Hawks

By Da Professa

March 9, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

Props to Salim tonight. He actually played good defense and brought his shot in a bit to right inside the 3 point line. He seems to be deadly from that range, which is about the college 3 pt range. What do you guys think?

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 9, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

A 4-point win and 51 scoreless seconds against the worst team in the Eastern Conference is nothing to shoot flames out of the shot clock over. Sorry to be a Negative Nancy but that’s the truth. It still looks like the only hope for the Hawks is for the Nets and Bulls to do us a favor and suck even worse than the Hawks, because this level of play is not going to get it done against the top 25 teams in the league.

Nice to see Zaza and Salim have solid games off the bench. Marvin continues to be a complete waste of space. Forget Chris Paul and Deron Williams — even Linas Kleiza might have been a better pick at #2, the way he’s looking right now. I am fully in favor of bringing him off the bench and giving the majority of his minutes to Childress and Jeremy Richardson.

By Joe Bling

March 9, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

Agree that tonight’s perfomance(s) against a woeful Miami team were less than impressive. That said, let’s take two wins and use it as something to build on - to get us back on track. This team has the talent to get to the playoffs and make some noise, if they can rediscover their confidence. I think they may have made one big stride in that direction with Joe’s effort tonight. Having him play like his old self is critical. Let’s get it going!

By Matt

March 9, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Marvin played horrible tonight. Josh played horrible last night. I still can’t believe all the haters out there who don’t see what JJ does for this team. Without him, we’d have a worse record than the Heat.

Hey, we don’t have a draft pick this year (and I’m not sad about that - JJ and Bibby are more than worth it), so I hope we win every game we can. Maybe - just maybe - we can still sneak into the playoffs thanks to the 5-alarm pile up that is the East.

By Matt

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

Oh, one more thing - yeah, tonight’s game was against the league’s worst, but you gotta admit that it’s good to that the Hawks only committed 8 turnovers. It’s certainly true that better teams generally force more turnovers, but TOs are still more a function of the team that makes them than the team that takes them. Now let’s see if the Hawks can keep that number in single digits again…

By Harry Hawk

March 9, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

Joe Johnson is a stud. The man’s just worn down. He gave a supreme effort tonight when the team desperately needed it. No one can deny that. I just hope BK and Woody get the can whether this team sneaks into the playoffs or not. If they don’t, it will be a very big mistake.

By BA

March 9, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this

Did everybody catch Joe’s comments here after the Charlotte loss ? Looks like he gave his teammates a stern talking too. I think we all just witnessed Joe become a real leader. He called it (the charlotte game) for what it was (lack of effort) and he came out tonight and did something about it. Did you see him demand the ball from Bibby there at the end? He’s taking the reins, folks. I like Marvin more than most of you, but I also think Chills should start. He brings a lot of intangibles, and he’s got twice the post up game of Marvin. We’ve got a power forward(Marvin) that thinks he’s a three, a three(Smoove) that plays the four, a four (big Al) at the center. Not to mention Chills, who thinks he’s a seven footer! How many times has he snuck in with that backdoor slam, behind how many bigs?! Doesn’t word get around? Tonight, even Pachulia hustled. So is this the run and gun eight seed or is this the team from the two games prior that left so much to be desired? By the way, “much ado about nothing”? If I’m gonna get as hacked off as I was Friday night, You better believe I’m gonna live it up tonight Sekou!

By ray

March 9, 2008 3:54 AM | Link to this

Reese, good pep talk. Understand though, many of us aren’t giving up on the team, nor are we angry with the players. Well, I can’t quite speak for everybody and every circumstance…but you get my drift. We’re just fed up with the management/ownership/coaching side of the organization. And we’re fed up with being fed up. And we’re tired of losing games we should be winning.

And we’re just frustrated fans.I can only imagine what it’s like to be a player on this squad. You play your guts out, and not everybody does it every night. Not everybody get to play. And you’re listening to a moron all night. I truly believe that the players feel worse than we do. They have every reason and right to.

In the meantime, I inject what little bit of humor I can. And if you notice, I save all the venom for those who deserve it: any member of the organization not wearing a uniform with name and numbers on the back….

I cannot for the life of me understand why anybody would really want to be overly critical of Joe Johnson. How would you feel if you haven’t had a steady running mate (second scoring option or alternate scoring option) since Al Harrington left town? I mean, Mike Bibby’s here now, but he’s hurt and new to the program. Not that there’s much of an actual program…but I digress. Either way, Joe’s shouldered a lot, and he’s been forced to play a TON of minutes. He’s definitely had some off nights. Last I looked, so has Kobe Bryant. ‘Nuff said.

By ray

March 9, 2008 3:57 AM | Link to this

For copies of Ray Ray’s daily news, read my 8:44 and 11:55 posts on the last blog. Peace…

By BA

March 9, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this

Al Harrington was hardly a qualified “running mate”. Wasn’t that the year we only won fifeteen games?! And I don’t fault Joe for off nights, but I do take exception to the turnovers. Now that the Hawks have a legitimate point, they have to let him take care of the ball. And they really need to run more post plays with Horford and Josh Smith. I love Smoove on the block but so often he’s got the ball at the end of the clock with a near impossible jump shot from distance. And that’s almost always Joe kicking it out to him. Put it this way- there are some serious flaws in this offense. We need more screens for Bibby, more Joe in the post combined with some rest. Woodson has got to trust West and/or Richarson enough to at least get Johnson a few minutes rest, because overplaying him is like cutting off the nose to spite the face. Horford can be at least a consistent scorer when Joe is out to keep us in the game. I’m convinced this inside out team has all the pieces, but Woodson has got to use them.

By stevo

March 9, 2008 5:06 AM | Link to this

SCHEDULE recap -

20 games left: only 6 against teams with winning records, 5 of which are at home; only three against teams from the western conference, including the clippers and grizzlies.

ROY recap -

al needs to average 10 & 10 to win. psychology is trippy at times and there is no denying, that as little sense as it makes, 10.1 & 10.4 (or whatever) looks better and has a bigger impact, then 9.9 & 9.8. especially when the default vote is so heavily weighted to another player already.

MW recap -

0-8 FG, 8-8 FT. i think that about sums this guy up. i used to think at least he has a mid-range jump shot. but now i think he is only consistently good at free throws, and that is it. i am not necssarily surprised if he makes a jump shot, but i am certainly not surprised if he misses one either. this guy should be coming off the bench without any question, with horford and smith sliding over to their natural positions and solomon given a chance. he can at least play defense and can’t be any worse than marvin. the ONLY reason marvin starts is because he has incriminating photos of the coach, or because they give playing time based on draft position and not production or ability. it is ridiculous - the guy does nothing and plays 35 minutes a game. west comes in for 5 minutes and has three rebounds and four points off hustle. and don’t talk about him being young, any player with talent will show something by now - anything. marvin has not. if he needs more time, let him get it while playing 20-25 minutes a game coming off the bench. woodson is a joke.

By ray

March 9, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this

BA,

Perhaps you misunderstood me. Al Harrington was a “running mate” simply because he could be counted on to score effectively inside and outside. He had the skill set to do so and was a legit threat on offense. Harrington wasn’t the best thing in the world, but you knew he could post somebody up one minute and drain a 22-footer the next. His second year here, he was good for nearly 19ppg, with 45% FG and 35% 3point FG. Who do we have right now that can do that besides Joe Johnson?

A clear second scoring option is all I’m defining. And nobody is nearly as consistent right now in scoring as Joe Johnson. Bibby isn’t because he’s hurt (and he needs to pass the ball to our guys to make them better at what they need to do). Josh doesn’t consistently go to the basket, and his jumper is still mostly a project. He posts up more these days, but still doesn’t knw what he’s going to do when his back’s to the basket. Marvin has a great jumper from one distance only, and is still having problems consistently going to the bucket and actually getting something done. He has done better of late, but still has NO POST GAME. Neither are anywhere near consistent with their ball-handling. Both are apt to dribble off a body part while driving.

