Hawks

By Clyde

January 30, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Dave

January 30, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

What’s all this #7 in the East nonsense? We’ve played like 5 games less than anyone else in the East, so we really aren’t even in the playoffs once we lose these next 5 games. I don’t even know why I’m saying “we.” “We” implies I’m part of something—I don’t want to be a part of some of these losers right now

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

January 30, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Usually not one for downers, but that was one of the most depressing games I’ve ever seen as an Atlanta sports fan. All three of the Hawks weaknesses were exposed last night- lack of interior muscle, lack of PG play, lack of shooters.

The only positives I can glean from last night were Salim finally getting some minutes (albeit under dubious conditions) and Acie finally shooting the rock some.

This team needs a shake up in the worst way. I’m not even being a reactionary, just a realist. If it is possible for a team needing wins, heart, determination, etc so badly to be this lifeless then they need a life altering experience.

The sad part is that I dont know what is worse, the fact that I saw a possiblity for this roadtrip to go this poorly, or the fact that I’m surprised when it goes worse beyond my “expectations”? Season is FAR from over though, gotta rebound starting in Clipperland tonight.

RISE UP!!!!!

By Realist

January 30, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Sekou, what about that phenomenal draft you kept telling us about? I thought Al Horford was “the real deal” and Acie Law was the PG we’ve been looking for? If so, we must not have been looking for a PG who can play any defense. The Suns offense last night consisted of finding Law’s man and passing to him for a layup. Meanwhile, Horford’s points and rebounds per minute are about the same as Shelden’s for his career. Boy, that was a big-time upgrade.

Will Woodson get fired when they return to Atlanta????

By GT80

January 30, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Here’s a radical change, fire Billy Knight and Woodson now.

I can’t stomach watching or even thinking about this team knowing what BK has done to keep this franchise at the bottom. We all gave BK a pass on the Marvin pick, but everybody knew the Shelden pick was atrocious. It makes me sick to think about what this team could have been, but cannot be with the missed draft picks. And how Mike Gearon and the rest of the owners can sit back and watch this without being just as sick is beyond comprehension. Knight has been here 5 years and Woodson has been here 4 years. Their track records are there for everyone to see. Need I say more?

By preston

January 30, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Spot on Sekou…….I think the Portland loss really deflated and humiliated this team……at this point something radical does have to happen…….this team is too talented…..has played together as a core unit for too……and has enough experience under their belt to be performing like this……we had soo much excitement and energy when the season started…..after we finally got it right in the draft, this city got behind this team like a brick wall…. but we have reverted to playing like inexperienced rookies, I hate to keep crapping on the coach, but I tink that his coaching style (or lack of it) has sucked the life out of this team…….and the change starts with him.

By Astro Joe

January 30, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Stick a fork in them. Unless the owners make something happen (trade that brings in a starter or coaching change), this team is done. I’m calling for players to start the injury drill about 3 games after the All-Star break. By the end of February, Solomon and Mario will be getting significant playing time.

Sekou, thanks for introducing Woody to the concept of mental fatigue. How long has he been coaching? Never mind, it’s never too late to learn.

Bye, bye Rudy & John.

By Robert Yates

January 30, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

I haven’t written in these blogs since it was ajc sports plus, but after only reading for such a long time I feel a need to comment on these Hawks. Here we go: When a team routinely competes but is throughly dismantled as we were against the Suns, you can tend to chalk that one up to wrong place/wrong time. The Suns loss is not the one that bothers me so much. Sure, I don’t like watching my squad get trounced; the recurrent fourth quarter collapses indicate the actual problem though. I think I like woody sometimes as a coach, but you can tell the starters are tired when they fail to run as they should. Sometimes they start sluggish…. sometimes they end sluggish, but they are almost always sluggish at some point during the game. When was the last time we ran all over somebody all day???? There has to be some way to get the reserves more involved. If not, then all that’s going to happen is more 9 point scoring nights from the league leader in minutes played.

By Robert Yates

January 30, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

I haven’t written in these blogs since it was ajc sports plus, but after only reading for such a long time I feel a need to comment on these Hawks. Here we go: When a team routinely competes but is throughly dismantled as we were against the Suns, you can tend to chalk that one up to wrong place/wrong time. The Suns loss is not the one that bothers me so much. Sure, I don’t like watching my squad get trounced; the recurrent fourth quarter collapses indicate the actual problem though. I think I like woody sometimes as a coach, but you can tell the starters are tired when they fail to run as they should. Sometimes they start sluggish…. sometimes they end sluggish, but they are almost always sluggish at some point during the game. When was the last time we ran all over somebody all day???? There has to be some way to get the reserves more involved. If not, then all that’s going to happen is more 9 point scoring nights from the league leader in minutes played.

By SSI Fan

January 30, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I have to believe that the Atlanta Spirit is so financially strapped that they have no ability to make meaningful changes.

Last weeks paper said that pleadings in the owners law suit asserted that the Spirit lost $20,000,000 in the 2005-2006 hockey and basketball seasons. It’s reasonable to believe that a similar amount was lost in the 2006-2007 seasons and will be lost in the 2007-2008 seasons. That’s $60,000,000 in losses in a 3 year period. Since Belkin has no obligation to pay any of the operating losses, the other owners have to make up for his 30% contribution to losses. That’s an additional $18,000,000 which the other owners have had to or will have to contribute.

By Chris

January 30, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Do we actually have offensive sets and plays? I mean, if we do, we’re certainly not using them.

And if not, then exactly what the hell do they talk about during timeouts?

Woody: “It’ll be OK, guys. Just keep fighting and playing defense.”

Team: “But, Coach, what about when we get the ball?”

Woody: “Umm…well…umm…Zaza, you suck.”

Team: “Go to hell.”

By THE Hawks Fan

January 30, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

You know a win tonight and this road trip will have gone as expected. We are a “Home” team. Thats not good but, it is what it is. There is still a TON of BB to be played this year. The 1 thing that is plain as day is that they play when THEY want to play. Im glad coach Woodson understands his starters are playing too much, just hope its not too late. This team has lost so much in the past, 4 games under .500 seems like Eastern Conf champs to them. They know they are no longer without a doubt the worse team in the league. Im not sure we CANT get KIDD, maybe dreaming again , but oh well. So come on home Hawks and try to get back on track. GOOOOO HAWKS!!!

By Bertie

January 30, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

SSI Fan you hit the basis of the problem. Until this franchise is financially stable none of its problems could be solved. It seems either Belkin or the other Spirit owners do not have what it takes to buy the other part out. For the good of the Hawks both sides need to sell the franchise to a third party at current valuations ($250-300MM), recoup their investment and realize a gain on the way. New owner(s) can bring a new GM and coach and with a few positive changes to this core group of players this franchise could be worth $400MM, similar to the Mavs.

By chax52

January 30, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Enough is enough. Time for another team rebuilding in Atlanta. Start at the top and go down. New owners if possible. Absolutely a new GM and a coach.Even better,let what’s his name have the team and move to another city. The price of a Hawks ticket is one of the worst deals in town.

By THE Hawks Fan

January 30, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Good 1 Chris. Thats a good thing about these blogs they are always good for a laugh. Some of you guys could write for Leno or Letterman during this strike.

By JohnGTFan

January 30, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Here’s a thought…take Woodson out for a nice, relaxing afternoon of electric shock. Then have Drew finish the season as coach. If nothing else, maybe this will be the spark these kids need. If not, oh well, at least the “village idiot” is gone.

By bill

January 30, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

This whole team needs to be blown up. Fire Knight and Woodson and get some new owners. This ownership group sucks.

By bill

January 30, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

This whole team needs to be blown up. Fire Knight and Woodson and get some new owners. This ownership group sucks.

By Chris

January 30, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

I keed, I keed.

But did anyone see Zaza’s little (almost) behind-the-back manuever last night? Imagine if he hadn’t gotten fouled on that play. Steam would’ve blown out of Woody’s ears and his head would’ve flown clear off his shoulders like the Looney Tune he is. Not that that would be a bad thing, necessarily.

By Kukaw

January 30, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

I am a Hawks fan, not a Hawks hater. I don’t want them to make the playoffs. Do they have enough talent on paper to make it? I think so. But this team making the playoffs means little in the long run. It means keeping Woodson longer, which I think is a big mistake. They aren’t going to let him go this season. And if they make it, this season will be deemed a success and they will keep Woodson longer. I’d rather not make it, and then get rid of Woodson and his staff. We can keep our core guys (JJ, Josh, Al) and trade anyone else who has value for a true point and or maybe a post threat. Then, we will have the chance of making a real run. But what good does it do to squeak in to the 8th spot and get swept? Nothing. Oh yeah, one more thing though…I’m thinking like a person who actually cares and wants to get better and wants to make a run. I don’t think our ownership really cares that much.

By Bluestreak

January 30, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Fire Woodson, Hire Larry, trade for Gasol and sign Stoudamire or trade for Kidd. Or just let ACIE learn on the job.

If they don’t make a move or two before the deadline, fire Knight and start fresh in the Front Office.

Status quo - NO MO!!!

By JohnGTFan

January 30, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Kukaw

You have very little to worry about…Atlanta will not be in the playoffs this season.

By truthteller

January 30, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

The “ownership group” of the Hawks are clearly the laughing stock of the NBA. Billy Knight is a fool, bordering on mental illness(see his refusal to admit he has screwed up this team for years to come ). And clearly, Woodson has to be the poorest coach ever to sit on an NBA bench….have you seen him standing there with a stupid stare, with no clue what to do as his “team” looks ridiculous in another loss? It would be great if this entire collection of clowns would just pack up and get out of Atlanta.

By Russ

January 30, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

How can anyone explain how Mike Woodson has a job? I mean everybody thought Terry Stotts or Kruger was a joke but this guy might have the worst record in the history of the NBA. If only keeping your arms folded meant success, Mike would be the greatest ever!

By Derrick from Lithonia

January 30, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

This team has outgrown its coaching. Its time for a real coaching staff to get in here and get this team in some kind of direction. The late game play is just awful. Guys getting suspended for conduct and bad execution in the clutch.

Fire the Billy also…

This team has no guts… PERIOD!

They have enough talent, except at the point.. that is.

By jami$$ion

January 30, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

we need a leader,jj is a over paid rollplayer,a complimentary player.we need a leader n kidd would b dat 4 us.So wat if we don’t have great sharpshooters,neither did his 1st suns or 2 eastchampion teams but they were extremely athletic just as us.Give’em jj apick& lue.let drew coach.trade zaza 4 magloire.Teams in this league win by teamball.even kobe wins da less he scores. da scoring will come from da T-E-A-M!JJ&Woody the cancer of this team.Member when memphis & portland were winnin go’n 10deep T-E-A-M

By duck3000

January 30, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Its that time again to trash the coach(WOODY)…This guy really sucks at coaching and playing. His coaching and playing career stats, In 786 career games, Woodson averaged 14.0 points (10,981 career points), 2.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 25.5 minutes of action an average bench player in my opinion and he is a NBA journey man, as a 6-5 guard, Mike Woodson played for seven teams in the NBA which included Knicks, Kings, New Jersey, the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston and Cleveland. His coaching stats are horrible as his playing stats. Career coaching stats are 87(W) and 200(L). Please someone tell me why is this guy is still coaching in the NBA and our Atlanta Hawks. Since management can not do it. We the people must say (Your’e Fired!!!) at all home games to get the attention of management,until someone pays attention. This guy really sucks…Ok I am though trashing him. But I got to give Salim props for holding his tongue for now. Plus last night he got playing time as did Solo, but I am still mad and can not understand why Mario West is not playing he is a beast on defense and can shut down some (PG) when the time comes when he playing…I think we need a trade, my bad blockbuster trade. ZazaP/Lwright/Sclaxton/Salim for Jason Kidd and pick a center from the d-league perhaps….Quacks Away….Duck3000

By AK-47

January 30, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Watching Brandon Roy eat us for lunch at the end of the game, while not seeing Shelden doing anything significant in any game this year, was frustrating. That one whiff alone should be enough to get BK fired. Shelden was an astounding 0-14 in January in 10 games. Roy is one of the best young players in the league. We could have had him, but once again BK reached for mediocrity.

Throw in the miss on Chris Paul, getting nothing in return for Harrington, the worthlessness of Solomon Jones, the lack of size or talent inside, the mostly woeful point guard play, the lack of production from Salim and Zaza, the lack of free agent signings other than JJ - the list goes on and on. BK is the worst GM since Elgin Baylor on the old-school Clippers. He may be worse. He’s certainly the worst talent evaluator in all of professional sports.

By Chris

January 30, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

He does that on the NBA 2K8 game. It’ll show Woody on the sidelines, and he’s standing there with his arms crossed.

But I keep winning games with the Hawks and making jump shots with JSmith. Oh, well. At least they got 1 thing right on the game.

By Dave

January 30, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

87 wins in 4 seasons as head coach.

By St. Bernard

January 30, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

The most truthful thing in Sekou’s blog was the question of why we even care. I’ve been following this team for 3 or 4 years. There’s no logic to any moves they make. Billy drafts at random. Woodson is either incapable or unwilling. And the owners don’t care. We probably lose Smith and Childress at the end of the year with nothing in return. SO why is it again that I continue to follow them?????

By CDS

January 30, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Fire Billy, fire Woodson, and get ONE owner. These guys don’t care about winning anymore. They’ve done nothing to even indicate that they are trying to improve this team. Trade Salim and Shelden if your not going to play them, because they aren’t getting any better just sitting there. We are now seeing how Knight killed us by drafting all these small forwards. Josh Smith is playing out of place, they have no help inside, Zaza Pachulia is worthless, JJ and Josh are the only ones who take the shots.

