Hawks

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s good to see that the embarrassment that was Game 1 seems to have lit a fire under the players’ azzes. Like I’ve been saying, I see us winning maybe 1 game if even that in this series, but I did feel before the series started that we could keep this series competitive and not get blown out. Clearly that didn’t happen Game 1, but I’m still confident they can look respectable in losing game 2 if they try.

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Nothing unusual. Fans want to WIN! Hey fellas, dont feel bad. My homeboy just came in town from Milwaukee and guess what was the first thing to come out of his mouth? I CANT BELIEVE WE PASSED ON PAUL FOR BOGUT! We’re not alone people!

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Bibby better back it up, with a better showing tonight?

By A Real Fan

April 23, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Drive the ball! Get the Celtics in foul trouble.

By KJ

April 23, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Good Blog. Bibby has to bring it tonight, However that might be just what the doctor ordered to get the other guys on the team lit up. The hawks that is. If we come out and play with everyone on it will be a better contested game and we might even be able to pull off an upset in beantown. If Bibby’s words offended fans just imagine what a triple double and a hawks win tonight will do. Let’s go get em boys! LIHF. (Lone Iraq Hawks Fan)

By corey

April 23, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

i just hope he can back it up wit his play if not he will look like an a*

By corey

April 23, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

but hes not lying i bet if the hawks did what the celtics did phillip swould be packed every night ATL has alot of bandwagon jumpers

By Ryder

April 23, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Good points Terrell. At least Marvin has made the playoffs, what has Bogut done?

Thanks for the analysis on their practice today Sekou. Any word on whether or not Horford will actually get his number called in the half court offense?

By HB Ando

April 23, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

By HB Ando

April 23, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

BA, it would be a full-time job if I responded to every person, here, who references either me or one of my posts. So, as a matter of practicum, choosing not to engage every single reference has absolutely nothing to do with avoidance, and everything to do with having a life. Your 3:24 post simply reinforces my point. You didn’t address a single objectifiable point. And you confused my calling your suggestion that I am Ray, as a dumb comment, with me calling you dumb.

Again, please outline what you refer to as “inaccurate insults” from my post. Try to be specific.

I have never, once, suggested that the Hawks should let either of the Josh’s walk. For years, I have highlighted the concept of players as assets, or interchangeable parts. The Hawks, lacking any draft picks, and much quality on their bench, can’t afford to let ANYONE “walk” (which goes as far back as Billy getting less than optimal value for Al Harrington). But, again, unless you believe the ASG will agree to a $68 million payroll next year (a point you continue to fail to address, as you don’t have any type of reasonable response to its implications), at least one, if not more, players will have to be moved.

I do not believe Josh Smith is one of them. I believe that the most likely candidates would be Bibby (so that Smith’s likely $11-12 million salary would be offset by the elimination of Bibby’s $14 million obligation), Childress (who is quite likely to receive an offer sheet for starters’ money, which we cannot match, given that he projects to be our 6th man for the foreseeable future), or, if we choose to pay Childress a premium, Marvin, who may still be viewed as having the upside of a recent #2, overall, pick, despite lots of evidence that he’ll never live up to those expectations.

The core of this team looks to be Josh Smith, Joe Johnson and Al Horford. Everyone else will either be a casualty of budgetary limitations, or an asset to be used in trade, to balance out those 3 core players, while maintaining whatever subjective “cap” the ASG imposes on the front office (here’s a clue: it’s not going to be $68 million.

The one caveat remains whether the ASG is absolutely confident that Joe Johnson intends to re-sign here, when his contract expires, in TWO years. Because without that behind the scenes commitment, then there’s an argument that he could ultimately be traded (he is the same guy who publicly told the Suns he did not want to play for them and that he did not want them to match our offer sheet).

So enough with the nonsense that anyone is suggesting the Hawks should let young talent walk. Almost every Hall-of-Famer, in the history of the NBA, was either traded, at some point, or changed teams via free agency. Changes to this roster are thus inevitable. And those changes will either move the Hawks forward, or set them back, depending on financial limitations and/or whether someone more competent than Billy is making the moves; say, Homer Simpson).

And so it’s not all about Ando, the Billy-hater, let’s consider Newkid’s question of whether we really want BK making these decisions.

I’ll leave that as a rhetorical question…………

By Astro Joe

April 23, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Sekou, when you go back up there for Game 6, you’ll have to ask the guys in the barber shop why does Bobby Brown’s son (the one on MTV’s Rock the Cradle) look like Ralph Tresvant?

By Hawksfan

April 23, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Bibby nailed it, and unfortunately we are going to have to put up with a bunch of those front-running, obnoxious carpetbaggers when the Hawks return to Atlanta on Saturday and Monday. Ugh!!

I really hope the Hawks can pull a win off tonight to shut up (at least a bit) those cocky Celtic bandwagoneers.

By HB Ando

April 23, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Joe, you actually made a point without pretending to yawn. Nice.

In fact, Stanford is 550 miles from Portland. But I was couching it in general terms, kind of like a Tupac-Biggie/West Coast-East Coast kind of thang.

Know what I’m sayin’, G(I guess that should be “O”ld G, huh)?

But hey, Marvin is from Seattle, and he went #2. Durant went #2, as well. Maybe Seattle will give us Durant for Marvin, straight up (can’t even write it with a straight face)……

By Allen Iverson

April 23, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Sekou, the Hawks had a good practice?! We talking about practice, man. Practice.

By AJCfanatic

April 23, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

It’s about time. I hope the Hawks understand that Bibby has provided the perfect distraction for Josh squared, JJ, and Big Al to do their thing. The Hawks aren’t scared of the Celtics so they sure as hell better come out flying and get angry everyttime the Celtics try to best them..

By cp

April 23, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Hopefully it’s a close game. I dont see Josh Smith having as bad of game as in the first one (i hope not). Like someone else said, we have to drive the ball. We shot wayyyy too many jumpers. The problem is we have a lot of jump shooters. JJ is good at driving the ball but he relies on his jumper a lot. Bibby is a jump shooter. Marvin is better at taking jumpers. Law is good at getting into the lane but I doubt he will get minutes…I think we just have to push the pace at every opportunity we have…….If we are forced to shoot jumpers all night we better hope some are falling….If Horford and Childress are the only two people who show up again then we are in trouble….As far as Bibby goes, I just think Rondo will give him too many problems….Bibby is not a good defender as it is so guarding a guy as quick as Rondo just hurts the team…. If Bibby struggles I hope they go with Law…

By Mike

April 23, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Regarding Bibby’s call out to the Celtic fans. I suspect that Bibby is just being a class veteran, shouldering the pressure and trying to get the young guys to relax.

By Bird drops 60 on Hawks

April 23, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Hey, Bibby. I don’t exactly see the butts in seats at Phillips Arena. And by your showing in game one, you need to worry more about how to look halfway decent while Rondo abuses you again in games 2-4. If this goes more than four, I’ll be very surprised.

By Gilley

April 23, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Well at least the Hawks are getting some media attention and a player is being quoted in the media. Now we seem a tad bit relevant in this playoffs. But his comments are true, but it is sad that our fans are even worse. But that’s another issue. I say be loyal regardless, come to the games and root regardless( even though I don’t), but I am a loyal fan and will always be one. Just go to school in Carrollton. Anyway read my Column. Hope you dont mind Sekou.. I’m an aspiring journalist..

Click here>http://media.www.thewestgeorgian.com/media/storage/paper523/news/2008/04/23/Sports/Horford.Shines.In.Playoff.Debut.Hawks.Suffer.Huge.Loss-3344115.shtml

By edward

April 23, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Boston fans are bandwagon!! The Pats almost left for Hartford,Ct. a few years back cause of them.

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

He Ryder, the Hawks would’ve made the Playoffs this year without Marvin. Also, the Bucks made the Playoff’s in Bogut’s rookie season. I’m not backing Bogut, just telling the truth.

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Hey Ryder, the Hawks would’ve made the Playoffs this year without Marvin. Also, the Bucks made the Playoff’s in Bogut’s rookie season. I’m not backing Bogut, just telling the truth.

By doc

April 23, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

as i said earlier in the day THE BOSTON FANS ARE LIQUORED UP so they dont remember what happened yesterday much less that last year.

heh mike, is that you? my girl is in the state playoffs for soccer and the first time for her school. minor accomplishment by most folks terms but since you got one the same age i know you will understand. looking forward to taking her to see the hawks and the celts saturday night, nothing better. how are you bud? been saying GO HAWKS for you a while now.

By Realist

April 23, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

When Bibby gets embarrassed again and the Hawks crash out in four games, will we all still think this act is cute, or will we have to admit he looks and sounds like a damn fool?

By BA

April 23, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Ando, I give up. I can’t be any more specific than I already have been. Like I’ve said before, I certainly hope you’re wrong about the upcoming summer. I believe this team is only a couple of players away from being a perrenial contender in the East. I could continue this debate, but I have to tap out from exhaustion. It’s fascinating to know there’s somebody out there that’s every bit as exasperating as myself. Consider that a dark compliment. In the meantime, I have to get ready to watch this game two. The news from practice is encouraging. I don’t think you really can find many weaknesses in the Celtics. I hope instead they focused more on their own execution. Because it would take flawless execution on Atlanta’s part to even stay in this game. Anyway, what are the chances K.G. and Pierce are off again like they were Sunday night? Pretty tall order. CP, you’re right- Smith needs to come out tonight and REGULATE the paint. He did a decent job on Garnett in game one anyway, save for his long stint on the bench.

By Rojon Rondo

April 23, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Bibby can’t stop me…………..

By TELL IT LIKE IT IS

April 23, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

ah man bibby is in trouble now….hopefully he can walk the walk tonight

By drmaryb

April 23, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Hey Horford is gettin’ Love from Big PaPi! cool stuff!

By Rutuger

April 23, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

You folks who post those long a* comments do realize that nobody bothers to read them, right?

GO HAWKS

By Nick

April 23, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

We should worry about selling our own arena out before we start talking about another team’s fans.

What do you call those extra 10,000 fans that will be at Phillips Arena Saturday night? Oh, right …

That said, Go Hawks.

By Sekou K. Smith

April 23, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Bibby was at it again before the game tonight. He cracked Celtics center Kendrick Perkins for his retaliatory comments about the fans and let’s just say that now it’s “really on.” If Bibby catches a nasty shot from Perkins tonight a la Brendan Hawyood on LeBron, you’ll know why. Mark Bradley is expounding on all things Bibby as I type. It should be interesting.

By O'brien

April 23, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Ryder, I’m a big Hawks fan, but if I’m not mistaken, when the Bucks drafted Bogut, they needed a center. When we drafted Marvin, we already had enough Small forwards, and we really needed a PG…

By Mike Bibby

April 23, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

We will see who gets it tonight. Suckeeerssssssssssss!

By Ben

April 23, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the update, Sekou.

If, rather, WHEN, we win tonight, drinks on me for every person on here.

LET’S GO HAWKS! RUN RUN RUN

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Not only did the Bucks need a center, but they had also spent a lottery pick on TJ Ford two years before. Their Bogut pick wasn’t nearly as clueless (in hindsight) as our Marvin pick. Not to mention Bogut is a better player than Marvin anyway.

By preston

April 23, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have got to play better tonight….the butterflies of playing their first play-off game together is under their belt…..they know what to expect now. Call me crazy but I think that the Hawks can play with these Celtics……Woody has got to mix things up tonight…. Acie and Salim can slow Rondo and Cassell down…..they are the ones that actually did more damage to the Hawks than anyone else. Woody just has to use his freakin’ noggin’ to keep his team in this thing……play West more to provide a spark and wreak havok on defense. Losing the first game was to be expected, but a win tonight can really make this thing interesting.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Bibby knocks down that first shot… huge for him.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Didn’t Mike Woodson say the other day that he was gonna let guys play through foul trouble?

Joe Johnson picks up 2, goes to the bench.

I hope we score double digits this quarter.

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

And Marvin FALLS AGAIN!

By Mac-Town

April 23, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

If Bibby misses 1 or 2 more jumpers in a row screw it get Acie in their to drive the ball

By Mad Hatter

April 23, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

The way the offense is playing right now it looks like we’ll be pressed to get 50 or 60 points!!!

By L

April 23, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Im a little lost right now…

Joe is out with 2 fouls. Our R.O.Y is out with 2 fouls. Zaza, Smith, Chills, Marvin, and Bibby is on the floor……..aside from Bibby who’s not hitting anything…who’s going to be our next scorer coach?

By ray

April 23, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

BA,

You can believe it or you can not, but Ando and I are friends, not two different personalities occupying the same cranium. Doc and Jhan know this as well, as we’ve all talked to each other seperately and together at different times.

Trust me, had you been around a few years ago, you would’ve seen some epic battles between he and I before we knew each other. We used to throw down, like, every day. You have to understand that the guy I talk to is NOT the personality you see on this board. He’s not as ego-driven as you think, but is in fact one passionate, frustrated-a$$ fan (like myself). I’ll candidly admit that it took me a while to get past all that’s lost in translation on the internet. Look, man: even Ando wishes and hopes that he’s wrong about much of what goes on in this organization. Being right (and he has been so far nearly all the time) holds no joy. Hell, we’ve waxed long into the evening in our lamentations about the state of our beloved Hawks (and other things in life) until one or both of our wives artfully notify us that the sun has set some time ago. My wife is just glad that I’m talking to someone else besides her during the games. I can get rather animated.

Oh…and Ando’s a tall 6’5” 220lb white guy. I’m a thick 6’0” (In my shoes thankyou very much) 305lb black guy. Hardly the same person. If you saw us together, you’d probably think I was his bodyguard. Heh, heh!

For everyone debating the resigning of both Joshes and keeping Bibby: It seems to me that so many of you (and you KNOW who you are) have been screeching at the top of your lungs about how broke and lame the Atlanta Spirit Group is. So why is it that now you’re doing a 180 degree turn and arguing that we’re going to keep everybody that’s currently on the roster? We’ve not been operating on more than 55-56 million, guys. If we keep both Joshes, then we match any offer sheets that come up, effectively taking us out of most of the free agent market. And last I looked, Bibby is getting 14.5 million a year. Joe is getting what, 12 million per year, or is it more? So we’re going to pay more than 26 million a year for the two backcourt starters alone? Figure this: if both Joshes get resigned, it will likely be Smith for at least 11 or 12 million. Chill will get at least 6 (he WILL get an offer sheet around this much, I think). So that puts us at about 43 million in payroll for 4 guys, and one of them is not even a starter. So, we’ve got 43 mil in 4 guys, and we haven’t paid Marvin, Horford, Zaza, Salim, Solo, Mario, Acie, or Richardson. And that doesn’t include any “bigs” that people keep thinking we’re going to magically sign out of nowhere for nothing.

All I’m asking is this: if it’s the “broke-a$$” ASG that we’re dealing with, where is all the money coming from? Our payroll would be increased to probably about 66-68 million if we keep this entire roster. Maybe more. And this is what we’re going to pay for a team that might reach 40-something wins?

Honestly, I don’t have a really great grasp on all the financial stuff, and I don’t know what each guy is going to get paid. Can’t read the future. But the basic mathematics aren’t matching what has historically been happening here.

Furthermore, there’s really no use speculating what will or might or won’t happen until we know who is where when it’s all over. By this I mean, who’s the coach, and who’s the GM. As far as players go, if you think that no center, one power forward, one sg, a sixth man, a bunch of forwards, and a offense/almost-no-defense pg is the ticket to the future, then that’s not koolaid powder you’re mixing into your drink. It’s called cocaine.

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Why the f*** does he go to Zaza? Put in Solomon PLEASE! Zaza looked like he was lost on that Rondo dunk.

By Melvin

April 23, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Marvin azz need to be on the bench. He’s just taking up space. Looking like a deer in headlights again…

By The Realist

April 23, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

And what kind of offense are we running again? People always say “we should run” “we should run” but we forget that to run you have to play defense!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Zaza sucks…

By Melvin

April 23, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

A Marvin citing

By The Realist

April 23, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Did i mention that you also have to rebound on the defensive end to run?!

By BostonMass

April 23, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

0 points for Booby. Go sit on the bench. GO CELTICS!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Seriously, when is the last time the ball hit Zaza in the hands and he actually caught it?

There are quadriplegics who have better hands than him. No offense to quadriplegics, they are no doubt tougher than him too.

By Melvin

April 23, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

AC looks more effective than Bibby on against Rondo…

By honest_abe

April 23, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

why oh why has law been in woody’s doghouse?

so frustrating.

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Acie is taking Rondo out of his game. Look at that. Straight to the basket. Get em Acie!

By Mac-Town

April 23, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Was that an over the back that I saw Brown commit on Zaza?

By The Realist

April 23, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Woodson finally give Acie some playing time…though it’s about a third of a season too late!!! Sorry guys, just a little fed up with the guy posing as our coach…

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

THAT is why you keep Josh over Marvin. How many forwards in the league can make a pass like that? Maybe 3?

By Melvin

April 23, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Great pass by JSmoove. Good catch and shoot by ZaZa…

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

KEEP ACIE IN TO START THE 3RD!

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

KEEP ACIE IN TO START THE 2ND QUARTER!

By preston

April 23, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Hell of a way to close the half!!!!! Acie Law made all the differnce in the world the last minutes of the first half…….if Mike freakin’ Woodson would only play Salim, West and Richardson more, then we might just have ourselves a game.

By mykhalc

April 23, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

a WOODSON adjustment!!???…ACIE at pg in relief of BIBBY…OMG…ahhh musta been a DREW adjustment!!!

a ZAZA rule…since you are gonna get PT regardless of how you play then how about NEVER EVER steppin’ out to help out!!! ‘cause you don’t know how to get your a$$ back!!!!

a WOODSON rule…don’t do live interviews!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Mike Woodson’s head hasn’t quite adjusted to being hairless yet… you can still see that his face is distinctly a different color than the top of his head.