Now, before you even go there…you could argue that both Marvin and Josh are outscoring Al Harrington right now. And you’d be right. But Harrington isn’t the first option on his current team. He isn’t the second either. Or the third. In fact…he’s fourth. So there’s NO pressure on the guy to perform. He’s playing with 3 other guys, one of whom averages 19ppg, and the other two average over 20ppg. And he’s still getting over 14 points a game. And he’s still a legit scoring threat. Up high, or down low.

That’s what we’re missing. Even when Bibby becomes healthy, we need a legit, consistent scoring threat that can be counted on to play at one decently high level, and even higher when necessary. Hence, the “running mate.”

By Tiger Woo

March 9, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Matt,

Josh Smith was actually pretty decent tonight. 13 points, 8 boards, 3 blocks, 1 turnover. How can you say he was horrible?

Mike Bibby needs to somehow find his shooting touch. We really need his scoring from the perimeter.

By insider

March 9, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Mike Woodson rewarded with three year contract extension.

Mike Woodson rewarded with three year contract extension.

Mike Woodson rewarded with three year contract extension.

By doc

March 9, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

matt, t o’s occur when other teams apply in your face pressure, what good teams do or quick teams. miami is neither right now. in this game it was more that the other team wasnt playing that type of game. sorry, i know you are looking for the silver lining, your assumption is a huge stretch. when they do it against a better team then bring that one back. the reason they won was a great game by their all star.

again, when is woody going to find a line up that works well. marvin needs to come off the bench and allow someone with skills different from him to start to get a balance of scorers and defenders for different situations in a game. let him spark the second unit and become the man in that way without the pressure against the other teams best and when there are guys on the floor that want the ball. marvin looks to get rid of it like it is a hot potato suggesting a mental thing called confidence right now.

By richbrave

March 9, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

TIGER:

I’m still concerned that Bibby’s injury involves his achilles and is not merely a bone bruise or similar issue. Having had that type of injury, it can be persistant without rest, and can lead to a serious detachment of the tendon.

By Sautee

March 9, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Has anyone else noticed that Woody has played Marvin at the 4 replacing Smoove for a few minutes in the last few games? Maybe it was a matchup thing, but I’m hopeful that he’s being showcased for a trade this summer. Of course if he’s playing like sh*t ,then the showcasing just lowers his value. Maybe someone needs a free throw specialist. Heh.

I actually don’t hate Marvin and I feel like he may be a “late, late bloomer” who will be a decent player by his 5th or 6th year. But that’s not what I had hoped for the 2nd pick in the draft. If we could get any kind of 1st rounder for him, we should.

By Al 2 the Ex

March 9, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Does anybody know when Acie is going to be back. I thought i read an article that said he was gonna be ready for last Tuesdays game. Also i want to say Bibby has really helped this team more than AJ and TLue. Bibby has alot of pressure on him now. He has a hurt heal and he doesnt have a true backup pg. AJ and TLue had plenty of time to rest and backed up each other and were both decent.

By g-thang

March 9, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Lebron, Kobe, McGrady, Pierce…these guys show up every night and make their presence known. JJ doesn’t do this. Teams don’t “fear” JJ. Some nights he will hit 8 or 9 points and this happens, too often.

I can’t believe the preseason hype has evaporated through their play and fan support.

The team got together a month before training camp. We went 7-1 in preseason. Opened the season with a win against Dallas and disappeared.

Now we struggle for an 8th spot, for what? To meet Boston or Detroit and get swept in 4 games. Besides, if we make playoffs, Woody and Knight would use this to justify them keeping their jobs

By richbrave

March 9, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

DARKRYDER:

From your 10;44 p.m. last blog. My man, I know I’m blasting our Wiz, but a WIN IN TORONTO one night, then a LOSS to the frickin’ Bobcats AT HOME the next? They didn’t exactly mail it in, but the intensity wasn’t the same. Of course, the Bobcats hadn’t beaten the Wizards by 39 in their previous game either.

I see the same type of play in the Hawks except they’re where the Wizards were a few years back. Sometimes they play well(usually against hapless teams). Occasionally, they play superlative ball(like the last game against the Wiz). Defense is normally of the o`le type. Ay Toro, ay - ay!!

I do believe Eddie Jordan is a superior coach to Mike Woodson. But winning covers a multitude of sins, and Mike would suddenly become a genius with a six game win streak. Years back I was screaming FIRE EDDIE. Not having been a coach of any kind, what I see is all I know. And since I’m half blind that ain’t much.

But I watched a transformation begin when Pollin hired Ernie Grunfeld. And I’m extrapolating to the Hawks going, O.K. the players are not the problem in Atlanta. The problem began to go away when the owner hired the right GM and let him pick the coach to lead Washington from the wilderness.

So I’m posting on here for anyone who’s willing to listen saying the problem is the ownership. Not that they don’t mean well. I’m sure they want to make money. A poor team isn’t, and I know they want that to go away. But with a corporate type operation, there are just too many egos involved to get a clear direction.

So my supposition is, SOME of the ownership needs to change until a CONSENSUS of opinion regarding Hawks basketball ops is reached. Then and only then can a proper DECISION be made about a GM who will hire the PROPER coach to lead the CORRECT Hawks players out of their purgatory.

By Matt

March 9, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Tyger - Read for context, brother. I wrote that post shortly after midnight. I said Marvin was horrible tonight (i.e. against the Heat) and Smith was horrible last night (i.e. against the Bobcats).

By Professor

March 9, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Has anyone noticed the Rockets released Gerald Green? Could he come in here and help in anyway? At least as a backup to JJ?

By reese

March 9, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Now to respond to fellow bloggers who posed questions to me in previous blogs.

Woodsonsucks, when I say that Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Zaza and Childress have bad hands, I mean the following:

1)They do not consistently catch a pass. Instead, the ball slides out of their hands or hits their hands and falls to the ground.

2)When holding the ball, a defender is able to slap the ball out of their hand. In other words, they are not gripping the ball strongly.

3)When going for a layup or jump shot, the ball slips out of their hands. Even when they are not being contested.

MannyT, I’m glad that you agreed with my points. Yes, JJ does have to play against other teams best guards. But defense is not just covering your man.

Defense is also leaving your man to pickup another players man who has rotated to do the same. Defense is boxing out a big man to grab a rebound. Defense is knowing when to trap a player. Defense is knowing when to increase the defensive pressure because your losing. Defense is taking charges, blocking shots, hustling for loose balls, tying up players for jump balls, getting steals, pressuring the players into turnovers, hustling back on fast breaks and picking up the man with the ball or man filling a lane. Defense is talking to your teammates to let them know that a pick is coming. Defense is knowing your positioning in a zone defense. Defense is running out at an open perimeter player when you know you have no chance to block the shot but you still try. Defense is challenging the bigger player or being trickier and forcing him into making a mistake.

So lets hope that Joe Johnson and other hawks players start to consistently play real defense.

By jami$$ion

March 9, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

GREAT 2 GAME WIN STREAK. GO HAWKS!GO GAME JJ.I been hard on JJ cause i want you to get your teammates involved .You can trust them. BA i feel you the inside out is the way to go.It opens up the game for every1.With Al & Js inside on pick & rolls drawing doubles kicking it 2 J for the 3.Doc i’m wit u give Marv minutes to west.Let him start he’ll bring the extra dynamic we need,both offensively & defensively.Combine this with good substituting & the inside out game we could be a real threat.What yall think?

