Hawks

By hawksfanfordawin

February 29, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Fire the hell out of mike woodson he took al out of the game for no reason and you can already see that he is going to joe for the last shot i hate this guy!!!!!!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

February 29, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Mike freaking bibby!!!!!!!!he is the man i change my mind about woodson, but he plays joe toooo much…thats why he is ineffective late in the game..

By cp

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

Good win tonight. Guys like Bibby, Horford, Joe, and Josh Smith played great ball tonight. Im still a little baffled by the substitutions tonight so I wont do much complaining. We really need to play hard like this every night if we want to make the playoffs. Once again Bibby is a big difference maker for this team. I see Lue got waived, I like Lue but I dont think we should bring him back

By cp

February 29, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Oh yea good to see that you are still with us Sekou.

By Daniel

February 29, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Good game. I love beating the Knicks! Big Al and Smith were huge tonight. Nice to see them rise to the occasion after a real gut-check with the BK/Woody business.

By Da Professa

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

A win is a win, no matter how ugly it was, we will take it. The Hawks need to play there game all four quarters and stop playing one on one in the fourth. When we ran we destroyed the Knicks. Sekou, I believe every word you said. Gearon Jr. was on 790 the zone today and the interview can be heard on 790thezone.com under the instant replay section.

By terrell barron

February 29, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Goofy almost cost us again. Could you please learn how to catch a pass?

By Ken Strickland

February 29, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Good win Hawks. This is how good teams win when they’re outmanned. Keep the score close, play solid DEF and take charge in the last few mins. Again, good win.

By Ken Strickland

February 29, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Good win Hawks. This is how good teams win when they’re outmanned. Keep the score close, play solid DEF and take charge in the last few mins. Again, good win.

By hawksfanfordawin

February 29, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

i know goofy had like 5 t.o’s in the game. its so freakin good to see joe not taking the last shot, no disrespect to joe hes a good player but i dont think that he is capable of being clutch like mike bibby.

By Ken Strickland

February 29, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

SEKOU-glad to know everything is normal with you. I only wish your fellow sportswriters could learn something from your efforts and dedication.

By Khao$

February 29, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Hang in there Sekou. I’ve been back and forth on the blog from day one. I can truly say you’ve kept it real from the start. You’ve always been cautious about breaking stories (trades, etc)until you knew things were etched in stone. Your reputation proceeds you. As for the Brokeback Spirit group, Gearon’s interview on 790 did more to confirm our suspicions about ownership than dispel them. Billy is a bum. Woody is woeful. But the Hawks won’t be (insert expletive) until the Spirit sells the team.

By mississippi

February 29, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Sekou- glad your world is still round. Write the stories you have to write.

Better still, great win tonight. I smell a roll on the way and Bibby is the butter.

By new jersey faithful

February 29, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Loved Horfords game 2nite! He missed a few in close, but he is just awesome! Hopefully they will run more plays his way like they did 2nite, although the Knicks are weak at center, thats probably why. I really hope he averages a double double for the year, he deserves it!! Looked scary in the 4th, but they pulled it out, here we come Boston!

By reese

February 29, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

First of all, great that you are still with us Sekou. Keep up the good reporting.

Secondly, great win tonight hawks. The Good: J Smith, Horford and JJ each had positive entries in the positive offensive/defensive categories. Bibby and Horford collected the double doubles tonight. Nice job Mike Woodson allowing Bibby to run the show late in the game and great job J Smith and Bibby with executing the plays. Way to go Josh Smith with leading 3 scorers in 20 point scoring. Nice to see Solomon be aggressive on offense and score 2 baskets and be aggressive on defense to block a shot. All this done in only 5 minutes of play. Way to go Josh Smith with continuing to take the big shots at the end of games. That 3 point dagger was awesome. Keep shooting. way to go Bibby with continuing to look down court at the end of the 4th quarter to find childress down court.

The Bad: Woodson played JJ too many minutes (43). 18 point 4th quarter.

By Glutton for Punishment

February 29, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

i can not believe that you put MARVIN in at the end of the game. He has been struggling the whole….. hummmm… YEAR !!! And what did he do? fumble the pass. The only good thing is that he is a good free throw shooter.. AND THAT IS IT !!!

Good win.. inspite of the crazy substitutions. Thank god for JJ, Bibby and Big AL.

By dakid

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

Sekou great job. And stick by your sources. Don’t ever reveal them, career suicide. Marvin Williams has to go. Solo great job coming off the bench, Salim also. Hortford is a BEAST. Josh, please just pass the ball. Love your hustle.

By LA Hawk

February 29, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Glad to hear it, Sekou. First, the ‘last call’ rant then your article is pulled yesterday as I’m leaving a comment.

Didn’t hear any of the rumors but how bizarre would it be if among all the hoots and howls about firing BK and Woody for their ineptitude that you, a person who jams at his job and is supremely capable gets canned before any of these other doofuses.

By woodsonsucks

February 29, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

This team wins by itself. Any real coach this would of been a double digit Hawks victory. This fool’s substituition pattern is horrible. Smith scores 6 straight he takes him out. Horford gets going he yanks him. Childress plays 36min. for that stat line. JJ either is a jock or has some of the worst shot selection in the NBA. I hope everyone realizes that he takes even worse shots that JS and that is saying a lot.

By reese

February 29, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Terrell Barron, I left Marvin out of my recap because he did hit some free throws down the stretch. However, I agree that his dropped passes and traveling call was a factor at keeping the game close down the stretch run.

But it is obvious that Woodson is willing to live or die with Marvin.

By Gray Mule

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

Sekou; Always love reading your blog and getting some insight on what is really going on with our crazy Hawk orginization. Happy with the win tonight. Might not be pretty - lots of silly turnovers and being out rebounded, missing so many shots, yet a victory! Keep on keeping on, Sekou and the Hawks!!

Gray Mule

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

If the Hawks make the playoffs, we may have to give some credit to Sekou Smith.

Notice how after all the clamoring we have done for Duck-butt to be benched, traded, etc., he gets bench player’s minutes today while Childress gets starters minutes. True, Chills’ stat line wasn’t extraordinary, but he did make some hustle plays that don’t show up in the box score, and he definitely didn’t do any of the stupid s** that has come to define Duck’s career.

And if I’m not mistaken, the Hawks came out of a timeout late in the game today, and instead of Joe Johnson getting isolated and throwing up an idiotic shot, we got an alley-oop from Bibby to Josh Smith.

Looks like Sekou’s article was what Woodson needed to realize that what he’s been doing all year is not working. Hawks should have won this game by a lot more, but it’s good that in the last two minutes they were able to come through, making the big shots and coming up with the big stops. Hopefully this newfound creativity for Woody lasts longer than one game.

By mykhalc

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

Sekou, man keep doin’ your thing!!! good stuff!!! the AJC should be pretty embarassed at the censorship that they imposed on the blog yesterday…and for nothin’ but str8 up talk and opinions!!! the way they cut up/edited/deleted some of the posts was atrocious!! str8 up jacked!!!

good win YOUNG GUNS!!! again, BIBBY is cold-blooded!! makes all the difference to the psyche of this team!!!

i bet i know who drew up that lob to SMOOVE with 1min left in the game!!! and we KNOW it wasn’t WOODSON!!! the lack of him doin’ it is why the ‘BIG’ article is on-point to begin with!!!!

By DarkRyder

February 29, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

In spite of Woodson’s substitution packages and undying love for Marvin Williams, the Hawks still pulled it out thanks to Bibby’s leadership.

Sekou props go your way for doing what someone of integrity does: stick to their story.

Can’t really bash BK as much as I used to after finding out he was behind letting Woodson go. Makes me wonder if the ASG is more concerned about finances than winning.

By BATMAN

February 29, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

BRING T.LUE BACK.That trade was a steal.Thank you Kings!!!

By MannyT

February 29, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

Glad to see that Sekou survives another day!

Glad to see the BK/Woody story came back.

Glad to see the Hawks found a way to win a game that they would have lost a month ago.

Glad to see more balance in the attack tonight.

Glad to see Al-ROY get a double-double against the fat boys of NYC.

I guess I’m just the Glad man tonight.

By Big Daddy D

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

It is shameful the AJC pulled the story from the website yesterday. Sekou Smith is one of the most respected beat writers covering the league and the AJC should have stood by their man who works his a* off to cover this team.

Keep up the good work, Sekou. Oh yeah, GO HAWKS, FIRE WOODY AND GET RID OF THE ASG!

By Orlando

February 29, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Either Ratliff or Lue would be a welcome veteran addition to this team. See what happens when Atlanta plays some weaker teams? More time for Bibby to get the offense in gear. Pre-Bibby do you think the Hawks would ever attempt an alley-oop that late in a close game? I don’t think so.

Bit by bit his presence is being felt. Here’s to more offensive plays for Big Al so he can get the ROY he so deserves.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 29, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

It would be kinda funny bringing Theo Ratface back, but I agree, he could help a little. At this point he’s not much more than an old version of Solomon Jones. But at the veterans minimum, even 6 extra fouls is worth it. The Hawks could use all the big man depth they can get at this point really. Horford and Josh Smith are playing great, but it sure would be nice to know that all is not lost if one of them gets into foul trouble.

By Ken Strickland

March 1, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

NAJEH-Ratliff has agreed to sign with the Pistons. Imagine how tough that DEF is going to be with a shotblocker.

By MarvinWilliamsDarkWingDuck

March 1, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

Marvin Williams and ZaZa Pachulia SUCK!!!!!!!! Give marvins minutes to childress/richardson/west and Pachulia’s to Solomon……and I think things would work out better

By cp

March 1, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

lmao@everybody being baffled by the substitution pattern too. I swear I was over here scratching my head trying to figure out what the hell Mike Knapp was doing. Josh Smith was playing good ball, I look up he was pulled. Duck is so frustrating that Im about to just not mention his name anymore until he shows me something. Sekou does Marvin have small hands? I dont think I have ever seen a guy fumble away the ball so much. Like I said the other day, this guy is the basketball version of Michael “brick hands” Jenkins of the Falcons. When Marvin got that traveling call I saw it coming. I swear he gets at least one traveling call a game and it always end up being from the same play. He catches the pass and instead of attacking the defender he hesitates and ends up traveling.I said I wouldnt do too much complainig but you guys inspired me too lmao

By mykhalc

March 1, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

what gets me is you see the kind of effort and game MARIO and JRICH bring in the previous game, and MARIO gets secs and JRICH gets a DNP. now how can JRICH not be used to give JJ a breather???? a different kinda coach, no doubt!!!

By Mike

March 1, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

Please fire Billy Knight! After watching the Hawks struggle to beat one of the worst teams in the league tonight at home, I had the pleasure of switching over to ESPN to see Chris Paul and Deron Williams go head to head down in New Orleans. Mike Bibby is a good point guard compared to what we had, but we could have had Chris Paul 3 years ago. He said he had his best workout for the Hawks, and said he wanted to be a Hawk. I remember seeing a scouting report on Chris Paul before that draft by Marty Blake who called Paul “the best point guard to enter the draft since Jason Kidd” I guess Billy did not get a copy of that and couldn’t see for himself on the court. We might have made the playoffs already if Paul was running with Joe, Childress, and Smith. MVP potential talent is obvious it seems to everyone except Billy Knight. Let the Mike Bibby trade be his last effort to save face and send Billy packing. Owners, let Woody go with him - he’s a terrible in-game coach and its obvious the players have grown tired of him.

By Serge45

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

keep doing what you’re doing sekou

By Hawk fan in N.O.

March 1, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

Mike I agree whole-heartedly about CP3. He is the best young Pt. Guard in the leaugue hands down. And live in New Orleans and have to witness what could have been every day…But Bibby’s a Hawk now so let’s make the most of it.

By Murphy

March 1, 2008 2:04 AM | Link to this

Can u guys please stop crying about CP3 and Deron Williams. Its annoying now. There is nothing the hawks can do about it now. Get over it!!!! Whats done is done. The hawks have finally realized 3 years later and are trying to make up for their mistakes. Everybody b*** and moaning about it aint going to change it so just GET OVER IT.

By HB Ando

March 1, 2008 2:59 AM | Link to this

Gosh, I give up. You folks have no idea of how many connections, and markers, I called in to submarine this Sekou Smith character.

