Hawks

By Matt

March 31, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Sekou,

Najeh asked a good question at the end of the last blog - any whisperings about Cenk Akyol yet? His stats in Turkey aren’t blowing anyone away, but dude’s still only 20 and has some pretty sweet moves on ‘dem YouTube videos! My hunch is that he’s not yet on the NBA radar (and may not be for awhile, if ever); have you heard/thought different?

And I totally agree with Ray for Poster of the Year. I also gotta agree with both you and Brother Ray that if Marvin can play like he did yesterday on a consistent basis, the Hawks will be tough to handle. All those ‘intangibles’ that the draft gurus assigned to him magically (re-)appeared last night, and it was a sight to see.

By Ben

March 31, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Bibby wouldn’t have been much use in training camp, seeing that he missed the first 30 games of the year. If we had Bibby in January, we would have won more games and probably stolen a couple on that horrid West Coast trip.

By Eric

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

Wow, what an honor to be Poster of the Year. What’s the prize? A Publix ham sandwich with mayo?

By MannyT

March 31, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Someone asked about Cenk Akyol in the last blog. He is running with Dee Brown (of Illinois Hoops fame) in Turkey. While I have no skills for the Turkish language, research suggests Dee is playing much better than Cenk. They play for the same club organization, Galatsaray, as the Atlanta Dream’s Chantelle Anderson.

Looks like the men are headed to the playoffs i.e. Uleb Cup](www.ulebcup.com/) on April 10th. Someone with funky international satellite TV can probably watch the games.

Hosca kalin

WAF

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Sekou, how do you feel about Miami tanking it? Man, I hope they lose the lottery. They should go through the disappointment, just like Boston did last year, until they made the deal for Allen with #5. And remember, KG said he did’nt want to go to Boston until they signed Ray. If they would have had #1, they would have never passed on Oden, and this magical season would have never existed. I HATE TANKERS! These guys are PAYED TO PLAY! But on another note, your right about Marvin. If we could get 27 and 11 from him every ow and then it would help tremedously. Well see if he can keep it up tonight in Memphis.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

David anderson is considered among the elite bigman in europe. After watching his youtube vids he seems like a mehmet okur who can shot the three and he has a good inside game…

By JL

March 31, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Can someone give a recap of what was discussed at the town meeting? Thanks.

By The Flash

March 31, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Who says that a player needs to be able to deliver every night? Where is it written? If MW needs to take nights off, or have off nights, then play around that, is the way I see it.

Nobody, or almost nobody, plays an entire season. Some might produce every night but go down for different stretches. In an 80 game season, a new paradigm might be in order. Since JJ now plays the 3 on offense, why not use him as a straight 3 when MW is off his game?

By I.MUS WRITE

March 31, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Man Sekou, you are fast, just posted on shut up and enjoy the ride.

I was basicly saying that this was Marvin’s best effort since the Seattle game. Its hard to get on his bandwagon though, he will give you 27/6 and the next 6 games he wont crack double digits. Consistency is the key, If he can give us anything close to those numbers maybe 17-19 and 6 boards a game to go with a healthy Bibby and JJ we could be much improved ……. I sure hope the coaching change will equal all around better play.

Al Horford -Give dude the dam trophie already……. What is it again that makes Durant ROY,bad team bad record,bad shooting percentage,below average D. These sports writers have to see what Horford is doing down here night in and night out. I mean he is averaging a double double on the season,hell alot of veterans dont do that. I guess its all political- sumone sure wants stick n bones to hoist that trophie.

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Everything I’ve seen about Anderson makes me believe that he’s a 7ft. PF. We dont need a PF, but we could use him for a change of pace.

By SalimFan

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

Ray should defenetly get that award.

I really don’t see the hawks not making the playoffs now. BUT Jermayne O’neal is coming back for the pacers and they have ten games left so that could possibly be something to worry about. No april fools I we (Hawks) stay the course though.

I also don’t buy into this anderson guy. Eight points is not giood enough. Al averages 10 in the NBA. so 8 in the turkish leauge really isn’t that impressive.

I really hope we can keep everybody and also extend bibbys contract for at least two or three years. Along with Hubie Brown coming in and coaching theis squad next season.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

The dude shoots 60 percent for threes!!!Im telling you hes the next mehmet okur..

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

The other guy who gave andersons numbers are wrong..these are the real ones..

14.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, .4 blocks, 1.4 assists, 1.1 turnovers, 52% FG, 61% 3P, 91% FT, 26 minutes

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

We drafted this guy in 2002. Why is he still playing overseas? What’s up with that?

By Covington,Ga

March 31, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

I notice that Marvin has been new game ritual…jump rope before the game…hey if it works keep doing it…also I know that it may be a possibility that we trade one of the josh’s but I just cant see them trading away Josh Smith…maybe if the right trade comes along but i just dont see it.

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Childress may be the harder player to replace, not Smith. He brings as awful lot to this team. It’s going to some tough decisions to be made, this offseason. Question is: WHO’LL BE MAKING EM?

By ugaman

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

The way Al played last night (and all season for that matter), and with Marvin surely to improve his consistency with another year under his belt and extend his range over the summer. I really think the best player to trade in order to improve our overall team talent is JSmoove. JSmoove is a highlight reel, but IMO makes too many mistakes and boneheaded plays to build around. Remember, he has been in the league longer than Marvin, but Marvin plays smarter. IMO Chills is too valuable as a sixth man to let go. The energy he brings off the bench and his penchant for making plays off the ball is too valuable to let go. Not only that, he is a much better shooter than Smoove. I say trade Josh for a big to play center and a backup shooting guard to spell JJ. Richardson might be the guy, but he still seems too thin and heavy footed to make any real impact defensively. Then bring the 7 footer over from Europe to back up Al with ZaZa backing up the center.

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

UGAMAN, What about J-Smoove for Biedrens and Ellis?

By Clyde

March 31, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

This has been a good run by the Hawks. They have proven over the past couple of weeks that the best way to prove people wrong is to win games. Lets see if they can finish things off by making the playoffs. And yes I will let my trademark go if the make it. I’m a man of my word that doesn’t change.

Also speaking of change I heard the “poster of the year” has changed his name about 10 times before he came up with the name Ray. Are you Rich or Ray? Can’t play both sides of the fence.

And Sekou how you gonna make up “poster of the year” now and we bout 5 years into this thing. I know I could have took home the title at least 2 or 3 times.

I will be at the game in Miami on the 16th. Holla at me. myspace.com/broincog

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

I cant see us moving Smoove for a 1st rdr. Who would we get? And please dont say Roy Hibbert!

By SSI Fan

March 31, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

I do not believe the Hawks can be a title contender with both Josh Smith and Al Horford in the starting lineup. If they are the starting center and power forward the team is not big enough. If they are the starting forwards then they don’t have enough outside shooting. While we gush about the great job that CP3 has done for the Hornets, I don’t think they would be nearly as successful without Tyson Chandler. I would trade Smith for a “Chandler” type center.

By drmaryb

March 31, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Hey Ray-Star

He get’s my vote Hands-Down! This man is an icredible talent. Heck, in my opinion if we didn’t need him to save lives on the streets? He could take over this Blog and then what would happen to SEKOU?

Oh Well, maybe we could keep both of them!

Ray-Star on some level - keeps me coming back! Well - that and of course my RichBrave

More Importantly - Go HAWKS!

By Dan

March 31, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Sekou

I like reading your blog. Let me say that first, since my question could be taken the wrong way.

I was at the Town Hall Meeting, too. How come I get more inside information in one meeting, than you provide all year? Your the beat writer. Rarely do I learn anything on here that I don’t already know.

Also, Billy Knight said he never asked to have coach Woodson fired. Any thoughts on that. His explanation was pretty solid, I thought.

People at the Town Hall meeting were grilling Billy Knight about Woodson, by the way.

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

B******! Chris Paul, MADE CHANDLER WHO HE IS TODAY. If he was so good, why did Chicago get rid of him?

By Sherewshevsky

March 31, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Know anything about this 6’10” guy form Russia that Billy Knight mentioned to season ticket holders Friday night? Apparently he’s an outside shooter. Should we be surprised when we really need a big man to pay defense, knock people down. and REBOUND. Horford is smaller than 6’10” I think. Knight also said he’s never get the team to the salary cap unless it would make the team [my words] a real contender. To me, that means Bibby, Childress, Smith will be gone.

By blue

March 31, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

WHAT ABOUT THE RUMOR THAT LARRY BROWN COMMING IN AS THE GM OR COACH. THIS COULD BE EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED. AND THERE AS TO BE SOME TRUTH TO IT BECAUSE STEPHEN A SMITH IS CLOSE TO LARRY BROWN AND WORKS FOR PA.

By blue

March 31, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

WHAT ABOUT THE RUMOR THAT LARRY BROWN COMING IN AS THE GM OR COACH. THIS COULD BE EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED. AND THERE AS TO BE SOME TRUTH TO IT BECAUSE STEPHEN A SMITH IS CLOSE TO LARRY BROWN AND WORKS FOR PA.

By G-thang

March 31, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Terrellhe is right!! We do need to get rid of someone. I would much rather get rid of Smoove than Chills. Chills is a monster comin’ off the bench. Josh is too immature. He is a post up type player, but he thinks that he is a jump shooter, from 24ft out.

yeah he blocks 3 shots per night, yeah he grabs about 8 rebounds, but dude averages about 3 turnovers/game, takes awful shots, which result in offensive turnovers for the other team. When he is questioned by the coach, he blows it off!!

Please trade Smoove for a 1st rounder!! We need a true 7footer.

Package Smoove and Zsa-Zsa for a bigman.

By Sekou K. Smith

March 31, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

drmaryb are you trying to get rid of me? Ha.

And Clyde, sorry to come up with this honor now. But you are the runaway winner of the most consistently hilarious poster of the decade.

I don’t know that Mr. Akyol is headed this way anytime soon, but that’s fine. Give him another season or two to get ready and then bring him over when he’s good to go.

Who knows how David Andersen’s numbers will translate? As long as he’s a presence and an every night contributor, I wouldn’t care. The Hawks need depth and they certainly need big bodies. He would appear to be quite a bit of both.

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

He said he never tried to fire him? If he said that, he’s as stupid as he looks. Why would’nt you try to fire this clown? Sekou, was he lying, or did he really try nto have Woody fired? I was actually giving BK props for trying to can Woody. Can I get the truth PLEASE!

By randy

March 31, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

How can the Hawks trades Josh Smith?? Trade deadline is over and he becomes a free agent this summer…

Am I missing something?

By ray

March 31, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Sekou, Guys-n-Gals, I really appreciate the love. Really. I’ll try to keep my quirky humor comin’ as often and as strong as I can. Know that each contribution here (as Sekou said) is what makes this blog what it is. I daresay there’s not another sports blog like this…let alone one about basketball. Also, I owe half the things I come up with to everybody else that’s here. Everybody else comes up with at least one funny line, comment, or observation at least once or twice. In fact, my next post will feature an observation/comment of one of our own….heh heh heh!

By Dork

March 31, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks Ray, Now you can get back to that video game in your mother’s basement.

By kevin

March 31, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

If anderson comes over, I think you could move J-Smoove and Pachulia and come up with a back up PF and a starting center. Portland would probably be interested in trading two picks and channing frye for the duo. That would replinish the hawks depth, give them a decent back up 4, draft another center and maybe a backup SG with some range.

By I.MUS WRITE

March 31, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Trading Smoove for a 1st rounder stinks. That first rounder wont be- Love,Beasley or Rose so that is’nt going to improve this team.

If JS is traded it needs to be for some veterans that are already established in the league that would fit well with what we have.

If Marvin was an every game player this would be alot easier. We would be set at SF and PF. G-thang : u are right in your assessment-as talented as JS is he makes dumb azz decisions mostly at crucial times in the game.

Also he is’nt that good of a defender unless he is helping or trailing a play. He gets beat alot right at the rim, his man to man D needs alot of work……… I dont know if he’ll be here next year,but you definitely dont build around him- The guy is a complimentary player at best he is not Melo or Wade.

Larry Brown!!! My Gawd really hope he is’nt coming here - Id prefer M.Fratello………. Either would be an upgrade so im for it I guess.

By chipc3

March 31, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

My name is Chip Crain. I write for the blog 3 Shades of Blue (you may remember us from the ‘ask the GM’ questions circulated by Henry Abbott).

Anyway, I write a pretty intensive pre-game commentary about every game for the Grizzlies. I am trying to broaden the perspective this season by including other bloggers commentary via links. Would you be interested in exchanging links about the game so Memphis fans who think I am an idiot can get a different type of biased coverage of the game???

Here is our pre-game commentary if you are interested: http://3shadesofblue.blogspot.com/2008/03/memphis-vs-atlanta-33108.html/

Chipc3

By St. Bernard

March 31, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I think BK and Woody are gone at season’s end. BK’s attempt to fire Woody was only an attempt to buy him more time.

I’m glad to see Anderson might finally come over here. I hate seeing guys drafted and then left overseas. Cenk was drafted ahead of some folks like Randolph Morris who might have given us some depth, so he needs to become a player.

I’m happy to say that this is the first year that I haven’t spent alot of time dwelling over the draft by now, but I can see us trading one of the Joshes or Marvin for a pick and/or an athletic center.

They won’t extend Bibby until the last second. That’s the way ASG does things and they want to see how things work out with his health and Acie’s development.

Oh yeah, and let us not forget we still have Speedy’s contract out there. Can’t he retire or something?

By mrprozach

March 31, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

randy The trade Deadline has passed, but the Josh’s become restricted free agents this summer. That would give the Hawks the right to match any offer that they are given; which could lead to a team giving up players or picks to persuade the Hawks ti either do a sign and trade or Keep them from matching the offer sheet.

By D Brown

March 31, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

If we keep Bibby what do we do with “SPEEDY”?

By mrprozach

March 31, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Oh, and doesn’t feel good to have something to talk about other than the draft as the season winds Down!

By doc

March 31, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

ray, you definitely deserve it but it wont be as good as the poster of the year that stayed on my wall for many moons of raquel welch in rawhide. waking up to that every day kind of spoiled it for the future if you know what i mean.

as an aside make sure you move around a bit as you write this thing on the night shift. dont want anything to get in the way of continued blog excellence because you developed a sit down azz disease needing shaq like attention. now is it your azz growing or your head as you get all the luv man?

By ray

March 31, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Today In The News

“Stick and Bones? Stick and Bones! Who the hell do they think they are?”, were the comments from ROY candidate Seattle playboy Kevin Durant, after hearing what Blog Crimes Unit agent I.Mus called him. Hey look dude…we know you’re good. We know you’re averaging about 20 on a rather bad team. But you’re the centerpiece of that team and that offense. Besides, it could always be worse. We could be calling you Skeletor and making action figures out of your a$$ (with the #35 on them) to sell with the rest of the He-Man toy collection.

Hell is in danger of freezing over for the second time this season. The first time was when fellow blogger Astro Joe made a completely accurate, detail specific prophecy…that came true. Which, by the way, I can’t even remember the details about. All I know is that he was right. The only thing that could’ve made it more glorious is if Ando had been around to see it and given him credit for it. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to do in this case…But anyway, this time it’s Clyde who threatens the temperature of the Devil’s domain.

Did we actually see a post from him promising to drop his tag line if our boys make good? This, I gotta see.

By the way Clyde, my name is ray, spelled with lowercase (don’t ask me why), and I’ve posted as this the whole time I’ve been here (3 years or so). Which, by the way, is my real name. RichBrave is somebody else entirely, somebody who reminds me of another poster (but we won’t get into that). Have I ever posted under another name before? Sure, and I used the same name each time. It was a very distinct name, and I doubt anybody knew who it really was. I did it for my own amusement, but didn’t get a lot of feedback. It’s been a while since I used this name, so I’d be surprised if anybody would remember or be able to guess it. But I’d be pleased if someone did. Besides, I seem to recall a while back when a poster claiming to be your “son” was posting here. It was early on in the season…and he *sounded JUST like YOU. Skeletons in the closet, Clyde, skeletons in the closet…

Experts say the Dow has dropped, but they are looking for a rise. The key to this financial phenomenon? Clyde’s T-Shirts. Insiders say that Clyde may be able to make enough money off of shirts to stimulate the economy if he makes a minor change: going from “Fire Billy and Woody” to simply “Get Rid of Woody at All Costs”. No, really…not to give Billy a free-and-clear pass, but Woody will never be what we need.

Blog Crimes Unit Investigators have uncovered a possible conspiracy. Apparently former Hawks draftees Cenk Aykol and David Andersen have been in hiding. I’m talking about “Witness Protection Program” hiding. Both players have opted to remain in Europe for reasons that hadn’t been explained until now. Upon interview, Cenk Aykol had this to say…”I no play for Hawk team until they change coach. Boris call me and say life horrible under coach. He no let you play unless you look at his game-board. Boris say game-board make no sense, so he no listen. Coach no let him play how he can best play. I no go to Hawk team until coach change. How can you play for man who’s head is stuck in a$$?”. Subsequently, David Andersen agreed…”Billy call me and say play for Hawk team. I no can do this with coach they have. In my country, man who look this dumb go to institution for those with bad brain, and stay there for life. We think there be no cure for such dumb look. We think he also have Tourrette problem because he go from dumb look to shout and scream in unknown language, and back to dumb look again. Why Billy keep him? I hear because Billy bosses also have head in a$$ problem. I play for Hawk team if coach go before I get there. Otherwise, I no play.”

Well there you have it, folks. When a young player will give up the NBA limelight, the night life of the ATL, and the millions of the American economy…for stinky, hairy Euro-funk (and that’s probably just the women)…you know something must be wrong. Now we know what it is.

And trust me, I know all about Euro-funk (that’s what we call it where I work). I’ve dealt with, and will continue to deal with all types of foreign people on a daily basis. There’s trailer park funk, there’s ghetto funk, there’s beach funk, there’s backwater funk. None of them compare to Euro-funk.

Trust me on this. I don’t know how these jokers do it, but they have taken the word “stink” to a whole new level. I think spraying an unruly one with our OC Pepper Spray would be an improvement. I used to work with a guy that stuttered (you KNOW he got teased). He answered a call on a drunk/disorderly Ukrainian. Dude’s breath was so bad, it could’ve turned milk into cottage cheese…instantly. Anyway, the guy was getting out of hand and was trying to prove he wasn’t drunk. As we were about to administer the sobriety test, he took a huge breath and breathed right into the face of my stuttering homeboy. The effect was so traumatic, it caused him to stop stuttering for like, 3 days. Damn!

I met a Turk one time who was looking for directions. Dude was so damn funky, I felt my nose hairs and eye brows burning off. I probably looked like “Bert” from Sesame Street when it was over. I couldn’t even speak directly to him. I had to keep turning to the right just so I could breathe. I could feel the buttons on my uniform curling up…

I’m tellin’ you, Euro-Funk just ain’t right…

By MannyT

March 31, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

I was at the Town Hall. Actually 1st posts on prior blog about it were my responses to doc’s inquiry. There’s just no love for the snowflake jacket ;-)

Most of the stuff from Town Hall is on prior Shut Up and Enjoy the Ride blog.

I skipped over BK’s explanation of did he or didn’t he try to fire Woody. Most of it focused on what we might call the 3rd attempt. There was no question asked or answered about the prior attempt. I would not expect him to say he tried to fire Woody.

Would your boss come out publicly and say he tried to fire you 3 times and failed? Unless you are Dolan in NY, there is no way you blab about personnel stuff unless you are an idiot!

Finally, BK doesn’t really embrace the media. Do you really expect him to provide Sekou with golden nuggets of info? He did throw something his way regarding the Bibby deal. Do an internet search on Billy Knight. You will not see a bunch of media comments—not his style.

…and Ray does deserve blogger of the season. Sekou, come up with a logo and I’ll drop the prize at the AJC for you to present.

WAF

By ignition

March 31, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

So Marvin has his best game in about a month & people are ready to trade a defensive player of the year candidate. Damn with fans like that no wonder this team has been so pathetic. With Chris Anderson, maybe Al can move to his natural position and moving Marvin to the bench.. Play Mario & the new kid more off the bench & now you have a solid bench.. He also should play Acie more.. A starting five of Biddy, Joe, Josh, Al & Chris is pretty nice.. Now can we get a REAL coach.

By doc

March 31, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

oh, ray … too much!

By Lamont

March 31, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

We’re one step or player away from being a decent team. His name is Biedrins. I’d just trade J. Smith for him. He’s a 7 footer, a true C. J. Smith is a crazy PF, that can block shots but is a bad defender. On the top of that he’s a disaster shooting/handling/dribling/passing. I’m so afraid we’ll give this guy a 5 year/50 M contract. I’d go crazy if I had to watch him and his stupid plays for that long.

By ray

March 31, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Doc, as usual your wit is sharper than any razor. You need not worry about the expansion of either my northern or southern regions. While I will at times write my silliness on duty, rest assured that I am not getting distracted from the work at hand. LE work is feast and famine. Either nothing is going on, or everything is happening at once. I’ve started posts at ten o’clock and not gotten back to finish them until five in the morning. I move around quite a bit…which my guys hate sometimes, because they never know when I’m going to show up (when they might be goofing off). Actually, I’ve got a good squad. We work well together, but every now and then the class clown gets the others goofing off…and he can’t figure out how I always seem to know when it’s going down. The secret is this: I’m a particularly devious clown myself…and know a lot of the trademark tricks. Heh, heh, heh…

I think sometimes people get the wrong idea about the expectations for Marvin Williams. What we want to see is the EFFOR and a AGGRESSIVENESS that he displayed on offense, defense, and the glass last night. It’s not the final stat results that you really look for. After all, the very best players have “off” nights. Stats are sometimes fluctuating results, which are always based on a variety of factors…talent and skill just being two of them. After all, how often have we seen players play like crap on one team (or under a certain coach), only to play brilliantly on another team (with a different coach)? I’d rather see Marvin play with this style and attitude on a regular basis, not just every now and again. And of course, it will only help his production.

Sometimes an “off” night isn’t really an “off” night. Sometimes it is simply taking what the defense gives you (which may be next to NOTHING) and deferring to a player who is in a better position to effectively attack and defeat the defense. Some nights it’s the inside scorer, other nights it’s the outside shooter who’s got the best advantage or mis-match.

I think this is also the key to Josh Smith’s game. He’s going to have games where he can drop 20 or 30 against a defense because no one can contain him going to the basket. Other times, they’ll keep him out of the paint and on the perimeter where he will not be able to consistently score (and we all know why). He must be able to determine the difference, and act accordingly. I think he did a better job of it last night, wherein he only threw up one ill-advised air-ball jumper, and only 7 shots overall. He rebounded well, defended like usual, and threw the ball out to better ball-handlers and shooters most of the time. Sure, he didn’t get many points, but he played under control.

I think that’s also another factor in improving Josh Smith’s effectiveness. If we have a guy like Bibby around, guys like Marvin step up (and stay that way), Horford gets more plays and touches, and guys like Jeremy Richardson are utilized more…there will be far less need for Josh to assert himself offensively. Let him slash to the basket, hit short jumpers and hooks, and throw him alley-oops. He may never develop a good jumper, and most certainly won’t be able to shoot a jumper under serious duress like JJ, or at speed like Marvin, Bibby, or Jeremy. To be honest, I think that right now Horford also has a better, cleaner shooting stroke. He’s not bad at all from 12-17 feet, and he’ll be more consistent with time.

It is the absence of all these things that has caused Josh to do some of the things he does. If he sees others doing what they can do, he may begin to understand his role better. As guys like Matt and Joe Bling have said, amongst countless others…roles need to be specifically defined and adhered to as situations and necessities dictate.

Needless to say, this all begins with…you guessed it…a better coach.

By mykhalc

March 31, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, outta control bro!!!LOL funny stuff man!!!

Lamont, ANDO said it back at the beginnin’ of the season and after watchin’ GSW for the entire season i’d say there is no way i can see GSW lettin’ BIEDRINS go anywhere BUT to the bank with a new contract…from them!!!

By doc

March 31, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

just a gentle reminder to keep the qi flowing, dont let it get stuck especially you know where.

clyde, too funny to mistake richie for ray ray. i assure you that they are both cool but distinct individuals.

By ray

March 31, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

A few more observations:

Jeremy Richardson is a guy we should sign and keep. Sign him cheap and keep him. He can shoot and score, and he’s got more size than Salim. No offense to Salim or SalimFan (who will proabably take out a voodoo doll on me after this), but I really don’t know if he is ever going to be a good fit for this team. He can shoot yeah, but he doesn’t play under control when he hits the court. I like to blame Woodson, but the fact is, he’s no Eddie House…that we know of, anyway. I notice he did really well against Golden State. How often do we play against teams like Golden State? Not often. Hmmmmmm. Again, the guy isn’t a bad player. But will he ever be a good fit here?

I realize that Mike Bibby has a hefty expiring contract that is a major piece of trade bait. I realize Acie is supposed to be the future at pg (or so we hope). But Acie is no sure thing yet. In fact, we can’t even judge him off of this season (thanks yet again Woody). But we’re in trouble without Mike Bibby. There’s no replacement for his good passing skills, leadership, and shooting. He has consistently taken the pressure off of Joe, which I think is part of what is allowing Joe to play at the pace he has in the last several games. He still plays too much, but he can concentrate more on scoring than trying to facilitate as well. Without Bibby, we go back to the same problems…and Acie can’t shoot like Bibby does. So what’s the solution? Keep him (but not for the kind of money he makes now), or trade him? And if you answer “trade him”, how do you make up for what it lost (floor leader)? Well, at least we may get to see next season what a full season would look like with him in the starting lineup. That would be nice.