By reese

March 9, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Ray, I wouldn’t mind if you did call out players in your stories. At times, players deserve praise and other times deserve criticism.

Doc, definitely agree that Pat Riley did not allow his team to push the tempo of the game. He coached like Woodson last night and was more concerned with milking the clock to control the pace of the game.

Sautee, actually, Marvin was playing small forward and Childress was playing power forward. Woodson has done this a lot this year. This is why we never see Solomon Jones and why we hardly ever see 2 big men on the floor together.

g-thang, its not that teams don’t fear JJ. They all employ the same schemes to neutralize JJ. They send a weakside defender to the baseline of the side in which JJ has the ball and JJ’s man is covering JJ closely.

Therefore, if JJ beats his man, he will be dribbling into a double team. Other times, teams just send a straight double team.

The question is when is Woodson going to devise a scheme to take advantage of teams overplaying. JJ took it upon himself last night to be very aggressive and his shot was falling.

I liked the play with Zaza setting a screen for Salim and salim went to thee top of the key. He was able to hit the jumper last night. But, they only ran that play twice.

Al 2 the Ex, according to the broadcasters, AC was available to play last night. Woodson decided not to play him.

By p

March 9, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

I am glad to see so many jump of the Marvin bandwagon of the preseason. Back then most were criticizing Josh. It was obvious long ago that Marvin offered very little. No range, no passing ability, no post up ability, no defense, no rebounding. So he can make an occasional 15 footer. Who can’t.

Does anyone recall the game MW was sick and Mario started? The Hawks played great that night. What is the answer?

First, fire the coach. He plays the wrong personnel. His offense is one of the most painful things to watch in sports. He doesn’t spread the floor. Does not go inside enough with Horford and Smith, and lets his players dribble too much- killing their ball movement.

Second, Bibby, Joe, Josh and Horford are four great NBA starters. Josh and Horford are going to be much better in the future. They have all the tools- good strokes, athleticism, good instincts, and most of all competitive fire. Just go get a big athletic center who can defend and rebound. That is all we need. Acie is a solid backup pg and Childress is the perfect 6th man. Mario is a good piece off the bench.

Please trade Marvin to Seattle for Damien Wilkins. Wilkins is more athletic, better rebounder, shooter and passer. Marvin is from Seattle. Damien is from Atlanta.

Then finally get a center in free agency- Kwame Brown even. He doesn’t have to shoot. Just get him to box out, compete and rebound. The second round of the draft should provide more depth.

SEKOU, could you write about some of the potential centers in the draft and free agency?

By randy

March 9, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

I’m glad everybody is so pumped about narrowly beating the worst team in the NBA. Its pretty sad when 30-32 wins gets you to the playoffs. That was the goal right? The playoffs? Guess Woody succeeded. Congrats we get 5 more years of Woody.

By randy

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

Combine this with good substituting & the inside out game we could be a real threat.What yall think?

You must be on crack. We just narrowly beat the worst team in the NBA. That hardly qualifies Hawks as a threat. Bibby’s hobbling around and can’t shoot, Josh Smith is bricking jumpshot left and right, Marvin just plain sucks and we are undersized and undermanned. This team is going nowhere fast. It would be best for this team not to make the playoffs so the management has no excuse to keep Woody and Billy around another year. Besides if they do make the playoffs, you know they will be playing the Celtics or Pistons right?? Enjoy that bloodbath.

By MannyT

March 9, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

reese I’ll grant you your defensive definitions. While Joe does have some less than stellar moments, overall he is the best perimeter defender we have. Do not exclude the defense at the SF. He spends a lot of time guarding 3s especially when Chills is in the game. Because he is usually guarding the #1 offensive option on the perimeter, the defensive scheme may lead him to stick more with that player than play help D. Some of it is hustle, but some of it is scheme. There should have been more team D in Warriors game for sure, but on Wed I want him (or Mario or Chills) close to T-Mac. The other guys need to rotate.

He rebounds, he hustles, he had to spend time guarding Artest because Ron knocked everyone else out of the way like a rag doll…remember Umgawa/Oomgowaye blog

As for last night’s wins…I’ll take them however ugly they are. I’d love 3 ugly wins this week.

By randy

March 9, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

p,

Why would Seattle trade Wilkins for Marvin? That would be a great trade for the Hawks, but Seattle isn’t that stupid. Like I said before, I doubt the Hawks can get a second round pick for Marvin. Why Woodson is starting this bumb, I have no idea.

By jami$$ion

March 9, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Reese good post about the DEFENSE WE NEED THE DEFENSE TO STEP UP TO WIN CONSISTENTLY. P I agree 100% a ballmovement offense a be deadly.That’s why i hate that jj iso sh!t.it doesn’t let the O flow.Also P bibby joe al & josh are a good starting four.i say we start rio.we’ll have better D,more fastbreak opportunities,which translate into easy baskets,therefore igniting better starts.i’ll take kwame for a foulman,or trade marv and za for oak & carrol or oak head up.Gotta spend to be competitive.GET GREEN

By reese

March 9, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Sekou, how about a story about the hawks assistant coaches. What are their roles and what do they think about the progress made by the players they are developing.

Also, what do they think is the best style of play suited for the player and the best style suited for the team.

Most importantly, what do they think is the style of play currently utilized by the hawks. I would be interested to see if they come up with similar answers.

By DecDawg

March 9, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

To criticize only MW for defense is not being objective. The ONLY person other teams respect defensively for the Hawks is Josh Smith. When he comes out of the game or his man takes him out of the lane, it’s a layup fest. Horford is decent and will get there one day but he doesn’t make anyone think twice before driving to the basket. Bibby, JJ and J-Chill can’t keep anyone in front of them either. And overall, the their help defense is HORRIBLE. We need the +/- stats for JJ cuz his man typically has just as big of a night as he does and typically outplays him. He still hasn’t recorded a big defensive play this year. He never gets the big steal, stop or block. J-Smoove makes a lot of mistakes on offense but he at least makes up for it on defense by blocking/changing shots. We cannot say the same for anyone else on this team.

By cp

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

professor it would make sense to sign Gerald Green only if we had a coach who would use his bench. Green would be doing the same thing Richardson is doing right now which is sitting and watching. At this point bringing Marvin off the bench might help but I doubt he would spark the second unit because the kid stands around a lot and is not very agressive. Maybe coming off the bench would make him agressive but hell who knows with Duck at this point. Maybe we can convince his mom to quit her job and come to all of his games for the rest of the season. Maybe then he will feel like he did in that Seattle game. Hell lets offer his Barber a job with the team. He can cut everyone’s hair.The Heat play by play guys were saying the same thing we have been saying for the past few games. They mentioned how the Heat seemed to play with more energy and more urgence than the Hawks. If fighting for a playoff spot does’t motivate these guys then I dont know what will. I did get happy to see Bibby dive for a loose ball last night. That is the type of hustle and determination I want to see out of these guys. Even when they were losing a lot of games the past 3 years or so they were at least playing hard and I cant really say they are this year and that is the most dissapointing thing about the last 20 games or so. Some guys seem to care and others seem to be getting ready for the summer break or something.

By ray

March 9, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Reese, my guess is the assistant coaches won’t be allowed to say a damn thing. For a lot of reasons….

By hawksfanfordawin

March 9, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Decdawg i think your mistaking jj with MARVIN, did you see the game last night jj had 2 BLOCKS and 3 STEALS, i agree that josh is the best defensive threat but give credit where credit is due

By SalimFan

March 9, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

JJ showed up last niht and played like the consistant scoring machine that this organization payed for. I still hink that taking all those jupshots is tough and every night they won’t fall tyhat consistantly. He needs to ATTASCK the basket like kobe or lebron and get to the FT line for some easy buckets.

