Hawks

By Astro Joe

March 11, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Hey, Sybil Sekou, maybe one of our resident doctors can prescribed something for you before you start your voluntary stint as Brittany’s session-mate at that secret facility for people who do crazy things like talk to themselves in blogs. Peace and no hiding those pills under your tongue.

By MikeJones

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

So the AJC employees a guy who calls himself “Killah”? Classy…

By champ

March 11, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry guys, Mike Woodson is a defensive coach! I know over the last 15 games we have given up an average of 108 points a game, but can you imagine if we didn’t have a head coach that specialized in defense? Thank God for Woody, Billy Knight, and the ASG. It’s great to be a Hawks fan!!!

By doc

March 11, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

yeah, sekou thought it was long overdue. you have been a stud every night man. enjoy!

By Luis Malave

March 11, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

The problem here is clearly direction. The Hawks failed to upgrade by getting a big man after the trade deadline. They could have gotten two options: Jamal Magloire or bring back former Hawk Theo Ratliffe. They did nothing. I am sick and tired at seeing Woody on the sidelines with his arms crossed and that stupid look in his face. Our starting five is as good as anybody’s. Off the bench we have the energy of Chillz and sharpshooting ability of Salim. Yes, Salim, the best shooter of the team, but worst utilized by coaching. I keep on saying, we can do exactly what teams are doing to us. We can spread the floor with our Shooters: Bibby, Salim, Williams, Richardson and Johnson and by just moving the basketball, at least one of them is going to be wide open. Either for a three or a long two. Our perimeter defense is terrible. We are not adjusting. When that happens anybody knows it’s poor coaching. If we don’t get rid of this coach, the Hawks don’t have a chance. Even if they do make it to the playoffs, They are going to get blown out of the building and swept so bad, and then it’s really going to get ugly.

By Bubba Maximus

March 11, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

I agree with Mike Jones.

What’s up with “Killah”, AJC?

Were “Robba”, “Mugga” and “Child Molesta” busy today?

By Clyde

March 11, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Clyde

March 11, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

I told yall Horford would struggle on the defensive end. He just isn’t tall enough to challenge the shots of taller opponents. That’s why I didn’t want to draft him. All he is is a power forward, but in the NBA you have to be able to play both pf and c. I think we would have been better off with Noah and Sean Williams.

Woody needs to stop playing games and sit Marvin down. We need Bibby-pg JJ-sg Smoove-sf Horford-pf Solomon Jones-c. This is the best defensive lineup we got right now.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By AceBuchanon

March 11, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

I took the poll in the AJC today about whether the Hawks will make the playoffs. Sure, the Hawks will make the playoffs because in the eastern conference, only the pathetic teams dont make it; the ones that finish with a winning percentage of less than .300. So almost anybody could make the playoffs in the east. An eastern conference team could finish 31 and 51 and STILL make the playoffs, which to me is ridiculous. ONLY IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE do the poor teams thrive and get rewarded. What would really gross me out would be if a team that finished 20 games under .500 make the playoffs in the east go on to win the championship; no THAT would be a tragedy.

By DarkRyder

March 11, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

What about “Thug” since that seems to be the prevailing word here in the AJC? Oops, thought I was on the Falcons blog there for a second….

…..It’s funny how so many people complain about the Hawks lack of defense, when in the beginning of the season people were complaining about their lack of offensive ingenuity. It’s odd now that they have a real PG people are complaining about how they have to outscore opponents as to winning on defense.

…..This is the way it is, deal with it. Atlanta is not going to win games against dominant big men, and will have to rely on their speed, which Bibby has helped them do so far.

…..Sekou, will your other personality take care of these blogs while you’re gone to scope out the Wolverines’ offense under Rich-Rod?

By DarkRyder

March 11, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Clyde really? C’mon, you have GOT to be kidding when you say the Hawks shouldn’t have drafted Horford. He’s the only consistent inside presence this team has and he averages a double-double against bigger men in most cases. Noah is too skinny & would’ve gotten blown over and Sean Williams has ZERO offensive moves. No one in the NBA outside of Duncan and Dwight Howard can play both the 4 & the 5 with any consistency. Most times you’re on point but not this time.

I do agree that he should be at the 4 while placing Zaza at the 5, thus moving Marvin to the bench where he could dominate offensively. If necessary Woodson must go to a smaller lineup off the bench to counteract, but he’s not that creative.

By dakid

March 11, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Clyde are you serious, you would rather have Sean Williams or Noah than Big Al?? Sean will flame out, look at his numbers when he plays just as minutes as Al, only thing better is shot blocking, and that’s it. Scoring Al kills him, rebounding Al kills him. And he roll it up, so bringing him to Atlanta would be a terrible idea with the green with have here.

By Sautee

March 11, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

According to Sekou, Woodson says this about Bibby “I want to keep him fresher. He hasn’t had a real breather because we haven’t really had anybody behind him.”

Lets us all know what he thinks of Salim doesn’t it.I thought Salim did a decent job (not great, but decent)as backup point, but what do I know.

And we STILL don’t know anything about why Law didn’t play against the Magic.

The words that the BASG should use to fire Woodson - dnp-coach’s decision. Salim, Law, Solo, J Rich.

By mykhalc

March 11, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

no one should/can criticize ANYTHIN’ EL GATO GRANDE has brought to this team this year. he is simply put…ROY!!! PERIOD!!!!

WOODSON is F’n ridiculous!!! he looks outta place, outta touch and HOPEFLLY outta a job!!!

By Clyde

March 11, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

dakid no. I would rather have Noah at 3 and Sean Williams at 11 than Horford. 2 is better than 1.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Clyde

March 11, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

All I gotta say is Horford has not been getting the job done on the defensive end lately. I could care less about a double double. The Center has to be able to defend the paint. Just like how my boy Deke is defending the paint for Houston.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 11, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Noah? Of course I don’t noah, she’s been dead for hundreds of years!

By DarkRyder

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

Clyde, Horford is not a center, we all know that. He’s not as big as Deke, in case you haven’t noticed.

Unfortunately, since Woodson is too scared of hurting Marvin’s feelings he won’t place Al where he can be most productive, at the 4.

Name me one coach on the planet who wouldn’t care about having a player average a double double and that coach will be out of a job.

Noah is not even worth a 3 pick. He is not in Horford’s class both on or off the court. Besides, Atlanta had to get a PG they could eventually hand the ball to in Acie Law. Why draft Sean Williams when they had Shelden already?

Stick to your stupid catchphrase and silly t-shirts.

By DecDawg

March 11, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

If anything, Horford’s trouble can be attributed to being young at this point. Rookie power forwards rarely ever defend well in this league. The vets use their NBA knowledge and bigger bodies to take advantage of rookies. Combine that with the fact that rookies do not get calls from the ref. Every touch is a foul call against them. He has to earn his respect as a defender.

Horford at least understands the concept of defense. JJ, Bibby, Chills and Marvin have no excuse for being bad defenders. Especially JJ because he’s a 6’7” SG so he should be expected to give other SGs problems defensively but he never does.

By terrell barron

March 11, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Sekou, let me ask you a question: Can you see us re-signing Smoove? It would be much CHEAPER for the ASG to trade Smooth for a draft pick and a player, draft a center, move Horford to PF, and re-sign Chills as 6th man(a lot cheaper than Smoove). Thats just the way I see it happening. It just makes more sense, financially. The ASG just dont seem like the kind of owners who are going to be willing to match other teams offers. And they also know that they can keep Marvin (on the cheap) after his rookie contract expires. And who knows, he might take that next step, just like Smooth did in his 4th year, and we might even be a better TEAM, if we can hire a REAL COACH. What do yall think?

By Harry Hawk

March 11, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Clyde,

You’re right about Billy and Woody, but you’re a damn fool about Horford. The man is a rookie and is putting up numbers. He needs more defensive help in the frontcourt. Anyone can see that, but drafting Noah wouldn’t have made a damn bit of difference in that regard this season. He’d be out on an island just like Al and he doesn’t have the offensive skills or big body to hold up to the pounding Al has taken. The need to draft a PG was considered more pressing (should’ve drafted Paul, D. Williams, or Brandon Roy, for that matter) than drafting Sean Williams, but we’re just one of many that passed on a guy with a highly questionable rep. In reality, a couple of veteran (insert Marcellus’s “Pulp Fiction” reference to the dudes he planned on calling up to take care of those pawn shop redneck freaks) would have gone a long way to providing Horford with the extra help he needed.

The main faults with this Hawks team lie in how the roster is constructed and in the minutes given to the reserves. In other words, Billy and Woody. Just stick with that “Fire Billy and Woody” line of reasoning and you’ll always be on target.

By SSI Fan

March 11, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Compared to other NBA teams the Hawks are not a good team. They are not even an average team. They have only won 26 games and have lost 37. There are 18 teams with a better record than the Hawks and 11 teams with a worse record. Ownership, management, coaches, and players all contribute to this failed attempt to reach mediocrity. Hawks fans now long for the days, before the dismantling, when the Hawks were only good enough to win 50 games and lost in the second round of the playoffs each year. This rebuilding project has failed. The Hawks need to start rebuilding again, hopefully with different owners, management, and coaches.

By richbrave

March 11, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

DARKRYDER:

Yours of 1:16 p.m. and 2:38 p.m. regarding Horford. Rightous. That man is the real deal. A monster #4, not a #5, except in certain circumstances calling for a small line-up.

I see that Butler returned to limited practice yesterday, and Areanas had his first full contact practice. Another week for Gil, and two or so for Butler I think.

By cp

March 11, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Great blog by the way. To add my two cents on the Horford discussion. Horford’s defense has not been the problem at all if you ask me. Where we are getting hurt is the perimeter defense. Guys are killing us on the perimeter night after night. Horford has done more than hold his own against bigger guys. Hell most nights we outrebound the opposing team but our perimeter defense is so bad that it does not matter what Horford is doing if guys like Marvin and Bibby are getting blown by. Josh is a good weak side defender who has decent man to man defense but sometimes he gets blown by too. When you think about it our perimeter defense has been horrible the last 3 or 4 years. Guys get in the paint at will against our guards and small fowards. I think Horford should be playing pf but you cant blame him for guys giving up all these 3’s because that more than anything has been hurting this team. Guys are also terrible at rotating. Too many times guys dont know who to pick up on the rotation thus leaving guys wide open. I realy wish Mike Woodson would just sit Duck down to at least shake it up some. Start Mario or Richardson. They really cant give us any less than what Marvin has done the last month or so. Why even have a bench if Mike Knapp refuses to use it and make up the sorriest excuses ever. Let Law and Solo play. Pachulia looks like he forgot how to play basketball so sit him down anywhere near the end of the bench. This ownership is too broke to bring other guys to fill out the roster. I really wish this team was owned by one person who actually cared about the team as much as the fans do.

By JamesOlsen

March 11, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

I wish ignorant basketball fans will STOP recommending to fire Woody and Billy. Those two gentlemen are doing their respective jobs fabulously. Woody SHOULD win coach of the year for such a dramatic improvement in the Hawks over last year, and Billy Knight should win EXECUTIVE OF THE DECADE for transforming a Hawks team that was just about ready for the graveyard to a team that can compete with ANYONE. Just be patient with the Hawks, they just acquired in Mike Bibby certainly one of the premier point guards the game has ever seen. Forget about this season, evaluate the Hawks on what they accomplish next year. If the Hawks dont make the playoffs next year, then there is cause for concern, but please dont judge the Hawks and their record on this year, because Mike Bibby wasnt acquired until mid-season and by virtue of that, that is why the Hawks wont make the playoffs. The Hawks will more than make the playoffs next year, I think they will be competing for a championship, so dont go around bashing Woody and Billy because those two guys should receive awards for the fine work they have turned in this season.

By richbrave

March 11, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

The previous post was brought to you courtesy of the ASG. Mr. Olsen is our spokesperson of the day. By the way Jimmy have you seen Clarke Kent today?

By doc

March 11, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

drmaryb this is a carry over as the other blog is gone, just so we communicate:

drmaryb, nothing but respect. as they say rather be happy than right. again though when i reread my comment some letters and maybe even words were left out or dropped but it was in the context of boys being boys and as ray, you and rich did, i declared myself. i also spoke for you in the context of knowing GFP and knowing she doesnt read everything and might miss that you were a female. at the time it seemed like she was looking for a buddy on the blog especially one that plays tennis so i was not talking out of school but encouraging a friendship between you two as you have several things in common.

one thing hasnt changed the hawks, in the vernacular of my daughters …. still suck.

By DSLIM

March 11, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

What do you guys think of salims play latley? 16 points in 17 minutes,not so shabby.

he had the same amount of points as josh smith, except josh smith played 41 minutes. yes the rebounds helped.

i think salim is really growing as a person and a player and i hope to see him play every night and get good minutes , he is starting to get his swagger back which he needs!

By ray

March 11, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Today in the News,

The Dow has dropped a point or two. And more locally, so has the success of Clyde’s T-Shirts Sales and Emporium. Business critics say that this is due to Clyde having lost a lot of credibility for comments on Hawks rookie Al Horford. The resident blogger, known for his usual four word contribution, spoke up today about Horford’s troubles playing the center position. Unfortunately, Clyde doesn’t seem to understand that Horford has been forced to play out of position all year long (as a rookie, no less) and has still managed to put in a sterling effort, which has translated into great statistics and respect around the league. Clyde, however missed the whole point.

Another ASG planted spy was discovered on the blog today. A blogger known as champ burst onto the scene and began to praise management, coaching, and ownership. Sources say this was either an attempt at sarcasm, another ASG employee, or another fan who has simply gone insane. Take your pick.

Doctor vs. doctor. Local blog resident drmaryb is not helping her credibility either. While exchanging words with local confirmed retired vascular and trauma surgeon Doc, she managed to misread one sentence he wrote, and turned the whole thing into a sexual identity outburst. One could not be more off-base and flat out wrong. Please people, stop watching the hospital-based dramas and soap operas…you’re having trouble telling the difference between reality and tv land.

And in other news…

The three blog-robbing trolls (Mark, Jeff, and Terrance) have been released and are out on parole. However, nobody expects them to stay clean for long. With less than 20 games left in the season, another blog heist is likely.

Blog creator/administrator Sekou Smith was seen working on his laptop computer. While typing, one observer noted that he was talking to himself. Even more strangely, he began to change facial expressions and voice characteristics when answering himself. It is suspected that this is simply fallout from his recent ordeal of being a hostage when the “Billy tries to fire Woody” article came to light.

A curious manilla envelope was mailed to the ASG. On it were the words “From Billy and Mike.” One ASG member/owner was seen opening the envelope, upon which his expression turned to one of extreme dismay. One observer overheard the words “us…pictures!…damn farm animals…pink tutu…where’s Gearon…” Hmmmm…I think we know for sure now why Knight and Woodson are still here.

In related news, Hawks announcer Bob Rathbun was caught at the Jacksonville Zoo by Blog Crimes Unit officer HB Ando after the Orlando game. Apparently he was found chasing after the spider monkeys again. He must have caught one of them, because it was howling like crazy and holding it’s a$$. Several drug-spiked bananas, some rope, and a jar of vaseline were found to be in his possession. Rathbun was charged with breaking and entering, Violation of restraining order from zoos, intent to distribute an altered food, and aggravated monkey-spanking. Arraignment is scheduled for tomorrow.

That’s all for now…

By doc

March 11, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

laugh out loud!!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 11, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

HAHA spider monkeys!!

By mykhalc

March 11, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, if only the HAWKS had a SAT NITE LIVE kinda NEWS spot on their site!!! ‘cause man, YOU would be the head writer!!! and SPIDER MONKEYS is comin’ VERY close to the billy goat under the bridge!!!LMAO

still fishin’ tho…between RAY RAY episodes!!!!LOL

CLYDE, we regulars are VERY disappointed in your lapse today!! we are prayin’ you rebound strongly!!! the MS voters are relyin’ on you to stick with your message!!!LOL

By richbrave

March 11, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

ray:

Unconsciously funny my man.

By drmaryb

March 11, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Hey SEKOU

Enjoy the breather - you deserve it. Hey any chance you can take JJ with you. Our All-Star could sure use the break too. Maybe then, Woody will be forced to used the bench warmers.

By Clyde

March 11, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Correct me if I’m wrong. If you are a big man in the NBA you should be able to play pf and c effectively. Correct me if I’m wrong.

And lets look at some stats. Al Horford has 60 blocks this season in 62 games played this year. Sean Williams has 98 blocks in 59 games played. Sean has only started 25 compared to Al’s 58 games stared. If Sean Williams could get the same amount of minutes Al Horford gets then he would be just as effective.

This team needs someone that can defend the basket. We’ve needed this since 2004. So why in the world did we draft a guy that can only play pf and can’t defend? We need someone that can do what Deke is doing for Houston right now. Block shots, rebound and get points off put backs. You can have all the post moves and 10 foot jumpers.

Yea Al is playing out of position but defense is defense. Jsmoove is a small forward but he has 129 more blocks than Al. Al is good but stop making excuses for him.

Now instead of questioning my credibility answer this question. Which one would you rather have in your rotation:

A. Al Horford or B. Sean Williams and Noah

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By DarkRyder

March 11, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Thank you ray for a news story Cronkite himself would be proud to report!

Let’s hope those Spider Monkeys go after James Olsen for such a horrific lack of thinking in his statement and pound some sense into him!

By BA

March 11, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Enough with the personal crap this has gone on for two days! No one cares if your a doctor, no one cares if you freaking play tennis! Go hook up somewhere and stay off of this blog! No one cares if your a woman! Basketball, you mouthbreathers!

By dakid

March 11, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Clyde are you serious?? Neither one of those cat’s have any O. They can’t score at all. But we couldn’t have both of them, or I would’ve walked to Phillips and had a talk with Billy, we needed a point, so we HAD to draft one. Al is out of position, so i can’t fault him for our GM and Coach. I just can’t. He is undersized for a 5, but he has been battling all year. Double double isn’t anything to sneeze at.

Also i was watching NBA tv earlier and if Josh would work his low post game more, he could be a young Mcdyess. Around same size, same springs. But Josh has to want to be a 4/3, not a 3/4.

Ray LM@O.

Woody again shows he has no idea what he is doing coaching this team. If he would’ve developed Salim, he could play the Eddie House role on the team, undersized 2 giving the point some rest. Man we are ran by idiot’s only if only they would hire some basketball people who are respected by the NBA.

By BA

March 11, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

I choose A. Clyde’s a moron. This is the lamest thing I’ve ever seen on the blog. FIRE CLYDE!

By doc

March 11, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

i would prefer al and sean williams if sean has his history behind him. thought he was a risk going in.

By DarkRyder

March 11, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Al Horford over both of them anyday. It’s obvious you think that only blocks equate to good defense, and you’d be wrong. Good defenders (like Horford) can force opponents into bad shots, something Williams doesn’t do very well. I watch a lot of Nets games (NBA League Pass!) and I can tell you that a lot of Sean Williams’ blocks don’t necessarily translate into fast break opportunities for his team. Often times they end up right back into the opponents hands.

Also, Williams is awful at offensive rebounding, averaging 1.8. How is that helping the team?

The last three games your boy Williams has scored a total of TWO POINTS! Also, he only had four blocks. He gets worked by bigger men just like Al does, and he’s too slow to play the 4.

Also answer this question Clyde: If your boy was so good, why did the coach demote him to THIRD STRING?

As for Noah, while he has a better offensive game than Al, he needs lot of work in the rebounding department. He got pushed around by McDyess the other night, someone Horford owned when the Hawks face the Pistons. He’s too small to play the 5 and even then he would get in foul trouble early, as the Bulls have found out.

He doesn’t pass as well as Al neither, getting confused easily by double teams.

I’ll stick with Horford and the develoopment he brings thank you.

By DarkRyder

March 11, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Al Horford over both of them anyday. It’s obvious you think that only blocks equate to good defense, and you’d be wrong. Good defenders (like Horford) can force opponents into bad shots, something Williams doesn’t do very well. I watch a lot of Nets games (NBA League Pass!) and I can tell you that a lot of Sean Williams’ blocks don’t necessarily translate into fast break opportunities for his team. Often times they end up right back into the opponents hands.

Also, Williams is awful at offensive rebounding, averaging 1.8. How is that helping the team?

The last three games your boy Williams has scored a total of TWO POINTS! Also, he only had four blocks. He gets worked by bigger men just like Al does, and he’s too slow to play the 4.

Also answer this question Clyde: If your boy was so good, why did the coach demote him to THIRD STRING?

As for Noah, while he has a better offensive game than Al, he needs lot of work in the rebounding department. He got pushed around by McDyess the other night, someone Horford owned when the Hawks face the Pistons. He’s too small to play the 5 and even then he would get in foul trouble early, as the Bulls have found out.

He doesn’t pass as well as Al neither, getting confused easily by double teams.

I’ll stick with Horford and the development he brings thank you.

I sent my response twice in case you couldn’t understand the first time.

By Harry Hawk

March 11, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Clyde,

You leave Acie Law out of the deal. You pretend as if the man doesn’t exist, but he does. Would I have taken Sean Williams over great character guy/undersized and mediocre player Shelden Williams in 2006? Hell yes. Would I have taken him over a proven, tested PG who can score the basketball in the clutch and be a leader on the floor (that’s what Acie was being touted as before the draft) like Acie Law? Hell no. (If the Hawks had taken Williams over a good PG, Hell would have had no fury like this blog.) Fact is that Acie’s either been hurt/didn’t get the minutes when healthy, and Sean Williams has been very good for the Nets. No one can deny that, but to claim that it’s only a matchup between Horford and Williams/Noah is too damn narrow a point for you to make.

Fire Billy and Woody, though. You got that right.

By BA

March 11, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Like I said, Clyde’s a moron.

By Harry Hawk

March 11, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Change that “very good” to “good” for Sean Williams. I should never concede any point before I check out the stats.

By Volman

March 11, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Ray, great post man. HILARIOUS! :)

Clyde, you have GOT to be kidding me man. Horford over Noah/Williams ANYDAY. Anyday.

Can this team stop the Rockets from 20?

By kwooden1

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

Clyde, rook of the year consideration(Al), verses 3rd string (SW) and his teammates benched him!! (JN) Ask yourself what are you talking about??

By terrell barron

March 11, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

No they cant, Volman. Not unless Woody shakes up the starting lineup, gives Joe some rest BEFORE HALFTIME, puts Mario on McGrady, let the guys run, to force Dikembe to keep up, tell Josh not to shoot jumpers, plays Salim and Richardson a little longer, so they can get into a rythym, takes Zaza out for Solo, as soon as he does someting stupid, and bench Marvin, if his shot is off. Of course, he’ll do none of this, so I cant see us stopping the Rockets from 20.

By infamouskrs

March 11, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

i’ve got to agree with the few that feel like the team is missing THE FIRE….killer instincts…TEAM PUSH that most playoff “so-so’s” are sportin’ at this time of year…..the COACH is the only SUSPECT! HE HAS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BRING IN LARRY BROWN…NOW!!!!!!!

JOSH SMITH IS UN-TOUCHABLE….sorry TBRANDON. you just CAN’T find guys like him…without payin’ outta tha YING-YANG!!! take the cap shot….YOU CAN NOT LOSE A GUY LIKE SMOOVE!

WOODSON SHOULD BE JOBLESS!!!! heard he was a IU HEAD COACH POSSIBILITY……great, now i get to “possibly” see him in INDY year-round!

RAY….you’re F@&$ING insane! I LUV IT…like JEEZY said!!!!!

By honest_abe

March 11, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

ok i lied. i’m back. just had to say… hilarious ray!

clyde: just stop man. just stop. this is one argument in which you won’t find a single person who will agree with you. you’re way off.

By drmaryb

March 11, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Clyde must have bumped his head…really, really hard!

By terrell barron

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

Its Terrell Barron. Terrell Brandon played in the NBA, I did’nt. lol! Hey, man I also like Josh Smith, but Horford cant play center forever, and when he is moved to PF, where will Smoove fit in? And please tell me, you would’nt consider bringing one of them off the bench. We need a true center, to get the best out of Al, and Smith is the only player that we have that will want a lot of money to re-sign(see ASG), and he’s also the only one that will get us a 1st rd pick, to grab that center. Now if he could play small forward, there is no way I would even consider it, but I dont think he can. If he could, we could bring Marvin off the bench behind him. Now that would work because we all know that Marvin probably wont ask for the MAX(lol), or no where near it, when his rookie contract expires next year, so he could become the 6th or 7th man off the bench in that scenario, but I dont see it happening.

By richbrave

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

ray:

I gotta’ bring Lew Hartman over here from O’Brien’s blog. You get a Wurlitzer in my book!! Still laughing. I won’t forget that post for awhile.

By roan st

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

o.k. I have made my final decision. No question that I hope Belkin wins the lawsuit. Roan st is willing to roll the dice with belk versus having those seven other clueless and inept owners. How in the hell could belkin alone be any worse? We know for damn sure that knight and woodson would be packing their bags and that would be a good start for me. One decision maker is what this franchise is in desperate need of.

Just read that the spirit head hockey czar bruce levenson has announced that wadell will return for a 10th season. Apparently, 10 years was not enough time to build a decent hockey team. How much ya’ll want to bet that billy knight will return? I say if waddell can continue after the disaster that he created then knight will get a free pass as well.

BRING ON BELKIN- T shirts will be available for sale on april 1st.

By AJC Management

March 11, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Just to clear things up Sekou “killah” Smith is canned. He will never work in this town again! Go Hawks

By richbrave

March 11, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

drmaryb:

Wizards may get Caron back sooner than I thought. Buckhantz says he wants to go already(tonight) so the injury must have been muscle tissue only and not ligaments or a tendon. People with some sense however, made him sit out tonight’s game.

Was ray’s post just the best or what?

Get into your new abode O.K.?

By richbrave

March 11, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

AJC Management:

Go suck and egg. You don’t want drmaryb and myself on your case FOR REAL. We’re watching your every move. Right ANDO?

By drmaryb

March 11, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Hey little ray you should mind your own business, you have no clue what you’re talking about. (your’e on the tail end of a long conversation)

you are very disrespectful and will be irrelevant to me moving forward! little ray ;o

By drmaryb

March 11, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

This Blog will never be a CREDIBILITY meter

It simply is not that serious or relevant in the real world. so pipe down little ray.

By drmaryb

March 11, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Hey richbrave

Just smashed another irrelevant bug on my windshield. where have you been?

Hey Caron’s back so soon? Man he heals fast and with Gilbert back too? The Hawks are going to have to get into the top seven to make the playoff’s if the Wizards come together - The Hawks are out!

By drmaryb

March 11, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Two Billy Goats Under The Bridge

By Nate ArchiBALL

March 11, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Worst play of the Hawks vs. Magic game - Zaza missing a point blank layup with no one defending him. This brought back memories of my college days at Morehouse. The Hawks (and visiting NBA teams)for many years practiced at Archer Hall on the campus of Morehouse College. When Hubie Brown was coaching there was a 7 foot center named Jon Konkak (I’m sure you guys remember him). During the 3 man weave drill, Jon Konkak would shoot a lay up. Hubie would blow his whistle, which stopped practice and yell at Konkak ” You’re a F’n 7 footer” “Dunk the GD basketball !!! Practice would not resume until Jon Konkak dunked the basketball. Hubie Brown was a real coach. A missed uncontested layup by Zaza and he’s rewarded with more minutes by Mike Woodson. Zaza is 6’11” —- To paraphrase Hubie Brown, “Zaza dunk the damn ball”.

I have plenty of practice stories that I will share from time to time. Some pretty funny stuff involving John Drew, Lou Hudson, Bill Willoughby, Connie Hawkins and others from back in the day.

Oh yeah, keep up the good play Salim. You are now earning your minutes.

By ILL-logical

March 11, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Great story Nate(and timely too).After reading it all I can say is..FREE SOLOMON JONES!

By doc

March 11, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

rich between ray and manny t the blog is seriously bringing its a game and ready to move up to prime time with the dob mnb.

By richbrave

March 11, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

drmaryb:

Been checking my heart-moniter girl… cause everytime I post you up, it SKIPS A BEAT! You hearing me lady? How are the Hawks doing? They play tonight? Wiz beat the Bucks, and there’s a back-up center Gadacaki—-something(SP.) who plays good D and blocks shots. Looked good tonight. Maybe that’s the alternate center to go with ZZ. The Bucks are gonna’ go lottery. If they pull a low number, they should go for Roy Hibbert or some-such center making this guy expendible. They won’t move Andrew Bogut, their starter. If the money’s right, he might be a good fit for the Hawks.

