Hawks

By Ben

January 31, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

LOL @ Pierce.

So I guess Dwyane Wade shouldn’t be an all-star either. Forget about Jason Kidd too.

!@#$%ing idiot

By Ben

January 31, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Lol also @ Pierce thinking he’s all that because he’s on a winning team. If I remember correctly, he’s been an all-star on some PRETTY BAD boston teams. Who cares though? They’ll get assassinated by a far superior Detroit team or even Toronto or Cleveland

By Clyde

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

The only one that deserves to be mad is Marcus Camby. He’s an allstar.

Welcome back home Sekou. I’ll greet you with an ole fashioned…..

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Edo River

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

Sekou, The world continues on. Its nice to read your work. The kids are out there learning what they’re worth. But its just a game among rich folks, who happen to support alot of others mental state/ :-) Keep up the good work with your family and community, and your writing as always is very enjoyable reading.

regards from Japan

By mountain_jim

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

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 Joe

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

Pretty ironic that Paul Pierce is just a scrub who hit the lottery this year and is now running his mouth like he has done something. He has done nothing in this league, just like KG and Ray Allen, and when they flame out in the playoffs, I will be lmao.

By Hawkamanic81@yahoo.com

January 31, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

PP is right. Joe Johnson and the Hawks suck.

By reese

February 1, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

MyKhalc and I mus write, thanks for the compliment. *#21=Top 50,1stBallot *, I think that you were sleeping at the end of the game. Joe Johnson was not double teamed and Ac Law was running the lane near the sideline. Yes, he could have taken the 3 point shot from the corner. But, his confidence is not where it was at the beginning of the year.

Then AC passed the ball to horford who had it tapped away by Aaron williams and AC recovered the deflection and went to the basket for a layup that got blocked.

Whereas JJ ran to the other side of the court and was out of the play.

Too bad that Josh Smith wasn’t down court. He was the person who deflected the rebound out to Joe for the fast break. I Josh wouldn’t have been afraid to take the shot. In my book, a missed shot is better than no shot attempt.

By new jersey faithful

February 1, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

What a jerk-off Pierce is!! If the season ended today, the Hawks would be in the playoffs. That means something!! He is just running his mouth because the Celtics are finally winning. Never does a teams record matter when it comes to allstars. MVP’s maybe. If your having a good year, then you deserve to be on the allstar team, period!! What a scumbag!!

By Ben

February 1, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

Yeah what a joke!! Pierce is a total hypocrite bashing JJ when he made it on worse teams twice in the last 5yrs. Give me a break. That bum needs to pipe down. GO Hawks!

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 1, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Weren’t Paul Pierce and Joe Johnson teammates at one point? Joe was drafted by the Celtics after all…

I don’t know if Joe deserves to be an All Star or not, but he’s more deserving than Ray Allen. 18 points on 41% shooting with not much else shouldn’t make you an All Star. Honestly though, if I had to put one Hawk in the All Star game it would probably be Josh Smith. Let’s face it, Joe hasn’t exactly lit it up this year, at least not compared to last year. There were a lot of snubs (Calderon, Turkoglu) but someone who stuffs the stat sheet like Josh Smith should at least get mentioned among the snubs.

By MannyT

February 1, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

If Pierce thinks he’s so much better, let him walk a mile in JJ’s shoes. I’d love to see how Pierce would have handled himself on the Hawks over the past few years.

Let’s see if this February home stand can reverse the bad January run. Seems like we should do better in the upcomimg year of the rat!

By reese

February 1, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Woodson, guess what time it is. It is time for you to give your mid season review with each player on your team. Its time for you to look into each players face in a one on one review and explain what you think of their performance. Also, let them provide feedback on what they feel of their performance and what you can do to make them and the team better.

Woodson, its time for you to sit down with each assistant coach for their mid season review and discuss how you feel that they have prepared each player and what you want them to do to build the skills/confidence of the players.

Woodson, its time for you to sit down with Billy Knight and discuss your mid season performance. It time for you and Billy to sit down and discuss your feed back from the meeting with players. Its time for you and Billy to discuss the game plan to get this team into the playoffs. Its time to discuss which players to keep and which to use in trades. Its time to discuss whether it would be beneficial to send some of these players to the NBDL to get playing time.

Woodson, its time for you to sit down with all of the assistant coaches and billy knight to discuss the game plan going forward. Exchange ideas/strategies for the personnel at hand and the personnel from other teams that could improve this team.

Currently, I give you a C+. The team has improved their overall play, your in the playoff hunt, you have a player going to the all star team, you have a player going to the rookie challenge, you’ve sat Zaza and played the rookie Horford. You’ve allowed Josh Smith to stay on the floor and work through his bad play which has allowed him to reward you with his positive entries in every offensive/defensive category.

Now, its time for you to have faith in entire team. You’ve got to rebuild the confidence that has been deflated from Salim, AC Law and Solomon Jones. You’ve got to give them playing time with the starters, with the second team and provide positive reinforcement. Let them know that they are going to play every game and to be prepared to bring the energy that they had when they first started playing. If necessary go back to tape and show them the energy you are talking about. Talk to starters and let them know that they need to provide positive re-enforcement for these players. Let them know that they need to place these players into situation that will make them succeed so that they will rebuild their confidence. Let them know that they need to step up their own play and try to make these guys better because in the long run it will make the team better.

If these guys have any talent at all, if the regular rotation players like these guys and if Billy Knigh is not going to make any trades, then this is what you Woodson must do to increase the probability that the teams overall play will be even better.

By mykhalc

February 1, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

SEKOU, glad you had safe travels man. glad to see you get the blog up and goin’ again too.

i posted about JJ NOT playin’ all-star ball the 1st part of this season. i stand by my comments and feelin’. and i’m a big JJ supporter!!! NOW PIERCE sayin’ it is a whole other thing!!LOL

double props again REESE to your post/recap. people should not be surprised what happens when confidence gets shot!!!! JJ is human and his psyche has gotta be shaky when it comes to last shots at this point. in the 3 years he’s been a HAWK i ‘remember’ ONE game winnin’ shot!!???!! but i can also remember quite a few misses or just didn’t get the shots off!!! so if he did make himself scarce as REESE said he did (and personally i believe REESE) then it just further shows the downward spiral that this team is on!!! NOW the best shooter on the team is hesistant to ‘try’ to win the game!!! i’ve said it before, cats HAVE TO WANT THAT LAST SHOT…PERIOD!!!

WOODSON’s gotta go…PERIOD!!!

By Daniel

February 1, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Great. JJ is an all-star again and worth of the nod. In fact I’d say that makes his trade value that much better.

By cp

February 1, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

Well when I woke up this morning I saw that no changes were made to this team. Delonte West, Travis Outlaw, Jarret Jack, Gerald Green, JR Smtih are all rumored to be available and most teams in the NBA are involved in trading rumors but this team. The guys I named are not big name players but I think that either or a combination of two or these guys could really help this team but I doubt we call these teams and see what it would take to get them. The only players who would probably cost us something would be the guys from Portland. I would really like to snag Delonte West and Gerald Green. As far as Paul Pierce yea whatever. This guy was making all star game with bad Boston teams so yea whatever. It is nice to take up for your teammate but Ray just isn’t doing it this year. Its quite a few guards I would have taken over him.

By reese

February 1, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

MyKhalc, I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. But, I have DVR now and I was able to rewind and look at it again.

I couldn’t believe what I was watching from Joe. Its worse than when JChill passed the ball out of the lane to the 10 day contract player who missed a game winning shot.

But like you say, You have to want to take the last shot.

By mykhalc

February 1, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

REESE, i have NBALP and they allow you to see the game online for 48 hrs after it’s played live. and man, i refuse to go watch it ‘cause i know you called it like it was!!! wouldn’t be able to handle watchin’ it!!!

like JORDAN said, what made him so good in those situations was he WAS NOT AFRAID TO MISS!!!!

By Pete

February 1, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

HAWKS JUST SHOW SOME DAMN PRIDE!!!!! YOU GUYS ARE BETTER THAN THAT STOP BEING PUNKS!!!!!

OH AND BY THE WAY CLARK ATLANTA BEAT MOREHOUSE TONIGHT!!!!!!!

By reese

February 1, 2008 1:34 AM | Link to this

MyKhalc, the thing about Jordan is that he did it in the playoffs and regular season. Yes, he even missed some game winning shots. But, no one remembers those because he also made that Jumper over Craig Ehlo and the push off Jumper against the Utah player whose name I can’t remember.

Unfortunately, for Joe like you say he has missed so many while playing with the hawks that he is gun shy.

Joe if your reading, I’ll give you the same advice I gave Josh Smith and that is to keep shooting.

Yes, Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce played together in Boston. However, Joe Johnson was not that good when he played with Paul. He didn’t come into his own until he teamed up with Steve Nash and even then he was the fourth option.

I’m happy that Joe Johnson made it to the All star team. I still love Ray Allen and Paul Pierce is a great player as well.

I don’t really pay too much attention to what players say these days. But, hopefully Joe Johnson’s teammates will use this as motivation to defeat the Boston Celtics when they play them.

By tb

February 1, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

Ownership: D- GM: D+ Coach: D

How are we going to win with that?

I think the early players meeting was about trying to play for Woody even though you think he sucks and a few player scuffles/attitudes. Woodson’s coaching still sucks and the players willingness to try it despite their better judgement seems to be wearing off.

There is no doubt this team needs; either a new ownership or the immediate resolution of the present mess, a good coach and either BK put the right trade together and improve his over-all performance or he’s outta here too.

I didn’t want to rate the players here because I think these issues have a very strong impact on the players game.

By smartguy

February 1, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this

I’d be surprised if anyone was hatin on the players too much. Its Woody who has been shown to be the weak link. The overwhelming majority of us on here want a new coach, but would like to see where this group could go with proper coaching. The only hatin iS on Woody.

If the players could ask for a new coach, didn’t they just do it?? HELLO SPIRIT????????

BOYCOTT TIL WOODY IS GONE.

BOYCOTT TIL WOODY IS GONE.