By The Realist

April 23, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

So, why is Horford still out of the game?

By ray

April 23, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Acie would definitely help when it comes to having to deal with Rondo…

Ugh….Zaza…what happened to you in the last couple years?

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Why is he going back to Bibby? Acie is playing well. IDIOT!

By Mac-Town

April 23, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Marvin really sucks…he always falls…

the times he gets to the line/gets the defender to foul him…its always a call that is very close to him committing an offensive foul or traveling

Its amazing we made it to the playoffs with marvin and pachulia being key parts of our team

By Melvin

April 23, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

we can’t play ZaZa and Marvin in the game at the same time. Neither one hustles to the ball… AC looks like a Vet out there. Woody give that Kid more mins..

By mykhalc

April 23, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

i know MARVIN is young but he really is not playin’ smart ball at all!!! i’m really sick of watchin’ him stumble all over the place!!! slow your a$$ down!!!

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Acie, Bibby, Joe, Josh, Horford. INTERSTING LINEUP. DID WOODY COME UP WITH THAT?

By Author

April 23, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Smoove throws the ball away and then sends Pierce to the free throw line.

Please, please trade this absolutely retarded frack-up.

By The Realist

April 23, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Wow, Marvin is a Hawks starter & ZaZa is our go-to big man off the bench…wow…

By preston

April 23, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Woodson has something with Acie on the floor instead of Marvin…..I will give him some credit for that….I think that he needs to sit Bibby and put Salim in there now.

By new jersey faithful

April 23, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Bibby looks OLD!! It looks like he gallops when he is going aroung the top of the 3 point line or just dribbling aroud! lol

By Clyde

April 23, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Marvin Williams over Chris Paul

By Mitch

April 23, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Marvin is GARBAGE!

By Mitch

April 23, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Marvin is GARBAGE!

By new jersey faithful

April 23, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

The Hawks look like a JV team out there, it horrible to watch!

By The Realist

April 23, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Bibby is not our biggest problem…it’s team defense…no one helps or communicates…

By fudd21

April 23, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

AC actually looked good but Woody takes him. I really dont understand that one!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

You know, as bad as Marvin over CP3 and Deron is, taking Shelden 16 picks ahead of Rajon Rondo is arguably just as bad. If we had drafted him last year in the 5 spot, everyone would have laughed, but he would basically be our starting point guard right now instead of Bibby and our salary cap number would look a LOT better.

By Mitch

April 23, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

I agree with Preston, but Woody hides him on the bench

By mykhalc

April 23, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

no shooters!!!! JRICH needs to be out there for MARVIN!!! hate to say it but the only thing we are is athletic!!!! not smart, can’t shoot it, not really defendin’!!!

By Clyde

April 23, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

The Hawks just aren’t ready for prime time. Who do we blame for that? Inexperience and youth or a coach that refuses to make adjustments.

By The Realist

April 23, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

So now we’re back to J. Childress as the backup PG & Acie sits after playing well…hmmmm…Mike Woodson….hmmmm…

By Darell

April 23, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Bibby..shout up and play……. Bibby..shout up and play……. Bibby..shout up and play……. Bibby..Bibby..shout up and play Bibby..shout up and play……. Bibby..shout up and play……. Bibby..shout up and play……. Bibby..shout up and play……. Bibby..shout up and play…….

By Mac-Town

April 23, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Marvin and ZaZa are a joke and yea Bibby does look funny dribbling

but the FUNNIEST thing is that I have almost NEVER saw Marvin look like he has any sort of balance

By new jersey faithful

April 23, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Did JS not even make the top 5 for defensive player of the year?? Does anyone know whats going on with that?? I thought I read that in the paper 2day..

By fudd21

April 23, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Najeh I hardly ever agree with what you say but I agree with that one. There were a number of people we could have gotten instead of Sheldon that at least would have been serviceable players. Sheldon isn’t even that. A good GM would have gotten Roy or Foye or have traded down and picked up an additional draft pick and gotten Rondo.

By fudd21

April 23, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Najeh I hardly ever agree with what you say but I agree with that one. There were a number of people we could have gotten instead of Sheldon that at least would have been serviceable players. Sheldon isn’t even that. A good GM would have gotten Roy or Foye or have traded down and picked up an additional draft pick and gotten Rondo.

By Mac-Town

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

Cassell just told Cheryl Miller that if they make certain adjustments they’ll blow the hawks out

hmmm thats realistic….he is a playoff vet that can back up his words….so he pretty much has the right to say that..considerin its the hawks and look how we’re playing

but as a competitor…I just wouldnt take it so kindly to have someone tellin me that they’ll crush me!!

I hope they can make him eat his words

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

I love what I see from Acie, WHENEVER HE SEE THE FLOOR! It looks like we finally have a core to build around. Acie, Joe, Smoove, Horford. All we need is a better bench and a couple of shooters.

By A Thinking Fan

April 23, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Cash buys VETERAN help during the NBA playoffs…

Notice how many BIGS Boston has!

By Stick Your ZaZa In My Pachulia!!

April 23, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Hey you guys are losers, at least I have great hair!!!

By Mike Bibby

April 23, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

You guys are fair weather fans you didnt care about the hawks until I got here because I am the bestest point guard dere iz!!!

By preston

April 23, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe what I am seeing here…..the celtics are pretty much in control…up by 10 at the half, and it is not because of Garnett, Pierce, or Allen. The Celtics have scored more garbage points than anything, and Woodsons’ shizophrenic behavior continues……he finds something in playing Acie at the point….lets him play a few minutes a sits him…….Marvin is not giving you anything, and Woodson just let’s him play thru while Salim and Richardson sit and watch. Woodson will just sit there and watch his team implode before he even thinks of coming up with another plan. How long did we have to endure the hawks struggling to score in the first half before he thought about putting Acie in? Where was Salim or Richardson? I would be willing to bet you that those guys would not have giving you anything less than what he got out of Marvin. If we had a freakin’ coach with a modicum of sense and sensibilty we would actually be leading this game.

By scottbravesfan

April 23, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Every city in america has bandwagon jumpers. It doesn’t matter if it’s Boston or Atlanta. Boston fans are just so annoying, at least the Red Sox ones are. They have the biggest bandwagon fans ever, even worse than the Yankees.

By Mac-Town

April 23, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith for the Three!!!!!!!………….. ……………………………..NO

By Poor Hawks

April 23, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Yea there’s several things wrong.

Poor Team Defense.

Marvin and ZAZA…..period

Horrible in the half court

cant shoot jumpers

‘lots of out of control shots goin to the rim

Its a complete embarrassment

By honest_abe

April 23, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

how long is it going to take for woody to figure out that bibby can’t matchup with rondo.

jj needs to start getting more aggressive.

By cp

April 23, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

SMH@this freaking effort tonight. Guys are not hustling. They are standing around not trying to grab rebounds.. Bibby is doing nothing…. Josh Smith is taking every bad shot in the book. Childress has given us nothing. Mr potato head then plays Chill as the backup pg although Law came in and played great ball. Duck is still falling all over the place and missing gimmie lay ups…. JJ sits down with 2 fouls for some reason then comes back in but is not very agressive…. SMDH

By new jersey faithful

April 23, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Darrell…did you mean shut up??? lol

By Authority Figure

April 23, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

The Celtics will be arrested after this game for cruelty to animals. Those poor, defensively Hawks. I feel sorry for those birds, and I thought it was guys in ATLANTA that liked to abuse animals.

By preston

April 23, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Wow……….I switched over to TNT at the half to listen to their take on the game……and Charles Barkley said that he wasn’t even watching this game….

By fudd21

April 23, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Najeh what about that pass by Josh. LOL

By b

April 23, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Hawks are not learning from their mistakes.

By cp

April 23, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

It is only the 3rd quarter but this game is a done deal… This is just straight ugly….Stupid shots, no hustle, bad turnovers… Might as well play Law, Salim, and Richardson… Marvin is doing nothing… Bibby looks like he is done.. Mr Potato head continues to baffle me….Marvin is 6’9 with long arms and is so called athletic but still cant finish at the rim and is tripping over his own feet.

By new jersey faithful

April 23, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

waaaaaay to many uncontolled drives to the hoop, as Poor Hawks pointed out! These guys look really, really bad, and the worst part is the Celtics dont look all that impressive either. Then again, they are playing alot of subs!!!

By Don!

April 23, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Yep, time to call PETA — I’m seeing a reality-TV show about a gang of Irishmen from the North East abusing some birds migrating north from Atlanta in a large building.

I think it’s rated TV/MA, and it’s something I definitely wouldn’t want my kids to be watching. I can’t believe this is something they would show on television. I remember when I was a kid, and I never saw anything like this.

Sigh.

Can we fire Woody now?

Later,

Don!

By cp

April 23, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Seriously why does Pachulia even play? Solo cannot do any worse than the crap Pachulia is doing out there. I dont think I have ever seen a team miss so many shots right at the rim.

By richbrave

April 23, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

HB RONDO:

Whew! This guy’s the real deal. Bibby is toast.

Horford’s eighth point. DAMM! What a rebound and a windmill slam.

By preston

April 23, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Can someone please explain to me why Woodson refuses to play his shooters….Marvin and Chills do not have range, and they are not giving us anything…..we are struggling big time to score….we are down by 20 points, and we have two guys on the bench who will not hesitate to shoot……have we made a three pointer at all tonight? I am soo p** at Mike freakin’ Woodson……I think that the fans of Atlanta shoul come to Phillips Arena saturday with eggs and pelt Woodsons’ bald azz head to death!

By Mac-Town

April 23, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

It looked like Law and Woodson were havin trouble figurin out what exactly they wanted to do on the last defensive series

Did anybody else see law looking puzzled as he communicated with woodson

By The Realist

April 23, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

A THINKING FAN, I totally agree. I understand the idea of a youth movement but we are too young & we’re playing like it. The genius GM either fails to see or refuses to embrace the fact that the presence of vets balances young nerves gone wild.

By ray

April 23, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Tell me something. Is it just me, or is Acie looking more effective against Boston than Bibby? Yep. Thought so.

By Bravesfan79

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

The Hawks offense consist of:
A) throw the ball in the post, time after time after time, drive against 3 pple, get the shot blocked, Boston gets a layup on the other end.

B) the guy in the post actually is realistic on his chance to score against 3 guys, and throws it back out to Josh Smith for a 3, who seems to hit about 1 out of every 10 3’s he takes.

Im sorry but u gotta mix athletes with guys that can shoot. Its hurt GT basketball, and its KILLING the Hawks! Woodson is a idiot.

By A* Whoopin!!

April 23, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

This game is worse than game 1.Chills playin like shiet so is JS Bibby Marvin and Joe. NO HEART NO EFFORT!!! Hell I say sart Mario. Put him on Rondo and Cassells azzz. He can get the ball up the court. We dont have a half court game so there is no show to run. WE NEED DEFENSE!!!!! Bibby plays no D at ALLL and if he is off shooting there is nothing there. RUN THE DAMN BALLL!!! PUSH IT!!

By LOL

April 23, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Lmao@the Boston fans OWNING Bibby

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Well, since it appears the Hawks are gonna get embarrassed again, the least they can do is retaliate for that flagrant foul Posey just inflicted on Josh Smith.

Let’s see… we need an expendable big guy who has very little positive impact on the game to commit a flagrant-II on someone and risk a suspension. Who do we have that fits the description?

Zaza, you’re up! Make yourself useful, homie!

By new jersey faithful

April 23, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Preston, would you watch this game if you werent a Hawks or a Celtics fan??? I sure wouldnt!!!

By infamouskrs

April 23, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

and the OSCAR goes to JSMASH ! nice take…..the flagrant was a plus….just make the free throws !

By terrell barron

April 23, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

The Vets, Mike and Joe seem like they’re just happy to be here, while the youngsters, Smoove, Horford and Acie are giving it their all. WOW!

By Matt

April 23, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

I love Acie and think he’s got the skills to be a great PG, but we need him to be a better floor general. Three turnovers and zero assists won’t cut it…

By Mac-Town

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

The Hawks overall game in this series looks almost as bad as Josh Childress’ line up on his fro..

By MJ3

April 23, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

People bash Marvin like there’s no tomorrow. And yet they’re silent on Josh Smith missing free throws, committing 5 turnovers, and committing stupid frustration fouls.

Marvin just needs a coach who’ll light a fire under his a*, and he’ll be fine. Dude played with an intensity I’ve never seen from a college player when he was at UNC. Woody just doesn’t push him. Josh Smith is just plain retarded. You can’t coach someone to not be stupid. Just ask JR Rider.

By Bravesfan79

April 23, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Im ready to watch a real game, i hope Iverson can do his thing tonight in LA. Even tho i dont care for Carmelo or Kobe that much. Go Nuggets! OMG we actually shot a 3!??
wow i didnt know that was in the Hawks game ability!

By Bravesfan79

April 23, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

This game is almost as Ugly as Marvin Williams

By infamouskrs

April 23, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

RONDO…17 assists…are you kiddin’ me? just another “negative” on Woody’s “draft intelligence” section on his next (if any) resumes!

By preston

April 23, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

lol……..new jersey faithful….I guess that you are right, but Barkley actually is part of the halftime crew of the network that is broadcasting the game……it doesn’t get any worse than that!!!!

By Harry Hawk

April 23, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Matt,

Acie’s hardly played this year. The guy’s going to turn the ball over some just from lack of playing time. Also, the Celtics play great D. In addition, Hawks players (aside from Horford) are rarely setting screens, being heads-up for passes, moving without the ball, or using any other helpful basketball techniques to make Acie’s job easier.

In other words, Acie has legit excuses. His main flaw this season was not looking for his shot in the small amount of playing time he was getting.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

You know what is retarded?

Being 6’9” and having 2 rebounds in 28 minutes.

Josh Smith is the main reason the game is even this close.

By fudd21

April 23, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Josh will you block Garnett out and keep him off the offensive boards.

By new jersey faithful

April 23, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

A FIGHT IS BREWING BETWEEN THESE TWO TEAMS…FISTS WILL BE FLYING!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

More than anyone, though, even Duck, the most disappointing player on this team has to be Joe Johnson. We are seeing his limitation right now — dude can’t do anything when confronted with a double team. Anything.

By Tiger Woo

April 23, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

I thought Bibby was going to redeem himself tonight. 2-7 from the field - 1 assist. Ugly!

It’s simple - take Joe Johnson out of the game and the Hawks don’t stand a chance.

By Realist

April 23, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Who the hell is this guy posting as “The Realist?” He rips off my blog name? Who does that?

By MJ3

April 23, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

No, retarded is continuing to make the same damned mistakes for 4 years. Smith thinks that he’s Magic Johnson and Larry Bird rolled into one. He thinks he can bring the ball up the floor, shoot three pointers, and pass into traffic. And he’s so stupid that he doesn’t see that it doesn’t work, despite the fact that Smitty, Holman, Rathbun, and 3-D are screaming it during every game.

Josh Smith and Mike Woodson are two peas in a pod. Two d******* who never learn from their mistakes. Thank god they’ll both be gone next year.

The only reason the Hawks are even this close? Please. At least JJ has the excuse that he’s double or triple teamed when he gets a TO. Smith has no excuse except for the fact that he has the IQ of an ice age vegetarian.

By RB

April 23, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Can someone please tell me what the h#ll Mike Woodson is doing posing with his ring so all can see it. How about putting that hand on a clip board and chalk!! He has shown me all I need to see of his coaching style. What a sorry effort!!

By new jersey faithful

April 23, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

I cant stand that smerk that Ray Allen has on his face after every shot he makes…anyone else notice that???

By fudd21

April 23, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Najeh come on man. Josh is 3 for 13 with 5 turnovers. That is helping to keep it close?? I know you like Josh but thlets not get carried away.

By preston

April 23, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

wait a minute…..did I just hear Rathburn say that Al Horford led the team in assist tonight with 3 when he fouled out?

By DHD

April 23, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Bibby is right. They were wearing bags over their heads last year, however, you should keep your mouth shut UNLESS, being the veteran, he was taking the focus off of the young players.

It didn’t matter anyway. you can’t expect a below .500 team to compete with a team that won 66 games.

Get a BIG man in here next year.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

There you go Duck!

See, if he did that all game, I wouldn’t be hating on him. Take it aggressively to the rim and finish like how everyone thought you would coming out of UNC.

Unfortunately all he does all game is lose his man on defense and make half his standstill 18-footers on offense.

No rebounding, no taking charges, no passing, nothing.

For all of J-Smoove’s faults, dude tries to make things happen. He is the best paint defender on this team as a small forward, and is arguably the team’s best defender, period. Yeah, he has limitations offensively, and he needs to understand them and play accordingly. He’s your typical jack of all trades, master of none on offense. But I’d rather wait for him to harness his multiple talents and develop into an efficient player than wait for Marvin to develop skills that he clearly doesn’t have at all.

By Ryder

April 23, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

This is going to happen when you have a team that knows how to play team defense against a team that has no discipline….why are any of you surprised?

Being at home Saturday and Monday will change nothing, because they don’t know how to execute against double teams and become flustered when the opponents move in transition.

Go back to my post on the previous blog and tell me which players deserve to be on this team if they plan on actually making the step to become a world champion.

SMITH: NO. MARVIN: YES. I still believe that with proper coaching he can become an offensive threat. JJ: YES. BIBBY: NO. ACIE: YES. He showed he will attack the basket, something Bibby can no longer do. HORFORD: YES CHILDRESS: YES.

