Hawks

By pat_white

February 4, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Move Josh Smith for a real pg if possible. If not, then move him for a first round pick. You have too many at the same position. Marvin and Al have to stay. The rest can go if it brings a pg or first round pick.

By Jason

February 4, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

SEKOU, is the ASG holding BK back in any way due to financial constraints?

By doc

February 4, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

roy, is clyde the glide without the hat. sooo smooth effortless, efficient and well coached out of a four year college career. one can only shake their heads over that one. thanks for fianally confirming the obvious on that one sekou. like the out spoken quality of this blog over the years, cudos dude and to blog z.

all you can say is we got some guys with heart, a lot to like but it will be a frustrating ride until the right driver is on board the coach to run these horses. two things come to mind; clueless broken atlanta spirit and dumb and dumber doesnt add up to much optimism.

really glad to hear these guys havent thrown in the towel as they have to live what we see. athletic players arent necesarilly shooters to keep folks honest and size matters in spite of what the psychologists try to say to those that aint got it to save our manhood.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

February 4, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Dont know if anyone else did, but I noticed how you dodged the whole “who is likely to move” part. Clearly Shelden and Zaza are on the block. You did not however posit why Salim would be since he is a shooter- though it’s obvious to people who see the stat sheets, no minutes.

The real dodge is that we have 6 talents for 3 positions. I’m not necessarily opening the “box” to say who that is, but you didnt either. I’d be interested to know who it could be rumored was/is being dangled as trade bait among our “redundant commodities” from your perspective….

RISE UP

By Dan

February 4, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Sekou, thanks for an awesome blog today. This is the stuff have been waiting for you to comment on. Good job!

I cannot agree more with what you say the Hawks need—1. a shooter, 2. an someone to do the dirty work. Aaron Williams would be my first choice, too. Also, Jeff Foster would work as a dirt work kind of guy. Lakers have Tariaf (sp?), but I don’t know if they would part with him.

Seems like every team has at least two reliable shooters, but us. Although, Lue is a good shooter, but you can’t count on him to stay healthy. How about Wally S. from Seattle? (I am not even going to try and spell his last name) He certainly hurt the Hawks back in November.

Sheldon Williams being picked at #5 just shows that Billy Knight is not capable of judging talent. He should be ripped for that pick every day. That one is unexcusable. Say what you will about Marvin in stead of Paul. Marvin contributes, at least. Sheldon Williams would not start for an NBDL team.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 4, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Sergio. Trade for him.

By MsDee

February 4, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

I think if Shelden had quality minutes, he would be a better pf. The same for Solomon. I say leave the team as they are and remove the coach!! Bring in a **good/great coach who understands each of our guys strengths and weakness so he would be able to play each player at the right time, guarding the right opponent, at the right position, and then you will see a truly playoff team!! and not just for the 1st round!! We have a shooter in Salim, but Woodson fails to play him. Too bad Salim has to try too hard to prove himself once he gets on the floor which causes him to force shots. We have shoot blockers and guys who can run the floor very well..so I say we have what it takes if we had a better coach leading our HAWKS!!

By Dan

February 4, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

MsDee, let me let you in on something…..Sheldon sucks.

By hugo

February 4, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

If Salim is suppose to be able to shoot well, why not give him the oportunities? I don’t understand Woodson’s reasoning. Wright? What is he here for? Do something this YEAR PLEASE?

By Rutuger

February 4, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

The Shelden Williams thing is such a dagger.

Dead horse or not, it should nevertheless perpetually loom as a constant reminder of the blunders of our current front office…

By hugo

February 4, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

If Salim is suppose to be able to shoot well, why not give him the oportunities? I don’t understand Woodson’s reasoning. Wright? What is he here for? Do something this YEAR PLEASE?

By Clyde

February 4, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By MsDee

February 4, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Dont get me wrong, Sheldon was a terrible pick at #5 but there is 0 the Hawks can do anything about that now..They should just work with what they have now and make the best out of it. Woodson is not making the best out of him players..point blank

By mountain jim

February 4, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

What Clyde said (and said, and said, and said, unto Groundhog Day perpetuity…)

By Maric

February 4, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Thoughtful comments. Agree with all points made but do believe we need a PG who will push the pace more. One thought that I believe is overlooked by many regarding the draft choices made by BK. If we had selected Chris Paul, our record the following year would likely have been better and we likely would not have been in draft position to draft Brandon Roy. If we had drafted Brandon Roy, we likely would not have been in the draft position to get Al Horford. So to think that we could have a team with Paul and Roy and Horford is likely not realistic. In any event, the key now is to trade wisely and to use the expiring contracts wisely to fill our gaps. IF we don’t, one of two things must be true: either the owners will not allow BK to spend money or BK is a worse GM than we think. If we do nothing before the trade deadline, I believe many Hawks fans will finally be fed up and will quit following the team.

By Matt from Hotlanta Hawks

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

Obviously it’s not “obvious” that this team hasn’t quit on Woodson. EVERYBODY seems to understand this team is at it’s best when they run the floor, and whenever they do it and pull out a solid win, the only quotes we get are like “hey, we should do that more often.” Woodson doesn’t seem to have a solid plan for getting the pace of play up, and the half-court offense is stupid. JJ is a shooter, Marvin is a shooter, Smith and Horford can knock down open looks consistently and Salim is a freaking assassin- why do you think Woodson could figure out how to use Jason Kapono any better than Salim?

I’ve had enough- I call for Billy Knight to fire Woodson and then resign. This team needs to drop Lorenzen Wright’s contract, Speedy’s contract, Lue’s contract, Anthony Johnson’s contract and Shelden Williams contract and then take that $19 MILLION (look it up), set aside $10 of it for the Joshes and go get a real center (and re-hire Anthony Johnson I guess).

By Jay

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

One area that I think Woody has failed in miserably is allowing his bench to grow and develop (See Nate McMillan). Mainly Salim and Solomon. These two could have been contributing to the team at this point in the season. Not to mention if they make a playoff run.
We already have a shooter in Salim. Woodson refuses to play him. He could fill the void if Woody wasn’t so stubburn. We have a long athletic F/C in Solomon, but Woody has not given him an oppur to learn and grow. He has shown in flashes that he can defend the post, rebound and block shots.

Even if we wanted to trade the two, no one has seen them play this year. This one is on the coach guys.

By Jon

February 4, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Have you guys seen Salim play? Shooting the ball in practice or playing horse clearly doesn’t carry over to the court on game day. This dude has never seen a shot he doesn’t like. He shoots like Kobe except he doesn’t make them and at 6’1” he is way undersized to play the 2 spot. Instead of forcing up shots on offense he should focus on locking his man down and defense and prehaps then he could earn some more minutes.

By CDS

February 4, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

I think guys like Salim and Shelden want out of there asap. If Woodson won’t play them, then let them go somewhere they can develop. As long as Woodson is here, we are going to be about as deep as a kiddie pool. Look at the road record. We lose to a team like the Clippers yet blow out New Jersey at home? I don’t think they’ve quit on Woodson, but they probably wouldn’t mind seeing a more established and experienced head coach though.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 4, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Salim is a one-dimensional shooter with poor understanding of the game, poor shot selection, and no defense whatsoever. If Woody was playing him 35 minutes a night that would be pretty stupid. But playing him 10-15 minutes a night, when the offense bogs down, is not going to hurt. The Hawks desperately need someone who can stretch the defense, and right now Salim is the one guy on the roster who can do that.

It would be nice if Josh Childress rediscovered his 3-point stroke from two years ago (49%) but unfortunately it doesn’t look like that’s happening. I’d much rather have Chills on the floor than Salim. But at the same time, playing Salim more will improve his confidence, his understanding of the game, and his shot selection. You can’t learn the game watching from the bench.

Anyway, the Hawks are already starting a one-dimensional shooter with poor understanding of the game and no defense whatsoever in Marvin Williams. How much would it hurt to give Salim a few minutes? At least Salim has 3-point range.

By mykhalc

February 4, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

i said it in an earlier blog but i believe LUE and BOS would be a great fit. they really don’t run, they’ve got the BIGS to give LUE help defensively, LUE would provide veteran help at PG, he can hit the open shot, AND he would be goin’ to a contender (somethin’ i think he kinda deserves). seems like a perfect match to me. but again, i don’t know who BOS has that would help us in return!!???!! but worth lookin’ into!!

SEKOU, nice!!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

One other thing… I know everyone wants the Hawks to run more, including me, but I found this pretty interesting: the Hawks are 4th in the NBA in fast-break points with 16.9 per game. You would think as much as we are clamoring for the team to run more, they would be somewhere in the middle of the pack in fast break points.

By Astro Joe

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

Mike Miller would be an OUTSTANDING add because he is more than just a shooter. Wally S. would also be good (although I think his salary is close to ridiculous). I’d rather see us add someone who can get their own shot, which is not always true to “pure shooters”.

Sekou, you mentioned Aaron Williams and I’m a big fan of that guy. Same with Danny Fortson and Corliss Williamson. Heck, even Malik Rose. Those guys were all battlers who carved out NBA careers because of pure work ethic. They enjoy dirty work more than Mike Rowe. That’s what we need. Someone with that “old man” strength to bring some leadership, attitude and board work to the team during the strecth drive. And one more shooter/scorer name to add to the discussion (from your favorite school)… Jamal Crawford.

Welcome on board Stoned Mountain. You’ve got a heckuva introduction to live up to.

By jami$$ion

February 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

I LUV MY TEAM LET’S QUIT DA HATING,START CONGRATULATINS LET’SGETBETTER!Who i’ll keep,from our bench west(our brucebowen)solo our camby,chills our mreverything,ac our starting pg,salim our 3ptspecialist pg. On shells he was the inside pick u,ASG,& WOODY cryed 4.He was rook of da month liKetwice.So he has talent let him develope.ON MARV VS CP,we took da best so called talent,melo of dat year vs a wade,plus we got our pg dat can penetrate&bomb at will dat year Salim.ON COACHING hawks arent a conventional team

By mykhalc

February 4, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

also, i’ve been an ACIE fan since day one and know he’s been inconsistent this year. but what i also know is that if he is allowed to have the ball in his hands, like CP3 and DERON, then he TOO shows that he can break down the defense and make plays for his teammates. the NETS game was the 1st game in awhile that he kept the ball in his hands after crossin’ half-court in weeks!! now whether that’s on him or WOODSON, who knows??? my bet is it’s on WOODSON!! but i’m with SEKOU in believin’ that a shooter is needed the most!! and no i don’t think SALIM is the answer!!! even tho i think he deserves better than he’s gettin’ right now!! but the entire deserves better than WOODSON!!!