By JohnGTFan

February 1, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this

Welcome back SEKOU

Who cares what Paul Pierce thinks…not like anyone listens to him anyway…never have.

The only move I truly want to see is Woody canned. After that, we all can truly find out what this team needs. But we’ll never know unless this moron is gone.

By mykhalc

February 1, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this

i’m really hopin’ that the ASG really does determine that the easiest thing to fix/change at this point is WOODSON!! i really would like to see what another coach could do with THIS team!!! i’m all for makin’ positive/smart changes to the roster if doable. but to me, removin’ WOODSON is the EASIEST, MOST DOABLE, SMARTEST, and CHEAPEST thing that ownership could do…IMHO!!!!

WOODSON’s gotta go…PERIOD!!!

By smartguy

February 1, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this

I’d be surprised if anyone was hatin on the players too much. Its Woody who has been shown to be the weak link. The overwhelming majority of us on here want a new coach, but would like to see where this group could go with proper coaching. The only hatin iS on Woody.

If the players could ask for a new coach, didn’t they just do it?? HELLO SPIRIT????????

BOYCOTT TIL WOODY IS GONE.

BOYCOTT TIL WOODY IS GONE.

By smartguy

February 1, 2008 3:16 AM | Link to this

myk, “ASG” and “easiest” is a contradictory statement.

The case could not be more clear and convincing. That they haven’t done it now means we’re probably not getting a new coach this year. Its heartbreaking and sad, but I’m resigned to the fact that Woody is going to KILL us for the next three months.

By smartguy

February 1, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this

There are 50 college athletic departments in the country more competent than the ASG. Pitiful.

By mykhalc

February 1, 2008 4:05 AM | Link to this

smartguy, on point!! my bad!!LOL and you know, i know, WOODSON will probably be here thru the end of the season but i’ll continue to say…

WOODSON’s gotta go…PERIOD!!!!

By Chikara

February 1, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Woodson will be gone: it just won’t be until after April 21st when the regular season ends and Atlanta is looking at another 30 win season. No way they’re letting him go and pay for him at the same time. Same with Knight.

As for that idea of Atlanta trading for Kidd, PUH-LEEZE! Great idea in theory but this is BK we’re talking about. Making a trade would be an admission he’s screwed up, and he’s too arrogant for that. He’d rather watch this team suffer with Woodson than admit he made a mistake in drafting Shelden Williams.

I feel for JJ. He has to deal with an incompetent coach and now he’s getting dissed by Paul Pierce. It’s funny how PP talks smack now that he has some players who carry his butt every night. I remember when the Celtics got beat by the Wizards on back to back nights and PP was getting abused by Caron Butler.

And to say such hypocritical things about making the all star team with a losing record? Paul are you sure you didn’t get stabbed in the brain outside that nightclub?

By Dan

February 1, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Paul Pierce is a douchebag. F him.

If there are no changes made to the team soon, than Billy Knight and the candy ars owners are the ones who should be feeling the heat.

Anyone going to be in attendance when the Hawks lose to the Nets on Saturday night? I will be.

By JohnD

February 1, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Play-by-play announcer during the Spurs/Celtics game last night:

“Paul Pierce just knifed into the lane…”

An intersting choice of words considering the night club incident and his “back-stabbing” of Joe Johnson.

By Jacob

February 1, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

We need to get everyone in Phillips to make April 12th a terrible terrible experience to Paul Pierce - we need to boo the crap out of him the entire night.

By Tomika

February 1, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Joe Johnson deserves to be an All-star because he is an All-Star, there are no “buts” about it! The Hawks will gain back momentum and work toward the goal of being an All-Star Team. Don’t Hate! Congratulate! Good job JJ!

By randy

February 1, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

I was surprised when I heard Joe Johnson make the all-start team. He has struggled most of the year and I honestly don’t see how he can be an all-star.

Last year, he deserved it for sure, and I thought it was a disgrace that he didn’t make it until a player got hurt and he was scratched in. This year, I would put Josh Smith over Joe Johnson on the all-star ballet, but I am not to sure either deserves it. Guess the talent level in the Eastern Conference is lacking. Ray Allen doesn’t deserve to be an all-star either.

FIRE WOODY!

By Dan

February 1, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Jacob, by the time the Celtics come to Philips the Hawks will be so far out of contention that no one will be at the game. It might be a better idea to just play recorded booing over the PA system. Unless, of course, the empty seats can boo.

Plus, doubtful Pierce will even be playing. He will probably get the night off to prepare for the playoffs. Some teams actually have playoff games to look forward to. Must be nice.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

February 1, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Reese,

My b, you were on point- more tired than thought. I still contend the double was coming (as it would have in Portland game if Joe continued to dribble Smoov’s way, he’d have brought Aldridge) but the end of the game sequence still speaks to the issues raised-

I still contend Joe is hurt and it’s affecting his play. He not so much afraid to shoot as he may not be able to shoot as well- especially if it’s his leg as being reported. That would/could explain the airballs he’s been hoisting of late. It would also account for the “sluggishness” he’s been displaying.

As far as Acie goes, he should have jacked the shot without hesitation is my point. To kick it in to Al on that play is dubious because you’re passing an open, game tying shot to go for two when you’d have to foul even if he made it because the clock is < 24 sec. This is not the dude we drafted (Not giving up on him at all, just stating). You have to take the shot.

We can all argue if Joe should have been Jordan-like and gunned it anyway, that’s fine, but I wouldnt in any way suggest he is “gun shy”. I think it speaks more to whatever has been “ailing” him. Acie was open and it wasn’t a last second shot- it was a sound decision at the time.

RISE UP

By JohnD

February 1, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

By the way -

The “knifed” comment came at approximately the 7:00 mark of the 4th quarter for those of you who have the opportunity to view the game again.

By Don

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

File this post away for a couple of more months:

Something in the back of my head sees the comments about JJ coming back to bite the Celtics in the tail. If the Hawks were to meet the Celtics in the playoffs as an 8v1 pairing — which looks like a good possibility — you know this will be primo bulletin board material.

We know this much, (1) JJ is an all-star caliber player who is capable of carrying this team in stretches, (2) The Hawks have as much depth as anyone in the East (although we soooooo need a bigger post presence, more than help at the point), (3) Boston w/o KG is average — at best.

With all that having been said, I think the Hawks will right their ship. Enough to get into the playoffs this season … somehow. And while anyone who doesn’t vote KG for MVP this year needs to have their vote taken away … he is only one man, and increasing fragile as the season grinds on and he isn’t getting any younger.

Please, and let this karma come to pass: If we could get a match up of Hawks vs. Celtics with Pierce as the best player on his team and JJ as ours — I’ll take the Hawks.

Don’t fire Billy and Woody. We’re almost there. Almost. If we can make it past this stretch and get as a team, we can be better than just competitive — we can be a force in the East at least.

Right now, we need leadership in the locker room as much as leadership from the bench — I sincerely hope that the All-Star selection helps JJ pick that mantle of leadership once again when we need it most — and the snubs he hears puts a chip on his shoulder.

Later,

Don!

P.S. Sekou — Sorry you got in trouble for being a legitimate reporter. You should have told them you only post on blogs and then they wouldn’t have even noticed — and they could be mad at BlogZ instead of you.

By Ben C

February 1, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Mike Woodson needs to print out this Paul Pierce quote 30 times, tape it all over Joe Johnson’s locker, and tell him this quote every day so Joe will wake up and start destroying other teams.

By A Thinking Fan

February 1, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

hawks a broken SPIRIT!

By I.MUS WRITE

February 1, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Paul Pierce???? Who even knew he existed until this year….. more important who the hell cares what he thinks -he doesnt get a vote when it comes to the reserves.

Big crybaby- The celtics were among the league worst until this year. I dont remember anyone hating on him when he went to the All star game.Atleast we are in playoff contention—- wait a minute here JJ is outplaying Ray also ,so what is he thinkn…. I cant wait til April so we can see what boston is really made of … I think the Pistons are gonna crush them or either Bron Bron will make the witnesses once again- If KG was’nt over there I would’nt even watch them

Paul/Ray two dam whiners who have’nt done a dam thing in the league but score points and lose………. CRY ME A RIVER Where’s BENZINO when you need him?

By Tree Roundfield

February 1, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Woodson is making me long for the good old days of Teri Stotts. C’mon (dis)Spirit, do something … anything … as long as it involves FIRING BILLY AND WOODY.

By Ah nostalgia

February 1, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Hubie Brown. Now that was a coach. Jeffrey Denberg. Now that was a beat writer.

By curious

February 1, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

For all these people who keep saying JJ is hurt. He doesn’t have to shoot the ball every time. He forces terrible shots all game long. Yes, Woodson is an idiot and keeps running the same play. JJ can pass the ball to a teammate and get someone else a better shot. HE MAKES THE DECISION TO SHOOT 25FT FADEAWAYS. For three quarters the Hawks run on offense and share the ball. Woodson get scared in the 4th and gives the ball to JJ everytime on offense. Then they lose. For four years this has happened. I have league pass. Every opposing team annoucers talk about Woodson telling them his team doesn’t know how to win. How about he doesn’t know how to coach. He actually is telling other teams his team chokes. If you played the same way that got you the lead and then lost. I can call that choking. To sit there and watch JJ dribble all day and shoot jumpshots in the 4th is not choking. It’s called bad coaching. Has this man ever used JJ as a decoy? Do you know how wide open anybody would be? Opposing teams laugh at the Hawks calling out their plays.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

February 1, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

I usually only agree with about 50% of what IMUS says, but this dude said Benzino- “Boston…the mean streets of Boston.”

Classic.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

February 1, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Curious,

I agree, Joe has a propensity to jack shots that for most would be “ill-advised”, but by that same token has has made a decent % of them in the past. I assert that he is not 100% because he is missing them with more frequency than he has in the past. I’m not necessarily excusing them, but he can hit, he just hasnt been.

Additionally his attempts are down this year and he is up 1 asst per game. Mind you this is with improved, though still lacking, PG play. He isnt just mindlessly jacking as it may seem in the clutch moments he’s missed on lately. Woody is the problem, he needs to diagram to account for his player’s strengths/weaknesses at the moment. Joe is not Joe, per se, so make accounting for that fact. The ol’ “Iso #2” may not be as effective right now.

