Hawks

By Khao$

April 2, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Man, we don’t need another replay. Nor do we need a reversal on the call after the game. NBA refs blow calls all the time and teams aren’t penalized. Surely, they won’t do it to the Hawks. Besides Toronto’s possession in the playoffs is sewed up. Take the L and lets move on.

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Sekop, please tell me there’s not a chance in hell that this win could be reversed. Can you do that?

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the spelling, SEKOU.

By terrell barron

April 2, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Blown call by the refs. Happens all the time. I guess thats easy to say, when your a Hawks fan. lol

By Matt

April 2, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

Repost from last blog:

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 BosnianBaller

April 2, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

you can’t blame the hawks for the ref’s mistake.fine the ref not the hawks.

By Mikeal

April 2, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

NBA better man up and say they are at fault and not Atl. Issue an apology to the Raptors and be done with it right there. They cannot force the Hawks to replay this game or allow that basket to count. It was humor error. It happens all the time. It has happen to the Hawks many times in the past. Where was the outcry then? Suck it up and admit the mistake and move on. Raptors need to look in the mirror and admit to themselves they blew it. Anytime the Hawks blow big leads and lose game. We don’t blame anyone but themselves for the loss.

By WINNER

April 2, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

THE BALL WAS ON HIS FINGER TIPS MAN YALL SAW IT!!!!!!! HAWKS WIN TORONTO LOSE!!!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 2, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

This one is worse than the Heat game for two reasons:

1. A win over the Raptors means we get closer to a 7 seed. A win over the Heat is just a win, as valuable as that win may be.
2. I believe I’m right about this: if they overturn this, there is no replay. The Raptors will straight up be awarded the victory.

That said, this is not on the Hawks’ scorers, but on the officials. My understanding is that the Heat game was replayed because the error was on the Hawks’ scorers. Between 1982 and 2008 there have been many protests filed that were denied, and my understanding is that most of those were the fault of the official.

I hope the NBA doesn’t f-ck the Hawks out of this win.

By Khao$

April 2, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Man, y’all already know how this will go down. David Stern will side against the Hawks.

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

At the same time, do you really deserve to win when you give up a wide open layup at the end of the game?

By JC

April 2, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

This one doesn’t require a replay. 0.5 seconds is only enough time for one shot so it’s either a Raptors win in regulation or a Hawks win in OT. The initial call on the floor was that the basket counted and the replay doesn’t clearly show otherwise because of the shot clock situation. That means the call should not have been overruled. It sucks but unfortunately this will be an easy one to overturn for David Stern.

By mykhalc

April 2, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

JS wants to be a great player, no question!!! he has a lot of intangibles already too!!! and i think he’ll CONTINUE to put in the work!!

now that was a good and DETERMINED team and win tonite!!! they might not have the ball$ to close out a game yet but they’ve got ‘em to mount a comeback!!! NICE!!!

also, CHILS ‘appeared’ to have blown his assignment on the last play in regulation unless there was supposed to be a switch!!??? but my main point is how about the TOR coachin’ on the FORD shot and the BOSH missed shot!!!!! the play, the execution…PRICELESS!!!!

this is what we get from our HC…”I’ve been on him taking three’s anyway,” Woodson said after his team’s fifth straight win, “and he stepped up and made two big ones tonight. So what’s that tell you? Coach just needs to shut up, I guess?”

yep, coach needs to shut up and step away from the clipboard!!!! in fact, coach needs to resign!!!!

By Jonathan Goldberg

April 2, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Would y’all please remove the comment by “Bite Me”. It is extremely offensive and should be removed immediately.

By mykhalc

April 2, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

as far as the protest…NBA officials gotta suck this one up and move on…PERIOD!!!!

By terrell barron

April 3, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

Najeh, do you really deserve to win a game when you blow a 17 point lead, and then you give a team 3, chances to make 1 shot?

By B

April 3, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

The replay on espn’s website does NOT show that they started the clock early.

By Tiger Woo

April 3, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

This doesn’t look good, after the gambling controversy with Donaghy last year. Wonder if the ref, Eric Lewis had some action on this game?

If the bonehead ref started the clock early, don’t punish the Hawks for a hard-earned win.

By terrell barron

April 3, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

You mean to tell me this fool encourages Josh Smith to shoot 3’s.

By hoho

April 3, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

We might actually lose this one. I don’t think we should though, so many teams have been jobbed by officials it’s sad.

Bite Me has to go. GET ON IT AJC STAFF/BLOG MASTER

GO HAWKS!

By MannyT

April 3, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

If the clock started before TJ touched the ball, this will end up as a Raptors win assuming they file the protest.

Regardless of how it turns out, the Hawks should still make the playoffs.

This game is almost a perfect summary of the Hawks season!

They started fast in teh first quarter and cooled off. By halftime, they were losing.

They had their typical 3 good quarters, 1 bad game. As often the case, the bad quarter came in the 3rd. What happens in that locker room at halftime?

As it got late in the game, just like late in this season, something happened and they kicked into gear, just enough to even things up. How often do you get 3 tries at a three pointer in the last 11 secs to tie?

In 0.5 sec, the crowd goes from insanely happy to shocked. Sam Mitchell shows that he had the Jedi Mind Trick up his sleeve! How often are you going to get beat by a play where the shortest guy on the court goes back door for a layup in 1/2 sec?

External forces intervene maybe correctly, maybe not and we get to play on.

This was one of the most exciting games because it had ups and downs, just like this season and most of the games have.

JSmith isn’t consistent, but he is exciting to watch…just like I have gotten used to seeing from this team.

Forgive me Forest Gump, but the Hawks are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get…but it is interesting to find out.

WAF

By Tiger Woo

April 3, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

Officials have made mistakes before, especially in the NFL that have cost teams a win. Invariably, the official is reprimanded or fined - I’ve never seen a game outcome reversed because of a bad call by an official.

I hope Stern does the right thing in this case - penalize the official and not the Hawks!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 3, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

Haha, good point Terrell.

By kwooden1

April 3, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

What’s done is done, for now great Win for the Hawks!! Now the next 3 games are even bigger especially if this win is over-ruled. In my mind the Playoffs have already started and Hawks have come out fighting!

It would be great if the Hawks could get the 7th or 6th seed, but I would actually like for them to play the Celtics. Not because I think they match-up well with them, because they don’t. But they would be on the national stage for the first time and a very long time. This years Playoffs is about the Celtics, everyone wants to see if the Big 3 can win a Championship. Everyone will be watching the first series just to see how the Celtics look. I believe the first two games would be in Boston and those would be very tough games for Hawks, but that 3rd game in Atlanta would be a lot of fun. (I wish I could be at Philips Arena for that!!

GO HAWKS!!

By kwooden1

April 3, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

What’s done is done, for now great Win for the Hawks!! Now the next 3 games are even bigger especially if this win is over-ruled. In my mind the Playoffs have already started and Hawks have come out fighting!

It would be great if the Hawks could get the 7th or 6th seed, but I would actually like for them to play the Celtics. Not because I think they match-up well with them, because they don’t. But they would be on the national stage for the first time and a very long time. This years Playoffs is about the Celtics, everyone wants to see if the Big 3 can win a Championship. Everyone will be watching the first series just to see how the Celtics look. I believe the first two games would be in Boston and those would be very tough games for Hawks, but that 3rd game in Atlanta would be a lot of fun. (I wish I could be at Philips Arena for that!!

GO HAWKS!!

By A.S.

April 3, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

If this does get replayed it will be very frustrating. The Hawks had a great Over-Time. Horford and Smith both scored 6 in OT.

I was reading that its a possibility this can not be protested because its a clock issue. Is that true Sekou?

By kj

April 3, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

i think we will be fine given the odds of past teams filing grievences in the past and them getting denied. I think we had a good chance at getting away with this one. Now, on to the more important question, how realistic is it of me to think that we just may be able to sneak into the 6th or 7th seed with the way we’ve been playing lately. Anyone else dipped into the kool-aid yet?

By MannyT

April 3, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

Don’t know how the protest might end up, but you can replay video over and over trying to see when the clock starts. It looks like it starts just a little early to me, but that small amount is enough to matter on the back end.

The video

No matter what happens, I can see one of the teams feeling that they got a raw deal.

WAF

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

Good win hawks.Woody’s comments about him telling josh not to take 3s says a mouthfull.2nite smoove pulled a vick. and overcame coaching.that shows me two things. one this team knows woody’s holding them back.and two josh has that killer instinct.laugh now cry later. but with smoove & al coming into their own along with the best backcourt in the league.some coach is gonna inherent a dynasty.

By MannyT

April 3, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

If the Hawks are going to move up in the standings, you need to see probably 6-1 to finish the season. Washington, Philly, & TO are all 3 games up with 7 to play at 38-37.

TO has an easy schedule compared to the other 2, so the focus is probably on the Sixers first (tough schedule, ) and the Wiz 2nd. They play each other once more this season.

Friday & Saturday mean everything in terms of any real chance of moving from 8th place.

Bibby Ball is alive and well at the Highlight Factory!

If Woody is retained, how much of his check will he give to Bibby?

WAF

By Pete

April 3, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

Phenomenal game!!!!!!

I don’t think they will overturn the call because it was not our fault. It is a half of second. The league should honor the call of their officials and move on.

They are just splitting hairs because the Hawks beat them outright in Overtime.

By reese

April 3, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

First of all, great win hawks. I just finished watching the game. Thank god for DVR and the feature to extend for 30 mins. The point isn’t whether or not this game will be replayed. The point is that this team is showing that they want to make the playoffs and playing with intensity.

The Good: Joe Johnson scores 28 points, Bibby scores 26 and J Smith has 24. 3 other players scored in double figures. Al horford gets another double double. Bibby and JJ also get double digit assists and points. Mr Clutch Bibby drains the 3 to tie the game in order to allow the hawks to go into overtime. Josh Smith hits the game winning shot by making a 3pointer in overtime.

4 different players made 3pt shots. The team shot 54% from the 3pt line and 51% from the field. The team outrebounded a taller team by 10. The team shot over 80% from the freethrow line. JChildress and J Smith are the 2 players who had entries in all of the positive offensive/defensive categories. The hawks scored more 20 or more points in every quarter and in the overtime.

The Bad: nothing worth mentioning.

By Pete

April 3, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

This is also what ESPN reported:

A league spokesman told ESPN.com’s John Hollinger after the game that referees can’t review whether a prematurely started clock caused a shot to come after the buzzer. They can only review whether the shot actually beat the buzzer. That would make any Raptors protest difficult to win since the refs followed the letter of the law in disallowing Ford’s shot.

By reese

April 3, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

Did you Josh Smith haters, trade talk mentioners, no on the man defense claimers, doesn’t need to shoot 3pointers yellers, makes dumb decision critics, can’t play small forward experts, doesn’t need to be signed to max contract prognosticators think that I wouldn’t call you out after his performance tonight.

Well your wrong. Yes, all of you owe Josh Smith an apology for making him the focal point of what is wrong with this team and rationalizing that trading him will fix our problems. Any other words out of your mouths would just indicate that no matter what he does you just won’t like it.

Someone asked if I would pay him a max contract. YES 1) to compensate for the fact that he was underpaid last year and this year. 2) He is a piece of the puzzle for ensuring that this team will make the playoffs this year and future years.

4 years ago, I watched this team win 13 games and complained about the slow process that it would take for this team to rebuild and that by the time these players develop, their contracts will expire and that we wouldn’t sign them.

Now, I hope that I was wrong about Josh Smith and that we do resign him.

By reese

April 3, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

Additionally, people claimed that we needed to draft a point guard. Woodson kept saying that he didn’t want a rookie point guard and that he wanted a veteran point guard. Now, BK gets him what he wanted and Bibby is playing like a very good veteran.

What do I keep reading in the blogs, people predicting that we won’t be able to resign Bibby, we need to trade Bibby for other pieces, we gave up too many players to acquire bibby, we should have kept TLue, Anthony Johnson had 25 points the other night and Bibby doesn’t play defense.

A lot of you bloggers just don’t recognize talent and the fact that we acquired a missing need when it is staring you straight in the face.

Bibby is a scorer, a passer, makes steals, communicates to players on the floor, communicates to players on the bench, has the respect of the referees, has veteran tricks up his sleeves, is not afraid to distribute the ball to all players on the floor, gets rebounds, rotates on defense, doesn’t need the coach to call plays for him, makes double digit assist, is not afraid to take game tying or winning shots or passes and most importantly, he is a leader.

The only thing that we should be telling BK about Bibby is to be sure to extend his contract so that we can secure another core piece of the players needed to make this a winning franchise.

By ray

April 3, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

Reese, I’m not trying to start anything with you, really I’m not. While I don’t feel like I qualify for your rather lengthy and descriptive group of “Josh Haters”, I have to ask you this: Are you basing a max contract off of one game in which Josh Smith actually hits the long jumpers he’s taking? Just keep in mind that if he missed both 3-pointers, people of the opinion opposite of yours could just as easily use the same situation (although reversed) to support the argument that he doesn’t deserve a max contract, or that he’s worth it.

The reason why I say this is because that’s exactly what could happen in the next game. If he shoots horribly in the next game, people can use that to disprove a theory. I simply pose the question to you because you just about always make good sense when you say stuff, and a one-game performance is not something I’d base much of anything off of. Having said that, he was definitely a hero last night.

I want the guy re-signed too. The reasons I have for this are 1) We won’t get a top flight center for him, 2)Of our three “small” forwards, he still has and will always have the most potential on both ends of the court, and 3)I think he can benefit the most from a good coach.

By reese

April 3, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this

Ray, I’m not sure why you would think that I’m basing my decision to keep Josh based on only last nights performance.

I have been lauding the play of Josh Smith ever since they drafted Marvin Williams. I just didn’t understand that pick when we already had the older version of Marvin in Al Harrington.

I recognized a long time ago that Josh plays with an intensity that you just don’t see out of other players. He demonstrates that intensity on both the offensive and defensive ends.

Does he make mistakes, yes. But so has all of the All stars and hall of famers that I have watched over the years who play with the same intensity.

And guess what, he is doing something that several of them have not done with the consistent entries in all of the positive offensive/defensive statistical categories.

Now, I want to see him get higher numbers in all of those categoris and be a part of the core players to make this a winning franchise.

Ray, the hawks can sign free agents up to the salary cap and then sign their own restricted free agents and go over the salary cap.

I don’t know who is going to be the owner of the hawks, how much money they have to spend, how much money they want to spend and don’t believe anything that is said at this point in time.