For the record: A lot of folks, including Ando would take Biedrins for Smith. But many of us think that if you do that, it needs to be a four player swap, not two…

Ignition, pardon me if this comes as an insult…but sound just like Cole who got beat down quickly when he came onto this board in similar fashion. It wouldn’t surprise anyone here if you were the same person. Uhh…do a research and see just how long people have been talking about trading Josh Smith. Try all season, even before season’s start. You just happened to come in on the latest set of comments about the aforementioned subject. Also, someone is very, very likely to be traded this summer (or fall). It’s as likely as not to be one of our young, talented forwards.

Oh, and don’t let that “defensive player of the year” thing get you carried away. I seem to recall a guy who won the award 4 freakin’ times. His name is Ben Wallace. And he’s been traded twice in the last two years. Defensive Player of the Year is great…if you have other talents and skill to match. And it doesn’t exclude you from the trading block…especially if your organization is dedicated to getting better.

By honest_abe

March 31, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

ray: you should take over for “the hawk hack” … great stuff man

who knew all marvin needed to become an all world player was a jump-rope. seriously though these past few games are exactly what hawks fans have been looking for from marv since he got drafted. some tenacity on the boards and at least a little effort on d. but seriously he looks even goofier than he already does jump-roping before the games. ha!

By ray

March 31, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Mykhalc. I don’t know though…Nelson plays with his lineups so much. Biedrins wouldn’t have to worry about that here…especially with Woody gone (oh please, God, please). Besides, you gotta love a guy who can come off the bench and get you 10-14 points and 12-15 rebounds. He should be a permanent starter.

I see that some people have, but I wouldn’t downplay Marvin’s work against David Lee. Lee is one of the toughest, hard-working, under-appreciated players in the NBA. I’d be glad to have him here. He’s a smart player too. Imagine him and Childress coming off the bench.

As it stands, Childress is the only person we have coming off the bench. We need more. Any good team has at least three guys coming off the bench. At least 3. Blasted Woodson…

By ray

March 31, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Abe, thanks. And you’re right about Marvin…but toooo funny!!

By cp

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

A lot of us have been saying that Marvin is the X factor. Im just glad Marvin himself realized it and has started to play some good ball. Like one blogger said, if jumping rope before the game is helping then by all means jump young man jump. I hope we dont come out flat tonight because we are known to do it. Lets handle our business, enough said.

By G-thang

March 31, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

We do need to get rid of someone. I would much rather get rid of Smoove than Chills. Chills is a monster comin’ off the bench. Josh is too immature. He is a post up type player, but he thinks that he is a jump shooter, from 24ft out.

yeah he blocks 3 shots per night, yeah he grabs about 8 rebounds, but dude averages about 3 turnovers/game, takes awful shots, which result in offensive turnovers for the other team. When he is questioned by the coach, he blows it off!!

Please trade Smoove for a 1st rounder!! We need a true 7footer.

Package Smoove and Zsa-Zsa for a true bigman.

By G-thang

March 31, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Our boys are drained!! Bibby and JJ are loggin’ over 40min/game. Our whole offense run thru these guys and they are tired. What is Acie’s prob? Dude ain’t playin’ nuthin’like he did at A&M. Can Woody not find anytime to get his bench in there? We will be beat down when the playoffs do roll around. Your bench won’t have any game readiness to them. Lately, we have been playin’ 7 guys! All of the other playoff teams are not lettin’ their guys play long minutes, so when April 20th comes, we will get swept in 4 games. We don’t have a chance to win a series, playin’ 7guys

By mykhalc

March 31, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, whatever happens with BIBBY will be CLEAR indication of where this franchise is headed!!! you said it all in your post too!!! he makes this team go…PERIOD!!! and despite his price tag, he’s worth it IMHO!!!

but i can see it now, the BRAINLESS TRUST will go and try to get cheaper!! ACIE gets a pass this year but we ALL can clearly see the difference BIBBY makes compared to all others that have come before him!!! knowin’ this crew, they’ll declare SPEEDY ready and able next year to replace BIBBY!!! hell, they’ll probably conclude SPEEDY on bad knees is like BIBBY on a bad heel!!!???!!! afterall, IT WORKED…RIGHT???!!??? SASG!!!!!!

By mykhalc

March 31, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, NELLIE ain’t no fool tho (and i know you know)!!! and neither is MULLINS!!! with WEBBER finally retired BIEDRINS is right back where he needed to be…in the startin’ 5!!!GSW would be down-right stupid as the SASG if they let BIEDRINS!!! they’d find themselves tryin’ to replace the EXACT kinda player they had and needed for the kinda ball they like to play. sort like us tryin’ to replace BIBBY!!! would make absolutely NO SENSE to me!!!

By hawksfan5

March 31, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

I know this question has nothing to do with this post but how do you meet the Hawks players before or after the games?

By richbrave

March 31, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

ray:

So who am I and who do I remind you of?

By Tiger Woo

March 31, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

UGAMAN, What about J-Smoove for Biedrens and Ellis?

TB,

Do you really thing the Warriors would trade Monta Ellis? No way.

By richbrave

March 31, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

drmaryb:

Thanks for the boost lady. Still here, but awfully preoccupied with other stuff. Wish I could see it, but just enjoy the ride to (hopefully) the playoffs. Rootin’ for our Hawks. Should have seed the Wizards last night against the Lakers. Great game. This is what’s comin’ for the Atlanta franchise if ASG can just get it together.

BTW, have never posted as other that RichBrave. Virus disabled e-mail since I started here so I’ve got no where else to go-I’ve got no where else to go. I got nothin’ else. (Richard Gere in “An Officer and a Gentleman”). Later denizens.

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Ignition, Josh Smith IS NOT A SF!

By ignition

March 31, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

ray I’ve been a lurker for over a year and have posted before. Again J Smoove is the only starter playing help D, and NO one else on the team has his all around game 8.2 reb 1.53 steal 2.93 blocks 3 assist & 17 pts. NO One .. Why in the hell would you trade that.. He is only 22 and still learning the game which is one reason for averaging 3 turnovers but unfortunately he is being coached by the worst coach in the league, so his development is slowed. If a trade is to be made it should be Marvin, who we probaly wouldn’t get nearly as much for,

By Da Professa

March 31, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Earlier in his career, Chills said he prefers coming off the bench. But now he has matured and I don’t understand why people don’t talk about him starting more. Why couldn’t Chills start next year? He does alot of dirty work that does not go into the box score and his jumper is as good as its ever been. You can tell he has been working on it. JS is expendable all day long. I dont think he will ever get much better, but I won’t be as hard on him as the other bloggers. JS is a damn good player, but if we can get a decent center for him we will replace his blocks and even come out with a few more rebounds. I’m sure they can replace his scoring too, which is eratic at best. Horford will average more than 9.7 pts next year. Much more I believe. He is so fundamentaly sound that his upside will come pretty quick with hard work. He could average 15 and 11 next year easily at the 4. What do you guys think?

By Steve B.

March 31, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

It’s been awhile since I have bloged here………….. But I don’t know where all the trade J.Smith talk is coming from. I like Chills but theirs no way he brings as much to the Hawks as Smith. Marvin entered the NBA after Smith but they are the same age. Smith gives you more Points, Rebounds, Defense,Big play ability and Assist than either Chill’s or Marvin. The problem is all three of them would be best suited at small forward. Smith has Superstar talent………..Chill’s and Marvin don’t. He also Shows up every night. I realy don’t know what you guys are thinking.

By ignition

March 31, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Marco Belineili stats: 9.2 reb, .73 steal, 1.19 blocks, 1.0 assist, 10.0 points. A player of the same age that doesn’t even make an impact on a run and gun team… Lower in every stat except one and is a 7 footer.

By ignition

March 31, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Marco Belineili stats: 9.2 reb, .73 steal, 1.19 blocks, 1.0 assist, 10.0 points. A player of the same age that doesn’t even make an impact on a run and gun team… Lower in every stat except one and is a 7 footer.

By Jeff A.

March 31, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

i am writing in defense of the guy Cole who wrote on the SU & Enjoy the ride blog earlier. Cole, i got your back, dude. Joe Johnson is what, 26? Mike Bibby will turn 30 in May. TIRED shouldn’t be in neither of their vocabularies until it’s time to go to bed. Now i’m not gonna get on here and rag you guys because i know you are all die-hard Hawks fans, but you’ve gotta understand something: these cats are getting paid MILLIONS to play a GAME. A game, i tell you. If Joe Johnson is tired, he can surely trade places with me and make my peanuts while i run up and down a court and earn millions to practice, shoot jumpers and play dee. And i’m 40, soon to be 41. i bet JJ isn’t that tired and his legs are funky fresh when he sees his paycheck come in weekly from the league, i guaran-dam-tee you that.

i remember back in the day when Jerry Sloan used to play John Stockton and Karl Malone all 48 minutes a game for SEVERAL GAMES STRAIGHT. And not once did either of them complain; in fact, i remember Stockton saying in an interview that if it meant him playing 48 to win, then that’s what he’d do. i never liked Stockton & Malone, but i’ll give them credit for the stamina they possessed and their will to win. And you true hoop heads know that Malone & Stockton were playing all 48 as older players - they weren’t 26 and 30. So if JJ and Bibby have to play 40 minutes per game down the stretch to get into the playoffs, then so be it. They can rest once it’s over. And hell, at 26 and 30 i was playing free pickup b-ball games from sunup to sundown and you mean to tell me JJ & MB can’t play serious minutes per week for millions? That’s crap. For the last few years, the Hawks’ season has been over by this time - their legs ought to be as fresh as Halle Berry’s breath (and you just know her breath doesn’t stink).

You know who should have tired legs right now? Detroit & Boston. Esp. Detroit; the Pistons have been playing at a HIGH LEVEL for at least the last 5 years STRAIGHT, winning a title, getting to consecutive EC Finals, etc. They’ve played nearly 100 GAMES A SEASON for that many years. If anything, they’re the ones who need the rest more than the Hawks. On Boston’s side, Garnett, Allen and Pierce have all played well into the summer during their careers. If anything, the Hawks should RUN THOSE CATS RAGGED if they make the playoffs. The Hawks should have all the juice, since they are about the youngest team in the league, with only TWO players with playoff experience. They ought to be hyped!

And now, i’ll end my novel with this: if Woody wasn’t playing JJ, Bibby and Big Al extended minutes and giving the bench more time, but the Hawks lost these last few games, wouldn’t you guys say that he needs to PLAY THE STARTERS MORE MINUTES? Tell me i’m wrong! i know i’m not. Later.

By Steve B.

March 31, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

If I where the Hawks I would try and trade Marvin, ZaZA, and A.C. Law to Mil for Yi and their 1rst round pick(hopefuly top 5). Draft D.Rose and ink S.Diop. Give this guy a year or two to learn behind Bibby and your looking at Steve Francise with Jason Kidd’s brain. I know some of you would say that we are giving up to much….. But a starting line-up of Bibby, Joe, Smoove, Horford, and Diop gives us a big physical athletic front line. Re-sighn Chill’s ans have a second unit of Rose, J.Rich, Chill’s, S.Jones, and Yi gets us 10 deep. We also still be young and have cap room.

By drmaryb

March 31, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Sekou

Don’t worry I don’t think Ray-Star will quit his day job. He makes waaay too much money chasing the bad guys! MMMMMMH!

Your gig is safe for now, to say the least! If the Hawks make it to that #7 or #6 Spot? Then, Wooe Nellie! I will like our chances of avoiding the Lepricon with all that Celtic-Pride and all!

Detroit - I know, I know is a well run team with all the seasoning they have from the veterans and all. But if I recall a couple years back, Cleveland almost pulled off the impossible for a trip to the finals.

And well, we all know about the warriors upset over the mavericks last year. So, why not us? Why can’t we MAKE SOME NOISE too?

Orlando Magic is a team, I can see us giving them the business. We match up very well with that team.

But first things first! Let’s have a Grizzly-Burger for supper tonight and in the words of my favorite QB:

“Cut that Meat!” “Cut that Meat!” “Cut that Meat!” (LOL)

By Volman

March 31, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Sekou, great stuff! I speak the truth when I say that you are the best writer here at the AJC (All of us bloggers know it, too!)

Ray, you have got the crown of “best blogger” in the bag! Don’t get a big head on us! haha

Everyone, do you think Smoove is gone next season?

I ask because he has NOT been playing at “max-money” levels recently. I would love for this team to keep BIBBY for a year or two, and then trade somebody away to help shape this team into a contender. Will Smoove bring in the best players to help do that? I have no idea.

I sure do hope this team signs Richardson to another year or two. I think he could come off of the bench and score some points. This team needs that.

Bring on David Anderson!

By MannyT

March 31, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

ray I don’t know what Cenk Akyol’s Turkish accent sounds like, but David Andersen is from Australia. I doubt his text is that broken, mate. He just floats around Europe playing hoops. Reminds me of Robert Culp/Kelly Robinson back in the 60s on that I Spy show. Maybe he wouldn’t come here because he’s on secret assignment. That would make perfect sense.

David Andersen probably won’t knock folks down, but he might help with some of those Marvin range jumpers if we clear out the post for Al-ROY and the guys driving to the basket. I think he’ll add depth to the bench, but unlikely to start.

By doc

March 31, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

i heard a loud bell. ray, did the idiot meter just go off again?

By drmaryb

March 31, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Ray-Star

I have a hard time, seeing Bibby leave after only one year here? Come on, we haven’t had a really good PG like this since …MMMMH! Well, since:

Doc Rivers. I know, I know, we had Mookie, but Mookie was no Doc and he sure was no Bibby either. Bibby is the one right move we made this year, I sure hope we don’t digress! And go back to needing a solid PG?

Next year all we will need is a big center, once we re-sign the Joshes, Marvin’s deal is not due till the following year. We should have a nice bench with the removal of speedy - It should work.

So, the bottom line is re-sign everyone and add a true #5! Why not? We have the money. In reality BK has done a fairly good job of putting this unconventional team toghether, in spite of the misses on draft day!

Namely, CP3-MVP!

By SalimFan

March 31, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Ray, It’s O.K my dark vodoo days are behiend me now lol. I agree i’ve accepted the fact and can plainly see that salim is not the right fit for this team. Nor does he have a role. Maybe if we get a new coach in here next season who knows how to adequately use players in a way that maximizes their strengths. But I doubt salim will stick around to find out. He’ll definetly tell the hawks not to match any offer he gets in the off-season. J-Rich has more size and is better suited for this team and their current personell. Salim is one hell of a player and he works hard so I have no doubt that he will be ok. Whichever team he goes to i’ll be rooting for him here in the ATL. I would love for him to crush the hawks (in his homecoming) just for wasting three years of his career though.

Now as for all that off-season wheeling and dealing you guys are talking about.

1)The core (the starting five and childress) should not be touched. They at least need a coach who knows what the Heel he’s doin before we can aqcurately assess what needs to be done. As of right now, these players do not have any real guidance. Joe and Bibby have played under good credable coaches. The rest of these guys are youngin’s who need guidance. They haven’t been given a fair shot yet. Being coached by woody starts you off with a serious disadvatage.

2)Have you guys been to NBA.com and acually LOOKED at all 30 teams to see who is available (Free or Restricted). Let me help you out…. GARBAGE thats who. No good players really other than jason williams and Shannon Brown let alone any BIG MEN Giving up our core would be commiting team suicide.

3) The only Logical move in the off season If any, would be to trade (Marv,Smoove, or Chills) for someone like Beasley or maybe Roy Hibbert(he’s a big maybe). This is Very unlikely to happen though.

4)The other option is the international waters. We all now the Big men come in the leauge Soft if they’ve been playing overseas as opposed to the u.s (Arvyidas Sabonis was probably the only exception). So thats like a three year project turning one of them from puddy into solid stone.

5)There are tons of great guards overseas geting paid big money (u.s grown of course) Ex: Dee Brown, Will Bynum, Jason Conley, Allan Ray,B.J Elder, and Gerry McNamara just to name a few. But The Hawks alredy have enough of those (and we don’t have a clue how to use them or manage their playing time).

To sum things up. Some of you are not thinking things through before you post. I mean seroiusly Look at the free agents COME ON!! LeBron was that once in a decade player. No one is gonna come out that nice that young any time soon again so cut our guys some slack.

Someone mentioned in an earlier that smoove was Ben Wallace “like”(and the fact that he’s expendable)Like ben wallace …….true but benny boy don’t average 17ppg and have tons of potential waiting to be cultivated by the right coach. Shoot Ben can’t shoot FT’s and accasionally hit open jumpers let alone the occasional three pointer. Wallace is 6’7 smoove is 6’9. All of you Smoove haters think should about that.

By honest_abe

March 31, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

jeff a: i seem to be missing something here. for some reason you and cole think there’s some kind of correlation between how much a player gets paid and how many minutes they should play. people on this blog are upset, and rightfully so because woody doesn’t know how to maximize his bench. nobody is crying for solo to get 30 minutes per game. nobody is asking for rio to play the entire 4th quarter. nobody is saying zaza is the 2nd coming of laimbeer. all we’re saying is that other teams with less talent on their bench still seem to get more production from their bench than ours. how you say? maybe because the coach actually plays his reserves. the hawks bench plays like crap because nobody knows when they are going to get minutes. rio is our best defensive stopper but woody never uses him except for last 40 seconds before halftime. wtf?

it’s irrelevant that jj and bibby get paid millions. who doesn’t in the nba. stop bringing up the money. HUMANS (regardless of how much they get paid) get tired when they play an entire game rendering them either absolutely useless or very ineffective when the last few minutes of the 4th quarter comes around. (sorry if that flew over your head, but obviously you’ve never touched a basketball in your life) nobody in here feels sorry for jj playing 40 minutes. we all understand that nba players play a game. but it’s an extremely intense, competitive and physically tough on the body, type of “game”…. most of the bloggers on here want this team to perform at it’s maximum potential and of course win games. but playing bibby and jj for 40 + minutes a game is not the best way for this team to win!

as for what would’ve happened if jj and bibby hadn’t played 40 + minutes in these last few games. i’m pretty sure jcrawford would still have went off like he did. i’m pretty sure the entire backup unit wouldn’t have done much worse than blowing that 20+ lead they had over chicago like the starters did.

so buddy either you just crawled out of a cave (your great “back in the days” reference) or you don’t watch much hawks basketball. but everyone and i mean everyone on this blog understands that the hawks have lost a lot of games late in the 4th quarter because jj runs out of gas. now who would you blame that on? the millionaire athlete for getting tired? or the incompetent coach who doesnt’ know how to distribute minutes and rest his star player(s)?

By DEACON CARL

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

what is wrong with woodie ? doesn’t he see his guys are TIRED, EXHAUSTED & OUT OF WIND BY THE 3rd QUARTER ? HE TAKES GUYS OUT WHEN THEY ARE ON A SHOOTING STREAK, HE PLAYS MOST OF THE STARTING FIVE OVER 38 MINS. HE IS TRIPPIN !! THERE WONT BE ENOUGH WIND TO FINISH THE NEXT 4 GAMES. WATCH !!!

By Astro Joe

March 31, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Ray, congrats on the award. Well deserved. I think my accurate prediction was that Woody would wear a suit that makes him look like he’s wearing Alge Crumpler’s shoulder pads. Or, maybe not.

Go Hawks (and Braves)!

By ray

March 31, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

Doc, yes that idiot bell rang. However, I believe our dear friend Honest Abe has already addressed the issue with alacrity.

MannyT, it was just a joke. I have no idea what Cenk or David sound like. I wouldn’t know what they looked like if I hadn’t used the search engine. I’m hoping that if we actually sign the guy (a big “if” when you’re dealing with european guys…contract issues with current teams and what not), he’s more effective than Zaza. We needed Zaza to be better than he was this season. He didn’t come through, although I’m sure I could find a way to blame Woody. Fact is, Horford is head and shoulders better than he is.

Early in the year, I thought a frontline that included Horford and Zaza (then pick your SF-Smoove or Marvin)might be effective. That never materialized for any lengthy stretch of time.

SalimFan, glad to hear I don’t have to look over my shoulder for you, heh heh! As for trading Josh Smith: I’ll agree with what some very knowledgeable friends have said-trade him for somebody’s starting center. Otherwise, don’t trade him.

Now don’t get me started on Michael Beasley. I’m tempted to just say name the price. But some prices are too high…still love to have him though. Hibbert? Nah, I don’t think so. I don’t think he’s a good fit for this team, especially at the expense of one of our starting forwards. Beasley….where do I sign???

RichBrave, you are who you say you are. Who am I to challenge that. Clyde has mistaken me for you and you for me, apparently. I was trying to set that one straight. As for who you remind me of: You remind me of a fellow here named Flash. And if Belkin were a blogger….(and I don’t hate Belkin, so don’t think that). But I’m not accusing you of anything (or anyone). I rather like your company. Now don’t take that wrong, I don’t quite have the type of affection drmary has for ya…LOL!!

By ray

March 31, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Joe, thanks. I think that may have been one of your accurate predictions, but the one that seems to escape me was about a win/loss and the performance of certain players…I think. Who knows…

Let’s Get It On! De-claw the Grizzlies!

By drmaryb

March 31, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Clyde

Don’t Hate - Congratulate! No Cry-Babies!

Hey RichBrave

Hope all is well, see the walk-off national’s home-run last night?
O.K. O.K. I -know let’s talk HAWKS on sekou’s blog.

Well, RichB if we can get this one tonight? That will be four consecutive wins! That makes the Hawks a WINNER! In my book! You, see, I don’t ask for much.

Just Win Baby!
-Al Davis-

By jami$$ion

March 31, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Allow me to reintroduce myself.My name is jami$$ion to all you newcomers.Seen alot of the same sh!t.Come on ,new week newday folks.1st off BK said a lot of goodsh!t.Mainly he isn’t satisfied with the way his players are utilized,or lack of utilization.2nd do u really want LB to f’up what we have?I’d rather keep BK.And 3rd,yall were on smoove d!ck last month.Now marv hitting u,got u walking funny.QUIT BIT(HING!BK DON’T TRADE SH!T.bring in baby dirk(da),put’em with new TD(al),freak js,&my all*guards.

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Off to a great start, as usual.

By Joe Bling

March 31, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Wow, this blog is hot today. ray, you’ve definitely earned the title. I think Sekou is just trying to keep you happy so you don’t try to take his job. I don’t think he has anything to worry about, though. The AJC editors would have a hell of a time trying to edit you down to 500 words.

“I think that’s also another factor in improving Josh Smith’s effectiveness. If we have a guy like Bibby around, guys like Marvin step up (and stay that way), Horford gets more plays and touches, and guys like Jeremy Richardson are utilized more…there will be far less need for Josh to assert himself offensively.”

Amen, brother. Did you see Josh’s line last night? He went 3-for-7 and took no threes. Not a coincidence that Sekou called last night’s game one of the most balanced of the season. I really think this team is pretty formidable when Josh plays under control on the offensive end. Wish it would happen more often.

A win tonight would be big.

By jami$$ion

March 31, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Like i was saying.keep what we have.Add anderson,you’ll have guys who can easily put up 20 a game. all capable of being 1st or 2nd options.and thats without including rich,salim,or acie.Cut speedy,get a in yo face vet,& a coach with a system.I smell a dynasty.T MAC & KOBE WEREN’T WHO THEY ARE AT 21. AND NEITHER WILL OUR GUYS.CHILL.

By Murphy

March 31, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Did u guys just see Josh Smith hit his head on the rim?!!! Thats some crazy ish right there

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

WOOO our team is on fire…donttouch them guys..!!!

By Ken Strickland

March 31, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

The blog ended on my last post, so I’ll make my suggestion again. Horford is showing he is now capable of becoming an outstanding PF on both ends of the court. He’s a better rebounder, outside shooter, and overall DEF player than JSmith. Josh is a better passer, but suffers too many turnovers.

I love watching Josh play, and I love his enthusiasm. However, he isn’t going to take us to the next level, as we stand today, and we can’t count on the draft. How many of you think Don Nelson could possibly be intrigued enough to make a trade for a very talented freak of basketball nature named JSmith? The trade would be JSmith for Bedreins, a draft pick and/or player(preferably a 3pt shooter with aome size.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

And Acie drains a 3 to end the 1st quarter. Nice find Joe.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Get zaza out of there he was in for three seconds and now a moving screen

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

ZAZA just threw it away again..

By Murphy

March 31, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone want JSmith to leave on this blog? I dont get it the kid is like 22 and seems to have way more upside that a Bedreins. I know he makes dumb mistakes but everyone does and everyone is this league except Kobe has a weakness to their game. Josh has learned and will continue to learn. It just dosent make any sense to me why everyone is saying this. Someone please explain this to me with logical reasoning

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

ANOTHER OFFENSIVE 3 by zaza, hes costing us the game!!!

By mykhalc

March 31, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

fellas, as a san fran resident, pls believe me…GSW will not give up BIEDRINS nor ELLIS nor BARON!! SJACK and AZUBUIKE are probably keepers too!! the best we could hope for from gettin’ a player from the GSW roster would be PIETRUS. and personally, i’d be all for him comin’!!!! the cat can flat out ball…when given the minutes!!!

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith, dont start shooting jumpers, just because Joe went out. And Zaza could you please stay out of the lane! Great to seee Joe getting some rest. FINALLY!

By mykhalc

March 31, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

and just to be clear, i’m NOT suggestin’ a SMOOVE for PIETRUS trade!! i’m just sayin’ who i believe is expendable on the GSW roster IMHO!!

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

And just as I say this, Woody puts Joe right back in the game. WOW!