I love the Hawks, but I’m tired of seeing the same thing every year. No desire to improve or become a winning team at all. And to think, we are giving the team that beat us by 30 points last night our first round pick. With our luck, it will probably be that elusive #1 overall pick that we’ve been missing on for the last 8 years.

By Andy

January 30, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

I have been following the Hawks for over 30 years. this is the worst i have seen a franchise perform in any sport. from the front office to the coaches to the players, the hawks are the laughing stock of professional sports. How Billy Knight and Woodson still i have a job is beyond my wildest comprehension. Besides all the horrible picks Knight has made, everyone seems to forget the absurd signing of Speedy Claxton. That is perhaps the worst free agent signing in NBA history. The sad part about it all is that the owners dont care. Mike Gearon goes on the radio and thinks this team is headed in the right direction… apparently that dope wouldnt know right if it hit him in the head. Any decent franchise with caring owners would have made changes long ago. this franchise doesnt care.

By lawman

January 30, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY AND BILLY KNIGHT SEKOU cant you lead a campaign to have them fired. this is getting uglier by the minute. we will never win with them still running the team. all we are doing is destroying the confidence of our young players. they have lost so many games this year namely due to poor coaching!!!! once again FIRE WOODY AND BILLY

By remo

January 30, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

ducks3000 you must not watch a bunch of basketball obviously. Who would trade any star in the league for the guys you mentioned?? And jami$$ion you are 100% correct on JJ. We must trade JJ now b4 the rest of the league figures out the guy is not a #1.(If we can trade away that ridiculous contract). He has no killer instinct.

By JohnD

January 30, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

I wrote here three weeks ago that the schedule is a killer in January and February and the Hawks stepped right in front of the bullet.

Losing by over 30 is disgraceful and shouts loud and clear the coach no longer has control of the team and the players do not have enough pride to at least hustle and keep the game respectable.

Do you fire the coach before the season is totally lost? Probably not, but the All-Star break should be the measure. No improvement - new coach.

I have defended Woodson in the past but the players appear not to care whether he stays or goes and the economics do not allow a wholesale roster change.

These players need to develop some pride.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 30, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Finally- JJ is what he is an unathletic role player with a nice jumper.The man shows no emotion at all and really doesnt make anyone around him better. he has the most trade value on the team so if at all possible move the guy to get what is needed here-PG/C

The future doesnt look bright for us -owners,draft picks,etc….

All of this chatter over the summer …. We look the same as last year-Shake whateva you have to- we wont make the playoffs at this pace of wins and losses

ZAZA: “They know what I bring” Aug.27 2007 -Well ZAZA what is it exactly that u bring except the ability to flop really well and sport high end clothing…… frustrated fan

By Joe

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

It is time to unload Josh Smith for veteran All-Star PG and a draft pick…we will be throwing money away by maxing him out and we need someone right now.

By hbrownj

January 30, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

ninty nine percent of the hawks problems is woody.lok at the royal ivey and diaw plays now that they are being coached him

By THE Hawks Fan

January 30, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Is it on the table?? The Hawks should get KIDD at ALL cost. Can you imagine these guys running with him?? I just realllly dont think you do it with JS. AJ Chill Salim Wright Lue and a kicker can do it.

By Patman

January 30, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Well it looks like another trip to the lottery where the hawks can draft yet another 6’9 forward. I gave Mike Woodson the benefit of the doubt all these years due to the crappy roster around him but he’s just not getting it done and it’s time for him to go. Billy Knight should have been long ago. the hawks organization is worse than the L.A. Clippers right now and that’s totally embarassing. these guys could move to Nampa Idaho for all I care.

By Barry

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

Hey Y’all:

It’s coaching that is going to make or break the Hawks. I believe that Woodson is too laid back for this bunch. They need a fiery coach who has them pumped up before and during every game. After a few wins, this coach appears to relax. You can hear in the players commentary after their win streaks. Some of their comments about their streak gave the appearance that they were the previous year worls champs. It is up to the coach to keep these players from getting complacent and have them joyfully fired up before games and during games. I do no see and hear that. At the games, I do not see Woodson teaching and coaching on the floor. I just like the ranting, raving coaches that look like a nervous, but joyous wreck on the sidelines. The coaches enthusiasm or non enthusiasm gets to the team and the play like their coach talks. This coach, I do not know. I see lazinnes, lethargy, inconsistancy in their play. It is not the players fault. It’s the coach. And he have do something about it!!!!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN!1 Tell Everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Barry

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

Hey Y’all:

It’s coaching that is going to make or break the Hawks. I believe that Woodson is too laid back for this bunch. They need a fiery coach who has them pumped up before and during every game. After a few wins, this coach appears to relax. You can hear in the players commentary after their win streaks. Some of their comments about their streak gave the appearance that they were the previous year worls champs. It is up to the coach to keep these players from getting complacent and have them joyfully fired up before games and during games. I do no see and hear that. At the games, I do not see Woodson teaching and coaching on the floor. I just like the ranting, raving coaches that look like a nervous, but joyous wreck on the sidelines. The coaches enthusiasm or non enthusiasm gets to the team and the play like their coach talks. This coach, I do not know. I see lazinnes, lethargy, and inconsistancy in their play. It is not the players fault. It’s the coach. And he have do something about it!!!!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN!1 Tell Everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kelvin

January 30, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

I agree with Joe, Josh Smith needs to go. He plays like he is in a pick up game at times. I can’t figure out if he is a 4 or a 3. He certainly doesn’t play like a 4. Also, Marvin Williams still plays too timid for me. I wonder when he is going to develop into the best player in the draft he was predicted to be. When you pass on two great PG’s that everyone knows that you need in order to draft potential, if that potential doesn’t develop, you end up looking like fools.

By Mr T

January 30, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Trade Josh Smith for Jason Kidd and fire Mike Woodson. I have watched many Hawk’s games this year and he gets out coached in almost all of them. They win by their athletism. Woodson is a better Robin than Batman.

By ejh

January 30, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

The hawks are not fininshed yet. They do have to win 4 out of 5 on this up coming homestand and a win against the clippers tonight puts them right around .500 ball or a game under .500. The thing is all the teams that are below the hawks are not playing well either, the Nets, Pacers, Sixers, Bucks, Bulls, etc; so the hawks will still make the playoffs as a 7 or 8 seed. I do believe Woodson should be let go and then give Larry Drew the chance to run this team, because I think the guys respect his calm demeanor, and would allow the hawks to run and his substituion pattern I think would be different, these guys have begun to tune Woody out, so to me he has lost this team, and now I understand why BK would not let Drew leave, because he is going to give him the opportunity to coach this team for the rest of the season after the ALL-Star break if Woody does not get this team back to .500 by then or the team continues to slide.

By Still a hawks fan

January 30, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

No lottery pick; this year’s draft pick goes to the Suns unprotected for the Joe trade. Not as bad if we make the playoffs, but that is fleeting by the second. I don’t think Solomon is worthless…you can’t show your worth if you get no PT. As much as I want Woody to succeed, it just doesn’t look like he has it.

By truehawksfan

January 30, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Josh Smith needs to go…I think he needs different and better coaching. I really think we will all be on these boards in two years if we let Josh go saying “Why did we not resign Josh”, “We had him and let him go”, because we know what he can be. I think he is too talented to just “get rid of”.

By Daryl Dawkins

January 30, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY! In that order. But make them both today.

By RealSquawk

January 30, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

I am a true Hawks fan. I swore never to watch the Hawks if they drafted Shelden Williams and yet watched every game when Shelden Williams proved to be exactly what the team needed at the time with all the injuries. and what the team needs now, but was he worthy of that fifth pick probably not, but who cares.

I am a true Hawks fan. Who originally thought Mike Woodson’s hard ball tactics would equate to adding much discipline and dedication to the outrageously large number of young players on this team. I was wrong. Woodson just isn’t what this team needs now if you were to mix Woodson and Don Nelson together oh would you have a formidable opponent to face. Woodson was to hard and to unforgiving to the young players restricting their natural gifts so instead of someone playing disciplined and dedicated they played scared.

I am a real Hawks fan who realizes that no one was talking about the talents of Chris Paul and Deron Williams it was simply Marvin Williams and Andrew Bogut. And can we be sure that either of the two would have flourished as nicely as they have in our system?

I am real Hawks fan who realizes that if we are going to get a big or a true point we might just have to give up Josh Smith. cause as it stands he isn’t worth the money he is going to ask for if we can get an established person like Amare Stoudamire for our trouble

I am real Hawks fan that realizes that we have to keep Josh. like really we have to he is from Georgia. we have to keep MArvin. we have to keep Josh Childress and Joe. and Al but everyone else is expendable (add Lue)

And finally I am a real Hawks fan who realizes that if we don’t make the playoffs then Woodson is gone! But if we don’t make the playoffs then we are giving that lovely Phoenix team that tore us apart a lottery pick and that would be just to much of a slap in the face.

so we are done if we make the playoffs and Woodson continues and we are done if we don’t because every time Phoenix plays we are all going to hear about the Joe Johnson trade

By hatfieldgeoff

January 30, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

I agree woodson has under achieved. why does Josh Smith take more 3-point shots than Joe Johnson. Somebody (maybe a coach) should teach him how to post up and finish in the paint. And I give up on getting rid of Billy Knight he must have photos of all of the ownership with farm animals. An average fan of college basketball could have made better picks the last 4 years. Horford was a good pick, but how obvious was that.

By Wink from Lithonia

January 30, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

It’s coaching man, please fire the “UNDERTAKER” when he returns to Atlanta. Let Emmit Thomas coach this team, he’s not busy with the Falcons right now. Seriously, we need an upgrade on the bench. To late to do anything about the team makeup, because BK is not going to make a trade as long as the fan base wants him to do anything; which ultimately means we are stuck with Woody the “Undertaker”…suck the life out of a player. Saw a few breathes out of Salim last night after we go down 16 points!!!!

By Dan

January 30, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

We all know, deep down, that this ownership group will do nothing. That’s all they ever do. This team is owned by some of the softest men on the face of the Earth. They are total clowns.

Clyde, how much do you charge for those “Fire Billy and Woody” shirts. I think I am interested. The two of them have managed to run this team right back into the ground. Time for a change.

By Harry Hawk

January 30, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Last night’s game felt like the final nail in Mike Woodson’s coffin, didn’t it? I would have fired him immediately after the game. Unfortunately, we’re stuck with owners who have never been able to get their s** together. This team has a lot of talent. A good coach could squeeze a playoff berth and a decent season out of this bunch. Instead, the Hawks will pile loss upon loss until they finish a few games out of the horror show that is the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

By randy

January 30, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I was expecting a loss to the Suns by 15-20 points last night. I was a little surprised by the 30+ massacre, but after that heartwrenching Blazers game, it wasn’t too surprising. What is for sure, is they need to get rid of Woody, I don’t even care if they put the towel boy in charge, Woody is just bad mojo.

As a true fan, I have watched everynight the past 2 season’s even when they were on 10 or 20 games losin streaks, but never getting to down on them, thinking they were rebuilding, too young, ever improving. But now its getting old, this isn’t rebuilding, this is simply stagnating. Woody might have been ok for a year or two, but he should have never been more than an interim coach, a coach who was just here for the rebuilding and then they would find a good coach that was willing to take on a talented crew of players. I don’t even want to get into Billy Knightmare, but 3 years ago all I heard is we need a center and point guard. Yet, we still have a horrible weakness at both positions. Jobs aren’t getting done and some people high up need to be accountable. Since the owners won’t fire themselves, start with Billy and Woody.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!!

By newt258

January 30, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Minutes from last timeout in Portland: Give the ball to JJ and everybody else stand around and watch. Fire WOODY and take BK with you. GT80 I’m becoming a fan. I’ts sicking to watch highlights. Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Brandon Roy. Why didn’t Woody just let Sheldon Williams take the last shot. I can’t watch anymore. Somebody make it stop!

By Dee Smith

January 30, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY Asap

By doc

January 30, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

man, what a bunch of alarmists!

all of a sudden folks are doing the clyde fire drill, heh heh, after demeaning him personally.

who is the moron now?

By smartguy

January 30, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

I am almost starting to feel a little sorry for Woody. A clearer case could not be made for a coaching change. If its not going to happen now, then its never going to happen. I can’t bash Woody any more, but let me repeat: If we have a new coach for Saturday, it will be my first game of the season in person.

On more very important question: Where are the Spirit going to get the money to buy out Belkin??? If they don’t have the money for nominal stuff (players, coaches), how the heck are they going to come up with around $100 million? Sounds like they better be asking for Belkin to buy them out before they are all flushed down the drain.

By T

January 30, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Same story, different year. Hawks are pathetic. Dysfunctional ownership only compounds the problem. The future of this team and franchise continues to be bleak.

By Pete

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

Woodson go get your late-December playbook!!!!!! That was working!!!!

Also, Josh Smith is not the problem. They just need a new playbook.

By Singindablues

January 30, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I’ve tried to have patience with Woody & Knight but I’ve come to the conclusion here as many have that until a change is made at these positions it will probably matter little with any roster shakeups. Leadership at the top simply sux and can no longer be expected to improve. It’s time to make a change. I believe the small base of fans remaining are ready to bail en masse if some leadership changes are not made soon.