All I’m trying to do is let anyone who cares to read my post know is that Josh Smith has a fan who recognizes his overall skills and feels that he is a player who should be kept to ensure that this franchise is a winner.

Good night.

Did you read that ASG and Belkin.

By SalimFan

April 3, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

Ray, I see your pouint BUT

1) Josh was open

2) Rarely has josh ever missed an open three pointer with the game on the line

3)He’s a smart guy. He knew the situation. He knew his teammates were getting doubled and his window of opourtunity to get off that uncontested shot was very small

4) He made the Right decision (apparently bibby did also) If this was kobe this wouldn’t even be an issue. Smoove is clutch (when open) were seeng the beginnig stages of a great player in the works.

5) Dawg did you SEE that crossover and dunk he had over chris bosh? Nasteh!!!

I watched NBA Fastbreak, and my guy Tim Legler (you know the one that predicted the Hawks making the playoffs…..I had to say it(all hail the Fastbreak crew and their accurate prophecies lol). Anyway he was saying that the leauge will probably just leave this one alone b/c the margin of error was so slim. Also He stated that the officials probably were already aware of the error and figured that since he (T.J) didn’t beat the Horn (he beat the light though), they had the call right and .1 of a second really wouldn’t have changed the outcome (or something like that, don’t quote me).

Either way if the Raptors really deserved to win the game they would have done it in overtime. We won fair and square.

Referees make contrversial calls all the time so since this isn’t Atlantas fault (thank god) it probably won’t be overturned. Stern can clerly see that his officals spent two freaking T.V timeouts to decide on the matter if he watches the tape. I’m pretty sure he is going to trust that his officals are trained well and highly compotent. They’re probably getting questioned by the FBI as we speak. You know how stern is these days lol.

By TJ

April 3, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this

They say 3rd time’s a charm. Well that happened at the end of the regulation tonight. ESPN switched from the unimportant Celtics blowout to watch the HAWKS play. (That SHOCKED me, the media is not nice to Atlanta sports these days..) Bibby and JJ both got GREAT looks. But then Bibby gets a great look again, after JChild finds him (kudos to Afro Power)! That shot had me screaming like a blonde cheerleader :-/

Now about the TJ Ford layup; that was a great play they ran. To be honest, knowing the luck that the Hawks have had recently, I thought for sure that they were gonna count the basket. Fortunately, it was NOT a scorers’ table error. I don’t even think it was an error, That was a split second thing. [user shrugs shoulders] From the angle that the ref was, he could’ve seen the ball in TJ’s hands, you never know…

Then I thought the Hawks might let one slip when the Raps had a 4 pt lead in OT. But then, three 3’s go down, and we win the game. I think Bibby done gave the Hawks their swag back. Especially when Smoove is making threes in the CLUTCH! Dude got smashed in the 4th by Bosh, I mean SMASHED! But he made the game-clenching three over Bosh. How ‘bout that!

Man, the Hawks better do right ‘bout the Joshes, cuz if we don’t pay them, somebody else will. But for now, gotta enjoy the win.

By SalimFan

April 3, 2008 2:46 AM | Link to this

Here’s what Chris Bosh had to say about the game…

“When you’re on the road playing in a tough environment, you have to execute,” Bosh said. “The Hawks have been playing very well, and we knew they would make a run. We did a pretty good job withstanding the run, but everything just didn’t fall our way tonight. I wouldn’t take anything away from Atlanta. They played hard tonight.”

T.J ford on his (almost) game winner “I thought it could go either way,” Ford said. “I didn’t want to get too excited.”

Bibby forced overtime with a 3-pointer from the left corner, taking Childress’ inbound bounce pass from the baseline and faking out Ford.

Not one to show much emotion, Bibby denied that he celebrated with a little dance.

“It was a walk,” he said with a smile. “My mom will not like it.”

Cut the crap Bibby, you were clearly doing a little jitterbug after you made the shot CONFESS!!(don’t worry we all were lol).

By SalimFan

April 3, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this

Oooh National spotlight. About how much did they show on sportscenter? Anybody?

By The Dude Abides

April 3, 2008 4:13 AM | Link to this

It can either be a reversal of the overrule that denied the final basket in regulation, or a denial of the protest. In other words, the game doesn’t get replayed if the league says the replay overrule was in error. It’s either a Raptor win in regulation, or a Hawk win in overtime. If what the officials told Hollinger is correct (premature starting of clock is not reviewable), then that rule is a travesty. I find it hard to believe that a premature starting of the game clock on the final play of the game would not be reviewable, as it would be so easy to cheat. Fortunately, it was a referee, and not the Atlanta scorekeeping staff, that committed that egregious error at the end…and we all know that the integrity of NBA referees has always been above reproach.

By Mack

April 3, 2008 5:22 AM | Link to this

The clock was not our faults it was the leagues fault and they should pay the that mistake in regret. Yes they they should give the raptors and IOU and just hang this on up. Lets win these two versus PHilly and get in that mid-hunt. GO HAWKS AL FOR R.O.Y.

By tb

April 3, 2008 5:49 AM | Link to this

The Hawks are tearing it up. Bibby is elevating the games all of our contributors. Their time is here and they know it.

So nice to see Smoove hit those shots. not the way I’d design it, but it worked this time.

Ray,

According to you, you owe me an apology. I’d prefere to forgo the apology and just walk away hoping that you won’t put yourself in the position of needing to apologize to anyone else for the same thing.

I’ve apologized for doing it before. I try not to do it anymore.

Peace

By Jeremy

April 3, 2008 6:20 AM | Link to this

I thought that Al Horford (or whoever was guarding the ball) got a fingernail on the pass to TJ Ford. Which if I am not mistaken would have started the clock.

Maybe I was seeing things…………

By Ken Strickland

April 3, 2008 6:57 AM | Link to this

It’s improbable to expect the SAASG to financially commit to resigning both Smith and Childress. Considering the limited contribution we get from our bench, mostly because of Woodson, losing Childress would leave us with nothing. His contributions can’t be replaced, especially his versatility and effeciency.

Jsmith’s contributions can be replaced simply by moving Horford over to PF. Paying Josh a max contract will make it necessary to trade other key players in the future. Retaining Bibby and adding an effective center will do more for the Hawks than resigning Smith. We were heading nowhere near a playoff berth until Bibby arrived. He’s had an immediate impact of every starter. We’ve gone from having trouble scoring pts, especially in the 4th qtr, to consistently breaking the century mark.

BOTTOM LINE, BIBBY HAS PROVEN TO BE MUCH MORE VALUABLE TO THE HAWKS THAN JSMITH. IF YOU’RE A FAN OF THE TEAM, RATHER THAN A CERTAIN PLAYER(S), YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE POSSIBLE LONG TERM BENEFIT OF TRADING JSMITH. ANYONE THAT RECOGNIZES AND ACCEPTS THESE FACTS ISN’T NECESSARILY A JSMITH HATER, BUT RATHER A FAN OF THE ATLANTA HAWKS AND THEIR CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT.

By JohnD

April 3, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

If one of these 3 players must go, Marvin or a Josh, then Marvin should be the one.

The other 2 are much too valuable for many reasons and Marvin’s ability is limited (most of the time) to that of a 6’9” jump shooter who not only does not play much defense on his man but also does not play any “help” defense.

When Marvin’s jumper fails then his spot on the floor is wasted for he has little or nothing to offer.

Marvin’s play has improved lately with a little rebounding and better defense but the 2 Joshes have been productive all year.

The team should admit the #2 pick was wasted on Marvin and move him to another team.

By kwooden1

April 3, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

I’m waiting to see what the NBA says, but looking at it on NBA.com the call actually looks good. TJ caught the ball double cluthed and shot. The shot clock looks like it showed .5 when he caught it. Either way the NBA, should have the ability to measure the time it took for TJ to catch and shoot, from what I saw he still had the ball in his hand. Great play by Toronto, the Hawks should have been switching on all picks!

GO HAWKS!!

By Willie Coyote

April 3, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this

Najeh, in response to your first post, I think there is a possibility that they just replay the .5 sec instead of awarding the victory. Hopefully they will not award anything and nothing will have to be replayed or no wins/losses will have to be reallocated.

As many bad calls as the Hawks get, this one that may or may not have changed anything better not be upheld against them. If they have a judgement against them then they should protest every game where Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, and others continuously get creamed down low when they go to the basket and get no fouls called throughout the game. And yes that also happened in this one.

(That, of course, won’t help & wouldn’t happen but it would make a point.)

By Willie Coyote

April 3, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

On another note, before we ship Josh Smith somewhere else, let’s see how much money that he can actually command this offseason. I disagree that he is expendable but you can’t mortgage your future for any player (the Knicks did it about 4 times the last few seasons). Horford can’t do the things Josh does and Josh can’t do the same things Horford does. A better scenario is to play Josh at the 3 and Horford at the 4 and then you really have something. That also assumes you get a Center that fills all the needs that this team lacks. I don’t know if there is one out there who is available though.

In the current lineup, Marvin needs to spend some time with Steve Smith going over his tapes. Smitty is on point with his observations about what Marvin needs to do to be more consistent. Aconsistent Marvin will make this team ridicuously hard to defend in transition and in the half court. However, if the current lineup stays intact, then this team needs to acquire some bigs to come off the bench (if Woodson actually plays them is another story). It would be nice if Solomon could come into his own a little but he just hasn’t looked strong or aware enough on a consistent basis when he’s been out there.

By Barry

April 3, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all

Like I have been saying all along, “Sit back and enjoy the ride of watching, these young Hawks with a quality point guard, sore.

What a game last night. the hawks showed they are gritty and will not quit. When they got cold shooting “they put the pedal to the metal” on their defense and stopped Toronto cold. Bibby and Joe Johnson played excellently of each other and their points and assists shows they are both totally involved in the action on the floor, especilally with their passing to opeen players. We will now see all those drafts for those slick shooting young forwards show their fruits. They are still developing as a team and at the right time. Believe me teams in the league are taking notice since Bibby has arrived and are not licking their chops to face the Hawks in the playoffs. They are very, very concerned. be expecting scouts from other teams all at the Phillips to see what is really going on with these young Atlanta Hawks. We welcome their visit in order to tell their team ” to be afraid, be very afraid of these Atlanta Hawks. They can SHOCK THE WORLD.”

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By Barry

April 3, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all

Like I have been saying all along, “Sit back and enjoy the ride of watching, these young Hawks with a quality point guard, sore.

What a game last night. the hawks showed they are gritty and will not quit. When they got cold shooting “they put the pedal to the metal” on their defense and stopped Toronto cold. Bibby and Joe Johnson played excellently of each other and their points and assists shows they are both totally involved in the action on the floor, especilally with their passing to opeen players. We will now see all those drafts for those slick shooting young forwards show their fruits. They are still developing as a team and at the right time. Believe me teams in the league are taking notice since Bibby has arrived and are not licking their chops to face the Hawks in the playoffs. They are very, very concerned. be expecting scouts from other teams all at the Phillips to see what is really going on with these young Atlanta Hawks. We welcome their visit in order to tell their team ” to be afraid, be very afraid of these Atlanta Hawks. They can SHOCK THE WORLD.”

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

Ken hey my brotha,what’s the problem?If smoove was a avg player I’d say trade a avg forward for a avg center no question.But a guy that is top 30 in every category at 22 is not avg by a longshot.Bibby is the missing link to the equation.Josh & Bibby’s good cause they overcome woody’s coaching.The final solution is getting us a coach period.Dynasties are made by keeping great players and letting them grow.You can’t change your core every year.JS is sick.You probably a see Jesus walk on water deny him too.

By bigeasy830

April 3, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Irregardless to what the NBA decides if there is a protest on this game. I was very impressed by the Hawks last night. They showed great heart by coming back. One reason they were able to make a comeback is because Woody gave his starters timely breaks. They still played many minutes but he rested them right before and just after periods. I agree with many of your assesment of Marvin. He does not bring much to the table besides an inconsistent jumper. But, I believe that is because he is yet to learn how to become a pro. You can see that from the fact he has not worked on his body during the off seasons. Next year is make or break for him. The number 2 pick should not be a role player. But, he is what he is, there is a reason why he was not a starter for NC. The kid does not have that killer instinct. His size with Salim’s swagger damn, you would have a super star. But lets give him one more year. Lets keep this team together one more year. But, with Larry Brown as coach.. J-Smoove was a beast last night. That kid is one bad mother….Ooh shut you mouth

Holla if you hear, Say Amen if you feel me.

By drmaryb

April 3, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Heck, The failed shot clock? Well that my friend is just Poetic-Justice.

For all the blown calls made by the referees when JJ get’s fouled and nothing is done about it. Because, JJ is not a cry-baby, he never gets the benefit of a call be-fitting to that of an ALL-STAR! No Jordan rules for this regular JOE!

If, the Stern man tries to pull some crap re: this, then we can all cry, “It’s the CONSPIRACY THEORY.”

This also, makes up for the one-game suspension of our ROY when he clobbered TJ-Ford for trying to bring that JUNK in the lane earlier in the year.

It’s All-Good now!

By Pete

April 3, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Please just keep this team together and fill out the bench. If this is done the Hawks can be a premier team in the East.

By Raptor fan inTO

April 3, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Toronto fan here. We blew that game and lost fair and square. I agree the Raps should file the protest, but many of you were right, the game should NOT be replayed and Atlanta deserves full credit for the win. I mean, come on —- it should never have come down to an error worth 4/10 of a second by the officials.

With all due respect, Toronto is a more talented team than Atlanta right now, and the fact that we blew the late lead was inexcusable. In fact, the Hawks should have won in regulation —- they were given enough open looks in the last two minutes to win by 10 points. Tag us with the loss, it is the only way to wake up the sleeping defence wearing the Raptor shirts in time for the playoffs. And my sincere thanks to your team for pushing New Jersey and New York out of the playoffs this year. Do us all a favour and knock off the Celtics!

By ray

April 3, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Reese, I know you have been supporting Smoove all this time. I know that your opinion is not based on any one game. However, saying that you’re calling people out after one good game is no way to prove a point that you have been trying to prove all this time. It only perpetuates the cycle of people who will misinterpret what you say and use each game to prove or disprove their opinions. For instance, if Josh plays badly the next game, then someone could just as easily say “See? There he goes again, shooting 5-20 and getting 5 turnovers, no way is he worth max money.” And then you’d be ranting…again…But that’s not what you want, is it? I’m not criticizing you or disagreeing with you. Just making an observation based on a series of arguments that have become tediously and needlessly redundant. Too many people are using “one game” encounters to prove a point or “call someone out”. You’re way too smart for that.

