Hawks

By Matt

February 23, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this

God, I hope Woody actually finds a way to play him from now on. Having him and JJ together in the backcourt to spell Bibby is the perfect way to ensure that there’s always someone there to take the pressure off of JJ.

By SalimFan

February 23, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this

Great Piece Sekou. It has been long overdue and everyone in the hawks organization from the execs to the ball boys knew it.

It’s like Steve Smith and Bob Rathburn were waiting to talk about salim. I think everyone was and everyone wanted him to play except a certain coach. I know this may sound bad but thank god for MINOR injuries.

Way to keep your emotins in check and stay ready salim. If I was in your position I couldn’t have done it.

He and J-Rich provide a shooting spark that was long overdue for the Hawks.

Think about this though. salim is a free agent this summer. Scouts always have their eyes open. Now if salim doesn’t get any PT these next 30 games and he’s unhappy. He’ll be getting paid by another ball club this tome next year.

If that happens look for him to score 40 against the hawks….But if woody grows a brain salim will get his minuets and strike up a new deal in the ATL. The choice is up to you Woody.

Hopefully they can sign Salim and J-Rich this summer along with the Joshes.

By Sean

February 23, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

All ASG will ever have is attorney’s fees…these songs of litigation…songs of blown draft picks…songs of losing streaks…songs of bad coaching…

By Casey

February 23, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

FIRE WOODSON AND BILLY KNIGHT!!! WAY TO GO SALIM!!!

This just goes to prove what I’ve been saying the last 3 years. Woodson is an idiot and so is Knight. Salim has been wasted these last 3 years. If he played for any other team he would be a star.

By Moyenda

February 23, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this

It’s about time, Salim is an offensive machine. Although he is somewhat of a liability on defense, he does show effort and heart. Salim is the ultimate professional, you never hear him complain about his lack of playing time. He always relishes his opportunities. This only makes Coach Woody’s decisions not to play him during many offensive droughts this year just plain wrong.

By Steve Belkin

February 23, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this

Suckers.

By Matt

February 23, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

I do want to say in response to those of you who slammed Woody for keeping Horford and Salim benched in the last 5 minutes - those are the moments where I’m glad Woodson is making the substitution calls instead of us. The Warriors were going small and trying to outrun us. Bibby is much quicker than Salim, and also has a proven history of coming through in the clutch. No NBA coach would bench Bibby for Salim down the stretch.

As for Horford, remember two things. First, the Warriors were going small and fast in the final minutes to try and run-and-gun their way back in the game (no one taller than 6’9), and so the Hawks needed to make sure they had 5 guys on the floor who could play perimeter defense. Quick as Horford is, he doesn’t have much experience defending guys like Al Harrington who play half the game beyond the arc.

Second, the usual strategy of a team that’s down by single-digits with 3 minutes or less to go is to foul. Horford is a weak free throw shooter while Bibby, JJ, Marvin, and J-Chill are all 80% or better. So unless you want us to bench Smoove down the stretch…well, you get the idea.

I’d say that I wish he’d played JJ a couple less minutes, but the dude was on fire tonight. You don’t bench your star when he’s hot.

Woody actually managed the game well tonight. It happens occasionally. I just wish I had faith he’d do it again tomorrow.

By mred1943

February 23, 2008 2:59 AM | Link to this

If woody would let the hawks run and use more players in the rotation there wouldn’t be any fourth quarter let downs and let downs

By Casey

February 23, 2008 3:02 AM | Link to this

Matt,

You are crazy if you think Bibby is quicker than Salim. Even if Bibby weren’t hurt, Salim is BY FAR the quicker player. Bibby would tell you so himself. But, that is not the point. This is the most Salim has played in a game in a LONG TIME. When Woodson took him out, he had been in the game for a long frantic stretch of minutes. He had to come out, because he had to be winded by then.

By MJ3

February 23, 2008 3:13 AM | Link to this

Actually, Casey and Matt are BOTH wrong and BOTH right.

Casey is wrong Bibby IS normally a very quick player, which is precisely why he was the centerpiece of the Kings’ fast-paced offense for years; he just hasn’t been able to show it the past couple years because the Kings slowed down. And Salim is slow running the floor for a guy his size, which is why he was considered a borderline NBA prospect by everyone back in ‘05. He’s not Trajan Langdon, but he’s not quick either, at least not for a guard. You’d have to ignore every scouting report on him for the past 4 years to argue that he is.

HOWEVER, Matt is also wrong because with Bibby’s hurt heel, he’s a step slower than normal. He certainly wasn’t put in for speed.

You’re also both right, though - Bibby is clutch (as Matt said) and Salim needed the rest (as Casey said).

Can’t we all just get along?

By Casey

February 23, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this

The Hawks did not win this game because of anything Woodson did tonight, except for letting Stoudamire finally play. But, he didn’t have any other (sane) alternative. He had no one else to go to. The Hawks won this game on talent and energy alone. They had 21 turnovers resulting in 23 points. But, they made shots, they fought hard and rebounded (18 offensive boards), they ran the floor all night, they played good enough defense to win. Woodson can’t take credit for this one. The players should be proud of themselves. Woodson continues to let Marvin Williams stay out there for these long stretches when he disappears, while Zaza and Solomon sit on the bench. Woodson almost let them blow that huge lead, before he woke up from his nap and put Salim and Richardson in. Woodson has no clue how to manage a game. Watch how Don Nelson runs a game and see the difference. These players deserve a coach.

By Casey

February 23, 2008 3:25 AM | Link to this

MJ3,

I don’t know where you get your scouting reports or who writes them, but I don’t care about that. I watch the games. I see Salim blow by everyone on the court, and that tells me he is quicker than they are.

By Matt

February 23, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this

Heh. Fair enough, MJ3. I surrender.

By mykhalc

February 23, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this

Matt, BWRIGHT was controlling everything in the middle without HORFORD in there. so regardless of them goin’ small, HORFORD ‘probably’ controls ball possesion/rebounds. and the fact is you counter their move with ‘your’ strength as opposed to tryin’ to play to theirs!! but i’ll take the win regardless!!!

By cp

February 23, 2008 4:00 AM | Link to this

Like I said in the other blog. It is amazing what players like Salim and Law(in the previous 2 games before he was hurt) can do when they are actually allowed to play their games and not have to worry about Mike Knapp pulling from the game if they make one mistake. As many of us have pointed out on numerious occations, Mike Knapp coaches better with a short bench. The less he has to work with the less he can mess up. We cant beat Utah if we are going to continue to turn over the ball at this high rate in crucial situations.We probably lost a good 10 points in fast break oppourtunities because of sloppy ball handling. I really would prefer if our guys grabbed the board and made a smart pass to the pg and allow him to run the break. Chill was kind of sloppy on the break tonight with the ball but other than that I really cant complain about his game. He brings it night in and night out. Yea good rebounding game by Marvin. If it wasn’t for that I really would not be able to tell you he even suited up if I hadn’t seen the game myself. Woodson has to learn to pull Marvin when he is basically out there daydreaming. There are way too many stretches in the game where this kid does absolutely nothing. If he is not producing pull him and give somebody else a chance. I like Richardson but he really has to work on his NBA defense. I think he can be a good bench player for us. I like Monta Ellis. The kid is going to get paid. He should go to a team with a uptempo pace though I dont know how well he would be in a half court offense. I haven’t seen them play much halfcourt to know someone else on here might have a better idea. When Brandon Wright adds some weight he will be a very nice player. Very fun game tonight.

By el el

February 23, 2008 4:06 AM | Link to this

I think any Hawks fan who keeps up with the team regularly is really proud of the effort and performance that Salim Stoudamire put forth tonight. It just seems like the last two years, everytime Salim got to see time on the court, unless he played at an extremely high level (and sometimes even if he did), Coach Woodson would just bury him on the bench for a month.

I’m not one of those people who are calling for Coach Woodson’s head on a platter, but it frustrates me to see a player like Salim, who is so gifted and has a such tireless work ethic, constantly being looked over.

I mean how can you judge a player’s worth and merit on a team, when as soon as the player makes a mistake on the court, he is pulled from the game and doesn’t see the court again for a month. I would understand if this was someone who was lazy, or has a bad attitude, or no basketball IQ, or absolutely no talent at all, but we all know in Salim’s case this is not the case. I find it hard to believe that a player such Salim given 10-15 minutes a night consistently would not put this team in a better situation to win on many nights. I hope that Coach Woodson finally comes to his senses and gives him the game time that he deserves.