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

The jump rope thing must be working. Ole Goofy has been looking good lately.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

LMAO so did i terrel, woody doesnt trust anybody except joe and bibby. But he is stupid enough to put both on the bench at the same time

By SalimFan

March 31, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

I personally haven’t seen this Beidrins kid play. But he better be really good and an inside juggernaut the way you guys are promoting him. Espically if you want to trade him for josh smith.

I mean seriously guys. Josh is gonna be one of the most saught after free agents this summer really

If I were josh and reading this i’d be prety blue.

I will say that from what i’ve seen of beidrins, he runs the floor really well and has good transition defense. But so does josh?

Josh is having a great game tonight by the way…

By Steve T

March 31, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

I think this yaer draft will have some very nice FAs that could help the hawks. There will be plenty of guys that can rebound and block shots. Billy need to find a guy that can play tough D and is 6-11 or taller.

The next guy he needs to find is a guy that can shoot long range. I would perfer a guy that is 6-5 to 6-8 that can rally shoot the 3. These are the guys we need coming off the bench.

Take a look at: Penn McNesse 6-11 - 285 Blair - BC - ^-11 - 242 Thompson - Rider - 6-11 - 250 Boy I had we do not have a 2nd round pick because we could have gotten Thompson.
Carrol - Utath ST - 6-2 - 175 Huff - Valpo - 6-7 - 210 Foster - Vandy - 6-6 - 205 Campbell - Butler - 6-7 - 205 Huffman - Brown - 6-2 - 185

We also can take a look at some of the mid major leading scorers and see will they fit.

By mykhalc

March 31, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

MEM TV crew was just talkin’ about how highly SMOOVE will be sought after as a RFA this summer. talked about how his bball IQ is sooooo much better this year and how he could not do ANYTHIN’ when he was drafted. then said, well he was 11 yrs old wwhen he came into the league anyway!!!LOL gave MARVIN props too for his elevated play!!! both of these cats are bein’ noticed around the league, no doubt!!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

DUCK FOR MVP MVP MVP…!!!

By drmaryb

March 31, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Hey Jami$$on

That 8:20pm post was awesome: You stole the exact words right off my lips! I’m feelin’ you maane!

Now, I don’t have to post for now! Hawks are WINNING with a SWAGGER!

69-44 Hawks is the score now! FGP 71% fir the Game!

Wow! Just Win Baby!

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Who looks better Crittenton, Conley, or Acie. I’ll take Acie by a mile! And Woody, no alcohol for the guys at halftime. If we blow this lead, I might go crazy!

By honest_abe

March 31, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

i was going to write “jami$$on, is that english? how the hell do you expect people to F#$@#ing understand what you are writing?” but then i saw someone had complimented him on one of his posts.

great minds think alike.

By Astro Joe

March 31, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

mykhalc, how about a S&T with Childress headed back to his college-land and Peitrus & O’Bryant coming here? I’m guessing Chill is good for about $6-7M and those 2 will likely combine for something in that ballpark.

I can’t wait for the posts about how good Crit or Conley look for a team that is getting the crap beat out of them. And if JJ plays in the 4Q, then Woody is a tremendous idiot.

By SalimFan

March 31, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Chills with 2 threes!

Ladies and gentelmen we might just have a Salim stoudamire sighting tonight.

By Juice

March 31, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

How are we up by almost 30 and still can’t give S.Jones, M.West, and J.Richardson decent playing time?

Oh yeah, Al for R.O.Y and Ray for P.O.Y.

By ignition

March 31, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why Josh get so much flack when he does SO many things for the Hawks.. Anyway why can’t this coach please rest his players.. Why no Richardson, no Salim, No West (until the last 34 sec) Give JJ and Bibby some rest ..

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 31, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Ray, your mention of Euro-funk brings up the question — whatever happened to Peja Drobnjak? You know, former Hawk, played a lot like Zaza except he thought he could shoot 3’s too?

Outstanding first half from the Hawks, which means it will only be even more disappointing when they blow that lead in the 3rd quarter.

By THE Hawks Fan

March 31, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Almost 80 points at the Half?? 5 players in double figs. Memphis that bad or we are playing that good? A little of both. Come on Hawkss bring it home!!! Go some rest too.

By drmaryb

March 31, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Hey honest-abe

It helps to have a college degree when you read a: Jami$$on Post

You, can do it without a college degree, but it just takes a lot longer to figure out: What the F!ck he is Freakin’ sayin’! LMAO! ;OOO:

By cp

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

The Memphis play by play guys are terrible. The one guy said we need 49 wins to make the playoffs. How is that possible if we have like 8 games left. Then the guy said we have a tough schedule to close out the season. When did this happen? We have a easy schedule to close out the year. When a player is getting outplayed by Jason Collins something is wrong. Pachulia what the hell is this guy doing out there. How is Jason Collins facing him up and taking jumpers in his face. Mike Knapp is a clown. How in the hell is the bench not getting any minutes. We are up 30. Sit our key guys down and let the bench play. Other than that great game by the starters and Chill.

By SalimFan

March 31, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Davenpoop I was wondering about peja dobnjak too.

By drmaryb

March 31, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Hey MW is on Fire! 5-5 12 pts.

Hawks FGP 70.7% for the game! Bibby, has organized this team, and they are Gellin’ Just in time for the Play-Offs!

Can, you say? - Dark Horse! Hey, the NBA better watch out, our team may play their best road games in the PLAYOFF?

Hey - A Girl Can Dream! Never Stop Dreaming!!!!

By jami$$ion

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

i don’t know mychalc why people hating josh now? Or marvin either?Why can’t we keep all three? Chills included.Those are 3 great players we don’t have to find.Add jj,al,bibby thats six good players.if anderson comes thats a very good,competitive 7.if acie develops like he should that’s a killer 8.let alone roll players west,rich,salim,or zaza.We don’t need to trade jack.we need a coach & some patience.2nd youngest team in the league.and we in the playoffs.Only a fool would think THIS TEAM WON’T GET BETTER

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 31, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

If any of the starters get a single minute in the 4th quarter, Woody should be fired on the spot.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Zaza please foul out..

By Atl Flavor

March 31, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

The Hawks make the playoffs EVERYBODY Woody Billy will get signed again. I just wonder about Drew and Fiz. I would hope they come back if this run works out. The Hawks better get ready to open the check book for JS or he is gone.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 31, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Just for the hell of it:

The Hawks have 5 turnovers in the game.

Zaza Pachulia has 4.

By honest_abe

March 31, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

maybe cole or jeff can enlighten me on why jj still needs to be playing up by 30+ with 4 left to play in the 3rd.

what the hell are you guys wondering about drobnjak for? he was a scrub. loved how he hit that baseline j though. ha!

mary, do you really need a college degree to read that garbage? what kind of college degree? the k!nd u gotz, MANEEEEE?

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

PUT SOLO IN THE GAME!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

PUT SOLO IN THE GAME!!! OMG AN AIRBALL!!

By Ken Strickland

March 31, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

A 36pt lead and this ignorant moron has JJ in the gm with 3mins left in the 3rd. Woodson has completely stopped coaching.

By ajw

March 31, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

This team is clicking!

Ok, call me crazy, but I seem to be noticing a pattern in the way the successful teams today are built. For maybe the past couple of years, the teams that have won a championship have a very strong team concept/chemistry and don’t really have superstars on them (DEtroit, San Antonio).

Wow some of these passes! (3:40)

Excuse me, the exception is Miami of course with Shaq. My point is Atlanta is built with a lot of players that I am happy and proud to see them do well. We have a really good bunch of guys here and watching them start to gel is quite a treat.

By g-thang

March 31, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

everyone needs to calm down!! hey the hawks are doin’ good tonight, but they are playing memphis!! a team that has won 19 games!! remember the chicago game, we were up by 19 and won by 3. We were up bigtime on N.Y. and won by 5. Let’s see how we do against filly, who we play twice, a playoff bound team.

recap, the hawks are doin’ well tonight, but keep it in perspective!! Go Hawks!!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

OMG!! RUDY JUST got the rebound over pachulia

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

JJ goes out and memphis goes on a 9-0 run, please take over the game marvin your the only one that can!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 31, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Hmm… well maybe they should overwork the starters after all. The bench is looking like sh-t.

I brought up Drobnjak because Ray mentioned smelly Europeans — Drobnjak was notorious around the NBA for not showering after games.

The bench is emptied and Salim still doesn’t get any burn — why didn’t we trade him for a draft pick if we are not gonna play him even in garbage time?

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

No wonder Woody leaves Joe in the game. Down to 22!

By SalimFan

March 31, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Don’t put the starters back in the game!!!! JUST PUT SALIM IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

OUR STARTERS ARE BACK IN!!!

By mykhalc

March 31, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

JOE, personally i’d hate to lose CHILS. the cat just plays soooo well off and without the ball. BUT your trade is one i could live with, no doubt!!! PIETRUS brings a very good offensive and defensive game. better shooter than CHILS without question!! O’BRYANT can probably for virtually nothin’ i believe. i don’t think GSW will match whatever any team offers him.

looks like ‘closeout’ is just a nasty word!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 31, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Dude… if you don’t think Tim Duncan is a superstar I don’t know what to tell you.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

OUR BENCH SUCKS!!!

By Murphy

March 31, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

this is why that ignorant moron Woodson has to keep JJ in the game. Cause the bench cant play d or score

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Are you freakin kiddin me? Down to 12!

By SalimFan

March 31, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Why wasn’t mario in the game when the bench came in? And where the hell was salim??????

ACIE IS DIDN’T SHOW ME ANYTHING. I REALLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT THIS KID. HE MAKES POOR DECISIONS AND HE’S TOO SCARED.

By hawksfanfordawin

March 31, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Damn joe four straight misses and now bibby misses too, great now our starters are coming off cold we have the worst bench in the nba cant even keep up a 30+ lead..

By mykhalc

March 31, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

s/b…O’BRYANT can probably be had for virtually nothin’ i believe.

By Melvin

March 31, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

A 40pt lead down to 12 in less than 5mins…. Now we see while Woody doesn’t have confidence in the bench.

By g-thang

March 31, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

please read my previous post!! Calm down people. The hawks were up by 30 pts and now they up by 12? what a turn around!! there is no way that we are ready for boston in the playoffs!! dang!!

By cp

March 31, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Are you freaking kidding me? How in the hell do you go from up 38 to up only 12? smh this team is rediculous

By honest_abe

March 31, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

hawks were free flowing towards a monster win. 4th quarter starts and the hawks bog down into holding the ball, just running out the shot clock. team loses focus. team stops playing defense. team forgets shot clock is winding down. team looks as lost as woody.

some obvious observations: due to inconsistent playing time the hawks bench as a 2nd unit has no confidence. also, i dont’ know if woody orders his team to hold the ball until there is 3 seconds left on the shot clock but the way the team plays sometimes with a big lead i wouldn’t be surprised.

the only time jj can take a break = hawks have a 35 point lead

By jami$$ion

March 31, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

A dr.mary thanks.Can u imagine us getting our baby dirk and adding him to what we have.Can u say dynasty.Let these cats mature.We a playoff team now! Imagine what a real coach & some seasoning a do?A MYKHAL the rest of the league love our talent.Only these chumps be b!tching like their period on.GIVE IT TIME LET THE CAKE BAKE!

By honest_abe

March 31, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

like today is the first day you mentioned drobnjak.

By THE Hawks Fan

March 31, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

I doubt if Memphis had enough juice to come all the way back. Major mistake by Woody. I would have lost this game just to let the Bench play.Now these BENCH guys confidence is really shot!! How many games have the startes jacked upped!!You know Memphis would make a run. Have some DAMN faith WOODY!!

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Okay, Memphis is tired. Had me nervous for a minute there. How about the Baseline Bandit? Nice game by Smoove.

By SalimFan

March 31, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Se woody is an IDIOT. This is what happens when you don’t use your bench the whole year. They come out and stink it up. They have no experience playing. Why does memphis have such a great bench? They are playing three point guards at once?

This is also what happens when you don’t play a guy like salim stoudamire………….GREAT an acie turnover JEEZ!!

By Joe Bling

March 31, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Murphy - I think you are just trying to poke the fire. If you don’t understand the how badly Josh Smith’s out-of-control play on offense hurts the Hawks, then you must not watch the Hawks very much. And if you haven’t heard any reasoned arguments to that effect, then you don’t read this blog very much - because there have been innumerable posts from me and many others to that effect for the last three months.

Just look at what Josh can do when he plays under control. Two nights in a row! He gets MVP tonight. Maybe he’s been reading this blog. Between he and Murphy, that makes one of them.

By FUNK DAT

March 31, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Gettin a new coach should be our first priority.

By doc

March 31, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

let’s see acie vs. crit. now why am i convinced that acie is the one based on his play? did you see woody chewing on acie. he did it the other night during the bcks game but not as obvious, so acie has some learning to do.

fun game for a while but the second group looked lost, disjointed and very intimidated. no leadership on the court once bibby is off it

By Chikara

March 31, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Great win Hawks….way to take care of business…beat the weaker teams and hold your own against the stronger teams!

Three tough contests coming up so the Hawks can’t relax for a second. Indiana is at full strength with O’Neal back and Atlanta can’t get complacent now.

By mykhalc

March 31, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

FUNK DAT, ABSO-F’N-LUTELY…PERIOD!!!!!

By Tiger Woo

March 31, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

C’mon SalimFan,

Even Stevie Wonder could see that Salim is not in Woody’s rotation or the Hawks future.

It’s real simple. The Hawks relaxed as if the game was over when they were up by 37 and Woody cleared the bench - unfortunately, Memphis wasn’t ready to hand the game to the Hawks. Chalk it up as a learning experience for the youngsters.

Good win though - don’t forget, the Grizzlies beat the Lakers in L.A. the other night.

By ignition

March 31, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

The bench didn’t play well, but then I don’t think Woody put out the best combo.. Where was Solo and Mario. With a 30pt lead it’s time to put in the D-stoppers.. And ZaZa is just not athletic enough for the small ball that Memphis went to.. Like Dominic just sayed on Hawks Live the bench was not prepared and it showed..

By kwooden1

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

Great win, hate to lose the lead but a Win is a Win! I’m blogging because the next four games are the season. At worst if they split the next four the outlook is good because the last four are against teams that aren’t playing for anything (Boston, Orlando, Miami and NY) If they win the next four, they have a good chance at catching Philly and/or Toronto, if they lose the next four, their going to be hoping that Indiana and NJ lose a bunch games.

GO HAWKS!!

By richbrave

March 31, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

drmaryb:

True, posting with me is not setting the sights too high. I’m nothing if not self-effacing. Hawks are takin’ care of business. So are our Wizards. I see the same future for the Hawks IF management gets their act together.

ray:

I consider it an honor to be considered a FLASH byte-alike. I don’t know if Flash would feel the same. Here’s hoping so. Went to undergraduate with FLASH HALL. 100 yard and 200 yard Virginia college record holder in 1964. I could always beat him - off the line that is, two steps then he was gone, and I was waving at the station. Good guy. Hope he’s still swimmin’ his way through this world.

Mores the pity. My Braves are getting beat up off the line, and all my turncoat friends are offering me Nationals tickets. Ugh!! And I can’t even get the game on radio. A local underpowered station not received in the ‘burbs after dark. All they put out in the daytime is National and D.C. talk radio and it’s bashing Furman Bisher time. I just quit listening for the present. Lots of crowing about last nights game. I thing Moylan was told to groove one so everybody could go home happy.

By mykhalc

March 31, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

unfortunately, PAT RILEY’s playoff mantra of ‘play 7, trust 6’ applies to WOODSON all year long!!!!

i really hope WOODSON is named next IND UNIV head coach!!!!

By STFU ABOUT THE BENCH!!!

March 31, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

The starters have lost 40 GAMES!!! Let these BENCH guys play and get some DAMN confidence, then you can call them out when they mess up. Hell if the STARTERS and THE DAMN COACH were doing thier jobs, a game this LATE in the season against a team like the Grizz shouldnt matter anyhow!! We HAD TO put the starters back in.GIMMIIE a Friggin BREAKKKK as many games these guys have blown. If they arent ready its WOODYS damn fault!!!! Why not play em??? DIDNT he help pick these PLAYERS. ALLLL of them!!! Damn that p** me OFFFF!!!

By Murphy

March 31, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Not cool taking shots Joe Bling dont be an a*. LOL i guess im going to have to read this blog more often so it makes 2 of us. But you just proved my point that Josh can play good and he will learn to play under control. He is still young and will develop more. It would be ashame if Jsmith next year is on another team destroying us. Thats what alot of you guys want though.

By richbrave

March 31, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

ray:

Clyde WAS one of the most rightous dudes here. The reason for his recent faux pas postings has been occasioned because of an alien abduction. They have stolen his body, and he’s been posting from the as yet undiscovered inhabited portion of Mars.

Clyde no worries. We got your note which reads “Don’t pay the ransom. I will escape in time to predict the season’s finish for the Hawks.” My man. I knew you’d come through when the chips were down.

By richbrave

March 31, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

DANM. Braves score 5 in the bottom of the 9th and tie the game. Welcome to the ‘08 season, fans.

By SalimFan

March 31, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Davenpoop, funny stuff. And I would rather have seen salim on another team as well (In exchange for a draft pick). But then the hawks would have lost that game at Golden State……..oh well.

By Joe Bling

March 31, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Murphy - Not trying to be an a**, but there have been plenty of reasoned arguments about why Josh’s out-of-control play on offense has been very damaging to this team this year. Whatever excuses you want to make, he just doesn’t get it.

Tonight, of course, may have been the best game he’s had all season. I’m not talking about point total. It looked he finally started getting it. Two nights in a row without a three! Hallelujah! And he went 11-for-13 (!) with 8 rebounds and six assists. You know why he had such a good night? Because every shot he took was a layup or a dunk. Could it be that he’s finally starting to understand?

Somehow I doubt it. Every time I’ve thought so in the past he lets me down. Josh may be young, but he’s no rookie. This is the NBA, and he’s getting paid a lot of money to play like a pro. It’s about time he started to grow up and play like the big-time player he clearly should be. Hopefully tonight is an indicator that, in the 73rd game of the year, he’s finally coming around. Hopefully. This team could be really dangerous if he would just grow up.

By mykhalc

March 31, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

jami$$ion, like you, i would luv to see what another HC would do with this team!!! thought DREW would have gotten his chance at some point durin’ this year. but instead, i think, we’ll see changes to the roster WITHOUT EVER KNOWIN’ what a more talented HC could have done with the team as-is!!

By Murphy

March 31, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Nobody is making excuses for him. I feel the exact same way that you do when he takes those bad shots. BUT as we witnessed tonite he is more than capable of killing teams if he plays within himself which i am sure he will learn to do…and 4 years in the league isnt very long…you dont think he will get any better as he has improved every year?

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

O’Bryant is in the D.league.

By doc

March 31, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

oh dear, what came up on the fox sports channel but a real competition … the best damn hooters international contest. more silicone that valley in california. sure does fill out the suit though. best job candidate is the person that runs around sealing the suits in all the correct places with spray adhesive. tv late at night is always so educational. just found out the bravos tied it up so i guess the hooters will have to wait.

just doest look the same without andruw in center field.

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Salimfan, I think you’ve got Acie mixed up with Salim.

By SalimFan

March 31, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

Nah i’m pretty sure i’m talking about acie law.

By terrell barron

March 31, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Yeah Doc I saw that. I wanted to slap Woody for jumping all over Acie. Thats whats wrong wioth these guys. Afraid to make a mistake. Do you see Saunders chewing out Stuckey, or Cheeks chewing out Thaddeous like that? Rookies make mistakes. You have to let them play through it. What in the hell did Acie do? Woody was just upset because he shot the ball with more than 3 seconds remaining on the shot-clock. IDIOT! Get a big lead, and then lets Sllooowww things down and drain the shot-clock. WHAT A JOKE!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 1, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

“just doest look the same without andruw in center field.”

Couldn’t agree more.

By doc

April 1, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

tb i think it was because he was jbabing with the ref about a call he thought he should have had rather than getting bck on d so it wasnt 5 on 4. at the bucks game he walked halfwy cross the floor after calling time out to “whisper” something in his ear after making a blunder. if he cn get the same out of his tem as jerry sloan does then fine, just dont think he is half the mind of sloan so he needs to try another oute.

bibby is fun to watch. some of the passes he makes will bring people out of their seats and possibly sell a few as well. i say let’s keep him.

By reese

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

First of all, great win on the road hawks. Another exciting game and a few anxious moments in the last 2 mins of the 3rd and up to about 5 mins of the 4th.

The Good: No starter played 40 mins. 6 players had double digit scoring. Josh Smith led the team in scoring and rebounding. Plus, he was the only player to place entries in every positive offensive/defensive category.

Nice job at the free throw line (95%) and field goals (55%). Plus, they had 3 quarters where they scored 30 or more points. Nice job by woodson to have a combination of bench players and starters together on the floor (Marvin, Jchill, AC, Jeremy Richardson and Zaza).

The Bad: Marvin and Jchill did not take control of the game when they were in there with the bench players during the 3rd/4th qtrs.

We can scapecoat the bench all we want. However, Marvin and Jchill were in the game to provide stability. Neither were fighting to get open to receive a pass from AC. This left AC to have to dribble around until the shot clock ran out.

Neither Jchil or Marvin played transition defense, help defense or took it upon themselves to try and stop the players who were driving to the basket or hitting the outside 3. Basically, both these guys were wishing they were on the bench, but they were standing on the court taking up space.

Earlier this year when Josh Smith threw an inbounds pass to AC that went out of bounds. Woodson was all over Josh and sat him down the rest of the game. This time woodson took his frustration out on AC Law and sat Marvin. J chill woke up when J Smith, Bibby, Al and JJ came back into the game. Why, because he was no longer the focal point and could just feed off of the misses of others.

Yes, JChill is a valuable player. However, I believe that woodson is utilizing him correctly by bringing him off the bench.

By DarkRyder

April 1, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

We’ve always wondered what another coach could do with this team. Honestly I don’t see Josh Smith staying with this team long term if Woodson stays. I just think that Woodson coaches not to lose instead of coaching to win, and it has engulfed this team mentality for years.

People are saying, just shut up and be happy they’re winning. I can’t do that, not when this team remains turnover prone and plays skittish when getting a big lead.

Why? Because what’s going to happen in the long term is very important. Both Joshes are restricted free agents, and Bibby is due an extension next year. How can Atlanta keep them and still get a serviceable big man? Zaza’s contract comes up after next year as well.

That’s why this team needs a leader on the sidelines that they know will lead them to a championship, not just the playoffs.

For years the Hawks have always been one of those “just good enough for the playoffs” during the Nique and then Mookie years.

What was BK’s overall plan, just to have a team that could run others out of the gym? How does that parlay into championships?

That’s why I believe this team still needs another GM who is thinking titles and not just entertainment. Most of the guys are playing better I’ll give them that, but are they really going to become championship material with what they have now?

Do we think that Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Al Horford and Joe Johnson would contend for a title in the East?

Honestly, this team has the talent to contend, it just doesn’t seem as if they have the discipline.

WHERE IS THEIR DISCIPLINE?

Answer that question if you can.

By terrell barron

April 1, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

If we can go 3-5 in the last 8 games, were in. Then Pacers would have to go 6-2 to force a tie-break, and I cant see that happening.

By terrell barron

April 1, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this

If we beat Toronto Wed or Philly once in two games and then beat Indiana, its all but over. We’ll own the tiebreak with the Pacers. Were in!

By cp

April 1, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

Yea I honestly believe we would be a better team with a coach who has a clue. If we got a better coach think of what he could bring out of players who are already putting up good numbers and are still very young. I just dont know what coach will be available or would be a good fit for this team. I just find it hard to believe another coach could do any worse than Mike Knapp.

By terrell barron

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

Boston’s bench comes in an keeps it coming, feeding off the energy that the starters had. Our bench comes in an plays timid, and afraid to make mistakes. Meanwhile, the coach insists on MELTING THE SHOT CLOCK. Thats the reason we will get swept in the Playoffs. BENCHPLAY! And its truly not their fault. They’re not prepared! The starters might actually hang in there for the first half against the Celtics, but when they get tired, LOOKOUT!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 1, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this

Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, but we are only 3 games behind Philly and 4 behind Toronto… and we do have 3 games left with those teams… and Toronto has been struggling… I mean I’m not gonna complain if we go 3-5 and squeak in, but the possibility still exists that we could get the 6 seed. As it stands we will be in the playoffs probably for exactly four games, as we get our a*******es kicked by Boston. But as the 6 seed? Playing against Orlando, against whom we have actually done well the last couple of seasons? That right there is what the Hawks should be shooting for.

By jami$$ion

April 1, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

GREAT GAME HAWKS!A SMOOVE GOOD GAME!MAKE THESE HATAS EAT CROW,FOR DOUBTING YOU. Aye honest abe,I am so sorry we have not been formally introduced sir.I deeply apologize for any discrepancies that have occured during my posts.I never intended to have my articulate,uncompromising,highly opinionated point of view.To be ostracized,maligned,or misconstrued by someone of your standard.Surf.Please, Jamillion Zcharia knows his English front, back, side to side,like a lowlow in Cali.CIAO!

By jami$$ion

April 1, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

Hey DARK RYDER,the discipline you are searching for will come with the maturation process,& respect demanded by the next coach. As far as this roster is concerned.We can’t bash Nique’s or Smitty’s hawks!The former had to deal with two dynasties in the east,celts & badboys.The latter had that MJ thing against him.Plus both were severly flawed by coaching compared to those teams,same as these hawks.In closing this team has way more individual talent & i can see them being greater with a HC

By reese

April 1, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this

Ignition, Murphy, Steve B, Jami$$on and other bloggers who recognize that the strengths of Josh Smith out weigh the flaws, keep it coming. I’ve been trying to rationalize with the likes of bloggers like Ken Strickland, Joe Bling, G-thang, Terrell Barron, ugaman, I mus write, SSI Fan, Kevin, lamont, Tiger woo and Da Professa about the merits of Josh Smith for years.