By richbrave

March 11, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

DAN GADZURIC - 30 years old Tall-Big.

‘07-‘08/37games. 9.9 minutes per. 3.2 points(.465 shooting %). 2.7 rebounds(1.2 offensive). 0.5 blocks per. .500 FT %. 5.751 mill.salary. Doesn’t sound too bad.

By richbrave

March 11, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

I’m with you doc. Being a five week rookie here, I would say the quality of insight appears on the rise(but certainly NOT because I throw in a little cyber-slut zest). Today’s raycast should go syndicated. Damn!

By jhan

March 11, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

ray, what can I say? Absolutely hilarious.

Clyde, I agree with you on most things except the Horford idea. This kid is an absolute stud. Can’t say that about either SW or JN.

Doc, you up for the game tomorrow? I got an extra. Call me.

By richbrave

March 11, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

NATE:

Connie Hawkins. Now there was one smooth cat.

By doc

March 11, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

rich, there has always been quality and insight at this site, you just might say it has gone in a qualitatively different direction. with the swoon of the hawks the regulars have elevated their game to keep the masses entertained since the hawks are unable to.

jhan, i have to take care of an area of my life i have ignored a bit lately if you know what i mean. thanks but made previous plans that if i tried to get out of my manhood might be affected. raincheck please!

By Clyde

March 11, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Ok I’ll say one more thing and leave it alone. Every single night for the past 5 years we have been getting beat on the inside. Everyone on this blog would agree that we need a legit center. So tell me why in the world did we get a power forward to play center? We already had a pf that couldn’t play center in Zaza. Now we are stuck going into a 6th year without a center. And tell me what kind of solutions do we have with no draft picks and no free agents wanting to come here.

This Hawks needs a defensive minded center and Al Horford has not been the answer. He has proven to all of us that he’s a power forward. But as I said before for the last 5 years we needed a center. So why the hell did we get Al when he doesn’t meet our needs as a team.

That’s the story of the Hawks. We have a lot of players that can play but our needs as a team are not being met. We finally got a point guard but before that we got a bunch of wings. We still need a center but this year we got a power forward.

This is why the Hawks will never get it together. They never address the needs of the team. And guess what. Teams will keep driving the ball right to the basket for layups with no kind of resistance. The question is how long will it last.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Clyde

March 11, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Ok I’ll say one more thing and leave it alone. Every single night for the past 5 years we have been getting beat on the inside. Everyone on this blog would agree that we need a legit center. So tell me why in the world did we get a power forward to play center? We already had a pf that couldn’t play center in Zaza. Now we are stuck going into a 6th year without a center. And tell me what kind of solutions do we have with no draft picks and no free agents wanting to come here.

This Hawks needs a defensive minded center and Al Horford has not been the answer. He has proven to all of us that he’s a power forward. But as I said before for the last 5 years we needed a center. So why the hell did we get Al when he doesn’t meet our needs as a team.

That’s the story of the Hawks. We have a lot of players that can play but our needs as a team are not being met. We finally got a point guard but before that we got a bunch of wings. We still need a center but this year we got a power forward.

This is why the Hawks will never get it together. They never address the needs of the team. And guess what. Teams will keep driving the ball right to the basket for layups with no kind of resistance. The question is how long will it last.

And one more thing. If Al won’t play defense playing center what makes you think he’s gonna play defense playing power forward?

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By richbrave

March 11, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

doc:

Well the rookie’s impressed!!

By terrell barron

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

Well, it looks like we’ll be tied with Chicago, after tomorrow nights game. They beat Utah.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 11, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

AFTER HOUSTON WILL BE WIN STREAK!!!!

By Steve T

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

Clyde, can you name me a center that the Hawks can sign. You can throw names around but they must be willing to sign. I guess the ASG should call you to sign players.

By HB Ando

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

doc, all this talk about gender and manhood has me concerned. I hope you mean you have a date. I also hope you aren’t going out with either a spider monkey or Bob Rathbun.

All bloggers must bow to Ray, as his frustration with the Hawks, from ownership all the way down to the 15th man, has brought out a side of him that highlights both his sense of levity, as well as his razor-sharp wit.

richbrave, put those jokers on notice. You certainly made me a tad paranoid when you said the same thing to me. And when are you and drmaryb going to get a room, for goodness sakes?

Glad to hear that “killah” is taking a much needed vacation. Anyone who has an issue with his playful post needs to re-check their priorities. Do you really have nothing better to bunch your panties up than Sekou tweaking his format? Say, maybe, an imploding economy, or the price of gas?

Look, all the folks who continue to scream for the removal of Billy and Woody (and I’ve spent as much time, and as many words, as anyone) need to save their breath. That’s a done deal, come summer time. Ride the final wave of mediocrity.

By Clyde

March 11, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Steve T that’s what I’m saying. There won’t be any free agents centers available so going into next year we will have the same problems at center. Just like the past 5 years. That’s why the Horford pick doesn’t make sense. He’s good but he doesn’t and hasn’t met our needs as a team.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By cp

March 11, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Clyde its more to defense than shot blocking. Kenny Smith pointed this out the last time we played the Knicks. The top 3 shot blockers in the NBA teams have some of the worse defenses in the league. Blocking shots is cool but its more to defense than shot blocking. Like I said earlier our real problems is our perimeter defense. No gm not even Isiah would have taken Sean Williams or Noah over Horford. Noah has no offense what so ever and is too small to play Center. I like Sean Williams but other than some blocks here and there he doesnt bring much to the game and still seems to be a little immature. Look at a guy like Bruce Bowen. He is never among the leaders in the steal department but is regarded as one of the best defenders in the league. A lot of times defense is about forcing your opponent into bad shots and turnovers and etc not just blocking shots and getting steals.

By Murphy

March 11, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

We are going to beat Houston tomorrow! I claim it!! I believe!!

By dakid

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

It’s about position D. That’s what i don’t understand about people saying Josh is a great defender because he can block shots. Noah is so under-sized and can’t score. Sean Williams doesn’t play for a team in need on inside play. We also needed a point guard, so drafting those two would ignore another need for us. I can even understand you saying Al and Williams at 11, but to say Al wasn’t or isn’t helping is kinda crazy. But I kinda understand you logic, just Al is a beast. But that’s what this team is about ignoring their needs, and drafting two undersized 5’s wouldn’t have helped our point guard need.

By reese

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

To repeat my theme of only focusing on the next hawks game, below are the top 5 things I’d like to see.

1) I would like for Mike Woodson to change the lineup and insert Solomon Jones matched up against Dikembe Mutombo. Dikembe is a good center match up for solomon to see how the Alton Lister coaching has been helping this young man and I want to see him run the court to make old man Mutombo tired. I think Mutombo is probably the only center who has played less minutes than Solomon.

2) I would like to see Mike Woodson play Al Horford in the power forward position against Houston’s scola. We would then get to see how well Horford plays with a Center next to him and against a player of similiar size.

3) I would like to see Mike Woodson play Josh Smith in the small forward slot against Shane Battier. This will demonstrate how well Josh Smith matches up against a smaller player. Plus, Woodson have Josh cover McGrady tight on the perimeter and to have 2 shot blockers backing him up.

4) I would like to see the ASG put their money where there mouth is and force Billy Knight to fill the last two roster spots (6’11” or taller center and point) with 10 day contract players by Tip Off. This will show that they are serious about making this team a playoff team.

5) I would like to see Woodson utilize his entire Bench and devise a defensive scheme that mixes in half court traps, zone defenses, man to man and double teams as well as Offensive schemes that utilizes fast breaks, pick and rolls, drive and kick, 3 point shots, low post scoring and drives to the basket.

The bonus will be a Hawks win against Houston to break that win streak.

GO HAWKS

By DecDawg

March 12, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

Clyde,

Stop whining about the importance of a center. Most would argue that the top teams in the league are the Celtics, Pistons, Spurs, Lakers, Rockets, Jazz and Hornets and only ONE of these teams have a legit center. You probably can’t even name the starting centers for all of these teams. Team defense makes up for the lack of a legit center and that’s where the Hawks struggle. When the Hawks get a coach that rewards players with playing time for defensive effort, we can turn this thing around. Until then, we can get used to giving up 74 pts. in a half.

CP…J-Smoove gets props for his defense mainly because he is the only player on the Hawks that actually helps his teammates on D. He’s also the only player on the team that makes our opponents hesitate before driving to the basket. If he’s on the bench or taken out on the wing by the player he’s guarding, the other team will be laying it up or dunking.

By Clyde

March 12, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

Has Al Horford helped solve our problems with interior defense?

NO

How does a scrub like Sean Williams end up with 30 more blocks than a guy that has played twice the minutes he has this year?

How does Lebron James have more blocks than our starting center?

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Murphy

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

Im sure Lebron has more blocks than a couple starting centers in this league just like josh smith does…that sure was stupid to say clyde. Nobody is saying that Horford plays great D down there but he has way more of an upside then a Sean Williams. Horfords came will only get better and he has already impressed everyone in this league. When u have the entire league praising you you must be doing something right. I agree the hawks need to find a center and let Big Al play his natural position but there aint nothing being done about it now so stop cryin about it. It sure as hell aint Horfords fault that he has to play center… and hes doing a decent job in his rookie season, in the wrong positon. And he is playing 10 times better than has ever played in his enitre career. If u want to wine about defense u need to whine about our perimeter D

By ray

March 12, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

drmaryb,

I don’t know what got in between your thong and your skin. You amaze me. How many times have you said that you don’t take this blog or anything on it seriously? Yet I’ve managed to strike quite a chord with you (although not quite in the same fashion as your beau, the famed RichBrave). Let me state a few facts and opinions for you:

I’m not on the tail end of a conversation. Your every post is right there for me and everyone else to see. I’ve read ALL of your posts as well as those of others, as I often will when I find an interesting person/character. So, I know exactly how long the conversation has been going on, what it’s been about, and where YOU misread a statement. Simple as that.

In my daily news, I was poking fun at you. I can’t imagine how my insignificant, non-credible , irrelevant comments managed to get you to react the way they did.

This blog will never be a credibility meter. No kidding. It never was, and it never will be, but not because YOU say so. Credibility is an intangible, an opinion, a perception. It just so happens that people may hold the same opinion. Hence the concept of credibility. However, in Ray Ray’s daily news, credibility is another way to tell a joke or poke fun at a target.

drmaryb, we can be buddies or we can not. Your choice. But I’m not the only one who has an opinion. And I’m certainly not the only one with an opinion about you or anybody else here…

By ray

March 12, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this

Clyde, my brotha. You’re addressing an issue we’ve been stoked about. We all know Horford’s not a natural center. We all know we should’ve gotten a natural center to play alongside him. Address this with Knight and the ASG. Don’t use Horford as your target.

Why are you talking like such a simpleton? The blocked shot is not the center, fulcrum, or axis of the defensive concept. Do you know why Sean Williams was starting in New Jersey? Three reasons: 1)Nenad Krstic has been out with injury, 2)Josh Boone was struggling some, and 3)neither Diop nor Swift were there yet. Fast forward, here comes Diop, here comes Swift, and Boone has stepped up his game. Williams has now been relegated to about 10 minutes per game. If he’s so good, then why are these other guys eating all the playing time? By the way, Marvin Williams gets more rebounds than Sean does. I’m not impressed. And like Doc said, Williams was a risk. He could’ve been the next Eddie Griffin (R.I.P. bro’). New Jersey could afford to take a chance on him because they had several serviceable bigs already. We didn’t have that luxury. I’d have never substituted Williams for Horford. Horford and Noah? Hell yeah. Horford and Williams? I’m okay with that too. Horford is battling Durant for ROY. Where’s Williams in that race?

By ray

March 12, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this

Guys, I’m glad y’all are getting a kick out of my silly commentaries. There’s more where that came from….

Clyde, I’ll tell you why. Sean Williams is a natural shot-blocker. That’s what he does. And for the ten thousandth time, Horford has been playing out of position with no low post help all season long. He doesn’t even play at the same time Zaza plays. His best help comes from Josh Smith, who is not a low post player.

Sean Williams has had the benefit of playing with centers Josh Boone, or Jason Collins. So explain this to me, what does Williams do besides block shots? Does he get 10 boards a game? No. How about points? Uh….no. Is he playing with no help down low except that which small forwards can give him? No. Ask anybody in the league or involved with the league which one they’d rather have: Al Horford or Sean Williams. They’ll probably tell you Horford….after they stop laughing at you.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 12, 2008 3:40 AM | Link to this

Clyde, you seem to be the kind of guy who, if presented with the following two choices, would choose B:

A. Get Elton Brand to play center B. Sign Samuel Dalembert and Keon Clark to split time at center

We all know Horford’s not a true 5. It’s doubtful that Noah with his skinny frame is either. But I would rather have a guy in Horford who appears on his way to being an All Star, than two guys with questionable at best potential offensively who just happen to be a little bigger. Talent matters more than size. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the Pistons recently won a title with a 6’8 starting center.

Firing Billy and Woody’s a great idea, I just hope they don’t hire you to replace them.

By AJC Management

March 12, 2008 6:21 AM | Link to this

FIre Sekou

By D Brown

March 12, 2008 6:58 AM | Link to this

The Bibby trade can’t excuse the lack of rotation that the Hawks now have, two of the players traded never saw the floor and the production of the other two has been filled with the play of Bibby and Stoudamire. I applaud you for pointing out the ills of Za Za but you also have to point the finger at the lack of production from Marvin “softer than toilet tissue” Williams. I mean can this dude finish in traffic; better yet can he finish any where in the paint? Either Chill’s or West should have replaced him has a starter at least a month and a half ago. Both play with more intensity from base line to base line hands down.

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

ray:

More where that came from? Damn bro’ I can’t wait!

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

AJC Management:

Yours of 8:23 a.m. Fire Sekou? FIRE SEKOU!! I thought your last post said that was a fait acompli(Damn, I can’t spell any better in French than English). Obviously the egg routine wasn’t effect. Sterner measures are now called for. See me in my office. Where’s that whip when you need one?

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

ray/drmaryb:

Where’s that olive branch when you need one? S-s-t-t-o-o-p!! Two of my favs mincing verbage. No.no a thousand times no. Please kiss and make-up. Its more fun. Whoo-whoo!!

By Greg

March 12, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

It is ashame that this franchises standards are so low that a losing season and a playoff bid is considered and good season. This would have never been acceptable during Dominiques era. If Kobe was made at the Laker for making the playoffs, but not advancing. He would be in jail for hurting somebody if he played for the Hawks.

By Jt

March 12, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

I’m with ya, bro. There is no freaking way I could sit night after night and watch these Hawks up close. I get so disgusted watching them on the tube that I fuss and cuss and turn the dang thing off. And then, like an idiot I come back to it. What troubles me the most is the lack of creativity on offense (the Joe Johnson isolation in the half court- the dude is completely worn down some nights) and the unwillingness to utilize the bench. If the team is winning, you can maybe justify using 7 players, but when you are losing night and night in the same manner- well, I think that fits the definition of “insanity”. And best I understand is that the utilization of players is the coach’s decision. And every time I hear the Hawks or their announcers utter the word “playoffs”, I cannot help but think of Jim Mora, the elder.

By richbrave

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

Senoir ANDO:

I thought you might now feel the spirit in which I originally offered that phrase. Just wanted to say I didn’t mean to creep you out man. Sorry. Like my cyber-friend drmaryb says, It’s not relevant to reality, just fun.

Good posts HB. Do you think a partial change in ownership would get everyone in the monied circle that is the ASG on the same page? If these investers would all start pulling the same way, they could make SERIOUS coin with a Championship. And the club’s closer to that goal that most folks realize. I thought the Dan Gadzuric proposal a fair attempt at the final piece of the puzzle, a 6’11” 250 role player to spell Petulia(sp?). Or is a replacement for ZZ the answer and make him the back-up? Inquiring minds want to know.

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Jt:

Exactly what I used to do frequently with the Lizards. Now they’re Wizards - most of the time.

By drmaryb

March 12, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Hey little-ray

You know nothing about my career or education, a trauma surgeon is not a GOD If so, my mother would not have died at the hands of a surgeon at age 42.

So, If you feel Doc is somehow a level above me Doc vs doc as you so ignorantly stated, then yeah you can go suck Doc’s rear end and with his untouchable skills perhaps he can surgically remove your lips from his anal spinchter when your’e done.

I have the exact same education as your Doc does. I simply don’t perform surgeries (nor do i care to) Nor do I prescribe drugs (nor do i care to).

My specialtiy is morally, spiritually and philosophically driven. Oh yeah and experienced driven. Don’t get me wrong, I am not against drugs and surgeries in emergency type situations, but I teach wellness and proactive measures to achieve optimum health.

There is no comparison in what Doc did and what I do!

Speaking of that - what is it exactly that you do? besides write bed-time stories? Yeah your little stories are cute and imaginative, but don’t get besides yourself - Pipe Down! You are not the boss anyone on this here - Blog especially me. ;o

So mind your own business, let grown folks speak for themselves and keep writing your little stories - That’s what you do best!

Again, you are uninformed and very disrespectful. There are no GOD’S on this website - certainly not you and your friends.

I believe us grown folks can speak for and defend themselves on here. I don’t see anyone on here fighting my battles…so pony up and man up on here - stop crying!

By drmaryb

March 12, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Hey Richbrave

Thanks for the post. Your cyber-sluttress is well rested and in rare form today. Just taking care of business and taking out the trash - that’s all!

I didn’t come here because I don’t have friends so I could care less what these ignorant people on here say about me - but I will defend myself - believe that! They can love it or hate it - I could care less.

I’m just utilizing free speech that’s all. Hey I gotta go save lives now. But, I’ll Be Back - Believe That!

By tb

March 12, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

If memory serves; Ray is a cop.

And drmaryb, you should have noticed that a few “longtime” posters think that they are really important here.

It’s more of the good ol’ boy thing. Sekou has played the game often.

By dakid

March 12, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

The lack of a center is a glaring hole, but we don’t just need bodies. We need players. We had bodies with Shelden and Lo Wright. And we still complained about needing a center. If we had the right system, Al would have more help in paint area, but our coach chooses to play at half-court game with a undersized team.

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

drmaryb:

Tuff talk to a cop? Oh my. Be cool girl. Gotta’ go take care of my other ladies. Don’t be jealous now. You know you’re #1 in cyber-space.

What did you think of my choice for back-up? He looked pretty good. I must admit I didn’t even notice ZZ the last time we played each other. Maybe the replacement should be for him instead.

By Ken Strickland

March 12, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

CLYDE-anyone can single out one item and use that as a focus for criticizing a player. You’ve singled out SWilliams’ blocks over Horford’S, but failed to mention rebounds and steals. These are also a part playing good DEF. A team that plays an uptempo OFF can’t run if it can’t get the rebound. Prior to this yr, we also had a problem with getting consistently outrebounded by a big margin. Horford has almost single handedly solved that problem. He’s now starting to give us consistent inside/outside scoring from the 5 with very few turnovers. He is also giving us increased assists from the position.

Your criticism of Horfords DEF reveals more about your limited understanding of what it takes to play interior DEF. Detroit has been the beast in the East for several yrs, and is annually one of the 2 or 2 top DEF teams in the NBA. They’ve had 3 different centers over that span and only one, Ben Wallace, was a shot blocker. Their current center, RWallace is certainly not a shotblocker, but his team is still one of the NBA’s top DEF teams.

Shotblockers are always valuable. But if you play good perimeter, along with good position DEF, you don’t necessarily need shotblocking(see Detroit). CLYDE, I want you to consider this. JSmith is the NBA’s 2nd leading shotblocker and, as you’ve pointed out, our interior DEF is still poor. WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU ABOUT THE OVERALL VALUE OF BLOCKING SHOTS CLYDE? A blocked shot doesn’t automatically mean the ball changes hands or the team is prevented from scoring on that position, but a steal usually does.

How many times have we seen JSmith make a spectacular block on a fast break only to see a trailer get the ball and score. The block was a spectacular DEF play, but it didn’t prevent anything. It was just a meaningless statistic in the end. Drawing a charge, in that instance, would have prevented a score, charged the player with a foul and given us possession of the ball. A CHARGE VS A BLOCKED SHOT, WHICH DO YOU THINK YIELDS THE MOST VALUE CLYDE?

By ray

March 12, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

drmaryb,

I could just say that you read me wrong. But that would be a simple (although true) statement with no real useful detail or explanation.

Why are you putting words in my mouth? Not once did I say that Doc is a god, nor do I think he is. He is a friend of mine. Your outburst, wherein you openly questioned his sexuality was unwarranted, in my “irrelevant” opinion. The man never questioned your gender or sexual preferrences. Apparently you thought he did. Because he is a friend, I defended him (not that he needs it). I would’ve done the same for you in a similar situation. I then later poked fun at you about it. *If I hurt your feelings (and it would *appear that I did) then I apologize. I apologize for any disrespect that you feel I leveled at you. I’m not above apologizing for something, regardless of whether I think I did it or not. **

Yes, I’ve seen your website, since you posted info about it here on the blog. It looks to be a perfectly respectable and worthy organization. I don’t recall having criticized your choice of occupation and profession. So where you get off screeching about comparisons between you and Doc…well, I’m not sure where you’re coming from. The Doc vs. doc was merely a title for another stick-poking tirade, based on your recent combative conversations with Doc. It had absolutely nothing to do with your respective professions. Every word in there is part of a made up story (except the fact that Doc is indeed retired from vascular and trauma) for fun. Fact is, until you stated yesterday what you do, I had no real idea of what you do. I asked you a few times (as did others) what kind of doctor you were, and you said you didn’t discuss any type of work-related things while on this blog (go back to when you first came here and read your own words-that’s what you said).

Have you hurt my feelings? Absolutely not. Am I insulted? Not really. My profession requires much thicker skin, more patience, and a broader sense of humor.

Speaking of a broad sense of humor: How do you sling the insults that you have (comments about sucking another guy’s rear? Geez..), then turn around and speak of morality and spirituality a couple paragraphs later? Hey, I thought it was funny…

Be assured that I know that I don’t know anything about you. And yet, you know even less about me. In effect, I’m no less informed than you are. My profession is law enforcement. I wear a badge, carry weapons, etc. I am a leader and supervisor of other officers (to give it a name, I’m a sergeant).

I don’t know what you think of my profession, and if you don’t have much respect for it, you wouldn’t be the first or the last to say so. Saving lives takes on a whole different meaning for me. I don’t get to do it in a sterile environment. And like any surgeon, I may have only seconds to make a decision that can or will result in life or death. And if I survive the situation myself, I have to live with the decision. Other people have to live with my decision (assuming they survive). I nearly always get to see people at their worst, or when they’re having a bad day. Nobody calls, wants, or needs a police officer when things are going fine. Many people hate police officers whether they know them or not. You can spend an entire career being hated by people you don’t even know, and who don’t know you. Often times, it’s because someone (or several someones) in your profession is corrupt or uncaring. So, people identify with those who corrupt the profession, and you get to wear a label you didn’t earn. Most of the time, the police aren’t seen for what they are, or are supposed to be: life savers (in some situations), helpers, caretakers, protectors. That’s because not all of us are what we are supposed to be.

I understand what it is to be driven by morality and spirituality. I understand what it is to walk the road of “doing what’s right” because you know it’s right. And when you walk that road, you usually do it alone. I’ve seen the dead, the mangled, the molested, the abused, the hopeless, the depressed, and the psychotic. I’ve seen the total depravity of mankind, and there’s always more where that comes from, so I know I haven’t seen it all.

Am I bragging? No. I’m telling the truth. There is nothing to brag about, because there is no pride in seeing what I and others of my profession have seen. Do you recall a short while back when the sugar refinery exploded in savannah, along the east coast? That’s right next to where I work. We heard, felt, and saw that explosion. Several of us either knew or were related to people who are now dead because of something that wasn’t a terrorist act, but a mistake. This is every day for me. Do you know what it’s like to go to work on a daily basis with the knowledge that you might not make it back home? Wondering what might happen? Doing it anyway because you won’t quit and leave it to someone else? Knowing that your every move is going to be second-guessed by those who don’t do your job and probably don’t understand it either?

I’m glad for you that you practice healing the way you choose. I don’t have that luxury in this business (if you define it as a luxury). I get what happens to come at me, then I have to deal with it, and often times help somebody deal with what has come at them. But I’m not crying or complaining. I chose my profession, so I take the consequences that come along with it. For me, “living the dream” as you call it, often times means being willing to walk into someone else’s nightmare.

Am I comparing my job to yours? No. There is no comparison. And I respect your profession, so don’t take that the wrong way. But don’t tell me to “man up”. I am doing that every day, rain or shine, like it or not.

I doubt that anybody here believes that I think I’m the blog boss. I know I don’t. We argue and carry on like crazy people sometimes, and we even disagree vehemently. Most of the time, we’re grown folks about it. I have trouble understanding how telling a guy to suck another guys butt is an example of acting like a grown person, but as I said, I found it somewhat humorous. Like I said before, we can get along, or we can not. If you wish to wage war, then so be it. Such is not my wish. Perhaps you take that as a sign of weakness. Perhaps you see that as another opportunity to “challenge” my manhood or something. I don’t know. But the choice is yours. I think you can see that I’ve offered you no insult (certainly not like the ones you’ve offered me), and I did offer an apology for my earlier words/actions. I could do no less and no more. The next move is yours.

By ray

March 12, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Richbrave,

Worry not my friend. It is a simple difference of opinion, and perhaps she feels that I overstepped my bounds by making her “discussion” with Doc a part of my diatribe. I meant no insult, but as we know: it is the message received, not the message sent, that matters in communication. And so I have offered explanation, information, perspective, apology, and olive branch in one long-winded post. Whether or not it is taken is yet to be determined.

Also, I don’t want people to think that I use my profession as a threat or defense mechanism. Especially not here on the net (how preposterous would that be?). I am what I am, and I’m a person just like anybody else, no better than anybody else. I do take pride in what I do and am not afraid to tell people though. Unless of course, I’m surrounded by zombie crackheads…but then, I’m not in undercover work at the moment, LOL!

As for right now…I need to stop that train of thought and think of some material for the next “daily news” segment….

By Astro Joe

March 12, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Ray, I suspect that during the recent writer’s strike, you were looking to supplement your income by filling the void. GREAT entry yesterday. I know I’m late with the kudos.

By ray

March 12, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

tb, where you been? Don’t tell me you’ve been waiting for an HB Ando appearance. Or are you like the rest of us: sick of the roller coaster ride of this season, that seems to take more dips than it does hills?

dakid, that’s exactly it. However, it would seem that ownership probably won’t spend the money at all. Even if Billy told them it would be a good idea. I don’t think they’re on the same page here at all. I have no reason to believe that we’ll see anybody else coming to our roster this season unless we lose a key person or pesons to injury at a key position and need to sign someone for depth. And even then, it would depend on whether or not we have a legit shot at the playoffs. Furthermore, ownership would have to be committed to doing what it took to get us there. If they’re not committed, then it won’t matter how close we get or don’t get, or who gets injured, or how many games we win.

But to shorten that up…nah, I don’t think we’ll be signing anybody.

By ray

March 12, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Astro Joe, my humble thanks, sir. The hard part is keeping things lively and funny, and not repeating myself. And not being too long-winded, which is one of my many character flaws…

By jhan

March 12, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

drmaryb, maybe you should find out a little more about doc before you continue making assumptions that are not even close to being accurate.

Also, why are you so upset about something written on a blog?

I would think someone who is “morally, spiritually and philosophically driven” might not worry about what someone says about them on a blog.

FYI - My lips are coated with a substance that makes them impossible to stick to another persons backside.

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

ray:

I’m waitin’ man. All eyes!!

By Pete

March 12, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

HAWKS NEED TO BRING SOME TRUE AND FIRE TO GET TO THE PLAYOFFS. WOODY YOU HAVE TO GET EVERYONE INVOLVED WEST defender hustle, JONES decent/athletic big and 6 fouls, RICHARDSON good shooter AND SALIM good shooter

WE NEED EVERYONE TO MAKE THIS FINAL RUN.

