Hawks

By richbrave

April 11, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

HAWKS GO. IN THE PLAYOFFS.

By CRobinson

April 11, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Just great. Our supposed “Big Body” gets knocked around by the skinny kid who can’t crack the rotation. BK needs to hit speed dial for a physical big man like yesterday.

By Melvin

April 11, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Someone needed to hit ZaZa in the mouth (I’m not sure how hard Solomon can puch, ha,ha). Maybe he will develop a mean streak for tonite’s game and take it out on the Knicks… The pressure and fustration is setting in with these young Hawks. They should be focusing on making the playoffs. Instead, they are having in house squabbles. This Team and Organization is out of control. Someone (Lord) please rescue us Hawks fans and delivery us to the LA, LA land of a winning sports franchise…

By DarkRyder

April 11, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

FINALLY, for the first time in Atlanta Hawks history, someone on this franchise actually has some fight!

What I wish I could see is Al Horford knock Mike Woodson into the second row the next time he forgets to put him back in the game when the other team rallies.

Or how about Joe Johnson decking Josh Smith next time he shoots another of his ill-advised 3 pointers on a fast break? Or the next time Josh Smith decides he wants to be a point guard, Bibby should hit him in the great equalizer.

You know what’s funny? That after four years we’ve been looking for someone on this team who would lay the smackdown on other players. Who knew that it would be from the same team?

I don’t see what the big deal is really, seeing has how this is the only time both Solomon and Zaza are going to have any kind of activity since they won’t come off the bench anyway.

What about BK knocking Woodson stupid once Atlanta misses the playoffs yet again on his way out the door?

By richbrave

April 11, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

ray:

Back from my sojourn to west Texas, and I noticed your last post on the previous blog. Don’t you think Woodson is a control freak.? Saw a lot of that on my last trip west too.

BA: There’s more on CHOP CHICK’s blog than I put on DOB’s. If you want info on the R-Braves, I post up the line scores from each game and will continue to do so until I hit the Cardiac OR. Also more commentary.

As to the Wizards. Arenas is still icing that knee. Its prudent to do so. But I see a lot more emphasis on GA passing for assists than scoring with the team on his back. He’s definitely not 100%. Frankly, LaVar Arrington never came back from a double knee injury, and I’m wondering if the Wizards feel the same about Arenas. They are mighty coy about his situation. They can’t afford to lose him to another offer sheet, but I’m thinking he’s gone. Thus Nick Young in last year’s draft. I see a sign and trade if Gil’s not completely happy especially if he’s never gonna’ be the playa’ he was. If a full recovery is in sight for next year however, the D.C. club will do everything possible to keep him. My opinion of course. As you know everybody’s got one.

By infamouskrs

April 11, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

in a way it’s a good thing hearing about the jabs being throw. the intensity of the practices has got to be a positive!

don’t get me wrong, not every team gels the way the Spurs do…but it’s about time these guys express that pre-playoff pressure frustration!

as goofy as ZAZA is on the court…i’d be surprised if he WAS ABLE TO HIT ANYTHING.

By FUNK DAT

April 11, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Cat Fight. Big Whoop. Just beat the Knicks.

By MannyT

April 11, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Just for doc, Zaza, & Solo…

DING

Doesn’t Harry the Hawk have a boxing shtick? Maybe they saw it one time too many.

The sparring brings a bit more back story for the night. Can Woody use the tension to focus the team on being intense from the start and getting the Knicks on their heels? I would guess that they will fold if we can get them down early.

I’d rather be the GM of the Heat than the Knicks. DWalsh needs to come up with some miracles to clean up that roster. It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting guys with big contracts, medium productivity, and bad attitudes.

Let’s Go Hawks!

WAF

By Melvin

April 11, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

How did those two end up fighting away. I mean 1 player is on the 2nd team and the other is on the 3rd team. Oh my badd, we need 15 players to have a 3rd team…:( SAASG

By g-thang

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

the hawks are like some brothers and sisters. they will beat the crap out of each other and then go out in the streets and be a choir boy. the hawks are the same way. they punch each other around and get “folded-up” in the streets. ZaZa is a wuss anyway. I like seein’ the fight in Solo though, maybe he would do somethin’ on the court.

By Chikara

April 11, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

richbrave The Wizards are going to have Gil come off the bench. If that is true that will not only allow him to play less while he’s recovering, but it makes the Wizards the most dangerous team in the East outside of Detroit. I think they are playing it safe with him for now.

The only reason he can’t be compared to Lavar is because Arrington never took any extended period of time to heal.

They’ll already whip Cleveland since the Cavs made that horrible trade that has made them more imbalanced than the Hawks! But that’s another story for another day. Right now my focus is on seeing the Caps whip up on Philly tonight at the Phone Booth!

He’s already said that he will stay and take less so they can resign Antawn, which makes me think he will sign a one year deal and still be young enough to cash in with a major deal since he’ll be completely healthy next year.

I’m actually going down to see the R-Braves soon at the Diamond while I visit some of my old VCU buddies!

Hope the Hawks will take that aggression out on the Knicks tonight. We’ll see what happens.

By Eric Graves

April 11, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

The Hawks will not make the playoffs, just like I said a few months ago.

By richbrave

April 11, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Chatter on the blog. Oh, I get it. Its cross your fingers and hold your breath time. FOLKS, they’re in. O.K.?

By drmaryb

April 11, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Hey Hawks - Just go and beat the guys on the other team!

Give Me a break - What if someone got injured? Then the Bench will give WOODY an excuse for not playing them.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 11, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Oh man, I can just see it now… Zaza tries to throw a punch but accidentally hits himself in the face instead, sending himself sprawling on the ground… and as he falls, his leg slightly brushes against Solomon, who then goes flying 50 feet away. What will the Hawks ever do, with these valuable players skirmishing?

By Bill Heller

April 11, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

WTF is our coach doing? Why doesn’t he have the players focused on making the playoffs instead of some petty grievance? I hope the Hawks DON”T make the playoffs. If they do it’ll be a bad excuse to offer Woodson and Knight new contracts.

By smartguy

April 11, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

I blame Woody for this.

By richbrave

April 11, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

CHIKARA:

And I don’t know how similar the injuries sustained by Arrington and Arenas are. But Grunfeld and his management team are sure going slow while Arenas is rarin’ to go. If he’s never going to be the player he was, I can’t see Washington doing anything other than matching an offer sheet and trading him. They’ve already got Daniela and Young. Neither can be “THE GUY.” At least for now. Young maybe, three, four years from now. Daniels, never.

Signing Antwan sounds good though. Man has he picked up his game. And he and former UNC team-mate Haywood are finally beginning to lean on people instead of finessing around the post. Did you see Jamison and Garnett bumping and grinding the other night.?! Somehow, I don’t think Kevin had on his game-face. But it was good to see Haywood and Jamison operating in the post. “Tough juice” and Pierce really don’t like each other and it showed. Blood on the floor and neither asking for quarter. Man what a show.

By Harry Hawk

April 11, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

richbrave,

The Hawks still have to play Boston and Orlando. They are quite capable of losing those games. In fact, they are quite capable of losing to the Knicks. I can’t see them losing to the Heat in the final game, but 2-2 or 1-3 in the final four games is very possible. The Pacers have a fighting chance (at Philly, Charlotte, at Washington, New York) in their final four games. At the very least, the Hawks have to go 2-2 and make the Pacers win out. I’d settle for winning three of the last four. Beat New York, beat Orlando…nah, beat Boston instead (why not), and Miami. I’d take that in a heartbeat.

By richbrave

April 11, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Hawks need not fear, The Wizards are here, and will punish Indiana for the temerity of thinking they are playoff material this year. Go Hawks. Go Wizards.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 11, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Sekou, all, I got you covered….

In true Zaza style, I guarantee he got in boxing position and threw a couple of feints in there hoping to “draw a foul” from Solo. He doesnt have the best hands so maybe he was hoping to counter.

Solo, for his part probably resembled a whirling dervish of all knees and elbows. Probably could have been penalized for some sort of “foul” but fortunately the Marquis of Queensburry was not around to regulate. I bet it was his perseverance that landed the clean blows- throw enough one of them gotta land flush.

I can imagine the rest of the Hawks as follows-

Duck- standing on the sideline giving on emphatic clap of his hands and make that “grrr” face.

Smoov- was probably on his way to “jump” into the fray but since it was two big men they were in the paint and Smoov, “inadvertently” was the three point line and couldnt make it in time

Joe- probably was watching thinking “man i wish i could go one on one instead of always being double team”

Bibby- Probably brought him back to the good ol days with Ron Ron on his squad. I can imagine him yelling out to throw the jab because it’s a long range shot and he doesnt do defense.

Chills- Hope he was standing in the back, otherwise nobody would be able to see the fight.

Big Al- Avoids the frey because if he figures if these two knock each other out, then Woody will have no excuse to pull him and keep him on the bench with just 2 fouls in the second qtr. You cant teach that type of basketball IQ.

Woody- WAF, no need to think it’d be any different. Ha.

Acie- probably interrupted to tape their wrists, Lord knows wouldnt want another Hawks player to suffer like him

Craig- I guarantee he found some way to get injured; even as a spectator.

BK- Looking smug as he feels validated that neither player is 6’9 because those players are of course perfect by defintion. A model to be followed….

Salim, JRich, et al- Didn’t quite know what to do- they never get involved in any action anyway.

Gotta bounce now, actually headed to the game at MSG. PLAYOFFS, TONIGHT. Am glad to hear of the friction, especially between role players. Means their feisty and want to get in the action. Being in a southern city like ATL, Woody should know that if you keep people held down long enough, inevitably they will…

RISE UP

By infamouskrs

April 11, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

always good to wish for the best…just too bad we all are accustomed to expecting the worst!

not a single 1 of these games are a “gimme” if Woodson shows up with the same gameplan he used against the Pacers. these final four struggles will go to show if Woodson is a coach somewhere next year (college or high school level)….or submitting his resume on Monster like alot of college graduates that aren’t able to find work these days.

By new jersey faithful

April 11, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

JUST WIN BABY!!!!!

By ray

April 11, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

#21=top 50, that was OFF THE CHAIN!! Me likes, me likes!

By new jersey faithful

April 11, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Hey Eric Graves….BLOW!!!!

By MannyT

April 11, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

#21=Top 50 Nice!

If the owners were there, I’d guess they were wondering if insurance would pay a salary if one of them got hurt.

Except Belkin—he just wants it on YouTube. If it increases the value of the team, he gets more $$$ to go away.

Game time.

WAF

By kurtz

April 11, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Watching these guys fight might be more entertaining than watching them play basketball…

By new jersey faithful

April 11, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

GOOD START!

By infamouskrs

April 11, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

5-0 to start…i’m sensin’ some fire!

By infamouskrs

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

9-0….what’s happening here? someone ate their WHEATIES today!

By infamouskrs

April 11, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

and just like that…15-14. i’m gonna have to hit tha PATRON!

By ignition

April 11, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

So Woody just concedes the bench for the rest of the season.. Just play 7 players including the God-awful ZaZa and don’t even try to develop the young point guards..

great job of coaching….

By mykhalc

April 11, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

ZAZA is worthless on defense…WORTHLESS!!

By infamouskrs

April 11, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

20 point lead with 5 in the 2nd….WOW! heading out for the club…don’t worry Ray…no driving for me tonight! GO HAWKS………

By new jersey faithful

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

53-50 Pacers with 6 minutes left in the 3rd

By ignition

April 11, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

So Woody been riding Josh for over 40 min a game and he was playing hurt.. God we need a better coach.

By new jersey faithful

April 11, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Sixers game is good. They just cant seem to catch the Pacers though!

By jami$$ion

April 11, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

a ignition where u get that smoove been hurt from?a Eric if u don’t want the team to advance, u know there’s a falcon blog where u can spew your venom and hatred of their franchise.

By new jersey faithful

April 11, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Ok, so the Pacers are pulling away now….F@CK!!!!!!!

By new jersey faithful

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

OK, up by 18 or so with under 3 minutes left in the 3rd, good time to put some subs in??????

By Macaroni Tony

April 11, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith does have a ankle injury, but we need to slow down the ball.

By new jersey faithful

April 11, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

I was about to scream when JS took that jumper…then he made it lol

By jami$$ion

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

comeon woody let’s rap this up

By jami$$ion

April 11, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

comeon woody let’s rap this up

By jami$$ion

April 11, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

i’m tired of you guys who hate josh smiths game.i actually hope we trade him and he comes back and becomes the star he is and destroys yall.support the movement or get the ef out the way.

By ignition

April 11, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Made the comment today during halftime, about Josh’s ankle. Good game Joe, I normally criticize him for not showing up in the 4th. Well he didn’t again but Josh & Bibby made up for it..

Where are all the Marvin lovers now. Back to the Marvin I know stinkin it up, Za Za is absolutely worthless & for the life of me why doesn’t this coach give his starters some rest. You could tell again they began to get tired.

By richbrave

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

Indiana’s two back with three to play. Not a good situation to be in. Philly loses to Indy so the Wiz can take a night off - and do.

By cp

April 11, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

What does Mike Knapp get paid for other than folding his arms. The guys on the bench might as well wear suits for the remaining 3 games because they wont see the court. Instead of melting down in the 3rd quarter we waited until the 4th. We won but playing like this we will lose against Boston and Orlando. The Pacers are playing some good ball and could easily win out so we have to win at leat 2 of the last 3 to get in. We can hope the Pacers lose a game but they are looking real good right now so I dont know.