WOODSON: NO!

By A Thinking Fan

April 23, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

CASH, BUDGET, MANAGEMENT VISION, VETERANS = WINS!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Well whatever. Game over, and needless to say, series over too. Still looking forward to Saturday night… I’m sure half the fans will come late and leave early, but I will be there at tipoff. Right now I gotta go watch the South Park episode I missed while watching this annihilation. Peace.

By infamouskrs

April 23, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

the national announcer’s words were enough…….”there’s been plenty of wild shots in the first 2 games (from Atlanta)” STREETBALL gameplans DO NOT APPLY TO THE NBA !

new shirts…”FIRE WOODY….or save your GAS MONEY ! “

By The Realist

April 23, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

NAJEH, it’s not like Joe has even had a split second to make a move to beat the double team. The Celtics are immediately doubling him because they can afford to pretty much ignore his non-shooting teammates. Everyone else is standing around & leaving him to fend for himself. Every great scorer in the league has someone to take some of the pressure by knocking down jumpers or at least cutting to the basket. Don’t get me wrong, I am disappointed in his failure to make his presence felt, but I think it has less to do with his lack of talent than it does the lack of a supporting cast…or even shooters for that matter.

By Juice

April 23, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Ladies and Gentlemen. I don’t post here very often. But I come here and read many of your blogs daily. I’ve been with you all since last years draft. I’ve read (and been entertained by) many of the personal battles that pop up from time to time on this blog.

I’m a life-long fan of the Hawks and I’ve gone through the ups and downs with you dealing with this team, especially this year. Since we are getting killed in this series (it’s not even competitive), we don’t even have the draft to look forward to, and the ASG will probably not do anything this offseason worthwhile, I’m going over to the Falcons blog. It’s been real. I’ll see you Hawks fans a few weeks before pre-season basketball, unless my dreams come true and Woody is fired or starts making adjustments, whichever comes first.

And I was foolish enough to think that I would feel better about this team once we get into the playoffs. I’m not the only one that feels that way because if I were then Philips Area would be sold out.

The Juice is out.

MPHAF (Mr Potato Head Arms Folded)

By cp

April 23, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

I knew we were going to get swept but we are not even making this competitive.. Might as well start Law at the point, Richardson at the 2, and JJ at the 3.

By ray

April 23, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Questions for anybody : Having watched Bibby since he’s been here, and in these two playoff games, should we be keeping this guy? And for how long? Also, if he’s worth keeping around (and keeping Acie firmly at 20 minutes or less per game), what is he worth paying?

Just a few questions, not a precursor for an argument.

By infamouskrs

April 23, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

the real low-blow of the night was seeing how TNT was SO HtoAPPY to get to the LA game….the whole fourth quarter of OPERATION LAY-DOWN was side bits REMINDING viewers that COMPETITION IS ON THE WAY……

being a fan of this team is an honor…..but to witness “WHATEVER” game plays called consistently….i literally throw up in my mouth !

ANDO…..looks like you’ve been making a few cameos…

By JSS

April 23, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

I rarely weigh in on Sekou’s blog, he’s “top shelf.” You guys crack me up over here, there’s generally a lot of intelligent passion here… Just wait a season or two until you have a team to match it… Joe’s limitation against double teams is the same as Kobe had before his teammates stepped up. A “go to” has to trust his teammates. Joe doesn’t, but I can’t really blame him. Oh, I am not trying to put Joe anywhere near Kobe land. But he is our version. Dominique went through the same thing in 83-84 after Roundfield left. Just a thought…

By The Realist

April 23, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Uh, REALIST, get a life. If you haven’t cracked a dictionary, “realist” is an English word. Trust me, I’ve got enough creativity & better things to do with my time than to “rip off” anyone’s blog name.” Ever hear of coincidence?

By Tiger Woo

April 23, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

The young Hawks need to chalk this one up as experience and learn from this. It is obvious they are not ready to handle playoff intensity in a hostile environment. Too many stupid turnovers - no leadership from the few veterans that they have.

The Hawks have never been a good road team. Let’s see if they can come back home and at least be competitive and maybe steal a win.

By Tiger Woo

April 23, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

The young Hawks need to chalk this one up as experience and learn from this. It is obvious they are not ready to handle playoff intensity in a hostile environment. Too many stupid turnovers - no leadership from the few veterans that they have.

The Hawks have never been a good road team. Let’s see if they can come back home and at least be competitive and maybe steal a win.

By Billy the Bum

April 23, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Throughout his “stellar” rebuild, Billy Knight has refused to acquire a strong PG or C. Instead, he went for every 3 ever available. Any MARGINAL gm would have built a contender with all the high picks he has been given. Making the playoffs being 8 games under .500 is no cause for celebration. Billy should be rung up immediately and regimented Woody can go with him. Only problem is the Spirit are worse than Billy & Woody combined.

By Clyde

April 23, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

Ray the answer is no. Unless Billy can work his magic and give Bibby away we will be stuck paying him 14 million next year.

I think you have to blame JJ and Bibby for such a bad showing in this series. Young teams need veterans to step up in times of adversity. JJ and Bibby have laid down.

I have to give props to Jsmoove and Horford for atleast offering up a little resistance to Boston. Right now they are the heart and soul of this team. During the summer I think the Hawks need to think seriously about moving JJ to build around them.

By Hawk Fan in New Orleans

April 23, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Dave Ortiz must have put something in Horfordsa dinner cause played like a rookie tonight! Let’s bounce back Saturday night and steal one.

By kwooden1

April 23, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Watched most of the game and the results was as many of us expected for these first to games. Now its time for the Hawks to show what they’ve got!! Hawks fans can really effect this next game. We need to give this team some energy and emotion. Give KG in foul trouble early and really attack the basket

GO HAWKS!!!

By it is what it is

April 23, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

We might as well talk about the offseason because we are done after the next two games. Mike Woodson, Billy Knight, ZaZa, Marvin Williams, and Bibby should not be back next year. Chris Paul in one game has just about as many assist as Marvin Williams has points in two games. Time to shop the guy and see what we can get. Package him with Bibby. I am thankful for what Bibby did for us but it’s clear that he just does not have it anymore. We still need another scorer to take pressure off of JJ. We still need another guy who can create his own shot and has some I mean any type of range on their shot. I like Chill but his defense is terrible and he can’t hit a jumper if he is not left wide open.

I don’t know who is available this offseason but we really need a coach who will make Josh Smmith realize he has to take better shots and stop trying to force the action. I love this team but a lot of changes need to be made. We can’t hit a three to save our lives but instead of putting in Salim or JRich we bring in Pachulia and Chill. Instead of using Mario to hassle Rondo we do nothing. Changes have to be made.

By Bravesfan79

April 23, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Clyde: When has Billy EVER worked “his magic”??
Both this terrible GM and Coach need to go for this franchise to ever be anything but a playoff sweep waiting to happen. Ive been saying this at least 3 years now it seems.
Man i wish we had traded Marvin while he had value like alot of us fans were saying the past 2 summers!

Wed be lucky to get a 3rd round pick for him now. Another brilliant NON-MOVE by Knight.

By JSS

April 23, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Parting thought on Bibby…

I can say more empathically that he is worth the salary under the current NBA structure. What we seem to forget is that he did not have a camp with this group. The little bit of veteran leadership he brought here put them as at least a .500 club (with him) instead of 15 games under the line. Give him a training camp to lend that experience. For all of Acie’s physical talents, he is horrible at that (the positioning of teammates), feeding them in good spots, then working them to the easiest position to score. That is one of Marvin’s big problem. When you are limited (like Marvin, Shelden, [Space Ghost aka Salim], and Zaza), he (the point) must do these things… Good night everybody…

By Tiger Woo

April 23, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Looks like we picked up Bibby a few years too late. He is no longer the sniper he was in his Sacramento years. Either he is plain tired or he’s lost a step or 3.

If Bibby and JJ aren’t hitting their shots, who do we turn to? Marvin? LOL!! T-Lue is gone - Jeremy Richardson and Salim are obviously not part of Woody’s equation.

At least Anthony Johnson provided some defensive intensity and some nastiness.

Somebody actually mentioned Kobe and JJ in the same sentence. Kobe has 25 points tonight with 4 minutes to go in the 1st half!

By doc

April 23, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

well as i said as far as bibby … why?

glad i didnt see this one. at least it was close through the first quarter as heard on he radio and an improvement at about the speed of our organic growth as we “use the draft” to build a squad. i guess barkley didnt say it is not over until you lose at home for this bunch.

we never had a chance and the rest of the league might get steam rollered by this crew to at least suggest that we belonged but that is the best we can hope for. to the yahoo’s saying otherwise we really didnt belong but it was fun while it lasted. as for me i got a strip and expect to enjoy the spectacle of the moment and watching the celts continue to tune up for the rest in the run to a championship.

we have had way to much false bravado leading up to this match and bibby should have known better. maybe it will be easier to clean house if we continue to get trounced.

By Hock

April 23, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

When a very good Boston team plays the worst NBA playoff qualifier in history, the result will be four blowouts. Two down and two to go. These massacres are worse than missing the playoffs.

Have tweedle dee Billy and tweedle dum Woody received their pay raises and extensions for next year?

By JSS

April 23, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Woo read the “whole statement” about Kobe and J.J., I said I was not trying to put him in Kobe’s universe. But he is our “go to.” That’s a big difference in comparisons… Now really folks, Good Night Everybody (sans Ernie Johnson Sr.)

By Matt

April 23, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Sorry Clyde. I know you think Smoove (and Solomon) are the best things since sliced bread, but anyone who thinks that Josh Smith is the type of player you can build around is sadly mistaken. He simply doesn’t have the raw offensive talent - he’s been in this league 4 years and still has a really iffy form on his jump shot and incredibly poor floor vision and awareness (and that is NOT something that necessarily improves with time or good coaching).

I gotta agree with the people that say that there’s a better chance of coaching Marvin simply because I see the offensive tools there already, and all the scouting reports from ‘05 said that Marvin has the intangibles. My suspicion is that Woodson sucks all the intangibles out of every damned player he comes across not named Horford.

I seriously, seriously am terrified that if we trade Marvin, his new coach will find some way to get him to extend his range and play as hard as he did at UNC, and he’ll average 20+ ppg for the next 10 years. I honestly think that’s what would happen if we traded him.

I don’t think we can write off JJ because of the first 2 games of this series. Not by a long, long shot. JJ is the biggest reason we’re here - down the stretch when the Hawks needed him most, he stepped up huge. What we’re seeing now is a combination of tired legs because Woodson never rested him down the stretch, and the fact that he is being double or triple teamed every time he’s touching the ball. It’s crazy talk to say that we should be trading JJ after 2 games where the entire Celtics defense - the best defense in the conference - was keyed in on him.

The problem more than anything is that JJ and Bibby are exhausted. Woodson never gave them 8 minutes off in a game down the stretch. JJ averaged even more minutes per game than LeBron! Besides, I honestly think that JJ will step it up back in Atlanta.

Bibby is also clearly just plain exhausted. We all forget that Bibby played through injury with almost no rest for the last two months of the season. That being said, I think we’d be better off trying to package him for a big man and letting Acie take more turns at the point next year. Bibby was what we needed to get into the playoffs, but we’re going to need to get Horford some help underneath if we ever want to make it back.

We’ll see from the next 2 games what these Hawks are made of. All I know is that I want Woodson gone at the end of it. I don’t want us to run out of gas come playoff time next year again.

Too much work to do…gotta get back to it. Keep ‘em honest, Sekou!

By BA

April 24, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

Has anybody filed a missing persons report on Joe Johnson? Is Bibby INJURED? I thought these were the playoff veterans. Tell me, experts, is THIS the result of fatigue? Look, I know Boston is the best team in the league. And I knew the Hawks could not win this series. But dammit, they ARE in the NBA. I expected a better showing than this. For once, however, we can’t blame Woodson(except for his overall lack of any semblance of a half-court offense). We called for A.C. Law, and he put the kid in - early, no less. And A.C. DID play better D on Rhondo. We said feed Horford, and he did, in game one. Nope, Woodson can’t be blamed for these players performances, from mediocre(Marvin, Smith) to inneffective (Joe) to outright p**sing his pants (Bibby). Unless, of course, this pair of atrocious games are merely the result of fatigue, brought on by Woodson’s manaical neglect of his bench. Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, are these players really THIS bad?

By Steve Belkin

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

Attention Atlanta: Change Is Coming!

One week from now, this team will look TOTALLY different.

…you can thank me later.

By ha ha ha

April 24, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

If you really think Marvin is somehow going to become this 20 ppg player with better coaching then I have some beach front property in North Dakota I would love to sell you. It is time to just admit Marvin Williams will be a average small foward.

He can’t create his own shot He has no range He can’t finish at the rim He does not rebound well for a guy who has his size and athleticism He has poor balance He is pretty much invisible on the court if his mid range jump shot is not falling His defense is average at best He is terrible at trying to post up most times ending up in him traveling or losing the ball out of bounds

I know Josh Smith makes a lot of mistakes but him and Marvin are around the same age and Josh Smith is way ahead of him in terms of talent. How is it that Josh Smith put up better numbers in his third year out of high school than Marvin did his third year and he at least played a year in college?.

It is time for guys on here to put down the BK juice and call a spade a spade. Chris Paul in his rookie year has been better than Marvin in his third year. It is probably 20 small fowards in the NBA right now that would be better than Marvin on this team. You can trade this guy and it will continue to be the same stuff.

Yea his ppg have gone up every year but when you really look at it he still has not improved much. He scored what 2 more ppg this season but played more minutes..At this rate then maybe he will score 20 ppg but he will be around 26 years old. This team does not have time to wait to see if this kid will ever pan out and I doubt he does. No gm in the NBA would rather have Marvin over Josh Smith. Yea Marvin’s jumper looks nice but what else does he do?

By ray

April 24, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Here we go with the same old stuff:

Josh Smith gets flamed while Marvin gets praised. How ridiculous. Both guys played very hard tonight. Marvin played more aggressively than he usually does.

Tell me something, why is Josh getting so many turnovers when we have such a good pg? Oh wait, our new stellar pg has disappeared, and our coach doesn’t let Law play enough. We’re dead in the water already. Let Law play 30 minutes.

I’m highly disappointed in Bibby. HIGHLY. He’s so bad against Boston that Childress ends up playing pg…again. Rondo is owning him.

Why dump this on Joe Johnson? Did I not say that the double teams would come smarter and faster? What did you expect? Who does well against such good double teams?

Horford is a man apart. Literally. As the only true big man on the Hawks squad, he is having to deal with KG, Perkins, and Big Baby and Co. by himself. Josh Smith is trying, but he’s not a postmaster. As predicted, he was frustrated by Boston’s larger (and more numerous) frontcourt cohorts. He’s still a stud, but he’s alone.

I watched Josh Smith drive into the lane, realize he wasn’t in position to make a good shot, and pass the ball back toward a teammate who was standing still…only to find that Paul Pierce was also standing there. Dumb play? Yeah. But guess what? He was a lot more effective getting past the 3-point arc than Bibby was. That’s why Smith had 5 turnovers and Bibby had only one…Bibby couldn’t get anywhere.

And as I recall, right at the end of the first half, it was Josh Smith who had the presence of mind to race up the court with only a few seconds left. And what was the result? He forces the defense to foul him…and cooly hits both free throws. Yeah. Pretty good for a retard.

So…can we get the next two out of the way? I am not “enjoying the ride” of 20 point losses…

Ahhhhhh….life as a Hawks fan. Keep your heads up, Hawks. Hopefully this summer yanks the yoke off these guys’ necks.

By Tiger Woo

April 24, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

I can understand Joe Johnson being tired - both physically and mentally - trying to carry the load with extended minutes all season.

But Bibby? The guy only played in 48 games this year.

By Mike Bibby

April 24, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

Got em right where I want em. I’ll show everybody whats really up Saturday. Later suckers

By Mark

April 24, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

Dear Atlanta Hawks Fans:

I can’t help but continue to post on here about what I see with your team: Young - No real Leadership or direction - UNTIL: Acie Law steps onto the court. Look at the guy’s credentials. Look at his capabilities. He’s the real LEADER this team needs. But first he needs a coach to back him, believe in him, and bring out his best. This is what happened with him at Texas A&M. I watched him play in person for 4 years at A&M. The things he can do are breath taking. He won game after game after game in the last five minutes for the Aggies. All we needed was a one or two point lead and Acie would take over the last five minutes. We called it Acie Law time. He knows how to run a team. He knows what winning is about and what it takes to win. He knows how to control tempo in both full court and half court sets. He knows when to do what on the basketball floor at the right times. He needs to be given the chance and COMPLETE support and backing from the your General Manager and the coach to accomplish. Keep this in mind: We DO NOT retire player numbers at A&M. We didn’t retire the Heisman Trophy winner’s number - John David Crowe (football) - who is a LEGEND at A&M. Nor have any other’s numbers been retired in any sport in 132 years from our University. Acie Law’s number was retired in a special ceremony this season. His jersey hangs alone in Reed Arena in College Station, Texas. He IS our MODERN DAY HERO. After the Hawks traded for Mike Bibby I thought, “Why?” Then I thought well maybe Acie can play behind Bibby until his time comes. Well I am a Bibby fan but Acie looks better right now and he is your future. It’s just hard to understand why he hasn’t been supported properly. It’s up to the coach to make this happen. Acie is not the type to try and overstep anyone’s boundaries. He’s a team first guy and will play whatever role he thinks the coach wants him to play. I don’t know what else to say other than it’s hard to watch the bumbling by Woodson with regards to his use of Acie. I realize Acie got off to a sub-par beginning. Then he was injured. That’s all in the past. His time is NOW!