They are overly blind to the faults of other players and fail to recognize the following about Josh Smith

He is the only player on the team that has won a game by defense by blocking Dwayne Wade’s potential game tying layup.

Can play both the small forward and power forward positions at an elite level.

Is not afraid to take potential game winning shots (made 3 free throws to extend a game earlier this season).

Is the most athletic player on the team who gets matched up against the likes of lebron, carmello, mcgrady, duncan, garnett and other athletic players at the end of games.

The only hawks player who consistently produces entries in every positive offensive/defensive category. As ray said above, Josh Smith doesn’t have to be clicking offensively and yet he still has a good game because he produces in so many other areas.

Yet, so many bloggers like the ones bolded above would rather

Project what they think Marvin would do in the future when Josh is doing it now.

Project that Josh Smith cannot play small forward when he is doing it successfully so many times now.

Project what a first round draft pick would do in the future when Josh is doing now.

Project what Andres Biedrens would do in a hawks uniform when Josh is doing it now.

Project what Josh Smith should or should not be paid in the future and said nothing while he is getting underpaid now.

Project what David Anderson would look like in the NBA when his stats are inferior in a weaker league now than what Josh Smith has in the NBA now.

Project that there is some center out there who will balance this team and that Josh Smith should be the piece to get that center when there are free agents, other players to trade, NBDL players, college players who don’t get drafted and international players who don’t get drafted that would compliment Josh Smith now and in the future.

I think that too many bloggers enjoy projections instead of a player who is producing now.

These same bloggers believe that Josh must not go outside their restrictive conceptions of how he must play. Yet, praise other players who stayed within their limitations throughout the losses. Now, that their coming out of their comfort zones like Josh has done all season, the hawks are fighting for a playoff race.

The new core of the hawks are Bibby, Joe, Josh and Horford. I could live with keeping Marvin and Jchill if it mean’t keeping Josh Smith. We would have to find that center via a different method.

By Murphy

April 1, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this

Reese I could not have said it any better myself.

You never realize what you have until its gone

By anphill2

April 1, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this

JSmoothe is an all-star when he plays finisher and NOT facilitator.

The passing for the first 3 quarters was an act of beauty. Best I’ve seen this year.

We need a backc-up center. In the Scot Pollard mold. Is Acie’s shot worse than his confidence?

By SalimFan

April 1, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this

I agree with reeses pieces. Stop haitn’ and start motivatin’ these hawks need your support. Smoove is a certified BEAST

By mykhalc

April 1, 2008 2:54 AM | Link to this

REESE, PREACH!!!!

we’ve all (mostly anyway) said it. a new HC should be the first thing done to improve this team as it is constructed today!! the SASG did the worst thing by keepin’ WOODSON the entire year. unless they plan on resignin’ him or they plan on bringin’ in a proven HC, then they have lost an audition window for any young HC to show his skills this season!!! look no futher than THEUS in SACTOWN to see what a young and skilled cat can do!! he’s produced more with less and in less time than WOODSON could ever think of producin’!!! thank the gods that BIBBY brought more plays, knowledge, and a ‘real’ clipboard with him than the BRAINLESS TRUST have seen or developed in 3+ yrs!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 1, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this

I’m bored of sticking up for Josh Smith, so I’ll just say I agreed with everything Reese said.

There’s no Kobe or LeBron on the Hawks; nobody’s untradeable. But as valuable as Joe Johnson is to this team’s offense, Josh Smith is to this team’s defense. Unless you can propose a trade that undoubtedly makes this team better, trading Josh is not a good idea.

The trade mentioned earlier for Biedrins and Ellis is a fair trade in terms of talent, but it wouldn’t improve this team. Why? Because Ellis plays a position already filled by our best player.

If they can trade him for someone like Jermaine O’Neal, and you can count on O’Neal to return to his pre-injury form, such a trade would be worth considering.

Josh Smith reminds me of Lamar Odom with a lot more killer instinct and athleticism. He’s not gonna be your best player. But if he’s your 2nd best player, you are probably be a playoff contender. If he’s your 3rd or 4th best player (like Odom is on the Lakers right now) you are probably gonna be an elite team.

I’d still much rather see the Hawks deal Marvin, whose trade value is skyrocketing with his performances lately, than Smoove. As talented as Marvin may be, it’s not that hard to find small forwards who can score. It’s damn near impossible to find someone who can do everything Josh Smith can do. Much like a certain #7 who used to play in this city, Josh Smith has a unique set of talents that hasn’t really been seen much before, and it takes a good coach to get the most out of that ability. Until then Josh is gonna continue mixing in stupid mistakes with breathtaking plays. Ultimately it comes down to the same thing — the Hawks need a new coach.

By jami$$ion

April 1, 2008 6:32 AM | Link to this

Najeh good post.i just disagree on one point.odom’s killer instinct is why he’s not an elite player.so if josh is kinda like him with a hulk mentality & vick athleticism.Whoa i just thought about how scary this guy can be.but as it is he is the 3rd best hawk.with potential to be a top ten player in this league. I would’nt trade marvin for j.o let alone smoove.that a be worse as dallas trading for kid.jo is not a HOF.Plus josh & marv are better at 21 than jo or odom.PS whose this MESSIAH center we trading 4

By jami$$ion

April 1, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this

I did not know we could have church on Tuesday morning.Thank you PASTOR REESE for a excellent sermon.Hopefully it will unite the rest of our congregation.Is does not take perfect vision to see the cup is 3/4 full not 1/4 empty.You guys are digging for fools gold instead of keeping real platinum.Hustling backwards will never take you forward.In other words,for you slow folks.FU(K A DRAFT PICK.YOU WAIT 5YRS TO SEE IF HE PANOUT!You microwave babies want life so fast,slowdown.Your avg center can be had 4 cheap.

By Willie Coyote

April 1, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this

Good post Reese.

On another note, From that game last night,I don’t know which was the correct observation; is that why these guys don’t get more pt or is that why these guys need more pt? I’m talking about our bench (outside of Chills & Pachulia).

By jami$$ion

April 1, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

Reese i remember when the draft came.And we took chills(though i liked chills game leading an all white standford team,i used to always bet against them cause of that too.like these white boys ain’t gone beat ucla) i almost broke my tv.Not because of iggy(whose game is nice) or deng(who i’ve never been fascinated by),but cause smoove was on the board.same as when we got shells instead of bynum,boy was i p**(roy another jj).but since we have him&5 more studs why yall wanna trade so bad 4?Give me a HC!

By ignition

April 1, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

Thanks reese, couldn’t have said it better… Give me a better player at 22 that is making this impact on a team not named Carmelo ,James, or Howard, as a certain Mr. Wilkins has stated MANY times JSmith has Superstar written all over him. He needs PROPER coaching.

By tb

April 1, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

To the newly annointed Blog Jester. You’d be much funnier if you stopped with the discriminating, derogative stereotyping. It is a form of discrimination.

I really like when you talk BBall.

But, your need to insult people and cultures is only a reflection of your lack of culture and intelligence.

Stick to Bball and leave the descriminating and stereotypping in the gutter where it belongs.

What I can’t believe is that I appear to be the only person disgusted by your attitudes and others propensity to “appreciate” the insulting.

I’m sure that it would be very easy to tear into your immature, discriminating psyche and find all knids of fault. Your discriminatory, insulting blogs are a clear indication of that, but I would not feel the need to delve into your personality and idealogic short-comings if you didn’t feel the need to crack very derogatory “jokes” on whole races or cultures of people.

The Rathburn as a pedophile joke was already way over the line, the insulting and dis-respecting of the rest of the world and of people not like you is totally unacceptable.

Grow up and live with a little respect.

The rest of you might want to think about who or what you idolize. Or, just don’t idolize.

The Hawks are flat out kicking it. The only negative that I can think to harp on is the result of Woody’s bad coaching and decision making. The subs are so unprepared to play together. Keep this team together, find a coach.

By devin

April 1, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!! THIS SHOWS THAT THE HAWKS ARE FULL OF TALENTS SO QUIT MAKING UP EXCUSES AND WIN MOOORRREEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT WE STILL NEED SOME GUIDENCE SUCH AS NEW GM & COACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JUST THINKS IF WE HAVE NEW GM/COACH! WE WOULD BE DANGEROUS AND BE ON TOP OF THE EASTERN CONFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!! SO LET’S GET A “EXPERIENCE” GM/COACH NOT NIQUE PLEASE! LET NIQUE STAY WHERE HE IS… A MASCOT COLLECTING HIS PENSION! HE AT LEAST DESERVES THAT!!!

By doc

April 1, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

jami, shels and bynum werent in the same draft year. bynum was the year ahead of shels, the marvin, cp, and d williams year i think.

By A Thinking Fan

April 1, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Doc Shaq is a winner whereever he plays. I think your Suns might make a run this time…

By Author

April 1, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

You’re right, reese. Josh is producing now. He’s leading the Hawks in turnovers and dumbassed shots. He’s leading the Hawks in stupid plays. He’s leading the Hawks in technical fouls.

He’s also a terrible on-the-ball defender, but that doesn’t matter, right - because he gets lots of blocks! That’s all that matters on defense!

Yeah, that Josh Smith sure plays two positions at an “elite” level.

Please. What a joke.

By Astro Joe

April 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

The Josh Smith issue isn’t one of his talent or being patient to see if he would become more consistent with better coaching. The issue is entirely about his next contract, which will more than likely be signed as early as July (4 months). We don’t have the luxury of seeing him perform with a true coach before making a long-term commitment. The data gathering will be finished at the end of this season. Do you pay him for what he could become, which may entitle him to a close-to-max deal (think Dwight Howard)? Or do you sign him to what he is today and give him slightly over $10M (think Tayshaun or Josh Howard)? Or do you split the difference (say $12M) which is what I think Al Jefferson received? There is NO way I’m paying Smith max dollars. And if his agent insists he gets max dollars, then I’m all for a sign & trade deal for players who can help us get to the next level. The last 2 months, Smith has averaged around 16/8/3. Very solid numbers. But that’s not a max player. His blocked shots are a function of being on a team without a defensive center. If he played for Philly with Dalembert, he wouldn’t have that many blocks because the team couldn’t afford to have both he and Dalembert playing at the rim. Someone would be left open for mid-range shots all game long. So if we pay him for his blocks, the minute we acquire a defensive center, his “potential DPOY” contract will look bloated. It’s a complex issue and one that will surely result in the GM feeling the heat, one way or the other.

By Melvin

April 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Amen Reese. I’m a big Jsmoove fan myself.

Who cares how much money the BASG has to pay to resign “THEIR” free agents. They decided to build thru the draft so now here’s the other side of that coin (you have to pay the players after their rookie contract expires). The current CBA allows teams to resign their free agents no matter how much it would cost them against the salary cap. We have some quality players and I would like to see them remain in a Hawks uniform (JSmith,JChill, Bibby). So extend these guys contracts and stop with all these excuses. Just like you want us Fans to remain loyal in this rebuilding process (9 yrs), how about yall (ASG) show some loyality and reward these players for their work….

By Ken Strickland

April 1, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

REECE-why did you include me on your list? I’m a fan of JSmith, and my trade suggestion was based on the SAASG’s possible unwillingness to resign him. Also, if we’re willing to face reality, we have to recognize that his position(PF)is the easiest one for us to replace(with Horford). Josh isn’t a natural SF like some seem to think. Josh is a natural athlete rather than a natural fit for any particular position. He doesn’t have a dependable outside shot like Marvin, and he doesn’t have the natural instincts to be consistently effective around the basket like Childress. He’s proven he has the desire and the willingness to work hard, so he could certainly develop into an effective SF.

If the Hawks are going to advance to the next level there have to be some changes.

(1)Woodson has to replaced, and by someone that’s creative, open minded and not married to a system. Woodson is certainly not open minded or creative, and he’s married to a certain style/system and is obviously too rigid to effectively adjust.

(2)Switching Horford to PF would replace Josh’s rebounding, scoring and DEF. Using his trade value would possibly allow us to replace his shotblocking at the 5. We can’t get too upset about losing a talented young player just because of what he might potentially become on another team. JOSH SMITH IS NO WILT OR KAREEM, TWO OF THE NBA’S GREATEST SCORERS, REBOUNDERS AND SHOTBLOCKERS, AND BOTH OF THEM WERE TRADED, WILT TWICE.

By terrell barron

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

Reese, I think I’ve been misunderstood. I love Josh Smith’s game. He just does a lot of stupid s** on the court. I would LOVE to keep all of our core players, but if we plan on moving Al to the 4, where does Smoove fit in? Plus he’s the only one with good value, if we want to acquire a draft pick or a big. If your happy with this team, the way it is constucted, FINE! But we all know, without a big man manning the paint, this team isnt going ANYWHERE. Now if we can keep Smoove, and acquire a big man also, that’s great. But we all know that as long as the ASG are still around, that’s never going to happen.

By I.MUS WRITE

April 1, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Reese- What the hell are you talking about? I never mentioned trading Josh,but the reality of it is he could be gone this summer. If sum team offers him a rediculous contract that we probably wont match then why not get the center and back up 2 we need through a sign and trade. The guy is off the charts with the things he can do on the court-Im jus baffled by the 4 brain cramps he has every game……Maybe this will change under new leadership maybe not. Either way next year will be his fifth year in the league,when are all the “he is still young excuses gonna run out.

By Jeff A.

April 1, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Well, well, well. Good ol’ honest Abe, looks like i proved my point. Your whipping boy Woody rests that very tired 26 YEAR OLD Joe Johnson and other starters ranging in age from 21-24, and what happens?? A near 40-pt. lead dwindles to 12. it looks like they need JJ to play more to win big. and my man Najeh Davenpoop and others said it best “maybe we should overwork our starters if the bench is gonna blow a lead like that.” you completely missed the point of my earlier novel - at JJ’s age, he nor you guys shouldn’t be talking about resting him. He’s 26!!! Yes, the NBA is very much a contact sport, but like i said earlier from my cave where i never touched a - what do you call it - basketball (that’s a round orange thing, right?), if John Stockton and Karl Malone can go for 48 minutes as older players, so can JJ and these other YOUNG CATS, if necessary! If JJ and Bibby, who haven’t been to the playoffs in a few years, aren’t in shape enough to handle extended minutes down the stretch of this season, then neither one deserves to be in the NBA, Abe, and you know i’m right. it ain’t even about the money; it’s about being a professional and taking care of yourself at this point - that’s why i brought up Karl Malone & John Stockton, which you didn’t even reference. We’re talking about age and mileage on the body here. NBAers have access to the best trainers, best doctors, serious whirlpools and the like - i don’t want to hear about you being tired at 26. At 36 to 40, i can understand. But 26? 24? 23? STFU. if you’re tired at those ages, then you ain’t in shape. Period.

Professionals step it up when the going gets tough. If that means starters playing 40+ minutes, then that’s what’s up. if that means the bench holds a big lead, then hold it. Don’t give me this crap about since Woody did not play the bench earlier in the year, they’re unprepared now. Whatever, dude! YOU’RE A PROFESSIONAL - PLAY!! This isn’t Mt. St. Mary’s, Wichita State, Toledo or some AAU team. THIS IS THE NBA! How many times have you heard a story about an NBA cat who hasn’t received major playing time, but when his name is called, he’s ready. Lots of times. Some of you guys are making excuses for the bench because of your hatred for Woody - and that’s crazy. Now i’m not saying Woody is great and i could care less whether he is Hawks head coach or not next year. if he’s fired, he’s made more money than you and i will probably ever see, so he’ll be set for life and he’ll probably get another coaching stint somewhere else, so i won’t cry a river for him. But he sees this team day in and day out and he has to make the quick decisions on who to play and who not to play.

And since the bench couldn’t hold it down against THE GRIZZ, you best look for them on milk cartons for these next 3 games with Toronto and Philly. Get ready for 40+ minutes from ol’ worn out, worn down “graybeards” JJ, Bibby, JSmoove, Marv and Big Al. But then what do i know - according to the honest one, i never touched a basketball and i live in a cave, sequestered in the 80’s, when the NBA was on and poppin’. Ah, the 80’s and early 90’s: when NBA players had the mentality to fight thru being tired all the way to the Finals, no matter their age and amount of money they made; when a certain legendary cat in Chicago played with THE FLU and scored 38 in a playoff game against the Utah Jazz (who featured to no-name cats who played 48 minutes most of the season) in a win. But these guys today, they need their rest - they probably need to be spoon-fed applesauce and tucked in as well, right Abe? Oh, well, let me go - gotta clean the cave and find a way to learn more about this game they call, um, bask-et-ball. i think that’s the name of it. Later.

By tb

April 1, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

I think the Hawks, as they are, plus the addition of another quality player in the C rotation (D. Anderden) will be ready to push for a three, four next year; maybe better.

The further maturation of our youth, plus a realistic Bball coach will do wonders.

I also agree that if Smoove gets a really huge offer, it will obviously be interesting to look at a S&T. I hope we don’t buckle under a big offer and accept a “bad” S&T though. Smoove is a huge talent as is. You put these guys with a good coach and a fast effective system and they could go very far.

It will come down to; what is the offer and what will another team give if we have to trade him?

In no case do I want to see the team lose talent, we’ve waited long and hard for this team. It needs to be exploited to the max.

I want to keep Smoove, but we will have to see what the market offers.

By fudd21

April 1, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Reese Let me start by saying I like Josh, but I disagree with some of your points. Does the good outway the bad all depends on what type game he just had and who you talk to. LOL

I don’t think he is an elite SF or PF. For that matter I dont believe he is an average SF. I do believe he could become an elite PF, but he hasn’t committed to that. He still wants to be a SF. I will say that lately it seems he has hung out more around the basket and played to his strengths.

Personally, I don’t want Josh taking any game winning shots nor do I want the ball in his hands with 10 seconds to go and the Hawks down a point. The ball is just as likely to wind up in the stands as it is in the hands of an open Hawks player.

Joe isnt big enough to guard Melo, Duncan and Garnett, but at the end of games Joe is always matched up against the opposing teams best perimeter player.

The rest of your post I will say I agree with. I dont want any more draft picks. Don’t know anything about the Anderson kid and yes, Josh is grossly underpaid for what he is producing on the court. Which brings me to my question.

What do we resign Josh for? No matter how you look at it that decision has to be made this summer. We all know teams are going to make offers to Josh but where do we cut it off. I don’t think he is worth max money and if thats what he wants then I say let him go. If we can get him for about 11 per then ok, but no way max.

Many say that Horford is going to be our long term answer at PF. If that is the case then where does Josh fit in. Reese I know you feel he is an elite SF now, but I don’t see it. I hope he can develop those skills to be an elite SF but to me that is just projections. LOL

We all may differ on how we should get there, but its good to see so many following and wanting the Hawks to become genuine contenders.

By Ken Strickland

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

JEFF A-allow me to use the following analogy to make a point. Suppose you spent $200,000+ for a high powered, finely tuned exotic sports car. You parked it in your garage, with the garage door up, so it can be seen. Because you never drove it, and only cranked it up once ever 3-4 mos(and let it idle for less than 20secs), you figured there was no need to change the oil, the oil and air filter or burn out the old gas.

After almost an entire yr of this type of neglect, would you be supprised if the car didn’t crank or run as smoothly as you would expect? Would the fact that you paid over $200,000 for the car, and it was finely tuned when you purchased it, make it less prone to neglect?

By Chikara

April 1, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

As much as we Hawks fans want a coach who can take this team to greater glory, we have to accept the fact that the ASG is in full support of Woodson, and if he makes the playoffs we’ll get another year of his coaching, which doesn’t bode well for the Hawks keeping Smoove.

Here’s a question: what exactly could Atlanta get for him if they did have to trade him in the offseason? Realistically he’s not going to be considered a true PF or a hybrid SF, so at best Atlanta will get a decent big man but not one that will justify any deal? Also, you might get a bench scorer but you won’t get anyone who has the ability to light it up the way he can in the right offense.

The key word is the right offense because from what i’ve seen Atlanta still doesn’t run enough sets to put the ball players in position to score. Last night was an example of that.

We see at times when teams get cold, it happens to everyone, but in the Hawks case they have always done a poor job of setting up offensive plays which will keep the flow of the offense moving consistently.

After four years the prospects of this team reaching championship gold will be for naught if they can’t develop a system with this talent.

Honestly, compare this current Hawks roster with many of the teams in the East, and I dare say that they could beat anyone. They’re faster than Detroit, deeper than Boston, Orlando, Cleveland, and Toronto. Atlanta has proven they could take the Wizards, and they have something Philadelphia doesn’t have: someone who can take over a game on his own in Joe Johnson.

The Hawks offensive problems could be solved just like this: Have JJ and Bibby be your 1-2 punch, and in times where the offense runs stagnant, Woodson needs to have them throw the ball down low to Horford. Along with Marvin and Smoove providing a punch you have the makings of a dangerous team.

Unfortunately though Woodson gets in the Hawks way and relies way too much on the same offensive sets. By now he should teach this team how to operate in the screen and roll. Also, a high-low offensive set would allow Horford to get more touches and with his passing can throw it out to Bibby or JJ for the open jumper.

No excuse for someone of Horford’s talent to not draw double teams already, because he rarely gets his number called unless he’s grabbing offensive boards. Not smart coaching.

That said, here’s hoping the Hawks will be able to take advantage of Toronto’s defensive liabilities and they MUST win at least one game against Philly?

What do you guys think is the ideal offense for the Hawks?

By doc

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

atf, samuel and i may have on purple suns hats this year on sideways measuring about size 8 to be fashionable worn over the tips of the ears.

and the debate rolls on. josh, keep him unless there is some sure bet because he is huge. he wins a lot more games than he loses, for every mistake, he works that much harder to overcome it. simple math to me if you got the cash you fork it out if not you pretend you do until you get what you really need. just dont give him up for a draft pick puhlese.

By Sautee

April 1, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

For Jeff A.:

Please give me a simple yes or no answer for this question. Do tired legs affect jump shots and late game free throws? Just yes or no.

peace

By BA

April 1, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

What is this moronic argument that players SHOULD play forty eight minutes a night because they are overpaid? I agree our bench is awful after Chills and Pachulia, I don’t know for sure if they are just scrubs or if it’s Woddsons fault(lack of minutes). Karl Malone never won ANYTHING. Joe and Bibby would be more effective if they did NOT play so many minutes. Age has nothing to do with it. Salary has nothing to do with it. Karl Malone? Please. Are these guys willing to do it? Of course, they wouldn’t have made it this far without the guts of a burglar. Just because they are willing to do it and our bench sucks doesn’t mean they SHOULD be doing it! If that were the case, the bench wouldn’t exist in the NBA. Detroit is tired?! They have an extra starting lineup on their bench, not Solomon Jones! Boston? Same thing. How many minutes are their big three averaging? Bet it’s not forty eight. To say that Bibby and Joe should play forty-eight minutes a night is a dumb as saying Smoltz should throw TWO hundred pitches a start!

By Dave

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

LOL @ OUR TEAM BEING DEEPER THAN BOSTON. DID YOU WATCH THE GAME LAST NIGHT?

By terrell barron

April 1, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Damn, New Jersey has one hell of a schedule, to finish the season. (Philly, Detroit, Toronto, Cleveland, Toronto, Milwaukee, Charlotte, and Boston.) All we have to worry about is Indy. Their’s is just as easy as ours.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 1, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Call me crazy, ignorant, irrelevant, whatever, but I seem to notice an incongruous parallel developing particularly on this blog- follow:

Problem: Of the many reasons the bench is incapable (put mildly) is because Woody never bothered to employ them during the season- at least in a meaningful way. This hurts us now that the season grinds on and players are subject to wearing down, which makes no mention of the fact that a good team requires more than just 6-8 player rotations. They have no confidence because they’ve never had to play and thus havent grown on the court.

Conclusion- Woody should have played the bench more (though I might add that knowing we are rarely in position where we could play them and stay competitive in games, we almost had to play all these minutes with starters)

Problem: Smoov’s insistance on shooting jumpers (and occasional 3) instead of just taking it to the rack shows he’s dumb, selfish, immature, etc. He cant shoot, so he shouldn’t try.

Conclusion: Smoov shouldnt try to develop his game while in game because he’ll never be able to shoot and he’s just a freak of nature good for lobs, putbacks.

Something doesnt seem to add up. One the one hand Woody is being cursed for not developing players with game experience, while on the other Smoov is being admonished for stretching his game. Now I’m not advocating him jacking J’s up with 17 on the shot clock, but it’s a facet of his game he needs to display in order to create more opportunities for himself/team.

Yes, the summer is the ideal time for a player to work on his game to add elements, wrinkles. It’s also when we need to add new talent to the roster. Smoov does have the ability to shoot, albeit not very pretty at times. His shooting percentage has actually gotten better each of the past 3 seasons, this while he is noticeably dunking less so it’s not just highlights and posterizing. He’s getting better on all accounts, but he’s already VERY good. I cite the new post game which he’s still developing. You can work with Hakeem all you want to in July, but you need to apply it in February for it to develop. His jumper falls into that category as well.

Our bench on the other hand, lets be honest is not. Chills and Zaza are the only players we have you’d want to be in an ideal second unit. Law is still not sure what his role is (or why he was drafted- scoring PG), Solo, Salim, J Rich, Mario barely log enough minutes to even qualify. That said, we wanted them to all play more minutes? We needed to win every game (plus some) and we needed Joe, Smoov, Al, Duck to do it. Again, while ideal it wasnt feasible for Woody to play them much (especially since Bibby trade). They aren’t very good (hurts me to say). This is not a Woody defense, it’s more an indictment of BK. Woody’s blame lay with in game strategy (or lack there of).