By Ken Strickland

April 11, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Good win tonight Hawks. At a time in the season when coaching is most vital, Woodson has retreated into a shell. Instead of using strategy, and managing the players and their mins, he simply puts the fate of the team in the hands of 6 players, becomes a sideline spectator and hopes for the best. HeII, any of us can do that, and for a lot less money to boot.

CAN’T WAIT FOR TOMORROW’S GM TO START.

By Mac-Town

April 11, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Yea, I’m uncomfortable about that…especially with our next game being against the Celtics and Indy’s against Bob’s Cats.

Could Very easily be a 1 game lead going into the final 2 games, with them owning the tie breaker.

Maybe the Celtics will give the big three some rest?

By Kansas

April 11, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

The reason why Woody uses 6 or 7 players is because the Hawks bench is weak and inexperienced. The bench depth was gutted to acquire Bibby, so we have to ride it out with the main guys. Sure, we could probably sprinkle a few minutes in for Acie, Salim, Solomon, Jeremy, and Mario, but they can’t be counted on to contribute in crunch time. Bssides J-Chill, who can you count on to spark the team off the bench?

Hopefully the Hawks will upgrade their bench in the off-season - that will be necessary if the Hawks expect to improve on their win total next year.

By Enough

April 11, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

cp,

What the heck does Mike Knapp have to do with the Hawks? Time to give that stupid analogy a rest.

By Harry Hawk

April 11, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

The AJC put up a poll on the recap of the Hawks/Knicks game tonight. They seem to think that the first round of the NBA Playoffs is a five-game series.

By Bill Walton

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

Hawks need one more good white player.Maybe even sell more tickets.

By Bill Walton

April 11, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

Correction - there are no good white players. My bad.

By cp

April 11, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Enough nice to see you use ya usual name to try and call me out. I have explained it plenty of times and others have understood. Maybe you dont know anything about football or basketball for that matter. Mike Woodson is similar to Greg Knapp in the sense that he cant make adjustments, will go to the same predictible play calling, and will go away from whats working. If you need more help understanding then I suggest you do some research. Google is a wonderful took on the internet, I suggest you use it.

By hawksfan

April 11, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Does anybody know what the schedule would be for the Hawks and Celtics in the 1st round. Where and when it would be?

By Josh Smith***

April 11, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

If we make the playoffs are we stuck with coach Woodson?Should I come back next year???Help me Atlanta!

By jami$$ion

April 11, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Kansas the hawks bench can provided they get the chance to play to each players strength.Yes there are players that can provide that spark.west plays great defense and creates turnovers that lead to fast break opportunities.salim is a confidence player once he’s on he gets in a zone and will singlehandedly beat you.solo’s a good shotblocker.jrich is a goodmidrange shooter.zazas a great foulman.problem is woody uses them for opposite reasons that play towards the players weakness.Enter the name mike knapp.

By Steve T

April 11, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Let me say this, I did not know Solo had some size, but I would like to see him add 15 - 20 more pounds of muscles over the summer. At 6-10 - 250, he will have an NBA body. I would let him play power forward.

By jami$$ion

April 11, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Hey Josh,if the brokeazzspirit don’t cough up the doe,get a new coach(not a retread),pickup a center, run a real scheme which employs the offense thru you and big al(to create space for jj marv and bibby to shoot)or fast pace system(to take advantage of our athleticism) I’ll bounce like bankhead.

By cp

April 11, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Thank you jami$$ion. I really dont see how a person cant comprehend why I call Woodson Mike Knapp. To even add more to it. Both guys underutilize the talent they have/had. Most people know what play is coming before the play is being called. It was numerious times where I would watch a Falcons game and know what play Knapp would be calling before it was ran. Everybody in the world knows that if its a last shot situation that it would be a Iso called for JJ to take the last shot (before the Bibby trade well he still calls a lot of iso but you get the point) . Mike Vick actually had to change the play or as he called it overcome the coaching because Knapp was so predictable and unimaginative with his playcalling. If you ever looked in a Hawks huddle during a timeout a lot of times it looks like Bibby is the one coming up with the plays because Woody just does not get it. I mean I can go on and on its not a problem seeing that its so much evidence to back it up. Enough next time use your usual name and call me out instead of the numerous names as some use on here. I could let Ken and Najea talk all day about underutilizing talent as far as both coaches because they do a great job of explaining different types of plays Woodson should be using and Knapp should have been using. And one constant thing you heard from play by play guys during Knapps era and that you hear now from guys that call the Hawks game is “Why dont they do this more” “Why is that guy not being used more”.. Every play by play guy was baffled by Knapps playcalling and why he didnt use certain guys more. The Hawks are questioned every game by opposing play by play men as far as why we dont run more or go to this guy more and etc. So Enough if you still dont get it then I cant help you

By Kansas

April 11, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

jami$$ion,

Like I said, you could probably find a few minutes for the Hawks bench players, but now is the time to ride out your big guns in this playoff push. The guys you mentioned are too inexperienced and not quite ready for prime time. Besides Zaza and J-Chill and maybe Salim, the rest of the bench is weak.

By Enough

April 11, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

cp,

Greg Knapp and Woody have nothing in common. Stupid analogy. End of story. Good night and drive home safely.

By Enough

April 11, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

cp,

Read it and weep …

http://www.raiders.com/Team/CoachBio.aspx?id=15812

By cp

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

That bio did nothing but show me that you dont get it. Well whatever. I could pull up a Bio of Woody and it still has nothing to do with what im talking about. When Knapp was here the Falcons led the league in rushing but still had a poor offense. He was in Oakland last year and their offense was poor too. The Hawks before Bibby had one of the worst offense and 3 point shooting percentages. So really what is the bio saying. ABOSLUTELY NOTHING. Im pretty sure Woody’s will talk about his years as a assistant coach and how he played in the NBA and how he scored so many points and blah blah blah. Instead of reading what I said and comprehending you went to a Bio to make your point and it did nothing to help your argument. Nice try but please come with something stronger.

By Enough

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

cp,

It’s all about the talent you have. Is Pat Riley, a sure-fire Hall of Fame coach, suddenly a poor coach? Is Doc Rivers suddenly a great coach, even though the Celtics came in last place last year?

By ray

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

Well the guys showed they definitely wanted it. Good win. Can’t afford to slack off, though.

For those who have missed it, there is a particular cycle involving the bench. The bench is inexperienced because the head coach has refused to play them. Even when we had Wright, Sheldon, Lue, AJ, etc…the bench was rarely and sparingly utilized. NOTHING HAS CHANGED. There is no other explanation! If you don’t use the bench, then they will REMAIN inexperienced. Now it’s too late. The starters, Childress, and Pachulia is all there is to it. On occasion, you’ll see Salim and/or Acie come in. That’s about it. End of story.

We need to get after Boston.

By ajw

April 12, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

The odds on the hawks/celtics going 5 games has to be higher than 3 games. AJC sports editors are idiots!

By ray

April 12, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Kansas, the bench is weak because it has never been utilized. It’s that simple. Those players aren’t the most talented at their positions, but a decent little bit of playing time and familiarization all year long goes a long way. If they never play consistently in games, why expect them to be anything other than lost? Woodson has run his starters into the ground from the very first game of the season and will do it until the very last one. Why have a bench at all, in his case? Just in case somebody gets injured? Sheesh…..

Enough, are you really that dense? If you don’t like the analogy that’s one thing. But to call it off base? You clearly know nothing of either individual and the impact they’ve had on their respective teams. In fact, do you have any basketball-related stuff to contribute? Or do you simply live to attack CP?

By ray

April 12, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

CP, I have to admit, I read that bio and did weep. Hell, I managed to stop laughing long enough to wipe a few tears from my eye. Talk about not getting it….

By Kansas

April 12, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

ray,

That’s my point exactly - now is not the time to try to find minutes for the bench players. 2 are rookies, 1 is from the D-League, one has potential as a big (Solo) but is raw.

The Hawks really need some veterans coming off the bench - the Bibby trade gutted the bench - they could really use a vet like Lue right now to provide a spark off the bench.

By Enough

April 12, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

ray,

Like I told cp, it’s all about the talent you have. Is Pat Riley, a sure-fire Hall of Fame coach, suddenly a poor coach? Is Doc Rivers suddenly a great coach, even though the Celtics came in last place last year?

Yes, I think the analogy is off-base. So, I guess it’s okay for you to attack me and say I know nothing, but I can’t criticize cp’s analogy?

By Enough

April 12, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

ray,

What’s to laugh about? Greg Knapp has been successful throughout his career. He had a flawed roster with the Falcons - plain and simple - just like Woody has a flawed bench. Give the man some talent off the bench - then if he doesn’t use them, you may have a valid point.

By BA

April 12, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

The Mike Knapp thing is accurate. If it wasn’t so accurate, it would be funny. And #21, that bit about Knight and the 6’9”- classic. Ray, bearing in mind that I think Woodson ultimately has to go, I did notice ONE very creative play he called after a time out. The lob to Marvin with 7.20 to go in the fourth. Yeah, Marvin missed it, but it resulted in free throws. And yeah, he missed one. But it was just enough to slow the Knicks surge. I think Woodson almost certainly has the creativity to be an effective head coach, he’s just to damn stubborn to make adjustments. Hence the Joe/iso and bizarre refusal to use the bench, among so many other things.

It’s like I said the other night when Josh Smith got the technical- Woodson has lost control of this team just in time for the playoffs. This guy would have to be a Gotti family member to keep his job next year.

By Enough

April 12, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this

I guess we can agree to disagree on the Mike Knapp thing.

I will agree in one sense - they both have/had flawed rosters.

By Ken Strickland

April 12, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

ENOUGH-what do you think Woodson would do if Bibby, JJ and/or Horford were lost to injury? Do you think he’d hesitate to replace them with someone off the bench? Of course he wouldn’t. That’s the type of thinking he should use when he knows his key players are fatigued and in need of some rest. Unlike replacing a player out with injuries, he has the option of reinserting him at any time.

Salim, Solomon and Zaza aren’t rookies. Besides, JJ was 2nd in the NBA in mins played before the Bibby trade. Are you telling me you haven’t noticed the recent pattern that’s emerged? We come out strong and get big 1st half leads only to lose them due to fatigue.

Take the Indiana gm. If our starters can play so badly that they fall behind by as many as 29pts, why be afraid to play your bench? Now, take tonights gm. If our starters can almost give away a 21pt lead, why would you be afraid to play your bench?

What I’m saying is, why be afraid of your bench playing badly when your starters are already playing badly. Does that make sense to you?

By ray

April 12, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

BA, I agree. He’s too damn stubborn. Every now and again, he calls a play that actually is effective. But that’s way too few and far between.

Enough, Knapp kept calling the same predictable plays time after time. Woodson does the same thing with the “Joe Iso” plays. I don’t know a way to put it any simpler than that. This is the common thread that the analogy springs from. You are evidently trying to compare entire careers, which isn’t what CP is saying. As for Woodson using the bench: look, if you never play guys, or play them in two games then leave them high and dry for 15, how can they be any good? That is NOT how you develop players. Look around the league and you will see how other teams and coaches do it. Guys are given chances to play so that they can prove themselves and contribute. Woodson doesn’t do that. What team signs up and keeps players and then doesn’t play them? If they don’t have any talent, then send them to the d-league!

Can you tell me Solo, Salim, Jeremy, and Mario have NO talent? How would you know, you don’t see them play enough, do you? No, it’s not the lack of talent, it’s the fact that Woodson couldn’t manage a freakin’ one person hot dog stand, that’s what the hell it is….

I don’t know where you’re getting the Pat Riley, Doc Rivers stuff from. Doc fell into a gold mine for certain. Explain how Riley manages to lose so much with Shaq and Wade? He obviously needs to get off the sideline. Two superstars (even if one’s aged and been traded) and they can’t win 15 games? Tell me what YOU think is wrong in that situation, eh? Look, nobody says you can’t criticize someone else. But don’t expect to do so, then expect not to be criticized yourself.

Kansas, the blame falls squarely on Billy for that one. He could’ve signed extra guys, but he didn’t. He signed Richardson, but Woody doesn’t use him. Billy Knight should’ve signed at least another big body. But he didn’t. And it’s far too late to try to develop anybody we have.

By ray

April 12, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

Enough, I’ll agree to your 1:18 post. There is no question as to whether or not the roster is flawed. That dubious credit goes to Billy and the ASG (for letting it be that way).

I still don’t understand why Billy didn’t sign more guys. I guess it’s the ASG being cheap-a*******es again and settling for having just enough players (the league minimum). B*******…

By ray

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

Good point, Ken. I see your frustration with Woodson has reached new levels. I feel like one of the Star Wars Sith Lords (yes, I know that sounds nerdy as hell)…“Ahhhh…yessss…gooooood…I can feel your hatred…..”

heh, heh, heh!

By Matt

April 12, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this

Good win tonight. My fear? If we lose tomorrow and the Pacers win, which is what the Vegas oddsmakers are predicting, we’re only one game up. And our guys are getting tired with those last two games coming…

By kwooden1

April 12, 2008 6:11 AM | Link to this

Way to take care of business guys, could have won by more, but the win was most important!! JJ was hugh, especially on the defense end and making 3’s. The Hawks win 2 and their in regardless, is one way to look at it. But really their in the Playoffs right now, 3 game series. I know tonights game at Phillps is going to be the best crowd of the season. Boston will want to get their starters playing well, especially if these teams are going to meet in the actual Playoffs. We’re going to have to assume that Indiana is going to win their final 3 games, so this is again the biggest game of the season. It’s great to have games that really mean something finally. The guys need to come out and just have fun and enjoy the atmosphere.

