Hawks

By drmaryb

March 29, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou

Righteous Brother …Preach that Truth! We should Shut-Up and enjoy this Ride!

It’s been a long time coming and we have had our fair share of them’

Billy-Goats Under The Bridge

But, if we don’t figure out a way to get this bench’s confidence up and get these boys ready to play?

Then it will all be for NAUGHT! I can already see the shine coming off the brass!

We need to POLISH this BENCH or them’ Celtics with all that PRIDE will be licking them’ CHOPS with our dead-tired STARTERS!

By Dr. Tobias Funke

March 29, 2008 2:15 AM | Link to this

Where’s the real pride in making the playoffs at 7 or 8 games under .500, only to be swept embarrassingly in the only nationally televised games the Hawks have played in a decade? Sekou, you’re right to be concerned. I agree that the team is playing decidedly better in the last few games since Bibby’s arrival and JJ’s recent revival, but the fact that Woodson has completely failed to develop any role players beyond Childress (who is starting to look like a legit #6 overall pick) is going to kill us come playoff time. This isn’t Playstation, where you can just turn down the Fatigue factor and ride your starters for the entire game every time out…teams that win playoff series have bench depth, and we have none.

By ray

March 29, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this

Today In The News

I’ll enjoy the ride for what it’s worth. Everybody should. But what happens when the bus stops? Woody needs to get the f#@k off, that’s what. And this is why I bring you a special edition:

THE WOODSON EFFECT

Josh Smith has another sub-par game. His detractors must be thrilled. After all, what’s the fun in watching him have good games? And where are the “hate Josh Smith” club members when he’s playing well? Gosh, it’s been 4 years, why does he make the same mistakes? For crying out loud people, open your freakin’ eyes. The guy didn’t have a ton of basketball smarts when he came out of high school. He spends his first (and only) four years in the league under Mike Woodson, and you’re surprised when he doesn’t do better? He’s actually gotten more productive and effective each year (just look at the stats), but his mistakes have been what they usually are. Let’s take a look at some possible reasons why…if you’re willing to listen, that is:

1)Who’s teaching this guy? Mike Woodson. We’ve seen just how effective he is at that…NOT! He doesn’t develop young players. They develop in spite of him…or they just don’t. What he does is make them play hard. My high school coach was capable of that. It’s not a glowing accomplishment.

2)JJ has needed help since he got here (and Al Harrington left). Nobody was stepping up. Somebody had to. Despite the lack of certain skills, Josh was one guy who was willing to try. Was anybody else trying? Noooooooo…

3)A young player’s growth is dependent on discipline, guidance, and teaching. We all know the teaching is a wash. So is the guidance. Discipline? Mike Woodson does not sit Josh when he makes mistakes. He only sits him when he gets into foul trouble. So what are you doing when you don’t sit him? Enforcing the idea that he will have to play through his mistakes. Yelling inarticulately at someone, standing back with your arms folded, standing with a dumb-founded look on your face….these are not the tools of discipline or guidance. Josh doesn’t have a single person on that roster to look up to. Not ONE can show him how to play within his game. And the head coach is even less reliable. And so he is left to keep on doing what he does, trying to get better on his own.

Guess What? You can apply these theoretical explanations to Acie Law and Marvin Williams as well. How about Salim Stoudamire? Are any of these guys able to consistently effectively play within their roles or to their best ability? NO!! I’m not making excuses for Josh Smith’s bone-head plays. I’m not diminishing Marvin’s lack of heart, nor Salim’s wild, frenetic pace.

Disparity of Discipline…let’s look further at how Woody handles things. As I said before, when Josh makes mistakes, he stays in the game. How about Acie? Nope. Gets yanked. When Marvin fumbles the ball and continually blows defensive assignments, does he ride the pine? Nope. How about Salim? You bet. To be fair, we all know why this happens. Marvin and Josh are starters whose production cannot be replaced. Of course, if we used our bench, that might not be as much of an issue, now would it?

Suffice it to say, the only kinds of players who are immune to the WOODSON EFFECT are those with uncommonly good b-ball smarts (Childress), smarts and downright uncanny ability (Horford), and veterans who already have established capabilities (Bibby and JJ). The rest will suffer from the WOODSON EFFECT.

Get rid of the coach. You will see less turnovers from Smith, better defense from Marvin, more defined and steady roles for role players, and less double teams on JJ.

That’s all for now…

By BA

March 29, 2008 4:11 AM | Link to this

Ray, I agree almost wholeheartedly. However, I don’t think Marvin lacks heart. Sometimes he loses focus (like a twenty-two year old) and he certainly lacks assertiveness. But tonight he played his heart OUT! Have you ever seen this kid crash the glass like that? This is why he went number two. He’s a twenty and ten waiting to happen. So is Josh Smith, who for the most part has done a good job improving this year. But the key tonight, of course, was Bibby. Like it or not, the Hawks have a true leader now with the guts of a burglar. Did you all see, late in the third, when Bibby was literally giving Woodson directions?! At least we are going in the right direction. Look at the Bulls, yuck. They traded two or three scrub players for two or three different scrub players. And that oafish rookie center had no business on an NBA floor. I’ve decided Childress off the bench isn’t any dumber than Gordon off the bench. Hey Sekou, bad news: this coach hasn’t played the bench all year, it’s TOO LATE! Woodson has shaved about three years off the end of Joe’s career as it is.

By JM

March 29, 2008 6:00 AM | Link to this

Spot-on blog and posts above. Is there a prize for the millionth “Woody should be fired!” post? Here’s hoping that they win a new coach.

On the plus side, if ATL wins the 8th seed, much of America will have the opportunity to see them for the first time. On the downsid, they’ll be exhausted and playing the Celtics … which will likely mean no respect and no nat’l telev. again next year. Sigh.

By smartguy

March 29, 2008 6:27 AM | Link to this

“He (JJ) told his teammates he didn’t have the energy to do anything but hoist up a bad shot.” Well, thats just great—between our head coach and our star player, neither is smart enough to execute a decent play at the end of the game.

Mike Woodson has moved from the list of worst coaches in Atlanta history to the list of worst coaches in the history of sport. He has already admitted that one of his players is better suited to design and implement an offensive system. After last nights game, it is even more apparent that Mike Bibby would make a much better coach than Mike Woodson.

Its hard to “enjoy the ride” when victories come with a serious risk of heart failure. Watching Woody flush game after game has been one of the more frustrating things that I can remember. Like I said, even wins with Woody feel like pulling teeth.

At the midpoint this season, I was telling ya’ll that Woody was way overplaying his core, and that even if we make the playoffs, there will be nothing left in the tank. Here we are, still stuck with a DA coach and a group of players that can barely finish a game.

Dear ASG, that fact that you think Mike Woodson is a competent head coach tells the fans all we need to know about your own competency (or lack thereof).

KICK GEARON AND LEVENSON OUT OF TOWN!

WE WANT BELKIN!!

By Nate ArchiBALL

March 29, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this

Mike Woodson is horrible!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 29, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

I agree with everything Ray said, and would like to add one more thing: a lot of the bonehead plays Josh makes are not bonehead plays in and of themselves, but mainly because he tries to make them in the wrong situation. If he jacks up an open 3 in rhythm with 3 seconds left on the shot clock and misses, it’s not a bad shot… but he doesn’t consistently know when to jack up 3’s and when not to. If he takes the ball coast to coast and tries to make a play in transition, it’s not necessarily a bad play (he has converted quite a few of those into points), but if he’s running into 3 defenders with nobody to pass to it is a bad play. The point I’m trying to make is he knows he has the ability to make plays like that, but he doesn’t know which situations in the game he should try to make them and which ones he should just chill out and wait for a better situation or defer to his teammates. That comes from a) not having a veteran to learn the tricks of the game from at his position and b) not having a coach who knows what the hell he’s doing.

By ray

March 29, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

BA,

I’m willing to concede that point. In fact, of late…Marvin’s been doing a pretty good dang job on the boards. His lack of heart as I call it, consistently comes on defense. We desperately need for him to pick it up significantly on defense. Otherwise, we will have the same problems we’ve been having (especially lately)…Josh and Al in foul trouble. When they’re in foul trouble two things happen: 1)we miss their offense, rebounding, and defensive production..and 2)we get to see Zaza and maybe Solomon, both of whom are inferior production-wise, not in rhythm (due to lack of playing time), and not confident (again…lack of playing time). Either that, or we see Childress and Marvin as the two biggest guys, which results in a vastly undersized and more defensively challenged lineup, particularly when going against bigger teams. I swear, it’s a freakin’ trap.

I really want Marvin to get in going in that one area of his game. It really would make all the difference. I don’t know if it’s heart or head, but it’s got to change. Especially if we committ to keeping Marvin and let Smith go…

Najeh,

Thanks. Your elaboration on the point I was trying to make is so dead on target. Try as I might, I was unable to lay it out the way you did. I think a guy like Bibby can help Josh get into his spots and play much better. However, I have to wonder just how long Bibby will be with us. I don’t see him being re-signed and you never know: he could be traded before we expect him to be. His expiring contract would be attractive to a lot of teams…but enough of “paranoia alley”….

Josh needs a good head coach, as you said. A good pg is the kind of guy who controls tempo and rhythm by getting his guys the ball where they can be most effective with it. I know it seems like we’re making excuses, but when’s the last time this group of guys has played with a pg of this caliber? Bibby’s not a superstar, but he’s not even remotely “bottom of the barrel” and is a niiiice shooter. This all points to one thing: he should’ve been signed sooner…

By Cole

March 29, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Sekou and other the chronic complainers,

Joe Johnson makes $70 MILLION to play 2.5 hours 2 to 3 times a week! Bibby missed most of the season due to injury, so he is not that tired either. Neither of them are complaining, because they are doing what they are paid to do. The only complainers are you guys who sit your fat beer enhanced butts and watch. If you think they are too tired, maybe you should ask all the teams that will be resting in May for the summer if they would mind playing the whole game to get to the playoffs. They do whatever it takes to get the win. That goes for the players and the coach.

The Hawks franchise cannot win for losing with you ungrateful people. If they don’t make the playoffs you complain, if they do make the playoffs you complain. You don’t deserve a basketball team because you are definitely not fans of this exciting YOUNG team. I have NBA league pass and the perception of this team by outsiders is the complete opposite of the view expressed by this group. You have an athletic team of stars and quality players that play one of the most exciting brands of basketball in the NBA. Yet you have the audacity to put them down at every turn, even when they win.

All you armchair coaches,gms and fair weather fans should just ‘shut up(STFU) and enjoy the ride’.

By doc

March 29, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

richie, furman is not a laughing stock but an icon of sports writers. please be more respectful of the elder statesman, we hopefully will live long enough and have an impact on others to have that same privilege down the road. maybe i missed your point but if i didnt you missed the mark widely. if you had grown up with him as he expressed himself reading every word and been around him you might think otherwise. ultimately, we all sound old and out of touch.

wow, i didnt realize it was that much of a see saw effect. did the starters essetially ride the ups and downs playing every minute? that ought to tell some important folks something if it did unless they are more sophisticated than the every day fan.

what went down at the town hall, everyone polite?

By Tiger Woo

March 29, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Cole,

The guys on he bench are also paid professionals. All we want is a good coach that knows how to use his roster and doesn’t run his starters into the ground.

It seems to me that Woody’s ultimate goal is to get the Hawks into the playoffs - and not to succeed when they get there. By the time the regular season ends, JJ will be toast.

Look at the game results for Boston last night. The Celtics bench played 77 minutes last night against a tough New Orleans team - 5 bench players played more than 10 minutes - no starter played more than 36 minutes - that’s a team that is getting playoff-ready. Sure, the Celtics bench may be deeper than the Hawks bench, but I ask myself, do we have the necessary pieces to become real contenders? Isn’t the ultimate goal to win a championship? Should we be satisfied with the product the Hawks are putting on the floor and “enjoy the ride” or should we demand more - a better coach and ownership that has the foresight to get us the talent we need? - just like Boston did - going from worst to first!