I’m starting to believe what Kool-aid about bibby. He’s inconsistant OFFensively. He does manage the floor well and keep our turnovers down though. AND IF YOU HAVEN’T NOTICED HE’S NOT INJURED ANYMORE. I’ve had a bruised heel before and it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to go away. So any defensive miscues you see from now on are from BIBBY and not an injury.

Salim came in and did his thing off the bench. Also J Smith came through in the second half. But the rest of the team played like crap. The only thing they had to do was play good defense and they couldn’t even do that.

Their spirits were down and they played like it. AT THE MOST PIVOTAL TIME IN THE SEASON WHEN THEY HAVE THE EASIET REMAINING SCHEDULE IN THE NBA THE WANTED TO PACK IT IN. And JJ had to do it by himself. I bet if Salim, Childress, and Jeremy Richardson had started we would have had a blowout at halftime.

By SalimFan

March 9, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

And the hawks need to get the bulls to release shannon brown so we can have him for the playoffs. He’s really good.

And physically chilldress does not match up well size wise with BIG small forwards like LeBron and Carmelo. Marvin does. Marvin is The pototypical Small Forward he just doesn’t always play like it.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 9, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

I agree with you salimfan, jj had to carry this team, but we cant expect to have him do this everynight, luckily, we know that if everyone els had their normal games then we would have blown this team out, and to add another thing, it seems like someof these guys dont know that JJ has to gaurd the other teams best players, while other teams have defensive stoppers gaurding jj. This is why i hate the WOODPECKER so much, he has one of those right on the bench named mario west, even if he fouls out, atleast he gives jj a break. This is a reason why jj is so tired at ends of games, he has to do everything for the hawks on some nights…

By jami$$ion

March 9, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

NO RANDY I DON’T SMOKE CRACK WEED METH OR ANYTHING. I SOLD THEM IN MY FORMER LIFE TO PEOPLE WHO NEEDED A ESCAPE FROM REALITY,OR THEY’RE OWN SELF HATRED LIKE YOURSELF. I FIRMLY BELIEVE WITH A COACH .KEYWORD COACH WE WOULD HAVE WON 20 OF OUR LOSSES EASILY. AND A INSIDE OUT GAME OR PICK AND ROLL OFFENSE WITH AL JOSH & BIBBY WITH JJ ON THE WING A BE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE. DID U WATCH THIS TEAM IN JANUARY,DECEMBER, HELL LAST BOSTON OR GS LOSS.AND YOU’LL KNOW IT WAS POUR SUBSTITUTING AND BAD PLAYCALLING

By terrell barron

March 9, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

P, we dont have any draft picks.

By dakid

March 9, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Josh is a average defender, and great shot-blocker. Defense includes rebounding, and playing position d. He is a great talent though. I would like for the Hawks to try to get Green also, but we wouldn’t develop him. We can’t develop the project’s that we have. Again, Marvin stinks. I can name so many people out of that draft that I would rather have, and I just can’t believe that the owners would tell Knight to draft him. They would have to fire me. No way we needed him. No matter what our record is, I would love the chance to go to playoffs. Some national tv coverage. Be able to see my Hawks on my HD channels and not have to listen to Bob and I love Nique but he sucks. Want to hear what national broadcasters have to say about us.

By jami$$ion

March 9, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

another thing RANDY JACKSON. you didn’t even read my post to make a comment on it. i said a insideout game with AL & JOSH ran by BIBBY and JOE.MARV is no way shape form or fashion is mentioned.Except for being benched for Rio.And i don’t know how josh gone brick slams like you said.But if josh can’t make layups and dunks he doesn’t need to play. The players aren’t the problem. It’s how they’re being utilized thats the problem.I’ve never seen anyone make it without a plan.And a system is a plan we don’t hav

By Atl Flavor

March 9, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Im putting everything on 8 more wins! We will go back to the win 1 loose 1 pattern from earlier in the year. That Should BE good enough to get 8 more. Getting 1 of the next 2 would be a great start, but D Howard and the 60 game win streak Rockets are going to be hard to take down.

By jami$$ion

March 9, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

kid i’m wit ya.i’ll snatch up green quick.the boy to me has more potential than marv.and i’ll trade marv and zaza for oakafur.MJ wanted marv this summer for felton and a pick swap.which turned out to be Acie.Vick couldn’t overcome coaching & he was the best athlete in his sport.how do you expect josh or any of the hawks to do it? i wanna see us on tv in the playoffs. dam these hatas.Woody gone win or lose.And quit talking bout draftpicks we need vets

By Tyger

March 9, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson has done nothing; he scores 30 against the Bobcats and Heat, two of the worst teams in the league.

Lets see what he does this week against playoff teams, Orlando and Houston. 13 pts. 10 turnovers.

By ruckus

March 9, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

On paper, Marvin matches up with Carmelo and Lebron only due to SIZE. If you think Marvin matches up with them on either side of the court in reality…then you’re not just on drugs. You’re on tainted drugs. Marvin can’t, I repeat, CAN’T guard any small forward who has athletic ability and any kind of shooting touch. That’s how it is. If you think otherwise, you’re dumber than that Hawks Hack. JAMI$$ION. I would’ve taken that trade. Felton is a penetrator deluxe. He gets to the bucket when he wants to. He sure did it enough against us. To boot, he can shoot and has confidence in himself. No offense to Acie, but the guy has been ruined by that blasted Woodson. Before he got hurt he was playing in a game where he was just tearing it up. Now he is probably out for the season. our freakin’ luck. And we can just forget about the next two games. Orlando is better than us and the Rockets big streak is not about to be broken by our fellas. They already got their playoff slot. We need one. But with our schedule I just don’t have a lot of hope.

By Hawks@yahoo.com

March 9, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Tyger do you even watch games, he killed orlando in the past, and beat the rockets last year with 30 plus points, you need to stfu and start watching games idiot.

By ruckus

March 9, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Tyger you just don’t know a player when you see one huh? Since when is 30 points nothing. I wonder how many you would score. You sound about as dumb as randy usually does. why don’t yall go to the Hawks Hack board. Stupidity is welcome there.

By Obvious Truth

March 9, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

“oh oh where are we goin to find another scorer, someone besides joe johnson. WHERE WHERE? THE BIG MYSTERY!!!!”“

:|

On The Bench not gettin PT. (J. Richardson)

By Bravesfan79

March 9, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

If there was any year id like to see the Hawks get to the playoffs only to get beat in the first round quickly, its this year. We don’t have our 1st round pick anyways so unlike other years theres no point in tanking like weve done o so well in the past. We need a center! And i think we should get Critt or Jack to be our backup PT. I think AC is more of a 2 guard.

By Glutton for Punishment

March 9, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Just a thought…. The GA Bulldawgs football team were just beat down by Tennessee and everything looked hopeless. Mark Richt had them celebrate after the toughdown against Florida to get the team on an emotional high. Well the Hawks need the same thing. I know they are professionals but every team needs positive attitude or emotion to produce. All I see with Mike Woodson is his arms crossed or his right hand under is chin. With a questional call, he needs to go OFF and get a techincal foul. I dont care if it is the right call or not. He has got to do something to get some emotion going.

By cp

March 9, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Glutton actually that wouldnt be a bad idea at all. Id love to see some damn type of fire from these guys other than Horford and Josh Smith. Everyone else seems to be too laid back. Look I like Gerald Green. I was talking about getting him around the trade dealine but I have come to the realization that no matter who we have on the bench Mike Knapp is not going to play him. He is an atheletic guard who can hit the 3 thus giving JJ some rest but hell Mike Knapp would never let him play.