By Daniel

April 3, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

I don’t think the game will be overturned. I mean they started the clock a tenth of a second early. The officials are only human.

By Rob

April 3, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

More brutal errors in Atlanta. This is a disgrace. Atlanta should be thrown out of the league. Don’t worry about the Raptors, they will make the playoffs and make it in fairly.

By ray

April 3, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

tb, feel free to walk away however you like. I offered (sort of)the olive branch, which is a symbol of peace, truce, or whatever the (insert expletive) you want to call it. An apology? No. Nor do I want or expect one from you. The bottom line is that we’re in disagreement and based on encounters in the distant and recent past, we are liable to remain so. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I figure we have nothing further to discuss. If nothing else, at least you’ve gotten smarter and decided not engage Ando as in times past. I wouldn’t want to be a witness to another slaughter…

By DarkRyder

April 3, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

I’m sure with everything that’s happened to TJ Ford here this season he’ll probably come to hate Atlanta.

That said, they can’t replay the game because the error was on the officials. If they felt that the clock went early then they would replay it there. Therefore no basket, and the win will stay in the books.

Atlanta still has to prove they can beat Philadelphia on Friday and Indy on Tuesday. Only then can they start thinking playoffs.

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

REESE I FEEL YA DOG.These cats say their supporters but they want the team to fail.These dudes are so ungrateful.If you save them from a fire.They’ll be tripping bout a burnt nail.From josh vs joe,to josh vs al,to now josh vs bibby.We need to stop!We have a team everyone’s vital to the success of this team.Especially you the fan.Bibby’s the missing link that’s all.The only addition KEN we can make by subtraction is woody’s firing.PS.Broke thinking won’t get you riches.In other words hawks gotta pay 2 play!

By aka david stern

April 3, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

This is not something can be protested. Period. Sorry Sekou.

By Hawksville Resident

April 3, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Go Hawks! I think Bibby has appointed himself our new coach and demoted Woody to assistant the way he was barking orders at him last night!

By Savo Saban

April 3, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

The Raps got ripped off. Whether they blew a lead or not. It was human error but come on they get paid a lot for what they do. As a Hawks fan its easy to defend what happened but the fact of the matter is the Raptors got ripped off. This is a mistake that can be fixed but Stern will most likely do nothing. Also to try and say that Smith wasn’t fouling the crap out of Bosh is crazy. The Raptors got ripped off.

By SalimFan

April 3, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

I agree with Jeremey. It did seem like horford grazed the ball. That might have jump-started the shot clock. Since time on the clock is controlled by the officals control on his belt I bet he saw horford graze the ball.

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

PETE I AM WITH YOU 100 PERCENT!That’s what I’ve been saying like forever.if they can’t see this is a dynasty in the making minus a coach.they need a better prescription.TORONTO FAN.Your team is in no way shape or form better than mine period.Your backcourt nor frontcourt.you have 2 nice points a good powerforward a #1 bust and a solid rook.Bosh is your only starter that a start for us & if we move smoove to the 3.You’re just coached better.Get it right lame.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 3, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Ken,

You are nothing if not consistent. I disagree, Smoov is just not replaced by sliding Al to the 4. THERE IS NO WAY AL COULD HAVE GUARDED BOSH LIKE SMOOV DID LAST NIGHT. This isnt just based of the fact that Al’s a rook- it’s about body/game type. Smoov showed his value AND progression on defense last night by locking up Bosh-despite giving up about 2 inches. He was able to stay in front of him and when he took it to the rack, his length/shot blocking prowess disrupted or blocked his shot. This doesnt even make mention of the numerous pokes, strips Smoov had on him.

As I mentioned previously, Smoov, with help of Chills, prevented the Raptors from running a two man game for much of the fourth- Al couldn’t have fronted Ford AND covered Bosh back the way Smoov did; he just doesnt move the same way.

FOR THE RECORD, I’m not say Al would not have an advantage over Smoove in other defensive matchups, I just use last night to point out that Smoov has improved and great value in certain matchups. Anyone notice when Smoov was out there playing the “5”? He could keep up with Bosh provided Bosh didnt get the ball too low in the post.

RISE UP

By Mike

April 3, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Guys, I know I haven’t posted in a while, been getting slammed at work, but I still read the blogs on a daily basis.

I gotta agree with RAY. You talk about the intangible you get Chill, multiply that time ten and that’s what this team gets from JSmith. He one the most dominate defensive player in the game. No even AL can match his defensive athleticism, Smoove can guard the 2,3,4,and 5. AL can guard 4 and 5.

So my point is that Both Smoove and Al are different type of players that all team need, especially the Hawks. Even if you get a center, you going to need Smoove shot blocking. It so easy to forget how young Smoove is, because he came in the NBA right out of high school. He’s far from being a polished product like AL. This guy is just scratching the surface of the talent he has.

I’m not jumping on Ray bandwagon, because I stated my position on Smoove many of times on this blog. The thing I agree with Ray is that while the fans of the ATL can find so many flaws in Smoove game, other NBA fans would die to have young kid that’s a SF and he’s the number two shoot blocker in the league, besides what he gives you on offense. We haven’t even seen this kid play for a good coach who knows how to develop his talents yet. Look at the impact a veteran player like Bibby has made on Smoove , imagine a veteran coach could do.

The next time you see a guy for the Hawks hustling his tail off coming out no where to make a game changing block shot, 9 times 10 it’s Smoove, so I can live with his mistake as long as he giving that kind of effort.

I will close like always use to close, “I will continue to watch Smoove shove crow in the mouth of his detractor.”

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

By Astro Joe

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

Reese, he deserves a max contract because he was under paid the previous seasons? Huh?

Smith made some HUGE 3-pointers last night and played terrific defense against Bosh down the stretch. He is clearly a worthy option late in games from that distance. That doesn’t mean he should shoot any 3-pointer in the first half, however. If a guy shoots 90% from the left corner and 10% from the right corner, should we applaud when he shoots from the right corner? Of course not. Smith appears to be a clutch 3-point shooter. Clutch as in late in the 4th quarter of a close game. Change those conditions and he doesn’t need to be shooting 3s. His 25% 3-point field goal percentage is proof positive.

I really enjoyed listening to Steve Smith and ‘Nique last night. That was the best announced game of the season. Smith suggested BEFORE Bibby’s game-tying shot that the Raps should foul to prevent the 3-pointer. They didn’t. ‘Nique and Smith kept asking wht would the Raps use the PG to double JJ and leave Bibby open. And Bibby continued to burn them. Likewise, they criticized the decision to have JJ defend a PG, as it would tire him out. And Smith suggested that Chill should play off of TJ to give him the jumper, which TJ missed once and Chill blocked another time. Those analysts were nailing stuff BEFORE it happended time-after-time. And no, that doesn’t mean they should be coaching. But in my opinion, it does mean that ‘Nique should join them on a permanent basis, where he can add FAR more value to the broadcast than he does answering those annoying questions by Jerome J. Oh and it also relegated Rathburn to a very limited role of only calling the game action. Very, very entertaining game.

By GC

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

This is where replay bites you in the a$$. Half a second to go, and the clock operator is asked to judge from half court when someone touches the ball 50-60 feet away. Toughest job in the arena at that time. Whoever runs the clock started it one-tenth of a second too fast…that’s pretty damn good in my opinion, especially when you’re the home team. (I was watching a sports show the other day that calculated the blink of an eye at three-tenths of a second…think about it.)

By Traceman

April 3, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Reese, I LOVE Smoove too but I don’t think he is max contract material just yet. You said that he plays with an intensity on both ends that you rarely see in players and I agree that he does that WHEN FOCUSED. Other times though, when he is not focused, he plays with very little intensity. “Intense Josh” has been on full display for the last two games versus MEM (11-13 fg, 26 pts, 8 rebs, 6 assts, 0 tos)and TOR (8-17 fg, 24 pts, 9 rebs, 4 assts, 1 to). He was AWESOME in both games. He also was terrfic defensively in both games. That guy is worth the max.

Conversely, “Unfocused Josh” was on full display versus MIL (2-9 fg, 7 pts, 7 rebs, 3 tos), CHI (3-10 fg, 12 pts, 10 rebs, 1 asst, 5 tos) & NY (3-7 fg, 7 pts, 11 rebs, 1 asst, 3 tos). He didn’t give max effort on D in those games either (even thhough he did block 4 shots in one game). That Josh is not worth anywhere near the max.

All of the above said, if one of the few teams out there that have enough room to offer him a max contract decides to overpay and offer him a max contract, I might just have to swallow hard and match it.

Honestly, I don’t think he will get a max offer this off season because teams know that we are likely to match any offer for him but I DO think he will get a deal in the 5 yr/$66M or 6 yr/$82.5M range starting at about $11M a season. That is not max money but it is a nice offer that I think is fair for both sides.

Bottom line is that Smoove is nowhere near perfect but he has the potential to be a franchise player for us and we simply cannot afford to let him get away.

By Sam

April 3, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

The “replay” of the game has already taken place…It was the overtime. The NBA should just let the game stand as is. It was a great win for the Hawks! Let’s go get the next one!

By joe

April 3, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

i was at the game and the hawks should have lost as the raptors as the clock was started early (great defenese bibby) when ford got the ball…

josh smith missed every shot except for dunks and the two 3 pointers…my dream is for him to join shawn marion on the heat for the ultimate 2 stat guys that will never win big games…ok, i will stop hating on smith, but you can’t tell he has a high basketball IQ

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 3, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

(LEFT OFF OF PREVIOUS POST) Who is comparing Smoov’s value to Bibby? They do entirely different things. Bibby’s main asset is the fact that he can flat out shoot the rock consistently and make good decisions/passes with the rock. His defense is suspect at best- minus quick hands and veteran savvy.

Smoov provides good defense AND offense (say what you want about his skillset, he finds a way to put the “biscut in the basket”). He has his deficiencies of course but let’s not get wrapped up in Bibby’s offense and use it as a means to deride Smoov’s contributions- on both ends of the court.

Actually I’m afraid I did the comparison too much justice above, they are apples and oranges, BOTH PART of a “balance diet”.

I’m guessing you were mentioning them with regards to “who do you pay”? If that’s the scenario, I’d still give Smoov his money before Bibby (THIS IS THE HYPOTHETICAL, YET SIMULTANEOUSLY PLAUSIBLE CASE, NOT AN ARGUEMENT FOR)- reasons are as follows:

1. Bibby will be 30 to start next year’s season- while not “old” his game as an undersized PG will suffer because he’ll loose quickness and become even more a liabiltiy on defense. - Smoov is 22.

2. Bibby already commands a pretty penny right now ($14 Mil), and the odds he takes a pay cut to stay here IMO are slim, especially with him “rebuilding” his rep playing so well right now. Smoov would/could sign a deal avg slightly below what Bibby makes now.

3. Though Bibby is in warrior mode right now, you have to wonder how long he’ll hold up, he has a lot of miles on him and is inclined to injury as time goes on. Smoov heals like Wolverine.

4. Statistically (I know it’s dubious to delve into metrics, but that’s why it’s my 4th point) Bibby and Smoov’s games approximate each other based on position (they do what their position ‘should’). Smoov contributes across more categories- a mark of the expanse of his game.

Again, not calling for one to be signed and one not to, just stating that the “PROVEN TO BE WAY MORE VALUABLE” statement is highly subjective to say the least. If Duck’s game were more than it was- then maybe, but that’s not the case. Bibby is the hired gun, Smoov the homegrown product. Bibby was brought in to push us over the top, Smoov has been part of the foundation. If you’re truly thinking about what’s best for the Hawks then you need to look longer term than just this season or next. Bibby is out of the league in 5 years (a reasonable length of contract), Smoov enters his prime. Even if he doesnt get ANY better, he’s still a vital cog in making the Hawks….

RISE UP

By Mach Williams

April 3, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

If anyone really takes a look at the replay, Al Horford touches the ball as it’s thrown in. The started correctly. The right call was made. If the NBA entertains this protest, they should see it. I saw it and I don’t even have HD!! GO HAWKS!!

By Mach Williams

April 3, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

If anyone really takes a look at the replay, Al Horford touches the ball as it’s being thrown in. So the clock started correctly and the right call was made. If the NBA even entertains this protest, I’ll be surprised if they don’t see that Horford touched the ball. Hell, I saw it and don’t even have HD!! GO HAWKS!!

By oldmike

April 3, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Here’s my thought for the day. Comments please. Rookie of the Year award. All the National pundits (ESPN, SI, etc) have Kevin Durant the hands down winner. I’m sure this is based on something like endorsement monies, slot drafted, hype out of college, etc. But seriously folks. Where would the Hawks be without Horford? And where are the Sonics with Durant? Case closed.

By ajw

April 3, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Jeremy, I agree. No one is talking about the in bounds pass Horford was guarding. It did look like he barely tipped it. I think the official had a very good angle to see that happen too. When taking that into account, the clock was not started early. Hawks win! Incredible! When was the last time we won 5 games in a row? If we beat both Philly (2 games)and Washington, we will be right in the mix for the 5, 6, 7, & 8 seed. It’s possible! We are the hottest team in the East right now. HAVE HOPE HAWKS!

By terrell barron

April 3, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Darkryder, we’ve won 5 in a row, and you still say that we have to beat Philly and Indy until we start thinking playoffs? Is’nt that asking a littlt too much for this team? This isnt rec league, its the NBA.

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

KEN was comparing bibby to smoove.saying he is far more vaulable than smoove.And that he’ll rather resign chills & bibby before wasting money on smoove.”what smoove brings can easily be replaced.”Yeah by five different players.I was telling him js is top 30 in every category and he’s 22 that’s not something everyone can do.Then he said we don’t have enough money.That’s when I said gotta pay to play.our teams running on 30 mill the cap’s like 50 mill.Hell deng & ai2 want max $.And smoove is far better!

By drmaryb

April 3, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

J-Smoove is a budding star, possible future All-Star. He reminds me of Kirelenko in Utah, only better.

Anyone who wants to give up on this guy is insane. Since, NIQUE? This town has not had such an exciting player to rally around. If you Arm-Chair GM’s can’t see that?

Then, I suggest, you all keep your day jobs! Especially the people who want to fire everybody and trade everybody! This team, this town, these owners and these Fans? - Well,

We all deserve a WINNER! We simply can not rebuild every single year! We need to keep adding the right pieces, not give away the kitchen sink for the sake of giving stuff away.