PLUS CAN WE GET THE BEST REBOUNDER / DEFENDER FROM THE NBDL.

By Ken Strickland

March 12, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

DRMARYB-like you, I was excited about the Hawks forum when I first read it. And just like you I jumped right in, but with opinions about the Hawks and nothing else. When I first saw one of DOC’s posts, I initially focused on sentence structure rather than content. Fortunately for me, I didn’t allow that to stop me from reading his comments in its entirety. Lucky me.

I can assure you that being a regular on the Falcon blogs helped me appreciate both this forum and the mentalities that comprise it. I even had issues with HD ANDO at first, but I quickly realized we are all somewhat different. We also express ourselves differently, as well as seeing the same things in different ways. But, I’ve come to recognize the common thread that binds all of us on this forum, WE ARE TRUE ATLANTA HAWKS FANS WHO WANTS THE BEST FOR THE TEAM. Although the issues being discussed are mild compared to the Falcon forum content, it’s still nonproductive at best. Let’s get back on track and not let Woodson and the SAASG off the hooks. GOOD LUCK TONIGHT YOU HIGH FLYING HAWKS(although they appear to be perched on a limb waiting for something to come by and kill itself instead of hunting for it)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ray

March 12, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Today in the news!

MSNBC news reports that New York governor Spitzer is expected to resign his position. Apparently, he is a regular customer of prostitutes. Now hold on just a minute here. What exactly is he in trouble for? The fact that he has associated with prostitutes or the fact that this is part of his expense account, and nobody was supposed to know that? You really have to wonder what this world is coming to, because you know it’s not about the act itself. It’s about how it looks and how it can be used against somebody. Speaking of which, Spitzer is reportedly linked to Hillary Clinton as political allies. Poor Hillary. She does not know how to pick ‘em.

Experts say soon to be former governor Spitzer’s scandal will have no effect on Hillary Clinton’s campaign, despite the fact that the two are linked politically as alleged allies. Well no $hit. After all, Spitzer can’t possibly top the public and political humiliation that her own husband handed to her. Yessir, you could say that ol’ Bill “blew” this whole campaign before it even got started.

Democrats Clinton and Obama continue to wage political war. Now look. You can call the GOP a bunch of good ol’ boys if you want. But one thing is for certain: those good ol’ boys usually establish ahead of time which guy is the head good ol’ boy. All of the hoopla and “political competition” preceeding the final battle is just for show. They always know whether it’s Bubba, Junior, or “W” who’s going to represent the party at the last dance. Not so for the democrats. Those fights are real and they really just cannot get along. How else do you explain so many losses in a row to the GOP? Keep it up guys, and you’re going to lose to MCCAIN. McCain? Come on! Look, I don’t have any ill feelings toward McCain, but the man has been NEUTERED. He has NO BALLS. Is he really a better candidate than anybody else?

At least Dick Cheney will shoot somebody if he doesn’t like them. Of course, he calls it a hunting accident, but think about it: a bunch of lawyers and politicians with guns, out in the woods with nobody around to see…yeah, we know better than that. It was going to happen anyway, the only question was who would get shot…

Getting back to governor Spitzer..

Sources say that soon-to-be former New York governor Spitzer was involved with a high-priced call girl, and that this has gone on for some time. You have to wonder if he might be related to, or good friends with New York Knicks owner James Dolan. After all, the similarities are striking: Spending large amounts of money on a person who is more than willing to committ one act of indiscretion after another, and will reliably screw you every time. And then making a conscious decision to keep that person around.

Wait a minute. That also sounds like the punch line to a joke. A joke that goes like this: “What do Isaiah Thomas and a high-priced call girl have in common?”

The only difference is, James Dolan won’t be made to resign for his stupidity…

And in other news…

Steve Smith is tired of commentating on games with a monkey-spanker. One source says that he is seriously considering lobbying the front office to allow Hawks forward Solomon Jones and guard Mario West to share time as his announcing partner. In fact, he was overheard saying “I can’t deal with Bob anymore. Last week, I saw him standing in front of one of those machines. You know, the kind that have the plush animal-like toys in them, and you put in a couple quarters, try to get the claw to pick one up…it never seems to work..you get the point. Anyway, Bob is just standing there staring at the animal toys. For like 10 minutes! Dude is starting to scare me.” And on Solomon and Mario: “Look man, they’d make great commentators. Woody won’t let them play, and they’re still getting paid, so why not? A man’s gotta have some kind of job fulfillment.”

And that’s all for now…

By ray

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

Ken, as usual that was well thought out. Bravo, and the last sentence had me doing a good ol’ fashioned belly laugh. I think the “hawk perched on a limb” analogy can’t be topped!

By Clyde

March 12, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Ken Strickland so what do you think the Hawks need to do to solve their problems on the defensive end? Opposing bigs can keep having big nights against us.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By DarkRyder

March 12, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

props to ray, richbrave, ken, drmaryb and doc always strong on the analysis….love to hear more from you guys (and gals) because you respond with common sense

….ando -pessimistic *sshole who poses as some wanna-be “realist” who needs to climb in a hole and never come out…

…..clyde - pessimistic *sshole who spends too much time living in an era where centers were plentiful, and too stupid to realize times have changed.

astro joe sometimes he gets it..

johnGTfan looking forward to next monday’s game here in DC…. don’t know if Gilbert will be back by then but either way it will be exciting

By smartguy

March 12, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

ray, reflecting back to my favorite post about Woody’s workout for keeping his arms crossed and his face in a bewildered state, did ya’ll get to hear the NBA tv telecast vs Orlando? Ray, the Orlando announcers were basically echoing our sentiment that all Mike Woodson ever seems to do is stand there with his arms crossed and a dumb look on his face. Someone accused Mark Bradley of coping of our blog, but I’m pretty sure the Orlando announcers might have read your post too, ray ray.

FIRE WOODY BEFORE ITS TOOOO LATE!

By James Banks

March 12, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Sekou and Blog-Z Fixing what’s wrong with the Hawks is not that difficult but requires a change of line-up and philosophy. First, let your best half-court players be your starters: Bibby, Johnson, Richardson, Horford & Pachulia. Run double back screens with Pachulia and Horford opening shot opportunities for Johnson & Richardson and/or let Bibby & Johnson run pick & roll with Pachulia setting themselves up for open shots and/or drive & dish opportunities. Play this unit for the first eight and last four minutes of the first half and the first eight and last six minutes of the second half—30 minutes per game.

Second: give your bench an identity. Call them the “shock troops”! For 18 minutes per game, the “mission” of this unit is to create turnovers and disruption by playing full-court, pressing and trapping defense; allowing their defense to create offense. Law, Salim, West, Childress and Smith would be a perfect, albeit undersized, unit for this approach and you can bring in Jones and Williams if more size is needed. When offense is needed, let Law & Salim run pick and roll with Smith setting themselves up for open shots, run the alley-oop with Smith (the way Paul does with Chandler for the Hornets) or drive & dish to Childress running the baseline.

Third, up-grade the team this off-season by re-signing Childress, replacing Josh Smith (you know he won’t want to be a back-up)by signing Francisco Elson for your second unit and do a sign-and trade with Smith (include Pachulia and a 2010 first-round pick if you must) to Portland for Raef LaFrentz. Finally, sign a free agent to replace Pachulia (Patrick O’Bryant or even Kwame Brown)and complete your roster. One more thought: wouldn’t a healthy Speedy Claxton look good leading your “shock troops” Go into the 2008-2009 season with Bibby, Johnson, Richardson, Horford and Lafrentz (imagine Bibby and Horford in pick and roll with Johnson, Richardson and Lafrentz at the three-point line) as your starters. Claxton, Law, Salim, West, Childress, Williams, Jones, Elson and O’Bryant/Brown as your “shock troops”.

You’ll also have your 2009 first-round pick so at the end of next season, you can decide to release Williams (who may need to go somewhere else to be successful because fans constant remind him that he’s not as successful or as dominating as CP3), draft his replacement (a defensive-minded forward) and use the money you’ll save in the process to re-sign Bibby.

Any thoughts?

By terrell barron

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

When I look at the Rockets, I see McGrady, Alston, Battier, and Bobby Jackson. You know what they do very well? SHOOT 3’S! You know what we dont do well? DEFEND THE PERIMETER! I’m not saying we cant win, but from what I’ve seen, IT DOES’NT LOOK GOOD!

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Oh, I forgot about Luther Head. GREAT 3 POINT SHOOTER.

By ray

March 12, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Aw, come on DarkRyder, why you wanna go after your peeps like that?

Ando may be pessimistic, but he’s usually right on the money. He just doesn’t express his “dark” sense of humor the way some of us do.

Clyde is just Clyde. I disagree vehemently with his latest assessments, but it’s all good.

Astro Joe is cool, and he brings a lot of sensible contribution…long as you don’t expose him to Andro. If you do, he turns into Sammy Sosa on steroids…wait a minute…Sammy was on steroids…oh nevermind. Let’s just say he gets amped and will take a few very forceful swings. Just pokin’ ya in the ribs, Joe.

By ray

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

smartguy, that wouldn’t surprise me. Sekou’s Blog is the shiznit! With all of us here, how does it get any better?

terrell barron, the Rockets scare me. Who guards McGrady, and at what cost? The guy really can’t be guarded, at least not consistently. The only guy we have who could limit him is JJ. And if we wear him out doing that, he won’t be able to contribute much offensively. No need to go into what the rest of the team can/will do to you. And on the defensive end….okay, I’m depressing myself. Must think happy thoughts…

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

I say we start Mario and throw him McGrady, and bring Marvin off the bench. We need Joe’s offense in the 4th quarter, or were DOOMED.

By Joe

March 12, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

http://miserableatlantasportsfan.blogspot.com/

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

ray:

Yours of 1:48 p.m. Think happy thoughts. In your line of work, I would think that’s a very sound admonition to oneself. And very difficult to pull off at times. Thanks for being out there for our society, and keep those magnificant posts coming.

By Joe

March 12, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Hawks’ defense is in the pooper, miserableatlantasportsfan.blogspot.com/

By BA

March 12, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Yeah, we should sit the only all star on the team. Did somebody really say trade for freaking Lafrenz? Are you guys smoking crack in here today? Then I got to page down for five minutes through all the doctor/woman/sex/personal crap. Can you people please write each other letters or something? We don’t come here to read you’re personal crap, we come to read about the Hawks. This has been going on for three days now-just what you’d expect from a woman. No basketball, just chickenhead personal crap.

By BA

March 12, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Also the communist political crap, REALLY? There’s nowhere else you could go? NO ONE IS HERE TO READ YOUR SECOND RATE POLITICAL CRAP! And the cutesy-poo stuff really isn’t that funny. You’re almost as bad as the mouthbreather who gets on here to blog about the sucky washington wizards!

By I.MUS WRITE

March 12, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Cant believe there are people on this blog hating on Al Horford. Get real people without Al on this team we are atleast 8 games worst and not even mentioned in playoff conversation.

Think about this: If we had traded Chillz for Calderon over the summer we wouldnt have made the bibby trade which leaves us with Calderon as the starter and -Aj-Lue as our reserves.

I Thought if we got a good point over the summer that would clear the way to draft AL and Sean Williams or AL and Noah if he were still on the board. If we could go back to last june -there is no way you pick Noah or Williams over Al…… You take the yung beast and a complimentary peice like a hustle guy-Noah or the shot blocker_Williams Ray-you are at it again ha? good work way to keep things loose around here… James olsen-where is this dramatic improvement u speak of -the way things look we are going to be about 3-5 games better than last year-if you consider that improvement then you are the ignorant fan!!!.

By I.MUS WRITE

March 12, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

I see atleast 14 3’s from Houston tonight. Interior defense is suspect and we cant guard the 3 or pick and roll…. now how the hell are we gonna be competitive tonight or any other night,……………….Man dam the playoffs -For what???Why????………. Boston will not only win 4 in a row -but the games wont even be close…………………..Thanx ……..But No Thanx…………………………………….CRICKETS CHIRPING !!!!!!!!

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

DARKRYDER:

Damned shame I gotta’ be home bound by these health issues. Would love to join you and JohnT in D.C. on the 17th. Have a blast. I’ll be looking for the T-s “Fire Billy - Fire Woody” assuming you and John will both have one.

Buckhantz reminds me of the University of Richmond broadcasts with Bob Black. BUSH LEAGUE Cripes, you can’t tell which team he’s yelling for most of the time. He gets as excited when other teams do well as when his employer’s team is successful. Both these guys would gag a maggot.

Geeze, I remember the broadcasts of the Virginia Squires. I think he’s in the Hall of Fame. Wonderful. Can’t remember his name, but he’s famous now.

Nate ArchiBALL was ruminating on some of the players he saw at Morehouse State. I remember going to see the Squires during Dr. J’s initial year out of UMass. Must have been all of 86 people in attendence(by actual count, I might add). My wife and I are sitting there. Suddenly Julius brings the ball up the floor on the right side. After passing mid-court on the move, he executes a crossovwer dribble with a spin move that puts him at the TOP of the key. He’s moving at full speed, one step and jams the ball through up to his elbow. I go ballistic. I’m on my feet screaming. I NEVER saw such a move on a basketball court before in my life. I go home and tell everybody to buy tickets. Never saw one of my friends downtown - ever. Man, it was like Ray’s classic post - UNFORGETTABLE. Really DARKRYDER you carry on, I’ll be there in spirit.

By I.MUS WRITE

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

Theres too much love on the board right now!!! What are yall so cheery about we look to be in the same position as last year……. only worst -no draft picks and another year added to the playoff boycott.

Well atleast I have the NFL/NBA Draft and the Olympics……..

Lakers vs Boston NBA FINALS……………………..LA IN 7

By Jo Bling

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

Look at the three-point shooting stats of our last four opponents (not including Miami, an opponent we held to 5-for-18 on three-pointers and defeated). All of the others are losses:

Orlando: 15-28 Charlotte: 9-17 New Orleans: 15-29 Golden State: 17-32

56 three pointers in four games?!! These numbers are insane, and Al Horford’s defensive competency has little, if anything, to do with it. Hey, Clyde, you really ought to reconsider your recommendation that we trade the likely Rookie of the Year. It just doesn’t sound very intelligent, no matter what tortured rationale you apply to it.

I like the bold optimism sensing a win tonight. I’m on that train. Seems like everything is setting up for it. Let’s get this thing back on track, starting tonight.

By richbrave

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

BA:

That would be me-e-e. Drool. Even if not, I’ll take the rap. Dude when you see RichBrave just slide on down to the next post O.K.? No worries.

Would you care to postulate on my feeble attempt at a solution for ZZ’s back-up? I said Dan Gadzuric was a possibility. Any thoughts?

By doc

March 12, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

drmaryb, it is funny how you first of all fail to accept an olive branch which has been offered several times only to misread or misinterpret them. secondly you seem to have missed that i no longer play “god” and have retired from surgery. i too, like you, practice alternative medicine not to say it is better but from a different perspective than western medicine. knowing nothing about me and failing to read it when it is put there right between the eyes and within the sentences you just dont comprehend, i wonder if you really see or just see what you want even when folks around you are saying the ball is round when you insist it is square.

these are observations and opinions and not judgement but for you to claim anyone is judgmental as you take pride in kicking people off the blog as you say it, is like the porcelain vase calling the porcelain teapot white. admittedly that analogy was used to make sure there was no suggested racial inference.

now, though i practiced from a very sincere and cautious approach as a surgeon and worried too much about my patients feeling total responsibility towards them and took it waaaaay to serious when i was in that role, breaking away form that stress and into one of the greatest things i love about acupuncture is that i can truly work from the biopsychosocialSPIRITUAL perspective of healing like i have never before been able to do before.to see how miraculous it can be in opening people up to healing and the great beyond is pure joy. it is like you dont take time to read and again take everything soo serious while defiiling and demeaning others when they state their own opinions for being tooo serious. we all mirror what is inside and we all are able to see it quite clearly even if you cant.

i respect everyone on this blog, you included and attempt to convey it from ken, mike, jhan, flash, johngt, ray aj, dark ryer, rich, samuel, reese, honest and it goes on and on. to some degree if you read and listen it is a much about the connection we make and the relationship built around the hawks that keep us closer than the miles apart we are. aint that right my friend myk in san fran?

again thanks to jhan for the opportunity to do the man thing tonight though i couldnt take him up on it and see if the hawks can derail the rockets train. gosh we need a win or to around here.

ray, spitzer is in trouble with the law like vick was but instead of for transporting dogs across state lines it was for transproting prostitutes. you will have to explain that one to me. dont you know his wife is real pleased that his preference to not practice safe sex is out there in the public domain. geez, how would you like to be his wife pondering the mess and then wonder about testing for hiv or the daughters going to the high school that he was graduated form.

somehow and just the same, it is all good and just perfect the way it is. perspective/perception or what part of life do you want to see.

GOO HAWKS!!!! that was for mike toiling away at his job.

By Ken Strickland

March 12, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

CLYDE-since we don’t have that dominant shot blocking big, we need to adjust to what we have. Horford, JSmith and MWilliams are quick and fast, especially for their size. We also have a rather talented and deep bench, although Woodson has refused to make use it.

Personally, I would play full, or at least 3quarter court DEF. That would force frontcourt players to help break the press and stop them from setting up their OFF, and getting postup position before the ball crosses half court. A press would create more deflections, steals and force more time off the 24sec clock. That would also limit their OFF options, especially with respect to their inside gm.

Take the Orlando gm. Inside the key, Howard’s strength gives him a decided advantage over our frontline. However, outside the key, our frontline’s speed and quickness gives us the advantage. The formula that’s been successfully used to defeat us has been the same since the Allstar break. Use a high pick and roll, and spot up the 3pt shooters. We’re being killed by PG’s and 3pt shooters, not inside play.

With a full court pressing DEF, we can dictate who brings the ball across half court. Orlando has very few ballhandlers, especially in their starting lineup, and most of their shooters are spotup shooters. I would have double teamed the ball whenever it was on the same side of the court as Howard and played man to man when it wasn’t. On pick and rolls, when the pick is set, the man guarding the one setting the pick should take 2 steps back. This allows the man guarding the ball to quickly and easily go between the two and cut off any penetration. The man that stepped back is in perfect position to pickup and front the man rolling to the basket. The man that stepped back can also take off and run a hard double team on the ball. The double team would make it very difficult for small PG’s like CPaul or JNelson to make an accurate pass to the rolling player. I learned that yrs ago attending open practices when Hubie Brown was our HC.

By mykhalc

March 12, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

DOC, preach my friend!!!

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

doc:

Sigh. Lamentably accurate.

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

DARKRYDER:

Broadcaster’s name - MARTY BRENNAMAN.

By Clyde

March 12, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Ken you wrote “CLYDE-since we don’t have that dominant shot blocking big, we need to adjust to what we have.”

So with that statement I assume you are saying the Hawks need a shot blocking big. Correct me if I’m wrong. If that is what you’re saying then I must say we have needed a shot blocking big for 5 years now.

Now listen. If we have been in need of a shot blocking big for 5 years why did we draft 2 power forwards that can’t play center and can’t block shots? Al Horford is good but he ain’t meeting our needs on the defensive end. And I never said trade him. I said we never should have drafted him if we needed a shot blocking big.

And if you disagree with my statements don’t call me crazy. Present evidence and statistics to prove me wrong.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By doc

March 12, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

dad gum clyde, what side of the bed did you wake up on this morning? whichever side it was it really hooked up the right and left hemispheres through the hippocampus. you are downright verbose son. keep it up even though i hear you it isnt horford’s fault all players are out of position and are being shown to have very little defensive quickness except for smith who spends too much time on someone else’s guy only to expose his man when he doesnt get there for the block. no role players and no one with quickness that woody will put into that role is the way i see it. if you are going to play quick offense you better play defense even quicker.

By ray

March 12, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Doc, it’s as bad as, or worse than, you think it is. Trust me, I understand the concept. Look at the Clinton debacle when he was in office. It’s sexist and it’s just all-around bad, but here’s how it goes: Married male of public stature committs act of infidelity. Shame follows, but only temporarily. Soon enough, his act of indiscretion becomes little more than an event that is barely remembered with mild head shakes, knowing grins, and unconcerned, off-hand, idle banter. Meanwhile, the full shame follows the spouse (and offspring) for much longer. Hers is a position of not just shame, but reduced self-worth, and object of ridicule, however unjust it may be. And that’s the way of the world.

BA, I’d give you fair warning, but that would be no fun. All I can say is perhaps you shouldn’t read the next commentary I put out….heh heh heh.

By HB Ando

March 12, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

richbrave, we’re all responsible for our own perceptions. Any sense of creepiness that occurred is all in how I chose to receive the interaction.

You do your thing, dude. And I’m glad to know you’ll be keeping your eyes on the Spirit. There can never be enough vigilance in demanding the best for the fans of Atlanta.

I do believe you might want to keep your eyes on drmaryb. There’s a fine line between cyberslutress and cyberstalker, if you know what I mean…….

drmaryb, you honestly couldn’t have chosen a poorer foil, in doc. He’s about as humble and wise as they come, though he’s never pointed those traits out in this forum. I know him personally, and wish I had a fraction of the interest, in helping my fellow man, that he exhibits on a daily basis.

Whatever sense of frustration you have developed, over the years, regarding folks disrespecting your professional designation as “doctor”, versus the well-marketed MD that controls Western medicine, is mis-directed at this particular “doc”.

Your protestations are humorously similar to the caricature that is Alan Harper, doctor of chiropractics, from one of my favorite sit-coms, Two-and-a Half Men.

It has been repeated reinforced here, on the blog, that this place is truly an open forum, where any and all opinions are welcome (if not always tolerated, or met with compassion). It seems you are interested in becoming a regular, contributing member here. Though you didn’t ask for my opinion on the matter, I suggest you’d do well to find a less respected, charter member, than doc.

Heck, scream at me. I’ve put significant effort into poking verbal sticks into anything that moves, here, since the blog’s inception.

But for credibility’s sake, you’re talking yourself into, and between, the proverbial rock and a hard place.

And compounding it by calling Ray “little ray” has you rapidly descending into the realm of the inconsequential.

That’s two, and they say that bad things happen in three’s. I can only say that you’re desperate sexual overtures to richbrave is mere moments away from completing a rueful cycle.

Off to see the game with the most generous season-ticket holder in Atlanta Hawks’ history, Jhan.

There can be no argument that I am simply not deserving, so I must do my best to entertain Jhan with my court jester-like ways……..

Oh, and call Ray and talk incessantly through the start of the third quarter.

By Ken Strickland

March 12, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

CLYDE-I’m not saying we need a dominant shotblocking 5, but it wouldn’t hurt to have one. How many NBA titles has Shaq won, and he’s certainly not a shotblocking 5. Detroit has done quite well the last two yrs without a shotblocking 5. San Antonio hasn’t had a dominant shotblocking 5 since the Admiral retired and they’ve done quite well also. Do you remember how the Bulls dominanted the NBA? Who was their dominant shotblocking 5. Wes Unself wasn’t a dominant shotblocking 5, but at 6’7”, he was still dominant and won big because of his man to man DEF ability. In fact, when has a team with a dominant shotblocking 5 won a NBA title? I can’t think of anyone since Hakeem the Dream worked his magic for the Houston Rockets.

By Astro Joe

March 12, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Dark Ryder, sometimes is not bad. I’m HOF material compared to some other bloggers on here.

Ray, I gave arguing with him up for Lent. Even decided not to remind anyone of the Horford=PJ Brown comparison from a few weeks back. I’m just trying to get a ticket to thru the pearly gates. Which is more and more difficult as I spend time at the liar’s table. (Oh yeah, and using HIS name in vain during the 3rd quarter of virtually every freakin’ Hawks game).

Doc, call youself if it lasts more than 4 hours.

By James Banks

March 12, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith—an all-star?!? Do not confuse great athletic ability for excellence on the basketball court. If Marcus Camby, a shot-blocker with a better offensive game and much better disposition, is not an all-star, how can you possibly believe that Josh Smith is worthy of such an honor. Smith is a great shot-blocker, fine “help” defender but depends upon his shot-blocking abilities to compensate for his shortcomings as a man-to man defender. He’s also an offensive liability because has no “go-to” move on the blocks, sets pitiful screens for his teammates, fails to move along the baseline to open or create passing lanes, rarely gets an offensive rebound, provides no interior toughness and, most importantly, doesn’t see himself as a power forward—and rightly so. A player of his size is best suited for the small forward position. However, he’s a poor passer, his dribbling skills are, at best, questionable because he turns the ball over far too frequently, and he doesn’t have the requisite shooting skills, the lateral mobility, nor the feel for the game necessary for the small forward position and is woefully inconsistent. And this is someone that you want to call an all-star? Remember Bo Outlaw, a great shot-blocker in his own right, who brought the same skill-set to the league as Smith but had the good sense to focus his attention on what he did well and stopped trying to do the things he did poorly (like offense)? He was never an all-star but he carved out a very successful NBA career. Josh Smith is a Bo Outlaw-type of player; he just doesn’t get it yet. Keep calling him an all-star when he clangs jumper after jumper and before you get too excited when he makes one remember that even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then.

Seriously, we all know that Al Horford is the team’s future at PF and Smith won’t be a happy camper in a back-up role. Since that’s the case, offer one good reason why Smith (and others as needed to make the salaries match) should not be traded to get a true Center?

Many on this blog say we need a “big” or we need a “true Center” as if ownership can just make a wish and have someone with the size of Ming, power of Howard, fundamentals of Duncan, athleticism of Robinson, offensive repertoire of Olajuwon and defensive prowess of Russell magically appear (OK-I exaggerate-any one of the first three now or the latter three in their prime would be enough) but no one ever suggests any names. If not LaFrentz, then who? the often-injured Jermaine O’Neal? the weak rebounding, no defense-playing Eddy Curry? the psycho head-case David Harrison with Indiana? the Dan Gadzuric from UCLA who played behind Zaza Pachulia in Milwaukee? At least, LaFrentz has a reputation for being a rugged defender, a decent shot-blocker and an excellent outside shooter. The knock on him is that he doesn’t have an effective low-post game. He will also be expendable when Oden return to active status next year. He’s not the most talented player in the league and far from the most athletic gifted player in the league but he is smart and adding him to the line-up allows Horford to play his natural position. Poor floor spacing is the major problem with the Hawks’ half-court offense. Establishing Horford as your low-post presence while spreding the court with four shooters that have 3-point range (Bibby, Johnson, Richardson and LaFrentz) is an offensive approach that creates severe match-up problems for a defense and is the offensive approach that Houston and San Antonio have used to win championships.

Building a team takes more than just collecting talented players. If talent alone equaled championships, considing the talent he collected in his tenure in New York, Isiah Thomas’ Knicks should have three championsips by now with a strong leg up for number four. But they can’t even get to .500; let alone to first place in their division. You want/need smart, selfless players whose good attitudes foster good chemistry.

Face facts: No Eastern Conference team that has a Center with a legitimate offensive game will trade him to Atlanta. In the Western Conference, aside from LaFrentz, name one available center with a legitimate offensive game that’s available? No one can stop the scoring of a great center, like Howard, Duncan, Ming, etc. but whose out there that can at least score enough points to offset some of that scoring? I read this blog every day and find there are many connoisseurs of the game whose postings are insightful, articulate and intelligent. They offer legitimate suggestions to stimulate dialogue of an intelligent nature and reading postings from them is an enjoyable experience. Then there are some who choose to just offer destructive criticisms without offering a shred of intelligent rationale for their opinions. Anyone with a computer keyboard, internet access and an extremely limited knowledge of the game and its nuances can complain that (GM Billy) Knight needs to get a big man (and why on earth would you think that he doesn’t know that he needs a big man?). And, if your answer is “because he hasn’t obtained one”, then help the man out, and at the same time create interesting debate and discussion, by identifying this here-to-fore unknown available person and/or propose a scenario by which he can obtain this person who will make everything right in the Hawks’ universe rather than offering inane, “knee-jerk” responses.

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

MR. ANDO:

Such magnificant command and use of the English language inspires me to greatness. Alas, as I am soon to be a Geezerette(hopefully) I must defer to a true artisan of the written(or in this case, typed) word. A scribe as it were. You sir stand as a paragon of the genuine spirit of the Hawks fan - contemplative, organized and concise, with a rapier wit. Too bad - too sad. I lost too many brain cells long ago to joust with your intellect and be your foil on any level approaching equality. I await your next ministration to this humble assemblage. Or the short version - a salute to your intelligence.