By doc

March 29, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

ando, as a carry over from last blog, i said the wealth i would be most willing to share with you and extend to ray would have come from your words at no cost to me energetically, kind of the american entrepreneurial way. personally, i earned from being a piece meal worker expending my own energy. besides you know that it was nice to get the income but not the driving force and in a pay per hour at less than 1 dollar an hour during residency for 6 years not an efficient way to accumulate wealth. there are certain parts i will hold onto for generational wealth, in other words pass on to my heirs and are not headed to either you or ray.

as far as traphala unless you were telling this lady you suffered from constipation or felt you were in need of a good colon cleansing then it is not your thing. it is a laxative that acts in a way that is less draining on the system and actually supportive to the liver and blood compositions of the body. most laxatives are going to deplete energy reserves and most folks that need them are probably in the latter category depleted, it is why one doesnt recommend regular purgatives. it is also less harsh and since it comes from the aruvedic community where folks dont eat meat it is preferred for its gentleness, its ability to detox the liver and support blood.

look man she may have been saying what several folks have tried to do here, that you are full of it. you will have to go back and ask her what her true intention was and was it only a concern for your regularity. gee you have got me wondering now?

you know you just made my day, dont you? heh heh

what do they say grasshopper, dont ask the question unless you are ready for the answer?

By doc

March 29, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

gee cole, if they are that good why are they just barely hanging onto a shot at a playoff spot so many games under .500 when a really good team in the west at over 50 wins for the year is accepting the real possibility of staying at home? do you see the dichotomy there? if you cant intelligently discuss that which is the context of what we talk about here then you can as you crudely say, STFU! otherwise, we look forward to getting your insightful comments heard at nba pass which i imagine is full of folks presenting how great the nba is as a self promoting advertisement vehicle. buy into the hype if you wish.

By John

March 29, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Wins are wins. Yes it is frustrating when a big lead is blown, but it more frustrating to hear all of you finding stuff to complain about. Also, anyone who thinks Josh Smith is not very good is crazy, but I am glad Childress is finally getting some credit, as for the past three seasons nearly everyone on here has complained about him. I guess since people have started liking him, they have to have another player to root against and criticize.

By dakid

March 29, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Cole, way to show your basketball smarts, You are as smart as our coach. Bench players get paid alot also. We run our starters into the ground. Why does every normal coach take out his star players when the opposing team does. Woodson leaves them in. HE is the worse coach in the NBA.

Ray great points, but assistants work with the players more than the head coach. Who picked the assistants. We need to clean house, gm, owners, head coach, assistants, and Jerome at half time and after the game. Also, while I love ‘Nique he is the last person I want teaching our forwards.

By terrell barron

March 29, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Peter Vescey reported that Woodson was out in Atlanta, playoffs or not. He also said that Larry Brown, Fratello, and Hubie Brown said if they were to coach again, this is where they would want to be. I thought everyone said nobody wants to come to Atlanta. You’d be suprised! And Woody, I dare you roll your eyes at Joe and Chills for missing those free throws. Give em some freakin rest, why dont ya? They have no legs in the 2nd half. IDIOT!

By MannyT

March 29, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

cole Woody overplays his starters. Not complaining about being tired or making a lot of money has nothing to do with that fact.

If I buy 2 cars of equal value and never get the oil changed in one of them, which do you expect to last longer? The same generally works for people—take care of your health and you have more productive years…unless you get fluke death (hit by car, house falls on you, etc.)

Sekou many folks enjoy amusement parks and the thrill rides that are there. I think you and many of your blog community would enjoy this more if you saw it as a roller coaster.

I expect to see about 3 good quarters every game. Part of the curiosity for me is which one will be the dud…almost like picking the winner when they used to race the dots during a time out.

I know the Hawks can blow most leads and make up many. Last night was a great game to get into as the lead kept shrinking. Not the way you want to win, but it does bring some excitement to a rather casual fan base.

I’ve even learned to get some entertainment value out of watching Woody during the games.

In a Dave O’ Brien moment I’ll just link the lyrics…Enjoy the ride and the video

WAF

By terrell barron

March 29, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

New Jersey has Phoenix tonight, and we play the Knicks tomorrow. We should have a 2.5 game lead, with 9 to play.

By MannyT

March 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

doc I gotta run, but I wish the bloggers would have been at the town hall. Unlike with the media BK had a lot to say. He took questions for about an hour. Here are some of my take aways.

1. The attendees verbally threw Woody under the bus and gently poured gasoline on him. They kept asking BK to light the match. He recognized the situation and declined to do so. He said the decision on Woody will be made after the season is over. However, this reminds me of UGA hoops a few weeks ago. BK plays Damon Evans and Woody plays D. Felton.

2. I was the only one in the room that clapped when BK mentioned that they may bring David Andersen across the pond next season. For those with short memories, he’s the Australian we drafted that makes good $$$ playing in Europe/Russia. He will be better off the bench than someone from the D-League.

3. BK recognizes the value of the Joshes. Also knows that he has to be flexible in looking at who he can bring in as a post player. Most that can score can’t defend and vice versa.

4. Food has been better. Doc might have liked the Ham & Swiss on a pretzel roll. The chicken nuggets/tenders were very dry. The cookies were good as usual.

5. My jacket with the snowflake on the shoulder was a fine fashion statement for the evening. Alas, it is back into the Disney vault with the old videos.

6. Almost forgot—we got a Speedy update. There is nothing new. The latest opinion on his knee is consistent with prior opinions. He won’t play anytime soon.

In summary, I still have faith in BK to try something to improve the team. Because it won’t be via the draft, it is most likely a trade. Remember I’ve said for awhile, good free agents won’t come here, yet. We get the vultures that want more cash than they are worth.

WAF

By hawksfanfordawin

March 29, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

No dmaryb you are wrong, we should not just shut up and let woodson wear these guys down. I personally believe that we have a shot at atleast winning 2 games against the celts. But as of lately joe has cooled off and thats because of the extensive minutes that he has to play night in and night out, the one dude who said that these guys get paid money to play 40+ minutes is a r-tard and the next coming of woody. Also you wanted a response to my previous post, you kept on blaming me for using the word dumb. Fine if hes not dumb hes young and he still trys to take over games when he cant, you have to leave that to joe and bibby. I would gladly resign smoove, but if he asks for max money then no. Hes not worth it.

By koncaker

March 29, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

what is the upside of darkwing duck? He’s what 15 a game now, if he improves to 18 nxt season, that’s verging on all star caliber play rt? He’s a good kid, with upside and played a good game when we needed him last night.

We should have taken MVPaul no excuse for that, but judging him by himself, what can we expect from him?

By David

March 29, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Nice to see the Hawks get a win last night, even if it was ugly at the end. Amazing that Woodson has so little confidence in his bench. You’d think that Salim, Richardson and Law could provide some decent play and at least maintain any lead that they’re given for a few minutes. Hopefully they can put together some more consistency and rest JJ and Bibby down the stretch. Ugh.

While not in my wildest dreams do I think the Hawks could beat the Celtics in round 1, I don’t think they’d get swept. The Hawks have the 4th best home record in the East, and they’re definitely capable of defending the home court once or twice. They’ll get crushed in the Garden though.

By G-thang

March 29, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Someone please tell me how the hawks gave up a 14 point lead to win by 3. Ben Gordon alsmost hit the 3pt game tie. We have got to play better and not give up big leads. We got by on the hair on our chinny-chin-chin last night.

Im still concerned about a few of our last games left. Toronto, Philly twice, Indy and Memphis (they just beat the lakers.) Not to mention Orlando and Boston, the last 2games.

GO HAWKS!!

By Cole

March 29, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Tiger,

You are correct, all the players are well paid. But the facts are the other players cannot get the job done. Unfortunately at the moment, we have a weak bench due to salary caps, trades and our necessity to resign the Joshes. We are a very young team, older teams like the Celtics and Detroit are only going to be factors a few more years. So the Hawks are poised to make some noise. Comparing them to the Celts is not a good comparison, we don’t have the same talent. We have the talent to get to the playoffs, not to win the Championship. A year ago the Celtics were in the lottery hoping to get the Number 1 pick. They bought a championship team for a few years. I prefer the way BK has done it, lets build a dynasty. We can be relevant for years to come.

Woody has to work with what he has. Joe, Bibby, the Joshes, Marvin, Horford, Zaza and to a lesser degree Acie are great young pieces that are starting to gel. When the Bulls had a young Jordan, he played every minute to will them to the playoffs, more recently Lebron James. That’s what allstars do. You saw the breakdown last night when Bibby was taken out of the game. The lead evaporated, is that the coaches fault? Acie’s fault? Neither. It’s basically a talent and experience issue based on who we could get at the time. This is a good young team on the precipice of getting to the playoffs. It it good enough yet to win the Championship, not yet. But it’s an exciting time and we should sit back and enjoy. Plus the game was more exciting with everything on the line wasn’t it? It was a like a playoff game! I love my Hawks! Ride or die!

PS Doc, you need to let go of the sarcasm and bitterness. It’s an exciting time to be a Hawks fan.

By Matt

March 29, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Smartguy,

I agree that the ASG is a subpar ownership group, but please don’t pretend to speak for all of us when you say “We want Belkin.” You seem to conveniently forget that he also tried to override one of his GM’s biggest decisions. If Belkin had his way, we probably wouldn’t have JJ right now, and with Boris Diaw we sure as hell wouldn’t be contending for a playoff spot.

I agree that Woodson needs to go. But bringing on Belkin? Hell no. Give me Arthur Blank or bring back Ted Turner. But keep away the know-it-all New Englanders who don’t give a rat’s behind about Atlanta.

By G-thang

March 29, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Mattpump your brakes, slow down. Belkin did not to give up 2 first round picks for JJ. Phoenix could not resign JJ, so they would have been forced to deal him. Belkin was correct in this assessment. JJ is a good player, but not worth 2 first rounders, especially when you don’t have to spend it. Phoenix pimped us on that deal.

By honest_abe

March 29, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

is this what this season has boiled down to? debating the merits of the jj trade all over again? everything and anything that could possibly be said about that trade has been said. the bottom line is this. jj is an atlanta hawk. and the hawks ownership still stink like really old kim chee.

typical hawks game goes like this. get off to a good start. usually either lead or fairly close game by the 2nd quarter. tend to build a sizeable lead by halftime. come out in what seems to be a weed induced slumber in the 3rd. woody usually lets the entire lead evaporate before calling a timeout (i used to criticize him for this, but i finally figured out its not like he has anything constructive to say during a t.o. so why not just let em play) by the 4th quarter jj and bibby have played the majority of the game. the only reserves getting any minutes is zaza and chills. the undersized frontcourt is usually in foul trouble. and so the hawks grind out the last five minutes in a really close game usually losing more than they win. the worst part is woody doesn’t learn from his mistakes or adapt his coaching to different scenarios or situations. good coaching can be evidenced by teams closing out quarter and halves strongly as well as efficient play/s coming out of a timeout. the hawks are the worst in the league in both.

By doc

March 29, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

cole just answer the questions. all you have done thus far is to be bitter and angry at what you perceive as folks that are anti-hawks or without rose colored glasses on.

personally, i like this team and the players and have said it many times and feel unlike you that the bench is better than it is given credit for. just look around the league and see how players play away from here to begin to see the light. totally different players showing a lack of fear that i see whenever salim, solo, acie or zaza show when they go on the floor. does that mean you dont like the hawks?

you probably havent followed this blog long but for a long time i was the pollyanna when we were on the way to 13 wins thinking about how this team could grow. it hasnt happened. if your thinking that it is great that the team is approaching winning 10 more wins than it did two years ago to squeak into the playoffs is fantastic then say it and leave the editorializing and crass talk out of it. the crassness probably reveals you know that simpleton approach would get laughed right off of here so you take the low road telling folks to stfu.

what i emphasize, outside of it is fine to get to the playoffs, dont kid yourself that, alone, signals a path to prominence while you trash some folks talking realistically that there is a lot of work to be done or we will quickly slide the other way. how can you not see it for what it is? the window of opportunity is small if you are a bare budget team like the hawks are. listen you can pay your money to see every game and say what you want in support of the team, fine, leave it at that without trashing folks and telling them what they need to do to be good hawks fans.

manny t thanks for the update, yep the pretzel appetizer would be preferred over the tenders. not only do you know haberdashery you know gastronomy, a true renaissance man.

By Ken Strickland

March 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Mike Woodson has stopped even trying to coach. He’s acting like this is a life or death situation for him, and it might be, as far as being a HC is concerned. He appears to have no strategy, no concern for his players, he makes no adjustments, and only reacts or makes changes when mandated by the circumstances, like foul trouble or injury.