By jami$$ion

March 9, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

UNCLE RUCKUS WHATS UP. Yeah we would a got the 8th pick they traded to GS for J rich.I like felton. No one talks about him cause they haven’t been winning.but he’s the real deal.we could of used that pick on scola or navaro or sean williams.we would a still been able to pull off the bibby trade.daydreaming yeah that would a been hella nice.spirit nixed that deal to.once we get rid of woody and get a gm that our owners a let do his job watch us take off.there are gms worse than BK.but no coach worse than MW

By Glutton for Punishment

March 9, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

OMG.. It seems as though the Hawks will be on national TV on Monday against the Magic…I guess the NBA powers feel slightly more positive about the Hawks now a days than they have in the past. And I do mean SLIGHTLY more….

By kj

March 9, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Sekou, Whats up with getting a big? I was checking out the D league website and the 3 leading shot blocking centers are 7 feet tall and pushing about 10 points a game. Not too sure how d-league pickups work but If they are available and ready for pickings, seeing our desperate need for some big interior D what gives? I mean i’m sure the hawks have scouts. Or at least I’d hope

By drmaryb

March 9, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Hey what is the good and bad on Gerald Green?

Where was he and why was he waived? I think he was a high draft pick when Marvin came out and went to Boston - Right?

By doc

March 9, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

i am really excited about the prospects for tomorrow, what with the question being if we can extend our 1 game and 51.9 second win streak. that is the longest streak we have had in a while isnt it?, er, besides a losing streak that is.

By JohnGTFan

March 9, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

Sekou

First of all…great 2 wins for the Hawks…and they were much needed. But I’m not giving JJ anything until he does it when it counts! Let’s see him step up and be a leader on the road? That would be a nice concept. Let’s see him get a couple road wins and then we’ll believe he truly is the leader of this team. Been saying it for a while now…everyone knew he would have big nights the past couple games…look who ATL has played! Sorry, but need to show me that against Orlando and Houston coming up before I take back anything I’ve said.

By JohnGTFan

March 9, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Dark Ryder

Still going to the game and ESPN Zone next Monday?

Hit me up man….www.myspace.com/JWALLS73

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 9, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson, like every other Atlanta Hawks player, would be much more consistent if he had a better coach.

By ray

March 9, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Tonight is certainly a test of how much we want to win. Each player has got to rally alongside his peers. Sure we need JJ to keep up this recent 30+ point outburst binge going…but it’s all for naught if the other guys don’t step up alongside him. He needs to know that he’s not alone out there.

Make the extra pass, follow through on the shot, crash the boards, dive and scrap for that loose ball. Anyone who can’t do this needs to stay on the bench. I believe our guys can do this. But they must believe it.

The only thing that truly bothers me is how the game is managed. Unfortunately, we cannot help that part. All we can hope for is the players to take over the game and do what they can do, despite what their dolt of a coach does. If Bibby needs to do the barking while JJ is dropping bombs and giving cross-over clinics, then so be it. Somebody step the f@ck up, and that somebody…is EVERYBODY.

By Steve T

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

The Hawks can make the play-offs if JJ continue to play like he has. He has been playing with an injury all season and he may be finally recovering. If he is 99%, the Hawks are going to the play offs.

The next thing the Hawks need better coaching when it comes to closing out the game. The Hawks almost lost the game because they want to rely on the jump shot. If you drive to the basket, you will get a basket or a foul. Woodson needs to tell the Hawks to take it to the hole. We have one of the best leapers in the game and we can not get a basket when we need it the most.

By drmaryb

March 9, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Hey RichBrave

Your’e MY cyber-slut those other guys are just jealous! You keep it up - I like it when you talk DIRTY-SOUTH

About a trade with Seattle? - mmmmmhh! I would be hesitant to send Marvin for Damien (Lottery Pick -vs- Nephew-tism?) not sure about that (maybe if packaged with a top-ten pick only. Marvin has yet to PLATEAU.

He kind of reminds me of a AL-Harrington Clone Potentially a Nice Inside-Outside game but not a great defender.

[Derrick Coleman and Rasheed Wallace] are the two greatest examples of UNSTOPPABLE & UNFORGETTABLE SKILLS that have and will never PLATEAU based on a severe LACK of Mental Toughness and Effort. In a word - LAZY I hope Marvin doesn’t fall into that trap because he certainly has the potential. That picture perfect jump shot alone is worth the price of admission.

If he works on his post-up play and three point shooting and improve his mid-range jump shot….WHEW! he would be worth the #1 or #2 Pick. Bogut should take more heat for being a bust than Marvin. Didn’t he go #1 (I never hear his name mentioned anywhere) In retrospect Paul should have gone #1 so the Hawks are not the only ones with 20/20 Hind-Sight

RichBrave I can’t give up on Marvin just yet. No more draft picks needed on this team. Hey at least no one can complain about BK drafting this time around. We could all use a break. We simply don’t need no more KIDS man.

We need some Vets! SOME ROLE PLAYERS! A SPECIALIST!

(like a Barkley, Charles Oakley, The Rifleman -Chuck Person, Rodman, Rick Mahorn, Bill Lambeer, etc.)

By Ken Strickland

March 9, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

We won the last gm against Orlando because we wore Howard down by using Shelden, Wright, Horford and Zaza against him. Wright had an outstanding gm and really shut him down. In this gm, we’ll only have Horford and Zaza. I doubt if Forrest Gump will even bother to use SJones. If he does, it won’t be for more than 3-4mins.

We’d better have a big lead going into the 4th qtr. We all know Woodson will have played JJ, Bibby and JSmith into exhaustion by then. Teams now realize Woodson will not rest his key players. So, they run different players at them, especially JJ, to wear them down. They now know if they can stay close, they have a good chance to win the gm in the 4th qtr. That strategy has worked very well since the trade.

It’s a shame our resident moron hasn’t picked up on that stradegy yet. GOOD LUCK HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By doc

March 9, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

cyber slutress how can you possibly put coleman and sheed in the same sentence? didnt we hand deliver him to the pistons and he has a ring and several trips to the east finals since then? he just flat schools our babies when they go up against him and still playing at the top of his game with guile and cunning along with a deadly three point shot?

By terrell barron

March 9, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Just sitting here hoping the Pistons can put away Chicago. I know its not a good sign when your’re depending on other teams to lose but the PLAYOFFS are the PLAYOFFS, and I want to see a Playoff game in Atlanta. It would’nt have even mattered this time last year, or for the last several years, for that matter.

By richbrave

March 9, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

drmaryb:

cyber-slut here. How YOU dooin’(my best Joey imitation). I’m down with that. No picks, but someone effective to work with ZZ. No one on the roster now?

Google Green’s name and a history of his will come up. You can see where he’s been, and probably a reason for him being on the market.

By DecDawg

March 9, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

hawksfanfordawin…after getting 2 blocks last night, JJ has 8 on the season. He’s a 6’7” two-guard. If he put any effort into playing defense, he’d average more than .13 blocks and 1 steal a game. And just so you know, that’s the lowest on the team for anyone who gets any real PT. It’s even less than Bibby. We dog MW all the time and even he averages .47 blocks a game. Let’s just face it, JJ is a streaky jump shooter…when he’s hot, he’s the man. When he’s not, we get those 4-16 nights. And since he’s afraid to drive to the basket, he’s feast or famine. And remember, he’s the only person on the team that has plays run for him to score. Now I like JJ…as a #2 option. You have to do more than shoot jumpers to be a #1 option.

By drmaryb

March 9, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

PLAYOFFS - PLAYOFFS? - PLAYOFFS? Hey Haters the HAWKS are in the PLAYOFFS as of today!