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

HB:

Your admonition is well taken. Thanks for your concern.

By Beavis

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

richbrave, hee-hee, you said menstration, hee-hee. That’s bloody funny. Hee-hee.

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

T-Mac said “quote” The streak has to end some time, but it wont be tonight. That should be all the motivation we need. Win or lose, I better see a lot of EFFORT tonight.

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

JB:

Well, I see Hawks fans are familiar with Mr. Gadzuric. As you can plainly see however, not everyone here is enamoured of the LaFrantz supposition. You have eliminated many others, in your mind at least, but your argument does not not persuade. Earlier today someone postulated upon the arrival here of one Kwame Brown. Personally having seen Mr. Brown’s basketball skills I would utter another “heaven forbid” under my breath. I agree there is NO ONE foolish enough to trade Mr. Howard or another of his ilk to the Hawks for anyone currently on the team. Apparantly, we have quite a conundrum where the Hawks are concerned. An entirely capable NBA team without a head. What’a a Hawks fan to do? Silence - hand-wringing heard in the distance.

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

God, where’s Butt-head? Bloody right, Beavis. Check the smelling.

By drmaryb

March 12, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Hey Big-Ray

I read your post. Gotta give you props for your communication skills. I get what your’e saying. However, when I read your diatribe it was pretty clear that you were standing up for your long-time friend. I interpreted your statement negatively

(The DOC -vs- doc? look at it - it seemed like you were putting my profession on the ropes) and therefore, belittling chiropractic -vs- western allopathic medicine.

Doc treats symptoms & I treat/remove nerve interference to improve nerve flow which prevent symptoms from occuring in the first place. Our philosophies are diabolically opposite. There is no comparison and more importantly There is room in this world for BOTH. The world needs both!

However, Doc and I had already worked that misunderstanding out on our own - Thank you very much. No arbitrator was required! Nor asked for!

When I blog with RichBrave it’s all-good, all sports and all fun. Hey we don’t always agree but it’s always good natured. Never any personal attacks on each others gender, age , nor character. That’s why it works between us. From what Rich told me , we even come from extremely opposite backgrounds, but we always agree to disagree when necessary!

When I first came on there were a lot of suggestions about: Who I was, and if was a plant from the ASG, some even questioned if was a man and not really a woman, etc. it went on and on for a while. I ignored it all back, then. I thought that was in the past, until I thought Doc told someone I was a male. If you read his comment you probably would have thought the same thing. Since I can’t read his mind I read his words. Once , he explained his thoughts behind the words? He and I were cool!
-Then here you come! I’m just sayin’ that’s how I saw it.

So, no, I am not paranoid. And I don’t hear voices, nor am I psychotic or crazy or anything else! I am just a woman who loves the Hawks and who don’t want to be on here talking about my profession, gender, nor irrelevant things -that’s all. I do that when I am at work or at home with my husband and kids.

I had no knowledge of what you do nor was I very interested in that. But since you mentioned it?

I absolutely love Law Enforcement. It takes a special person to go out there in the real world and lay their life on the line every day to help people and literally save lives.

The way I see it, Yourself, Doc and I - we do the exact same thing in different ways.

I have tremendous respect for the law even when I get a rare ticket, I say thank you OFFICER. I know that I couldn’t do it. Every profession has bad eggs, I promise you that I love my patients and their lives are more important to me than my very own. I would die for my patients - literally!

I believe all the praise and glory goes to GOD when someone survies near death situations - I accept none of it. In my personal life and profession, I am very humble! On here, I get to be aggressive like a pit-bull. This is the only place I can do that and get away with it! ;0

And I deeply apologize to you for my over-the-top responses. No one deserves that - not even a cop - especially not a Sargent! ;o Sorry!

By doc

March 12, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

aj if it does i will get it patented and call you to help me market it.

ken, i hope you did your homework by looking it up when you said shaq wasnt a shot blocker. not only did he change folks ball trajectory he affected their whole body trajectory to the basket, in fact they would just put a detour sign up around him most games i saw him play in his prime. leave that one alone brother.

By drmaryb

March 12, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Hawks-Win, Hawks-Win, Hawks-Win

THE 20th CONSECUTIVE ROCKET LAUNCH HAS
BEEN ABORTED BY

YOUR HIGH FLYING ATLANTA HAWKS!

Yes fans, the Hawks will win at the HIGHLIGHT FACTORY tonight. Well, it’s payback time, no Yao Ming, no Bonzi Wells and we have home court advantage.

The Hawks always play up or down to the level of competition. That seems to be their glaring personality as a team. We win the games we should lose and lose the games we should win - Go Figure!

The Hawks have no particular style of play, so you know which team will show up? But, with the playoffs on the line I expect urgency and Mario West type effort through-out the entire game. If not, RIO better not be on the bench. Only Woody can STOP RIO no one else can.

This man is a blur, he reminds of AI when i first saw him run ‘cross my screen. I was like, “What was that?” My brother said,” That’s -The Answer!” I said, “Hell, What’s the question?”

Bottom Line, if we don’t properly use our bench? It’s going to be a long -long - nite!

By cp

March 12, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

terrell barron I was thinking the same thing. The Rockets have a lot of 3 point shooters and lately for some odd reason we cant defend the 3. Might be a good idea to sit Marvin tonight and start either Mario or Richardsonq. Im pretty sure Mario can give us more than Marvin has defensively and Richardson can put up the same type of offensive production Marvin has put out lately. I would love to end their streak thus giving this team some confidence but we just are playing some horrible defense the last few games. We cant defend the 3 and Houston can shoot it. We might give up 20 three pointers tonight if this defense does not show up.

By doc

March 12, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

drmaryb i do acupuncture not surgery are you aware of that? if you are then i dont differ that much than you, dont you treat back pain and visceral pain which are symptoms and since when does treating qi flow in the body mean treating symptoms? again please at least take the time to know what i do before you jump into what you thought i do. i dont see how we are diabolically anything.

By ericgrvs

March 12, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

The sorry Hawks will lose tonight. Why? Because the Hawks overall defense, including their defensive assigments, have dwindle since the Mike Bibby trade. For some mystical reason I think Bibby is the cause for the Hawks defensive problems. Because Bibby is slow on his feet to defend pick and rolls, I believe the other players are trying to over compensate for Bibby mentally on defense. Something is wrong about the Hawks defense, and it did not start until after the trade, especially all the 3 point shots they started surrending after the Mike Bibby trade. The Hawks lose, lose, lose tonight, and the Chicago Bulls will take the 8th spot for the playoffs after all is said and done.

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Woody, as soon as we double, they’re going to kick it out for a 3. Now relay this message to the fellas for me.

By preston

March 12, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

oh man…..as if Bob Rathburn was not already a character within himself……..now I can’t even look at dude now without cracking up after reading rays’ post……….lol!!

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Damn, Marvin is still in the starting 5.

By drmaryb

March 12, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

Hey RichBrave

You keep me coming back here. You’re my inspiration and my reason for BLOGGING.

The Wizards are on the mend and they’re my second favorite team, thanks to you!

I’ve kissed and made up with all the ROOSTERS whose feathers I’ve been ruffling. Hey, if nothing else we keep it fun - anyways. Good, Clean, Grown Folks having fun that’s all.

I laugh all day - when the boys are upset and throwing stuff! ;0 ;) ;o But, as it should, it always come back to the HAWKS!

Let’s not lose site of the real and credible threats - For the sake of Home Land Security? It’s the ASG and Coach Woody…OK you can throw Burger-King in there if you must.

But you have to admitt. The Front Page of the AJC depicting BK refusing the Filthy - Dirty Hand Shake! That my friend was a CLASSIC. Almost as funny as

THE BILLY GOAT UNDER THE BRIDGE.
-by Big-Ray-

As a matter of fact, The cover of that book should be a photo of

The Famous NO Hand-Shake
-by BK-

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Great shane is gaurding joe while joe is gaurding tmac

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Man if joe depends on smoove to make that shot im going to scream. I feel that smoove is going to carry us tonight

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

WOW that was not a foul on bibby!!!!These refs are trying to keep these guys in the game!!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

ARE YOU KIDDING ME Josh and Joe are doing it all!!!!!YEEEESSS

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

I cant even get excited about a terrific start, because we all know what happens after half-time.

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Thank goodness. Marvin is going to the bench. Just leave Battier wide freakin open.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

WHY IS ALWAYS CHILLZ ON THE BREAK

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Man only joe is hitting shots=lose

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Can we please trade chilldress!!!

By drmaryb

March 12, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Doc

Ray’s diatribe stated that you were a retired vascular and trauma surgeon. Originally GFP stated you were and otrhopedist. So now, I am really confused. I think I saw somewhere in the blog that you do accupuncture? That’s a lot of ground to cover. I guess, Ray doesn’t what you do either.

He certainly has your back , that’s for sure, so I guess you don’t need a chiropracotr. ;o

I do not treat back pain, nor do I treat visceral symptoms. (my liscence doesn’t allow that) My scope of practice is very narrow, but with very broad implications.

I am a subluxation based chiropractor. When I remove subluxations along the spine and extremities (my speciality)- then the pain and visceral complaints go away. That relief of pain and symtoms is simply a positive side effect of what I really do.

I practice a very specific system called

Body By God - maximized livinig
Only ten practices in the country utilize this very specific system. It is a high volume system which allows us to see some 1,000 patients per week. We have a tremendous staff of team players that make it all possible.

We teach and educate our patients through work-shops and life coaching. We have some 65-70 employees total with 6 soon to be 7 locations. We have some 25 doctors through out the company.

We do not treat pain and symptoms, I am an old school chiropractor. We do not do ultra-sound, e-stim, hot paks, nor massage in our offices. I am strictly subluxation-based.

Oh yeah, we are also an Advanced Spinal Decompression Center. Our agressive DTS tables prevents 80% of many disc surgeries scheduled by MD’s

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

IM GETTING TIRED OF REFEREES

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Wow thats nice zaza is just handing them the ball, nice to see joe try to carry the hawks but noone else is contributing,

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

That should do it for Zaza. wtf!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Please can we get rid of the curse named ZAZA

By doc

March 12, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

cool stuff dmb, i dont treat symptoms but people come with symptoms. it is hard for someone to understand when i put a needle in the foot to allign the energetics to the shoulder. finally we are all one is where i come from and i have been saying over and over to you that i am closely alligned with what you do in some manner or means just not approaching it the same way. we will talk some more and as i said i have been to your personal profile and note yours is not on the big board for sprout yet. peace lady.

look fpr ando and jhan right behind the scorers table to the left of the tv screen where the visitors sit for hockey games. really close to the action.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Yah and marvin is not making wide open shots anymore

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

GUYS THIS IS A SPORTS BLOG we dont want to hear your personal life..

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Where the hell is marvin traviling to

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

PLEASE TAKE GOOFY OUT. OH MY GOD!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

OMG josh why didnt you dunk the ball

By preston

March 12, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

well, well……the early 10 point lead was nice…but it evoraporated quicker than a ball in josh smith’s hand on a fastbreak!!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Wow the ball is not even touching joes hands right now

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Can we please just give joe the ball and step out of the way

By corey

March 12, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

ZaZa is horrible….PLEASE FIRE MIKE WOODSON…..HIS ROTATION SUCKS…….THE TEAM HAS NO ENERGY AND DRIVE TO WIN. I WONDER WHAT THE OLD TIME HAWKS WHO ARE IN ATTENDANCE at tonight’s game THINK OF THESE BULLSH*T PLAYERS WE HAVE NOW……FIRE MIKE WOODSON. I am sick of looking at him…..

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

I think I might take Sheldon over Marvin right now. NO B******!

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Joe made a nice play, and the entire bench was clapping, EXCEPT ZAZA. Leave his a* on the bench, PLEASE!

By preston

March 12, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Steve Smith is has a name for everybody doesn’t he?…….Tyrone Lue was “the closer”,………Salim Stoudemire is “the sniper”……..now we find out that Joe Johnson is “the machine”. Maybe if he starts reading these blogs he will start calling Marvin Williams… “The Duck”.

By ray

March 12, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

drmaryb,

It’s all good. We’re not on the battle field anymore and that is all that matters. I only mentioned what my profession was because you asked what I did besides write little stories. Hell, I thought you were serious. A lot gets lost in translation when there are no faces, facial expressions, body language, tone pitch, color, and quality-doesn’t it? Just a bunch of personalities behind monitors and keyboards.

Like I was saying to your friend richbrave, I realize that the message I was sending (although admittedly with some acid to it) didn’t seem like much ado to me, it was how it was received that is important. Although long-winded (aren’t your eyes tired from that one), my latest effort proved to be more accurate and thereby more effective. Honestly, I didn’t know you were a chiropractor until after I’d said what I did. In effect, I spoke too soon. Don’t worry about my feathers, this Foghorn Leghorn doesn’t ruffle so easily. Trust me, I wasn’t upset at all. Just wanted to pull punches and try to right my wrongs.

But enough of my prattle….watching the game right now and wondering what is wrong with our “butterfingers brigade” - that is to say, Zaza and Marvin.

Is it just me or does Acie look good for a guy who’s been out? He really does have some good instincts and no doubt has been glued to Mike Bibby so he can learn some stuff. But what a low-scoring half…

One thing is for sure, we cannot afford to come out flat, because Houston is NO DOUBT thinking what all of our opponents think: “If we just hang on to the 3rd quarter, it will be alright”.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

WHERE are all the joe haters. Yoohoo without him we arent going anywhere

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

Well, I guess I’ll get ready for the SECOND HALF BLUES.

By drmaryb

March 12, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Hey By hawksfanfordawin

Then keep scrollin’

(In case you don’t know, we don’t know anyone on here personally - so to clear up misunderstandings we gotta do it here)

So, if you don’t like what you see? - Then do like everyone else - and:

Get your Scroll - On

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

I think we might have sent the wrong Williams to Sacremento. At least Shelly could come in and get a few rebounds and give a few hard fouls. Marvin is just taking up space. He’s taking minutes away from Mario and Richardson. For what?

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

LOL ok drmaryb

By preston

March 12, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

ray- what’s up dude….I just had a chace to read your blogs….been working a little late the past week, but…man, and I thought that I was funny……you have really messed me up with watching games now…..lol…..I can’t even take Rathburn seriously anymore, not that I did a whole lot to begin with……but the spider monkeys thing….lol…oh man……he actually looks like he is guilty of doing something like that…lol.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Marvin, marvin, marvin, cant even get a rebound…omg what a dunk

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

NO NO NO JOE withan air ball please dont be a sign

By mykhalc

March 12, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

3yrs and 63 games as a HC and WOODSON FINALLY makes a sensible coachin’ move!!! MARVIN gets in foul trouble and he puts in MARIO instead in CHILS for defense on TMAC!!!! i’m f’n speechless!!!

By preston

March 12, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

how many freakin times do we have to see our guys blow these easy layups when Bibby finds them down low????

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Joes starting to get cold, doesnt look so good, but guys are stepping up, time to give joe a breather woody!!!

By bravesfan79

March 12, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Ive been a Marvin hater for years…and said on this blog MANY MANY times over the past 2 years…. TRADE MARVIN WHILE U CAN GET SOMETHING FOR HIM!! Now were stuck with a player were paying high money for, and probably couldnt get a 2nd round pick for him!! If i was GM i would of packaged Marvin and another player for Crittention, or Jarrod Jack!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

CMON JOSH carry the team

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

CMON JOSH carry the team NO ZAZA

By bravesfan79

March 12, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Marvin Williams coming out of UNC was touted as possibly the next Jordan. The only thing Marvin and Jordan have in common is their both black! WTF were the Hawks thinking? i didnt know back then, and i shure as hell dont know now! Ive been calling him out since his rookie year, everyone on the blogs said (give him time, hes young) WELL have you seen enough yet to see hes just a goofy looking black dude that thinks hes alot better than he is??
Id rather have just about anyone on the floor than Marvin.
O by tha way… i see the hawks are playing my favorite team tonight, Go Rockets! BTW: for the record i was a HUGE hawks fan growing up until they traded Nique, man talk about crushing a kid in the middle of a playoff bound season! I still hate PeteBabsuckacock to this day!!

By ray

March 12, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

drmaryb, get your scroll on? Wahahahahahahaaaaa! I gotta remember that one…

preston, glad you’ve enjoyed it. Some of your funny stuff has inspired me to let mine out. Feel free to join in. Where ya been? The next headlines will be all Hawks and all about the current game vs. the Rockets.

Right now, JJ is what’s bothering me. Dude is keeping the ball nearly every time on the screen-and-roll…only he’s not converting hardly anything. On top of that, when he is passing the ball, it’s to everybody but Horford. Last I looked, Horford was hitting 18-footers and converting against fellow rook Louis Scola. Dammit man, give big Al the ball!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

WOW STILL no rest for joe johnson, i hate woody

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Why in the hell is Goofy and Pachulia back in the game?

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Man cmon bibby make your shots

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Lol zaza just cost us 3 points with that tech and offensive foul

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

MAN bibby missed the layup!!

By preston

March 12, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

surprisingly….the hawks have made it interesting….unfortunately, JJ is our only scoring threat tonight…and it looks like he is running out of gas. Ray- I been working a little later….been tired man……but I am gad to be back on the block here tonight…and I have actually enjoyed the game for a change.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Thats it game over turnover by bibby

By preston

March 12, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Mcgrady’s 3…..DAGGER!!!!!

By dakid

March 12, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

If I was Salim I would just slap Woody, no run after a good game against the Magic. Good game Josh, good game Joe. I know you are tired as heck. No rest at all. One problem with this team is they have one of the worse coach’s in NBA history. We have no identity. We should be running, but we don’t because coach won’t use the bench. Why not at end of first 3 periods rest the starters for a different look???

James Banks great points, but that guy is injury prone. He get’s hurt to much for us to depend on. Hopefully we can get another coaching staff in here where we can possibly develop a big man. He doesn’t have to be a star, just help on boards and post D. Also there was a James Banks that played with Nique at UGA, good player also, i’m kinda young, but my uncle talks about him all the time.

By Atl Flavor

March 12, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

A truly WASTED effort!!!! This game went South when Mario left the game. His defense needs to be on the floor. Woody please let this kid play till he drops!! I mean its like Marvin is playing like crap on purpose. He can help the team coming off the bench. Woody time for a shakeup!!!!

By mykhalc

March 12, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

lack of urgency by the HAWKS is THE dagger!!!

back to fishin”…

By bellefay1

March 12, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Well that was rather disgusting game.

“The intensity level was as high as any playoff game could possibly be”

Jerome post game.

Please…no more sunshine pumping, no more excuses, no more of whatever this is.

By cp

March 12, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Im done with Duck. I saw more hustle and energy out of our undrafted rookie(Mario West) than I have out of the guy we took second in the draft. Sit Duck down and start Mario because im tired of seeing him miss point blank shots and not get easy rebounds. The Hawks seem to only have 3 or 4 guys who seem to want to win the other guys are just out there and im sick of it. We got outhustled all night. They had second rounders and undrafted guys who played better than some of our lottery guys. I saw 4 guys show up tonight. JJ, Horford, Josh Smith, and Mario. Pachulia got a tech at a crucial time, Bibby with more careless turnovers, Duck doing nothing, guys missing point blank lay ups. I know we played a tough team but to have this many young guys and them not to come out with some type of energy is frustrating and im tired of seeing it night after night. I see this team missing the playoffs even with a weak schedule just because everyone does not seem to want it.

By Clyde

March 12, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

R.I.P to the 2007-2008 Atlanta Hawks

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By mykhalc

March 12, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

no matter how much we luv the HAWKS, we KNOW this is NOT a playoff team…REGARDLESS…PERIOD!!!!

By Luis Malave

March 12, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

No f!*$#@% heart!!!! Another close game we lose at the end. When you lose so many of these, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE PROBLEM? Forget the playoffs! We don’t deserve to make the playoffs. The Hawks won 32 games last season and for them to repeat that the have to go 6-12. With Woodson as coach, they don’t have a chance. He has been a cancer for this organization. Stupid decisions every night, the crossed arms and that stupid look in his face. When is ownership going to realize that Larry Drew can do a better job. Heck, anybody can do a better job. I am a major Hawks fan since ‘85, but I can sincerely say that I regret buying The NBA League Pass service. I think that ATL is the only team that has no games televised nationally and because of this I purchased NBA League Pass. I thought that this would be the year things change, but like all of you I am extremely dissapointed and extremely angry at this franchise. Fire the coach and who knows, we might make the playoffs, but I seriously doubt it.

By jami$$ion

March 12, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

i am extremely,upset,flustered,angry,& p** beyond comprehension.it is very frustrating to see the same thing night end and night out.it’s deja vu every time these guys play.and i’m tired of it to the point i need new treads.and if management refuses to do something about this.we the fans should.DOC do you think a petittion a work?could we do one over the internet & send it to the ASG?or better yet David Stern and vent our anger at this atrocious,disgusting,vomatious product that is being showcased to the league on a nightly basis.do you gentlemen and ladies think if we actually signed a petitionto Stern in favor of Belkin,to get this ownership situation settled that it will work?and how many of you would support this? Mike Woodson must be the object that we address to the spirit group .as they say in england off with his head.

By Dr. Dave

March 12, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Well one more game where the Hawks get outplayed by a team with less talent. When will the ASG realize that coach Woody NEVER gives his team an edge. When was the last time we saw the Hawks come out at halftime or down the stretch and make an adjustment that makes them play better? How come he never counters when another team makes an adjustment? The Hawks’ young players continue to lose confidence with the way they are being mishandled. Enough already!

By cp

March 12, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

I oompare Woodson with Gregg Knapp a lot but honestly Woodson might be worse than Knapp. This guy just does not get it. Mario was out there hustling his butt off getting rebounds and played great d on T Mac the one time he was on him so what does bonehad do, he puts West on Luther Head instead of letting Mario cover him the rest of the night. It was no need to let Joe or Josh Smith cover T mac. It takes a lot of energy out of JJ so around the 4th quarter he has no type of lift in his legs. It pulls Josh away from the rim which makes him less effective on the defensive end. Damn Woodson just let Mario be our Bruce Bowen. Let him guard the opposing teams best perimeter player so JJ wont be tired when the 4th quarter comes because we know you wont rest him. I mean seriously West cant be any worse than Duck aka the Invisible man. Im so ready for a new coaching staff that its not even funny.

By new jersey faithful

March 12, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

WHAT A JOKE!!!! Im not usually down on the Hawks, but they were bad 2nite!! Can JS be any worse on offense? He has no game! He misses at least 2 times a game when he right under the basket, and its the easiest lay in. Bibby stunk, and JJ couldnt make a basket in the 4th qt outside of 3 feet. MW couldnt make any big baskets as usual. The Rockets had the worse game and we couldnt beat them at their worst, thats really really really bad! THIS TEAMS INDENTITY IS TO GIVE THE BALL TO JOE JOHNSON,THATS IT, AND THAT ISNT WORKING!! TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT!!! FEED HORFORD THE BALL WHEN HE’S NOT FACING A 7 FOOTER!!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 12, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Looks like both philly and nets are going to win against playoff teams..

By Matt

March 12, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson gets less than 2.5 minutes of rest while being asked to guard T-Mac. Acie only gets 6 minutes of PT in a game where Bibby is struggling.

Fire Mike Woodson. Now.

By mykhalc

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

i really wonder what the hell the SASG sees when they watch this coach and team $uck up their chance to get to the playoffs!!???!!! maybe they see what i see, a team not worthy of the playoffs!! but i see an ownership group not worthy of ownin’ a franchise too!!! RIDICULOUS!!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

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

Exactly matt and t-mac played around 40 minutes. Woody is so stupid i swear.

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

CP3 has already put up 25 and 15 on the Spurs, while Goofy is somewhere ordering a hamburger.

By preston

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

It is absolutely amazing to me that this team upgraded its roster by adding Acie Law, Al Horford and a late addition in Mike Bibby, and we are no better than we were last year at this…..the hawks record at about this time last yr was 26-39, and we are 26-37 now??????….Mike Woodson is not taking this team ANYWHERE….this guy has been running the same plays, sticking to his same rotation, and has had the same demeanor for four yrs now, and has received the same results…..INSANITY!!!!!……this team should have matured and played with better consistency by now…….this is freakin’ridiculous….a complete debacle…….the “Woody Woodpecker show” has got to end right now…cancel it…terminate his contract and have a bonfire……burn the papers…the pen….burn his freakin’ office desk and chair, and get him outta here!!!!!

By cp

March 12, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Yea a smart coach would have had Mario guarding Tmac so JJ would not have to put forth so much energy on the defensive end thus hurting him on the offensive end. It seems clear to all of us but not the coach. How in the hell did Woodson get this job again? I know him and BK were boys and all but did BK owe him a favor for something back in their playing days?. The guy makes no adjustments what so ever. I was wondering if Woodson would sit JJ down with about 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter but I guess that would have made too sense. I have no faith in this ownership what so evr. Even if we get rid of The Woodpecker I just cant see this BASG bringing in a qualified coach. It sucks to be a Hawks fan.

By drmaryb

March 12, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Hey Doc

I know very little about accupuncture. I do know that is scientifically proven to be highly effective. I understand how a needle in the foot can affect the shoulder.

I have patients with cervicalgia and I go straight to the sacrum to begin my investigation. I feel and know that the sacrum is the foundation of the entire spine. If your foundation is not level the house will - list.

(The Leaning Tower of Pizzah’-sp)
- As I like to say!-

I love alternative thinking - especially when we all know that our Health Care System is Totally Flawed.

We’ve come to the point where we have to take our health in our own hands and become our own doctors. We are reduced to self-diagnosis and self-treatment and at times unfortunately self-medications (drugs and alcohol).

People are becoming wise to pharmaceuticals and deadly ineffective drugs that cause more harmful side effects than any real cure.

I understand that the power that made the body gave the body the power to heal itself. As long as, there is no interference along the neuro-pathways - then the life saving messages can be delivered and more importantly received by the end organ. Pretty powerful stuff - philosophically speaking, huh?

Every four years, (about this time), All we seem to hear about is -

Health Care Reform - to me it’s a joke and nothing more than political rhetoric! But the health care problem, however is - REAL!

So your best bet is to remain healthy and get well, so that you’re not forced to succomb to drugs and surgeries. Your chances of living a long and healthy life increases exponentially - when you do that!

I would live to experience accupuncture some day, it has always intrigued me!

About my web-site, I know, I realized that after about one week I got bumped from the top spot and I was assured that wouldn’t happen. I pay a lot to be in that #1 highlighted area. I just made a phone call the other day to my vendor to see why that is? He promised me otherwise. We’ll see - We’ll see.

Anyway, I’m glad everybody’s calm and all is well in Blue-Land!

The Hawks Lose - Again! I guess us and the Hawks better get our popcorn and cherry-cokes ready, it’s gonna be a long post season sittin’ at home and all. Looks like them’ playoff tickets will have to be refunded to all of us suckers who bought into this team!

By richbrave

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

drmaryb:

Thanks girl. You know I take you at face value. Whatever you’re laying down, then its cool with me. We’re all human. Uniquely talented individuals, but all wrapped in the humasn animal with the same basic instincts. I try not to put my values or conceits on others, but I fail most often to my chagrin. Lifes a gift, and this is paradise. Thanks for sharing a little bit of it with me. Same for all the others here.

Now the Hawks. Have they packed it in? Pretty dispirited posts tonight.

By drmaryb

March 12, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Hey should I sing the Thong-Song now? No girl - not tonight!

I am too tired, been 15 rounds with iron-mike the last 24 hours and I got nothing left in my tank - when it comes to describing how uncomfortable these Loses make me feel.

I feel numb, no more feelings, I’m too tired to pull it off and throw it into the stands right now! It has all been said before - nothing new to say about these home/road losses. I guess it’s more exciting to pick - fights than it is to watch the fightless, passionless HAWKS!

This team QUIT 2-weeks ago when they realized Woody ain’t going nowhere!

