has a good backup(Josh Childress). I don’t see much hope with the current G.M. and ownership. Now I feel better.

By woodson must go

January 28, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Woodson is a Horrible coach. Everybody and their momma can tell the Hawks are built for running. Look at the Game they blew Denver out. Woodson is determined to make the hawks into an old school half court team. But the hawks are not built for that. Woodson must go for being an idiot.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 28, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

A couple of weeks ago I was dead set against Larry Brown coming here. Ive’had a change of heart- If Larry wants to come here and fix things lets do it. Enough is enough- When the game is on the line Woody runs the same ol tired azz play……. U guessed it JJ on the wing (isolation) one on one.Also last night proved to me that sumthing is wrong with JJ- and i dont mean his soar ankle either.

The guy just doesnt have the athleticism/vertical to finish in traffic or get around his man-which is why he takes so many jumpers. He got blocked twice in the lane and Roy put the clamps on our Allstar??? in the final seconds.

Why was there no motion or players cutting on the baseline. HELLO- if you run the same plays the other team will be ready for the cross over/pull up jumper-Jesus so dam predictable…… Thats Y Aj was rolling his eyes-he is sick of the BS just like me.

Okay this Duck thang is all the way out on the West coast- at the beginning of the second qtr-I saw fans behind our bench holding their hands in the form of a duck and looking in the direction of Marvin-I could’nt believe it* did anyone else see that -hilarious.

Seriously folks why the hell isnt SALIM getting any Playing time — How stubborn iz woody? the guy is our best shooter for cryn out loud.

By JCSmalls

January 28, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

I am very frustrated with the Hawks right now. Too many games that we have just given away or let slip through our hands. As much as I love Joe, he is miserable with the game on the line. Going back to the last Blazers game where he bricked a fade away jumper a foot inside the 3 point line at the end of regulation after he had been driving to the hole at will…then the airball at the end of overtime…..and now a shot clock violation and another airball at the buzzer. He is our guy, but we might need to look elsewhere when the game is on the line.

By Krib

January 28, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

terrell Please !! Portland has done the same thing to other elite teams.Go and ask Utah Jazz with the so called veteran coach . We lost a game we should have won.It happens to every team. Last time I checked this is not a regular occurence (losing games after being ahead by over 10 points in the 4th quarter.Stop blaming Woody!!.The team is still growing.THE GOAL THIS YEAR IS TO GET TO THE PLAYOFFS!!.At the beginning of the season, all the so called NBA analyst gave the hawks no chance of making the playoffs! So why cant we grade our coach according to our expectations? This is where we expected to be at the beginning of the season. The season is a marathon not a sprint. Lets see if the team can use this loss to our advantage and correct the mistakes.

By Jonathan Goldberg

January 28, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

From the beginning of the season, I have been of the camp that says give Woodson a chance as this is the first year has had a full set of good players. When we reached .500 and then eclipsed it, I felt the Hawks were making good progress. Now I believe that, in view of the Hawks’ recent close losses, Woodson should go. Losing close games repeatedly is partly the fault of the coach. To lose two close ones to Portland in a week is unacceptable. Our only victory was against a weak Seattle team. We are reeling and I don’t think that Woodson has the capacity to lead this team to victory. Time to start looking for someone new. And yes, Sekou is also right: we should be a running team.

By BlazerRed

January 28, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

As a Blazer Fan, my reaction was mixed. I thought the Hawks were pretty awesome despite the loss. I can’t comment on your coach, but you have a dangerous team that will continue to be so for many years if no one messes it up. I am expecting to see new teams rise up to the elite levels in the next year. I would certainly put the Hawks in that category as you continue to get better and better.

By Pete

January 28, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

YOU ARE SO RIGHT SEKOU!!!!!! WOODSON IS NOT DOING THE THINGS THAT HAS GOTTEN THEM TO THIS POINT. HE KEEPS SWITCHING THE LINEUPS BUT NO OF THEM EVER INCLUDE SALIM STOUDAMIRE. THIS coach is a joke.

He played 8 vs 10 last night….Our guys just ran out of gas when Portland started swinging.

By dtruth

January 28, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Right on the money. Woodson is not using his talent wisely. He does not have a walk it up, set it up type players. Let them run and gun with those young legs. It is crazy that Woodson is still around. He is a Larry Brown deciple that does not know how to adjust his coaching to the talent he has. Let Woodson go yesterday.

By Krib

January 28, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Thanks Mark I agree with you!! Put any coach with the team we have, and we will not get any better.

By jami$$ion

January 28, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

we don’t even need a pass 1st pg. we have a excellent penetrator shooter that can stretch the defense getting splinters on da bench. we have a post player we don’t run any plays 4 him.we have a athletic shot blocking center solo we don’t play him.we have a defensivestopper where’s supermario when u need him.we have a nice banger who doesn’t get the chance 2 play let lone develop.So stop wit da Bk personel moves actually player 4 player this roster is better than over half the league,save SA,DET,PHO,DAL,POR

By MannyT

January 28, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Until the coach figures out how to continue to use the team’s competitive advantage, this is what you get.

It’s a shame to see how many college timed games we win, but you gotta play 48 minutes in the NBA.

I hear Atlanta sales of Maalox, Pepto Bismol & Tums are on the rise.

By hirsutedawg

January 28, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Finally a little passion regarding the Hawks. I’m officially boycotting them until we get a new coach. Last night was the last straw. This team has no identity and this coach will not help them find/develop one. The talent we have on this team is not bad, the way they are not being coached up is.

By Krib

January 28, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Please what is all this talk about imagine Chris Paul or Brandon Roy with the current team? Remember guys,If we had drafted Chris or Roy, we might not have had Al Horford!!. Our win and loss totals might not have been the same hence the balls might not have dropped the way they did for us last year!. So stop with all this WHAT IFs!!! All teams make mistakes in the draft!. Yes Billy is not exactly the best manager, but he is not that BAD. No one is giving him credit for drafting Jesh Smith yet we are crucifying him for not drafting Paul. We dont know how good ths team would have been if we speedy was not injured.(Which is not Billy’s fault).

By Adam

January 28, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

It’s beyond foolish for the Hawks to think they can routinely win games playing out of the half court sets that they’ve made painful to watch. They don’t have the type of spot up shooters that other teams have, which would make such an approach feasible.

I think that Sekou, diplomatically as ever, is agreeing with everyone else: Woodson is one of the primary problems here. Of course, as Ando has repeatedly written here, the organizational philosophy, starting with Knight (who allegedly is making the personnel decisions), is just as much the problem. I mean, why would you ‘build a team to run’ and hire a coach who seems intellectually, ideologically, and even epistemologically unable to grasp that concept?

So Sekou, yes, I agree, this team is in dangerous territory, insofar as they are dangerously stupid. But perhaps more losing is what it will take to get rid of these guys at the top who seem unable to take a team to the next level.

By jami$$ion

January 28, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Part 3 don’t believe our roster’s nice out of 15 players we have 2 actual busts speedy & lo wright.we haven’t fired micheal jordan,paxson,isaiah,patriley,west,mchale,walsh,sac,clips,sea,nj,milwaukee’sgm. 4 they’re horrible rosters and bad draft picks so it could be a lot worse.What hurts is outside of sa,det,pho,dal,port,gs& maybe the lakers we have a great roster and we can beat any team in dis league if we play 2 our strengthes. we lack direction & a system implemented 2 take advantage of our talent.

By Sope Creek

January 28, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Sekou - I’m and IU grad and love Mike Woodson, but I’m highly distraught over his insistance on relying on Joe Johnson to the exclusion of everybody else when the game’s on the line. Joe’s a great player, but when everybody knows that it’s Joe and only Joe, then there’s no way Joe’s gonna be able to be successfull every time, or even most of the time.

I also think Billy Knight’s got some answering to do. So far as I know Sheldon didn’t play a significant part in this game, and the guy drafted right after Sheldon did. Plus I’ve said for a while now the biggest weakness the Hawks have is that there really isn’t anybody to give Joe a reasonable break, or to give him a “Joe”-like threat in just situations like last night. Roy would have been a solution to both the Hawks’ recurring point guard problem and a replacment for Joe.

By The_Future

January 28, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

You ppl continue to attend games and line the pickets of these imbeciles, so why WOULD they make a change?

I was born here and have been a Hawks fan for my entire life, but I will never, repeat NEVER put as much as one dollar into this franchise until Knightmare and Woodson are no longer apart of it. That includes everything from not showing up at Philips to not even watching games on TV.

Until you idiots smarten up, you’ll continue to get exactly what you deserve.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

January 28, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Man, that was brutal. I swear if their was a category for measuring an ability to snatch someone’s heart out of their chest and put it in a meat-grinder, ALL ATL teams would lead in that department in their respective sport. Braves, choke after choke, year after year. I won’t even start with the joke that is the Falcons, and this ridiculous gutless and heartless loss yesterday. I’m finally convinced that something MAJOR needs to be adjusted with this team NOW. One or two more of these pansy azz play good-every once-in a blue moon high azz draft picks needs to get gone. I’m getting tired of these type of losses. Same dissapointing underacheiving crap season after season. I still believe this team has major talent but SOMETHING IS WRONG! The owners bickering and suing each other, execs quitting, then you have the GM and coach that won’t or rather seemingly can’t be replaced. That’s leaves players who act like they are scared of winning like a groundhog is afraid of his own freaking shadow. This whole atmosphere of hesistation needs to go because they are not enough MEN on this team, just some pretenders that I’m now convinced will never have that “dog” in them ever. Horford has that “dog”, T Lue, J Johnsin(sometimes), and this year J Chill has it in him. Josh has always had it, just not always under control and the rook Acie Law can get it if he can avoid having his confidence shot because he isn’t getting good coaching which I’m also starting to doubt, but other than that- nothing. Marvin Williams is a “sometimes” guy and will ALWAYS be just that- another Shareef Abur Raheem minus about 6 pts a game and 4 rebounds. They need to trade him, I’m tired of him wating until he is in front of the hometown crowd in Seattle to play like he is capable. he should do that every game, but doesn’t. Is Sheldon Williams even still alive? Why are we paying Salim Stoudamire? Even mild-mannered Zsa-Zsa is snapping on the coach. In the immortal words of Marvin Gaye- “What is Going On?”

GO HAWKS!!

(and get your @#$% head out the sand!)

By Billy

January 28, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

You stupid fans don’t know anything so just shut up. I wanted Sheldon instead of Brandon and that’s who I drafted. You can’t even imagine wht kind of a salary a player like Roy rill want in a couple of years. We could’t sign him but we will be able to sign Sheldon to a long term contract. The owners understand what I am doing and that is all that matters!!!

By Mark

January 28, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

KRIB,

You have made some excellent points, but the one about if SPEEDY was here they would be better is not one of them. That’s not Billy’s fault that he is hurt.

You are right it is not his fault that SPEEDY is hurt. It is his fault for signing SPEEDY. This was probably the most insulting guy the Hawks could have ever given the fans.

We say draft Chris Paul, Billy drafts Marvin Williams. So the next season he has the nerve OUT OF DESPERATION sighns Chris Paul’s backup. He could have at least found some other backup on another team.

So to answer you question it is Billy’s fault because that is money that could have been better spent.

By JJ

January 28, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Sekou. What is your take on Woodson? I don’t remember seeing an opinion from you. I believe he needs to go.

By Dan

January 28, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

There is a Rumor Eddy Curry to the HAWKS.

Isiah Thomas’ vision of Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph terrorizing opposing front lines hasn’t worked out as planned and Thomas, who has vowed to make lineup changes, appears ready to split up the center and power forward.

We may end up with actually seeing Joe Johnson at the point. Can you imagine a lineup of

Center Eddy Curry Power Forward Al Horford Small Forward Josh Smith Shooting Guard Marvin Williams Point Guard Joe Johnson

By fudd21

January 28, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

WOW! Another 4th quarter meltdown. I have been very patient in calling for Woody’s head, but at this point I think a change is needed. Did anyone notice how at the end of the half and the end of the game Roy was allowed to go one on one without any help coming at all. Surely Woody can’t expect someone of Roy’s calibur not to beat his man off the dribble. Oh I forgot, the Hawks in general don’t think highly of Roy, thats why they drafted Shelden instead. LMAO!!!

But on the other end of the court Joe was doubled at the end of the game and look at what happened. I disagree with some of you in that Joe IS an all-star in my opinion but you cant expect miracles when a person is double and triple teamed night in and night out. But back to Woody. In the 4th quarter the Blazers ran the same pick and roll play 3 straight times and produced 3 straight 3 pointers of which Outlaw hit 2 of them. I’m like come on we know the Blazers are a good 3 point team why are we giving up open 3 pointers. Down 14 with the time left that was the only way they could come back. Thats coaching to me.

Lastly, we definitely need to get rid of BK as well. I look at Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Brandon Roy all leading their teams with winning records and can only ask my self what was BK thinking when he drafted. The Marvin pick alot of people thought he had the most upside but you didn’t need him we needed a PG. The Sheldon pick was AWFUL. No one had Sheldon in the top 10 on their draft board but we reach up and grab him at 5. That’s ridiculous. Joe and Paul in the backcourt. Or Joe and Brandon on the wings. Man those combos could overcome the deficiencies with Woody. I’m so frustrated with the hawks.

By CFT

January 28, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Love the players. Hate the Team. Time for change.

By CDS

January 28, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

1. Fire Woodson.

2. Fire Billy Knight since he refuses to fire his friend.

3. Start playing Salim when we are hurting for offense. We are sitting near the bottom of the league in three-pointers, yet Woodson ignores Salim completely.

4. Get rid of that horrible contract that Speedy Claxton has.

It all starts with firing Woodson. Any other team in this league would’ve canned him 3 years ago.

By Mark

January 28, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

People are killing me with this FIRE WOODSON CRAP! Woodson is doing the best with what he has been given. Yes this team is talented, but poorly built. As Woodson stated last year, “WE HAVE BETTER FINAL FOUR TEAM THAN ANYTHING”.

It wasn’t Woodson that drafted Shelden Williams instead of Brandon Roy. It wasn’t Woodson that drafted Marvin (Who is OK, but not great) instead of Chris Paul. I won’t mention Darren Williams, oops sorry. Woodson has no input in who they draft. Thats Billy’s responsibility. You would never here SEKOU write about that. I remember last year when SEKOU gave his grades on the team and he gave WOODSON an F and had the nerve to say that he would RESERVE JUDGEMENT ON BILLY KNIGHT UNTIL LATER, well later still hasn’t come.

For all you people out there that say the Hawks should run more than they do. I think it takes a POINT GUARD to be able to do that. For example Steve Nash. We don’t have a point guard that is capable of that. All we have is Anthony Johnson who wasn’t even playing on Dallas last year. It also takes rebounding to run. Now we have improved in that department thanks to Horford (Not Pachula, Shelden, or Larenzen), but we still need a point guard. I am big Hawks Fan and I hate watching these games where we as fans watch the guys we should have drafted kick our butts!

Billy Knight is the worst GM in the NBA. What hurts about the Shelden Williams (Otherwise known as the BLACK JOHN KONCAK) pick is that people months ahead of time had him picking this BUST!

No Great Coach would come here and coach this team. If Larry Brown was to come here he would break up this team and only keep certain pieces. It’s a shame that the Trailblazers are this good and are still waiting on Oden for next year. What kills me is Billy Knight actually has the nerve to be arrogant. Billy is the one that signed Joe Johnson to be the point guard. That was his explanation for not going after Chris Paul. All he wants are swing players. Billy is the one who signed Zaza.