He epitomizes the statement, “the truth will set you free”. Truly the man is bullet proof.

I think this story speaks for itself. The idea that Billy Knight was not allowed, by the Spirit, to fire Woody, has nothing to do with him being handcuffed. It has everything to do with ownership recognizing that as unprepared, as a head coach, as Woody was, when hired by Billy, and, as ill-fitting, based on Woody’s background, as this roster is, I think this “news” portends that the Spirit have no intention of letting Billy scapegoat his choice for head coach, as a poorly veiled attempt to draw attention, and accountability, away from his repeated failings as the GM.

I suggest that ownership has taken the position that Billy and Woody must share the culpability which the Spirit wants no part of.

Look, Billy has made horrendous draft decisions. And, in lieu of any objective data, I simply won’t buy the idea that any of those draft picks were forced upon him.

And Woody clearly was not, and is not, the right coach for a team who’s design (if one is to believe that there was ever a blueprint for this so-called rebuild) couldn’t have been more ill-fitting than the roster he’s been handed. Truth be told, given his limitations in both half-court play calling, as well as his consistently mind boggling failings in personnel changes and strategic match ups, I’m not sure it would have mattered what roster he was given.

But laymen, like myself and a multitude of blog regulars, have accurately suggested, for at least a season and a half, that this roster, lacking a legitimate anchor on the defensive end, was best implemented in a run-oriented, transition style system.

The addition of Bibby only enhanced that perception. So, if it’s been that obvious, to the casual, if persistent, fan, then where the hell has the organization been, in acknowledging this ongoing and utter mismatch, between coach and roster?

I don’t think there’s any doubt that Woody has to be cut loose. I simply suggest that, with less than 30 games less, and no long-term coaching solution in a position to step in, that the Spirit isn’t willing to allow Billy Knight the opportunity to deflect his obvious accountability, both for screwing up repeated draft picks (and don’t get me started on the Johnson deal or the signing of Speedy), as well as hiring a head coach who couldn’t be a poorer match for the roster Billy put together.

To me, this isn’t an indictment of the Spirit (though they are clearly in ownership of an equal share of blame) as much as it foreshadows an anticipated, and long overdue, overhaul of both the front office, and the coaching staff, this summer.

I mean did anyone else watch Paul and Roy play together in the backcourt, of the Western Conference All-Star team?

And for those of you who are season-ticket holders, how are you feeling about a 5% increase in ticket prices next season?

Ouch……

By BA

March 1, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this

I’m personally tired of all this “fire Woodson” talk. Have you people never had a job? It’s just not right. I don’t think this guy is the new Phil Jackson or anything, but he gets crapped on more than anyone in this town’s bitter history! Say what you will (I hate all the Joe/isolation plays too) but this man has the hawks playing defense. And the effort is there with the players. Woodson is probably never going to be Riley or Sloan or even a Van Gundy!? But the guy is working his tail off, did you see him tell Marvin to get the inbound pass at the end off the game? This offense looks a little more fluid with a legitimate point running it. It’s not Woody’s fault we haven’t had a point guard for three years. Billy Knight firing Woody? Knight should do us a favor and fire himself. He won’t have to avoid those pesky interviews if he would just pound sand. None of you Woody haters could do much more with this roster than he has the past three years, and I think he’s done a nice job developing the younger guys. Give this guy and his staff a break. If only we had some draft picks….

By ray

March 1, 2008 3:53 AM | Link to this

Well now, there’s a theory. And while every guess we’re making about the truth is exactly that (theoretical) right now, it makes sense. Is it true? Don’t know yet…might never know. But the proof may just be in the pudding this summer.

In the meantime, there’s a guy somewhere who was busy patting himself on the back…and I think he might have stopped just now…

Anyway, back to the game: We won, despite nearly jumpshooting ourselves in the foot! What a difference Mike Bibby makes. This guy makes the right passes and gets himself open for that sweet stroke of a jumpshot. Despite him and Joe going cold for the most part in the 4th quarter, Bibby was finding his teammates and hit a critical 20 footer very late in the game.

How about Al Horford? I know y’all saw that thunderous one-handed Amare-esque dunk he threw down! I came off the couch like a crazy person when I saw THAT mutha! Again, his offensive game has already shown improvement that I just about have to attribute to Bibby. This guy just gives the ball up to the right guys at the right times. Gotta love it. Unfortunately, we do face Boston next, right? Ah well…but I’m hoping we win anyway.

By BA

March 1, 2008 4:08 AM | Link to this

By the way, why all the talk about Sekou leaving? If this guy leaves, it will be for something better. He is the exsclusive reason I go to AJC.com, we haven’t had a beat writer this good in this town since the Braves glory days. As far as the ASG, if you fire Knight and/or Woody, DON’T BLOW THIS TEAM UP! I’m conviced we are just a couple of pieces away, we really need a big center, maybe a backup two guard that’s not five feet tall like Salim.

By richbrave

March 1, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

For all the LUE (Tiger Woo et. al.) fans, he is once again available. Want him back? Just ask and you will receive. How about it Mr. BK.

By smartguy

March 1, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Dear Mr. Gearon and Mr. Levenson,

what can you point to to say that Mike Woodson is a good head coach?? The guy has NO strong points. The best thing that I have ever heard about Woody is that he is good at developing players. But, I’M TALKING ABOUT WINNING ACTUAL GAMES.

So, let me ask you again, just what has Mike Woodson done that makes you think he is a good coach???

By smartguy

March 1, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Mr. Levenson, the fact that no serious coaching changes have been considered recently tells me that your head is so far up your rear that you don’t have any idea what is going on.

By richbrave

March 1, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

AJC are we still auditing posts?

By Ken Strickland

March 1, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

I always felt Horford was a good outside shooter, but he’s better than I thought. What do all of those pronosticators who were so certain Horford would wear down playing the 5 have to say now? He’s actually gotten better and stronger since the Allstar break. Both his rebounding and scoring have increased and he’s consistently registering double doubles.

With back to back wins, and Bibby on board, it’ll be interesting to see how we respond against Boston. If I remember correctly, we were blown out the last time we played them. Our starting team now has 5 OFF threats with Richardson(if Woodson allowed him to play)and Childress coming off the bench.

By Casey

March 1, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Horford had his best game yet, as far as I’m concerned. Bibby is really getting the ball to all of our big men in the lane more than we have all year, really, the last 3 or 4 years. But, with 1:50 left in the game Horford picks up his 5th foul, so Woodson takes him out of the game for good. What in the hell? Is Woodson afraid Horford will turn into a pumpkin if he fouls out in the last minute of the game? I just don’t understand the things this clown does. He put Marvin in and the Invisible Man tried to give the game away with his butter fingers, but we hung on.

By MontanaBravesFan

March 1, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Sekou, any thoughts on the possibility of T. Lue coming back, given the Hawks current pg injury situation??

By Traceman

March 1, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

You guys kill me! I am no Woody fan and I agree he needs to go but he is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t with you guys. If he leaves JJ in the game, he plays JJ too many minutes. If he gives Josh Smith a blow, he is an idiot for taking him out.

J Smoove ASKED for a blow when he came out in the 4th. I was at the game and I SAW him ask for it. As for Marvin, when he came in, he played GREAT D and grabbed two huge rebounds. He did get the traveling call and he did fumble the pass in traffic (but he hustled and got it back). He also made some big FTs down the stretch. He had FAR more of a positive impact on the game in the 4th than Chillz did as Chillz had virtually disappeared. In addition, we were +11 w/Marv on the floor while we were even when Chillz was on the floor. No question Chillz has played better ball overall of late as Marv has been in a slump since he hurt his thigh in POR but he did a good job in the 4th last night.

By cheese

March 1, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

didnt bernie mullin leave the thrashers because he complained of the asg and how they are running things!?!?!? my oh my…doesnt steve belkin sound really good now. i dont know if i would put all the blame on billy knight if you think about it. maybe he is just a puppet to those clown owners. STEVE BELKIN SAVE THE HAWKS AND THRASHERS!!!

By Casey

March 1, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

BA,

Are you Woodson’s wife? Woodson gets criticized by us because the writers for this newspaper have mostly ignored this situation for the last 4 years. Until just recently, when they wrote anything at all about the Hawks, they just made excuses for Woodson and Knight or they just kept saying give it more time. How much time do you think an NBA coach and GM should get? Look around the league. Do you see any other coaches or GMs who have lost as much for as long as these 2? In the entire history of the NBA, can anyone remember a coach or GM losing this much for this long and keeping their job? Because, I don’t.

By Casey

March 1, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Traceman,

Marvin has never played “GREAT D”. He came into the game at the end for Al Horford (when he got his 5th foul with 1:50 left), not Childress. That move will remain a mystery to me. Marvin had a +11 because he plays when all the starters are on the floor, not because he actually does anything to help the team.

By richbrave

March 1, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

SEKOU SMITH:

Makin’ like the ENERGIZER BUNNY- still going and going and going!!!! Thanks for your stand-up blog on the attempted firings dude. Reminds me of a line from “Matewan.” Cris Cooper sidles up to David Strathen and says, “I never seen a law-man buck a company gun before…” Thank you again for restoring some faith in sports journalism. I thought “syncophant(sp)” was the operative word for sports journalism especially on a newspaper.

By Nate ArchiBALL

March 1, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Just a few points

-Mike, Chris Paul is not just the best pure point guard since Jason Kidd but since Nate Archibald. It’s a shame he’s not a Hawk.

• NO to bringing back TLue.

• Solo should receive more playing time.

• Marvin and ZaZa should get less playing time. They’re killing me….

Sekou - I didn’t have a good feeling when your article was pulled. You deserve better treatment from the AJC.

Maybe the AJC can get Jeff S, Mark B and Terence M to stop passing off blog comments as op-ed pieces and do some real reporting on the inner workings Atlanta Spirit Group.

By richbrave

March 1, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

WHO IS BELKIN?

By DecDawg

March 1, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

While I agree that we needed Deron Williams/Chris Paul more than Marvin, what makes any of you think either of those players would be playing at their current level under Woodson in ATLANTA?

Our young talent appears to be developing at a very slow rate under Woodson. The Hawks do not have an offensive or defensive SYSTEM to determine how good they can be. It is much harder to grow when you’re basically playing street ball so there is no accountability.

By Frak Clyde

March 1, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Where’s my man Clyde? As I’ve said, gotta love a ‘fan’ who relishes kicking the Hawks when they’re down, and who disappears when they do well.

He’s the only person I’ve ever seen on this blog who won’t give credit where credit is due. He’s no fan. He’s just a loser who wants to sell t-shirts.

By Chris

March 1, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight, what a winner. Once again you put a negro in charge and they screw up. Bill Campbell, Clayton County school board, the morons that run grady, Vernon Jones, Cynthia McKinney, etc. You wonder why there are not more black head coaches, CEO’s, etc. THIS IS WHY! You thugs can’t do anything right unless it is killing each other or dealing drugs.

By kwooden1

March 1, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Great Win! Way to fight to the end and pull it out. We all would have liked to win by more, but it doesn’t matter how you win. Obviously Bibby is a great addition and made all the difference. (He wasn’t shoot that great and still took the jumper at the end of the game.) Marvin, struggled but had two key rebounds and made his free throws at the end. I hate to say this, but Marvin is the key to them making the playoffs. If he hits the mid-range shots and drive to the hoop for fouls the Hawks are very difficult to beat. You know what your going to get from everyone else, but Marvin is a mystery on most nights, especially on defense. I have no comment of the coaching, because I’ve said for the last two years that Woody doesn’t do anything during the game, it always appears that he doesn’t have a good feel for how the game is going.

This game against Boston, isn’t as important as the past two in terms of confidence (their were supposed to win those games and lose this game), but it is really important as a gauge. This is the game to find out how good the Hawks really are! I think their good enough to make the Playoffs!!

GO HAWKS!!

By Johnny

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

You know what, I have a TON of faith in this team now that we got Bibby without giving up any of our rotation players/good players. We just have WAY too much talent now that we got the missing link in our pointguard.