We all know the ASG sent BK a message when they blocked his attempts to fire Woodson. Did they also send a message to Woodson? His decision making, when he actually makes one, is very irrational, like his coaching career is in life or death mode, and maybe it is. He obviously doesn’t care about the condition his key players will be in if we make the playoffs as long as we make it. Do you think the SASG let him know that making the playoffs is a prerequisite for him being retained as HC? It certainly would explain his mindless obcessions and willingness to drive his key players into exhaustion every gm.

If the team fails to make the playoffs, he will say it wasn’t his fault. He’ll blame the players for lacking the drive, intensity and/or the sense of urgency needed to perserver. After all, isn’t that what he usually emplies after a tough loss?

I don’t understand the total disdane for BK that some of you have. Yes, he’s made some bad calls with draft picks and FA’s, but what GM hasn’t. I remember a few of you mentioning Chicago’s GM as a model of competency and consistency. Paxson’s been making one foolish move after another attempting to correct his past mistakes. Look at the Bulls now. Look at the number of players he’s drafted and then shipped out, that’s doing well elsewhere. At least we’ve shown steady player and team improvement, and that’s in spite of a very flawed HC. At least Paxson was allowed to fire his HC, or at least use him as a scapegoat.

The Hawks best FT shooters are playing most of our mins. They are also the ones missing all of the key FT’s, especially in the 4th qtr. Do you think fatigue has anything to do with it, because Woodson doesn’t, or he just doesn’t care. After all, he sees it as the players fault, not his.

Last, but certainly not least. Have you noticed how the Hawk players that get into early foul trouble usually end up have strong 4th qtrs. Getting enough rest will allow you to do that. When JSmith got into early foul trouble, he finished strong. Last night it was Horford with early foul trouble, and was all over the place in the 4th qtr. HOW STUPID DOES ONE HAVE TO BE NOT TO RECOGNIZE THAT FACT?

By cp

March 29, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Great post by everyone. Real nice one Abe. That is whats the most frustrating thing about Mike Knapp. He has seen us play the same way over and over again and know’s how most of the games end but instead of adjusting he does absolutely nothing. It’s not like he has not seen how this team usually gives up big leads. Try something other than folding ya arms Mike Knapp. I think most of the bloggers here have been saying for the last few months that if we dont start using our bench its going to catch up to us and I think it will really show in the playoffs. At this point it looks like Mike Knapp is coaching to save his job rather than just actually coach with sense. Either way my motto for the rest of the season is lets handle our business enough said*

By hawksfanfordawin

March 29, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Well stephen a smith also said that larry brown is going to coach the hawks. So thats 2 people who are saying the same thing….

By drmaryb

March 29, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

If I may? Let me jump in here. I don’t like Larry Brown as a HC - here.

Why?

Well - MMMMH! let’s see …

I believe he QUIT his last job at MSG when the heat was turned up! (he bashes his players in the media not man to man)

And, before that?

AAAAH! I believe he QUIT in Philly when he couldn’t tolerate AI’S Practice Schedule & Ensuing Enterouge-sp!

In Detroit - Well let me put it to you like this: If you can’t get along with Joe Dumars? - My Friend - Then you can’t get along with Nobody! Heck, he won the RING in Detroit and they still ran his BAD-A* ATTITUDE outa’ there.

This man is a rude, pompus, arrogant - A S S! The game has passed him by!

Larry Brown is a QUITTER & Like the OLD DRUNK said, “REHAB IS FOR QUITTERS!

WE NEED A WINNER IN THIS TOWN … WE DON’T NEED NO QUITTERS!

**Fratello? Hell to the No!
This man is a control-freak, the entire time Doc Rivers was slow-walking the ball up the court?

His eyes and ears were GLUED to Fratello (chasing him down to the middle of the scorer’s table - powder-station) with detailed play calling!

Fratello’s teams score like only 50 points per game and they play in quik-sand it seems to me! Watching his team is like watching a Baseball Game! 9 long a* innings and the score is 0 to 0

(Sorry richbrave - i do love baseball, but not at a basketball game!)

Hubie Brown Isn’t he 125 years old? Come on man, he left Memphis and they were winning! Because of health problems, age and the old tired and staple - excuse of spending more time with his family. He is too damned old, he would get dizzy from just watching these kids fly around the gym!

NOPE - NOPE - NOPE We need a fresh young prospect as our coach. something or someone NEW!

I like Mark Jackson, Gregg Anthony, John Starks - (is intriguing to me for some strange reason), I like Tim Hardaway (I don’t care if he doesn’t like f*!)

I see Doc, Mo Ceeks, Isaiah and Nate Mcmillian of Portland, Who is the HC in Toronto? Anyway - I want someone who knows how to play and actually played the game to come in here.

I also like my all-time favorites: Bill Laimbeer, Craig Hodges and Rick Mahorn oh yeah and I like Kurt Rambis too! Try something different, too many re-treads can’t be good either!

By anphill2

March 29, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

There is no reason that Bibby should be playing 40 min + a game. This is pure stupidity. There is not another 2 guard on our team that is of NBA caliber, who you would feel comfortable for long minutes at a time @ the 2?

Acie, is a big pg, that could spell some minutes for JJ. Why are we not seeing Acie on the floor more often?

By honest_abe

March 29, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

hubie brown at 150 years old, alive or dead would still be a better coach than 90% of the league. he’s just that good at breaking down the game and understanding how to get the most out of his players.

By drmaryb

March 29, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Hey hawksfanfordawin

Hey Puh-Lease don’t bring that Grumpy Old Man in Here! With our luck? He will probably made Woody his Wing-Man!

Just say No! To LARRY BROWN.

Hawksfordawin I’m Just saying - We are glad to be playing for something in this town. Do you know how long 9 years is to wait to just to be able to COMPETE for a Championship?

I mean to play a game that has Playoff Intensity and the possibilities that accompany such a feat.

Close your eyes and think back to a very young MUTUMBO in Denver:

Lying there on his back, crying and clenching that ball above his head while horizontal!

That My Friend was an unbelievable day! I believe they slayed a DRAGON that day (Was it Phoenix & Sir Charles?) Someone help me out here?

The point is once you make it to the dance? You never know - You Just Might Get-The-Girl! But if you don’t show up? You never will and that’s for sure!

So, lets get to Boston and I like our chances, And trust me - Boston will show up to play, they will not take these young Hawks for granted.

(see dallas!) Nuff’ Said!

By koncaker

March 29, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

someone asked how we could give up a 21 pt lead to win by 3. It’s easily done. I was at the game.

You can talk about substitution patterns and Woodson as a coach all day, but the Hawks aint that good. The team is not ready to win consistently because it doesn’t have any size. Even Jordan always had big bodies to give up fouls and clog the lane.

Bibby played all world last night, unconscious shooting, passing, leadership. When he went out the game, the Bulls came right back. Acie Law right now cannot play and lead the team like Bibby. Joe Johnson was off, and even Chill missed 4 fts. That’s why Bibby had to play the minutes. He was playing well and no else could do anything.

Also, we were abused inside when they brought in 7 footer Gray. We have no true center on this squad and no one taller than 6 10.

We need to make a move for a center. That is priority #1. The problem is inside on this team. The only real banger on this team is ROY Horford. Everyone else is basically a swingman. Heck, Andrew Bogut and Drew Gooden destroyed us this week!

Why we don’t have some kind of center with all the lottery picks we’ve had is another indictment of this franchise

By Joe Bling

March 29, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Ray - As one of the more vocal Josh detractors on here, I have to say that I agree with pretty much everything you wrote up above. It seems that most of us would agree that, wherever the blame lies, Josh’s undisciplined play is a problem. So the question becomes how do you fix it? He’d clearly be a hell of an asset if he could just cut out the dumb plays, so many of which are major momentum changers. If I’m the GM then I put it on the coach to fix it. If the coach can’t fix it, then you have ask yourself a couple of tough questions. Could a new coach fix it, or is this player uncoachable? And if a new coach only “might” be able to fix it, then you have to decide what’s more valuable - changing coaches, or keeping the current coach and dumping the player. A lot of you have already made up your mind on that one, but it’s still a tough question. A coach’s responsibility is the whole team, not just one player.

By Harry Hawk

March 29, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Joe Bling

The bigger question is not Mike Woodson’s inability to get the most out of Josh Smith, but rather his inability to get the most out of his entire team. As you say, “A coach’s responsibility is the whole team, not just one player.” Woodson has abdicated his responsibility and must be made to pay for it.

Of course, there is a potential positive stemming from Woody’s ineptitude: It might help the Hawks with Josh’s new contract. It would be hard for any agent to argue for max money when it appears as if his client has hit a wall in his development. Maybe the Hawks will then get him signed for a reasonable contract, hire a new coach, and then get the most out of Josh and the rest of the team!

(I gotta lay off that Kool-Aid. Damn!)

By richbrave

March 29, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

doc:

I was referring to a D.C. sports talk show where not only Bisher, but the AJC were being blasted. Frankly, I never read the article, and posted up on his earlier blog that I apologized if off base. Which I will do again here. He may be an icon, but he’s wrong. Other venues must have also picked this up because the references on the show involved additional media outlets as well.

On this particular post, he evoked the Atlanta Crackers, a name like the Redskins which I personally find offensive and divisive. I’ll keep my seat on this point, and stand up when the National Anthem plays for all Americans and a homogeneous society. It reminds me of my parents racism, and beliefs in intellectual superiority of one group of the human fraternity over another.

Furman is an excellent journalist of long standing. And I have praised him on more that one occasion, but use of such terms in divisive and weakens our society. That’s my belief and I have to stand up for it. I hope you don’t disagree on my point, and I accept yours that Furman deserves respect simply because of his body of work. This much is a given.

By Joe Bling

March 29, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Harry - Up until January I was willing to give Woodson a pass. But, like everyone else, I’ve been concerned about the way he’s managed the lineup and burned out JJ. The defensive play the last quarter of the season has been abysmal. I’m still not convinced that Josh Smith’s inability to develop any self control is Woodson’s fault. I think that stems as much from Josh’s thick head as anything. But, all the factors considered, I feel like Woodson’s TEAM has underperformed by 8-10 wins this year. He’s out of excuses. If they don’t make the playoffs, he’s gone for sure. If they do, well, who knows?

By brewdawg

March 29, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Sorry Sekou, but Lost is the best show on TV, not a “style channel” show, whatever the eff that means.

By preston

March 29, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

I was just doing a litle internet cruising when I came across this side news about Mike Bibby……..apparently some auto shop is holding on to his 1973 Chevy Caprice that he wanted “pimped”……but what is really kinda funny is reading some of the posts that people wrote…….” 1. He drives??? He looks half mongoloid! Who is Mike Bibby?”……… 4. When did Obama get a face lift?. Lol………and how about Sekou blog title…”Shut up and enjoy the ride!”………….WOW! Oh, here is the link: http://www.tmz.com/2008/03/29/mike-bibby-waah-gimme-back-my-ride-waaah/

By Volman

March 29, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Manny T,

Were you at the Town Hall? I was there in my Smoove jersey. I didn’t get to ask a question… there were PLENTY OF DUMB ONES ASKED! haha.

Great game though last night, pulling out that victory!

BK said there was going to be another town hall meeting soon? I hope so.

By Volman

March 29, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

It was great to get to meet you at the Town Hall meeting yesterday. Like I said, your blogs keep me coming back to AJC.com!

I really wanted to ask BK some questions at the town hall meeting! ahh!

By jeramiah w

March 29, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is a second rate sports city and it’s fan base is second rate also. Talk about fickle fans and you can’t leave Atlantan’s out the conversation. I marvel at the suppossed wisdom of the beat writers and the fans on your blog. You have a team fighting for a NBA playoff spot but you talk about the team being swept in the first round matchup. You berate the coach and some players in particular. If it were not the players collective effort and unwillingness to fold, Atlanta would be like Memphis or Miami waiting for next season. At a time when supoort and encouragement for the Hawks getting into the playoff picture is needed, bloggers and beatwriters write gloom and doom. Go Bulldogs

By new jersey faithful

March 29, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Hey JM, that prize was handed out looooong ago!! Cant have a let down against the Knicks….CANNOT!!!!