It is no way you can blame Woodson for this team. Yes they have talent, but they are still poorly built. Woodson has constantly improved this terrible team This team shouldn’t make the playoffs, but they might because of a weak conference. Whereas in previous years they weren’t even that good.

Now Woodson is not perfect, but he can’t be blamed as much as I am seeing on this blog. I wish he would play SOLOMON JONES a little. Heck he can’t do worst than PACHULA and SHELDEN.

By Gearon Jr.

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

Stop trashing our team!

Billy is a genius! We are going to the Finals this year where we will sweep Dallas / San Antonio!

Woodson is the best coach since Auerbach!

Shelden reminds me of Elton Brand and Acie Law is quicker than Isiah in his heyday!

HAWKS = ‘08 CHAMPIONS!

By LKUEH

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

IF WOODSON GETS THE DOOR, YOU HAVE TO PUT BK IN AS COACH TIL THE END OF THE SEASON TO MAKE A CLEAN SWEEP, ALA THRASHERS

By 2 by 4

January 28, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

SMACK!! That’s reality hitting the Spirit right upside the head. If all of this outrage isn’t enough, what is it going to take????

The definition of stupid is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result.

The ASG may be gluttons for punishment, but most of us fans aren’t. Do something NOW, or this will have negative repercussions for the next decade.

WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE????

By ASG

January 28, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Its not Billy’s decision on whether to fire Woody or not. The decision rests predominantly on our bank account. Sorry, but when you own your own team, then you can do as you like.

By Mike

January 28, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Doc where are Bro. We need you to bring some civility back to this blog.

By MrHughes

January 28, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

While I was not happy with the result last night I think blaming Billy and Woody for the loss is a bit much. Roy was very impressive. But, the foul that the refs called on Joe was ridiculos. Look at the tape. Roy pushed off to get separation and fell down. How exactly is that a foul on JJ when Roy initated the contact? That should have been a no call if not an offensive foul. I guarantee that would have been a no call in Atlanta. Jsmooth had two turnovers in the last 7 minutes. Roy got two and-ones on layups in the last six minutes. That’s you you have to foul the ish out of someone to ensure they don’t make the basket and earn it at the line. For shoots 78% of the line, so that would have been a good trade off for us. That’s not coaching folks. Our guys have to start doing the things to win games on the floor. We committed 5 turnovers in the 4th quarter. That’s too many!! We committed 8 over the rest of the game. That’s not on Billy or Woody. We need to take care of the basketball. How does Josh Smith get his shot blocked by Brandon Roy? Joe played all but 3 minutes and 6 seconds of the game. He had a tough night shooting, but didn’t get any real easy shots. JJ got a clear look on the last shot. It just didn’t fall, but I don’t expect the guy to walk on water. Get rid of Joe and we don’t make the playoffs because Josh and Marvin will draw all the attention that Joe’s been getting. Lets look at the positives from last night: 1) Woody called two beautiful plays that resulted in alleyopps within the last 4 minutes. 2) We’ve taken the team with the longest winning streak in the NBA this season to the limit twice in a weeks time. That was one of the better games I’ve seen this year. 3) We are playing well in our division and at home. 4) We are less than 5 games out of #4 playoff spot despite having a 4-6 record over our last 10 and 6-13 record on the road. 5) Marvin is really stepping up his game, playing well along side Joe and Smooth, and getting to the line. 6) We are 13-4 when ahead after the 3rd quarter. So, this year is not a case of losing games in the 4th quarter. FYI: Portland is 10-14 when behind after the 3rd. Clearly, the Blazers are very good at coming from behind. In comparison Boston 4-4, Detroit 3-9, Orlando 1-13, Denver 7-12, Phoenix 5-11, New Orleans 5-11, Lakers 4-10, San Antonio 5-13, Dallas 3-10, Cleveland 12-17, Atlanta 4-17 7) We are still maturing. This is a young team. But, we are getting more dangerous by the game and will make the playoffs this year if things go as they have been.

By Tyger

January 28, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

No excuses for this debacle, but continuously saying “Run” is not a solution. This is the NBA!

Sure, when opportunities present themselves you can kick it out and run. But dont you all think at some point other teams scout the Hawks and relay to their teams to “get back” so they cannot run and are forced to set-up some type of half court set.

I saw repeatedly, JJ force up shots on a 2 on 2 break that resulted in nothing and thats our so-called best player so, I’m not sure we’re so built to take it to the hole everytime regardless of the situation.

Nevertheless, run, walk or crawl, they shouldve won last night hands down and heads have to roll after this one, no excuse, period end of story.

By Dave

January 28, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

If we can’t hold onto a 22 point lead against Seattle, what makes ANYONE think we can hold onto a lead against ANYBODY?

By lancemick

January 28, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Coming from a Blazers fan, Portland had not right winning this game. Atlanta played as well as any team Portland faced this year, for 40 minutes that is.

I really like this Hawk team. They too are young, athletic, talented, and work really hard on both ends of the court. Truly, all the Hawks lack is an outside threat that can spread the floor and a pass first, floor general that can play D, too.

I have seen so many of you ridicule JJ, more so on the RealGM boards, but I personally think he is a phenomenal talent. He came up short in the final possessions, and you have to wonder if an injury or fatigue or both are to blame, as he just did not seem to have the normal lift on his shots. Also, you do have to credit B Roy’s defense, too.

JJ and Roy are studs. Josh Smith is a stud. If Atlanta had Blake or Sergio Rodriguez, plus James Jones, it would be Atlanta with the 9 games above 500 record. Essentially, Atlanta needs 3pt shooters and a quick PG with great handles that makes the correct play the majority of the time.

Lord knows Atlanta has enough young talent to make some trades, so get those positions filled! Also, living in Portland my whole life, I got to see Salim play and that boy has a jumper on him. He could really spread the floor for Smith and JJ to go to work.

Good luck this year. Atlanta is my favorite East Coast team.

By mykhalc

January 28, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Mark, we got your post the 1st time!!! and yes, we can and do blame WOODSON for the non-coached 4qtr meltdowns and lack of coachin’ in how to close-out and win close games REPEATEDLY!!!! this roster and team is NOT bein’ used nor coached to its’ potential!! it’s only bein’ coached to WOODSON’s potential and that has gotta change…PERIOD!!!

By smartguy

January 28, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Yo Mark, all we need is a point guard like Steve Nash? Well, okay, lets just go to the gym down the street and pick one out. How many Nash-like pgs are there? Less than five, for thirty teams. Quit saying that our success is reliant on having certain players. Last year, the excuse was that we were too injured to be good. You play, coach, and WIN with what you have. Thats what everyone else in the league does. Do you think anybody has a perfect, or fully complete, team?

Get a coach who can play to our strengths, rather than coaching to our weaknesses. We have more than enough talent and players to be successful. FIRE WOODY, PLEASE.

By Hoosier

January 28, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

I’m with you Hirsutedawg, I hate to say this, but I almost hope the Hawks do not make the playoffs this year. Because, if they did, Woodson would most definitely get an extension.

The ownership group needs to fire him NOW, just so they will not be forced into something even they would not want.

By Bozo

January 28, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Woody for President.

Woody for President.

Woody for President.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 28, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Future- If thats how you handle things thats fine, Im a long time fan as well, and i think the wrong thing to do is abandon the team. We are so close but yet so far away(coaching). 13-69 3 years ago-fast forward to now-we are actually in 7th place which is great compared to last year. I can see that this team is better and right around the corner from doing sumthing special.

All you can ask is that the team improves from year to year- and that they have. So do your thang bro. Myself and others are here for the long haul-just dont jump back on that wagon when we put it all together—-sounds like u are quitting dude -how lame is that…..MUS

By MrHughes

January 28, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

You have to play defense in order to run. I’m not interesting in the chinese fire drill that is the Suns style of play. That’s just running for the sake of running with little attention to the defense or playing defense yourself. That does not win playoff games or championships. That’s also why the Suns play us so poorly. We have as much athleticism as they do! Opposing teams are getting the word out to get back on our guys, so our coaching philosophy is spot on. We have to play defense first and get easy baskets based on turnover and running when the situation warrants it. Lets play fundamentally sound basketball rather than running up the court like a pick up game.

By mykhalc

January 28, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

smartguy, on point man. BIG RAY had some great points in his last post on the previous blog. and one of them was we could NOT blame this loss on the lack of PG play, for sure. AJ and ACIE’s boxscores were very good and all with no turnovers!!!! and you are right, we do have talent!! and we definitely have more than enough talent to where we should KNOW how to close out games at this point, especially those with the big leads we’ve had lately goin’ into the 4th qtr!!!!

By Scott

January 28, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

This team has shown they now have the talent. Woodson can not coach this team to greatness, let’s get a better coach and really start doing something!

By hirsutedawg

January 28, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

The_Future unless you haven’t noticed our attendance is awful. I’m a native Atlantan and the Hawks are my HOMETEAM and I/We deserve better. I/We are not idiots bro’, just want my HOMETEAM to not be a Sportscenter punchline. The big problem is trying to get my 11 year old to buy into the idea this is his HOMETEAM because right now we’re on the verge of losing a decades worth of real fans. Not good.

By some sense

January 28, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

It ain’t Woodson; it’s bein’ strapped w/ no ONE who can control a game, particularly at the end. The loss yesterday was the worst EVER, not just this season. The SALT was the guy who killed us was “on the board” two years ago.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 28, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Dale’s got a good idea… let Steve Smith coach. Let Bob Rathbun be the mascot too, surely nobody can like the Hawks as much as he can.

By Matt

January 28, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

All right, all you people who are going apoplectic over Woodson - read this.

I agree that in a perfect world, Woodson would be fired tomorrow. But in the real world, the Hawks’ ownership group is hamstrung by the restrictions placed on it during the pendency of their legal proceedings.

The ownership group does not have the authority to fire Woodson without Belkin’s permission, since doing so would entail hiring a new coach, and Belkin will not provide his consent while the lawsuit is pending. So screaming about how stupid the Spirit is for not firing Woodson is wasted energy, because Spirit is powerless in personnel matters.

So you can vent all you want, but Woodson is coaching out his contract, which is up at the end of the year. All the screaming in the world, no matter how right you are about Woodson’s shortcomings, will not change that.

By jami$$ion

January 28, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

MARK I WANNA KNOW WHERE U GET YO DRO FROM U& KRIB B SMOKING. U say we r loaded wit talent but we r built wrong wtf! a preseason prediction is just dat an opinion.the reason they all said we have the talent,so wat does dat tell u if a boxer has all the tools but keepslosing 2inferior talent he needs bettertraining preparation&thatcomesfrom coaching.no1 expected the giants 2 make the superbowl,cavs 2make da finals,rockys 2 make da playoffs let alone WS!Do u lk at da gms!U & mw a have us blve we can’t run

By MrHughes

January 28, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

We lost this game because of the 6 turnovers in the 4th quarter. That has nothing to do with coaching!! FYI: The Blazers scored 8 points in the 4th off our our turnovers. Two 3 point plays as one was from behind the line and the other came from an and1. The Blazers scored two more points via a layup by Roy after he blocked Josh Smith’s shot on the other side of the floor. So, when you factor the 10 points we gave to the other team along with 6 lost scoring chances on our side (7 with the the block on Smooth) it’s clear what lost this game. That’s not on Woody or Billy. That’s on the guys in blue that had Atlanta across their chests last night! They had 6 turnovers in the 4th. The Hawks had 8 turnovers in the other 3 quarters!!

By Van

January 28, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Salim Stoudamire’s career best 37 points was against the Trailblazers last March. Plus, it was his hometown. That he got another DNP is freakin beyond belief!

By mykhalc

January 28, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

and Matt, if i’m not mistaken, you ARE the cat that can accept these meltdowns and lack of closin’ out games, right??? you told me before i was lookin’ for ‘perfect’. nope, NOW i’m lookin’ AND callin’ for change, whether it’s done or not!!! but i’ll continue to call for it…REGARDLESS!!!! ‘cause just like you, i want the best for this team and see the best outta this team!!!

By STRETCH

January 28, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Hirsutedawg….that was a great point! If you look at what the Braves started back in 1991. Its what helps a team get its fan base (our kids) early on. There are Braves fans out there right now because of back then. The Hawks dont have that fan base cause they have NOT won in so long.

Just like when the Steelers or Cowboys or Giants and Bears come to the Dome, most of these guys grew up adoring these teams cause they won. And since Atlanta has grown(due to the fact that people migrate to Atlanta) you will always see people rooting for those teams.

Same thing with the Hawks with the Lakers, Spurs, Bulls, Pistons etc,..these organizations know how to put a good quality product on the floor, and thats what people pay to see. So, with the current fiasco still in play with these Hawks, its management, NOT the players, eventhough the Coach needs to take some heat as well.

Also, if management cared anything about the people and its product, they would show the FANS a sign or something to that affect. Show the city of Atlanta that they are commited to making something happen! But it seems to me, they will stand pat, like they always do.

By jami$$ion

January 28, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Without sum miracle angel pg from heaven. newsflash in over half our loses we’ve been up by doubled digits in da late3rd early 4th.How do u think we got those leads?It sure as hell running iso 4 jj nonshootingazz.Need proof go 2 da Dallas game & they play great d,den,or matter of fact the last 2 portland games.the other team don’t stop us from running coach does with dat jj can b kobecrap.we can effectively go 10 or 11 deep like portland do we utilize our bench efficiently NO!BK ONLYFAULT NOT FIRING WOODY!

By Clyde

January 28, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

Finally people are seeing the light. Its time to rise up for change. Enough is enough. Billy and Woody have lead us off course long enough and now its time to take our team back. Fire Billy and Woody t-shirts are still available. Lets raise the money to get a billboard. Lets do something! All I know is I can’t sit here and let my team go down the drain cause people don’t know what they’re doing.

ITS TIME FOR CHANGE FREE SOLOMON JONES

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Sherman

January 28, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

I give up! Woody is the overprotective mother that won’t take the kid off the leash, or try anything new. Team needs to go to the next level, but it won’t happen with an overprotective mama.

By cp

January 28, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

I find it funny that people say we cant run without a pg yet we were running fine the last few games with the pg we have. The problem is not the pg play its the coach who gets scared and wants to slow the game down instead of playing to our strengths. At this point I would take Stotts over Woodson. When BK blew the team up Sotts did more with less talent than Woodson. Sotts allowed the guy to run and run and run . We were a fun team to watch, although winning those meaningless games probably cost us Dwight Howard, the point is he played to his strengths. The Portland guys were saying all game the same thing we have been yelling the last two years, we suck in the halfcourt game but we are a good team when we run. We get a big lead and Woody calls for the prevent defense (football analogy) and it doesnt work. Guys on the bench have a good game and wont be seen again for a week. Woody is clueless. We have a 3 point shooter and wont play him because Woody keeps using his sorry cliche about the numbers game. Im sick of hearing it from this guy. Salim cant be any worse than what Za Za and Lue are on defense. Seriously these two guys are maybe the worse defenders I have ever seen in my life. The guy we passed on in the draft straight out owned our so called best player. We could have probably still had a chance at Horford even if we drafted Roy. You do realize that Portalnd just had the number one pick and knowing Woody he would have been clueless enough to make it where we still only won 30 games. Maybe its a good thing we did not take Roy seeing how Woody is blind on how to properly use players. The only play he has in his playbook is iso to JJ. Wake me up when this broke spirit group gets some balls and get rid of BK and Mike “Gregg Knapp” Woodson. Once again like the Sniper said. You have to give your team an identity and tell them that they are going to play this one no matter if they win or lose. Please get us a coach who can give this team an identity.