Golden State was 25-36 last year. That was their record. They had traded for Jackson and Harrington about 8 games prior, and then they got a big win over Washington to get to 10 games under .500…….. Golden State was STACKED with talent but hadnt put it together yet. We are STACKED with talent and our just now gettting it together. (GS was missing a post presence, we have 4 of them in Horford, JJ, Smoove and Marvin….. but GS was missing a legit stud bigman 4/5, we have one in Horford thats getting better by the day)…….. Golden State has alot better coach as well…………

So anyways, Golden State was 11 games under .500 and stacked with talent on march 12 last year. They then figured it out and went on a TEAR that started about 8 games after their big trade, and finished the season at 42-40 to make the playoffs as the 8 seed…….. what I see in our team is that same capability.

We are LOADED. SERIOUSLY.

I checked out our playoff competition last night: Chicago and New Jersey the night before. (Philly doesnt have the smae talent level as those two and us, I dont think theyll hold on with us)…… Chicago COllAPSED last night, but they look ALOT better. Hughes is a real 2guard that defends and gets to the foul line, and Gooden gives them a post scorer that they didnt have. New Jersey Devin Harris and Vince Carter tore it up and Krstic looked pretty good inside, he’s getting healthy………. So both those teams are ALOT better after their trades, and are capable of going on a run to make the playoffs…… but I like our chances. I think we’re more talented and better and are going to make it, I HAVE BIGTIME FAITH IN THAT. For real.

GO HAWKS!

By Ken Strickland

March 1, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

TRACEMAN-it’s nice to know someone besides myself isn’t suffering from tunnel vision. When it comes to those who choose to bash rather than observe, they only saw Marvin’s travel or fumbled pass. They conveniently overlooked the fact he immediately stole the ball back. Somehow, they don’t see that as DEF. Why don’t we see the same types of criticisms about the fumbled passes and unforced errors by JSmith or JJ? Why are MWilliams miscues perceived as being more detrimental to the team than anyone elses?

I also read am earlier comment that was critical of Marvin for not playing against Seattle with the flu. Now, that was really a thoughtless comment. First, he was practicing with the flu when the coaching staff made him go home and rest. Secondly, why would anyone be stupid enough to suggest running the risk of infecting the entire team by allowing a flu infected player to remain among the other players? I guarantee if that had been any other starter besides Marvin, that wouldn’t have been an issue.

TRACEMAN-to further expand on your excellent observation. There are some who complain about the excess mins JJ, Horford and JSmith are being forced to play. Then we here how Zaza and Marvin should play fewer mins. How in the hell do you rest your starters and give them fewer mins without increasing the mins of you bench?

This Marvin bashing is becoming about as tiresome as all of this coulda shoulda drafted this player and that player crap. I guess if we’d drafted CPaul, DWilliams, or BRoy, Woodson would miraculously become a much better HC and be able to designed an OFF that would maximize their collective talents. After all of my comments about Woodson needing to be fired, I find out Woodson’s job might be more secure than BK’s, who can’t fire him. So, why continue harping about something that’s not going to happen.

SO, GOOD LUCK WOODSON AND YOU HIGH FLYING HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DAMNIT.

By richbrave

March 1, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

ONCE AGAIN, CHRIS proves the point that any fool can post on a cyber-blog.

By Johnny

March 1, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

For all the complaints about Knight, and at times rightfully so, he has put a STACKED team together.

Billy has done a VERY VERY VERY good job building this team.

We are well-rounded, loaded at every position, we got a very good pointguard that is a perfect fit for our team……… just look at the roster. Mike Bibby, Josh Childress, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Al Horford, and Josh Smith. THAT IS SERIOUS……… sure, he messed up getting Shelden but he turned it into Bibby…….. and he messed up passing on Chris Paul but EVERYONE said going into that draft that Marvin was the number 1 or 2 pick and the best prospect. So Im not going to go with revisionist history….. maybe we should wish we got the 3rd pick in that lottery because ANY OTHER TEAM would have done the same and picked Marvin. Chris Paul alot of people werent high on, if you remember. Sometimes they turn out like Chris Paul, sometimes like TJ Ford, and sometimes like Jay Williams. know what I mean??? Billy went with the “Experts” and his scouts……. plus Marvin has turned into a very good player. Sure he’s struggled lately since the minor injury, but he’s a better 3rd option on offense than most teams have. He shoots 48% from the field, averages 16 ppg and rebounds well for a small forward, is a good shooter to stretch the floor, can post on mismatches, athletic finisher on pick/roll or open court, can handle a bit, he’s a real good pure Small Forward with a very bright future and good upside….. he’ll never be anywhere near Chris Paul but he may end up being an allstar Small Forward 5 years from now………. Im okay with that now.

Instead of looking at that lets look at the team Billy HAS put together. Mike Bibby, Acie Law, Al Horford, Marvin Williams, Josh Childress, Joe Johnson, and Josh Smith. That is a HELL OF A CORE right there, a well-rounded team, stacked at every position, UNSTOPPABLE in the open court uptempo, play good defense, are capable of being a very good team RIGHT NOW, and have a GREAT SALARY CAP SITUATION, and HAS A VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY BRIGHT FUTURE. (A Desagana Diop would be the final piece, a defensive/rebounding/banger/hustle play center to anchor our defense, but that isnt vital and we’ll get it for next year, maybe itll be Solo). That would give us a 3rd shotblocker and make a monster frontline for us to go with a very good backcourt, but also would move Marvin to the bench which would give us MAJOR FIREPOWER off of the bench and make our bench a weakness into a strength, going from average bench ot one of the very best in the NBA spearheaded by Marvin and Chillz (Maybe Theo Ratliff could be that guy for the rest of the year if he’s healthy again, that would be a very good pickup). Plus by the way, we have good roleplayers in support that are capable of doing a job to help us win: Zaza, Solo, West, Richardson, and Salim.

So Billy has done a VERY good job building a stacked team with a good cap situation and a VERY VERY bright future. I put it on Woody, there is no way this team should finish with less than 41 wins. Period. Especially in the East.

By mykhalc

March 1, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

now AJC this is when you do your job!!! you can spend time editin’ and deletin’ valid posts regardin’ a valid story but you continually let vile and hate filled sh$t constantly get posted!!! like i said before, i think you invite it!!!

By Johnny

March 1, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Making the playoffs is huge. Even if we make the 8 seed and get KILLED in round 1, that is a HUGE HUGE HUGE step forward for us. It will show our young team that we belong, and we’re capable of making it.

For example: I give you the Orlando Magic. They had been a young lottery team that was getting better under a bad coach for 3 years, and last year they finally made the playoffs for the first time with Howard. They got MURDERED by Detroit, and swept in 4 games…….. but look at them this year. They got a new GOOD coach, made an addition here or there, and now they are in 3rd in the East and have a record 14 games over .500. They know they belong, they got a good coach, and they made the first leap forward……… WE CAN DO THE SAME. Much like how JJ made his first allstar team and it was huge to him knowing that he’s capable of being on allstar level, making the playoffs is vital to our young team knowing theyre capable of being playoff level. After the playoff trip as a stepping-stone, and once we get a good coach next year (And re-sign the Josh’s and add Diop) its off to the races for this young/talented/very good team on the rise, and we can be well over .500 next year and competing for a top 4 seed in the East, I believe.

Go HaWKS!!!

By mykhalc

March 1, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

congrats AJC…a successful and warranted edit!!!LOL

By richbrave

March 1, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

DARKRYDER:

Glad you think Gil can pull out a playoff spot for the Wiz. I can’t see him in the lineup and effective before the 21st of March can you? Without he and Caron, the team is struggling and that playoff birth may go to the Hawks instead. I still feel the Atlanta team is our main adversary for the final spot in post season. I’m proud of how EJ has pulled the club together, and gotten a few wins without two of their big three. Caron may be out till next year. A tear in that area is bad man.

By Skip

March 1, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

AJC = N**** LOVERS

By DecDawg

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

Okay, okay…we have talent…but everyone in the league has talent. It’s the NBA, you need talent just to get there. If you didn’t, we wouldn’t be posting, we’d be playing in the NBA.

Systems win titles in the NBA. All consistently good teams have a system or style they like to play. Unfortunately, at this time, the Hawks do not. And without a system/style, you end of drafting/signing “players”. They may be good or better but without a system it doesn’t matter because you can’t be a serious contender on a regular basis. As a Hawks fan, I just long for a system/style. It’s hard to complain about drafts/signings because I can’t figure out what the hell the ASG is trying to do with this team.

By JJ

March 1, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

skip shut yo racist a*s up punk. You piece of white trash.

By Johnny

March 1, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, and I was still saying that woody shoudl be fired.

Unless he finally figures it out in these last 30 games and runs runs runs with the young talented hawks and their new elite PG Mike Bibby.

Bibby, JJ, Marvin, Smoove, Horford, Chillz and Acie is quite a core. Salim and JRich two more shooters (MAKING 5!), two bigs Zaza (I know Zaza is a stiff but he can be a big off the bench and fill a role) and Solo (Future Ratliff/Diop?), and a defensive specialist in West.

NICE!

Figure it out Woody, last chance, or hit the road…..(Probably hit the road anyways, but at least get us to the playoffs. It should be EASY with this roster that Billy has put together)…. and then get a great uptempo coach like Rick Adelman or Paul Westphal next year.

By MannyT

March 1, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Is Mark Bradley now channeling Clyde?

On 2/21 he was way down on Woody.

On 2/27 he seemed to say nice things about the roster BK put together.

After reading and learning some things from Sekou’s article, he trashes BK in 3/1 column.

It just seems lame.

AJC—More Sekou, less of these columnists.

By Johnny

March 1, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Traceman, I agree with you on Marvin.

Sure he’s been in a slump since he hurt his thigh in Portland, but he’s a good young player.

He helped the team pull it out last night, 2 big rebounds, a nice steal, big free throws, and played good defense. Set a nice pick for Smooves roll to the basket on the alley-oop as well.

So yeah, Marvin is a good player and a very good 3rd option on offense. One of our best pure shooters that is vital to spacing the floor as well. He was shooting 50% from the field before he got hurt and had this slump, but 16 ppg from your 3rd option is very good. 6 rpg is good for a small forward as well and helps Smoove and Big Al alot (As does JJ and Chillz) with our rebounding.

Plus he is very young, has improved every year and has alot more upside and improving to do as a pure small forward…..

J-Smoove is getting better outside on the perimeter and Marvin is getting better inside, but as of right now when Smoove takes 3-pointers and Marvin is the one making a move in the pivot it sure makes me scratch my head as those roles should be reversed.

But no doubt though, our core of talent (Chillz, JJ, Bibby, Acie, Marvin, Smoove, and Horford) is very very very good.

By drmaryb

March 1, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

AAAHH! SEKOU is BACK - So All Is Well in Hawk-Land!

Everything is back to normal and no one was fired - Life is Good!

(We can all feed our families again!)

Now let’s stop hating and start WINNING!

By fudd21

March 1, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Johnny I am all for stopping the bashing of Marvin, but let’s not overexxagerate his skills.

Marvin CANNOT stretch the defense. Maybe in middle school the ability to hit 15 to 18 foot jump shots would stretch the court, but not in the NBA where the average player is 6’7 and covers that ground in about a half second.

Marvin CANNOT post up at all. Have you actually watched any of the games. When he does catch the ball on the block he always turns and faces the basket. A low post scorer taking advantage of size mismatches would back the smaller player down and simply shoot over him or if he is doubled then pass out to a opne man. Marvin does neither. He turns and faces and usually barrels over the defense hoping for a charge or loses the ball on the way up.

Marvin CANNOT finish well as he usually loses the ball on the way up. As many others have pointed out, I have never seen a man lose so many balls. At least 3 times a game Marvin will go to the hole and get the ball knocked away.

Marvin IS NOT a pure small forward. He is a tweener. Pure small forwards have better ball handling, can hit the 3 pointer thereby stretching the defense, can take their man off the dribble, and have decent lateral quickness thereby allowing them to play effective man to man defense.

With all that being said I actually like Marvin but do realize he has some major holes in his game. Just like the Hawks in general. We still need another shooter unless we are going to let JRich play. And as everyone else has said we need a big.

By fudd21

March 1, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Johnny I am all for stopping the bashing of Marvin, but let’s not overexxagerate his skills.

Marvin CANNOT stretch the defense. Maybe in middle school the ability to hit 15 to 18 foot jump shots would stretch the court, but not in the NBA where the average player is 6’7 and covers that ground in about a half second.