I say all this to same what? Let’s at least be fair about our criticisms. I’d prefer Smoov take more people to the rack, but understand why he doesnt- he needs to develop facets to his game. This sounds like the same arguement people posit for playing more of the bench. I’m not saying either is right or wrong, just that they seem to be comparable yet applied inequitably.

RISE UP

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

The Hawks cannot beat Detroit or Boston, come on now. Maybe if they play their best possible game every night and the other team plays their worst possible game every night, but that’s pretty much impossible. But Orlando or Cleveland? If the Hawks can continue playing like they have been recently, they can definitely give those teams a run. That’s why in my earlier post I was saying as tough as it might be, it is still possible for the Hawks to get the 6 seed, and they should be going all out trying to get it. And that starts with beating Toronto.

By terrell barron

April 1, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Deeper than Boston. What?

By Chikara

April 1, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

If this talent was utilized the way they should’ve been, then Atlanta would beat any team in the East. I stand by that statement!

Oh how I wish Eddie Jordan was coaching the Hawks. He would be able to take advantage of Salim’s shooting while showing confidence in his abilities. Woodson’s too erratic in trusting anyone outside of six guys. I’m sure if Zaza were 6’6 instead of 6’11 he’d never see the court.

Atlanta has better outside shooting than people think, it’s just that Woodson is so STUPID that he never knows how to build up players, which is a MUST if you want to be a great coach in this league.

Look at some of the all time greats like Phil Jackson. The Bulls/Lakers only had two true superstars but he made sure that EVERYONE knew their roles and showed confidence in them.

As I said, Woodson is the problem, not BK. A real coach would make sure players like Acie Law knew their roles. Of course they are going to be confused when they come in because they have no concept of what they are supposed to do, and that’s a direct reflection of poor coaching.

At this point the Atlanta Hawks should be nine deep: Childress, Zaza, Solomon Jones, Acie Law. That kind of bench play would rest the starters easy. Now they are going to be dead tired in the water by April 20th.

Don’t sit there and tell me Atlanta’s bench sucks because of lack of talent, it’s lack of coaching players to know their roles.

Problem: Of the many reasons the bench is incapable (put mildly) is because Woody never bothered to employ them during the season- at least in a meaningful way. This hurts us now that the season grinds on and players are subject to wearing down, which makes no mention of the fact that a good team requires more than just 6-8 player rotations. They have no confidence because they’ve never had to play and thus havent grown on the court.

That is EXACTLY what i’ve been saying!

#21=Top 50,1stBallot your conclusion was on point. Atlanta is a fast moving up and down offense that should scare the bejesus out of teams by now.

I still believe they would take any team in the East if they had a coach who knew how to coach more than just six players.

Tell me how Boston or Detroit would match up with them if that was possible.

By TJ

April 1, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

It’s been a while since I’ve said something. I felt a bit insignificant, so I stopped commenting…I’m back now though. And I ain’t bandwagoning cuz I’ve been listening into every game online, even with the Hornets 20 minutes away from me.

Speaking of the Hornets, there are some similarities b/t the Birds and the Bees. Both teams’ starters are heavily relied upon, with run-and-gun suited rosters, and benches that don’t allow the starters to rest long enough. But Chris Paul knows his teammates front to back, so the David Wests and the Tyson Chandlers along with the Jannero Pargos know that if they mess up, their point guard is gonna rip ‘em. Along with their coach.

What the Hawks need is for their coach to shut up (or actually a LOT!) and let the leaders of the team get in each other’s faces. I’m sure that JJ and Bibby weren’t happy at the 2nd string for shortening their 4th quarter rest times. And even with their impressive victory, they lit into the youngins last night. With Woody being the short leash coach that he is, the players are the ones that are gonna have to boost each other’s mentalities. Even if it takes a few cuss words to do so.

Woody has the coaching ability to discourage his team out of the playoffs, so he needs to shut up and smile for once, especially since they have a chance to move up a spot. The Hawks could win out the rest of this season, and contrary to Woody’s belief, he’s gonna need his bench. They’re not awful, just inexperienced, and whose fault is that? (Clyde, are your shirts still for sale?) When the Hawks make the playoffs, I’m buying my ticket!

by the way, people say “you never know what you got til it’s gone.” Trading Smoove is the worst thing the Hawks could do. Despite all the scrutiny Smoove gets from folk here with less than 2% of his Shawn Marion-like potential, he’s the star power for this team. Joe may be the All-Star (and more than rightfully so) but Smoove is that star power. Whether he makes a dunk or takes a dunk, y’all will talk about him. Good or bad; that’s star power. Marion wanted more spotlight, and that’s why he’s on the worst team in the league now, but for the Suns, he was invaluable, cuz he did the small things, the small things Smoove needs to humble himself and do!

ray (uncapitalized ;-) ) been reading your stuff all year, you’ve got SKILLZ. Props to u man! Here’s to the Hawks flying with wings and not losing their feathers towards the playoffs!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 1, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Well, to put it simply, Boston has three players who are all as good as or better than our best player. That’s Reason #1 why the Hawks won’t beat them.

By Leo Sloss

April 1, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Najeh- Did you see the 8th seed Warriors beat the Mavs in the playoffs last year?

I work for the front offices of the Atlanta Hawks, give me a call if you are interested in playoff strips.

Leo Sloss

404-878-3785

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 1, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

The Warriors matched up perfectly with the Mavs. The Mavs didn’t have a point guard who could defend the physical Baron Davis or the athletes who could stay in front of Golden State on the fast break. The Warriors’ coach Don Nelson knew Dirk from his time coaching him well enough to know that you can put a smaller defender in his grill and it will give him problems. Don’t underestimate the impact of Don Nelson coaching against his old team and assistant.

Now look at the Hawks’ matchup with the Celtics. Do the Hawks have such a coaching advantage? No. Do the Hawks have the physical 7 footer needed to guard KG in the post? No. Do the Hawks have an Oomgowaye to combat the physical Paul Pierce? No. Who has Mike Bibby had the hardest time guarding? Quicker point guards, like Rajon Rondo. And let’s not forget that the Hawks’ defense on the 3-point line has been suspect at best since the All-Star break, and the Celtics have one of the best 3-point shooters in the league.

In other words, the Celtics are about as bad a matchup for the Hawks as there can possibly be. I’m excited about the Hawks’ playoff chances too, and if I’m wrong about this I would be really happy. But come on now. Let’s be for real. Dallas didn’t lead the league in defense; the Celtics do. Dallas didn’t have one of the best low-post presences in the league; the Celtics do. (Dirk Nowitzki is a shooting guard trapped in a 7-footer’s body, not a low post presence). Dallas relied almost entirely on one-on-one jump shooting; the Celtics definitely don’t. Other than it being a #8 vs. #1 matchup, there’s no comparison between the two scenarios.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 1, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, big up to Joe and Al for their “of the month” awards earned today.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 1, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Yeah a C’s matchup would be ominous. We just don’t match up with them well AT ALL. Perk was beastin on us- KENDRICK PERKINS. If we were to take one Detroit however, I think we’d have a much better chance. PG savvy would be a wash, I’d take Joe on Rip, would hope Duck could man up on Tayshaun and the 4/5 would be interchangeable with Sheed/Dyess v Al/Smoov. We play them very close because despite their obvious half court D, we can match them by running. Our biggest problem would be when their second unit would come on; they can negate our physical advantages. Would definately be a better match up though.

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

The problem with Detroit is that they are nearly as athletic as the Hawks, much deeper, and have a size advantage with Sheed. Josh Childress is the only Hawks’ bench player who would crack the top ten of their team. Rodney Stuckey and Jason Maxiell have gotten a lot better over the course of the season. I could see the Hawks have a slight offensive advantage in their starting 5, but the Pistons’ bench is so much better than the Hawks’ that by game 4 or 5 the Pistons’ starters would be beastin’ all over the Hawks’ starters because our starters would be tired. The only way the Hawks beat the Pistons is if the starters play out of their minds the entire series, which is pretty unlikely.

By Sautee

April 1, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Chikara

Najeh explained the Boston matchup - here is the Pistons:

Who’s gonna stop Mr. Big Shot Chauncey? If you put Joe on him, that leaves Bibby guarding Rip. Uh-oh!

And do you think, even with his “newfound energy” that Marvin can guard Tashaun? Uh-oh.

And I haven’t mentioned Stuckey and Maxiell against our second team. Uh-oh.

Remember that in the payoffs it’s MOSTLY a half court game, so our quickness advantage can be negated.

peace

By Bobby

April 1, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

okay could we just talk basketball and keep the ebonics out of the comments. This is not the 2 live stews!! where you have two idiots on the air that you can not understand!!! YO, Yo, Yo, dawg, my poodles, holla if you hear me speaking ebonics. And i’m gone!!!!!!

Wow, what MORONS

By ignition

April 1, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Jeremy Richardson is a scorer that won MVP in NBDL allstar game - too bad he doesn’t get to show it since we don’t have lulls in scoring.

Mario West might be one of the best on-ball defenders and energy guys - too bad he doesn’t get to show it due to the starters not showing periods of being lethargic and displaying great defence especially from the perimeter.

Solo Jones probaly a good weakside shot blocker, probally capable of grabbing 5 or 6 rebounds - to bad we have ZaZa opening lanes up the middle, losing passes, and showing off his great athleticism..

I can go on … Salim Please fire Mike Woody…

By mykhalc

April 1, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

simply put…the HAWKS DO NOT have the bball IQ as a team, veteran experience, confidence, depth, nor coachin’ to beat BOS nor DET!!! and that’s just keepin’ it real!! now can ANYTHIN’ happen??? absolutely!!! but i would not bet on it!!!

By honest_abe

April 1, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

jeff a: ok so on top of being from a cave and never having touched a basketball, i now see you’re also not the brightest bulb in the room. last night proved absolutely nothing. yesterday i said woody does not need to play jj and bibby over 40 + minutes per game. he can still rest jj with the rest of the starters on the court and vice versa. what you saw last night was the hawks entire 2nd unit (save marv) against mostly the first unit for memphis. what in the world does that have to do with woody looking to rest jj at the right times. like 2 minutes before the end of a quarter. bringing in rio to wear down the opposing teams 2 guard for a few minutes. playing chills with marv/jsmith and horford/pachulia. there are many different ways woody can give jj a breather here and there so that he can have that extra “oomph” late in the 4th. that is my only point.

you just keep talking about trainers, facilities, money etc. what the hell does that have to do with anything? his age? look these are all world class athletes but believe it or not they still get tired. they aren’t robots programmed to entertain us. you just sound like a bitter fool. “they get paid millions so they need to play the entire game” wah wah wah.

you and i are arguing two different points. you have a problem with athletes getting paid alot of money. i have a problem with the coach of my favorite team having an iq similar to yours and that just ain’t right!

By WoodyWoodpecker

April 1, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

THIS IS NO APRIL FOOLS JOKE The Hawks WILL make history this year as the first sub .500 team in NBA history to win the Larry O’Brien trophy. First order of business, however, is to make the playoffs; then upset the Celtics; then hopefully once the Hawks believe that they are a great team which they are. (This comes only as a result of the wonderful trade that Billy Knight orchestrated when he reeled in the great Mike Bibby to run the show for the Hawks) The Hawks will continue on a roll after knocking off the Boston Celtics and roll past everyone and on to winning the NBA title in June of this year.

By jhan

April 1, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Jeff A - Here is a breakdown for Stockton & Malone.

Malone Highest minutes - 40.6 After that the most was 38.1. He only averaged over 40 one other time in his career

John Stockton Highest minutes - 38.7 After that the most was 37.8 He NEVER averaged over 40.

Do you think there was a reason Jerry Sloan never played them 48 minutes per game? Probably because he didn’t want to wear them out.

By doc

April 1, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

i heard the bell again.

By mykhalc

April 1, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

DOC, toooo funny!!

By doc

April 1, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

good comment on substitution patterns honest. though i guess it would be fine to thing that our back ups as a unit could handle theirs since they havent worked together like that in games only in practice then they get stomped. what did that prove and woody can blame them for not giving their all and provide even more reason why they wont play in the future. sub out in spurts then the last three minutes or five whatever, then sit everybody if the game is still in the twenty deficit mode.

By Chikara

April 1, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Ok, Najeh, I will concede that Boston has the perimeter D to hold down the Hawks’ wings.

I still don’t believe the same would happen against Detroit. You say that no one could match Billups? So Bibby wouldn’t match him shot for shot? Same with JJ vs. Rip? Oh, and who do they have to guard Horford?

In a half court set he would dominate against McDyess, Maxiell or anyone else they placed on him. Although Sheed would have an advantage on Marvin, Prince vs. Smoove is a wash.

Childress is more explosive than anyone on Detroit’s bench, and Acie can provide PG depth as well.

Of course my argument is based on having a coach who knew how to utilize the Hawks’ incredible talent, so this is all a moot point until we get a capable coach.

Who knows? Perhaps Atlanta will win the 8th spot before the finale against Miami and Woodson will have the bench start the game to get some experience.

Yeah right!

By Hawksfan

April 1, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

I’ve been reading, but haven’t posted in a few weeks.

Can somebody please tell me what Woody has against Salim? Don’t rag on Salim’s skills. There must be something personal that has happened. Salim didn’t even get in last night Although I would have drafted Acie at the spot the Hawks did, I have been completely underwhelmed by him this year. I cannot see him cutting it as a point guard in the league. I am totally on board with SalimFan. Salim can’t be worse than Acie. How about we find and give Mateen Cleeves a long-deserved legitimate shot as a back-up point guard next year? Or can we swing a trade for Kyle Lowry??

Oh yeah, we still need to can Woody.

By Ken Strickland

April 1, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

The playoffs present some special differences than the regular season. These differences are all a disadvantage to the Hawks.

(1)The intensity goes up tremendously. We’re very young and inexperienced and are too often lacking in intensity.

(2)The speed of the gm decreases tremendously and the team that executes their halfcourt OFF has the advantage. We are a running team and our halfcourt OFF in inconsistent at best, and leaves a lot to be desired.

(3)Coaching becomes a much bigger factor in the playoffs than in regular season. No matter who we go up against, we’ll be at a disadvantage in the coaching dept. Woodson has no strategy, other than to leave everything in the hands of his starters, and is too limited and rigid to employ matchups that will give us an advantage.

If we end up playing Boston, I would make one adjustment. I’d switch JJ to SF so he can play PPierce and Marvin to SG so he could play RAllen. Put our best all around player on their best all around player. Then create a size mismatch with Marvin on RAllen, since Allen is primarily an outside shooter anyway. If he tries to take advantage of Marvin by taking him to the basket, good. It takes more time and energy for him to drive than shoot that deadly sweet jumper. We also have a better chance for a turnover, a charge or a blocked shot. JJ would force Pierce to work a lot harder than he’s accustumed on DEF.

By honest_abe

April 1, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

doc: the problem is that we just don’t know whether the entire 2nd team can play as a separate unit. i agree last night was inexcusable. they had no effort on defense. but its alot easier said than done when it comes to playing really well off the bench without a specific role. also, woodys penchant to slow the game down to a crawl helps make the players lose focus as it seems the game is already over and they just have to run out the time.

By Jeff A.

April 1, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

See, Abraham, you rag on me but it shows your lack of intelligence because i haven’t ripped on you or anyone else. Not the brightest bulb, huh? Ok, as Redman says “i’ll bee dat.” But some of you guys aren’t comprehending what i’m saying. I’m saying that no YOUNG NBA player should be complaining about being tired because they’re playing extended minutes every game, ESP. IF THAT’S WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN THE GAME. Like Herm Edwards said “you play to win the game.” if it means 48 minutes, fine. If it takes 40, fine. If it takes 37.5, fine. Ken Strickland, good analogy. i get that.

I never said that Woody, or any NBA coach, should play their starters all 48 minutes because they make millions and are overpaid, BA. i said Jerry Sloan had the luxury of playing Malone and Stockton all 48 IF HE HAD TO. And they didn’t moan about it - they did what it took to win. if i were a coach, i wouldn’t WANT to play my stars for 40+ minutes, but if i felt that i needed to do that to WIN, i would do it. Of course, you want the stars to have the “oomph” for the 4th qtr., but if they’re tired, oh well, we ride or die with them being tired because the bench isn’t strong. it’s just a difference of opinion between us, Abe. You and most others on this blog feel that JJ needs to rest more; i feel that JJ needs to play as many minutes AS NECESSARY, whether it’s 48 or 28, as long as the Hawks win. i don’t think Woody should baby him, esp. with the Hawks’ bench not up to par yet.

As far as your Malone reference, BA, yeah he didn’t win a title and i’m happy about that ‘cause i wasn’t a Karl Malone fan. BUT, he did win at least 3 Western Conference titles, 2 with Utah (1 with the Lakers). Utah played at a high level with him there and he got the Jazz to the NBA Finals - he’ll go down as one of the best power forwards to play in the NBA. If he had to play all 48, he did and i can respect that. There were times when he didn’t play all 48, but he had no problem doing so IF HE HAD TO. That takes mental AND physical fortitude to do that. Now was his body tired in the 4th qtr? I’m sure it was. He was a 4, so he took a lot of punishment all game long. But he made shots in the 4th, right? he made free throws in the 4th, right? or was he horrible down the stretch - you guys tell me. So if Malone, Stockton, Rip Hamilton, C. Billups, Reggie Miller, etc. could play extended minutes and play thru fatigue, so can JJ, Bibby, Josh and the rest of the Hawks. Look at how much Rip runs during a game for Detroit. Even though their bench is better than Atlanta’s and he may get a bit more rest than JJ, i’m sure Rip is tired by the 4th. But he still plays thru that. Sure, the Hawks would be straight with plenty of rest, but it doesn’t work that way AT THIS TIME WITH THIS TEAM. Now Woody may be the type of coach who is SO CLUELESS that he doesn’t see good things on the bench, but i doubt it. He may be clueless in most areas like you guys always say, but not about the bench, IN MY OPINION. This bench, outside of 3 players, isn’t complete enough to play a lot of minutes. Period.

With the way this team is constructed, i have to agree with #21’s first conclusion, which was “Woody should have played the bench more (though I might add that knowing we are rarely in position where we could play them and stay competitive in games, we almost had to play all these minutes with starters).” Now that’s spot on!

Abe, i know today’s players aren’t robots. but for the Hawks to reach a championship level, Joe and Bibby may have to put in many minutes today so the team can be winners tomorrow. This is a process, folks: just about 4 years ago, this team won only 13 games. 13!! Now look at them: they might make the playoffs and get smashed, but it’s a big first step. Look at Orlando: they went 40-42 and got stomped by Detroit last year in the 1st rd; this year, the Magic are division winners. The Hawks can do the same thing, but they gotta get to the playoffs first. and if it means playing their stars many minutes to take that first step, then so be it, IN MY OPINION (let me stress that). What do you guys want - tired starters who WIN, or rested starters who LOSE because of an imcomplete bench? and from what i read on this blog, you guys are extremely ticked off when the Hawks lose.

And one last point: i don’t know what you guys do for a living, but if you had to work overtime for weeks and/or months on end to get the job done, would you do it? of course you would, esp. if it led to more money and promotions, right? That’s all i’m saying - you would do whatever it takes to “win” (i.e. get the job done). No one WANTS to work OT, esp. if you have co-workers who can do some work. But if you’re THE MAN at your job and your co-workers are so-so, you might have to get down & dirty and bust it every night for a while - to lead to the greater good.

And to answer your question Sautee, yes.

By Hawksfan

April 1, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

A couple more notes:

I think I still have a man-crush on Chills. If the Hawks don’t resign him next year it will be the worst drop since Flavor Flav unbelievably cut the delightful and hot Prancer last night!

I could live with a sign and trade of Smoove if the Hawks got equal value in return—say a 1 for 2(a center and point guard).

Marvin actually looked REALLY good against the Knicks a couple of days ago. He took the rock to the hole stong, held on to it, and converted. And he rebounded.

By terrell barron

April 1, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Bobby, I hate to break it to ya, but The 2 live Stews could care less what you think? They have one of the most popular shows in AMERICA. If you dont like them, turn the station. This is the Hawks blog, take your (RACISTS) complaints to 790 the Zone!

By Steve T

April 1, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Blowing a 39 point lead just shows that Woodson need to develop a bench. He should have been developing these guys all season. With a 39 point lead, you turn the game over to Drew. Woody should have been taking to the bench about what he expects.

I beleeve he should have taken Jj out with a 39 point lead and let Richardson come in the game. Then 5 minutes later, you pull Bibby for AC. Then later, you let solo come in with Josh, AL, Solo in the front court. I think we would have seen some defense.

By Leo Sloss

April 1, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Najeh- I know hating on the Hawks is the popular thing to do, but my Warriors v. Mavs comparison was not based on players just seeding. The Hawks last played Boston in March and lost what was much closer than a ten point game. They matched up better than you would have thought, and this was Bibby’s first week w. the team. Obviously the Hawks have a touch matchup w. the C’s, but with Bibby playing well and the team playing it’s best ball of the year, don’t count us out man.

By doc

April 1, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

ding … did you hear that myk?

By honest_abe

April 1, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

i guess what i wrote just flew right over your head. we are arguing apples and oranges.

its quite simple friend. let me break it down for you hopefully for the last time.

nobody on the hawks have complained about the minutes. all these young bucks especially joe don’t mind the minutes. THE PROBLEM (as i’ve been saying for the past two days) is how woody mismanages those minutes. now, if you grasp the basic set up of a basketball game, you realize there are breaks in the action as well as points in a game when you can rest your star. most of the good coaches usually find ways to rest their players somehow, knowing that they will need them when “the” crutch time “comes”. woody just doesn’t understand this concept. when the team is up by 19 it just might be an ideal time to let jj sit for a few minutes. rest his legs a little bit. shoot, it doesn’t even need to be 19. how about up by 5 in the first with 3 min. left to play? you take a gamble and only one of three scenarios will typically play out by the 2nd quarter, up 10+, up by 5 or worst case, down by 5. take any one of those scenarios and you start the 2nd with a nice, fresh jj. are you starting to understand what i’m trying to say? you keep writing these super long essays to say the same thing while i’m desperately trying to just get you to see the light.

By BA

April 1, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Terrell, why dignify that crap! We’re better than that. Anyway, the Stews have a great show, and it’s about the only radio show in town that gives the Hawks ANY pub. That was probably some dumb little kid, I HOPE.

By Jeff A.

April 1, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

jhan, i never said Malone & Stockton averaged 48 minutes per game or averaged 40+ per game for their careers. i said there have been several GAMES where they’ve played all 48. i saw them do it on TV before and i saw Stockton in an interview talk about it.

And still they averaged a ton of minutes over their careers - and they didn’t complain and they played at a high level.

By fudd21

April 1, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Chikara Al has scored 3, 8, and 12 points in 36+ minutes in 3 games against Detroit and Sheed would NEVER be guarding Marvin.

By mykhalc

April 1, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

DOC, i think he’s gettin’ paid to ring/hear the bell!!!LOL

By mykhalc

April 1, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Chikara, you seemed to be slippin’ in and out of consciousness in your last post!!! or maybe the koolaid was havin’ a waverin’ effect!!!LOL

By dakid

April 1, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

NAJEH great point, Josh is like Vick, but while they are great talents, they couldn’t be a focal point and lead a team to the trophy. Josh isn’t an elite player YET. Will he ever get there, depends on him. He isn’t Pippen, but he isn’t Billy Owens either. I wish he would expand his game without it hurting the team. Even his advocates come out to his defense when he plays a great game, but when he went 3/7 hardly a peep. We need him, but not for the max. Or even near it. And for all this talk that Sixers covet him, they have young swingmen.

By Sautee

April 1, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Jeff A.:

Ok, you’ve admitted that tired legs have an effect on jumpshots. Now do you want to concede Abe’s point, or would you rather see Woody call “iso Joe (with dead legs)in the 4th qtr.?

peace

By doc

April 1, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

myk kind of reminds me of pavlov’s dog at this point. you are right, must get some kind of credit for it. funny how some folks dont recognize how hard they are trying to swim against the tide. entertaining, no?

By new jersey faithful

April 1, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

LETS BEAT TORONTO AND MAKE A RUN AT THE 6TH AND 7TH SEEDS!!!

By drmaryb

April 1, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Damn! Damn! Damn!

Whoever, P I S S E D - Off JA?

Do - it - Again! I loved that Ranting & Raving & Passion & Fire!

Whew! Bring it JA! You have got to be tired from kicking all that A S S on here!

RE: By Jeff A.

April 1, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Anyway, You get the:

MVP * Post-Of-The-Day AWARD*

1. You stood your ground & put up one hell of a fight!

2. You were busier than a one-legged-man in a rump-kickin’-contest!

3. You didn’t give a damn!

4. You brought Heat & Passion to this blog - And for that, I thank-you baby!

5. Most Importantly - You made some damned sense on here!

Graciously Bending-Forward & Bowing-Out! ;oOO:

By terrell barron

April 1, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

I see the NBA named Durant Rookie of the month in the W. Conf. They had to make sure that Big Al didnt take over as the front runner for ROY. What a joke! Did they see what Scola did last month?

By drmaryb

April 1, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Hey ape-abe(note the lower case)

If you were really honest you wouldn’t have to proclaim it!

That’s like saying, Trust-Me!

Right before you tell a:

Big A S S - Lie

Now that - that, knuckle-head has been dismissed? -

Let the Grown Folks Blog -

A college degree helps you:

1. read between the lines.