By joejohnson????

April 24, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

We’re not even giving ourselves a chance,” Johnson said. “We’re not playing team basketball and we’re not playing hard on both ends of the court. We’re showing a lot of immaturity right now. Mike and I are the oldest guys on this team right now at 29 and 26, so we’ve got to try and find a way to help these guys out on the court Is he serious? HE NEEDS TO FIND A WAY TO HELP MIKE &JOE. Horford & Smith are competing much better than Joe or Bibby. Smith did a great job on KG. He scored 7pts late in the game. Smith held him to 6-18 from the field. Matt & Ryder, you are joking if you think Marvin is better than Smith. He dominates him in every category in basketball.

By ray

April 24, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

Clyde, I agree. Very astute observations you made there. In fact, I think you’re right all the way around.

Matt, I see you haven’t changed on the subject of our two young starting forwards.

Here’s what puzzles me. Some people think that a better coach will have this mysterious and magical effect on Marvin that will turn him into this super 20ppg forward, yet that same coach wouldn’t be able to do a damn thing with Josh Smith.

So let me get this straight…a better coach will extend Marvin’s shooting range, get him to be more aggressive about attacking the basket and rebounding, and turn him into at least an adequate defender…but the same coach will not be able to get Josh Smith to play within the offense, make better decisions, and develop a more consistent jumper?

Last I looked, a good coach is a good coach. A leader is a leader. What he can do for one, he does for all. The idea is to develop the TEAM. The only way a better coach doesn’t improve a player is if the player doesn’t fit or is just a bad apple. I don’t see Josh Smith as being a bad apple who has no skills and talents that we can use. I don’t see Marvin as being that either. But to say that one can improve while the other can NOT…that’s ludicrous.

I couldn’t say which way we’re supposed to go in all of this. Not really. So….Marvin will become a 20ppg scorer, because he has the offensive skills to do so. What I saw this season was 14.8ppg on 46% shooting. From everybody’s favorite dummy Josh? 17.2ppg on…you guessed it…about 46% shooting…without all of those “intangible” offensive skills. And you get the defense, night in and night out. Hmmmm…..

By Harry Hawk

April 24, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

“This team shoots 41 percent from the floor, we get 40 free throws and it’s a 20-point game and that shouldn’t happen,” Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. “That’s a product of the work they’re doing on both ends, no doubt. We didn’t adjust tonight offensively. We just didn’t move the basketball. One guy is not going to beat this team. You’re going to have to sacrifice.”

The coach wouldn’t have anything to do with making offensive adjustments, would he? Nah. Didn’t think so.

By ray

April 24, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

Court awareness? Who has 3.5apg? Who makes some stupid passes and good passes?

Who makes NO passes and gets 1.7apg?

Josh Smith is actually a good passer. At least he’s looking to make a play, not trying to find an uncontested leg-kick midrange jumper.

By ray

April 24, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this

Tired or not, I see a playoff veteran getting taxed by a young pg that wasn’t even a consistent starter last year. Not taking anything against Rondo…I’m just sayin’..

By ray

April 24, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

And it’s not Horford’s fault that he didn’t get another 20 and 10 performance. Nope. They didn’t run enough plays through him.

Even when they began to do so, Boston pounced on it by throwing two big defenders at him. Meanwhile, JJ gets double teamed and it’s like he’s the only outside threat. No, Boston knows just where to adjust and does so promptly. They don’t wait for a player to start hurting them before shutting that player down. They didn’t allow anybody to get into a comfort zone.

Kevin Garnett is why. He’s a far better and more effective motivator than half the coaches in the NBA. He certainly makes Doc Rivers’ job easier.

By McLovin

April 24, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

It’s going to be a long off-season.

By ignition

April 24, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this

I question your basketball IQ (hell your IQ in general) if you are taking Marvin Williams ahead of Josh Smith. This is not an even fair comparison.. What Josh brings defensively, engergy, rebounding, assist, and scoring are all better than Marvin and they the same age. Josh and Acie were the only players to show up tonight. Why is Josh the only player breaking down the defense and not our point or shooting guard. ?

By Matt

April 24, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

Ray,

We’ve gone round and round on this, so I don’t want get back into it with you or anyone. I just think that it’s a lot easier to extend the range of someone who already has a good jump shot (like Dan Majerle did after his athleticism started to go) than it is to get them to have good form on their jump shot in the first place. I also think that’s easier to coach a guy who once played hard (UNC Marvin) to play hard again than it is to get someone who has never shown a modicum of court awareness to suddenly develop some. I just think that court awareness is the hardest thing in the world to coach, and everyone from me to Dennis Scott and Steve Smith to John Hollinger have gone off on Josh Smith’s utter lack of court awareness and the poor basic form on his jumper. I don’t think either will ever improve much. As for defense, J-Smoove is a much better help defender than Marvin, but I honestly think that both are equally godawful as on-ball defenders. Both have the potential to get better in both categories, but I’m honestly not sure either will.

I guess that what gets me the most is that looking back at Smith’s old scouting reports from ‘04, all his weaknesses are still weaknesses and are not things that are easily coached, whereas Marvin’s current weaknesses were supposed to be his strengths - which I think means that they’re still in there somewhere. So yeah, I think a new coach could help Marvin a LOT and Smith very little. Can we just agree to disagree on that?

ALL THAT BEING SAID, I really want to keep them both. Josh Smith’s weaknesses are nowhere close to outweighing his strengths, and he’ll be a solid NBA forward for years to come. I would bet $100 that he’ll never the best player on any team he plays for, but I certainly don’t want him going anywhere else. I hope we re-sign him and get a new coach that at least finds a way to make sure that his weaknesses don’t hurt us.

By MJ3

April 24, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this

Josh Smith wasn’t breaking down anything. He shot 3-14 and threw the ball away 5 times. What a joke. And Matt, here’s that scouting report on Smith you were talking about:

*Will need to improve on his overall ball handling … This will aid him in taking opposing players off the dribble … While he has three point range he lacks consistency … Will need to work on his shot selection as he can get a little too carried away … Lacks any real post up game to take advantage of mismatches … Mid range shooting remains questionable off the dribble … Has a tendency to get careless with the ball … Concentration level tends to vary as he can seem almost uninterested in the game … Defensively he needs to work on becoming more committed … Settles at times for taking outside shots instead of driving to the basket … Decision making has some questions surrounding it due to his average basketball awareness … *

Damn right. That boy hasn’t improved at ALL. I might be wrong about Marvin having something in him. Maybe I’m just biased because I was at UNC when he helped lead us to a national title. But I sure as hell am not wrong about Smoove being a phucktard who will never learn from his mistakes. Unlike you, Matt, I say we trade his sorry a$$ over the summer, which will instantly double the average IQ of this team.

By MJ3

April 24, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this

Josh Smith wasn’t breaking down anything. He shot 3-14 and threw the ball away 5 times. What a joke. And Matt, here’s that scouting report on Smith you were talking about:

*Will need to improve on his overall ball handling … This will aid him in taking opposing players off the dribble … While he has three point range he lacks consistency … Will need to work on his shot selection as he can get a little too carried away … Lacks any real post up game to take advantage of mismatches … Mid range shooting remains questionable off the dribble … Has a tendency to get careless with the ball … Concentration level tends to vary as he can seem almost uninterested in the game … Defensively he needs to work on becoming more committed … Settles at times for taking outside shots instead of driving to the basket … Decision making has some questions surrounding it due to his average basketball awareness … *

Damn right. That boy hasn’t improved at ALL. I might be wrong about Marvin having something in him. Maybe I’m just biased because I was at UNC when he helped lead us to a national title. But I sure as hell am not wrong about Smoove being a phucktard who will never learn from his mistakes. Unlike you, Matt, I say we trade his sorry a$$ over the summer, which will instantly double the average IQ of this team.

By Katz

April 24, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

How are you gentlemen!

You are on the way to destruction.

By riiii

April 24, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this

So because Marvin played at UNC he is a good player? Im sorry but that is laughable. Ill just post thier profiles and you can look for ya self.

Marvin

http://aol.nba.com/playerfile/marvinwilliams/careerstats.html

Josh Smith

http://aol.nba.com/playerfile/joshsmith/careerstats.html

From looking at these numbers this is what I see. Although people talk about how bad of a jump shooter Josh Smith is he shoots a higher percentage from the 3 point line.. He shoots a similar number to Marvin from the field although Marvin is considered a better shooter.. Josh does average more turnovers but he also averages more rebounds, points, blocks, steals, and assist than Marvin… They also play similar minutes per game and are around the same age. So please explain to me how Marvin is supposed to improve to this great player although he has shown no proof to ever beeing that yet Josh Smith is the one who needs to go? Josh has better numbers in every category so once again how will this team be better with Marvin over Josh Smith… Marvin did not even average 2 more points per game from his second year to his third year. This is not improvement. His rebounds did not really improve either…We can replace Marvin easily but we will not be able to replace Josh Smith.

By jami$$ion

April 24, 2008 2:55 AM | Link to this

i love the hawks but i can’t wait to get swept to end this nightmare called the woodywoodpeckershow.great players beat tripleteams daily cp,kobe,lebron.good players beat doubles pierce,allen,vc.nice players let doubles beat them redd,rj,jj.and i’m not touching the josh duck issue.both are the same age & height,ones trying to get max $,ones considered a bust & is going to be traded for a pick,one has been a finalist for DOY twice,the other is being considered for the bench for a nbdl player.

By jami$$ion

April 24, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this

a fudd u almost made me see some of yo vision,on your trade proposal.Until u said run our o thru rj.that’s what’s wrong with it now.our o should be ran inside thru al as the first option.when the pocket collaps al kicks it out for the open highpercentageshot.O and when do u become a top 6th DOY out of 500 people for the secondstraight year and you say he can’t play defensively.Yall need to suit posting illogical hateful and childish personallity

By Author

April 24, 2008 3:43 AM | Link to this

They both suck. And you’re right, riii - we can replace Marvin without much difficulty, because 6’9 forwards with good jump shots are easy to find. You’re also right that it would be hard to replace Josh - but that’s just because it’s not easy to find 6’9 retards.

By MJ3

April 24, 2008 4:00 AM | Link to this

Oh PLEASE. The Defensive Player of the Year award is usually a joke, and it would be a TOTAL joke if Smith got it. Last year, they gave it to a guy who played for one of the 5 worst defensive teams in the entire league. That’s because most DPOY voters don’t really put any thought into it - they just vote for the guy with the most blocks or steals. That’s why Bowen has never won the thing despite being the best perimeter defender in the NBA.

Josh Smith gets a lot of blocks. That is NOT the same thing as being a good defensive player. On the ball, he is trash. He gets owned by every halfway decent power forward in the league. West, Duncan, Boozer, Jamison, Okafor, Kenyon Martin…hell, even Diaw and Jason Boone doubled their averages against Smoove. My favorite had to be Gooden torching him (and Zaza for awhile) for 31 when we were clinging onto the 8 seed. Hell, I could count the number of times that Smith shut down the man he was assigned to guard on zero hands - same as Marvin.

If we want blocked shots, we might as well find Manute Bol or Shawn Bradley and bring them back. But if we want someone to play actual defense, let’s keep looking.

By JN

April 24, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this

I just want to know why Jeremy Richardson never plays. He’s better than what’s usually on the floor.

By doc

April 24, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this

matt, what you see is a player that may have peaked in high school in comparison to his peers and is going backwards. wow, talk about spin? his strength are now his weaknesses and you find something positive and some solace in it. huge reach there dude, huge, if i didnt know you were so smart i would say you are ….., you can fill it in if you go back and digest what you just said. again i know you are smart enough to fill in the blanks correctly.

marvin sat on his butt during the summer, josh busted his and attempted to improve his game and it showed this season. marvin went no where except backwards your words and josh improved every facet of his game. oh yeah, marvin looked better in summer league but didnt sheldon, too? come on matt either you were tired or your ability to argue every point which is a necessity in your job has lost you, your common sense.

said earlier, bibby was an extravagance for this year. a shooter would have been sufficient to get us into the playoffs or not. we had acie or a free agent to pick up in the off season with the salary cap available which we have now lost. somebody choked hard this year, woody didnt do his job to teach up. somebody has to go or where does it start not when.

or will the BASG continue to say its fans are not sophisticated? to show our smarts maybe we ought to borrow a page from or more superior nba fan brotherhood in boston and maybe folks need to wear some bags to the game on monday to make the point, “we want an organization committed to winning”, i.e. spending nba dollars with some sense about it. no belkin wont be able to do that either as he was very much interested in keeping the budget low for those calling for his name.

By jami$$ion

April 24, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

u guys dont know this game to even extend my thought process.u make statements that are bias and ficticious.DOY doesn’t mean anything?Right and next you’ll tell me the ROY 6thman MVP & COACH OF THE YEAR mean nothing if your canidate doesn’t get chosen.FYI bruce bowen has won that award and placed second numerous times.How about ronron,ben wallace,zo,mutumbo guess they weren’t excellent defenders either.Face it your emotions for duck have consumed u.men lie women lie numbers don’t.js 3pct is even better

By The King, Baby, THE KING!

April 24, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Where are all of the self-proclaimed geniuses who actually believed the Hawks had a chance in this series?

Yeah, that includes you, too, Sekou “Scoop Lite” Smith.

I don’t give a hoot how many posts some of you clowns make on this blog EVERY SINGLE DAY of your miserable lives … the first two games of this series showed how little y’all know about basketball.

The same bunch of buffoons has been crowing about great it is that the Hawks made the playoffs for the first time in years.

But y’all fail to acknowledge that the Hawks made the playoffs IN THE EAST. According to David Stern, the conference must have EIGHT teams in the playoffs. That’s the only reason “your” Atlanta Hawks are there!

The East has NO DEPTH. The Hawks would have finished 12 or 14 games out of the playoffs in the West.

Making the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the East is like being the world’s tallest midget … at the end of the day, you’re still a midget.

One more thing: what do y’all have to say about the postseason performance of Billy Knight’s pride and joy, Mike Bibby? You know, the future, first-ballot Hall of Famer? The one who was going to take the team to the “next level” … along with “All-Star” Joe Johnson and “franchise player” Josh Smith?

Suckers.

By Manute Bol

April 24, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Suckers.

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

QUESTION:

Who is teaching this team to play with one-on-one moves.?? And little else.?? Where’s the semblence of a cohesive defensive presence needed to win?? I saw GARNETT pounding his chest a couple of times late when he couldn’t get the best of Al HORFORD. Outside of that, I didn’t see much defense. They are just swarming JJ. At times, three at once. Bibby?? Forget him. Who is this guy,R-ANDO?? I mean RONDO. This dude looks like superman. Hopefully, Bibby will return for game three. Off of his performance so far, since we’ve got him under contract for another year, trade him while we can.

But as bad as it was, last night was better than the first game. Now we get two at home. Things will look differently in Atlanta. Whatever offensive and defensive schemes have been taught the Hawks will show up in the next two games. For the life of me I can’t tell what they are having seen the past two games.

By Ken Strickland

April 24, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

I see most of our sports writers have nothing good to say about Mike Bibby. That’s typical since he is the reason we’re in the playoffs. They are at their best when it comes to tearing down and attacking an Atlanta player.

Woodson has shown that he has no imagination, is not innovative and cannot stray far from his comfort zone, which is rooted in the Indiana Bobby Knight system. His OFF system is weak. After all of the movement and screens, our players still end up having to go one on one for a shot. Teams now know his OFF isn’t designed to get players open shots, and there are no back cuts and no back screens or lobs. Therefore, they know they can pressure the ball and over play without fear of getting burned.

He insists on trying to beat Boston at their gm. He used a full court press in the 1st quarter when we fell behind, and we rattled Boston and caught up. After that, he went back to the same ol same ol and got our clock cleaned.

Woodson is not the coach the Hawks need. He’s too rigid, too controlling, lacks vision and flexibility and has serious issues communicating with, and coaching, young inexperienced players. HE HAS CONTRIBUTED ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ATLANTA HAWKS. IN FACT, HE’S HELD THEM BACK AND WE MADE THE PLAYOFFS INSPITE OF HIM. WE CERTAINLY WOULDN’T BE ANY WORSE OFF IF THE SAASG HAD ALLOWED BK TO FIRE HIM LAST YR.

It’s good for our players to have to go through this. Now they have an idea of the intensity and energy it takes to be successful in the playoffs. You can’t take a quarter off, and everyone has to play at near maximum efficiency. Woodson’s half court OFF system simply isn’t effective at getting our player in position to score consistenly, especially at this level of play. Their doesn’t seem to be any options built in to compensate if teams apply pressure or overplay to disrupt the main OFF. WE’RE A HIGH POWERED MOTOR BOAT WITHOUT A RUDDER.

By Bravesfan79

April 24, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

By The Queen Baby: sup queen, i dunno who your talking about but all the Atlanta fans that were realistic didnt think the Hawks would do anything but maybe win 1 playoff game. Yes we all know we have a terrible GM and coach. Yes we know the Hawks just dont have the right mix of players and arent that good, that can be fixed! Your stupidity on the other hand….well i guess your stuck with them queen boy.

By Bravesfan79

April 24, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

By The Queen Baby: sup queen, i dunno who your talking about but all the Atlanta fans that were realistic didnt think the Hawks would do anything but maybe win 1 playoff game. Yes we all know we have a terrible GM and coach. Yes we know the Hawks just dont have the right mix of players and arent that good, that can be fixed! Your stupidity on the other hand….well i guess your stuck with that queen boy.