By JasonRbach

January 30, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Why isn’t there a Larry Brown to Atlanta rumor out there? The players are not responding to Woodson anymore, and really, how can they? Larry Brown wants to get back into coaching and I think the Hawks with both Joe and J. Smith to build around would be a perfect place for him to start. Sure he might only coach 3-4 years, but I guarantee those 3-4 years would be better with him than our current staff.

Oh, and give Billy Knight the boot once and for all. Everytime I turn the TV on and see CP3 highlights it makes me sick to my stomach knowing he should have been our pointguard.

By JasonRbach

January 30, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Why isn’t there a Larry Brown to Atlanta rumor out there? The players are not responding to Woodson anymore, and really, how can they? Larry Brown wants to get back into coaching and I think the Hawks with both Joe and J. Smith to build around would be a perfect place for him to start. Sure he might only coach 3-4 years, but I guarantee those 3-4 years would be better with him than our current staff.

Oh, and give Billy Knight the boot once and for all. Everytime I turn the TV on and see CP3 highlights it makes me sick to my stomach knowing he should have been our pointguard.

By Tyger

January 30, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Quick fixes for the Hawks

1. Fire Woody, bring in Lenny Wilkens, who is the last link to good Hawks playoff basketball.

2. Lenny will bring a half court offense, defense and a championship legacy to this franchise.

3. The Hawks are built to run, but running is opportunistic, when the opportunity isnt there, you have to be able to run your offense.

4. Hawks have to rethink their core: JJ, Smoove, Horford, Marvin, Chill, Shelden, ZaZa, Acie may no longer be feasible.

5. They have to infuse more AJ-like veteran leadership into the core, they need better leadership down the stretch.

6. Good thing is, it can be done, once you decide to do it.

7. A Jamaal Magloire - Mike James package is very doable and wont upset the salary structure, but upgrade both the inside and outside both offensively and defensively.

By Numba1Fan

January 30, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Woody couldn’t coach a hooker into an orgasm…… fire his ignorant A$$ now. Plain and simple, he is not the coach for this or any other team.

By Chikara

January 30, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Larry Brown will never come here because he loathes coaching young players. Besides, Woodson is one of his disciples, no reason to install the same half court offense that’s already in place.

As for rethinking their core, I think it’s fine the way it is, it’s just being coached the wrong way. I do think that Smith will leave if they retain Woodson.

Bringing in Magloire would make sense, but BK lacks the cajones to make a deal.

Woody couldn’t coach a hooker into an orgasm, glorious comment Numba1 and what better way to describe Woody’s ineptitude?

By AJCFanatic

January 30, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Sekou will you please start some type of rumor about the Hawks even acknowledging Jason Kidd’s existence? Is point guard not their number 1 priority?! Hello! Maybe the owners will read your article and realize there is a trading block. Why do I love my Hawks so much?

By randy

January 30, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Hawks can’t afford Larry Brown.

By cjizzle

January 30, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

If the Spirit care about this team and this city they will can Mike Woodson. Look at the game last night the team had no energy at all. They need a new voice after four years of failing to have a true coach. They lloked as if they quit on Woodson last night so its time to bid Mike Farewell!!! It should have never taken so long for Salim to get playing time. Woody has no idea how to work a rotation.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 30, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Hmm… just a little bit of overreacting maybe?

Yesterday’s game was hot garbage. That doesn’t mean Joe Johnson is any different from the guy who scored 25 points per game last year. That doesn’t make any of the other players on the team less talented or able to produce. They had one crappy night. Hopefully they can put it behind them and move on. We’ll see if they have that kind of mental toughness.

The problems with this team are still the same: inconsistent point guard play, lack of depth at center, stupid head coach, stupid general manager, even more stupid ownership. The core of this team can produce if they are coached properly.

By Chikara

January 30, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

You know what, tonight will be the beginning of the second half of the season for the Hawks. Looking at their schedule the rest of the way (including the makeup Miami game) and I could conceivably see them going 21-20, which would give them 39 victories. Don’t know if that will be enough to get the 8th seed, but if they could pull of a couple of surprises then we’ll see.

The biggest test will be the six game road trip that happens around the All-Star break. If they struggle during that time (which just so happens to be around the trading deadline) then we could see a GASP….trade.

By Numba1Fan

January 30, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

You heard it hear first. Hawks ownership has been in meetings all morning and word is a coaching change is being discussed as I type this. If you guys want action call 404 878 3800 and voice your displeasure with the way this team is being coached. Ask to speak to anyone in the executive offices and let them know how you feel….. FIRE WOODY NOW!!!!!

By randy

January 30, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

I agree with RealSquak:

Chris Paul in Atlanta might be very different than Paul in NO. Could you imagine the stunt in growth this kid would have had being coached by the likes of Woody?? Remember how Diaw was a joke in Atlanta and how all of sudden he became a superstar in Phoenex? Atlanta is where players come to die it seems. Glad the game is on 10:30 tonight so I don’t have to watch the Hawks put up another L.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!!

By REALIST

January 30, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY. FIRE BILLY AND WOODY. FIRE BILLY AND WOODY. FIRE BILLY AND WOODY.

AND FIRE THE SPIRT GROUP TOO. DAVID MC DAVID LOOKS BETTER NOW, HUH?

FIRE BILLY, WOODY, AND THE SPIRIT GROUP.

HIRE…LET NIQUE OR DREW OR SMITTY TRY. CALL UP STAN VAN GUNDY. LET SHAKE THIS THING UP!!! ITS NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Definitely dont trade Josh Smith. This is crazy-the guy had a bad game tuesday night….. okay so did the rest of the team. I admit his outside shot needs work- and his shot selection. JS is our most valuable player period.He needs what all our young playerz need—— COACHING

I dont want to trade anyone until I see these guyz perform for a real coach. Trade any of these guys and kick yourself later.

how is a player supposed to get better and grow with no coaching or direction. EX.DIAW -IVEY….. Salim will leave here and put up 18 a game in the right system—Ivey did his thing against us.

Keep our yung guyz here!!!

Fire the owners ,Gm,coach and the dam mascot

By randy

January 30, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Hmm… just a little bit of overreacting maybe? They had one crappy night.

No. 11 losses in their past 15 games and six of their last seven. That are the facts, not over-reaction, just the facts. Firing Woody, wouldn’t solve everything, but I guarantee it would help even if they replace him with an assistant coach. It would show that management holds people accountable and are not ignoring the situation. But, then again, we are talking about the Atlanta Spirit aren’t we?

FIRE WOODY!!

By REALIST

January 30, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

SORRY, I MEANT JEFF VAN GUNDY. I’M JUST RAZZLED. FIRE BILLY AND WOODY.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 30, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Chikara- I see im not the only one who doesnt want Larry Brown here. I posted that weeks ago but others here felt different(THE FLASH).

We already have a poor mans Larry Brown— his name is Micheal Woodson for cryn out loud.

Spend the money on Brown and watch these players jump ship -

Iz it me or does Bob Rathbun find absolutely nothing wrong with the Hawks -ever he is funny with his assessments of the team-maybe he should be the mascot or Harry the 2nd

By randy

January 30, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Numba1, I hope you are right, you better not be pulling our leg! lets just hope that Hawks lose tonight, if Woody is on the floor! Shouldn’t be too difficult, just play like you did last night Hawks! Seems like Ol’ Woody lucks out when he is on the chopping block.

By REALEST

January 30, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

I AGREE I.MUST WRITE. I WAS CHECKING THE BOX SCORE, AND FREAKING ROYAL IVEY PUT UP LIKE 19 AND 7. FIRE WOODY!!!!!!!

By Mike Woodson

January 30, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Guys, why do you want me fired so badly? It pains my heart to see you guys can’t see the progression! I mean, Joe has gone from 42 to 41 minutes per night! I played Shelden for 4 minutes last night! Heck, I even let Salim get some time! Guys don’t call for my head so fast! We will continue our half court set and dominate the NBA! Finals here we come!!!!!!!

By mykhalc

January 30, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

randy, post was on point!!

By Numba1Fan

January 30, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

I promise I am not pulling your leg. I personally called the Hawks front office today to express my displeasure and was told point blank by one of the staffers that ownership has be3en in meetings all morning and had lunch, while discussing ” some internal issue”. I called again and spoke with a very nice lady who goes by the name of Carol and she listened to me in detail of what is wrong with this franchise and the lack of coaching and phylosophy. I even went as far as to leave my name and number for anyone in ownership to call me. As I explained to her, we have the wrong coach and system in place. This team is Young, Athletic and somewhat talented enough to compete for 3rd to 6th spot in the east. “you cant fit the round peg into the square hole”. A coaching change is what is needed now or the few fans still remaining will stop supporting this team. Little Stevie Wonder would be an improvement over the present head coach. As a longtime suffering Hawks fan from the early days of Richie Guerring coaching this team to the glory days of Hubie Brown and Mike Fratello when the Hawks made the playoffs consistently I attended games regularly and even was a season ticket holder. Frankly I stopped supporting the team when they hired Lenny Wilkens and traded Nique for Manning all the way through the Pete Babcock regime. It is a well know fact and running joke in this city that Woody is nothing but a DRUNK and STUBBORN CLOSE MINDED OLD SCHOOL which will try to impose his will of coaching style and coaching phylosophy no matter what. Get on the phones, call the executive offices, mount a campaign as fans that will force this ownership to make changes now! One person cannot do it alone but, there is strength in numbers as we all know. I even went as fas as asking if ownership is just so fically strapped that they cannot affort to make a change. I encouraged the person I spoke with to have ownership read our blog and they will be able to see that there are fans here who care and are simply looking for any excuse to back a team that is commited to winning.

By jami$$ion

January 30, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

SEKOU, WHEN R WE GOING 2 FIRE WOODY? ISN’T HE ON THE HOTSEAT?R WE IN TRADE TALKS 4 KIDD? SMOOTH & HORFORD A BENIFET GREATLY FROM HIS SERVICES.& NJ A DO GREAT WIT GASOL AS THEIR INSIDE PRESENCE IN A 3WAY TRADE. WHAT U THINK ABOUT THAT.WE SHIP SHELLS LUE JJ & A PICK,2 MEMPHIS THEY SEND MM & GASOL WE SEND GASOL 2 N ZAZA 2 NJ 4 KIDD & MAGLOIRE.THEN WE BUYOUT SPEEDY & LET DREW COACH THE REST OF THE YEAR.TIL WE FIND1? WHAT U KNOW ABOUT THAT?

By RAD

January 30, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

If I read or hear one more time to trade Josh Smith, I think I’ll explode. Does anyone who thinks this actually watch basketball and know anything about the game? I will admit Josh needs to work on his shot and shot selection. He is also moody and needs to grow up. However; has anyone ever noticed that when Josh is not in the game the opposing teams go straight to the basket uncontested? If we trade Josh, then we will give up 110 points per game. Josh is still growing into an NBA Superstar. If we trade him now, this could happen before the end of the season. Next… why in the world are Mike Woodson and Billy Knight still around? I would suggest the Hawks have one more 2 for Tuesday. Forget selling 2 tickets for the price of one. Let’s fire Woddy & Billy at the same time on the same night. Oh my bad..that would require the Atlanta Spirit group to meet and actually make a decision. Mr. Blank please help!

By Remo

January 30, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

How did we as fans know Shelden Williams would be a bust but not our front office? And they are suppose to be experts. Not knocking Shelden because he didnt draft himself, but when fans know he’s a bust and the GM does not, that just let’s you know the trouble starts in the front office. Jami$$ionagain i agree with your trade thoughts. Those are possibilities i think that could work.

By Melvin

January 30, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Numba1fan, do you care to share the number with us. So we could speak with(or harass) Carol as well…

By Daniel

January 30, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

SEKOU - There are trade rumors flying left and right and we hear nothing about the Hawks. Surely there is some inside juice you can give us. I personally need a little hope right now. My boys in PHX wouldn’t stop texting me with reminders of how bad our team was doing. Help a brother out PLEASE.

By jami$$ion

January 30, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

THIS IS 4 ALL MY BROTHER’S OF THE BLOG READ THIS & THINK JUST THINK. JJ HAS 2 YEARS LEFT JK HAS 2 YEARS LEFT, IF WE TRADE JS WE’LL STILL HAVE 2 RESIGN JJ & IF JJ CAN’T DO IT AT 27 WHAT MAKES U THINK HE’LL DO IT AT 30,JUST THINK ON DAT. SMOOTH THOUGH WILL B 2 THE A WHAT LEBRON IS 2 CLEVELAND A HOME GROWN SUPERSTAR& WE’LL ALL REGRET IT. U DON’T TRADE A 20 10 5 5 GUY.SAY JS AIN’T WORTH BIG BREAD,BUT DENG,JJ,RASHARDLEWIS,RJ,BWALCE,WALLY R.JS WAY BETR.MY TRADE WORKS 4 ALL THE TEAMS INVOLVED & IT’S LOGICAL.

By Numba1Fan

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

Melvin and everyone else, the number to call is:404 878 3800. Do not be ugly rude or obnoxious, simply ask for anyone in the executive offices and plead your/our case with them. If enough of us call and express our displeasure I am sure that eventually the Spirit will realize there a fans out there who care.