If a trade doesn’t benefit our team or make it better? Then why do it?

(fyi: we couldn’t have gotten Bibby any sooner than we did, Sac-Town had to field many, many offers before they agreed with BK)

I personally, wanted Bibby here two years ago!

Thank God Eric Dampier turned us down and took his sorry but and sorry game to Dallas, to warm the mavericks bench instead of ours! (we already got speedy doing that job) Look at the money Dampier got?

Simply, because he was the only big available who had a radial pulse at the time.

Thank God, Kenyon Martin packed his bags on an overnight stay here, and took his bad knees and over-inflated ego to Denver! That was another close call - whew! Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don’t make.

With, J-Smoove? We already know what we’re gonna get - BETTER with AGE!

So, calm down and let’s be smart here and so no emotional and fickle - when it comes to building this team!

Remember, we are not going to over-pay for talent. That is BK’s phiolsophy. We are not going to make dumb & stupid trades.

Just two years ago - we couldn’t even convince, bribe or beg second tier players like Kenyon and Damp’ to even come here for an interview much less to sign a contract.

I have a long memory about these things, So why should we buy the groceries and develop talent so other teams can enjoy the feast? And, continue to pick us clean, then call us stupid and slow?

Hell, we couldn’t even pay a decent coach to come here - And now they want to come?

That’s my problem with Pat Riley & Phil Jackson - They cherry-pick the teams they will coach. Hell, who wouldn’t be successful coaching Kareem and Shaq and MJ and etc? They would take the team Woody has developed. This ORG has killed Woody’s coaching record, what is he like 100 games below 500? Now how is that ALL his fault - That is Just WRONGE!

By Raptor Fan in TO

April 3, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

jami$$on, I didn’t say BETTER team, I said more TALENTED team —- that means FG%, free throw and 3-point percentage, assist to turnover ratio and rebounding. The only place where your team’s distinctly better is on the boards. Are most of your bench guys, including the centres and forwards, a legitimate threat from 17+ feet and beyond the arc like TO? No, and that’s why we have the better record.

As for our “#1 bust”, I’ll take him any day over your starters, some of whom are old and fading. Wait another two years and see why - everyone thought Nash and Nowitzki were busts early in their careers…

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

For anyone who gives kd the roy over al,is robbing al like lebron did melo.melo took an equally terrible team to the playoffs in a better conference.while lebron stayed home.and how can kd get roy if al gets this last rookie of the month.the season is six months.al has three rookie of the months already.one more seals the deal.

By Big_D_ATL

April 3, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Wow, that was a close one last night. Great to see the guys comeback and get a big emotional win like that (even with the clock protest). I agree, we are really hot right now, and we might just be in line for one of the biggest playoff upsets ever. Golden State did it last year, who’s to say we can’t play David against Goliath this year. I got an email from the hawks a couple of days ago with a link to the playoff presale. Here it is if anyone wants to try and get tix before they go on sale to public.

By Bobby

April 3, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Hey Guys lets keep the ebonics out of this blog. PLEASE if you want to hear two idiots then put the Two Live Stews on. YO, Yo, Yo, Yo, What up my doggies and poodles!! Wow could we please speak English you idiots!!!

By Melvin

April 3, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

The ref got the call right. League rule is that it takes .3 to make a tip (touch) shoot. With .5 on the clock last nite, TJ Ford caught and then laid the ball in as time expired… I say .2 difference is not enough time to catch the ball and then release it… Great call by the refs… Ball game, HAWKS win.

By factcheck

April 3, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

drmaryb Billy didn’t want Dampier and Martin did visit Atl. Just like BK did a medical report on Curry and didn’t offer any money. No disrespect to you but so many people distort facts on this blog. BK has made major draft mistakes. I mean major but Woodson also wanted a vet pg. Go check when they signed Speedy. He did not want to draft a rookie pg. Go look at what he said when they drafted Acie. His point was that he was older and played in bigger games in college than Javaris and Stuckey. Stuckey and JCrit are better than Acie. People complain so much on here but no one really lets Acie Law have it. He has had a terrible season before and after his wrist injury.

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

RAP FAN I STAND BY MY COMMENTS.I WILL NOT TAKE FORD OVER BIBBY,YOUR GARAGE 2 OVER JJ.I WOULDN’T TAKE MOON OVER MARVIN.TRUE MOON’S A ROOK BUT HE IS LIKE 25 ALREADY.NOW BOSH IS GOOD AND YOU CAN MAKE THE CASE DID YOU SEE HOW JOSH OUT PLAYED YOUR DUDE. AND AL’S ALREADY BETTER THAN BARGIANI.AND AL’S A ROOK. NO HE MIGHT NOT BE A BUST.I ACTUALLY THOUGHT YOU WOULD A SNATCHED ROY.HE WOULD OF COMPLIMENTED BOSH BETTER.YOU HAVE A BETTER COACH.WHO HAS A SYSTEM.SOMETHING WE DON’T HAVE.OUR BENCH IS OK.OUR COACH IS AWFUL

By doc

April 3, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

factcheck agree bud especially the last part. i think another fact was curry left town in one day rather than two essentially stiffing the hawks. one might say he turned them down when you come for two days of talking and leave early, seems that would be a huge statement there. if one wants a job you dont leave halfway through an interview.

By terrell barron

April 3, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Hey fictioncheck, YOUR’RE DEAD WRONG!

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

you can’t be hard on acie.he is learning the game from a dummy.how can a fool teach you anything.our bench has players who can be of service.if woody knew how to use them & didn’t kill their confidence.guess he got that from larry brown too.brown said lee and robinson were trash in NY.there both solid players.when they say they don’t want rookies.they are really saying,”i can’t evaluate or develop talent.”PS BOBBY THIS IS NOT MY POLITICAL SCIENCE CLASS.This is a blog.If you can’t catchon that ain’t my prbm

By Kelvin

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

It doesn’t really matter if we make the playoffs or not. We’re not going to do anything once we get there. If we end up facing the Celtics in the first round the whole objective would be to not get embarrass and hope to win at least one game. Not exactly the kind of goals that would makes one want to purchase playoff tickets. The team that finishes out of the playoffs in the West would have home court advantage in the first round if they were in the East. That is how terrible the NBA Eastern Conference is right now. The Hawks making the playoffs is no major accomplishment. They are still a terrible team with no chance of advancing in the playoffs. They are just not as terrible as some others this season which will allow the Hawks to make the playoffs and then a quick exit.

By fudd21

April 3, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Reese thanks for not calling me out after Josh perfomance last night. I know you wanted to. I see you answered my question that you would pay him max money, which I still disagree with.

Great win last night. I was really impressed the way we came back from 17 points down. I think it was Nique who said last year we would not have been able to do that.

Question for Reese or anyone. I think max is 17 mil per year is that correct. Also what is the salary cap?

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

KEVIN YOU’RE WRONG ON ONE ACCOUNT.The best to teams are in the eastern conference.Boston and Detroit.And if i get swept i wouldn’t be mad the lakers got swept a couple of years when shaq and kobe first got together.And this detroit team got swept by kid and his nets their first year in the eastern conference finals.what you do is build on the experiance to make yourself better.But then again some guys just love that word lottery.Makes a loser think he has a chance.I’d rather control my destiny than a ball

By Raps Fan in TO

April 3, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Okay Jami$$on, I’ll agree that coaching makes the difference, and yes, Roy would have been a better fit (at least the way he’s playing now). I never said anything bad about Josh Smith —- I don’t understand why some people are so hard on him in this forum. IMHO, he is your best player.

Guess we’ll agree to disagree on the rest. So see you in the conference final after the Raps knock out Detroit and Hawks sweep Boston (I am entitled to dream…)

By fudd21

April 3, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Kelvin Shut the crap up. Making the playoffs was our goal for this year. I would be disappointed if we get swept but again we would have reached our goal. But to be honest, with the way we are playing right now I dont think we would get swept. Might only win one game, but don’t think we would get swept.

I just hope that reaching the goal doesn’t buy Woody another year. Yes we would have made the playoffs, but there are at least 6 games this year the Hawks should have won. I think a better HC would have enabled us to win those games.

By drmaryb

April 3, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Fatcheck

UUUGH! BK was very interested in Dampier and was told no way, my client is not interested in Atlanta, Dampier wanted to play for a contender, So, you may want to get your facts straight - Buddy! As a matter of fact, I was so happy when he said no thank you to the money BK offered (I believe it as a $18k offer) to come here. I have never liked Dampier’s game! & I still don’t. K-Mart either for that matter!

By Giovani

April 3, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

I’m sure it he roles were reversed you’d be b*** like crazy but I hope and pray this happens to your team and you guys miss the playoffs just because of a similiar play. I would actually believe there’s a God then. But look at these idiots (NBA) in the head office worrying about what players dress like off court instead real issues. Maybe if they had paid attention they would have caught on to Donnaghy and his scams but keep worrying how low the shorts are and what outfit Gilbert is wearing on the sidelines instead…d*******…I say Ted Turner for the commisoner of the NBA…at least he has some balls and won’t have to shove his head up the owners arses t please them

By DarkRyder

April 3, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

terrell the more that I review the tape the more i’m convinced now that Stern will take the win away from the Hawks and give it to the Raptors, and that will be the real screwjob. He has it in for this city for some reason. Maybe he was upset when the Gold Club closed down and he’s taking it out on the Hawks.

Savo, who the fck are you to come in here saying the raps got screwed? Maybe if Christine Bosh would concentrate more on defense and less on dumbss commercials they wouldn’t have blown a 17 point lead. Go back to your acid rain and maple leafs ya bum!

Nothing is guaranteed, especially with the Hawks. However all of this crying about Josh Smith being signed, traded, or whatever needs to go!

We’ve got who we’ve got, no one knows what’s going to happen and a lot of you keep playing fantasy GM to make up for your horrid & boring lives. How do you know if any team even wants Josh Smith to play on their team? This isn’t a video game it’s real life, it’d be nice if the bloggers here would realize that.

Bottom line be happy with who you’ve got, because I can guarantee you’ll all be crying like b*tches if the Hawks did trade Smith.

Kelvin making the playoffs with a sub-500 record is like a $5 hooker. It may be cheap but it gets the job done (you should be familiar with that).

Bottom line they’re in they’re in, so quit crying like a punk!

By Ken Strickland

April 3, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Maybe I need to be more specific about why I would trade JSmith. Some of you have gotten carried away with his OFF/DEF performance in last nights gm. And still others are caught up in the excitement, energy, talent and potential that he brings. I, on the other hand, am motivated by what it will take to make the ATLANTA HAWKS, not an individual player, better as a team.

We all know this team was inconsistent, frustrating, offensively lacking, without an OFF identity and losing consistently before Bibby arrived. Josh Smith, while often spectacular and entertaining, was unable to influence any change in that pattern. Since Bibby’s arrival, the overall performance of our top 5 players(JJ, Horford, Marvin, Chills and JSmith), as well as the overall team, has improved tremendously.

I am not advocating the trade of any player just for the sake of a trade, like some of you seem to favor. I’m considering the situation like:

(1)JSmith is in the final yr of his contract and the team can’t afford to resign him to a max contract and resign Chills too.

(2)Resigning Josh would guarantee we’d have to trade Bibby. Without Bibby, we’re back to limited OFF, inconsistency, no playoff chance, and losing big time.

(3)JSmith has the highest trade value on our team. Considering we have no draft picks, we’ve traded away our previous bench, and Woodson refuses to use our current bench, how else can we possibly get what we need to improve as a team?

This isn’t about wanting to trade Josh, or any of our current players. It’s about considering viable alternatives that will make the Atlanta Hawks a team that will establish a winning tradition.

By Kelvin

April 3, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

It is good that the Hawks have a delusional fan base. They can keep spinning how making the playoff this year was such a great achievement and you guys will eat it up. Hey they may even hang a playoff banner at the beginning of next season. We should all buy tickets to see that! I kid the delusional fans! But to be honest the Hawks have shown improvement this season. They have escalated from pathetic to just plane terrible. I just don’t see making the playoffs with a losing record as something to be proud of. The Hawks are an achievement of circumstance. They are fortunate to be playing in the NBA Eastern Conference. The problem with the Hawks is that they are suffering from poor drafts picks from their recent pass, mainly when they fail to take MVP candidate Chris Paul or Deron Williams. For that Billy Knight needs to go.

By terrell barron

April 3, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

If we intend on figting for the 5th, 6th and 7th spots, we need to beat the Sixers at home friday. Toronto has Charlotte, and Washington has Miami. And dont count out Indy, they should defeat the Bucks on Friday also. Well I guess the Wizards thought that too, so you never know. lol! WE JUST NEED TO WIN, REGARDLESS!

By Hendu

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

I love this. When was the last time we as Hawks fans had something to talk about other than losing. Go Hawks!!!!

By Raps Fan in TO

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

Eric Dampier? LOL!!!!!! Sounds like a player Isiah Thomas would want in New York…

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Ken look i feel where you are coming from.It is called fear.Fear of having success.Fear as what if josh get’s the $and lays down?And lottery means chance.And chance is all we’ve been given lately.Bibby brings what we needed.A coach.He doesn’t run woody’s plays.He tells woody what to run.Look at the game.You’ll peep it.As far as money is concerned.We can buyout speedy.If you can’t comeup with the loot.No business makes money without spending that’s the game.Ken you get what you pay for. Bottomline

By terrell barron

April 3, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Darkryder, officials make mistakes ALL THE TIME! Remember when T-Lue made that 3, but only got credit for 2, and we lost by 1? Remember that? Same thing!

By Bigrip

April 3, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

If you saw the game on tv, and saw the replay the reason Nique and Smitty were laughing was because the clock started early. Is it the Hawks fault no, but Toronto should have never let Bibby get the three off.

By mykhalc

April 3, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

personally, i would like to see the the SASG ante up and pay both JOSH’s (within reason), extend BIBBY, find a defensive center, move MARVIN to the bench, and HIRE A NEW F’n COACH!!! how’s that for a wish list!!!!!

as far the playoffs, it ONLY matters how this team plays itself into the playoffs!!! playin’ like they did last nite, we can all say hell yeah!! playin’ like they did in MEM ain’t gonna cut it. and of course i’m talkin’ about the 2nd unit collapse!!!

BIBBY makes this team go…PERIOD!!! no if’s, and’s about it!!! NO DISCUSSION NEEDED…PERIOD!!!