By HawkMan

January 28, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

When will those idiot owners of the hawks finally get some advice and fire the incompetent coach and GM of the hawks? They suck big time as usual, and will not get better. Atlanta: loserville, once again. All the teams suck!

By anthony

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

SINCE BILLY WANT DO IT i ENCOURAGE EVERY FAN TO BRING THERE FIRE WOODSON SIGNS TO PHILLIPS ARENA UNTIL HE’S GONE

By yessir

January 28, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Fire Clyde. If everyone on here knows so much why aren’t you guys coaching the team. There are people at your job the probably want you fired. The team lost a tough one, its over lets get ready for Phoenix. We are still in 7th. We should probably be a little lower, but it is what it is. Lets try to do better. We can go 6-3 or better before the break, and we will be just fine. Go Hawks!!! Fire Clyde and all the so-called experts!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kelvin

January 28, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Don’t blame coach Woodson, it’s not all his fault. The team is talented, but is poorly put together. Billy Knight is to blame more than anyone else. As we have for the last several years, we need a Point Guard, and a presence in the middle that can block shots and rebound the ball. Everytime I look at a Chris Paul/Deron Williams highlight, I can’t help but wonder what might have been.

By birdwatcher

January 28, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Where do I sign up for the “FIRE WOODY CLUB” I’m ready to become a loyal member after last night’s game.

By Tiger Woo

January 28, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

hirsutedawg,

Do you even go to Hawks games?

Actually, our attendance has been pretty good - the Hawks are averaging 15,240 fans per game in 21 games, with 9 games of over 16,000 fans. With a better record, we would even attract more fair-weather fans.

By Nick

January 28, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

I didn’t read any of the 123 comments (and counting …) on here. What is there to say? A team that doesn’t know how to protect a lead late in the game is not prepared and, well, poorly coached.

It’s been obvious for a couple of years now that the Hawks don’t know how to hold onto a lead. They need to be taught. There is a certain strategy to it, you know. But it’s clear Coach Woodson ain’t doing the teaching.

Really … what more is there to say?

By Brandon Roy

January 28, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Man, wish the Hawks were in our division. The way they let me waltz down the a lane to win these tight games, we played them a few more times, I could be up for MVP. And JJ please, u better learn to pass at the end of games cause u ain’t scoring on me. Hey Billy, bet your glad u missed picking me instead of ol Sheldon. That seems to be working out real well.

By Ohiostatebuckeye

January 28, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Woody is a poor coach. But this team needs some more outside shooting! Woody bogs down in the 4th quarter too much of JJ. We need to fire the GM. Too many poor draft choices. I agree with everyone for this team to win they need to run but Coach does not know how to teach a running style offense.

By Dave

January 28, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Goodbye Mike Woodson

Goodbye Billy Knight

I WISH goodbye Atlanta Spirit Joke .er….Group

The Hawks and Thrashers have done nothing in 8 years!!

By MrHughes

January 28, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

We are 13-4 when ahead after the 3rd quarter(nba.com). So, this year is not a case of losing games in the 4th quarter. We’re winning 76% of the time when ahead going into the 4th with last nights loss (We would have won 82% of the time with a lead going into the 4th had we done a better job protecting the ball last night). Both of those percentages are pretty good. Losing leads in the 4th quarter was much more of a factor last year and in previous years.

FYI: Portland is 10-14 when behind after the 3rd. Clearly, the Blazers are very good at coming from behind. They’ve done it against a 3rd of the teams in the NBA!!

Lets look at the records of other teams attempting to win when behind in the 4th… Boston 4-4, Detroit 3-9, Orlando 1-13 (Who wanted Jeff VanGundy here), Denver 7-12, Phoenix 5-11, New Orleans 5-11, Lakers 4-10, San Antonio 5-13, Dallas 3-10, Cleveland 12-17, Atlanta 4-17

p.s. Please don’t talk about the Braves attendance… When the Redsox come theTed becomes Fenway South. The same goes for the Yankees, Mets (when it’s fanshionable) and Cubs as well.

By moboman

January 28, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Observations on the Hawks:

1. I took one look at Childress his rookie season, and said “how do you draft a 2-3 that shoots his jumper (if you call it that) from the HIP. This guy will never shoot in the NBA. And he is supposed to spell JJ? Chills would be a fine scrapper on a team with plenty of shooters, but everytime he enters the game, our half court offense dies. We had our best run of the year when he was out. Trade him somewhere he fits better.

2. Why did everyone in the world know that Shelden was a tweener that would never be anything but bench filler — except our GM? We are where we are partially because of that HORRIBLE pick.

3. Why is Salim sitting when every time he enters the game he spreads the D out for the other 4, if nothing else. You telling me there is NEVER a time in a game when that is needed?

4. Why didnt we just keep Harrington and draft a PG, thus filling two needs rather than one?

It all gets back to coaching and personnel decisions. We have some decent players, but we need a GM and a coach that know how to adapt and build a team AND a game plan on what they have, and DRAFT WHAT THEY NEED.

By James Banks

January 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Sekou keeps talking about Luke Ridnour and the truth is that he is the perfect fit for a team built to play up-tempo basketball. He’s at his best in open-court situations, skilled at the “drive and kick” game, has 3-point range on his jumper and was considered the best true point guard in the 2003 draft (that produced James, Anthony, Wade, Bosh, and Chicago’s Hinrich; who has some point guard skills but has proven that he is not really a point guard).

However, obtaining Ridnour could prove to be problematic because he is a base year compensation player and you have to give up quality to get quality. Here’s a suggestion that many of you will bash until you think about it. Send Joe Johnson and AC Law to Seattle for Ridnour and Wally Szczerbiak. According to the ESPN Trade Machine, Atlanta would have to send Solomon Jones and the expiring contracts of Anthony Johnson and Lorenzen Wright to Seattle while receiving SG Mickael Gelabale (2005 2nd round pick-an expiring contract), C Johan Petro (2005 1st round pick-a legitimate but unpolished 7-footer) and PF Mohammed Sene (2006 1st round pick-a Solomon Jones-type) to make the deal work.

On the surface, this seems like a steal for the Sonics; who are clearly rebuilding around Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Chris Wilcox and Nick Collison. Adding a Joe Johnson immediately makes them more competitive and rapidly accelerates the achieving of legitimate playoff contention; whether you’re in Seattle or Oklahoma City, so it’s easy to see why Seattle would want to make this deal. Now, here’s why the Hawks should make this trade.

While Joe Johnson is a talented player and an outstanding scorer, I think we can legitimately question whether he makes his teammates better and this is a team game. Giving the ball to his best offensive player as often as possible, with the belief that this gives him the best chance of winning, is an understandable approach by Coach Woodson; especially since winning games is the standard by which his continued employment will be based. However, it’s become increasingly apparent that his over-reliance on JJ has been detrimental to the overall development of this young team; individually and collectively.

With this trade, Ridnour becomes the leader of a starting five that includes Josh Childress, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith and Al Horford, giving the Hawks a younger, better balanced, highly athletic, albeit somewhat undersized, unit that will only get better with time. The second team of Tyronn Lue, Salim Stoudamire, Mario West, Szczerbiak, and Pachulia (with Gelabale, S.Williams, Petro, Sene and Claxton filling out the roster), can bring better scoring and a defensive stopper-type/high energy player to the floor to support of the starters. One more thing, now we’ll really find out if Coach Woodson can coach. He won’t have to defer to a current or former All-Star for scoring and can truly implement a team approach to offense. If he can’t, remember Larry Brown is still out there.

Sorry for bringing you this lengthy post as a newcomer. I know many of you will trash this idea without thinking twice but remember that the Hawks’ record has improved each time they’ve traded away a big-time scorer (Walker, Harrington). Think about it.

By Casey

January 28, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

33 seconds left. Tie game. The Hawks call time out. Instead of calling a play to take a quick shot and get 2 possessions for 1. Woodson has them waste the shot clock down and let Joe take a shot. They couldn’t even get 1 shot! Any NBA coach in the league would have automatically gone for the quick shot to get 2 possessions out of it. But, Woodson is NOT A HEAD COACH. After we blew our possession without getting a shot off, there was 9 seconds left. We decided to let them waste the clock down to 2 and then foul. I know high school kids who would do a better job running the Hawks. And yet, we never hear a word from this newspaper suggesting that Woodson and Knight should lose their jobs. Any other team in the league would have fired them years ago. Any other team wouldn’t have hired them in the first place. I mean, what qualified Billy Knight to be a GM. This is obviously Affirmative Action at it’s finest.

By new jersey faithful

January 28, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

good point anthony! although it hasnt worked for the knicks! how do you think their fans feel? bout the same as us hawks fans!! knicks fans tried to bring signs, but i think they werent allowed into MSG with them, so they walked around outside, like a pickett line

By Tiger Woo

January 28, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Good point moboman,

We could have kept Al Harrington and drafted for need - which was a point guard - with two fine choices in Chris Paul or Deron Williams.

Actually, Harrington provided some needed toughness inside for the Hawks and also has more shooting range than Marvin. I can only guess that it was a financial decision to let Harrington go.

By Tiger Woo

January 28, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

James Banks,

You say:

Send Joe Johnson and AC Law to Seattle for Ridnour and Wally Szczerbiak?

I’m speechless !!

By George Holman

January 28, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Do you think our coaching staff knows that there is ANYONE on the team other than Joe. Those last two possessions against Portland were terrible - beyond terrible.

Let’s see…….give the ball to Joe and see if he can find a shot. Where is the coaching?

Is that the only play they could come up with twice! This is school yard basketball that requires no coaching. I have been a big fan of our coaching staff until last night! Get rid of them all and find someone who can actually draw up a play other than give Joe the ball and “good luck”!

By Dominique Manufique

January 28, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

I was shaking I was so angry after the game last night. I yelled at my wife and kicked the dog. Horrible. Up 6 with 1:45 left and still blow it. Up 12 with 6 minutes left. You can blame players all you want but what is Woodson doing??? How do you let Roy (a rookie, mind you) singlehandedly beat you? You can’t!

And why was JJ taking such bad shots. I think he’s great player but I have to agree with with some have said on here — does he make everyone better? Why wouldn’t we run that second to last play with JJ pentetrating, drawing the double and then kicking it to Marvin or AJ for an 18 footer? EVERYONE in the whole building knew the ball would be in JJ’s hands.

That loss last night was like being kicked in the balls — repeatedly.

FIRE WOODSON. NOW. We have a lot of talent and we need to maximize it now. We want to resign Josh Smith.

By odenisgod

January 28, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is just another notch on Roys belt!!!! Just keep imagining what could of been atlanta! have fun with the landlord.

By Dominique Manufique

January 28, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

HOW CAN YOU NOT CLOSE OUT GAMES LIKE THIS?

We would have been 19-21, instead we are 18-22 because Woodson is a complete moron.

I wanted to kick my tv in last night. I really did.

By moboman

January 28, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Dont blame JJ. He is a fine player to build on. He is just trying to do whats asked of him. Unfortunately, we have a coach that doesnt seem to know what to ask.

By mykhalc

January 28, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Sekou, nice article on SALIM BTW!!!

SALIM is lickin’ his chops ‘cause he knows he only has a half-season or less to deal with WOODSON!!! i’m no SALIM fan really. i think his rep is bigger than his game!! but regardless, i hope he does find his niche and team after 3 seasons of dealin’ with the NON-KNOWINGNESS of WOODSON!!!

By Mitch

January 28, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

How does the team superstar, Joe Johnson, choke so badly and repeatedly at the end of this game? He wasn’t that gassed, there were plenty of timeouts taken by both teams. Shall we recap JJ’s consecutive mistakes? (1) Allows Roy to knock the ball off of him and out of bounds—thus a no shot possession clinging to a 4 point lead; (2)Up 2, he takes the ball to the left baseline where he gets double teamed by one of their bigs and throws up an off-balance floater which does manage to hit the rim (barely), but is not even close to going in; (3) With the game tied and 33 seconds left, he dribbles out of control, gets helped on, nearly loses the ball twice, and then throws up an airball that may not have beaten the shot clock anyway; (4) Then he guards Roy with the game on the line, forces him left, which was great and then clearly throws a shoulder into him as he’s about to throw up an off-balance chuck, thus permitting Roy to win the game from the free throw line; (5) Finishes off the last 2.2 seconds with another airball. Brandon Roy, a mere 2nd year NBA player, schooled Joe Johnson on both ends of the floor for the entire last two minutes and thirty seconds. If Johnson just makes one good play on either end, the Hawks probably win.

Plus if you look at Johnson’s body language and his facial expressions, he displays about as much enthusiasm as an average person trying liver and onions for the first time.

This wasted what was such a good team performance up to that point. Anthony Johnson was outstanding…Josh Smith was all over the place…Marvin was knocking down J’s…Horoford was solid in the middle, grabbing 12 boards…even ZaZa went 4-4…

The coaching down the stretch in these games is phenomenally poor…Roy tried to do the same thing in Atlanta, but wasn’t quite as successful, so they had the hot hand, Outlaw, take the game over…

But, right before the end of the half, with the Hawks up 18, Roy drives the lane and scores a layup and three point play to cut it to 15. Then, whenever Rodriguez gets in he game, and he’s slow for an NBA guard, he can get to the rim for layups at will as well…and there’s no adjustment from the bench. None.

Even so, with a decent lead, the instruction should be to lay a hard foul on anyone taking it to the basket, so as to avoid three point plays and make them think twice about driving the lane. Instead, whoever does help barely contests Roy’s drives, offers token interference, and still winds up causing just enough of a perceived contact that the foul is always called. That’s poor coaching in two egregious ways: (1) for not helping high on Roy in crunch time (they were double teaming him earlier in the game, what happened to that?)—and if you notice, the Blazers helped high on JJ; and (2) for not making sure that if Roy does take the ball to the rim that he can’t get an easy layup off the glass…and thus make the statement that he’s going to have to get pounded and convert all his points through free throws.

On the offensive end, all the movement stops…because of the coaching…which is to clear out for JJ…and if you notice, the players all watch and don’t even crash the boards to snag JJ’s airballs or rim shots. How about running motion and having JJ or Marvin come off double screens? Is that too difficult to ask or execute?

The Hawks are the worst half court team in the league and the stats prove it…that has a lot to do with coaching, because the Hawks have scoring ability, even if they lack a break-you-down point guard.

By Astro Joe

January 28, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

So, Woody is perplexed why his team continues to suffer through these 4th quarter collapses when they no longer execute like they did earlier in the game. Sekou, please introduce the following words to Woody’s vocabulary… MENTAL FATIGUE.

Maybe, giving these guys a decent rest late in the 3Q and early in 4Q could help. If we know that “every team makes a run” then maybe give our guys a breather to resist that run. Its hard to put away a team when you’re on the road. During their inevitable run, they will play with momentum and will be supported by a raucous fan base. We can’t withstand that with tired players who are running on fumes.

USE YOUR FREAKIN’ BENCH and let your key guys get a 3-5 minute rest in the second half… especially JJ.

By Mitch

January 28, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Just a couple more thoughts:

(1) Even the other team’s announcers knew that JJ’s best move would be to back in on Roy and use his height advantage.