By RealSquawk

February 23, 2008 4:28 AM | Link to this

salim was almost traded???

By SALIM FAN

February 23, 2008 4:43 AM | Link to this

I LIKED SALIM EVERY SINCE I MET HIM IN ‘06,WHEN THE HAWKS PRACTICED AT WOODWARD ACADEMY..HE SMILED AND TALKED TO FANS,AND WAS SO HUMBLE,EVEN MORE THAN THE STUCK UP JOSH SMITH..HE SAT DOWN AFTER THE PRACTICE AND TOOK PIX WITH MY NEPHEW AND TALKED ABOUT SCHOOL,AND SNEAKERS..WAY TO GO SALIM..LET HIM PLAY WOODY….

By vava74

February 23, 2008 4:44 AM | Link to this

I told you all a few days ago:

Salim = Vinnie “Microwave” Johnson

Go Salim! Go Hawks!

By vava74

February 23, 2008 4:48 AM | Link to this

Sign MAGLOIRE!

Sign MAGLOIRE!

SIGN MAGLOOOIIIRE!

By MontanaBravesFan

February 23, 2008 5:01 AM | Link to this

Sekou, so what was the proposed trade that would have sent Salim to Denver??

By doc

February 23, 2008 5:51 AM | Link to this

couldnt stick it out last night to the end. thought the lead would slip away so retired with the hawks ahead by seven in the third.

glad to see salim stand up proud, felt he has had it all along and has been buried by his coach for long intervals and said many times he was pressing to prove himself,. not just recently, no said it last year in december of 2006 which is how long he has been captive to his coach’s ineptitude.

stlll have to wonder why it takes woody soooo long to figure it out. bibby was done a good 5 minutes before he was finally taken out as the gamer he is. you also have to wonder why when the warriors made their run he didnt call a time out or two and consider changing the match up’s and release one of their most tenacious defenders who could have matched bapon stride for stride as they made their run and earned got a coach dnp. yep, why didnt west see the court for even 5 minutes to abuse anyone who tried to run up the court as bibby hobbled up and down the court not able to hoist his beautiful soft arching shot because his wheels were gone.

gosh the coach is overmatched and has been from day one. how many times have we watched him and not been able to say, “you know coach made a few good decisions to make a difference”. yep, just have patience that is all that needs to be done. right.

good win for the hawks and a good game for salim but we all know what he will get as a reward, about five more coach dnp’s after his name unless bibby cant go. even with that scenario i am sure that he will start west for 5 minutes like he did ivey and rub more salt in the wound as woody controls the action and makes sure no one feels recognition that they are wanted except the chosen few. confidence is what these guys lack and again i will say it this coach is unable to deliver it as too many have flourished after they have left.

By doc

February 23, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this

ray. concur with all the obs from last blog. fell over when i saw the duckbutt put into a body last might.

very cheap non foul on horford. the only players around to get fouled were his teammates. if anything it should have been an and one as he was hit after the shot. one of those crucial calls that make you wonder if games arent rigged,

got to give it up to salim for giving appreciation and gratitude to the video guy for helping him to stay in shape. guess it says something about practice time as well as game day. he really seems to have changed his inner self for the better though it hasnt translated to more play time. heh heh. myk you still hatin on the guy? man he is a soul bro. heh heh

come on samuel and atf lets give it up for the big man shaq as he got his first win in months and the first for the suns. go suns!

By doc

February 23, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

mbf do back a few blogs or go to hawks and look around and do a little catch up dude, stay away from dob’s blog or change your name. heh heh keep up new comer.

By jami$$ion

February 23, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this

SEKOU I’VE BEEN SCREAMING 4 SALIM!!EVEN Y U YOURSELF WASN’T ENDORSING HIM.Another BK pick WOODYWOODPECKER doesn’t use properly.He’s a 2nd roundgem i wanted him on draftday,chills cosigned the pick 4 BK made it.That’s a player GM,though shrewd.Aside from the speedy signing,BK has given this jackass the personel 2 get it done.All woody has done is blame players 4 his incompetence, 2 create a unbias system 4 them 2 thrive in.Instead of admitting he’s unqualified,that blame is shifted 2 the player & we suffer.

By jami$$ion

February 23, 2008 6:57 AM | Link to this

We don’t see what the player can do cause he has been misused & when given time is frustrated and wants 2 make a impact so he can stay employed he makes a mistake,Woodywoodpecker pulls the player,says he can’t play in his system,we label the player a bust,curse BK 4 the pick,trade sans player 2 another team player then becomes intricate part of another team & plays us with the vengefulness of the Punisher.In short.Woodywoodpecker don’t let BK fire u,resign,go 2 IU,we’ll b in the postseason.U’ll b coaching

By smartguy

February 23, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this

LET MY WOODY GO….

By smartguy

February 23, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

Woodson is such an idiot. He will probably bury Salim right back on the bench. Woody said, “he made shots and that’s the key to him being on the floor.” Who else does Woody place that condition on?

Salim is the only one he holds to this kind of scrutiny. Even worse for shooting specialists, to tell them “don’t miss a shot or you’re out” is a very bad thing. It creates an artificial air of pressure, but if you want him to score 12 to 15 a game, then he needs to take at least ten shots, EVEN IF HE MISSES THE FIRST TWO.

There is so much that Woody just doesn’t get, its unbelievable that he is still a head coach in the NBA.

By Chuck D

February 23, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this

I will immediately become a U of Indiana booster if they would take Mike Woodson off our hands.

By JohnGTFan

February 23, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

LIke everyone else, I’m proud of Salim and knew Woodson had to play him with all the injuries. I’ll be honest…I didn’t think Salim could play defense, I truly didn’t. And that’s why I thought he didn’t get time in games. That and the coach is an idiot! If he can provide that kind of a spark on a consistent basis, he’ll see MUCH MORE playing time. Woodson can’t expect him to do it every night he plays…noone can…but if he can play hard on defense, distribute on offense when his shot isn’t there…then he’ll get plenty of minutes. I’m still not ready to call him “instant offense” off the bench, but I love the opportunity and results he provided last night! Way to go kid!

By Jeremy

February 23, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Salim can really help this team IF he gets the chance and IF he comes out and plays the type of game he played in GS. He was under control and he defended his _ off last night. Each time GS doubled JJ in the post, Salim was open and provided the threat of a jump shooter. He was also fearless going to the basket on the break a few times.

Woodson HAS to get this kid in the game and make him play his way back to the bench. He also has to give Solomon Jones a shot versus Zaza. He cannot be any worse and if you get the kid some real game minutes, he might just improve.

BUT I am sure that once Acie comes back Salim will get buried on the bench again. I am also sure that once we go against a team that does not want to sprint up and down the court that we will go back to playing the tempo dictated by the other team. Good teams impose their tempo/will on other teams. Mike Woodson will not allow this team to even attempt to do that.

By terrell barron

February 23, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

1strdrs: Chills, Smoove, Marvin, Sheldon(Bibby)) Horford, Law 2nd rdrs: Salim, Solo Trades: Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, Zaza Gabor Craig Claxton(mistake) Other than Speedy, PRETTY GOOD JOB BK! I’ve seen worse.

By richbrave

February 23, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Amazing what a win does for the old blog.

By ace

February 23, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

HIRE STEVE SMITH as coach.Watching the game last night he kept saying “this is the way the hawks should play” up tempo with all our athletes. everyone sees it but woody. Smith was a smart player in is day. Smith is respected by all NBA players and He is young enough to relate to today players.

By hudson

February 23, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

oh, if we could go back and check my previous posts!

SALIM THE SNIPER!

By Pete

February 23, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

SALIM SHOULD HAVE BEEN PLAYING REGULARLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Astro Joe

February 23, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Woody tried his best to give away that game last night. Why didn’t Horford get back in late in the game when Warriors went bigger with Al and Wright? In the first half, Zaza played well and was on the floor when the lead was extended. He got no love in 2nd half because Woody tries to play small ball with Nellie. And it almost cost us the game. If it weren’t for the horrendous play of Al Harrngton, (and clutch performance by Salim in 2nd half) we would have lost. I’m thrilled with the win, especially since I watched the whole game, but goodness, Woody is simply a horrific coach.

Big props to Salim for being there for his teammates. And I love the gutty performances we’re seeing from Bibby.

I agree, let’s sign Magloire. He won’t do anything but foul, set picks and sulk. 2 out of 3 ain’t bad with 30 games remaining.

By Chris

February 23, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Salim’s a beast on my NBA 2K8 team. How come I can light it up with him in my living room, but he only gets 1 minute on Wednesday? Mike Woodson needs to play more video games.