By Astro Joe

April 24, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

You know, I’m not sure that we should keep Marvin OR Smith. In fact, put me in the category that says Childress & Horford is a better forward combination over the next 5 years than anything other combo that includes Smith, Marvin, Horford & Chill. Chill can’t help space the floor, but his constant movement without the ball usually results in a more liquid offense.

The next step for Smith is to spend less time practicing on the court and more time watching film. I don’t see how he improves his decision-making skills by working out with Hakeem, Calvin Murphy or any other HOFer. He needs to study, study, study. And I question if he will do that, when for the last 8 years, he has earned his accolades by being the best athlete on the court. Will he sacrifice the thrill of being on the court for the mundaneness of watching videos of past games? More than learning how to dribble or shoot, I want him to learn WHEN to dribble or shoot.

By Bravesfan79

April 24, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

MJ3: I think when Mutombo won all those DEF player of the year awards it was no joke! The man was forreal and can still play!

By fudd21

April 24, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Ray You asked the question about resigning Bibby, I think we have to wait and see what happens next year. Yes these past 2 games he has looked awful and missed wide open shots, but I dont want to make a knee jerk reaction based on 2 games. Just a few weeks ago most were praising him for leading us to the playoffs.

Jamisson Big Al in my opinion is not ready to run an offense through. Right now is low post move is basically using his strength to move people out the way. He does have a good midrange shot and makes excellent decisions. The reason I said RJ or any small forward for that matter is because thats our greatest need. A scoring option with 3 point range. Someone has got to take pressure of JJ. When Bibby is hitting he does but that hasnt happened lately. Whoever said the double teams happen faster and harder in the playoffs was dead on. And people dont forget Boston right now is probably the best team and best defensive team in the league. I don’t think out showing would look this bad if we were playing someone else.

The Marvin and Josh debate will probably go on as long as they both are here. There is no question that Josh brings MUCH more to the table than Marvin, but I think Marvin has more basketball skills/talent and a higher basketball IQ. I think my definition of skill/talent may differ from others. But I equate skill/talent to your ability to shoot, dribble, and pass. Those are things you can improve and work on. Your athletic ability is something God gave you and Josh is oozing with it, but I have yet to see it transform into better shooting or handles. As far as defense that’s heart and God given quickness to stay in front of folks. I think they both lack in on ball defense but Josh is an excellent off the ball defender.

I like them both but if shipping one or both out means we get a real scoring option here that I say bye to both. I just think it will be Josh because we can get more for him and he wont cost as much. Yes he brings more to the table but does he bring 4 or 5 million per year more which puts us over the cap. its not as easy as to just say sign someone. There is a salary cap in place and you have to figure out how to get the best bang for your buck. Sorry yall I know that was long. Not trying to go ando on you.

By ATLRattler

April 24, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

The Hawks actually played hard last night. I saw no quit in them, & they stood up to the Celts. They are outmatched talent & experience wise. They are what they are showing: a below 500 team that backed into the playoffs. I was very high on Bibby coming here, & was so before the season started, but were seeing now how youth can outplay a tired vet. Woody, while trying to change things up a bit on some of his play calling (even Fratello gave him kudos at one point) he is not going to get this team to where we all would like to see them. I think he’s scared to play JRich, at least in situations when they’re down big. They have the personnel to have 3 good shooters on the floor at the same time, but Woodrow want pull the trigger.

This season is over. I will be at game 4, but it will take a huge change in approach (by Woodrow) to stop us from getting swept. Acie looked good enough to get more PT. It appeared he tried not be too excited, but over did it & played too laxed with the ball. I do see him surplanting Bibby at the point in the very near future. The question is will Bibby want to be a back up after his contract expires next year?

This whole Duck vs Smoove argument has gone on all year as the franchise approaches a crtical decision this offseason. I too want to keep them both, but if there is an opportunity to move either one with another piece of future pic to get a big who could help out Horford down low & allow him to play PF, then I’d have to say holla! We only need one, especially if we keep Chill, it NEVER made sense to draft Marvin in the first place, I mean f#$king NEVER. I am a the biggest UNC fan (except when they play GT, cause I’m a bigger homer). The potential is there for either Smoove or Duck to become a better player on another team because, duh, they’ll be that more experienced & they might actually end up somewhere where the coach, might know a thing or two.

One other note on ish I was talking with a potna of mine. I’m in my mid thirties & I’ve been an NBA fan for a long time. Most of the starting coaches & brass I am familiar with from their playing days, all except our own Mike Woodson. I watch enought Hawks to see them recap his college & pro career. But my question is this, did this guy ever start? Maybe it has absolutely nothing to do with his coaching ability, but many of the other past player-now coaches I remember starting. In fact I have no recollection of ever seeing him on the court. Anywayz, I’ve been behind Woodrow all the way up until about 1/4 of the way into this season, because I really believed he was missing critical pieces (which they still are). But being with the group this long, & playing in a suspect East, & seeing some of the games where they step up & punch so-called elite teams in the mouth & win, Woodrow should have gotten more out of this group than he did this year.

We’re actually in a no win situation, if we fire both Woodson & BK, like many have said on previous post - who the hell would want to come here in either position with the current ownership problem?

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

KEN STRICK:

Did anyone Wunderlich this guy before he was hired? Sounds like our coach WOODEN-one has a form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. This type of person will never be a winner in an environment where quick change and adaptation on the fly are absolutely essential for success. Best laid plans CAN work pretty well defensively, depending. But offensively, you better lay out a plan to begin and start tweeking with the first TO, probing the opposing defense for their weaknesses. Creative and agile minds are called for. Few coaches have both the stubborn mind-set for good defense, and the agility for an effective and creative offense.

By Michael Gearon, Jr.

April 24, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Oh, his a$$ is fired all right!

Terry Stotts has the job if he wants it, and Don Waddell can be a GM for two teams, right?

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

MICHAEL GEARON Jr,:

Thank you Mr. GEARON sir for that inside information. SCOOP CITY. Please continue to feed us inside information from the minds of the ASG brain-trust. Inquiring minds want to know, you know???

SEKOU:

You should be honored that the likes of our very own MICHAEL GEARON Jr. would post BREAKING NEWS on this blog!!!

By SalimFan

April 24, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

We are not outmatched. There are plenty of teams with less talent than us in the playoffs. They Just happen to have decent Head Coaches.

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

SALIM FAN;

Who is SALIM? Is he on the HAWKS team?? I never see him.

By Ken Strickland

April 24, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

RICH BRAVE-what else can be said. You’ve summed him up perfectly. You plug Woodson in as HC of established teams like the Pistons or the Spurs and he’ll likely thrive. Their systems and style of play are already in place, the players are knowledgale, experienced and without need of direction and/or development. We need a HC that’s flexible and can fit a system around our talent rather than forcing our talent into an ill fitting system.

We should pressure Boston’s PG’s from baseline to baseline. Neither Rhondo or Cassell are able to consistently hurt a team when being pressured in open court, especially Cassell. It will force KG and Perkins to come out and help break the press. That will prevent them from immediately getting in position early in the shot clock. It will also ease the DEF pressure on Josh and Horford trying to defend them for long periods on the block.

When we pushed the ball early in the 1st half, we got their bigs in some early foul trouble, which got us early penality FT’s. He!!, I could go on and on, but it won’t change anything, especially Woodson. I hope Gearon is taking notes on our lack of adequate coaching.

I LOVE THESE YOUR EXCITING HAWKS AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THEM NO MATTER WHAT! UNLIKE CERTAIN LOCAL SPORT WRITERS, I’M NOT GOING TO BECOME A BANDWAGON JUMPER AND CRITICIZE BIBBY FOR NOT PERFORMING AT HIS PREVIOUS LEVEL. AFTER ALL, DIDN’T WE SEE THIS COMING WHEN HIS GM STARTED TO SUFFER FROM WOODSON PLAYING HIM TOO MANY MINS DURING OUR PLAYOFF RUN. THE SAME GOES FOR JJ.

GO YOU HIGH FLYING HAWKS AND KEEP PLAYING HARD NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By RA

April 24, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Here’s the thing. You can talk about how much Woodson needs to go and some of what’s said is well founded, but the plain truth of the matter is that the Celtics have three of the best players at their positions of all time, not just in the game today, but of all time. This is a deep, battle-hardened team with tons of playoff experience. On any given day, they could pull any team’s boxers up over their heads and tie them in a knot. I’m sorry, but what’s happening to the Hawks, could be happening to any team with the POSSIBLE exceptions of dull as dishwater Detroit and San Antonio…

By Dan

April 24, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

The guys with paperbags on their heads were Knicks fans living in Boston who were at the game this year. Not a hard fact to check. Point is, Bibby was talking out of his *ss, b/c the one time he came here last year, the place was about 80-85% full. As a season ticket holder for 8 years, i can say that fan support has been far more excessive than the quality of play would seem. The only time the place was 3/4’s empty were days the game was scheduled on Super Bowl days when the Patriots were playing.

By HB Ando

April 24, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t it Major League Baseball that used to give the commissioner discretionary powers “in the best interests of the game”, like when they banned Pete Rose for far less egregious acts than using steroids to destroy the integrity of the statistical record book?

Watching these 2, inevitable a*-whippings, brings a similar idea to mind:

Rather than having the Hawks bother to play this series, which is doing nothing more than place a great Celtics team at risk of losing one of its primary players to injury in a pointless sweep of the unqualified-to-be-in-the-playoffs Hawks?

I have two better ideas, that David Stern should have given due consideration to, in exercising some similar type of discretionary power:

1) Acknowledge the Hawks have no legitimate place in these playoffs, making it a 15-team bracket, with Boston getting a first-round bye (well, I guess playing the Hawks is as close to a first-round bye as you’re going to see).

2) Give the 8th seed to Golden State, as they actually made the necessary commitments, to spend the money and bring in talented people, and won 11 (eleven!!!!) more games than the Hawks. I mean if Memphis and New Orleans can be in the Western Conference, why can the Warriors be in the East?

In return for either of these scenarios, and as not to be punitive (can’t blame the Hawks for being even less horrible than the other Eastern Conference teams, that didn’t make the playoffs) to the franchise, Stern could give the Hawks a supplemental first-round draft pick, and a $14 million dollar trade exception, designed to make up for the fact that no team in the league is going to take Bibby’s contract, despite its expiring status, after watching him get torched by a young “star” in Rondo (who was the biggest question mark, going into the pre-season, as to just how Boston would fare this year).

The supplemental first-rounder would just be an act of pity, in showing kindness to Atlanta fans that can’t be blamed for having a moron of a GM, who’s two favorite uses for first-round draft picks are giving them away for no good reason, and wasting them on players no one else would have chosen given the same draft slot. The extra caveat would have to be that Billy Knight would not be allowed to make the decision on who to take with the pick, for painfully obvious reasons.

They could let Dominique make the selection, though he’d either re-draft himself, or trade the pick to Spud Webb, in exchange for the Slam Dunk trophy he still believes he was robbed of.

If there was anybody left, who wondered how Billy pulled off such a “great” deal, by getting Bibby for arguably the worst #5 pick in decades, and a trio of broken-down, expiring contracts, with a combined age of 167 years old, I think the answer is pretty self-evident. I heard the Maloof brothers used the roughly $20 million they saved, with the year+ of Bibby’s remaining contract that they dumped on us, to open up a new casino. They’ve even created a new game, called Billy Knight. Here’s how it’s played: For a million dollars, you’re given a “chip” that says “First Round Pick” on it. You place the chip on the table, and the dealer takes it, puts it in his pocket, and while you stand there, gape-mouthed and clueless as to what your next move should be, security comes over, kicks your a*, and tosses you out of the back of the casino, locking the door to the building as it slams shut behind you. Billy reportedly says he laughs at people who think he can’t win this game, because he simply knows more about gambling than everybody else.

I looked at all the teams in the league last night, after losing interest in watching Bibby getting torched, again, and I couldn’t find more than a team or two who might be interested in him (but certainly not for $14 million, and definitely not in exchange for anything of potentially tangible value to the Hawks).

On another note, I’m still laughing at Fudd21, who cluelessly pondered why the Hawks didn’t find a way to trade down and draft Rondo. Um, Fudd, Rondo was chosen with one of the first-round draft picks that we gave up, several years ago, in the Joe Johnson acquisition.

And the funniest one-liner of the day has to go to SalimFan: “We are not outmatched.” Pure comic genius. Reminds of a scene from a Monty Python movie, where the knight has had both of his arms whacked off by his opponents sword, and he keeps taunting the other knight to stay and fight him, and calling him a chicken, while blood spurts out of both of the stumps that were once his arms.

Coincidentally, I just looked up “outmatched”, in Wikipedia, which is, as some of you might know, updated regularly. Definition A, had a picture of Rondo riding Bibby like a pony at a pre-school birthday party, with a side-by-side comparison of their two-game, collective stat lines (which, for those of you who missed it amounted to Bibby: 4-17 FG, 2 assists, 3 turnovers and 0 steals, versus Rondo (who’s agent will probably, privately, credit Bibby with earning his client millions of extra dollars, when he re-signs his next contract): 12-20 FG, 17 assists, 12 rebounds, 6 steals and 1 turnover.

$14 million next year, and ACTUAL Hawks “fans” who want to not only keep him, but re-sign him.

“We are not outmatched”

No, but we may very well be the Washington Generals……….

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

DAN:

Good take on Bibby. He got so rattled that Boston just quit guarding him and he blew what-four wide-opens in a row before making one. I heard he was way better than that. I haven’t seen him but three games so far.

I gotta’ believe he makes those in Atlanta which changes the dynamic of the game considerably. If they come out on him and he’s any kind of PG he finds a player for an open three or a penetrator and dishes which ultimately draws out KG from around the basket. This gives AH and the offense a chance to operate inside-No?

HORFORD is effective against KG, but GARNETT is at the top of his game and Al’s just beginning. You could see with the jawing and chest-beatin’ that KG was feeling BIG AL’s presence.

By LBJ_fan

April 24, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Celtics better have their fun while they can, cuz Lebron and the CAVS are going to destroy them!!!! Write it down!! CAVS will defeat the Celtics in round 2 because they have a superstar in Lebron James. Hard fouls have no impact on him because he his tough mentally and physically. Celtics are old and washed up past their prime, and Doc Rivers is a horrible coach just like Woody.

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

W-o-a-h, Laugh a minute HB ANDO:

You go bro’. Seriously fall down funny stuff from the Darth Vader of blogdom. Take off that Star Wars costume and step into HAWKSWORLD. Your refinement methods in relation to your approach to this blog are impeccible.

By RA

April 24, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Well, gee thanks for clearing that up for us, uhm, Dan… Now, when you say that fan support was better than the level of play would justify, does that bring it up to good? Are you willing to assure us that there weren’t ANY Celtic fans with bags over their heads during a 19 win season? Can you say with absolute certainty that there were no stretches over the past oh say twenty some odd years where the Boston faithful were, shall we say, less than faithful. Now, I wouldn’t know one way or the other. I’m just asking, since you’re clearing things up.

In the meantime, let’s talk a little about what it means to be a fan. It means owning a player whether or not you agree with the team’s decision to draft him. It means tuning in or going to every gave over a ten year stretch when they don’t have a chance in hades of going to playoffs and little chance of being competitive. It means cheering your head off for Al Horford for jawing head to head, excuse me, head to chin, with Kevin Garnett for being a jerk even though your team is down 20 points. It means supporting your team even though you know for a fact they don’t have a snowball’s chance in %#?! of winning. It means buying a ticket and selling out your own %#?! building for a team that’s made the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. It means getting p** as all out that your team is getting their buts smeared from one end of the court clean on over to the other, but supporting them anyway, and their coach who has the impossible task of facing a team 3/5’s of who’s starting line up will be in the hall of fame one day. It means hopping on a blog and defending your team BEFORE they make trades for two all-stars and become a 65 win team. Lastly, it means that until the last second of the last game ticks off that clock you never stop believing. Dan, if you do that for your team great, but stop dogging out mine for telling the truth as they see it to be.

By mykhalc

April 24, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

i don’t think i can say honestly that i’m surprised at too much. 1st playoffs, not a smart team to begin with, HC has no clue, and playin’ a veteran team like BOS that can flat out play!!! the thing i’m most disappointed in is that it just shows how WOODSON HAS NOT DEVELOPED this team aaaaaaalllllll year long. as bad as the HAWKS are playin’ EVERYONE on the court appears clueless!!! everybody except HORFORD is playin’ tooooo f’n fast with their brains bein’ overloaded due to the moment!!! really, how hard is it to find the OPEN man when someone is doubled!!! this team has not learned that concept all year!!! and the games where we did move the ball were the exceptions and not the rule, that’s for sure!!!

the series shows me that this team is not bein’ led now nor has it had a leader/HC all year long!!! and he can flash his ring and bald head all he wants, he’s just not HC material…PERIOD!!! this series just exposes him to the rest of the NBA world just as it exposes our young and flawed team!!!

By LBJ_fan

April 24, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Celtics don’t deserve to make it to the finals, let alone win a championship. They are just a mediocre team, Hawks are making them look like the Bulls of 90’s and Lakers of 80’s. Bibby is 100% correct on his comments about the fans. Celtics tanked last season so they could get Greg Oden and they have had poor attendance the past 2 years. Kevin McHale basically gave away Garnett to his buddy Danny Ainge, so if Celtics win a championship, McHale should get a ring as well.