By jami$$ion

January 30, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

SMOOTH BRINGS ALOT 2 THE TABLE DEF,REB,ASSIST,POINTS ,BLOCKS,STEALS,ATTITUDE,& THOSE FASTBREAK OPPUSTUNITIES WE NEED 2 RUN.PLUS HE A HIGHLIGHTFILM. HE ONLY NEEDS WHAT THE REST OF OUR YOUNGSTARS NEED GOOD DEVELOPMENT N COACHING.CHILLS IS VERY VERSATILE,GOODHANDLE,GOOD D,PASSING,& PENETRATING BUT YALL DOG HIM 4 DENG & AI2 Y,THEY ARENT ALL AROUND PLAYERS PLUS THEY AVERAGE ONLY LIKE 5 POINTS MORE AS #OPTIONS , IF THAT THE CASE WE SHOULD KILL THEY GM 4 NOT TAKING SMOOTH WHOSE HANDSDOWN IS BETTERTHANBOTH.THINK1st

By Daniel

January 30, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

jami$$ion, Very good point. JJ has value and wasn’t he supposed to be our PG anyway? What about Andre Miller as an option? Cheaper than Kidd but also a great PG.

By RAD

January 30, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

It was my understanding a couple of years ago that the Hawks were in good shape as far as the salary cap. If I remember correctly, we were to continue to build thru the draft and then sign a “big name” free agent. Did I miss something or was that “big name” Speedy Claxton?

By Smitty

January 30, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Smitty’s 3-Pointers:

1) Fire Woodson 2) Fire Knight 3) Make some trades

By Stinger

January 30, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

I like to watch Josh Smith play as much as the next fan, unbelievable athlete but he has hard hands - no touch on the ball. Do we really want to pay this guy 10+ a year? There is a salary cap and you can’t keep all the young guys long term. If you sign Smooth and let Chill go you still can’t keep Marvin and Al long term and for my money a core of JJ, Marvin and Al is better. The good news is JS dooes have great value around the league. I’d push for a JS for Calderon deal who could be resigned at a better number than JS.

As to coaching anything is better than what I’ve witnessed the last 2 games, with the Portland game truely unbearable from the coaching perspective. Give JJ the ball and everbody else get out of the way - then repeat 2 more times - WOW what a great coaching mind we have in that Woodson.

Exhausted!

By new jersey faithful

January 30, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

I DONT KNOW ABOUT YA’LL…BUT EVERY TIME I TURN ON MY TV, I CHECK ESPN NEWS TO SEE IF WOODSCUM HAS BEEN FIRED. ONE OF THESE DAYS, ONE OF THESE DAYS…….

By jami$$ion

January 30, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

JUST THINK B4 BK WE HAD 4 1ST ROUND PICKS AND NONE OF THOSE GUYS WERE IN THE LEAGUE AFTER 3YRS. BK EXCEPT 4 THE SHELLS PICK HAS DRAFTED GOOD & WITH THE RIGHT COACH I THINK SHELLS A BE GOOD. HIS ONLY MISTAKE SPEEDY ” WOODY. LOOK HOW ROYAL AND DIAW R DOING. IF WE TRADE SALIM HE’LL COME BACK AND KILL US SAME AS SMOOTH,AC,MW,OR LORD 4 BID HORFORD. FIRE WOODY TRADE JJ 4 KID GET MAGLOIRE 4 ZAZA!GO HAWKS!!

By Chikara

January 30, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Numba1fan, thanks for the tip. Hey Sekou, how come you couldn’t come up with this kind of inside info?

new jersey, I often have that dream after every Hawks loss…I just light one up and imagine these words…

ESPNEWS has just learned that the Atlanta Hawks have fired both Coach Mike Woodson and GM Billy Knight…Knight was best known for drafting Marvin Williams over both Chris Paul and Deron Williams….

Keep saying it to yourself, it’s a good feeling

By ILL-logical

January 30, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Move woody upstairs for the duration of his contract, install Drew as interium and see what that brings. Doubt if there will be any trades of note because of finances,etc. and lets hope for 40 wins(a miracle).

By chuck D

January 30, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

404 878 3800. Be polite, but let them know you’d like to see a change. Short, simple, and sweet. They’re probably expecting your call.

By smartguy

January 30, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

I’ve been watching ESPN all day long, hoping any minute to see the best news possible. I think Sekou is right—tonight’s outcome is irrelevant for the future, mainly Mike Woodson’s (in other words, even a win can’t save him now).

By MannyT

January 30, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Sounds like January is a Maalox Month in Hawksville!

Remember in the movie, Point of No Return, she did actually bounce back and return from the life of a forced killer. Hopefully the Hawks can bounce back as well.

The financial situation is problematic for the future and for trades. It does not muck up getting more out of the current team.

Clyde can we get some Free the running game shirts? They could have greyhounds with large jockeys on their backs, arms folded saying slow down. Then you put the big red circle with the line through it.

While it would have been smart to develop that bench over the past 3 months to cut down on 4th quarter fatigue, you reap what you sow! Woody needs to plant some new ideas or be uprooted.

All that said, if he commits to doing some of the right things, we can make the 41-41 7th seed in the playoffs.

Maybe Blog-Z can get a label made in Napa Valley on the next wet coast swing for all the wine (whine) I see on this blog.

Great to see Al get his Rookie invite to New Orleans.

By ray

January 30, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Heh. This ought to get some reactions…

This is just another bump in the road, we could still make the playoffs. Bumps in the road these losses may be. But who cares about bumps when you can see that the road itself is ever increasingly downward sloped? And the brakes on the car don’t work…

It doesn’t matter whether or not we drafted Chris Paul (or Brandon Roy). With Woodson around, neither player would be so great. Wrong, wrong, and damned wrong. Great players are great players. Once they get to this point, they are great players regardless of who coaches them. A good coach knows how to harness talent. Talent can’t be taught. A coach isn’t responsible or capable of producing talent. The talent lies within the player. Both Roy and Paul are game-changers and team-changers. They make their teams better.

Look at New Orleans squad and tell me who besides Chris Paul you would just absolutely take over our guys. Nobody. Well, okay Chandler over Pachulia, but that’s a no-brainer. Point is, Paul would make any team significantly better than it was before he got there. Same with Roy. If you don’t see how that works by now, then you’ll never understand.

Well, if we drafted Paul, or Roy, or whoever…then we wouldn’t have Horford. You’re probably right. We wouldn’t need to have him either. Why? Because a better team attracts better free agents. A better team doesn’t rely on a rookie power forward to play center for them. I absolutely love Horford, but the fact that were able to draft him points to just how horrible we’ve been DESPITE being in the draft lottery damn every year for the last 3 or so.

We just need to get rid of Woodson. A better coach guarantees playoffs. No, not necessarily. This team is talented and capable of winning more games. A coaching change for the better would definitely do that for us somewhat. But how can you hope to have a better coach when your GM is such a moron? He’ll only let Woodson go if forced to. And then he’ll pick someone else who doesn’t fit (is my guess). No, the GM is a worse problem than the coach, although the coach is pretty bad. At least he puts in the effort and doesn’t seem to have an ego issue.

Some people just want to find a reason to stick-poke Billy Knight. He’s just fine for a GM, it’s the owners who are the real problem. Half wrong. Yes, the owners are definitely the problem. But they aren’t the only problem. You cannot justify any of Knight’s drafts prior to last year’s. None of them. That means the owners are guilty of keeping him as GM, sure. But that never will excuse Knight’s inherent incompetence. Never. So basically, they’re both at fault, you just can’t use ownerships money problems to justify the GM’s draft screw-ups. The draft never has had anything to do with that. Of course, if you’re a raving lunatic IDIOT, then you’ll keep on with that argument. Hey, if the shoe fits…

By Remo

January 30, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

jami$$ion I was with you all the way, up until the point you started trying to justify billy knightmare’s horrible picks. By the way we’d be fools to get rid of JSmoove

By jami$$ion

January 30, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

I’VE SEEN IT ALL!! I JUST SEEN A TRADE JS 4 CALDERON.ON THE STRENGTH 2 SAVE MONEY. NEWSFLASH DEEZ R BILLIONAIRES WE’RE TALKING ABOUT.U DON’T WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS ON THE CHEAP.DO U THINK THE PISTONS SAID LET’S GET RID OF ZEEK 4 SPUDWEB SO WE CAN KEEP DUMARS,OR LAKERS SAY LET’S GET RID OF KAREEM AND MAGIC CUZ AC AND JAMES WORTHY HAVE 2 BE RESIGNED UNBELIEVABLE!!! U GET RID OF YOUR BEST TALENT 4 AN AVERAGE PG.EQUIVALENT OF TRADING MATRIX 4 LUKERIDNOUR.DEEZ PGS LOOK ABOVE AVG CUZ OURSDON’T PLAY THEIRGAMES BLAME MW

By Remo

January 30, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Ray has said it all in my book. I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s nothing left 4 me to say after that.

By HB Ando

January 30, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

OK, there’s a lot of negativity here. So let’s try looking at the bright side: we’ve got…..er……umm……if we just…..uhhh….hmmmm.

Horford is playing in the rookie all-star game! And……..well……

Shucks…

By Stinger

January 30, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Hea jami$$ion I also believe Calderon will be and currently is a better basketball player than Josh Smith aka “hands of stone”. The dollar savings are just a bonus that lets us build a better team around a core of Calderon, JJ, Marvin and Al.

By honest_abe

January 30, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

trade jj, marv, tlue, lorenzen and zaza.

fire woody.

get new owners.

3 simple steps. after that its time to bust out the championship t-shirts!

By Tiger Woo

January 30, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are simply not a good team playing on the road. Losing those close games @ home is now coming back to haunt us.

Somebody mentioned that we have 4 straight home games after the Clippers game tonight and winning 3 out of 4 will get us back on track - unfortunately 2 of those games are vs. the Lakers and the Cavaliers.

After a road game vs. Houston and a home game vs. Detroit, we play at Charlotte before the all-star break and right after the break - another 5 game western road trip.

Good grief! It doesn’t look good for our playoff hopes.

By Timothy

January 30, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Who creates the polls? Why are they always slanted toward the negative and never gives a positive option?

Woody will be fired. Part of it will be his fault, part of it will be the players’ fault, part of it will be injuries; but most of the fault will be because of this bogus ownership group that does not allow anything serious to get done, especially with regards to the Hawks.

By RealSquawk

January 30, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

A discussion about Joe Johnson.

It seems that many people have forgotten what Joe Johnson did and has done for this Hawks team.

So let me start from the beginning Joe Johnson came to this team when no budding star in the right mind would even consider coming to the Hawks for any type of money.

He was originally brought here to be a point guard however it did not work out that for reasons that are exclaimed throughout this blog.

He has come in and logged more minutes than most stars in a league over the course of an entire season.

He has played unselfish basketball involving all the players he could, which believe it or not is extremely important for young talented players.

Joe Johnson has waited three years to even make a slight complaint about the lack of fulfillment of a promise to bring in another veteran. He hasn’t demanded a trade or gone on any type of sitting out threats he simply stated and kept playing.

He gave this team countless minutes until he was injured and could not compete on the olympic squad

HE PLAYED AND PLAYS ON THE OLYMPIC SQUAD.

those are just a few

By Vinnie

January 30, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Why do I care? I am a transplant and want a winning basketball team in this city. Unfortunately, I have not seen playoff basketball in the nine years I have been here.

Fire Woodson!

By RealSquawk

January 30, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

oh and this trade Marvin, Josh Smith, JOE JOHNSON, mess has to stop

it is illogical to just up and decide to trade all your talent

how about this we look at the facts we have two young forwards who can start Josh Smith and Marvin Williams

now you want to play Josh Smith at the four but honestly he is not thick enough to play the four and thats about all the four has on him currently other than the fact that he still needs to work on his post game and the fact !he has little hands!

now Marvin is a much more conventional three and more talented to be honest, but not more athletic

Al Horford is a starter at the four on about any team so that leaves the five

I want to keep Smith. as a Ga guy Smith is clearly the next best thing to Dwight Howard, but if the opportunity to get someone like Amare Stoundemire presented itself could you say no??? And when i mean like Amare Stoudemire I mean Amare Stoudemire or Dwight Howard.

Really Quickly Lets compare Amare, Dwight, and Josh

Josh is roughly 6’9 235 and was born in 85

Amare is roughly 6’10 245 and was born in 82

and Howard 6’11 265 and was born in 85

the only difference between Josh and the other is an inch or two and some pounds… as it looks here that one inch makes a major difference

i didnt really have a point now that i think about it i just felt like putting some stuff out there

oh yeah

do any of the Hawks have a killer offensive presence other than maybe Lue, Stoudamire, and nobody else

By cp

January 30, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

Lol@someone comparing Sheldon “brick hands, cement feet” per numbers to Horford’s overall production. What a joke. Forget that per crap give me the overrall production on the court. Horford probably blocked more shots in one game than Sheldon has in two years. Sheldon is useless. I thought I was the only one checking ESPN hoping to that we have fired Woody. I also see that im not the only person who is not against trading JJ. I like JJ but the guy doesn’t seem to want to be here. Maybe he is fed up too and if trading him gets us some draft pics and a good player back then im all for it. Considering that we look to be on a free fall and can easily slip out the playoffs then I have no problem with it. The teams behind us are a mini win streak from taking over our spot. While we have been horrible Chicago is starting to play better. Trading JJ could force other guys to step up and make Woodson for once actuallyc oach a game. Last year when he was hurt Marvin was consistenly putting up 20 points, Josh Smith was unbelievable and I cant beleive im about to say this but even Brick hand Sheldon Williams played good ball. They were not dependent on JJ and guys stepped up their game. Trading JJ might have this type of effect now. I mean it could backfire but the way we are playing we are not going to make the playoffs. I know people keep saying if they started today we would be in . Well guess what people they dont and we dont seem like we will be playing any better anytime soon. But seeing how BK is our gm I doubt we make any trades and hoenstly do we even want this clown making any trades. I dont even want to give Mike “Gregg Knapp” Woodson any more time to get this ship straight. At this point if we fire him what are we really losing. We can be an average team without him.