Marvin CANNOT post up at all. Have you actually watched any of the games. When he does catch the ball on the block he always turns and faces the basket. A low post scorer taking advantage of size mismatches would back the smaller player down and simply shoot over him or if he is doubled then pass out to a opne man. Marvin does neither. He turns and faces and usually barrels over the defense hoping for a charge or loses the ball on the way up.

Marvin CANNOT finish well as he usually loses the ball on the way up. As many others have pointed out, I have never seen a man lose so many balls. At least 3 times a game Marvin will go to the hole and get the ball knocked away.

Marvin IS NOT a pure small forward. He is a tweener. Pure small forwards have better ball handling, can hit the 3 pointer thereby stretching the defense, can take their man off the dribble, and have decent lateral quickness thereby allowing them to play effective man to man defense.

With all that being said I actually like Marvin but do realize he has some major holes in his game. Just like the Hawks in general. We still need another shooter unless we are going to let JRich play. And as everyone else has said we need a big.

By Johnny

March 1, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

One more thing.

We should run MORE pick and roll.

A Bibby/Horford pick and roll or a Bibby/Smoove pick and roll would be DEADLY. And a Bibby/Marvin Pick and pop would be EQUALLY DEADLY. Pick your poison (you could pick and roll with Marvin too, read it as they defend it he has the athleticism and size to finish, Bibby will drain that shot if they guard against the roll)….. Smoove on the roll will be like Amare, an absolute DUNKATHON with him finishing big every time (As you saw last night on the bigtime go-ahead alley-oop from Bibby to Smoove).

And Horford is our best pick/roll option as he flashes to the ball very well and has great hands, size, athleticism and touch around the rim.

Also, in Bibby’s place running it could be Salim or JJ and it would also be very effective, and Chillz moving without the ball cutting to the rim for rebounds/follows or a secondary dish for a layup/dunk would be very effectie. Or even Chillz moving to a spot-up shot, and Marvin moving to a spot-up shot for open jumpers, same with JJ or even Bibby wen JJ is running it (Richardson and Salim would be good options off of the play for a spot-up open jumper as well).

Very good option for us.

By joepro

March 1, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

A KNIGHT WITHOUT HONOR A general sends his soldiers into battle:

Without scouts (lead guard) Without air support (outside shooters) Without adequate replacements for the injured (weak bench - poor draft picks) Without the best soldiers available (poor draft picks) Without adequate training (typically only one year of college coaching)

Then, when the soldiers do no better than to fight the opposition to a standstill, the general wants to fire the 2nd Lieutenant (Woody).

An honorable general would acknowledge that the results are due to his incompetence and fall on his sword. This general is a knight in name only.

By DecDawg

March 1, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Joepro,

As you must know, a general answers to the Commander in Chief. In this case, that equals the ASG. And the results of the general are greatly determined by the competence of the Commander in Chief. Where is your disdain for the Commander in Chief? Until you factor in the ultimate decision maker, your argument appears to be more personal than anything else….

By RealSquawk

March 1, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Lets talk about two things.

Marvin Williams first is struggling, but he is probably one of our better skill players yes he is struggling, but for instance people talk about him loosing the ball when going to the basket

that does happen along with a foul call if you look at all the top players in the league all of them get to the foul line and Marvin is the only player on this team who does that

look for him to step up these next games and in the playoffs

and if knight is out and Woodson stays then it is time to leave the stands open.

We can look at his bad draft choices, but how about we look at his steals like JOsh Smith, and if salim stoudamire would get some playing time he could get inserted in this list

and Marvin Williams lets really talk about this. Not many people draft analyst, sports writers, gms , or coaches that the one and two picks of the draft were going to be williams and bogut outside of utah

By drmaryb

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

Hey Richbrave & Mykhalc

I just sayin’ - like my mama always told me when dealing with my schizofrenic brother, “When you see a fool? - You leave a fool!”

Now I loved my only brother, so don’t get it twisted. But, he did have a mental illness (unfortunately).

Maybe that idiot has Teretz(sp)-Syndrome you know that could be one explanation.

Anyway, I like the high-road approach you guys chose to take…that’s a good look. ;o

By Joepro

March 1, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if it’s possible to be “personal” as you say toward someone one I’ve never met. But, it were possible, I would have a “personal” problem with Knight because he had the opportunity to build a team that would someday compete for a championship and wound up building a team that might get to a 2nd playoff round when it reaches it’s peak. Instead, it’ll be Portland that built well during the same period, which will likely be that next great team.

Should the ASG share the blame, as you suggest? After all, they hired Knight and didn’t fire him after his blunders in the 2004 draft (Childress instead of Deng or Iguodala, or getting a contributor from one of the three top 2nd round picks), 2005 (Marvin vs the two points), 2006 Sheldon instead of Roy, or just about anyone else? If this is obvious to us, it’s painfully evident to the ASG members who have millions invested. I can only conclude that they HAVE to keep Knight. One guess would be that it will somehow improve their chances in the litigation. They have hundreds of millions at stake. They have to be patient.

By dakid

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

No matter if Marvin was one of the two top talent’s in the draft(which sports writers said) he wasn’t needed. Going into that draft we needed a point and a big. Marvin is neither. If we were going for best talent, Shelden wouldn’t have been the pick. Rudy Gay would’ve been it. But there was no need for him, just as there was none for Marvin. Whoever said he can finish at the rim is out of their mind. They must don’t watch the games.

To the closet racist, the Falcon’s have been ran by White guys and the suck, always have always will. Idiots.

By Hawksville Resident

March 1, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Sekou, as everyone else has stated, glad to see you’re still going and going and going… Couple of points about last nights game. 1) Mike Bibby is the lead guard/game manager we have needed in the fourth quarter to close out games for a long time. His swagger and confidence is evident and I think the other players feed off of it. I am so excited to have this guy aboard! Go Hawks! 2) If Al dosen’t win Rookie of the year it’s highway robbery. This kid has so much youthful enthusiasm and brings so much energy to the game that you can’t help but to root for him. I say it all the time to my friends, their Owners are horrible, the coach sucks, but I can’t help but root for the players. They really are good guys.

By hawks team

March 1, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

fire Sekou K Smith, punk @ss reporter

By WoodyCantCoach

March 1, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Sekou…. can you find out what’s wrong with Marvin ?

By richbrave

March 1, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

the hawks team:

Is that like…everybody dude, or just the bench? Just askin’ ‘cause that comment is definitely reserve stuff and not worthy of starting.

By Capt. Caveman

March 1, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

* ASG SUX*

They let Waddell fire Hartley after making it to playoffs — yet block Woodson’s firing several times by the man who has caused the roster problems from the beginning. Funny that he tried to fire Woody right after finally getting him a point guard. Cuz if they started winning then it would make Knight’s drafting even more of the focus.

As a fan I will continue to watch and cheer but will not buy a ticket anytime soon.

That is the real power of the FANS.

By doc

March 1, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

richbrave in a brief way i will describe belkin as the estranged owner of the hawks involved in a legal entanglemet to determine who is the rightful owner him or the other guys, hence the Broken Atlanta Spirit Group that is mentioned frequently. there was huge a fallout between him and the rest of the BASG group and knight when knight signed jj to a contract. some of it was pure ego on both sides and we are trapped in the outcome.

as far as the other drek that has come around it is best just to smell it and realize it is what it is and overlook it just as you would a pile of dung which it is.

as far as the positives for woody it was said by gearon that woody has never complained and that seems to be what has been the item to keep his job as they have given no other that they have given him credit for. personally woody has done a great job of keeping the team focused during very bad streches when they could have thrown in the towel over the past few years, unfortunately what he does is not quickly converted into obvious situations where all can see how he has changed the outcome by his actions during the game and for that i am perplexed why it has been allowed to continue for so long.

By randy

March 1, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Did they threaten to ban you from Phillips Arena if you didn’t take that story down? AHAHAHA.

By randy

March 1, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

GO MARVIN! FLY DUCK FLY! AHAHAHA.

By randy

March 1, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Bibby is really a huge plus on this team. Even though we just beat two crappy teams, Bibby made all the difference with his lobs and ability to stretch the defense. If Joe could hit shots like he did last year, we would have a really good case for one of the best backcourts in the NBA. Josh and Horford are beasts and Chill gives great minutes. Marvin still sucks, but we already knew that. GO HAWKS!

By Joe Bling

March 1, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

It’s comical to watch the schizophrenic mood swings on this board. Three days ago after the team came home from that brutal 1-4 trip out west there was nothing but doom and gloom. Now, all of a sudden we’re a playoff team again. It’s a miracle!

I wasn’t real impressed with either of the two home victories. Terrible defensive effort against Sacramento, and we never should have let the Knicks back in that game last night. Can’t believe we were actually losing with one minute to play. That said, they got it done - barely - when a loss in either of those games would have been devastating. As has been pointed out, the only thing that matters is what happens after that west coast road trip. A Golden State-like revival would be nice, but so far I’m not seeing any parallels. Bibby looks great, even on a bad foot, but they’ve got to start playing some defense. If they could catch Boston sleeping, it might prove to be a major jumpstart.

Good comments by RealSquawk. Marvin is struggling. That doesn’t mean he’s incapable. He’s basically just a young kid loaded with talent who’s getting no direction. Early in the season he showed signs of putting that talent to use, but a few weeks ago he hit a wall and his shots stopped dropping. He’s still playing hard, though, and seems to be picking it up on defense. He’ll get it back together, at least he better. I agree that Marvin’s development is all on the coaching staff. You can’t sneeze at 15 points a night, but somehow it seems like there should be more to his game.

By richbrave

March 1, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

doc:

Muchas gracias amigo. Belkin vs.the mob, errrr group, sorry!! And as usual, its the fans who are held hostage. Here a line from “Platoon” may be apropos. “..everybody know the rich are always f*ing over the poor. Always have, always will.” Pity the poor(insert your team of choice)fan.

By kwooden1

March 1, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

I said before that this game against Boston is a good gauge, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they get blown out. The Hawks don’t matchup well with Boston, Marvin has to cover Paul P. (Marvin’s going to get abused!!) If the Hawks can keep this game close and work through their mistakes and shortcomings, it will show that their really getting use to playing with Bibby and improving. The problem will be that they really need their coach to show-up with a great game plan and good adjustments during the game. (It might be a good game to start Mario again) I’m confident that the coach isn’t going to bring any adjustments to the game, so if the Hawks keep it close or win, it will be because the guys taking it upon themselves.

GO HAWKS!

By HB Ando

March 1, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

drmaryb, I understand that physicians are prone to poor, or near illegible, handwriting. But I can’t say I’ve run across too many, with the requisite level of advanced education, who could mangle the spelling of a well-known medical condition like Tourette’s Syndrome.

If English is your second or third language, then I guess there’s room for latitu………nah, let’s just roll with the most obvious conclusion………

I must say that I can only marvel at the folks who stubbornly maintain the expectation that Marvin is going to suddenly obtain a heart (he needs only to follow the yellow brick road, where the Wizard of Regrettable Draft Picks awaits him with compassion and open arms; if not the kind of passion and intensity that he sorely lacks). I can only surmise that those Marvin fans also await the day that the Hawks give Chris Washburn his well-deserved 18th chance. Maybe we can draft the rights to a reincarnated Eddie Griffin, as well.

If anyone has a new and unique perspective to add here, please articulate it. It’s a safe bet that within the next 12-24 months, Mark Bradley, Jeff Schultz or Terrence Moore will regurgitate your words, and assume them with the confidence of a false prophet.

Not allowing Billy to scapegoat Woody may be the single most logical move the Spirit has made in the last 4 years. Woody’s limitations as a coach are dwarfed, exponentially, by the absolute failings of the misguided egomania of Mr. Billy Knight.

There’s nothing quite as sad as knowing, 3 years ago, that this is exactly how Billy’s tenure would turn out. This was as avoidable as it was predictable.

But hey, it’s nothing that a 5% increase in season ticket prices can’t fix (though having no draft picks this summer is a pretty positive indicator of a rapid turn around).

Ugggghhhhhh.

By Ken Strickland

March 1, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

What’s all this negative crap about the Hawks only beating 2 crappy teams. How in the devil do you think teams like Detroit, San Antonio, Phoenix, Dallas, or any elite NBA team for that matter, annually win 50+ gms every yr? They accomplish it by defeating a large number of crappy teams. If the Hawks had defeated more crappy teams this yr they’d have a winning record.