Now all we must do is not blow it! We are on the verge of a nervous - breakdown. But if we just not do or say anything stupid…maybe just maybe we can sneak is an MAKE SOME NOISE

If we can just GET LUCKY (to get in) and GET HOT (to make some heads roll). Then all the whining and moaning will have been worth it!

Hey I.MUS WRITE Southern Hospitality is not quite dead but it’s truly becoming Extinct ‘round here. I’m from SC - graduated with the FRIDGE my grandmother was his next door neighbor. I was raised on watching great athletes perform. Like you probably I know what effort and heart and skills look like. I played tennis in college and was a WINNER!

That’s what Atlanta need -

WE NEED A WINNER - WE DON’T NEED NO LOSERS! -Mel of SW-Atlanta- (#1 Talk Radio Caller for 20 years)

This city deserves a winner! We are sick and tired of losing the same way over and over! - Ground Hog Day - since NIQUE was traded!.

Hey Ray

I loved that 8:44 Post!

    Classic Story Line

The Billy Goat under the Bridge?.

The Title says it all - you don’t even have to read the book when the title is that good! You ever consider writing for a living? You have the brain mappings for creative writing. Great Job - Keep it up! perfomane enhanced by -

VGH - VIAGRA GROWTH HORMONE

By richbrave

March 9, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

drmaryb:

Got that move down? Ready to post up and make some moves in cyber-space?

By ray

March 9, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

drmaryb, the sequel was on the 11:55 post. Glad you liked it. Yes, I have a very active brain. Sometimes a bit TOO active.

Don’t need Viagra. The joystick works all by itself….

By drmaryb

March 9, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Doc ;)

How U doin’?(my best joey imitation)

Well, doc, it’s like this - Derrick Coleman had amazing skills, the likes I have never seen in all my years watching NBA (started in 1986).

That Derrick like Rasheed : had size-7’, could post-up, step-out & hit that 3 or 12’ & Dunk, defend the post and perimeter incredibly well and was a beast on offense in general.

(like VICK teams had to game plan for this guy a potential 50 greatest player ever!)

-And both these guys could do more than and give the likes of Robert Parrish and Kevin McHale fits!

But Derrick -he was so damned lazy and trifling - more lazy that Kwame Brown if that’s even possible?

Derrick Coleman was too lazy to put on a SUIT for a STERN meeting with theCOMMISH that guy wouldn’t even take a shower and comb his hair.(Possibly Bipolar?)

RASHEED has the same problem - I think. He plays no where near his potential - Yeah he got a ring but as a role player. He’s not the star on that team. Because If he was they would have 3-4 rings in a row right now - right?! He is potentially just that skilled. If Rasheed had MJ’s Brains and Heart? He should have 10 rings by now maybe 6 in a row.

He could have matched the greatest college coach ever -

        **WOODEN**

(10-Rings total & 6/7 in row?)

I think like Coleman - giving only 50% effort, that Rasheed is giving only about 70% of what he can actually do. With Rasheed, I think it’s more Bad-Attitude than anything else. With Coleman it was pure Laziness)

Hey Doc Thanks For Asking! Sorry for roughing you up last month - ;o -signed cyber-sluttress-

By hawksfanfordawin

March 9, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Decdawg, well lets face it jj is our number one scoring option, practically noone else can score other than him if you really look close. This dude has been averaging 30 ppg for the past 4 games, and thats with barely getting to the line. Im tired of all these people not giving him enough respect. A couple of years ago noone in their right mind would come to the hawks, but he did, just be grateful that he even came hear. He doesnt deserve fans that dont give him credit after all he has done.

By richbrave

March 9, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Looks like Green is still a restricted free agent until July. Maybe the strings are currently too tight for a team to move on him.

6’8’, 200. Slam-dunk winner 2007. Runner-up this year.

By terrell barron

March 9, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Yeah, they’re in, as of today, but unfortunately, we have 20 games left to play.

By doc

March 9, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

agree wholeheartedly on coleman and somewhat on sheed, remember as a long suffering for fifty year hawks fan unfortunately we got to see derrick for more than one game. he lived up to his potential but it was probably potential to do more mind altering substances than most rather than laziness.

sheed, maybe could have done more but his brain got in the way until recently. he frustrated me tremendously and am glad he has decided to stay in games and control his freaking brain. just different issues but coleman didnt come close to the career as sheed therefore very unfair comparison.

and hey, no harm no foul c-s. heh heh; still here as i said i would and i promise you not taking it serious. it is purely for the entertainment and connecting to the many folks we have world wide that like the game i like at the liars table. brothers and sisters with all love and acceptance

ray, cant wait for the next installment of the bridge series.

samuel, i hope i can say this more frequently over the next few months. how about shaq, see his cape flying behind him as he got airborn into the crowd today?

By jami$$ion

March 9, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

A just letting my mind float.and i heard a post game interview by mo cheeks.he was commending t young.saying how he has been the leading scorer without running a play for him.and their so called stars iggy & miller deferred to him and said it.mo cheeks. also said this is a team we win together we lose together. and i’m looking at my team.which to me is way more talented than this bunch.and plays much worse.because we don’t play as a team.we think jj has to score for us to win.that’s why we don’t win more

By Glutton for Punishment

March 9, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

drmaryb forgive me if you have mentioned it in the past because I don’t have much time to read this blog every day, but are you truly a physician and if so what specialty? I know Doc is a retired Ortho (lucky dog)and I am an FP, tennis player and MOST IMPORTANTLY… a female..

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 9, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

Before we get too carried away, let’s keep in mind that the pick acquired in the Rasheed trade brought us Josh Smith. You can say what you want about Josh, but two things you can’t deny: a) he is younger and more athletic than Sheed, and b) he is statistically a lot better than Sheed. Would the Hawks have more wins right now with Sheed? Maybe. Would they be better off over the next 5-10 years with Sheed than Josh? I don’t think so.

By jami$$ion

March 9, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

that’s why these kids play foolish like they do.they all wanna shine.and they deserve to shine.but as a team.why do you think when jj has the ball they just don’t do anything?cause they know no matter the situation jj gone shoot,or turn it over.and they are tired of losing games the same way each night and jj refuses to realize his selfishness is the reason for his teams poor play when the game is on the line.i like jj ,but i hate the way he’s playing the game.either he gone get 30 or shoot us out the game.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 9, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Jami$$on your right on, this team doesnt play like a team, i always realize that when another teams star is not shooting good, some random guy just comes in and scores on us at will. Then i think about us, when jj is not shooting good no one else scores, and when josh is not shooting good no one else scores except jj. So what im trying to say is that, we can go on if josh or someone else doesnt score, but we cant go on when jj doesnt score..

By hawksfanfordawin

March 10, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

And to add something else, mike woodson doesnt do anything about it, he lets joe shoot even if he is not hot, any good coach would try to get others involve. But mike woodson is inent on giving jj the ball no matter what…

By jami$$ion

March 10, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

i know we can win consistently in this league.like portland,utah,houston,n.o.,toronto,or philly teams we have as much talent as or more.they win because they win or lose as a T E A M. something coach woody and jj don’t believe in.i just want to win as a team,or lose as a team play selflessly not selfishly.

By jami$$ion

March 10, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

i know we can win consistently in this league.like portland,utah,houston,n.o.,toronto,or philly teams we have as much talent as or more.they win because they win or lose as a T E A M. something coach woody and jj don’t believe in.i just want to win as a team,or lose as a team play selflessly not selfishly.

By jami$$ion

March 10, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

i know we can win consistently in this league.like portland,utah,houston,n.o.,toronto,or philly teams we have as much talent as or more.they win because they win or lose as a T E A M. something coach woody and jj don’t believe in.i just want to win as a team,or lose as a team play selflessly not selfishly.