WOODSON’s gotta go…PERIOD!!!!

By jami$$ion

February 4, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Therefore we need a unconventional coach,larry brown types a stagnate our players worse than woody.A team like da hawks or any goodteam dictates how dey play 2u,by playing they game. By sum mysterious reason we let our opponents dictate2 us, we play how dey want us2play, dat gives our opponents the advantage & if u play 2 my strengths how u expect2 win??U won’t & dats y we lose, we don’t utilize all of our players n our offensive system plays 2 our weaknesses.Answer keep Woody 2coach D,get an O mindedcoach

By DSLIM

February 4, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

i hate woodson i really do. You guys are hating on salim becuase he doesnt get any playing time , and the coach hates him and puts alot of pressure on him.Woodson hates Salim. For whatever reasons. When salim was not worrying about his shots and just going out and playing he was a good player to have on the court. How can you judge a player who gets garbage time when the team is down by 30

Salim needs out! Type Salim Stoudamire into You tube, and see what he is capable of doing. how does a guy go from playing a lot of time his rookie season to the second to last guy off the bench? his rookie season numbers were OK. i think he defintly deserves to see the floor. I gaurentee you all if he gets traded he will get 15-25 minutes a game. Look at your boy Royal Ivey, he is on the bucks and he gets a lot of Playing time. You guys need a new coach, a new gm ,and hopefully a new shooter after salim leaves.

Its not right what woodson is doing to him.

By Jo Bling

February 4, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Funny how whenever fans list the players on their favorite team they think are most likely to be traded, they always list the bench players. Uh, sorry, but trading Za Za, Shelden or Salim isn’t going to amount to much of a trade.

If you want to make a trade that’s going to have an impact, then you are going to have part with something that causes a little pain. Sorry, but that’s the way most meaningful trades work (unless you are the Lakers and you are dealing with the Grizzlies). I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you guys are going to be surprised when the player traded turns out to be Josh Smith. He might want to keep the number for Two Men And A Truck handy, right next to his well-read copy of “36-Foot Airballs, Fast-Break Turnovers, And Other Assorted Momentum Killers”.

By I.MUS WRITE

February 4, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

It feels like summer in the middle of winter. All summer long we watched teams bring in free agents while we did nothing~ Absolutely nothing. What makes anyone think that will change? I mean we have the same owners,coach and GM.

Solutions: Make a pitch for Kirk Heinrich- He is being shopped by Chicago,this would give us a true PG who defends one’s and two’s. This also gives Acie the time he needs to become what we thought he was in June.

Memphis = fire sale…… JC Navarro or Mike Miller would fit nicely here

I dont think we would have to give away our young guys to make this happen…. The Lakers got an all star caliber player for KWAME BROWN… In my best Stephen A. voice KWAME BROWN

By t-man

February 4, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

SEKOU,

Good article. Billy should be fired before he is allowed to make another move! Woodson’s style does not fit with this team. A young team should be running the other team off of the court! Also, trading for Hinrich or some other decent player with a bloated contract would not make sense. Don’t trade for someone with a five year deal when you think Acie will be ready in two. We can not “drop” Speedy’s contract because it is guaranteed and we are on the hook for two years after this one. Another good move by Billy…

By Melvin

February 4, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Ok, folks. Although we complain about having BK as our GM. How do you think the fans of Memphis feels after acquiring 2 of the biggest draft bust in recent history. Kwame Brown and Darko Milic are arguably two of the worst draft picks of all time and now they both are on Memphis roster. Puh-leeze. How does Memphis GM keep his job after those acquistions? And just when you thought we had it badd…..

By new jersey faithful

February 4, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

good impression I.MUS lol lets crush the sixers 2nite!!!!

By Fire woodson

February 4, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

SEKOU: YOU FORONE THING: FIRE WOODSON!!! ALL FANS ARE IN AGREEMENT HERE. CHANGE #1 IS FIRING WOODSON IMMEDIATELY. THEN ALLOWE THE TRADES TO HAPPEN

By Ken Strickland

February 4, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

This is for those clamoring to trade JSmith and/or other of our talented players for the sake of acquiring a PG. If you haven’t noticed before, pay attention to tonights gm. In Woodson’s half court OFF our PG’s are required to pass to a wing player and then cut to the basket. After that, the OFF is usually initiated by one of our frontcourt players. That’s why they have an unusually high number of assists among them. This type of OFF wouldn’t take full advantage of the things Roy, Paul or Williams do best.

NAJEH D-you’ve been pretty hard on Marvin and Salim. You consistently make reference to them as one dimensional players. Take a look at the current NBA champs and team of this decade, the Spurs. Aside from Duncan, who else on that team is anything but a one dimensional player? Who besides Duncan and Bowen are good DEF players? Yet, they’re considered a top DEF team. How many of their players, besides Parker and Ginobli, can create their own shot? How many Spurs average more PPG and RPG than Marvin? If all anyone wants to do is find fault and place blame there’s plenty to go around, even for a championship team like the Spurs.

The Hawks have proven they are capable of running good teams off the court. They haven’t proven they can do it consistently. One of the reasons is a lack of total committment to running by the HC. Another is his unwillingness to utilize his entire bench, especially when it comes to certain players(JJ, JSmith, AHorford). Instead of being fresh for the 2nd half, especially the 4th qtr, these players are usually worn out from too many mins.

Adding SJones and Salim to the rotation would make a tremendous difference, especially in the 2nd half. Salim could give JJ exta rest while providing much needed outside shooting. Solomon isn’t spectacular, but he’s active, runs the floor, challanges shots in the paint and he’s a decent rebounder. We should use a 10 man rotation every night. There should be no more than 2 players with DNP next to their names on any given night.

YOU CAN HAVE THE MOST EXPENSIVE, BEST HANDLING, HIGH POWERED SPORTS CAR IN THE WORLD. HOWEVER, IT WILL ONLY APPROACH ITS POTENTIAL IF IT’S BEING DRIVEN BY AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL THAT’S FAMILAR WITH DRIVING THIS TYPE OF CAR.

By A Thinking Fan

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

broken spirit!

By vdunkndunk

February 4, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Woody should be fired just for playing Joe so many minutes every night, not to mention the fact that we have a running team and can’t figure out how to run. And then there’s the simple fact that we’ve done nothing but lose since he’s been here (not entirely his fault, but at some point we need a new voice, fresh ideas, etc.).

By Krib

February 4, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

We are making the playoffs. That is the goal for now. PATIENCE is the right word. I think right now we should not rush for a trade. If something good comes up then fine but right now, all we need is a strong push to finish in the top 6 and avoid Detriot or Boston. Washington is about to go on a west coast swing so look for us to catch up!!. Please firing Woody will NOT SOLVE ANY OF THE TEAMS PROBLEMS !!!! Why all this call for Salim??? The guy has poor shot selection, he cannot defend or pass. He only shoots 3’s . Why not just play T Lue or Anthony ? They both shoots 3s pretty well and are more expirienced.

By new jersey faithful

February 4, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

MARVIN WILLIAMS WILL BE ON THE JIM ROME IS BURNING SHOW TOMORROW AT 4:30PM ON ESPN.

By smartguy

February 4, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Woody makes me sick. Who in the league has a perfect roster? You have to win with what you have.

All I ever hear from Woody is EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES. Ok, Woody lets get you the perfect team and see if you can still go .500. I doubt it.

I love Roy also, and have been upset about that too, but we all have to remember that 4 other teams passed on him too. Its not like he was a “sure thing.” If you want more out of your draft picks, the first step is to PLAY THEM.

I done until Woody is fired. I hate to say this (and open myself up), but I hope we lose by 50 every game until Woody is fired. I am so sick of this clown ruining our team.

FIRE WOODY AND WATCH THE HAWKS SOAR!

By Eric

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

IT WOULD BE A HUGE MISTAKE FOR THE HAWKS TO MAKE A TRADE!!! REASON BEING YOU CAN GET MORE IN THE OFF SEASON, PLUS YOU CAN POSSIBLE KEEP A GUY LIKE CHILDRESS. THIS TEAM IS ALMOST COMPLETE, ALL WE NEED NOW IS A SOLID POINT AND A SHOOTER OVER 6’4 TALL. ANDRE MILLER COULD BE ANSWER AT POINT, BUT FOR NOW SIT TIGHT.

By cp

February 4, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Great blog SS. Sheldon “brick hands, cement feet Williams, T “pound the rock” Lue and ZA ZA ” my defense is still in my home country” Pachulia aka the 3 amigos should be shipped out of here A.S.A.P.. The sad thing is I dont know if we would get much from them unles we are trading them to Memphis aka the team with a worse GM than us. I have a few players on my wish list. Im not saying we can or should try to obtain all these guys but maybe 2 of these guys would really help us and it probably wont cost us much at all. Mike Miller, Delonte West, Gerald Green, JR Smith, Aaron Williams, and Kurt Thomas. I think a combination of either guard and either big man would help a lot. We would get a shooter and a big man who can rebound and play solid d. Acquring any of these guys could help our team.

By MontanaBravesFan

February 4, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

As good of an athletic, running team we have, does anyone know where Paul Westhead is??

By new jersey faithful

February 4, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

WTF?? another p** poor start

By terrell barron

February 4, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

26-9 with 2:30 to go in the first, against Philly. Are you kidding me? Woody has to go!

By Tiger Woo

February 4, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Trade the whole sorry Hawks team !!

Philly 32 - Hawks 14 after the 1st Quarter !! Pathetic !!