I too have league pass btw, and for the most part the other league announcers are a bunch of momo’s who are surprised not to see #21 no longer on the roster. They are savvy enough to note however, almost without fail, the dubious draft selections our squad has had over the years. Too bad some Hawks people havent taken note….

By E

February 1, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

One way to correct this sinking ship is to hire the Tennesee COACHES to consult or pick there minds about there understanding of the game.

By I.MUS WRITE

February 1, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Top 50 1st ballot- Yeah I said it,and what- Benzino, Benzino,Benzino

This is’nt IRAQ I will say what ever I want,who are you the Blog Z police??? Stop taking things so literally- I was joking, by no means was I suggesting that sumone get knifed up for stating their opinion.

“I usually agree with about 50% of what I.mus says”

WHO THE HELL CARES

Dude opinions are like azz holez everybody has one. I dont care if you agree with me,no two people think exactly alike………. so do what you will with that ~

Top 50 U put up One good post out of 5 -I believe thats 20% or should i say 20 percent of the time….. Moral of the story is -NOBODY CARES-

By preston

February 1, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Wait a minute……….you people mean to tell me that Woody is still the coach of this team??????????

By jlewis

February 1, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

PP is a hater. Joe was ran out of Boston because Paul and Twaine didn’t want him taking any more than 5 shots a game. People, please remember the All Star Reserves is chosen by the “Coaches” in my mind that counts more than the fans, that tells who the real balla’s are.

For those who suggest Josh Smith is an All Star, PLEASE, the kid still can’t dribble or shoot, there is a reason he is always open. Also, the trade JJ people, there is no one other than Lebron, D-Wade or Kobe, since the coaches selected him over all the other guards in the East. This guy at least gives Atlanta a chance and he isn’t stealing money, can’t you see the guy is playing hurt.

By mahjk17

February 1, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

**Paul Pierce is a wash up overweight player thats benenfiting from kevin garnett and ray allen. Doesnt dewayne Wade in the all star he he cant even win 10 games. Pierce shoud keep his mouth shot JJ should shoot 50 in tommorrows game to shut him up.

By Mike Woodson

February 1, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Fans,

Its great to still be the coach of these high-flying hawks. I thought for sure I would be fired last week. But apparently, my buddy Billy has some rather compromising photos of Mr. Gearon, so we still here in the ATL!! I expect to get a 6 year contract extension next week. You fans sure are lucky to be able to see my pretty face for many years to come!

By randy

February 1, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Acie Law is too dumb to be point guard! Send him to the retard league.

By John Jarvis

February 1, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODSON NOW!! ITS THE ONLY WAY ANY OF US WILL START GOING BACK TO HAWKS GAMES

By cp

February 1, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Im hearing all these trade rumors floating around and we dont seem to be involved in any of it. The front office of this team is pathetic. It is some players out there available that would be cheap to get and we still wont probably make a move. Id take Delonte West over half the guys on our bench right now. BK get off your afro and do something. When I saw that CP and Roy were named all stars I just shook my head and wondered is this franchise cursed. Graet job ya doing there BK. *Fire the whole front office *.

By G-thang

February 1, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

JJ is not an AllStar!! I’m sorry. Dude has had so many lack luster performances this year. Multiple games of 11, 12, or 13 points!! An allstar shows up every night and i mean every night. Joe takes nights off. have you all been watchin’ the games this year? Pierce has that killa’ instinct and will take the last shot every night. JJ is not a “killa’” too passive. He is a good player on this team, but he ain’t an all star.

By fire the bum

February 1, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

* get rid of bk and woody now *

By randy

February 1, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Who cares about the All-Star game. I really have no interest watching a bunch of high-paid cocky gangbangers dunk a ball. NBA sucks for the most part. The referees, Stern, and the game itself. I just watch the Hawks, because the Falcons are done, the Braves are done, nothing on except for reality TV. I would like for these bums to get good, but as long as BK and Woody is leading this team, it ain’t gonna happen. Until Woody is fired, I am not watching the losers anymore.

By Astro Joe

February 1, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Wow, Gasol traded to Lakers for Kwame, Jarvaris & 2 1st round picks. I don’t think we could have matched that offer to Memphis.

By Astro Joe

February 1, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Wow, Gasol traded to Lakers for Kwame, Jarvaris & 2 1st round picks. I don’t think we could have matched that offer to Memphis.

By I.MUS WRITE

February 1, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Randy…. if the NBA sucks so bad why the hell are you commenting here,you know making dumb azz comments n shyt.

Ahhhm hockey is in full effect right now —- Im sure some one of your ilk would rather be watchn klansmen beat each others brains out for no apparent reason—- wow that takes alot of skill…. NOT

gangbangers -you are funny or maybe you are just stupid Do you think anyone gives a f******* if you watch the Hawks games or not??

Acie might not be a great point guard right now, but how you gonna say he is too dumb….. show me proof that the guy is dumb-he was a senior in college last year…. dummies dont get that far in college.

Did u even attend college- if so i doubt if u finished. If you did you oughtta give the diploma back—— becuz stupid shyt been coming out of your mouth the last 3 hours.

Anyway find you another hobby insulting yung black millionaires does’nt seem to be working for you

      I.MUS WRITE

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

February 1, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

I.MUS,

Clearly you taking things a little soft buddy, it wasnt a dig on you at all. I thought the Benzino comment was pretty apt (as in agreement). Who is talking bout stabbing Paul Pierce (again), the Source, or “Rock the Party”? In your “Mus” to “Write”, you “Mus” have missed what I was saying…

I am glad however that you commented on opinions, this is a blog- what do you think is going to be expressed on one? I only agree with 50% of what you say because you have posted conflicting things at times:

**By I.MUS WRITE

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

A couple of weeks ago I was dead set against Larry Brown coming here. Ive’had a change of heart- If Larry wants to come here and fix things lets do it…**

**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).**

Damn, did I catch that? I.MUS Read… Clearly you do care enough to comment on my entry. Continue to do so or not at your own leisure/peril- but in the future let’s try to keep to Hawks related. Or to further quote the song I mentioned in the previous post- a Benzino diss:

Here let me slow it down for so you could understand if I say it slower … Let it go dogg, it’s over

Congrats to Joe and lets make some room for Smoov on the roster next year (hopefully as a Hawk under long term contract).

Rise Up or “Read Up” whichever applies…

By Melvin

February 1, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Dang, BK couldn’t put together a better package than that of the LAKERS for Gasol. Why would Memphis trade him to a Western Conf team anyway…

By mrprozach

February 1, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Sekou Do you think that Billy is scared to trade one of our major pieces because it would be seen as a repudiation of his regime, giving the ASG reason to let him go?

By Melvin

February 1, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Since Memphis is having a fire sale. We should try to acquire Mike Miller and Stromile Swift… Kwame Brown & Jarvis for Gasol…. PUH-LEEZE

By doc

February 1, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

wow, what are the griz doing? that is the best they could get and where does conley and crit work out? do they want crit to be a shooting guard?

they have fallen to the depths of the wolves’ franchise with this trade.

By doc

February 1, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

wow, what are the griz doing? that is the best they could get and where does conley and crit work out? do they want crit to be a shooting guard?

they have fallen to the depths of the wolves’ franchise with this trade.

By randy

February 1, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

I.MUS, funny how you think I was being rascist. I didn’t say any disparaging remarks on black people nor did I intend. I can’t stand hockey. Like I said I like the Hawks, but besides them the rest of the NBA doesn’t interest me, thats why I blog here. Losing doesn’t interest me either, thats why I am boycotting the lousy Hawks until some changes are made. By the way, I did finish college. Not that that proves anything, lots of idiots graduate college, like Acie (sure helps passing courses when you are the star basketball player on your team). Thanks for the love though bud.

By terrell barron

February 1, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Bad deal for the Lakers. 2 firsts? No way! Why does Memphis need Javaris? They already have Conley and Lowry. WTF! I dont think West is through dealing. Come on Billy, DO SOMETHING. Where are you?

By Melvin

February 1, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

News of the Gasol trade is evidence that deals are there to be made. BK and ASG must get involved before the trading deadline. The Hawks can not stand pat and expect to make the playoffs… Sometimes, change is good… Here’s to hoping the Hawks make a move…

By RA

February 1, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry you got in trouble Sekou, but if it makes you feel any better that news brightened an otherwise dreary week. As far as what Pierce said, he wouldn’t have to remember far to a time and place when Boston wasn’t that good of a team either. But like them last year, we only need one dominating low post player. When is Dwight Howard going to be a free agent. We need to bring that boy home!

By mrprozach

February 1, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Sekou Do you think that Billy is scared to trade one of our major pieces because it would be seen as a repudiation of his regime, giving the ASG reason to let him go?

By I.MUS WRITE

February 1, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Top 50 -maybe i did misunderstand what you were sayn. Maybe you should be a little more clear next time

As for the conflicting posts- No conflict I dont want Larry Brown here period. That came when I was losing faith (7 loses in 8 games)and was basicly sayn at this point anyone including harry the hawk would be an improvement,because it seemed like the guys were’nt responding to WOODY.

Itz hard to stay positive with this organization….. When things are’nt going well all kinda crap is flying here u know like trade Josh and JJ rediculous……. So no bro. Im not straddling the fence -really dont care for LB CONFLICTING -NO

“slow it down for you…” “let it go dogg- its over”

Thats where the confusion comes in -WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I dont understand Morse Code

Basketball: Since Memphis is cleaning house maybe we should check on the availability of JC Navarro or Mike miller…. I know we could have offered more than the Lakers. Kwame Brown and a rookie—Come on -that bites. I wonder if Bk even made a call, why does my team have the worst dam GM in the game. On another note the lakers are top 3 with this trade…. I guess Jellybeans baby boi is staying put after all.