By Chris

February 23, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

After averaging just under 4 3’s a game, the Hawks made 10 last night and 9 on Wednesday. I hope this trend continues. Scoring points is usually a good thing in the NBA.

By moboman

February 23, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

As I have stated all season, the game gets a lot easier when you put SHOOTERS on the floor. For once we made the opposition respect the outside shot, and look at the result. Finally Salim was utilized as a weapon, and the offense was run accordingly. There was never a point in the game last night when we didnt have 2 or 3 shooters on the floor, and GS had to defend all 5 of our guys. DO YOU FINALLY GET IT WOODY, OR WILL YOU SEND SALIM BACK TO THE BENCH AGAIN FOR ANOTHER MONTH?

By Chris

February 23, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

This is from Yahoo’s recap:

“Salim was fantastic tonight,” Atlanta head coach Mike Woodson said. “He gave us a huge lift, made big shots and held his own defensively. He’s going to be right in our rotation.”

And you realize he should be in the rotation after the 52nd game of his 3rd season? Well, good thing you haven’t wasted anyone’s time or anything…

By PD

February 23, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Salim deserves more PT. No question. JJ finally had some options when he was being double-teamed. Salim definitely spreads out the floor and will make things easier for JJ and Bibby with kickouts. All those times wasted with T-lue and AJ when we couldnt score a bucket makes me wonder what our record could have been. Acie and Salim should have been playin more minutes than those 2 old-timers.

Definitely, get Magloire. I’d take him over Zaza any day. Maybe he could actually help Horford get rebounds and improve the interior defense.

By ajw

February 23, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Yeah, what was the proposed trade with Denver. Haven’t heard anything about that until now.

By preston

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

Good to see that Salim is getting lots of love after his performance last night…….I still can’t believe that Woody only played him b/c he had no other option….and we were, and maybe are still trying to trade him. How the hec’ did Woody not have a spot for him on this team while starting Anthony Johnson? AJ played well for us, but he was more of a band-aid than anything else…..and just think that it took us trading him and Tlue, and then for Acie to get hurt, for Salim to finnaly get his minutes and produce. I doubt that any other team in the league would have had Salim riding the bench behind AJ and Tlue, but we are talking about Mike “Woody Woodpecker” Woodson here. Salim played 23 minutes last night and gave us 18 points…..only one assist, but those will only increase with time, infact Salim looked to pass more last night than not. Sad thing is, we all know that Salim’s performance meant nothing playing for Woody, and he will assume his position on the bench when Acie comes back…..but at least this further shows that you should never hire a woodpecker to try and coach an NBA team!!!! We should all hope that Indiana gives Woody an offer that he won’t refuse b/c he is not going to do anything here, but waste and ruin our talent.

By I.MUS WRITE

February 23, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Salim- OMG am I a prophet or what? The guy just needs playing time to be effective. Im glad Woody got his head out of his azz. Woodson has been using him wrong all this time…..

U cant jus throw the guy out there and expect his to get it poppn-its called rythm- Itz hard to find that rythm when ur looking for the hook becuse of a missed shot or two.Why was Lue and AJ getting all the dam minutes anyway- I dont ever remember those two going for 18 ….. go figure——- Who the hell is Von Wafer by the way-what has he done and Y would we have wanted him instead of Salim… Von Wafer come on

Bibby iz what this team needed a PG who can set folks up and nails the long J to open the floor. JJ looked more relaxed because of his presence -cant wait to see them after another couple games or so.

By Mike

February 23, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Well I missed the game, but I’m thrilled with results. This was a much needed win for the Hawks. It’s great to see my boy Salim finally get some PT. Any body that’s followed Salim’s college career knows he is capable of putting of numbers if you give him some consistent playing time. I’m glad he showed all his naysayers that he could also play defense and that he is a different player than the one the Hawks drafted three years ago.

That being said, I’m a team guy first and always will be. My biggest concern is that we have another kid on the bench with a ton of talent getting the same treatment from Woody as Salim has, and that’s Solomon Jones. All this guys needs is playing time and he can be major contributor in the post for the Hawks. Marcus Camby doesn’t out weight Solomon by that much. It’s all about heart, and that’s something Solomon has plenty of. Zaza has never had heart, and you can’t teach it, you either have or don’t. We tried sending this guy to wizard, and that didn’t work. He’s just too weak to man the pivot.

The Hawks desperately need some help in the post, and Solomon can come off the bench and provide a lift. Before somebody goes to some web site and start reading off draft picks and stats, I’m not saying that Solo is going to be this dominate force in the pivot, I’m just says Solo is a high energy guy like super Mario that plays with a lot of heart. If I’m a coach I would find a way to use these guys five fouls every game. I can rest my starter, and frustrate the other team’s top scorers. The most important thing is that I get a chance rest my top guys and keep them out of foul trouble.

Solomon played in the Big East, and he had good games during the Big Tourney with South Florida, he played against the top teams in the Big East, so this guy ain’t chop liver.

We all know Woody is not the right coach for this team. Look at the Houston Rockets, they are a totally different team with Rick Alderman coaching them. Gone are the days of Jeff Van Gundy when they was a boring half court team that was use to walking the ball up and play a one dimensional offense that always tried to pound the ball in to TMack or Yao. Then all you would see was both of those guys going one on one, while the rest of team stood around. Does any of that sound familiar Hawks fans? Now they play uptempo ball and everyone gets involved in the offense.

No sense and keep beating a dead dog to death. Woody please take the IU coaching job and put us out of our misery. Your coaching style is better suited for college any way.

Thanks Sekou for showing my boy Salim some love.

GREAT WIN, GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Hmmmm

February 23, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Good to see Salim “as Salim said” finally decided to play some defense and make himself worth keeping on the floor. Maybe the opportunity and the coaches persistance will finally pay off.

By preston

February 23, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah, and it isn’t that the Hawks were just recently trying to ship Salim to Denver according to Sekou, but he was originally included in the deal to Sacramento……so they have definately been trying to shop him around. Unfortunately the Hawks don’t even realize that Salim is at least an insurance policy for this team. Bibby and Acie are ailing….without Salim, where does that leave the team? Oh, yeah it’s that big body that a they are trying to get here to plug up the middle…..with Woody as coach, that big will also moonlight as the team’s point guard.

By the hawk

February 23, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

salim has to get some time after this. he absolutely sparked the offense by spreading the floor. johnson would start posting up and taking inside and then salim’s defender would double team and you could just see salim get behind joe and a little dump out pass and boom. it was so easy and simple this is why you have to play him and jrich they spread the floor out and should give jj jsmoove and horford some space its amazing woody couldn’t figure this out until what the 52nd game of the season. i also would like everyone to give credit to marvin williams. everyone says you dont even know he is in the game well after the west trip a month or so ago this guy has changed his game he is fighting for rebounds plays great defense (he doesn’t get beat much) and he doesnt hog the ball he tries to make screens and he takes pretty good shots. he is one that just hasn’t made mistakes lately and that’s why he is in most of the game even if he isnt doing much to your eye. just watch him tonight and i think we should give him the ball more because he has 2 threats he has a pretty good shot and he can take it to the hole alright too. anyone agree?

GO HAWKS HIRE STEVE SMITH

By Serge45

February 23, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

fire woody

By the hawk

February 23, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

well if the hawks can grab another one on the road tonight we know we are playoff material with bibby in town and some salim off the bench since the utah jazz are 22-3 at home (that’s pretty sick) it could be a rough one tonight i think the only way is if you see Super Mario come in off the bench and gives deron williams some trouble. i followed mario in all four tech years he has experience since he was on the final four team and can play amazing defense with a little offense too he can take it to the hole and stuff in their too since he did win the college dunk contest last year. come on woody use some of the basketball iq that somehow got you into this job

By Nate ArchiBALL

February 23, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

GREAT GAME SALIM !!! But people, he’s not the second coming of Vinny Johnson…… just yet. He has to do this night in and night out. The big difference was that he came out and made his shots. In the game against the Lakers he was 1 for 5 from the field. Salim is in the league for his scoring and nothing else. His playing time equates to how hot he is when he gets into the game. As I’ve posted before, the HAWKS can’t wait for him to find his stroke in a game - He must be instant offense.
Keep it up Salim. GO HAWKS. Oh yeah, that was a big three by Jeremy Richardson in the fourth quarter. Hawks should consider signing him for the remainder of the season.