By Joe Bling

March 29, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

jeramiah - Lighten up, dude. We’re all wannabe coaches and GMs. Most of all, though, we’re real Hawks fans. Do you really think I’d be sitting here wasting my time reading this blog and writing posts if wasn’t a die-hard? Everybody on this board wants a winner, and we think we’re getting pretty close. As it stands though, we’re still a sub-.500 team that might, with a little luck, sneak into the playoffs. We’ve still got a ways to go, so pardon me for being a rational critic - and a fan!

By Harry Hawk

March 29, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

From Sekou’s story about Woodson doing a little teaching on the practice court after Friday’s near-collapse against the Bulls:

“Let up is not the word to be using,” he (Mike Woodson) said when asked after the game why his team appeared to ease off the gas. “They didn’t let up. Chicago just played a little bit better, and we couldn’t make shots…”

Here’s the answer, Woody. It’s quite simple: Take the ball to the basket.

Make the officials swallow the pea or put you on the line. When shots aren’t falling, the easiest way to maintain a lead is to get to the line. Bibby and Acie (who should play more than he does) know how to get the ball to guys in a situation where they can draw a foul.

By mykhalc

March 29, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

WOODSON is just a plain ole drinkin’ his own spiked kool-aid!!!! so he’s still teachin’ huh???? well we can all see he STILL HAS NOT taught this team how to close out a game YET!!!!! 3 weeks left in the season and they still TRULY luck/survive themselves into these type of W’s!!! and we all see it comin’ as the game winds down!!! so it’s NOT the fact that they are/were just tired!! the fact is, they are only doin’ things EXACTLY as they did earlier when it comes to closin’ things out!!! WOODSON PLEASE look at the tape and tell me what YOU SEE DIFFERNTLY NOW!!!????!!!! RIDICULOUS!!!!

By terrell barron

March 29, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Hey Manny, I had forgot about Woody’s beard. Thanks for the memories. And why is Mike Nolan on there?

By JohnD

March 29, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Ruffin’s name was only up for about an hour, the following:

all the other stuff Style Channel stuff she’s into

has been up for over 18 hours!

Heads should roll!

By terrell barron

March 29, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Mike Bibby and Eddie House are in-laws. I did’nt know that.

By ray

March 29, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Joe Bling,

To be absolutely honest, I feel that you have summed it up with the one (paraphrased) refrain: Is Josh Smith reachable and teachable. I’d be a liar (a damned liar) if I denied being one of his bigger detractors…earlier in the season. I had plenty to say about his shot selection, among other things. I felt like he really began to improve, though. Of course, everybody looked good in December. But then different guys started looking bad. And Josh looked better than they did (because he was). I saw a lot of it also had to do with Woodson. Recently, Josh began to not only start playing consistently like an idiot, but his usual production began slipping (like in the last few games). I realized that when he doesn’t play well, he becomes greatly concerned and forces things like crazy.

But nobody was stopping him or calming him down. Where’s the leadership? Woodson is a moron and we had two back-up pgs: one didn’t get along with the moron coach and the other tended to be injured. Meanwhile, the rookie pg was too busy trying to figure out how to play well, but also play in such a way as to convince the coach to let him actually play in the game. Do you see the picture I’m painting here? How does a guy like Josh Smith, who we agree is not the sharpest tool in the shed, learn and grow at a reasonable rate…in an environment like this? However…

As you said, this does not diminish or eliminate the tougher questions, to which I have my own opinions/answers:

Do you pay Josh Smith max money? I say no. I figure we probably agree on this one.

Can Josh be taught by a better, more experienced coach? I think he can, but again…I’d be a liar if I said I was 100% certain on that. Truthfully, I think he’s borderline there. He’s got the effort down pat. He does support his teammates. I like to think that he will listen to someone who knows what the hell they’re talking about. But I wouldn’t pay max money to find out.

Do you trade Josh (and basically just roll with Marvin as your 3) if you can’t work out a REASONABLE contract with him? Here is where I have tried time and again to define what may seem like a wishy-washy position: I believe that you need to resign Josh, if you can do so reasonably. For a while there, he really seemed like the heart and soul of this team. He performed like it. But he’s not a leader. He’s not a front-runner. The instincts, the smarts, they’re not there. He has shown that he is a player that cannot get past his own problems by himself. He needs the help (many, many players do). I think Josh’s problems are similar to others in that they are not addressed by the head coach.

The bottom line? You trade him if it makes the team better. Others like yourself have said this, and I agree. The only concern that I have had is that I think a lot of people don’t see why Smith is the way he is. Could I be wrong? Hell yes. I’m just a blogger who loves b-ball and is a Hawks fan. In the end though, that’s what I am: A HAWKS FAN, not a ONE PARTICULAR PLAYER FAN.

By mykhalc

March 29, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, well said bro!!!! you are just on fire!!!!LOL just to add, most pupils NEED a teacher. and from my perspective, we have ONE teacher on this team…BIBBY…PERIOD!!! and he’s just not quite enough to go around!! afterall, he’s gotta teach the f’n HC too!!!!

By Don!

March 29, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Lately, you’ve posted then ghosted these blog entries.

Unleash the fury of Blog-Z. Maybe if you give him a few minutes of your bench time, Woody will find a way to stretch his game rotation to at least nine players.

Maybe.

I still say it’s not too late to fire Woody. It’s going to happen sooner than later, and maybe it will give this team the spark it needs.

Free Blog-Z.

Later,

Don!

By Volman

March 29, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Guys,

Billy Knight said last night that the organization was going to resign BOTH Joshes. So, I really don’t see us really trading any of those two unless they “make the team better”, as Knight said.

Ray, great points. I do not think Smoove is a max-money type player, but is that the price this organization has to pay to keep this talent?

I don’t want to have to be the one who makes that decision!

By Joe Bling

March 29, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Ray - Yes, well said. Some tough decisions to make in the offseason, for sure. My biggest beef with Josh is that he just doesn’t come across as a winner. He strikes me as one of those extraordinarily talented guys who’ll probably end up playing 15 years in the league, floating from one mediocre team to another and yet never pushing any of those teams over the top. You say he supports his teammates, and that may be true, but I wonder if it’s reciprocated. Lately I’ve noticed some gestures of frustration from Joe, Al and others after he chunks one of those ill-advised threes. Maybe the right coach can rein him in. Probably worth a shot if we can sign him for less than max - and get the right coach!

By Steve T

March 29, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Cole, you are stupid or never played sports. In basketball, you have to use your legs to make a jump shot. Most people jump and it helps them make the shot. Now when the legs get tired, you do not jump as high and you do not shoot as well.

JJ had an off night shooting the ball 7-24, and I wondred why. A few games ago, when the Hawks, had 2-3 days rest between game, JJ was shooting lights out.

The truth of the matter, the Hawks got to go after a scorer to give JJ some rest. I wonder if we could get Ben Gordon. A guy like him is what this team needs. The hawks had a 20 point lead last night and if they had someone like Ben, that game would not have been close. JJ could have left in the mid of the third. He would have been resting for the next game.

Now if you had a set shot, you could play with tired legs, but most people do not have a set shot.

By Steve T

March 29, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

If the hawks shots are not falling, then it is time to put AC in the game and tell him to take it to the hoop.

By SalimFan

March 30, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Acie is not that nice. You act like he is automatic and this he is automatic. If you need offfense you would be better off putting in Josh childress, salim, and Jeremey richardson.

By reese

March 30, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

First of all, great win against the bulls. The hawks definitely know how to get the heart rate pumping with these close games.

The Good: Mike Bibby’s shooting and willingness to be the agressor. He lead the team in 3 pt shots taken, 3pt shots made, scoring and assist. JJ’s willingness to take big shots down the stretch even though he wasn’t shooting well.

Josh Smith being the only player to produce entries in all the positive offensive/defensive categories. Marvin and Josh Smith providing double doubles in rebounding and scoring.

5 players scoring in double figures, 20 or more points in every quarter, out rebounding a taller team and surviving the hot shooting of Ben Gordon down the stretch.

The Bad: Mike Woodson’s use of the bench. Tonights game should teach Woodson that even the starters can blow a 22 point lead. Therefore, why not play your bench and let the starters get some rest.

Billy Knight and the ASG lack of filling the last 2 roster spots. There are 7ft and taller players in the D League who can provide the same 7ft presence as the Gray kid for chicago. Gray didn’t do anything that spectacular but take up space, grab rebounds, alter hawks players shots, force hawks players to pass instead of shoot, make 3 shots and get to the foul line. He just happen to do it against our smaller players during their frenetic comeback.

By reese

March 30, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

Again, the Josh Smith talk. How many of you noticed that Josh Smith was playing the Center position along with Marvin, Jchill, JJ and Bibby on the floor. He was matched up against the slower centers and power forwards of chicago. He grabbed the rebound and beat every other hawk player down the floor.

The problem is that the bulls beat every other hawks player down the floor as well. This is why the turnover occurred. He didn’t have anyone to pass the ball to and he was stripped from behind.

My point is this. If your matched against a slower player, do you slow the pace of the game or do you push the pace and run that slower player off the court.

By reese

March 30, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

Listen bloggers, the hawks players cannot drive to the basket on every play. Someone has to take and make outside shots to open up the lanes. AC Law is a very fast player. However, he has not proven that he will take and make the outside shot. Therefore, teams pack the lane when he is on the floor. Thats why his layups get blocked so much.

The hawks had a good balance of drives to the basket and outside shots against the bulls. The problem is that chills, jsmith, horford, zaza and marvin are still getting the ball stripped out of their hands, getting their shots blocked and committing unforced turnovers with the ball in their hands.

But guess what. They must not stop trying. That goes for all of them. I see Josh Smith tryign to cup the ball and go stronger in the lane. That shows that he understands the problem. He just doesn’t consistently produce a positive outcome.

Just as impressive is Jchill and Marvin going after rebounds, loose balls, rotating on defense and trying to block shots. The same problem is that they don’t consistently produce a positive outcome.

But like Josh and his offense, Marvin and Jchill need to stay aggressive and keep trying.

By Beth

March 30, 2008 3:50 AM | Link to this

Hey, this blog — posts and comments — are great. Sorry I’m only now stumbling onto it. All of you, keep coming back, ‘cause you’re either talking good sense or at the very least giving me something to talk about.

And I have to agree with Joe Bling’s defense of Atlanta sports fans — if folks didn’t care, they wouldn’t be up in here reading and posting about the Hawks.

Anyway, good on all of you for your thoughts and analyses — I will happily return.

By ray

March 30, 2008 3:59 AM | Link to this

Reese, good points. You know why the Josh Smith talk always resurfaces. It’s because in our heart of hearts, we know the ship cannot continue to sail the way it is now. And so, we look to see who gets thrown overboard first….

Joe Bling, I can’t blame you for not seeing Smith as a “winner”. He doesn’t know how to win. Hasn’t won anything since high school, and while it’s great to win at that level…it is what it is. I have seen the same gestures from some of his more cerebral and experienced teammates. What I can’t figure out is why they keep passing him the ball when he gets outside the arc. I’d either ignore him or do what Woodson does: gesticulate wildly and point towards the basket.

By the way, I think you got me on some improper use of terminology. Perhaps I should’ve used the word “encourages” rather than “supports” when describing how Josh is with his teammates. After all, his individual play isn’t very supportive all the time.

Volman, when did Billy say that both Joshes would be re-signed? That’s some crystal ball he has…

Mykhalc, thanks! Where you been, bro’? Fishing?

By Matt

March 30, 2008 4:06 AM | Link to this

In 1995, the Celtics made the playoffs after finishing with a 35-47 record. Coach Chris Ford was fired after they lost 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs.

In 2004, the Celtics made the playoffs after finishing with a 36-46 record. Coach John Carroll was fired after they lost 4-0 in the first round of the playoffs.

This year, the Hawks have the best backcourt in the East, save for Detroit and maybe Boston. Finishing with 37 wins and getting creamed in the first round of the playoffs shouldn’t cut it.

Hopefully the ASG isn’t too terrified by change to realize that.