By dAP

April 24, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have NO basketball IQ JJ disappears Marvin is clumsy We at totally out classed We are not on the road to being better Our coaching is sub par

By RA

April 24, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

mykhalc Cut the boys some slack. Remember, the Chicago Bulls did not become the Chicago Bulls over night. Jordan was around 30 before the Bulls won their first world Championship, and this after getting the smack laid down on them for two or three years by the Detroit Pistons who, in turn, got the smack laid down on them by, guess who, the Boston Celtics before being able to move on. This is a right of passage, and it’s one that most teams have to go through on their way to greatness. Now, granted some teams, and I’m not going to name any names, can shake and bake their way to a championship with trades and free agency, but if you’re going to build a perrenial winner, the draft is the way to go. The Hawks have great YOUNG talent. The problem with that is that although great, the talent is young. Are they taken aback by the moment, you better believe it. Were the Bulls and the Pistons at one point taken in by the moment? Yea, but this too will pass. I believe.

LBJ_fan Now, you may be right about the trade that brought Kevin Garnett to the Celtics. It always seemed like it was a little…one sided to me. I also think that you’re right that they don’t deserve a championship because for all their talent, they lack class. HOWEVER, the talent on that team is undeniable. The Hawks could play better, but let’s face it, they’re that good.

By RA

April 24, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

If I were the Hawks brass, I’d bring James Worthy in for the express purpose of working with Marvin Williams on his low post footwork. It that didn’t do it, nothing would.

By fudd21

April 24, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Ando, Actually I was reiterating what someone else had said, but my point was that anything would have been better than drafting a non serviceable Sheldon Williams.

By mykhalc

April 24, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

RA, i’m with the cats ALL THE WAY!!! but i gotta keep it real. just like i DO NOT believe we have GREAT talent, as you posted!!! i think we have some good to very good talent!!! the upside on some of the talent as the potential to be great, no doubt!!! but no greats…yet IMHO!!! but you are right, they have to go thru it to get to it, no doubt!!!

By MannyT

April 24, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Sometimes enjoying the ride means you get extra games, but they’re ugly to watch.

mykhalc I agree that there isn’t a huge surprise that we are losing. At the same time, I still root for the Hawks to pull one or two out somehow.

ray from 10:59PM last night. Bibby has value. At the very least 14 million is a big cap space to have an opportunity to fill in the summer of 2009. There might be offers for him as an expiring contract about 1/2 way through the season. During the regular season, I doubt he’ll play any worse than he has the past 2 games.

I wouldn’t toss him aside for magic beans (a la the Grizzlies & Gasol) quite yet.

Often this team is like a supercharged hot rod w/o steering control. They are athletic, but not purposeful in their actions.

Billy the Bum 11:13PM. I take it you never heard of the Clippers before they got Dunleavy as coach. Lot’s of high draft picks, and lot’s of bad teams.

I’ll be there to root, root, root for the home team this weekend.

BWAF

By doc

April 24, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

very imaginative alpha boy! you are showing your chops now.

By HB Ando

April 24, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Fudd, fair enough and agree with the bottom line. Didn’t realize you were repeating someone else’s thought. It is ironic, however, that it’s Rondo, chosen with one of the first-rounders that Billy gave away in the Johnson trade, that is dominating our $14 million point guard.

Doc, thank you, sir. Will you be in the stands on Monday? If so, let’s meet for our standard half-time pretzel and beer if you are up for it……

By RA

April 24, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

mykhalc Well said, but I will tell you that there is a difference between great talent, and great young talent. That is not in any way to back off my previous post. What I’m saying is that great young talent is 50% potential… Great talent is a proven career. Just to clarify my earlier statements…

By mykhalc

April 24, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

MannyT, i’m pullin’ for then to steal one too, no doubt!!! regardless of outcome i just hoped they would have shown better, that’s all. and good coachin’ can help us show better!!! i surely don’t expect these cats to lead themselves at this point in their careers nor operate as a well-oiled machine!!! but again, IF WOODSON knew ANYTHIN’, ANYTHIN’ AT ALL, this team WOULD BE showin’ better!!!

i know there’s a lot been said and thrown at BIBBY right now, and granted his game is off. but i’ll still take this cat and what he brings. and believe me, salary and all, if the HAWKS don’t keep him some team will. book that one!!!

By Ryder

April 24, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

All of us should be there for Monday’s game. That way, when the buzzer sounds and the game ends we can all go out for a beer HB Ando, doc, richbrave and celebrate the end of the Woodson/Knight regime.

Sekou will you join us in a post Game 4 brew?

I DON’T CARE IF WE DO GET CRUSHED IN GAMES 3 AND 4….WHY?

Baby steps, gentlemen (and queen baby) baby steps…….

By doc

April 24, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

ando, absolutely and i will be there at the stand with my son if all goes as planned. i am in section 113 so i imagine not too far away. i can probably be found before the game at the usual rest stop as well.

ryder, i am almost sure it will be to drink to the past season so i will be available. too bad the jock and jill is down for the count. no matter what, you are either going forward or backing up, i really cant say which at this point.

maybe when all is said and done the celts will man handle all comers suggesting this hawks team is not as bad as it looks right now. the celts have done some things this year that ranks with the best ever in wins and point differential without appearing to try and run scores up. their starters got time off every game and the only real streak of losses were when there were significant players out on a road trip no less. they really are that good and it needs to be kept in perspective in spite of the trend not to. i cant believe there wont be a sell out since it is the celts and if for no other reason the best team in the league this year.

By Astro Joe

April 24, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Things look ugly. But when the playoffs are finished, I’m fairly certain that the Cletics will make a few other teams (indiviudal players and coaches) look incompetent also. They won’t face anymore “playoff virgins” so they may not win every game by 20. But I don’t expect them to have any great anxiety about any series until they reach the Finals (assuming they maintain their health). As much as I admire the Pistons, Flip has allowed them to lose their “eye of the tiger”. The difference between KG’s carrer and Rasheed’s will be that one played with intensity and a sense of urgency every minute of every game, while the other never could maintain that fervor over an extended period of time (with the exception of the 2nd half of their championship season). We’re just the first of several future victims to this juggernaut.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 24, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

I gotta say, HB Ando, your latest novel was pretty hilarious.

By doc

April 24, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

aj, is there an echo in the building?

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 24, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

I have an idea for game 3… not that it will make a difference in the end, but at least it might help the Hawks not get embarrassed like they have in the last two games.

Start Bibby at point, but tell him to guard Ray Allen on D, since Allen is less likely to beat Bibby with quickness. I realize he’s sucked the last two games, but I think not having to guard Rondo on D might help him conserve some energy. In either case I wouldn’t play him more than 20-25 minutes. Acie Law has shown that he deserves more playing time.

Start Mario West at the 2 and tell him to guard Rondo on D. Maybe if you put a bigger guy on Rondo, especially someone as active as West, it will throw him off his rhythm.

Move Joe Johnson to the 3 and tell him to guard Pierce. Not the easiest matchup in the world for him, I know, but he has to be in the lineup, and he does have the strength to where Pierce won’t completely bully him.

Keep Josh Smith and Al Horford starting at the 4 and 5, but bring Solomon Jones off the bench before Zaza.

Yeah, this lineup is pretty undersized, but I think replacing Marvin with Mario will speed up the tempo of the game and bring a lot more energy from the start than we’ve seen the last two games. Everyone and their momma knows the Hawks need to run more, and maybe Mario’s energy can get this team on the break a little more. Marvin clearly is not contributing much as a starter, but since he can knock down shots it might help to bring him in with the second unit when Joe Johnson leaves the game. And as limited as Solomon Jones is, he definitely provides more energy than Zaza, and it’s not like Zaza is a great asset himself anyway.

Whatever happens, it’s pretty clear MPH needs to shake some things up if the Hawks are gonna avoid a blowout… and they better not get blown out, since I paid 20 bucks to go to this game. That’s twice as much as I normally pay for some upper level seats.

By MannyT

April 24, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

I do like the fact that Bibby is Dr. Seussing today!

I mean what I said, I said what I meant!

Swagger doesn’t get developed by standing up when it’s easy to do so. He’s got it and I like it.

Consequently, I’ll be cheering for him even if he stinks up the joint on Saturday!

BWAF

By HB Ando

April 24, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Najeh. When things are darkest, you’re usually left with a choice to laugh or cry. Frequently we take each other, and ourselves, way too seriously here. We’re essentially powerless, as fans, to change the fortunes of our local franchise. Some of us like to believe that by maintaining pressure, via the written word, on this forum (Sekou has told me more than once that this blog is far more widely read than many here seem to believe), it at least gives you the feeling like you have a voice.

You all know that I believe consistently pressing for accountability is a worthy cause, even at the risk (ok, clear reality) of being redundant, as well as frequently maddening. But until necessary changes occur, one can either be relentless, or can acquiesce. I have, and always will, choose the former.

Remembering to bring the message with a little humor and levity, is good medicine. Ray has done a great job of blending wit with criticism. So have others, like doc, flash, myc, and, more recently, richbrave.

It’s OK to be a fan and expect more from your team. It doesn’t mean you don’t support them. It means you know, as a fan, that you and your money, deserve better.

I see major change coming this summer. Maybe too little and maybe too late. But better late than never, if we want to compete for championships. Look at New Orleans. Look at Portland. Look at Toronto. Look at the Lakers, where Kobe had publicly given up on his franchise and his teammates, only to emerge as the likely MVP, and a legitimate contender for the World Championship.

There’s a difference between being patient, and being led on. And the Hawks have led their fans on. It’s time for change. Because keeping this team intact, going into next year, is nothing more than a $68 million payroll for a sub-.500 roster.

And that’s both a waste of money, and a waste of time. Eternal optimists, like Ken Strickland, deserve better from this franchise.

2 more games, and the summer of speculation begins in earnest (sans, unfortunately, any draft picks)……

By ray

April 24, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Fudd21 and MannyT, that question wasn’t based on the last 2 games Bibby played in. It was just a question. This is one of the things coming up this offseason. If we move him, we gotta do it before the all-star break (where his value as an asset is at an all-time high). If we keep him, then we simply delay the decision. But then, he has as much or more leverage than the organization does when his contract is over. See what I mean? In the meantime, any judgement on him can only be taken on review of the total time he’s been here: regular season (post all-star break) and playoffs. Just something to get the ol’ brain going for what’s coming in the offseason….

Matt, one reason I agree to disagree on some of this is because you’re not a disrespectful, clueless hater (like someone else). A few things to add:

1)I have maintained that you let Josh Smith go IF you can get great value IN WHAT WE NEED. Such as a GOOD starting center. Or a talented guy who can start alongside Horford and give us that “Detroit” power forward tandem that even teams with good centers have the utmost difficulty with. Actually, I have other ideas in mind as well, but that would take a while to discuss…

2)I don’t know that Marvin will ever improve the way people keep saying he will. If we are committing to him as our small forward of the future, then he must improve his shooting range and defense. He’s also got to be a regular “attack the baket” guy. I see it in him only in spurts, as he has never played with the intensity that Josh Smith has. If he did, we wouldn’t be talking about Josh so much. Having watched him in college, I have to think that the reason he played as hard as he did is because he was coming off of the bench…making the most of his minutes. Hmmmm…that gives me a thought or two…

3)For all of the supposed “intangibles” that are there, the numbers don’t lie. And you can’t argue with them. The numbers are the difference between “intangible” and “tangible”. Or should I say “potential” and “substance.”

4)I firmly believe that we cannot continue with both of these guys as our starting forwards. Not if we want to win. Sorry to break up that fairy tale, but the only way it works is if one goes to the bench. Now, do you see that happening? I don’t.

5)Neither player will ever be the best player of their team, regardless of whether they stay here or go elsewhere. That’s a moot point. I also don’t believe that a good coach is incapable of developing one while being able to turn the other into a premiere scorer. No, what it comes down to is which one a guy is WILLING to commit the time and effort to. We already know which one YOU chose.

Soon, we will find out which one the organization chooses.

By SalimFan

April 24, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Richbrave,

WHATEVER!!! lol

I’ll tell you where salim is when GILBO stops messing up the wizards team chemistry lol.

By Astro Joe

April 24, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Doc, demented minds think a like. I said THEY THINK A LIKE, DAMMIT! Oops, let me pop a quick pill. Whew. That’s better.

So, Gary Fitzsimmons is the Assistant GM of the Atlanta Hawks. One of his previous gigs was Director fo Player Personnel for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He worked with a certain head coach for about 3-4 seasons in that capacity. A talented & unemployed head coach name Michael Fratello.

And just for the record, BK was Babcock’s assistant GM when he was promoted by the Time-Warner management team. Fitzsimmons has been with the Hawks for 3 seasons and should have a good perspective on who should stay from the current roster. And we all know Fratello’s background with the franchise and that he is a tremendous coach (who clearly wants another chance to work the sidelines).

Of course, this all comes down to if the ASG can hire a new GM/Head Coach given the current divorce proceedings (and required governance process).

By ray

April 24, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Ando, Over the top man, over the top. Gives me something to chuckle about uproariously in a time of such turmoil.

By doc

April 24, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

hey ray, alpha boy sounds almost rational, ya think? nothing like coming off a roids high.

demented minds are better than dementia minds, aj. let us keep thinking any way possible.

By mykhalc

April 24, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

DOC, that’d be thong luv and a roids high!!! whew!!!!

By HB Ando

April 24, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Joe, still waiting for a viable suggestion on what person/entity would pony up about $150 million, to take out Belkin, AND NOT expect the same type of organizational control that Belkin wielded, ultimately leading to the ASG coup. Seems like a vicious circle to me.

What’s Jerry Colangelo doing these days? He’s got money, the skill and credibility to oversee operations, and the relationships to hire the best possible head coaching candidate. I know he’s running USA Basketball, but if one is to believe that this team has some compelling assets, and simply requires better management and funding, then who could be better than Daddy Colangelo?

I mean, since we’re throwing out names, willy-nilly.

I also happen to know that Kevin Loughery, Sr. is living locally. I’d take him, over Billy, even if he’d recently taken a 6-iron to the head (of course I’d take a 6-iron over Billy Knight, using a coin-flip method for all personnel decisions, and still have more confidence in the fairway iron).

But hey, this is Atlanta, and Billy Knight. So would anyone be surprised if, right after the sweep is completed, we fire Woody, and hire Isiah?

By HB Ando

April 24, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

doc, I traded the ‘roids for probiotics. Now I’m less angry AND less full of %$*@!

I can tell by your ongoing swipes that your still a little miffed that I described you as the “old guy” when we were at the game, and my wife was trying to see us on TV. Or was it when I called you, right before you had a date and asked you if you needed a cialis?

Either way, you’re being awful chippy, in your own, passive-aggressive way. Maybe you should try sticking one of your acupuncture needles in a new orifice, if you know what I mean….

See you Monday, old-timer…….

By MannyT

April 24, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

ray The Bibby question is tricky mainly because of the degree of change we might see this offseason through trades, sign & trades, and a mid level exception pick up.

I think Bibby has value, but it is a bit depressed because the past 2 games are our only national TV exposure.

Now is the time for us to do the basketball equivalent of BillyBall as in Billy Beane in Moneyball. We need a few value players on the roster.

Because you can only have so many big contracts on a team, we either need a deal (i.e. restricted rookie scale contract) at center or the money to pay for a legitimate 2nd scoring option has to come from the slot for our current 2nd scoring option…Bibby.

Amusingly, the best trade partners are likely teams that are way over the cap, so his salary may be more easily absorbed…like the Knicks or Dallas as they tweak that roster this summer.

BWAF

By doc

April 24, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

sounds pretty good to me myk, but i am past my prime so i wouldnt want to waste it. i’ll stick to meditation and qigong, does my equilibrium better.

no alpha boy, i am quite pleased to be an old furt, belly laugh included for effect …… besides, you gave me the opening. ;-))

By doc

April 24, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

larry brown is now available and on the prowl for a new coaching position.

By SalimFan

April 24, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Ando: Ouch on your 1:00pm post.

I meant with a better coach The hawks wouldn’t look like an abused step child at the end of each game.

By Matt

April 24, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

From ESPN. Here’s the reason why people freaking out about Bibby after these past two games is alarmism to an absurd degree:

Behind in the fourth quarter. That was once folding time in Atlanta. But on April 2, the newest Hawk in the huddle, the one who had once battled Shaq and Kobe in May, let it be known that 11 minutes is an eternity. “Stay composed,” Mike Bibby told his teammates, as the scoreboard read Raptors 95, Hawks 80. “They’re going to let us back in the game.”

Ten minutes 59 seconds later, Bibby was drilling a three to force OT. Three minutes 55 seconds after that, he hit another to put his team ahead for good. In the two months since Bibby arrived from Sacramento, he has emerged as the leader the Hawks have lacked since Deke, Mookie and Steve Smith ran the locker room … oh, like a generation ago. It’s no coincidence Atlanta made the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

Bibby, unlike his fellow starters, is well-acquainted with the postseason. Joe Johnson, the only other member of the group to have lived a playoff game, had just finished his rookie season when Bibby torched the Lakers in that famous 2002 Western Conference final. Josh Smith, Marvin Williams and Al Horford were all 15 or 16—and rooting for LA. Though each remembers the series vividly, none of them understood its significance until Bibby came on board.

“After we got Mike, we played the Lakers, and when they introduced him as part of the starting lineup, I’d never heard anybody get booed so bad,” Williams says. “I asked Mike what it was about and he said it was because of the playoffs. That’s when it clicked.”

With Bibby running the show, a lot more is clicking these days. “A few months ago,” Johnson says, “if we were down 15 in the fourth, it’d be over. Mike has made us believe.”

-Chris Broussard

WAS IT WORTH IT? The Hawks needed a closer, and they got one. Before the trade, they were 7—10 in OT and games decided by five points or less. After Bibby arrived, the record in tight squeezes was 47mdash;1.