By I.MUS WRITE

February 1, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

one more thing: who the hell quotes lines from a Benzino song- R U serious the man aient had an album out since 99 and most of his music was hot garbage anyway……… so excuse me if I dont know any of his words or whatever-

unbelievable……….. Benzino

I’ll bet you were a “PM Dawn” fan too………Comedy at its finest…. Top 50 stop it dude u kill’n me…………………………………………. My fault did i say 99 -i meant 95…LOL

By DAWG

February 1, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Screw that guy.

Congrats Joe! Go Hawks!

By I.MUS WRITE

February 1, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

My bad Randy-It seemed that way since 80 % of the players in the league are black.

By I.MUS WRITE

February 1, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Wait a dam minute here -Randy ????? “high paid gangbangers” Are U serious -If 80-85% of the league is black then what you’re say’n is every African American playn in the NBA is a thug or gangbanger…… Im gonna leave this alone guy-you should choose your words more carefully

The falcons- The Atlanta Falcons……… surely u wre’nt spending your sundays watching that cluster f******* of a football team. 4-12……. 4 and 12 my man

By randy

February 1, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Can the Hawks even make a trade? You know Belkin will veto it…Whats the point in even discussing this? Just fire Woody and call it a day.

By cp

February 1, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

The Griz now have 3 young pg’s . BK GET OF YA FRO AND GET SOMETHING DONE. IM SICK OF OTHER TEAMS MAKING MOVES WHILE U DO NOTHING BUT THEN AGAIN IT IS YOU MAKING THE TRADES SO MAYBE NOT. It is so frustrating watching other teams make moves trying to improve while we continue to do nothing what so ever.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

February 1, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

I.MUS,

I too understand frustrations, but as you also pointed out, I wont jump on/off bandwagon- I in it to win it, whenever that is (This season hopefully). Joe, Smoov, Al are the keepers of the bunch- all else subject to review.

For futher clarification’s sake: the quotes were actually Eminem’s diss about Benzino, the song Nail in the Coffin a classic diss track. I thought it was apt since you were dissing Pierce/Allen (and by extension Boston). You brought his name up so I was tying it together. I further used that song to say “let it [the beef with people’s opinions on the blog] go dog…..” But yeah, Benzino is thumbs down agreed.

And dont front on PM Dawn Id die without you and Set Adrift also classics. There goes the 50% again. Ha.

By smartguy

February 1, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

IMUS, we usually don’t even respond to that junk. By responding, it is now a bigger issue than if it was just one little post. Ignore that crap and it’ll go back to the Falcons blog, or wherever else it so chooses.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 1, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Interesting, this Gasol trade. The Hawks could have easily provided better players — Zaza and Acie Law are as good as, if not better than Kwame Brown and Javaris Crittenton. The deal breaker from the Hawks’ perspective is the 2 first-round picks. The picks Memphis will receive from LA will probably be in the 20s, maybe even the late 20s, since the Lakers appear to be in good shape for the next few years with Kobe, Pau and Bynum. If the Hawks were to provide 2 future first-round picks, they would probably be in the late teens/early 20s, which is a huge difference from late 20s. Not to mention the Hawks already don’t have a pick this year.

Not a good trade for the Grizzlies in my opinion, because the Lakers are going to be contenders for the next few years. Javaris Crittenton is the only player with upside in this deal, and I don’t know how he fits in with Mike Conley and Kyle Lowry.

By I.MUS WRITE

February 1, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Good come back Top 50- I used to like the latter song too-keep it on the low though…. Yall have a good evening itz miller time. Did i really say that -im glad my friends dont read this blog PM Dawn would make me the running joke until further notice …..anyway….

You right smartguy i kinda lost my head for a minute -im back now……..

By doc

February 1, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

i.mus hate only begets hate. if you want to hate take it to the other blogs. as you know since you have been here long enough that most here dont call people out with venomous names even though we choose to disagree with vigor at times. lead the way to something better and stay in your present frame of mind. dont think that to call someone out can avoid the mirror of some of your own stuff to go along with it, very revealing to the observer and very hard to deny.

By Clyde

February 1, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By anphill2

February 1, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

What is Josh Smith’s basketball IQ? It appears to me that he drags the Hawks attrocious 1/2 court offense, in the mud. Smoove is the player that should be rumored. JS is a role player/3rd option for a good team. Does he play defense or block shots? We have no business paying him comparable to the 10+M, he is likely to see. (A wing player with no jump shot, is not condusive to a consistent performing team especially when he puts up the 2nd most shots. Take a lesson from Al, and play w/i your means.)

Joe Johnson is playing entirely too many minutes. When you have 4 interchangeable parts, you do not have your best player log the 4th highest minutes in the league.

JJ Redick for Shelden? JJ is exactly what this team needs. A spot shooter, who only requires marginal minutes per game, who can blend in with the team game, and provide the 3ball energy.

AJ back to the bench. He provided the spark, that bench players provide when called upon to start a couple of games, but Mike dragged this aboration out once again, and irresponsibly allowed him to show his age.

Why am I reading trade talk with Salim’s name? If he can’t crack the Hawks PG line-up, why would any team in the NBA want to pick him up? Or is this another example of Mike not knowing/molding talent.

This offseason is going to be huge. Chillz is a player that must be retained (5M?). He is the heart of the Hawks. He leads by example, which is a breath of fresh air, compared to JS tantrums.

Marvin is looking phenomenal. He plays hard, and is making strides to becoming an all-star next year. We need scorers on this Bball team, and he is the 2nd best option. He has begun taking the ball to the hole much harder this year. The Rebs will come, once the roster jam is solved. The intangibles are there for a very complete 21 year old.
And a special thanks to Billy Knight for replacing Rob Babcock. I didn’t believe there were less competent people in the NBA, until enduring the last 6 years with BK.

Give me Belkin!

By wtf

February 1, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

anp are you a fan of some team that hopes to sign Josh Smith because I cant think of any other reason to spit that nonsense you just did.. put the keyboard and mouse away

By Tyger

February 1, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Hawks in BIG, BIG trouble

This recent 1-4 West Coast swing may very well go down in history as the as the 2008 Jan. trip to/from Hades.

The Portland loss that sent tremors through the entire organization and city just wont go away.

That one loss has set us on a course of no return. Instead of returning, 2-3 or 3-2, the Hawks limp home 1-4.

Not so bad, except, they lost 6 of 7 and their next 7: NJ, PHI, LAL, CAVS, HOU, DET, CHA.

The December Hawks wouldve held serve for a .500 showing; but not the January Hawks; and it doesnt look good for the February Hawks.

I suggest w/o an immediate upgrade in talent, the Hawks steal 2 from Philly/Charlotte and lay 5 more eggs.

That puts them at 20-29 going into all-star break and a full 9 games under .500 - squarely behind the eight ball.

Real question is what were the realistic expectations of the ATL Spirit prior to the season?

Guaranteed playoffs, I think not.

A strong push for the seven/eight seed, more likely. At 18-24, the Hawks are still in the parameters of pre-season expectations.

So, rationally, isnt it a lil’ premature to call for a courtyard lynching?

I’d give Woody one last homestand to rally his troops and get back in this thing b/c if they lay eggs at home over the next week, then they wouldve factually fallen outside the parameters of rational expectation.

By Clyde

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

Let me throw some numbers at yall.

Salaries for 2007-2008:

Lorenzen Wright-$3,250,000 Sheldon Williams-$3,174,240 Zaza Pachulia-$4,000,000 Tyron Lue-$3,500,000 Speedy Claxton-$6,306,182

The Hawks are spending $20,230,422 on scrubs that bring absolutely nothing to our team. No wonder we can’t resign Jsmooth. If I owned the Hawks I would fire the one who signed these cats. I work too hard to be giving away money.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By **NATIVE SON**

February 1, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

About J. Johnson. I think he needs to dunk it hard to the basket. He’s smooth with the finesse though, but it’s the reason he doesn’t get to the line. For all the doubters out there, for what it’s worth; name another player that commands a double, or a triple team dang near every time down the court. J. Johnson’s an All-Star folks. You can call him J.J, or you can call him Joe J., or you can call him J. Johnson, butttt, you do have to call him All-Star.

By ray

February 1, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Good, bad, or indifferent, the trade Memphis made was probably the best they could do. They knew by now that they weren’t going anywhere with Gasol there. Not that he was the problem, but they have failed time and again to put the right kind of guys with him (like a strong PF). Looks to me like they’ve decided to hitch their wagon to another horse. That horse would most likely be the explosive Rudy Gay. Dude shoots 3s (and makes them), shoots midrange jumpers, and is exceedingly hard to stop when he decides to go to the hoop. And oh yeah…we didn’t draft him.

The important thing here is they not only got what they could out of what was sooner or later going to be a parting of ways, but they also added another fresh young talented pg…with size this time. Who knows-Critt and Conley could end up in the same backcourt at the same time. Or, Conley could be the clear front runner (he’s obviously talented) and they could trade Critt or use him as a back-up. Or…Critt could become the pg of their future, and Conley could be a back-up or good trade asset. Either way, Memphis has another talented young pg, an expiring contract (Kwame Brown), a veteran pg/sg (Mckie), and some cap space. Not to mention two first round draft picks.

And while they won’t likely be lottery picks…history has shown that very good or even great players can be had outside of the lottery. Especially when guys like Billy Knight pick ahead of you….

What’s the point? Like I said, good, bad or indifferent…Memphis realized they are still in rebuilding mode. Much like we still are. They made a move that doesn’t look so wonderful right now. We make moves that look horrible LATER. It will pay off, maybe sooner than you think. Our moves still aren’t paying off. They got two first round draft picks. We gave away two of those…lottery at that. And they still have a wealth of talent and trade options/assets that they will no doubt use to build. They’ve picked a good horse to hitch that wagon to. And he started his career here-no need to give up a lot to get him when all they had to do is draft him. We just COULDN’T draft a guy like that, despite numerous opportunities to do so. And we’ve hitched our horse to a four-wheeled wagon…that seems to be missing one wheel on each side. No wonder that horse is so damn tired.