By ray

March 30, 2008 5:32 AM | Link to this

Today In The News

Okay, you’re not going to believe me on this one. But it’s true, apparently:

Phoenix team athletic trainers have determined that Shaq’s former issues with mobility have to do with his butt muscles. See? I told you that you wouldn’t believe me. Go to HoopsHype.com and then go to the “Rumors” section. Scroll down a bit and you’ll see the article(s) on Shaq, and his resurgence in Phoenix. The article is actually featured on SI.com. Apparently O’Neal’s problems are all related to his a$$. Seriously. They’ve got him in some program that’s called Optimal Performance Training (OPT). He says it works great. And he’s pi$$ed off that they couldn’t figure out what was wrong with his a$$ down in Miami. Wow…you gotta read that article. Seriously.

But you know, it got me to thinking. If the key to everything is in the a$$, like they said…then the Hawks should have a program like that, too. I mean, think about how much potential a guy like Marvin has…found out what is wrong with that bulbous caboose of an a$$ that he has and VOILA! He’ll play solid defense!

Maybe we could find out what Zaza has in his a$$ that makes him flop, fumble, and fall so much. Whatever it is, we need it surgically removed. Something had to have crawled up there and set up shop, because he wasn’t like this a couple years ago.

Heyyyyyyy…removals aren’t the only thing we could do. We could do additions, too! Just think, add something to Solomon Jones’ a$$ and he could be our starting center! Actually, I think it’s the lack of a$$ altogether that might be the problem…hmmm. But we can still work with Josh Smith! We can add something to his a* that makes him slash to the basket every time he gets the ball outside the three point line. We also need something that will prevent him from hoisting up a shot when he’s that far from the basket.

Even JJ could use an a$$ modification. Something that will cause him to say more to the refs when he’s being hacked every time he shoots.

I know, I know! We’ll call it the GYAIG program (Get Your A$$ In Gear). It will be revolutionary!

Who wants to be partners in this business opportunity? I need at least 7 other people or it won’t work. No really, I’ve heard that major corporations and organizations are run best by having multiple founders/owners? What do you mean that’s a preposterous idea? Ok fine, so we can’t do it…damn it all to hell…

One thing I have learned in life, and in my profession, though:

Proper application of lower appendages to the posterior regions of the offending party or parties tends to solve most problems. Repeat as often as necessary.

And in the case of the ASG, I’d recommend a size 12 or higher…

And that’s all for now…

By smartguy

March 30, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Funny as always, ray.

Don! what a great point: if they’re going to fire Woody anyway, why not just do it now?? They could easily replace him with an interim coach (and make it clear to everyone that regardless of what happens, they can still pick their own, new coach for next year), and they don’t have to pay that interim coach much of anything. I bet that Steve Smith would love to coach the rest of the year FOR FREE. Same probably goes for Larry Drew. The are plenty of coaches better than Woody who would kill for the opportunity; the chance to coach an NBA team (even for a few games) is something that most people would do for little to nil. You don’t have to pay an interim coach jack, so PLEASE, just do it.

SLAP GEARON AND LEVENSON!

REINSTATE BELKIN!

By smartguy

March 30, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

And one more note about Steve Belkin. For whatever reason, Mr. Belkin was put in a position of oversight and power. When the time came for him to exercise that power, the other owners went against him, and sided with the General Manager.

A few years later, those same owners have come to the same conclusion: that the GM really doesn’t know what he is doing. You can debate the JJ deal all you want, but here’s the bottom line:

1. The ASG set up a structure in which certain people played certain roles and had certain powers. This structure was agreed upon before hand and was clear to all involved.

2. When some members of the ASG decided they didn’t like that structure, they wanted to scrap the whole thing in mid-stride. Not incidentally, those who wanted the change wanted the power shifted to themselves.

3. The brats (Gearon and Levenson) who have gotten their won way, now seem to agree that their beloved GM Billy Knight is not the basketball genius that they thought him to be.

Had Steve Belkin had complete and total control for all of this time, can you argue that things would be any worse??

By Samuel

March 30, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

What’s up guys.

Been a long time. I’ve been very busy. Taking 6 hours of graduate courses, holding down two jobs and enjoying my children. My baby girl qualified for Nationals in gymnastics and my 5 year old had his first track meet yesterday. I’m trying to make a 400 meter and long jump man out of him. I have to bribe him with Power Rangers and Transformers right now but he’s actually doing pretty good.

I got spring break this week from school so maybe I can post a line or two.

Ray, good looking out on the Shaq article. PHX is looking pretty good but they gotta play tougher on the boards and Barbosa has got to step up more on offense. I think they can win it though. I love the Big Cactus though.

Cuz,

Gotta agree with the Maddam. It is what it is. Let’s be honest, wheather Woody plays JJ and Bibby or not, We have as much chance as a half-pint of “Bumpy Face” or “Eark N Jerk” on the 4th of July in beating the Celtics in the playoffs. Let’s be real, making at least one game competitive would be a moral victory IMO and a good boost for next year.

This is the only time I really watch college hoops. There are some good players comming out. Five or 6 real studs. From the teams i’ve seen, here are my top picks.

1. Rose from Memphis. Passing on him my be passing on CP or ROY. Kid is a flat out stud.

2. Beasley from KState. I say one spin move in the lane and he sold me.

3. Love from UCLA. Remind me of Okur from Utah. I think he will make a good center in the NBA.

4. Mayo- actually, I haven’t seen too much of him but the way everyone is taliking. He must be good.

5. Curry from Davidson. JJ Reddick with more athleticism. How can you let a guy that shoots the “peel” like that with a NBA father get buy you as a recruiter.

Others:

Collison from UCLA. Blazing speed. Will definately do good at the next level. Tony Parker, Rondo, Devin Williams.

Hansborough confuses me. I’m scared to say that he will be a good pro but he definately plays hard, runs and jumps well. I can see at least a Najera or better on the next level.

Hibbert from GTown

Both of Kansas’ fowards

The PG from Indiana.

This is a deep draft. I say trade Marvin and Salim to move up and take Hibbert or Love.

By doc

March 30, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

richie connotation is what it is made to be in the illusion of the mind. crackers were pioneers in a way or people that delivered the goods against great odds by driving the animals either mules or horses with covered wagons or open bed wagons using the “crack” of the whip to keep things going. sort of brave and fearless and the analogy is that of a trucker making it through storms behind his diesel engines. it is from their minds get active but in its non-illusionary form it is not what the media and folks want to make it out to be as a throwback to times we i guess would rather forget. i have the same standards for humanity that you espouse but at its elemental from i dont object. when folks make it a point of fear then it cant be used but again that is the illusion and probably a misunderstood form for what they were, hard working lower class folks trying to make a living. for furman as i it is a nostalgic moment for experiencing baseball in its most innocent form back in the day of the southern league. i do get it that some minds have made it offensive and respect that, hopefully in the future we wont denigrate truckers and the concept of “the diesels” for being less of what they are.

By GM R

March 30, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

SS - if you got $50 for every time you browbeat someone how could you end up with a mattress stuffed with $100 bills?

By Nique

March 30, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

WE’RE WINNING BEACUSE OF NIQUE’S EXPERTISE. FIRE WOODY/KNIGHT AND HIRE NIQUE AS GM/COACH.

By Volman

March 30, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Ray, great post as usual. VERY FUNNY!

About Billy Knight…. I was at the Hawks “Town Hall” meeting for season ticket holders and Billy talked for about an hour or so. He said that they were planning on signing BOTH Joshes in the off season (followed by a big applause from the ticket holders)… He also said not to rule out any trades, though. SO, you never know what he will do!

If anyone else has any other questions about what went on at the Town Hall Meeting, just ask. I don’t really know if anyone else had posted anything from it, but it was pretty interesting. He talked about Speedy, the Spirit, Woody, the play style, and free agents in the off season.

Let’s get a win today Good Guys!

By richbrave

March 30, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

doc:

Just don’t. I could care less about the history of “crackers.” My background is history. What you say is true. That does not belie the connotation in today’s society. So just stop O.K. You are not going to change my position on this particular subject.

By dakid

March 30, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Ray LM@O. Great job. As far as Billy giving a town hall meeting, he needs to go also. What took him so long to get a vet. point in here. Not gonna even bring up the drafts that he has had. When you draft in top ten and you are rebuilding you have to make them count, are you become the Clippers. We have one post player and one point guard, and a team full of wings. He didn’t build a team. I love the Hawks, and I really think we deserve better. Also I don’t want Larry Brown as the coach, not only is he a quitter, he doesn’t make younger players better. He destroys young players. I’ll go with Avery if he get’s the ax in Dallas.

By Matt

March 30, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

I think that GM R just might be the smartest cat on this blog ;-)

By cp

March 30, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Today’s game should not be even close. We should be up huge in the 4th so we can rest some of our starters but then again it is the Hawks and I dont know what team will show up to play today. The one that pretty much had their way with the Bucks or the one who gave up a big lead to the Bulls. The Knicks are horrible but we should not overlook them. Samuel trust me we want no part of Hibbert. The guy looks like a taller Sheldon Williams to me but that is just my opinion. Lets take care of business today, enough said.

By cp

March 30, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Ok I found a summary of what BK said at the Town Hall meeting on real gm. Let me post it for anybody who wants to read it. I dont know if all is true since I was not there but I guess if somebody on here went they can varify it.

**BK indicated that both Smoove and Chillz are restricted FAs and we plan on matching any offers for both.

He indicated that we would be spending more money next year and that we would likely approach but not exceed the luxury tax. He said that as GM, he did not believe you had to exceed the luxury tax to be good and that the only way he would ask an owner to exceed the luxury tax is if doing so would put the team in contention for a championship.

He said that the restrictions that the judge had imposed in the ongoing legal battle between the ASG and Belking have been lifted and that the restrictions DID limit their abilites to do some things but that is no longer the case. He said the legal wrangling is ongoing and that as things currently stand, Belkin is still one of the team’s owners.

He indicated that we would PURSUE a trade this summer in an rffort to improve the team but that we would not realistically be in the hunt for the top FAs. He said he would only make a trade if it clearly made us better. He stated that he likes all of our young guys but that sometimes you have to trade good guys to get better (hmm…Marvin?, Chillz?, Smoove?).

He indicated that Horford is a PF but that he had to play Center for us as we are currently constructed. He said there were VERY few quality Centers out there and that while Al is a PF, he is better than a lot of Centers out there. He pointed out how a lot of teams are playing small ball now.

He said that Al was a good player now but that he was going to be great. He compared him to Karl Malone. He said that Al was the only rookie he has ever drafted (including his stints in Indy and MEM) who has never asked him for ANYTHING in his first season. He said that Al has GREAT character and that he is just an exceptional young man.

He indicated that if we were able to get a good Center, he could envision a scenario where Smoove moves to the 3 and Marvin goes to the bench. He thinks Marv and Chillz would be great off the bench.

He said that we need a vocal, veteran leader in the locker room. He said that JJ has become a little more vocal but that he is a quiet leader who leads by example. He said that JJ leads by being first on the practice court, first in the weight room, etc. He said that we need a veteran (not necessarily an old veteran but maybe someone with 5-6 years in the league) to come in and take on that role. A little funny story about JJ is that he apparently goes around the locker room with his shirt off teasing the younger guys by showing off his guns. I thought that was hilarious.

He said that David Andersen’s game was more like Jason Collier’s than that of a defensive stopper.

He said that he had talked to Dale Davis but it sounded like BK didn’t think he would help us because he thinks teams would leave Dale open and double someone else with his man (I disagree but what can you say?).

He said he would like to see us play more uptempo but that he understands Woody’s point that we can’t play uptempo if we don’t rebound and defend on the other end. He said that the NBA is a copy cat league and that GS, PHO and DEN are the only teams that are committed to playing uptempo at all costs.

He tiptoed carefully around all the criticism of Woody. He didn’t throw Wody under the bus but he didn’t really defend him either. He just kept saying “I see your point” when people made negative statements and he said that the coaching situation and his own situation would be addressed in the off season “one way or another.”

He indicated that he would like to see JJ and Bibby play less but that he thinks Woody just gets caught up in trying to win the game and he decides to ride them too much. He said that you can ride a guy on occasion but that you have to be concerned about their AVERAGE mpg. He said that he is aware that JJ’s mpg are among the league leaders and he thinks JJ gets tired late in games and he think it limits his effectiveness. He said the he and Woody have talked about it and that Woody agrees that JJ plays too many minutes. He said that Woody will say after a game that he knows that JJ played too many minutes in that game and then he will go back out and play him too many minutes the very next game.