By Matt

April 24, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Doc,

First off…your comment from last night got me thinking. I know there are other dudes using the “Matt” handle who’ve posted here over the years. I only started up after the draft this past summer (although I’d posted on a couple other NBA and Hawks boards before that), and I’ve posted regularly since then. I’m a law student, so I don’t really have a “job” yet - although my job definitely will require me to argue every point!

I also just want to sound off against hiring Larry Brown…aka Mike Woodson’s mentor. Brown would definitely get more out of this team, but he’s not the right coach for a long, lean, and athletic team. That being said, dude’s a champion, and I definitely wouldn’t object if we got him. I just might prefer getting an Adelman or D’Antoni clone first.

By mykhalc

April 24, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Matt, very cool post on BIBBY!!! thanks for postin’!!! like i said, i’ll take the cat and keep the cat!! he makes THE difference no matter how bad his game might be off right now. hopefully he finds his touch in game 3. him hittin’ his shots makes it sooooo much easier for the rest of the team!!! he REALLY is the ONLY outside threat (that’ll see the floor) other than JJ…PERIOD!!!

By Steve T

April 24, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

I know y’all are going to laugh when I say this but the Hawks need a new coach. They need to take a look at the Spurs and the Hawks are so close to being like the Spurs that it is not funny. The spurs have Tim Duncan we have Al Horford. The Spurs have Tony Parker we have AC Law. The rest of the team is better that their Spur conterparts. We just need a coach to use the talent.

I have been preaching all season how AC was like Tony Parkers of the Spurs. He can get to the basket almost any time he wants. Woodson refuse to trust the Guy early in the season, but you can see how good this guy was going to be. In some games, this man was 5-5 and the last game he was 4-4.

Folks, the hawks do have a bench. It just take a coach to use the talent. We have Chills on the bench. We have Zaza and AC on the bench. We have Salmin on the bench.

By Clyde

April 24, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Hey did yall see Rondo try to push Horford out the way in the 4th quarter last night? If that man would have pushed me he would have got knocked out. That’s why I don’t need to go to the game cause I know them Boston fans are gonna start talking smack and I’m gonna be drinking. But if I do go meet me at the Jack Daniels Bar before the game.

By infamouskrs

April 24, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

I LUV BEING THAT “OTHER TEAMS” FAN….

sincerly, THE BIGGEST HAWKS+MINNESOTA VIKINGS FAN living in Indianapolis !

FIRE “WOODCHUCK”…grab a guy like ALLEN.

By Tyger

April 24, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

“Would u like cheese with that whine”

By Astro Joe

April 24, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Ando, I am not well versed on all of the folk who are interested in NBA ownership and who can get a $150M line of credit. If any of the recently parachuted Atlanta execs are interested, I’m sure they can make it happen. Let’s see, BellSouth, GA-Pacific, Scientific Atlanta and a few others have gone belly-up in he past 2-3 years. Cash in a few stock options and they could easily buy-in. How about Tyler Perry? He could buy the whole freaking city.

If they can’t find a partner (as you seem to suggest), then they need to get approval from Belkin to replace the GM and/or head coach. And as I have said before, what do you think Belkin would request of Gearon to gain his vote? The NBA Governorship, perhaps? Maybe a check for $20M?

I’m not bumping for Fitzsimmons. But it makes a little more sense for this ownership group to agree on someone who already has worked with the owners than to bring in a complete outsider. And at least Fitzsimmons has a experience as a team exec. What has Loughery been doing for the past 10 years? Cleaning his dentures?

As I have said before, until the Thrashers hire a coach, I’ll continue to believe that BK and Woody will be extended. And how long has it been since they terminated Hartley? Since October? Ha. Ha.

By new jersey faithful

April 24, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Why do people think these guys are exhausted?? They had plenty of time to rest! They are pro freaking athletes and running is their damn job, and are conditioned to handle it! They just dont play well enough, its that simple!!!

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

SALIM FAN:

I knew you’d get torked by my post dude. Just kiddin’ ya’. But I do think he should play more - No?!!

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

doc:

ANDO goes two for two with a run scored and two RBI. And its only the TOP OF THE FIRST INNING.!! The man is on fire. A Marv Albert Y-e-s-s!!! He’s hotter than Chip Jones’ bat!!!!

HB:

Thanks for the ups man. You put me in some pretty classy blogdom company. I’m touched. Truely touched. M-u-a-a-h-h-a-a-h-a!!!!

O-o-o-o Lizards left their smack in Cleveland and came home to play Wizards round-ball. Think the league would actually let them win in Cleveland.? See Arenas limped off. Hope its not the knee.

By HB Ando

April 24, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

RB, down here in the south, it’s far better to be touched than “teched”….

Joe, now I’m going to have to expose my ignorance. Fitzsimmons? I thought Cotton had passed away. Didn’t google it before I responded, so maybe I’m a fool. Help me out…..

Clyde, we always do pre-game at the pizza house, right next to the inside entrance. Come get a slice (right where you comped me that t-shirt, back in the day), and I’ll join you for a tip-off, tip-back of some fine liquor. Monday is my night, thanks to the ever generous Jhan.

By doc

April 24, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

matt there was a lawyer that had just had a child that joined us last summer, he talked as if he was practicing law, maybe he was on break from school and interning. dont know if you are the same one but you and your comments fit the same profile, thoughtful and articulate wth a passion for bball.

btw i am not a big fan of larry for the hawks but where ever he goes it is his last stop. if things dont go his way he bolts like bobby knight whenever he pleases and that is too much risk for this dysfunctional family.

By doc

April 24, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

matt there was a lawyer that had just had a child that joined us last summer, he talked as if he was practicing law, maybe he was on break from school and interning. dont know if you are the same one but you and your comments fit the same profile, thoughtful and articulate wth a passion for bball.

btw i am not a big fan of larry for the hawks but where ever he goes it is his last stop. if things dont go his way he bolts like bobby knight whenever he pleases and that is too much risk for this dysfunctional family.

By doc

April 24, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

matt there was a lawyer that had just had a child that joined us last summer, he talked as if he was practicing law, maybe he was on break from school and interning. dont know if you are the same one but you and your comments fit the same profile, thoughtful and articulate wth a passion for bball.

btw i am not a big fan of larry for the hawks but where ever he goes it is his last stop. if things dont go his way he bolts like bobby knight whenever he pleases and that is too much risk for this dysfunctional family.

By the professor

April 24, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

“No disrespect to the point guards who came out of the draft this year, but I felt we needed a veteran point guard who can be an extension of me and my staff,” said coach Mike Woodson, who as an assistant coach worked with Claxton in Philadelphia in the 2001-02 seaso “The fans in Atlanta are going to be excited about his style of play and how he pushes the ball,” said Woodson of the 5-foot-11 Claxton. Just a reminder of how smart Woodson is. Maybe the biggest mistake Knight has made is listening to Woodson. I know why he wants to fire him.

By MannyT

April 24, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

WWGD

As the Wiz beat the Cavs by 36 tonight (far worse than the Celts beat the Hawks,) what will Gilbert do?

Opting out gives the Wiz free agent cash and more of a budget to resign Jamison. They are about as good with him as w/o relative to win total. (Last 4 seasons their win totals were in the 41 to 45 range.) Not sure of the long term status of his knee.

However, Arenas only made $12M this season. What will Gilbert do? What will the Wizards do? Hmmmmm

EGHOC Ernie Grunfeld, Hand on chin

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Gilbert Arenas has a bone bruise left knee. Not surprising with the injuries he has sustained. Too loose causing impact on the bone. This can’t be good. Doc, Maryb, what’s the scoop.? I’m correct in thinking there’s only so much that can be done before serious erosion and bone chips occur in that joint.??? I think Gil’s long-term ability to play in the NBA has just become short-term. Somebody gimme’ a clue.

Oh, BTW Wizards win by 36 tonight.

By HB Ando

April 24, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

rb, at the very least, it puts into question the logic of opting out of his current deal. I’ll leave it to Doc to proffer his medical opinion, but, having a medical background myself, I’d say it’s something that an off-season of rehab can resolve, and suggest that he would have been smart to have called it a season, rather than expose himself to enhanced, and potentially career-threatening, re-injury, whether it was out of ego, or a salary drive.

Bone bruise is one thing. Micro-fracture surgery is a different ballgame all together. A more definitive diagnosis is required to project the long-term implications of the condition of Gil’s knee.

Wiz have some tough off-season decisions to make, financially, with Gil and Jamison. With no real shot at making a run to the finals, Gil really should have shut it down. Now, it will be what it’s gonna be.

By doc

April 24, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

rich, i dont know how bad it is, however it was a sure fire problem when he went through surgery and rehab and had his knee immediately blow up on him when it was tested in the regular season sitting him down for the season. at that point i said uh oh. definitely not a healthy knee, prognosis is not good is my suspicion. i doubt anyone is going to want to take a risk on his health at this point so he might have to stay where he is to prove his knee is game worthy over next season. not sure about the looseness, if that suggests an unstable knee thn that is not ggod at all especialy if that is what has caused the bone bruise which can be very dibillitating.

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

RYDER:

Your post of 3:09 p.m. Gimme’ a rain-check on the brew and pretzel ‘till next year. I will journey down I-85 to HAWKSWORLD and gladly knock one back and enjoy your company - oh, and a game as well. Both Hawks and Braves.

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

Richebrave: Lol, I hear ya. The Wiz played great tonight. That Gilbert Injury is scary though. Right now I think that team plays better without him. But they’re gonna need his fire-power if they go on to face the suffocating defense of the Celtics.

By ray

April 25, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

I’m confused. That is, if I’m me. I’m not sure. Or is it someone else that’s not sure?

I was arguing with a guy named Matt about Marvin Williams vs. Josh Smith. Now, after what he said and what Doc said, I have no idea if I’m talking to the same Matt who used to coach (or assistant coach)and recently (within the last several months) had a new child… or just some other guy named Matt. I suppose it doesn’t matter, since the argument is kind of moot…But dadgumit Matt, keep arguing so I know who you ARE!

But that’s not really the problem. BA thinks I’m Ando…or does he think Ando is me? Wait a minute…who’s ME?? Oh wait, I know who I am. I’m Herschel Walker. That’s who I am. And Ando is one of my personalities. So is Ray. Sometimes I’m tb when I feel like making weak attempts to mentally castigate and otherwise torture one of my other personalities by using nonsensical hyperbole and ridiculously hypocritical arguments and accusations.

Now which personality said that?! Y’all have got to stop it, we’re confusing ourselves!

Okay, Herschel Walker…back in control. How come I don’t post as myself? I don’t know. Ray usually gets in the way. He talks too much. Types like a crazy person, too. I don’t understand it. Anybody who wears a size 15 wedding band shouldn’t be able to type that fast. But that b******* sure does it. And then there’s Ando. When Ray isn’t in the way, that damn Ando is…you should here those two personalities when they both come to the forefront. I can’t get a word in edge-wise.

But anyway, I’m Herschel Walker. Really. Ray, Ando, and others are just figments of your imagination. Seriously. I know I don’t post as myself. The truth is, I don’t know too much about basketball, and my other two main personalities can’t/won’t shut up about it. Besides, I gotta let them out sometime, and this is the safest place to do it. Why, you ask?

Well, I can’t let them out anywhere else. Ando is always trying to sell somebody some technologically advanced stuff that I can’t supply and don’t own….and Ray keeps trying to arrest everybody in sight….That ain’t gonna work, or I’m going to end up sharing a cell with Wesley Snipes (Mr. tax evasion).

By mykhalc

April 25, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

RAY RAY, take your meds bro!!! help your alter out BIG RAY!!!LOL

By Herschel Walker

April 25, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

Today’s News

Pardon me while I’m being one of my other personalities. I’ve locked my “Ray” personality down for the time being. Unfortunately, It’s nearly impossible to do so with both him and the Ando personality, which has gotten stronger lately and started calling himself “Alpha”. Sheesh….I hate being a schizophrenic.

It appears that both Washington and Toronto woke up at the same time. So Deshawn Stevenson and his homeboy “Soulja Boy” were dancing on the court and on the aisles, respectively. Uh…is it because you avoided a sweep, DeShawn? ‘Cause if I were you, I’d save the dancing until I got to the next round of the playoffs.

Meanwhile in Toronto, things got better for the Raptors. Man, Calderon is a hell of an option to have at pg. Wow. If I’m a betting man (and I’m not), I say that some serious money is going to be thrown at Calderon in the near future. The question is…by whom? I like TJ’s game, but if I were Toronto, I’d play it safe…

A lot of people keyed on what Mike Bibby had to say about Boston fans. Who cares? It’s the players that worry me. And besides, it didn’t matter to the Celtics themselves what Bibby said. They beat us the same way they did in the first game: by roughly 20 points. I’m just hoping that our guys can somehow make a better show of it at home. If nothing else, it will make them feel a bit better about themselves. Before the summer of truth rolls around, at least.

So, we’ve had a few suggestions about who should replace Woodson, should he be fired and the ASG can actually get some things done. Astro Joe had a very interesting suggestion to make: Mike Fratello. I like the way Joe is thinking here. While I’d also take Larry Brown (damn near anything is an improvement here), I’d much rather have Fratello. Brown doesn’t exactly make you think “stability” when you hear his name. And he’s old. And cranky. And cantankerous. And he hates rookies. Or anybody else that’s not a veteran of 3 years or more. And he’s old. And cantankerous. And cranky. Did I already say that? I did, didn’t I? Actually, that was probably Ray and Ando echoing my thoughts. Out loud. B@stards.

I don’t see a problem with firing Billy Knight. I mean, are we really going to have an issue with Steve Belkin going along with this? Heh, I can hear the phone conversation now:

Riiiiing. Riiiinnnng.

“Hello, Belkin’s office?”

(Gearon, Jr.)“Yeah, lemme speak to Steve.”

“May I ask who’s calling?”

“Yeah, tell him it’s his former business partner Mike…junior, that is”

(Belkin)“Yeah, this is Steve. What the (expletive) do you want now, money to borrow so you can pay for your dry-cleaning?”

(Gearon,jr.)“Look, you carpet-bagging turd-monkey, I have a proposition for you. We need a new GM. The Afro-ed one is just not cutting it.”

(Belkin)” I told you, you ignorant hick. He can’t be trusted. He’s a moron.”

(Gearon,Jr.)“Do we have to go through this again? You’re just mad because he wouldn’t shake your hand that day in court.”

(Belkin)“I am NOT! Well, maybe just a little. But I told you before that he isn’t too bright.”

(Gearon,Jr)” You want me to tell you why he wouldn’t shake your hand? It’s because he was in the restroom the same time you were. He said he saw you exit one of the stalls, walk right past the sink, and out of the door after stinking up the whole restroom! THAT’S why! Now are you on board with this firing or not?”

(Belkin)” But I DID wash my hands…I think. Oh who cares, my $hit don’t stink anyway!”

(Gearon,Jr)” Can we not talk about your allegedly non-odorous defacations? I’m talkin’ about firing Billy Knight, you baked beans-eatin’ son of a biscuit-brain! What say we do that, and you cut us some slack on the settlement you want for your share of the two franchises? We’ll even fire Woodson to boot.”

(Belkin)” That’s another one I told you not to hire. But yeah, I’m in. I’ll run the numbers and see if we can’t pro-rate that settlement figure.”

(Gearon,Jr)” Okay then, we have a deal. See ya later, you cheap-skate, uptight, Beantown blowhard.”

(Belkin) “Goodbye you sheep-chasing, goat-raising plantation owner wannabe.”

And I’m out….

By Mac-Town

April 25, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this

I have some questions,

Did we keep the wrong williams? Did Sheldon get enough Playing Time to show what he was all about? I didn’t see him play THAT much, but in the little time that he did, he couldnt have been any worse than marvin, plus he was a big body.

Also, Do you guys think ALL we need is a new coach and big man? Do you think we will be alright next season with just that? Or Do we need to make major moves all around the whole roster?

By Herschel Walker

April 25, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this

MacTown, the short answers to all your questions are NO, YES, NO, NO, and POSSIBLY.

But I have to check with my other personalities first. We may not all agree.

By Michael Gearon, Jr.

April 25, 2008 3:58 AM | Link to this

Hey, Hawks Fans!

We’ve got a GREAT game coming up this Saturday in Bluelan-, er I mean The Highlight Factory, and if you HURRY NOW, we’ve still got a few seats left for this EPIC matchup! But you HAVE TO BUY NOW!!!

If we sell out Philips Arena for Games 3 and 4, I PROMISE I’ll fire Coach Woodson since I’ll finally have enough money to pay Terry Stotts!

Now let’s all GET FIRED UP and buy those tickets, ok?

By Bernie Mullin

April 25, 2008 4:08 AM | Link to this

Suckers.

By doc

April 25, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

to whomever it happens to be, it just keeps getting better.

By ray

April 25, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Today’s News

Don’t listen to * Herschel Walker. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I do. So does *Ando. We have to collaborate to keep ol’ Herschel shut down. Doesn’t always work.

I had to laugh when I read the article about “Woodson looks to Adjust.” That has to be, without a single flamin’ doubt, one of the most oxymoronic and contradictory phrases I’ve EVER seen. Not because it was written, and this is definitely not directed against the author of the article. Lord knows he probably felt as much revulsion hearing and writing it as I did reading it. No, it’s because Woodson and the word “adjust” simply don’t go together. It’s like a total absence of subject and verb agreement.

It gets better. Woodson says: “I think if we come down and call a play, then we need to attempt to execute it.”

Dude, this is NOT confidence speaking. You either execute it or you call another play. You don’t attempt to try to execute it. You make it happen. Period. If the play breaks down, you adjust on the fly. Another partial quote:” When you get triple-teamed, you have to let the ball go.”