So, Sekou, what can we expect to see or not see in the next 48 hours? Well, I don’t expect you to say anything about that being fresh off the principal’s office. But hey, I had to ask…Oh wait, was it a possible trade for Gasol? To see or not to see I guess that would be not to see. No surprise….none at all…

By ray

February 1, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

So, is Devin Harris really available? What would it take to get him, is the real question. Whatever it is, I’d be surprised if Billy would actually do it. Of course, it would have to be something that makes sense. Then again, what Billy’s idea of sense is compared to that of the norm….well that’s another conversation.

I’d go for Harris. Kidd won’t ever come here. You can forget that. Why would he? At his age, it’s win a championship soon. Hell, we aren’t even anywhere near certain we can make the playoffs, let alone contend for anything. Nope, no Kidd. But Harris? I wonder…after all, this guy can shoot, and he does get to the basket. And he’s a veteran…sort of. Still quite young, but he knows what he’s doing. Not that this is a kick at Law. Nothing wrong with viable options. I’d rather have a group of young pgs over a group of old and injured ones.

By Sekou K. Smith

February 1, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Honestly, I have no idea what to expet in the next 48 hours. I didn’t know what to expect this morning when I showed up to the Hawks’ practice court. I didn’t know if Mike Woodson would be there or not. I didn’t know which player(s) would or would not be there. The empty feeling the Hawks returned with from their trip made me think anything was possible.

As for this monster trade, I know the Hawks had ongoing conversations with Memphis about a deal, but they didn’t find a deal in time to get it done (as evidenced by the deal that went down today).

If that deal got done, though, that means there are teams around the league willing to deal to keep up. And that means more opportunities for the Hawks to do something to improve their team, via trade.

Now comes the hard part for us; the wait!

By Ben

February 1, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

**How can anyone expect a coach change or a trade?

1) Billy and Woody are great friends 2) ASG doesn’t give a crap about our team. For all we know, they’re probably all in the Caribbean with their children, hi-fiving each other because they’re all rich 3) What moves have been made in the las year? BK said we’d more than likely trade our picks. We had easy deals to make with Gasol, Amare. We have a million players we can look at, such as Curry, Magloire, Kidd, Harris, Jarrett Jack, Randolph. ALL of these guys are available, yet no one does anything. Why doesn’t ASG just sell this team to ONE person who has a LOT of MONEY who WANTS to WIN? Heck, just hand the team over to Belkin. He’s smarter with money than the rest of these clowns. He’ll fire Billy Knight and get a fresh new set of staff members. Plus, he’s from Boston, so he probably has good networking skills with the brothers up North.

I can’t believe a team with JOE, SMOOVE, MARVIN, CHILDRESS, and HORFORD is THIS BAD. That talent alone is better than the top 5 of most teams in the league, yet we can’t even hang onto a lead. We need to demote Woodson to a top assistant coach and get a 60 or 70 year old veteran coach, who knows the ropes, and who wants to win.

WE NEED PERSONNEL IN COACHING AND OWNERSHIP WHO WANT TO WIN. IT SOUNDS OBVIOUS, BUT THIS ISN’T THE CASE.

By new jersey faithful

February 1, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

What happens if the Hawks hold on to that 6-8 spot and make the playoffs without any changes? Do they then sign Woodscum to a new contract because the Hawks made the playoffs and reward him? Then what? People will really freak the f@ck out!! lol

By MannyT

February 2, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

For all those, get me an all-star for 2 bags of rocks and a player that won’t get on the the floor trades, let’s see what the Lakers gave up.

2 future first round picks this year’s mid first round pick and a former #1 pick that they gave up Caron Butler (plus others) to get!

Compare that to what gets floated around here because the salaries almost match.

The best thing we have in the short term trade market are expiring contracts of unrestricted free agents.

In the longer term, it is the expiring contracts of the restricted free agents. Sign and trade can improve your team. Remember, that is how Detroit got Ben Wallace from Orlando.

A trade to improve the team would be fine, but I think we have to run more to take advantage of the players that are here now.

By Edo River

February 2, 2008 4:02 AM | Link to this

Mr. Smith, I wish I could always be near the top of your blogs to remind you how much YOU are worth. Call it a Respect-Version of the Reagan “trickle down effect” in economics. I will never be able to see the kids play ball, but I can tell you what I think and you can pass it on (down?)”Its a pleasure to read your work on the Hawks’ progress. Remember the glass is always changing upward from half-full. Some of us are a little impatient, that’s all. This is our problem, not theirs.

By Trill Phil

February 2, 2008 4:35 AM | Link to this

Interesting time for me to post, seeing as I haven’t been on the now-famed Blog Z (sp) in quite a while. Really since the (promising???) NBA Draft of 07, Iv’e been wasting my time blogging against the forces of sheer stupidity on the Falcons blog, why I don’t know either folks but it seemed like a good idea athe time, but any way…

The problems for our promising but plagues young flyers is layered, meaning that the aren’t easily fixble without exposing another source of worry. This points to a myriad of woes that need to seriously addressed from an analytical, basketball-wise, point of view. Only after such an understking can this bunch of athletes who can’t be athletes finally start to show their true potential.

To address the personnel on the floor night after nightand the ineffectiveness of the roster is point out the inadequacy of a GM who cannot readily identify the holes which render his groupings so ineffective. This also deings to shine a light on the failure of the “concerned ownership” to hold their GM to account for the horrid product that is displayed every night. While there is talent assembled amongst the wreckage here, and that it CAN be organized into a more cohesive form to contend for bigger and better things, nonthe less it all hinges on the yet another layer of woe: the willingness of the other parts of the Hawk machine (MANAGEMENT) to show their humility.

You see folks, without humility the GM won’t ever pull the trigger to make the deal for ANY PG (not named Anthony Johnson anyway) who can command his unit. And since he cannot possess this kind of thinking, it trickles down to the coach who then refuses to be humble and allow his grossly underutilized young pg and/or his young sg; instead he favors a guy who looks like Truck Turner and a hi-yellow fellow whose claim to fame is being stepped over by a “high-paid gangbanger” (sorry y’all, but it’s him and Mike Vick that THOSE PEOPLE refer to when THEY do that, btw).

The effect reaches to the players who, without seeing any reluctance, or should I say willingness to admit ANY fault(s) by the powers that be to change or even attempt to challenge the status-quo regarding the play-style, focus, roster, salary cap, or hell just telling somebody to run the floor for 48 minutes while gettin piadd for it, relegate themselves to playing for themeselves rather than the good of the team. Sure, there are stretches where the disjointed talents of the team do come together and we actually are able to put wins together at times, but in the end ahouse divided cannot stand. If ol’ man Lincoln Log said it during a war, a “civil” one at that, then it MUST BE true!

Finally, this lack of humble pie trickles up to the top level via them looking down upon their discombobulation every night. That is, the level of apathy and arrogance/reluctance to change is raised simply enough by the fact that all said players, coaches, and GM staff are KNOWINGLY BEING WATCHED but yet aren’t fazed or threatened by this. I mean, in this day in age of the Big Brother & his Act of Patriots, would ANYONE feel like they aren’t being over-the-shouldered? Certainly not us, but on 1 Philips Drive in the good ol’ railroad gulch is WHOLE ‘nother story it seems. Who’s to say Stevie B would or wouldn’t correct this mess, but what IS known is that without ANY pressure being applied to this bleeding gash that is the Hawks season at this point, by a hand that is firm and able to contain any further hemmoraghing (sp) within the organization, then good people I’m afraid that the woes of today will become the regrets of tomorrow. SOMETHING has to be done…

And if it means trading a player or few that people here love to see in Hawk uni, let’s do it. If it means going to court with a bunch a rich guys fighting with another rich guy for control of 2 teams and an arena only one will one own in the end anyway, then let’s go. If it means losing 28 out of the next 40 games and not being in the playoffs ince I was in 10th going into the 11th grade, just so the GM and his bffl HC can get fired faster than a rabbit gets fcked and some new leadership and maybe even players can be brung in to turn this once-watchable team into a contender like they are on NBA LIVE 2008 (a 90 rating, and I’ll beat yo a$$ with ‘em too ;-), then guess what folks: I’m down!

Nothing too serious, just some thoughts….holla

By harris

February 2, 2008 6:58 AM | Link to this

I´m glad we didnt get Gasol in a trade. He´s soft and wouldn’t fit here any better than in the underachieving grizz-team. Lala-land is the perfect fit for him. Nobody here should be sad we didn’t go for him. He´s not the type of big man I would envision for our team.

But WE HAVE TO make a trade for one of the grizz´ PGs!!! They will want to keep Conley for sure (and that´s fine with me, since it seems this skinny guy always gets hurt with his kind of play). But they won´t have use for both Kyle Lowry and Javaris Crittenton!! Didn’t we consider to pick Critt with the 11th pick last summer? And Lowry is a very skilled PG also. And since Memphis seems to be in dumping mode, we might be able to pick up a good point very cheap.. (Though I think the Gasol trade makes very much sense for Memphis and will make them a better team in a year or two.)

Then all there is to do, is to fire Woody and use our players right!!

By doc

February 2, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

when does samuel come in to reclaim his lakers after the gasol trade yesterday? guess he can finally come out of hibernation for at least one of his teams since the knicks still stink.

By Preston

February 2, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Why are we still talking about trading for a point guard? This team already has two young, quick, good guards, who I think could run the point, if allowed to play, grow and enhanced their game……those two being Salim and Acie. We all know that Salim and Acie were big scorers in college, and Salim has shown that capability in the pros, but Woodson has not let those guys showcase and build their games on a consistent level. Woodson’s sysytem is killing both of these guys, and it seems like Salim and Acie are a shell of themselves……their confidence seems to have been shattered while trying to “fit” into Woodson’s plans. So, what makes any of you think that bringing another point guard here will do any more or less than what Woodson has done with the current crop that we have……..I am sure that a Devin Harris or Jason Kidd would bring something different to the table initially, and there would be an illusion created of seemingly having this problem solved, but after a few weeks in Woodson’s system, I do not believe that they would look any different than what we already have……..it’s the system…….not the player’s, in regards to this particular problem.

By St. Bernard

February 2, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Maybe we’ll make some big deals like we did before the draft! Or last year at the deadline when we brought in AJ? Or any other time since Belkin left. Give it up fellas. Nothing will happen. The Hawks are a waste of energy.