By Fire Jackass

February 23, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Please explain to me how a first time coach with a 30% winning percentage still has a job???? It’s not just the fact that he is a JACKASS, he is a stubborn JACKASS that p** off most(if not all) of his players. What has Mike Woodson accomplished in the NBA that gives him that ignorant chip on his shoulder? You would think that he would put the best available players on the court, but JACKASS refuses. I have nothing but empathy for the players and fans that have endured this torture.

By the hawk

February 23, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

i think evervone is overreacting about richardson. yes he has a good shot but this guy came in and shot 2 stupid threes and missed and then missed a wide open shot after that nate if your saying you have to come in and make instant offense than why are you saying rich is so good when he missed his first four shots i think and then made one = 1 for 5 correct me if thats wrong im just thinking from last night that’s what he shot. dont say salim has to make instant offense im not dumping rich cause hes good but you cant expect somebody to come in off the bench after sitting for a week and get instant offense

By MannyT

February 23, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Good win for the Hawks. Funny that Nellie has to dictate his style that is favorable to our personnel for us to win on the road. Even funnier that we almost let it slip away struggling to match up to them when we are a very good running team and were up by 20 in the 1st half.

Maybe we don’t want Magliore? Remember back when BK was courting free agents Eric Dampier and Eddie Curry? On some of his rare comments to the press he mentioned that they were good players, but he would not overpay for them. If JMag wants to come here for rest of season, that’s fine. At his age, he may want a multi year deal to show up now. If that is the case, his price should be reasonable. We are now out of cap room and the unrestricted expiring contracts are gone. We need money to resign someone or two or more.

I’m gonna trust BK to do the right thing…although I would not have a problem with a big banger from the D-League to sharpen them up in practice for a pair of 10 day contracts if Magliore is too expensive.

By 30318 Resident

February 23, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

ARE THE HAWKS GOING TO SIGN A FA CENTER?

By MannyT

February 23, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

The employee side of February trading in the NBA

Something to think about that never plays out in video games and fantasy leagues.

By ace

February 23, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY!! HIRE STEVE SMITH

By terrell barron

February 23, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

I have’nt seen the Hawks make that many 3’s in YEARS, or even attempt, for that matter. Thats what we’ve been missing. Makes the game so much easier for Joe. Why does it take Woody so long to realize ANYTHING WHATSOEVER? And by the way, it was good to see Goofy finally do something when his shot wasnt falling. I actually saw him fighting for rebounds. WOW! Good luck in Utah. Lets run the Jazz off the court fellas.

By Dan Coons

February 23, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Chuck D- LOL re: I.U. booster. Hopefully IU’s administrators are blind and deaf….

By Atl Flavor

February 23, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Coach Woodson would have rather run through Hell with gasoline draws on then play Salim last night. Which tells you it wasnt his idea. I think when BK traded Lue and AJ it showed that he had left Woody at the bar by himself. The onus is on Woody to win now. He did not want Lue to leave. Can you say teachers pet?? I think BK is force feeding Woody now with plays AND PLAYERS. His Lame Duck status will glare more and more as the year closes out. But the crazy thing is he will goto Indiana and win a National Championship. Thats just life.

By brewdawg

February 23, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Why do you keep talking about how the Hawks are “slowly sliding out of playoff contention”? We’re currently tied for the eighth spot. Give or take a game and a half or two, that’s where we’ve been for months. This is the Eastern conference. There is no falling out of the playoff picture.

By JMYK from S. Springs

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

To Talk Sports go to http://sportfanattics.blogspot.com talk about Nba Drama

By SalimFan

February 23, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

I will say that woody is a the best coach we’ve had in some time. I wish they gave lon Krueger this much time jeez.

Also Im starting to see a trend with the hawks. we’v been consistantly scoring in the hundreds lately. Hell we even beat GS at their own game. Whose to say we can’t put up 117 points every night?

I think Golden State was a victim of a poor scouting report. Scouts don’t know about richardson, salims resurgence, and thay just ignore bibby b/c sactown played poorly the last two seasons. The two man game with joe and salim in the post was bueatiful. Also bibby being slow to get up the court with that injury also benfitted us. Monta ellis would double Joe and bibby would be coming down the court to the top of the key and joe would pass it to him for the three.

I don’t think Hubie Brown Will come out of retirement to coach again. Are there any other good offesive genuises out there that can coach the hawks?

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

February 23, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Happy with the victory as always, but some questions remain….

1. Why does Woody still have little grasp on the capabilities of his personel so late in the season? Surprised by Salim’s ability still?

2. As the Warriors began their run in the 3rd, why so few substitutions?

3. Did anyone notice the stretch in the 4th where the Hawks continually ran the iso just outside the paint time after time with the almost no success?

4. Why did Al never come back into the game (as previously mentioned)? He was puttin in work when erroneous fouls werent being called.

5. Why was Joe trying to take on Harrington late in the game in the post? Harrington is one of the few players of comparable size that can push Joe around- he is a primary scorer, why tire him out?

6. Woody trying to get Bibby the Willis Reed award? I understand we needed a stabilizing force to secure the W, but how about some coaching? We basically took a knee the last 2:30 of the game. Run some plays or create matchups to at least give the illusion of offense. Why risk further harm to Bibby?

Like I said, I’ll definately take the W, but these are things that could, will, and have come to a head against other, better, healthier teams….

RISE UP

By A Thinking Fan

February 23, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

AS I’ve said before, “You win with VETS, you rebuild with youth.” A successfull combination of the two has been missing from the Hawks rebuilding formula. Last night, they were led by two VETS! JJ & MB were on point with their A-games…

By cp

February 23, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Im telling you right now that if Indiana offers Woody the job I will gladly come to Atlanta and help this guy move all of his stuff. I might just tell him to take a seat and let me do all the work just so he can get out of here. This guy is a joke. Like others have said, it has taken him 52 games to realize things we have been sayinig all year. When I saw him put Salim on the same side of the floor with JJ, when JJ was posting up all I could do is laugh. People have been saying the whole year to put a shooter on the same side of the court as JJ and not someone like Josh Smith. I love Josh Smith’s game but he is not a shooter. Hell Marvin would have been a nice option for that type of play but he has no range. Like Preston and I was saying in a pervious blog hell I think Ken made this point too, we can get a lead or guys can play well but Woody will go from that just because he has some stupid routine he likes to stick with. I think Ken said something to the effect of we get a big lead by running but Mike Knapp wants to be in control so bad that he will slow it up in the second half because he does not feel comfortable running. I mean how many games do we have to play for him to see that when we play like we did in the first half we are a dangerous team. We were running well, spreading the floor well, great ball movement, and I did not see guys just standing around on offense because the ball was moving and guys were getting invloved. INDIANA PLEASE OFFER MIKE KNAPP THE JOB IM BEGGING YOU GUYS

By Gypsyjoe

February 23, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

It looks like Dallas is going after 2 bigs. How does the waiver wire work in the NBA I know in the NFL if you have a worse record you can put a claim on a player.But do you have to pick up there whole Salary or does the old team have to?????.We might not get maiglore or williams

By DarkRyder

February 23, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Woodson the Hoosiers coach? A punishment even the good people of Bloomington don’t deserve.

Salim had no other choice but to play, but I’m glad he learned to adjust and not go three crazy like he used to.

That said, Atlanta played a team who’s as schizophrenic offensively as they are. I do admit I like how they are learning to adjust to Bibby’s game instead of the other way around. They are still not able to get most of his passes but bit by bit it’s coming together.

By MannyT

February 23, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Gypsyjoe Remember, you asked how waivers work. Short answer in NBA—no one gets claimed off waivers. Why pick up financial obligation of another team. Player gets that cash and more from new team.

Check this out for specifics.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 23, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Like I said on the previous blog, clearly the only reason Salim played so well is because he saw my blog posts hatin’ on him and it fired him up. So I’m not gonna give him too much props, just in case the fire dies down. But the main difference between yesterday’s Salim and the usual Salim is that yesterday he was making smart decisions with the ball. Yeah his shot was falling, but with more playing time that would have happened anyway. The main reason he’s usually a liability is because he usually ignores the other things (defense, passing, ball-handling, etc.) Yesterday he was playing pretty good D, making smart passes even if they weren’t flashy, and not turning the ball over. If he can continue to do that he definitely deserves a spot in the rotation. I just hope last night wasn’t a fluke and is the beginning of a trend.

By Samuel

February 23, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Doc,

Yea. How bout them Suns. That’s officially my team now. I go where the Deisel goes. I didn’t see the game last night but, way to go.