By factcheck

April 3, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Eric Dampier did visit Atl also and his agent put out a rumor that he was offered a contract. Nique went on the radio and said it wasn’t true. Go google that since you know so much. You proved my point. I also tried to be polite about your lack of knowledge so save the sarcasm for someone else.

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

A FUDD 21 WHAT SIX GAMES ARE YOU SAYING WE SHOULD HAVE WON?THE SIX FROM FEBRUARY OR JANUARY?HOW BOUT THE BULLS GAME,OR NJ GAME WHEN VC WENT OFF.OR LAST S.A OR HOUSTON GAMES.HOW BOUT THAT GS GAME OR BOTH PORTLAND GAMES.NONO THE FIRST SEATTLE GAME OR THOSE TWO BOBCAT LOSSES.THE FIRST WIZARD GAME OR PISTONS GAME WHERE CHAUNCY GOT US WITH A SECOND LEFT.I CAN GIVE YOU OVER HALF OF OUR LOSSES WHERE ON COACHING ALONE.THAT’S WHO NEEDS TO BE TRADED.MIKE WOODSON!!!

By Bobby

April 3, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Jam dawg!! YOUR AN IDIOT!!!!!! You can’t spell your name correctly without trying to look cool and put $$ signs in your name. Get back to cleaning my car and let smart people talk about basketball!! O, I need you to make sure you have my clothes clean and pressed when I get home and then maybe I’ll give you some money!!!! You couldn’t even get into political science class, unless you were cleaning their floors

By SSI Fan

April 3, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

I agree with Ken Stricland’s analysis. Josh Smith has unique talents, but I do not believe the Hawks can reach championship caliber status with Horford and Smith in the starting lineup. As I previously posted, the team is too small with Horford at Center and doesn’t have enough outside shooting with Smith at small forward. I would trade Smith for a quality starting center. Basketball is a TEAM game. Winning teams have good interior post presence, good outside shooting, and good point guard play. The Hawks have no interior post presence. Horford didn’t even play center in college but he has to for the Hawks. Tell me the last team to even play in the NBA finals with a 6’9” starting power forward and a 6’10” starting center. How many years in a row has the champion had either Duncan or Shaq on the team?

Money has to be a consideration for the owners. Remember the recent report that the Hawks have lost about $20,000,000.00 a year for the last 3 years. It’s easy for us to say pay the money because it’s not our money.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 3, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

I agree, Bibby seems to make the team go. I would also like to add that “extend Bibby” within reason(re: paycut). Bibby is clearly what we’ve been missing as far as the Hawks winning, but I caution you out there to see the entire picture.

I’ll repeat, he brings us what we’ve been missing. That said, say we get rid of either Josh, who makes up for what they already have been contributing- esp Smoov? Our offense is decidedly up since the trade, but our defense? Bibby is personna non grata.

Look at the teams we’ve been scoring on of late MIL, MEM, TOR- these are all teams with NO defense. I venture to say we “should” have beaten these teams even if we never got Bibby (whether we actually would have is up for debate of course). There’s a reason TOR is near PHI and WSH, they are comparable. I’d like to think we were in that mix as well.

That being the case, Bibby was brought here specifically to reach the playoffs THIS SEASON. His contract situation (1 yr left at almost $16 mil) does not lend itself to the blog’s contention that we can/should extend him AND sign a big and have resigned one Josh then presumably resign Duck- who’s contract expires the same time as Bibby’s.

From my POV Bibby is here to lead us to the top 16, mentor Acie, while allowing him to be broken in. Then we can potentially trade Bibby’s expiring contract for complimentary pieces. As far as how the roster, salaries breakdown, that seems to be logical. If we extend Bibby we have NO money to improve the team- this situation made worse by the fact that we can’t get any rookie contracts with no draft picks.

I might be wrong, hence editorial qualifiers, but I’d love to hear another scenario as to how we can afford to resign Bibby AND maintain our core of the team- assuming two things: we relinquish one of the Josh’s and that we arent going to break bank on to fill out the roster; meaning stay around where we are, which is currently the 3rd lowest payroll in the league.

Please advise- anyone.

RISE UP

By bigeasy830

April 3, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Great post Astro Joe. I agree that Nique and Steve Smith were great last night as commentatore. They also made the call to watch out for the lob at the end of regulation before it happened that they thoght it would be going to the rookie Moon. But, I believe both would do a far better job of coaching this team than Woody. Also it was also insightful when Nique stated that he had played one season oversees with Nesterovic. Also, People!, People! People! can’t we all just get along. Stop the bickering about who should go and lets try to keep all of the core players. Except ZAZA a 7 footer whos afraid to dunk on someone. Damn. I do not wish any man to lose his job but its well over due time for Woody and BK to catch fire. I’ll see you all in the first round against Boston. I hope for that match up we will not advance anyway so lets see the eventual champs the Celtics play in the play-offs. Now don’t go saying I am not a real fan for saying we will not advance. I am just a realist.To all you die hard fans whom are catching it from the high price of gas, child support, high maintenance girlfriends. and what ever vice that is keeping you broke busted disgusted and can’t be trusted. I will see you in the nose bleed seats in the first round.

Holla if you hear me, Say Amen if you feel me

By RA

April 3, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Good lord Sekou! I haven’t seen a blog like this since before Vick was wearing pen stripes. It looks like the home team has finally given this town something to talk about. Here’s my two cents, and that’s all it’s worth. I don’t think it matters if that game is protested. I don’t think it matters if Toronto wins because they protest it. What matters is that Atlanta stood toe to toe with one of the deepest and most talented teams in the Eastern Conference playing at there best and when the game was on the line, they beat the stew out of them. I think they found something in themselves that’s going to be very useful regardless of how this thing turns…

All that having been said, it would be crying shame if Atlanta had this victory taken from them for two reasons. One, they earned it. Two, if Al Horford says he touched the ball, then that’s what happened. Now, I wouldn’t drive the basketball on that guy for anything in the world, but I don’t believe he has a dishonest bone in his body. That’s just one person’s humble opinion.

By mykhalc

April 3, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

#21=Top 50,1stBallot, it’s really very simple. SASG will need to bring in another owner to pay the luxury tax penalities…SIMPLE!!!

your points are on-point, no doubt!! my contention has always been show me THIS lineup (plus a BIG) with a better coach!!! i would somehow still like to see that happen, if possible, before the pieces start changin’!!! but that’s just me!!!

By Blast

April 3, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

The Raptors might file a protest about last night’s game, but I will go on line right now to say that the league will not replay that game or deny Hawks the victory, especially it is true that Al Horford’s finger grazed the ball before T.J. Ford caught it. The clock started when Horford touched the ball, so the clock did not start early. It started on time, actually. And even if AL didn’t touch it, it was the ref’s call all the way, and we know how Stern loves to cuddle his refs, so the decision of the refs must stand.

Stop hating on Josh Smith, people. His biggest faults are his turnovers, his bone head decisions at times, and jakking up those threes, but you got to love this guy, especially after last night. I will have him on my team anyday. The Hawks better resign him, Childress and Bibby. They need a decent center so Al can shine at power forward like Amare has been recently, play Josh Smith at small forward, and have Marvin and Childress provide firepower off the bench.

I have been a Hawks fan for years, rooting for them through thick and thin, and it’s nice to see them making progress. It’s a shame none of their games made national tv, but I think that’s the leagues’s loss because the Hawks are more fun to watch than most of the teams out there. GO HAWKS GO!!!

By BA

April 3, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

How many centers in this league AVERAGE a double-double? WHY do we need a center? Horford has played the five all year, as a rookie, and has done an excellent job. Why the obsession with height? No interior post presence?! Have you seen the games this year? Smith is second in blocks. You could replace Smith by moving over Horford? Not true. I love Big Al, but he lacks the intangibles that Josh brings. I’m TIRED of hearing the ASG doesn’t have enough money. You can’t draft a superstar like Smith and expect me to take you seriously when you trade him after three years, claiming you can’t afford him. I don’t buy that. Our starting lineup is solid. There is NO reason to break it up. Pachulia has become a servicable back up. Childress SHOULD win the sixth man award. Hey, Bobby, Jami$$on is a solid contributor here. He has the guts to be positive and makes some good points. You should pound sand. You have no place here.

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Bob why all the hostility for?I don’t know you,nor care to,engage you in a verbal barrage unloaded by this salvo inside my esophagus.But since you want to go there caucusoid I will.First I attend Emory.This is my last semester before i receive my BA in psychology.Then I’m going to North Western to finish up on my law degree.My name is JaMillion.On my cd that’s how it’s spelled.I’m currently in the process of signing with DEFJAM,but I don’t like what their offering.U want to find me catch me at ClubCrucial

By Hawksville Resident

April 3, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc, Love the wish list.. I agree with it all..But will it come true???

Kelvin, you’re a HATER!!! Plain and simple. It’s like you enjoy shooting down the hope that our team might be moving in the right direction. Hey, next year I won’t be satisfied with just making the playoffs, but right now I’m happy as hell about attending my first playoff game in almost 10 yrs. You’re a hater, we’ll let you live with that.. But don’t call us fans delusional because we finally have hope for our team!

By mykhalc

April 3, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

#21=Top 50,1stBallot, also your point about BIBBY bein’ brought in for one year ‘might’ be accurate. BUT BIBBY is ALSO the ‘other’ scorer the HAWKS so desperately needed. so if he is removed from the lineup then you not only take away the person that makes this team function at its’ best but you also take away the threat that makes teams have to play JJ more str8 up or they end up gettin’ bomb by BIBBY’s shootin’!!!

as inept as the SASG is, they’d take stupidity to the next level to get this far in havin’ the kinda team they want and the city deserves, only to start losin’ KEY pieces!! they really need to be able to suck up the luxury tax for a year!!! yeah i know, i know!!! WTF am i thinkin’ right????LOL

By Melvin

April 3, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Question for the bloggers. Where does the luxury tax monies goes to? Is it like baseball, where the money is divide and distributed to the teams that are under the salary cap…If that’s the case, shouldn’t the Hawks have been receiving money for the past few seasons….

By mykhalc

April 3, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

more to add…you think SEKOU’s article on JJ at the beginnin’ of the season started some $hit!!! watch him blow up if you take BIBBY away from this team!!! a lot of us (me included) questioned JJ’s play this year, especially the 1st half of the season. well we can see what a difference a little help brings!! the more i think about it, the more i see BIBBY here for 2 yrs minimum…IMHO

By bigeasy830

April 3, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Jamillion, I got those hot tracks for you kid, get at your boy.

Holla if you hear me, Say Amen if you feel me.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 3, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc, Yeah, given the parameters of the scenarios I’ve seen on the blog, I just find a lot of them unlikely. I dont even think the Hawks would have to go into the luxury tax. We are only paying 2 1/2 players (Craig) real money. By giving Chills, Smoov their ducketts we move up to the middle of the pack in salary. All I’m saying is that we cant extend Bibby at/near his current rate and still be viable- hence the whole Bibby v Smoov thread. He currently makes more that Joe does and you cant tell me he’s more valuable than Joe.

I’d love to see the core stay together and seeing as how Bibby isnt part of that (at least originally), he seems to be a piece that we may be able to part with if things (re: Acie, Duck, Smoov) develop as they “should”, while at the same time netting a quality result in return. Again, this is all IF management is resigned to stay in the bottom third of payroll. If not then anything’s possible.

RISE UP

By jami$$ion

April 3, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Ba i don’t know who this dude is.Or what his problem is.I talk sports cause that’s what i like. and i do a good job at it.21 good post.I like where we’re at.No more draft picks.Get a coach and some vets.Ciao

By Richard

April 3, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

This is a question rather than a comment. You assert that it was the game official who made the error. May I ask how you determined this? Did he tell you or is there some other evidence that leads you to this assertion?

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 3, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

I REALLY like the acquisition of Bibby. His impact is undeniable on the offensive end. It’s just the economics of the situation (albeit we are all ignorant to what’s really going on- I’m just using recent trends). He makes a lot of coin and it’s not often people take a paycut like that.

I’m also concerned about the defensive liability’s he creates as he racks up the miles. As #21 and Smitty pointed out, it’s taxing on Joe to have to guard perimeter players all the time, he does this because there is no alternative. Bibby isnt a real option. Our defensive issues will have to be addressed, we can’t rely on shooting almost 50% from 3pt to outscore the world.

Age, defense, salary (both his and pending expiration of other deals) make one consider what to do with Bibby. Losing him wouldnt make Joe happy, you happy, me happy, any Hawks fan happy, but keep him at what cost- $ and otherwise? Part of me wishes another scenario would come out where “everyone could be happy” but it appears tough at this point.

Gonna enjoy the ride while it lasts though.

RISE UP

By honest_abe

April 3, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

aj: you stole exactly what i was going to write about.. ha! seriously though, smitty and nique in the booth together worked out great. smitty can’t seem to come up with enough stuff to talk about on his own but with nique, their whole back and worth was very entertaining. and you already mentioned how it relegates good ol bob to just announcing.

funny stuff big easy. welcome aboard!

great win. almost a horrific ending but a fun game to watch.

i know zaza probably takes the most hits out of anybody on this team but anyone been noticing his improved play of late? consistent minutes and a role can do wonders for someone. that and he’s not flopping every other play. the hawks need a considerable contribution from zaza if they are going to make any noise in the playoffs.

By jami$$ion

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

a big easy go to myspace and type in jami$$iondadon under music and add me. we’ll take it from there.

By Astro Joe

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

mykhalc, I agree that JJ would lose his mind if Bibby were dumped next year and the reigns were turned over to Law. (And that’s not a slam on Law). Did you see JJ’s face after Bibby made that shot last night? He was so relieved that he didn’t have to heave up a last minute prayer.

I’m really looking forward to the game in Philly. That will be another true playoff atmosphere, but on the road. That will be a great learning experience for these guys.

By Chikara

April 3, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

If what Horford’s saying is true (and I have no reason to doubt him) then that solves this debate and the Hawks win! I’m sure they must really hate Horford in Toronto now!

By mykhalc

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

#21=Top 50,1stBallot, good post on where we might end up in salary payroll. i have not looked at it yet but was thinkin’ we would get close if we try to keep both JOSHes.

who’s more valuable…BIBBY or JJ??? man, i’d say they go hand in hand at this point. BIBBY has his resume, can’t be refuted!!! he simply makes teams better. as talented as JJ is, we see what happens when teams send double and triple teams to him!! just can’t do it by himself…very few can!!! i guess my point is, right now, i think they have EQUAL VALUE to the team!!! and given that BIBBY’s body of work is greater than JJ’s, at this point in their careers and he’s had NO DECLINE in performance, i’d have NO PROBLEM payin’ BIBBY more than JJ!!! hell SMOOVE could end up makin’ more than JJ next year!!! life is all about timin’…how, when and where things fall!!!!!