(2) There’s no way the Hawks should be last in the league in half court offense when they have good shooters in JJ, Marvin and recently AJ and Lue; an excellent slasher and to the rim finisher in JSmoove, and the NBA’s 2nd leading shooter (in field goal percentage) in JChills. Not every team relies on a penetrating point guard…the Celtics don’t, and they have the best record in the East.

(3) If the Hawks run the break AND run good motion on offense they will wear teams ragged. Instead, their lack of motion allows even the more veteran teams to catch their breath.

By Tiger Woo

January 28, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Mitch,

The Celtics also have Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen - 3 experienced veterans - that’s why they have the best record in the East - the Hawks don’t have that luxury on their squad.

By MiledAnimal

January 28, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Blazer fan here. A lot of you folks are upset about your team. You need to relax. You have a highly athletic and talented group that doesn’t need a new coach, Chris Paul (though I think you should have taken him), or Brandon Roy to be a winner. A lot of Blazer fans refer to the Hawks as “Trail Blazers East.” Part of that equation is that your team, like ours, is really young. Youth requires fan patience.

The biggest difference between our teams is that we have Roy, who is such a fine player but more importantly a fine leader. Your leader has yet to emerge, but he might already be on the team. Regardless, your team plays in the East, so you have a great opportunity to make the playoffs and maybe advance a round or two if the team can jell by then.

Look at the bright side: At least no one has been calling your team the Jail Hawks the last six years.

By Wink from Lithonia

January 28, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Woodson has to go. He absolutely does not know what he is doing my pet name for him is the “Undertaker” because he will suck the life out of a player. Did you see the look in AJ’s eyes during that timeout.

Woodson steals confidence —-Law is now a deer in headlights, Salim is done, Solo, Shelden miscast & misunderstood.

Draft picks gone bad leaves us with this mess of a team. Chris Paul/Deron William & Brandon Roy, should be in Hawks uniforms. These picks might have cost us Horford, but their are other players we could have taken. When you are rebuilding you pick for need or compliment a system.

We don’t have a system and we don’t draft for need. So you have no identifiable plan of agreement between the coach & GM.

The danger is we will do nothing to improve the team by the trade deadline, we will miss the playoffs again, Phoenix will get a good pick, and one of the Joshes will no longer be a Hawk, the Sprit group will still be running this team next year, & Woody/BK will continue to run the franchise into the ground.

FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, sooner than later.!!!!

By Wink from Lithonia

January 28, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

One more thing, regarding the end of the Portland game. We are down 1 point, we run the isolation for JJ at top of circle: game situation if he makes it Portland loses, so they want to contest his shot, they are definite going to leave their feet, if JJ shows the ball in a pump fake, they leave their feet (Outlaw did)he jumps into their path and shoots, he would have drawn a foul and could possibly won the game at the free throw line….just asking…maybe Woody could have mentioned this.

Also, we had a foul to give when Brandon Roy made the free throw at the end with 2.5 seconds. We could have taken the foul earlier, heck Roy was waiting on the foul before he made his move to the basket. We could have had them inbounding the ball with 2.8 seconds to try for the win instead of us. Woody sucks!!!

By MrHughes

January 28, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Al Harrington and toughness should not be mentioned in the same sentence. A PF that jacks 3’s like Robert Horry should not be considered a low post presence. He doesn’t play defense or rebound all that well either. We made out like bandits in that trade getting the best possible pick which we turned into our PG of the future Acie Law. The Pacers proved that by shipping Al away to Golden State mere months after getting him for us.

By smartguy

January 28, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Wink, thats awesome. FIRE THE UNDERTAKER.

FIRE THE UNDERTAKER.

FIRE THE UNDERTAKER.

By Jeff

January 28, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

It is time to fire Woodson already. The team has the talent to compete but is not mentally tough and finds ways to lose games instead of win them. Enough is enough, make the move.

By Tiger Woo

January 28, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

MrHughes,

Look at the stats for Al Harrington:

PPG 14.8 | RPG 5.3 | BPG 0.2

97-241 .402 (3 point)

Salary: $8,425,625

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=308

Then look at the stats for Marvin Williams:

PPG 16.6 | RPG 5.8 | APG 1.9

1-6 .167 (3 point)

Salary: $4,466,040

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2797

Harrington is obviously a big factor from 3 point range, and his other stats compare favorably to Marvin Williams.

Marvin is a non-factor from 3-point range, something the Hawks attack is desperately missing.

I would have much rather kept Harrington and drafted Chris Paul/Deron Williams instead of Marvin.

By James Banks

January 28, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Don’t be speechless. Yes, Ridnour, Szczerbiak and others for Joe Johnson, AC Law and others. Look, basketball is a team game and chemistry is more important that talent (the Knicks are proof of that). Right now, the Hawks play well when they share the ball and play an up-tempo style. How many games has this team lost because they stop playing to their strength? And don’t think that the other Hawks are not as frustrated as the writers on this blog when every out-of bounds play or important 4th quarter play calls for JJ to get the ball and try to create a shot and opposing teams simply double-team him and the team looks lost. Don’t you think that causes division within the team?

Late in the game, you need someone who can demand a double team on the block and dish to the open shooter or someone who can penetrate and make the lay-up or pass to the open shooter if the defense collapses. In time, Law might become that player who can drive and either make the lay-up or dish to the open shooter, but Ridnour can do that now and he does it very well.

Getting away from the style that gives you a lead is a direct reflection of the team’s leadership. Johnson is the team’s leader who he does better in the half-court game when he can spot up and hit the open shot (in Phoenix, Stoudamire and Marion did most of the running with Nash while Johnson and Bell were the primary 3-point shooters in their half-court sets).

The Hawks signed Johnson to be a Point Guard and it’s clear that hasn’t worked out. They drafted Law to be a PG and that may work out but the game seems too fast for him. They passed on Paul, Williams and Roy so why not trade them for a legitimate PG and a spot-up shooter whose contract expires next year. Remember you’ve got too give up something to get something and Johnson is the only one that Seattle would want for Ridnour; everyone else needs to be added to make the numbers work.

By Ken Strickland

January 28, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

I’ve made references to it over and over again. That Bobby Knight mentality is simply too ingrained for Woodson to totally embrace an uptempo style OFF. Coaches like Hubie Brown, Mike Fatello, Larry Brown and Bobby Knight, for example, are all good coaches. They are also control freaks. How can a PG run a fast break if he’s constantly looking to the sidelines for instructions on every play. In the case of HBrown and MFatello, they even went as far as to call every DEF set.

Woodson’s reluctance to totally commit to an up tempo OFF seems motivated by his fear of losing control. He seems to have conceded the 1st half to the team and the uptempo OFF. But when the 2nd half starts, it’s his time and he takes control no matter what. Teams that control the ball and use up time on the clock are usually classified as good DEF teams. That’s because they tend to keep the score down. On the pro level, it’s the speed of the gm, more than DEF, that determines the amount of scoring. That’s one of the reasons scores are always lower during the playoffs than regular season. The speed of the gm is slowed down, and rotations are shortened.

We are just fans sitting in the stands or in front of our TV’s, and look at how this is affecting us. Can you imagine how the players must feel? You go out and start a gm running a gunning and build a sizable lead, only to have the rug pulled out from under you by your HC. Then you’re expected to become a half court team and overcome all of the shortcomings that’s made you a lously half court team to begin with.

I’ve played this gm and I was good at it. I know exactly how those players feel. You’re thinking, if coach doesn’t trust us to maintain the lead playing our gm, why should we trust his OFF. That’s when the one on one stuff starts, and everything breaks down. We were running and playing above the rim the 1st half, and then we stopped doing both. Hell, I tired of talking.

By Nate ArchiBALL

January 28, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Check out Salim’s splits: (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/salimstoudamire/seasonsplits.html) He must be a hell of a practice player because his game numbers leave something to be desired…… My observation is that when inserted into tight games - not much of shooting percentage. If the Hawks are behind by double digits he shoots lights out. Just my observation ……..Has any one else noticed…… Could just be a statistical anomaly.

GO HAWKS !!

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

Ridnour and Szczerbiak for Joe Johnson and Acie Law?

I don’t think it’s possible to make that trade. Seattle’s GM will die and go to heaven before the trade can be approved by the NBA.

By No Spirit Left

January 28, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Got to agree. It’s past time to show Woody the door. As lost as Woodson seems to be, I’m afraid that Gearon and company are even more clueless.

By randy

January 28, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Too broke to hire a coach? I thought they just fired their CEO and CFO. Wouldn’t that mean they got some extra cash. I know Bernie Mullen didn’t come cheap. What, did the ASG blow it all on hookers and booze already??

By GearonIsInsane

January 28, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

[http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/MichaelGearonJrBio.html]

This is Gearon. He looks crazy, look at them wild eyes!! Run, children run for your lives!

By FIRE WOODSON

January 28, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

NO TRADES WE HAVE ENOUGH TALENT JUST NEED A COACH AND WHAT IN THE HELL DOES WOODY ASST. COACHES HAVE TOO SAY JUST NEED A NEW COACH ASAP

By FIRE WOODSON

January 28, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

NO TRADES WE HAVE ENOUGH TALENT JUST NEED A COACH AND WHAT IN THE HELL DOES WOODY ASST. COACHES HAVE TOO SAY JUST NEED A NEW COACH ASAP

By Tiger Woo

January 28, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

OK James Banks,

I was speechless regarding your proposed trade of Ridnour and Szczerbiak for Joe Johnson and Acie Law - I have gotten over the initial shock and now I’ll chime in …

I can understand some of the points you are making, but how do you give up your go-to player (JJ) for an overpaid ($6,500,000) backup point guard and a vastly overpaid ($12,275,000), no defense playing backup forward? Wally can certainly contribute off the bench, but who becomes the go-to player with JJ gone?

In addition, why give up on Acie Law so quickly? He may turn out to be a good player - the Hawks would certainly regret giving up on Acie without seeing what he can do as he learns the NBA game.

By THE Hawks Fan

January 28, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have a TON of Internal problems. But I cant give up. Just give me back the team we had at the start of the year. Some may think Coach Woodson is meak and weak. But I say the exact opposite. He gets what he wants. He coaches like he wants. He plays who he wants when he wants to play them. Now his coaching Ability is suspect. Its s sure bet that Billy Knight or the ASG does not dictate play. At least not up until this point. I think Coach Woodson would quit before he is TOLD how to coach. One thing is for sure, he is not middle of the road with his players. He likes you or not. No middle AT ALL. Sheldon Williams is the latest Hawk to find out. Coach Woodson is stubborn. He has done better though this year working with his top assistants Fiz and Drew. I have seen games were the com line was open and we won and when the line was closed we lost. Nate the man is a great Coach. He does not have the best team but they play as a TEAM. No one cares about who starts or minutes or stats. They just want to win. PERIOD! I see alot of Portland in the Hawks. Jack Outlaw and Jones dont start but play more 4th quarter mins. Webster Joel and Blake likely wouldnt start for many teams. But they fit what the Blazers are doing. Nate has 10 man rotation. The HAWKS could have that too. I say Marvin Al and AJ need to come off the bench along with J Chill. Fill in with Acie Zsa Zsa and Mario. We start great but are not finishing this way Marvin AJ and AL are fresh. Joes is very good when rested. He has to rest the last 5 and the 1st 5 mins of 1st and 2nd quarter. The same with the 3rd and 4th. Fill in Salim ( fat chance I know right..lol) and Lue. If not this try SOMETHING!!! Please!!! Dont p** this season away. GOOOOO HAWKS!!!

By Steve T

January 28, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

People keep crying about we could have have Paul, Williams, Roy, etc. I have concluded that these guys’ development would have been retarded by Woodson. Woodson will not give them the freedom to play. We can take Ivey as example. When he was in Atlanta, he did not show much, but with the Bucks, he looks good. What happen? It is COACHING! We have Law who can drive to the basket. Has Woodson let him play through some mistake? NO! Law can be a poor man Tony Parker with a jump shot.

Now with a 19 point lead, he should have ran the Blazers off the court. I would have played the whole team after the half. I would have told the team that if you are not prepared to jump you better go to the shower now. There would have been no let up. I would wanted a 35 point lead going in the 4th.

Now I thought about this all day. Marvin was shooting 70% from the floor, and he was hitting the 18 footer at will. Why not run a pick and roll with Josh Smith setting a pick. Then let Josh roll to the basket for the clean up or alley-oops.

Then when Roy was driving to the basket for easy lay up, I would have brought in Mario and Solo. They would have had no job and that was to punish Roy. Roy would have to earn those points at the line. I would have beat him down every time he came in the paint. I would have told him you better stay out the paint. I would have set him up for some hard fouls.

By NumbaOneFan

January 28, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

This team will never be successful unles they fire this DUMBA$$ who is coaching them. What a complete cluster phuck of a coach. Iam now totallyconvinced that everything Ive heard about this clown is true. He is a drunk, illiterate, good for nothing total piece of $HIT. He has taken a team with way above average talent and turned them into a ragamuffin team with no direction or idea of how to win in the NBA. The “Spirit” is clueless and a disgrace to this city. How can this illiterate pinhead b******* be continuallyallowed to cach in the league. I amdone with this team until they fire him and replac him with a real NBA coach. This team will win and, win big with the right coach and scheme. This muther phucker (Woodson) has to go, what a dumb b*******!. Let’s all hope he either collapses of a massive heart atack or is broadsided by a concrete truck…. it’s our only hope. EAT $HIT AND DIE WOODSON, you ignorant piece of $hit

By Steve T

January 28, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Turn the team over to Drew. He knows how to get them to play and win. I bet he would not blow a 19 point lead.

By Dr. Dave

January 28, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Let’s stop talking about the Hawks not having enough talent, or who they should have drafted. They clearly have above average talent. Woody unfortunately is not using their talents properly. A good coach would not tolerate all the 3s being thrown up and missed by Smith, but would get him to drive to the basket and either score or kick out to Joe, Acie and yes Salim. A good coach would not give the ball to Joe and have the other 4 stand around and watch at the end of the game. A good coach would insist that his team play team defense all 4 quarters. The Hawks have several young talented players that can run and go to the basket, but their skills are not being tapped into. At this point their confidence is being destroyed, and ownership needs to pull the plug on Woody’s tenure.

By smartguy

January 28, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

To THE Hawks Fan, perhaps you should learn to spell the names of the players before you claim to be a fan. Its Zaza, as in Zaza Pachulia, not Zsa Zsa, as in Zsa Zsa Gabor. That is SO funny, you princess. Spread some rose petals on the floor for Woody on the way out. Zsa Zsa…. can’t stop laughing, for real. I want to hear what Sudoku Smith has to say about that.

By mykhalc

January 28, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

well for all the CP3 wishers out there, i’ll say this. i’m watchin’ NO and DEN right now and there is no way in hell that WOODSON would allow his PG to keep the ball in his hands as long as CP3 has the ball EACH possession!!! CP3 literally has the ball in his hands for half of the team’s possession.

ACIE was playin’ similiar to that before his injury (havin’ the ball in his hands more) but now it’s cross half court and give it up…for whatever reason??!!!

you can tell BSCOTT totally trust CP3 with the offense and the on-court decisions. totally the opposite of WOODSON!! i cannot imagine WOODSON and CP3 bein’ a match!!! but then again, i cannot imagine any player REALLY bein’ a match with WOODSON…but especially a rook PG (which CP3 would have been had we drafted him)!!! it woulda been bad from DAY ONE!!!!