Again. Nobody here has told me why Nolan Richardson wouldn’t be a good fit for this job. One of the winningest coaches in history, can definately teach the uptempo game and demands respect in the locker room. Come on Hawks, tale a chance.

By SalimFan

February 23, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Did Anyone see “Tha Bibb” grabbing down all those defensive rebounds last night. He was a man on the boards. AJ was 6’4 and couldn’t even get rebounds for us. That just goes to show what an elite PG really looks like.

By roan st

February 23, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Richardson? You got to be kidding. He is 67 years old and never coached in the NBA. Nobody has offered him a job in 6 years after he filed a frivolous lawsuit against the university of Arkansas. That guy is a total head case and the last thing the hawks need. Geez. This team is already mired in controversy and litigation and now you want us to hire “nolan I will sue if you p** me off richardson”. LOL!

By Gypsyjoe

February 23, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

thanks MannyT.I guess dallas is gong to take our big men.We should be able to find a banger some where that can help with the dirtywork.Does anybody have any ideas? Detroit took Sekou’s advice and signed Dale Davis.

By Ken Strickland

February 23, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

DOC-what in the devil makes you think he figured it out. He had no choice but to play Salim because of injuries. Woodson didn’t want to see this from Salim. If he had, he would have given him the chance to do so before now. There are some serious personal issues going on with Woodson in regards to Salim.

DARKRYDER-Woodson would probably be perfect for the job. He would give them the intensity and restore the fundamental old school program and tradition of his mentor, but without the violent personality and behavior. That would be very good for Indiana U. We, on the other hand, would benefit by getting rid of our major problem and giving someone with a clue a chance to take us to the next level. In other words, addition by substraction.

By Mac-Town

February 23, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I would love to see Salim,Richardson, and Bibby finish the year out with good to decent production.

Now the hawks can have a good bit of shooters on the floor that can hit it from long range. Better them takin those shots than J. Smith

Is Acie a long ball threat? I havent really saw him jack any up but then again he hasnt played much

By I.MUS WRITE

February 23, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

We have three open roster spots and there are alot of quality guys that are being waived or bought out…………. that is bad news for hawks fans though….. I hear those crickets chirping again.

Magloire,Flip Murray,Sam Cassel and more….. Come on Billy make me a believer,you went out and got Bibby all im asking for is a Big man -Magloire and a servicable guard -Flip

Cassell probably wont sign here but the others two could get us over the hump. Magloire means ZAZA to the pine….. and Ol Flip is just a Player……… Stop Picking your Afro and get on the phone before its to late-August all over again

By Johnny

February 23, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

SEE HOW GOOD WE ARE WHEN WE RUN?

I like that Richardson kid, with Him, Salim, Marvin, JJ and Bibby we can have at least 2 great shooters on the court at all times spacing the floor. THAT IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN IT WAS BEFORE, THAT IS GREAT THING. Opens up slashing for Chillz, Marvin, J-Smoove, JJ, and Bibby for penetration. Opens up the post for Horford, JJ, J-Smoove, and Marvin on mismatches and Zaza off the bench.

Salim should be our very own Eddie House/Damon Jones as our backup pointguard.

Bibby is a beast, he’s figuring out that he has to take a big leadership role, he surveyed the first 2 games and is now starting to assert himself along with JJ as the two leaders that have been on 60 win teams and have played in the conference finals, allstar players that really know how to win…….. THAT IS A HELL OF A BACKCOURT. Hell of a leadership tandem for our young guys too.

We’re making the damn playoffs. Period.

Bibby is gonna be a monster once his heel heals up a bit and he gets a little more in tune….. look at how much better our tempo is already as Bibby controls it, he is a calming hand, and LOOK AT HOW MUCH BETTER OUR PICK/ROLL GAME IS. WOW.

Horford and JJ are monsters posting up, same with J-Smoove (And Marvin on mismatches).

Marvin and JJ are great pick/pop options, Marvin is a good pick/roll option, and Horford/J-Smoove are great pick/roll options (I MEAN GREAT!). Chillz is good for a roll too, and great slashing and finding buckets with no play called.

Zaza did a very good job in the post as our backup center.

Marvin did a great job on the boards last night, and was aggressive and did a good job spreading the floor with his steady gaining reputation as a mid-range sharpshooter out to 20 ft.

Rebounding was biggest though. Our center is Amare-sized and our PF is a taller Marion-sized, theyre both good rebounders but they are a bit outsized….. BUT, we have a big Small Forward and a big Shooting Guard, and both are athletic and good rebounders. If they help out on the boards that is a HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE key to our success, and we can control the boards despite being a little bit outsized at PF and center. ALSO: In terms of boards, CHILLZ IS HUGE ON THAT with his size as a 2 and his great rebounding skills and nose for the ball and hustle…. Bibby can rebound for a PG too. (J-Smoove is a great shotblocker and Horford is good too, both are good interior defenders so we arent lacking on locking down the interior on defense).

We are not far from contention with this group. A little seasoning: some development from our young guys, some chemistry development into a cohesive unit with Bibby (And the other guys who are now playing more: Salim, Zaza, Solo, Richardson), and an addition of a Desagana Diop away from being a true contender in the next few years. The future is very bright, and the immediate future I am also psyched about.

The rotation should include: Horford, Zaza, Solo (3 bigs rotation), Bibby, Salim, Richardson, Marvin, Smoove, Chillz, and Joe Johnson.

Chillz was HUGE for us last night. Big boost off the bench and made some great plays.

Bibby and JJ playmaking, steering the ship, leadership, and both just played outstanding. Bibby has a LOT OF HEART as our PG playing great thru that injury, when he gets healthy LOOK OUT!!!

J-Smoove turned it over a bit much but had a great game besides that, as usual. Such a great young player, gettting better too. Big-time part of our defense and overall game.

Al Horford is gonna be an allstar 20/10 Power Forward within the next 2 years as he develops with the right bigman coaching.

Bibby and JJ should be team captains, definitely. Bibby has surveyed and realizes he needs to be a closer with JJ and step up as a HUGE leader of this team along with JJ. The two guys htat have been huge parts of great teams, allstar level guards and playmakers that know how to win and close out. They are steering the ship, and that is great.

Bibby and JJ= Captains.

This team is making the playoffs. Period.

(I think Washington will get the 6 seed, theyre a very good team. They went 24-13 with Caron in the lineup after the 0-5 start with Gilbert, and since Caron got injured theyve went 1-11 on the collapse. Caron is coming back very soon though, theyll finish with around 44 wins if he comes back tonight. Gilbert will be back on top of that very soon and theyll be even better. At least 42 wins……. then I think we will get 7 with 40 wins, and I think Chicago or NJ will get the 8 spot with about 38 wins. Probably Chicago, I think.)

BUT, WE ARE MAKING THESE DAMN PLAYOFFS. PERIOD!!!

By Johnny

February 23, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

All of a sudden the Hawks are stocked with Sharpshooters throughout the rotation and can have at least 2 of them on the floor at all times. THAT IS HUGE.

Richardson, Marvin, Bibby, JJ, and Salim. NICE! Talk about lanes for our athletes, space for our pick and roll (WHICH IS ALL OF A SUDDEN FANTASTIC AND DANGEROUS AS HELL NOW WITH BIBBY), room for Chillz to slash without the ball, and lots of room inside to post-up with Horford, J-Smoove, JJ, Marvin on mismatches and Zaza off the bench. Good stuff!

We shouldve tried to get a trade for Diop from NJ… that wuoldve been the final piece in my opinion then just let them grow as a cohesive unit and develop as they age a little bit…… see where it goes for awhile.

Oh well….. hey, MAgloire got released by NJ. He’s probably fat and out of shape though, and isnt a defender/rebounder/shotblocker like Diop is…… hmmmm…. could be worth it though.

By Ken Strickland

February 23, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

I.MUS WRITE-don’t worry about the roster spots. I’m sure the Spirit have decided against spending unnessary money to fill them. Why should they, after all, Woodson would only give them the Salim treatment anyway. As long as Woodson’s the HC, he’s going to run his short rotation into the ground regardless of how many we have on the roster.

By Johnny

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

Salim= our very own version of Eddie House as our backup pointguard.

NICE!

Bibby and JJ showed me alot of leadership last night. JJ needed that help in the leadership department, those should be our two team captains. Both been on great 60 win teams, both allstar level guards, great playmakers, make teammates better, score, play team ball, and leaders. BOTH KNOW HOW TO CLOSE OUT, ARE CLUTCH, AND KNOW HOW TO WIN. Great shooters too (All of a sudden we got 5 of them spacing the floor!!!).