By terrell barron

March 12, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

We might as well start over and go young, AGAIN. Do we really want to pay Bibby 14 mill next year? Might as well hand over the reigns to Acie, and use that money for some inside help? Might as well let Joe go to a contender as well. This team isnt going anywhere. I dont even know if another coach is the answer. I know Woody sux, but we just dont have the right pieces in place. We have a PF(AL), AND A PG(ACIE). We need a true SF that can create off the dribble and has some range on the jumper, a true CENTER, (did you see us trying to get that rebound against Deke?) and a good COACH. Marvin is a waste, I love Smoove, but I just dont know where he fits. Its time for us to get rid of all of these tweeners in the offseason, and get us a CENTER, and a SF. We need to do like the Falcons, and just start over.

By Clyde

March 12, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

All this stuff yall are saying I said 2 years ago. Woody just doesn’t have what it takes. Its sad it took some of yall this long to realize it.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By ray

March 12, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Tonight in the Hawks news:

Invasion of the ButterFingers Brigade. Man, if these guys don’t start actually catching the ball and converting…what am I saying? 64 games into the season is way too late for that. I’m talking about guys like Marvin and Zaza. What is their deal? Marvin gets stripped more than governor Spitzer’s call girl! Zaza’s just as bad sometimes.

Speaking of Zaza, someone should be offering rewards for all of his frequent flopper miles he’s accumulated. Ever hear the term “slop-artist?” Well you’ve just met flop-artist. What’s worse? He usually doesn’t even have the ball in his possession when it happens!

Meanwhile Josh Smith is cleaning the glass more than a door-to-door Windex salesman. He did have another off shooting night, though.

What is with the Joe Johnson act? Yes, he scored a team-high 28. He went 9-25 doing it though, and it just wasn’t necessary. Al Horford is a source of offense, particularly on the pick and roll. He can hit that 18-footer. He set some perfect screens, and rolled toward the basket in pure text book fashion. Give him the damn ball! At least you know he’s not going to be overcome by a sudden case of fumblitis. There was just no need for Joe to keep working so hard, only to no avail.

Disappearing Acts. Where was Bibby’s sweet stroke? Where has all that offense gone? Where was Childress?

Anybody watch post game interviews and what not? I did, which I haven’t in a long time. Why? Because usually it consists of Jerome Jurenovich reminding Dominique in every other sentence that he’s a Hall of Famer. Jerome, stop it. Just stop it. We all know who Dominique is. And we know not to let him have anything to do with draft day. Remember, he’s the guy who said that Marvin was the kind of player who came along only once every ten years. Riiiiiight.

Meanwhile, yet another ASG conspiracy has been uncovered. For weeks, there have been questions about Josh Smith’s IQ. His propensity for using the word “uh” multiple times during post game interviews…is nothing more than an elaborate cover-up. Apparently, after each loss, Josh sounds off. Each time, the ASG has somebody dub in his words. Then the interview is presented via tape delay. One insider snuck into the locker room and witnessed the whole thing. The interview went like this (with words that were deleted or dubbed out in parenthesis).

Reporter: “Josh, describe how you feel about your team’s growth, Coach Woodson’s preparation for the game, and your chances at the playoffs.”

Josh: “Basically (I’ve been trying to tell you morons) coach Woodson has been running(the same stupid-a$$) plays that we should know by now (don’t f%#ing work!). As long as we execute (this idiot’s contract), we have a chance at winning. We rebounded well (for a team without a center) despite our (freakin’ obvious) size advantage (which the cheap-a$$ ASG has known about for some time). (Even) if we work really hard (we need New Jersey to lose *a lot so that) we can make the playoffs. It’s all on us (because we can’t rely on our coach), so we have to get it done.

Instead, this is the version WE get:

Josh: “Basically, uh..that we should know by now..uh..As long as we execute…uhh..we have a chance at winning. We rebounded well…uhh..despite our …uh..size advantage..uh..if we work really hard..uhh..we can make the playoffs. It’s all on us…uhhh…so we have to get it done.

You see? Rat b******* ASG spies! But anyway, that’s all for now….

By richbrave

March 12, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

drmaryb:

Don’t know, but I bet they play up to their potential on the 17th. Wiz are the team ahead of them in the standings.

The Wizards got K. Brown #1. He crapped out. Rather I should say the club ruined him. He was a millionaire at 17!! Then Etan Thomas, Jihidi White, and Brendon Haywood. Brendon’s FINALLY coming around to being an adequate #5. Point is the club began their rebuilding efforts while they were in the lottery by trying to get a great #5 first. Have the Hawks tried that route? If not, they must revisit the lottery and pick THE man who will lead them to the promised land. Start with the head and a body will follow IF management is doing its job. Some of what Mr. James Banks says is true. To me a better approach is to part with one, maybe two of your FAB FIVE and get a lottery pick for them. Get Roy Hibbert or an equally enthusiastic and earnest young man to go with Al Horford, and let the rest take care of itself. Which of the lower tier teams needs a Marvin Williams and/or a Joe Johnson?

By chris

March 12, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Joe played 45 minutes tonight. His legs are never fresh down the stretch. Woody should be demoted to the NBDL.

By ray

March 12, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Clyde, lay off the booze and go back to Rio. At least there they listen to your pseudo-Nastrodumba$$ stuff….as long as you’re paying them to that is. 2 years…What you’ve been saying is Fire Billy and Woody. You ain’t been saying who to hire or replace them with, I know that.

By McLovin

March 12, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Playoffs or bust…..

By drmaryb

March 12, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

Hey RichBrave

Good post up on here! I like your solutions driven responses. You always seem to have the cure for what ails!

I would hate to break up the not-so-fab-five until we’ve upgraded the Coach and the one glaring weakness! The #5 spot.

But, If we do get a Nellie type coach in here, I think this team can work. But, we got to get Bibby healthy before we blame him. (At least he is playing through his serious injury).

Barring a trade? We need a new direction at ht HC spot. I even like Larry Drew (why not?) it’s better than what we got going on.

Bottom Line If we don’t trade for a lottery pick (which I am against),then wer’e stuck with our team and we need a new HC.

Please no more project-kids with unlimited upside potential! I am tired of watching Dick Vitale’s Diaper-Dandies!

We Need -A FEW GOOD MEN! We Need -Real Man We Need -Veteran Role Players

e.g. Dikembe wagged his finger tonight and went home with a W agains his old team - And that, my friends is getting old. We could use a 55 year old finger wagger on our team too! So, Why Not Us?

By Tiger Woo

March 12, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Not impressed with Mike Bibby. Is this the player we traded 4 players to acquire? 3-12, 8 points in 41 minutes?

I’m tired of hearing about his so-called injured heel. We were better off with AJ running the show and T-Lue coming off the bench with clutch scoring.

We also traded the wrong big. I’d take Shelden over clumsy Zaza any day.

I hope Marvin plans to hit the weight room in the off-season or stay on the perimeter - he is embarassing when he tries to take it inside.

By drmaryb

March 12, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

When I see CLYDE?

I roll-it-up like Daunte Culpepper and:

I Get My Scroll-On

By Tiger Woo

March 12, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

Talk abour embarassing - the Hawks bench was 0-10 from the field in 44 minutes vs. Houston. 0 field goals for the entire game!

By drmaryb

March 13, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Did yall see that J-Smoove Stupid Dunk?

In the words of Martin Lawrence -

OOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEE!

That boy pulled up a chair, crossed his legs, changed his mind two times and Jammed that sucker. (ESPN - Highlight Factory)

* Don’t Fake The Funk On A Nasty Dunk* -by SHAQ-

By Clyde

March 13, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Ray how long have you been posting on this blog? Matter of fact how long have you been following the Hawks? I’ve been at this for a while and I don’t accept losing. I’m a Alabama football fan so championships are all I think about. So when I see the Hawks go year after year without making the playoffs I get heated. If you don’t like what I got to say ignore me. Ain’t nobody forcing you to read my posts. I never read yours. I just saw my name in your last one so I was forced to read.

But Anyway….When is this team going to stop going in circles? This year will be another 30 win season. Just like last year. To me this season was a complete waste of time. We made the exact same mistakes we made last year. Did we not take anything from last year? What makes Woody think the same plays from last year would magically work this year? Its insanity to keep doing the same thing over and over when you know good and well it don’t work.

We need change. We need new owners, a new GM, a new coach, new players (except Jsmooth and Solomon Jones), new scouts, a new dance team (I like women with big butts), a new PA announcer, a new DJ (we need more rap music at the games), new ushers, new everything. This organization needs to be purged from this losing spirit. Right now the Hawks just might be the saddest story in professional sports. When people think of sorry the Hawks might be the first thing that comes to peoples minds. At least the Dolphins have a draft pick this year. All we got is a hope and a prayer if that.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 13, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

I was at the game today, and about halfway through the 3rd quarter after another idiotic play some girl in my section yelled out “Zaza Sucks!” This was the highlight of the day for me. If teenage girls in the crowd can see this, surely Mike Woodson can too, and play Solomon Jones accordingly.

Marvin and Zaza are even worse in person than they are on TV.

Fire Woody.

By reese

March 13, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

What contributed to the hawks loss against Houston. 1) Giving up 22 offensive rebounds 2) The highest minutes played by a hawks bench player was 10 minutes 3) We allowed Houston to dictate the tempo of the game 4) We stopped double teaming Tracey McGrady down the stretch 5) Tracey McGrady played bad at the beginning and Joe Johnson played bad at the end 6) Woodson still thinks that Marvin Williams will produce in the 4th quarter on the offensive and defensive end of the floor. If only Marvin had the heart, hustle and compassion for the game as a Mario West. The kid just doesn’t get it. 7) Woodson gives up too early at the end of games. Houston is not a good free throw shooting team and woodson did not have his players to start fouling houston players. He did not have them pressure them full court or trap players as they crossed half court. He didn’t have any hawks players go to the basket strong to try and draw shooting fouls which would lead to scoring with the clock turned off.

By dakid

March 13, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

RAY that is some funny stuff.

Clyde Bammer fan huh, long couple of years. LOL. I’m a FSU fan so I can’t talk much, but we did get you this year, X-Lee off the bench. LOL. But I have to disagree with the only people that you are keeping, you would keep Smith over Big Al??? What position would you prefer Josh to play?? He isn’t a three right now, and Al is younger than him. And I would say that he has a better stroke than Josh also. But my final point is I understand you position’s on alot of things, but the amount of time someone blogs doesn’t mean that they aren’t a real fan. Shoot I have been reading this for at least 2 years, just never thought about posting.

By HB Ando

March 13, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

Rich, though I by no means intended to issue a challenge of loquaciousness, nor sought to self-aggrandize my thoughts via readily accessible components of the English language, I do appreciate your soliloquous response to my humble offering.

As I said, I do not hold you accountable for any intentional representation of “creepiness”, and felt I was clear in communicating my generalized perception of that issue, both specifically, as well as in a broader, philosophical sense.

Curiously enough, I am actually identified as the anti-paragon of the “genuine spirit of the Hawks’ fan”, with a wink to the insertion of the word “spirit” into your offering.

I am neither organized nor concise. Rather, I am joyless in my consistent and sadly accurate predictions of the ongoing failings of this organization. I have, repeatedly, been accused of being more interested in being right, than being a fan. Yet, at the end of the day, I have done nothing more than call them the way I see them.

And while it is not coincidental that I have been consistently accurate in my “negative” projections, there remains no joy in Mudville, as the Mighty Spirit/Billy has struck out.

Rich, we are not adversaries, and your post at 5:18 could not have been met with a bigger smile of respect.

As most of the “lifers”, here, have gradually concluded (though there remains a contingent of articulate dissenters), I don’t seek to define myself via this forum. And, had you been here for the 3+ years that what doc has characterized as “the liar’s table”, you likely would have, given your glibness, come to acknowledge that almost everyone here is a persona, rather than an actual, conclusive entity.

Everyone here has an agenda, whether it be an effort to genuinely, and definitively, outline themselves, or whether a choice has been made to utilize this forum as an unfettered opportunity to create a voice, or caricature, as I’ve always preferred, as a designation .

The truth is that almost no one, here, really knows anyone else (thought time and effort have generated some actual, human interaction, which creates a frame work for a more informed contemplation of the men, or women, behind the words).

So, we are left with the ongoing conundrum of how literally to take one another. We lack the context of the accountability which occurs when humans are required to express their blunt offerings face-to-face.

We struggle to accurately define the perceived intent of the words of others.

And, oh, while we’ve drifted well off track, with witticisms, professional turf wars, and always present offerings of participants who couldn’t have a lesser grasp on the finer points of basketball, our Hawks now stand at 26-38, unfathomably close to the 25-40 record they had at the same time last season.

We’ve added Horford, Law and Bibby, and allowed for a full calender year of supposed maturation, of Smith, Childress, Williams and Zaza (not to mention what should have been the expected growth of Mike Woodson, as a head coach).

This franchise exemplifies the notion of tractionless “wheel spinning”. Accountability has been circumvented by the fairy tale of rebuilding. And when Billy and Woody are released, this summer, we’ll be offered spin, again, as the existing roster is deconstructed, and expectations are redefined, with little to no acknowledgment that five years have been wasted, predictably.

One can only wonder where the pre-season voices, calling for anywhere from 41 to 50+ wins, have evaporated to.

The only thing more unfortunate than the current state of the Hawks is that a layman like me steadfastly predicted this ignominy back in 2005.

It remains challenging to understand how “professionals” with near-unlimited scouting resources, could have been so consistently wrong in their personnel decisions (not to mention the obvious ill-fit of the head coaching choice).

Billy Knight’s tenure, here, will always remind me of the story of “the emperor’s new clothes”.

When it’s all said and done, the juiciest question is which one of them, Billy or Isiah, had the best photographic hold over their respective employers. I suppose that one of these days, when both are finally displaced, YouTube will offer the ultimate choice.

One last thing that troubles me: I know I’ve been inconsistent in my participation here. But am I the only one who wonders where Flash is, as our formerly resident Wiz contributor, as near seamlessly, richbrave arrives, replacing (?) our old friend? Both are/were clearly articulate, and make prominent their affection for the DC squad.

Rich, what have you done with Flash? And what must we do to bring him back?

I miss Flash, and find drmaryb (nothing personal) an unsatisfactory replacement for the B-Ball Princess (as I’m quite certain doc would agree).

Ray, Bob Rathbun left a voicemail for my 9-pound Shih-Tsu. How much do spider monkey’s weigh, and should the wife and I be concerned?

By ray

March 13, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

Clyde, you were forced to read? Ahahaha! No my friend, force is what they use if you don’t listen when they tell you that you can’t sell those t-shirts inside Phillips Arena. You remember that, don’t you?

If you’re an Alabama fan, then you haven’t sniffed a championship anything since 1992. Used to winning championships? Yeah I guess so if it’s every 15 years or so. Oh, unless of course you count the gymnastics championship in 2002. Heh…my stomach hurts from laughing.

Yeah, you’re right we need new everything. The most likley thing we won’t get is new ownership. It’s just a tad more complicated than we tend to think (well, than some of us tend to think).

Um, how long have I been posting here? Over 3 years. But uhhh..you don’t read my posts, so you wouldn’t know that. I remember when Sekou started this blog and I decided to make a splash after observing for a while. How long have I been following the Hawks? Years. What’s your point? I remember when Dominique played for the Hawks. I remember the days when we had a real center. Several of them. I remember the lesser known guys like Andrew Lang. I remember the awful picks like Jon Koncak and Priest Lauderdale. Yecchhh. I remember Mookie. I remember Spudd before him. I remember my pops taking me to see the Hawks play the Charlotte Hornets when Muggsy Bogues, Grandmama (Larry Johnson), ‘Zo, J.R. Reid, Dell Curry and the fellas were on the court. I don’t like losing either.

I just am amused at your “I been sayin’ this fo 2 yeeaahs” comments. Hilarious. I hope didn’t feel forced to read this.

By ray

March 13, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

Reese, spot on my brother. Spot on. I think Woody knows he’s a dead duck anyway.

dakid, glad you started posting. Isn’t it fun? Most of the time, anyway.

By ray

March 13, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

Ando, you are flat out crazy. Leave it to you to say “much is lost in translation” with no less than 75-100 words, LOL! I take it you made it home safe, although you never did call during the third quarter. I know how it is though, so many drinks, so little time…heh heh!

By Matt

March 13, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this

Ray,

You’re my hero. If I ever win the lottery and buy the Hawks, you so are going to be running my press conferences.

That is all.

By HB Ando

March 13, 2008 1:50 AM | Link to this

Ray, apologies for not hitting you at half-time. We were thrown off our typical rhythm by the contributing presence of Dennis Scott.

I’ll hit you tomorrow. I’m pretty much in trouble for still being up…….

By Clyde

March 13, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this

Ray Ok your cool wit me. I know who you are now. How many time have you changed your name? We won’t get into that though. But Alabama has 12 National Championships. The Hawks have 0. St. Louis does not count.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Mac-Town

March 13, 2008 5:00 AM | Link to this

Why can’t we do this?

Give ZaZa’s minutes to Solomon Jones (he cant be any worse right? lets see what he has)

Give Marvin Squilliam’s minutes to Richardson (Richardson seems to have better touch/accuracy from OUTSIDE the arc than Marvin has from inside of it)

Give West more minutes (his hustle is what we need, and from what I’ve saw he CAN give you a little offense…one of the last times I saw him play he actually finished a drive to the hoop and got a chance at a three point play, when’s the last time you saw Marvin in that situation?)

Why not at least TRY this? It’s not like what we’re doing now is working anyway.

By Mac-Town

March 13, 2008 5:45 AM | Link to this

We’re lucky we dont have the record of the Knicks,T-Wolves,Grizzlies, and Heat.

It’s amazing that we actually CAN win a game. What team starts someone as useless as Marvin? What team has someone as useless as ZaZa being a KEY man off the bench?

Also Marvin and J. Smith dribble too much to have such poor ball handling. Marvin is 100% useless, but J. Smith is of course a great athlete. He’s best doing what he does..around the rim. He keeps trying to play a way thats not best for him (a lot of ball handling and jump shots)

We have the pieces to do better than we are, but we’re just not being coached correctly.

You know, I see several people say things like “What good is it for us to make the playoffs only to be smashed by the Celtics?”

I have always opposed those feelings, as I feel it would be a BIG step just for us to make the playoff. However on the other hand I’m slowly starting to see things from that side of the light, I mean, it will not look nice to be on the national stage for EVERY one to see what joke our coaching is, would it?

By richbrave

March 13, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

HB:

Cool dude. Wish I could make it to D.C. on the 17th and sitting with Darkryder and JohnT, identify myself in some symbolic way for those Hawks denizens who care to gaze upon my grizzled face. This blog experience is interesting. I have an obsessive nature which is currently satisfied by posting here. When the obsession wears off, I will no doubt move on(as I’m sure BA and others would wish). Perhaps FLASH has such an affliction, and having articulated in print all he cares to regarding the Hawks has done so. I have not seen him on the blogs in Washington. Perhaps, JohnT and Darkryder know him? At any rate, after slightly more than five weeks, I have journeyed from preaching patience to seeing an inevitable conclusion. As you have prophisied so well, change for the Hawks is acomin’. I just hope it occurs first around the ownership table. If not, results will be the same regardless of the changes wrought this summer.

By Truth

March 13, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

You know whats even more disgusting?

Watching other teams fighting for these final spots actually WIN big games. Chicago with the win over the Jazz at home. Philly over Detroit. Nets over Cleveland.

These teams are winning games over teams they SHOULD lose too. We cant even defeat the people would SHOULD beat, let alone the ones we shouldn’t.

By Dale

March 13, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Great posts last night everybody. Question, does this season represent the most disappointing season in Hawks history?

I think it does! A weak Eastern Conference + young maturing talent + 2 lottery picks + a major free agent acquisition, should equal more than 30 wins!

By preston

March 13, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

This is the most disapointing and frustrating season for me personally as a hawks fan…..simply for all of the reasons you sighted Dale and more. The fact that the core of this team has been together for soo long and has produced nothing is almost too perplexing to explain…..Josh Smith has made great strides as a player, but every night he still does things that make you cringe when you watch him play. Marvin Williams to date has got to be the most disapointing player on the team. This was supposed to be his breakout yr, he is the one that should be carrying this team…..the “potential”, and “upside” talk of his game has gotten old. Funny thing is JSmith has improved and develop better as a player than Marvin…….check out this scouting report on Marvin Williams in 2005 before the draft…. “This guy has tremendous potential… a real team player… already presents match up problems at the college level… can step out behind the arc and bury threes while also rebounding with the bigs underneath… not sure what his natural position will be in the NBA… does not have breakdown ability of T-Mac… hopefully something he can develop as he matures.” That was a piece from “College Hoops Net” 3 yrs ago, and it sounds like Marvin was actually a better player back then, than he is now! Joe Johnson is actually the one carrying this team, and as he goes…..so goes the Hawks. The problem is JJ fades in the 2nd half of games, and that is usually the Hawks undoing…..no one else on the team, besides Bibby, is capable of hitting big shots under pressure when the game is on the line……Bibby has not been consistent, but he has been hurt all yr…..but the guy is a baller no doubt. Mike Woodson is probaly the most culpable of all b/c this tam has been spinning their wheels with him as a coach….we have no direction, no identity, and no real offensive or defensive strategies that would distinguish us from a fly on the wall…..so yes Dale, for me this is probaly the most disapointing season that I can recall, but losing the playoff series 3-4 to the celtics in 1988, after taking a 3-2 lead was probaly the most painful.

By dakid

March 13, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Earlier in the year, before the trade, i used to wonder, why won’t we just play the bench we are down at least 10 in the 4th. Just to give the starters some rest?? No coach in the NBA plays only 7 guys. Lenny Wilkins used to do this to Mookie and Smitty. He is Lenny without the brush back and the wins. Woody is the problem. People want Larry Drew as possible coach, but assistants are usually the ones doing the development, working with the players one on one. I don’t want anyone but an outsider coaching this team. I don’t think any of our players have improved. Josh just got more minutes. His decision making is the same, body language the same. SoLo we really see so we don’t know. Marvin just received more minutes. Chills game is the same. Salim we don’t know cause he doesn’t get any time. Joe hasn’t improved, and before anyone says he is an All Star, I love Joe, and he did make team past 2 years, but he is only 26, and at 26 Kobe was still adding to his game. This coaching staff has stunted this team growth, and ASG allowed this to happen on there watch. We were told Josh Smith is a rising star, with an all court game. We were told that Joe was a point so no need for Paul, or Williams. We were told that Speedy was our point so no need for Roy, or Williams kid from New Jersey. That Shelden was even worthy of the Num 5 pick, and that he would solve our inside problems. That the reason we picked Acie over Crit was that Acie could shoot, but i haven’t seen him take but 10 jumpers all season, and teams sag off of him. Everyone needs to be gone, and if David Stern says something needs to be done in New York, why can’t he see the mess that ASG is in and make them sale the team. This is for the betterment of the Franchise.

By richbrave

March 13, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

dakid:

AND for the betterment of the NBA.

By preston

March 13, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

dakid- JSmith actually averaged 36.8 mpg last year, and he is at 35.4 mpg this yr, but his scoring is up this yr, so he isn’t necessarily looking better b/c he plays more…….like I said, he does make you want to throw things at the t.v. when you watch him play…..but I definately think that he has improved as a player….he just does things that he should not be doing as a player… like trying to dribble the ball up court in traffic on a fast break…..taking ill advised jump shots…and taking too many dribbles on the inside. But I do think that he has shown that he is more than a exciting dunker.

By ray

March 13, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Clyde, I know. Alabama has more championships than a lot of SEC teams. They’ve been pretty strong since 1925. The only “championships” you see in Atlanta are with the Braves. And those are mostly pennants. The Hawks stink. They’re in rebuild mode….again. This has got to stop somewhere.

preston, as you well know- Josh Smith suffers from lack of good leadership. Where can he turn to? JJ isn’t a leader, Bibby is more of a leader, but just how much of one remains to be seen. Woody can’t lead a thirsty horse to water. This guy should go back to assistant coaching. Seriously, it’s the lack of leadership at the head coach position that is the most harmful. It’s lacking at the head coach position (which directly affects the players) because at the highest levels…it’s lacking. A rudder-less ownership is the truest source of the lack of leadership. The only way this can be fixed is if they hire a competent GM and let him do his job.

But who can expect that when these guys clearly have major control issues? Their control issues are behind the break with Belkin. They’re behind the departure of former team president Bernie Mullin. And they’re behind the blocked moves that Knight has tried to make (including the ones we will never know about). Gearon basically came right out and said that they wanted to get more involved in the day-to-day details. Most of us call it micromanagement.

It’s one big circle. Gearon and whoever else had to surrender the team governor to Belkin because of his huge stake in the money (27% to be exact). They’ve hated it from the get go. Now, they have the chance at the control they’ve coveted all this time. The only question is whether or not they can do the right things with it.

By drmaryb

March 13, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Ando

DrMaryB is not here to replace anyone on this here BLOG. Especially anyone named: “B-Ball Princess?”

I will never be an (unsatisfactory replacement) for any loser on this BLOG Female or Otherwise.

B-Ball Princess Who is that?

If she was so great - Where is she now? Irrelevant as far as I am concerned. I don’t care who posts here, posted here, or who will post here in the future.

So, your little comment is nothing more than that. Eventually, I will no longer post here either.

AND O YEAH: I’ve never acknowledged your posts either (nothing personal) but your posts are quite dull and boring - So, Who Did You Replace?

Oh that’s right NOBODY!

As soon as RichBrave leaves, I’m gone too. To many cobwebs an spiders in the corners on here. Just talk sports and stop attacking people.

If you don’t like my posts?

Then Get Your Scroll On and Keep Scrollin’ ssssshhh! You don’t even have to say a word - because no one will notice I you leave too! Especially, not me!

By doc

March 13, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

richbrave did you see bradley’s article on patience?

By Clyde

March 13, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Clyde

March 13, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

Things has gotten so bad with the Hawks Sekou don’t even want to blog about them anymore. He says he’s tired but I believe he’s lost all hope in this team. Keep it real Sekou.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Fire Clyde

March 13, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Seriously, Clyde. Shut up. Just shut up. You’ve been sounding like an idiot nonstop for 2 days. You sound like such an arrogant jackass that I’m seriously starting to think you might have megalomania. Last summer you said we should have drafted Noah at 3. Even now that it’s clear that Billy was right (first time for everything) and you were wrong (first time…oh wait, that doesn’t apply here), you persist in sounding like an arrogant jerk by refusing to admit that Horford, who is a top ROTY contender, was the best possible player the Hawks could have gotten at #3.

And now you’re saying that Sekou is lying to us? Why? Just because it fits with your theory and will help you sell some t-shirts? It’s getting old, Clyde.

So please, for your sake and all our sakes - shut up.

By richbrave

March 13, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

doc:

What can I say doc? Live and learn, die and forget it all. One of my mothers’ faves. Nothings gonna’ change until management does. When someone more adroit at administration arrives Katy bar the door, my friend. There will be change from the front office on down. Just don’t throw away all of the body to get a great head.

drmaryb:

No worries lady. My addictions occasionally last a life-time.

By I.MUS WRITE

March 13, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

There has to be some kind of change this summer besides the obvious (Coach/GM). ……..Another loss in a game we should have won…. meanwhile Philly and N.J. beat 2 really good teams -go figure….. Coaching!!!- dam it- props to Mo Cheeks.

Here are your keepers- Acie,Al,JJ-and maybe Smoove. The rest of these guys are involved in sign and trades or just traded…

Josh- Can some one tell me what exactly he does besides block shots and dunk.The last few games I’ve been watchn him and Marvin really close…… O b4 I forget 22 rebounds means nuthn if you lose the game …..no moral victories

I wont even comment on Marvin…. but Smoove is a whole different animal. I think he is a good complimentary piece but not a # 2 or #3 scoring option……. I also wouldnt give him max money-I would try 6/60 million at the most or involve him in a sign and trade.

Josh -does’nt handle the ball well, he does’nt shoot well,he turns the ball over alot,plays average position D, Average quickness,Low B-Ball IQ…………… Iz this really the guy we want to give a max deal to…………….Ahm hell no!!!

I would do a sign and trade for a Artest or Gerald Wallace type.

Trade -Marvin for a mid first round pick or for Diop

Trade -ZAZA for a second rounder or whatever we could get.

Bibby -He’s a good Pg but if he opts out there is 14 million on the table. If this happens i would really try to get Devin Harris and have Acie back him up.