By JIMtheKING

January 28, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Clearly the decision is to get Woodson the heck out of town. This is becoming a circus in Atlanta and I am feeling this from NY. Woodson from I hear on the radio all the time is that he looses his cool and flys off the handle on his players and refs. This team has talent to win if Woodson got fired. ANY coach in this league would drool at the opportunity to coach this team.

But…if we were to make a trade right now we have to enter the Jason Kidd trade. Look at this possibility with almost no negative.

Jason Kidd and Josh Boone with 2 years left on their contracts for… TLue/AJ/Childress/Lo/Zaza…. All but Zaza have 1 year remaining on their contract. It has worked on NBA Trade Machine with a Cash Compensation.

This way we have Kidd/Law/West backcourt. Possibilities for Solomon and Salim to step up with the absense of depth above them. A decent low post threat to give Horford time at the 4 and let him go nuts every night. We keep our core. Add a veteran point guard who can teach Acie the ropes and Kidd will ultimately teach Acie not Woodson.

Kidd/JJ/Smith/Marvin/Horford with a bench of Boone/Acie/West/Jones/Stoudemire/Williams/NBDA player. We could win this way because Kidd would take control and force a firing for next year of Woodson.

By JIMtheKING

January 28, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Clearly the decision is to get Woodson the heck out of town. This is becoming a circus in Atlanta and I am feeling this from NY. Woodson from I hear on the radio all the time is that he looses his cool and flys off the handle on his players and refs. This team has talent to win if Woodson got fired. ANY coach in this league would drool at the opportunity to coach this team.

But…if we were to make a trade right now we have to enter the Jason Kidd trade. Look at this possibility with almost no negative.

Jason Kidd and Josh Boone with 2 years left on their contracts for… TLue/AJ/Childress/Lo/Zaza…. All but Zaza have 1 year remaining on their contract. It has worked on NBA Trade Machine with a Cash Compensation.

This way we have Kidd/Law/West backcourt. Possibilities for Solomon and Salim to step up with the absense of depth above them. A decent low post threat to give Horford time at the 4 and let him go nuts every night. We keep our core. Add a veteran point guard who can teach Acie the ropes and Kidd will ultimately teach Acie not Woodson.

Kidd/JJ/Smith/Marvin/Horford with a bench of Boone/Acie/West/Jones/Stoudemire/Williams/NBDA player. We could win this way because Kidd would take control and force a firing for next year of Woodson.

By cp

January 28, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Yea we probably should not keep on players we should have taken but when those players are destorying us or destroying other teams in the league at will then one cant help but be p**. Im sorry but watching Roy own JJ Sunday still makes me sick to my stomach. But myhalcand some other have made a great point. With Mike Knapp being the coach he would have hurt these players growth. Paul and Roy would have probably been less than stellar with this clown being the coach. But boy its tough watching guys like Paul, Williams and Roy look like perenial all stars while a guy like Sheldon is no better than the guy we took in the second round. Hell id take Lo Wright over Sheldon. Enough is enough fire BK and Woody. Any other team in the NBA would have gotten rid of these clowns already. This team has enough talent to be a better team but we just have a clueless organization and its pathetic. We as fans are sick of it so i know the players are ready to riot with this crap. AJ is clearly sick of Woody and i can not blame the guy. If we dont keep Salim and Solo i can easily see them going to better teams and actualy be developed a lot better than they are here. No more t shirts. Fire BK and Woody billboards need to be put up all around the A.

By terrell barron

January 28, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

I just watched Korver drill a 3ptr for the Jazz and I thought, Damn, thats a shooter that we could have gotten on the cheap.

By terrell barron

January 28, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Tiger woo, Harrington played PF for us not SF, so compare his numbers with Josh Smith’s next time.

By James Banks

January 28, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

I’m glad you’ve regained your voice  and I apologize for taking so long to respond-had to help the wife with some spreadsheet. Anyway, Ridnour has been the starter in Seattle until this year when a new coach wanted to see which of his 3 point guards was his guy. Early in the season, Ridnour and Delonte West were injured and Earl Watson got the job by default. Now that Ridnour is healthy, he’s seeing a lot more time including the entire 4th quarter—money time. I agree with your assessment about Szczerbiak’s game; he can score and that’s about all but the Hawks bench needs someone who can score on a consistent basis.

IMO Johnson is the “go-to guy” by default. He’s clearly the team’s most talented offensive player. But late in the game, after playing 40+ minutes, he settles for jumpers instead of driving to the hoop. And we all know the old saying—if you live by the jump shot, you will die by the jump shot. What makes Detroit and San Antonio so tough to defend at the end of the game is that other teams cannot focus on stopping one player. Hamilton, Prince or Wallace is as likely to take the last shot as Billups. Parker, Ginobili or Horry is as likely to take that shot as Duncan for San Antonio. Who would be the go-to guy? It may be Williams or Smith or even Childress. It might even be Lue or Szczerbiak. Let Ridnour run pick and roll or penetrate and see what happens because he might be the new go-to guy. Keeping the other team uncertain as to who will take the last shot makes more sense than having everyone on both teams know that JJ will get the ball and take a difficult jump shot.

Law is going to be a good, if not great NBA player and it could happen as soon as next year; but it won’t happen this year. Coach Woodson is trying to win as many games as he can right now to secure his future employment, given his career won-lost record and with his contract expiring this year, and is showing no interest in developing players. I wouldn’t want to give up on him but the reality is that Coach Woodson is not going to play him significant minutes this year so maybe it’s better to get a known legitimate PG.

With all that said, let me conclude with this thought. All championship teams have a vocal, on-court leader. He may be the best player (like Michael Jordan); he may not be the best player (like Avery Johnson on the Spurs) but he is the one player whose lead everyone else follows; the coach on the floor. Who fills that role for the Hawks? Until we have the answer to that question, championship contention is out of the question and no one should be satisfied with making the playoffs; despite the obvious improvement over past years evidenced by that accomplishment.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 28, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

If the Nets are going to trade Kidd to Atlanta, they will want one of the Hawks’ 3 best players — Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, or Al Horford. What concerns me about Kidd is his age and history with microfracture surgery — if I could be certain that he would be in a Hawks uniform for 3-4 years, I would offer Joe Johnson to get him and either a lottery-protected pick or one of their young big guys, Josh Boone or Sean Williams. I don’t think Joe Johnson is the problem for the Hawks, but adding an elite point guard to this team would be worth it even at the expense of losing a dynamic scorer like Joe.

But Jim the King, the poo-poo platter is not going to get it done. And trust me, I know a thing or two about poo-poo, just ask my girlfriend.

By Ken Strickland

January 28, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Try this on for size. Portland got back into the gm with its 3pt shooting. But they won the gm because we couldn’t/wouldn’t stop BRoy from making layups. I can handle a team beating me by making their 3pt attempts. But I can’t accept losing when a team, especially one player, consistently takes it to the basket and makes 3pt plays.

We employed a DEF that literally took BRoy out of the gm. Then at crunch time we abandoned that DEF and allowed him to consistently drive to the basket untouched. WHY? Whenever we get into trouble, especially at crunch time, why do we ignore our PG’s. These are the same PG’s that helps us get the big leads. Instead, we put the ball in JJ’s hands and then allows the DEF to double him. No penetration, no back picks, no lobs and no ball movement.

With proper coaching, the Hawks would be a lock to make the playoff as a 4/5 seed.

By Tiger Woo

January 29, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

JIMtheKING,

A Kidd/JJ/Smith/Marvin/Horford lineup is ok - a bench of Boone/Acie/West/Jones/Stoudemire/Williams/NBDL player is too inexperienced and VERY weak. Where is the scoring going to come from off the bench?

By Tiger Woo

January 29, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

terrell barron,

Al Harrington @ 6’9” can play the small forward slot as well as Marvin, who is also 6’9”. You could easily see Harrington at small forward alongside J-Smoove at power forward - with Harrington’s long range skills complimenting Smoove’s inside game - and J-Chill continuing to come off the bench.

Add Chris Paul or Deron Williams from the 2005 draft and playoffs - here we come.

By Joe

January 29, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter who the Hawks bring in….this is a team without proper leadership. Larry Brown wants to coach again. Bring him to ATL and watch how he turn around this confused but talented squad. Why does Woody keep this job?!!! He is a terrible coach…I wouldn’t be surprised if our free agents walk!! The team doesn’t respect him…..get rid of him….I sold my season tickets. Larry Drew coached the preseason not woody! ALL HAWKS FAN SHOULD STAY HOME, DONT GO TO GAMES!! If they dont fire Woody, maybe they will just move the Hawks and we can get a new franchise…

By Tiger Woo

January 29, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

James Banks,

I agree that Ridnour and Szczerbiak are players that can help the Hawks - I just wouldn’t agree with parting with Joe Johnson for them.

The problem with the Hawks is not Joe Johnson - the problem is that teams know that JJ is the only go-to scorer that the Hawks have (with the possible exception of Marvin). As a result, JJ is trapped and double teamed, limiting his effectiveness. Unfortunately, JJ is not as creative and athletic going to the hole like Kobe or LeBron, so he relies on his jump shot.

What the Hawks need is another scoring option to take some pressure off JJ. Like you mentioned, the good teams such as Detroit, San Antonio, and Boston have multiple go-to options.

The jury is still out on Acie Law. I don’t see him ever reaching status as a “great” player, but he may prove to be a success in the league. Like I said earlier, I wouldn’t give up on him without giving him a chance to prove himself.

I agree with your point that we shouldn’t be satisfied with just making the playoffs, but it would be good progress made for the current group. To gain some playoff exposure would be valuable experience. Unfortunately, I don’t think this current team is capable of contending for a championship - more veteran talent is needed.

By THE Hawks Fan

January 29, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Hey Smart Azz Guy, I spelled it like I wanted and how his name needs to be spelled cause he plays like a itch. Ok I take that back, its 2008. Im not acting bad this year. Why are you are doing the in blog human spell check thing. Is ZSA ZSA ur pimp? Nothing like a good hoe taking up for her man. Damn Im being bad again. I take that back.

By HB Ando

January 29, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Myc, you’re my bro and all, but what the hell are you trying to say? Are you really trying to reduce Billy’s unforgivable failure to draft Chris Paul to how Woody would have mis-used him??!!!

Myc! WTF??!!

There is NO, I repeat, NO, viable excuse for Marvin over Paul. Period. If Woody would have marginalized his unbelievable talent, then it’s reason #489 why he should not be, and never have been, the head coach of the Hawks.

Suggesting that Woody would have mismanaged him is, honestly, akin to blaming a rape victim for wearing trashy clothing. It’s simply ludicrous.

Look, there are a lot of folks here who feel like it’s a contest, to irrefutably establish whether Billy or Woody is the problem. This confuses me. Billy is the guy who has passed on the last two ROY’s, failed his way into saving the Horford pick, taken Stoudamire over Ellis, Royal Ivey over Chris Duhon, and Childress over Igoudala and Deng. This overview would be remiss to fail to mention Marvin over Paul and D. Williams, and Shelden (who cannot even justify playing a single minute, on most nights) over Roy, Gay, and a guy, in Foye, who, once healthy, will finalize the triple play of ridiculousness, as it relates to choosing Shelden.

Start at the top and work your way down. It starts with inexcusable draft choices, and the unnecessary inclusion of 2 firsts and Diaw for Johnson.

As much as I agree that Mike Woodson is not the answer, it’s literally impossible to blame him for the fact that he’s not coaching a roster comprised of Paul, Johnson, Idoudala/Deng, Smith and Zaza. Does anybody think that that roster would be less successful than the Hornets’ current roster of Paul, 2 of the day (Mo Pete/Pargo, etc), a 6’9 SF, in Peja, who doesn’t do ANYTHING, be it passing, rebounding, defending, but shoot 3’s, West, who was taken with the 19th overall pick in ‘03 (try trading Shelden, #5, for West and hope your ear drums don’t shatter at the shrillness of the laughter), and a big man that the Bulls decided was a bust?

Really??

Look, Woody ain’t the guy. But he’s also not the culprit.

This bumblefuck is on Knight. Period. Does that mean that Woody is the guy to take this franchise to it’s optimal potential? No.

But I simply don’t understand how anybody who has a clue about NBA basketball, can focus his dissatisfaction on a coach, when said coach, limitations duly noted, could have just as easily been overseeing Chris Paul, Joe Johnson, either Deng or Igoudala, Josh Smith, and Zaza, or just about any human being, in the range of 7-feet tall, who aspires to play basketball for a living.

Come on……

And, as far as these ridiculous trade ideas that include aging all-stars, who want to leave their franchise because they believe they have no shot of winning a championship before they pass their prime (J Kidd, etc): what about Atlanta suggests that this is a place they would consider as their acceptable destination?

WTF?

There’s not a viable veteran talent, with any kind of leverage, who would demand their way out of their current situation only to land here in Atlanta. NOBODY!

Kidd isn’t coming to Atlanta.

You people make my head hurt.

Seriously.

By HB Ando

January 29, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

Tiger Woo, serious insight dude. The second we drafted Marvin Williams, which was right around the time the AJC and Sekou Smith started this blog (SS and I had already started trading regular e-mails, pre-draft and pre-blog), I presented that very question.

Why were we drafting a player, in Marvin, who most resembled, in potential, the very player we already had, in Harrington? I mean, the discussion was just how close Marvin’s upside was, compared to Harrington. At the time, Harrington was a 3/4, with an inside/out game, who was good for 18ish, and 7-8 boards. Looks like Marvin is slowly working his way to those exact numbers.

Gee, I wonder if we’d let Harrington go, drafted Paul, paired him with Johnson, Childress (or, God forbid, Igoudala or Deng), Smith and Zaza.

It’s not like the general consensus, amongst draft prognosticators, was that all the guys we passed on were rated ahead of the guys we took.

As much as I find Woody lacking as a head coach, I simply cannot find a way to blame him for the ignorant and defiant decisions of Billy Knight. And not a single one of those choices can be off-set by the economics of the ownership issues.

By RealSquawk

January 29, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

So Sekou have you already written the report stating Mike Woodson has finally been fired after slowing the progression of so many talented players and playing Joe Johnson to death

By mykhalc

January 29, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

ANDO, LOL and ‘cause i know it’s you i did not take any of that personally!!!LOL

now, nowhere in there did i dis anythin’ about CP3’s skills!!! nowhere bro!! and nowhere did i comment on his ability to lead this roster minus MARVIN. obviously HE CAN and COULD!!! i just made an/my observation regardin’ how he plays under BSCOTT and how he would have been hampered under WOODSON…IMHO!!! (and the whole rape analogy is WAAAAAYYYYY over the top bro)

and i believe the facts to be, that no matter how much you dislike BK’s selections, there is NO WAY that the CP3 you see and cherish today is anythin’ like the CP3 you would have in a HAWKS uni under WOODSON!!! that’s what i believe havin’ seen WOODSON deal with and develop rooks on this team!!! he is a stifling presence my friend…PERIOD!!!

so if you gotta a minute then go back and re-read my post with a little more openness from which i wrote it!! but a prereq is removin’ the unbridal BK hate before you do!! it’s the only way you might get where i’m comin’ from!!!!

and i’ll add this too. havin’ seen CP3’s fiery attitude, can you really imagine him playin’ successfully under WOODSON from day one??? personally, i think it would be worst that him and SMOOVE in year one!!!…IMHO

By mykhalc

January 29, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

ANDO, a bit more…you are still soooooooo pi$$ed at the past that you still can’t step into the present. and i mean the present as it exists TODAY!! not your ‘wish list, i gotta dream, shoulda had, i’m so f’n pi$$ed at BK’ present!!

and i’m pi$$ed at WOODSON ‘cause DESPITE all that you have said from the beginnin’ (and some of it you were dead on about) there is no f’n excuse for the roster as it exists RIGHT NOW, not to be able to hold f’n 20pt leads goin’ into the 4th qtrs!! NO EXCUSE!!! NO EXCUSE DESPITE HOW I MIGHT FEEL ABOUT PREVIOUS DRAFTS BRO!!! NONE!!!

i’m dealin’ in THE NOW my friend!!!! that’s all…i’m dealin’ in the NOW!!! dealin’ in the past gives me an f’n headache bro!!!!! WOODSON gives me a headache!!!!