By smartguy

April 3, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

I still think Woody sucks. He probably sent TJF a dozen roses today for those two plays (poor D on Bibby and trying to do a finger roll when it should have been a simple tap).

Nonetheless, Go Hawks. BEAT BOSTON!

By fudd21

April 3, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

21 ans Myk I just looked at the salaries and its something like this. Bibby - 14 mil Joe 13.5 mil Speedy - 6.3 mil Marv - 4.5 mil Zaza - 4 mil Al - 3.7 mil Acie - 2 mil Others - 2 mil Thats 50 million in salary for those people. If we resign Smoove (I’m thinking about 13 mil) and Chillz (I’m thing about 8 mil) then we will be at 71 million per year. The current Salary Cap is 55.630 mil and the curent Luxury Tax is 67.865 mil. I know the cap goes up each year, but based on this years numbers we would be over both. We would really need to do something with Speedy so we can get him off the books. Otherwise its gonna be tight.

By mykhalc

April 3, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

fudd21, nice post man. and totally on-point about SPEEDY!!! his spot is gone!!! ACIE has that now!!! ‘cause NO WAY anybody can think a healthy SPEEDY is equal to a healthy BIBBY!!! NO WAY…PERIOD!!! the HAWKS cannot afford to outright release him but should know that his trade value is NIL!!! it’s a no-win for the HAWKS regardin’ him!!!

By doc

April 3, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

big easy is singing a song man. what is the next verse, something about beats being 6 ft under?

from the latest on the speedy front that they went in to do micro-fracture and decided not to may suggest that speedy has a pretty bad prognosis for playing again. it may be a moot point except some of the money might be recoverable, dont know the legalities not the insurance business to know. right now folks are very tight lipped about it that may suggest speedy is gone because of the injury not for not trying as many suggested along woth questioning his manhood.

By PROUDTECHFAN

April 3, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

well, i dont know much about salary cap issues, but i would think not having to worry about signing a draft pick this year would help that cause automatically. the money being used to sign a draft pick can realistically go toward re-signing J-Smoov. i would also love to keep Chills coming off the bench, its evident he’s more comfortable playing that role. and to me Josh Smith has more raw and untapped talent than any other player in the league. i just hope we as hawks fans get to see him develop into an allstar caliber player. he is right there, and most of us can see it, but he’s not there yet.

Mike Bibby outside of Al Horford is the best thing that has happened to the Hawks this season. they just look more like a team when he’s on the floor. him and Joe must be exhausted after the past two or three week stretch with the minutes they’ve been playing lately. i hope it continues. get ready True Hawks fans we are going to the playoffs.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 3, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Long winded explanation short- I vehemently disagree with Bibby being more valuable than Joe. I just dont even know how to attack that statement right now. It’s like if someone said “Tell me how the ASG is NOT a great organizational model.”- Where do I start?

I agree he has great value, but seriously…

RISE UP

By SSI Fan

April 3, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

I would say that the teams who compete for championships worry about size.

As far as money, when the ASG drafted Smith they had Belkin as a contributing owner. He owned a 30% share, more than any other individual owner.

By ray

April 3, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

hawks nation: It’s ray. I have a revelation to make.

I am gay.

And I am not funny.

Please excuse my homosexuality.

By James

April 3, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

hey Sekou how about you answer people in your blog for once

By mykhalc

April 3, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

#21=Top50,1stBallot, ‘vehemently disagree’…says it all!!LOL you might wanna re-read my post. i think i said ‘EQUAL VALUE’!!! but if you are strictly talkin’ ‘salary’ value then we could go back and forth all day on that one. and like i said JS ‘might’ be makin’ more than JJ come next year!! and ‘if’ that happens what does that say??? TIMIN’ of the contract is what it says…to me!!

By Ken Strickland

April 3, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

MYKHALC-suppose you were wealthy and interested in investing your money. Would you consider the totally disfunctional ASG group, and their adversarial co-owner Belkin, a good investment opportunity? Remember, they’re having financial difficulties(legal expenses), losing millions annually, there mgt structure is in total disarray, including the GM and HC, the team has a legacy of losing, and 3 of their key players(Bibby, Smith and Childress)will be FA’s at seasons end. EASIER SAID THAN DONE.

KEVIN-can you name one team that’s ever won an NBA title without qualifying for the playoffs first? It’s the 1st step, and the reason teams play the regular season. When you consider we’re stil the NBA’s 2nd youngest team, the overall playoff experience is the most important thing for a young inexperienced team like the Hawks. Playing eash final gm with playoff intensity and in a playoff atmosphere, can elevate and accelerate the maturity of this team and its players tremendously.

Let me ask you a question. WOULD YOU RATHER MISS THE PLAYOFFS LIKE WE’VE DONE IN THE PAST, JUST TO AVOID LOSING TO BOSTON OR DETROIT? IF SO, YOU’RE NOT ONLY A LOUSY FAN THAT’S AFRAID OF LEARNING FROM ADVERSITY AND FAILURE. LIKE THE OLD SAYING GOES, “SHOW ME A SUCCESS, AND I’LL SHOW YOU A FAILURE”. YOU SEE, SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES/FAILURES, AND IF YOU’RE AFRAID TO FAIL, YOU WILL ALWAYS LIMIT YOUR SUCCESS.

Before Bibby adjusted to his teammates and Woodson’s OFF, as it were, teams were shooting us off the floor. We were unable to consistently defend the 3pt shot, and we were losing as a result. We still don’t defend it well, but now we’re able to win those gms by matching teams with our 3pt shooting, like last night. Mike Bibby has taken this team to another level of play. His individual DEF leaves a lot to be desired, but he plays the passing lanes well. He also plays good team DEF and provides good help DEF. His DEF liabilities hasn’t hurt the team because they are greatly outweighed by his assets.

By mykhalc

April 3, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Ken, my suggestion of another owner handlin’ the luxury tax was TOTAL sarcasm my friend!!! even i know better!!!

By jami$$iondadon

April 3, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Aye 21.Being realistic we all know jj’s a allstar.But before we landed bibby ,dude was playing subpar.Since the trade he’s been playing the best most consistent ball I’ve ever seen from jj.And this goes for anyother hawk for that matter.We are scoring better.The guys are forming chemistry and a brotherhood.They are playing with accountability.Assists are up.To’s are down.Hope is on the rise.He is the player floor general we never had.Not to go over old wounds.Imagine if we had cp.Hawks a have rings now.

By E

April 3, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Have you actually seen the time logs to see who started the clock at the end of a game.

It it totally irresponsible as a journalist, given the Hawks score and time keepers prior errors, to ignore that there is one of four people who could start the clock.

As I am certain no one has made you privy to the logs and who started the clock, it is irresponsible and unprofessional for you to make the conclusion that Lewis started the clock.

By Traceman

April 3, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Fudd21, What team (or teams) do you think are going to offer Smoove $13M or Chillz $8M? Philly won’t have enough money to give Smoove that much money if they resign Iguodala and CHA won’t either if they resign Okafor.

I think Smoove gets about $11M a season to start and Chillz more like $6.5M a season to start.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 3, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

I believe it was the Chicago game where they proceeded to isolate on Bibby at least 3 plays in a row. Didnt matter who it was- posted him up.

Also want to point out that while he does excel in passing lane defense and is good at help defense, problems arise when Joe has to guard their PG (fatigue- as was pointed out last night) and resulting penetration from his lack of ability to protect perimeter exposes our lack of interior defense and puts Al, Smoov in potential foul trouble. Bibby’s defense is a liability, but as most will admit, willing to tolerate it for the boost in offense he’s providing. I’m not anxious for it, but am anticipating the other shoe to drop at some point when all the shots arent falling. Then we will need some defense.

Also funny how Bibby’s defensive shortcomings are excused, while Smoov’s are put on blast when they happen…. not necessarily comparing, just noting.

RISE UP

By MotherTeresa

April 3, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

I keep reading where the Hawks would be better MISSING the playoffs so they wont be embarrassed losing to Boston or Detroit. Folks, I guess ya’ll just dont know your basketball team that is playing at Phillips Arena. The Hawks have won 35 games this season, many of those games have been against elite teams, such as Dallas, Orlando, Golden State, Phoenix, Lakers just to name a few. Those teams represent some of the best teams in the association. Now add the fact that Mike Bibby is starting to play like the Mike Bibby of old when he was with the Sacramento Kings and the Hawks are beginning to get the results that we have been clammoring for all year. In case you havent noticed, the Hawks have won five straight games and seven out of their last eight ballgames. That is a feat worth screaming about. Morever, the Hawks are gaining confidence with each passing victory and my guess is that the Hawks will continue to win as long as they continue to play insanely passionate basketball. The league better watch out because I dont think it will be a problem if the Hawks face Detroit or Boston in the first round. The Hawks will steamroll over whomever they face whether it is Boston or Detroit, it simply does not matter. The Hawks players better get fitted for rings because they will soon get the opportunity of wearing championship rings once this season has culminated. Go Hawks!

By richbrave

April 3, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

ray:

Good-day ray. I’m Mr. Euro-funk. I heard that you’re gay. What can I say? GO HAWKS.

By hawksfanfordawin

April 3, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

SIGH ive been watching espn lately and all the analysist are against the hawks…

By richbrave

April 3, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Buddy Carlyle done after 3.2. Two on. Rowenhorst on in relief. Carlyle 5 hits 2 walks 2 runs allowed so far.in 3.2

By richbrave

April 3, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Brandon Jones strikes out to end the fourth with Josh Anderson on third. Line on Anderson so far 2-3 w/walk, stolen base, & outfield assist. Lillibridge 1-3 with a srikeout. Jones 1-2 with a walk.

By richbrave

April 3, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Oops. Sorry Hawks fans you’ve been getting Richmond baseball feed by mistake. Euro-funkmeister sends profound apologies.

By MannyT

April 3, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Richard I heard last night that the ref controls the start of the clock in situations like the end of a game with some device he has on him. So if the clock messed up, it is a ref issue, not a homer on the clock issue.

Ken for most folks that can do it, isn’t buying a sports team more of a prestige purchase than a pure business investment? I doubt most of them give up what made them wealthly to buy a sports team. In a similar vein, if you can afford a Rolls, you may decide to buy it, but you are not haggling because of the gas mileage it gets. If that were the case, you would spend your $$$ on another car.

For all the barstool accountants would you really take this team over the luxury cap level to keep it as it is? You can pay the Joshes within reason, but someone might have to go if he gets a super-sized offer. Remember how we got JJ. I think the structure of the deal, the amount, and other key players caused Phoenix to deal him. It could happen to us as well.

Hopefully if this happens, we get back some useful assets because we can’t really afford free agents (capwise) aside from the mid level exception.

WAF

By Don!

April 3, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Posting and ghosting is so not cool. You write the line, you spend the time.

Sigh, I will never meet my goal of being the second coming of Vanilla Ice with paragraphs like that.

However, if Horford did tip that last inbounds pass last night — that footage alone should get him the RoY trophy. There’s no way in heck (family blog here) that the Hawks are where they are at this moment without the best player drafted last season.

Durant is great, but how valuable can you be to a team that’s not even going to win 30 games? And don’t give me the hate on Seattle’s ‘situation’ — ask anyone who has the most dysfunctional ownership, hawks or Sonics — and 4 out of 5 dentists will agree it’s the Hawks.

Heaven forbid, we might still make the playoffs. And if we do, Horford should be the RoY — or it’s the biggest injustice since Shaq’s phantom foul here last year.

Later,

Don!

By roberta

April 3, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

How could they be doubting this? I saw replay many times, and I do not think the clock was started early.

By Johnny

April 3, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Hey, besides all the BS atg the end. (Which horford just killed anyways, I thought he touched that ball!)……

What a thriling game last night huh?

The comeback, the scoring, pushing the ball, NO QUIT, we wre just RELENTLESS. Al Horfords a beast and the Bibby trade has and is paying off . JJ has been phenomenal, J-Smoove is growing by the day into an excellent forward and Marvin and Chillz are very good young players.

That game was AWESOME to watch. IT SURE IS FUN TO HAVE MEANINGFUL GAMES AT THIS POINT IN THE SEASON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A DECADE…… AND WE ARE WINNING EM TOO!!!!!!

Our boys sure looked good!!!! Especially Horford, Bibby, JJ, Chillz, Marvin and Smoove….. and have sure looked good in winning 9 of the last 11 and 5 in a row while pushing for the playoffs!!!

Making the playoffs will be HUGE for this young team even if we are swept once we get there. For next year and beyond, making the playoffs is a huge step forward in our growth and will serve us GREAT going into the future.

Very talented and stacked roster of young talent, good young team (Very good when you see home record, theyre young so they dont win on the road as much yet but making the playoffs and 1 year more year growth means next year we’ll win alot more on the road).

THE HAWKS HAVE A VERY VERY VERY VEYR BRIGHT FUTURE, AND A GREAT YOUNG CORE!

GO HAWKS!!!!

By Johnny

April 3, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Terrell Barron

That is what I thought at first too.

But no, what woody is saying is that he was getting on josh and telling him to STOP shooting 3’s (Which is a very very very smart and good thing.)

By johnny

April 3, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Hawks are so fun to watch.

Such a talented and exciting good young team. Very bright future, by next year they should figure our how to win on the road too after 1 more year of growth and (HOPEFULLY) the playoff appearance.

By Joe Bling

April 3, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

First of all, great game last night. The Hawks should be proud of that performance. They played like winners.

Second, thanks to ray for trying to talk some sense into Reese regarding Josh Smith. Doubt it will do any good, though, because Reese is allowing his admiration for Josh to cloud the reality that Smoove has been a seriously flawed player pretty much all season. Reese needs to understand that while several of us on here have been pretty heavy critics of Josh’s play, I don’t think that any of us can fairly be called “Josh haters”. That’s just unnecessary, and inaccurate. We all want Josh to succeed, and I think it’s pretty apparent to all concerned that he’s overly blessed with talent, but maybe a little short in the decision-making department.

But maybe we can all move past this increasingly tiring discussion because the last four or five games have been JSmoove’s best of the season, in my opinion. It looks like he may be growing into the player we expect him to be. One criticism I’ve thrown out more than a few times is that I don’t think Josh is a winner. But he sure proved that theory wrong last night. Maybe he’s starting to get it. Maybe we’ll be able to put this debate aside as we watch him blossom into a star. Maybe.