By cp

February 4, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

At this point im willing to clear a sat and sun off my calender and help BK and Woody move out of ATL. This crap is rediculous.

By JohnGTFan

February 4, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Those 76ers look like a 1 or 2 seed…oh, sorry, that’s Atlanta’s phantom defense making them look like that.

Sekou..when is enough going to be enough for this pitiful organization. The players aren’t pitiful, but they’re sure as hell not “inspired”.

By Tiger Woo

February 4, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

This is a game the Hawks can’t afford to lose - and they come out flat as can be.

Philly - 23 - 5 rebounding advantage.

Philly - 15 - 0 fast break point advantage.

If they’re trying to get Woody fired, they are doing a good job.

Wake up, Hawks !!

By terrell barron

February 4, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Melvin, theyu only wanted Kwabe because of his homongous expiring contract. Thats it!

By terrell barron

February 4, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Melvin, they only acquired Kwame because of his huge expiring contract. Thats it!

By Tiger Woo

February 4, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

OK … I’ll give credit where credit is due. Hawks have finally come to life tonight !!

By terrell barron

February 4, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Great come back, even though its just the 76ers. Only down 2 with 2 min before the half.

By new jersey faithful

February 4, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

quadruple double anyone…..

By terrell barron

February 4, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith had 8 blocks in the first half. WOW! Still down 6. Come on fellows, we cant lost this game with Kobe coming to town.

By ray

February 4, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Your writing is top notch as usual. Keep bringing the heat. And that was a great (and often forgotten, by myself included) point you made: anybody can say what they will about our team, but our guys are high-class. All the way.

AAAARRRRGGGHHHHH!

How the devil do we get outplayed like this? They have a pg who prefers a half-court game over a running game…yet they’re literally running us off the court. Why? Steve Smith says it’s because he knows when to run. Well of course he does, he’s a good pg. But the reason behind that? Because the coach knows when to run, and trusts the pg to make those kinds of decisions. I think you can see where I’m going with that…

In the first quarter alone Philly ran a dunk-n-layup clinic on us. Still think we don’t need another big? Every loose ball, most of the rebounds, steals, blocks…they’re getting them all. What are we doing out there?

Ken….that was a nice post, but I disagree most vehemently. While I do agree wholeheartedly that Mike Woodson is a large stumbling block in the development of this team, I refuse to lay it all (or even most of it) on him. He’s definitely not what we need, but he damn sure didn’t build this roster or make the draft picks, or do the free agency/trade moves. And here’s another thing: the same guy that is responsible for all of that is the same guy that 1)picked Woodson as our HC, and 2)has maintained Woodson’s employment within this organization when he is clearly not going to take this team anywhere. Now who are you going to blame for this? Woodson?

Furthermore, why oh why did you use a team like the Spurs as your analogical example. The reason why the Spurs are a good defensive team is because they play good team defense. They are coached well. I thought defense was Woody’s specialty, the basis and crux of his coaching philosophy. Ok, so that begs the question: who’s fault is it that we don’t play good team defense? The players or the coach? Is it Woody’s failure or the players’ failure? Funny, they don’t have this problem in San Antonio. Here in Atlanta, Marvin and Salim are both weak points in the defensive armor.

Funny, you compare stats. I compare wins. Uh-oh, we lost that one, didn’t we? Yes, you can lay that at the feet of the coach. But you can’t stop there. It is the GM’s job to know if the coach is effective or not. It is the GM’s job to replace the coach if he can’t lead the team. It is the GM’s job to strategically tinker with the roster to give the coach the best possible tools/players to work with. It’s why he’s a GM.

And while you can also lay that at the feet of the owners, they don’t know the ins and outs of this business. They hire a guy who is supposed to know these things. So, they have failed by continuing to let the GM fail. The GM has failed because he was hired to do all the basketball related things. He has failed to make the right draft picks, failed to hire the right coach, failed to make the correct changes in coaching, failed to make the right acquisitions in general. Because of this, he has given the head coach more opportunities to fail.

Some recent statements by Mike Woodson have shown that he understands that his starters are being played too much and he needs to watch their minutes. He’s been doing this for 3 years and he only now realizes it (and he’s still doing it dammit)? As a GM, why would you keep a guy who can’t even understand a basic concept like this?

And to conclude (before I REALLY go off about this mis-management): I know a thing or two about sports cars. You can match a late model Chevy Impala SS to a Bugatti, McLaren F1, Saleen S7, Lamborghini Diablo VT, Ferrari Enzo, or Porsche 911 GT2 any day. I don’t care if you have a professional driver or an average guy who’s never touched one of these super cars before. 9 times out of 10, the average guy driving the supercar will beat the brakes off of a professional driver in the SS as long as he can shift the gears. He won’t even have to shift all the way up to win. Why? Sheer horsepower and ability. That 1 time out of ten is when the non-professional manages to stall the vehicle or otherwise not manage to drive it.

No, I’m not saying that any dumb coach can win with a talented enough team. The plight of the New York Knicks is the only example needed to refute that theory. I’m saying a super car is still a super car, regardless of the driver. And while a professional driver will bring out the best in it, a super car will still beat the average car nearly all the time. Superstars still make a team better, especially guys who have proven the same with less talented rosters. We still need to make moves. We need a better coach to point us in the right direction. We need the better car to win races.

By ray

February 4, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

We’re starting to play better, thanks to Josh Smith and some others. Josh has impressed me this year.

We’re still getting out-hustled. I don’t understand that. We’re only one win better than Philly right now, and the 7th seed is nothing guaranteed. Nor is the 8th. Teams will be bearing down after the all-star break. Plus, they’ll be making moves to help themselves get better. We cannot keep wasting time waiting for something to come together that just isn’t coming together well enough.

By doc

February 4, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

well let us see if these inmates (players) can continue the jailbreak from their coach or whether he will snuff out their enthusiasm and exciting play to hold the ball on each possession going forward.

By ray

February 4, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Finally! We’re running a bit more, and it is working (surprise, surprise)!

And Josh Smith is going Smoove off….heh heh heh! If we lose I’m gonna scream my lungs out, though. Trust me, y’all will hear that primal outburst up there in the ATL. Sick of the losing…

Reese, yes the Josh Smith bandwagon is probably full now, haters and all. Drive on, bro’. Just to aggravate the pi$$ out of you, I’ll say that his trade value is at an all time high right now. No, I don’t want to trade him, put the poison tip dagger down…

By doc

February 4, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

how many fools out there that dont think this isnt josh smith’s team?

By lookinamirror

February 4, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson should give his all star spot to Josh Smith. He deserves more than Johnson. I know he can’t but he should speak on it.

By Woodsonsucks

February 4, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Why will Woodson not give Smith the ball? Philly was double teaming him and he won’t give him the ball. I see why he doesn’t want to play for Woodson.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 4, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Hmm… I had written a really long response to Ken’s post earlier, which AJC’s outstanding computer system refused to accept. So let me just say this: Ken, do you really think Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are one-dimensional? Really? Come on man…

Stats don’t tell the whole story. Replace Bruce Bowen with Marvin Williams on the Spurs’ title teams and they would have trouble winning even one of them. I’m not saying Bowen’s a better talent, but he’s a better fit for their team, since the two skills he provided — lock down defense and shooting the corner 3 — were the two things that their other players couldn’t provide.

This is why Marvin, being not so great a fit on this team, should be getting traded. I don’t deny that Marvin is a very good athlete with a solid mid-range jumper, but there’s not much else he can do on the court. Maybe one day he develops into a 22-25 ppg scorer… wouldn’t surprise me. His ceiling is probably a poor man’s Carmelo, without the killer instinct. But considering how clueless he is right now at defense, passing and rebounding, I don’t see him ever becoming anything more than average in those categories. And athletic small forwards are a dime a dozen in the NBA Draft, just look where the Blazers got Travis Outlaw.

If I’m Billy Knight, I’m offering Marvin, Shelden, expiring contracts, and a lottery-protected future first rounder for Jason Kidd. If that doesn’t work, I’m offering a package centered around Marvin for Devin Harris. If that doesn’t work, I’m offering Marvin and Zaza (dump that contract) for Sergio Rodriguez and Portland’s draft pick this year. Hey, after the Gasol trade, anything’s possible. But you gotta try.

By ray

February 4, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Doc, good point. He should be applauding his team. All I’ve seen is scowls and dumb looks. How is that to be interpreted?

Geez…Josh Smith and Josh Childress. Maybe we should be building around these two guys. It sure has been nice to watch JJ have a mediocre game and it not matter as much. This is how life could be around here if Woody would quit forcing the JJ-on-five plays. He seems to force it a lot less when he’s not being forced to do everything. Funny how many more things Chill does on the court than the guy who starts ahead of him…ugly jumper and all. Hmmmm.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 4, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith made an outstanding play earlier when he drove inside, went behind the back, and threw a perfect pass to Childress for a layup. Show me one instance where Marvin has done something similar to set up a teammate. Show me one instance where Marvin has even come close to a triple double. Players like Marvin exist all over the league. Players like Josh Smith, 6’9” super-athletic forwards who can score, pass, rebound, defend, block shots, and steal, players who can develop into nightly triple double threats, are almost impossible to find.

Josh is one summer’s worth of shooting practice away from being the most versatile player in the NBA — that’s in comparison to Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, etc (before you call me crazy, I said most versatile, not best).

Marvin is a summer’s worth of practice away from becoming a 23-ppg one-dimensional scorer instead of a 16-ppg one-dimensional scorer.

It’s a no brainer folks. One of these guys can be a superstar, one of them cannot, Jim Rome’s endorsement not withstanding.

By new jersey faithful

February 4, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

JOSH SMITH IS A BEAST!!!!!!

By ray

February 4, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Najeh, I beat ya to the response buddy. Yeah, nobody on the Spurs club is one-dimensional. They’re all two-dimensional at least: effective on both ends of the court because of their innate ability to play team offense or team defense. It’s as simple as that.