By Straight eye

January 30, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

This team is pathetic. There is no heart. Aside from Joe Johnson, there is very limited talent. Why don’t we trade for another useless 6’9 forward?

By Steve T

January 30, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

I think Woody has lost this team and needs to be replace ASAP. They need to let Drew run the team. I could tell by the looks in JJ’s eyes last night that Woody has lost this team. Woody has had a run in with almost every member on the team.

We were promised that the Hawks would run every chance they get. I have yet to see that happen this season. If you run your way to a 19 point lead why not keep running. Why let one man have his way in the paint. Everyone will be atatcking the Hawks in the middle from here on out.

By mykhalc

January 30, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, you reeled me in bro. LOL only thing i can say is, no doubt about CP3 and ROY’s talents. but i think you are really sellin’ yourself short if you don’t see the negative effect WOODSON would have on these cats. and it would be a serious impact…IMHO.

let’s look no further than our own SALIM STOUDAMIRE!!! many STILL proclaim his greateness as a shooter…got a pure stroke…can score in bunches…instant offense, etc. and by ALL MEANS his college career says that’s true.

NOW, (‘cause i’m all about the NOW), let’s look at WOODSON’s effect on his game. yep, ugly realization huh!!!??? ‘nough said ‘cause it speaks volumes!!!!!!!

no my friend, greatness does not always get to show nor get a ‘chance’ to show itself in any and all situations the same way!!! and i’ve seen enough of WOODSON to know that he could stunt ANYBODY’s game, no matter how great!!!!

and on a last note, i would really hate to see ROY under WOODSON!! given his laid back personality, not good!! CP3 would probably challenge WOODSON like SMOOVE did.

ps…unlike ANDO, i hope that you will not somehow read in here did i say i would not want either of these talented cats btw!!!

WOODSON’s gotta go…PERIOD!!!

By Aaron

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

Trading JJ is ridiculous. Show some loyalty, he has. We are in fight for the playoffs…yes we are still in it. Do you really expect to be better than we are right now? It’s a series of steps. We are beating the teams we should for the most part and we’ve won a few we weren’t expected to. A trade would be nice but not at the expense of a main part. We should be willing to trade chills if an adequate big man comes in return. I love Chills but it’s the business. We do not want a big contract PG. Acie is going to be fine. Remember hes only played half a season AT THE POINT. Horford’s contributions should not condemn Acie to a bust this soon. Bottom line: we’re on our way to contention but it’s not magic. It will take time, loyalty, and the ability to endure games like last night. Imagine this time next year when we’re hopefully trying to make the playoffs for consecutive years with a confident Acie, JJ, an even better Marvin, Smoove, Al, a legitimate big man, and a shooter.

By MannyT

January 30, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Ray

On the great players are great no matter who coaches them…I think that only fits the extremely highly talented folks. Most NBA players are at the top of the sport, but can still benefit from good coaching (vs baseball where the manager is more about slow strategy than teaching players how to leverage their advantages in seconds.)

Right now Roy is very good, not great. CP might be great. (I’d also take Nate Mc over B Scott as a coach. So I say Roy is getting more coach help.)

For those that are only very good and below, coaching, chemistry, and schemes matter. Look at Scottie Pippen w/o Phil Jackson, Caron Butler w/o Eddie Jordan, Jason Terry, Boris Diaw &(crystal ball sez) Salim Stoudamire not in Atlanta.

Great coaches do special things with the players and the game time strategies. Good coaches usually do well with one. Woody, knows a lot of basketball. I’m not sure how much of that knowledge transfers to the players. During the games, he just helps them sell more beer to keep the fans minds off the game.

By ray

January 30, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Reese, it’s obvious that Josh Smith’s play has earned you an “I told you so.” You should send him a thankyou card. However, his trade value hasn’t changed. It’s probably gone up. At this point however, he means as much to the team as JJ does…more or less. His departure may prove more detrimental than anything else. Again, you have to consider the possibility of wanting to test the waters and leave all the losing. You have to consider several possibilities, in fact. I’m not saying trade the guy (before your wig comes off…again). I’m saying it could still happen. You just never know. I hope not, ‘cause I don’t think we’ll get something that will make the team better. I don’t trust Billy.

I like your analysis on Woodson’s methods. I don’t buy it, but I like it anyhow. I don’t think he’s worried about running up the score. Speaking of which, what’s with this “unwritten rule” about running up the score? There IS no such thing..or did you miss Phoenix beating us like a drum last night? As I recall, they won by a mere 33 points. Dude, you really lost me on that one…

By traptout

January 30, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

We, and I mean we because I am a part of the Hawks, need to trade Joe Johnson. He’s not getting it done. In fact the best player on the team is Josh Smith. we need to trade Joe while the rest of the league still thinks he’s all-star material and get something good in return (point gaurd, legit shooter, along with draft picks). I used to like JJ, but in an article during the preseason Joe said he didn’t want to run the point because it takes away from his offense, but we are very good and hard to beat when JJ is at yhe point. He’s selfish and not willing to do whatever it takes to win. Yet we contantly complain about the PG position. It is true rhat right now we have the worst pg situation in the league. Think about it: If Joe ran the point we could have Marvin at the 2, Josh at the 3, Al at the 4 where he’s supposed to be, Zaza 5. I still have J-Chill, Sheldon, Young Solomon, Anthony Johnson, T-Lue, Lorenzen, and Salim off the bench. We all know J-Chill is productive, A. Johnson IS a BACKUP point gaurd, and you can still play matchups. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Joe doesn’t decide what , when, or where he’ll play on the court; the coach does. Unfortunately for him he hasn’t made the proper moves which means he isn’t in control. The inmates run the asylum. A couple more strange, tired, or uncompetitive losses before all-star break and it’s time to pull the strings on Woody. If the strings are not pulled the Billy Knight (who I think has done a fair job) has to be cut loose. We MUST make the playoffs THIS YEAR! ‘Nuff said/written.

By traptout

January 30, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

We, and I mean we because I am a part of the Hawks, need to trade Joe Johnson. He’s not getting it done. In fact the best player on the team is Josh Smith. we need to trade Joe while the rest of the league still thinks he’s all-star material and get something good in return (point gaurd, legit shooter, along with draft picks). I used to like JJ, but in an article during the preseason Joe said he didn’t want to run the point because it takes away from his offense, but we are very good and hard to beat when JJ is at yhe point. He’s selfish and not willing to do whatever it takes to win. Yet we contantly complain about the PG position. It is true rhat right now we have the worst pg situation in the league. Think about it: If Joe ran the point we could have Marvin at the 2, Josh at the 3, Al at the 4 where he’s supposed to be, Zaza 5. I still have J-Chill, Sheldon, Young Solomon, Anthony Johnson, T-Lue, Lorenzen, and Salim off the bench. We all know J-Chill is productive, A. Johnson IS a BACKUP point gaurd, and you can still play matchups. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Joe doesn’t decide what , when, or where he’ll play on the court; the coach does. Unfortunately for him he hasn’t made the proper moves which means he isn’t in control. The inmates run the asylum. A couple more strange, tired, or uncompetitive losses before all-star break and it’s time to pull the strings on Woody. If the strings are not pulled the Billy Knight (who I think has done a fair job) has to be cut loose. We MUST make the playoffs THIS YEAR! ‘Nuff said/written.

By Hawks

January 30, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

traptout, you are such an idiiot, cant you see in the portland game that joe doesnt have the speed to be a pg, btw if we trade him, the team will be even worse because nobody can set up people on this team, aj is so stupid he always turns it over in the end of the game!!Unfortunately the hawks will make the playoffs, and woody will be rehired.

By cp

January 30, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Delonte West is available. He can play the 1 or 2. He is a very good defender and can knock down the 3. So I guess we wont be pursuing him because it would make too much sense to add this type of player to this roster. Trading JJ is not rediculous in my opinion. This is his 3rd year here and he can clearly see our so called GM is not doing anything to improve this team. With JJ we are a very average team. Without JJ guess what, we would still be a very average team. The guy is a class act and is a good player but he is not a first option in my opinion. He is not atheltic so he takes a lot of jumpers which is the reason he does not get to the line often. I like JJ but hell would not freeze over if we traded him and got some nice peices in return. The problem with that is you need a very good and creative gm to make a nice deal. We are stuck with BK so I doubt we would do a trade and come away thinking how we got the better end of it. Once again Delonte West would be a nice peice here . Somebody kidnapp BK and let someone else run the ship for a few days and actually make a move to help this sinking team.

By ray

January 30, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc, you know me better than that. I know what you’re saying, and Woodson would have a negative effect on guys. But if you take that argument, then how come Al Horford is as good as he is…even while playing out of position? What I’m saying is that Woody’s inability doesn’t excuse Billy’s mistakes. And here’s another thing: great players expose coaches, gms, and franchises in general. Great players don’t become any less great at what they do because the coach sucks. Only they can make themselves less great by changing what they do. Look at Allen Iverson. Regardless of who was coaching and when, he has always been an all-star.

In the end, what I’m saying is that Woody is only part of the problem. And as a guy with only a crappy record as a head coach, what’s he got on his resume that makes you want to keep him over a star player? Last I recall, Iverson lasted in Philly longer than Larry Brown. And Brown had a winning record. Trust me, if a guy like JJ started really complaining about Woodson, and the losses kept mounting…he’s as good as gone. A guy like Chris Paul would’ve made it happen faster. Trust me on this one. It’s happened dozens of times before.

MannyT, Roy is a star, but perhaps not a superstar. Chris Paul is one of those guys. The only other 6 foot guard I know who impacts the game at such a level goes by the nickname of “The Answer.” Once again, I’m not saying that coaching doesn’t affect things. But anybody who thinks that a superstar is not a superstar if he’s got the wrong coach, then they are dead wrong. There’s no doubt good coaching can only help. But good coaching has to do with a team concept. No superstar is a superstar because of his team. He is what he is because of what he can do, and what he does do. Michael Jordan needed a good coach and team to win. But he was still Michael Jordan. Phil wouldn’t have made him any less. In fact, Phil wouldn’t have survived a rift. Gregg Popovich doesn’t make Tim Duncan the “Big Fundamental”. He came that way. Phil didn’t make Kobe. Pat Riley didn’t make Dwayne Wade. Mike Brown damn sure didn’t make Lebron James. All of these guys are superstars because of who they are, not who they are coached by. Kevin Garnett is putting up the same kinds of numbers he did when in Minnesota, the same kind of numbers he would’ve put up under any coach because he is Kevin-freakin’-Garnett.

A good coach helps a great player be even better. But he doesn’t make a great player less than great. Chris Paul is a great player. He would’ve been great here, and wanted to be here. Billy missed on him. Missed badly.

Sounds like we’re living in the past? That’s because we are STILL IN THE PAST. We can’t seem to get out of it and into the future. Why? Because the franchise keeps making the same mistakes. Mike Woodson runs the same plays and mismanages the games the same ways. Billy keeps making the wrong draft picks and wrong free agent moves. The ASG doesnt know it’s a$$ from a hole in the ground. They retained the personnel that are getting us nowhere, therefore the same crap keeps happening. It’s not people on this blog that are choosing to live in the past. We have no f**king choice but to do so. The franchise holds us hostage there as long as we are fans.

By smartguy

January 30, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

You guys want to see bad? Bulls at T-wolves. First four minutes: Bulls- 0 for 8, T-wolves 0 for nine. Its 2 - 0, so I guess someone hit some freethrows. And, well, someone just hit a jumper. League pass is great. Don’t know if I can make it ‘til 10:30.

By smartguy

January 30, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

5:45 left in first quarter. Its 3 - 2. Hilarious. I’ve seen girls high school games score more in the first six minutes.

By smartguy

January 30, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

RealSquawk, you need to go back to your home. What you say about Smooth is ridiculous. If the announcer didn’t tell you that he had small hands, then you would never know. He was the slam dunk champ and is second in the league in blocks. What else concerns you about someone with small hands??

By mykhalc

January 30, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, all good points man!!! What I’m saying is that Woody’s inability doesn’t excuse Billy’s mistakes.….NO DOUBT!!!!!

as far as HORFORD, my only comeback to that would be, AL is who he is despite WOODSON because AL does not need the ball to excel at a part of the game the HAWKS soooooo desperately!!! if AL was demandin’ the ball in the post anymore than he does right now, I THINK we would see the ‘WOODSON’ effect!!!!

but man, i agree with your bolded part of the post!! from the top down, they really do keep us hostage with the same-ole same-ole!!!!

By traptout

January 30, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

To whoever goes by Hawks. First off, whatsup with the name calling. Second, if you saw the Portland game you saw the Hawks with a 19 point lead. In the fouth quarter they’re guy took over on affense and defense and won the game. My “guy”, supposedly JJ, gave me nothing offensively (Roy steals the ball from Joe) or defensively ( Roy blows by Joe for two). And CP is right, Jowe is not athletic compared to other all-star caliber players at his position. He belongs in Phoenix where he can spot up shoot and work off of Nash. Wow! It turns out Belkin was right.

By mykhalc

January 30, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

s/b…HAWKS soooooo desperately need!!!

By MannyT

January 30, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

In this who is worse, Billy or Woody thing…I think the people that have come before shift the perspective.

Billy is a lot better than Pete Babcock.

Woody isn’t better than Terry Stotts.