By drmaryb

April 3, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Hey didn’t the Magic get swept in round #1 their first trip to the Playoffs with Dwight “Superman” Howard?

Nothing, to be ashamed of, the following year didn’t the MAGIC make some NOISE - in found#1? (correct me if i’m wrong)

Didn’t Shaq & Penny & 3D get swept in round #1 their first year. Getting swept is just a stepping stone, sort of like getting your feet wet & then you re-group and come again with more confidience - a sense of BELONGING at that point.

Why not let out team grow as well. It’s funny to me how every body wants to fire BK but keep his team? I’m Just Sayin’.

No GM get’s it right every single time in the draft, it’s a crap shoot really! Look at Greg Ogden, I sure am glad we got Horford over that Clown!

I don’t trust Ogden, He will probably be a soft & big rich ole’ BUST!!! himself. Give me the ROY every time, and that my friend is with hindsight 20/20 vision.

I really like our team with the addition of BIBBY and he makes us legitimate in my opinion.

By Ken Strickland

April 3, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

MYKHALC-my mistake.

I’m a competitor, and I’ve played a lot of sports in my day. And from that perspective, I’d rather make the playoffs and experience 4 first class a$$ whippings from the Celtics, than sit at home and watch them do it to somone else. Remember, in order to experience those 4 a$$ whipping, the Hawks have to make the playoffs. And making the playoffs makes the Hawks more successful than all but 15 other NBA teams. Only a negative minded person would see that as a failure.

By mykhalc

April 3, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Ken,’I’d rather make the playoffs and experience 4 first class a$$ whippings from the Celtics, than sit at home and watch them do it to somone else’…TOTALLY AGREE!!!

By drmaryb

April 3, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Hey Jami$$on

Get Em’! Break that Fool! I love it when idiots come on here and try to be disrespectful. If their dumb A S S don’t understand something the first word out of their mouth is the Famous:

EBONICS - Card But hey baby - don’t bite, I have had home-schooled idiots come at me and I am completely armed with a graduate education - I got me a big ole’ GUN & I’m sittin’ here pickin’ Em Off one by one!

(It’s a lot of fun & These are just a few of my favorite things!)

So, one thing I have learned is that people are just prejudiced about things they don’t understand. Let’s pray for these people and give them 10 seconds of silence (o.k. that’s enough)

I knew you were a smart man, soon after I figured out how to read your crypted-posts LOL

Your posts should come with a disclaimer: Don’t Try This at Home! Or something? Read at your own Risk! Or - For Open minded people only!

You get my drift! But I love you & your style. All the haters can go to H E L L!

By tyger

April 3, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

That’s what the Hawks are getting now, ole’ fashioned R E S P E C T.

Screw the Raptors…

In Boston, San Antonio, Detroit, LA, Chicago, Dallas, etc. anywhere there’s a winning tradition and expectation - the home team gets that call.

Can you imagine protesting a game in Boston b/c you didnt get a tip-in with 0.4 seconds left. F-U, get outta here!!

Now, the Hawks are getting calls!!! That’s a sign of progress; years prior, that tip counts F-U ATL, get better.

Atl used to be a nice road trip, whip up on the Hawks, and go to the club.

Now, come to the Phipp and get your as whipped!

By johnny

April 3, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Jamission you are right.

If the Raptors picked Brandon Roy over Bargnani they would be a 50-55 win team right now instead of what they are.

That was EXACTLY what they needed (A 1st option on the perimeter that can create his own shot, is a slasher, make plays, come up big in the clutch, get to the rim, and is a premier perimeter player that makes a great inside/out duo with Bosh)

Imagine that lineup?

Calderon Roy Parker Bosh defensive center

with Ford Kapono Moon and the other dude off the bench?

Damn, and instead they got a backup that plays the same exact position as Bosh……. and may very well be a bust.

Ouch.

Brandon Roy wouldve been EXACTLY what the doctor ordered for them. Rudy Gay wouldve been a great pick for them also.

“By mykhalc

April 3, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

personally, i would like to see the the SASG ante up and pay both JOSH’s (within reason), extend BIBBY, find a defensive center, move MARVIN to the bench…Marvin and Chillz spearheading the bench would be such an upgrade to the little/nothing we have there now…., and HIRE A NEW F’n COACH!!! how’s that for a wish list!!!!!

as far the playoffs, it ONLY matters how this team plays itself into the playoffs!!! playin’ like they did last nite, we can all say hell yeah!! playin’ like they did in MEM ain’t gonna cut it. and of course i’m talkin’ about the 2nd unit collapse!!!

BIBBY makes this team go…PERIOD!!! no if’s, and’s about it!!! NO DISCUSSION NEEDED…PERIOD!!!”

MYKHALC- I AGREE 110% WITH THAT!!!

SSIFAN.

I agree with you on Smoove too, but if he gets a consistent outside shot down by next year or maybe the year after thru the hard-work he puts in than it doesnt matter and we are all good.

“The Hawks better resign him, Childress and Bibby. They need a decent center so Al can shine at power forward like Amare has been recently, play Josh Smith at small forward, and have Marvin and Childress provide firepower off the bench.”

THAT IS THE DAMM TRUTH!!!!!

GO Hawks!!!!

By johnny

April 3, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

HECK YEA KEN! HECK YEA TYGER! AND HECK YEA MYKHALC!!!!

By Fred

April 3, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

There is no issue for a protest. Go to nba.com and look up the rule book. Rule 13 porovides what can be reviewed. The ref can review whether the ball left Ford’s hand before time ran out, which is did not, so it was late. The ref CANNOT review whether the clock started to early. It is, like some calls int he NFL, non-reviewable. Good reason: would we then go back to the play before and see if it started too late? Where would it end? Bottom line: great comeback, greast game. Need to play defense the entire game as we did in the last 7 minutes, need to be better prepared for that play, no concern about a protest. beat Philly twice and move up!

By mykhalc

April 3, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

johnny, hell yeah!!!LOL

By Sekou K. Smith

April 3, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

James, Don and anyone else hatin’ for the sake of hatin’ … be easy. As much as I’d love to spend the entire day here playing cyber chicken with everybody, I actually have other work to do.

Richard you asked a question I can answer (i.e. one that’s not rhetorical), so I’ll answer.

I know that it was an official who started the clock because I asked an official whose responsibility it is to start the clock in that situation and he explained to me that the trail official alwyas starts the clock on that inbounds situation. Eric Lewis was that official.

By johnny

April 3, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

How come I didnt get this news sooner? GOD DANG Work has tied me up bigtime!!!

JJ GOT PLAYER OF THE MONTH?!?!?!?

AL GOT ROOKIE OF THE MONTH(AGAIN!!!!)?!??!?!

Al and Joe should both be representing the Hawks as Eastern Conference allstars plenty of times in the next decade.

Congrats to our young stud leader/franchise player Joe Johnson and our future franchise bigman and future 20/10 allstar (AND SHOULD BE ROY!) Al Horford!

GO HAWKS

CONGRATS ESPECIALLY TO JJ, FIRST HAWKS PLAYER OF THE MONTH SINCE DOMINIQUE IT SAYS HERE!!!!! WOW!!!!!

I KNEW THAT BOY WAS sTrAiT BaLLin but DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ALRIGHT JJ! GO HAWKS!!!!!!

By jami$$iondadon

April 3, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Joe Bling.I’m not going to curse you out.I just want to ask you one question,& if any1 feels free to throw him a raft do so.Cause it’s gone be hell to tell the captain if I get a ignorant response.I want to know how is Josh’s game greatly flawed?When out of almost 600 players,who’ve played on 30 teams he ranks in the top 30 of every tangible category?And for all the pseudo fans.Who support our affluent yet poverty stricken owners.If we sign &trade js the numbers still gotta match.So we still spending the $!

By Joe Bling

April 3, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

jami$$iondadon - Come on, man. You’re kidding, right? I’ve got about 20 games saved on my dvr player. If you want to come over we can pop some popcorn and go through them in slow motion. The passes out of bounds. Full court chunks over people’s heads. Great defensive plays to create steals, and then the near immediate whoopsies back to the other team, leading to dunks on the other end. Most of all, the completely ignorant shots he has no business taking that so often lead to points for the opponent. Three pointers clanking off the front of the rim, out beyond the free throw line where the opposing point guard grabs a freebie and takes off running. I could go on and on, if you like. The flaws are substantial, and almost all on the offensive end. Although last night, despite a lot of folks’ praise for his effort, I thought he got worked by Bosch in regulation. He tried the overplay a few too many times, and got burned badly.

Anyway, this is the kind of stuff I had hoped we could put aside. Seems so pointless to be bickering right now about Josh’s shortcomings. The fact is, he’s playing really well right now and we want to keep it that way. Let’s just focus on the positive that is in front of us right now. We’re about to go TO THE PLAYOFFS!!!!

By HB Ando

April 3, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Ray, where you at tonight?

By doc

April 3, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

a heck of a lot of bells goin off and scrollin to do. geez guys have we got an attitude and of one of stupidity. doubting and questioning the veracity and integrity of the blogmeister is downright stupid and sadly the only one that doesnt recognize it is you. no cred with that much deficit spending when it comes to intelligence your debt is too large.

folks, i just dont understand the issue with josh and the comparison to vick is downright idiotic. vick came with it infrequently too often in his last year and admitted it to the press for instance that he quit on the team during one season. i was a supporter of his pretty much to the end but couldnt understand some of his apathy at times on the field until he admitted a drug problem. the main problem josh has is wanting it too bad and wanting to do too much. again for every mistake he tries that much harder on the next play. okay occasionally it involves another unceremonious offensive blunder but it is special when it comes on the defensive end as he runs down someone after he has given the ball up. the guy is cool with me. and again i know there will be some man lovers that will get all over me on my comments about vick but those that have been on the blog for awhile know i thought he had huge potential and am sorry he wasnt able to get all of it out of himself. a really sad story where i still hope it has some good from it as i told folks he was contrite only to see that he couldnt keep himself out of the weeds, literally. just dont make any comparison to him and smash, almost sacreligious the way smash works.

By jami$$iondadon

April 3, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Aiight aiight.Joe we can’t be over critical of one family member.And under critical of the rest of the family.Cause for every MISSTAKE you point out at josh.I can do the same with joe.All the games WE’VE ACTUALLY LOST WITH THIS CAT GOING ONE ON THREE AT THE END OF GAMES.AND NOT PASSING TO THE OPEN MAN!B!TCH IF THREE GUYS ON YOU IT’S TWO GUYS OPEN DUH!HE EITHER BRICKS OR TURNS IT OVER BACK2BACK EVERYTIME AND YALL ALL KNOW IT!If joe can get a pass than so should josh.Let’s stop the bashing and start winning.

By jami$$ion

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

Hey doc or ando.Is there any truth to the rumor Larry Brown is coming here?SEKOU could you shed some light on this for me.Thanx

By katesey

April 3, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Good too see Bibby playing like I remember here in Sac. Sac had a situation similar to the Hawks a couple years ago. A last second shot, but in that case, the refs started the clock late. Memphis filed a protest, but the Kings win was upheld. I think the Hawks win will also be upheld.

A comment about Bibby’s game. Yes, he’s playing better in Atlanta, but the Kings hadn’t utilized him correctly since the loss of Adelman. Good to see a team use him as a real point guard. Good luck Hawks! Enjoy the playoffs, ‘cause I think you’ll be there.

By HB Ando

April 3, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Man, where to start?

Reese, you’ve got history here, so I’m going to give you a little benefit of the doubt. But your man-love for Josh Smith doesn’t have much statistical support. Dude is shooting under 27% on 3’s this season, which, not coincidentally, is also his career number. That means the odds he was going to hit that first 3 were just about 1 in 4. Now if there’s a math major here, who can correct what I think is statistically accurate, the odds that he would hit 2 in a row were 1 in 16. I’m pretty sure Toronto would be willing to let him take both those shots, in that situation, over and over again.

Did I hear you say, “Does he make mistakes, yes. But so has all of the All stars and hall of famers that I have watched over the years who play with the same intensity.” OK, two quick things: one, Royal Ivey plays with the same intensity, but it doesn’t make him good. And, secondly, doesn’t Josh need to make an all-star team before being placed, by you, on the same level as the actual all-stars in the league, much less HALL-OF-FAMERS?!!!!

Dude, I’m not hating on Josh Smith. Period. But a max contract is for sure things. And he’s not. And I defy you to objectify a reasonable position that he’s worth more than Al Jefferson, who signed for $65M, over 5 years, and honestly said he hadn’t done enough in the league to ask for the max.

MaryB pointed to AK47, in comparison to Josh, which has been brought up repeatedly, over the last few years. Utah signed him to a max deal, based on a very similar emergence to what we’ve seen with Josh. Now they can’t find a taker for his contract, and he’s averaging 11 points, 4.8 boards, 4 dimes, a steal, and 1.5 blocks. When he was at the same stage in his career, as Josh is now, he put up 16.5, 8.1 boards, 3.1 dimes, 1.9 steals, 2.8 blocks, and shot 34% from behind the arc.

This season, Josh is averaging 17.1, 8.2, 3.4, 1.5 and 2.9, shooting 27% beyond the arc.

My point is that AK47 had the exact level of hype and expectation then, that Josh does now. There are no guarantees.

So acting like everyone who considers Josh’s upcoming contract situation, with a bit of caution, is either stupid or a hater, belies the fact that it’s not unfair to ask the question, “how much is too much to match, if Josh signs a big term sheet?”.

And, as far as folks who suggest we should re-sign Bibby, what makes anyone think he would be willing to stay here? The Hawks can’t re-sign him for the $14 million he’s making now, sign Josh Smith for the max, pay Joe what he’s owed over the next two years, and then sign Horford to a max deal in a couple of years.

The math doesn’t work. And Bibby is 30, which means he’s going to go where the combination of money, and a chance to win, is greatest, as this is likely his last big contract.

What about the ASG’s track record suggests that they’re going to max out Smith, and pony up for Bibby (even if he was willing to stay)? And where does Childress fit in here?

Look, here’s the truth: the Hawks can’t afford to keep everybody, and they have to decide who, on the team, is most important to keep happy. If that’s Joe Johnson, then the moves they make, this summer, should be largely based on what Johnson tells them will make him happy enough to re-sign. And they have to seriously explore that issue. Because if Johnson isn’t planning on sticking around, then neither is Bibby, contract offer or not. And then they have to match whatever Josh is offered, and they probably have to do the same with Childress.