I’d be looking hard at a trade for Devin Harris. Still, like Sekou said, a simpler thing would probably be adding another shooter and another decent big. But Devin Harris? Yeah, I’d be looking hard at that…and then make a second move to add the other two aforementioned parts.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 4, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

In other news, it’s great to see Josh Childress and Zaza playing more like they are capable. Zaza, even with his frequent brain farts, if he can contribute 7 boards in 20 minutes every night, can be a useful player off the bench. I still think his expiring contract is more valuable than his on-court ability though.

By Matt

February 4, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

MAN! Tyronn was playing lockdown D on Miller in those last minutes! Man scores 29 points through 42 minutes, and then can’t get an open look for the last 6 minutes. That’s clutch right there, folks.

Also…gotta love it. Childress has probably heard for 3 years that it was a mistake for the Hawks to take him over Iguodala. Well, J-Chill outplayed AI tonight - had one less point on 8 fewer shots and in 8 fewer minutes.

Still scratching my head as to why Woody benched JJ with 5 to go. The 76ers went on a 7-0 run as soon as he left the game. This is why I’m still a skeptic, though I’m not as fire-breathing about it as some folks around here.

Still, good win.

By doc

February 4, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

najeh, lorenzen has the expiring contract. zaza still has a bit left for a reasonable 4 mil a year, cheap for any big man much less for the cheap broken atlanta spirit group.

nice win against a very beatable team, a loss would have been a huge downer.

let us see this team come out big against the lakers.

By doc

February 4, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

matt the injury to his calf is flaring and he would have liked to have sat longer it looked like.

By smartguy

February 4, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Matt, I’m not one to defend Woody, but I think Joe got banged up for a minute. I was figuring Woody was getting his post-game excuse ready. He keeps saying that he is going to cut back on the starters’ minutes, but he NEVER does. Joe Johnson is probably going to have a long summer in the Olympics, so if he enters the summer run down, he certainly will come back to us even worse the following season. Woody overplaying his core group is going to kill us should we ever make it to the playoffs.

Smooth will get a quadruple-double sooner or later. Has anyone ever done that before??

WOODY STILL SUCKS.

By kwooden1

February 4, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

HAWKS WIN! Great job coming back from 20 down and playing well at the end of the game. JS was spectacular on the defensive end and really brought them back. Great to see TLue play better defensive, the guy was know for defensive earlier in his career. I listened to the game on radio and it sounds like the guys are starting to figure out the end of games. JJ is not force shots, their moving the ball and other guys are attacking the basket. Philly is a rebuilding team, but it’s still a quality win.

It looks like Woodson simply stays with guys that are playing well and lets the team figure things out on their own. (I hope that’s what he’s doing) This time it worked, but I hope that he has a plan for the Lakers!!

Almost forgot, go JChill, great last two games and keep improve Zaza!!

GO HAWKS!

By Hawks fan

February 4, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

If the hawks continue to have four guys capable of going 20ppg a night (josh,josh,marvin, and joe) it’ll be tough to stop. Even when joe got only 18 tonight they still one. The only ones capable of going 30 a night are joe and smoove but I think that chillz is the key to us going to the playoffs, hes our x-factor.

By kwooden1

February 4, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

I forgot to say in my other blog.

I terms of the trades: This organization can’t make good trades, so why wish!!

Guys, get yourselves to the Playoffs!!

GO HAWKS!!

By hawksboy

February 4, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

ahh its finally good to see joe have a decent game, he came through in the 3rd and 4th. Big props to the joshes they were awesome tonight. Now if only the two joshes, joe and marvin can get like 15-20ppg this team is playoff bound. I also like horford tonight he came up with some big plays.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 4, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Yeah, you’re right doc, it’s Lorenzen I was thinking of. Zaza has one year left after this one. Still, unless he can become the offensive rebounding specialist he used to be, without dancing around and pretending he’s a scorer, his contract is more valuable in a trade (for matching salaries or for some team that thinks he can help them) than he is on the floor for the Hawks, in my opinion.

Smartguy, I think David Robinson and Hakeem Olajuwon did it a couple of times, but I’m not sure.

By Astro Joe

February 4, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Great game by Josh Smith. But check out what Josh Childress has done the past few games. Tonight, he played PG for extensive minutes and did an admirable job. When the Hawks needed energy to come back from a horrid start, he and his draftmate got the job done. He attacks the basket constantly and is one of the few who stays in constant motion on the offensive end.

One more point, for all of the thousands of posts on who BK missed in the past few drafts, let’s not forget the ‘04 draft. Smith was so far and above better than Iguodala that there may be a few dozen bloggers crying in their cheesesteaks about why they have Iguodala and not Smith.

Bring on Kobe, Pau & Odom.

By terrell barron

February 4, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Why was T-lue in the game for so long, on those old legs? Where was AJ and Acie? Were they hurt?

By terrell barron

February 4, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

One thing is for sure, if you ask me, and that is that everyone has the right to complain about the Sheldon over Roy pick, or the Marvin or Paul and Williams, but we need to stop saying that s** about how bad The Chill pick was. The Kid is a great baseline player who can do a little bit of EVERYTHING on the court. He’s always moving without the ball, which is something I rarely see from the Hawks. I dont see Iggy and Deng being that much better. I had to get that off my chest! And Paul and Williams are playing at a higher level than Marvin is, but Marvin is gettin a lot better, and is not a bust, by no means. But anyway, good comeback victory. Now lets see what we can do against the Lakers!

By terrell barron

February 4, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

N.Davenport, the Nets already have Jefferson at the 3, why would they want Marvin?

By Edo River

February 4, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

JJ has every right to comment. But his timing was wrong. Seconldy, I look forward to the maturition of the Hawks when it is no longer “his team”.

I expect us to be in the playoffs; and I expect us to win a few playoff games. That will be good enough for this season, to make me happy.

By Clyde

February 4, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Yall have heard me say a lot of negative stuff on this blog but I have never said anything negative about Jsmooth. There are a lot of people on this team making more money than him but he is our MVP. Billy needs to get off his a$$ and sign the man to a long term contract asap. Losing him would be a tragedy.

Much love to Jsmooth but our power forward should not be leading the team in assists. Our point guards need to do a better job distributing the ball. It seems to me that Tyron Lue is a shot first point guard.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By mykhalc

February 4, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

didn’t see the game but glad to see the ‘W’!!

DOC, i said a few blogs ago that when the ASG pay SMOOVE the cash, and he is then the highest paid on the team, then all things will be in their natural order with JS bein’ the team leader and JJ playin’ the more comfortable support role. and of course this is if the ASG does what i ‘think’ they will do. i just DO NOT think they will let the hometown, home-grown young baller go elsewhere!! it would be a marketin’ and season tix disaster…IMHO!! so i’m right with ya on this bein’ JS’ team. maybe not 100% yet but i think it’s inevitable!!!

and BIG RAY, good call on REESE drivin’ the SMOOVE TRAIN!!LOL he had his ticket before anybody else, no doubt!!!LOL REESE, lotsa props from me to you these days!!!! what gives!!!???!!LOL

and lastly, if CHILS only had a jump-shot!!!

WOODSON’s gotta go…PERIOD!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 4, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Terrell Barron: the same reason Memphis wanted Javaris Crittenton even though they just spent a lottery pick this year on Mike Conley and a first-rounder last year on Kyle Lowry?

I’m not saying the Nets will necessarily accept, but I’m saying Billy isn’t worth one penny of his contract if he doesn’t try.

By typical hawks fan

February 4, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

billy knight is a f*** idiot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By clyde=moronish

February 4, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Clyde, clyde, clyde. Since the Oct 31 deadline for signing players passed, BK can’t sign Smoove (or Chill) until the playoffs end in June.

But that comeback win put me in such a good mood that I ain’t gonna say anything else about you today.

By doc

February 4, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

myk, i would be happy if ANYONE on this team had a real perimeter game. marvin is waaay too ltd in his range to be considered the answer to that problem

By Melvin

February 4, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

TB, I understand that Memphis want Kwame expiring contract. However, they still have acquire 2 of the worst draft picks in recent history. Oh yeah, you can add Stromile Swift (#2 in 2000) as another one of their brilliant draft day choices.

By mykhalc

February 4, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

DOC, i hear ya. it might be hard for us to admit but LUE ‘probably’ has the best perimeter game on the team, right now…definitely NOT somethin’ to be proud of. well at least not for me!!!

By Pete

February 4, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Shooters: Kapono, James Jones, Mike Miller, Ben Gordon, Martell Webster and Tim Thomas at good prices

By Clyde

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

Hey someone needs thier own identity.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By AJCfanatic

February 5, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

Sekou, is Jason Kidd not a marquee(sp) point guard?? I’m so lost with what the hawks want to do..

By buckhead Benny

February 5, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

300- THE HAWKS GAME-

HOW MANY FANS WERE AT THIS GAME??? WATCHING THIS FROM TV THEY COULD NOT EVEN FILL THE FRONT ROWS BEHIND THE BENCH ON ALL SIDES.

I WON’T GO TILL BILLY AND WOODY ARE GONE. HERE’S SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT-

WHEN’S THE LAST TIME ANYBODY SAW BILLY KNIGHT? CAN HE STILL TALK? I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS GUY IS A GENERAL MANAGER OF NBA FRANCHISE IN A MAJOR CITY AND CAN’T BEEN SEEN OR HEARD ANYWHERE- NOT THAT I WANT TO SEE HIM OR HEAR HIM- ISN’T THAT PART OF THE DEAL WITH A GM IS TO KEEP YOUR FANS OF THE CITY INFORMED AND TALK TO THE PRESS FROM TIME TO TIME.

I HAVE LOST MORE RESPECT FOR HIM- THIS DUDE COLLECTS A PAYCHECK AND HAS NO OBLIGATIONS FOR THE FANS OF ATLANTA.

THIS GUY MAY GO DOWN AS THE LEAST PERSONABLE INDIVIDUAL ON THE PLANET.