NICE!

Horford/Zaza Smoove/Solo Marvin/Richardson JJ/Chillz Bibby/Salim

PRETTY NICE!

By WPinAZ

February 23, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

I’m late to this I know….out here in the desert, I don’t get to the news and blogs as quickly …..but did I just read we brought in a D-Leager, and he got more run imediately than Salim against Sacramento?. Is that right? Nothing against the D-Leager, but WHAT??? What does Salim have to do to get a legitimate shot? I know he went for 18 against the Warriors. (like I said…I’m late to this??) Living out here in AZ now since 2001, I saw Salim light it up for UA game after game. I was glad to see him be picked by my home town team. Then, Woody gives him no run? As bad as we need another jump shooter? As much as Speedy has robbed us? I just don’t get it? I fear Salim will leave and get a LEGITIMATE opportunity with another NBA team, only to come back and wear ATL one night….or many nights. Again, WOODSON is the problem, here. Not BILLY, not ASG….It’s the COACH. Same as with Georgia Tech. Christ…..can’t we get a BB coach in this town that has a clue??

By SalimFan

February 23, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Mac-Town Yes Acie has range. His nikname at Texas A&M was captain Clutch. He hit a lot of Big threes for them. For instance The deep three he hit against Kevin Durant and texas for the win.

Woody just scared him into not taking shots. But with bibby here the pressure should be alleviated from our shooters. Those guys can afford to make little mistakes here and there B/C Bibby is the main guy now.

By new jersey faithful

February 23, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Childress is AWESOME!! He plays under and around the basket soooo well. Last night he had a few turnovers,it happens, but he had a few plays under the basket that were just amazing! I think he is the glue that holds this team together, cause he does everything!! He could easily start on alot of other teams, and I think the only reason he doesnt start on the Hawks is because MV was drafted #2 and he is supposed to start, which is BS!!!

By Johnny

February 23, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

I actually think there are 2 coaches that are worst than Woodson in the NBA.

Isiah.

And lawrence Frank. I watched the Nets game on leaguepass last night and the Nets went into halftime against a terrible Pacer team tied. They play the 2nd half and are playing a small lineup in the 3rd quarter with 3 guards no taller than 6’1”, and then Trenton Hassel and Boone….. Indy KILLS them on the rebounding, 2nd chance points, and points in the paint. Indy then subs bigger, and Frank makes changes but STILL GOES SMALL throughout the rest of the game with only 1 big in. He used Diop as his one big for 10 minutes and they cut 10 points off the lead on a 14-4 run, Diop got 3 blocked shots and locked down the rebounding and paint on defense nearly by himself. Then Frank takes out Diop for Sean Williams and they get killed again……. JIM OBRIEN MMUST HAVE BEEN LAUGHING HIS A## OFF!!!!! FRANK NEVER FIGURED IT OUT! HE NEVER ADJUSTED, THE WHOLE HALF! HE SET HIS TEAM UP TO FAIL AND KILLED THEM!

The nets have plenty of talent, and have 5 capable bigs. 4 of them are Nenad Krstic (17 ppg 8rpg primary scoring bigman when healthy, thats getting healthy) Desagana Diop, Josh Boone and Sean Williams…… with those 4 bigs Diop and Krstic should be starting and you should never go small unless its a golden opportunity. There should be 2 good bigs on the court at all times and you should dominate inside on defense and glass, and have a good inside scorer in Krstic……. that is insane. Plus the Nets have Devin Harris, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, Trenton Hassell, Boki Nachbar, Marcus Williams, and Darrell armstrong to fill out a pg-sf rotation…….. that is INSANE!

So yeah, Lawrence Frank is a terrible coach.

By Johnny

February 23, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

If we could get an uptempo coach like Mike D’antoni, Don Nelson, or Paul Westphal, we would win at least 50 games with the team exactly as it is now and a rotation of:

Horford/Zaza (Hopefully Diop next year) Smoove/Solo Marvin/Richardson JJ/Chillz Bibby/Salim

So nice to have 5 sharpshooters (JJ, Marvin, Bibby, Richardson, Salim).. at least 2 on the floor at all times, sometimes 3. Opens up everything. So awesome….. big SF (Marvin) and big 2guard (JJ, Chillz) help alot with rebounding and being a little bit outsized at PF and Center ith Smoove and Big Al. Bibby can rebound for a PG well too. (And Smoove gives us a shotblocker, and both Smoove and Horford lock down inside on d too which is HUGE for our interior and overall defense)…. plus Horford, JJ and Smoove especially give us a post game on offense (Horford will be THE MAN in that regard for the next 10 years once he develops a bit as our future allstar 20/10 guy at Power Forward), also Marvin on mismatches as a big athletic SF and Zaza off the bench…….. Great stuff.

RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN. Pick up Diop next season and if Woody wont run than get a Suns assistant or Paul Westphal, or any good uptempo coach. We’ll have grown as a cohesive unit with Bibby more by then, know how to win more, the young guys will have developed alot more, and Bibby and JJ will be leading the team as captains….. we’ll win 50 games with that. Definitely.

By MannyT

February 23, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Somebody asked about this D-Leaguer the other day. I don’t know anything but he’s big enough, weighs enough, blocks shots and rebounds.

That’s good enough to give him a 10 day to practice against. If he has NBA level skills to clog the lane, he should get a 2nd 10 day or signed for the rest of the season.

By Clyde

February 23, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By mykhalc

February 23, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

DOC, i ain’t hatin’ on SALIM!! just want to see him live up to some up the hype he receives here at the LIARS TABLE!!! very glad to see him get a chance from the BRAINLESS WONDER and PRODUCE!!!! hopefully he gets another shot at PT tonite!! ‘cause UTAH is gonna be rough!!!!

BIBBY is cold-blooded!!!!

By MsDee

February 23, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Hey..the Nets just waived Jamaal Magloire!

By MsDee

February 23, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Hey…the Nets just waived Jamaal Magloire!!

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

i like what im seeing so far but they arent running much…

By new jersey faithful

February 23, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

did Bibby move his pivot foot on that travel call?

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

aaaah…goofy still lives

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

never mind i dont like what im seeing.

By preston

February 23, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Is any one surprised at what’s going on with this game so far……….Hawks struggling to score……1:53 sec left in the first quarter…… Jsmith goes out…Zaza is in, Bibby goes out…JChills is in….no Salim…..I may end up going on a hunger strike until Woodson is canned…….this guy is an absolute joke

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Woody where the hell is the offense going to come from, no bibby, no joe, no smoove, and no horford, salim still hasnt take a shot, you should have joe and salim in at the same time, and all of this time we were like wow where going to have like 3 sharpshooters on the floor at the same time….

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 23, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Now there’s the Salim we all know and love! Stupid passes, dribbles off the foot, and falling down while defending every screen and roll. Welcome back Salim.

I know I am channeling Captain Obvious here, but this is not looking very promising so far.

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

yah woody put in the starters when their down by 20…

By Murphy

February 23, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Salim looks like the joke right now preston

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

joe take of those stupid leg sleeves man !!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

wtf so much stupid calls by the refs….

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

omg, joe is trying to do everything but score, btw that was a sweet pass by joe.. bibby is heating up like usual.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 23, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith at the buzzer!

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 23, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

In 8 minutes of playing time today, Zaza Pachulia has posted a -16, according to Yahoo’s box score.

Jamaal Magloire is now a free agent.

I’ll leave Billy Knight to ponder that one…

By new jersey faithful

February 23, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Whats the record for Offensive fouls called in one game, cause the Hawks are gonna break it! Can anyone put the ball in the freaking hoop??

By Jared

February 23, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

New Jersey and Philly won tonight

By preston

February 23, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Murphy…….who are you? Why are you comming out of the blue trying to crap on Salim when he was only in for a few minutes……..until Bibby and Jsmoove ended the half with those 3’s, nobody was looking good. You were obviously waiting on the first opportunity to crap on Salim, but where were you last night? I don’t see one freakin post from you……let the guy play first for some extended minutes before you call me out on that BS.

By new jersey faithful

February 23, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

THESE REFS ARE A JOKE, AS USUAL!!

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

how did bibby get 4 foul wtf i hate these refs!!!!