TOO MANY PEICES THAT DONT FIT…… Trade sum one or this team will be almost identical to this mess we have now……………………………………..Crickets Chirping

By dakid

March 13, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Preston he has gotten better, but no where the improvement that he should have. He went up in field goal% .04. 3% is the same. Reb went down .3. Assist up .3, Steals .2 Blocks .1, TURNOVERS .14, scoring .7. No marked improvement, his minutes only we down 1.4 minutes a game. Great raw talent, but when can we take the raw off?? Rudy Gaye is in his second year, made tremendous strides. They have similar talent. Josh better on d and inside, Rudy better on the wings, but you know what Memphis has, they have a coach in Iavaroni that was considered a great developer of young talent. He got credit for helping Boris Diaw, Amare, Leandro. We go young and hire a coach that coached under Larry Brown, who was known for what?? Not developing young talent. He would run his vet’s into the ground. I heard on NBA 411 that if Piston’s don’t make Finals, Flip is a goner, if so we need to snap him up. And before I hear that anyone could win with his talent, He Won with Timberwolves, and they had KG and a alot of players like me(meaning they suck).

By SalimFan

March 13, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

They Don’t utilize the talent that they have on their bench (J-Rich)and with acie back in actin my boi salim is gonna get snubbed.

By SalimFan

March 13, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

They Don’t utilize the talent that they have on their bench (J-Rich)and with acie back in actin my boi salim is gonna get snubbed.

By JudiasIscariat

March 13, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are on the verge of an explosion. I still say after seeing all the teams in the league that the Hawks have FAR AND AWAY THE BEST TALENT IN THE LEAGUE, without question. The only problem with the Hawks is that they think that they’re an expansion team and they believe in their minds that they are a poor team, so they likewise play like one.

By HB Ando

March 13, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Based on Forbes’ 2007 estimated franchise values, the Hawks and Thrashers are worth a combined $434 million. That does not include the value of the operating rights to Philips Arena. So, let’s just throw out $500 million as a rough estimate, for the sake of conversation. 27% of that is around $130 million. So the remaining Spirit has to cough that up, which seems fiscally unlikely, or they have to find a new partner to take Belkin’s place.

The only thing is, if you had that kind of money, and saw the way things have been handled by the Spirit, wouldn’t you want exactly the kind of control Belkin had, when they squeezed him out?

It will be interesting to see what kind of person, or entity, will invest that kind of money, yet take a limited management role, that seems to be the preference of the remaining Spirit group. Still seems to be all about the egos……

By Melvin

March 13, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

IMUS, I agree. Coach, GM and your list of keepable players. I would keep JSmoove in a heart beat. Maybe try to sign him to a 3 yr contract like Lebron,Melo and Dwade did. Maybe not for the Max (as if it’s my money away). Just like Preston and others have said. He needs better coaching. The kid plays hard and is a hard work. Compare what he did (workouts with Hakeem & Calvin Murphy) this past summer to what Marvin did(summer school). This kid has the desire to get better. I’m not ready to trade him just yet. I think he catches a lot unfair criticism, however outside the one incident with Woodson (like alot of other players have had). He has kept his nose clean. I think we should give him another 2yrs to mature and his performance over that time should determine whether he’s worthy to be a Hawk for life. Funny how many players he’s been compared to on this blog. Matrix, AK47 and Bo Outlaw (comeon). However, there may not be a player past or present that could impact the game the way he does. I just hope he develop like Gerald Wallace did. When Gearld came into the league (after 1 yr of college) he was very athletic with no shooting touch or ballhandling skills. After a few years sitting the bench in SAC town, he went to the Bobcats and quickly became the MAN. Now he’s taking defenders of the dribble and shooting 3’s (uh, making them too). I think JSmoove is trying to hard to prove that he’s more than just a dunker (I admire his effort) but with the right coach (anyone is better than Woody) he could develop into an All-Star. He has to learn how to play to his strength and develop more skills.

By HB Ando

March 13, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

See, here’s where the rubber meets the road. msmaryb (god forbid there’s an accredited clinical program that has bestowed upon you the legal designation of doctor), sometimes you throw something out there, just to test the comprehension, or, in your case, sanity, of an unknown quantity. Your fantasy paramour, richbrave, smoothly responded to my inquiries, letting me know he was, at worst, a peer, or, at best, humoring me. You, on the other hand, have reinforced every emerging theory about your lack of insight and sanity. One can only hope that within whatever multi-disciplinary health care setting you reside, there is a qualified mental health professional available. You’re increasingly irrational, and incoherent rants, lack both context, as well as contact, with terra firma. You appear about as nutty as a fruit cake.

And near daily, you add an additional, founding member, to your list of perceived persecutors. Folks like you rarely stay for very long. I doubt you’ll be much different. If you had come her intent on making valid points, and new friends, I have no doubt you would have found a comfortable place to hang.

But it’s pretty clear that we’re just the most recent stop, on tour of open forums, where you burn bridges as quickly as you can find them.

Who did I replace? The very question underscores your inevitable fate. I’m a cornerstone of the foundation here. I am Day 1, and ever since. I predicted “now” 3 years ago, while you still grapple with what “now” means, as it relates to the Hawks. The only question that exists is who will replace me (well, and, more importantly, who will replace Billy and Woody)?

And while the answer to the question remains unclear, it will clearly not be you. By challenging Doc, Ray and Ando, you’ve both chosen to go big, AND go home. And I have no doubt there’s a nice home awaiting you, if your not already housed somewhere…….

By Matt

March 13, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Damn…Clyde’s catching some flak during the past day. Can’t say I’m sad to see it, but I do think that everyone’s entitled to an off day now and then :).

By cp

March 13, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

The only thing that would even make watching these games worthwhile is if Woodson would at least try something different. I dont care if he sat half the starting lineup and brought in the bench guys and let them start. I would rather lose with guys out there hustling and giving it their all than guys just standing around and watching Joe do it all. I would love to see Mario, Solo, Richardson, Law , and Salim get more pt. Im pretty much done with Duck and Pachulia. You could sit those two near the guy who passes out gatorade and I wouldn’t care at all. The sad reality is that we will be still rebuilding next year and maybe the next few years if these owners dont get it together and get some real basketball people in here. At the end of the day the fans suffer because we try to support this team but man its so hard. I feel like giving up but Ive been supporting them so long It just would not feel right.I just want a change and I want it fast because its down right pathetic to see other teams who were in our position around the same time as us make themselves a better team in less time because they clearly have better owners and front office people. Im sick of the wait till next year crap. Turn this crap around and do it soon.

By ILL-logical

March 13, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

The only rational conclusion that i can come to is that Woody is being TOLD who to play and how long. Remember he is a 10+ year veteran of the NBA and he knows who can play and who can’t. Plus , his job is on the line-he cannot believe that ZaZa can contribute to his longivity. So, someone in the ASPG is calling the shots . Got to be

By Astro Joe

March 13, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Ando, 3 questions. Why hasn’t BK already been fired? Why are you convinced he won’t be extended (at least on a year-to-year basis until divorce is complete)? Why are you convinced that the ASG can hire a GM who can do better when they likely will have problems recruiting an experienced guru to work for them during the divorce proceedings (oh and while working with a bottom 5 payroll strucutre)?

By drmaryb

March 13, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Hey ANDO

Y A W N!

By cheese

March 13, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

FIRE ATLANTA SPIRIT GROUP!!! and let steve belkin own hawks and thrashers. these clowns dont know what they are doing. they are calling all the shots that billy knight and mike woodson are supposed to do.

By doc

March 13, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

well, it was a good night tonight … the hawks didnt lose.

By Melvin

March 13, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

If Josh C. would have invest the same amount of time in collecting points on the court like he collects shoes off the court then the Hawks would have clinch a playoff spot by now. They (Hawks) are in the middle of playing do or die basketball for a playoff spot and this pencil head (Jchill) is showing off his shoe collection. Pluhezzz… What about focusing on the Task at hand. And we wonder why they can’t win more games…

By jami$$ion

March 13, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

a doc i wrote u a kite last night. hu was mysteriously erased. i asked if we signed a petition to the spirit to fire woody would it work. and the second one to stern expressing our grieving in the ownership battle saying we support belkin. and by having the internet i think we can pull this off on the net.what u think?

By drmaryb

March 13, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

Hey RichBrave

I Just discovered a new blog and thought of you at Dave O’Brien’s Braves - Blog!

Great Posts over there - All Sports All the Time! Quite refreshing to just talk about the team you love and nothing else. Great way to escape from work! I thought of you because I know you love the braves and more importantly. We All Love - Winners!

Not as gloomy as these Losers over HERE at Phillips Arena

Winners - Win & Losers - Lose. I’m about all talked out about these SORRY LOSING HAWKS! Everything has been said to Ad-Nauseum The only thing left to do is repeat yourself and that’s getting TIRED

New-Drink! New-Topic! Fresh-Ideas! -just what the doctor ordered-

I’m ready for some FOOTBALL too!

Man we NEED A WINNER in this beautiful City. Atlanta deserves that! Too many successful people live here who can afford to support this team and fill that phillips arena.

(We just need a new HC and some motivated millionaires to play-hard night in and night out).

I sure hope the HAWKS make the Playoffs!

By richbrave

March 13, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

drmaryb:

Football? Now there’s a sport I once participated in. Saw Slingin’ Sammy Baugh’s last game in December 1952. Been a Redskins fan every since. DeAngelo Hall will probably become a Redskin. I know Snyder wnats him bad.

By richbrave

March 13, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

HB:

Yours of 4:13 p.m. Agree, agree, agree. Where’s Ted Turner when you need him?

By richbrave

March 13, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

drmaryb:

Looking forward to a last go round with the Braves here in Richmond. The team will have Charles Morton, Chuck James and many other great players. 42 years. Wow. It’s been a great ride.

By ruckus

March 13, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

I’M GONNA ASK MR. RAY’S PERMISSION IF HE WILL LET ME DO A VERSION OF THIS WEEK’S NEWS.

IN THIS WEEK’S NEWS

DRMARYB gets her azz whipped by the ANDO-MAN. Damn, I ain’t seen no pimp-slappin’ like that since Ike and Tina Turner!! Ando Man got straight rowdy on the WITCH DOCTOR B#TCH. See how she always goes to her boy richbrave but he ain’t tryin to help her out because he’s got sense like anybody else. She’s always talkin about how she don’t need anybody to fight here battles. Hell, nobody will because nobody wants that skank. Anybody calls themselves a cyberslut has GOT to be a skank. A doctor? Probably not, but a skank? Damn sure. Doesn’t prescribe drugs huh? What you gonna do with somebody who has cancer, tell them go do some spiritual yoga and try to feel better? Here have some skittles and a coke and a f’in smile? What kinda phony shiz is this. WITCH DOCTOR that’s what. Who da hell claims to be a doctor but don’t prescribe medicine and can’t tell you how they heal people. WITCH DOCTOR that’s who. And you call people here losers. You’re the loser and we can’t wait to lose you. So go lose yourself you crack smokin’ phony. Funny how your response is to yawn. Yeah I’d be tired too if I just got the breaks beat off of me. You had it comin’. Maybe you can go cyber sell yourself to the Hawk Hack I hear he has two dollars to spare.

By richbrave

March 13, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

The great soul that has shared my life for the past 43 years needs some chiropractic ministration to her back. So I’m off to provide needed relief. Night all.

By doc

March 13, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

ok, so we didnt win either, that is batting .500 for the night the way and optimist can look at it which is better than the .280 avg we have batted over the past 35 games. at this avg over the last 18 games that computes to 5 more wins; gee, that put us at …. 31 wins for the season. oooh, is that the same as last year? i am soo happy about that; patience right richbrave?

ken, why dont you tell the drmaryb come lately about the falcon blog. yeah, that’s the ticket, check it out and have real good time knocking some of those creatures off the blog with your powerful leopard print thong.

rich and i met over at the braves blog so he knows how good it is, recommend it highly but you might not like the music selections. remember, this is still preseason and i too can dream of a prefect braves season to bring back memories of 93 to 96 and get all excited myself. we had more than a few come through here on the hawks blog this year screaming at the top of their caps that this team was poised and guaranteed to win over 50 games since we had picked up two rookies to be the starters and bring this team up to speed and into the nba eastern finals. oops guess they disappeared that is the kool aide gang of bloggers.

it is all relative DMB.

gooo wiz!!!

By HB Ando

March 13, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Joe, my opinion is that firing Billy during this season, right after the Bibby acquisition, and while still in the playoff hunt, would negatively impact ticket sales for the remainder of the season. This is a logic you should be familiar with, since it’s been your position for some time that a broke-a* ASG is the root of all evil.

The answer to your second question, regarding an unlikely extension, lies in the fact that the ASG did not let Billy sacrifice Woody, to scapegoat his repeated failings as a GM. One could also say, less politely, that only a stubborn old goat, with his head up his a*, would even suggest that Billy will be extended, rather than fired. Now, I don’t necessarily choose to that ONE, buuuuuttttt……

Finally, in response to your third question, there never is, nor has there ever been, a lack of NBA “insiders”, those with repeated opportunities to either run, or coach, NBA franchises, who don’t believe that they could be the difference maker, if given the role, authority, and, most importantly, a multi-million dollar contract.

Kevin Loughery lives here in Atlanta, and he’s got the same kind of pedigree that the Fratello’s, Adelman’s, and a host of other old-schoolers possess, how much worse could he do? How much worse could anyone do than choosing Marvin over Paul and Williams, Shelden over Roy and Gay, Childress over Igoudala and Deng, and Salim over Monta Ellis?

Seriously, GENUINELY, HOW MUCH WORSE COULD ANYONE DO THAN BILLY KNIGHT?

Getting a new, more qualified, GM, is as simply as challenging the ego of a former success story, and offering him a five-year deal (see Jerry West).

A better head coach? Look at Houston and Orlando, and the hirings they made last off-season, and prattle on about no better options.

Finding an upgrade at GM and head coach is like playing pin-the-tail-on-the-Astro-Joe, blindfolded. Short of hiring Steven A. Smith, how much worse could you really do, if someone has any type of viable credibility around the league?

The bigger question, asked for years, and then resubmitted by Joe Johnson at the beginning of the season, is: what free agent, with a sound mind, and qualified representation, would be willing to sign here? And with no draft picks, how exactly does this roster get better next year?

And I’m quite certain that it was Astro Joe who advocated, consistently, allowing this team to develop organically.

So, here we sit, one year later, to the day, with absolutely no better record than last year, despite a full twelve months of “organic” development, of Marvin, Josh, Josh, Joe, Zaza, Salim AND Woody. And we’ve added, through sheer and utter ironic failure, of Billy Knight, Al Horford, who remains a legitimate contender for ROY (and the irony extends to the reality that if he was to win, and Billy had made the rather obvious, different draft decisions, on Paul and Roy, he would be the third straight Hawk to win Rookie of the Year).

We did add a $14 million/year PG, who, when combined with Law and Speedy give us $20 million, annually, in point guards, and bottom-ten production from the position.

Maybe you missed my post-trade, 11-game comparison of Bibby and Udrih, and observation that Udrih’s numbers are slightly better, while he makes 25 times less than Bibby ($560K). Wouldn’t have made more sense to trade Shelden for Udrih, with a Francisco Garcia throw-in, to make the salaries match?

Joe, I hope you find my efforts to specifically address your three questions, cluelessly rhetorical as they were, sufficient. Your recent decision, and accompanying post, to highlight your conscientious objection to interacting with me, was good policy.

You should have stuck to your guns, ignored my existence, and continued to delude yourself that you had either point or clue.

Now you’re just going to allow your blood pressure to rise, while fooling no one that you are indifferent to this never-ending difference of perspective.

Thanks for asking……..

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 14, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

This blog is a lot more interesting when every post is not the size of a textbook.

Please try to make your point in fewer words, to fit my attention span. Thank you.

By Matt

March 14, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

Ando -

re: Bibby vs. Beno… I don’t think anyone can fairly judge Bibby from the last 3 weeks. Dude’s been playing with an injured heel that Woodson has steadfastly refused to let him rest. And anyone who has ever played a sport where running and changing direction are part of the job description knows that any foot injury needs rest in order to heal. Bibby’s been getting progressively worse, I think, because he’s progressively aggravating that injury. Just sayin’.

By drmaryb

March 14, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

If drugs cured cancer? No one would have cancer!

By HB Ando

March 14, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

drmaryb, it’s either a tap out, or you’ve already taken your evening meds. Either way, it was over before you stepped into the ring. I take comfort in confidently knowing I haven’t caused any harm, as the gulf of disconnect, between you and your persona, is so broad that you’ll simply meander on (coincidence that I suggested this blog was just another, in an ongoing series of accessible forums, as you simultaneously encouraged richbrave to join you in moving on to the Braves’ blog?), misunderstood by the unwashed masses, who simply cannot fathom the depths of your intellect and insight.

Some where, over the rainbow, there is a blog where all will recognize, and revel in, your wonder. I am sorry that we, like so many before us, have failed you. It is our loss, without question, though we compound our loss by not even comprehending just how close we were, even for a moment, to touching greatness.

My (hate to speak for others)/our bad……………

Or, for a nominal initiation fee, and quite reasonable monthly dues, you can join the “I Hate Ando” 12-step group. As the name suggests, the first step is admitting you hate me. The other 11 steps are ill-defined, and inconsequential, as long as you regularly pay me, er, them, $19.95 a month. I hear it’s quite cathartic, and includes, at no extra charge, a dart board with my extremely handsome visage on it. Kind of hard to beat……………

By HB Ando

March 14, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

Wow, I thought I was done. But…..

Let’s just say that if drugs cured crazy, no one would be crazy.

Know what I’m sayin’?

By jami$$ion

March 14, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

IMUS dog i know u frustrated i am to.but i wouldn’t throw the towel in on these guys yet.talent wise that is.especially smoove & chills.other gms are salivating over them.they know we don’t have a coach to enhance these guys skills.nor a owner who will pay them.U think sac a hiesitate to give u artest for smoove.jordan a fly u out there to take wallace for him and bless you like a prophet.the newcoach will go 11 deep with basically the same team and make some noise.start solo bring mw hind al.west hind js

By HB Ando

March 14, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Matt, it’s a fair point. But if Sac thought Bibby was worth paying 25 times more than Beno, they wouldn’t have traded him for 3 has-beens and a never-will-be. It’s not so much about knocking Bibby, as it’s about questioning whether he brings anywhere near $14 million value. Injury or no……..

My thought is that it was a too little, too late, PR move, by a floundering, completely mis-run franchise, desperate to capture any revenues they can, before the general, largely unrefined, fan base of Atlanta, catches on to the fact that Billy Knight’s rebuilding has been an utter failure.

And we’re dead on course for a front office/head coaching overhaul, which will see us altering the make up of the existing roster in the next 18-24 months.

Bibby’s value to this team, as an expiring contract in ‘09, will far exceed his contributions on the court. And decisions like “how much is too much for Josh Smith”, and “is Joe Johnson willing to re-sing here, after the fiasco that has defined his tenure”, will only add to the uncertainty of the future roster make up.

Anyone who believes that they are looking at the core of the Hawks’ roster, for the next 5+ years, is deluding themselves. Take your top-seven Hawks, and know that at least 3 of them will be playing elsewhere at the beginning of the ‘09-‘10 season, if not well before.

We are not “almost there”. We are about to “start over”. Again.

By jami$$ion

March 14, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this

as much as i hate to say it ando u may be right.new gms are like presidents. they want their own pieces in the house. the new td(al horford) is the only untouchable.after that maybe josh or jj .one of them is gone.and my guess it’s jj. they’ll keep acie.unless they deal him for a sergio and a pick type deal.i’ll try to get oakafor this summer.a al oak smoove frontcourt a have us set for life.

By ray

March 14, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

Man, I come here to do my daily news thing and see I’ve been usurped.

ruckus, I think asking permission to do something means you ask first, then do it. In any case, you aren’t bothering me a bit, have at it. I do believe I’ve seen you here before, but not very often. By the way, not to put to fine a point on it, but you’ve kinda missed the fight already.

Well, unless you consider the fact that dmaryb has apparently begun sparring with the vigorously, viciously, verbose HB Ando. One thing is for sure, there will not be an olive branch offered in this boxing match….but there will likely be a white flag before long.

Well damn. I forgot what I was going to say. Ah well, perhaps next time.

If nothing else, we can sit back and watch tennis now that the obligatory Ando vs. Astro Joe match has come back (c’mon Joe, was it really ever gone? Lent must be over…LOL!)

Astro Joe, I have very good reason to believe Billy won’t be back. It’s just not something I can come right out and explain. Sound funny and vague? Yeah, I don’t blame you. I just can’t say right now, is all. As for whether or not I think the ASG is or will be competent in replacing GM and coach….maybe, just maybe these clowns can get it done if they’ve pulled their heads out of their butts long enough with the Belkin situation. And unless they re-hire Pete Babcock (or lure Chris Wallace away from Memphis, or try to hire Isaiah Thomas), I don’t see how they could do much worse. The biggest difference of course, will be how much actual authority and power is given to the GM. If they’re willing to let the guy do his job, it would probably get done better, you know?

Najeh, sorry. Some of us are long-winded. At least some of us know how to write (and use paragraph breaks). Well, I have to admit that I’ve been encouraged to use paragraph breaks in the distant past by my ol’ pal Ando. Used to be a good while back that I’d set the record for long paragraphs…

By BA

March 14, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this

How are chiropractors comparable to doctors or cops? They should sell snake oil in their lobbies! Chiropractor is just a notch above those asian “massage” parlors!

By Matt

March 14, 2008 2:49 AM | Link to this

Ando -

Fair point on Bibby’s salary. $14M is pretty steep. But you also know that means that he’ll be great trade bait over the offseason or going towards the next trade deadline since his contract is up in ‘09. In the crazy world of the NBA, having a $14M contract can actually give you flexibility!

In the meantime, having him around can’t hurt with the development of Acie and maybe even Salim. Lord knows that Woodson doesn’t know how to make them into legit PGs…

By Clyde

March 14, 2008 2:56 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

I predict another a$$ whippin’ tonight. If I’m right drmaryb can’t post for a week.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By drmaryb

March 14, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

“IT WAS ONCE SAID THAT IF YOU DON’T BUMP INTO THE DEVIL AT LEAST 2 OR 3 TIMES A DAY, 9 TIMES OUT OF 10 YOU ARE PROBABLY WALKING WITH HIM “

By richbrave

March 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

BA:

Dude, I thought you were all about the sports. What’s this commentary about chiropractic, man? I asked you a pertinant question earlier about an alternate center. Now another sports question. Do you feel that the current ownership mix that is the BASG should be bought out by an individual? I am postulating that the franchise will continue to suffer woefully until Belkin is gone and there can be further consolidation amongst the survivors. One person must have 50% of this franchise for the ASG to become a viable sports entity.

ASG Management. Who wants out?? Take your money and buy Gold futures. Its just hit $1000, and will be $2000 in three years.

By drmaryb

March 14, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

YAWN, Roll-Over & Back to Sleep

*Is that it? Nothing New? Surely that is not your best effort! Same old - Same old boring stuff. Both Sad & Truly Truly - Boring *

Home Schooling should really be looked at - It’s ain’t working - people.

Hate? Now that is a strong feeling and will never be expressed by me on a Sports Blog - Sorry (Your’e just not that important - just a lot of hot-air and much to do about nothing!

Ignorance, really is Bliss!

Now, back to Sports. The Hawks will probably not make the PLAYOFFS unless New Jersey and Chicago play worse. The team that really worries me is the Wizards! Great HC over there.

Off to expand my beautiful horizons - PEACE OUT…but rest assured, I’ll Be Back. HA HA HA HA HA ;0 ;0 ;o

By ericgrvs

March 14, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Let me tell you something guys: Mike Woodson says that we won’t make the playoffs if we don’t tighten up our defense. Well, he’s wrong; even if we tighten up our defense we will still miss the playoffs because we don’t have anyone, besides Joe Johnson, who can make a consistent outside shot. Marvin can’t shoot anymore, Josh Smith still thinks he can shoot, Bibby keeps hitting the front of the rim, and Woodson continues to keep his real shooters on the bench (Salim and Richardwson)while Marvin and Bibby continues to struggle with their outside shots. If Woodson is keeping Jeremy Richardson out of the game because he thinks Jeremy hasn’t learned his defensive assignments yet, we are in big trouble. The Hawks “will not” make the playoffs.

By doc

March 14, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

it is also said:”Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.”

• Victor Frankl

By drmaryb

March 14, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

I’ve been busier than a one-legged-man in a rump-kicking contest!

Kickin’ butt is hard work, you gotta pace yourself. I’m feeling like the PACE CAR at NASCAR. Now that’s a great sport - I love NASCAR. Gotta go find me a NASCAR BLOG next. Hell, why not join ‘em all and give ‘em all HELL!

It’s nice to totally beat up on faceless strangers and big bad chest thumping bullies - that’s the story of my life and what a fun life it is!

Hey, it works for me! Sign me up!

HA HA HA ;o ;o ;0 Life-Is-Good!

By drmaryb

March 14, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Hey RichBrave

Glad to see your’e awake - the BLOG world needs at least one more intelligent comment - pertaining to sports.

If I thought that BA person had one brain cell then maybe I would have responded to it. But in order to get inside a Library and read a book to educate yourself - you have to at least have a desire to learn something new!

I am looking at my favorite second team now the - WIZARDS - if the Hawks don’t make it I am definitely pullin’ for the Wizards to come out of the EAST an MAKE SOME NOISE in the playoffs. Gotta give props to the HC Isn’t that Eddie Jordan?

(He’s A Very Quiet Success)

By richbrave

March 14, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

drmaryb:

What’s a fan blog to do with no change eminant? Everything’s on hold until some control and direction are exerted at the top. Until then its just a waiting game, or a spinning wheels game, as one person said. Change for perception’s sake. Too bad - too sad. Go back to sleep, girl. I’ll nudge you if anything develops.

I did have one awful thought about the current results of games. Do you(or does anyone who sees the team regularly) feel that games are purposefully being mailed in? Is genuine effort still there? The Hawks are currently in the losers wafer, you know. Out of the playoffs AND the lottery. Could they be waiting to see if they qualify for the lottery then trade before the draft to secure a TOP 10 pick?

Go over to O’Brian’s blog when you’re well rested. I’ll post you up on Teixeira’s contract status and my thoughts. Shouldn’t clutter up this space with that information.

Gotta’ go for a walk, then over to the outpatient for the second half of my nuclear stress-test. Talk about Western medicine. If acupuncture or wholistic(sp?)-chiropractic can prevent what I’m in the middle of than I praise both you and doc. My oldest daughter swears by it, and at 38 she’s as healthy as a horse. Of course, so was I at 38. Later folks.

By I.MUS WRITE

March 14, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Melvin/Jamission - Im just frustrated right now……. Josh really should sign the 3 year deal like Bron and Wade…..that way we can see the maturation of his game……I keep forgetting he came straight outta high school and had to be taught alot. One thing i can say is that he plays with heart and goes hard 90% of the time. Now Marvin and ZAZA-they can get gone asap.

By drmaryb

March 14, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Good Morning Doc

Glad to see you are awake and well! It’s another beautiful day in Blog-Land!

If the stimulus is weak, the response will likewise be weak! But I must agree about the dead-time and dead-space between the responses.

Sometimes, though, when you consider the source - the best response is no response at all. I learned a long time ago to choose my battles very carefully.

But on a BLOG? These are not real issues nor do they rise anywhere near the level of a true battle.

The real battles lie in the real world. i.e. (War -vs- Peace, Starvation -vs- Plenty to Eat, Life -vs- Death) etc.

I was hoping this venue would simply be a break from all the heavy stuff!

But, as you can see - No place is Safe! Not even a faceless BLOG - Truly Sad ;(

By fudd21

March 14, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

IMUS I mostly agree with your post. I think JJ, AL are definitely keepers. I still have some reservations on AC and I like Chillz in the 6th man glue guy role. I think Josh is the key to us getting someone in here who can help. With so many team wanting/liking him we could do a sign and trade a get a good SF in here. I like the Wallace idea. Yes I would trade Josh for G Wallace in a heart beat and wouldn’t think twice about. If we could throw Marvin and ZaZa in there also and somehow get Oak that would be even better.