I GUESS I WOULDN’T WANT TO SHOW MY FACE EITHER AFTER B. ROY AND C. PAUL ARE GOING TO THE ALLSTAR THIS YEAR AND SHELDON AND MARVIN ARE NOT-

HELL SHELDON DOESN’T EVEN MAKE IT TO THE COURT- ROY REALLY HAS TO STING NOW BILLY

By Ken Strickland

February 5, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

RAY & NAJEH-I stand by my statement about the Spurs. BBarry, MBonner, MFinley, FOberto, DStaudamire and RHorry are mainly outside shooters. None of them are much in the way of a DEF presence. TParker leads the NBA in points in the paint because he’s primarily a penetrator. The same goes for Ginobili. Neither are known for their individual DEF, and neither will scare anyone with their outside shooting. BBowen and FElson are known primarily for DEF only.

NAJEH-How can Marvin be a bad fit when he is the most efficient outside shooter on a team that’s desperate for outside shooting. He’s a SF that averages 6RPG on a team that needs rebounding in order to run. He’s a 3rd scoring option that averages as much, if not more, than most teams 2nd option. I don’t know if any of you noticed the extended rest JJ got in the 1st half tonight. MWilliams was the one that replaced him at SG while he got plenty of rest.

By SQUAWKER

February 5, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

BEST BLOG EVER, SEKOU. SERIOUSLY, THESE ARE THE BLOGS DREAMS ARE MADE OF.

AND WHO IS THIS STONED MOUNTAIN YOU SPEAK OF? NEW BLOGGER?

By Angry Tim

February 5, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this

I watched a few minutes of the game, and it did look like someone forgot to tell the city of Atlanta that there was a game going on. Count me in the crowd thats staying away until Woody is fired. In the TV view, you get to see the backs of the people on the front row. I swear that Gearon got up real fast in the first quarter—like he had to quickly go crap himself. I wonder if Woody is making them as sick as he is making us. Stoned Mt, what do you think of Mike Woodson?

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 5, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this

“How can Marvin be a bad fit when he is the most efficient outside shooter on a team that’s desperate for outside shooting”

Marvin is not an outside shooter, he’s a mid-range shooter. There’s a HUGE difference. If Marvin was truly an outside shooter (which his 16% 3-point percentage proves he’s clearly not) Joe Johnson and our cast of inconsistent point guards wouldn’t have nearly as hard a time finding lanes to drive inside. Marvin’s jump-shooting doesn’t stretch defenses to the point where it helps his teammates’ games. If Marvin could knock down threes on a regular basis, my opinion of how he fits on this team would be very, very different.

“He’s a SF that averages 6RPG on a team that needs rebounding in order to run.”

Let me just put it this way. Marvin gets 5.8 rebounds in 36 minutes per game. Houston’s Chuck Hayes, who is 3 inches shorter and plays 15 less minutes per game, averages more rebounds per game than Marvin. For a 6’9” forward playing 35 minutes a game to average under 6 boards per game is inexcusable — and considering how many offensive boards this team gives up, it’s not like there are not enough boards to go around. Even an off-and-on commitment to boxing out and rebounding from Marvin would be a huge improvement over what he’s currently providing. A 6’9” player should be able to get 5.8 boards by accident. Josh Childress, as awkward and uncoordinated as he looks sometimes, seems to understand the game of basketball 1000 times better than Marvin, despite having less than half Marvin’s scoring talent… and that’s not just this year, that’s throughout his career.

“He’s a 3rd scoring option that averages as much, if not more, than most teams 2nd option.”

I just went to Yahoo stats and looked up stats for 10 random teams (too lazy to look up the other 20), going down the list in alphabetical order. The only teams for whom that statement holds true are the Cavs, whose leading scorer averages 30 points per game. As far as I can tell, that statement is just plain wrong.

From reading your statements about the Spurs (which I completely disagree with by the way) it seems like you are confused about an important point: you seem to think that every player in the league is putting up stats that measure up to their individual abilities. The truth is most good teams have one or two good players who would put up much better numbers if they were given more touches, more looks, etc. on a mediocre team… in fact, there’s a guy by the name of Joe Johnson who you may have heard of who fit that description when he was a Sun. Similarly, many mediocre teams have one or two players who put up good numbers, but their contributions to the team’s success are less than their stats would lead you to believe. Antoine Walker is probably the best example. Many (not all) of the Spurs you mentioned would be showing many more facets of their game if they were given more touches on a mediocre team. Numbers are just a tool, they don’t tell the entire story, as much as ESPN.com’s John Hollinger might try to convince you otherwise.

By mykhalc

February 5, 2008 4:57 AM | Link to this

this we KNOW about the game with the LAL….the seats will be full!!!!!

By Masood

February 5, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this

If Rashard Lewis is worth $123 million, Josh Smith ought to have three letters on his mind this summer: M-A-X.

By doc

February 5, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

ken, dude i love you man, as you know, however, sometimes i think you deserve the nickname of stretch.

there is no defense of marvin’s ineptitude on defense and for not getting rebounds at his size. he has the size and length of some power forwards and the discussion at times is that might be his position down the road. even at that he averages less bounds per game than some teams point guards.

though you are a very positive guy and admired for it, your arguments really point to the fact that there is little balance on this team which is all most folks are saying and that woody says between the lines. that is defenseless for the bk man or spirit. on the other hand woody doesnt do well with the hand he is dealt, no flexibility to change to what works best for the team. that is where his responsibility is and where he falls short. your argument’s support that reality and at times you dont see how condemning your arguments for the hawks are to support the other side.

got to like the way the team has fought back not rolling over. bring on pau, it may be clinic time for horford. you have got to think that zaza an horford need to get a look together on the court at the same time soon as zaza seems to have recovered finaly from his knee and ankle injury. that is probably a big factor in how he performed earlier in the year. look only to the cavs and varejo for how it can affect the overall game and take months rather than weeks to get back to 100%.

By Barack Obama 4 G.M.

February 5, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this

You know, they said this day would never come.

They said our sights were set too high. They said this blog was too divided, too disillusioned to ever come together around a common purpose.

But on this February night, at this defining moment in history, you have done what the cynics said we couldn’t do.

You have done what Atlanta can do in this new year, 2008.

In lines that stretched around schools and churches, in small towns and in big cities, you came together as Democrats, Republicans and independents, came together as Hawks fans, to stand up and say that we are one nation. We are one people. And our time for change has come.

You said the time has come to move beyond the bitterness and pettiness and anger that’s consumed AJC blogs.

To end the blogging strategy that’s been all about division, and instead make it about addition. To build a coalition for change that stretches through red states and blue states.

Because that’s how we’ll win the NBA Finals in June, and that’s how we’ll finally meet the challenges that we face as a nation.

We are choosing hope over fear.

We’re choosing unity over division, and sending a powerful message that change is coming to Atlanta.

You said the time has come to tell the Spirit-less owners who think their money and their influence speak louder than our voices that they don’t own this team — WE DO. And we are here to take it back.

The time has come for a general manager who will be honest about the choices and the challenges we face, who will listen to you and learn from you, even when we disagree, who won’t just tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to know.

And, if you give me the chance tonight, I will be that general manager for the Hawks.

I’ll be a general manager who finally makes tickets affordable and available to every single Georgian.

I will bring bloggers together to get the job done. I’ll be a general manager who ends bad draft picks, who adds a point guard, who adds a big man, who adds a much needed shooter…

I’ll be a general manager who harnesses the ingenuity of bloggers to free this blog from the tyranny of these visionless owners once and for all.

And I’ll be a general manager who ends all of these years of no postseasons and finally brings a championship home…

… who restores our moral standing, who understands that the Dominique trade is not a way to scare people away from trades but a challenge that should unite Atlanta and the blogs against the common threats of the NBA.

Common threats of Kobe and Lebron, Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony, Stave Nash and Dirk Nowitzki.

Tonight, we will be one step closer to that vision of the Hawks if you vote for me.

And so I’d especially like to thank Sekou and his bloggers who will vote for me and make this all possible for Atlanta and America.

And while I’m at it on thank yous, I think it makes sense for me to thank the love of my life, the rock of the Obama family, the closer on the campaign trail.

Give it up for Michelle Obama.

I know you didn’t do this for me. You did this — you did this because you believed so deeply in the most American of ideas — that in the face of impossible odds, people who love this country and this team can change it.

I know this. I know this because while I may be standing up there tonight, I’ll never forget that my journey began on the streets of Chicago doing what so many of you have done for this campaign and all the campaigns here in Iowa, organizing and working and fighting to make people’s lives just a little bit better.

I know how hard it is. It comes with little sleep, little pay and a lot of sacrifice. There are days of disappointment.

But sometimes, just sometimes, there are nights like this; a night that, years from now, when we’ve made the changes we believe in, when more families can afford to see doc, when our children — when Malia and Sasha and your children inherit a team that’s a little better, when the world sees the Hawks differently, and the blog sees itself as a nation less divided and more united, you’ll be able to look back with pride and say that this was the moment when it all began.

This was the moment when the improbable beat what all the cynics always said was inevitable.

This was the moment when we tore down barriers that have divided us for too long; when we rallied bloggers of all parties and ages to a common cause; when we finally gave Americans who have never participated in a Hawks blog a reason to stand up and to do so.

This was the moment when we finally beat back the policies of fear and doubts and cynicism, the politics where we tear each other down instead of lifting this blog and team up. This was the moment.

Years from now, you’ll look back and you’ll say that this was the moment, this was the place where Hawks fans remembered what it means to hope.

For many months, we’ve been teased, even derided for talking about hope. But we always knew that hope is not blind optimism. It’s not ignoring the enormity of the tasks ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path.

It’s not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it and to work for it and to fight for it.

Hope is what I saw in the eyes of the Sekou blogger who works the night shift after a full day of college and still can’t afford health care for a sister who’s ill. A young woman who still believes that this team will give her the chance to live out her dreams.

Hope is what I heard in the voice of the Sekou blogger who told me that she hasn’t been able to breathe since her nephew left for Iraq. Who still goes to bed each night praying for his safe return and for the Hawks to win.

Hope is what led a band of colonists to rise up against an empire. What led the greatest of generations to free a continent and heal a nation. What led young women and young men to sit at lunch counters and brave fire hoses and march through Selma and Montgomery for freedom’s cause.