He said that he would like to see Mario and Jeremy play more at SG. He said they are night and day as playes, one offensive and one defensive. He said that NOBODY likes being guarded by Mario and that he frustrates guys by “getting up in ‘em.” He said that any time a guy like Kobe, T Mac, Pierce, etc got hot on the perimeter, he would put Mario on them. He said that Jeremy can really shoot the ball and that he had scored 50+ in an NBDL game.

To add a little on the Speedy front, apparently he went in for the microfracure surgery but when the doctor cut him open, he determined that microfracture surgery would not help his condition. The doctor did cleaned out his knee while he was in surgery. Billy said that it appeared that Speedy would try to play again next season.

I’m sure I am forgetting something but that was pretty much it.**

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

LMAO joe likes to go around the locker room teasing the young guys..hahahah

By doc

March 30, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

rich, i wasnt attempting to change anything. since you said you hadnt read the article before your comments that in itself suggests a closed view. the organization was one of the best in the minor at that time and historically is where bishop is coming from, not that it is a term that is really in its worst context and connotation what folks use to describe down and out whites like some have done on this blog which you have ignored though expressing a certain sensitivity. just wasnt sure if you knew the real story or the one that was presented by the washington elitist newspaper folk. ;-))

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 30, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

A$$ modifications? Dude you are killin’ me.

By drmaryb

March 30, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Hey RichBrave

I just read your 12:09 post to Doc

I have no idea what was said before that, because I read this thing from the bottom - up

I like the fact that you have a Back-Bone being a chiropractor - that means a lot to me - personally!

If dont’t stand for something - You will FALL for anything!

Now I am intrigued enough - to go back and see - What that conversation was all about?

About the HAWKS we should handle our business tonight! I expect a WINNER!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 30, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Also, I guess these new revelations regarding the importance of the a$$ muscles explain some of Roger Clemens’ steroid habits.

By mykhalc

March 30, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

cp, thanks for the town hall recap!!! good insight for those like me that would like to have ‘some’ idea into what BK is thinkin’!!!

By drmaryb

March 30, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Hey Beth

I am sure that is a surname for: Elizabeth which was to be my Name!

Anyway, come back and make me a bookend. I am on here blogging with a few of my favorite things: Like the Bloggings of:

RichBrave Ray-Star Doc Najeh Jami$$on BA & others:

So Holler-Back Girl!

By Steve T

March 30, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Hey, AC does a good job of getting to the basketball. His shot may not aways falls, but he gets to the basket. Some say that all the defense will have to do is pack it in to stop AC, well if they do that, you have Marvin and AC on the floor to hit the open jumper. You can bing out another shooter to help stretch the defense. It is part of being a good coach is to create a mismatch. The bulls coach did a great job in that area. How can we get our hands on Ben Gordon?

By mykhalc

March 30, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, you are just plain ole sick bro, no doubt!!!LMAO

yep, still fishin’, mostly!!!LOL between the HAWKS and GSW i think i’m gonna lose my mind!!! i do think DAL is more on the brink than GSW right now tho. would be surprised to see GSW and DEN make it with DAL goin’ fishin’!!! and as dakid said, i’d luv to see AVERY come to the HAWKS if he’s let go in DAL!!!

By drmaryb

March 30, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Hey Matt

Your 1:40pm post was freakin’ awesome!

By mykhalc

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

s/b…would NOT be surprised to see GSW and DEN make it with DAL goin’ fishin’!!!

By drmaryb

March 30, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hey MATT My last entry had the wrong time on it!

I copied & pasted your awesome post:

Qoute: by MATT

March 30, 2008 4:06 AM | Link to this

In 1995, the Celtics made the playoffs after finishing with a 35-47 record. Coach Chris Ford was fired after they lost 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs.

In 2004, the Celtics made the playoffs after finishing with a 36-46 record. Coach John Carroll was fired after they lost 4-0 in the first round of the playoffs.

This year, the Hawks have the best backcourt in the East, save for Detroit and maybe Boston. Finishing with 37 wins and getting creamed in the first round of the playoffs shouldn’t cut it.

Hopefully the ASG isn’t too terrified by change to realize that.

Now, that was worth a second - LOOK!

By doc

March 30, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

volman, do you think he meant that they would sign them and trade them and still stay truthful?

cp, great wrap up.. after reading the comments it seems that bk has become a reader of this blog for all it’s real good takes on where the hawks are and where they have to go. heh heh thanks for putting that together.

ray, keep up your sweet southern charm man. it is great to come to the blog for the news of the day.

By doc

March 30, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

interesting rich about your history comment, i have a BA in history; went back to do my science stuff to get into med school in my mid- twenties.

By drmaryb

March 30, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Hey EVERYONE

I figured it out:

There is a mole in this ASG.

(some stinky-little-nasty thing)…is causing us to be a …LOSER!

By drmaryb

March 30, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Ray-Star

You are an A*******et to this BLOG::

Re: By ray

March 30, 2008 5:32 AM | Link to this

Today In The News.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Hey ive been roaming around hawksquawk and someone came up with a topic about david anderson, i suppose he was a guy we drafted and apparently we have the rights to him. People say that he is one of the elite centers in the euroleague and he says that he wants to play in the nba. If he does he will be a huge improvement from zaza…http://youtube.com/watch?v=xyPw2G2WPsM

By Author

March 30, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand J-Smoove pulls a Marvin by dropping a pass from Bibby. Awesome.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Omg the game is ugly…

By drmaryb

March 30, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Shut Up & Enjoy The Ride?

That Bothers - Me! I have been posting under this blog - but each time I do?

It bothers me: And I just figured it out!

1.I don’t have to Shut-Up!

*2.I don’t have to Enjoy anything! *

By terrell barron

March 30, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Why does Woody pull Marvin, when his shot is falling? OMG!

By terrell barron

March 30, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

I think ole Duck’s been reading this blog. He’s doing a much better job rebounding the basketball.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Im going to take a chance and say this and hope i dont get murdered the next day, but i think that marvin is more valuable than smith, i dont know why but i have a feeling that he could become an allstar and even better than joe. Is there a reason that jordan wanted him so bad..maybe..

By terrell barron

March 30, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

The knicks are waiting for us to get a big lead, so they can LAY DOWN, but we just wont do it. UP by 1 at halftine, to the lowly Knicks. Well I guess its better than being up by 20, because we’ve seen enough second half collapses already. Come on guys, lets act like a team fighting for their playoff lives.

By cp

March 30, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Same thing I was thinking Terrell. When Duck plays bad Mike Knapp leaves him in the game. Duck plays well and he pulls him. The most baffling coach in the NBA is easily Mike Knapp. It is nice to see the guys play down to the competition once again. Sometimes it’s as if this team just does not get it.

By terrell barron

March 30, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

hawksfanfordawin, WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DRINKING? He’s playing better basketball lately, but lets not get ahead of ourselves. I dont no about the value thing, but an All-Star?

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Omg joe is killing us…

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

no terrel im not thinking i really think that he could be an allstar and better than both joe and josh remember the guys only 21

By Matt

March 30, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Perfect example of why blocks aren’t the end-all and be-all of defense. Josh Smith blocks a shot, but the man he blocked went right back up and made the follow-up lay-up while Smith was still in the air.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Sigh this should of been an easy win and why the hell did woody put in chillz for marvin, atleast put him in for josh..

By DarkRyder

March 30, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

The boobirds are out for Josh Smith and it’s ABOUT TIME! All of you fanboys keep crying about “oh he’s a good dunker and he blocks OMG he’s so friggin awesome” when the Hawks would be a much better team getting rid of his selfish, no ball handling behind!

After four years and you still can’t handle the rock? Beat it bub, and let’s get a REAL Power Forward who knows how to get the ball to the point guard.

It’s no secret on this blog that I’m not a fan of his game. You could get a couple of solid players who could handle the rock and rebound instead of one guy who will never, EVER get it!

The Knicks are playing for pride and it shows in today’s game. Crawford has a 40-pt game in him and it will show up in the 4th when Atlanta runs out of gas.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

MARVIN shoot the damn ball, forget about the extra pass to joe, he cant be the whole offense omg. If marvin isnt an allstar this is the reason why

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

WHY THE HELL IS SMOOVE FLOATING AROUND THE PERIMETER

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Sweet pass by joe to marvin for the dunk

By reese

March 30, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Matt, your clueless. The action is to challenge the defender. The bonus is the block of the shot. The problem was that no one else grabbed the missed block.

Josh Childress and Marvin Williams just challenged David Lee and another knicks player. The bonus was that the shot was missed and other hawks players grabbed the rebound.

This is the type of defense that Marvin and Childress have to consistently produce. That is the action of providing help defense to challenge the defender.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Its a shame when joe has to try to carry the team against the knicks…

By Matt

March 30, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Reese,

Before you go and call someone clueless, why don’t you actually bother to read that someone’s comment and reflect on it for a moment before responding. All I said is that that play is that blocks are not the end-all and be-all of defense, and that a certain play illustrated why. Are you saying that blocks are all that matters on defense? No? Ok, then use your brain before responding, and don’t call me clueless.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Why does woody play mario, put in richardson instead, i dont like mario he fouls everytime and people think that he is the next bruce bowen

By terrell barron

March 30, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Woody, would you please STOP CALLING TIMEOUTS! And Mario, will you PLEASE STOP FOULING!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 30, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

WTF WOODY why did you put joe back in the game, for the love of god..

By Cali OG

March 30, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

How obvious was it to anyone except the coach that it was premature to remove Bibby and JJ from the game with the lead in single digits?

By Cali OG

March 30, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

How obvious was it to anyone except the coach that it was premature to remove Bibby and JJ from the game with the lead in single digits?

By Cali OG

March 30, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

How obvious was it to anyone except the coach that it was premature to remove Bibby and JJ from the game with the lead in single digits?

By Steve T

March 30, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Like I said early, the best thing for Marvin was this run for the play-offs. His comments shows that he wants to get in the play-offs and like he said this is a fight. He is fighting with everything he has.

Marvin is 11-16 which is 69% to go along with 10 Rebounds and 2 blocks. The Kid can play. He now has a change to pad his stats. He now has 11 rebounds and 27 points. Now we see what Marvin can do when he really has to play. If the Hawks are going to win in the play-offs, we will need this type of effort from Marvin.

By reese

March 30, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Matt, if you have read many of my previous post, I’ve never defined a blocked shot as the definition of defense.

Plus, I’m pointing out to you that Josh Smith did 2 types of defense. He challenged the defender and he blocked the shot. The third type of defense would have been getting the loose ball. That was the only thing wrong with that play.

I’m trying to educate you to increase your knowledge of the game. I admit, calling you clueless wasn’t the best approach. But it did get your attention.

By new jersey faithful

March 30, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Good win! got a little shaky at the end, but they pulled it out. Next game is another possible let down game, they gotta stay focused!!

By cp

March 30, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Nice to see Marvin awake from his slumber and play some good ball lately. The crazy thing is now that Marvin is playing well Josh Smith is playing poorly. This game should have been an easy one but we let the Knicks come out with more energy and intensity than us. Guys need to wake the hell up and realize they are playing for the playoffs. Just because we have an easy schedule it does not mean we can sleepwalk into the playoffs. Al Horford should be rookie of the year or at least co rookie of the year if they still want to buy into the hype that Durant was going to win it since Oden was hurt. Law was very good in the first half at setting up his teammates. The lack of using our bench is going to cost us and its showing.

By Matt

March 30, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Al needs to average 10.9 ppg and 12.4 rpg the rest of the way in order to finish the year averaging a “true” double-double (i.e. exactly 10.0 ppg and 10.0 rpg). However, the stats are normally rounded to the nearest tenth, which means Al will show up on the stat sheets as averaging a double-double on the season so long as averages 10.5 ppg and 12.0 rpg the rest of the way.

Honestly? I think he only wins ROTY if he averages a double-double, no matter how much he might deserve it.

In any case, good win by the Hawks today. Woody’s substitution patterns were still questionable, but they weren’t the total disasters they normally are. If Mario West had just laid off the meth while he was out on the floor, we would have run out the clock no problem.

Lastly, somebody or something lit a fire under Marvin’s butt today - and I’m glad! The real question is if the same Marvin will show up tomorrow night in Memphis.

By cp

March 30, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Reese I think what Matt was saying is in response to Clyde who thinks block shots is the most important factor of defense. He was just saying yea you can block the shot but if the other team gets the ball back then the block shot went for nothing.