GO HAWKS!!

By richbrave

April 12, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

Realistically the Pacers must run the table to have any chance. Atlanta can win one and tie, two and be in. WE CAN DO IT!!

Seriously, whether D.C. beats the Pacers depends on the outcome of the Philly game in D.C. tonight.

If Washington comes into the Indiana game tied with Philly and/or Toronto they must win or fall to sixth or seventh place which puts them against playoff Orlando or Detroit. The Wizards want Cleveland in the playoffs. They must hold fifth place to accomplish that end.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 12, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

Great to see that Joe Johnson is stepping up and carrying the team down the stretch, like his max contract suggests he should. Equally bad to see that outside of our top 6 players, the rest of the bench got a total of 7 minutes playing time. Not a good way to manage your bench, especially on the first game of a back-to-back.

What’s even more amazing than the fact that the Hawks are on the brink of making the playoffs is that apparently someone thinks Greg Knapp is a good coach. I wonder whose idiotic schemes led to the acquisition of flawed players, particularly along the line, in the first place?

By g-thang

April 12, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

we have to hope and pray that indy will lose at least one game, because i see them losin’ against the celts and orlando and winnin’ against miami. if indy wins their games our azzez it thru!!

By smartguy

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

The crack staff of the AJC website has yet another dumb/impossible poll up. They ask what will be the result if the Hawks play the Celts in the playoffs. Will it be Boston in 3, 4, or 5, or will the Hawks pull of an upset. OK, Geniuses, it takes 4 games out of seven to win a series. Whoever put this up is clearly the same person who asked what we should do with our upcoming draft picks. Must be related to Woody.

Yo Enough, we have all seen, recognized, and enjoyed the Mike Woodson—Greg Knapp comparison for most of this season. cp likes to call Woody Greg Knapp, another likes to call him Woody Woodpecker, and most of us simply call him the worst professional coach we have ever seen.

FIRE WOODY BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!!

By RB

April 12, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

I agree with those who say Woodson does not use his bench enough.Acie Law is a talent wasted and the same with Stoudamire. When Stoudamire goes to a time with a good coach, he will become a big time player. It’s a shame the Hawks do not utilize thier talent properly.

By RB

April 12, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

To the person who said the Hawks can win one and tie. The tie-breaker goes to the Pacers. The Pacers are playing so well, I can see them still beating the Hawks out. Sorry to say that, I just think Woodson will find a way to mess this thing up. I have zero confidence in him.

By suwanee

April 12, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Its difficult to root against the hawks at this point but in the long run it would be better to miss the playoffs and get rid of the coach/gm.

The hawks have two good players Smith/horford one great player johnson two mediocre bibby/childress and two zeros williams/law. Solomon jones and zaza are the only other players worthy of a mention.

Why doesn’t Solomon Jones play more?

Did anyone notice last night that the Hawks increased the lead when Bibby was out? And Law is so bad that Childress is playing the point. Childress at the point? At least Woodson has the guts to try this .What is the opposing teams points per game vs the hawks since Bibby joined the team.It clearly is up.Bibby has not guarded the opposing point guard yet.He is always matched with the weakest offensive player for the opponent.Look at his turnovers as well.

Bibby is a slight upgrade over a very weak point guard situation before.Incredibly noone seems to mention his inadequencies on defense. Woodson knows it that’s why he’s playing Childress at the point.I bet Woodson has a different take on the Blockbuster Bibby trade.At least we got rid of Sheldon Williams.Anthony Johnson and Tlue were underrated and can help someone somewhere.

By Ken Strickland

April 12, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

RAY-what frustrates me most is Woodson’s inability or unwillingness to make adjustments that would benefit the team. He could improve this team tremendously just by making subtle adjustments, not drastic changes.

(1)If the starters are playing badly and either surrendering big leads or falling behind big, USE THE BENCH. Why is he more tolerant of our starters playing badly and not our bench. He’ll let our starters shoot us right out of a gm, but will punish anyone off the bench, except JChildress, that doesn’t play flawlessly. The other 6 have been yo yo’d emotionally, given little respect as professionals and humbled for the sake of gratifying his ego.

(2)Adjust the OFF and use picks to free players for open scoring opportunities. The current OFF uses picks and curls to free players to receive simple entry passes on the wings. Teams have made adjustments to our OFF by overplaying and pressuring the ball. As a result, we’ve become a one on one jumpshooting team. With JJ and Bibby controling the ball, there’s been little ball movement and it’s reduced scoring opportunities for Marvin and Horford.

(3)Drop that stubborn, unyelding Bobby Knight/college coaching mentality and approach. That same approach caused another BKnight deciple, Quinn Buckner, to lose his 1st HC opportunity, and you haven’t heard his name mentioned since.

After looking at the past events concerning our PG situation, I’m convinced it was Woodson’s preference not to draft one. We’ve already seen how Woodson seems to have a total disdane for trusting/playing rookies and/or confident players that are a bit high strung or emotional. He loves players with none challenging personalities like JJ, Childress, TLue, AJohnson, Horford and Marvin. They make him appear as though he’s in total control. Acie, JSmith, Zaza, Salim will/have openly voiced their dissatisfaction and/or frustration with him in the past. And these are the players that have been openly punished by Woodson. That’s why I believe BK wasted money and draft picks acquiring veteran PG’s like TLue, AJohnson and Speedy Claxton instead of drafting one.

Also RAY, don’t ever refer to a documentary like the Star War trilogies as silly. I own every format in which both trilogies were released, including VHS, Laser Disk(both standard and THX version)and DVD.

By EJH

April 12, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

13, 24, 30, and now 37 and maybe even 39 wins by the end of the season. The Hawks have steadily improved. Part of that is because of the coach finally teaching a bunch of teenagers how to play a man’s game. The hawks have the youngest team in the leageue. There record against what people are calling the best conference in the leageue (the Western Conference) the hawks record is 14 - 15 beating, teams such as the Lakers, Dallas, Golden State, Utah, Phoniex, etc. They should have won the two games against Portland and the buzzer beater against Seattle at home. This team is still learning and so is it’s coach. Remember he is a first time head coach. By the way the west is not the best conference, when you get to beat up on seattle, memphis, minnesota, LaClippers, Sacramento, portland, four times each, your league is not that good. The reason the hawks have an almsot .500 record against the west is they do not play defense out there, except for San Antonio, Lakers, New Orleans and maybe Utah, and Dallas. Everybody in the east at least attempts to play some defense. The hawks will make the playoffs and can conceivalbly move into the seventh playoff spot if they can win the next 3 and Philly looses next 3; (Philly has Washington on the road, Cleveland at Home, and Boston on the Road I think). So the hawks are in the driver’s seat. By the way Woody will play his bench more tonight, because he did not want to run the risk of loosing that game on the road in a hostile enviroment, but at home tonight where you are in the confines of your home crowd, the bench will get energy from the crowd and have more confidence.

By cp

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

Thank you Ray. I really did not understand the purpose of putting up Knapp’s bio but it at least gave me a good laugh. I dont mind someone disagreeing with me but at least give me something other than a Bio as your argument. I think not using the bench last night can hurt us today. Woodson had a great chance to get some bench guys some run when we were up 20 but for some reason he did not. I dont like Childress playing the point because it makes him less effective because he is not hanging around the baseline grabbing rebounds and making putbacks. It should have been no problem letting Salim or Law come in and run the pg for a few minutes and let Childress do what he usually does. Duck has to show up tonight. This team wont be able to beat Boston with Duck having another invisible man game. I dont know if Boston will play their starters a lot of minutes or let their bench play most of the game but we have to come out ready and focused. We really cant depend on the Pacers to lose games because they are looking like they want to be in the playoffs. Maybe Washington can beat them and we can beat at least Orlando and Miami. Its time to handle our business.

By TheHawksFan

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

There are thousands of guys walking the street who could play in the NBA. Its all about the Opportunity of getting to play. Michael Jordan was not the best player in the world. He was the best player given the Opportunity to PLAY. I have seen tons of guys that could shoot jump just plain ball. Did they graduate? did they have criminal records?? Thats another question. Thats in ref to the BENCH for this team. Did they get the Opportunity to play and BUILD confidence. NOPE. ZaZa probably said something to Solo that reminded him of Woody so he snapped. A guy that is the 11th pick gets DNP’s CD?? A guy that starts games WHEN NEEDED plays well and then gets 2 secs a game for 60 something games?? A guy that is the MVP of a Pro League ALL Star game gets 16 mins of game time since joining the team?? A guy who probably is the Best 3 point shooter on ur team plays in 1 game then is not seen again for 20 games??? Whatever the reason I know atleast ONE of these guys should get the Opportunity to PLAY. I know this is falling on deaths ears, but to keep hearing all the TALK about how sorry the BENCH is WRONG. Coach Woodson is trying to save his job. I dont have problem with that. He is getting the Opportunity to do it. Just spread the O around is all im saying. GOOO HAWKSSS!!!!

By g-thang

April 12, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

HAWKSFAN big ups to you!! that is a true statement. woody is runnin’ a 6 man rotation!! a 6 man rotation will get cremed by boston’s 10 man rotation.

By BA

April 12, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Tonight is the perfect storm for a Hawks win. They absolutely are NOT supposed to beat Boston tonight, and times like this seem to be when Atlanta really picks it up. Remember the Dallas/Phoenix/Lakers/Jazz wins? The sad part is, flawed or not, the Hawks have proven they can win against the elite teams in this league. It’s the inconsistensy that has kept them from really turning the corner this year. How can you beat the Lakers and lose to the Pacers?

As far as Bibby's defense (or lack thereof) maybe he's no Gary Payton. But most of the time Bibby is in a mismatch anyway. How can you classify this guy as "mediocre"? A slight upgrade? No offense to Lue and AJ, but you don't trade four players and a pick for a "slight upgrade". In regards to Childress at the point, I understand the drawbacks, taking away a lot of his baseline opportunities. But the kid almost never turns the ball over and he has a high basketball I.Q. I'd rather see Childress than Salim at the point (sorry Salim fan). But I'd really rather see A.C. Law than all of the above. Sekou, what did this kid do to completely be REMOVED from Woodson's half azz rotation? I know he's been a little timid, but I haven't seen anything that would justify his current Mario West type status.

By BA

April 12, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Technical difficulties. Bibby is no Gary Payton, but most of the time he’s caught in a mismatch. He’s hardly a mediocre player. I understand the drawbacks of Childress at the point (takes him away from the baseline) but he almost never turns the ball over. Sekou, what did A.C. Law do to lose his tiny amount of playing time?

By ray

April 12, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Ken, it’s a vicious cycle. That’s all. Woodson leaves his starters in because he believes they are the only chance we have of getting back in the game. He doesn’t trust the bench to do it. He’s right. They can’t, most of the time. But he’s the reason they can’t. Those guys have no confidence. They play not to make mistakes, not to try and be effective. If you ask me, that’s as good an example of negative reinforcement as there is. He has not allowed these guys to develop. Some people still can’t see that and think that the guys don’t play because they have no talent. Bullsh!t. It’s true that the talent is limited, but it’s not nearly nonexistent.

Look at Mike Conley of the Grizzlies. Remember when he worked out here before the draft? Remember how everyone said dude could straight up NOT shoot? Look at him now. He’s droppin’ threes and other jumpers on people. Is he a good shooter? No…not yet. But as he’s allowed to DEVELOP, he will become better and better. Acie was supposed to be the better shooter. Because of Woodson’s control-laden dictatorship, he is a timid shooter at best. This guy WAS NOT like this in college AT ALL. You can’t tell me that what he did for 4 YEARS has suddenly gone away from him. NO WAY.

I was talking to Ando the other day and he was saying that we could pretty much scratch Acie’s first season in the league due to Woodson’s ineptitude and inability to develop young players. Basically, he said, you can’t judge him at all until next season. I have to agree with him on that one, hands down.

BA, there’s no arguing the point about Bibby’s defense. He’s a weak-side steal type of guy. His on-the-ball “D” is adequate at times, sometimes even good. But not consistently good. He’s definitely not a lock-down type of guy. Speedy was that kind of guy. But we won’t get into that can of crap…Anyway, we know what we’re getting with Bibby. A good shooter with good passing skills. He takes the pressure off of JJ by distributing the ball and scoring.

But as so many people continue to ignore…he has one year left on the contract. If he’s interested in staying, do you keep him? If the answer is yes, then what do you pay him..and what are you getting for your money? If it’s 14.1 and 6.1, then I say you pay him 10 million per. But would he go for that? And how does it affect your ability to sign other talent, both current and future? If he’s not interested in staying, then how do you compensate for the loss of his contribution? Tough, tough questions. I don’t envy those who have the decisions to make. But that’s why they are who they are and do what they do…right?

This is why Acie’s development is crucial. But no, Woody frakked it all up. Now Acie gets to start over. Sheesh…..

By richbrave

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

RB:

Well then pray that Philly beats the Wiz tonight, or that Toronto continues winning. It seems to be the only incentive the Wizards team players pay much attention to. This malaise of win when absolutely necessary will ultimately be their downfall. Doesn’t leave much margin for error. Also, if I attended games, I think it would discourage my buying season or package tickets. Since the team plays only when there’s a sense of urgency, I would prefer to attend games only where certain points in the standings carried any import.