By atlman

February 23, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

zazza is a joke, he is too lazy and slow put horford in woodrow you idiot!!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

man goofy why do you always lose the balls,sigh…

By Murphy

February 23, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

dag preston. im just stating the obvious u were callin woody a joke for not puttin salim in and he was in with 1:53 left he was actually in before that and he was doing excatly what Najeh Davenpoop wrote. just statin the facts man. Dont take it personal salim aint your cousin

By preston

February 23, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

You guys kill me with crap about Salim…..he comes in a game very late in the first half plays a couple of minutes…misses his shot…looses the ball, and now the haters come out in full. who on the Hawks did anything in the first half, besides Bibby and Josh hitting the big shots to close the half? The whole team looked sloppy, but listening to you guys, it was Salims’ play that stood out……..if you are not a fan of the guy that is one thing, but don’t try to act like he has played horribly, when he hasn’t been on the court long enough to do anything.

By ray

February 23, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

preston, these fools come and go. Pay no attention to Murphy.

Doc, your Suns look damn good. Even more compelling: the comments that Stoudamire has about Shaq’s presence. I think that with all the hoopla about shooters and pgs, some of us (ahem…MANAGEMENT) have forgotten the need for a “true” center. It’s amazing how a guy like Stoudamire says how much he likes having an actual center in there to play alongside, and how great it is to play at his natural position of power forward. I see great things coming… One wonders….if a super athletic talent like Amare Stoudamire has a great appreciation for no longer being made to play center (when he’s really a pf), wouldn’t Al Horford feel the same? Uhhh…Yeah..

Ken, no I don’t believe Woody gets it either. He’ll prove it yet again. If not tonight, then the next night. Guaranteed. I hope Indiana makes him an offer he can’t refuse. And I hope he takes it. Good riddance.

By preston

February 23, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

ok Murphy….you are cool…..I ain’t related to Salim, but I just want to see him play consistently in a few more games before people start crapping on him…..but it’s all good.

By Samuel

February 23, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

roan st,

How old is Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, Bobby Knight and Hubbie Brown. Are you saying that neither of these guys could do a better job than Woody. I say we need a little contraversy. Da hell with all these “quality guys” as yall like to call em. They can’t win sh_t!!

You guys keep crying about want’n to run. Who better than 48 minutes of hell.

By Murphy

February 23, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

I apologize to all the salim lovers if i have made u guys mad. Next time ill include all the hawks in order not to get people mad. Im not tryin to make enemies on here. I love the hawks just as much as yall i just dont feel salim is the answer the hawks are looking for like alot of yall think he is.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 23, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

I gotta give some props to a guy who I have hated on in the past… Marvin is still flying wildly out of control towards the hoop every time he gets the ball, but lately he has stepped up other parts of his game, like defense and rebounding. He has done a good job closing out on shooters today and actively going after boards. I hope he can keep that up.

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

man if woody goes to joe if the game is close….im going to go insane!!

By Murphy

February 23, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

these refs are horrible

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

so thats the shot they got after a timeout, a corner 2 by josh smith, what awaste of a timeout.

By ray

February 23, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

Samuel, we’re already getting 48 minutes of absolute hell from Woody. Ohhh, you meant 48 minutes of hell for the opposing team…heh, heh! Sorry, I just had to…

Murphy, so what is the answer, eh? Salim poured in 18 points last game. Prior to that, he’s either not played at all, or played less than 5 minutes…pretty much all season. I know he’s short, but when a guy can come off the bench after having basically not played all season…and do THAT…I’m giving him some more playing time to at least see if he can be consistent. You can only be consistently effective if you’re consistently in the rotation. Again, if not him….then who?

By ray

February 23, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

hawksfanfordawin, count on the impending insanity then.

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

i blame this loss on woody, worst coaching ever…

By preston

February 23, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

I agree Hawksfanfordawin- a couple of bad shot selections there at the end, and some terrible officiating as many have pointed out…. or the hawks could have stole this one.

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

Preston get ready for another round of woody the woodpecker shows lol. Even though this wasnt a bad lose, woody’s coaching is always the difference between a win or lose in tight games.

By mykhalc

February 23, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

i hate the ‘L’ but the effort was there. that was good to see.

By Murphy

February 23, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

i totally agree with you ray!!! Salim does deserve more playing time. He is supposed to be Salim the sniper instant offense off the bench. I havent really seen him do that except for last night and when i play with him on 2k8. Maybe if he feels like he wont get pulled he will play better, but he has to show some consistency when he is in the game so woody puts him in more. He has to force woody to play him more because he is a difference maker and not because he is are last option.

By Flappin Hawk

February 23, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

They may have lost the game, but this team is starting to find it’s groove with Bibby. This is the 1st game that Marvin has looked realtivly comfortable with Bibby. He has looked like a lost lamb until tonight. Yeah, Woody has to go, but this team is still gonna make the playoffs. No way in the world could they have come this close to pulling off a west coast back to back without Bibby. I just wish our post up game wasn’t so dreadful. Marvin simply cannot post up. Josh’s post up game gets worse as the game goes on…as he get’s tired. Al is still a work in progress in the post. And Zaza is like some sort of a Cirque Du Soleil slow motion nightmare in the paint. GO HAWKS!!

By coachb

February 23, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

We had 16 Turnovers by our starter. If we cut that in half and score we win the game. We just can’t handle the ball. We have the wrong players shooting the ball with the clock running out. We should have a two man game between Bibby and Joe with josh down low. That second team should not be in there without some of the starter. The ball is right there for the taking and we watch the other team pick it up. Every time we would make a run the turnovers would break our back.

By Ken Strickland

February 23, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

I’ll tell you one thing. If we can get Acie and Bibby healthy, we will do well. We will even over come Woodson’s BS because Bibby, not Woodson, will dictate the tempo.

By hawksfanfordawin

February 23, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

the reason for the loss to night is very simple, the starters played to much minutes yesterday and were worned out(joe johnson) and the bench wasnt their. And the obvious bad coaching. But still i liked the effort beccause they are starting to make more threes and bibby is really making the team better.

By Melvin

February 23, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Good effort tonite by the Hawks. With the addition of Bibby, the Hawks are one low post scorer away from being a elite team… If they could somehow get a big man that could score with his back to the basket, this team would be scary… Eddy Curry for Speedy/??? in the summer. hmmmmm….

By reese

February 24, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Another exciting game tonight and 10 small things that are annoying problems.

1)Marvin Williams has got to play help defense. There are too many times where he and Josh Childress on are the floor together in the 3 and 4 spots. Neither one of them plays consistent help defense, blocks shots, alters shots or takes charges.

2)Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby were back on defense against Deron Williams. Williams went by Bibby and Joe Johnson did not attack Deron Williams. Instead, he went out of the lane and let Williams have the layup.

3)The 2nd team was outplayed tonight.

4)I don’t care what others say, I don’t like JChildress playing the point on offense. He didn’t score double figures, he only had 1 assist and 3 rebounds. His game is under the basket getting offense rebounds or filling the lane on fast breaks.

5)I would like to see Solomon and other bench players in the game with the starters a little more to build up their confidence and keep fluidity.

6)The hawks still don’t have a back to the basket player. Al Horford is not there yet.

7)Woody is calling timeouts at the end of games and I don’t know what the hawks were trying to accomplish. Your down by 6 with 20 seconds left and your still trying to make 2 point shots. Your down by 6 with 8 seconds left and your still trying to make 2 point shots. Too much time ran of the clock before attempting to foul.

8)This team needs to stop having quarters where they score less than 20 points.

9)Marvin has got to get over his fear of dribbling the ball on the fast break. At one point he was in the middle of the court just before half court by himself and threw the ball backwards to Josh Smith. It was deflected out of bounds.

10)Too many of the turnovers are unforced turnovers due to poor dribbling skills, weak hands and lack of strength.

By SalimFan

February 24, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

We lost the game because the bench came in and crapped the game up. They did not give the starters quality back up minuets tonight.

Marvin had his average of 16 pts and I belive he had 12 rebounds so it was a decent game for him tonight.

Jeremy Richardson was not given enough time to be effective tonight. The paint was closed off tonight so I do not get why you keep childress in the game instead of Richardson. We obviously needed somone other than JJ and Bibby to knock down peremeter shots.

DO NOT put this one one salim. He had four points along with childress, ZAZA, Horford, and richardson did not even score. All of our support didn’t show up. Not a single person.

The bench played Too hectic. Acie’s abscence really showed tonight. He is our backup PG not salim. The Bench was too hectic and needed a stedying force and it showed.

By SalimFan

February 24, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

Truthfully Marvin is the closest player the hawks have to becoming LeBron-like. We just have to get him to Dribble the floor and penetrate the right way.