Some of you are running out of negative crap to dwell on, and you’re starting to make really dumb comments. Tchere are certainly a lot of comments and criticism concerning MWilliams. ommon sense tells me that any player averaging almost 16PPG and 6RPG in his 3rd yr, 1st as a starter, is a total failure. When you factor in the fact he’s a 3rd, and now 4th option, his stats are even more impressive. Maybe BK isn’t the only one suffering from an inflated ego and/or errors of judgement.

By Johnny

March 2, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

I a€gtree Ken Strickland, you are absolutely right on as usual.

By mykhalc

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

Ken, preach my friend!!!!

By ray

March 2, 2008 3:12 AM | Link to this

Check it out:

1-4 record on the road = fans not happy, and worried about not making the playoffs (while already in the 9th spot).

2-0 home record = fans happier and regaining playoff hopes.

Hmmmm….how does this seem schizophrenic? I don’t know (ahem…Jo Bling), but at least most of us know to be happy about wins and unhappy about losses. Hell, I’ll take schizophrenia over dumbassitis any day…

Want more jokes? How about the “mood swing police” at least know how to spell schizophrenia. It would appear (thanks to Ando’s astute observation) that our newest doctor does NOT…nor tourette’s…nor…oh, you get the point.

Ken, to be honest I have NO IDEA how Horford has managed to keep it up this long, much less get better. I still feel like he would do well to have another rough/tough guy down low with him. Doesn’t even have to be a 7 foot dominant center. All we need is another big guy of about his size or larger/taller to play down low with him and take some of the pressure off. Kind of like Bibby does for Joe. Detroit has managed quite fine like that (the Wallaces…when they played together, Webber, Nazr, McDyess, etc). Another mobile big who can run with the others for the most part. A guy who can play outside, even. Besides, we’re not very likely at all to get that big, dominant center anyway…

By BA

March 2, 2008 3:32 AM | Link to this

But are they going to pay for a center? Any servicable big is not going to come cheap. And I’m in the pro-Marvin/Strickland camp too. But when you watch the games, Marvin seems almost as tall as big Al, it’s a shame he doesn’t have a better post up game. But anyway, I’d want the new big to come off the bench because I think big Al has earned his place as a center in this league. When a big bruiser like McDyess refers to Al as “a grown man” I’m convinced. Anyway I think we’re splitting hairs because we just need a better Pachulia. Come to think of it, they have coached up Smoove and Marvin,why can’t they coach up Pachulia? If Smoove had Pachulia’s body he would be a beast. And if A.C. could stay healthy and play like every night was that game in Dallas, how good would we be?! Also, somebody get Solo some whoppers!

By HB Ando

March 2, 2008 4:49 AM | Link to this

If Smoove had ZaZa’s body, he wouldn’t be one of the most prodigious leapers on the planet. There remains a sense that Zaza doesn’t quite fit in with his teammates and the coaching staff. Which, if correct, makes him a potentially valuable trade asset. I can’t say that Al, as he moves into is mid-twenties, won’t continue to fill out and, ultimately play some five at an optimal level.

But he’ll never reach his star potential if they can’t find a legit five, to allow him to play his natural position, which no less than Charles Barkley repeated constantly during all-star weekend.

I hate to sound like a broken record, but the best fit is Josh at 3 and Al at four, with a concerted effort for the organization to find a legit seven-footer, who’s most comfortable floating out to the foul line, extended, and stretching opposing defenses. Those guys are rare. So I don’t know if a package of Marvin, etc., can stimulate such a find.

And my lack of faith (I know how wishy-washy I’ve been on the subject of Billy) in the front office highlights an ongoing sense of dread about how we won’t address that obvious need.

I think this is the summer that the Spirit settle with Belkin, and clean house from the front office down.

But whether that’s the beginning of a renewed, organized beginning, or the beginning of an even more disjointed oversight, remains to be seen.

We have no draft picks, a league-wide reputation for utter chaos and questionable financial commitment, which can only diminish the perception of players and agents that this is where promising careers go to die.

By richbrave

March 2, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

ray:

You get that big man by breaking up drmary’s FAB FIVE viz. Smith, Horford, Childress, Williams, Johnson. At the end of the season you keep Horford, Smith and Childress. Beyond that, negotiate.

By Sautee

March 2, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Ando,

I agree that Al needs to play the 4, but I’m not convinced that using Smoove at the 3 wouldn’t take him away from the hoop on defense, and thus negate his biggest strength. And, he’ll have to REALLY work on his handle and his outside shot to be a 3, though I think he’s capable. I’m mainly worried about the defensive end. I suppose that would be a coaching adjustment. Do we do that? Oh yeah, sorry!

Yes, Marvin is a decent third (or fourth) option. I’d rather see he and ZaZa swapped for a true defensive big. I believe that Bibby will create enough offense that we won’t miss Goofy.

By preston

March 2, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

working long hrs this past week has caused me to miss out on a lot here…..but I finally have a chance to chime in on some of the comments…….regarding BK…..he really only screwded up royally with the Sheldon pick……the Marvin pick has turned out not too look so good now, b/c Chris Paul has become the poster boy for the NBA this yr with his play….he is leading his team with some incredible stats, and has turned them into serious contenders in a very tough, and crowded conference. Unfortunately for Marvin, the bar for him will be at least equal to Pauls’, so the fans here in Atlanta want to at least see Marvin produce and take over games like Paul…..maybe that is unfair, but the pressure to make an immediate impact for this team came with being the 2nd pick in the draft. Now concerning Marvins’ individual play with his team…again the bar is very high……he was branded as being the one to lead this team and take over games, but even now, he is only considered the 4th best scoring option on the team….possibly the 5th with the way Horford is playing. Marvin is very young, and he does some good things as has been pointed out, but his movement and coordination with the ball is really not that good……it was funny when he even caught the ball for a dunk against the knicks on friday night with nobody on him and he still ended up on the floor. Yes, Marvin ppg is good, but it seems like those are the quietest and most unassuming points made in the game. Marvin is a pretty good pure shooter but if his shots are not falling, he doesn’t seem to do a whole lot of anything else….but I will say that I have noticed that he has improved his defense and rebounding lately since his offensive struggles. As I stated earlier, Marvin is very young, so he has time to improve, and hopefully he will.

By mountain jim

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

If the article in the Philly Inquirer from David Aldridge is true - that the ASG Hawks owners nixed a deal in the offseason that Knight had done trading Chills for Calderon - then Gearon needs to forget his dreams of being GM and he and the other owners need to sell or leave the GM alone to do his job!

That would have been a great deal!

The ASG ownership is an even bigger reason for the disfunctional Hawks, more than Knight, more than Woody, in fact they are the reason we still have Woody running this team into the ground.

By Mac-Town

March 2, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Am I the only person a lil concerned about Josh Smith’s shot selection? He throws a lot of UGLY/WILD shots at the rim on his drives half of the time.

By Ken Strickland

March 2, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

ANDO-I certainly hope your comments about the ownership mess materializes. After reading how the Spirit turned its back on BK, and his attempt to correct a mistake, I’m in Belkin’s camp. It blew my previous posts concerning a possible Belkin involvement completely out of the water. These clowns are putting personal issues and vendettas ahead of what’s best for the team and its fans.

BA-I don’t know if Marvin will ever be an effective post up player. He holds the ball in front of his head instead of above it, and turns his body slightly to one side when he shoots. With that ball and body position, he’ll only be effective as a faceup jumpshooter. Ray Allen became an Allstar as a jumpshooter. Consider how many gms we’ve lost to lesser teams because they had more and/or better jumpshooters.

If you put Marvin in an OFF like the one Detroit uses for RHamilton, he’d develop into a potential Allstar. He’s shown what he’s capable of doing, just not with any degree of consistency. Why can’t Woodson see how Marvin would benefit from the same OFF that made Hamilton an Allstar, and he helped coach to championships.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Woodson’s not necessarily a bad HC, he’s just bad for the Hawks.

By I.MUS WRITE

March 2, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Mountain Jim, I hope that story is’nt true. Chillz for Calderon- I would have done that in a NY minute. Calderon is my manz n dem luv his game. We could have used Marvin and expiring contracts for Gasol maybe

Calderon,JJ,Josh,Al,Gasol

-wonder how many other deals were nixed by the ASG

By dakid

March 2, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Why are you guys trying to compare Marvin Williams to Rip. Rip was a star in college, Marvin a 6th man, and the guy who started over him was a 2nd round pick and not in the league anymore. Also different body types and different strokes. Marvin leans to the side, which coming off a screen with the movement would be terrible.The Pro Marvin crowd talks about how young he is, well Chris Paul is young and taking over the league. Marvin can’t guard anyone. Josh isn’t a three yet. Just cause your body is a certain way doesn’t mean you can play that position. Iverson should be a point, but his skills suggest he is a 2. But Josh has improved greatly so I wouldn’t doubt that he could work on skills to play it.

If ASG nixed a trade for a point last summer, I for one would like for Belton to be Gm. That stinks.

By LAJ

March 2, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

I believe Toronto wanted Childress and one of our lottery picks, that’s why trade was rejected.

By RA

March 2, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

The truth is the truth Sekou. What else is there but to tell it?

By mountain jim

March 2, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Thanks for that info, LAJ, but I likely still would have traded Law and Childress for Calderon, but not Childress and the Horford pick. But now we have Bibby and Horford and Law and still have a chance to keep Childress, still need a new coach though.

By preston

March 2, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

I’m with you on the Marvin comments…..I talked about this previously, and I just don’t see the comparison with Rip Hamilton at all, regardless of what offense he is in. It was also pointed out by another blogger, that Hamilton spent 3 yrs in Washington, and after his rookie season, he ppg was 18.1 in the 2000-2001 season and 20.0 in the next season. There was no sudden surge in Hamilton’s scoring after he went to Detroit…..absolutely nothing….he has basically scored the same amount of points while playing in Detroits’ offense as well as Washingtons’. The only thing that changed for Hamilton is that he won a championship with Detroit, and he has become a household name.

By Johnny

March 2, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

But Jim, why trade away Marvin when he could be a big part of a great team for us in the future?

I mean, what im saying is why trade Marvin for a big, when we could keep Marvin and everyone else that will be a big part of our future great team (JJ, Bibby, Marvin, Smoove, Chillz, Big Al Horford especially, and even Acie) and add Desagana Diop for the midlevel exception this summer?

Know what I mean?

By preston

March 2, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Dakid- I left out who I was referring to on my last comment, I meant to say, “Dakid, I am with you on the Marvin comments.”

By terrell barron

March 2, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Did yall see that steal buy Goofy? WOW! If Smoove throws up another brick, I’m going to scream!

By jami$$ion

March 2, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

THERE NEED 2 BE SOME REALTALK RIGHTNOW!1st BK has actually given us a good roster.True he didn’t pick CP,nor would he.BK wanted Deron,ASG wanted Marv so that’s y we got Speedy.Not much difference tween,Deng,Iggy,Chills none r superstars so fire their GMs cuz JS is better than all 3 best in that draft after DH.Gearon wanted a bigman so BK got Shells.Who became expendable after AL’s progress,plus Woody wouldn’t play him.So we turned Shells n2 Bibby.Not 2 mention Calderon 4 JC what other deals has Asg nixed.

By Murphy

March 2, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

We have to play some good defense cause we will get blown out

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

sigh, smoove has to stop shooting it…unless hes hot which hes not right now..goofy is actually doing good, now zaza on the other hand

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Zaza is killing this team right now, like a virus that never goes away

By jami$$ion

March 2, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

And once BK foundout Woody could’nt coach the team he had assembled he can’t even fired Woody 4 a coach that a implacate a system.Just look at the facts before u post.We have the best backcourt in the East,our Duncan of the future AL,our pg of the future AC,a highenergy defensivestopper West,6thman Chills,& a superstar in the making in Smoove.So don’t hate participate .Fire ASG & Woody.GO HAWKS

By Mac-Town

March 2, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

ZaZa is a BIG screw up..

By JJ

March 2, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

zaza is garbage. Pure sh!t.

By woodsonsucks

March 2, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

JS has Big Baby on him and he never runs an iso and tell him take Big Baby to the basket.