By ray

April 12, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

CP, you’re right. We need Marvin to show up. I don’t know what happened to him last night. But he sure got his 40 minutes, didn’t he? That damn Woodson….

By Ken Strickland

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

RAY-Acie isn’t the same player that started the season, when Woodson was forced to play him extensive mins due to injuries. That’s when he more than held his own against some of the NBA’s elite PG’s. Now, Woodson won’t let him off the bench, and this fool somehow see’s that as coaching.

ALL OF YOU ADVOCATES THAT ARE UPSET BECAUSE WE DIDN’T DRAFT PAUL, ROY, FOY OR IGOUGALA SHOULD BE GLAD WE DIDN’T. IN FACT, THE ENTIRE NBA SHOULD BE PLEASED. I SERIOUSLY DOUBT IF ANY OF THOSE PLAYERS, ESPECIALLY ROY AND PAUL, WOULD BE CONTRIBUTING TO THE NBA THE WAY THEY ARE NOW IF THEY WERE PLAYING UNDER WOODSON.

There’s an old saying that applies to Woodson and it goes, “SOME PEOPLE ARE IN A BUSINESS THAT HAVE NO BUSINESS BEING IN THAT BUSINESS”.

By new jersey faithful

April 12, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Your are soooooooo correct Ken!! Now lets take care of bussiness and beat those bums from Boston…GO HAWKS!!!

By Eric Graves

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

Hey jami$$ion! I don’t hate the Hawks. I just believe that the somehow, because of Woody’s coaching, the Hawks will get kicked out of the playoffs after Indiana runs the table and win their last three games. We will not beat Boston tonight, and that means we will have to win back to back games Tuesday and Wednesday against Orlando “and” Miami. Consequently, Indiana will win the tie breaker and we will be ousted from the play offs.

We “have to win” two of the next three games or else we are in deep trouble, and since I don’t think we can beat Boston, we have to win both games against Orlando and Miami (back to back). I don’t think this will be as easy as we all think. So lets just hope and pray that we get luck and beat Boston.

By ignition

April 12, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

He has completely retarded Acie Laws rookie season.. The damage to his game and confidence could take years from his career. He has done the same thing with Salim.. He doesn’t know how to coach up talent and develop talent properly. I hate what he is doing to these young players and my team. Yes we MAY go to the playoffs dispite the horrifingly bad coaching. I can only hope we get to have a coach next year that will allow for the players to shine and develop.

By new jersey faithful

April 12, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

THE SAD THING IS, IF THE HAWKS DO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, WOODSON MAY BE OFFERED A NEW CONTRACT. THAT WOULD BE JUST AWFUL!!!

By jami$$ion

April 12, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

o eric it’s all good dog.it’s just so many hatas on here that sprout up u don’t know who the real fans r.once u said u hate woody i knew u were genuine.the only way i see the hawks winning is.start west to slow down pp(so jj won’t have to work so hard on d).plus now u have two good players coming off the bench(point forward chills & marv) that won’t f’up.2 bibby will be the difference.goodgame we win,if he’s off we lose.3rd a solid contribution from al. jj & smoove will be ready bet that.

By Ken Strickland

April 12, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

NEW JERSEY FAITHFUL-I doubt if Woodson’s fate will be predicated on us making the playoffs. Remember, before the Allstar break, and long before we were in any playoff contention, they refused all 3 of BK’s requests/attempts to fire him.

Tonight’s gm will be very interesting. If we make the playoffs, this will likely be the team we play. So, this could be a message gm for both teams. Also, losing this gm would make winning the last 2gms a virtual necessity if we are to make the playoffs.

GOOD LUCK TONIGNT MY HIGH FLYING HAWKS, AND GIVE THOSE SHAMROCKS HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By jami$$ion

April 12, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

It took a whole season but for the first time ever we are all in unison on one accord.AND IT FEELS DAMNGOOD TO SAY THIS.FIRE WOODY PUNKAZZ BY ALL MEANS NECESSARY DON’T LET THIS B!TCH FU(K UP ANOTHER ROSTER ,OR COACH IN THIS LEAGUE AGAIN! FOR THE LUV OF THE GAME AMEN

By Chikara

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

Listening to the game on NBA League Pass with BK giving Marvin Williams the Jason Collier Memorial Award. Great way to bring everyone together…now let’s get this win HAWKS and dedicate this victory to Jason!

By Ken Strickland

April 12, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

That was the 1st backdoor cut used since teams started overplaying us.

By Macon GA Eastsider

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

How dare you guys talk about woodson like that he is a god dont you see his steve harvey picture perfect lined up haircut!!!!????

j/k…Woodson sucks FIRE WOODSON!!!!

By Eric Graves

April 12, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Hey jami$$ion! I’m sorry man, but I don’t think Bibby is consistant enough to keep on this team with a big contract. As I said before a couple of days ago, I agree with the Sacramento Kings fan who said that Bibby has been inconsistant night in and night out ever since two years ago. We don’t need that type of point guard. It might be because of all his pass injuries and the fact that he is getting older.

The Hawks will not win tonight because Woody will “never” learn how to use his bench players; he is too stubborn and stuck in his own ways.

By richbrave

April 12, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Wizards step on the gas and have a 16-6 run into the half. D.C. up by four. Still anybody’s game.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

April 12, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Al Horford to KG- “I beat it up, I beat it up, I beat it up.” and he did- cleanly. Boo on the foul calls so far. No matter, we’re competing

Let’s get it. Love the competition.

RISE UP

By new jersey faithful

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

THESE REFS ARE AN ABSOLUTE JOKE!!!!

By Eric Graves

April 12, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Hey richbrave! Why are you talking about the Wizards. If you are concerned about the Hawks making the playoffs, you better hope the Bobcats beat the Pacers; it looks like the Hawks will not beat Boston tonight. If the Paces lose, the Hawks will have to worry about winning only one game with two games remaining after tonight.

By cp

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

The refs are horrible. Is Duck scared to dribble the ball up the court? I dont know how many times he has grabbed the rebound and throwed it away instead of bringing the ball up the court. Duck has to step up the second half. We need to get some outside shots to fall also. We are giving up way too many rebounds due to lack of hustle and not size. Guys are standing around while the Celtics are scrambling for every ball to come off the glass. It is going to take a better effort in the second half to win this game or for the Celtics to rest their starters. Luckily the Pacers are losing I just hope the Bobcats hold onto the lead.

By new jersey faithful

April 12, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Solo and Salim getting some serious burn…nice!

By Magic City

April 12, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

richbrave,

Who cares about the friggin’ Wizards?

By preston

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

Ken-you said a mouthful in your 3:10pm post today….dude you were spot on!!!……..infact what Woodson has done to Acie and Salim should be considered a crime. You are 100% correct to say that Paul and all of the other young pg’s that we passed up on would be no where near their level of current play had they been playing for Woodson. Woodson has single handedly turned Acie and Salim into two wondering zombies that have no idea of their roles on this team, we can only imagine what he would have done with Paul, Roy, Gay, and the others. Acie started the season showing good promise, and Salim has also showed that he can light it up when given a chance. But Woodson’s doghouse has proved to be a bigger adversary to this team than all of the teams in the league combined. “Woody” should be tarred and feathered for his handling of this team!! In the words of Clyde……… FIRE MIKE WOODSON!!!!!!

By Chikara

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

richbrave,

I’m trying to listen to the Hawks game, Wizards game, AND the Pacers game on NBA League Pass! Here’s hoping the Hawks can rally and the Wiz can get it in gear in the fourth quarter.

Keep on talking about our Wizards, at least they can beat the Celtics, something the Hawks haven’t done.

By jami$$ion

April 12, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

i told yall pp gone light up duck b!tchazz.rio need sum burn.fire woody

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 12, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

I still think they will lose this game, but it’s tied in the 3rd quarter, and Josh Smith is BALLIN’. Really good to see. If they can stay competitive in this game it will go a long way towards boosting their confidence when they meet again in the first round.

By Melvin

April 12, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Resign JSMOOVE now…

By new jersey faithful

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

Bobcats up by ten early 4th quarter!!!

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

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

Best 3rd qtr of the season. HANDS DOWN. 4th qtr now, time for Bibby to step up. Al Horford- nothing else need be said.

RISE UP

By Magic City

April 12, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

I guess Bibby’s trying to build a house with all the bricks he’s shooting tonight.

Looks like Acie Law has taken residence in Woody’s out house.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 12, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have played a great game, but Boston is predictably pulling away in the end, and here’s where you can see the difference between a veteran team with championship experience and a young team without championship experience. When Boston was down they knew it wasn’t time to panic and still executed and got good shots. Now Atlanta is down and they are rushing panicked shots early in the shot clock and committing stupid fouls by being too aggressive. You can’t ask for a better effort, but like I’ve been saying, this Boston team is just too good for the Hawks to even think about a first-round upset.

By mrprozach

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

Magic Number is 1

By richbrave

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

Wizards beat Philly. Gilbert Arenas the reason. “Tough Juice” out. I wasn’t kidding about the war between he and Paul Pierce in the last game. Gil had 20 in 26 minutes - his longest playing time since his return. One 3 from six feet behind the arc. Just unconscoius. Man, I hope he has a full recovery and signs for less, even if only for one year.

I see the Hawks are takin’ care of business. Great win when you needed it. How about winning 3 of your last four and cruising into the playoffs? Is that too cool or what? For the nay-sayers - HAH!

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

And we need Bibby to be the guy who can consistently come through in the clutch and do the testicle dance. As valuable as he is, Cassell’s just on another level when it comes to clutch shooting.

By Magic City

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

Unbelievable! The Celtics give the Hawks a break by playing their bench in the 4th Quarter - and the Hawks still can’t win!

Sam Cassell is absolutely torching them.

By DarkRyder

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

The Hawks can’t even beat the Celtics bench! That is pathetic no matter how much you wanna slice it.

I guess Atlanta’s saving grace is that Indiana lost so they will only make it because the Pacers will blow it, not because they can win when it matters most against real teams and their bench.

The Hawks are pathetic. Even when they make it enjoy the quick sweep.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 12, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

And on behalf of all Hawks fans, I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to the Charlotte Bobcats. Magic number = 1. Almost impossible to choke that away.

By richbrave

April 12, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Oops! I thought the 84-80 score was a final. Hope I didn’t jinx the win for the hawks.

By new jersey faithful

April 12, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Well, the Pacers lost, thankfully!!

By Chikara

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

For all of those who were giving richbrave a hard time talking about the Wizards, now you have to root for them to beat Indiana on Monday so they can make the playoffs.

How on earth did Atlanta allow Sam Cassell to beat them by himself?

By Hock

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

One rested team plays its bench, the tired out team does not. Guess which team collapses in the 4th quarter again?

By smartguy

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

What else is new?

Woody plays the same six players the whole game.

Mid fourth quarter, the same guys run out of gas.

Hawks lose.

Woody is the most stubborn, slow to learn coach I have ever seen. The fact that our players have overcome his horrible coaching is impressive.

If we didn’t have Woody as a coach, then I might actually think that we had a chance in a seven game series,

FIRE WOODY BEFORE ITS TOOOO LATE!!!!

By Melvin

April 12, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Another loss b/c of Coaching. You have to use your bench. how can you expect the same guys to play 40+ mins on back to back games. the guys simply ran out of gas at the end of the game. Woodson, simply has to go. he does not get it. he has no trust in his bench and can not develop young players. AC will be a 2nd year rookie next season along with Solomon and Salim b/c Woodson has fail to deve1op these guys during game situations…

By Gypsyjoe

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

25-15 2nd string against our 1’st you can not tell me that there 2nd string is better, but our guys are so frigrn tired. this is going to really come back to bite us I dont think woody will ever get it

By Gypsyjoe

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

25-15 2nd string against our 1’st you can not tell me that there 2nd string is better, but our guys are so frigrn tired. this is going to really come back to bite us I dont think woody will ever get it

By new jersey faithful

April 12, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

At one point in the game, the camera showed the Hawks bench after a nice play by the Hawks, and most were standind and clapping except Acie, he didnt seem into it at all. He must be sooooo p** right about now, and I dont blame him. Did he do something wrong to be benched like this??????

By Magic City

April 12, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

That’s the difference between the Celtics and the Hawks - the Celtics go out and get a clutch veteran player - Sam Cassell. The Hawks pick up a D-League player.

Look who the Celtics can bring off the bench:

James Posey, Sam Cassell, P.J. Brown, Tony Allen, Leon Powe, Eddie House - that’s almost another starting lineup.

By jami$$ion

April 12, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

there is no excuse to lose on your own court in a do or die game to the opponents bench!championships are won in the paint.why and when did we become a soft no contact getting,jumpshooting team.thanks jj bibby marvin.when u take it to the hole & get the foul then we’ll when. guess we’ll see that next year.yall played like b!tchez in the money quarter with the season on the line.unexcusable

By Mac-Town

April 12, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Lets be REAL here, we have a young team. An OVERWORKED young team with a SORRY COACH. Considering that they are a young team with a pathetic coach and basically NO bench, 5 or 6 games under .500 isnt that bad.

To sithere and say “ohh the hawks are pathetic, their starters are losing to the celtics bench” really isnt a fair statement..considerin that they have SAM CASSELL, a playoff experienced veteran, on that bench (and he was the ONE man knocking down all the shots.)

These guys are doing pretty good playing all these teams subbing in 10-11 guys or against our 6-7.