Hope — hope is what led me here today. With a father from Kenya, a mother from Kansas and a story that could only happen in the United States of America.

Hope is the bedrock of this nation. The belief that our destiny will not be written for us, but by us, by all those men and women who are not content to settle for the world as it is, who have the courage to remake the world as it should be.

That is what we started here on Sekou’s blog and that is the message we can now carry to the NBA Finals and beyond.

The same message we had when we were up and when we were down; the one that can save this country, brick by brick, block by block, that together, ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

Because we are not a collection of red states and blue states. We are the United Bloggers of Sekou. And in this moment, in this season, we are ready to believe again.

Thank you, Sekou.

By doc

February 5, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

obama, you have my vote for gm.

now, if we can only persuade ken that a change is necessary and coming. heh heh

By A Thinking Fan

February 5, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

obama is right!

Free us from the BROKEN SPIRIT!!!

By yessir

February 5, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Fire Clyde!!! Smartguy, who cares if you don’t go to the game? Go Hawks!!!

By randy

February 5, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

BLAH BLAH BLAH…SAME OL’ CRAP. Nothing is gonna happen, nothing is going to change, same crap different year. Stop dreaming Hawks fans.

By Clyde

February 5, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By terrell barron

February 5, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Just heard an interesting comment on NBA TV. Quote: There has never been a player as versatile as Josh Smith in the HISTORY of the NBA. Now, that’s saying something. BK got it right in 04 and 07. Give him his props. Think about all the teams that passed on Smooth. 16 teams missed, Bk did’nt. Now the 05 draft is still up in the air. I know he passed on Paul and Williams but Marvin could turn out to be a pretty good pick or he could turn out to be excellent trade bait. Either way, he’s not a BUST. BK must have really been out walking the dog when Sheldon was selected in 06, however. lol

By ILL-logical

February 5, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

The corpulent coloratura hasn’t vocalized,yet. However, it does occur to me how much further along this team could be IF even the existing talent was utilized better.

The East is weak; the time is now to take advantage and go deep into the playoffs.

Let’s rally around these guys and let their courage and character take them beyond their experience and others expectations.

Go Hawks!

By smartguy

February 5, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Yessir, thats a great attitude to have. Apathy toward the fans has become the norm for the Spirit. Keep that up for another year or two and every game will be like last night (no one home).

tb, I heard that about Josh Smith, too. I think the quote I remember was that “he is the most unique player in the history of the league.” Either way, its hard not to be impressed.

Sekou, I was giving some more thought to whether the players had quit on Woody. Its one thing to play hard, as most of these guys are intense competitors who want to win whether its a pick up game during the summer or a late season game of importance. In other words, anyone can go out there and play like their hair’s on fire, but if you don’t have faith in your coach (for a variety of reasons), then it becomes harder to follow his system and instructions. When that happens, the cohesiveness and synchronicity of a team are greatly effected. My point is that it is one thing to play hard, it is another to play hard and well and together.

By A Thinking Fan

February 5, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

I’m ALL for the HAWK’S PLAYERS; not the BROKEN SPIRIT THEY PLAY FOR!!!

By Bertie

February 5, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Great win. Josh Smith was a steal short of accomplishing a “cinco”, at least 5 points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. He had 19 pts, 6 rebs, 9 assts, 4 stls and 9 blks. That is a hell of a complete game.

By terrell barron

February 5, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

No smartguy, it was VERSATILE.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

February 5, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

I’m ecstatic with the win. I caught the game about 3 minutes into the 3rd quarter. I have to go back and watch the first half tonight (gotta love league pass). I do have two points however about last game that are areas of concern….

1. Why did the Hawks get down so badly like this? I understand that teams “do this” from time to time, but there is no excuse for a squad like Philly to get out on us this badly at home. We are too much of a better team for that. Fortunately they resemble the Hawks from a couple years ago with more athleticism than know how at this point. I wouldnt be so “worried” if we hadnt done this before. Not to get political, but getting too excited about this game (in terms of how it flowed) is like saying the surge worked because it only got us BACK to a point of “acceptable violence”; it should have never been that way. I will still take the W however, most assuredly.

Also, did anyone watching the telecast catch a sequence right after the Hawks took the lead:

The Sixers are trying to get their D right, then Smitty comments: “The Sixers dont know what type of defense they’re running right now and the Hawks are getting their offense set up. JOE JOHNSON ISOLATED UP TOP WITH THADDEUS YOUNG….” net result was no points after Joe misses. How often this has been commented on on this blog. Something has to be done about the half court set. It’s no wonder that when we started running again, we got a lead. When it was late in the game and we were struggling to close them out guess the reason: We had “the closer” in there doing his MMA impression (pound the ground) with the ball until late in the shot clock. I get the fact that when you have a lead you want time to run off the clock- I really do, but this is also what gets us in trouble. It’s tatamount to the prevent defense that works so “well” in football. Dance with the girl that you came with fellas…

RISE UP

By Ken Strickland

February 5, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

DOC & NAJEH-my intent wasn’t to get into a running debate about MWilliams. I merely wanted to make the point that Marvin’s DEF isn’t what ails this team. I wanted to point out how teams still win, and win big, with so called one dimensional players that aren’t any better or worse defensively than Marvin.

The difference is they play for a coach and within a system that takes advantage of their assets while limiting their liabilities, that’s all. I can easily use selective stats to make a point. My reference to Marvins shooting efficency was based on his overall shooting percentage, not just his 3pt. I guess RHamilton shouldn’t be considered an outside shooter since most of the FG’s he takes and makes are from midrange. Look at all of the 6’ 10” -7’ guys that can’t out rebound 6’7” PF EBrand, SMarion or couldn’t out rebound 6’4” PF Charles Barkley or 6’7” C WUnseld. Rebounding involves a lot more than just height and size. If you don’t believe me just ask Bill Russell or Paul Silas.

We’re all frustrated with the way this team has underachieved. But you can’t target one any one player or even Woodson’s coaching as the single cause. It’s a combination of things. Don’t forget, Marvin is just two and a half yrs removed from a UNC bench. He’s also completing the 1st half of his 1st yr as a starter.

It’s not Marvins fault JJ’s injured and in a shooting slump, or ALaw and Salim have lost some of their confidence and shooting touch, or Shelden, Solomon and MWest no longer get any playing time, or we cannot/won’t consistently play an uptempo style of OFF, which he and the entire team seems to thrive in.

Tonight’s gm will be an interesting contest. Will Gasol start and how long will it take him to integrate into their OFF. We’re actually playing them at a good time. Their OFF and DEF won’t likely be as fluid with the roster changes.

By woodsonsucks

February 5, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Does anyoned know why Woodson won’t give Smith the ball in the post in the second half? The Sixers had to double team him. When they did he found the open guy. Of course, the whole 4th quarter he gave the ball to Joe. Also, I see AJ is now in Woodson’s doghouse.

By terrell barron

February 5, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Ken, I doubt Gasol plays. Sore back, I think. Plus he’s still trying to learn the triangle.

By terrell barron

February 5, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Well probably see a lot of Mbenga, not Gasol. I just hope we can out hustle Turiaf on the boards. I remember how Verajo gave us trouble. The Hawks could sure use a player like this. Lets make a deal for Turiaf. haha! T-Lue, Sheldon, and LW.

By yessir

February 5, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Smartguy, I was just stating a point that your presence at the game won’t make or break the Hawks!!! Fire Clyde

By JR

February 5, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

KNIGHT RESIGNS! Oh, Bobby not Billy. Nevermind.

By mrprozach

February 5, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Has anyone looked at the schedule for the rest of February? It is absolutely brutal! 8 of the next 10 games are against teams currently in the playoffs. The Hawks are going to have to seriously step up their level of play if they are going to come out of this month still in the hunt for the playoffs.

By Mike

February 5, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Doc, what’s going on bro. Haven’t been able to blog much. I gotta disagree with Sekou about the dynamic duo JJ and Roy would have made, because he like everyone else keeps for getting we are talking about a Mike Woodson system. In Woodson system Roy would be playing behind JJ not alone side him. Woody favors veteran players. Roy, CP, and DW would struggle in Woody’s system just like the rest of the young guys on the Hawks roster.

I see my boy Smoove is still shoving crow in the mouth of his detractors. Wow how old is this kid again. The only fans in the league that’s wants to trade this guy is his own supposedly home town fans WTF.

It’s amazing how the Broke Asssss Spirit get a pass while the GM and coach get slammed. I’m not fan of BK, but this team is loaded with talent. I personally would like to see new ownership. Yeah that means Owners, GM, and Coach. What the H good is bring in another GM, if you got the same cheap Assssss owners IMHO.

Even a blind man can see that Woody is the problem with this team. The way Woody plays JJ, heck we could use him as trade bait to make a block bluster deal. He’ll be worthless once Woody finish coaching him anyway. Woody is killing the guy. It is amazing that this guy still has a coaching job. You would think that he would be somebody assistant by now.

If these guys can make the playoff with Woodson, imagine what they could accomplish with a more experienced coach that knows how to get the best out all of his players, not just seven guys on the roster. Who but Woodson makes guys sit on the bench in street clothes when they are perfectly healthy? The sad thing is that these guys make hundreds of thousands and in some case millions of dollars doing nothing.

At the very lease the Spirit should demand that these guys earn their pay. It’s the coach job to figure out ways to incorporate the talent of the team into his system. Since when has Phoenix had a balance roster? Put a guy like Woods in charge of that team and see what happen. I rest my case.

Look at this way, regardless of the GM, at some point you going fire Woody anyway. Why trade away young talent without bring in a new coach with a different system. That way you know without a shadow of a doubt, that this guy doesn’t fit the organization needs. No coach in the NBA has been allowed to keep his job with a record like Woodson…LOL. But what do I know, I’m just a miserable Hawks fan.

Great blog Sekou. Good stuff guys.

I GOTTA HANG WITH MY BOYS, GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Big D

February 5, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Any way we can convince the Lakers to take Shelden? He’d be a big man who can shoot the mid-range jumper for the triangle, and we can get Turiaf/Mihm (both expiring contracts).