As none of the Babcock was GM for a long time, there really isn’t anyone else to fairly compare with BK.

If we run down the list of coaches, Woody might compare favorably to Lon Kruger, but not to any of the others.

So I am more of a BK fan. He might get a C, but he replaced a guy that got a long transcript of D-.

Woody gets a D with a lot of guys before him getting B and C.

By Clyde

January 30, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

For those interested I will have a new shipment of shirts ready for the next home stand. Just like I said before ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!

HELLO CLYDE=MORON. I HAVE A SHIRT SAVED FOR YOU. YOU GOTTA PAY DOUBLE MY PRICE THOUGH.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Don

January 30, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Damn you Flava Flav!

Hey, I’m not panicking …yet. I still think we’re a .500 ball club, and this is the last really bad hump in our schedule this season.

I never thought we’d be over .500 on New Years, but I never thought we would have played as poorly as we have the last two weeks.

At the beginning of the season, when I made a mental note of how every game in the schedule would turn out — I had the Hawks at 4 games under .500 at this part of the schedule. (and let’s not talk about the Miami game we have to ‘finish’ later).

Look, the Hawks have no major injuries — but everyone could be playing better. We need a bigger presence in the paint to help Horford, and we need Joe to be Joe, and not the version of Bad Penny Hardaway he’s looked like at times this month.

I’m not ready to fire Billy or Woody, and I think the team is really improved from last year. However, it’s times like this that teams either come together or fold. We’ve come too far to fold.

Later,

Don!

By mykhalc

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

BARON vs CP3 tonite!!!

By A Thinking Fan

January 30, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

They’re a broke Spirit!

NO MONEY!

By MannyT

January 30, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Ray I am with mykhalc on this one. Imagine Salim on a team that let him play that Vinnie Johnson, Detroit Pistons role. He would be better.

I think Al is as good as he is because he has good chemistry with a bunch of guys close to him in age. It fits well with his college team focused approach. I would guess under a talent developer, he would get a few more offensive touches. I think some coaches would make him even better, because he is good, not great. Superstars are more important than coaches. Stars and regular pros are not. The majority of this league and every Hawks player—not superstars.

Woody has not committed to the running game he knew he needed to make his current roster more successful. He sold me a Trojan Horse this summer that was full of concrete shoes. When you take the existing roster and slow the pace, you make these players worse.

Remember the crew that Stotts had while BK was clearing cap space? After Hawk for a day went to Detroit, Stotts earned his check to get wins with those guys.

I would rather see these Hawks given the same record and the same number of blown games with a commitment to pushing the pace, than this slow offense that struggles with guys playing outside of their strengths.

Let the young fellas with fresh legs run like crazy. Play 10 deep every night to allow them to stay fresh.

Go with your strengths. People get rewarded for their high end skills, not their low end improvements.

By RealSquawk

January 30, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Clyde you sale T-shirts at home games where?

By RealSquawk

January 30, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

mister smart guy!! i want you to ask anybody if they ever heard that Josh Smith had small hands.

Like really I want you to go home right now and ask anybody you possibly can if they have ever heard that I guarantee you they will probably say no.

you want to know because i thought of it myself because i actually watch the game

a matter of fact i could be wrong absolutely wrong, but then again i might not be

and please spend some decent time watching him play and observe the turnovers that occur aside from a few ill advised passes

his small hands aren’t going to affect him playing the 3 and blocking shot I mean gosh Salim Stoudamire blocked josh Smith shot in practice

and its not going to prevent him from dunking he was probably dunking in the 6th grade, but i bet you it bothers him when you put him a 3 at the 4

but maybe thats just me being observant

By jdewayneatl

January 30, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Dallas is looking to give up Devon Harris to get Jason Kidd. Worked this out through ESPN trade machine.

Atlanta gets Devin Harris, Brandon Bass, and take-on Jason Collins’ contract (don’t need or really want him but to make things work you have to sacrifice).

New Jersey gets the expiring contracts of Anthony Johnson, T.Lue, and Lorenzen Wright with ZaZa Pachulia from Atlanta and Devon George, Jerry Stackhouse, Trenton Hassell from Dallas.

Dallas gets Jason Kidd and Salim Staudimire(he will be better off there, Woody won’t play him here).

This helps the Hawks because Devin Harris is the player we want. He is a top-ten NBA point guard (check the numbers) and is the best young point guard we could ask for and actually get right now and keep the core of the team together. Added value is Brandon Bass. He plays similar to Paul Milsap(Utah) and Jason Maxiel(Detroit). We need that energy.

We only lose players that we would lose at the end of the season anyway and a declining Pachulia.

By mykhalc

January 30, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

MannyT, real nice 9:03pm post!! good comparisons and unique perspective too!!

i think this might be 1st qtr and out from me game!! i’ll give myself a quick hook if it looks like an effort from last nite!!!

is WOODSON still the coach????

By smartguy

January 30, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

RealSquawk, actually some announcers were talking and making an issue of his small hands just the other day. I’ve been watching on league pass, so it was probably Portland or Phoenix (I think). I you missed that, and your concern is coincidental, then ok, but still, your biggest issue with his small hands is that he makes “ill advised” turnovers. By your own language, it is more mental, and decision-making, than anything physical (small hands, lanky, or anything else).

By smartguy

January 30, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Please tell me that when I wake up tomorrow this bad dream of a coach will be over.

By Chikara

January 30, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to JJ for making the All Star team as a reserve…. guess that will end all of the TRADE JJ talk after all. Too bad the team will commemorate by losing.

By RealSquawk

January 30, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

sure about that?? I asked you ask somebody

so i am guessing you were watching from the portland side or Phoenix

so the rest of us probably didnt hear it?

By hocker

January 30, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

The pathetic Clips two best players are out tonight, guaranteeing an easy Hawks win, right??? Yeah, that’s it baaaaaawwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!

By RealSquawk

January 30, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

let me say to smartguy that the fact that josh Smith might have small hands isn’t going to prevent him from being an all star but it might slow him or hurt him playing the post

now he has put in work at the post and will continue to improve because unlike the other guys i named way before this he didnt come in the league as a post player

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 31, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

New Jersey would never take on three multiple year contracts (George, Hassell, Zaza) unless they were also provided with many draft picks. And we all know the Hawks are not exactly swimming in a pool of draft picks.

But Devin Harris would be a great fit for the Hawks. If they could find a way to get him.

By Tiger Woo

January 31, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Unbelievable !!

Al Thornton has a career high 28 points after 3 quarters. Al Thornton !! - who averages 8.6 points this season. Why do guys always have career nights against the Hawks?

Hawks losing by 15 - who’s gonna step up? Duck is a no-show tonight.

OK - Hawks down by 20 now - Thornton has 33 now. Hawks are a joke.

By Im Gonna be Sick!!

January 31, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Woody and Acie have words. Acie runs to Coach Fizdale. Acie takes last shot of 1 st quarter misses and never comes back in the game. Woodson said in that article today we have to get back to the playing the way we did early in the year. Well how about Playing MARIO WEST???? WTF?? He was the reason why I started watching the Hawks this year. Hell he even started a game. Now he is on the Sideline in a suit???? And Fuggin T Lue plays??? Gimmie a friggin breakkkk. The Clips dressed 3 guys and whooped the HAWKs azzz. They have QUIT!!!!!! Woodson has lost them!!! Im like some other posters hit the ASG in the pocket stay away from games UNTIL changes are made. 3,000 people in the stands says ALOT!!! half of those work in the arena. This TEAM is better than this. Hell make Billy Knight the coach. Doooo SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!

By Steve

January 31, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

Losing by 20 to a Cllippper team without Maggette, Brand, Kaman and Livingston.

Still no PG.

Horrible coach.

Lets be real, our team still sucks

By Clyde

January 31, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

Please FIRE BILLY AND WOODY. We are getting our a$$ beat by a team that only has 8 men available. What the hell going on? I have seen enough of this foolishness. The Atlanta Hawks are a joke!!! The Suns and the Clippers blew us out by dominating the middle. Horford is good but he hasn’t given us nothing on the defensive end the past two nights. That’s what we get for drating a 6’9 power foward and praying he can play center. For 4 years we’ve need a defensive presence in the middle but what have we got? 3 small forwards, 2 6’9 power forwards, a 6’11 guy that’s as soft as my girl’s legs, and a 3 mill a year goon. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

This whole organization needs to wake up!!

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Tiger Woo

January 31, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

OK … it’s confirmed.

Acie Law is a bust !!

By Corey

January 31, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

I am VENTING MY ANGER EVERYWHERE I CAN……..FIRE WOODY..NOW! I am just turned from the game against the Clippers, an ABSOLUTE EMBARRASSMENT TO THIS CITY. How does a team with nine players, five of whom are UNKNOWNS….beat the * out of a team who is trying to be in a playoff race. I echo the words of the old football coach Jim Mora Sr…”Playofffs, are you kidding me..playoffs..playoffs” Woody would not run the ball tonight, he did press the court…..He could have ran the Clippers to death….Woody could not make adjustments to the game and who is this dude who has hit over 33 points before I turned the channel…..I WILL NOT EVEN PAY TO PARK TO GO SEE THE HAWKS AGAIN UNTIL THEY FIRE WOODY…THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. As I stated on the other blog, I am a brother who hates to disrespect another brother but…WOODY HAS HAD HIS CHANCE…HE HAS TO GO! As for JJ…an all-star..are you kidding me….he has disappeared the whole west coast trip…I rather see Josh Smith go at least he comes out and play each night……Unless Joe J is intentionally trying to get Woody fired……hey JJ, show up in a game will you!!!!!! I am an angry fan….so disappointed. We should have beat the Carmelo -less Nuggets, we should have beat Portland, but we were out-coached, and we ** show should have won tonight…9 players the Clippers had!

By Tiger Woo

January 31, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

See what I mean about Acie Law.

Hawks stage a frantic rally - cut the lead to 3 - Acie Law has a layup attempt to cut the lead to 1 - and he gets his shot rejected !!

By mrprozach

January 31, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

If silently shaking your head back and forth was an art form; Coach Woodson would be Picasso!

By steve

January 31, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

When we run we are unstoppable.

Too bad we only run for about 5 minutes out of each 48 jminute contest.

Should run so many more pick and roll’s to ESPECIALLY Smoove but also Horford and Marvin and even Chllz, also pick-n-pop to Marvin.

Should run so many more post-ups to Horford, and JJ, Marvin and Smoove……

dammit.

By cp

January 31, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this

I seriously hope that when I wake up tomorrow that on ESPNEWS I see in the little box in the corner that the Atlanta Hawks have fired Bk and Woody. That Portland game might have been the straw to break the camels back. I doubt this team holds onto the 7th spot until some changes are made. Im sick of this crap. Im a die hard fan but im starting to wonder why I even care if this damn organization doesn’t seem to care.

By new jersey faithful

January 31, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

HORFORD NEEDS THE BALL MORE!!!! ONCE AGAIN JS FILLS UP THE STAT SHEET

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 31, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

You know what I think might be a good idea?

Let Joe Johnson rest for the next 5 games to let his sprained ankle heal.

Clearly he is playing far below 100% right now. Clearly the Hawks have a surplus of guards who are not getting regular enough playing time to establish a rhythm. Clearly the Hawks are far too reliant on Joe Johnson offensively, especially in the half court.

Resting him would force Woodson to call plays for other players, would allow Joe to heal in time for the stretch run, and would give guys like Acie Law, Salim Stoudamire, Mario West etc. more playing time to either showcase them as trade bait or allow them to gain confidence.

And who knows, maybe if the Hawks are forced to share the ball more it will result in more wins.

By Hawksfan

January 31, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this

Why is woodson still the coach, i mean he has lost this group, they clearly dont want to come out and play, i mean jj has an injury and woody is making him play through it, hoping that he can get 30 points a night in order to keep his coaching job. I mean look at them, and why the $%#@ did joe give the ball to acie when he shouldve shot the three. Atlanta needs some changes.

By Hawksfan

January 31, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this

Why is woodson still the coach, i mean he has lost this group, they clearly dont want to come out and play, i mean jj has an injury and woody is making him play through it, hoping that he can get 30 points a night in order to keep his coaching job. I mean look at them, and why the $%#@ did joe give the ball to acie when he shouldve shot the three. Atlanta needs some changes.

By Hawksfan

January 31, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

Why is woodson still the coach, i mean he has lost this group, they clearly dont want to come out and play, i mean jj has an injury and woody is making him play through it, hoping that he can get 30 points a night in order to keep his coaching job. I mean look at them, and why the $%#@ did joe give the ball to acie when he shouldve shot the three. Atlanta needs some changes.

By mykhalc

January 31, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this

well i watched it thru 3 qtrs tonite and then went to ESPN.

there is no doubt that JJ has all-star talent but he has not played like an all-star the 1st half of this season!!! i’m glad for him but i’m sure there are more deservin’ cats this year!!!

WOODSON’s idea of winnin’ ball is haltin’ a bad 5 game stretch with a win. we’ve lost 12 of the last 16, right??? yep, gotta be his formula!!!

WOODSON’s gotta go…PERIOD!!!!