By reese

January 29, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

I will never understand the fascination with Luke Ridenour. He has not led his seattle team anywhere. Ray Allen, Rashad Lewis and Antonio Daniels were the talented players on the winning seattle teams and Luke Ridenour was the player that management wanted to build around. Luke is not now nor will he ever be needed on the hawks.

Yes, the hawks need to run. Guess what, they are running. But, the hawks need to also learn how to execute in the half court. Execution needs to be made on both the offensive and defensive ends. Most importantly, the bench needs to be part of the running and half court execution.

My bigger issue is the persistence of playing a lineup that has Marvin and Josh Childress playing the Small Forward and Power Forward position and slowing the tempo of the game. Plus, they put Shelden or Zaza in at the center position and now there is no help defense, no shot blocking and no itimidation.

Also, I don’t understand the fascination with Larry Drew or any other assistant hawks coach. Face it, do you think that there is something they are holding back and not telling woodson or that woodson is ignoring their suggestions. These are the same assistant coaches that are teaching these players how to improperly run the pick and roll, how not to rotate over on defense, offer inbounds plays to woodson or have not built up players confidence/basketball IQ by talking to them about game time situations while sitting on the bench.

The same goes for anyone calling for Steve Smith or Dominque Wilkins to be coach or have more input in personnel decisions. Dominique was the person who lobbied for Marvin Williams. Steve Smith is the person who keeps saying that we should give the ball to Joe Johnson. Just because they played doesn’t mean they know how to coach or recommend players who compliment each other.

The funny thing is that I can see improvement in this team and I can see that Woodson is trying to implement more on the offensive and defensive end. On offensive, he has utilized both JS and MW on alley oops. He has allowed Jchill to play to his strength of running along the baseline and staying close to the lane and has run plays to give marvin open 15 foot jumpers. On defense he has implemented half court traps, he has mixed in 3/2 and 2/3 zone defensives schemes to compliment his man to man defense and he has rotated bigger guards on other teams smaller guards.

The problem is that woodson abandons these offensive and defensive concepts when he gets a big lead or when the game becomes close in the last quarter. Theres an unwritten rule in sports where you don’t show up your opponents. The problem is that Woodson is stopping the pressure too soon and slowing the pace/tempo of the game in order to nurse a lead in the 3rd and early 4th qtrs.

Instead, he should mix in his bench players and have them utilizes those same schemes employed by the starters. The key is to put bench players on the floor who compliment each other and provide some of the same skills as the starters. That means play zaza along with a shot blocker like solomon, horford or smith. Otherwise, but unlikely, JChill has to recognize that he is now the power forward and must try to rotate on defense, alter shots and block shots to help zaza.

One last comment on this long post. Don’t get hung up on the high shooting percentage or low turnover numbers from JChill and Marvin. Its nice that they have high percentages and low turnover numbers. However, neither has shown the desire to consistently lead the team in the number of shot attempts or the number of assists. Why, because they don’t assert themselves enough in a game and its especially evident in close games or games where the other team has players who are athletic.

By mykhalc

January 29, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this

reese, good post. the only exception i’ll note is that, NONE of the HAWKS games have come close to a game where they could be considered close to showin’ up an opponent!! so if you were sayin’ that ‘maybe’ that is in the back of WOODSON’s mind somehow, then i say NOT A CHANCE!!!! he simply DOES NOT know how to lead this team in closin’ out games…PERIOD!!!

By Clyde

January 29, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By BOYCOTT

January 29, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

BOYCOTT THE STUPID SPIRIT AND THE worst coach in ATLANTA HISTORY. STAY AWAY FROM PHILLIPS UNTIL A CHANGE IS MADE.

STAY AWAY FROM PHILLIPS.

By Joe Stalls

January 29, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

The hawks will be a playoff team when coach Woodson stop making bone headed subsitutions like he did Sunday why would you take out a team blowing out another team untill you know you have the game is won they are to young to be tired sometimes he try to fix whats not broke but I beleive him like I do the Hawks just stop making bad subsitutions when you dont have to.

By smartguy

January 29, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe that GOON is still our coach today. I still love the team, and our players, but I will not put one more cent in the pocket of people who obviously don’t care about me back in return.

Apparently, the Spirit think its okay to drag the fans through mud, to kick them, spit on them, and then tell them everything just fine. ENOUGH, ENOUGH, ENOUGH.

By yessir

January 29, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Fire Clyde!!!!!

By Astro Joe

January 29, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

mykhalc, don’t worry. Some of us can read what you wrote about CP3 and understand that you were discussing what he would have been if Woody were coaching him (as opposed to suggesting that he should not have been drafted). I completely agree. If all coaches were the same, they would all get paid the same salaries and no one would ever get fired.

I don’t think that Woody has significantly coached up any of our draft picks. Childress is essentially the same player he was as a rookie. Smith is better mostly because of playing time, maturation and his own off-season workouts. He still makes too many boneheaded decisions, still has poor shot selection and still is a turnover machine. Shelden is worse now than he was fresh out of Coach K’s hands. Acie has regressed since the summer league. And Horford has been consistent but I’m not sure he has shown much improvement. 2nd round picks Ivey, Salim and Solomon are irrelevant to Woody.

Here’s what I know. Chris Paul is better in the NBA than he was in college. Heck, Skip Prosser (his now decease college coach) said so last year in an interview I heard on the radio. Prosser didn’t forecast this type of success in Paul. That speaks volumes to both Paul’s determination and Byron Scott’s coaching. Deron Williams would have been the more likely pick based on Woody’s preference for a defender at PG. And there is no doubt that he has excelled under Sloan’s strong and consistent leadership. (I could see Law flourishing under that same type of coach).

This roster is good enough now to be a #6 seed in the playoffs. But our coaching may result in us missing the playoffs.

By cjizzle

January 29, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Whenever coach Woodson learns how to use his bench we will win. Why is Salim always at the end of the bench? We need to use his sharp shooting talent!!!

By randy

January 29, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!!

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

If we lose to Phoenix tonight, we will probably lost to the Clippers too. Let em run Woody, for 48, not 36 minutes.

By GT80

January 29, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

I cannot watch this team anymore. It’s just too painful to think what we could have had if BK knew what he was doing. Or what we could become if Woody knew what he was doing.

By mykhalc

January 29, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

JOE, exactly!!!!! again, you said it better than i could/did!! but that’s exactly what i’m sayin’ and was sayin’ in my post in the early AM.

personally, i think ANDO was just lookin’ for somethin’ to get all worked up about. and we all know, he’ll never stop talkin’ about those draft selections!!! he’ll still be talkin’ about ‘em after BK and WOODSON are long gone!!!LOL

back to the present. i really wish i knew what made ACIE change his game and approach to runnin’ the team so much!!??!! obviously, WOODSON is behind some/most of it. but i mean, he’s gotta watch film and go, ‘who the hell is that out there?’

here is a cat that is/was good at breakin’ down the defense and now he is just doin’ his best to be mistake-free out there!!??!! man, really sad to watch!!! well, here’s hopin’ he’ll do another 180!!!

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Yeah, its hard to watch, but I have to.

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

BK oviously believes that Woody gives us the best chance to make the playoffs THIS year, and THIS year only. If he makes a change now, and we dont make the playoffs, he knows his a* is grass, and it will be a long time before he becomes a GM again. And I know that Woody’s inept a* will NEVER step down, because their is NO FREAKIN WAY, he gets another Head Coaching job. So it looks like we are stuck with the both of them, until next year anyway.

By cp

January 29, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

The only reason I think we might and the keyword is might is because Phoenix wants to play uptempo the whole game which plays to our strength. Most teams want to slow it down and we allow it. We dont force our tempo other teams its easily the other way around. Teams dictate the pace and we play right along with it. I doubt if we are playing good tonight we slow it down just because Phoenix does not want to play that type of basketball. Maybe Mike Knapp will give JJ a rest tonight and use his bench. It would be nice to see Salim and Solo get some decent minutes tonight. Im hoping that we are calling every team in the League and trying to convince them that Sheldon Williams is better than what he has shown he is just in a numbers game because he has no purpose on this team. I hope they give Lue away right with him. I initially wanted to keep Za Za too but after his pathetic showing on the defensive end I have given up hope that this guy will ever learn what defense is. Send the 3 amigos somewhere any where just get them off this team.

By STRETCH

January 29, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Has anyone heard or know of anything rumors about a possible trade? A possible shake up? Well i was playing around with the ESPN TRADE MACHINE this morning and here are some trades that made it look good:

1. JJ and Ty Lue for Allen Iverson

2. Speedy, Salim & Ty Lue for Andre Miller out of Philly

3. JJ, Ty Lue, Lorenzen Wright & Sheldon for Jason Kidd, Jamaal Maglore and Bostjan Nachbar

4. Ty Lue, Speedy & Sheldon for Sam Cassell and Tim Thomas

Lots of options out there..thats if management was serious about winning THIS year.

By yessir

January 29, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

We still are in the playoff hunt people. Fire Clyde!!!!

By STRETCH

January 29, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

The following is an insert from a FOX sports interview with Salim, and listen to the dumb comment made by coach Woodson:

Stuck in a situation where he doesn’t play and therefore doesn’t have a chance to show the progress he’s made in his game since coming into the league, Stoudamire has been forced to swallow his fate with the Hawks and hope for an opening.

“It’s been very frustrating,” he said. “But I came into the season telling myself that no matter what went on, I would stay positive and just work hard. Because I know eventually things will work out for me. Looking at players like Steve Nash and Chauncey Billups, it took five years for things to work out for them, for them to find their niche.”

That perspective hasn’t stopped the routine questioning from his peers on other teams. “Every team we play somebody comes up to me and asks why I’m not playing. I don’t know, that’s up to the coach. I just have to stay positive and keep working.”

Stoudamire is usually the last person off the practice floor. His tireless work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed by Hawks coach Mike Woodson, who said Stoudamire is simply caught up in a numbers game in the backcourt rotation.

“It happens in this league,” Woodson said of the playing time squeeze. “Unfortunately for Salim, he had some injuries at times that didn’t allow him to take advantage of the playing time that was out there. When we needed him a month ago, when guys were hurt, he was hurt, too. When (Tyronn) Lue was down, he was hurt. When Acie (Law IV) was down, he was out.

“He’s missed 15 of our (40) games this year with injuries of his own. What can you do?”

NOW IS THAT DUMB OR WHAT?!!!!

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

I’d prefer the 4th option. I doubt Kidd would come here, especially without JJ. And his nickname is T-Lue, not Ty-Lue.

By smartguy

January 29, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Yessir we lost another game we shouldn’t have. Yessir Woody called the same play 3 times late in the 2 games against Portland. Yessir Joe hit rim only only one of those. Yessir Woody will call the same thing tonight if its a close game. Yessir the other team will know its coming as well.

Yessir Woody is the worst coach in the league, and the history of Atlanta sports. yessir.

By Willie Coyote

January 29, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

The problem with Woodson’s reasoning for justifying Salim being on the bench is that everyone in the backcourt (except JJ) has missed time due to an injury but Salim is the only one who stays on the outside looking in. I firmly believe that with regular playing time, his inconsistent shot will get a lot better but it’s hard when you don’t see regular game time action to be on top of your game offensively and defensively. The Hawks need more shooting; Salim is a shooter; get him some minutes.

It’s funny, Salim doesn’t even play and he has more fans in Atlanta than anyone not named Joe Johnson or Josh Smith.

By Melvin

January 29, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Stretch, I agree. Woodson is a idiot. What is his love affair with TLue? TLue defense and shooting is inferior to Salim’s. Why does Woodson feel comfortable playing Acie/TLue in the backcourt instead of Acie/Salim? Seems to me, the latter would produce better offense. Acie pentrating along with Salim long range shooting would seem to compliment each other. At least its better than TLue pounding the ball for the entire shot clock.

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

I’m starting to think that we are expecting too much from this young team. At the end of last year, all we wanted is for this team to be competing for a playoff spot this year. And last time I checked we were in that position. This is still one of the youngest groups in the league. We’ve had some tough losses that were the result of poor coaching, but hopefully they will all pull together and fight through Woody’s ineptness. I’m just TRYING to stay positive, which is a hard thing to do right about now. Before the start of the season, if you would have told me that the Hawks would be 7th in the East at or even around the Allstar Break, I would’ve have been o.k. with that. WOULDN’T YOU?

By Jdub

January 29, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

We need a new coach! plan and simple. We have pieces to make a playoff run, but for some reason we are not rotating guys in and out of the game, we don’t have a half court offense and we only run for 24 minutes a night.

Coaching, Coaching, and Coaching again!!!

Bring back Lenny Wilkins

By yessir

January 29, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Smartguy, I never said he was the perfect coach. All I am saying is yes he messed up, but its not the end of the world. We are still in the playoff hunt!!! This team has gotten better every year. My thing is this if you know so much smartguy, why aren’t you the coach? Who said you know everything about basketball? I am just happy that, this deep into the season we still have a chance. The last 4 or 5 yrs around this time we had no chance. You guys suck. Fire Clyde and Smartguy!!!!!!

By STRETCH

January 29, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Thanks Melvin. I thought i was the only guy in America who saw Lue drill holes in floor! Guys gotta go, him and Speedy(or should i call him Slowy Claxton!)

By doc

January 29, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

what is all the excitement about. those with insight vision and the look of the big picture called it right on for all the reasons that continue to be part of the vitriol. some have gotten tired of saying it because they said it and were considered negative back in the preseason without the dose of kool-aide. this is exactly where several longtime posters that disagree so vociferously on a day to day basis predicted of the hawks for the whole season at the now halfway point if there is a loss tonight …. 18 times two equals 36 wins …. no?

guys, thing will have to change and that is what was said all along. this is not a great team but one that if given time and allowed to grow and stay together will come up as very competitive for the long haul. unfortunately, the horses dont have the jockey that can take them to the next level as the same mistakes in decision making are made night in and night out both ON the court and COURTSIDE. your expectations are making you ill, accept the expected and improve your vision.

if someone is paying attention there is a divide in the suns from the top down so that might be a place to pick up a new coach that could coach this team up. however, the legal side will have to be solved before there is any progress made. THAT IS TRUTH and to think that strides will be made until the divorce is settled your are as crazy as woody who continues to use the same formula for the fourth quarter in close games or when we are behind; that the game is jj’s to win because it isnt as he hasnt shown the ability to deliver whether that is coaching or players on the court interpreting what the coach wants.

personally, i am pleased with the product as i know it can be better and i am hopeful. it is very entertaining to watch and very instructive on how to self destruct as a team.

now, if we knew that billy knight had the same intelligence and insights as ando. we all know that billy can match ando’s ego! heh heh.