By Malone

February 5, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

hoopshype.com says Larry Brown wants to coach again. He wouldn’t mop up after his buddy Woody, but if Brown took over the Hawks today, we’d end the year with the #4 seed.

By MannyT

February 5, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

While I am still more of a BK fan than a Woody fan, you think there is a message in the BK fallout this season? Billy King-fired Bobby Knight-resigns Billy Knight-now has a reason to stay quiet like he does!

As these regular Hawks lapses go, better to get it out of the way early and have time to recover. When they happen late in the game, we usually lose.

While I missed most of last night’s game—if we were giving up too many rebounds and breaks in the 1st qtr, would it make sense to put in Mario for a little defensive intensity. I think he would gladly box out.

Doc,mykhalc Lue is the best shooter off the bench. Salim might be, but he’s locked away in that Slava Medvedenko/Tony Delk witness protection program.

OBama4GM Understand that you posted more on this blog than BK has said to the press since he came to town. If you expect to get paid by the word, try different owners.

Mardi Gras - Geaux Hawks!

By 5 spot

February 5, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

wow that was a crazy game by josh smith, i have never seen someone with such a seemingly innate ability to recognize shots and time his jumps, not to mention athletic ability. it even rubbed off on horford with that fingertip block on andre miller to seal the victory.

so have you guys looked ahead to the final stretch of games this year? let me consult my free magnetic schedule…

the hawks could conceivably go like 14-3, catapulting them up in the standings and building momentum for a first-round upset. seriously. from march 16 on, and this is on the optimistic side, but bear with me, i see us losing to boston, either toronto/chicago/washington, and maybe one of the three games with orlando, who we seem to match up well with despite their record. the rest of the teams: new york (twice), new jersey, milwaukee, memphis, philly (twice), indiana, miami? none of these save maybe new jersey and maaayyybe indy will even be competing for a playoff spot at that point in the season. the hawks can go on a crazy win streak to end the season, and make the playoffs with better than an 8-seed, with this line-up.

oh yeah to do that we’ll need to develop a more cohesive second-unit to spell our starters. this means consistently playing salim and solomon jones (who fits the running game better than sheldon). those two, along with childress, law/lue/AJ, and zaza, would form a decent second-unit once certain players inevitably regain their form and confidence with more PT…(and better coaching?…)

also salim should at times be paired with chills in the backcourt, so salim can guard the PG on defense while playing SG and coming off screens on offense, and maybe chillz height, reach, and good fundamentals kinda cancels out salim’s inherent scrub-ness…somehow. bottom line, woody (or his replacement?) needs to be more creative with his rotations, as many here have said.

enough rambling. go hawks!

By Ken Strickland

February 5, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

TERRELL-thanks for the info my friend. The complications of the triangle OFF is why I was wondering. Is Bynum still out? This is a critical homestand and for the teams overall confidence. After this we head out west again. We can’t continue completing for a playoff spot with another roadtrip like the last one.

By Ryder

February 5, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Hey everyone,

If anybody is going to catch Marvin Williams on “Rome is Burning” later today, let’s hope Jim asks Marvin, so what is it like playing for an incompetent coach? or better yet, can you explain why your GM refuses to draft a real point guard?

By jhan

February 5, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I saw Larry Brown & Rudy T at the game last night. Do they both work for the 76ers? I wonder if either of them might be interested?

Great game by Josh Smith last night. That kid is truly the face of our franchise. Once / if Josh develops a consistent jump shot - watch out league. He would truly be one of the hardest guys to guard in the league.

By terrell barron

February 5, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Bynum is out for a while.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

I agree that there are many problems on this team, it’s not all Marvin. Woodson is the main problem for this team because of his unwillingness to run more, and like you said, his inability to highlight a player’s strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. But the point I was trying to make is that if you look at the top 5 players on the Hawks, Marvin is the one guy who doesn’t seem to be getting the most out of his talent and athletic ability.

If the Hawks were a top 4 seed, if they were playing as well as the Blazers are right now, I wouldn’t be so down on Marvin, because even with his shortcomings the Hawks would still be winning. But I really wonder how many more wins the Hawks would have if Marvin applied himself in defense and rebounding. I wonder how many more wins we would have if players like Richard Jefferson, Damien Wilkins, Al Thornton, etc. weren’t lighting up Marvin on an almost nightly basis. If Marvin grasped team defense better, I wonder how many 4th quarter leads this team be able to hold. Yeah, I wish Woodson would be able to coach the team in such a way that Marvin wouldn’t be exposed on D in that way, but unfortunately that’s not the case right now.

Most importantly, when you try to make trades in the NBA, you have to go in with the mindset that you give up someone of value to get someone of more value (well, unless you are trading with the Grizzlies). If the Hawks want to significantly upgrade this team at point guard or in the paint, they are going to have to give up someone who will be valuable to their trading partner. If you ask me, replacing Marvin with Chills won’t hurt the team that much, but the point guard the Hawks could get in return for him could help the team a lot.

By cp

February 5, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I hope all the trade Josh Smith talk stops. Like someone else said I would trade Marvin before I would trade Josh Smith. We have a brutal strech coming up and if Woody continues to coach the way he has then it might get ugly.

By ruckus

February 5, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

RAY and DOC there’s just no point in saying what you said if people don’t want to hear or acknowledge it. They are stuck on their own version of what is wrong, and refuse to believe the truth that this team is not built to win. Each time, I see the same people shift their arguments again and again as soon as you make a point that invalidates their beliefs. You correctly pointed out the problems stemming from the ownership, gm, and coach. As soon as you talked about the gm, the pundits want to shift the argument to the coach. The minute you talk about the coach, they want to say it is the owners. This is the kind of thinking that has ruined this franchise in the first place. People keep denying what should be obvious. The coach can’t coach, the gm can’t do his job, and the ownership can’t do theirs. And for the upteenth time, this lineup is only going to go so far. I doubt the Hawks will win 40 games, seriously. And yet, the same pundits will continue to point the finger in the wrong direction, all the while denying the need for changes in personnel and front office. I guess some people just love the taste of their koolaid. Even if it is poisonous.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 5, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Chad Ford’s take on the Gasol trade:

Atlanta Hawks

Potential offer: • Josh Childress (3.6 million expiring contract) • Tyronn Lue ($3.5 million expiring contract) • Lorenzen Wright ($3.25 million expiring contract) • Anthony Johnson ($2.8 million expiring contract) • First-round draft pick (2010) • Note: Shelden Williams or perhaps Marvin Williams could have been included in place of Childress

Why the deal would have worked for Atlanta: Childress is an important sixth man for the team, but the Hawks are stacked with swingmen and probably don’t want to pay Childress a lot as a restricted free agent this summer. The rest of the contracts are dead weight.

Gasol would have given the Hawks a much-needed veteran plus flexibility to trade more assets down the road.

Why the deal would have worked for Memphis: The Grizzlies would have received roughly the same amount of cap space. Childress, who has a 17.8 PER (player efficiency rating) this season, is a better player than Crittenton is likely to become, and the Hawks’ draft pick (potentially a lottery pick) likely would be worth more than the two picks the Grizzlies received from the Lakers.

The downside is that Childress is a restricted free agent this summer, and the Grizzlies might have had to shell out more than the midlevel exception to keep him.

By tyger

February 5, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

What evidence do we have that Woody would use any newly acquired pieces and more than the current pieces that he has?

NONE!

By ruckus

February 5, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Well said Najeh D. Again, denial is an ugly thing. There is no denying that Williams isn’t doing everything he can for this team. You have to take him to task for that sort of thing, instead of quoting misleading statistics to support a homer’s attitude. It is hard to understand why someone wants to blame a coach for a non-motivated player anyhow.

By Jo Bling

February 5, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

cp - No, one game hasn’t changed my mind about the need to trade Josh Smith. He saved the game last night with his defensive hustle and intimidation. But most nights he continues to be a liability on the offensive end and a disruption to the game plan. Many on this board complain about Woodson, but does anyone really believe that Josh Smith listens to a word Woodson says? How can you formulate an offensive game plan when one player is intent on running his own circus act?

Trade Josh Smith now, while you can still get something for him.

By Sherewshevsky

February 5, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Nice write-up.

I actually think a physical BIG man who can keep people from driving into the lane (knock em down) and score a few points too would be highest priority. Wasn’t that supposed to be Za Za? Other guards get by our guards too easily. But who is out there? Dalembert?

Also, I think Josh should be the all-star. Not JJ. His all-round numbers amaze.

By jami$$ion

February 5, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

CP LET ME MAKE THIS BRIEF. 4yrs i was and still am a proud Nique fan so much 2 da fact after he in my & many Atlantanseyez was robbed of da slmdnkcontest against MJ that afterwards i hated MJ.Sofar 2 the point that i was blinded by his greatness.& like a fool i paid dearly 4 my mistakes year afteryear.Until i realized & becameagrownman that everything i like or dislike can’t dispute the truth.& the truth is 21 ain’t better than 23& #5 is the buttnakedtruth.U don’t throwaway diamonds 4 rocks.Bi nt persnal

By Al

February 5, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Sekou Josh Smith has 700 career block doesn’t that make him the youngest 2 ever do it

By jami$$ion

February 5, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

MY BAD CP MY LAST POST WAS 4 JOE BLING! N WHO WOULD U TRADE JS 4 CUZ U GONE GET SWINDLED. YALL SAY SMOOTH AINT WORTH DA MAX.WELL TELL ME OUTSIDE OF LEBRON KG KOBE NASH WHO WORTH MAX! TMAC NO STAY HURT,GASOL HAHA. LEWIS HELL NO. VC WALLY JO STAYHURTMO THANSHAQ AND TMAC.DAMON STOUDIMIRE HE WAS THE HIGHEST PAID PG. My point it’s alot of garbage wit big salaries,if JS gets his deal he’ll still be worth it when it ends he’ll still be in hs 20’s.U gone end up trading a superstar 4some ok 4now.Win’n aint bt feelns

By terrell barron

February 5, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Talk about Marvins defense. Have you ever seen Gasol play any defense? Thanks for nothing, Jim Rome. I thought you were supposed to be Mr. contraversial. You got nothing out of Marvin.