By MannyT

March 10, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Looks like the blog is in a better mood tonight even after a soft pair of Ws on Saturday.

ray,doc The tech demons/censors/gremlins keep eating my response to your question of yester-blog.

Is MannyT still pushing that kool-aid update will be in the form of bags by my door for April 19th (when the playoffs start.)

In the spirit of Let’s Make a Deal, I’ll share what’s in the bags today.

Bag 1 has a TNT gone fishin’ sign with the requisite pole from mykhalc, some shades for the beach, and a new satellite dish to watch the Western Conference playoffs from some fabulous location as recommended by Clyde.

Bag 2 has my crumpled 41-41 prediction from the preseason, Saturday’s double header win, a strip of Hawks playoff tickets, a Mutombo in Denver super sized playoff upset, a carton of Kool-Aid, along with your favorite adult beverage enhancer.

Bag 3 has a case of Tums, a few t-shirts Clyde would not produce like BK=basically keepable & Free the running game, Popeye’s last can of spinach for Joe, a copy of Go Put Your Strengths to Work for the coaches

and today’s leader is bag 4-the music bag that contains an endless loop of Amy Winehouse singing Rehab. This can be used for self or traded for your favorite message tune to force the ASG to listen to over and over until they change their ways. I believe the Joshes may have thrown in the rarely heard Grandmaster Flash tune We Don’t Work for Free to give a heads up to whomever will be signing the checks next season.

I stand by my reasoning from November in this blog flashback

Let the ipod play…

By doc

March 10, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

gfp. retired vascular, general and trauma doc, just living the life of alternative medicine doing acupuncture. the drm is into that area in the chiropractic world i think she said in her intro. most importantly the last i looked a male.

you ever get over the blahs of credentialing with your recert exam?

thadeus was huge today. sad he wasnt playing for my bees along with crit this year, unc and duke would have had to let those guys play through.

By MannyT

March 10, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

and for drmaryb and your cyber sluts

Just imagine how interesting this team would have been if we had found a way to keep Rasheed

I realize lots of things would be different, but it is fun to consider.

By jami$$ion

March 10, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

a hawksfan what im saying is this. i looked at lines for the past games for no,philly,houston,and utah.teams that have been hot lately and on streaks.and i realized how on any given night especially in philly utah and houston.the same guy rarely leads the team in scoring,plus they keep at least 6 guys in double figures.when we won earlier in the year we had that.and with the added firepower of bibby,jr,and salim.I don’t see why we can’t be even better.all woody has to do is let them play & use the bench

By mykhalc

March 10, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

MannyT, LOL bro!! and my prediction was ONLY 1 game different from yours…40-42!! like i said, WOODSON spiked/laced my koolaid!!!!

DOC, glad to see SHAQ look good. not really a SUNS fan but i’m pullin’ for them to get it together!!!

WOODSON’s gotta go…PERIOD!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 10, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

EXACTLY but woody doesnt believe in bench players..

By doc

March 10, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

manny good stuff for a mea culpa, knew you had it in you and have come to your sensibilities. i really think you are going to enjoy finding your dark side as it is a natural progression for all intelligent hawk fans not on roids like my fine friend ando, who saw through the bliss to the abyss first.

By JD

March 10, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

The two that have a playoff vision in their heads are Al Horford and Joe Johnson.

By doc

March 10, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

look guys i am still in the running for prognosticating at 35 wins. sad to say they might miss the mark and will have to go 9 and 11 to make it to what i thought was a low ball. ando and aj are right there with me. guess we drink something other than kool aide. funny when i said it thought they might prove me wrong. let it be if it is going to be with a strong finish but said they were broken in charlotte several weeks ago after a come of age win against the lakers. my that was short lived.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 10, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this

PD include Chillz in there as well, he wants it bad. Now as far as im concerned i dont know if jj can produce in these last 20 games, i know that he wants to go to the playoffs real bad but i just dont want to see him thinking that he has to do everything. That will lead to our downfall. UNLESS jj is on fire, but when his not he has to get everyone else involved. Thats the definitiion of MVP

By MannyT

March 10, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

mykhalc Woody did a bait and switch. If he had one of those late night infomercials, he would be in jail now.

In October, come on out to our games and get a running attack absolutely free!!!! But wait—there’s more. Look at our preseason practices—we replaced the chairs with treadmills like we are OK Go

If you order now, he’ll even replace the gatorade with coffee, crunk, and red bull.

By Thanksgiving, the deal was off, the website was gone, and the 1970s version of Dean Smith was telling him that the four corners could work in the NBA! Bobby Knight was screaming at him in his sleep that the running game was for Nolan Richardson and Jerry Tarkanian…and until he gets a shooter like Steve Alford to run off of six screens to get a shot, just run that Arkansas player into the ground.

Sorry. I’ll stop. Now I need 6 more tums from bag 3 and a drink from bag 2 just to get some sleep!

I’m dreaming of a Wizards-Suns championship just to get endless quotes from Shaq & Gil!

By MannyT

March 10, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

doc I still resist the dark side, but there is something in bag 1 that sounds like a guy on a respirator…and it keeps calling out to me ;-)

By HB Ando

March 10, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

Random thoughts:

I projected out our current 27-35 record and it put us at 35.7 wins. I guess I should have been a tad more specific when I predicted 36 wins in the pre-season.

drmaryb, you’re comparison of Marvin to Harrington rattled some dusty shelves in the archives of my long-term memory. It took me almost 2 seconds to pinpoint that I had posted, coincidentally, on this very blog, that it was awful confusing that we would draft Marvin, when his optimal upside appeared to that of a young player we already had, in Harrington. You might have missed it, as it was posted soon after we drafted Marvin, around the time that Sekou initiated this forum (and I may be the only person around who Sekou has documented as having staunchly pinpointed Chris Paul as both the obvious choice, PRE-DRAFT, as well as calling him the next Isiah, PRE-DRAFT).

I know some of my counterparts, here, will shake their heads at my “here he goes again” comments, but, as Doc has mentioned, on regular occasion, there are some folks now here, who don’t seem to realize that their comments are neither fresh nor original. And, in fairness, how could you if you weren’t here 3 and a half years ago?

But the best posts, from newcomers and old schoolers, are the ones that shed new light (or dark, though this icky “cybersex” thing you and richbrave have goes down an alley that has previously, thankfully, been unexplored, prior to your arrival; this also makes me very glad that we can’t post or attach pictures here).

Of course when there’s nothing new to shed, there is always ample time for diatribes, finger-pointing, name calling, and general anarchy.

Yet, is it not Surreal that after over four months of regular season, and, covering the best and most committed of this clan, posting furiously and daily, the Hawks stand on literal, statistical, target of the 36 wins I predicted?

I mean what’s the point of running commentary when, like sands of the hour glass, and so are the day’s of our lives, yet another Hawks’ season plays out as predictably as the weekly, Friday, cliffhanger of drmaryb’s favorite soap (OK, so maybe it’s, in trying to keep my metaphors current, the decisions of Judge Judy, and the endless, and good-intentioned, commercials from Atlanta’s most gifted and committed legal professionals, which share the daytime hours with unfettered access to this very blog)?

Here’s some neat stuff to consider, in comparing Bibby’s 11-game tenure with that of his replacement in Sac-town:

Bibby has provided us with an average of 13 points, 7 dimes and .9 steals, while shooting just under 40% from the field, and 30% on 3-pointers, as well as 74% from the line. His annual salary, both this year and next, is $14 million.

Beno Udrih, over the same span of games, as averaged 16 points, 6 dimes and .9 steals, while shooting 51% from the field, 37% from beyond the 3-point arc, and 82% from the line. His salary is $560,000.