2. become well rounded.

3. accept other people’s opinions - even if you don’t agree.

4. see beyond your periphery.

5. try something - new! You never know, you might like-it!

6. defeat ignorance.

And these, are just a few of my favorite things!

By drmaryb

April 1, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Reese

Go-Baby! Go-Baby! Go!

Get Em’

By honest_abe

April 1, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

lol i’d explain my handle to you mary but i doubt you’d understand. good try though.

By terrell barron

April 1, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Matteen Cleaves over Acie Law? Leave that alcohol alone man. lol!

By terrell barron

April 1, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Good News: New Jersey’s losing. Bad News: There losing to Philly.

By drmaryb

April 1, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Terrell Barron

Get Em’

By new jersey faithful

April 1, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS!!! PLEASE READ…..Three weeks ago, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he was shocked — shocked! — Al Hoford wasn’t getting more talk for Rookie of the Year. But Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo can’t believe there’s even a debate. “Anybody who thinks there is, is nuts,” he told the Seattle Times. “It’s not even remotely close. … I’m trying to be objective listening to people, but it’s silly to even have the conversation. I’m prejudiced, but it’s not even close. No one has done what he’s done. No one has even come close to doing what he’s doing.” Durant made his point this week, averaging 24.5 points and 5.8 rebounds while hitting 54 percent of his shots. THIS WAS ON SI.COM UNDER ROOKIE RANKINGS

By drmaryb

April 1, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Hey ape-abe (note the lower case)

Stretch! Roll-Over! Y A W N! &
Go Back to Sleep!

B O R I N G!

Y A W N - Some-More!

By reese

April 1, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Thanks mykhalc, salimfan, jami$$on, Willie Coyote, melvin, ignition and murphy. Don’t worry about saying it better, just keep saying it.

I was blind once. It happened when the hawks were discussing trading dominique wilkins. I was for the trade for danny manning. Then, when danny manning played without the intensity that Dominique Wilkins displayed, I knew we had made a mistake.

I met Dominique in the philip’s arena suites during an autograph session. I told him that I agreed with the trade for manning but that I didn’t realize what we had until he was gone.

By ray

April 1, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

tb,

There’s a reason why nobody else has reacted the way you have. It’s because they know jokes when they see them. In otherwords, much of what I have to say is not to be taken seriously. That’s what lightens the mood. By the way, if what I said offended you, then I recommend you avoid the following: stand-up comedians, comedy shows, the comedy channel, television, and all media outlets in general. In fact, you may also want to start boycotting the Freedom of Speech Amendment in the U.S. Constitution, as it does seem to give citizens in this country the right to speak their mind, even if they’re just joking.

By the way, I seem to recall quite a few blisteringly venomous posts you’ve put up here while arguing with guys like Ando, myself, and others in the past. What, have we gained absolution and gone all pious these days? There’s a saying about throwing stones in a glass house…

You presume to know who and what I am, then accuse me of making fun of those who aren’t like me. So what am I like, then? Perhaps you can tell me since it is so glaringly obvious to you. This blog is no place to attempt to delve into anyone’s psyche, let alone mine. You have no idea what my intentions or thougts are, but you assume that they are intrinsically harmful and hateful. So, it would seem that you are committing some of the same attrocities that you accuse me of.

I have waged a “war of words” with many a person here, but would like to think that we’ve made up and gotten past it. If you don’t like what I write, do the sensible thing and just skip over it. But you didn’t. In fact, you kept on reading it..each time I posted. If you hadn’t, you wouldn’t have been able to make the comments about what I’ve written. Why do you suppose that is? Do you hate me for what you think I am, or do you hate the fact that others have some appreciation for what I’ve done? If that’s the case, then you may as well hate everybody that comes here, because we all show our appreciation for each other’s contributions on a regular basis. Funny, after you posted your attack…nobody responded to you. It’s almost as if nobody was paying attention to it, or cared about it. Hmmmm…maybe that’s what you’re mad about…

By the way, I am nobody’s idol, and you might want to think twice before insulting all those on this blog who have an appreciation for my contributions here.

By jhan

April 1, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Jeff A - I don’t have a problem with JJ playing over 40 minutes during a game. Just not every game.

Woodsons inability to develop a bench, or Knights inability to sign decent ballplayers for the bench is what is going to kill us. Right now noboby knows if the bench doesn’t play because they can’t or Woodson is too pigheaded to play them.

Like I’ve said before this whole bench issue SHOULD cause Knight & Woodson to lose their jobs. A decent bench (or playing time for the bench) & this team would easily have 6-8 more wins right now.

By reese

April 1, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Author, let me be your editor.

Your concerned with Josh Smith’s high number of stats. Guess who averages more turnovers than Josh Smith. D Wade, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Deron Williams, Lebron James, Tinsley, Yao, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony. He’s tied with Allen Iverson. I guess you would hate any of these players if they were on the hawks as well. Just imagine watching Kobe or dwight howard every night and watching them make more turnovers than Josh. That would be terrible wouldn’t it.

Your concerned with his on the ball defense and ignore every other player’s on the ball defense. Thats why theirs a concept called team defense. You know, the kind that teams utilize against the hawks to stop Joe Johnson. You know, the kind that Josh Smith plays to help his other teammates whose men blow by them. Yet, josh is the only one as I mention that has stopped an all star player by playing one on one defense to win a game.

You don’t think that Josh Smith plays two positions at an elite level. Well, an elite level is in the eye of the beholder and since you are partly blind at this point. Will you at least admit that he has played sometime on the floor at small forward? This is obvious when he and Josh Childress are in the game together with horford or zaza. Childress is roaming the baseline on offense and J Smith is on the wing.

By doc

April 1, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

dr m b i think it has to do with the great emancipator that he respects. btw he is our own ninja, nothing but stealth and wisdom. glad to see he is back on the blog a bit. i doubt we will see much of him next year as he gets caught up in the bulldog hoopla for national champs.

tb, there are certain times when you laugh because if you dont, you cry.

By reese

April 1, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

I mus write, let me write to refresh your memory. Your 2:20 pm post mentions that if Josh Smith must be traded, it should be for some veterans. That surely doesn’t read like me must keep Josh smith.

You follow that up with his decision making being dumb azz and that he is no dwayne wade or melo. Guess what, both those players average more dumb azz turnovers than Josh Smith. The difference is that your not watching them play every night and probably see a lot of highlights on ESPN or NBA TV. Besides, Ray has already mentioned that the phoenix training staff has a cure for azz problems.

Its simple, either your for keeping josh or not for keeping josh. Please help me understand how your comments would lead me to believe that you are for keeping Josh.

By reese

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

Don’t worry drmaryb, in 2 more minutes I’ll also be able to help the ASG, BK, Woody and the players. I bought a mega million ticket tonight.

By terrell barron

April 1, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

I’ve got to admit that the Hawks had a pretty tough schedule earlier in the year. They had a few brutal road trips, along with playing a lot of the tough Western Conference teams. We’ve really hung in there this year, and to be 34-40, with that schedule, is really not that bad if you think about it. Look at all the close games that we lost, and how about all those 4th quarter collapses? Lets say we win half of those, we might be over 40 already. If we get us a good Coach, these youngsters might make some noise next year, IF WE KEEP THEM TOGETHER. And oh yeah, if we beat Toronto tomorrow night, I’ll never write another negative statement about my team. 34-40 is pretty damn good, considering who the Coach is. Yall agree?

By reese

April 1, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Fudd21, the funny thing is the LOL that you mention in your blog. I’m just happy that Bobby didn’t go after you.

Bobby goes on and on about the 2 live stews and bloggers who use slang or as he says ebonics. Yet, the entire text messaging community has made up an entire lingo of their own that has morphed over to the internet; the navy, air force and army uses dot dot dash dash (morse code) and delta tango bravo to communicate and if you’ve ever tried spelling something to someone over the phone you understand the importance of that lingo; and its good that we don’t have any hawks fans from england who would say full stroke for a / or full stop for a period.

Yet, Bobby wants everyone to use a language that he understands because they are morons.

Wow, well Fudd21, let me go check my lottery number. I’ll be back to respond to your basketball comments in moment.

By drmaryb

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

Damn TB

I threw you a doggie-bone, but hell man that was before I realized you had P I S S E D - Off my main man!

If you Mess with ray your’e Messin’ with the Thong-Song!

Puh-Lease Man! - Don’t Do It!

TB - I could have sworn you had a Satellite-Dish or Cable or Something? That would have let your Dumb-A S S know - Don’t Mess with ray!

By reese

April 1, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

DrMaryB, I didn’t win, so I guess I’ll just have to continue helping these bloggers instead.

Fudd21, You say that Josh Smith is not average. Guess what, he’s above average at the very least. You make your assessments using your gut feelings. I base mine upon my keen eye for the game and back it with facts. See below,

Points: 12th among power forwards and would be 13th among small forwards. Rebounding: 11th among power forwards and would be number 1 among small forwards. Assists: 5th among power forwards and would be number 1 among small forwards. Steals: 2nd among power forwards and would be number 6 among small forwards. Blocks: Number 1 among power forwards and small forwards. Double Doubles: 15 among power forwards and would be 3rd among small forwards.

Need I say more?

By drmaryb

April 1, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

And the WINNER of the mega-million tonight is:

Reese

By drmaryb

April 1, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Reese

Get Em’

Reese is bringing the Facts! The Stats! & The B A L L S! &

What are YOU bringing?

By reese

April 2, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Terrell Barron, I’ll take it easy on you because its getting late and I’m tired. You say that you have been misunderstood. However, you ask how would a trade for Ellis and Biedrens look for Josh Smith and you keep saying that Josh is not a small forward.

See my post above to see how josh would rank among small forwards. If you don’t believe that he plays any time in the small forward position currently, then I think that you and I are seeing different things in the game.

Terrell Barron, have you watched Biedrins play on a consistent basis and would you be stake your reputation and willing to state that he is going to bring the same intensity as Josh Smith even though he is currently averaging 7 fewer points, 1.7 fewer blocks, .8 fewer steals, 2.3 fewer assist and only averages 1 more rebound per game.

Not to mention the intangibles was highlight dunks, highlight blocks and athletic enough to cover the lebrons, carmellos’ and wades of the league along with being able to cover garnett, wallace, and tim duncans.

But in your world, if he couldn’t do it, we would leave it to Marvin Williams I guess, because that is you would be left. Do you see my point now.

By drmaryb

April 2, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Hey Reese

Get EM’!

By reese

April 2, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

Ken Strickland, its been awhile since you and I have conversed. I have to say that you have made a total 180 degree turn since you first started posting here. You are seeing and expressing your thoughts in a more realistic view of the hawks since you first started posting.

Actually, you mention why I included you in my list. You suggested trading Josh Smith.

I will ask you 1 question and you can answer it as you like.

If you were the Hawks GM, would you rather be like Danny Ainge and acquire talent for now or like Seattle’s GM and Kevin Mchale and continue building for the future.

In other words, Ainge signed a player in Garnett who Mchale said he can’t win us a championship, is producing quality stats now and we cannot resign him.

Ainge signed a player in Allen who Seattle’s GM said, I would rather start over fresh with Durant around other young players instead of established veterans in Ray Allen and Rashad Lewis. I think that this decision is just as dumb as Billy Knight drafting Sheldon Williams if not worse.

If you don’t choose to be like Ainge, then you and I just have different philosophies and you can stop reading my post now.

If you choose to be like ainge, then I suggest that we sign Josh Smith and acquire other pieces that compliment his play along with Bibby, JJ and Horford.

By ray

April 2, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Today In The News

The War Over Josh continues. Man, imagine if we actually had control of the goings on in this franchise! Poor Josh Smith wouldn’t know from day to day whether he was staying or going. I mean, look at all the squabbling (I’ve contributed my own, lest I seem hypocritical). Wait a minute…how would this be any different than meetings in the top secret ASG room…? Just as much squabbling…and damn near as many people…

Nobody can say anything bad about Josh’s performance against Memphis. No way, no how. Dude shot 11-13 from the field, and had 8 boards and 6 dimes to go with it. The biggest stat? 0 turnovers. Proof that it can be done. And don’t tell me “well, it was against Memphis.” The end result is the end result. Of course, like his equally oft-maligned teammate Marvin Williams, performances like these will only be counted as truly significant when they begin to happen more often. Stay on that path, Josh. Stay on that path.

Several bloggers here (among them Ken Strickland , #21=top 50, and Honest Abe) have made a very good point. Our bench broke down last night due to two things: effort and lack of use. Since when do they all get to play at the same time in games like they did against Memphis? They didn’t know what to do. Running around as the second unity in practice is one thing. In games? Something else entirely. On the rare occasion a bench player not named Childress gets into the game, they do so with 3 or 4 starters. Not 3 or 4 other subs. Woody has created his own monster here.

Also, let’s take a look at who was on the floor with the subs when the lead began to dwindle: Marvin Williams and Josh Childress. These guys are not team leaders, at least not yet. Chill is a guy that runs routes/baselines, hustles for steals and rebounds, and generally gets to all the right spots most of the time. Marvin is a guy who can be set up to shoot and will occasionally drive. Neither is a primary scorer or ball-handler. Chill handles the ball, but he does so to take pressure off of guys like JJ, Acie, and Bibby. The only true lead guys are Bibby and JJ. Neither were on the floor. What did Woody suppose was going to happen? He never gives the bench guys the opportunity to even get familiar with these situations, so why expect them to succeed when they are thrust into them? Not to mention, JJ hasn’t been able to keep this team afloat more than a few nights here and there no matter how hard he’s tried…until the arrival of Bibby, who shared the load by being both a facilitator and shooter.

I don’t hate on Marvin and Chills when I say they’re not leaders. But let’s face it: these guys are the veterans, they are the starters, and they do not have a good leader in Woodson.

Bottom line? Woodson can’t use his bench because he doesn’t use his bench. And to try now? It’s just too late in the season…the best we can hope for now is to let JJ out at times, and let Bibby out at times, but never both at the same time. Of course, that’s just my take on it.

For those of you who think I only make fun of other people, understand that the Blog Crimes Unit is my way of poking fun at law enforcement, which is my actual profession.

Speaking of Blog Crimes, I can’t take any more of the trollish trio. Jeff Schultz has stolen from Sekou Smith’s blogs more than Napster has from the music industry. When will it end? Now he says that making the playoffs (or not) doesn’t guarantee the continued employment of Billy or Woody. He then says that Gearon effectively sidestepped all possible hints or indications as to whether or not Billy or Woody will be kept on after this season. Gosh Jeff, what’s the difference between one year and the next then? Why don’t you write an article saying that there’s no guarantee that Marvin Williams will be kept after next year, when his contract is up? Talk about stating the obvious and saying NOTHING at all…

And today’s gratuitously grotesque joke?

Trusting Billy Knight to pick a head coach has had the result that one might expect from a double dose of Viagra: Things just aren’t going to work as well as you thought, and you’re probably going to end up with a woody that you just can’t seem to get rid of….

By Murphy

April 2, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Keep on preaching pastor Reese!!!

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

Reese, I just said What about Smith for Biedrins and Ellis? Someone said we should do a sign and trade for a center and a shooting guard. I was just responding. Can I not do that? I’ve never said I didnt like J. Smith. I just said he does alot of bone headed s** on the court. If you dont think beleive that statement, you must be really up his a*. Yeah, your’re right it must be gettin late, because you got it all wrong. So if he’s the SF, of the future, where does that leave Marvin? I’ve been hard on ole Goofy lately, but at least he plays within himself, and doesnt try to do too much. Especially things, that he does’nt do well. Like I’ve said before, If Josh Smith would just stick to the things that he does well, like he did the other night, he’ll be an All-star. He just needs to stop forcing things, that are not there, That’s all. But he’s young. I ALMOST FORGOT!

By Da Professa

April 2, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

Jeff A., I kinda agree with your analogy of Stockton and Malone to JJ and Bibby, except for the fact that Stockton and Bibby played pick and roll and JJ and Bibby fast break, alot more strenuous I’d say. But I agree with you after watching that terrible bench. The fact is as great as the trade was to get Bibby, it also saturated our bench and their is really no one other than who Woodson plays that deserves time right now. True, Woodson should have groomed them but now is not the time. Maybe in the preseason and the first couple of months, but not down the stretch when your fighting for a playoff berth.

By reese

April 2, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this

terrell barron, the reason I included you on my list is because you discussed trading josh smith.

Not because you like or dislike josh smith. Plus, I have to disagree on you assessment on Marvin Williams.

IMO, the reason that he has played well lately is because he is trying to do things that he doesn’t do well.

Examples, Marvin doesn’t drive to the basket well and has poor hands. Yet, he drove thru the lane, was slapped on the hands, held on to the ball and made the and 1.

Marvin does play help defense. Yet, against New York, he left his man and challenge david lee (or some other knicks player) and contributed to them missing the shot.

Marvin does block shots well. Yet against New York, he had 2 blocks shots.

These are things that I have previously stated that I want Marvin to accomplish.

Also, Josh Smith shot from the post and from the outside against Memphis. Were all of his shots good shots. No, however, he just happened to make 11 of 13. Thats what happens sometimes when you are persistent and believe in yourself.

Finally, Terrell Barron, I have repeatedly stated in blogs when Josh has done well and when he has not done well. That goes for other hawks players as well.

My goal was and is to rebut discussions about not having Josh Smith as a piece of the core players to build around. Its as simple as that.

By mykhalc

April 2, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this

REESE, as someone who gets to see all HAWKS and GSW games, and as someone who is a JSMITH and BIEDRINS fan, i feel like JS for AB straight-up would be an even trade for both teams!!! NO WAY ELLIS can be added to make the trade even, as terrell suggested. he makes it waaaayyyyyy lop-sided in the HAWKS favor!!! JS and AB both have great strengths and many positive attributes to their games!!! and we’d be here ALL NITE debatin’ them!!! but the thing that makes me lean in SMOOVE’s favor is he has achieved all he has DESPITE WOODSON!!! if JS was playin’ for NELLIE…OMG is all i can say!!! and besides bein’ surrounded by a much, much, much better HC, he’d be surrounded by a team with more vets and team leaders. SMOOVE playin’ for NELLIE is a win, no queston!!! BIEDRINS playin’ for WOODSON would require somethin’ that i’m NOT SURE the 21 yr old could handle, especially after playin’ for a coach like NELLIE!!!! i just CANNOT wish that on anybody…no matter how much better it ‘might’ make our team!!!!

and i’ll say it again…NO WAY GSW let’s BIEDRINS go anywhere but the bank with their roll!!! he is just that important to the team!!!

the HAWKS CAN achieve their desired and balanced roster without givin’ up JS, if they choose. it all comes down to, how much is he worth to the franchise???? and at this point, the SASG would ONLY ADD to their stupidity if they did not try to add the missin’ piece WITHOUT losin’ any piece for this upcomin’ season!! the ONLY piece/thing they need to lose is WOODSON…PERIOD!!!

By fudd21

April 2, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this

Reese I said Josh was not an average SF. I looked at your stats. Let me give you one. Josh is shooting 24% from 3 point line. That is DEAD LAST among all starting SF in the East. I only looked at the East because we have to get out the East to even think about contending. The next worse 3 point shooting percentage is 32% by Bron Bron and Jamario Moon. To be an elite or even average SF in this league you have to have the ability to play on the perimeter. Josh doesn’t have that skill set right now. Determining if he will develop it is only projections.

Heck using your rationale I could say that JJ is an elite PG. I mean he is leading all East PGs in points, rebounds and would be 5th in assists. But we all know he’s not a PG even though he runs the show for us at times. That experiment lasted what 5 games 3 years ago.

You said that Josh plays SF and that is evidenced by him being on the wing. So does that mean that when Mehmet Okur is hovering around the 3 point line that he is now a 2 guard. Or when Chauncey is posting up other guards he is now playing PF or center. I’m just trying to understand your rationale.

You told Ken either you want to keep him or you don’t. I dont thing its that simple. I would love to keep Bibby, but are we resigning him at 14 mil per. Whew that’s alot for Bibby. Same with Josh. If he gets a max offer from another team do we match? Reese that question is for you. Do we match a max offer for Josh? If your answer is no, then tell me what is your limit for which we do match.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 2, 2008 2:50 AM | Link to this

Grant Hill has a career 3-point percentage of 26.9%. I’d say he’s a pretty damn good small forward.

By HB Ando

April 2, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this

How apropos, and generating the oddest sense of deja vu, is it that TB arrives, not coincidentally, on April Fool’s Day, to offer an unprovoked, and genuinely inaccurate, personal attack on Ray.

It was no less than two years ago that TB took a nearly identical position with me, suggesting that the words I presented, here on a forum that is nothing more than an exchange of subjective opinions about something as meaningless as professional basketball, generally, and, more specifically, the state of the Atlanta Hawks, were some type of accurate window into my essential, psychological, flaws as a human being.

His nearly identical attack, and misrepresentation, of Ray, as a human being, were startling similar in his previous attempts to mischaracterize me, based on both his inability to differentiate the essence of another human being from his, or her, choices, as a writer, in generating literature for others to consider (whether the intent of those compositions were intended to be taken literally, or in some form of satire, seemingly ignored).

I know Ray. And your accusation that he is prone to racism and unwarranted stereotyping, of either individuals or groups, is, in a word:

“RIDICULOUS”!

Just as you nonsensically attempted to cast me as some type of psycho-socially flawed individual, you have now, once again, viciously attacked an individual you neither know, nor have any viable insight into.

What is curious, and telling, about both the redundancy of your bizarre attacks, and the timing of each, spread over several years, is the clearly not-coincidental targets of your attempted character assassinations.

Bizzarely, you seem to crawl out from underneath your rock only when someone here receives some level of attention, which clearly stimulates a personal jealously (if you need the attention your attacks so clearly demand, just put in the effort and establish the peer relevance that defines those who you find vexing) of others.

You didn’t know me then, and you don’t know Ray now. But you have, once again, shown your own insecurities, by lashing out at folks who seem to garner the attention that you are unable to elicit.

What is it, TB, that you continue to find lacking, in your life, that causes you to project disparaging, and reckless, accusations, towards people you genuinely do not know?

Who do you believe you are impressing? What confirmation, and momentum, did you establish with your outlandish attacks on me, with self-aggrandizing commentary, defining yourself as the blog’s Dr. Phil, a hack, compiled of arrogance and the consumption of too many self-help books and a clearly home-schooled education in pop psychology?

And now, almost word for word, you replicate your classic attack. Only this time Ray is your target. Should we take as coincidence that your tirade comes on the immediate heels of Sekou’s suggestion that Ray has established himself as the “blogger of the year”?

Your incomprehensible, and grossly inaccurate, mischaracterization of Ray’s very nature, is strikingly as wrong-headed as your past, similar attacks on me.

As it was then, it remains now. You define both your ignorance, as well as your self-loathing, when you choose to assume you know anything about another individual, here, when you neither know that person, nor can objectively differentiate the persona from the actual human being.

At the end of the day, after all this time, you still sound angry, arrogant, and misinformed, paradoxically embracing the very trait-defined antagonism that you so aggressively seek to bestow upon your mortal enemy-du jour.

At best, you are the blog’s Don Quixote, jousting with wind mills. At your sad, and more accurate, worst, you are simply angry and attention seeking, for reasons that no one can fathom, lest they truly know you.

This last caveat defines your misguided anger. No one here, whom you have assailed, is of your acquaintance. So the idea that you can define anyone of us: me, Ray, or the next faceless name that triggers your insecurities, is merely sad, uncalled for, and completely without value, as a contribution to this forum.

I, myself, have become a part-time, at best, participant here, invalidating your years’ old accusation that I somehow needed this forum to fill a glaring hole in my existence. And now you construct a new, equally wrong-headed, and so completely off base, misrepresentation of Ray, that there’s nothing more to be said, that hasn’t already, as myself, and others who actually know Ray, can do nothing but shake are heads, collectively, and ruefully, at what your ultimate intent is (and was, previously, when you chose to make yourself my alarmingly under matched foe).

At the end of the day, a person’s position is either irrefutable, or, at the least, compelling enough to generate some type of support, amongst the recipients of your post. I, as it was two years ago, find you’ve established neither, and, failing to do so, continue to exist on the periphery of utterly inconsequential.

I hope you find a more viable outlet for your anger with the world. And I want to clarify that going off on a random killing spree is not what I mean, when I suggest that maybe there’s a better place to find inner peace (I hear that either knitting or quilting are both fine alternatives to ranting on the web).

Give it a rest, and good luck!

By fudd21

April 2, 2008 3:25 AM | Link to this

Najeh Well as I said I only looked at the east. You’re right Grant is a damn good small forward and Grant can consistently hit the 18 foot shoot to. Something Josh cant do. Grant also has great handles (Josh doesn’t) as evidenced by him playing point forward at points in his career and could before all the injuries get to the hole against whoever and whenever he wanted to.

You are also right that is 3 point % sucks over his career and thats probably why he has taken only 360 in 699 games while Josh 375 in just 299 games. Why has Josh taken more than Grant while playing half the games Grant has. Grant realizes he isnt a great 3 point shooter and doesnt shoot alot. When he was with Detroit at his best he got the defender moving with 2-3 hard ribbles and pulled up from 15 feet. You couldn’t defend him. Lastly Grants 3 point shooting is better this year than over his career so he is improving while Josh 3 point shooting this year is below his career average so hes not improving.

Folks you can slice it how you want, turn it sides, close one eye, crock your head to the side. The bottom line is the kid cant shoot and cant dribble. If he makes up his mind to do what he does well, attack the rim he will be fine as evidenced by last win 11 of 13 from the floor 26 points and NO 3 pointers taken. I’ll say it again we all will have different opinions on what is best for the Hawks Im just glad there is some passion about them again. GO hawks. I cant beleive its 325 and Im still up.