By BLK

February 2, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

I do have to agree if tho im From Atl but Ray had been playing awhole lot better then Joe. Then Paul isn’t the only man from the NBA feel Ray should be in it not Joe.

By smartguy

February 2, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Woody said, “And every game that we play, we have a four game stretch we’ve got to take care of here.” So every game we play, we’re trying to win four?? This must be the dumbest coach EVER, not just in Atlanta history, but maybe even in all of sports history.

Sekou, you suggested there was a “debate” about Woody’s job. It is not a debate. It is an overwhelmingly obvious move to everyone but the Spirit, and Woody himself. The fans, the players, the media all see the same TERRIBLE COACH.

NO DEBATE, NO DISCUSSION, NO ATTENDANCE UNTIL WOODY IS FRIED.

By MJ

February 2, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

At this point in the season, firing Woody & Billy would be counter productive given this teams overall mental fortitude……what needs to be done here is get some talent via trade & see if we can get a playoff spot. If you guys have see the Hawks play at all this year, while talented, they have no defensive presence in the paint and no one one who can post up on a regular basis. If you don’t believe me, just watch the last 5 games on the west coast trip & you’ll see what I saw; no one consistently defending the paint.

If Billy don’t address these needs before the trade deadline, this team will not make the playoffs.

Oh & by the way, I too also agree that the aquisition of Jason Kidd could get this team to be a legitimate contender for the the playoff run.

Lets make it happen!!! Go Hawks!!!!!!

By smartguy

February 2, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

MJ, this team has no mental fortitude. Not collectively as a team, nor individually. Your dumb coach has beat down all the players on an individual level, and they will not play for him any more. If you don’t believe me, watch the last few games. This team has totally quit on him, and rightfully so. Calling plays that everyone knows are coming has cost us many, many games, yet all he does is call the same dumb play. EVERYONE knows it is coming, which is why it is so unsuccessful.

You may say that we are weak on defense, but that is more about effort, which is more about a lack of confidence in their leader. It is very difficult to play hard when you feel like your coach is hurting your chances to win. FIRE WOODY AND WATCH THE HAWKS SOAR. KEEP WOODY, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO WIN ONE OUT OF FOUR GAMES.

You guys keep clamoring for a center. Guys, there just aren’t any. If you have one, you aren’t giving him away. To prove my point, there is only one center on the whole Eastern Conference All Star team.

At the beginning of the season, Woody (and others) said the most important thing for us was to remain healthy. Problem is, we’re still healthy, and Woody still can’t coach.

BOYCOTT TIL WOODY IS GONE.

By I.MUS WRITE

February 2, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Doc- what are you talking about guy i dont hate anyone, so i dont know where that is coming from. Maybe you should direct that to Randy- jus read the mans post-

“high paid gangbangers” “he’s too dumb to play point guard”

come on -whats that? Its his opinion i guess but the holes in the sheet were becoming more visible

If you dont see a problem with that then maybe u oughtta take a look at yourself.

Anyway-I normally overlook that garbage but yesterday was jus one of those days.

Randy,Rainman,etc..-these dudes really are’nt worthy a response from me so I wont.This is’nt the falcons blog…… so why dont we stick to b-ball…

By old white guy

February 2, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

The Hawks are a team full of young horses who can run and score coached by Mike Woodson from the Larry Brown school of slow, plodding half-court basketball. They don’t play hard every night and that is nothing but coaching. They played harder under both Kruger and Stotts! Getting Mike Miller from the Grizzlies would be a good move…he always plays hard. Salim Stoudamire is the next Boris Diaw who will go play well for a real coach. I agree that the ownership is too cheap and cautious to do what needs to be done.

By Clyde

February 2, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By cp

February 2, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Seriously Stotts was a better coach than Woody. Look what he did with Stephen Jackson , Jason Terry, and Bob Sura. Hell even Chris Crawford was dropping 20 point games. They played hard for him and did not quit. Woody has to go. St Benard has a point. Woody has not made a move to improve this team via trade since what the JJ trade. Im not gone count the AJ trade (should have went after Udrich who is younger and has a smaller ocntract). At this rate they will not make the playoffs. Something has to be done.

By TJ

February 2, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Ugh, watching the Hawks box scores lately have been ROUGH! They haven’t been scoring AT ALL…On this road trip, they’ve been waxed by Travis Outlaw, Amare, and even Al Thornton. Even the one win against Seattle, we gave up a 20-pt. 4th quarter lead. Frustrating enough to make me jump on Clyde’s bandwagon…

The one stat I’ve been keeping an eye on is 3 pointers. We’re 2nd to last to makes, attempts, and percentage. Speaking of percentage, Joe is shooting worse than JSmash. It’s not Joe’s fault, it’s the system and it just isn’t gonna cut it. Salim gets no time, Tyronn can make em, but he’s a defensive liability. It’s not a mess, but it’s frustrating as h3ll! If only Nate McMillan was our coach…

This Gasol trade is gonna shake the league up in a good way, and we the Hawks have tradeable assets. Hell, we’d have a top 4 East record if the coaching wasn’t tooth and nail. A big man isn’t our dire need right now; defense isn’t our dire need either. We can defend. It’s a shooter that we need. Defenses kill us with zones, and we can’t shoot out of them. Mike Miller anyone? Hell, Salim anyone? Shooters = spacing, which means better penetration, better movement, duh?!

Sekou, this sucks…we’re still the 7th seed but a quick winning streak from Chicago, Milwaukee, the Knicks could take that all away. I’m still for this team, I really am; I see the potential. There is no high paced team in the East, except for the Raptors. We could be better than them; they just have a system that works, we don’t. We’re not far from being good, and in the East, one change could shift the balance for sure. SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE!

I think the fans will riot if we don’t win tonight. Please win!

By TJ

February 2, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Just a thought, should we make Marvin the go-to guy on this team?

By Samuel

February 2, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Doc,

I’m not really in hibernation. I just don’t have anything to say.

The Hawks are still the Hawks, Ando is drilling the whole Fantasy League, my boy Shaq is down, and yea the Knicks still such. What is there to say.

I’m not really that much of a Laker fan. I’m more of a Shaq and Phil fan. I’m all about my boys from Mississippi now. Monta Ellis, Al Jefferson and Travis Outlaw. That’s who i’m pulling for.

You guys are holding it down pretty good.

By Dave

February 2, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

I was looking at the box scores this morning while eating cheerios with my son. Since I live in Minnesota I check out the T-wolves scores and they beat the LA Clippers by 20. Al thornton’s line. 1-15 shooting in the very next game. priceless.

By Angry Tim

February 2, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Woody is a clown and a bum. I’m staying away from Philips until he is fired, which apparently may be forever.

By preston

February 2, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Isn’t Woody Woodpecker the funny little bird on T.V. with the goofy laugh??? What……….you mean he is actually the coach of the Atlanta Hawks………ha..ha..ha..huh..ha.

By Ken Strickland

February 2, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

I’ve read some interesting comments so far. Making trades won’t resolve the psychological issues and lost confidence of certain players. There certainly isn’t an affordable player available that will make us a title contender. There might be an affordable player available that can help us make the playoffs. However, we can make the playoffs with the talent we have. We simply need better utilization of that talent(better coaching and a system that better fits our talent).

There are those craving a trade to try and rectify what ails this team. That would be akin to using deordorant or perfume to coverup your body odor instead of taking a shower or bath. If your car has 4 flats do you abandon/sell the car or fix the flats. If the roof of your house leaks, do you fix the leak or sell/abandon the house. If you advocate fixing those problems then you’re with me. We need to address our teams problems in the same manner. First, you get this team and its players to perform consistently at, or near, maximum potential. Then explore what is needed to take them to the next level.

I don’t advocate firing Woodson because he is a bad coach. He’s certainly not as bad as some of you are suggesting. I’m in favor of it because he’s a bad coach for this team and these players. He keeps trying to fit that square peg into that round hole. He seems to have made only 1 major adj, at least for him. He seems to have restricted his preferred half court style to the 2nd half while allowing the uptempo during the 1st half. However, if our uptempo doesn’t get a big lead early, we play slow down the rest of the gm.

The thing he can’t make himself realize is the fact we haven’t lost a single gm this season playing an uptempo OFF. Many of our loses have come by giving up leads while playing his preferred slow down half court OFF. He’s like a lot of old school NBA coache that are married to a system or style regardless of the available talent. THE TALENT ON THIS TEAM IS LIKE HAVING A POWERFUL TURBO CHARGED ENGINE. THE PROBLEM IS NOT HAVING A TRANSMITTION THAT’S STRONG ENOUGH, WITH ENOUGH GREARING, TO HANDLE THAT POWER. HOW MANY OF YOU THINK WE’D BE WHERE WE ARE TODAY WITH A COACH LIKE DON NELSON OR NATE McMILLEN?

By mykhalc

February 2, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

i get anythin’ BUT team support comin’ from the quotes that cats made in Sekou’s AJC article!!!???!!! sounds like they were stayin away from bein’ negative as opposed to sayin’ anythin’ positive or really givin’ WOODSON a ‘real’ endorsement as to bein’ the one that could lead them outta this ‘funk’!!!!

WOODSON’s gotta go…PERIOD!!!

By mykhalc

February 2, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

OT…EMMIT THOMAS…HALL OF FAME’er!!!!

By buckhead Benny

February 2, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Its amazing that the thrashers coach can get fired for not connecting with his players for starting at 0-6 at the begininning of the season- but at the midpoint of the season after all of the practises and games the Hawks are actually getting worse.

The only reason that Woodson is still here is because of the lawsuit that is pending with Belkin- We don’t know the language in this lawsuit. But you have to guess that Mike Woodson and Billy Knight have to be up on the witness stand for the Atlanta Spirit.

If I was the Thrasher’s coach I would sue the Atlanta Spirit for unfair employment practise. He takes the team to the playoffs and Mike Woodson has like a 200% winning percentage in his 4th year and losers of 7 out of 8 at the midpoint.