Blame Mike Woodsucks.

By Chikara

April 12, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Here’s some food for thought: Say that the Wizards do defeat Indiana on Monday, thus allowing the Hawks to clinch the 8th and final playoff spot? Since the Hawks can no longer obtain the 7th spot, does Woodson actually wise up and allow guys like Salim, Acie (if he’s not too stiff from zero playing time) and Solomon to actually play during the final two games?

Or does he pull a Rat Riley and exhaust his starters even more in meaningless games, claiming that they need to be in “playoff shape”?

I’m serious, for the sake of the health of Bibby, JJ, the Joshes and Al Horford, we need to hope the Wizards beat Indiana on Monday so they can actually rest.

Speaking of Horford, I do think tonight’s performance should’ve clinched the Rookie of the Year for Big Al.

Of course, if you read that ridiculous ESPN article by Marc Stein claiming that Durant should be the Rookie of the Year, it begs to explain this question:

Out of Durant, Luis Scola, Al Thornton, and Horford, which rookie had to play out of position the entire season? Horford. Which Rookie was the primary difference in getting the team in the playoffs? Horford. Also, which rookie was the most consistent the entire season? That’s right Big Al himself.

I guess the award will be based on number of points scored and commercials filmed.

By smartguy

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

Magic City, that lineup wouldn’t win ten games. The real difference in the two is that Boston’s coach doesn’t have his head up his rear.

By mykhalc

April 12, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

didn’t see much of the game but i know WOODSON is still clueless…REGARDLESS!!!

one thing i noticed from the boxscore and havin’ seen most of the games recently…CHILS is way off his game. and i can ‘almost’ trace it back to when he missed game clinchin’ FTs in one game and shot an airball in crunch time durin’ a HAWKS comeback in another game (can’t remember the games tho)

and all of this to say, when the team’s ‘lone and consistent’ sub is now not contributin’ then EVERYTHING IS ON THE STARTIN’ FIVE!!! and add WOODSON to the mix and all i can say is i will be VERY surprised if we make the playoffs!!! but i’m STILL hopin’ the team can somehow get past their HC and lack of close-out mentality!!! maybe INDY closes out with all loses!!! yep, might need to hope and pray for that too!!!

By cp

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

Get a damn small foward in here who can handle the rock and finish at the rim because that is something Duck Williams cant do. Can this guy finish at the rim with someone under the hoop? How the hell did he miss that shot at the rim? Another game of no adjustments by Mike Knapp. Everyone in the damn building knew Cassell was going to take the shot and ol Woodpecker did nothing to try and get the ball out of his hands. Thankfully the Pacers lost but man it sure would be nice to have a damn coach in here who recognizes who is on the floor and their tendencies. I mean seriously who in the world did not know that Cassell was going to go to his left and take those big shots. Why was Chill and Duck on him? The guy was on fire and for some reason Duck backed off him and Chill couldnt cover him. Might have been nice to send Mario at him to make him give up the ball or send a double at Cassell. Start interviewing coaches tonight. If Mike Knapp is back next year I will not support this team. I just cant keep watching our coach get out coached night in and night out. GET THE HAWKS A REAL DAMN COACH

By Magic City

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

smartguy,

You’re missing the point - what I’m saying is the Celtics have options off the bench - veteran players that can step in and perform - some of them are even former starters.

The Hawks have no real options off the bench - except for J-Chill and Zaza. No perimeter scoring options off the bench - except for maybe Salim.

By Harry Hawk

April 12, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

By the way, if I’m Mike Woodson and Sam Cassell does his “testicle dance” down the court against my team twice AND did a freakin’ DX crotch chop (that’s for your wrestling fans, I guess) to my home crowd, I’d be laying his punk a* out on the court. The Hawks have no enforcers on the team. That’s another problem at this time of year. Nobody on the Hawks’ bench can be a brute physical force to punish those who deserve it. There is no way Sam Cassell should have left Philips Arena tonight without needing medical attention first.

By new jersey faithful

April 12, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

kenI do NOT want Woodson back next year, BUT you must admit that whoever has been making decisions the last 4-5 years has really screwed up, so why would it change all of a sudden??? Whoever makes decisions could also look at the record and see it has gotten better every year Woodson has been here, and may want to offer him a contract, after all, this is the Hawks orginization we are talking about, it is very very possible! Lets pray im wrong!!!

By Harry Hawk

April 12, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Dammit, man. I’m p**. The Hawks don’t have a shot against the C’s in a playoff series, but they have to make the C’s remember them. The only way to do that is to step up and play some old-school basketball against them. Lay them out. Horford’s the only guy we have that I’d trust to do that…and we need him on the court. Damn, where’s Esteban Batista when you need him? At least that guy would lay a dude out by accident or something.

By Magic City

April 12, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

The Hawks did well to hang with the Celtics tonight - Boston is obviously a much better team.

Can’t blame it all on coaching - Cassell just made some tough shots down the stretch - he’s been doing that all his career. Great pickup by Boston. It must be nice to have someone come off the bench who can make clutch plays - just like T-Lue used to do for the Hawks.

By jami$$ion

April 12, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

A THAT LINEUP OF CASSEL PJ POSEY ALLEN AND BABY WOULDN’T WIN 5 GAMES. THEY’LL HAVE 70 PINGPONGBALLS. I SPEAK FOR THE REAL HAWKS FAN.KILL WOODY!KILL WOODY TONIGHT

By cp

April 12, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Im just baffled by the lack of adjustments by this so called coach. It was almost like he did not know who Cassell was and what he was about to do. Nique and Smitty kept saying you have to get the ball out of his hands because its his time to shine and he wants to take the big shots. How in the world does our head coach not know this? Maybe we need to get Marvin a bigger jump rope or some marbles or something because this guy went back to goofy tonight. I know he is still young and learning and all that crap but I would love to get a small foward in here who can handle the rock, play some d, and finish at the rim with some authority. At one point people thought we had too many fowards. Its years later and we still dont have a good all around small foward in my opinion. What is ol Donta Smith up to? I dont know whats going on with Childress. His free throw shooting has been way off lately and I think we should stop playing him at the pg because he is not able to do what he does best when he is forced to play the point. I guess Salim gave Law his old leash because Law cant even see the court now. Nique was saying how the coach has to get Law some minutes because you cant rely on Bibby to play all those minutes and add in fouls then you have to have the kid ready to play in the big stage. Too bad the coach does not understand that. The guy is a clown and should be fired as soon as the season is over.

By Magic City

April 12, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

jami$$ion,

I said that lineup is ALMOST like another starting lineup - I never said they should be starters. Ya’ll are missing the point. They make for a pretty formidable bench, though.

By richbrave

April 12, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the loss. But I guess the Charlotte win over Indiana closes them out. Now you only need a win over Miami or a Wizards win over Indiana monday night, right?

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 12, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Kill Woody? Is that gonna be on Clyde’s next shirt?

By mykhalc

April 12, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

cp, you are right about playin’ CHILS at pg. not workin’ out!! but even when he’s in for MARVIN his game is still waaayyyyyy off. the WOODSON effect affects ALL it comes into contact with…CLUELESS!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 12, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

With Chills’ shooting motion it’s amazing he has kept up such a good free throw percentage for such a long time in the first place.

I think someone on this blog told me a couple of weeks ago that Donta Smith was lighting up the Bulgarian league… which is probably Zaza’s next destination after his current contract runs out.

By Magic City

April 12, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Getting a new coach is only one step - the current players need to commit to get better in the off-season. For starters, J-Chill needs to improve his perimeter game - Marvin needs to work on his strength and range on the perimeter. Acie Law needs to work on his jump shot.

Finally, the bench needs a major upgrade. The current bench is too much of a drop-off from the starters.

Acquiring a big man wouldn’t hurt either.

By ugaman

April 12, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

OK everyone, Chill out. Even though I didn’t see the game, it’s obvious that we played well and ran out of gas near the end. I for one agree with everyone that Woody’s decision making is killing the Hawks, especially with his lack of trust in using the bench. However, I would put a lot more blame on Billy Knight and the ownership for the plight of the Hawks. Woody is obviously trying to keep his job and he believes the only way to do that is to win as many games as possible. So, since he doesn’t trust his bench, he is going to try to ride the starters and Chills as much as possible. He really has no choice but to play ZaZa because he is the only big on the bench that can somewhat play. I have watched enough games to know that Solo cannot contibute right now. He seems lost on the court and is not big or strong enough to hold his own on the court. He wasn’t developed because as bad as it may seem, Sheldon and Lorenzon were much better than him. Acie has been hurt to much this year to develop any type of consistency and played no defense whatsoever. He had a couple of good games, but he shot very poorly and really never showed that he could run the team, which is what Woody wants on the court. Salim definately cannot run the team and unless he is hitting his shots, he is useless. He’s to small to guard opposing guards and gets beat continously off the dribble. The only thing Salim does well is shoot when he is on the floor and frankly, he hasn’t done that well enough when he has been on the floor. So, really Woody has done the only thing he could do given the amount of talent left on the team after the Bibby trade (which I think was a good trade). If we could only have picked up Lue after he was released, then I think we would be in much better shape off the bench, but alas, it was not to be. I beleive that the Hawks have aslim chance against the Celtics because they showed they could play with them and they will have an off day between every game which will help the starters tremendously. However, Bibby must play out of his mind for and ZaZa must give us some meaningful minutes if we are to compete.

By DarkRyder

April 12, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Gee, richbrave, tell us something Chikara hasn’t already told us…

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 12, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Also gotta point out that we missed 9 free throws today. 62% free throws as a team. If the first-round series is gonna be competitive, the Hawks better stop leaving points at the line.

By FUNK DAT

April 12, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

I was at the game. All I have to say is we lost to the Celtic’s SECOND TEAM. If our starters can’t even win a game against Boston’s second team then we dont deserve to be in the playoffs. It seems that the Pacers let us off the hook though. In any case, I thought the Hawks had a chance to maybe take a game or two against the C’s. However, tonight makes me think the series will in fact be a very ugly blow out. Hopefully, Woodson will be gone no matter what the outcome. But I gotta put this one on our players. You cant get beat against a team’s second team no matter how tired u are. U gotta have more pride than that. I couldnt help thinkin that maybe the C’s were laughin at us hopin to lose this game with their second team so they could face us in the first round, yet somehow we still lost the game. All I have to say is that’s pretty pathetic. In any case, I’m still hopin for a miracle that the Hawks can turn it around.

By new jersey faithful

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

Maybe Chills is finally feeling the effects of hitting the floor so damn much! He is hitting the deck all the time, he must get banged up from that, so maybe his body is breaking down…..just an observation!

By richbrave

April 12, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

Certainly Darkman. What do you want to know? Is Woodson a control freak. I think so. Will Gilbert re-up with the Wizards. Don’t know for sure. Are the Hawks in? YES.

By woodsonsucks

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

Maybe Woodson will realize after tonight’s game that minutes do matter. The Hawks lost because they were dead tired. When will someone on this blog say something about JJ and his selfish play. This guy continues to force shots while being tripled team. Some nights he makes them but trust your teammates they are wide open. Josh Smith had a +/- of +17 everyone else was negative on the Hawks. Woodson way to show confidence in Acie Law. Does anyone else find it interesting as soon as Billy signed J Richardson for the rest of the year Woodson stopped playing him. Woody is a petty man that is why he is so disliked by his team.

By Ken Strickland

April 13, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

Even without the benefit of a scouting report, everyone but Woodson knew Cassell was going to try and take over the gm. When he’s not posting up, he always goes left when he intends to shoot. There’s no way Chills should have been playing him, at least not without double team help.

Sam is neither quick nor fast. So, you put Salim, Acie or West on him, pressure him full court and force him to his right. Whenever he goes left, you double and force him to give it up to the screener, who was either PJBrown or big baby. That would have prevented Sams heroics and forced their 2 bigs to make plays near the 3pt line.

It’s the HC’s responsibility to put his team in a position to win, and Woodson didn’t do that.

By woodsonsucks

April 13, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

**Hawks coach Mike Woodson said he regretted playing Bibby only 5 minutes in the second period. Bibby hit two straight shots to give Atlanta a 35-34 lead but watched with two fouls the last 6:39 of the half as the Celtics used a 21-9 run to take a 55-44 lead at the break.

“If I had to do it all over again, I probably should have had Bibby’s butt on the floor,” Woodson said** WHY DOES THIS IDIOT STILL HAVE A JOB? Didn’t he just say he was going to stop doing this. He also did this to Smith tonight. He is the ONLY COACH in the NBA who does this.

By new jersey faithful

April 13, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

And just think how the Pacers and their fans feel losing to the Bobcats at home. Thats ALOT worse then losing to the best team in the NBA!! Everybody and their mothers had the Pacers winning 2nite!!!

By Matt

April 13, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Tired of this. JJ is exhausted in the 4th and plays horrible. Woody still predictably calls his number on every play. Hawks lose again.

So sick of this. So damned predictable.

By MannyT

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

richbrave* why would Gilbert opt out to sign for less? You planning on giving back some paycheck if you have an off year?

I am looking forward to seeing the Wiz send the Cavs packing in the 1st round. Then the only team to win the season series against the Celts gets to put pressure on them in round 2 (unless Woody gets the good luck charm that Mutombo had when he was in Denver to win that 1 vs 8 matchup.)

The Hawks march into the playoffs reminds me of someone moonwalking…looks like they are moving in one direction, but it’s simply an optical illusion.

At least the crowd was into the game tonight.