The Hawks have to decide who the franchise is building around. If it’s still Joe, then they’ll make Joe happy. If they cannot get some strong assurance from Joe that he plans on re-signing, in TWO years, then what they do THIS summer needs to be in response to the likelihood that he’s not planning on staying.

Most folks here have trouble seeing past the ends of their noses. Enjoy the 8th seed. It’s been a long time. I had a blast watching last nights’ game from Jhan’s prime seats.

But just as quick (or as slow, as the reality truly is) as the Hawks have finally made the playoffs, the makeup of this franchise is likely to shift, radically, over the next 12-18 months. The Hawks can’t make Bibby or Johnson stay. So, if they really want them, they’ve got to convince them to WANT to stay. I’m not sure ownership and the GM have enough credibility, as things stand at this moment, for that to be the case.

I’m not advocating that any one, specific player, or players, should go. I’m just pointing out that a couple are going to have to, given the finances of the franchise, and very shaky premise that either, or both, Johnson and Bibby see this as a place they want to tie themselves to, for another 5 years or so.

Between the value of his expiring contract, and my belief that Bibby wouldn’t choose to stay with such an unstable franchise, I think he’s a goner next year, before the trade deadline.

And if the Hawks are going to match whatever amount another team offers both of the Josh’s, regardless of that amount, then Marvin is a goner, next year, too.

Can’t keep a bottom-five payroll, and pay everyone what they’re going to either demand, or command, in the open market.

It’s not hatin’, it’s math.

By drmaryb

April 3, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

We need a new blog, this topic is tired and exhausted! This is like ground hog day, people how many times can you beat one dead horse?

How many ways can you say the same thing! No more orators of the obvious puh-lease. Either it’s time to pick a fight or it’s time for something to die!

So, let’s kill this asanine - Get rid of Josh stuff. Get rid of Josh for freakin’ who? People, stop smoking the bad stuff and find a nice sweet cuban cigar from somewhere to smoke, because it’s time to:

C E L E B R A T E! You ingrates and losers and haters! Most of you guys probably couldn’t hold either Josh or Marvins Jock-Straps in a one on one situation. So just stop it and shut up!

We are WINNERS! We are Going to make some NOISE in the PLAYOFFS! We built this team from nothing and we have come so far! Yeah! we got a ways to go - But we are headed in the right direction!

We are one piece away from being a true force. The only way Woody is leaving here is if the players vote him off the island & that may happen, but until it does stop whining?

If this team wants to play for Woody? There ain’t a damned thing CLYDE can do about it!

Where is that old tired CLYDE at now? Is he somewhere screen-printing new T-Shirts about Billy & Woody’s Team? Or is he out there looking to fire someone else now?

Not a word when the going is good - What does that tell us? It actually has been a nice break from the haters, you hear less from that group when we’re winning. So, it’s always nice to shut them up!

Hey RichBrave where are you? Are you somewhere in the 9th inning?

By cp

April 3, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Great win. The guys played with the heart and intensity that was missing from a few games. We might as well let Woody sit in the back and watch the game and let Bibby call the plays. I really dont get guys who are complaining that we will get swept by Boston. WHO GIVES A DAMN. It’s damn if you do damn if you dont with some people. If they dont make the playoffs then folks will complain about once again not making the playoffs and giving up a high draft pick. If they make it and it looks like they will then people are complaning about getting swept. Well I dont care if they get swept. It has been way too long since I have seen this team in the playoffs and now they are in a good position to make it. If they come out and play hard they can steal a game or two from Boston. If not then hey guess what regroup this summer and come ready for the next season.

By richbrave

April 4, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

drmaryb:

Just observing all the hullabaloo from the denizens, reading yours and a few others, scrolling a lot, you know. Its all good. I’m still here. Be cool Mary. I’m down with your rap. What else can be said? So just root for the wins and shoot for the playoffs. It’ll be nice to have a postseason. I haven’t suffered through those years when there was no post-season, so I can only relate as a long-standing Wizards fan.

By Ken Strickland

April 4, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

In the earlier yrs when BK was putting this team together, and the team wasn’t expected to win or make the playoffs, Woodson did a good job of developing our talent. Now that the players and the team have developed and become competitive, Woodson has shown he’s a victim of the Peter Principle.

At a time when our young players and team need strategy, direction and confidence most, Woodson has been unable to deliver. His strategy during this playoff run has been to put the entire load(mins and responsibility)on the backs of 6 players. The remaining players are nonconsiderations, unless foul trouble or injury forces his involvement.

The Hawks have a chance to rearrange the entire bottom half of the Eastern conference playoff picture. They can start by winning the next 2 back to backs against Philly. It’s not inconceivable that we could win all but one gm, and that’s against Boston. At the beginning of the season, I predicted 40 wins. Throughout most of this up and down season, mostly down, I lost hope of seeing a 40 win season. After the Allstar break, I had no idea these players would take matters into their own hands and make such a strong playoff run.

By Da Professa

April 4, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

I think Horford touched the ball way before Ford caught it anyway, so the protest would be null and void. If anything, they started the clock late. Great win for the Hawks, they are really growing up. With a stronger bench, they could be a way better team.

By woodsonsucks

April 4, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

Dennis Scott said today on the radio what everyone has thought. Bibby is calling the plays.

By drmaryb

April 4, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Hey Bonnie Rait

Where are you when I need you?

Let’s Give Em’ Something to talk about!

I’m talking ‘Bout Love & Affection!

We need to take these two from Philly and see If we can take out Boston with all this New-Bibby-Found Winning attitude.

Let’s catch this wave and just ride the damned thing! Who Knows? I like Dark Horses, because you never see one coming - They just sneak up on people.

That’s why Gangsters only drive:

Black-Cars! Is it just me? Or do you think the HAWKS could be that dark-horse?

By drmaryb

April 4, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

Hey Check This

Sacramento 110 Clippers 98

Shelden W. 5 pts & 6 Rebs 11:21 mins AJ 7 pts & 2 Assts 12:26 mins

Kudos BK Great Trade - Jesus just saved your JOB! Not bad for working under duress & high stress!

Woody? This is the end of the ROAD - I believe. You just didn’t figure out how to use all your weapons -

Sorry!

You failed the Weapons - Inspection! You brought us this far? But not far enough!

By Ken Strickland

April 4, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this

I got an idea while watching the gm between Portland and Houston. Next yr, Oden will replace JPrzybilla as the starting center, which might make him available. He’s an excellent rebounder and shotblocker, and that’s what we need most in the middle. He and Horford would make a dominant force on the boards, and his salary is manageable at $5.7mil. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

By HB Ando

April 4, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

I think Billy waived him about 3 or 4 years ago…….

By drmaryb

April 4, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

Hey *RichBrave8

Go to O’Brians Blog & check out my rant on Hampton!

Good Night, Going Home now!

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

As nice an addition as Przybilla might be to the bench, I don’t think Portland will cut him in favor of a guy coming off a major knee injury who has never played in an NBA game. I’d think they want to keep that backup plan.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 4, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this

“And I defy you to objectify a reasonable position that he’s worth more than Al Jefferson, who signed for $65M, over 5 years, and honestly said he hadn’t done enough in the league to ask for the max.”

Al Jefferson is one of the worst one-on-one defenders at his position in the NBA. Josh Smith’s help defense is far ahead of his one-on-one defense, but he’s still way better at defense than Jefferson. Jefferson puts up better offensive numbers but the difference in the impact on defense means Josh definitely deserves what Jefferson got.

“My point is that AK47 had the exact level of hype and expectation then, that Josh does now. There are no guarantees.”

First of all, injuries probably played a bigger part in AK47’s lack of improvement than any other factor. Secondly, AK47 is by nature a very passive offensive player. When he put up 16 points per game he was playing with the likes of Carlos Arroyo, Matt Harpring, Greg Ostertag, etc. in the starting lineup. With players like Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer on his team now he gets less shots and he even passes up a lot of the opportunities he gets to score. Neither of these qualities apply to Josh Smith, who is more durable and aggressive than AK47. They are completely different players. Just because they are small forwards who block shots doesn’t mean they are identical. You could just as easily compare Josh to Shawn Marion at the same stage of his career.

“Look, here’s the truth: the Hawks can’t afford to keep everybody, and they have to decide who, on the team, is most important to keep happy.”

“Can’t keep a bottom-five payroll, and pay everyone what they’re going to either demand, or command, in the open market.”

You may be talking about the ASG’s willingness to spend money, and I’m not gonna pretend I know anything about that. I will say that from what I’ve seen Belkin is the only guy who’s not willing to spend — everyone else seems to be on board with giving Speedy Claxton ridiculous amounts of money and trading for the $14 million dollar man Bibby. But if you are talking about the salary cap you are mistaken. The Hawks have Bird rights on both Joshes and Al which let them go over the cap to keep them. The only person affected by the Hawks’ cap number is Bibby, because they will need space under the cap to keep him.

I personally don’t think the Hawks acquired Bibby to stay here long term anyway. I think they brought him here to bring this team to the playoffs this year (and spare Billy Knight the shame of handing a lottery pick to Phoenix) and keep the seat warm until Acie Law is ready to take over as the starting PG. Whether Law actually will do that at some point remains to be seen.

“It’s not hatin’, it’s math.”

In the famous words of Jimmy Buffett: Math sucks. Quack, quack.

By Matt

April 4, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this

Najeh,

You doing your Ando imitation with that post?? Haha.

As for Przybilla, the dude has got to be one of the least mobile big men in the league, and he has a very limited offensive game. If we keep Woody, he might be a good pickup since Woody doesn’t like featuring big men on the post. If we want to run, he’ll just slow us down, since he’s no better at cleaning up the boards than Horford and isn’t a great passer.

In any case, I agree that it’s a moot point, since the Blazers will want an insurance policy on Oden, and I don’t think they want to rely on the always-injured Raef Lafrentz to fill that job…

By jami$$ion

April 4, 2008 4:24 AM | Link to this

Ken i don’t wanna rain on your parade.In my best Stephen A Smith voice.Nothang about j-o-e pryzbi-l-l-as dominating .A ken take that foreign ethiopian to ryans let him dominate a plate.Lol

By A Thinking Fan

April 4, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this

Let’s just play some Bb tonight and come away with a win. Nobody including ASG knows what tomorrow will bring… Go Hawks!

Horford rookie of the year 2008 - Yeah! We need another DD plus tonight… JJ & Bibbs keep playing like the “Vets” you are. JS, JC, MW bring the effort and the wins will follow…

You win with vets in the No Boys Allowed league; and you rebuild with youth. Combine the two at the right time with the right combo of the two and you’ll produce a winning formula.

TGIF!!!

By Jim

April 4, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

For what it’s worth: Larry Brown wants to coach again. For all his baggage, and his wanderlust, he is a superior coach, and could fine tune the Hawk’s talent into a consistent winner. Sure he’d move on in a couple of years, but he would leave behind a much better team than when he arrived. Notwithstanding the Knicks fiasco (probably more the result of the owner and the gm/coach Isaiah Thomas), Brown can coach and he would be a tremendous upgrade from the overmatched Woodson.

By Ken Strickland

April 4, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

ANDO-I don’t know exactly what yr he was here, but we did wave him.

MATT-the key to any team being able to run an uptempo fastbreaking OFF is getting the initial rebound. Przybilla does that very well. He’s big, clogs he middle and is quick enough to be a very decent shotblocker. The Spurs(FElson, Nesterovich, NMuhammad)and the Pistons(BWallace)have won championships with centers that weren’t scorers and/or not very mobile. Remember the centers on those Chicago Bulls championship teams?

JAMI$$ION-I’ve never said Przybilla was dominant. I said he was a dominant rebounder, there’s a difference. At last count, in last nights gm, he had 15 rebounds. It’s funny, we all recognize the need for more size in the middle to provide DEF and rebounding. Yet, as soon as I mention a player that does both very well, out comes complaints about none revelant issues. Some of you wanted us to acquire Ben Wallace, and the only way he could be offensive is if he was sitting on a toilet. Some of you mentioned Diop, who might be slower and less mobile than Przybilla. He’s definitely not as good at rebounding or shotblocking as Przybilla. With JJ and Bibby’s passing and penetrating abilities, he could average double figure scoring. Besides, Zaza would be our scoring center.

Sometimes it feels as if I’ve mistakenly wondered onto a fantasy basketball website.

By jami$$ion

April 4, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

ken i was just messing with you.but didn’t we have this guy before?

By Raps Fan in TO

April 4, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Okay Atlanta Hawks fans. For a change, you will have a huge group of Raptor fans cheering your team on tonight. Do us all a favor and bring Philly back down to earth!

By Ken Strickland

April 4, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

JAMI$$ION-no problem. I had an idea you might have been when you referenced Steven A Smith, but I wasn’t certain. Przybilla was on our roster 4yrs ago. I wasn’t in favor of his release at the time. His lack of speed wouldn’t stop us from running. Remember Showtime with the Lakers? There uptempo OFF was very effective with an over the hill Kareem A. Jabbar as their center. Not only was he not a big rebounder, he wasn’t fast, quick, or very mobile at that stage of his career.

We don’t need a dominant center, just one that rebounds and protects the lane. Przybilla can do both very well. Having a physical presence at center, and a shotblocker to boot, would make it a lot easier to defend the lane and the 3pt shot. There would be less need to double team inside, like we have to do now, to protect the lane.

Przybilla would make us much better DEF, and with our much improved OFF, we could be a force in the East.

By reese

April 4, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, a little history before I answer your question. The rookie pay scale was put in place because several rookies coming into the league were making huge contracts, were not playing up to expectation and in some case were not even playing. The feeling was that there were veterans who were more qualified and proven who deserved to be earning that money.

Now, teams have the luxury of not overly paying rookies who do not pan out. However, there are times with the rookie pay scale that a player drafted lower in the draft is better than players drafted higher. But, the team cannot pay that player more until their contract is up.

Josh Smith is an example of a person who was drafted later in the draft and is better than Josh Childress, Marvin Williams and Shelden williams of the hawks who were drafted higher. However, Josh Smith is making less than all of those players.

So of course, Josh would want his next salary to compensate him for the fact that he missed out on making the amount of cash paid to players in the league who he and his agent have determined are not as good as he.

Therefore, his next salary will be determined by how he has played since he has been in the league, how much better teams think he will develop further and possibly the offer made by other teams. Of course, other facters can come into play. But, this is just one man’s opinion.

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