For those of you who lauded the concept that Billy pulled off a steal, in getting a name like Bibby, for 3 has-beens and one of the worst lottery choices in a decade, I’m wondering if any of you questioned why the Kings would give up “so much” in return for “so little”?

Why didn’t we just trade Shelden for Udrih? Or Childress for Calderon, as I suggested in ‘05, before Calderon became one of the hottest, and most expensive, names in summer free agency talks?

In dumping Shelden, Billy did nothing but acknowledge his utter incompetence.

As incongruous as this sounds, I applaud the Spirit, this one, single time, for NOT allowing Billy to scapegoat Woody, by firing him.

This summer the Spirit will clean house, leaving the team with yet another reconfiguring, a new head coach, and neither draft picks, or enough confidence of any unrestricted free agent, or their representation, to realistically expect someone to sign here.

And unless there’s a really successful overhaul of both the front office and the head coaching position, Johnson will be looking forward to unrestricted free-agency, and the opportunity to make up for his huge error in judgment, in believing he was coming here to start something special in Atlanta. Either he, or Bibby, will be used next season as trade collateral, in their expiring contracts.

Billy Knight’s legacy will be building a roster that never fit, either with each other or its coach, and patched, for a part of a season, by the Bibby deal, in a last-gasp attempt to appease the largely uneducated, ticket-buying masses. Almost as quickly (I can only pray) as it was misguidedly assembled, it will be disassembled, reconfigured, re-packaged and re-marketed, as a viable, “new”, playoff-contending team.

And the few of us who argued that baby steps should not be confused with genuinely bad front office decisions, will have the discomforting sense of being right with no tangible payoff (kind of like anyone who’s ever known that a sibling or an extended family member was entering an inevitably tragic marriage).

I guess the best way to say this is that if Nostradamus was resurrected, from his cryogenic crypt, just before or after the unfreezing of Ted Williams head, does anyone really think he would revel in his accurate predictions of doom and gloom? Of course not. Being consistently right, in 4 years of rueful head shaking, has been nothing but an albatross of ongoing discontent.

For those of you impassioned by this ignominious run for the 8th seed, enjoy. But do not feign shock when the Eastern Conference’s most “up and coming” team is rapidly deconstructed, with either no public commentary, by ownership, or lame excuses for years of predictably bad decisions, and promises of change and future success.

Is that not what we were given 4 years ago?

By HB Ando

March 10, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

You know what else is really sick? DraftExpress has the Suns, using our pick at 13, taking Kevin Love, one of the truly few, front court players, that you could properly blend with Josh Smith and Al Horford. Love will go down in history as one of the best passing big men of his generation.

It’s a moot point, because I’m pretty sure that if Love comes out, he won’t be there at 13. But, it’s ironic that he’s being mentioned there, given his unique skill set, and what will be required of a complementary big man, should the Hawks keep, and build around, both Smith and Horford.

Listening to Barkley gush about Horford, projecting him as one of the best power forwards of the upcoming decade, only rehashed 4-6 month old discussions about the short-sidedness of playing him at the 5. As good as he’s been, he would have been, and will be, that much better, when properly positioned at the 4. A point, like so many others, which was battered mercilessly this pre-season (eerily, not unlike a similarly persistent opinion proffered, here over 3 years ago, on the idea that Joe Johnson was signed, by Billy Knight, to be the Hawks’ point guard of the future).

Just sayin’.

By doc

March 10, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this

ando i agree with all that you said except the number. if memory serves you initially said 34 but maybe upped it later. i think the number 33 or 34 is going to hit it right on if there is any self respect still for this team. also think jj has two years left instead of one.

still think a coach could help this club into respectability, just look to houston for that example. everything hinges on the BASG and whether they pony up to keep said “stars” or implode and say it was all billy’s fault. see that is their ace in the hole and fall guy.

gee how did that poll ever turn out on the for’s and against a high draft pick this year instead of a playoff game?

ANDO, YOU SEEM COHERENT TONIGHT. HEH HEH

By MannyT

March 10, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this

Najeh while we have our ‘Sheed moment, recognize that right now ‘Sheed and Al would be a tougher front court on both sides of the ball.

In 5-10 months Josh Smith might not be here, much less 5-10 years.

By mykhalc

March 10, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

DOC, totally on-point about the coachin’ and respectability!! as much as ANDO has been right about some things, his ‘unknowing’ trump card is that WOODSON IS STILL in place!!!

By BA

March 10, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this

Trade Childress for Udrih? That’s almost as dumb as Marvin for Damian Wilkins. And why would we want a dirty player like Calderon? You guys aren’t giving Bibby enough credit. This guy is a proven clutch player who is playing injured as best he can. Wish we could say the same for Claxton. Deconstruct this team? No way. These cats are all young and talented. Speaking of Claxton, they’ll have to play this guy next year (because nobody else is going to want him), but at least that will make for some depth at the one. And lets set the record straight: Harrington was awful; and even though Marvin is weak defensively, he’s Bruce Bowen compared to Harrington. Each year Marvin has shown improvement, next year the process will continue. There’s no telling what a different coach can get out of this roster. And please, no more Chris Paul! Talk about unoriginal. We have a point guard, probably a top five point guard, but still this Chris Paul pie in the sky crap. If Woodson had Chris Paul, he probably would have looked like A.C. Law- timid, indecisive, no confidence. As far as downplaying the playoffs, would it not be an accomplishment? Does it make me look like a mouthbreather to be excited at the prospect of the Hawks being in the playoffs for the first time since Mookie and Nique? It has too start somewhere, and I’m not going to root against my team just because our coach is a moron. And the G.M. And the owners. And the other owner…

By jami$$ion

March 10, 2008 6:01 AM | Link to this

that’s right BA tell’em.i wouldn’t trade anyone until i see them play under a real coach.it’s like roddy white people called him a bust.but he never got a chance to play in a system.but this year he got in a passing system and snapped.And no talk about draftpicks .losers hope for the draft.we part the finding young talent stage.time to get some vets.and fire woody in the offseason.hire hubie,westpaul, or carlyse.

By Glutton for Punishment

March 10, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this

DOC.. Sorry. I passed it back in 2006 when I first found out about this wonderful, yet frustrating blog. Actually, this blog is cathartic for me (us) … :-)

Lets hope they guys compete tonight.

GO HAWKS !!!

By doc

March 10, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this

ba nobody is rooting against this team. we are only saying the obvious and what they ned to be saying to each other. gee ba the whole world of the nba is saying it from hubie to writers in other cities to the guys in turner. why should i go stupid to be a hawk fan. individually they show promise just no coach to put it together like karl did in denver, hubie did in memphis and adelman did in houston.

jami thanks for breaking down the language to be able to read your posts.sorry i wasnt jive enough before. losers dont have draft picks in the draft, jami, hope you realize we dont have anything to anticipate as we head into march madness except where the suns will get their no. 1 from the hawks. kind of limits what to talk about.

By dakid

March 10, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

A couple of things, no way we are better with Josh than Sheed. We would be a top 5 seed with Sheed. Better defense, better scoring in the post and outside shooting. And he knows his limitations. You don’t see Sheed trying to lead the break. You guys hound JJ, but Josh is Darius Miles who can block shots. His ceiling to me is Marion, but who would alow Marion to lead there team?? He has alot of plays called for him. He has the worse facial expressions and body language in history, really seems disinterested. JJ is focal point of O because of our coach, but if any other coach comes in, JJ would score more because he wouldn’t have to work as hard to get his shots.

HB great point, I agree, everyone seems to forget that Billy tried to see us on the fact that JJ was a point, so need in drafting one. And that he should be fired along with Woody, and more so to the point he should be fired for even hiring him in the first place.