I agree with everyone that we do need a Big, but to get a big and move Josh to the 3 would be a huge mistake. We have to get a 3 that has the ability to shoot the 3 and take someone off the dribble. Like IMUS said a G Wallace type. Or maybe even RJ from Jersey, Miller or Gay from Grizz, Granger from Indy, Outlaw, heck we could even get iggy since Philly loves Smoove.

Melvin I wouldn’t really call it given up on him but more of he is what he is, a GREAT athlete with average basketball skills. Maybe with better coaching he want take as many bad shots, but the ball handling and shooting ability aren’t going to change with a different coach.

By doc

March 14, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

DMB, healing occurs between time and space as well, a certain achievable vibration. whether on a blog or in real life that vibration can be lost it is the vibration whether you consider it real or not.

as an example: “Physiologically, it simply doesn’t matter whether your anger is justified or not. The body doesn’t make moral judgements about feelings; it just responds.”

• Doc Childre and Howard Martin, HeartMath Solution

it doesnt matter if it is considered real or not, the brain cant tell the difference at the subcortical level. catch my drift?

hear the one about the guy who had two brain cells and one was inhibitory?

hope all is ok richie boy.

By drmaryb

March 14, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Hey RichB

MMMMH! Nuclear Test?

I am very familiar with that. I think it is a (BIA) Bio-Impedence Analysis.

It involves the field of Metagenics - if I am correct. I am currently doing a seminar on this and I love it. In the past, our offices have performed these examinations - quite sucessfully (currently we are working towards certification by the State of GA.)

Best Wishes with that & I hope you are well. (I really really mean that) I’ve got 40 years behind me, So, it’s time to tighten up and be more healthy, I would love to be around to spend some of that hard earned retirement money - if you know what I mean. I’ll post you up on Texeria at the other spot later today! I’m Ready to meet some new and fresh ideas!

I love Baseball. I love all sports - even LaCrosse too!

By I.MUS WRITE

March 14, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Whats with all the personal stuff…..Is’nt this a BASETBALL BLOG….. I mean Dam -no one cares about your profession………………………I will say this though- If any of yall are doctors or retirees then that means you had atleast 8 years of schooling……. With that said -how about some posts that we can actually understand…… The Cold war is over no need for Morse Code -put those educations to work…………….

YEAH CLYDE- keep talking Shyt homie i luv it!!!- Let me do you the honors “FIRE BILLY AND WOODY”

Before sumone slams me-Yeah I know -I can “Get My Scroll On” or just not read.

By doc

March 14, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

dmb, nuclear meidicine involves radio active particles going through the body and in most cases is for assessment of cardiac function though it has functions for other diagnostic info such as gallbladder dysfunction. bia invloves electrical current and the resistance to currents passed through the body. the former involves being nuked the latter involves being shocked …. mildly.

By dakid

March 14, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

IMUS LM@O, too funny.

By doc

March 14, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

imus there are certain things some folks are never going to understand no matter what language is used.

is there anything to be said about the hawks, even the beat writer has gone on hiatus without a whole lot of writing by the ajc to fill the void.

gee, how about this one, do you think the hawks are going to win their next game and why? most original though gets the under the bridge award. sorry, you cant be in it if you think they are going to lose because that is negative.

not long before any mention of the hawks is going to get the scroll response active

By Astro Joe

March 14, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Ando I asked a series of questions regarding the ownership angle because you continue to rant about GM as if no one had the ability to correct that problem.

This may be a matter of semantics, but in my opinion, not re-newing a contract is VERY different than firing someone. Van Gundy was not fired in Houston. Nor did he quit, technically. They just agreed to part company. The contract wasn’t renewed. So are you comfortable with BK leaving the Hawks in a matter comparable to the way Van Gundy left Houston? Without a pink slip involved? I’m not.

I think it is important to reflect whether or not these owners have the capacity to give us a winner. Replacing BK & Woody through the attrition of their contract does not suggest that they are actively managing the team. It says that they would prefer to be forced into a decision rather than force an action. (See Hossa deal at trade deadline). That is a big difference (at least to me). Let’s say they hire an Otis Smith-type GM and he uses a lottery pick on a player who won’t leave Europe, hires a coach who resigns in 48 hours and outbids himself by about $30M for a one-dimensional free agent. And without the luck of a ping-pong ball bounce, the team continues to suck. Do they wait until his contract expires before sending him away?

Lastly, if you believe that Woody is a bad coach, then I can’t understand the notion that the owners should not have fired him. To say that they retained him to keep BK and Woody linked is to say that they value image over winning. Likewise, I don’t understand the “casting Woody as scapegoat” theory. When Kupchak acquired Gasol, was he trying to save his job or do his job? When Paxton fired Skiles,was he casting him as the scape goat or was he trying to save the season? If a GM tries to fire a coach who almost is universally considered one of the very worse in the league, how is that scape-goating? And if that GM is also considered universally bad, how is allowing his contract to naturally expire a sign of pro-active management? Hell, at this point, even firing him would be a joke. Can he make a trade now? No. Can he sign a free agent for next season? That doesn’t start until 7/1, the day after his contract expires, so no. Can he draft a player? No draft picks. Other than ponder NBDL players for the next 18 games, what is afro-man doing these days? Firing him now impacts NOTHING! It is an utterly moot point.

By Astro Joe

March 14, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Ray, I don’t think BK will be back but I won’t fall out of my chair if he is. I agree, a new GM will only be successful if he is given the autonomy AND the resources. Could BK have done a better job of which 9 players on the team were on their rookie contract? Yes. But how many teams have 9 players on their rookie contracts? And I continue to point to Portland who even though the have a nice record, will spend another summer watching playoff basketball. Not because they didn’t draft well or because they have a bad coach. But because they are too freakin’ young right now. Ando talks about a balanced roster. Balancing is required both in terms of size and experience. If the Hornets don’t get very strong production from Peja in the playoffs (the only battled tested played in their top 5-6), then I expect that they will lose in the 1st round (unless they play T-MacShleprock in the playoffs).

Funny thing is, make a few small moves and we’re likely a decent team, with most of our core in tact. Acquire a rotational defensive center like Kwame or Diop (for a reasonable salary), sign a vet like Jarvis Hayes and S&T Chill for a gun-slinger like Cuttino Mobley and we have a deep team that is balanced with size and experience. Oh, of course, hire a real freakin’ coach.

Anyway, my guess is that our current assistant GM (Fitzsimmons) will likely get the call. He will be cheap and will likely take the job despite the ongoing divorce. And he won’t have to uproot his family while risking a termination letter from Belkin once the divorce is finished.

By drmaryb

March 14, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Hey Doc

True, True..I was of course taking it theoretically and outside the realm of phisiology. Did’nt want to use too much medical terminology on here, might be considered rude by laymen.

However, I do thrive on intellectual stimulation. The adjustment as you know occurs only when the joint is brought to tension with a proper vector or line of correction. I was taught that the adjustment can only occur within it’s

para-physiological space That is the only place a correction can be achieved. And, that my friend is where I LIVE That is where I do my best work.

My passion is tremendous for chiropractic, my Mom took me to a chiropractor at age 4 (late 60’s) back when chiropractors were called QUACKS.

I thank GOD my mom was a free-thinker and did not buy into the world’s ignorance. We avoided surgery back then and when I did have surgery at age 32 years, technology and science had come so far, that I was able to have a Top-Notch procuedure - which not only restored my physical health, but also allowed me to sell my house and quit my job at GE-Capital to become a chiropractor by age 40.

(A Life-Time dream of mine against all odds! The odds being, both physical health and world perception)

And, I will never apologize for that - in a million years. As, a second career I couldn’t be more happy!

I sure do catch your drift about vibrations - man that is powerful! I truly understand in that theoretically and I see it in my practices every day .

The spinothalamic tract (sensory for light touch, pressure) Gray Horns, Upper Motor Neurons and the lateral cortical tracts brings back fond memories of CNS and Gross Dissection.

MMMMHHH! These are just a few of my favorite things! AAAh Yes!

Post on Brother!

By I.MUS WRITE

March 14, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

DOC- With the current state of this franchise there really isnt much to blog about-especially after April 16 when JJ and the boi’s are cooln their heels at home.

With no draft picks on the horizion-I will be scrolling most of the summer. I was more so directing my last post twoards ………. Alright yall gon make me name names ha? Well here it iz…… DRMARYB

Im sorry but I cant understand what the hell she is sayn most of the time…. Kinda like broken English meets (Patwa- West Indian Dialect)……………….Dont act like im the only one….. Yall got on Jamission about his writing style but atleast i could read it…………Like I said before Put those degree’s to work.

Just for the record there is a big difference between being an actual doctor and answering the phone at a doctors office

Wins and losses ?????? PULEEZ im tuning in to see Horford,Bibby,Acie,and Super Mario

By I.MUS WRITE

March 14, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

DOC- With the current state of this franchise there really isnt much to blog about-especially after April 16 when JJ and the boi’s are cooln their heels at home.

With no draft picks on the horizion-I will be scrolling most of the summer. I was more so directing my last post twoards ………. Alright yall gon make me name names ha? Well here it iz…… DRMARYB

Im sorry but I cant understand what the hell she is sayn most of the time…. Kinda like broken English meets (Patwa- West Indian Dialect)……………….Dont act like im the only one….. Yall got on Jamission about his writing style but atleast i could read it…………Like I said before Put those degree’s to work.

Just for the record there is a big difference between being an actual doctor and answering the phone at a doctors office

Wins and losses ?????? PULEEZ im tuning in to see Horford,Bibby,Acie,and Super Mario

By drmaryb

March 14, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Doc

Thanks for the info: re: Nuclear Stress Test I am not familiar with that, It is not my training nor specialty. I don’t know anything about Rich’s health. So thanks for the education there. Sounds cool to me. (My upcoming seminar involves BIA which is also, new to me too, still learning about that too). Live, Grow and Learn is what I always say

Imus They solution to your problem is simple:

Keep Scrollin Whenever you see my name? That’s what you need to do. I have never had a post or comment for you! (nothing personal, I just don’t find your comments interesting)
So,whenever I see your handle?

I just step on the Gas! Try it - It works! I am simply responding to Doc’s post directed at me, never to the ones directed to others!

Y A W N ….Back to Work, Got to go pay some bills!

By I.MUS WRITE

March 14, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

DRMARYB- I could care less if you have any comments/posts for I. MUS WRITE…… He is gonna do his thing regardless. “I dont find your comments intresting”

Well to each his own…… Maybe you could explain to me what the hell Cheetah thongs have to do with basketball…….. Go ahead doctor i’ll wait

Let me help you mama -not a dam thang.the only reason people respond to your broken english is because you Came in with the Cheetah thong /sexxy talk …… and most men are gonna respond to that regardless of age -so keep on cybersluttn -DO U NEED A PIMP-

Maybe ol richbrave can show you to the track,and as far as me scrolling through your posts……. Catch up Dr. Ive been doing that for almost a month now……………..Like you said nothing personal, just write legibly for those who actually read your posts.

THIS IS BASKETBALL DAM IT “ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!!!!!!!

By Clyde

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

I will be at the game tonight with the Official FIRE BILLY AND WOODY t-shirt. Holla at me at the Jack Daniels bar at halftime. And oh yes I still predict another a$$ whippin’ tonight.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By doc

March 14, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

imus, i have already come to the conclusion and had the thought with no coach, no gm, no settlement, no draft pick and no hint of getting a real free agent big and a real live threat from the outside that i might be doing a lot of talking to myself as we know the outcome if they stand pat on this team and allow, sorry aj, only organic growth. hopefully you will continue to grace this space.

By Astro Joe

March 14, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Doc, yeah, that organic growth comment was clearly when I was delusional to think that our young players would get the watering, pruning and other basic nurturing required to grow. But as I wrote earlier this season, I have not seen any growth from anyone with the exception of Smith. All others appear to have grown mostly through more playing time and/or physical development. Woody and his staff have done pretty much nothing to take a player from one level to the next. And poor Zaza, he’s gone from a very solid 12/8 to being Este Batista. And there is little doubt that Salim will be Eddie House-like for a contender next season.

By Frack Clyde

March 14, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t Clyde told he can’t sell his t-shirts inside Phillips Arena? Ah well. I’ll start laughing when he gets forced out of the arena again.

By richbrave

March 14, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

doc:

The ol’ electro-shock will come later. Have to be fitted for a rubber mouthpiece first. That’s why right now I’m lettin’ my fingers do the talkin’.

BA has me pegged for that. Hey, BA I’m due to be re-admitted next week. They let me out for two months for good behavior, but I stopped taking my meds. You know what I’m sayin’. When you feel better, you’re no longer—-how shall I say it—-OFF is a kind word. You take care now and I’ll see you around. BTW, I see you’re taking some flak over at O’Brian’s blog. Comments like “Go Away” and “Shut up.” The sort of stuff I used to endure ‘till I went back on my meds. Just a tip.

By MannyT

March 14, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I see I missed a lot while gone. Between the censors/gremlins keeping out some posts and just taking some time off it looks like I missed the beginning of a great virtual reality show.

Imagine a Survivor like show where the bloggers are trapped in an arena (with office space) with the ASG organization. All sorts of twists and turns as BK refuses to talk,can’t renew his alliances, tries to put down the guy he brought in but fails. The ASG alliance says little, holds the power cards, but gets flanked by hockey fans. For a major twist, we bring in new athletes that play down to the local levels.

We get musical entertainment from all the folks that play in the arena, but they are the only ones that get to leave freely. Probably because I don’t see a music blog for folks to complain.

Ray, I need a writer—you’re hired if you’ll take virtual cash. I have to spend my real cash to:

1. Renew my season tix 2. Get psychological help for renewing them…and 3. Putting some serious vice items in that gone fishin’ bag #1 of mine if the Hawks don’t play .700 ball the rest of the way!

At least we care enough to blog. Some places aren’t nearly as interesting. Note number of comments

Thanks, all—I’m taking this act to Virtual Blog Hollywood!

Volman I’m moving out of 303 next season. I can’t justify $880 for those seats—but I will be there tonight in my DC AllStar Game cap.

By cp

March 14, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

What in the hell happened to this blog? Well tonight is a game we are supposed to be able to win but hell we were supposed to beat them last time and could not. Maybe more than 3 players will show up tonight and act like they want to win. Sit Duck and start Mario or Richardson.

By ray

March 14, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Today in the news

There is no dang news. No, really. You know things have gone to the crapper when the standing article is about Josh Childress’s shoe collection. What’s next, Zaza Pachulia’s collection of jeans? I’ll bet he’s proud of them, too…

I thought we were fighting for the playoffs? Why are we talking about shoes? For the record, sad as it makes me, I don’t hold out as much hope that we’ll make the playoffs as I used to. But SHOES?

You know what the problem is here. Sekou’s out on vacation, and the AJC just does NOT have a pinch-hitter that we’re aware of (or that they’re aware of). Usually right about this time, one or more of the three trolls smells an opportunity to committ grand theft blog. Yet, they are strangely silent. I guess they’re worried about violating their probation, it being near the end of the season and all. But let’s wait and see.

More evidence that things are just about over. The blog now consists of a large quantity of medical discussions. Not that we mind all that much, but when the finer details come into play, the rest of us are lost. Hey, why lie about it? However, there are the periodical interruptions of people who are unhappy about the fact that people sometimes discuss things other than sports on this blog.

Then there are those who retort that if they don’t like it, they can go elsewhere or ignore what they have to say. Only…the ones who keep saying that other people’s contributions are insignificant, irrelevant, or don’t matter…are generally the only ones replying consistently to the posts that are supposed to be insignificant, irrelevant, etc. I’m confused.

I mean, I thought ignoring something meant ignoring it, not replying to it every single damn time? I’d call it hypocrisy, but even hypocrisy makes more sense than this. Besides, it’s hard to call somebody a hypocrite unless you’ve never been a hypocrite your entire life. Not speaking for anybody else, but I know that doesn’t apply to me. By the way, this is fair warning: if you object to this observation, that will be taken as a clear indication that the shoe fits, if you get my drift. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.

So, if Sekou doesn’t make it back from vacation in the next 24-48 hours, let’s place bets on which Hawks player’s apparel will be featured in an article next? Zaza’s pants? How about Solomon’s socks? Josh Smith’s headbands? JJ’s t-shirts? Long as it doesn’t involve a leopard/cheetah thong collection (or any other type of thong collection), it’s up for grabs. If I could place a poll here, I would.

Oh, and Clyde predicts a butt whoopin’ tonight. Who are we playing anyway?

That’s all for now…and maybe for good. Unless something happens or somebody provokes me of course….heh heh.

By SalimFan

March 14, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Umm yeahh……….how bout everyone leave their personal stories to E! true hollyood. Although I commend you for getting a second degree. I’m having enough trouble gettin my first one.

Now lets talk some B-Ball. CP I hear you, but now we’ve got bibby so I think we’ll be all right. Not to mention tis time the hawks are rested and at home. I don’t beleive anyone on the team is going to let the OTHERER AL(less talented of couse)get off like he did last time.

We really need to watch out for Corey Magette though. Ever since he’s come back he’s been giviing teams trouble.

I also think that next year with a healthy Bibby and a new coach who knows how to properly use players we’ll be good from the start.

By richbrave

March 14, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Good luck tonight Hawks fans.

By SalimFan

March 14, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Also if we loose Salim this summer (Hope Not) We can just sighn Shannon Brown…

hey ray let’s not talk about zaza and his pants. Bob and Steve Worsip his fashon enough at the games TV lol.

By SalimFan

March 14, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

About our Big man situation. There are no good big men in free agency in this upcoming offseason. Other than Elson but he’s 31.

I think he hawks shoul lok to other markets for bigs. Anybody remeber Taylor Coppenrath from vermont? How about Luke Schensher of Georgia Tech?

These guys are still playing ball in other leauges and never got a fair shot at the NBA. I think it would be worthwhile for the hawks organization to look into acquiring players like that.

By Joe Bling

March 14, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

As a lifelong Tech fan, I love Luke Schensher, but I have a hard time seeing how a player like that would add any numbers to the Hawks’ win column. He ain’t NBA material.

Tonight’s game is pretty critical. If they lose tonight, the heat is going to get turned up pretty high.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 14, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

So… this game is not on TV?

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 14, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Luke Schenscher? Isn’t one Zaza enough? And even if they do add a big man what makes you think Woodson will play him? I seem to remember a guy named Solomon Jones who played for the Hawks a while back… oh wait, he’s still on the team? Wonder why he’s not getting any playing time?

Look, y’all can complain about the imbalanced roster, the many questionable decisions made by Billy Knight, the group of clowns we call an ownership group, but the fact still remains: WE ARE IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE. 75% of the teams in the East are close to as dysfunctional as the Hawks are. As imperfect as the current roster is, there’s no reason why the Hawks shouldn’t comfortably be a 6 seed, when you look at the equally imbalanced rosters and questionable front office decisions made by the Nets, Bulls, Pacers, and Sixers. The fact is if the Hawks had even an average head coach this would be a playoff team. Once again, THE HAWKS ARE IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE. You don’t need a winning record to make the playoffs!! If the Hawks can’t scrape together 35 wins with this roster, it is 100% on Mike Woodson.

By SalimFan

March 14, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Now i’m not talkin about a big man to come in and start. I love our starting roster we just need some serious defense from the 5 position coming off the bench. Like a Roy Hibbert from Georgetown.

We already have a good team and we just aquired two new offensive weapons in Bibby and J-Rich.

And Shencher Has to be good for something. He did play for a national championchip. Defensively he’s better than ZAZA.

By Astro Joe

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

Hawks up by 18 with 10 minutes left in 2nd quarter.

By hawksfanfordawin

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

Are you kidding me joe johnson, 6 threes on the third quarter!!!

By SalimFan

March 14, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Forget that, WHAT DID I TELL YOU? ACIE TOOK SALIMS MINUETS. HE HAS’T LEFT THE BENCH YET EVEN THOUGH WERE UP BY 30!

Das B******!!!!!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 14, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Can we please give joe a rest, we are already blowing this team out, so retarded

By hawksfanfordawin

March 14, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Woody needs to put in salim for joe, what a douchbag

By Joe Bling

March 14, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Hawks up 29 with 10 to go and Salim and Solomon haven’t scratched. Amazing.

By Chikara

March 14, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Hey Guys! Looks like the Hawks are taking control! It’s great to see them dominating an inferior opponent, even if it is the Clippers lol.

I don’t know if I should be happy or sad that we are still in the playoff race with a 27-38 record. OH well, you take what you can.

Here’s to beating the Knicks on Sunday! Great team effort tonight, let’s continue this momentum going into the last 17 games.

Hey, who’s going to the Wizards game in DC on Monday? Hope to see you guys there….Ciao ;) and GO HAWKS!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 14, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Take marvin out and put salim in you woodouch. You know whats funny, were blowing out the clippers and the clipper commentaters think that chicago is going to get the 8th spot

By hawksfanfordawin

March 14, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Salim has been so efficient and mature on his game for the past 5 games, and woody doesnt put him in, how does he excpect for him to produce consistantly when he doesnt get consistant playing time..

By Sautee

March 14, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Hey Clyde, which way were you predicting that whuppin’?

Doc - mighty fine quotes, especially the Heart-Math mention. I’m a believer.

DMB, Scroll now! I was amused by DMB’s comment on loving intellectual stimulation just after she mangled the spelling of physiology - and she’s a Doctor - see I used a capital D. Just funnin’ ya dmb.

Good win against a bad team. But can we win a road game now?

By hawksfanfordawin

March 14, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

WOW richardson sure is chucking up those threes.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 14, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Im dissapointed in solo, he couldve gone for that loose ball but he just stood there..

By SalimFan

March 14, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

WOW SALIM IS THE ONLY PLAYER WHO DIDN’T SEE ANY ACTION TONIGHT. THIS GUY HAS NO SOUL. WHAT A POMPOUS WINDBAG WOODON IS. SOLO HAD 3 POINTS BUT SALIM GETS NO PT???

I OFFICALLY HATE THIS GUY. I GUESS IT DOESN’T MATTER THOUGH. SALIM WILL BE IN PHEONIX NEXT SEASON ANYWAY.

SALIM MUST’VE FELT AWFUL SEEING EVRYBODY GET IN BUT HIM. THIS IS A NEW LOW FOR WOODSEN, TALK ABOUT HOLDING A GRUDGE.

By Joe Bling

March 14, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Joe was 7-for-8 on threes. But best of all, Josh went 10-15 from the floor, including 0-for-0 from three land. Hooray! That’s the best stat I’ve seen all year for Smoove. Amazing what this team could be if just a few things would happen, including Josh Smith learning to play within himself on the offensive end.

By ray

March 14, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

So, uh….I take it we won? I mean, I’ve since gotten over any leads the Hawks have through the first half or even the first 3 quarters. Game was on the tube tonight, and I can’t seem to get to NBA.com. Did we win? How about a recap and box score from somebody. Pleeeeease?

By richbrave

March 14, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

JOE BLING:

I believe your body(Hawks) of work is excellent. Its the head(BASG) that is MIA not Sekou.

By richbrave

March 14, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

ray:

Sorry man. Won’t have anything until tomorrow morning’s paper.

By ray

March 14, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

**Richbrave, it can’t be helped. Being at work sucks sometimes. Won’t be off duty ‘til 0600 hrs. Just got done with two traffic accidents. One involved two cranes. You DON’T want to know how that went…yeesh.

By SalimFan

March 14, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Here you go ray (from NBA.com)

*Johnson’s 21 Third-Quarter Points Lead Hawks Over Clippers By GEORGE HENRY Posted Mar 14 2008 11:02PM Print E-mail RSS Feeds E-News Sign Up Share on Facebook

Box Score Hawks Home Clippers Home Atlanta 117, L.A. Clippers 93

ATLANTA, March 14 (AP) — Joe Johnson scored 21 of his 28 points in the third quarter and Mike Bibby handed out 14 assists to help the Atlanta Hawks beat the Los Angeles Clippers 117-93 on Friday night.

Josh Smith added 25 points for the Hawks, who stopped a two-game losing streak and won for just the second time in eight games.

Tim Thomas and rookie Al Thornton each scored 18 points for Los Angeles, which has dropped two straight and 10 of 12.

The Clippers never came within single digits of the lead after Zaza Pachulia’s putback for Atlanta made it 30-19 late in the first quarter.

Leading the Hawks in scoring for the seventh straight game, Johnson surpassed 20 points for the 39th time this season. He was 7-for-9 from the field in the third quarter, including 6-for-6 on 3-point attempts.

The margin of victory was a season high for Atlanta.

Atlanta had 46 rebounds, 11 more than the Clippers, who were without center Chris Kaman, the NBA’s third-leading rebounder and shot blocker. Kaman missed his third straight game with a lower back injury.

With a 15-point lead at the end of the third quarter, Hawks coach Mike Woodson rested Bibby in the fourth. The ninth-year point guard finished with 14 points and helped the Hawks outscore the Clippers 41-20 in fast-break points.

Corey Maggette had 14 points for Los Angeles, but he was just 4-for-11 from the field.

Smush Parker, who signed as a free agent Wednesday after the Miami Heat waived him, drew a technical foul less than one minute after making his Clippers debut late in the third.

Notes: The Clippers fell to 1-21 on the road when starting the fourth quarter with a deficit. … Atlanta improved to 16-3 at home when beginning the fourth with a lead. … Since trading for Bibby last month, the Hawks are 5-10.*

By smartguy

March 14, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Woody sucks. He ought to be ashamed of himself for mismanaging the playing time tonight the way he did. Its a very scary thought that anyone could think he is even a decent head coach (Levenson, Gearon).

The only time we’re expected to win is playing at home against a really bad team. Great job, ASG, and great job Woody for doing more than asked.

FIRE WOODY

GEARON AND LEVENSON ARE CLOWNS!

By smartguy

March 14, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

ray, is it possible Woody was driving one of those cranes? No, no it must have been Gearon and Levenson, huh?

By drmaryb

March 14, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Hey RichB

Just got in from the game, I left early due to high winds. The Ga Dome is trashed and college basketball fans are stuck there, they can’t leave due to damage and assessments being made re: safety. Big Story.

Wow! what a great game. The bench was utilized for the first time all year, and it was phenomenal!

No starter played over 36 mins I believe. Mario West played 11:48 mins I think. It was an all around team effort and every one contributed.

Acie Law played about 23:50 mins. Solo got about 4:57. J-Rich got 12:11 but 0-points.
ZAZA got 20:08

Somebody Has got in Woody’s face and demanded some PT for that Bench. Because, finally a complete game.

Yeah I know it’s the Clippers - But hey wer’e the HAWKS and we’ll take whatever we can get.

Look at those stats, playing the bench makes everybody happy.

Bibby went 14 & 14 great job. Great Bench Play…I haven’t been this excited in a long time about my beloved HAWKS!

Hope your exam went well today - your’e the man! …Richie-B

By richbrave

March 14, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

SalimFan:

Look at tonight’d line man. My Wizards don’t stand a chance against these Hawks.

Update on Arenas. No play until practice produces no swelling or stiffness. Left unsaid was HOW MUCH of that was occuring after practice now. Evidently, some.

By Joe Bling

March 14, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

richbrave -

True dat. The head also includes the coach. Unlike many, I want him to succeed, and I believe he is capable. Just not getting it done.

By ray

March 15, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

SalimFan, thanks. You’re a scholar and a gentleman!

Joe Bling,are you talking about Eddie Jordan or Mike Woodson? I’d take Eddie just about any day. I’m sick of Mike…

By HB Ando

March 15, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

Over the years there have been periods, here, where there simply wasn’t much new to add. I remember the first time, and predicting that the regulars, who were counted on an average man’s fingers and toes, would, soon enough, engage in boredom-driven sniping, testy and personal. It didn’t take long.

Doc’s 2:25 post was succinct as it was redundant (no offense, old friend, but this you knew when you typed it). It was also the bottom line on this franchise, and it’s immediate future.

Continue to win one out of three, against fractured, or indifferent, opponents, with absolutely no real projective value on what the outcome means for the future.

Joe says, “Ando I asked a series of questions regarding the ownership angle because you continue to rant about GM as if no one had the ability to correct that problem.” We may now be in the dozens, as it relates to the number of times you have inaccurately paraphrased my opinions, in an effort to discredit them. I have consistently included both ownership and the head coach in my utter dissatisfaction with the franchise. Where I have dissented, from you, is the idea that Billy’s had his hands tied, and lacks accountability. I think it is, and has always been, BS. The very fact that you have finally acknowledged the folly of your theory of “meaningful improvement via organic growth (yes, I am paraphrasing), speaks for itself.