By ray

February 5, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Najeh,

All that need be said is that there is a severe lack of intelligence and committment. Therefore, deals that make sense and benefit the team aren’t done. I have yet to see evidence to the contrary. The JJ deal was the best we’ve ever done, and even that one wasn’t done right, but we won’t get into that crap AGAIN. The Pachulia signing looked good the first season or two. Now it looks like crap. Go ahead, blame the coach for everything. Blame his boss and you’re even more on target. But we already know that people just don’t wanna admit it….

By honest_abe

February 5, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

jj is far from being 100%. as if he didn’t spend enough time dribbling around, he’s doing it more lately.

the hawks run yesterday in the 2nd quarter came with jj sittin on the pine.

i’m not saying the hawks are a better team without jj. i am saying that a hurt jj can at times be a detriment to this team. what’s his fg% over the last 5 games. it has to be hovering right at 40 percent. i just wish he’d take the all star break to heal up.

my god man chills has missed like 3 shots in the last two games. not such a surprising note until you see that he’s scored over 20 points in each game. the guy is finishing better this year than he ever has and looks like the energy guy off the bench the hawks have sorely missed.

i guess this merry go round of pg’s will have to work. it doesn’t look like a move will be made anytime soon.

even with the win woody is still the worst coach in professional sports. period.

By BosnianBaller

February 5, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Besides the draft picks that were screwed up on I thought this past offseason that the hawks should of signed Jarvis Hayes to give them another shooting threat.

By Steve T

February 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Ken, you have to overlook some people on this board. They think they know bball, but they do not understand as much as they think they do. Marvin is a talent and like you said Rebounding is more than just size. There are some 7 footers that average 6 rebs a game.

Marvin can hit that jumper if given a chance. It is up to the coaches to make sure he gets that jumper going. Good coaches find a way to use talent. You can run him off screens and picks like they do Rip.

I think that the Hawks will be OK at the point because AC will come around. The guy can drive to the basket, but the problem is he does not always finish. A good coach will have him working on that move.

By jhan

February 5, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

SteveT,

A good coach will make players better shooters & finishers? That theory is not totally true.

I think a good coach can call plays that will put shooters & finishers in the correct position. Making the shots is on the player.

There are also guys who are much smaller than Marvin who average as many rebounds. What is your theory behind that one?

By Ken Strickland

February 5, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

DOC-I just caught your 8:08am post. I won’t tell you to go to heLL because I know I’ll probably be joining you later, heh, heh. Where did you get the idea I’m against change or adjustment. Although I wasn’t one of the 1st to advocate Woodson’s dismissal, I’m on board now. I’ve stated I don’t think Woodson is a bad coach, just a bad fit for this team. I’d like to see a change just to stimulate a change of attitude among the players.

RUCKUS-Maybe there’s a reason you’re seeing a variety of so called wavering opinions. There are actually multiple reasons for most of the teams problems. The problem is some seem to identify and then focus on one issue as THE CAUSE of our problems rather than recognizing it as ONE OF THE CAUSES.

I agree that Marvin isn’t a complete player. I would also like to see him do more, but I recognize that all players don’t develop at the same rate and in the same way. Take a look at the key players on the Pistons. Most of Detroits key undrafted vets(like Billups, Hamilton, Wallace and McDyess for example) were considered underachievers and sitting on someones bench before becoming Pistons. Obviously they weren’t playing at their max potential. Now they are champions and either allstars or players other teams would kill to have. Compared to his effort and performance during his Piston days, Ben Wallace could be considered an underachiever with the Bulls. Sometimes a player is asked to work within a system the doesn’t entirely work for him.

I’M NOT INTERESTED IN PLACING BLAME ON ANY ONE INDIVIDUAL AS MUCH AS I WANT TO IDENTIFY ALL OF MY TEAMS PROBLEMS AND FIND SOLUTIONS. I HAVE NO DOUBT ABOUT ALL OF YOU WANTING THE SAME THING. WE’RE ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT THE SAME THINGS, JUST FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES.

By doc

February 5, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

ken, i hope you took it all as it was intended. just playing wit cha and saying it with a huge smile on my face.

By doc

February 5, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

ken, i hope you took it all as it was intended. just playing wit cha and saying it with a huge smile on my face.

By terrell barron

February 5, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Woody I hope you watched the Lakers beat up on New Jersey. Now thats how you run an offense. You see the way Phil plugged Gasol right in the lineup. It looked like he’d been there all year. Now that’s a COACH. Kobe had 6 points and they still won by 15. You better let the boys run for 48 tomorrow because if we play that half court b******, its going to be a blowout.

By Steve T

February 5, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

Mr. Hayes, you got to be kidding. I would rather sign Mike Miller because JJ could be getting some rest so that he can heal. Mike is shooting 50% from the field and 43% from the 3. Those are the type of numbers the Hawks need in the worst way.

When the Hawks have a 19 point lead and need to score, you can have a line up of Marvin, Miller, and JJ/Lue. You will have three shooters on the floor at all times which will stretch the zone and let Smith and Horford free to work the inside.

By Braves Fan

February 6, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

Hawks to acquire Andre Miller? That’s what RealGM says: The Hawks receive: Andre Miller Herbert Hill Louis Amundson

The Sixers receive: Tyronn Lue Lorenzen Wright Salim Stoudemire Solomon Jones

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 6, 2008 3:26 AM | Link to this

That would be an outstanding trade for the Hawks (and a pretty bad trade for the Sixers) which is why it probably won’t get done. Ladies and gentlemen, your Atlanta Spirit.

By ray

February 6, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this

JHan, you have to overlook some people on this board. While straddling their wooden high horse, they think they know so much more than anybody else here (while making the same claim about others). Meanwhile, they use the most preposterous concepts to solidify their senseless arguments. But that’s okay, it’s entertaining…sometimes.

By ray

February 6, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this

Ken, you nailed it. There is a variety of reasons why things are wrong. Not just one. It is my opinion that some are more responsible than others, but that’s an opinion. As for Marvin, something tells me he’s just not the player some of us want him to be. He may not ever be…he might just be who and what he is. The only question there would be is he providing what we need, or do we need to explore other options. But then, each player on the team has to be evaluated that way, not just Marvin. And he’s not the reason we lose. No way you can just blame it on him.

Again, you have a good way of putting things a lot of times. Class, class, class. Unlike some other pompous perpetrators. But hey, it’s a blog. We can’t help it if the idiots that lose their villages wander into here, right?

By doc

February 6, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

to be a little provocative, i mean why not? anybody want to take a shot at a comment on the near done trade of shaq to the suns? bold? fearless or fearful?

what it says about our hawks indirectly as it lets amare go to the position he does best and is built for at a four spot and ruins ALL the arguments of how well amare does at 5 and the argument of why shouldnt horford be able to do the same and still be on a contending team? yep, hate to say it but it really trashes that commonly used argument to negate how unbalanced this roster really is as it has been created by bk and especially as it is used by its coach woody. does it also explain some of the inconsistency of effort as guys continue to play out of position in a style that is inconsistent with the positions they are best suited for?

samuel, a shaq man (as i am) ? ….. atf (a suns guy as i am)? anybody?

just asking.

By terrell barron

February 6, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Sergio and Channing Frye for Marvin, Sheldon, Salim and a couple of expiring contracts. Come on BK, TRY SOMETHING!

By I.MUS WRITE

February 6, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Josh Smith = Atlanta Hawks MVP!!! The guy single handedly won the sixer game with his defense. JS deserves to be in New Orleans period. JS all around beast/JJ j-jump shooter. I swear if we dont resign the yung’n im done with this franchise.

By terrell barron

February 6, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Since Shaq is a Sun now, does this mean we can throw out those 59 sec, or do we still have to make it up?

By Astro Joe

February 6, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Doc, I’ll bite. I’m no big fan of Riley but this would be a terrific trade for the Heat. At the same time, I don;t fear Marion as it makes the Heat smaller and the Hawks have no reason to fear any small team (when they play the right way). I think Banks could be a steal as Riely will likely get him to fulfill his potential.

In regards to the unbalanced roster. That argument assumes that BK is done with the roster. I personally do not think he nor Woody envision Horford as the long-term center. This off-season, between Kwame, Diop, weed-smoking Harrison, Olowakandi wannabe O’Bryant and old man Francisco Elson, there will be plenty of big men available to sign as our defensive center (but not likely our starting center). And hopefully, they could be signed for something far more reasonable than the current contracts of guys like Jeff Foster, Kwame’s current deal, Blount or Dampier.

We all wish that every November, our team would start the year with a perfectly balanced roster. But as you well know, Doc, that’s hard to do when operating with a bottom 3 payroll structure. Personally, I’d look to sign Elson, Chris Duhon and Jarvis Hayes during the off-season while allowing Chill to leave with the expiring deals. Those 3 hopefully could be had for less than $14M collectively. That would give us balance both in terms of size and experience (which I believe is in greater need than size). That assumes that we must continue to shop at the Dollar Store. If we get to to shop some place like JCPenney, then I would offer up a very different list.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

February 6, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Ken,

Not taking a shot, but I’m going to need you to do some homework on players before making proclaimations on people’s talent levels. Of the 4 Pistons you mentioned all but Chauncey played well before becoming Pistons, VERY WELL. McDyess was a top 3-4 PF, Rip avg 20, and Sheed was a more productive version of himself now. Billups did in fact get better after time, but he is an exception. To place blame on a coach is dubious because he’s been playing well, long after Rick Carlyse has left. The learning curve for PG’s and centers is also different because of the requisite skill sets and mental aspects to the game.

I, like most here, like what Duck brings, just want to see more of it. That will require more application on HIS part. His offense will continue to grow, but it’s the other facets of the game that “worry” me. Rebounding, passing, touch, defensive prowess are things people generally “have”. Duck has yet to really show he possesses these traits, and coaches cant teach these things. Sure, he can become more efficient, but I think he is near the player he will be in terms of intangibles. That said, I still hope he AND Smoov remain Hawks for a long while.

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