Enjoy the ride or find a good psychologist because this organization could drive you crazy if you let it.

Did you notice Doc Rivers call a 20 sec timeout less than a minute into the 4th quarter. He saw something he didn’t like and went to nip it in the bud. Nice to see someone making quick adjustments on the court.

WAF

By Ramon

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

Sekou, I love your work. You’re the bes t writer this newspaper has by far. But I’m curious. You reported Paul Pierce saying the Hawks has a great trio with JJ, Bibby, and Smith. So in your mind (if you were GM or owner), from what you’ve seen this season, how much would YOU pay to keep Smooth in Atlanta this summer?

Also I would love to hear what the regulars answer is also..

By mykhalc

April 13, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

BIG AL has said…”We’ve got to go deeper. We have to play people, because we’ve got guys that can play here.”

as a HC WOODSON is an idiot!!!

By Harry Hawk

April 13, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

I saw that too, mykhalc. If Al understands the concept, then…maybe he should be the head coach? I don’t know, man.

By mykhalc

April 13, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

i think all the cats are frustrated and it’s gonna BLOW!!!!…especially if they cannot locked down a spot!!!

WOODSON is a bad joke as HC!!!

By Matt

April 13, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

Question:

So Smoove is a restricted FA and Agent Zero is unrestricted at the end of the year. However, let’s say that the Hawks somehow talk the Florida-born Arenas into coming closer to home. (The Heat lack the cap space to sign him thanks to the money tied up in Marion and D-Wade).

Would it be possible under the NBA free agency rules for the Hawks to do a kind of “double sign-and-trade” where they sign-and-trade Smoove to the Wizards, who sign-and-trade Arenas to the Hawks? I assume there’s no bar to it other than the fact that with unrestricted free agency, players needn’t worry about the hassles of sign-and-trade deals.

But that being said, if such a trade is legal, and if we could somehow convince Arenas to give Atlanta a look (which is at least possible, since the teams with cap room after this year aren’t exactly prime destinations), I think that landing Arenas would be amazing, and more than worth the cost of losing Smoove.

We’d probably have to throw in Claxton to make the salaries match up - but that’s all the better!

By MannyT

April 13, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this

Ramon your question is tricky due to the salary cap, the preferred style of the 2008-09 coach (Woody or not), the available roster slots and the status of both Joshes as restricted free agents.

Without getting too deep into it tonight, he is a priority, but all the other factors influence what you do to keep him and still add needed players to the roster.

My guess is an uneven contract (with one year bigger than most) to give the team some cap flexibility. My guess is 5 yr/60MM where he might get to opt out after 3 or 4 years.

They could play the Danny Ferry/Andersen Varejao game and save a few million, but is it worth it to take that chance. All this can be screwed up by an offer sheet from another team. Remember how we got JJ.

WAF

By mykhalc

April 13, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

Matt, right now, what i’m seein’ is , JSMITH wants to be a difference maker!! CHILS and MARVIN have caved in to the pressure. granted both are still young but we need a veteran BIG with attitude to go along with JS and HORFORD…IMHO

i said a few blogs back, it would be all about how the HAWKS played themselves into the playoffs…not even so much if they made it but how they played!!! and what i see first of all is a HC that flat out SUCK$!!!…PERIOD!!!! MW and JC have just folded under the pressure, the mins, the somethin’!!??? really disappointed in those 2 cats. now JJ has earned his check these last 2 weeks, no doubt!!! BIBBY’s had a couple of tough shootin’ nites, but i still like what he brings!!!

SMOOVE for ARENAS…guards are not our problem right now!!!

By ray

April 13, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this

I don’t care what anybody says. Two things I saw from last night’s game:

1)Al Horford is a grown-a$$ man who will not back down from anyone. Despite the crappy officiating, the replay clearly showed that he blocked Kevin Garnett’s shot. Garnett talked some smack, and big Al let him know that while he got called for the foul that time…KG had better expect to be denied the next time he took AL on. That kid did not back down ONE FREAKIN’ INCH. They replayed the “jawing” that led to a double technical. I’m proud of that kid, tough as nails. Kid? Did I say KID? Sorry, I meant grown-a$$ man!

2)Instead of talking so much bullsh!t, Paul Pierce should spend his time kissing Danny Ainge’s feet and praising the basketball gods. As good as he is, he is not what is carrying this team. Not by a long shot. It’s the great motivator, performer and teammate known as KG. It’s having a bench with wily veterans like Cassell and Brown. It’s having a truly dangerous sniper in Ray Allen. It’s a lot of things. Paul Pierce, shut your damn mouth and enjoy the ride. I never forgot what you said about JJ not deserving to be an all-star. You forgot where you came from: the dusty cellar of the east. Where exactly were you leading the Celtics all these years before KG and Ray Allen got here, huh? Far as I’m concerned, you weren’t doing any better than JJ…and you had more help (not by much). Shut up and enjoy what these other guys have brought you. Shut up. Oh, and we noticed what happened last night: when JJ got put on you…he shut your a$$ down. ‘Nuff said.

By ray

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

Matt,

I’m not clear on your exact thinking here. While Arenas is clearly an all-world talent…trade Josh Smith for him? And before you think it, understand that this is not a “pro-Josh Smith” argument coming at you. But let’s look at this: what are the Wiz going to do with Josh? He can’t replace Butler or Jamison. Both guys are superior offensive talents and nearly as good on the glass. Neither is defensively adept, but that’s not enough in this case. The Wiz need a better center. So where does Josh fit? Or do they end up trading one of their forwards (and who knows what else) to get a better center, meanwhile trying to replace their pg?

On the flip side of things…how does Arenas make us better? Well, the easy answer is that he provides such a level of offense such as we’ve not seen at the pg position…ever. But Arenas is like…”the man.” Sooooooo, how does he fit with JJ? Naturally I’d think that this would be the absolute deadliest backcourt in the league. But do those two fit together? Can Arenas give the ball up enough? It would be worth a try….

Only…we just lost a supremely athletic forward with some defensive capability that’s otherworldly. Oh, and over 8 boards a game. Somehow I don’t think Marvin will make up for that. And how will we be able to afford a center (which we will need even MORE with Smoove gone)? Sorry, but you KNOW you opened a can of worms with that one. I’m just thinking beyond the two players themselves. I really want to know what you’d do after trading one for the other. One thing is for sure, it would solve all of our pg and scoring problems. Wouldn’t solve our defensive issues, though. And guys like Al Horford would probably never see the ball again unless it was a rebound…

By mykhalc

April 13, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this

BIG RAY, call his sorry a$$ out!!! yeah boy!!!LOL $hit your post is gonna make me go back and watch the game tonite just to see HORFORD bring it at KG!!!

By mykhalc

April 13, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this

and just because the timin’ of the post is like it is, Matt i was referrin’ to RAY callin’ PAULP in his 1st post and not you!!! just wanna be clear ‘cause there’s enough confusion already just with WOODSON bein’ the HC!!!!

By ray

April 13, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

I agree with ANYONE who says the officiating sucked. It really did. Horford blocked KG’s shot. Replay showed it a half dozen times.

I respect Sam Cassell’s b-ball knowledge and ability. I could’ve done without his antics after hitting some of those shots. Somebody should’ve laid his butt right the hell out. Maybe we could’ve got Zaza to flop on him and cover his face with one of those armpits of his….I was so p** about some of the bogus foul calls he got. Anybody ever notice that Sam Cassell looks like “Gollum” from “Lord of the Rings”? Same head, same ugliness…

So Woodson admits that he goofed by not having Bibby in at the right time. Wow. Why is this a surprise, he’s been goofing crap up the whole time he’s been here? Second-guessing yourself to the media isn’t the smartest thing, either.

Anybody check out Jeff Schultz’s blog? He says Woody wouldn’t talk to him. Much as I can’t stand Woodson, I have to laugh at him telling Schultz to step the hell off, then answering EVERY OTHER REPORTER’S questions. Ha, take that ya damn blog/story/headline-stealin’ TROLL!

Just for that, we oughta dress Jeff Schultz in a monkey suit and leave him locked in a dark room with Bob Rathbun.

By ray

April 13, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this

Myk, it’s worth watching again just for that one play. Al hit those guys up for 17 and 11. He could’ve done even more. He’s a stud in the truest sense of the word, no doubt about it. Best draft pick in YEARS. I say that because while Josh Smith is clearly special…nobody drafted by and playing for the Hawks has had an impact in his rookie year like Al Horford. Not for years and years.

Najeh, I’m still nervous. Our magic number might be 1, but crazy things happen in a crazy world. I give our guys credit for giving the Celtics one heck of a fight. We need to fight like that all the time. If we do, we beat a LOT more teams. We gotta beat the next one. HAVE TO.

By ray

April 13, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Myk is right, I’m not callin’ *Matt out, just asking him for more of his thoughts. His suggestion is interesting, although I don’t think I’d do it. Or at the least, I’d not stop with that one move…

By mykhalc

April 13, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this

BIG RAY, exactly. i thought the same thing when i read Matt’s post. if that move was ever made it COULD NOT stop there!!! you said it and dead on-point in your post man. nuff said!!!

By Matt

April 13, 2008 3:49 AM | Link to this

Ray,

I admit I didn’t think too deep about why the Wiz would want to make that trade. I just live in DC now and have seen the way that Agent Zero can electrify a entire arenas (pun intended…sorry, couldn’t resist). He plays with tons of energy, but without Smoove’s recklessness.

As for getting a center…well, we’d obviously need to move Bibby after acquiring Arenas. No way the ASG would let us have a $50M backcourt!

I guess the ideal would be to pull off a 3-way deal. I could see the Blazers wanting to get a slasher like Smoove and play him at SF. And come to think of it, the Wizards might want to get a PG to be filler for the void that Arenas will leave behind…

That actually brings me to a possible trade…how’s this for ‘ya:

Hawks get: Gilbert Arenas ($18M) and Joel Przybilla ($5M)

Blazers get Josh Smith ($13M) and Antonio Daniels ($6M)

Wizards get Mike Bibby ($15M), Raef Lafrentz ($12.7M), and a 1st round draft pick (from Portland)

Makes sense for the Wiz because they’ll get two big contracts that expire after ‘09 - just in time to make a run at the ridiculous free agent class that will be coming up next year.

Makes sense for the Hawks because it gives them the best backcourt in the NBA and a bruiser at center.

Makes sense for the Blazers because they get Josh Smith in exchange for two big men they won’t really need with Oden coming back and McRoberts coming along (remember they also have Aldridge and Frye, so someone’s gotta go anyway). Daniels is salary filler, but he gives them depth and a tall, defensive stopper at PG - which they need since their perimeter defense is undersized and weak.

Yeah, I know. In reality there are plenty of weaknesses for everyone involved, and the Hawks could never pull off a deal like that. But hey, it’s 3:30am and I’m high on allergy medicine - so give me a break :)

By Matt

April 13, 2008 3:57 AM | Link to this

(I’ll sign off by pointing out that since the Hawks will never, ever match an offer sheet for $13M to keep Smoove, we’ll lose him for nothing if we don’t do a sign-and-trade with someone. So should try to get something back for him. And if we could somehow make that something be Agent Zero…)

By richbrave

April 13, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

MATT:

It makes too much sense. Never happen.

By terrell barron

April 13, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Thanks Charlotte!

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Hey Let Me Jump In Here

Didn’t get to see the game, I was on the road with my team - but based on the comments here. Looks like The Big-Rookie will break the 10 rebounds mark for the year - It’s his only shot I believe at being ROY or even Co-ROY for that matter for the purposes of political correctness!

I predict that may very well happen!

I believe Grant Hill shared that ROY trophy with someone else? Perhaps the only time in the History in the game where the trophy was shared. The Durant Kid is a media favorite and the award is certainly perceived to be his to lose!

Al Horford is the Real-Deal He actually reminds me of The Mail-Man in underoos! He is still a growing boy. Wait until his body fills out some more. He is in my opinion our Dwight Howard & his upper body strength is - WOW! His shoulders looks exactly like Karl’s & Dwight’s to me.

Very Strong in the Paint! He is our #4, J-Smoove is our #3 who has the mentality of a #5 - very rare & special talent (It’s the HC’s job to figure out how to use him!). I think Marvin may be the odd-man-out!

I see this team, and it doesn’t seem to have the right mix of players to play FUNDAMENTAL basketball - to me. There seems to be a collection of talent with no really-defined-roles!

In other words - No one seems to know what the hell is expected of them and they just don’t seem to Hustle & Flow like them’ Pistons, Celtics, Utah or S.A. - For that matter!

Why don’t we run some set plays like the fundamental pick and rolls! I never see anyone on this team who can set a freakin’ pick (The way Horry does for S.A. at age 103!)

I see a lot of standing around on offense, no really urgency to get a good shot in that 24 secs. Sometimes they share the ball and play defense - But only occaisonally.

Who’s Fault is this? Every Freakin’ Body!. The whole darned thing is just flawed. Sam Cassel is who we thought he was (E.T.’s older brother) - And we gave him some M & M’s and put his old a s s up in our guest room!

Some teams kill the ENEMY - Hell, we just leave the light on for them and turn the sheets back with sweet chocolates gently placed on the pillow for them!

That Is just - WRONGE!

I hate Losing! We need a Winner in this beautiful City! We need a balanced team and a HC!