By tb

April 2, 2008 6:10 AM | Link to this

Doc, “there are certain times when you laugh because if you dont, you cry.”

Very profound words, but my view is when you should cry and you laugh, you at the least give the impression of agreeing or joining in on the behavior or attitude.

Ray; I don’t know you. I was referring specifically to your written word and to the fact that your words were offensive. You bringing up the First is so weak. What does the First have to do with showing respect? It’s very eaasy for me to say you stink, but I wouldn’t except in extreme circumstances. You permitting yourself to insult whole races of peoplr=e in the name of a joke is simply low class and insulting.

Ando; :)

By doc

April 2, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this

one question for those that are saying the bench is decimated after the trade …. WHAT BENCH? is it the one that is not playing for any other team. only aj is getting any play time and he was a starter for this team, bibby was a huge upgrade there. lo is doing exactly what he did for the hawks except harassing rooks as the mature veteran, shels is down to less than 10 a game and so is lue. the problem is that the folks that think so fell prey to the idea sold that there was an expanded bench to begin the season along with a game ready point guard to lead the team.

time has NOW shown the team was mediocre at best which really describes this team waiting now for what five years to have a team reacumulated.

dont get caught up n the fantasy, there is still work to be done and money to be spent whether the team gets to the playoffs as a sub-.500 team or not. again, dont get swept up in the propaganda like you did at the start of the season. this is a thin roster and team and always has been. to think it has taken a major trade to get the team where we thought they would be at the best of the crest of 38 wins picked at the beginning of the year without major injuries should be sobering not the starting point of ecstasy. dont misconstrue this as raining on the parade as i will probably look into getting tix if they make it to the playoffs nor to underplay the excitement of doing so, just reality. look only to the thrashers before you get too giddy, it can crumble in a minute. be careful of the hype.

By doc

April 2, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

tb maybe i know the depths of the depravity that he sees every day. i wanted to avoid saying much. ray might defuse what he sees in his humor and as a person who serves as a law enforcer he sees it at its worst, sometimes at its best. never do you chyme in when it involves personal slurs and attacks when some do regularly which should get your disdain but then you remain silent. if you want to be the value and pc consultant or policeman for the blog just be consistent. knowing ray it is easier for me to know of his true compassion for man and mankind, that might be tarnished in his work if you dont defuse it in some way. i have seen it in his profession from mine directly but i wont go there. hence, it was to say maybe you dont walk in his shoes and to ask a bit before labelling so severely especially with the type of stuff that gets directed directly at folks that are definitely politically incorrect. be consistent and bring the hammer out if you want but be consistent not just selective. when you do the latter it comes from something within you.

By McLovin

April 2, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Salim “Instant Offense” Stoudamire is our version of Vinnie “The Microwave” Johnson. For some strange reason he’s been in Woodson’s doghouse since his rookie year. What’s up with that?

By tb

April 2, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

I hear you Doc. The fact that “The Great Sekou” and many of his followers decided to raise him to an exalted status is the reason for that.

Believe that I don’t spend my every moment fighting the little stuff, but when even little stuff is allowed to pass or even adapted as convention, then I nearly always intervene.

I hear your point about his job possibly influencing his perceptions, but that’s just rationalizing. it doesn’t matter who does it or why, just that it is done.

Thanks for at least taking the time to think about it and being open to a different perspective, that’s becomong a very rare commodity.

By richbrave

April 2, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

ray:

Are you sayin’ you would choose to play on a team named the “Crackers?” Say it ain’t so Ray. Say it ain’t so. Just kiddin’ with you. My man.

By I.MUS WRITE

April 2, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Yes Yes and Yes…….. Mykhalc-Could’nt agree with you more. For all of you fareweather fans that bashed this team a few short weeks ago,who are now geeked because our playoff chances look good- STOP IT.

“We are deeper than Boston” Come on stop it -really though.Did u forget we loss a game to the Clippers with 8 bodies in uniform.

Reese- Stop putting words in my mouth-U need to go back to that 2:20 post and read it again. Did you fail reading comprehension in school Jesus!!!! I said if josh is going to be traded it should be for some veterans that can help right away.

-Fudd 21 your 2nd and third paragraphs were right on the money-Dont hate or wanna trade Josh,but there are holes in his game that need to be fixed and i believe they will with a new HC

I have been mentioning Marvin as far as trade bait,but not Smoove-I will live with his mistakes until it all comes together. With that said I dont think he is worth max Money or anything, but a few teams might- so what if he is offered some rediculous amount of doe and we dont match the offer……

Then you look into the sign and trade for 1 or 2 players that we could plug in immediately. No more draft picks!!!! tired of waiting on guys to develope…..its been 10 years. Bobby -you really should stop talking shyt- The Two Live Stews are’nt my favorite sports analysts or anything,but they are on national Tv -o wait they are on the radio too……………not to mention well paid -so sumone likes what they do………….. meanwhile you are at home typing on a dam blog-u idiot.

I guess Terry Bradshaw should be teaching our yungnz english ha?

DRmaryb- WOAH I can actually understand ur posts now LOL…. Im jus joking with u. R U still salty with I.MUS-dont be were all fam here.

Ray- I go away for a couple weeks and -You are up for an award!!!! Thatz whass up!!! Funny stuff my man keep it coming.

Dont know who it whass that said sumthing about prancer but Flav definitely made the wrong decision-Hotlanta is a hot azz mezz.

By Ken Strickland

April 2, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

REECE-you’re right, we haven’t had any dialogue in a while. In answer to your question, I would split the difference. I can understand Boston’s choice. They have a very long history of winning championships, and that is their mission. The Hawks, on the other hand, have a very long history of inconsistency, and mostly mediocrity. We need to establish consistency and a winning tradition.

We have 2 players, Horford and JSmith, that are better suited for the PF position. Horford can duplicate everything Josh provides, except the blocks, and he’s a much better outside scorer. If Josh wasn’t in the final yr of his contract, I wouldn’t even mention the idea of a trade. Trading Josh for a less talented, but effective center would be more beneficial to the team than keeping him.

Horford has performed as well as most 5’s in the league. But he’s so intense and aggressive that he’ll eventually burn out at the position. Right now, he’s a very effective center, but he would be an allstar PF. There are very few centers that can match Horford on the boards, imagine what he’d do to the average PF. Horford can be equally effective in an uptempo as well as a half court OFF. JSmith is very inconsistent in a halfcourt OFF, but he’s at his best when pushing the ball in an uptempo OFF.

I’m a JSmith fan, but I’m a fan of the Atlanta Hawks first. For those who blame BK for not securing more bench players, I ask why. Just because there’s room on a persons plate, you don’t add more food, especially when you know they’re refusing to eat what’s already on the plate. Why waste food(money) needlessly.

I’m a firm believer that any settlement in our ownership dispute will involve a compromise. And we all know that any compromise involving Belkin will mean the definite expulsion of BK. I believe that is the motivation behind the SAASG’s backstabbing of BK and his attempts to fire Woodson.

We can move into the 7th slot by overtaking Philly. We have 2gms remaining with them and we’re only 3gms out of that spot.

By hawksfanfordawin

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

IMUS just stop it..dude you were one of the ones who bashed this team. The only sore spots on this blog were you and jammision wanting to trade everysingle person on this team..jj,josh,marvin..etc. Now when their doing good you act like their godfathers. Bunch of b******..

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

I WANT TO KEEP JOSH SMITH! If we HAVE to move someone for a big man, a couple of 1st rdrs, or whatever, he’s the only guy with VALUE. You have to give in order to receive. Who in the hell wants Zaza, Solomon, J.Rich, Mario, or Craig? Hey Reese, so what your’re saying is, that since I responded, I want him gone? That’s just wrong, man. It’s all good though. Lets just hope we can stick it to the Raptors tonight.

By Jeff A.

April 2, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Professa & Dr. Mary b, thanks for the luv on this blog, esp. you maryb for the last line about making sense. i try to do that on a regular basis when it comes to sports, which is my passion.

the reason i wrote with so much “fire” as drmaryb said was because i read this blog on the regular and it just seems to me that some of you guys are babying JJ when it comes to his minutes. The great NBA players of the recent past averaged between 36-40 minutes per game, and most, if not all, had decent benches behind them. As doc just said, the Hawks’ bench was incomplete from the start, so JJ has no choice but to play more.

It is what it is, folks: the Hawks are a middle-of-the-pack team, 8th in a 15-team conference right now. The Hawks are good enough to sometimes beat teams above them (Dallas, Lakers, Magic) but not good enough to sweep every team below them (Charlotte, Bucks, Sonics). JJ has to play a LOT in order for this particular team to be competitive.

There were a few objectives for the home team this year, AS I SAW IT: *End the NBA’s longest playoff drought *More wins than losses *Overall team improvement With Woody trying to save his job and fulfill the 3 objectives, he had no time to develop the bench even at the start of the season. the only way that would’ve happened is if the Hawks sprinted to a 12-0 record outta the gate; then maybe he would’ve had some leeway to use the bench more. And since they didn’t start undefeated for a long stretch, JJ had to log serious minutes in order for the team to win.

And Sautee, yeah it surely would be nice to do something besides “iso Joe” in the 4th, but shouldn’t it be on Joe, as CAPTAIN, to say how bout this other play? Or how bout if he sees a double coming, passing it to someone else for the game-winning shot(s)? it worked for MJ in 1991 when the bulls won the title. Anyone feel free to answer that; i’m asking for help on that one.

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Hey Reese, would you even consider something like Josh Smith to NY for David Lee, Randolph Morris, and a draft pick? Just asking!

By BA

April 2, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Maybe Smith for a 1st rounder, Lee, and ZACH randolph!

By doc

April 2, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

tb, you know i heard you, it is a holographic universe with each of us having our OWN view. perspective rather than excuse was all i was offering. i am sensitive to most things but surprisingly tolerant of those that cast dispersion on my own race.

look for the image of breath turning milk into cottage cheese was worth it to me. it is the individual view that keeps it interesting and entertaining as i certainly know it would be an unfulfilling world if everyone thought as i did a well as one where i did no learning as i pass through on my path.

i did ask you to be consistent so maybe the next time someone throws dispersion along the lines of honky, trailer trash or home schooled you might as politely point that out to that person as you did with ray. keep it fair as one “injustice” is just as great as another the way i see it. catch my drift?

By doc

April 2, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

tb, you know i heard you, it is a holographic universe with each of us having our OWN view. perspective rather than excuse was all i was offering. i am sensitive to most things but surprisingly tolerant of those that cast dispersion on my own race.

look for the image of breath turning milk into cottage cheese was worth it to me. it is the individual view that keeps it interesting and entertaining as i certainly know it would be an unfulfilling world if everyone thought as i did a well as one where i did no learning as i pass through on my path.

i did ask you to be consistent so maybe the next time someone throws dispersion along the lines of honky, trailer trash or home schooled you might as politely point that out to that person as you did with ray. keep it fair as one “injustice” is just as great as another the way i see it. catch my drift?

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

They can keep Zach. Were trying to SAVE money. Not add a ridiculous contract.

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

They can keep Zach. Were trying to SAVE money. Not add a rediculous contract.

By terrell barron

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

They can keep Zach. We’re trying to SAVE money. Not add a ridiculous contract.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 2, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

I’d rather bring back Shareef Abdur-Rahim for 1/10 the money than trade for Zach Randolph.

By jami$$ion

April 2, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

HEY HAWKSFANDARWIN KEEP MY NAME OUT YO MOUTH!AND DON’T MISCONSTRUE SH!T. I HAVE NEVER BEEN A HATA OF ANY PLAYA ON MY TEAM.Neither do I bash or hate certain players,like alot of you guys.There is immeasurable,insurmountable,& evident ignorance,hatred,racism,& fear on this blog.Fear because were sacred of change ie hawks become winners.Ignorance cause you guys don’t know anything about the game.Hatred because we are divided as fans.cause i like js i can’t dig marv?WTF type sh!t is that!

By fudd21

April 2, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

I dont want Zach either, but I don’t think Lee, Morris and 1st rounder are enough for Josh. As much as I criticize him about his shooting and hadnles, I do beleive he has great value and those two arent great return.

By jami$$ion

April 2, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

We are so incorporated into failure we cannot except any form of success.If we win,oh that team is sorry.Guess what goodteams defeat bad1s.If we beat a elite team we got lucky.Well we’ve been lucky alot.In the west.We got swept by SA HOU PORT & NO.we should of split with the formers,& swept port.Every1 else in the west we swept or split.Think of the possibilities if we had a coach in these crucial situations.Then again you guys don’t have enough membranes in your celebellum to fanthom the thought.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 2, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Not as if we needed another dig by the national media, but here it goes

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/frank_deford/04/02/mercy.rule/index.html

Not that the sentiment is new, it’s just that it appears to have a visual incarnation. I’m just glad that the streak will mercilessly come to an end.

RISE UP

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Stop lyin you bashed so much people before and you wanted to trade so much players and no one can understand you

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

And you have short term memory loss

By Hawkamanic81

April 2, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Again, Atlanta doesn’t even deserve sports teams. Even more so an NBA team since the fans of Atlanta are so clueless about it and only know or understand what ESPN tells them.

Let them keep watching the Yahoo! I have sex with my sister while watching cars go around in circles 500.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

That author on sportsillustrated is a dick just ignore him

By jami$$ion

April 2, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

So are we together tonight or are we divided as usual?My brethren who want to dismantle our players ,can i ask you a question?Would you trade kobe in his 4th year,or 2ndyear,or 3rd year,before he got that title with Shaq?I know your answer is no.But alot of people said keep eddie jones ceballos van excell,trade kobe.I’m not saying we have a kobe.I’m just saying let the maturation process take place under good coaching.2nd youngest team and we in the playoffs & you don’t think these kids gonna be elite?THINK

By tb

April 2, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Hello Hawkamanic81 from POLK county and RealGM infamie. You are something special.

To those that propose trading Smoove, question; who ya gonna get for him?

I love what Smoove brings. He’s the strong/fast/athletic player that can absolutely take over when he decides to. He just needs coaching.

Man, I wanted Adelman last year. A good coach plus the continued maturation of this team, maybe the addition of Andersen and we’re ready to make a serious run next year.

Unless you can realistically find the good trade for Smoove, why talk about moving him?

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

For the record i didnt want to trade anyone but zaza

By Hawkamanic81

April 2, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

“Hello Hawkamanic81 from POLK county and RealGM infamie. You are something special.”

You clearly are not. Look at the sports vent. It says everything you need to know about Atlanta and their knowledge of sporting events.

By doc

April 2, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

ding!!

tp, i was on the adelman bandwagon as was astro and many others. i guess we are just the unsophisticated hawks fans, just think what he might have brought to the hawks instead if the rockets. we can either sit in silence or contribute here for infami. heh heh

anyone else want the hawks to show up tonight?

By I.MUS WRITE

April 2, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Hawksfanfordawin-………. Are you sure that was I.Mus Bashing the team? Maybe it was I.Mus who said there is nothing exciting about losing 4 playoff games just for the sake of being in the playoffs.

Yeah I talk my shyt, jus like all the regulars here…. but im mostly offering ways top improve the team………..

Jus for the record the only players i have bashed here is Marvin and ZAZA and it was rightfully deserved.

Iz your middle name BOBBY- Stop trying me dude- itz too nice a day for u to be acting ugly…… play nice

By ray

April 2, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

tb,

You just don’t get it, and I’m not sure why. THERE IS NO EXALTED POSITION. THERE IS NO “ANNOINTED ONE”. This is a freakin’ blog, only a certain number of people read it. I don’t get paid, there’s no prize, and nobody give’s a rat’s a$$ about me or my jokes when they turn away from the screen. They read the jokes and the made-up stuff, the laugh (or they don’t), then they go on with their lives.IT’S NOT SERIOUS BY A LONG STRETCH. What is so damn hard to understand?

I make this stuff up. Sorry that it doesn’t make you laugh. I tried being more philosophical and less war-like in my initial response to you. But I forget…you’re not here to discuss. You are here to antagonize and irritate. You are here to thrust your fake piety and sanctity into an area that most are intelligent enough to recognize as fantasy, where little is to be taken seriously.

As Doc said, where are you, oh righteous one, when people are flinging one racial slur after another against each other? Where are you when people make inappropriate suggestions about each other’s sexual preferrences, intelligence, living arrangements, etc? Where have you been through each and every name-calling contest? Hell, you hardly are here at all. But ah, there IS a common denominator. It doesn’t matter so much when someone says something you like or don’t like, it’s only when a person appears to be POPULAR…THEN your delicate sensibilities just can’t take it anymore. THEN you must ride forth on your holy steed and dispense righteous judgement upon the wicked one with your spear and magic helmet (if you’ve watched Bugs Bunny cartoons, then you’ll know where that referrence came from). I would love nothing more than to watch video of you going out in public and doing what you do here. I give you 5 minutes before somebody crams something in your pie hole. Of course, to think that you’d have the balls (or complete lack of sense) to do something like that is a joke in and of itself.

But…I know better than to expect you to be consistent. I know better than to expect you to see the common sense just about anybody else sees. Why? Because you’re “tb” and you exist for the nonsensical. Unfortunately for you and your personal jihad, I am not amused long enough to continue to tangle with you. However, as you have noticed….you’ve awakened an old adversary who will no doubt commence to drilling your ridiculous arse into the ground like he used to a couple years back.

Happy trails, (un)holy one!

Ray

By ray

April 2, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Doc, Adelman is clearly a good choice. I think his influence will be most clearly defined by whether or not the Rockets get past the first round. Each year (lately), the’ve been one and done. This has been the single largest criticism against McGrady (as if it’s all his fault).

As for the attempt at philosophical and sensible discussion, I rather think that it is wasted on one who’s personal agenda is very specific. Beware the presence of a Don Quixote…

And your bell ring thing is just killing me…..I can’t stop laughing at it, and I think about it every time somebody does something stupid at work (which happens…we are police after all).

By ray

April 2, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

richbrave, you ain’t right. And be careful using words like that, or TB, the holy warrior will come after you with his spear and magic helmet.

I.Mus, You know how it is. We’re just frustrated and don’t know what to do because we think we’re going to the playoffs when usually this time of year we’re worried sick about what Billy’s going to do with our lottery pick. Besides, maybe it’s jami$$ion that he can’t understand….I know I can’t…

Jami$$ion, man you are straight killin’ me over here. Your last sentence in your 2:14 post-

“Then again you guys don’t have enough membranes in your celebellum to fanthom the thought.”

Celebellum? Fanthom? Come on man, don’t do that. Slow down on that keyboard. I read that and was about to fall out. I’m sorry, but it was just funny. I get what you’re saying though.

Hey Doc…ding, ding, ding, ding , dinnnnnnnnngggggg!!

By I.MUS WRITE

April 2, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Hawksfanfordawin- Now its coming back - The topic of that blog was about trades and who would we like to see here. We have a good yung nucleus of players but they all can go for the right player or players including JJ. Ex. Before we got Bibby,I could definitely see a JS for Chandler and Pargo….. or a Marvin/Salim for a G.wallace…………….. Now on to another topic -I hope you were’nt refering to me when you put bytch at the end of your post……… Gawd I hope not……for your sake that iz ……. I jus wanna talk Hoops so stop tryn to bait me if thatz what u r doing…………….. Find u a playmate im a grown azz man dude.

I.MUS signing off

By tb

April 2, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

The more you talk, the more you show who you are. It’s getting ugly.

Is all this talk just to cover up your original statements? I’m sure that if a few “Turks” or Euros” read your words they would find it derogatory, whether they “stink” or not. I always find such attitudes derogatory, no matter the target.

You do what you want. I said what I felt needed to be said.

Funny thing, it bothers me less when you attack me than when you attack all those other people.

Another funny thing, you talk about the First giving you the right to say what you like, but when I do, you threaten me with “somebody cramming something in my pie hole”.

Oh, that’s not funny either.

By drmaryb

April 2, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Imus-Write

I have a very short memory! I am still so tired from kickin’ your A S S in my last rump-kickin’ contest!

I needed to rest the right-foot, whew! you have got one hard-behind …

Dude - I thought they said, “A hard head makes a soft behind?”

Anyway, LOL, glad to see your’e back for round #2, I thought I had gotten rid of you? Not that easy - it seems.

By honest_abe

April 2, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

doc: i’m right there with ya. are the hawks going to show up tonight. we’ve all learned this year that the hawks don’t take to well to prosperity. this sure is a wonderful opportunity for the boys to take advantage of home court and get that much closer to the playoffs and hopefully, miraculously the 7th spot.

ray: no biggie. i’m asian so i get stereotyped all the time. but, seriously dude it’s all in good fun. i think alot more have enjoyed your posts than those who felt offended. the thing i’m amazed at is how quickly you become good friend with those you’ve been hurling insults at. from your track record you and tb should be buds by hmmm 6 ish? i kid, i kid. heh

i know this blog is a free forum for anyone to express what they like. but seriously anyone ever think cheerleading would work its way onto the blog? i’m sure those that are as annoyed as me have picked up on it.

By MannyT

April 2, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

doc you are reminding me of when they used Gilbert Gottfried to signal home runs on the ESPN-Dan Patrick Show.

LOL

Glad to see that some folks can have fun with this life and death stuff called sports (entertainment).

I think I’m trading Josh Smith and Chris Tucker for the coaches Milano and Union from the celebrity All Star game, some jambalaya and Chris Paul. I’m sure the Hornets will do that deal based on some trumped up charge I’m think ray can have the blog crimes unit find for CP3 during his college days when hey played GaTech.

WAF

By I.MUS WRITE

April 2, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

DRMARYB-Im still here-jus went on vacation to DR for a bit iz all.

I feel really rejuvinated,any way rest that foot i will probably be dodging it sumtime this Summer. Hope u got sum steeltoe boots would’nt want you to mess up your french mani.

JAMI$$ION- Whats going on with ya my man- the entire Blog Z is at your front door….. I gotta go back and see what all the fuss is about.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I didnt put bytch i putt bullshyt but it came out shorter than excpected. I dont know if there were more but all i remembered were you and jamission wanting to trade everyone before the bibby trade maybe you guys were right but i just didnt like the way that you said that all the haters are coming back just becuase the hawks are making the playoffs…when you were rightfully one of em

By richbrave

April 2, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

ray:

True, so true. M-m-u-u-a-a-h-h-a-a-h-a!! THE SHADOW KNOWS. LIGHTS OUT!!

By MannyT

April 2, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Volman are you lurking out there today? I’ll be in the 303 tonight!

I expect a good game out of the TO tonight as they are battling for playoff position.

This is a good benchmark game for the Hawks…but I can say the same about 6 of the remaining 8.

Hopefully Woody’s got a Jedi Mind Trick left in that arm fold.

WAF

By jami$$ion

April 2, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Look i am not the enemy. I am a hawks supporter.Yes i said i would trade jj before i’ll trade.Al(the new fundemental),Smoove (the real matrix),or duck.That’s what i said.These guys haven’t scratched their potential.Is jj a good player? Yes.Do i like jj’s game yes.But al,smoove,& marvin all at 22 & 21 show me they’ll be better than good.There guys are special.I give you my point of view.you see a below avg 34 win team.i see a dynasty with no guidance that lost 20 games in the last minute by badcoaching.

By jami$$ion

April 2, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

REESE GOOD POST. MEN KID.WOMEN LIE. KIDS LIE. NUMBERS DON’T.SMOOVE IS TOP 30 IN ALL MAJOR CATEGORIES.I MEAN IF YOU NUMBER ONE IN SCORING IS IT SAFE TO SAY YOU’RE THE BEST SCORER?IF YOU THE NUMBER ONE REBOUNDING IS IT SAFE TO SAY YOU ARE THE BEST REBOUNDER.CHRIS PAUL LEAD THE LEAGUE IN ASSISTS AND WE DO SAY HE IS THE BEST POINT GUARD DON’T WE?I’M JUST SAYING.IT’S 30 TEAMS WITH 15 PLAYERS APIECE.THROUGH NBDL AND TEN DAY CONTRACTS AT LEAST 500 PLAYERS PLAY IN THIS LEAGUE.KIDS A TOP 30 Player like it or not.

By jami$$ion

April 2, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

REESE GOOD POST. MEN KID.WOMEN LIE. KIDS LIE. NUMBERS DON’T.SMOOVE IS TOP 30 IN ALL MAJOR CATEGORIES.I MEAN IF YOU NUMBER ONE IN SCORING IS IT SAFE TO SAY YOU’RE THE BEST SCORER?IF YOU THE NUMBER ONE REBOUNDING IS IT SAFE TO SAY YOU ARE THE BEST REBOUNDER.CHRIS PAUL LEAD THE LEAGUE IN ASSISTS AND WE DO SAY HE IS THE BEST POINT GUARD DON’T WE?I’M JUST SAYING.IT’S 30 TEAMS WITH 15 PLAYERS APIECE.THROUGH NBDL AND TEN DAY CONTRACTS AT LEAST 500 PLAYERS PLAY IN THIS LEAGUE.KIDS A TOP 30 Player like it or not.

By jami$$ion

April 2, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

And before any body trash my last post for lack of understanding.al is like top 5 in every rook category.But their people pulling for scola,kd,moon,thornton for the clips.but no matter what they say.al is the first or second name off of peoples lips.i’m sayins if you lead in scoring and rebounding without any other categories,i guarantee you.you’ll be touted as the best in the league.The mans a top player and he’s nowhere near his prime.