By ray

March 2, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

mountain jim, thanks for posting the part about the article from the Philly Inquirer. While I don’t know the details on the deal Billy was trying to make for Calderon…I still would’ve done it (assuming we kept the pick where we got Al Horford…where would we be without HIM?). All I can say is that while still somewhat circumstantial and speculative, this new information (again, if it’s more than just rumor) is VERY MUCH making Billy look less like a dummy than he did. If it’s true, I’m not one to argue with truth. I wonder what Billy was offering for Calderon besides Childress?

I’ll say this: any guy who makes the effort (and a good one at that) through free agency and trade, to make up for draft day gaffes deserves credit. At least the Bibby trade went through. As I said before, I feel like Billy made a good move there.

Hey Joe, you hear that? Yes, you can switch arms now. We don’t want you getting a cramp in one from all that back-patting..chuckle..

By richbrave

March 2, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

MOUNTAIN JIM:

Yours of 11:16 a.m. The crux of the situation always stems from the ownership, good or bad. When management makes good decisions, the mix of GM, Coach and Players falls QUICKLY into alignment. The team prospers. When poor management exists the GM and Coach are most often at cross-purposes, and the players are equally mismatched. So I’m guessing your fans who post here are correct. THIS SUCKS. And your beat writer with the AJC evidently agrees. By the way if you could obtain equivalents of Sekou Smith in management, as the GM, and as coach, The Hawks would soar,and quickly. As ANDO said, the man is bullet-proof. And your team would be as well. GO SEKOU.

By terrell barron

March 2, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Damn, Goofy is actually playing pretty good tonight.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

man are you f’n kidding me joe got tripped on that loose ball, stupid refs..

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

and thats why woody takes him out

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Man if only me and chacha(zaza) could get stuck in an elevater, if only if only

By Astro Joe

March 2, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Ray, looks like I stopped by at the right time. I was just doing my “pat-myself-on-the-back” stretches. This is pretty astounding. It is quite reasonable to assume the trade was #11 & Childress for Calderon (and probably another piece). Horford & Calderon for the entire season? Yeah, who would want that?

Here’s the thing, you have to allow your GM to make moves or you should fire him. If Ando is right and they are tied together (BK & Woody), then fire them both. TODAY. Anything else validates what I have said ad nauseum, it’s all about the money. In this case, not wanting to have 2 coaches and 2 GMs on the payroll for even 3-4 months.

And if these owners are truly at the root of all that smells (as I suspect), can we have complete confidence in their ability to hire a better GM and/or give that GM both the autonomy and financial resources to do his job? Remember, these guys have yet to make a GM hiring decision. Each and every day, they have deferred to BK.

By new jersey faithful

March 2, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

CAN THEY HOLD A FREAKING LEAD FOR ONCE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

By BOSLICK

March 2, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry————iv’e read all these negatives ————————but the 1rst half our hawks just played against the best team in the league(celtics) —————was absolutely fantastic let’s give em a break and get behind em—————

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

By MikeWoodSon

March 2, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

I suck, someone needs to stick a ZAZA in my Pachulia ;)

By new jersey faithful

March 2, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

that didnt take long…they suck!!!!!!!

By terrell barron

March 2, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Will Woody please tell Josh to STOP SHOOTING JUMP SHOTS! Got dammit!

By new jersey faithful

March 2, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

GAME OVER!!!!!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Joe and bibby cant buy a bucket..while ray allen is just killing us

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

nooooo pachulia is in the game omg woody put solo instead!!!!!!

By Glutton for Punishment

March 2, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

JJ needs to make those jump shots. Those WIDE OPEN 3 pointers might be the diff. in the game!! We needed those to give the team comfidence !!!

GO HAWKS !! Horford .. GREAT D on GARNETT.

By Glutton for Punishment

March 2, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

they are coming back.. This is a DIFFERENT team.. *THEY ARE NOT GONNA GO AWAY LIKE BEFORE… MARK MY WORDS !!! * GO HAWKS !!

By Murphy

March 2, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

ZaZa is straight up garbage!!!!!!

By St. Bernard

March 2, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

The Calderon trade didn’t look as good this summer. Go back and read some old blogs from that time. I think it was even discussed here. Hindsight is 20/20. I love Calderon, but those two lottery picks seemed great at the time.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Joes losing the game for us

By Murphy

March 2, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Why cant we get past being down 4? Its driving me crazy

By Glutton for Punishment

March 2, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

THEY ARE GONNA DRIVE ME TO DRINK… they can hit their foul shots… WE CAN NOT SHOOT !!!! Our 2 shooter JOE AND BIBBY are off today. But we are still close. If they were hitting their shots like Paul Pierce we would be up by 5

By preston

March 2, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Wow- Marvin was actually playing well tonight, but it looks like JChillz is the man now b/c he is definately getting the minutes…….and I think that Joe is taking way too many shot tonight…..the hawks have had thier chance, they just can’t break even with the celtics, and now time is becomming a factor……but overall they have hung tight……got to give them some credti for not completely folding……Bibby is definately a difference maker with this team.

By cp

March 2, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Once again we come out flat in the 3rd quarter and give up our lead. What the hell happens during halftime? Joe Johson with another no show tonight. It is a good game though. I see us losing but at least it is close. We have given up way too many rebounds that we should have secured. JJ and Horford are not having good games. Pachulia is terrible. Just give Solo his minutes.

By mykhalc

March 2, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

ton of difference between the 1st meetin’ in BOS and this one!!! might not pull off a ‘W’ but i like the effort!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 2, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

For the first time this year, I can confidently say we are losing this game mainly because of Joe Johnson. You HAVE to hit those open shots. That is what you’re supposed to be good at. Everyone else has been playing OK — even Josh Smith with his bricks has made some good passes and had a huge defensive impact on the game. But if Joe had made half the easy shots he has missed so far, the Hawks would be leading. Dude, either you’re hurt or you’re not. If the ankle is still bothering you then take a couple of games off and let it heal. If it’s good enough to play, then play like you’re getting paid $13 million. Bibby is injured too, and he is still able to do what he’s good at. Come on.

By new jersey faithful

March 2, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

WHY DOES JOE DRIBBLE INTO THE CORNER, THEN JUST THROW IT TO THE OTHER TEAM????

By Average J0e Johnson

March 2, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

EXACTLY why joe johnson isnt a leader…he panicked and threw the ball RIGHT to a celtic

By Murphy

March 2, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Now Joe wants to through the ball to the other team? What the hell is goin on

By JohnGTFan

March 2, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

I bring this up every week, and people still insist i’m crazy…but how come JJ doesn’t get benched the last 6 or 7 minutes of games? Atlanta easily could have won this game without him in the lineup…just awful. Check every “big game” ATL has been in…HE’S AWFUL.

By Glutton for Punishment

March 2, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

ok… my last post… but Joe must have money on the Celtics!!! DAMN JOE !!!

By new jersey faithful

March 2, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

THESE IDIOTS(JS) MISS MORE LAYUPS THAN MY GRANDMOTHER!!!!

By Murphy

March 2, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Isnt Woodson a defensive coach?

By cp

March 2, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

My bad Horford is really stepping up these few minutes. I really wish Woodson would pull JJ when he is having a game like this. He is missing a lot of shots and turning over the balL. At this point Marvin wouldnt be too bad or Richardson. We are also missing crucial free throws. Still a good game.

By terrell barron

March 2, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson 0 points in the 2nd half. wtf!

By JohnGTFan

March 2, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

4 of 15 (0-6 from 3s)…NICE!!!! He’s not “hurt”. I’m tired of hearing that excuse. Against SAC or Charlotte or Minn he will play lights out. Against DET, BOS, San Antonio, etc, he’ll play…well, like this.

By preston

March 2, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Well…..guess it’s time to go watch “King of the Hill”.

By Murphy

March 2, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Smoove is a baller. This dude is playin hard with 40 seconds left in the game and he knows we lost this game.

By JohnGTFan

March 2, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Sorry “murphy”….can’t really put the blame on one person…but you can d@mn sure start and end with JJ. Can’t blame Woodson for this one.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 2, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

And I gotta agree with Preston… the one game that Marvin is actually not playing that bad Woodson decides to limit him to 20 minutes.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

I agree with cp when joe is off mike woodson has to have the courage to take the guy out, he was just awful tonight worst game by far..this whole year!!

By wink from lithonia

March 2, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Just finish watch Paul Pierce destroy the Hawks. If we can’t fire Woody, and Billy Knightmare can’t get can. Can we please trade Joe Johnson, the reluctant star and get Al Horford some damn help inside, please help this guy. Joe Johnson is a joke, can’t stand to watch his game. Bibby throw him the ball in the paint and he dribbles up to defender and throw ball away trying to pass out. The basket was staring him in the face when he received the ball. The creates space for himself and gives it back by going back in the defensive zone of his opponent to only take a fall away jump shot, over and over and over again. His game sucks!!!

By mykhalc

March 2, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

JJ definitely does NOT play well against the team that drafted him!! tooooo much dribblin’, one-on-one, etc!! i’d have to agree that JJ was the weak link in this game, no doubt!!!

but what is apparent is this roster is a defensive BIG from really havin’ ALL the pieces in place!!!

WOODSON still ain’t the one tho…PERIOD!!!!

By Glutton for Punishment

March 2, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

this might have been the game to have Marvin on the floor and Joe on the bench… I NEVER would have thought I would say that….

By Murphy

March 2, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

JJ is starting to lose my support. He used to do no wrong in my eyes but my eyes have been opened now. How do u not score at all in the second half? How do u miss all 6 of your three pointers and the majority of them he took he was wide open. How does Woodson not sub JJ for Marvin who actually had a better game then JJ an Marvin barely played tonight. I cant be totally mad cause earlier in the year we would have gotten smashed but a L is a L. Thank God Jersey lost today

By MJ3

March 2, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Gotta love the fools around here. Joe has the focus to play lockdown D despite the fact that he was struggling on O. And he gets slammed. I guess even our best player isn’t entitled to having any bad games, at least not to some fans around here (all of whom are probably just in love with Smoove and can’t admit that he’s still our 2nd best player).

Zaza puts up the best +/- number .

And oh yeah - the Hawks kept it close on the road against the best team in the NBA, in spite of the fact that their best player didn’t have his stroke going tonight and in spite of the fact that they’re still playing without Acie.

These cats might have lost, but they showed maturity by keeping it close after nearly imploding in the 3rd. Two months ago they would have lost this game by 25. Tonight, they kept it close (5 point game with 4 minutes to go, and 7 point game when they began fouling to stop the clock).

These cats played a respectable game, and they’re gonna bounce back and win the next couple - no matter what you haters say.

By Murphy

March 2, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Not putting all the blame on Woodson at all. Im just sayin we were only down by 4 points a zillion times tonight and we could not get 1 stop to at least get within 2 points. But i do agree with the JJ part “JohnGTFan”

By terrell barron

March 2, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

When Marvin stuggles, Woody leaves him in the game, when he’s playing well, he benches, FOR A CHANGE, he’s benched and never sees the floor again. A LITTLE STRANGE, IF YOU ASK ME. Shoulda put him in for our so-called ALLSTAR.

By terrell barron

March 2, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Sorry bout the last post. What I was trying to say was, When Marvin struggles, Woody usually keeps him out there, and when he was playing well FOR A CHANGE, he benches him, and he never sees the floor again. A LIITLE STRANGE, IF YOU ASK ME.

By mykhalc

March 2, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

EL GATO GRANDE…double double…ROY!!!

JohnGTFan, i have to disagree with you to a point. when WOODSON has a shooter/scorer on the bench like JRICH and does sub him for JJ, who was NOT happenin’, then AGAIN, we are back to WOODSON!! WOODSON will ALWAYS be suspect with his game time strategy/subs!!

luv what BIBBY brings to this team!!! i did think he deferred to JJ too much in this game. as i think JJ has a thing for tryin’ to bust up PPIERCE!!! JJ, bad game…PERIOD!!!

By JohnGTFan

March 2, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

Murphy

Please don’t get me wrong, Woodson definitely deserves blame. Someone said earlier…he has to have the guts to bench JJ’s sorry @ss.