By jami$$ion

January 31, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this

WHAT’S UP REMO? I WASN’T DEFENDING BK, I WAS JUST STATING DA FACTS. BK’S GOD COMPARED 2 BABCOCK.Worstmoves hiring woody,signing speedy,shells and not firing woody once his imploding of the team was evident. N2 STINGER although a calderon trade a make us better because our o a flow more smoothly our d a be far worse without smoove.And did u realize the ramifications of this deal?I think not.I think about my scenarios.FU(K WE CAN’T BEAT TORONTO NOW,HELL u just gave them bestfrontcourt n da league CB,AB,&JS

By reese

January 31, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this

This long post is for those of you who did not stay up and watch this game. The hawks had a line up of horford, law, Jsmith, Jchil and JJ with about 5 mins left. They cut a 20 point lead down to 3 points with 40 seconds left. The clippers ran the clock down to 24 seconds and missed a layup attempt as Al Horford made mobley alter his shot. The rebound goes to Joe Johnson with the hawks down by 3. Joe has AC law on his left and Jchil on his right ahead of him. He has Al Horford trailing behind him on the right. The clippers have Sam Cassell ahead of everyone and Al horton passes Joe to make it a 4 on 2 fast break. Joe johnson crosses half court and gives the ball up way to soon to AC Law. Al Horton was telling cassell to cover the wide open Childress. Cassell instead runs over to cover AC Law who now does not have a shot and horton now runs to cover both childress and horford. What does Joe Johnson do. He runs away from the ball and there are 20 seconds left in the game. All he had to do was come down and take the 3 point shot with about 21 seconds left in the game and childress and horford were under the basket against Al horton.

Now, the entire clipper team has come down court and AC tries to pass to horford in the post. The taller/longer Aaron Williams deflects the ball from Horford and AC law tracks it down. AC attacks the rim for a layup and gets his shot blocked by Al Horton. Now, Horford has to foul sam cassell with 12 seconds left. Cassell makes both free throws and the hawks call time.

Now, the hawks are forced to do the 2 things they do worst. They must run an inbounds play and they must run a half court set. They run the same in bounds play that has failed against Portland and countless other times. JJ catches the ball, wastes 4 seconds and then shoots and 3 point fade away air ball. Childress grabs the rebound and Al horton forces a jump ball. CHildress wins the tip to horford and horford misses a 2 foot jump hook.

My 5 key concerns. (1)Odd man out: The only person who didn’t look like they belonged on the floor during the comeback was Joe Johnson. He slowed the pace when he had the ball, he didn’t run the lanes on fast breaks, he didn’t pressure players on the press or assist with traps on defense and he didn’t get any key assist down the stretch.

(2) Deflections: killed us through out the game. I don’t mean deflections when passing to someone else. I’m talking about deflections where the hawks player had the ball in their hand after a rebound, after receiving a pass or while dribbling to the basket and the other team either knocked it out of their hands or the other team tied the hawks player up for a jump ball.

(3)Loyalty: Woodson is loyal to his veterans to a fault. Tlue, Zaza and anthony Johnson did not bring anything to this game and woodson would rather play them than his energetic younger players. The clippers played 8 people and they were the more aggressive team. Tlue and Joe Johnson were content to play the slow down game along with cassell and mobley. Then, the clippers would pass to Al Horton who couldn’t be stopped by JSmith, Marvin, Childress, Joe Johnson or Zaza.

(4) Minutes Played: JJ and JSmith played too many minutes. Josh smith was able to finish strong by trapping on defense at half court, rebounding, leading fast breaks, making long outlet passes and keeping up with AC Law. This would have been a nice game to give minutes to Solomon, Salim and Mario to condition them for future games and to provide energy to force the clippers to pick up the pace. Too many 20 point or less points scored in 12 minute quarters for this team.

(5)Marvin Williams: Woodson was smart enough to leave him on the bench in the fourth quarter comeback. He was a good cheerleader on the sideline as the hawks were making their comeback. He made a couple of nice looking jump shots and all of his free throws. I would rather have David West, Jamario Moon or Al Horton instead of Marvin Williams. These are players who understand the intensity that a player of Marvin’s size must play. These are players who bring it on both the offensive and defensive ends. I don’t care is Marvin shoots 70% from the field. He is not going to consistently take it upon himself to take 20 shots in a game when he is hot or to get hot. He is not going to bring the energy needed to carry his team during slow points in a game. He is not going to make that defense play that turns the tide of the game.

Good night!!!!!!!!! yeah right

By steve

January 31, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this

Tiger Woo, I see what you mean about ACIE.

It wasnt even him getting his layup attempt swatted, we needed a 3pointer and JJ passed it to him for a wide-open 3 to tie the game…… and Acie passed it up and frantically drove and tried for a almost pointless layup that would cut it to 1 pt, and got it blocked.

We needed a 3pointer, Acie got hooked up by JJ for a wide open 3pointer…… and Acie didnt have the cajones to let it fly.

By mykhalc

January 31, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

REESE, great break-down man. what’s funny is i didn’t even watch the end but knew from readin’ an earlier post by one of the bloggers, that JJ DID NOT want the shot!! and your observation and post confirmed what i believed.

and i won’t even blame ACIE since he really hasn’t been in the games enough lately to have redeveloped a NEW set of cajones to have the guts to take the 3!!! at least he KEPT the ball in his hands!!!!

anyway, great post REESE!!!

WOODSON gotta go…PERIOD!!!

By jdewayneatl

January 31, 2008 5:38 AM | Link to this

Dallas is looking to give up Devon Harris to get Jason Kidd. Worked this out through ESPN trade machine. (Revised because it was said that New Jersey wouldn’t take on 3 multi-year contracts; does 2 sound better)

Atlanta gets Devin Harris, Brandon Bass, and take-on Jason Collins’ contract (don’t need or really want him but to make things work you have to sacrifice).

New Jersey gets the expiring contracts of Anthony Johnson, T.Lue, and Lorenzen Wright with ZaZa Pachulia from Atlanta and Devon George, Jerry Stackhouse, Eddie Jones from Dallas.

Dallas gets Jason Kidd and Salim Staudimire(he will be better off there, Woody won’t play him here).

This helps the Hawks because Devin Harris is the player we want. He is a top-ten NBA point guard (check the numbers) and is the best young point guard we could ask for and actually get right now and keep the core of the team together. Added value is Brandon Bass. He plays similar to Paul Milsap(Utah) and Jason Maxiel(Detroit). We need that energy.

We only lose players that we would lose at the end of the season anyway and a declining Pachulia.

By ray

January 31, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this

MannyT, we’re not talking about the same thing. I’m talking about stars, and you’re talking about regular guys. You changed direction on me. Of course Salim would be better with a better coach. Some consistent playing time would help, too. My only point is that a star player is a star player despite a bad coach. Bad coaching means bad team play. The star of the team will always look good, they’ll just lose a lot. The points you made were valid, especially in regard to how coaches affect the regular guys. The point I was attempting to make is that star players do make a difference to a team, even if the coaching isn’t good. Having the crappy Woodson as a coach wouldn’t make a star player less talented. If that were the case, how do you explain Joe Johnson? He’s still a star, regardless of what Woody does. Hence the referrences to a guy like Chris Paul. An absolute stud who’s being considered for MVP. No coach can make him less.

But since we’re not talking about the same things, I don’t see how you think we’re disagreeing. Mykhalc and I aren’t arguing either.

By smartguy

January 31, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

This is the most retarded thing I’ve ever seen. The Hawks couldn’t even coordinate their obligatory late-game rally. What else is new for DA Woody??

We haven’t been able to coordinate a late game rally, EVER! And don’t blame that on the players.

At he beginning of the year, Woody conditioned our success on staying healthy. Well, dang we are healthy, but we still suck. THAT IS WOODY”S FAULT.

BOYCOTT ALL HOME GAMES UNTIL A COACHING CHANGE IS MADE.

By smartguy

January 31, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

Sekou, get another blog ready—this one is full of “fire Woody”” after less than 24 hours.

By Mr. G

January 31, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

If the Hawks ran more, we would be in better shape. They don’t need Joe Johnson out there to run on a bum ankle. They have an athletic team and for the life of me they play in the style of lethargic basketball. If the Hawks run more, while resting Joe Johnson for a game or two, we probably have a better chance of winning. Let’s get rid of Woody and hire Najeh Davenpoop to lead the Hawks to the promised land.

By Greg

January 31, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

It is past time to get rid of Mo and Larry (alias Woody and Knight) and if there is a Curley in the ranks of the Hawks, then he needs to go as well. Woodson and Knight are a joke. One of them can’t coach or motivate and the other can’t pick or recognize talent. That is reason the Hawks are where they are, bottom line end of story.

By Angry Tim

January 31, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

The Spirit need to get the crap out of their eyes (or their brains).

By Allen

January 31, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

I’m so irritated with the Hawks, their announcers, and the coaches. I’ve been a Hawks fan for years and I can honestly say the past few with Woodson have been the most miserable for me.

1. Steve Smith and his cohort who announce the games on TV are driving me crazy…”it’s Joe Johnson time” (time to lose)…”bring in the closer” T Lue….

Let me clarify - we (the Hawks) could be up by 20 points and Woodson will then tell whoever is leading the team (if you can call it that) to slow the ball down and give it to Joe and let him create. Does Mike Woodson watch what real TEAMS do?! Passing ultimately breaks down another team. Just watch great teams like Phoenix, Detroit, Golden State, etc. You will see how an extra pass and MOVEMENT create open looks.

The next time you watch a game, just notice. Point guard brings ball up the court…pass is made…the rest of the Hawks four players float out towards the three point line and wait for the person (typically Joe Johnson) to take his man off the dribble, completely killing the flow of the game and disheartening the other players because they KNOW they’re not touching the ball now. There is NO MOTION whatsoever in our offense. Actually, I should modify that last statement - I’ve noticed we’ll come out and run some plays at the beginning of a game or half, and within 2-3 minutes, we’ll be back to 1 pass and jack up a shot. It’s the most frustrating thing I’ve witnessed in years.

I’m not going to dwell on the past picks such as passing up on Chris Paul or Deron Williams…but what I will say is this…

WOOODSON - GET A CLUE FORCE your players to find the point guard immediately after a rebound. If AJ is on the floor, get the ball to him, if it’s Acie Law, get the ball to him. Just about every play I see whoever gets the rebound starts dribbling up the floor - be it Josh Smith (shiver at the thought of him running with the ball), Marvin Williams, Joe Johnson, etc. SCREW THAT! Give the ball to the point, and run up the floor. The point guard will inevitably reward you with a pass in transition for an easy bucket.

These are fundamentals…It kills me to watch the one on five play. Do I think we could win the championship with our pieces, not really. But, do I think we could be a strong contender to make it at least to the second round of the playoffs and be competitive there? Absolutely. BUT, not with the coaching we have today.

We have no superstars…we have SEVERAL quality players who would be perfect on many teams who have a “flow” to their game.

Has anyone else noticed that the Hawks look excellent in the open floor in transition when they actually do get the ball to the point and get out and running?!?!

Anyone else noticed that our “point guards” don’t even combined add up to 48 minutes a game between AJ, Law and Lue?!?! How does that happen?!?!

Fundamentals….that’s all I ask. Fundamentals and a team effort with each person playing their roles.

Motion offense and Joe Johnson will easily drop 20-30 a night in the flow of the game.

Fast breaks and Josh Smith, Marvin Williams and Childress all drop 20 a night off layups, dunks and short jumpers.

Our team SHOULD be dropping 100-110 a night. We have a team of young players who are athletic. MAKE THEM RUN! MAKE YOUR POINT GUARD PUSH THE TEAM! TEACH YOUR POINTS TO REWARD TEAMMATES FOR RUNNING THE FLOOR!

WOOODSON - for the love of God…please learn how to coach. Maybe you should visit D’Antoni for a week and learn a thing or two about bball….

I could go on and on…bit I digress….

By Joe Hawk

January 31, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

I have read most of the comments and agree with most. Actually, I do like Woody as a coach but hate Knight as a GM. His draft picks suck. All I keep thinking is we could have had Chris Paul and we are weakest at point guard. I forgot Sheldon was a #5 draft pick. How bad is that!

By fudd21

January 31, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

They have QUIT. I was embarassed to watch the game last night. There has been much debate on this site about changing things up and who should go and who should stay. We all have different opinions but I think we all can agree some things must change as things appear to be getting worse not better. The psyche of a young team is so fragile especially if you don’t have that veteran leader to put the team on his back and ride out the wave, which we don’t have. As I watch the games it appears more and more to me that AC is NOT going to be our long term answer at the point. I think we should go ahead and move J Smoove now for a young quality PG. All this Jason Kidd talk is bull. Kidd is 34 with 15 years in the league. Seriously how much more can we get from him. As much as I love J Smoove I don’t think he is worth the money he will want in the off season. Plus many of you think he will be a better 3 but he doesn’t have the skills to be a 3. His on the ball defense isn’t good, he can’t shoot, and his handle is suspect at best. All things that make a good quality 3. He could be the 3 on a 7th place playoff team, but I don’t think he could be the 3 on a championship calibur team. Which is what I hope we all are striving for the hawks to become one day. But to be honest Marvin isn’t either. Thats why I blame most of this mess on BK. Look at what CP is doing in New Orleans with I think is an inferior roster. Imagine him here. I know I keep saying that but in my opinion that gaffe and the Sheldon one cant be overlooked and someone has to be held accountable. Fire BK and get someone competent of running a franchise in here and maybe things will improve ove rthe next few years.

By Mike

January 31, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Guys I’m still around. I know the misery continues. The more you listen to Woodson excuses, the more you ask yourself why this guy is still coaching the Hawks.

Can’t blog much got technical issues at the house, and they have been cracking down on blogging at work so that’s why I been MIA. No excuses this stinks. Woodson and BK and the whole organization are the problem.

If anybody in the organization had any back bone they would fire Woody today and give Larry Drew a chance.