I THINK WE SHOULD ALL ROOT FOR BELKIN TO TAKE OVER- I HAVE SO MUCH MORE RESPECT NOW FOR BELKIN WANTING TO MAKE CHANGES AND NOT AGREEING WITH THESE IDIOTS- ANYBODY THAT KEEPS A COACH LIKE THIS IS CRAZY- THIS GOES DEEPER- THIS IS ALL ABOUT THE LAWSUIT- YOU KNOW THE SPIRIT HAS TO THINK THIS GO EITHER WAY IN COURT. THEY DON’T NEED MIKE WOODSON OR BILLY KNIGHT TESTIFYING FOR BELKIN

By preston

February 2, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Buckehead benny you make a very interesting point……..if this fiasco with the hawks continues, you may very well see a ground swell support for Belkin to take over this team…….It is obvious that this town’s patience has run its course with Woody, and if Belkin has to get control of this team for Woodson to go, we may just start showing our support for Belkin.

By ray

February 2, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Ah, the continual misplaced analogies. Not to mention the “homer” attitude. Sure, let’s keep things just the way they are. This is what has kept this team from improving significantly. You can pick it apart all you want. Same gm, same coach, same mismatched roster. Same losing record. Notice, I didn’t say same record, I am saying same situation: losing record. Keep singing Kumbiya (or whatever the hell it is) by the campfire. I refuse.

Sekou, I was just wondering if there was anything cooking. Perhaps, perhaps not. It’s more than disconcerting to hear that we are or have been engaged in talks with teams to make moves, only to get beaten out by others for whatever reasons. And sure as sh*t the answer will be “well, we tried to make a move, but none of the details made sense.” But, like you say, it’s not the 18th yet…

By Braves Fan

February 2, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Sekou, what position, if any, do you think we will try to upgrade through a trade?

By smartguy

February 2, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

The lawsuit with Belkin has nothing to do with Woody still being coach. The restrictions are on multi year contracts. You can get a coach to coach for the rest of the year without signing him beyond this season. If he does well, then you deal with the issue of an extension in the offseason.

BOYCOTT TIL WOODY IS GONE!

By Boris Diaw

February 2, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Tirez Billy et Woody. I point my private parts at their aunties and fart in their general direction.

By ASG

February 2, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

My favorite part of every game is when they show the coaches’ winning percentages. It is so satisfying to have a coach with a 30% winning record.

By mykhalc

February 2, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

half-time…fellas i’m afraid they got us right where they want us!!!!

By ray

February 2, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Acie Law: 8 assists, no turnovers. Perhaps a little more balanced playing time is helping? And while this is only one game, you cannot discount his performance against the likes of Jason Kidd and Marcus Williams. Especially considering the fact that he’s only played about 17 minutes. Of course, all those assists mean guys have been getting the ball in the right places and converting.

As for the no turnovers: that’s just good basketball. You have to give a man credit for that. Hopefully some confidence is built here, in both player and coach (loosen up, Woody..you dumba$$).

Still, considering how things have been going…one has to wonder if, when, and how the usual 4th quarter collapse is going to happen. Perhaps we can hang on this time.

Maybe it’s the beginning of a mammoth winning streak. Heh…heh….heh…

By Ben

February 2, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

This win and Monday’s win against Philly will solidify Woodson’s job till April

By Matt

February 2, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Great win tonight. The Hawks had the game in hand from the second quarter on, and they didn’t fade late like they normally do - in fact, they actually widened there lead a bit from the 4 minute mark until the 2 minute mark (by which point they were up 14, and the game was effectively over).

Hopefully this will pull them out of their funk.

Smartguy - the restrictions on the Spirit include both restrictions on signing multi-year contracts AND on hiring new personnel without Belkin’s consent. In other words, the Hawks would have to turn to Drew to coach out the season if they fired Woody. That might not actually be such a bad idea (seriously), but we wouldn’t be able to go out and sign a new coach until the offseason.

By Steve T

February 2, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

I am not hatin, but JJ does not seservr to be on the all star team. The man has not have an all star season this year. It may because he is not 100%. With that said, the hawks offense need to be ran through JSmith, JChill, and Marvin with a mix of AC and Horford. These five guys carried the Hawks tonite.

I know a lot of you guys wanted to trade AC. But I keep yelling let us hold on to him. I like the way the guy is able to drive to the basket. I see good thing from this guy as he gets older.

By Ryder

February 2, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Something to marinate upon: after the game on Hawks radio Chill came on and stated that the team played better when they ran. The announcers noticed that the team functioned better when they ran. Then riddle me this: HOW COME THE FREAKIN’ COACH CAN’T GET THIS THROUGH HIS HEAD? This is ridiculous. They seemed more at ease spreading the ball out and everyone got in on offense. Great job Acie, here’s hoping to more growth for the young PG.

We’ll see what happens on Monday, forget taking it four games at a time, they need to take it one game at a time. Let’s beat Philly!

By Steve T

February 2, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

May be if they keep winning while we are running, Woodsom may come around.

By MannyT

February 2, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Ryder You bring up the point that makes me wonder if Woody has a touch of Alzheimers.

Sitting at this game and others it is clear that they play better in an up tempo game. Woody said at the beginning of the season that they were going to run. JJ had a bad offensive game (15 shots to get 10 points) and they still won with ease. No one played 40 minutes; no one was in foul trouble; and they shot a good percentage because of all the dunks.

I hope we give this a try about 40 more times this season.

By doc

February 2, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

samuel, good to hear from you bro, sorry about the carnage in the fantasy league. i guess there is always next year or maybe you can tank for a better draft position next year .. heh heh. yeah pretty tough time for the shaq really hope he doesnt stick around for the money, if he does so be it he earned it.

travis outlaw is a great story the way he has responded to the coaching staff and the precautions they made to make sure he was able to utilize his talents. they used unique methods with him and it is fun to read and see how he delivers in the clutch at such a young age. between roy, jack and outlaw that team is hard to beat in the end as all three will take the shot and make it. shame our guys havent been coached up to know there is more than one go to guy to shoot at the end.

at some point the team needs to hijack this team from its captain to keep it from going down. glad to see the win tonight.

By Ryder

February 2, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

MannyT I remember a comment that was made by Michael Vick after a win against the Redskins a few seasons back: he said, “Sometimes you have to overcome coaching.” He was right in that regard, and perhaps the Hawks players should apply that philosophy. It’s obvious that Woodson’s play calling hamstrings their greatest strength, which is getting open on fast breaks for easy dunks or at worst getting fouled and going to the line.

These guys need to just say to themselves, “Screw this, we’ll never make the playoffs playing his way.” and take advantage of their speed. How many teams in the East could really handle Atlanta’s speed?

By doc

February 2, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

ryder, are we in synch or what? three minutes apart with the same comment essentially. if we cant fire him then let us all yell MUTINY!

By mykhalc

February 2, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

the only thing that solidifies WOODSON’s job is BK!!!! as much as we b$tch and call for change at the HC position, most of us know WOODSON is here to stay thru the season!!

best thing about the win was ACIE’s change in game and probably attitude too!! he kept the ball in his hands tonite and created by breakin’ down the D instead of givin’ the ball up as soon he crossed half court. he looked like he did before his injury!!

also, imagine if CHILLS had a jumpshot!! LOL but he still gets it done in ways the others don’t!! nice game tonite!!

always glad for a ‘W’ but WOODSON’s gotta go…PERIOD!!!

By kwooden1

February 2, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

HAWKS WIN! I listened to most of the game and especially the end. It sounded like the guys took it upon themselves to finish the game. JJ missed a few shots and then Marvin started going to the hole. I hate the fact that they had to figure things out on their own, but that’s what they have to do. Acie finally is getting his confidence back, which is probably the best part of the win. If they can keep learning to play together, I still think they can make the playoffs.

As for the trades, again I will say, the organization can’t make good trades, so why wish! Guys, get yourselves to the Playoffs!!!

GO HAWKS!

By MannyT

February 3, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

Doc, Ryder

You guys are right. The tricky part is the player has to have enough confidence that he won’t be benched for playing an up tempo game. You knew Vick would not be in Mora’s dog house ;-) so he could overcome coaching.

Last season that could not be said of most of the young Hawks.

Imagine how much pressure they could put on other teams if Woody regularly played 10 deep to keep the pressure up. Similar to the way the power running game in football pays of by wearing the other team down late in the game.

If they continue to run, Salim might even get out of that krazy glue seat that Slava Medvedenko had last season.

By A Thinking Fan

February 3, 2008 5:09 AM | Link to this

Anything said bad about a Hawks’ player has an astrick beside it; because they play for a broken SPIRIT!

By smartguy

February 3, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this

You guys, the only thing keeping Woody around is the acting members of the ASG. BK cannot unilaterally make a move because of serious financially constraints. Nor can Belkin tell us that we simply can’t have a head coach. Maybe I’m confused about the legal situation, but the Hawks have to have certain positions filled, such as Head Coach. I mean, if they can’t agree on someone this summer, are we just going to play without a Head Coach next year? Of course not. Sekou, you never respond to any of my questions, but is it possible you could shine some light on the possibilities for getting a new coach. In other words, what are the restrictions and parameters with which we are dealing with. thanks.

By buckhead Benny

February 3, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

I was hoping for the best from the Atlanta Spirit- I think we all were-but going into the 4th year at the midpoint of the season- This team continues to play without emotion and without chemistry even though there is an immense amount of talent on this team.

This lawsuit I am actually pulling for Belkin now, and I think all of Atlanta should be as well. There is pretty much a widely held believe among Hawks fans that this is not a good product.

Looking back now on Belkin you have to give the guy credit- Joe Johnson is a good player, but he is no Kobe Bryant, no Tim Duncan, no Steve Nash, or as Billy Knight said “Our Larry Bird”

Our Larry Bird- I watched Brandon Roy who we passed on for Shelden Williams who we had made up our minds for 6 weeks were going to draft after Billy Knight talked to Coach K. The word is Billy Knight never even worked out Brandon Roy.

Belkin was right on calling out Phoenix’s bluff- Billy Knight panicked and dealt his best hand too early. That should have been the last hand dealt. Only when they matched the offer.