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Hey Great Article posted today by - None other than:

sekou A Paul Pierce Qoute:

“When you’re playing a team that you might see in the first round of the playoffs, you want to beat them because you don’t want them to think they can beat you,” he said. “You don’t want to give a team like this confidence going into the playoffs. They are a very talented team. On any given night, Joe Johnson can go for big numbers, and he was great tonight. Joe, Mike Bibby and Josh Smith are a great trio, and one of the great up and coming trios in the NBA, and with their role players they can be very dangerous.”

Hey Fellas Here is my point:

We as fans have a closed and emotionally based opinion of the HAWKS because we are just way to involved. Why? Well - Because that’s what FANATICS do! We go overboard in every way. Sometimes, when we step back things look differently:

You never MISS What You Have - Until It’s Gone!

The Grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side of the fence!

Consider - an Unbiased professional opinion from Paul Peirce. He was that guy (J-SMoove)once - Before Help Arrived one X-mas day

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Hey sekou

This Blog has run out of gas. This tank is on empty when we start talking about broke-knees Arenas with two games left to play for a PLAYOFF spot.

I liked your article today with the game summary and qoutes - that was nice. MMMMH! Would have been a great BLOG-TOPIC for today only.

We need a new BLOG everyday for the next 3 days (to create excitement) Hey do it for the CITY - It’s time for you to step up your game too! ;) smile.

By woodsonsucks

April 13, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Matt You just said that Arenas is not more reckless that Josh Smith. I would beg to differ on that. He avg. more turnovers and is has a 40%fg. He also is only shooting 28% from 3pt. Maybe you can pick a player who is playing well and proves that he is the same player before being hurt. Arenas is probably behind Artest as the craziest guy in the NBA. You don’t have a problem with his team playing just as well without him as with him. I think if JS missed the same amount of games that Arenas missed the Hawks would be giving Phoenix a high lottery pick. Your lack of respect for Smith’s talent is amazing.

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Here’s what we have:

After, that we still have a load of talent - We need to DEFINE their roles! Oh Yeah - And don’t forget, We have no #5.

Marvin Williams is in no way a STARTER! (he could be a big gun off the bench, but he needs to develop a 3-point shot big time to add value to his decent game)

That would immediately increase the Bench Scoring. We have the best Bench in the NBA - but we just haven’t UN-COVERED that fact yet!

I would start Mario ahead of Marvin!

I’m Just Sayin!

By Angry Tim

April 13, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Woody is so bad that it makes me wonder if he has something on Gearon and Levenson that they just can’t fire him.

WHY IS THIS CLOWN STILL OUR HEAD COACH???

By ray

April 13, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Matt, interesting thoughts.

I agree that the possibility exists that we don’t match a high offer sheet for Smith. I pointed this reality out some time ago, earlier this season…as well as the need to examine what must be done if our management decides he’s not worth what another team is offering. I got blasted for it (ahem…Reese). I don’t want to see this happen, but it may actually happen. Hence the idea of sign-n-trade so that we don’t lose out so badly. Although of course, Billy says we are going to resign him (and Childress). We’ll see. Personally, I don’t know that Arenas and Pryzbilla are what I’d consider good long-term compensation. Arenas is a star, but will he help this team to the next level and beyond? I don’t know that he can do that for the Wiz, let alone us. And Pryzbilla is a big, strong, rebounding/shot-blocking body that we can use…but I’d rather give up someone else to get him. But that’s just me.

Guys, have y’all noticed something? The tougher things get, the more intense…some guys are showing up…and some guys are not. Say what you want about Josh Smith’s sometimes frustrating play…but he and Al Horford showed up big time against the Celtics. And not just against the Celtics. Here we are in the most intense games these current Hawks have seen (as Hawks players), and Josh is showing himself to be quite the man. So is Al (as if you needed me to tell you that). Where are Marv and Chill? In the words of Ando…”I’m just sayin’”

By jami$$ion

April 13, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

WHATS UP HAWKS AND HAWKETS?DR.MARYB MY SENTIMENTS EXACTLY.MARVIN DOESN’T BRING ANYONE THING THAT IS EXCEPTIONAL OR DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS DIFFERENT IN OUR STARTING LINEUP.BUT HE WOULD BE A QUALITY SECOND UNIT PLAYER. BUT AT THE SAME TOKEN WEST PLAYS EXACTLY OPPOSITE OF MARVIN.HE BRINGS ENERGY,GREAT ONE ON ONE DEFENSE,PLAYS FEARLESS LIKE EVERY GAME IS HIS LAST,CAN HANDLE THE ROCK AND FINISH AT THE RIM.I HOPE WE KEEP HIM AND LET HIM PLAY UNDER A REAL COACH NEXT YEAR.THE BUCKS ARE GOING TO GET CARLISE?WTF?

By Ken Strickland

April 13, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

I want to ask a couple of questions because maybe I missed something. (1)How many of you think the outcome could have been changed if Woodson had made some adjustments to stop Sam Cassell? (2)Did anyone see Woodson call for a single double team to get the ball out of his hands? (3)Knowing he’s most dangerous going to his left, did anyone see Woodson direct anyone to force him to his right(this is assuming Woodson looks at the scouting report)? (4)Knowing he’s not quick or fast, did anyone see Woodson instruct anyone to try and deny DEF on him? (5)Did Woodson even call a timeout during his heroics? The fact is, I’ve only seen Woodson employ 2 types of DEF strategies. (1)ZONE (2)PUT JJ ON HIM

JJ was so exhausted in the final mins of the 4th qtr, he resorted to pushing off to get open. We also started missing key FT’s due to fatigue.

Woodson’s post gm comments are truely revealing of his selective reseasoning and narrowminded focus. Everyone, including him, witnessed the 4th qtr performance by Cassell, which definitely was the difference in the gm. Yet, he chose to focus on the 3rd qtr when he didn’t reinsert Bibby. Hell, the 3rd qtr was by far our best qtr of the game. WHY DIDN’T HE MENTION OR ADMIT TO DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO STOP, CONTAIN OR SLOW CASSELL DURING THE 4TH QTR?

THE ISSUE AT THIS POINT ISN’T WOODSON BECAUSE WE KNOW WHAT WE’RE GOING TO GET FROM HIM, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW NOW IS HOW THE SAASG IS VIEWING HIS HEAD COACHING PERFORMANCE, OR THE LACK THERE OF.

By smartguy

April 13, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Ken, the SAASG clearly thinks that Woody is a good head coach. Otherwise they would have replaced him by now. What that tells me is that the SAASG is completely clueless, and that they are they ones really at fault for letting this go on for as long as it has.

Does anyone have confidence that the SAASG will be able to pick an effective replacement for Woody? Watch them bring back Stotts, or maybe even a Mike Woodson coach-a-like.

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Hey jami$$on

Great Minds - Think Alike! You see this team & franchise exactly the same way I do.

KenS

Great stuff as usual. Greatly articulated points that make some sense on here. For Sam E.T. Cassell to drag his 48 year old butt in here and embarrass this team at HOME?

That was just - WRONGE!

There should have been some adjustments made to Stop-That ISH!

By ray

April 13, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

In fact, Smith has had quite an April. Averaging 20ppg, 79% on free throws, 47% on FGs, 3.7apg, 2.1 turnovers per, 2.1bpg, 8.7rpg. Still not a three point shooter, but the only game this month that he took more than two threes…he made all three of them. The took 2 in two other games, 1 in one, and none in another, putting him at 3-8 (37.5%). In the meantime, his midrange shot has begun to fall more. Not a whole lot more, but more. Two turnovers a game isn’t bad. All I’m saying is this: with these really important games in the most important month we’ve had in a long time: Dude is getting it done. Not bad for a supposed dumb-a$$, huh?

Now that I’ve stirred THAT pot again…..heh heh heh!

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Hey Great Stuff on the:

AJC’s ALL-NBA TEAM this year. Check that out - It’s pretty accurate. Always room for debate but pretty darned accurate!

By mykhalc

April 13, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

WOODSON’s gotta go…PERIOD!!! if the SASG DO NOT see that then i gotta go!!!

By richbrave

April 13, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Narrow-mindness, control issues, and failure to react to circumstantial change are indicative of a type of O-CD. Do clubs ever give prospective coaches personality-profile tests before they are hired.

By richbrave

April 13, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

drmaryb:

The blog is not out of gas because you are on it. High energy and solid, rightous commentary. You go girl. HAWKS are in. The FAB FIVE rules.

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Hey ray-star

Good job on the research, I love Bloggers who go get the facts and bring the heat to the argument. I don’t have the time to do it - So I appreciate that kind of stuff.

I didn’t know Smoove was having that great of a month with all the awards going to Al & JJ over here. But, I could sense Josh had stepped up his game, intensity and focus:

That is my point: With Josh you already know what your’e gonna get - BETTER WITH AGE!

By ray

April 13, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

richbrave, nice analysis.

Ken, you are the true definition of “rage against the machine”. Woody and “scouting report” do not go in the same sentence. I’d say that’s a good joke, but it won’t be funny to me until Woodson is gone and we can laugh about how bad things used to be. Ah, to dream of a brighter future…

By DecDawg

April 13, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Ray,

I have to agree with your comments that Horford and Smoove can play big at big moments. The common factor being they both play with HEART. Those two players have more heart and play with more emotion than the rest of the team combined. Even there mistakes typically involve aggressive effort.

I just think part of the reason the other guys aren’t showing up is the non-system of Mike Woodson. Basically, all TWO plays in the playbook are for JJ. Marv and Chills try to stay within Woodson’s system to their detriment. Smoove has the attitude that he’s going to leave his mark on the game and makes his own opportunities. Horford’s a man on the boards and creates his own opportunities off of effort.

We really just need to get rid of Woodson and get a new coach so this group can evolve as a team. I’m trying to reserve judgement on everyone’s game until I see them play for a real coach.

By FUNK DAT

April 13, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Dear ASG, Please FIRE MIKE WOODSON.

Thanks Douchebags, A frustrated fan.

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Hey RichBrave Get Em’

My football team lost last night with 3:53 minutes to play - it went into O/T

(using the college shoot-out rule:each team get’s the ball on the 20 with a fresh set of 4-plays) We: Passed, Ran, Passed & Passed for the loss.

IMHO - We should have run 4 times and smashed them in the mouth - they looked tired. But hey I am not the HC just a team doctor. So, what do I know? My team has only lost three times in three years. (Last Night was #3) We are the 2006 National Champs!

I think I know a little bit about what WINNING feels like!

I miss you ! - Sorry , I had to DISS’ our boy ARENAs with them’ Broke-Knees. (smile) But, trading J-Smoove for him makes absolutely no sense at all. We need a #5 PEOPLE!

You don’t trade away assets & strengths to make lateral moves. We need specific things & right now that is not a #1 nor #2 - Sorry Folks!

But - I Gotta Keep it Real! - on Here. period.

Yeah, rich I am so sick about my team losing - that’s where the passion is coming from today! I am fired up - in general! I’m Breaking Stuff right now! I think I am gonna throw the NERF-BALL at my Plasma Screen today - Yeah that’s make it feel better. I hate LOSING!!!!!!

People J-Smoove is the most exciting player this franchise has seen since NIQUE. Yeah, they’re different types of Small Fowards - Their games are so different in so many ways. But the Similarities are quite uncanny - The Wow! Factor! - Is their commonality. That comes along very very rarely in life, relationships and yes - Even in Basketball!

So, be very careful with all the casual nonsensical conversation re: letting this freak go!

By jami$$ion

April 13, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

A drmaryb thats just how i c it.What trips me out is there proposterous trades.For one the salaries much match,therefore you’ll have to sign josh 1st.2nd if i don’t have alzhiemers we had pryz he ain’t work out.So we give up josh & bibby for gil?3rd y would DC give up a expiring contract this year to recieve another one for next year stupid da?and on top of that the ultimate bad contract.

By ray

April 13, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

drmaryb, thanks.

DecDawg, I have to concede that point to you. After all, if it weren’t for Woody, I think we’d be more certain of Acie Law being our pg of the future. As it is, we don’t know what to make of him due to Woody’s…issues. I’m tired of complaining about this guy. But I’m not gonna stop….

By Ken Strickland

April 13, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Please let me know if you see this differently. Doc Rivers and the Celtics took this as an easy win. However, the Hawks took it to them big time, and they were shocked. They became very arrogant and even tried a little verbal intimidation, but they got it thrown back in their faces. Doc played his regulars a lot longer than he wanted because he wanted to send a message.

The Hawks came out for the 3rd qtr and zoomed past them for the lead. It wasn’t until the early part of the 4th that he benched his regulars. At this point, Doc was willing to concede the win to the Hawks, if they wanted it. We lost this gm because of Sam Cassell’s 4th qtr performance, and Woodson’s refusal or inability to do a damned thing to try and stop him.

WHEN THESE YOUNG HAWKS 1ST SECURED THE #8 PLAYOFF SPOT, THEY HAD A CHANCE TO WIN OUT. WE COULDA/SHOULDA BEATEN PHILLY, INDY AND THE SHAMROCKS. THESE YOUNG HAWKS, AND THEIR FANS, HAVE BEEN BETRAYED HC MIKE WOODSON AND THEIR OWNERS, THE SAASG. THE ONLY THING THAT KEEPS ME FROM GOING POSTAL(YES, I’M A RETIRED POSTAL WORKER, SO YOU KNOW I’M READY, WILLING AND ABLE, HEH, HEH)IS SEEING THESE HAWK PLAYERS COME TOGETHER ON THEIR OWN, AND MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IN SPITE OF WOODSON AND OWNERSHIP. I’M TORN BETWEEN FEELING PRIDE FOR THESE YOUNG HAWKS’ ACCOMPLISHMENTS, UNDER TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES, AND SUPREME ANGER AT THE LACK OF SUPPORT GIVEN TO THEM BY MGT.