Well enough of wishing, back to being a miserable Hawks fan.

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By I.MUS WRITE

January 31, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

AL THORNTON !!!! -CAREER NIGHT

9 PLAYERS IN UNIFORM NO MAGETTE,BRAND,KAMAN `HAWKS LOSE

IN THE IMMORTAL WORDS OF JIM MORA SR.

“PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS,DONT TALK TO ME ABOUT PLAYOFFS”

I Finally gave up when AL went over 30 and the lead was 20 in the third quarter. MONTROSITY

By fudd21

January 31, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

IMUS I’m with you. I cut the TV off. it’s one thing to get blown out at Phoenix but to be losing by 20 to the Clippers without 3 starters and only 8 people in uniform, thats pathetic. Thats why I think they have quit.

By CDS

January 31, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

We lost to the Clippers? We made Al Thornton look like an All-Star? The Clippers only dressed nine guys and didn’t have their leading scorer and rebounder?

It’s the Hawks. None of this surprises me. Until the owners decide to let Knight go, Woodson will stay. Then we will continue to lose. This is still a team with a bunch of direction-less role players, no PGs, and no leadership.

By I.MUS WRITE

January 31, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

REESE- Good post, as far as Marvin goes I agree w/h you. I would take David West or J.Moon over Marvin in a heartbeat….. He is a soft jumpshooter who does nothing else.

Heres a few more names for you- T.Outlaw, L.Kleiza, S.Jackson,and this list goes on………

By Wow

January 31, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Fudd and other complaining about Marvin. Whether or not he busts is irrelavent, although I think he will be a solid player. At the time every team in the league had him at the top of their draft board. BK did the right thing without having the hindsight we do now…That being said, Sheldon over Roy was enough to get him fired bc everyone in the world knew that was disasterous on draft night. But we have what we have so now you have to put the blame on the guys playing and coaching the game. When we run we win. End of Story. I don’t know who to blame, woody or the guys but something needs to happen and I can’t help but feel a new coach is the best solution. I had a strong feeling before the game we were going down and they did not dissapoint, haha. Somebody save the ship!

By Voice of Reason

January 31, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

No great mystery here. It doesn’t require any great length of words either. Billy’s got to go and Woody’s got to go. Neither are of NBA caliber. Of course, neither is the Atlanta Spirit group, so the beat goes on…

By Ben

January 31, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Can Shelden Williams now supplant Jon Koncak as the worst draft pick in Hawks history?

By I.MUS WRITE

January 31, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Wait a minute here- sumthing stinks. How the hell did JJ make the AllStar team? That is amazing-last year of course,this year no way.

There are atleast 5 guyz in the East that deserve to be there over JJ-6 if you include Josh smith.

If we could make a trade I really would like to have Outlaw and Sergio in a hawks uniform. I dont know if the numbers would work but I would do

Marvin,ZAZA,Sheldon,Salim for

Sergio,T.Outlaw,Pryzbilla

I saw a team that quit last night,things are looking bad— Its really obvious that the ASG dont care if the team wins or tanks- it seems to be all about money w/h these dudes. Now would be a good time for David stern to step in and end this garbage.

By BravesFan79

January 31, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

just like i said last year…. THE HAWKS ARE CURSED FOR TRADING NIQUE!! josh smith sucks at shooting, and marvin williams just sucks period!

By randy

January 31, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

YES SEKOU, THAT IS WHAT I WANT TO HEAR!

TRADE MARVIN AND FIRE WOODY!!!

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

January 31, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

For anyone who stayed up (literally or mentally) and watched the game last night one thing typified the problems the Hawks have….

After the squad plays its way back to within three points, we rebound a missed shot by the Clippers and kick it up to Joe on the offensive end. Joe is immediately doubled (common) and instead of jacking up a bad three he kicks to Acie near the baseline for what would have been a 3pt. Acie invariably hesitates, pumps and tries to go inside for a 2 with about 15 sec left on the clock. Upon getting his shot tossed the Clippers get the rock, get fouled and close out the game.

1. Joe is constantly doubled because we have no viable AND reliable shooters/scorers to help him out.

2. Joe is injured (calf, now leg) and I think it, along with a massive amount of minutes/losses the past few years- not mention USA basketball in the summer- is taking its toll on him.

3. Acie is not the guy we drafted thus far- where did Captain clutch go? Don’t know if this is due to coaching or just being a “rookie”.

4. The whole scenario: Hawks play one way through course of contest, then late in the 4th play drastically different resulting in a close game. When we teeter on the brink of “making it happen”, some unfortunate circumstance befalls us not out of shear chance, but because we are somehow ill-equiped to handle the situation- no shooter, gun shy, turnover, no PG, fatigue (missing free throws), etc.

Seems to be the same story for the squad, but I act “brand new” every time it happens. Let’s go Hawks

RISE UP

By jacob

January 31, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Thrown tons and tons of money at Jeff VanGundy.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 31, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

I would love it if we could trade Marvin and some sewage for Sergio and Travis Outlaw, but to be honest I don’t know if Portland would trade Outlaw straight up for Marvin. But Sergio should be the number one trade target for this budget-strapped team right now. He is Jose Calderon Part II.

Mr. G, I appreciate it, but I don’t know if I’m ready to face the wrath of HB Ando.

By Fat Lever

January 31, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

If Devin Harris is on the block, we have to box our way into the Kid three way deal. Devin would keep the tempo fast and get our wings easy buckets. He and Acie could man the point. Plus getting in on the 3-way still leaves us plenty of assets to go after Pau Gasol with out dumping Marvin. A starting 5 of Pau, Al, Smoove, JJ and Devin with Mavin off the bench can win games.

By Tee

January 31, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Here we go again. There are three thigs you can count on. Death, Taxes, and the Hawks losing every year. Its not the players i fault coaching. Woodson my man its time for your a* to GO!!! Knight go and hire Gundy from out of the booth! At least he knows how to coach better than you. We have a good core of players Don’t trade any of they and do something stupid!! (Knight)!!!! Damn I am so damn ashamed to be from Ga until it doesn’t make any damn since. They only thing i have to cheer for is the Bulldogs in Football! But like i always say players play with more HEART!

By The Flash

January 31, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Iman saying woody is a poor man’s Larry is like saying a VW is a poor man’s Rolls. They’re both cars.

Larry will make this team considerably better quickly, and will also provide a reasoned basis for making important personnel decisions that are coming up.

He has declared he wants back in, and a team of young players is his forte. The Spirit should fire billy and woody, hire Larry for 3 years, and have Gearon serve as the GM, which if I have to bet he has been doing for the most part all along.

Or, the ship can just drift some more.

By Stu

January 31, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

As long as the Spirit Squad is still running the show, the Hawks are screwed. I think Belkin was right about these guys in that they don’t want to spend any $. We’ll find out when it comes time to pay JSmoove and JChills this summer. BK needs to go for dropping the ball on Paul and then drafting Shelden over BRoy. I don’t give him a pass on Paul. I don’t really care whether or not other so called experts had Marvin and Bogut ahead. The bottom line was we needed a PG for the upteenth year in a row and we had 3 SF/PF already on the roster. Ditto the next year and what was most egregious was that BK promised Shelden he would go that high months in advance, virtually tipping his hand and ruining any chance of a trade. Woddy has to go too because it is obvious that the players have given up on him and tuned him out. Also, the last 2 weeks have shown that when they run, they can play with anyone. I’m all for the concept that discipline and D win championships, but this team absolutely needs to get a taste of the playoffs. If running and gunning is what gets them in, I’m all for it (see Warriors last year and Blazers this year).

By jeff

January 31, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

the hawks need to get some white people on the team so they can play with some intelligence.

By eagles35

January 31, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

a new coach to start off, woodson has proven he cant win with the young talent we have…Portland can do why cant the Hawks?? Get a proven PG via trade to run the offense in packaged deal with childress,pachulia, stoudamire

By Mick

January 31, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Interesting article from ESPN concerning the Hawks being players in the Jason Kidd sweepstakes. BILLY ARE YOU LISTENING?

John Hollinger, ESPN.com: OK, so we’ve heard about Jason Kidd’s interest in the Mavs, Cavs, Nuggets and Lakers. But let’s turn this on its head — which team could use Kidd the most?

The answer would be a team with wing players who like to run. A team with a glaring hole at the point and, perhaps, one in need of veteran leadership in the locker room. A team with enough scorers that Kidd wouldn’t be asked to provide points, and a team close enough to doing something significant that Kidd could make a real difference.

So tell me, based on those criteria … how do the Atlanta Hawks not qualify?

They have the pieces to make an offer, too, if general manager Billy Knight — who has a reputation as a reluctant deal-maker — is so inclined. It would cost them Josh Childress, the expiring contracts of Tyronn Lue, Lorenzen Wright and Anthony Johnson, plus either Zaza Pachulia or Shelden Williams. Atlanta could get Malik Allen back in the deal too (really, Josh Smith, Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams easy buckets in transition that have been frustratingly rare so far this year. And the Hawks only need to rent him for a year and a half (or two and a half if a one-year extension is part of Kidd’s ransom), so the risk isn’t as big as it seems.

It might be fruitful for Kidd, too — he gets to play the hero again, just like when he came to New Jersey. Of course, it takes two to tango, and the Nets may get better offers than Childress and expiring deals. But it’s worth pursuing, isn’t it Billy? … Billy? … Hello?

By Fire woodson

January 31, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

mike woodson must be fired NOW stop protecting him for reasons i wont say but we all know.

By Tim

January 31, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

The Hawks are still around? I thought they left years ago. Oh, my bad. That was Mike Fratello, Dominique, Spud, Tree, Doc, and the fans that left.

By D Brown

January 31, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

If the Hawks ownership group plans on keeping Knight and Woodson; we have to do something about this dreadful bench. With the exception of Childress and Lue (when he’s healthy) there is nobody, NOBODY that can lend a hand. The season is a long way from over but if January is any indication of thing to come; then they are going to be guaranteed another long summer!

By Tim

January 31, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

The NBA has gone completely hip-hop. By doing so, many white people who used to be fans (like me) have stopped paying attention to them. If you have to tell the players to leave their weapons at home when they travel, something has gone wrong. I haven’t watched an NBA game in 10+ years, and haven’t been to a game in probably 15 years. Congrats to the hip-hop generation for destroying the game. Good luck getting the white fan base back!

By randy

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

I am going to be rooting for Hawks to lose until Woodson is fired. BOYCOTT THE GAMES. There is no point in going just to watch a team lose and prop up financially an organization that doesn’t listen to its fan or common sense. Until Woodson is fired, I hope they lose every single game. They are doing a pretty good job so far.

By Ra'mon

January 31, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

* UPDATE *

Marvin Williams has been officially nicknamed “Mr. Career” by Associated Press. Why? Because all opposing SF’s have CAREER NIGHTS when matched up against Marvin.

How do you constantly let your man score 25+ and NEVER foul out?

Many times when Josh Smith gets in foul trouble, his fouls be from playing HELP defense. And its funny because Smooth, Horford, and Childress are the only ones who actually gets the idea of help defense.

Also, the Hawks have many problems, and although JJ isn’t Jordan when it comes to being an athlete he still is a good #1 option. No one can blame the Hawks’ problems on him. He’s not the one in the huddle who’s saying lets run isolation for JJ. And even if he was, the coach would have the power to say ‘shut the hell up, JJ (lol)’.

People say the Hawks don’t have a great shooter, but then turn around and say Marvin has a Bird release. Although the Hawks don’t have a great center, they can still be a 50 win team with the right coach. I do believe if a coach would let Acie do ‘his’ thing to go along with AJ consistency then the PG position would be decent at worse.

Also, I am one who believes a situation and coaching does determine how good/great a player ends up becoming. Even look at Moss in New England, and the Moss in Oakland. He’s the same individual in both, but the situation causes different results. Roy and CP both have former guards who were the LEADER of their teams coaching them. Do you really think Dirk would be an MVP candidate playing for Larry Brown?

By the way, why are people insisting the hiring (pursuit) of Larry Brown? Where in his career has Larry Brown been known for a high flying, running team? In Detroit, the Pistons won because of defense. They didn’t win because they were scoring 100+ a night, but because they were holding you under 90 pts every game. And come to think of it, wasn’t that the place where Woody received his great reputation for defense? So why would we think Larry would be any better?

And as far as people suggest Van Gundy, if he couldn’t win with McGrady, Battier, Yao, James, and Bonzi Wells (all who have been to playoffs at least once), what make you think his no offense, ball control game would work here? Isn’t that the same offense that Woody uses now? JVG’s offense consisted of passing to McGrady, and clearing out.

I think Larry Drew would do better with THIS roster than any REALISTIC available option at the moment. He’s already on the payroll, and he already knows the players strengths/weaknesses. Not only this, but he’s the assistant who argues with Woody the most. And right at the moment, who ever is the MOST opposite of Woody’s offense sounds great to me.

I will say, Woody will be a very good coach one day. If Woody ever goes to a team that has a formidable 4/5, he will be able to do some good things because his teachings are accurate. You do win championships with defense, rebounding, and ball control. However, with THIS personnel, its not going to happen. “Showtime” won championships because they got STOPS on the defensive end that lead to fast breaks. But with this personnel, Woody will never succeed unless he adjust to what the team needs. And that is what seperates the very good coaches from the GREAT coaches (i.e. the contrasting styles of Pat Riley’s Showtime, and Pat Riley’s Heat with Mourning, Hardaway, and PJ Brown).

And for what its worth, Smooth, Horford, and Childress played a great game last night.