By hawksfanfordawin

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

So far i think our best player in the future is al then marvin then smoove then joe…but right now our present star is joe and we have to deal with the fact that we can only go as far as he takes us and that doesnt mean that we have to trade him

By Ken Strickland

April 2, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Come on people. We’ve got a good thing here, so let’s not let misunderstandings get us off track. If anyone doubts how good we have it on the Hawks blogs, just spend a short time reading the Falcons blogs. Believe me, the difference between the two is the difference between being civilized and being a savage. I been on here long enough to know there are no intentional attempts to degrade or misrepresent.

OK Hawks, let’s see you overcome Woodson’s lack of coaching, his unwillingness to effectively utilized the bench, and the Raptors. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By terrell barron

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

I wonder if Big Al will stay aggressive, after what happened to TJ in their last meeting? We’ll see, when he tries to take it to the hoop.

By ray

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

Honest Abe, I appreciate the comments. I hope I haven’t ever given you reason to think I’m stereotyping you, especially in a serious sense. As to your other comments, I have a strange ability to get along with nearly anybody I meet (unless they insist on doing the opposite), whether it’s online or in person. Generally, I’m a diffuser who is capable of making peace in bad situations. It helps on the job, believe me. Of course, there are always those who see this as a sign of weakness and look to take advantage. As for stereotypes, I can’t say I relate exactly to yours because I’m not Asian. However, my personal stereotype is for being black and large. Therefore, many people think that surely I must be dumb as a box of rocks and prone to violence for no particular reason. Let me guess…people tend to think you are insanely smart (which you might be), wear a straw hat when nobody’s looking, know every form of martial arts, and eat everything with chopsticks? Sheesh…people really are funny…

drmaryb, thanks for the back up. I’m scared because he has a spear and magic helmet (from the Bugs Bunny cartoon). I might laugh myself to death….

Jami$$ion, I hear you. Al Horford is the man. Period.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

did i just hear that woody is going to put in the “Z” factor

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Looking good!

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

wtf now tj ford is the next dwayne wade the refs are stupid again!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

DAMN now jj has to be the offense and defense yet again. I still think that marvin could be better than joe but i dont think that he could gaurd the opposing point garud or what ever like joe is doing right now

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

hawksfanfordawin, We always look good in the 1st half.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

Joe and bibby already looks hella tired

By jami$$ion

April 2, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

Of course Al’s gonna stay aggressive.hawksfandarwin that’s how we breed’em.Hey dr.virgin mary what the bizness iz?the hatas say they can’t understand me.i guess there’s no gray area in this blog.mary i decreased my vocabulary & the guys with the chateau say i’m undecipherable.i go into my mental rolodex and the short bus riding bonjovi in the trailerpark.tells me as he smokes redrock off a lightbulb,looking bewildered.”i can’t understand what you’re saying.”let me say this.LET’S RE-EXTINCT THE RAPTORS

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

Joe and bibby already looks hella tired and damn zazas shot looks ugly

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Why cant we trade rasho for zaza….i hope that anderson kid can be like rasho

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

And Zaza gets another 3 sec call.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Can we get zaza out of there, a defensive 3 that idiot

By terrell barron

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

Acie can get to the lane anytime he wants, if Woody would just turn him loose and let him play. 2 easy layups for Zaza, thanks to Acie. And no more jumpers Josh. lol! Just messing with you Reese.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Josh smith wtf you are not ray allen joe johnson or kobe so stop trying to shoot!!good thing marvin was there

By woodsonsucks

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

JS holds Bosh scoreless in the first then he lets Zaza guard him in the 2nd qt so he can start scoring.

By doc

April 2, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

gee honest, it is in admiration that i use the ninja stuff man rather than stereotype, not got nuttin but respect stealth man. now, i got to go get my white coat that i wear all the time, as i leave work, so people can stereotype me to the level of excellence i deserve. gotta go get some beer and chips. service isnt any better but they expect a bigger tip. now what am i doing wrong? heh heh

By ray

April 2, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

tb,

Actually…the more I talk, the more I realize that you cannot tell a fish not to swim.

Why should I try to cover up statements when they cannot be covered up? You make no sense. For the record, if any “Turks” or “Euros” feel offended by the jokes I told, they can kindly write and say so. Furthermore, I would apologize. The jokes I told were based off of true stories, which I did not tell word-for-word because they were MUCH uglier if told that way. Like I said, I’d apologize, but YOU…I owe nothing to YOU.

Yes, I will do what I want, just as you will do as you want. And stop twisting what I said. The first amendment applies to everybody, but it comes with consequences. I tried illustrating the fact that exercising your first amendment rights (as you are doing) in the wrong time and place (like, in public) to the wrong people (people you don’t know) would likely result in an unpleasant incident (getting it crammed in your pie hole). Now do you understand? That was not a threat or a joke. It is most likely a fact, if anything. Try marching out into public and telling people that you don’t know the things you told me. Better yet, add a condescending tone of voice and a look of disapproval. Like I said, I don’t think you’ll walk away unscathed. This only illustrates the fact that you have it easy here (as we all do) on the blog where your foolishness gets you nothing more than a tongue-lashing, again…whereas in the real world, such folly is liable to come with real world consequences (some people would gladly/quickly set you straight in vicious verbal fashion at the very least). That’s all I was saying.

Seeing as how threatening somebody on the internet is useless and impotent, I don’t see how you figure that this was my intention. Believe me when I say that I never threaten someone unless I am sure I will get the opportunity to carry it out. And in any case, I must have just cause. A condescending hypocrite who seeks to attack something that he doesn’t understand is not what I call just cause.

As Honest Abe has implied, I am often known for offering the olive branch. However, I know that you would not accept it. After all, the more you talk, the more you show who you are….right?

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

If Horford and Zaza could both play well in the same game, we’d be a lot better. When Al plays well, Zaza struggles. When Zaza plays well, Al struggles.

By ray

April 2, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Heh, heh. Sounds like the game is going as usual…too bad I can’t see it.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

josh smith 2-8 and our defense is pahtetick

By jami$$ion

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

HEY IMUS MY DOOR IS OPEN MORE THAN 7-11.Everytime i post it’s a invitation to my mind bro.I just love Atlanta & everything in it.So you know i want everything associated with my city to shine.That’s just how it is.My problem RAY is people wanna trade our youth before our seeds blossom.Ken it’s like these cats don’t look at the games.If they did they’ll see at least 20 of our losses where at the wire. And mary they were due to illadvised substitution,and futile play calling.If we can agree no trades HAWKMAN

By terrell barron

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

I’m not use to us being down at the half, especially here lately. Usually, I’m just waiting on a 2nd half collapse. Joe and Bibby actually got a little rest, in the first half so maybe we can come out on fire in the 3rd, and finish strong in the 4th. I sure hope so. Indiana is in Boston, so we can go 4 up with a win tonight.

By drmaryb

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

Hey TB about that Euro-Funk?

It is a pretty special funk, I mean I have never experienced a smell quite like it, It was about 15 years ago, My Step-Mother was a RN in the St. Mary Immaculate Hospital of Jamacia,Queens NY.

I went into the bathroom stall behind a lady MD -

(she was wearing a Burqua-sp).

The Funk-Monster was so severe and lofty, I think my eyes teared up for seven days straight. I think I had psych-therapy for 3 months afterwards, dude I was traumatized, to this day I can’t really smell from my left nostril. Something about Nerve Damage.

The HEENT specialist diagnosed me with a deviated-septum & I was scheduled for surgery immediately.

Hey Ray-Star Let’s move on man, stick a fork in this one - He’s done! Remember the Guy who had both feet stuck in his mouth and a third one lodged in his A S S?

Remember, we decided to Do Nothing & Leave well enough alone? This is the perfect time for that treatment plan. The foot stuck in his A S S?

It’s his only method of transportation - It’s the only way he can get to steppin’

(I’m Just Sayin’) TB Have a Freakin’ Sense of Humor Buddy! This Blog is our escape from A S S - Holes and the Real World.

Puh-Lease don’t destroy our sanctuary, because on here? We make all the Rules! That’s what makes it so much fun. Right now - The HAWKS are WINNERS so stop your b i t c h i n g! Didn’t your hear:

No Cry-Babies! This is the Grown Folks Blog - You can go to MY-SPACE if you want to blog with the kids about kid-stuff!

TB man, that was just WRONGE!

By hawksfanfordawin

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

woody is so clueless, the fool calls a timout and then stares blankly in space you should of thought of that before you called a timeout!!!

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Woody must have had that Vodka out again. Keep that s** out of the locker room. PLEASE!

By FUNK DAT

April 2, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Defense = Nonexistent

By hawksfanfordawin

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

Our defense sucks and josh shoots a nother jumper!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Another 3 on zaza!~!!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

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

What an idiot zaza tripped joes feet i hate this guy!!!!

By jami$$ion

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

hey imus my door is open allnight like a 7-11.everytime i post maryb it’s a invite to my mind.Ray i’m atlanta born and raised.You yourself should know how us GradyBabies are.Everything associated with this city & one in it i want to succeed.Hawksfan how many games you’ve seen us lose in the last minutes?At least 20 right.20 games lost because of coaching futility.Let’s say we get fifthteen back.I promise you.U wouldn’t be talking about trading any starter.That let’s u know Ken,with any decent HC we’ll win

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

And zaza doesnt even do a perfect screeen!!!!

By FUNK DAT

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

Hawks finally play a decent team and show why they’re the same ol’ Hawks. Nothing’s changed. No defensive intensity whatsoever, and I thought we had a defensive-minded coach.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Great and zaza threw the ball away

By new jersey faithful

April 2, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

They need to step it up in the 4th QT!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

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

SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE GET RID OF ZAZA

By hawksfanfordawin

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

THESE REFS ARE AGAINST US!!!!DAMN IT

By ray

April 2, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

The players have given up on the coach. They’re doing what they want to do. I figure it can’t be more obvioius at this point.

Truth is, Bibby is one reason why. He’s the floor general. He does so much for the offense. He doesn’t do a whole lot for the defense. Never has. I’m not hatin’ on the guy though, because he has helped us so very much.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Damn bosh dunked on josh and the next play they got a 2 by there rookie, matter of fact wheres our rookie?

By preston

April 2, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

This has actually turned into a very good game. Hawks down by 7 with five min…..lets see what they can do.

By hawksfanfordawin

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

Oh our rookie comes in and does a turnover and smith jams it down!!

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

man in and out by joe that sucks big time

By hawksfanfordawin

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

AL!!!!!!

By new jersey faithful

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

They can win this game!!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

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

Man our whole world knows what were going to do now

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Mike bibby the clutchest man on earth!!!!!!!!!!

By new jersey faithful

April 2, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

BIBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By hawksfanfordawin

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

Shiz tj ford wait its on his hands

By Melvin

April 2, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

NO GOOD…..WTF… how can you give up a layup with .5 on the clock….

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Are you freakin kiddin me. WOW!

By FUNK DAT

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

When will these Hawks learn to play defense the WHOLE game even with .5 seconds left? When they finally get it in their heads to do so, then they will be a dangerous team.

By preston

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

WOW……Hawks just dodged a MAJOR bullet……….but there is NO excuse to let the smallest man on the court sneak behind your defense like that……hawks were lucky that there were only 5 tenths of a sec. left…..but this is a really good game.

By Murphy

April 2, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

I just lost 5 years of my life watching that last play

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Damn, we just dogged a bullet. Now can we finish it off?

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Smoove i hate you and love you at the same time!!!!!!!!!!!

By preston

April 2, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

josh Smith on the three…………noooooo……..wait a minute it went in…….HELL YEAH!!!!!

By new jersey faithful

April 2, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Has JS actually MADE a couple of three pointers 2nite?? Thats the problem though, cause now he thinks he can make them, and will shoot more often.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By FUNK DAT

April 2, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith hitting 3’s. This game is ridiculous.

By Murphy

April 2, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith, JJ, and Bibby are playin their asses off tonight!!!!

By jami$$ion

April 2, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

hey imus my door is open all the time.ray what’s up? i’m just born in atlanta.and you know how up gradybabies get.we want every1 and thing associated with the A to be successful.all i’m saying hawksfan if we had a coach at least 20 to 15 of our losses a be victories.So the only trade we need is for a coach.best backcourt in the league.jj drive to the basket dog.

By ajw

April 2, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

WE definitely can’t trade J Smoove now!

By Melvin

April 2, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

where all the JSmoove hater at now. Reese time for you to give them another sermon…. Resign JSMOOVE, JCHILL and BIBBY now…

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

GOTTA SAY BEST WIN THIS YEAR

By new jersey faithful

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

Bucks beat the Wizards. If the Hawks can somehow beat Philly twice, the Hawks can seriously make a push for the 6th or 7th seed! Of course they need to pull this one out!!

By hawksfanfordawin

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

Damn this was a really good win and lol duck is getting some easy points

By Melvin

April 2, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Big win by the HAWKS tonite… Great game. A comeback win like this does a lot for this team confidence….

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

I dont want to break yalls heart but remember there was .05 seconds left and the clock started at .04….if stern pulls of one of his league reviews than i will kill myself…

By ajw

April 2, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Great! Great game! Probably their best this year over beating the Lakers. Love seeing Kobe lose, but this was awesome!

By Chikara

April 2, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Once again I have proven my point: THE HAWKS CAN BEAT ANY TEAM IN THE EAST! (sans Boston, but that’s another story) The poise that they showed tonight proved they are ready for the playoffs!

The magic number is 4 and all they need to do is stay the course and take care of home court and this thing will be wrapped up by the time they get to Indy!

I hope so, Woodson needs to start letting the bench actually see the court so the other guys can breathe again! I don’t want them to get waxed by Boston because they are too tired.

Let’s whip up on Philly this weekend and make the trip to Indy a breeze!

Big shots by JSmoove, Bibby, JJ and free throws by Marvin. Double Double by Horford to prove he should be rookie of the year (take that ESPN)

By honest_abe

April 2, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

oh doc, trust me… i’ve never been offended by that stuff. i like to think i have a sense of humor.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 2, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

I will repost this at some point because it will undoubtedly get lost in the post game euphoria, but Smoov was the player of the game IMO, not because of his 3’s, but because he locked Chris Bosh up- unequivocally. There is anyone on the roster, and dare I say few in the league, who could match Bosh’s game. He clamped his face up game and stopped him once he did drive. If one just looks at Bosh’s stats they arent necessarily representative because Smoov wasn’t on him all game.

Did anyone notice how they kept trying to run a pick/roll game with Ford and Bosh- Chills definately did his part, but Smoov was the deturrent because provided he kept Bosh from receiving the ball in the paint, Bosh wasn’t doing much.

Other people will comment on his big shots and good decision making today, just making sure his defense- one on one mind you- gets the recognition it deserved.

Big ups to Joe too for covering Toronto’s guards extremely well too out on perimeter. Save a couple Anthony Parker wonder shots, Joe was pretty lock down tonight as well.

RISE UP

By Atl Flavor

April 2, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Will the Hawks sign 2 players for the post season?? 2 Big bodies would be fine with me. 4 Game lead with 7 to play so we could lose the next 4 and STILL make the playoffs. Thats pretty good shape if you ask me.

By Murphy

April 2, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

hawksfanfordawin the leauge more than likely will not take this game back because it was the last shot of the game and the refs had to review it. The refs made the mistake not the hawks. The refs should have saw that

By preston

April 2, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Now that was the type of win that can really get this team and this city believing that the hawks can compete, and not just make it thru the back door of the playoffs. Looks like the Hawks really wanted this game tonight and they fought tooth and nails for the win. My only fear is that the starters will be gassed by the playoffs, and I would not be surprised to see them get run off the courts by whomever they face…….I know that Woody has put it all on the starters for this team to get in the playoffs, but he is absolutely killing those guys.

By richbrave

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

ray:

All this EURO-FUNK business reminds me. The world around me is in deep mierda man. Nobody in Richmond carries the ONLY effect deoderant I can use, 5 DAY ROlL-ON. Certain Dry works, but peels the skin off my underarms. This is a serious problem for my little world. I mean the armpits of my cloths literally rot if I don’t use an effective anti-perspirant. And the smell. Whew!! Garlic, onions and a musk like a cat. I mean super-bad. In pungant, I am world-class. An inheritance from my Western European Neanderthal forebearers no doubt. Kinda’ like those French ladies who braid their arm-pits because they believe in musque au naturale only stronger. This post should have been prefaced by a toxic warning. Hopefully, you have not been blinded or had your olfactory senses permanently scarred by reading this revelation. I would never forgive myself. MY MAN. RAY. Keep us safe.

Oh BTW, the Wizards LOST to the Bucks and fall to seventh place. Gilbert returned and scored 17 in a losing cause. Daniels, Butler, Stevenson, and Jamison all injured during the game.

By SalimFan

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

SSSSMMMMMMOOOOOOOVVVVEEE!!!!

Haters bow down and shut up. How many times has he hit clutch threes at the buzzer?

This was a hard faught win. We deserve it too.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

KK thank lord..

By ignition

April 2, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

If Josh would read these board he would be scared to shoot 3. When I have seen this cat take game determining 3 at least on three separate occasions this year. People plead with Rasheed not to take 3’s too and he never listen and now he is a constistent 3 point threat. Josh WILL get better at shooting and WILL get better with his desicion making last three game a total of 2 turnovers.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 2, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

I didn’t get to see the game, but all I really need to do is come here and read hawksfanfordawin’s posts to know what the game was like. Thanks man.

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Gilbert comes back and they lose to the Bucks. Hey Richbrave, are they better off, without him? On another note, that was the best game I’ve seen around here in YEARS. I think the whole team deserves a big thumbs up. I cant even b*** at Woodrow today, except for not telling the guys to protect the basket, with only .5 sec left. If we would have lost that way, I dont know if we could have recovered. Did you see the look on Bibby’s face, when TJ made that layup? Someone was definately watching over us tonight. And one more thing, clutch free throws Marvin. I’ll never call you Goofy again! Great TEAM win fellas!

By A Thinking Fan

April 2, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Now that was a NBA playoff type win!

By Matt

April 2, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Hey, you can’t argue with a good result. JJ and Bibby were covered like Waffle House hashbrowns, so J-Smoove stepped up and hit the long jumpers when he needed to. Everyone came through tonight - even and especially the much-maligned Marvin and Smoove.

But the key to this game still was our backcourt - when you have two guys scoring 25+ points and dishing out 10+ dimes in one night, you’re always going to be hard to beat. Horford also was huge - from the mid-4th onward, he was a vacuum underneath the basket. q Came from down 17 to win it against a team we’re competing with for a playoff spot. Great, great win.

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

hawksfanfordawin, Why on Earth, would you post some s** like that, after the biggest win of the season? David Stern better not even think about no s** like that. This game is HISTORY.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 2, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Indiana loses too — we are now 3 games behind Toronto and 3.5 games ahead of New Jersey. Time to start looking ahead instead of behind now?

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Lmao somone on the raptors board said that josh made bosh his bytch hahahah

By richbrave

April 2, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

terrell barron:

Gil’s return probably kept them in the game. Wizards were dropping like flies after a Raid attack. Man. It time to rebuild. Trade all the hospital ward cases and start over with another center to complement Heywood. Like I said a few weeks ago. If 30 year old Etan Thomas ever steps back onto a competative b-ball court, he will be a hell of a man.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 2, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

LOL terrel im sorry but i had to say it..

By doc

April 2, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

sad to say i missed this one sitting and eating chips and drinking beer. seems the bartender couldnt find the station and i couldnt help him. assume it wasnt on, got in the car to hear a bit of the wrap up. bibby as he gets his wind and legs as well as getting to pracitce with the guys is making a huge difference, some of his passes are from another world than hawks basketball of recent history and love his shot when it is on, so pure. guess i had better go to yahoo sports to get the stats. good win guys, keep up the pressure.

we have the thinnest bench this side of phoenix without shaq and amare and it will catch up with us in time but for now enjoy the ride. in the playoffs where there is usually no back to back allows some recovery, unfortunately, it also requires a different mindset and aptitude. leo i might be calling you soon dude for those tix.

By New York Hawk

April 2, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Wow, guys. What a win! After all the talk lately about Smoove’s poor perimeter shooting, he hits two GIANT 3’s in OT!!! Amazing. And he did do a great job against Bosh too! How many of you were at the game??? I’m SO jealous!!! I wish I was there.

By g-thang

April 2, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Man, I am eatin’ mad crow, but hey hawks did their thizzle tonizzle (did their thing tonight, for all of you “slow” folks)

hawks have 35 wins, wash, filly, and toronto all have 38 wins. If we can get 2 games on filly this weekend, we could move up to 7th or better!! folks, i have my playoff tix, already, season ticket holder. YOU GOT YOURS!! GO HAWKS!!

By Clyde

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

Hey I have to give credit to the Hawks. They are winning at the right time of the season. Good win tonight.

There is no way we can let JSmooth go. He has his negatives, but his presence on the court is way too valuable for this team. Where are all those people who said he should stop shooting threes?

Oh yea and Ray do you remember that cartoon called Richie Rich. Clyde Jr loves it even though it came on so long ago.

No Playoffs yet so……

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By SalimFan

April 2, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

MAAN They just showed the highlights on ESPN at halftime and they pointed out the shot clock error. Stephen A. Smith said that the raptors were robbed.

It’s not atlanta’s fault blame the NBA refs. They reviewed the play and they make those calls. I hope this doesn’t come back to bite us.

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Woody probably just saved his job! Just kidding. lol

By SalimFan

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

BTW did y’all see that crossoer and dunk by smoove over Chris Bosh? It was Nasteh!!!!!!!

By Fritzenheimer

April 2, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Quote: By new jersey faithful April 2, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this Has JS actually MADE a couple of three pointers 2nite?? Thats the problem though, cause now he thinks he can make them, and will shoot more often.

New Jersey Faithful is exactly right. Agreed Smoov played an outstanding game but let’s not lose our collective rationality here and be swayed by one outstanding game here and there. You might call me a Smoov basher because I don’t believe he wants to listen and learn how to harness his skills. Any player that walks around with a wrist-band that says “I want my money” (yes he does), and constantly argues with his coaches who are desperately trying to help him harness his incredible athletic ability, is not showing signs that he believes that he has much to learn. For every game you will rave about how great he was and was the difference in a winning effort, I can show you several others in which his obstinacy, pig-headedness, ego and lack of judgement was the difference in the opposite direction. If we had a coach with principles or cojones he would not have helped shape the Smoov we now enjoy. It would be wonderful if Smoov could turn this around and become the ballplayer we all want him to be. But let’s not kid ourselves: he can be a cancer in a game in which the sum of the parts is greater than the individual pieces.

By Wow

April 2, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

I was at the game tonight…I will say after going to somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 games the past 3 years this was the best. It had all the highs and lows you could ask for. It was great to see the emotion from J Smith and you could feel the energy in the building!

By richbrave

April 2, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

SalimFan:

Afraid of another “Altered States” like that 1980 movie of the same name. O-o-o, let’s hold the score until after the final game of the year, then fly the Hawks to Toronto for the replay!! H-h-h-e-e-e-y, hey, hey. Or maybe before the next Cosby kids game.

By richbrave

April 2, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Flash:

What did you think of the Lizards “D” tonight. Another walk-over attitude from the Wiz kids. Agree?

By woodsonsucks

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

SalimFan That couldn’t of been Josh Smith. Most of the people on the board said he can’t dribble or shoot. He couldn’t of did that. He couldn’t of shut Bosh down either. Bosh scored eight points against him. He had 24 but only eight against JS. The same JS that can’t defend anyone. I am glad Mike Bibby has confidence in his teammates more than the most of the know-it-alls on this board. Did you see him tell JS to throw the ball to JJ out of the timeout. Bibby is the reason this team is winning. He doesn’t listen to Woodson about his plays. Thank the lord for that.

By Matt

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

As I said, I give Smoove props for hitting his shots where it counts tonight. That being said, we’d obviously all be feeling differently if he’d bricked those two treys tonight - and unfortunately, he’s missed far more of those shots than he’s hit. He was left open because defenders were keyed in on JJ and Bibby, and they dared Smoove to hit those shots. Smoove stepped up and hit them. All things being equal, I’d still rather have JJ and Bibby take the big threes, but I’ll also take an open Smoove over a tightly-covered JJ.

The great thing about tonight is that teams might not leave Smoove uncovered like the Raptors did in OT tonight. The potential downside is that now that Smoove hit a couple when he was as open as NBA players get, he might start trying to shoot those when he has a hand in his face. And THAT would NOT be good for us - at least not until Smoove spends the summer with Steve Smith to learn how to become a sniper!

So to answer Clyde’s question - I have no problem with Smoove shooting threes when he’s left wide open like he was (twice) tonight. But I just hope this doesn’t make him think he’s the next Dirk.

On a different note - I will keep calling for Woody’s head even if we make the playoffs but get knocked out in 4-5 games.

Also, JJ was a silent Superman on defense tonight. He never let Parker or Kapono (both damned good shooters) get any breathing room on the perimeter, and held them to a combined 16 points in an OT game. That’s just huge.

The magic number is just 4, folks. We’re that close…

By Fritzenheimer is an idiot

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

Fritzenheimer since you probably are new jersey faithful. I agree that he has a lot to learn but I hate when people like you lie. It says “get money” which is a term about going hard. He has worn them for a long time. He also wears his daughter’s name but you didn’t mention or lie about that. I will take the stats that the so-called cancer brings every night. Here is another quote.Williams said. “It’s a good thing Josh was feeling it all night. And the truth is, we play better when he plays better. And he told me on the bus from shootaround this morning that he was going to come out here tonight and bring it against this team. Thank goodness he did that.”

By MannyT

April 3, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

new blog up

WAF

By Hawk fan in New Orleans

April 3, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

Great win!!! RISE UP to the 6th seed!!!!

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