The financial implications of firings, mutual decisions to part ways, and failures/choices not to renew expiring contracts are, largely, semantic, and based more on accounting and market spin, than anything else.

I believe I already addressed a number of your retorts, by pointing to seemingly desperate efforts, by ownership, to maintain the public perception that this team is a legitimate playoff contender, right now, highlighted and reinforced by the acquisition of Bibby. I believe that firing Billy, or allowing Billy to fire Woody, undermines that marketing spin, which a cash-strapped ownership group cannot afford to do, while still seeking to sell every available, remaining seat, for this season.

It’s inconsequential whether Billy is fired, or simply “walks” away, at the end of this term. The rest of the league knows how poorly he has performed, from a personnel standpoint, and, our differing opinions (or not so differing) aside, how quickly he is handed another franchise, or IF he is handed another franchise, will ultimately determine how he is perceived, within the inner circle of the NBA.

I believe the fact that the Spirit did not allow him to fire Woody, speaks, nay screams, it’s sense of discontent with Billy’s performance.

Firing either, during the season, with the statistical, if not likely, possibility that the team can make the playoffs, tells the ticket-buying public that they’ve given up, have no hope, and are looking to start over. Again.

I don’t know how much more clearly I can make my position. I feel like I’m being extremely direct. If there is a specific point I have made, in this post, that you take issue with, then simply cut-and-paste it (rather than your persistent choice to para-phrase, and misrepresent my position) and I will direct my best efforts to clarify, or defend, that point.

Respectfully (you old goat),

Ando

By HB Ando

March 15, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

richbrave, you’re sandbagging your Wiz. I’m surprised your not offering a line on the outcome. This IS the same Wiz team that has beaten the Hornets, Raps and Lebron this month, no?

I’m really questioning an Arenas come back, this late, with the money that’s on the line if he opts out (which he will). Can he really risk a re-injury if he’s looking for max money?

By SalimFan

March 15, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

RichB: I’m sad to hear about Arenas but I defenatly won’t be when they play the hawks lol. We need that game more than they do next week. Butler is back though and he’s going to give the hawks enough trouble.

By Clyde

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

Its amazing how the storm hit downtown and we didn’t feel anything in Phillips. Or maybe it was the alcohol. And yes I predicted a a$$ whippin’. Good win tonight.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Matt

March 15, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

Did anyone else notice what JJ seemed to be doing tonight? He seemed to pace himself in the first half while Josh had the hot hand, and then turned the amp up to 11 in the 3rd quarter (which is when the Hawks usually collapse).

My interpretation: JJ knew that Woodson wouldn’t let him rest later, so he paced himself a bit to make sure he had enough left in the tank when the Hawks needed to put the game away.

Dude’s averaging over 29ppg over the past 7 games. Without him, we would have lost to the Heat, and the Clippers probably would have made it interesting down the stretch tonight.

I also hope that everyone else around here realizes that JJ is also a great man-to-man defender on the perimeter. Look at each of the last 6 games. With the exception of the game against Orlando (where Woodson inexplicably assigned him to guard Jameer Nelson), he’s held his man to under their average while averaging nearly 30ppm - he even kept T-Mac under control until the final 6 minutes against Houston. And no man can score 29 points and guard T-Mac for 40 minutes without running out of gas. Dude’s been superhuman.

I never thought I’d say this because I still tend to sympathize with coaches more than most, but I think Bibby and JJ are starting to mesh and take the joint reigns for this team. They are figuring out how to keep us in games.

Maybe, just maybe, they can sneak us into that 8 seed. Because Lord knows that Woodson won’t.

By SalimFan

March 15, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this

Amen to that

By DecDawg

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

Matt,

JJ has been on a scoring tear but I think you’re going little overboard here. He’s averaged over 20 attempts a game during this hot streak so he should deliver 29 pts/game. He’s still not scoring those points in a way most #1 options score points. He’s not driving to the basket and getting to the free throw line. He’s not posting up smaller defenders and taking advantage of his size on other 2-guards and drawing double teams in the post for easier baskets. This is how #1 options stop scoring runs by the other team. He’s talented enough to draw fouls and get the Hawks in the penalty but he doesn’t.

By Matt

March 15, 2008 2:44 AM | Link to this

DecDawg,

I’m not sure what NBA you’ve been watching for the past 30 years, but the one I’ve seen has included #1 scoring options coming in all shapes and sizes. Reggie Miller was the Pacers’ go-to guy throughout the 90’s, and his offensive style was very similar to JJ’s* - shoot when possible, drive when necessary. The Pacers did just fine. John Stockton and Jeff Hornacek were the top backcourt players for the late-90’s Jazz, and both of them preferred jumpers to drives.

And obviously your assessment is completely inapplicable to teams whose #1 scorers have been big men.

I agree that every championship team needs someone who can drive and score in the lane when necessary. But that guy doesn’t necessarily have to be the #1 scorer. The important thing for making sure you get enough points to win is that you have a guy who can give you 20-25 a night with his eyes shut (which JJ can do, and has done recently), and then surround him with complementary players.

Example 1: The Pacers surrounded Reggie with great big men (Smits and the Davises) so that teams would have to double down on the post, which ensured Reggie plenty of open looks from downtown. They reached their greatest heights when they got a second long-range sniper (Chris Mullin) who could make sure that teams paid if they doubled Reggie on the perimeter. [Lesson for Hawks: Get someone who can score at will on the low post to complement JJ.]

Example 2: The mid-90’s Rockets #1 scorer was Hakeem. They won their first title in no small part due to Vernon Maxwell, who could hit 3s all day, and Kenny Smith, who was deadly from downtown as well (40% lifetime). They scored lots of points by dumping the ball down to Hakeem, who would toss it to an open sniper when he got doubled. [Lesson for Hawks: Get someone who can score at will on the low post to complement JJ.. Sound familiar?]

Also, JJ is hardly inept off the dribble. He gets to the line plenty, and he’s much better moving with the ball than you seem to give him credit for.

Dude’s no MJ, and I never said he was, but lately he’s been a machine, and if he can find a way to play like this for 82 games, I’ll take him as my #1 scorer any day.

(* And no, I’m not saying JJ is as good as Miller or Stockton; only that his preference for jumpers over drives is not unique)

By Matt

March 15, 2008 2:49 AM | Link to this

One more thing - I realize, obviously, that the Mailman was the #1 scoring threat on the Jazz. My point by mentioning Stockton and Hornacek, which I forgot to make explicit, was that the Jazz’s two backcourt scorers (and also their two best players off the dribble) both scored most of their points by hitting jumpers whenever they got good looks. Nothing wrong with that.

By Cali OG

March 15, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this

A few comments from courtside: SalimFan, your boy wasn’t dressed out tonight…JJ and Bibby was meshin’ nicely with Bibby drawin’ double teams and finding JJ (who was unconcious) for open jumpers…Acie looks healthy and penetrated effectively while giving Bibby some rest…going to Marvin on the low block succeeded not once…Smoove got the “hook and the look” from Woody after another ill-advised jump shot…JChill was Mr. Versatility once again, and highlighted the night with a nasty crossover/thru the lane throwdown.

By DecDawg

March 15, 2008 3:20 AM | Link to this

Matt,

JJ has been on a scoring tear but I think you’re going little overboard here. He’s averaged over 20 attempts a game during this hot streak so he should deliver 29 pts/game. He’s still not scoring those points in a way most #1 options score points. He’s not driving to the basket and getting to the free throw line. He’s not posting up smaller defenders and taking advantage of his size on other 2-guards and drawing double teams in the post for easier baskets. This is how #1 options stop scoring runs by the other team. He’s talented enough to draw fouls and get the Hawks in the penalty but he doesn’t.

By DecDawg

March 15, 2008 3:39 AM | Link to this

Matt,

One thing you missed in your assessment is that the Mailman, Reggie Miller and Hakeem had an abundance of one thing JJ does not…and that’s a KILLER INSTINCT. The comparison of JJ to these players is an insult to their careers. JJ is a nice guy but you have to have the instinct to take over and make those around you better. JJ hasn’t made anyone on the Hawks better. If so, they would’ve won more than 28 games this season. I think he’s a very good player but we could win 28 games without JJ. A much better comparison for JJ is Michael Redd. Both can score but neither’s team is doing anything. And even Redd has more of a killer instinct than JJ.

If he’s so good off the dribble, why has Marvin Williams attempted more free throws when all the plays are called for JJ? He’s a jump shooter. Jump shooters are streaky and inconsistent. We need to call plays for other players and stop waiting on him to carry the team. As I said before, we can win 28 games without him.

And you mentioned defense, JJ has 9 blocks on the season and averages 1 steal per game. Defense is about effort and with any effort at all, a 6’7” SG can get more than 9 blocks in 60+ games. Not to mention, he NEVER shuts anyone down defensively. His guy usually scores as many points as he does.

By Author

March 15, 2008 3:43 AM | Link to this

Um…yo DecDawg. Any reason you posted the same thing twice in 2 hours? We ain’t got spammers here, have we?!?

By Matt

March 15, 2008 4:04 AM | Link to this

I’m not gonna waste much more time on you since you obviously didn’t read half of my post (including the part where I explicitly said I was NOT comparing JJ to Reggie or Stockton or anyone else), and since you apparently are so simple-minded that you think defense is all about blocks and steals.

Look at Bruce Bowen’s stat sheet, buddy - 0.3 bpg and 0.7 spg. And he’s the best perimeter defender in the league. You’ve joined Clyde in making a clown of yourself by saying “Defense = Blocks + Steals.” JJ doesn’t “shut[] anyone down defensively” because he’s always assigned to the best perimeter player on the opposing team - he’s almost never asked to guard a scrub - but he never lets his man run wild.

And finally, you obviously don’t pay attention to defensive assignments AND don’t watch Hawks games if you say JJ’s opponent usually scores as much as he does, because anyone who did either would know better.

Whatever. Done with you, fool.

By ray

March 15, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

Matt, very nice points. An excellent analysis. I see that you do not suffer fools lightly. This is a good thing. Better to stop trying to teach pigs to sing, eh?

By richbrave

March 15, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

HB:

Succinct per usual Mr. A. I was sandbagging the Wizards. They now have “tough juice” (CB)back although not at 100%. They will not go far in the playoffs, but the junior members of the team are growing under Jordan’s hand. I gather from practically ALL the posts here thats not the case with Mr. Woodson. Heck, even Petcherov has had a moment or two on the court. This from a man I have trashed regularly on this blog. It is obvious he is learning within a system and responding favorably.

And your observation regarding Arenas is well taken. Hence the move to Nick Young. Young will be an excellent NBA player, but he is not yet an Arenas. I suspect Grunfeld thinks he might approach Gil’s abilities someday, but honestly, who could ever capture GA’s charisma? He’s just a real, likable guy and I for one wish him all the best, and enough money to come here and buy out the ASG.

I seriously fear for Gilbert’s future in the NBA, and hope his career wherever he ends up is not shortened or diminished by this knee injury. But there is a forboding in the back of my mind created by the duplicate knee injury to LaVar Arrington. Medically, I don’t know how similar the injury was to Arenas’, but the way it has progressed “creeps” me out if you will.

By richbrave

March 15, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

ray:

No doubt, your finely tuned sense of humor is a wonderful defense mechanism which is a necessary adjunct of your line of work. Fortunately, you survive such incidents as the ones to which you allude, and share here with us some of the best tongue-in-cheek posts I have ever had the pleasure to read. My last thank you was incomplete. There should have been offered two salutes, one for doing your duty, and another for sharing your thoughts of mirth with us. Peace.

By richbrave

March 15, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

HB:

No offense, but you do me an injustice sir. I never offer lines. I leave such fool’s bets to others. I do my gambling with commodities, stocks and bonds.

By doc

March 15, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

matt a mighty tome there on the virtues of jj. i used to call him dwayne jr in his first year here and he has brought the only bit of stability to this organization. dont feel we would have gotten into double figures in wins the first year here without his presence if that affords a franchise some credibiilty.

with that said i have noticed a couple of things about his game that dont quite fit with superman and begin to give me pause to think he can ever go to the foul line consistently. he was a perimeter jump shooter with the suns with amare and marion down low in the lane and nash the slasher. he got lot of kick outs to the perimeter and he didnt have to depend on his ball skills which i dont think are that great after watching him for three years and why the experiment for him to play point failed so miserably. it is alo one of the reasons i argued for roy because his game was to go inside.

the fallacy of having jj go inside is he avoids contact with his signature in the lane shot, a fall away. it does two things that negate his effectiveness in the lane and again this is what he does on most attempts in the lane. the two problems i se consistently are that it takes him away from contact and it is all dependent on his accuracy or feel to get it over the rim. when bumped the least bit or when he is off, the accuracy isnt there. when that happens his effectiveness doesnt compare to the guy who takes it strong to the rim and finishes with bank shots, i think this explains his inconsistency, mind blowing lack of effectiveness in pressure situations at games end and why he doesnt make it to the stripe for the plus three or two attempts for fouls in the act of shooting. it also negates his overall game in that he is a pretty fair foul shooter.

again the compliment was roy who would have made lue and salim more effective because of his size when paired with either one and incontrollable when the two were on the court because roy is a lot smoother with the ball in the lane than jj. again the team was made with parts that dont fit well or mesh well or not coached up to speed. take your pick. it might be coming of age with bibby and maybe acie has “it”. at some polnt that has to translate into wins against a team that is only a shell of what it was last year and shows how narrow the window is in the nba. the clippers are also a reminder of what this hawks team can easily look like as the east coast clips if management isnt prudent and discerning.

By richbrave

March 15, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

doc;

I sadly have to say the ASG “isn’t” to use your word.

By DecDawg

March 15, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Matt,

It’s amazing that you can’t see the forest for the trees. I guess we have a case of the pot and kettle here because you didn’t read my statement that defense is all about effort. Defensive effort can lead to many things…blocks, steals, tough shots by the guy your guarding, holding a guy under his average and offensive fouls. NONE of these are ever included when discussing JJ’s defense. We have the worst perimeter defense in the league and our “leader” JJ plays perimeter defense. If he was half the defensive player you claim he is, we wouldn’t be the worst perimeter defense in the league because as our LEADER, his defense would inspire other perimeter defenders…and we know that’s not true.

You continue to mention JJ’s name in the same breath as guys he shouldn’t be mentioned with at this point (Reggie Miller, Hakeem, Bruce Bowen, etc.). If you really knew basketball, you would see that Bruce Bowen’s strength is ball denial and pressure defense on #1 options. He’s also very good at holding guys under the average when they play the Spurs. The combination of these EFFORTS are why he’s known as a great defender. So JJ is not a pressure defender, does not deny the ball, get blocks or steals and plays perimeter defense on the worst perimeter defense in the league and you say he’s a great perimeter defender? And you have the nerve to call someone a fool?

And please tell us all which #1 option JJ shut down this year because of his stellar defense and totally outplayed on offense. Matter of fact, give us all an example of JJ making a big defensive play when the game was on the line. Get over your man love and discuss the facts.

By G-thang

March 15, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

That was a shallow article about Josh Chidres’ shoes. I mean this guy has made the dream of a life time to play professional spoarts, and has the ability to impact alot of lives,through programs like Warrick Dunn, Peyton Manning, but your are noted for your sneaker collection. WOW!!

By doc

March 15, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

richie you okay bud?

By hawksfanfordawin

March 15, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Matt, dont waste your time with decdawg, i had the same problem with him, lol like what Ray said, you cant teach a pig to sing eh…

By DecDawg

March 15, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Matt,

Hawksfan had an issue because I wish discuss facts supported by details. He wasn’t able to do the same so he cowered. If you have trouble debating the facts, you should take the same approach. It’s not personal for me but if you wish to led by the incapable hawksfan, that’s on you.

By dakid

March 15, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Alot of people on this blog equate running around like a chicken with your head cut off(Josh Smith) as effort, or just because you can block shots a D. Joe needs to drive to basket more, but he is by FAR the best scoring option on this team. He gets doubled, i’ve never seen anyone else on this team that requires a double team. Several #1 scoring options have been jump shooters. Dirk is a jump shooter, got to finals, Ray Allen when he played for Bucks, but we don’t have anyone that can take pressure off of Joe that is a consistent #2.

Matt you made great points. Excellent post.

By SalimFan

March 15, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Doc: JJ was actually the backup PG when nash left the games when he was in pheonix if you remember. He would take the ball up the court and usually just did his crossover and hit his rid-range J. He rarely ever missed it back then probably b/c they gave him single to almost no coverage back then. Which is why the hawks thought that he could play point.

Joe is a great ball handler for his size.

I do agree that Joe doesn’t draw enough fouls. part of that has to be coaching though. Woody doesn’t know what he’s doing. One of the reasons the pistons team he was on if 04 was becaause the SG Rip Hamilton got to the line ALL the time. Woddsen should have informed joe a long time ago about hew to draw fouls. Espically since he was na NBA SG himself.

By BA

March 15, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

These blogs are too long and pompous. Using a lot of words doesn’t make you look any smarter. It’s like you guys are compensating for something. You all sound like Ando, crapping out of your mouths.

By cp

March 15, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

If this team is going to make the playoffs then Duck has to step up. I cant beieve im about to say this since I have been real critical of him lately but he is the X factor in my opinion. I feel that if he plays better this team will be better. We need him to be more consistent with his J to open up the floor. He is terrible at driving the ball and gets stripped on the low block more than anybody I have seen in the history of the game but he has to get it together and do it fast. These 9 point outtings are not helpfull. We need him to score a good 16 or 17 as the fourth option. Duck needs to wake up from whatever slumber he has been in lately and show this so called potential. I like what I saw out of Law last night. The kid can get in the paint anytime he wants but he has to work on that jumper. Pachulia actually had a good game last night. I dont know what got into him but hopefully he brings that type of intensity the rest of the season. Guy has to finish better though and stop looking for a foul.We have a bunch of winnable games coming up and we need to take care of buisness.

By drmaryb

March 15, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Hey G-Thang

Great Post, I was thinking the exact same thing about Josh’s 1,000 pair of nikes. I was like, so what, he endorses the shoes, It’s not like he paid one-dime for them, as a matter of fact it’s the opposite. He get’s paid to wear them!

Kind of Like when DeAngelo of the Falcons was showing off his black & white Bentley’s and the red hot Ferrari, the throw back Chevy muscle cars & etc. Meanwhile, his team was like 2-13 in the W/L column.

I was acutally offended, due tho the simple fact - So What, he has Gazillions of Dollars, his team is losing, he was fighting with Steve Smith (a class act by the way) to cost us a game due to poor sportsmanship and so, I was not impressed.

Meanwhile, the Warrick Dunn’s etc are out there sharing the love with those less fortunate. Good Post!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 15, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Lol, you see what i mean, he just wont quit

By DecDawg

March 15, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Right now i dont see the reason to keep Joe Johnson this offseason if the hawks lose in the first round,I’d rather have Mike Woodson because of his defensive qualities.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 15, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

DecDawg, you want one stop right, well how about the lakers game, when joe had to gaurd kobe in the end and caused him to go backcourt, after practically shutting down the best player in the league for the whole game, and managing to get 28 points.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 15, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Everyone knows you win championships with offense. As long as our guys can score, they do not have to play defense.

By hawksfan....

March 15, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Hahahaha DecDawg you are funny, i dont know why youre using my username but why dont you respond to my previous post of when joe stopped kobe.

By DecDawg

March 15, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Hawksfan,

I have to give you that one. Kobe finished with 11 pts. in that game. JJ led us to the win as Horford was a beast that night. I have to give him credit for that.

But you do understand that JJ has “led” us to a 5-14 record since, don’t you?

By DecDawg

March 15, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Using your username? Okay…I guess someone is having fun at our expense because that is happening to me too (4:26 pm post).

By hawksfanfordawin

March 15, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

And that was right about the time when mike bibby came, you have to excpect the learning curve, although there were a few games that we let go, and also realize that we faced some brutal teams during that stretch.

By doc

March 15, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

ba are you the one running around with two brain cells one inhibitory and the other a spirocete? arent you the anti-intellectual, keep it simple and to the point, eh bud?

all you have to do is limit what you read if it is too taxing on the spirocete. if it is longer than three sentences just do the scroll thing, that is if you can count to three. you know the number after two. heh heh kidding dude.

yeah, jj was a stud that night on kobe who was still smarting from his hand injury that anyone else would have had operated on.

By Joe Bling

March 15, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

DecDawg - Your criticism of Joe is thin. You could take any “leader” of any team in the league (Kobe excepted, perhaps) and find some flaws in their game. The points of your criticism are mostly accurate, but they lead to a false conclusion. If you had watched the Hawks last season you would have seen a player who was every bit the dynamic leader you covet. He carried the team in every possible way, and he played with a ton of heart. Not to mention he was Mr. Clutch, winning several games with big shots and keeping the Hawks in other games they had not business being in.

Joe’s had a down year. His head has been somewhere else most of the season, or he’s just been worn out. Isn’t that obvious? The last few games he seems to have stepped up and is starting to look more like the old Joe. I don’t care if he doesn’t draw contact, as long as the shot goes in. If he can get it back together, and Josh Smith can learn to stay under control and not hurt us on offense, this team can be pretty impressive. I’m not putting too much stock into a win over the decimated Clippers, but the facts that Joe seems to have turned a corner and Josh turned in a big game (no three attempts!), are encouraging.

By Steve T

March 15, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Here is what the Hawks need to get in the play-offs. First of all, the trade for Bibby has helped JJ elveted his game. This a plus for the Hawks because JJ will average 25 - 30 points a game.

Now Smith needs to get his scoring going to help build JJ out. Marvin needs to flash that form he had early this season. If he can do that, then the Hawks will make a run for the sixth spot in the east.

Chill has to continue to play big. He is the man that make the bench fair which leads me to Zaza. I was so excite when we drafted AL. I was thinking that now Zaza will becoming off the bench and he should have his way with most second team centers. However this has not been the case, it seems like he plays down to the second teamers. Zaza looked good his first year with the Hawks and he needs to flash some of that in this last remaining games. Finally, can Mario develop some offense. If he does, then the Hawks will get past the first rounds.

By ray

March 15, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Damn Joe Bling, you laid that one down as tight as it could be. We may differ on some other subjects, but that was tight.

By richbrave

March 15, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

doc;

Had a virus attack which temporarily stopped my ability to post. AVG healed the AJC file and I now find I am able to communicate once again much to BA’s chagrin.

No worries about health. Thanks for the regard and concern.

By richbrave

March 15, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

ray:

Speaking of regard and concern. Is everyone in Atlanta well tonight? Ray, I know you must be busier than a one-armed paper-hanger. Trusting all bloggers and those in their lives are well and safe this evening.

drmaryb:

I just missed your post last night. Your experience appeared to shake you a bit. Today’s news brought the reality of why home to me. Be safe.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 15, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

WOW thats all i can say, 76’s just beat the defending champs. Its going to be hard to beat them.. their playing like a team

By hawksfanfordawin

March 15, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

And the nets beat the jazz, unbelievable…

By g-thang

March 15, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Steve T I would stop after that 3rd drink. The Hawks vying for a 6th spot? We are teetering between 8th and 9th spot, nightly. And if Mario gets some offense going, we will make it out of the 1st round? Dude, if we make the playoffs we will be playing Detroit, Boston, or Orlando over a 7 game stretch. I don’t think that this coach can win 4-out-of 7 from either of these teams. We have won only 5 road games this year.

By BA

March 16, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

Hey “doc”, scroll this…

By Matt

March 16, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this

If the Hawks make the playoffs this year, it’s gonna be because we have an insanely easy schedule. I know there was a piece on that point last week, but damn…

We only have 5 games left against teams with winning records. Only one of those is on the road.

AND that’s against a team (WAS) that is only 1 game above .500 AND the only reason they’re not 1 game below .500 is because they beat the Clippers today…at home. AND they had to go to OT to get it. AND they only made it to OT because Cuttino Mobley made the amazingly retarded move of fouling a guy who was shooting a 3-pointer when his team was up by 3 with 2 seconds left in the game.

Yup. That’s our toughest opponent during the next 3 weeks. A team that just barely stumbled into a winning record.

I won’t be surprised either way. But unless the Hawks go 13-4 the rest of the way, they’ll hardly have earned it.

By richbrave

March 16, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

MATT:

Thanks for the accurate synopsis of the game played by my Wizards man. Your Hawks are gonna’ give us a go because you match up well with DC. Then the Hawks will sweep through the rest of the season like a company of determined Army Rangers. Of course we know you’re back there just behind us in the standings. Eddie J’s mindful of that fact even if some of these rookies aren’t. Good Luck. I wish I could journey to the phone-booth (Wizards-Cincom center)to see it.

LINE-UPS:

ZZ vs. HAYWOOD

HORFORD vs. JAMISON

SMITH vs. BUTLER

JOHNSON vs. STEVENSON

BIBBY vs. DANIELS

I’ll be playing close attention with hopefully no distractions. Get you game on Matt.

Here’s how I see it. You tell me where you disagree.

ZZ vs. Haywood: Haywood’s on fire against any, but the best centers in the league, but absolutely disappears against Howard or his ilk. Brendon’s not very agile so he has to be fed in most cases on offense, and he tires easily on defense. If the Hawks deny the ball inside, he’ll have a long night, and be rested for long periods with Andray Blatche taking his place. Blatche is agile, but wirey not beefy like Haywood and can be moved off the block both offensively and defensively. A 21 year old THREE year veteran, he brings a game at 6’11” with quick hands and exteamely long arms. He is steadily developing into a poor man’s Horford-type ‘tween #4 and #5. The third option at #5 has been Darius Songaila who has found his traction at #4. An excellent passer, fair rebounder, and good shooter at 6”9’ 240 he has moderate to slow movement defensively but anticipates well and therefore plays fair interior defense even against stronger #4 like Horford. Fourth option is rookie Dominic McGuire a 6’8” 235 defensive specialist who has excellent rebounding skills. He aspires to be a larger Caron Butler, but is too slow afoot and unskilled as yet to be any type of a factor at #3 so Eddie uses what he has and gives him a few minutes in situations where rebounding is called for throughout the game. Petcherov is option five inside at any of the #3-#5 positions. He is not ready for the NBA game and is currently nursing an injury. In most cases he is used to take his man outside to open up the middle for the others. Good outside shooter but hasn’t yet found the confidence to drop it with any consistancy. He’s had a moment or two where I see potential and is progressing, but not by game-time with the Hawks. Questionable for this game.

Jamison at #4 brings a power offensive and defensive presence to the interior, but Horford will have the advantrage inside. Outside Jamison can score buckets in handfuls when he’s on, but often in the .300-,400% range eating up possessions to no advantage for the Wiz. When he’s cold he continues to fire away with a shooters mentality and weakens the team both offensively and defensively. He is a fair-good defensive presence and gets rebounds at a 10.3 per pace.

Butler you know about. Smart,quick tough, currently playing his way back into shape after a serious injury. He and Smith are equals in my mind. I’ll finish the rest if you care to read about them.

By cp

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

This Knicks game should be a very winnable game. I hope the guy come out focused and play with intensity. Now this is not about the Hawks but rather the Falcons. They can’t be serious about trading our best cb for a second rounder and some 6th rounders. This team might be very hard to watch this upcoming season. Smh man I don’t know what to say about the Falcons anymore. GO Hawks

By ray

March 16, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

RichBrave, I’m down in Savannah, which is basically our version of Mardi Gras during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Fortunately for me this year, I’ve been busier staying away from the madness than I have working in it. It’s all good though, I’ll be back to the grind in a few days.

Matt, again…good points.

Doc, apparently BA stands for more than just Bachelor of Arts. How about blog agitator/aggravator or maybe it’s just dyslexia…meant to be AB instead (as in a$$ bandit?). Yes, I know I shouldn’t take it to that level, by the alcohol content in my blood at this moment says otherwise. Or at least that’s the story I’m sticking to…

By richbrave

March 16, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

ray:

Blow it up man. Kill some brain cells. Sounds like a worthwhile TO. Enjoy.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 16, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Bibby, sigh… lol look at that block by smoove

By hawksfanfordawin

March 16, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Joes starting to heat up now

By hawksfanfordawin

March 16, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Marvin is starting to heat up now, ashame that no one else is posting