By new jersey faithful

March 30, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Thank God they made the Bibby trade!!!! He’s getting us in the playoffs this year, and might be very helful next year come the trade deadline, or just getting us further in the playoffs.

By Matt

March 30, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Reese,

If you want someone’s attention, you should take a different approach than just insulting them right off the bat. In any case, you interpreted my comments the way you wanted to interpret them, and you still are. You seem to think that my point in my post was to attack Smith’s defense, when it wasn’t.

And you’re trying to “educate” me? Who the hell are you? Phil Jackson in disguise? Oh, please edumacate all us dumb folk, massah! Christ, you’re condescending. Get over yourself.

By new jersey faithful

March 30, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

I really really really hope Horford gets the double double average for the year, but I dont think he’ll get enough chances on offense. I think he only got alot of touches 2nite because the Knicks dont have a good center. Maybe since Woody loves Horford so much, he’ll try and get him the ball some more on offense and call more plays his way. I have noticed that when JJ has the ball and Horford looks to be open, Joe never really passes his way, especially when Joe is doubled.

By SalimFan

March 30, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Nice game. Bibby was great. I think he is back into game shape now. I don’t think he’s even played fourty games this season yet.

Joe was great tonight. That was a quiet twenty five points by joe tonight. Thats how it should be though. Silent But deadly….sometimes. Particularly when were up.

MAAARRVVVIIINNNN!!!!!!!!

Sekou Did Salim tweak his ankle or something? He was in a suit today.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 30, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Outstanding game by Marvin. This is EXACTLY what the Hawks need out of him night in and night out. If he attacks the basket with this kind of energy and confidence every game it would make things so much easier on everyone else, particularly Joe Johnson.

By doc

March 30, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

taking care of bidness. finally, now keep the roll on in memphis. what is it about 6 of the last 8?

nice game between davidson and kansas the the little guys giving the jayhawks all the can handle. really been a ho hum final four with few games really contended. sweet sixteen is usually the most contested weekend of the year, just not happening. is curry good enough to go to the next level? certainly has enough range for the nba.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 30, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Stephen Curry — a 6’1” shooting guard with an excellent jumpshot, who can create his own shot, but who is really skinny and has raised some questions about his ball handling.

Sounds like… Salim Stoudamire?

By SalimFan

March 30, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Shut he heel up you’re just a hater. Besides, salim wasn’t skinny and he’s not a freshman.

By SalimFan

March 30, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Shut the heel up you’re just a hater. Besides, salim wasn’t skinny and he’s not a freshman.

By SalimFan

March 30, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Shut the heel up you’re just a hater. Besides, salim wasn’t skinny and he’s not a freshman.

By Matt

March 30, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

cp -

Thanks, bud. You got it right!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 30, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Who said anything about hatin? They are similar kinds of players. I didn’t say they are identical.

By SalimFan

March 30, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Oh………..my bad. I guess their alike. Minus salims arrogance of course. (At least at that point in his career)

By doc

March 30, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

cp and matt i have made that point many times but it falls on deaf ears. the guy who could block shots and control where it dropped was bill russell. steals mean something if you arent out of position if you miss and blocks are exciting somewhat meaningful but possibly over rated since the leader in the nba probably plays for the worst defending team in the nba. ultimately folks come back with .. well the shotblocker scares folks into “altering” their shots which isnt supportd by data but is posssibly so.

the best kind of defense is straight up man on man denial of the ball of which we dont have and is a weakness for this team. after billy’s comments at the open forum you got to wonder why mario wasnt on the court a bit more to get into the jock of the knick who was shooting lights out?

By Volman

March 30, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Everyone,

To add some information from the Town Hall Meeting…

David Andersen… Knight said they were in talks about a contract and that they were DEFINITELY signing him for next season. Knight said he was a good shooter and would act like a “first round” pick because the team does not have one this year.

My big thing is that I did not hear him say ANYTHING about Bibby. Will the Hawks keep him next year? His contract is fairly large….Especially with signing Chills AND Smoove, I’d imagine that this team would be pretty high up there on the payroll. Maybe I’m wrong.

Other than those couple of things, that summary does a good job of explaining what went on. Good stuff.

By terrell barron

March 30, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

hawksfanfordawin, You might be right. Josh Howard made an Allstar appearance. I can see Marvin being as good, if not better, than him. If he can be more consistent, and work hard this summer, he may suprise us all.

By Steve T

March 30, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Now, people are seeing what Billy saw in JJ. Today he gave a Larry Bird like effort. He did what it took for this team to win.

I wish the ASG would let Billy make the moves he want to make because we might be better off. We need a coach that trust his player. The hawks have a good make for a team but just need a coach to develop that team.

By cp

March 30, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

doc I agree with everything you said about defense but I think some bloggers would rather take flash over substance if that is the best way to put it. Hopefully they dont come out too tired against Memphis. It will be a very uptempo game so it might work in our advantage since we play better when we play at a quicker pace. The Grizzlies are also horrible defensively so we might see a big game out of a few players if they come out with some energy and some hustle.

By reese

March 30, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

First of all, great win hawks against New York. Another exciting game to watch as a fan. Keep focusing on 1 game at a time.

The *Good: *5 players scored in double figures. Marvin Williams, JJ and J Smith were the hawks players who had entries in every positive offensive/defensive category. Marvin, JJ and Horford were the hawks players with double doubles.

Nice to see Marvin and JJ join Josh Smith in the shot block category as each of those 2 players had 2 blocked shots. Nice to see Bibby and JJ combine for 22 assists. Nice to see Marvin join J smith and horford in double digit rebounds while also leading the team in scoring.

The hawks did another fine job of outrebounding an opponent by 10 by having 3 players with double digit rebounds. Hopefully, our 51 % shooting can continue against Memphis.

The *Bad: *we need to get our team free throw shooting up to 80% or higher. Wood like to see J smith score in double figures along with the other 5 players.

Still no word from BK, the ASG or anyone affiliated with the hawks why they won’t fill those last 2 roster spots with 10 day players.

With salim injured and not even in uniform, the hawks are dressing 11 players. If there is a game that goes to overtime and we lose players to 6 fouls, we may run out of big men.

If we do make the playoffs and salim is still injured, we could have already auditioned some players to take that roster spot.

By SalimFan

March 30, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Acie had a poor game tonight though. I don’t know what to say aout him. He airballed a shot. If that was smoove you guys would be all over him for it.

Acie is getteng the minuets but he’s not producing enough IMO. He did have that nice assist to zaza at the end of the quater though. But even on that play he passed up his own open shot to get him the ball. Also zaza missed both FT’s so he would have been better off taking the shot himself.

What do you guys think about his development thus far? He can’t blame it on injury now.

By reese

March 30, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Doc, yes, you have made that point several times and each time I respond with how each component of defense is important and none more important than the other.

CP, I don’t want to speak for Ray, but I don’t see where he defined defense as blocking shots.

Matt, CP and Doc I repeat, the block shot is the by product of contesting the player who is shooting the ball. It can be your man or the man of a team mate who needs help or has rotated to cover another player.

Doc, in prior post you state that players block shots out of bounds and therefore its not a guarantee of a turnover. Now, Matt uses it to make his point when the offense player got the ball back and scored a point after Joshes block. The key as that Josh Smith contested the player taking the shot.

Doc, you say that man to man defense is the most important defense. Yet, it has more chances of error than the blocked shot. You can be called for holding, blocking, kick ball, foul in the act of shooting, foul in the act of passing or running into a player who is setting a screen.

Listen guys, lets enjoy the fact that J Childress, Marvin Williams, Bibby and Joe Johnson have joined Al Horford and Josh Smith in contesting player’s shot. The benefit is that more players than J Smith and Al Horford are blocking shots, altering shots, making players not take a shot, forcing traveling, forcing up and downs, causing jump balls, running traps, pressing full court, going after loose balls, getting steals, taking charges, switching on picks and communicating on the court.

In short, we now have multiple players performing all forms of defense and not one facet is more or less important than the other.

By Steve T

March 30, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Mr. Fan, AC did his job by getting the ball inside. This is what PG are suppose to do and it is good basketball to go for the high % shot. Zaza got the foul but it is up to him to make the baskets. I would rather to see more ball go inside to the basket instead of relying on a jump shot.

Now about Mr. Smith. Nique tell Josh to play his game. He should rebound and block shots. The rest will come to him like attack the basket for points. Do not worry about making great passes let that up to the guards. Do not try to take people off the dribble. It is OK for him to bring the ball up the court and then find a guard.

By jhan

March 30, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight said at the town hall meeting that there were no big men he could find that offered both an offensive & defensive package that was worth spending money on.

I find this impossible to believe. The real issue is probably that the owners don’t have the extra $$ to spend - even on a 10-day contract for the league minimum. How pathetic if that is true.

By reese

March 30, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

SalimFan, read Ray’s 3:17 am post to understand about AC Law. I’ll add that the refs don’t give rookies like AC the benefit of the doubt as well.

Also, air balls are part of the game. Josh Smith, JJ, Marvin, Jchill and Bibby have all shot air balls lately. That should not be a confidence breaker. But, the coach pulling you out of the game just after it happens, doesn’t make you want to shoot outside shots.

However, playing in the first half and 3rd quarter should be times that a ref’s call shouldn’t have that big of an impact on the game.

GSW just defeated Dallas. It would be funny if Jason Kidd misses the playoffs. I’ll add that I don’t want to see Avery Johnson as a coach of the Hawks.

By jhan

March 30, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight said at the town hall meeting that there were no big men he could find that offered both an offensive & defensive package that was worth spending money on.

I find this impossible to believe. The real issue is probably that the owners don’t have the extra $$ to spend - even on a 10-day contract for the league minimum. How pathetic if that is true.

By doc

March 30, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

come on reese, i usually make the comment AFTER folks over emphasize that part of the game reese. i guess the other thing you can do is block a shot in man to man along with all the other things you state as “errors” that can happen reese along with the long list of positives you noted to occur in good solid man D. the point i was making is someone can be a GREAT defender without a single steal or block and those two stats might be a bit over rated except in fantasy basketball. bowen is a terrible player to have for stats in fantasy but someone critical to the success of the championships. serious man to man without a bunch of switches is what wins games but takes heart and endurance. glad to see the players picking it up after forgetting how to do it for about the thirty or so games after their 16 and 13 start. again the point you make very emphatically is that there is more to it than the block to which i agree and i guess we all agree.

By terrell barron

March 30, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Lets see we gave up 2 draft picks and sorry as Diaw for Joe, and the Mavericks gave up 2 draft picks, a young and promising PG, and a 7ftr, for an over-the-hill Jason Kidd. Now Dallas was robbed, not us.

By DecDawg

March 30, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Reese,

Nice breakdown. In order to have any chance of winning every night we have to improve the team defense. And everyone plays a part in TEAM defense.

By reese

March 31, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Thanks DecDawg. Also, thanks Jhan for the update about Billy’s comment on Big men availability. I agree with you that I find it hard to believe that they can’t find someone to fill a role.

Doc, I’ve never had time to play in any fantasy league stuff. However, another facet of good on the man defense is good team defense. Offensive players are taught to drive past defensive players who are up in your face. Yet, if you drive by Bowen, you have Parker or Ginobli lurking for the steal and Tim Duncan lurking for the block or to make you alter your shot.

I love talking defense just as much as I like talking offense. Thats why I praise Marvin and Jchill when they do both and I call out Josh Smith when he doesn’t.

By Ken Strickland

March 31, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Our team, as well as individual DEF will improve as soon as Woodson starts resting our key players. Fatigue has an instant effect on outside shooting, FT shooting and DEF. Fatigue makes you use your hands rather than move your feet to maintain DEF position. Your rotations aren’t as quick and you’re slow to challenge shots.

These issues have become constant concerns since Woodson decided to stop coaching and put the fate of this team on the backs of six players(the starting 5 plus Chills). He’s displaying the same stubborn, one dimensional approach exhibited by his mentor, Bobby Knight. That I’m going to do it my way no matter what attitude. And if it fails it’s because of the players, not me.

I’m very proud of the players and this team for what they’re accomplishing. They’re winning, and will likely make the playoffs, despite the unneccessary burden placed on them by Woodson. Another big gm tomorrow. GOOD LUCK IN OVERCOMING MEMPHIS AND WOODSON!!!!!