Phoenix knew Joe Johnson better than we did and were will to trade him- You think Boston would have traded Larry Bird???? NO-

I am rooting for Belkin to win this lawsuit I have lost all respect for the Atlanta DisSpirited. AT LEAST BELKIN HAS BALLS TO STAND UP TO BILLY KNIGHT AND HE WOULD HAVE NEVER ACCEPTED THIS SH*t.

IF THIS LAWSUIT HASN’T BEEN SETTLED BY NOW YOU HAVE TO THINK THIS IS GOING TO GO IN THE FAVOR OF BELKIN- HELL ITS BEEN LIKE 3 YEARS.

By cp

February 3, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

You mean to tell me they actually play good when they play uptempo. Wow who would have ever thought (sarcasm off). Why Woody has not figured out by now that this team is better off when they are running then he wont ever get it. Nice game by Acie. Hopefully he keeps his confidence up.

By Stoned Mountain

February 3, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

We are at the stage where somebody needs to stand up and say one of the following:    1. Fans and loyal supporters of the Hawks, sadly we must announced that we have fired Billy Knight as general manager and hired the sandman as his replacement. We thank BK for his faithful service, but we have decided to take another path. We have also relieved Woodson of his duties, and replaced him with Larry Drew, his deputy, as the interim coach. The sandman will set in place the coaches of his choice in due course.    2. We have heard of all this silly talk about changes in the Hawks management, but no changes are contemplated. The Hawks are gradually maturing, and we are confident the team will make the playoffs for the first time in a decade, a tribute to the fine work by Knight and Woodson. They retain our full support, and urge the Hawks family to rally behind them enroute to the bright success we see on the horizon.    Either of these announcements will lift the funk that surrounds the team, and let the players know the deal. If EITHER of these announcements is made I bet the team will pick up the pace, and play hard without distraction, sure that they know who is in charge.    But alas NEITHER of these announcements seems likely because the Hawks are owned by a committee. A committee can pass the hat or divvy up the receipts, or sit quiet like bumps on a log, but a committee cannot make a hard decision or make a decisive change in course. So in this foggy atmosphere the team will keep playing up and down ball the rest of the season, looking over their shoulders the rest of the way and critics will mount a rising chorus. 

The pity is that this group of good kids, in need of mentoring and preparation for the next level, are confronted with frailty, guys waiting for The Reaper.   Excuse the jumble of metaphors, but the Hawks are on the brink of stalling, stuck in second gear and with no gear shift knob in sight.

By Steve T

February 3, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Buckhead Benny, you have to realize that JJ is hurt, but when he was not, he made the Hawks click. I always believe things happen for a reason, and the hawks are becoming a better team. So when JJ get back to 100%, they will be even better. Plus Belkin wanted to run this team on the CHEAP!

If the Hawks continue to develop, we will have 6 guys that can halp this team night in and night out: AC - PG JJ - SG AH - C MW - SF JS - PF JC - G/F

Now if the rest of these guys can step it up: Zazz, AJ, Salmin, Shelden thse hawks could become special.

By ray

February 3, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

I don’t think I’ve ever been this non-excited about a win. Must be loser’s fatigue…

By Tyger

February 3, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Atlantans are such losers and their sportswriters are worse. Any and everytime Jeff S** or Mark Bradley or Tom Moore p** venom, you jump on board like an ole fashioned county courthouse lynch mob. Its disgusting.

BK is the best thing to happen to the Hawks since Lenny Wilkens and the 6 straight playoff appearances. But when Jeff Schitz, Mark Bradley and Tom Moore conspired with Snake Kasten and Pete Sukcock to run him outta town, where was the uproar?

Nada, silence.

If youre with the team be with the team, if not, go suck an egg.

By HB Ando

February 4, 2008 1:34 AM | Link to this

Don’t know much about the upside to egg sucking, but it’s pretty clear that Tyger’s spending a lot of his time sucking up to (or just plain off) Billy. 3 years ago there were five teams that had to admit defeat, and simply start over, from scratch: they were, in no particular order, Atlanta, Portland, New Orleans, Memphis and Charlotte. Portland and New Orleans have make it pretty clear that Atlanta’s failure to make significant strides in rebuilding, are not the result of the need to take five years to create a renewed vision. Charlotte continues to look similarly clueless, relative to the Hawks’ aimlessness. And Memphis, with this Gasol trade, looks like their owner is offering up his franchise, with some intriguing, young, rookie-contract talent, and some serious cap space, so a potential buyer can envision the opportunity to take over the team, and make any number of compelling moves.

Atlanta is just as clueless as they appeared 3 and a half years ago. With no realistic, near-term solutions in sight.

Pathetic….

By mykhalc

February 4, 2008 4:47 AM | Link to this

BIG RAY, i feel ya man. my fatigue is tied DIRECTLY to WOODSON still bein’ the HC after the ‘W’!!!

now how ‘bout that GIANTS SB WIN!!! now that was a game!!! incredible plays made down the stretch!!!!

By jami$$ion

February 4, 2008 6:06 AM | Link to this

WAT’S UP WIT THE NEGATIVEBLOGGING,WE LOSING YALL HATAZ NOT JOINING’EM!Ando just read yo post&u halfright.U just look at things halfempty i c the cup halffull.1st 3seasons ago Mem ain’t hav 2rebuild dey were contenders,2charlotte ws a playoff staple n da east dey had2 powerup cuz dey movedwest&became NO.The NewCharlotte’s don’t count dey a expansionteam.So dat leave us&portland as truerebuilders & like us dey building thru dadraft.Dey hav bttr coaching pgs&cs,we hav bttr fwds.If da plyof were 2dy we n y hate

By jami$$ion

February 4, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this

The problem lies 4us realfans we remember Bostongame7 Jordan vs Nique,80’s 2da mid90’s we were a playoffstaple,dat’s y da losing is so hard 2 digest, plus we c da potential in our young team as being very special,& agree we can b much better&u hataz sound so illogical saying,’WE HAV A VERY TALENTED TEAM BUT BK NEED 2 B FIRED’,excuse me but if our roster is talented (more so than da majority of the league)y fire da guy built it.Da NJ game how BK envisioned it a69 athleticmatchuproblem4da league,WOODYCOACHIT!

By Darrin "The Vent King"

February 4, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this

I believe that showed very little class for Pierce to say that. Talk about pot meeting kettle. So I guess all those years he made the all-star team when the Celtics STUNK should be taken back then hun? It’s amazing what some winning will do to one’s memory. Wouldn’t it be great if we met them in the playoffs and beat the snot out, ahh-hhh who am I kidding…

p.s. Two words for you Hawks:

PLAY BETTER!

GO HAWKS!!

By Tree Rollins

February 4, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

**Nothing about the Hawks ever changes - you get the same 3 wins out of 10 tries from Mike Woodson every year. You get the same 6 foot 7 swingmen from Billy Knight’s draft every year. You get the same owners who stand by their guys and praise their talents. AND you get the same city that doesn’t care about the team any more - just like the rest of the league! Worst team in the league year in and year out and it’s going to stay that way.

By Tree Rollins

February 4, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Nothing about the Hawks ever changes - you get the same 3 wins out of 10 tries from Mike Woodson every year. You get the same 6 foot 7 swingmen from Billy Knight’s draft every year. You get the same owners who stand by their guys and praise their talents. AND you get the same city that doesn’t care about the team any more - just like the rest of the league! Worst team in the league year in and year out and it’s going to stay that way.

By Ken Strickland

February 4, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

HD ANDO-let’s put things into proper perspective. New Orleans didn’t start from scratch. They retained some of their key veteran talent(PJ Brown for example). They then traded some of it to Chicago for more veteran talent(TChandler for example). All of the teams you mentioned have been able to sign key FA’s and take on sizable contracts. New Orleans took on TChandler’s contract and signed the SG from the Pacers to a very large contract(I can’t remember his name).

None of these teams/GM’s have to deal with multiple owners that are divided into 2 opposing factions. None of these teams/GM’s have to deal with court imposed trade/signing restrictions. If you don’t think these issues have had a direct effect on this teams progress, then you’re not being objective. Also, look at the difference in the leadership on those respective teams benches. Can you, or anyone else for that matter, honestly say we wouldn’t be a better team with either Nate McMillan or Byron Scott at the helm?

Portland is probably the only team you mentioned that can be used to make your claim. And I attribute a lot of that to the direction of Nate McMillan, one of the NBA’s most talented and underrated coaches. The biggest mistake BK made wasn’t the players he drafted or FA’s he signed. It was the coach he hired to lead his choices. BK constructed a team based on youth, athleticism, speed, quickness and versatility. In other words, a team built to run(greyhounds). Woodson’s entire career, as a player and assistant coach, has been indoctrinated into the half court slow down style of OFF. People like him view converting to an uptempo OFF as giving up control to the players.

The league gives credit to SNash for the Suns success, rather than D’Antoni. Nash never played on this level at Dallas nor his 1st tour with Phoenix until D’Antoni installed his system. D’Antoni doesn’t get anywhere near the credit for his teams success as the more traditional half court guru’s like PRiley, PJackson or HBrown. Look at the success the Wizards are having after losing their top player. No one is making a big deal out of the job Bickerstaff is doing because he is using an uptempo style in the traditionally half court oriented Eastern conference.

By Latrece

February 4, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

http://www.thirdquartercollapse.com/story/2008/2/1/9247/28745 This idiot had the nerves to talk about Joe not deserving to be in anc comparing him to Hedo Turkoglu. First off, he is way off the topic. Sekou was talking about Joe Johnson and Ray Allen. All this talk about Joe, but what about Dwayne Wade and his subpar performance in Miami

By Latrece

February 4, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Also, I thought that the NBA All- STars was about individual accomplishments for that particular year that the person was elected. Th eplay offs is for team accomplishments so Paul Pierce has no valid argument. Jason’s Kidd and Joe’s team are running neck to neck for the 7th and 8th spot in the play off. Advice to Paul: He can be a true team player and take himself off the roster so that his teammate can play.

By Tyger

February 4, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Why do I drift into the realm of cyber-trash? Why, why, why???