By A-town Vet

January 29, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I just pu this trade in in the Trade machine and it works http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=150~489~2016~3040~987~429~996&teams=17~17~29~17~29~1~17&te=&cash=

By Melvin

January 29, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

TB, maybe you are right about the expectation level for these young Hawks however, looking at the state of affairs in the Eastern conference and how the Hawks has lost so many closed games this year (same as the last few years). It becomes fustrating to watch let alone except. The Trailblazers are a young team and they have found ways to win consistently. We could definetly duplicate what the Raptors did last year because the East Conf is weaker than predicted. We are not far from being the 4th of 5th seed in the east if we put together a winning streak. Here’s to hoping the Hawks turn things around… PS, Free Solomon Jones, Salim Stoudamire and bench TLue. Better yet, put him on the inactive list…

By cp

January 29, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Sheldon “brick hands, cement feet” Williams, T “pound the ball” Lue and Za Za “i left my defense in my home country” aka the 3 amigos need to be included in some type of package. Considering that we probably wont get much from these 3 O can’t say whatever we get i would be dissapointed with. Maybe then Salim and Solo can get some pt and we get some servicable player in return, preferably one who knows what defense is.

By Astro Joe

January 29, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Doc, Alvin Gentry.

And Kerr will break up the Suns in the summer (as they fail yet again to make the Finals). So maybe we should hold on to our pieces now and get invloved in their yeard sale later.

While I appreciate the passion that has been shown over the past 40 hours, it is remarkable to see that we are still fairly comfortably in the 7th spot with teams like the Nets below us ready to end their season. And as I have stated previously, we have only played the dregs of our conference (Knicks & Heat) once thus far.

By doc

January 29, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

yes aj, the reality is that by default we may make it into the playoff picture. that is in name only. i know you agree with the language and in your heart know it is nothing to hang one’s hat on for the future as it doesnt always hold true that attrition of others means you ultimately move up the scale of competence.

overall, it is a might bit better than last year and certainly better than the previous 7 years. just wish that woody would stop fumbling at the goal line. i certainly think they are capable of being competitive each and every night and have shown some excellent individual skills. got to agree that though the team is better, the kids dont seem to have coached up as far as the blazers have and several have floundered.

bottom line, i just dont like the philosophy that there is only one guy capable at the end. unfortunately, that strategy also makes guys pull up earlier in games and defer when they should be attempting to deliver themselves. case in point marvin, the guy was gotten because he had a pure shot and capable of making shots under pressure as well as go to the line and make a high percentage when fouled. i mean what is wrong with calling his number, unless, he is one dimensional and not capable? if that is where he is then lets get someone who can play, didnt outlaw do it to us and he didnt play a minute of college, right?

By Billy Knight

January 29, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

A-Town Vet, I think Memphis would want more then that. Here is the best trade text to be linked

By new jersey faithful

January 29, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Hawks need a big WIN 2nite!!!!!! Take it 2em’

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 29, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Hmm… something tells me Memphis is gonna want something more than Duck and a couple of horrible contracts in exchange for Gasol, overrated as he might be.

By Astro Joe

January 29, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Doc, clearly “backing” into the playoffs is not desired. But here’s another portion of the reality. Woody’s contract expires in May. Owners HAVE to make a decision. We have $10M in expiring deals. Childress and Smith are RFAs and at a minimum have to be dealt with. So I guess I am saying that this summer will force action one way or another. Backing into the playoffs does not allow owners to declare the rebuilding complete. And with other teams potentially holding sales in the summer, we may not want to handcuff ourselves in the next 4 weeks with long-term contracts when a fringe move might be sufficient to put us where Orlando was last year… a first round sweep and a little playoff experience for our young nucleus.

Let’s face it, owners will feel no impetus to undergo corrective surgery in the next 4 weeks. Not unless we fall some 5+ games out of the race. Cashing in our chips now takes us out of the game in the summer. And there will be far better chips available in June/July than mid-February.

By smartguy

January 29, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Yessir, I don’t have a job that I can get fired from, and if you need specialized experience to be “knowledgeable”, then most people on here (yourself included) probably wouldn’t qualify.

You are happy with just being in the hunt for a playoff spot? We should be fighting for home court in the first round. You’re expectations are as high as Woody’s, who said he’d be happy with two wins out of five. We are too talented.

The only thing I advocate is that our coach is dragging down an otherwise high level team. If you bash me, then you’re supporting Woodson, but there are so many coaching flaws and mistakes that you simply don’t have a leg to stand on. No, I was never an NBA player or coach (were you?), but the overwhelming number of people (bloggers, local reporters- including Sekou if you can read between the lines, national reporters, our announcers, opposing team’s announcers, etc) who see what I see make it more FACT than opinion anyway.

By will

January 29, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

The Hawks need to fire Woodson. They have a pretty good roster (BK actually has put together a talented team) but the coaching leaves a lot to be desired. I was neutral about Woodson up until last season’s Utah game at Phillips - how could a pro basketball team be outscored by 30-somthing points in the span of a quarter? After that I figured Woodson was not a pro level coach.

By smartguy

January 29, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Let me also go ahead and say that I think we’ll probably win tonight, and that will give Woody a little more life, unfortunately. We usually play pretty well when Woody’s job is on the line, but I’m not coming to the game on Saturday if Woody is still the coach (I will if he’s gone).

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Doc, the horses dont have the jockey. Thats a good one! Hey fellas, as funny as it sounds, if the playoffs started today, we’d be facing the Pistons. And for some reason, I see us winning at least 2 games. That would be a big step for this team. Now before you laugh, we actually play well against Detroit, as long as we RUN.

By preston

January 29, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

I just watched “Rome is Burning”, Around the Horn”, and “PTI”, and had to bite my lip as they all spotlighted the play of the Hornets centered around Chris Paul consistently phenomenal play, and as hard as it is for me, I think I will finally let this draft botch go….and quit letting dreams of “what if” occupy my head even though this organization screwed up BIG TIME over that one….but what can we do, and besides as someome posted earlier, it wasn’t only Billy Knight who lobbied for Marvin Williams……it is across the board egged-faced accountability for the whole organization…..even Dominque Wilkins seemed “goo-goo” over Marvin at the time. I also am resolved to the fact that Woodson will remain the coach of this team for as long as BK is GM…..partly due to the fact that BK would look like a hypocrite for firing a guy that hasn’t done any worse of a job than himself………We are what we are…..and we have what we have, in spite of the draft gaffes, is actually a good atheletic team…..that excels in the up-tempo style of play…..it just looks like the team ( the players) will have to elevate and inspire themselves to win inspite of the managerial and coaching staff………….p.s I would grap Jason Kidd in a heartbeat…….sign him for a couple of years, and let Acie learn from one of the best.

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Smartguy, I’m pretty sure that we’re stuck with Woodrow for the remainder of the season. You might as well sell the rest of your tickets.

By Clyde

January 29, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By honest_abe

January 29, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

terrell barron:

you said Hey fellas, as funny as it sounds, if the playoffs started today, we’d be facing the Pistons. And for some reason, I see us winning at least 2 games. That would be a big step for this team. Now before you laugh, we actually play well against Detroit, as long as we RUN.

you see the hawks winning two games? what in their play over the last month makes you think the hawks can win two games from one of the best teams in the nba? because they’ve been able to steal a couple of regular season games over the past couple of years? chalk that up to detroit not be prepared to play that night.

you say the key is to run. well as evidenced by the ugly loss to portland on sunday, it’s always tougher to “run” in the 4th quarter not to mention how much harder it is to “run” in the playoffs. if the playoffs started today it’s time to bust out the broom.

aj: good point. not a single player has gotten better under woody.

before the season i thought that the hawks finishing around .500 and making the playoffs as the 7th or 8th seed would be tight. however while making the playoffs still looks like a great possibility its not satisfying. maybe because i see a group of guys that could be so much better with just a little bit of guidance.

By randy

January 29, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

What make you think we could win 2 games against the Pistons in the playoffs? So far this season we are 0-4 against them… Against Boston or Detroit, it would be an easy sweep. One and done for the Hawks, if they are so lucky to even make the playoffs.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!!!

By randy

January 29, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

We usually play pretty well when Woody’s job is on the line, but I’m not coming to the game on Saturday if Woody is still the coach

Woody isn’t going to be fired. From what I hear Gearon is pretty satisfied with Billy and Woody. Why? I haven’t a clue! Nothing is gonna happen to Woody till the season is over. Heck, they might just give him another contract if the Hawks make the playoffs, even tho the Eastern Conference is pathetic. Atlanta will lose by 15 or 20 tonight, Suns are hots, Hawks are not. And Woody will still be on the Sidelines come Saturday.

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Its not hard to run in the 4th quarter. All you have to do is use your bench CORRECTLY. Well I guess your’re right, because Lord knows he cant or wont do that.

By randy

January 29, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

HAHA, that trade machine [http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=150~489~2016~3040~987~429~996&teams=17~17~29~17~29~1~17&te=&cash=]is retarded!

Memphis gets Collins and Zaza for Pau Gasol???? Memphis would be the laughing stock of the NBA! No way SPeedy CLaxton would be included in any sort of deal. Noone would take on his huge contract (unless your name is Billy Knight) when he probably will never play basketball again in his life ! Dream on machine.

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Yeah Abe, the Pistons thought the same thing when the Cavaliers came to town last year. Look how that turned out.

By smartguy

January 29, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Woody’s been within a game or two of being fired before. I don’t know how you could watch the last several games an not see some serious issues. The last Portland game set of numerous of us, and I’m sure the Spirit, as dumb as they are, couldn’t have been too pleased either.

By Steve T

January 29, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

You people are a trip. You say what Marvin can and can not do. In order for Marvin to show us how good or bad he could be he needs to take more than 10 shots a game. In the game as Seattle, the offense was ran through him. In Portland, the offense was ran through JJ. Marvin did well hitting 70%. If he taken 21 shot like JJ, he could have scored 30 points.

By Steve T

January 29, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

I hate that trade for the Hawks. All they would get is Jason Kidd and he only avg 11 points a game. The hawks problem is coaching.

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

I hope the Suns have been enjoying themselves at the Super Bowl festivities. Maybe their a little tired. At least I hope so. GO HAWKS!

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Woodson said that it make be physical fatigue at the end of games, so he’ll watch his starters minutes tonight. WOW! It sure did takk him a long time to figure that one out.

By Astro Joe

January 29, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

I see that Woody is wearing his grey suit with the football shoulder pads. That’s the right suit considering the Super Bowl is going to be played there in a few days.

At weak-mind linebacker, number 0, Mike Woodson.

By smartguy

January 29, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Woody is sharp like that. It only takes about three or four years for him to figure something out. Took him that long to figure out the third quarter; still waiting on him to call something other than iso-joe late in the game…

By mykhalc

January 29, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

it’s an ugly fight but they are fightin’!!! man!!!

By Preston

January 29, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

I think the lost in Portland completely demoralized and deflated this team….tonight they look flat, and out of sync…….they only way that I see them recovering is to get a breath of fresh air in a new coach……..but like I said earlier……that just aint gonna happened.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 29, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

19% shooting. As a team.

This team is absolutely clueless offensively, which is what happens when you have a coach who has no idea how to take advantage of his personnel.

The Suns are not a great defensive team.

Fire Woody.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 29, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

16 points, 6 dimes, 3 boards, 1 turn, 2 steals, 7/15 shooting.

Whose numbers, you ask?

See for yourself.

By Joe

January 29, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Well, it is 9:56 P.M., if we do not come back and at least make it competitive in the second half, there is NO WAY WOODSON SHOULD BE ON THE FLIGHT HOME!

By Clyde

January 29, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

I told yall three years ago that Billy and Woody didn’t know what they are doing. A lot of people called me crazy but check our situation out now. Loss after loss after loss. Bad coaching bad draft picks and bad free agent signings. Enough is enough.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Atl Flavor

January 29, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Oh Oh Salim is IN THE GAME!!!! and Jacks 1 realllllll fast lol. Hey maybe somebody is reading this blog!

By Tiger Woo

January 29, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

We have a Salim sighting …

Might as well - nobody else is doing anything - garbage time in the 2nd quarter?

By Mac-Town

January 29, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Technical foul by Horford. This is getting DISGUSTING we had such HIGH hopes this year. I know its nowhere near over yet, but the basketball being played now is PATHETIC.

Did you see the defense just stand there on the Marion dunk

By preston

January 29, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

I am convinced Woodson is reading these posts……….he actually is playing Salim and Solo tonight……..go figure.

By doc

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

let’s see, didnt someone compare and put horford into the same sentence as amare within the last week? kool-aide brother.

well, the game between the globetrotters and generals is really entertaining, opps that is the hawks bringing back the images of my youth.

By Tiger Woo

January 29, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

OK … this one is over. No answers for Amare or Boris Diaw.

Let’s play our reserves in the 2nd half - Solomon, Salim, Shelden, Mario, Zaza, etc. - and rest our starters and try to salvage the road trip with a win tomorrow night vs. the Clippers.

By jlewis

January 29, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

The fans of ATL deserve better, with the talent on this team, NO WAY should Mike Woodson still be the coach. Why hasn’t this guy been fired, he has a running team playing half court ball and Josh Smith still making the same mistakes as a rookie.

I believe he has lost Joe Johnson, I haven’t seen him play with such a lack of passion since he was put on the bench in Boston. Tell us the real story Sekou, WHY HASN’T WOODSON BEEN FIRED?

By Melvin

January 29, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

JJ legs look shot…

By Mac-Town

January 29, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Lmao@the Al W*******-Ford turnover and Anthony Johnson Travel back to back…..way to open the quarter…..smh

By Atl Flavor

January 29, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Ummmm did everybody leave the game??? WTF?? Superbowl party is better I guess. Damn the HAWKS have fallen real HARD in about 25 days. Almost a 10 game losing streak sans the win Washington. Billy Knight better get his clip board and follow his across the hall buddie.

By Tiger Woo

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

Woody isn’t reading these blogs … you think he wants to read about everyone calling for his head?

Salim played 2 minutes - Solomon played 1 minute - you probably won’t see them for the rest of the night.

Will there be a Shelden sighting this evening?

By Mac-Town

January 29, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Did it look like Anthony Johnson and “Coach” (I use this term loosely) Woodson were havin some sort or semi heated argument during that timeout.

The team needs to demand he be fired so it becomes some big story on ESPN shows or something.

By Tiger Woo

January 29, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

This is pitiful - bench the starters and let the bench get some minutes!

Amare is taking Horford to school.

By Clyde

January 29, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

HEY HEY HO HO BILLY AND WOODY GOT’S TO GO

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Mac-Town

January 29, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Man the hawks are really looking sad right now…Good thing in GA we have college bball to look forward to like Georgia and Georgia Tech…oh wait a minute they suck too :|

By Steve T

January 29, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

If you do not tahink it isn’t the coaching I would to enter Diaw as a prime example. When he was in atlanta, he looked like a bust, but with the Suns, he looks like a ball player.

Now everyone called Law a waste, can now see what I was seeing in him. He just need to play through his mistakes, but in the long run I envision that he will be like Tony Parker but with a jumper.

By preston

January 29, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

WOW…what an awsome play in transition by the hawks…….Horford scores, and gets fouled on the play…..he converts the free throw to bring the Hawks within…………29……42-73……very exciting game!!!

By ajw

January 29, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

This is sooooo bad! Fire Woody!!!!