By cp

March 31, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

Reese I think you might have misunderstood what I was saying. I never even brought up Ray. I was only saying trying to tell you what Matt was talking about. I said Clyde likes to bring up we need a shot blocker and Matt was explaining to Clyde one day as well as a few others that it takes more than blocking a shot to play good defense. Thats all I was saying. As far as the Law discusion, I think he had a decent game. Its clear to me he can get to the hoop anytime he wants. He has to learn to finish better and not pass up open jumpers. I think his confidence is still a little shaky but I think once he gets off that leash of Woody’s that he will be a fine pg

By reese

March 31, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

CP, point taken, I’m not sure why I read Ray instead of Clyde. I understand better now since he was referring to Clyde’s Horford vs Sean Williams of New Jersey. These blogs are getting longer and longer now that the hawks are playing for a playoff spot.

However, I still stand by my belief that all defensive facets are just as important as the other.

By ray

March 31, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

Today In The News

Marvin Williams deserves as much credit in this win as anyone. More so in most cases. I don’t know if the athletic trainers did some acupuncture on his a$$ or what…but bro’ man was straight bringin’ it. You remember that 33 point game against Seattle earlier in the season? I don’t think it compares to this one. Why? Back then he was playing out of his mind and in front of relatives. In this game, Marvin wasn’t having a lucky night. It was pure effort and skill.

He played under control on offense (which he usually does), and drove the basketball when no one else was driving it. He converted when fouled. He hustled and rebounded like a madman on both ends of the floor. He even went coast to coast on one play! It’s like the last few games have been one long crescendo for him, culminating in a game that fully displays what he’s apparently capable of.

But you know what two of my favorite plays from him were? The two where he challenged David Lee on defense…and DENIED him. Two blocked shots. Let me tell ya something: if this is who Marvin is and we can count on him to play like this, I have NO problems with him remaining as our starting 3. NO problems. I’m not saying he has to duplicate the stats. Some nights it just won’t happen. But the hustle, the grit, the determination, the effort? Hell yeah! Tonight he showed more than a sweet shooting stroke. He showed the complete game. Like I said: if he can be counted on to play like this, he should be our starting 3. Read between the lines on that and interpret it as you feel…

Mike Woodson somehow got his magic marker and game board back. Good thing the players don’t pay attention to him in the huddle. Why does he keep calling timeouts? The game was never out of our control. The only thing out of control was Jamal Crawford. Woody should’ve sicced Mario on him long time ago…

Speaking of Jamal Crawford, I wonder how John Paxson feels about him these days? I’d have kept him, myself…especially with the defensively challenged Gordon, who can’t seem to play well unless he comes off the bench.

JJ put up some numbers that would make you think he was an all-star point guard. Wait…we better not say that too loud, or Billy might try it AGAIN…

Major Kudos go to Volman, CP, and Jhan on reporting how things went down at the town hall meeting. One of the best things Billy could’ve done was actually show up and answer questions, which he did. Sounds to me like he’s got some ideas in mind. Lord knows what they are…but at least he’s not “standing pat”. I think it’s also reasonable to assume that he still wants to and will push for getting rid of Woody. As far as I’m concerned, that will go a long way in my book for solidifying his credibility.

There’s a lot I blame the afro-ed wonder for. I won’t get into it. I’ll give him credit for the last few successes in a row: the drafting of Horford for one. Remember, Billy’s the kind of guy that could’ve/might’ve drafted that skinny Brandon Wright from UNC. All 6’9” 205lbs of him. In fact, I greatly feared that he would. But he got the beast, and we’ve enjoyed the hell out of it all season. The Bibby trade: look, it was a good move. Take it for what it is. I also have to give him credit for trying to get rid of Woody. You can forgive a lot if a guy gets on the right path. IF he gets there and stays there…

David Andersen, eh? Hey, didn’t we draft this guy? Where the devil has he been? Did he ever even play in the NBA? What’s his game like? I’ve heard the name, but never even saw the guy on an NBA court. So Billy’s gonna sign him, is he? Please tell me this guy’s more Andris Biedrins than he is Zaza Pachulia. Please….

Terrell Barron is correct. Dallas got robbed. But they robbed themselves. If you ask me, it would’ve been okay if they hadn’t let Diop go in the deal. And they wonder why they’re struggling for that 7th playoff spot? Look, JKidd is one hell of a pg. But that ain’t what Dallas was needing to get over the hump. If they don’t get knocked out of the playoff race, I say they’re gone in the first round again. Well, maybe they can get to the second round, but it depends on who their first opponent is.

Rocket watch. Speaking of west coast teams, is this the year that the Rockets (and most notably, McGrady) manage to get out of the first round? If it is…then the difference is clearly Rick Adelman, don’t you think?

Well, we are doing what we’re supposed to…namely defeating teams that aren’t better than us. Imagine what our record would be if we’d been doing this all season? We seem like as much of a lock for the playoffs as we’ve ever been (which is probably something I really should not say), particularly if we keep beating teams that aren’t playing .500 ball.

But let’s be honest: this is all for naught if certain changes aren’t made this summer. The ASG must not take “making the playoffs” and continue to run things on the cheap. They need to allow people to do their jobs. They need to replace those who can’t do the job they’re responsible for. They need to keep their damn hands out of the broth…hell, they need to stay out of the kitchen altogether. ‘Nuff said.

By BA

March 31, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this

I’ll admit it, I’ve liked Marvin from the start. I always thought this kid had so much potential. But what he did tonight, the COMPLETE game, this is more than I imagined. To keep it in perspective, yeah, it’s the Knicks. And yeah, the blocks were on David Lee, who certainly isn’t a high-flyer. But the rebounding has been consistently better, so much that tonight Marvin looked like a good starting three OR starting four. And Ray, I have always been a staunch supporter of Smoove, but I have to admit that the lineup of Bibby/Joe/Marvin/Hortford/Pachulia is developing a nice chemistry. I looked at Doc’s link to the Andersen kid’s website, and I just don’t know what to think. He’s a seven-footer, and he’s averaging eight and four over there. What would that translate too in the Association? If they bring Woodson back, they may as well send Solo and West and Richardson over there with HIM, they might get some minutes!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 31, 2008 3:40 AM | Link to this

While we are on the topic of David Andersen, I wonder what Cenk Akyol is up to?

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

I sure hope Miami does’nt win the lottery. Just for the simple fact that they’re tanking it! They deserve to have the same type of luck the Celtics had last year. Hoping for #1, ending up with #5. The Celtics were better off without Oden however, considering they ended up with KG. Actually, they would’nt have KG or Allen, had they won the lottery. Be thankful Boston fans.

By I.MUS WRITE

March 31, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

I knew it just when i start talking bad about Marvin, he goes for 27 points on 69% shooting. That is the best he has played since the Seattle game……… Great game but im not ready to let him off the hook just yet. No doubt Marvin has the talent,But what’s it going to take for him to do this consistently. Like I said before consistency is the key -dont give me 27 one game and then fail to reach double figures for 6 straight games………. Im hoping that a coaching change will make yungn go hard every game. Next season if Marvin gives us 17-19 points and 6 boards to go along w/h a healthy Bibby and JJ WATCHOUT!!!!

AL Horford-Give the man his dam trophie -Kevin who??? ……. This is a disgrace- Horford is giving veterans the bussiness and averaging a Double Double on the season-I dont see where the debate comes in- I guess its all political -Sumbody really wants Sticks and Bones to hoist the trophie at seasons end.

As much praise as we give Josh for his blocks -we have to give him the same attention when it comes to one on one position D- Ive noticed that alot of players blow by him and Chills off the dribble,also Josh gets beat alot inside right at the rim….. Smoove has got to play better man defense-hell the whole team needs better D- Jamal Crawford should never put 40 on us…….

David Anderson??????? why are we excited about 8pts and 4 boards in a dam Euro League. That means 1.6 and 2 against NBA Competition

By SalimFan

March 31, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

I.MUS I completely agree with you. Eight points in europe? Thats like half a point in the NBA. Yi averged like 18ppg in china and we see how that turned out.

Also that pile of sticks really doesn’t deserve the award, and he’s not going to get it now that the hawks a probably going to make the playoffs. Espically if horford averages a true double-double.

By Ken Strickland

March 31, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

With the rapid emergence of Horford’s OFF, we might be witnessing a change of position. We’re now seeing that he has much better PF skills than JSmith. His overall DEF is better, he has a much better outside shot and is much stronger inside. Josh is a better passer, but commits far more turnovers. Horford never takes bad shots, and his attitude and demeanor are beyond reproach.

Would Don Nelson be so enamored with the prospect of having a young, talented freak of basketball nature like JSmith, that he’d consider a trade? How about Josh Smith for Biedrins and a draft pick and/or players. We could certainly use one of their 3pt shooters.

As much as I love to see JSmith play, he isn’t going to take us to the next level as a Hawk. However, he just might bring us the talent we need in a trade to make us a beast in the East. We’re already starting to see how his impact, offensively, has lessened with the addition of Bibby, and the OFF emergence of Marvin and Horford.

A frontline of Marvin, Horford, Beidrins, with Bibby and JJ, would be very versatile and effective on both ends of the court. Of course, we’d have to replace Woodson in order to make it work. What do you think?

By SilverShadow

March 31, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

I cant speak for what anyone else will say on their blogs but I think that if the Hawks get past the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, they will be on to win the NBA championship this June. Ive said it before and I Ill say it again that I think the Hawks have the BEST talent in the association. If the Hawks can prove that I know what Im talking about then they will upset the Celtics and move on to winning the championship. I think that the only reason why the Hawks record isnt any better than it is, is because the Hawks BELIEVE WHOLEHEARTDLY that they are still doormats of the league and they dont and wont play good basketball consistently enough with play solidly enough with enough confidence to prove to the league otherwise that they are an elite team. The Hawks have proven on a few occasions this year that they CAN BE an elite team. The only problem is that the Hawks werent able to sustain that notion for more than one game and thus they have the poor record below .500. The Hawks may not have the talent this year to be a 50 win team, but they certainly SHOULD have been a 40 win team with the talent that they possess. Unfortunately, the Hawks would have to win virtually ALL of their remaining games to eclipse the 40 win plateau. I do believe however that if the Hawks play up to their potential and beat the Celtics in the first round, then they will have enough confidence riding high enough that they SHOULD and WILL go on to become the first team in league history to win a championship with a pathetic losing record in the regular season. Go Hawks!!!

By drmaryb

March 31, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

*WOOOE

Who is the Silver Shadow? Could that be BK?

By All Net

April 1, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Hey you all act like Johnson and Bibby are the only players in the NBA that has to play 40 min or more a game. Poor JJ or poor Bibby is what you say. WHAT about AI, Garnett, King James, Kobe, (need I keep going,who also play just as many minutes if not more EVERY GAME. Come on…these guys are young and vibrant geez…quit your crying and let um play…..YEA HAWKS !!!!!

By Bonified

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

Anyone can jump on the wagon or the bus once it starts rolling. But who was willing to get it rolling before Coach MIKE WOODSON stepped up there and started it to rolling. Not many coaches would have taken on a team who was the laughing stock of the NBA for the last nine years or so pryor to Him taking on the challenge.

By Millenium

April 1, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Ken, what I think is you need to learn the name of the game which is BASKETBALL, that is something obviously YOU DON’T KNOW………….

By SilverShadow

April 1, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Did anyone see the Hawks last night? What a spectacular performance! Sure the Hawks folded in the second half and had to hang on for the collective lives to barely escape with a win, but keep in mind that the starting unit scored a whopping 73 points in the first half!!!! If they had repeated that performance in the second half the Hawks would have scored 150 points which is what they are capable of scoring each and every night. Its a crying shame that the Hawks still dont believe that they can play worth a darn and that is what is troubling that talented team over there at Phillips arena. The Hawks problem is a MENTAL PROBLEM. Physically they are fine, but in their minds they believe they are going to get stomped every night by the opposing team and this is why the Hawks play ultra passively instead of super aggresively like they did in the first half of last nights game. My recommendation for the Hawks is to go back and watch the flim of the first half of last nights contest against Memphis and memorize precisely what they did to pull that feat of scoring 73 points in the first half. Then replicate that performance each and every night and I do believe the Hawks will be winning the championship this June when the NBA crowns its champion. Go Hawks!!