MJ3

Not to be argumentative…yes, everyone has bad games…his happen to always be against the better teams, when his team really needs him the most. How about when you know your shot is garbage getting the ball to “teammates”, not the other team. And Boston is NOT the best team in the NBA. I would take LAL, DAL, N.O and Det over Boston

By new jersey faithful

March 2, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

JJ is either on, or waaaaaaay off and hurts the team with too many shots and too many turnovers!

By JohnGTFan

March 2, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

mykhalc

Again, I agree, he’s awful. If he’s not the worse coach in the NBA, I want to know who is. But he’s not the main focus on this loss is all I was trying to say.

By preston

March 2, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

funny thing to ponder…..Joe Johnson did not score at all in the 2nd half….Marvin rode the bench, and we still had a chance to win this game……..I think Joe maybe wanted to prove his All-Star credentials to the Celtics and Paul Pierce for the comments Pierce made about Joe being on the All-Star team. Joe actually started out well, but he pressed too much later and it ended up hurting the team in the long run…….this will be one of the few times that I will not blame Woodson for this loss…….it seems like every shot that the Celtics attempted in the 3rd quarter went in…..we were in position to make a lot of easy shots, and even those didn’t fall for us……those easy lay ups, and missed free throws is really want hurt us tonight.

By cp

March 2, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Yea tonight was the perfect night to leave Marvin in and see what he could do or go to Richardson since JJ was struggling to do anything on both ends of the court. I have been hard on Marvin lately but tonight he was playing pretty good but did not get back in the game. Mike Woodson did his best Gregg Knapp impersonation again tonight. Tough loss but it was a game we could have won. Hopefully we regroup and come out focused on the next opponent.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

I have to disagree with the guy who said to trade jj over the summer, when the guy is on he single handidly wins us the games, have you noticed that when jj scores like over 25 a game we always win, today he was just off i think i was overeacting too, i just hope that this isnt the start of another slump..

By Matt

March 2, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

I agree with MJ3 that most people around here cut Smoove far more slack than JJ. This is the first time I’ve seen JJ truly off in a long time, and anyone who has been around good scorers knows that they ALWAYS try to shoot through their slumps - regardless of whether you’re talking about Michael Jordan or Reggie Miller or Dominique Wilkins or Steve Smith.

Also, four turnovers is hardly a horrific number, and everyone seems focused on one stupid play where Joe threw the ball straight to a Celtic defender - a blunder that I’ve never seen Joe make before, but one that I do clearly remember even John Stockton making in his day…not to mention that Smoove seems to do that twice in every damned game.

On similar lines, you don’t bench your best player just because he’s having a bad game. I seriously want someone to find me a single winning NBA head coach who does that.

JJ had a bad game, the Hawks lost their focus for 4 minutes to start the 3rd, and we still almost one this. Again, I gotta agree with MJ3 that this was a respectable game all around, considering that it was on the road against the team with the best record in the NBA (note that I didn’t say the best…I still say that title belongs to the Spurs. Don’t believe me? Wait until the playoffs). And the level of JJ-bashing stemming from this game is just mind-boggling to me.

By PD

March 2, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

JJ is wack. He just doesnt know how to step up or even if he’s off to make plays for other people. All he does is turn it over. I’m tired of people defending him that he’s hurt or plays too many minutes. I mean Bibby is more hurt than him but still able to be effective. All I know is a real star and leader would want to be on the floor the whole game. Plus he should be in shape by now with all the minutes he gets, but still seems slow with no energy. He missed so many open clutch shots. Of course, as I keep sayin he’s not a clutch shooter. He should have more pride the way Pierce dissed him for being an All-Star. Of course, Pierce and Allen showed the truth tonight with their performances. JJ is just not at their level and cant be a go-to-guy. Also, enough with the Hawks played a good game. Well, they still LOST. Let’s not be happy with losses and end this acceptance of mediocrity. We should want to WIN every game not just against scrub teams.

By Matt

March 2, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

One more thing that I was gonna say that was preempted by hawksfanfordawin - to anyone who thinks that JJ is not the focal point for this team, consider this:

In games where JJ has failed to score at least 10 points, the Hawks are 0-7.

In games where JJ scores at least 25 points, the Hawks are 12-3.

For comparison, the Hawks are a comparably futile 1-7 when Smoove fails to score 10 points. But when he scores at least 25, the Hawks are only 4-5.

By HB Ando

March 2, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Joe, as firm as good folks like you, me, Ray, Doc, Myc, Ken and every other honorable regular I ought to mention by name, are in our opinions, the incongruity of decisions, reports and plausible inactions, of the collective representation that is the Atlanta Hawks, leaves no obvious answers as to just what the heck is really going on here.

I like my theory that the Spirit has finally come around to the conclusion that Billy’s arrogance has been, and continues to be, misplaced and woefully off the mark. It jibes with the idea that he not be allowed to create a public perception that this mess is Woody’s fault. Woody is no where near the first head coach to be handed a team that is starting from scratch, with the consistent outcome being that the head coach will be sacrificed before the roster was honestly competitive, in the name of appeasing ticket-buying fans.

I’m hard pressed to adhere to the suggestion that someone other than Billy is making basketball-related decisions (though I’ll readily acknowledge that he might well have been occasionally handcuffed by the financial implications of the unresolved court battle, between owners). Speedy got a sizable contract. And assuming Bibby’s remaining year and change, at over $14 million per annum, strongly challenges the overly simplistic assessment that “broke a* owners” are the root of all the Hawks ills.

I honestly don’t know what is next. I feel confident that this recent news, from Sekou, won’t be the last time we’re left scratching our collective heads.

Here’s what hasn’t changed: there remains league-wide perception that this is a seriously unstable, rudderless organization. And that issue will continue, unless it’s clearly, and publicly, resolved, to impair the Hawks ability to attract a meaningful free agent. We have no draft picks this summer. And, other than Johnson and Bibby, our best trade assets have minimal value based on the fact that they’re all on base compensation, rookie contracts. Josh Smith is an X factor, as he may command an offer sheet that proves onerous to existing ownership. Do they keep him, and pray that he’s going to continue to mature? Do they pull a sign-and-trade, only to watch him emerge as a decade-long staple of NBA All-Star weekends?

Here’s the other indisputable fact: despite, if memory serves me correct, a rough majority of pre-season prognosticators, who confidently projected a .500+ record, and a playoff slot, this team is 9 games under .500, at 24-33. At this date, last year, they were 22-37. And most of the steadfast optimists have either crawled back under the rocks from whence they came, or are in Federal Witness Protection, unable to defend their positions.

In November of ‘05, I had the opportunity to communicate, directly to Bruce Levenson, my heart-felt fear that they had entrusted the rebuilding of this franchise to the wrong man. Despite the fact that some folks here have accused me, over time, of being more interested in being right, than wanting the Hawks to succeed, I can honestly say that there is absolutely no pleasure in watching this torturous, and clearly predictable, calamity unfold.

I continue to hope for the kind of front office overhaul which will at least offer the possibility of a new direction. Woody’s fate has been sealed since the day he took the job. But it would be criminal if the mastermind of this train wreck, Billy Knight, didn’t join him. I told Mr. Levenson that the franchise, given it’s struggles, pre-Spirit, could ill-afford a failed rebuilding.

Yet, that is exactly what has happened. Almost everyone of our “basement” peers, from a mere 3 years ago, save Memphis, has ascended rapidly to relevance (Toronto, New Orleans and Portland). None of them had any significant advantage of opportunity. They simply made better personnel decisions than Billy. And the results speak for themselves.

By PD

March 2, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

I believe JJ has probably lost us more games this year than actually winning them. Sure, 25 pts against the Knicks or whatever sorry team is good, but we probably would have won those games anyway. I cant recall too many games where JJ actually scored 25 pts and was the difference in sealing a victory especially against a team with a winning record. All I want is JJ to step up his play and act like he is the man on this team because he gets paid the most bucks, and he just hasnt showed me that this year. We are definitely not getting our money’s worth.

By reese

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

Traceman and Ken Strickland, yes JJ and Josh Smith are on the court for too many minutes. I will not say playing too many minutes because they are taking plays off to rest. They are not explosive at the end of games because they are tired.

The hawks have other options besides Marvin and Zaza. We have solomon, salim and richardson. Tonight, Salim was playing well matched up against Eddie House. Doc Rivers played Eddie 16 minutes and Salim played 9 minutes. Salim out scored Eddie House and was contesting each of Eddie’s shots.

Also, Doc Rivers played 4 players off the bench more than 10 minutes and Woodson played 2 bench players more than 10 minutes. Consequently, the Celtics only played 1 player more than 35 minutes and therefore had better energy for the stretch run.

Yet, Woodson is going to overplay JJ and state that he underperformed and didn’t make open shots. Even when Salim and JJ were in the game together in the second half, salim never saw the ball. Woodson ran 3 straight ISO plays for Joe. Each failed miserably.

How many of you have noticed that Josh Smith is playing the small forward spot on offense and the power forward spot on defense when he and Josh Childress are in the game together.

By HB Ando

March 2, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Man, I have to laugh at myself. After yet another time consuming effort, to articulate what is, and has been, my same, redundant position, for going on three years, I flash to Clyde, who has offered his own version of the same conclusion, with far less energy expended, but no less clear of a message:

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

Clyde, where ‘ya at, bro?

By Matt

March 2, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

One more and then I’m done…

PD

He scored 28 against the Mavs, 26 against the Jazz, 32 on the road against the Wizards, 29 against the Cavs, 28 against the Lakers, and 27 against the Warriors. We won all those games. None of those are scrub teams.

He also had 15 and 10 when we beat Phoenix, 24 when we beat the Magic, and 37 with 7 dimes when we lost in OT to the Blazers.

So your argument that he only plays big against scrub teams is BS. Seriously, read up before you talk.

By ray

March 2, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

We lost to Boston. I expected as much, as they are LOADED. And our defense hasn’t been good enough for us to be engaged in any serious shootouts. Case in point? JJ has not been himself for a while. I know it’s probably just a bad stretch. But it probably couldn’t have come at a worse time. We’re still a couple games out of the playoffs, Chicago and Indiana are breathing down our necks, and I kind of doubt we’ll catch Philly. New Jersey is our only hope, and they’re not giving up anytime soon. Here we go again…

Astro Joe, that’s what is so perplexing. As you say, each time the ownership group has deferred to Billy. Yet now we see reports that Billy has in effect made decisions…only to have the ASG block him. Perhaps those instances were for financial reasons. Maybe Billy himself doesn’t even know why. But I don’t understand this chain of events: Two assistants tried to leave and take other jobs. They weren’t allowed to. Obviously the ASG ultimately decided that, but why? And why did they really want to go, they weren’t going to higher-ranking positions. Furthermore, Billy tries to fire Woody. ASG doesn’t let that happen either. Billy tries to get Calderon, but gets nixed…yet he’s allowed to acquire Bibby? Sounds too much like finances there, but…back to the coach thing: what was the problem with firing Woodson and promoting Drew? Was there more dissension amongst the ranks than we knew?

Something is definitely not stirring the koolaid here. I have to say that it DOES smell like a one-sweep house-cleaning this summer. But I just don’t know.

By jami$$ion

March 2, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Unlike most of u bloggers i hate losing.And outside of the big3 Boston doesn’t scare me at all.Their D is on point,and 4 u people talking out the side of your neck,Hawks have tenth best D in the league.Problem is Woody plain and simple.Y not use West on PP you know he gone kill Marv coming out the half.Worse case scenario West foul out, but by that time he’d been done his job.2 the other real problem Woody is still trying 2 make a follower a leader.Cause JJ get paid alot don’t mean he needs 2 be played alot

By Pete

March 2, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

GOOD WORK SEKOU!!!!!!

By CP6

March 2, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

outside of the big3 Boston doesn’t scare me at all.

Yeah, and outside Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman, the 90’s Bulls didn’t scare me at all…

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 2, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

About the play where he threw it straight to the Celtics defender — you gotta understand, the Celtics did draft him. Maybe he just got confused there for a second, having flashbacks to his rookie season.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

man..i wanna see jj have 40 point games like he used too..