By ajw

January 29, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Painful!!!! Ohhhhh Nooooooooo…………………………………………

By Daniel

January 29, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

This is almost too painful. How much longer do they let Woody run this squad? We need a shake up. I’d like to see a new coach waiting to greet the players when they get back from this west coast trip.

By smartguy

January 29, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Woody put Salim and Solo in for two minutes just to say, “see I played them and they didn’t do anything.” I cannot image Woody being our coach for Saturday’s home game.

If we have a new coach for Saturday, can we get a bunch of commitments to attend the game and rally behind the team?? It could be my first game of the year, and I will get there early and be very loud. Anyone else?

By smartguy

January 29, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Clyde, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Pick one of the two. FIRE WOODY!

By Preston

January 29, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

What’s the purpose here??? I think the hawks should just forfeit the 4th quarter, and get the hell out of Phoenix before they get approached by the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey to start performing with the clowns…….this is inexscusable!!!!!!!!

By new jersey faithful

January 29, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

lets hope this a* whipping does the trick and gets woddscum fired!!!

By Chikara

January 29, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Steve T he won’t be Tony Parker as long as Woodson is around. Besides, Chris Paul wouldn’t have been as good had Woodson been his coach, same for Deron Williams.

See the sad thing is that this team possesses no discipline whatsoever and when they get punched in the mouth they back off. Real teams don’t do that. I just got through watching the Wizards blow a 13 point lead, with the Raps hitting a 3 to tie the game at the end of regulation. The Wizards regrouped and whipped them in overtime.

Had that been the Hawks they would’ve laid an egg and quit. Face it, another year without being relevant in April. They will resign Woodson because they will feel that he did a good enough job to lead them to 32 wins.

He must have pictures of BK somewhere.

By FIRE WODDY

January 29, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

WHAT ELSE IS IT GOING TO TAKE??

By terrell barron

January 29, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Only 2 games ahead of NJ, and 3 ahead of Indiana. We better go on a winnning streak before the break or its going to get ugly.

By Steve T

January 29, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

You people are crazy. Marvin Williams is the only one on the team that has been balling the past three game. The man is shooting over 60% from the field. The offense may need to be set up for him to take more shots. JJ has not had a gooding shooting night at all on this trip. What is he shooting 15%?

How coach bring out the bench. Law at the PG, Mario at SG, JC at SF, SW at PF, and Zaza at center. Then bring in Solo, Lue, and Salmin off the bench.

By smartguy

January 29, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Q: if a team wanted ask for a new coach, what would they say, and how could they do it??

A: I think they just did.

By Tiger Woo

January 29, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson - horrible night.

Al Horford - horrible night.

Josh Smith - horrible night (why is he still in the game?)

Anthony Johnson - non-factor.

Why are Marvin and Horford back in the game? Woody is an idiot.

By jami$$ion

January 29, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY FIRE JJ FIRE SPEEDY FIRE LUE FIRE LOWRIGHT GET KIDD LET DREW COACH IT AIN’T 2 LATE GET YO RESPECT BACK BILLY

By hocker

January 29, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Too bad the Suns called off the dogs as they had a chance to win by 40. The Hawks owner are idiots to tolerate this crap.

By Atl Flavor

January 29, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Too many orgies last night i guess.Well I guess you could think this team would be better this year. But there are 3 new guys this year, and the rest is the same ole guys from the last 3 years who are like 60 and 120. Same ole coach, Same ole result. In the immortal words of 1 Ace Ventura LOOOO SEEEERRRRSSSS.

By Atl Flavor

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

Oh and send Salim and Solo BACK to the bench and take Lue and Paculia with em.

By preston

January 29, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

IF there was any game to give your starters a rest, and let your bench get their minutes it was tonight’s game……..this game was over before it started…….it is obvious that the starters are burned out, and they need some rest……woodson has lost this team and he looks worse, and worse after each game now….and even though hiem and Billy Knight are tied to the hip together…….something has to be done sooner than later……..as I said before, the loss in Portland absolutely killed this team……they need a breath of fresh air to recover.

By doc

January 29, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

myk, i still cant see your love for acie. geez, he cant even look smooth going to the basket uncontested to make a lay-up at the end of a game were you are losing by 33. it would have been classier to not even put up a shot at that point like labron did in their loss to the hawks.

By mykhalc

January 29, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

glad i turned it off in the 1st qtr. i definitely don’t have anythin’ to contribute tonite except WOODSON’s still gotta go!!!!!

By Melvin

January 29, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Ugly lost. But there may be a sliver lining. This maybe the game that gets Woody fire….

By new jersey faithful

January 29, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

all 24 players from both teams scored…..awesome!!!! I wonder how often that happens??

By mississippi

January 29, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

I’ve been quiet for a long time around here, but it seems like a coaching change is in order.

Also, Kidd wants out, Nets want a young player, expiring contracts, draft picks, and cash. Does Marvin get it done? Kidd makes everyone better.

By mykhalc

January 29, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

DOC, everythin’ i saw was based on what i saw before his injury. i hear ya and right now the only thing i can say is, you’re right!!! but it really is a sad thing to watch a cat lose it sooooo quickly and HOW did it happen??? what’s the name of the pitcher that just loss all the command and could not even get it close to the plate??? well ACIE isn’t that bad but his confidence might be that shot!!!???!!!

By moron=moron

January 29, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

One out of the last seven ain’t bad.

By Tiger Woo

January 29, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

new jersey faithful,

Nothing was awesome for the Hawks tonight - everybody scored but they lost by 33 points.

You can’t blame Woody for this one - the Hawk starters (except for Marvin) were embarassing tonight.

By doc

January 29, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

well, let’s see in the last six quarters and seconds the hawks differential is minus 53. yes, that is losing by an avg of near 9 points per quarter and that is giving them some credit for holding in there for the last 16 to 18 minutes of this game. not good.

By doc

January 29, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

i’ll tell you what myk i’ll take salim and you got acie; one on one for a few bucks. guarantee a low scoring game and it wont be because of defense.

By mykhalc

January 30, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

one with the most bricks wins!!!!!

By cp

January 30, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

I think that Portland game might have been the beginning of the end. The teams that are behind us are a 3 or 4 game winning streak away from taking the spot we now have. I dont see us beating the clippers either. Team does not seem to have that spirit and fire.

By doc

January 30, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

that might bring some more scoring into the game! too funny.

By mykhalc

January 30, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

LOL

By spiritless

January 30, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this

we just weren’t coached today.

c ya woody!

wouldn’t it be great if Bernie Mullin came back with an owner who could make an offer?

By mykhalc

January 30, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

i wonder if MULLIN resignin’ has any impact on the ‘possibility’ of replacin’ WOODSON from a financial standpoint??? move his salary from one column to another!!!???!!!

i didn’t watch the game after the first qtr so i don’t know how much blame WOODSON can get for this one. i do know i was TOTALLY reminded of what this team looked like with ZAZA in the middle for long minutes!!!

the 1st qtr that i watched really did remind me of what last year’s team looked like!!! could not handle watchin’ it…PERIOD!!!

By HB Ando

January 30, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this

clyde, be real and back your bro, Ando, in being full-on down against Billy and Woody from the get go.

Doc, if you’re going to call me out for matching Billy’s ego, should you not be honest and give me credit for greater insight? You know the truth. You need only to step up and speak it…..

The wheels are off. Stick a fork in this Hawks team. We’re cooked….

By HB Ando

January 30, 2008 3:55 AM | Link to this

One more thing: where are all those folks who discounted the absence of Amare when we beat the Suns here in Atlanta earlier this year?

Those must be the same people who were calling for anywhere between 41 and 50 wins this season.

Reality is an elusive b***, when it’s characterized by half-wits and homers.

Where are those folks who taunted the naysayers, that jumping on the bandwagon, when inevitable success was already at hand, would be viewed with a “johnny-come-lately” disdain.

To quote Neil Young, this Hawks’ bandwagon has “a wheel in the ditch, and a wheel on the track”. ‘Course there’s still enough Hawks’ bumkins to tell old Neil (personified through the few insightful fans, who never waivered in this predicted outcome), “that a southern man don’t need him around anyhow”.

But I believe the variation on that 60’s theme is that a southern “fan” don’t need Billy, Woody or the Spirit around any more.

Since I’m rolling with a hippie theme here, I believe it’s time we’re talkin’ ‘bout a revolution.

Only through change can optimism be restored. False hope has now been exposed as a never-ending lie.

Only drastic change can create viable optimism. The Spirit must man up and take a couple steps backwards to balance out the possibility of leaps forward.

Don’t hold out hope. Just understand the truth…….

By yessir

January 30, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this

Poor shooting is that the coach’s fault? 35 for 102 34% players or coach’s fault? 18 blks by the Suns players or coach? We took one under the chin. We have a good opportunity to take it out on the Clippers. We look terrible! The good thing is its over and done with. We will win tonight. Fire Clyde!! Smartguy I wasn’t bashing anyone. I just think we have a lot of basketball coaches and GM’s on this blog.

By doc

January 30, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

ando if you read the remarks i said that it is a shame bk doesnt have the knowledge that you do but we know he can match your ego. you just wanted to hear the intelligence part again i guess. :-)

and you know that i said a long time ago it starts at the top. that sir is TRUTH.

yesssir, is it quit or just a lull. dude, they got outscored over 50 points in a manner of less than five quarters. that is awful to quote woody, embarrassing to further the quote and players not playing period because they have hit a wall and quit? on who? it is also not us as coaches but simply opinions just like you have yourself. we know that get over it dude on the coach thing. it is a blog.

By smartguy

January 30, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

Fellas, the financial costs are low to bring in a new coach for the rest of the year. Yes, they still have to pay Woody, but his replacement doesn’t need to make jack. Start with Larry Drew, and if he doesn’t want to work the rest of the season for cheap, then ask the next guy on the list, and keep going ‘til someone takes it; I don’t think you’d have to ask more than one guy, maybe two.

By yessir

January 30, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

Doc, you think I don’t know we got our a$$ handed to us. The point is why make a drastic change now?

By doc

January 30, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

we will see if they bounce back and they might especially this list of characters.

yessir, the problem if it goes too long then this becomes bad habits and affects team chemistry into the future. they were learning how to win now are they learning how to implode and mind you it is youth not vets. your answer decides on how you want to approach things, either side of the coin is drastic if you think they are imploding as that in itself is drastic. your call. again, it is an opinion not coaching. you are able to have one too even if it means you feel you have to coach up us guys on the blog as to what and how we can comment.

the point is the future might hang in the present, drastic? it always does.

By randy

January 30, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

PHX shot 64% against Woody’s staunch, impenetrable defense! Hawks shot 27% against the PHX porous defense. HAHA, FIRE THE BUM ALREADY!!

FIRE WOODY!!

ps. Joe Johnson sucks this year.

By smartguy

January 30, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Yessir, I think you answered your own question.

By clint

January 30, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Time to let Larry Drew coach for the rest of the year and us to look for a tough disciplined coach for next year. Maybe a couple of small deals but nothing major, there is talent on this team.

WHAT ELSE DOES IT TAKE TO FIRE BILLY AND WOODY. NO with paul, and PORT with roy are smokin and we are reelin.

THIS TEAM HAS NO HEART

By randy

January 30, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

What the hell happened to Marvin? One night he is playing like Jordan, the next night he is back to tripping over his own feet, passing balls to the other team, and turning the ball over on a fast break. He is embarrassing. I guess anyone can look good against the Sonics. TRADE THE BUM!!

By Joe

January 30, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Well, I was hoping to log on this morning and see that Woodson had been fired. No such luck. I guess they will let him finish the road trip because the owners are too poor to fly another coach out to the West coast.

By Clyde

January 30, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

I’m wit ya Ando. Let me quote a couple of lines from one of my favorite songs. Sekou this one is for you….

Its Time

Time to Make a Change

We are the People

Who Can Do It!!!!

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Draft

January 30, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Officially gearing up for another draft pick that Billy will blow. This will make 10 years in a row of non-relevance. Most teams getting fairly high picks for 10 straight years would be competitive now- not the Hawks.

This team is flawed from the top down. Spirit are too stupid to realize they know nothing about basketball so they keep Billy & Woody in the two most critical positions on the team. We have a decent core of players(JJ, AH, JC, JS) but too many non-productive ones. Sheldon makes me sick every time he hits the court. Our rotating disaster at PG could have been averted had we picked C Paul. I’m not confident that Law is going to work out and simply laugh thinking about Billy’s unwavering support of Speedy- who’s done NOTHING for us.

It’s a mess, folks. The only way to turn this tide of embarassment is to can Billy & Woody and bring in a credible GM and coach. Neither of these guys will get a top job in the NBA ever again.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 30, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

We looked horrible out there last night. JJ looks fatigued/dead out there - Maybe Steve T really does have a clue- The offense needs to be run through Marvin or Horford right now because JJ aient cutting it.

No one played particullarly well -Why would you keep pushing your starters when they are down by 30 mid way through the third—REDICULOUS

This is where Salim -Mario-Solo should be loggn heavy minutes- Woodson donate your checks to the charity of your choice -loser

By JudasIscariat

January 31, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

There is absolutely NO WAY that anyone can blame Woodsen for the current state of the Hawks. When the Hawks were hovering around .500 at 16-16 they were about 4 games out of first place and Orlando was sliding. If the Hawks had just continued winning, they would have been in first place. The problem with this current Hawks roster is that they are young and they DO NOT KNOW HOW TO WIN CONSISTENTLY. They play in spurts where sometimes they look like world beaters like theyre good enough to win the NBA title this year; then there are other times when they look worse than any team in the NBA. The Hawks are currently not playing consistent basketball and are not playing with enough poise and confidence to even make the playoffs. Whose fault is it, I cant really say, but I dont think its Woodsens fault because he had guided them to .500 and they were supposed to learn how to win and improve from there. If the Hawks continue to lose, you will have to replace Woodsen, but I believe Pat Riley would probably be the guy to replace Woodsen since Riley seems to be unable to motivate a veteran team in Miami. Pat Riley could possibly get the current Hawks roster to the NBA finals and probably win the whole enchalada. Get Rileys agent on the phone immediately without a second to spare!!!!

By GoldenRichards

February 1, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Its amazing how the Hawks have suddenly started spiraling into mediocrity. They have the collective talent this year to win the NBA championship. I believe what happened to the Hawks is that the media began noticing how much improved the Hawks were from last year and accordingly, the media began calling the Hawks a playoff team. The Hawks can still make the playoffs this year, but they need to stop listening to the media about how great they are, and reading the sports pages to see their glorius press clippings and just roll up their sleeves each and every night they play as if their record was 0-0. If the Hawks can just stay motivated and play hard each and every night, they WILL WIN THE NBA TITLE THIS SEASON and Mike Woodson should win coach of the year honors.

By MotherTeresa

February 2, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Mike Woodsen SHOULD WIN coach of the year, if the Hawks eventually turn things around and WIN THE NBA TITLE THIS Year. Additionally, Bill Hunter SHOULD WIN general manager of the year for bringing the talent to the Hawks for them to thrive. I remember years ago when we Billy Hunter arrived in Atlanta, he assured everyone that he would turn around the Hawks and make them a winner. Well, those words are words of gold as the Hawks are on the verge of winning the NBA championship this season as soon as they get things turned around and start rolling again. I believe that the Hawks have the best talent in the league, even better than the Celtics or Spurs talent and I am absolutely convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Hawks WILL BE CROWNED NBA CHAMPIONS IN JUNE OF 2008. How’s that for a prediction!!!!!