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Jammi$$on

I feel your posts! Every word is my equal opinion. For some reason, we match up extremely well with the MAGIC. We get them at home & should clinch then. If not, then we got take it to the HEAT on the road!

For me, the PLAYOFFS are a forgone conclusion with the 2-game cushion we got against the KNICKERBOCKERS coupled with the PACERS loss to the HORNETS. All we need is 1 of 2!

Finally, the city of Atlanta, get’s a freakin’ break - after all the VICK ISH!

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Hey KenS

Can I get an AMEN! From the congregation?

I knew I should have cashed my check on Friday (here comes Pastor KenS passing that offering plate). It’s Sunday PEOPLE - So, the least we can do on here is speak some TRUTH about the WHOLE matter!

Ken said it best:Hey Ken be proud of what these young HAWKS have given us the FANS and Atlanta the CITY!

A PLAYOFF BUZZ finally in 9 Years!

When,you look at it - We are a West Coast style team playing on the East Coast. (Nobody but JJ & JS plays great Defense)

Not only that, most of our talent comes from out west:

Think about it - Chill-Lax, Marvin, Salim, Bibby (via Sac-Town - I don’t know his true birth place?)

But here’s my point: These players grew up on it & identify with West Coast Style Ball. NO DEFENSE - WHATSOEVER!

Like ray-star articulated earlier, I believe, The BEST baskestball, right now - Is being played in the EAST People! Boston & Detroit.

The most COMPETITIVE basketball is being played in the WEST! Please understand this distinction - before you crown the next CHAMP!

I predict the WINNER: Boston or Detroit so Take your PICK - Because , I don’t see S.A. beating either team!

By Angry Tim

April 13, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

drmaryb, I beat my little brother at chess last night, so I know what WINNING feels like, too. How many fans were at your game last night?? Must be big time.

I guess I shouldn’t rag on you too hard, because one of the reasons I really like reading your posts is that they are so extreme, overblown, and illogical - they’re really entertaining. I’ll look forward to your counter attack.

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Sorry Angry Tim

Your request has been declined. Your comment does not illicit a response!

Your are out of your weight - classification.

Put on some muscle and check back in a couple of years

By mykhalc

April 13, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

is the resign SMOOVE thread still goin’???!!!LOL seriously tho, the cat has talent, HEART, and DESIRE to be one of the league’s best. and as drmaryb said, age and experience are only gonna make this cat better!!! he and JJ have really shown me a lot these last 2 weeks. oh, gotta add EL GATO GRANDE to the mix too!!! those 3 have balled…PERIOD!!! and i’ll take BIBBY with his bad couple of games too!!!

PPIERCE finally said somethin’ right about the trio JJ, BIBBY, and JOSH. but we gotta add HORFORD in the mix too!!! PP was probably holdin’ back on the props ‘cause BIG AL stuffed his boy KG last nite and then talked smack after doin’ so!!! the nerve of the rook!!!! yeah baby!!!

oh yeah, what i CANNOT take is WOODSON!!! the cat is absolutely killin’ this team…PERIOD!!!!

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

To all the People who love WINNING half as much as I do!

I support the IWFL team. Hey, it is what it is! (a small market team with loyal fans who FLY to all the games) What I love most about the team is they are WINNERS!

They Lose like one-time every other year - one undefeated season & National Champs in 2006 from 47 teams total. We beat Los Angeles for the Championship!

They all have extremely positive attitudes and they all support one another on & especially - off the field.

And they all have F/T Jobs and great Careers & Some even are married raising kids - in addition to this football team!

Winning - at any level - is just that WINNING I’ll take it! Any way I can get it - It’s an ATTITUDE - really & Not much more than that!

We play half time at most GA-FORCE games, If you are there - you will see them play! It’s pretty neat stuff!

(The team is owned by a 26 year old single black female)

I am in AWE of that!

By mykhalc

April 13, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

oh yeah BIG RAY, i went back to watch the 1st half after your post last nite. and it was worth it, no doubt!!! seein’ AL talk smack to KG was priceless!! and did you see KG on the line as he was takin’ the foul shots???!!! he KNEW he had been had!!! in fact so much so that he got the double tech talkin’ smack to MARVIN!! he had already decided to leave EL GATO GRANDE alone!!! the shoulders are just a bit tooooo wide for KG!!!!LOL (and i luv what KG brings but lovin’ BIG AL’s game and desire just as much!!)

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Yeeeah! mykhalc

You Feel - ME? We got something good going here & we are moving in the right direction.

Yeah! Woody may have been the right choice for a Seragate-sp Father to these KIDS - But is he the right GUY to take them further & to the next level? I Think Not! Even if the KIDS may think he is! Which I doubt that!

If the owners polled the entire team and trainers and support staffers (including the floor wipers and ball boys)?

The Bench Vote alone would get WOODY run-up-out-of-here!

By mykhalc

April 13, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

yeah drmaryb, i’ve said a few times over the course of the year, i think WOODSON was probably not such a bad choice 4 years ago…when his duties ‘mostly’ were keepin’ 19yr olds from buyin’ alcohol and sneakin’ into the spots!!! i think he was given the title of HC to further his career while not ‘really’ bein’ given a team!!! a perfect match…4 YEARS AGO!!! now we just flat out need a REAL HEAD COACH…PERIOD!!!

By Sekou K. Smith

April 13, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

New blog coming shortly (for those of you itching to vent here).

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Fellas

Check this out - Doc Rivers Qoute about his half-time speech to his team:

**”At halftime I told our coaches I thought we honestly had a better chance to win tonight with our second unit than our starters,” Boston coach Doc Rivers said. “You could just see it, in that third quarter, that their energy was low.

“I said, ‘Listen guys, I don’t know if we’re going to win or lose, but we’re not going to play this way.’ “**

MMMMHH! I wonder what did WOODY tell our GUYS? I’m Just Wunderin’?

By mykhalc

April 13, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

he talks about the 2 plays in his playpage for 15 mins!!! CLUELESS!!!!

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Hey sekou

Sorry, I had to ruff’ you up!

But as the 2-Live Stews Say: The TRIGGER has no Heart!

This Blog Title - As you can see - Is a little out-dated. The Knicks is yesterdays NEWZ!

But, as you can see - We Make Do! That’s What REAL BLOGGERS Do! We got your back and will keep shoveling the coal until more qualified help arrives!

Hey, I know your’e a printing press over there. Don’t think all your hard work is going UN-NOTICED! I liked the article today & The AJC ALL-NBA team stuff was real cool too!

But if JJ can play 48 minutes per night? YOU CAN TOO!

smile & LMBoobiesO

By ronald

April 13, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

you know i really hope that the hawks don’t make the playoff because if they play like they are playing now it will not be any thing to see to be stuck on stubit like the orginization is it’s sad i use to like the hawks now i hate them i never throught that i every come to dislike the way they play like them not making any kind of efford at all and how Mike Woodson playing his player it seem like they don’t know when to thank and how to thank

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Hey ronald

It’s may be 5:00 somewhere - But not here! You really need to talk to someone about APATHY and what you can do to work on it. Just a suggestion -

The D key is one row below and two keys to the left of the T!

What does that tell me? Drunk or Sober - Your Dumb A S S can’t spell! LMBoobiesO

If you are some wise guy tryin’ to be funny?

I’ll give you a Grade D-

By g-thang

April 13, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

question…the poll on the Hawks page, will the Celts win in 3, 4, or 5 games. Aren’t the 1st round games still 7 games (2-3-2 format). So the poll is a fallicy in that the Celts can’t win in 3 games if it is a 7 game format

By smartguy

April 13, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

drmaryb, how silly of me. The IWFL? Oh yeah, thats one acronym I recognize right off the bat. Congrats to the owner, but I also have a black female friend, and I can guarantee you that her car is worth more than your franchise. 47 teams? sounds like a cluster-uck if I have ever seen one.

I love how I pick a fight with you, but you decline to enter, yet, in your next breath you blow out ronald (who said nothing of you). You are so much smarter than the rest of us. Weight class? You’re too scared to even get in the ring?

I also enjoy a relatively new blogger telling me that I need to be here for a few years to have an opinion. Didn’t you just hit this blog a month or two ago?? I’ve been here for a lot longer than that, sweetheart. You sure I’m the one that needs more credibility?

And as one final note, I know that you think you’re doing miraculous work, but I have never known ANY doctor (even a chiropractor) that has the free time you do. Most doctors I know barely have time to do their jobs and spend a little time with their loved ones. You have so much time on your hands that you are always on here talking non-sense (but like I said, I do like reading your crazy posts).

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Ask & Ye Shall Receive New BLOG!

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Another Pretender has been exposed:

smartguy aka: Angry Tim

That just about say’s it all! Now that is a TRUE Oxy-Moron! Where there is smoke - there is usually a fire!

You don’t need to worry about my time - apparently I have an extremely successfull practice - Therefore, apparently I can afford to Blog with time left to spare! (which I only do at certain times & not daily)

BTW Loser, Most doctors don’t work on SUNDAYS! Geez! When your’e making 10k/day you tend to have more time than money - you should try it! It’s a pretty neat life-stlye!

Don’t HATE - CONGRATULATE!

Y A W N! Roll Over & Back to Sleep - Wake me when your’e done….LMBoobiesO

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Work-aholics Like me?

Our work days start at 5:30am

In the office at 7am daily - Wurkin Hard

Lunch Break from 12pm - 3pm daily.

(In the GYM or Marketing or Corp-Training during Lunch - No rest for the HUSTLERS!)

Back at work from 3:30pm till 8:00pm. Return all calls and answer E-mails from 8 to 9pm. Billing Insurance Companies Non-Stop & Typically til 2am - Daily!

(3.5 hours sleep on the average for 10- years straight!) I earned this freedom & you can EARN it too!

Always Wurkin Never Sleepin - That’s what ballers do! I can sleep when I am dead.

It’s called having a SYSTEM! & being extremely intense & disciplined:

My Practice Training cost $10k for 6-months. Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of HIghly Effective People is the KEY! (You Should Read it Sometime!) A NEW YORK TIMES - BEST SELLER!

It’s no secret - It’s a lot of education and even more hard work. Ten years of college and a lot of planning $243k in Student Loans and building powerful relationships - Knowing People Who know People also Helps!

Hey dumb-A S S thanks for asking - and keep working Hard While I am working SMART! LMBoobiesO!

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Hey RichBrave

By the way, the weather in FLA is phenomenal. I am sittin’ here on the beach doing the vacation thing this week! It’s spring break people & Life is Good!

I got my drink & my laptop! That’s how WE do! (Ahem!) I mean Players & Winners do! Go Hawks! hey dumb-guy don’t work too HARD!

By smartguy

April 13, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Now thats what I’m talkin about. drmaryb, I know this blog is over, but if writing under two names is what it takes to get you going, then I’ll be sure to do it again. Forget that its Sunday, you are on here all the time during the week with nothing better to do, we’ve all seen it.

Most of us make a post, then check back every now and then. You are constantly making conversation, many times with your own self. Good work.

If you’re so rich, why haven’t you made an investment in that awesome football league you work for??

Why do you assume that I live in Atlanta? I live, on a day-to-day basis, in a better place than you are visiting. Again, I love your rants and off the wall assumptions. In fact, the lack of sleep would explain a lot. I’ll save some more for later, but haven’t you had an argument with just about everyone on here by now? (except for rich that is)

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

One more thing dumb-guy

I’ll leave this trash on this old BLOG as a parting SHOT - (New Blog & new conversations! are next door!)

Most black females own a car - that is no real feat! How many black women own a professional football team?

I only know of ONE to date

There is no comparison in these diabolically different accomplishments!

Actually owning a car (which in most cases - is a secured loan & the bank actually owns the car) Is a pretty basic , shallow & unremarkable experience.

Hell, I bought my first car & paid cash for it in the 9th grade.

Maybe the dumb-guy with all his doctor friends and girl friends who actually own a car can have a party at his house of something! Maybe a group CAR-WASHING PARTY would help them’ all feel better!

MMMMMH! AAHH! YES - LIFE IS GOOD for the simpletons!

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Because I am SMART with my Money I don’t buy everything I see! I drive a ten year old car - Because I can! & (because it’s in showroom mint condition) - Not because I have to!

Contentment is the key to KEEPING your money! I have never In my life had one car payment, since age 15! Now - Who is really smart?

I will pay my student loans before I pay myself! It’s called being Debt-Free and Living within ones means.

Millionaires don’t spend their Money - Therefore they have MONEY!

You and your dumb a s s broke friends wouldn’t know ANYTHING about that!

Now, you can go back to sleep & stop worrying about what I do with my time ! and with my MONEY!

Get over it! It’s not gonna change Until - I SAY SO!

By drmaryb

April 13, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Ahem! I don’t WORK for anyone! I volunteer for the Football team & sponsor them with my own time & money.

It’s called exposure, marketing and building for the future. I was also offered the same oppty with the WNBA last week! (because of my work with the IWFL) But, Ahem! Ahem! - You wouldn’t know anything about that!

I can lay on my a s s - do absolutely nothing and make money! Collecting rents on 6 properties also helps out a little! Ahem! Ahem!

Next Blog Puh-Lease! I’m Done here!