By Frak Clyde

February 24, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

FIRE CLYDE

By cp

February 24, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this

Tough loss. The effort was there but these turnovers are killing us. Duck continues to lose the ball when he is attempting to post up. Pachulia is well , Pachulia. The lineup with all the bench players was a horrible move. The Golden State game showed that we should have Salim on the same side of the floor when JJ is posting up but for some reason I did not see that tonight. I guess that is Mike Knapp going away from something that acutally works. Duck’s help defense is terrible. Tough loss but good game non the less.

By ray

February 24, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this

Reese, nice analysis. Especially the part about the bench players not seeing enough time, and not seeing it consistently. I don’t expect Salim to put up 18 points every night. But he does need to get consistent playing team each night so that he can prove whether or not he’s worth it. Same goes for the other guys. This approach worked quite well in Portland. How else do you explain the confidence and effectiveness of players like Travis Outlaw and Martell Webster? If they’re healthy enough to play, they get the playing time. And each player is confident, which makes them a threat! Unfortunately, we don’t have Nate McMillan. We have Mike Woodson.

Murphy, you have to give the guy consistent playing time and allow him to prove what he can do. He can’t produce if you don’t let him play enough. That’s just how shooters are. And the only way to break out of a slump…is to keep shooting. Which you can’t do if you’re not getting the playing time. The coach has to trust him until he proves consistently that he can’t do the job.

SalimFan, what are you talking about? Marvin is the closest guy we have to being like Lebron James? Can he shoot? Yeah. Can he score? Yeah. But….

First, we don’t have anybody like Lebron James. And if I were going to compare any of our guys to him, it would be Joe Johnson or Josh Smith. And neither of those guys is that kind of player. But Marvin??? The guy has one type of shot: the wide-open midrange shot. He cannot, I repeat CANNOT hit consistently from 3-point territory, dunk on anybody who’s contesting the shot, or convert a layup when he’s being guarded tightly. And if he gets fouled, you can forget a 3 point conversion. He’s scared to shoot in the 4th quarter, and can’t take anybody off the dribble. We have to get him to dribble better and penetrate the right way. Dude CANNOT penetrate. I’ve watched him each time he tries. He can’t do it. It’s beyond ugly. I don’t know if it’s his feet or that counter-weight of an a$$ that he has. But he just can’t do it. Even Josh Smith employs a spin move.

If Marvin tried a spin move, there’d be nothing but ski-sized feet, elbows, flailing arms/hands, and a$$ all over the place. He’d committ an offensive foul like you’ve never seen.

I know I sound like I hate the guy, but I don’t. It’s just frustrating to know for the 1,250,000 time that he’s NOT the best forward we have (by a good margin at that), we passed on two damn good pgs to get him, and people still act like he’s some otherworldly talent when he just isn’t. Seriously, Josh Smith came into the league not knowing how to do anything but run and dunk. Now look where he is…and he’s nowhere near his potential! The difference is, he has the athleticism and body control, and he actually has put in the work to harness his talent. He’s an NBA all-defensive first team type of guy at the very least. What is Marvin doing besides hitting the open mid-range jumper and grabbing some rebounds when he feels motivated enough to do so? I want to see the guy start getting past defenders and dunking it! But he just can’t seem to do it….

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 24, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this

In related news, Zaza Pachulia is the closest player the Hawks have to becoming Shaq-like.

By Clyde

February 24, 2008 3:46 AM | Link to this

This is getting old. The same ole some ole. Night end and night out. Just when we think we got it together we fall on our face. Enough is Enough.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Murphy

February 24, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this

Your right ray, but woody cant afford to let Salim have extended minutes and shoot his way out of a slump when we need instant offense, because we are down by 20 and jj and bibby arent on floor and no one can create their own shot.

By SalimFan

February 24, 2008 4:30 AM | Link to this

Ray I understand all that but….I just see flashes of it sometimes. Not this season but last season marvin would handle the ball and shoot threes. I think woodys been getting in his head.

The expectatios for marvin and josh smith are compltely diffrent B/C of their draft status. But I completly agree with your analysis on marvin. But I just think with a little molding we culd have a really special player on our hands. J-Smoove is already special.

But Both Williams and smith are a couple of years from their full potentials. I’m pretty sure were one of the only teams that LeBron doesn’t dunk on a lot…Thats at least a testement to our forwards defensive abilities.

By smartguy

February 24, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Woody is a total moron. Get rid of him asap, please.

WE WANT BELKIN! WE WANT BELKIN!

By mykhalc

February 24, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

on just one good foot, Bibby is cold-blooded…PERIOD!!! and it’s evident, as Sekou said, that he’s clearly becomin’ the leader of the team!! and it’s also clear that he is clearly that type of player JJ NEEDED for his own re-energizin’!!!

BIG RAY, totally on-point about PT and consistency!! well said bro!!

By preston

February 24, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Murphy- I think that you, just like others are holding Salim to a much higher standard here. JJ and M.Williams have been very inconsistent with their outside shot this yr…Jsmoove will take every opportunity he has to throw up a jump shot, even though that is clearly not his game, as he is trying to develop in that area. Williams and Smoove do not have the best one on one ball handling skills, and both of them constantly loose the ball trying to dribble in that area. If Salim had as much playing time as those guys, don’t you think that he would produce, just as WIlliams and Jsmoove does, inspite of their defeciencies? How good do you think Marvin or Jsmoove would look comming into a game for less than 5 minutes every blue mooon? And if the team is down by 20 when Salim comes in the game, as you say, what does that tell you?….so Woodson had enough patience to see his starters miss their shots, turnover the ball, not play defense, and get behind by 20, but not have any patience with Salim to come off of the bench to play for more than 2 minutes? And no one is saying that Salim is the greatest of all time here…..we just think that he needs to play more to improve his game…….and besides…the hawks are 22-31 in the weakest conference in the league with Salim riding the bench. How is playing him going to make the team any worse??

By Murphy

February 24, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

I agree preston. I cant argue with that

By preston

February 24, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Yeah Mykhalc- Bibby is a hell of a player…..I guess, unfortunately, we will have to wait until next year to see him at full throttle with this team…….but, on one healthy leg, the guy is showing the hawks how to play the game, and he is just awesome. Man, I hate to keep looking forward to “next year” with this team, but for the first time in years, I KNOW, not believe, that we will have a very solid squad. Bibby, Horford, and Johnson are very solid…..Williams and Smith can only get better….add a true center, which is all we need, and we along with Cavs, and Magic, should be among the best in the east.

By hawksfanfordawin

February 24, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

so thats it, were only looking for next year, no hope this year?…

By preston

February 24, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

lol- hawksfanfordawin, I don’t know what to think about this yr…….Bibby and Acie are ailing, JJ is tired, Horford is out of position, Jsmoove is a one-man show (in a good way, he plays both ends of the board better than anyone else on the team), Marvin is, well I don’t know what to say about Marvin either….and the coach….Woody Woodpecker himself….we could have done better with Heckle and Jeckle…….so, there you have it, my sentiments on this yr.

By new jersey faithful

February 24, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Sloppy Sloppy Sloppy! Coachb and Reese summed it up perfectly! Look at it this way though, playing these Western conference teams(on the road) is like a test. If the Hawks can either beat or play close games against them, East teams should be a piece of cake!!!

By jami$$ion

February 24, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

i think i’ve read the most absurd,illogical,unsportsmanlike comment ever.i respect your mind not your opinion,but 2 say marvin is the closest player 2 lebron HOW DO U COME 2 DAT CONCLUSION INTELLIGENTLY /JOSH YEA HE’S LIKE A REVERSE LEBRON.His game goes defense 2 offense.But marvin doesn’t score,can’t dribble,pass,isn’t exciting,can’t penetrate,doesn’t make his teams better,and his potential is bogus. i don’t c it sorry .i c a avg player that’s it.

By jammin

February 24, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

I know that this is random but smoove has a whole lot of respect for joe, especially that game vs minny and that sweet buzzer beater…it was great to see those guys hugging….our future..is in josh joe marvin horford and bibby/acie

By MannyT

February 24, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Sekou has new blog entry up. Time to switch

By DSLIM

February 25, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

this blog, really makes me happy. I have been fighting for this oppurtunity all year for salim, and he finally made me and everyone proud. GIVE THE KID AND OPPUTUNITY AND HE WILL SHINE… I PROMISE YOU THIS. he led zona to final four, and was the goto guy every play. Woodson, you want your job saved, play salim and you will win and not get fired.