By jami$$ion

March 2, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Meaning with the game on the line JJ bungles too many 4th qt TOs,2much bad shooting.U guys complain about Smooves shots,but what about your so called allstar??Do u question him? No!Do u know why?I do.Cause management has made u believe he is your leader & best player.When in actuality Bibby just got here and is the leader of this team.Peep how AL & JS numbers & games have risen since he got here & they’ll only get better.And those actually are our best 3 players JJ doesn’t have the hunger & it’s costing us

By jami$$ion

March 2, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Meaning with the game on the line JJ bungles too many 4th qt TOs,2much bad shooting.U guys complain about Smooves shots,but what about your so called allstar??Do u question him? No!Do u know why?I do.Cause management has made u believe he is your leader & best player.When in actuality Bibby just got here and is the leader of this team.Peep how AL & JS numbers & games have risen since he got here & they’ll only get better.And those actually are our best 3 players JJ doesn’t have the hunger & it’s costing us

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Jamiison you serously over praise josh, and joe was having an off night your like a dirty little hyena and only come here and criticize stupid things that are not even worth criticizing, you never compliment players when they have good games but you diss them when they have bad ones, your pathetickk man just disgraceful.

By mykhalc

March 2, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

ANDO, whole-heartedly agree with you on WHO KNOWS what’s really happenin’ with the BASG and really WHO KNOWS what’s next!!???!!! the only thing i can be sure about is, lovin’ the BIBBY trade and EL GATO GRANDE SHOULD BE ROY!! other than that..????????

Matt, unfortunately i will always remember your stance about lack of ‘killer/closeout’ instinct!!LOL but i have to say your position on JJ follows that same trend of thought!!! cliffnotes version is…ALL IS FORGIVABLE!!! IF there are players capable of producin’ in the place of our ALL-STAR then why not??? WHY NOT push every possible button and give the team a chance to win??? how long did DOC sit PPIERCE because of his lack of production in the 1st half today??? yep, even the superstars need to have their a$$ on the bench when they just are havin’ a bad day!!!

and for me, personally, i get JJ havin’ a bad all-around day!! understandable!! what would have made me sit him down was the decisions he was makin’ while leadin’ to his bad all-around day!! he simply did not play well offensively and WOODSON should have looked to JRICH if only for 5-7 mins…IMHO!!!

By jami$$ion

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

For all of u fans defending your beloved JJ.Justthink use your brain for one milisecond.JJ is our first option.He takes the most shots.So therefore if he is on we should be in games cause most of our plays run through him.In all the games JS leads us we win only half.But JS is the 2nd option so if he’s leading us that tells me JJ is hurting us cause he is shooting us out of games ala tonight.We 24-33 with this dude as the focus it’s not working.Hey try this switch our JJ 4 anyother Allstar we’d b way better

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

jamiison shut your f’n asz up why are you so happy that jj is not doing good, your the only one having a good laugh. What does it take to shut your stupid asz up. Fine man, josh is the best freakin player in the world he hits every jumpshot he hoists up he is the MVP, are you f’n happy now you biiitch

By reese

March 2, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

MyKhalc, its not just your opinion, its the opinion of a lot of us bloggers that JJ needs to sit more.

I’m not ready to annoint jj and bibby the best backcourt in the east, but I’m enjoying Bibby’s play and intensity.

I still applaud Knight for getting rid of AJ and Tlue. This will force Woodson to have to play Law and therefore will speed up his development.

By jami$$ion

March 2, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

This is 4 hawksfandarwin.I’m born in Atlanta made in Atlanta 4 Atlanta.I look at the game honey unbias.I don’t know u or none of u cats I love sports bottomline.I don’t like losing and this losing mentality,most of the people here have just settle 4 less 2 say u have something.Hell no!I’m not crazy about JJ he’s ok.U can say I’m hating that’s cool,but check this if u were 2 trade JJ 4 the best player on any team from portland,boston,mia,2memphis i bet our lineup a be better.That let u know JJ ain’t allthat

By randy

March 2, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

Woodson broke Joe Johnson. He is playing nothing like he did the past 2 years. I think Woodson ran him into the ground or something cuz he can’t shoot and barely can dribble.

Anyway, we will probably lose the next 2 games against GS and NO so it doesn’t look good. But atleast you want see Woody or BK in Atlanta anymore. Good riddance, clowns! If only we could get rid of those idiot owners too.

By dakid

March 2, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

Joe takes those shots because he has a better than average chance of making them. Can you say same about Josh?? They both shoot to many jumpers and play to many minutes. We weren’t expected to beat the Celtics, but they didn’t wipe the floor with us like before. If Joe gives us his regular game we win. Golden State next. We match up well against them, so we need this one. And why was Salim on bench again, Woody Stinks. Billy Knight stinks. I give him credit for wanting to fire Woody, but again he wanted to give max to Kenyon Martin, Eddie Curry. So just for that he needed to be fired. ASG sucks for hiring both of them.

By reese

March 2, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

I listened to Gearon on 790 the zone and he really didn’t say anything fascinating. He did mention that the owners knew and were prepared to take criticism when they made the decision to rebuild.

Too tell the truth, I could care less about what the ASG, Billy Knight or Woodson tells us. I’d rather that they show us.

Example, we have had a full roster of 15 all year. Now, we have 13 and that is counting speedy. If money is not an issue, fill the last two roster spots.

BK has convinced management and Woodson that big men are not available. Yet, in the last week, Magloire, Ratcliff and PJ Brown have all signed with teams. The funny thing is none of these players have played a minute on these teams because they really did not need them. Additionally, Diop, Shaq and Gasol have all changed teams via trades. Did anyone hear the hawks name mentioned in any of these discussions to acquire these big men.

IMO, Woodson is truely happy with the starting lineup and even if we did acquire a big man, he would not start unless Marvin is no longer with the team and that is not a guarantee. Example, Marvin Williams goes out with the flu and Woodson has the opportunity to start Solomon or Zaza. Yet, he opts for the little used Mario West.

Additionally, Chidress and Marvin are seeing more and more time at the power forward position. THis leaves very little playing time for any new big men. To tell the truth, I tune out anyone that says the hawks are undersized, becuase I really don’t believe that our coach wants to play two players with size together for extended minutes.

By hawksfanfordawin

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

what so you actually excpeted to beat boston, and lets replay about 3 years ago, the hawks had al harrington, boris diaw, and the 2 joshes, obvously they werent going anywhere, nobody in their own mind would want to come to the atl. None of those players would want to come here, you should applaud joe for even coming here to try and change this team around and think about it if he had stayed with phoenix he would have a ring right now. And all those players you have listed arent making the playoffs except boston…..but if it makes you happy, sure dude we would be better without joe. And to add to that we should make josh and the other guy our centerpiece.

By jami$$ion

March 2, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

4 all u cybergangsters don’t like my comments fĂ—ckU it ain’t about me thinking Josh the sh!t fĂ—ckman. Read my earlier posts lame.I said JJ & BIBBY 1 OF THE BEST BACKCOURTS IN THE LEAGUE.All u gotta do is compare them.But u wanna be ignorant and be disrespectful cause i don’t believe or think like u FĂ—CKU I’m in MECHANICSVILLE ALL DAY B!TCH I’LL BEATYOAZZ THEN PUT THIS TOOL ON U.TRY ME.Now cp6 i was just saying boston supporting cast sucks.Det & Clevelands teams are muchbetter.I’m saying we play west wewin

By randy

March 2, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why Woody doesn’t put in Solo over Pachulia. Zaza has been total crap this year. When Big Baby took that rebound away from Zaza even tho Zaza is 2 inches taller and had the better position, I almost lost my mind. Then he goes down and missed an easy layup. The guy can’t play and he is SOFT. Give Soloman a chance, he can’t be any worse.

By new jersey faithful

March 2, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

DOES JS HAVE ONE OF THE WORST LOOKING JUMP SHOTS AROUND? FOR AS MUCH AS HE TAKES JUMPERS, IT SURE IS UGLY. ITS SUCH A SLOOOOOW SHOT AND RELEASE. HE MISSES BY ALOT WAY TO MUCH, LIKE 2NITE WHEN HE TOTALLY MISSED THE RIM FROM LIKE 15 OR 20 FEET, AND THERE WAS NOBODY AROUND, PATHETIC!!!!! I KNOW ITS GOTTEN BETTER,BUT HE NEEDS BETTER MECHANICS OR SOMETHING.

By Ken Strickland

March 2, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

Bibby was hurting and had nothing left in the 4th qtr because Woodson played him over 38mins. JJ spent too much energy and time dribbling around trying to get an open shot. Why, because our half court OFF isn’t designed to create open shots, just open passes. How many times have we seen Horford, Zaza or JSmith, not our PG, trying to initiate the OFF from the top of the key?

When you know JJ will be doubled, don’t have him dribbling around trying to get open. Post him on the block with Bibby or Salim initiating the pass. If they double, JJ passes out to one of our best shooters or we swing the ball. Marvin was on Pierce like a cheap suit in the 1st half. He was definitely in the gm, on both ends. Woodson made certain he wouldn’t repeat his 1st half performance by benching him for some unknown reason.

Bottom line, when Boston had trouble scoring, especially on the inside, Doc loaded his lineup with shooters. When we had trouble scoring, Woodson kept our shooters, Salim, Marvin and Richardson, anchored solidly on our bench, while JJ and Bibby wore themselves down.

By Ken Strickland

March 2, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Bibby was hurting and had nothing left in the 4th qtr because Woodson played him over 38mins. JJ spent too much energy and time dribbling around trying to get an open shot. Why, because our half court OFF isn’t designed to create open shots, just open passes. How many times have we seen Horford, Zaza or JSmith, not our PG, trying to initiate the OFF from the top of the key?

When you know JJ will be doubled, don’t have him dribbling around trying to get open. Post him on the block with Bibby or Salim initiating the pass. If they double, JJ passes out to one of our best shooters or we swing the ball. Marvin was on Pierce like a cheap suit in the 1st half. He was definitely in the gm, on both ends. Woodson made certain he wouldn’t repeat his 1st half performance by benching him for some unknown reason.

Bottom line, when Boston had trouble scoring, especially on the inside, Doc loaded his lineup with shooters. When we had trouble scoring, Woodson kept our shooters, Salim, Marvin and Richardson, anchored solidly on our bench, while JJ and Bibby wore themselves down.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 2, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

ok jamiison you win you win, peace man. Everyone gets frustrated after bad loses including me, lets just hope these guys can make a playoff push while they still can.

By Tiger Woo

March 3, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

jami$$ion,

You need to chill. No one can half understand your posts anyway.

By jami$$ion

March 3, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

d u missing my point.it ain’t about josh. i like our team i hate our coach.the jj stuff comes into play cause everybody hating on smoove.my only problem with jj is how the coach use him,jj is a solidcomponent but, not the main piece.But he is being played as a Wade,Kobe,Lebron & he’s not athletic enough or have that killer instinct 2 be that.I’m not tripping on what we gave up 4 him cuz diaw & rondo don’t move me.But we have the pieces now Al & JS our motor & transmission Bibby the driver.Teamball nostars

By preston

March 3, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

New Jersey- JSmith has one of those jump shots that make you cringe every time you see him shoot it on one hand, and then you find yourself breathing a sigh of relief on the other hand…….. everytime I see him attempting to make a jump shot, I’m like….oh crap!….and then he hits the shot, and I’m like….YEAHHH! That’s just what we needed!!

By new jersey faithful

March 3, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

Preston, thats how I am! When he is shooting im yelling noooooo! Then he makes it, and Im thinking, wow, why doesnt he shoot more often. Then I think, oh wait, he cant shoot, he just got lucky!! His high arcing shots remind me of Mookie Blaylock, but Mookie made all his ;-)

By Tiger Woo

March 3, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

Bottom line - Hawks are a bad road team - they have 7 road wins - all of the other playoff contenders have at least 11 road wins.

Until they learn to win on the road, the playoffs will be out of reach.

By banks

March 3, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

I keep telling you clowns that Marvin is handicap. We should trade him to the Atlanta Crunk. Marvin is a defensive liablity. All of you clowns who make excuses for them are same people who supported the Sheldon Williams move It appears that since Joe had the injury to his face while playing with the Suns, he is afraid to goto the hole with any type of aggression. If I see him do the crossover(in which he goes no where) and the step back jumper. I am going to scream. Woody is incomptent, he does not in game adjustments and does not utilize his bench effectivley. Also we need to stop employing people who have ties to Indiana (i.e. Woody, Billy and Hindu).

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