Really? Who’d ‘a thunk it? How about this: let’s not run plays where this will happen each and every time we come down the court. But nooooo…we have to run the same kind of play each time, which results in the SAME person getting triple-teamed. You know what? That’s the ONLY person who gets triple-teamed!

And finally, the worst one from Woodson: “It is my job, I must put it on my head, they need to move the basketball and trust each other. And they’re just not doing that now. “

Why on God’s green earth do you suppose that is? Ando tells me…er..us that I…er..we need to spell it out. Woodson has just hung himself with that last statement. It is his job. It 8s on his head. The team doesn’t trust each other, as Sekou said a while back (that they must do to succeed). But why?

Because the coach doesn’t trust them. Look back at what he’s said. Look closely. Remember the statments about how “no offense to the pgs in the draft, but I need a veteran” ? So, that would mean any rookie. Hello, Acie. Welcome to the team. I don’t trust you, go sit on the bench.

How about this one: ” I haven’t played guys because they’re not ready.” And you know this how? You’ll never know because you don’t trust anybody. It was this season-long distrust that led to a 6 or 7 man rotation and 40 plus mpg for JJ. It is this inherent lack of trust that spread from coach to players. It is this lack of trust that destroyed Zaza Pachulia. He once was a better player. Now he has no role and no companionship with his teammates. This lack of trust failed to develop a rookie pg who clearly has ability. Stunted the growth of nearly every player on the roster that wasn’t a veteran player before joining the Atlanta Hawks.

Lack of trust never inspires confidence in the one who wishes or needs to be trusted, effectively damaging and/or outright destroying the relationship between the trustor and trustee (correct terms, I hope?).

And now it’s way too late to say that this needs to be done. It must always start with the coach and be cultivated by the coach, so that it may be spread prominently amongst the players. But I digress….

And besides, I can hear Ando muttering in the background about me being long-winded and trying to get all the attention. As if…Now that’s the pot calling the kettle black. Oh wait, I am black…hmmmm…gotta rethink that one. Wait a minute, he’s a white personality! So does that make him a racist for calling me black…or a realist? Wait a minute…what is a white personality? I’m confused. Can one personality be racist towards another if they occupy the same brain? Maybe since I’m only one personality, my opinion is both biased and unqualified. I don’t know. Maybe we can be “angry sarcastic black guy” and “cynical sarcastic white guy” personalities! Yeah, that’s it! No wait, then I’d have to start calling myself Joe….

Aww, forget it, I’m out…

By Herschel Walker

April 25, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

We’re glad you like it!

By ray

April 25, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Herschel….shut up.

By Astro Joe

April 25, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Ray, I just spit coffer out on my keyboard with your “Hershel” entry. You owe me a new keyboard. LMAO!

Ando, if you go to atlantahawks.com, you will see that Gary Fitzsimmons (Cotton’s son) is our current assistant GM. Previously, he worked with Fratello in Cleveland. Given our need to make crucial decisions with the Joshes, it seems that having someone who has watched their progress the last 2-3 seasons is better than having a complete outsider try to make that important assessment in a few weeks. And clearly, Fratello is an outstanding coach who typically chooses his offensive style based on his personnel (while always demanding a tough defense). Fratello offers LB-type credibility without the risk of sneaking out the back door when the wind blows. That just feels like a more logical transition with those guys running the team.

By Jason

April 25, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

**In today’s news, ray is not funny

In today’s news, ray is not funny

In today’s news, ray is not funny

In today’s news, ray is not funny**

By Steve Belkin

April 25, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

My first move as NEW owner of the Atlanta Hawks will be to fire Billy Knight, and then re-hire him just so I can fire him again.

Also, Ryan Cameron will be replaced by Skip Caray.

You loves ya’, baby?

By carpetbagger

April 25, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

I don’t know what’s more ridiculous: the Hawks being blown out twice in a row, or Sam Cassell’s face!

By HB Ando

April 25, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Joe, like I said, I was probably showing my own ignorance. But thanks for clarifying on the Fitz issue.

I’d be mad at Ray for telling everyone we are really Herschel, but then I’d just be getting mad at myself for beating myself to the punch. I was just telling Doc, last night, that I intended to come clean about the fact that both Ray and I are actually distinct personalities of Herschel. Of course the conversation took place in front of a mirror, as Doc is one our distinct personalities, as well.

We just didn’t tell Ray. When one of your personalities is 6-feet tall, weighs over 300 pounds, and carries a gun all the time, you’re judicious, to say the least, in just how much strain you want to put on his brain.

But since the cat is out of the bag, I have some pretty shocking news to reveal for those of you who aren’t actually one of us. For almost 4 years, this blog’s regular participants have been made up of various personalities of Herschel Walker, and then there are the rest of you (you know who you are, even if we don’t know who we are).

Not only are Ray and I Herschel. So is Doc, Jhan (Ando would never spend that kind of money on Hawks’ season tickets, but he’s sure happy one of his brother personalities did), myc, abe, Astro Joe (that explains a lot about our relationship, as it’s really some twisted type of sibling[cybil?] rivalry), Najeh, Kappy, TB, BA , Flash, Cldye, Ryder, Sam, Manny T, most recently, RichBrave and DrMaryB, and, most shockingly, Sekou Smith.

I’m certain that others of us are here as well, who I’ve failed to mention, but the truth about multiple personality disorder is that quite frequently not all the personalities are aware of each others’ existence.

You can’t imagine how exhausting it’s been for Herschel Walker to develop all these distinct opinions on pro basketball, given that he didn’t even play the sport (but we’re fortunate to be here, because if the AJC had a bobsled blog, all this time, almost none of this past several years of Hawks blog would have taken place-or it would have been as sparsely populated as the Hawks’ Hack; who DEFINITELY is NOT one of us).

I hope this clears things up for all of you, and, especially, Ray.

By Sautee

April 25, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Ray

We see (in spades) why you were named poster of the year. LMAO. But watch out for the PC police. They’ll think you are making fun of mental illness. Idiots. They’ll probably think my “in spades” comment was racial too.

Keep up the excellent work. The trust issue was spot on. And the funny stuff, too.

By Harry Hawk

April 25, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

KG’s gonna make like Bill Bates when I run over him. B*******.

I remember putting on that Vikings helmet for the first time and thinking I was gonna gore the hell out of somebody. Damn right. It was you, Bill Bates. Or KG.

My God, a freshman!

You’re fresh meat, Bill Bates. You too, KG.

You don’t come into my house and challenge me, KG. This is my hizzy. Kids love me. You best believe that I will eviscerate you like Bill Bates. That big word’s me putting my UGA degree to good use. You’ve been warned, KG. I will Bates your a*.

Tickets are still available.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 25, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

This blog cracks me up…

By doc

April 25, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

ando, is really referring to me, doc, and not Doc that sometimes comes out in the night. we too are distinctive personalities. maybe it is mini-me in reverse.

By HB Ando

April 25, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

you have to excuse doc. he thinks he is ee cummings……..we’re not sure of what type of phobia “fear of capitilization” is, and we don’t really want to fix it, anyway…….

By Rutherford Sydell

April 25, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By New New York City in the City of New York

April 25, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

I’m tired of all the bad-weather posters on here! What a bunch of bull! If you really want to complain about the Hawks, buy a ticket and go to the games!

Who’s with me?

Is this thing on?

Man, screw you guys!

By mykhalc

April 25, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

ANDO, BIG RAY, you cats are crazy!!!! meds from CANADA are on the way!!!LOL

ok…LARRY BROWN was just mentioned as a possible destination by STEPHEN A on FIRST TAKE. SA said he expects, from what he’s heard, that WOODSON will be replaced. and LB could take over as coach and head of bball operations even tho BK has one more year on his contract!!!

he also totally showed NOOOOOOOOOO respect for our HAWKS!!! didn’t even wanna discussed ‘em!!!! said the NBA doesn’t have a mercy rule otherwise series shoulda been over with 3 wins!!!

it’s one thing for us to blast our boyz ‘cause it’s done with a lotta luv. but this cat was plain out hatin’!!!! man, i hope we can steal this next one to STFU people like SA!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 25, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

And then there’s this dude who has more personalities than any of us can count, except each personality is only capable of posting “Suckers.” I have already seen him post as Mike Hampton, the New Orleans Hornets Front Office, the Sacramento Kings Front Office, Bernie Mullin and now Rutherford Sydel.

By And I love...ah, DOGS!!

April 25, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Why is Steven overacted fake-a* NY accent Smith still on TV?

Did he mention how the Knicks are doing in the playoffs?

By mykhalc

April 25, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

oh yeah, SA said LB might/could end up in DEN replacin’ KARL also if he’s fired or retires.

By Najeh Davenpoop's Line of Reasoning

April 25, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By corey

April 25, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

I HOPE SINCE LARRY BROWN JUST RESINGNED WITH THE 76ERS HE COMES TO THE HAWKS AND RUNS THIS TEAM FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM THE HAWKS ARE YOUNG AND THEY NEED SOME TOUGH LOVE IF WOODY CANT MAKE JOSH PLAY RIGHT MEANING NOT SHOT 3S AND ALL THE OTHER DUMB TIHS HE DOES AND HOPEFULLY HE CAN DO SOMETHING WITH MARVIN BECUZ HIS GAME HAS NOT PROGRESSED ANY HE IS A COMPLETE DISAPPOINTMENT

By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!

April 25, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

I hope everyone that has time to whine on here will at least show up to a damn game. We’re really taking a beating as a sports town in the media, and it’s getting embarrassing, especially for those of us that make an effort to attend games (no matter how sad the outcome some nights). My last game was against the Heat (the one that ended up getting replayed). If the Game 3 crowd is anything like that night, it’ll be the closest thing Philips will see to Game 1 of the Thrashers’ playoff series last season. Now THAT was a loud, passionate crowd! LET’S GO HAWKS!!!

By corey

April 25, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

WHAT WEE ARE SEEING IS A GOOD EXPAMPLE OF THIS RIGHT HERE 1 IS A TEAM WHO HAS A COACH WHO ACTUALLY COACHES HAS A GAMEPLAN MAKES ADJUSTMENTS MAKE PLAYERS LISTEN . THE OTHER TEAM IS THE TOTAL OPPOSITE OF THE 1ST TEAM THEY DO NOTHING AND HES DOES NOTHING. WHAT DID WE EXPECT THEY DIDNT EVEN WIN 40 GAMES. CANT WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR

By mykhalc

April 25, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Sekou, you hearin’ any LBROWN rumblings about him in ATL???

By Sixers will upset Detroit

April 25, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

This franchise is almost as pathetic as its fans!

ALMOST!!

Later, “Suckers” hahaha

By Raptors fan in TO

April 25, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Hang in there Atlanta, the rest of the East is still rooting for your Hawks in this series, it aint over yet. Fill up that arena and let the celtics hear it

By Tyger

April 25, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

RIP: 2007-2008 Atlanta Hawks

Wake: Saturday, 8:00 p.m.

Funeral: Monday, 8:00 p.m.

Phillips Arena

Services by Rev. Jeremiah Wright

By Larry Brown

April 25, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

It’s just a rumor, so SIMMER DOWN NOW!

By The Lake Show Must Go On!

April 25, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Times like this remind me of Bibby’s first game as a Hawk.

Against the Lakers.

When he got his a* whupped.

Ah, memories.

By Tyger

April 25, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Where’s Lenny Wilkens???

During this nostalgic walk down memory lane - nobody has mentioned the winningest coach in NBA history -Lenny Wilkens.

It’s times like now, you appreciate the wisdom and depth of a coach that reached the playoffs six consecutive times and the 2nd rd or better 4x.

The Wilkens era Hawks werent a very good playoff team always, but they were well-coached, competitive and defensively sound.

But for, MJ, Shaq, and D. Manning - they wouldve gone much further.

Inept mgt. hurt Wilkens more than any other good ATL coach:

The Hawks had aged and couldnt keep up with the Knicks, and didnt have any young legs in the pipeline b/c the “regime” had blown a decade worth of draft picks.

So, as the historic Boston Celtics regain their swagger, the Hawks limp off to a quiet corner with a taste of yesterday.

I submit, the Celtics never wouldve dumped a J.R. Rider on Red Auerbach nor traded Larry Bird, nor blown a decade worth of draft picks.

I ask again where’s Lenny Wilkens??

By Sautee

April 25, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Ando!

ee cummings ??? That was delicious!.

I have long appreciated your sense of humor, but it was usually wrapped in such a velvet-gloved backhand that the recipient never knew what had hit them.

Lately though, it’s as if you are giddy. Could it be anticipation of the approaching storm of possible (we hope) change, or just a newfound sense of brotherhood from the recent positive feedback you’ve received? Long overdue, that. The feedback, that is.

At any rate, you’ve made me laugh aloud several times lately and I need it now more than ever. So BIG thanks and keep it up. Your insight is much appreciated here.

And to doc and Manny:

Whole lotta dingin’ goin’ on.

By I.MUS WRITE

April 25, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

YAWN…….. SUMONE WAKE ME IN JUNE,WHEN WE HAVE A NEW HEAD COACH AND SOME TRADES HAVE BEEN MADE.

BIBBY OUGHT TO SHUT THE HELL UP AND FIND HIS JUMPER…… DUDE SHOULD BE ASHAMED -RONDO OWNS HIS 14 MILLION DOLLAR AZZ.

CAN SUMONE GIVE COACH X SUM SMELLING SALT….. WAKE UP U IDIOT GIVE ACIE LAW MORE PLAYING TIME -BIBBY IS’NT GETTING IT DONE………..

OH AND BY THE WAY COACH X -DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT GOING BALD AGAIN (CRINGE) WITH A HEAD THAT BIG THERE’S GOT TO BE SUM X’S AND O’S IN THERE SUMWHERE.

I GUESS MR.X WILL BE TAKING THAT NORCROSS GURLZ COACHING JOB AFTER ALL……….. GOOD BYE LOSER -TAKE ZAZA AND SPEEDY WITH U

MUS

By BA

April 25, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Nobody talks about Lenny Wilkens because he had a big part in trading the best Hawks player in history for freaking Danny Manning and that, my friend, was the beginning of the end for this franchise. They’ve never been right since. So the hell with Wilkens and the hell with Larry Brown (after his Knicks debacle, why would that guy want to come here, of all places). However, I am compelled by the recent Mike Fratello chatter. And I think the guy might consider it. But has he been out of the loop too long?

By A Thinking Fan

April 25, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

It takes MONEY, Money, money to compete in the NBA playoffs…

Come Doc you are a former Management Consultant, tell these boys we need owners with deep pockets who can bring in help during the playoffs.

By ray

April 25, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Sautee, I’m glad you appreciate the humor. That’s all it is: a collaborative effort of a few friends ( who are passionate Hawks fans) that actually do occupy different bodies and truly come from different backgrounds. The last part is what makes it so beautiful.

Astro Joe, sorry about the keyboard. Tell you what. I’ll buy you a new one and get you a load of your favorite coffee. Deal? Also, I still think your idea of Fratello is top-notch. To be honest, I don’t feel that a better idea has been posted at this point. Seriously. It’s a fairly well thought out idea, given the connections you’ve mentioned.

Ando, you played the perfect Tim Conway to my Harvey Korman. Bravo!

Najeh and Mykhalc, what can I say? (or should I say “we”) Humor is one of the things that keeps ya going.

By Mike Bibby

April 25, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Suckers

By MannyT

April 25, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

This blog has recently morphed into exactly what the Hawks needed to do this month…play hard, loosen up, and act like you’ve got nothing to lose. I love it.

I suspect the beantown basketball blogs are all uptight, like Doc Rivers this week. Even though they should be dancing in the streets so far. It’s not like this has been a difficult series for them.

As for all the post season changes, I just hope the people in charge get some of those magic beans that allow deals like Gasol to LA, KG to Boston and not Kidd and a bunch more luxury tax to Dallas so a 23 year old and his crew can figuratively and literally slap your squad around.

I think the BCU found the identity of the guy they were courting to take Belkin’s place in ASG ownership. If the case drags on long enough, he might be back in the picture.

BWAF

By HB Ando

April 25, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Fratello was fired by the Grizz in December of ‘06, after a 6-24 start. I’m of the opinion that his time has passed, and he’d rather talk about it, than coach it. I think he took the big contract and mailed it in, in Memphis. Though it’s fair to say that Memphis’ commitment to spending and winning was dubious, at best.

Again, guys, I’m of the firm opinion that who the Hawks can get to replace Woody is absolutely impacted by if Billy stays. I don’t believe some of the best available names that could be considered would come here as long as Billy is the GM.

Since I expect that both Billy and Woody are goners, there’s limited value in arguing this point. But I think some of these “big name” possibilities don’t view Billy as a peer, much less would they consider answering to him.

The obvious position to take, rather than wasting time arguing either side of this point, is to wait and see what happens, and then discuss the implications once decisions are made, regarding the fates of both Billy and Woody.

Here’s a question worth discussing: what would the Hawks have to do to obtain an early lottery pick? Is there anything they can do that would be reasonable? Can they get one in a sign-and-trade for Childress? Can they get one in a trade for Marvin?

Again, the only way they keep this roster intact, if Billy keeps his word regarding the re-signing of both Josh’s, is to bump up payroll to around $68 million.

Is there anyone here who seriously believes the ASG, still faced with finding the $150 million necessary to buy out Belkin’s 27% stake, is suddenly going to increase payroll by around $15 million?

I’m going to keep posting this line of questioning until someone gives me a realistic, viable explanation, that supports keeping this roster intact. That explanation needs to justify why anyone would commit to the edges of the league’s salary cap, to maintain a 37-win team that just got smoked in a 4-game sweep. It also needs to be something other than simply changing the head coach. Again, Doc Rivers led the Celtics to 24 wins last year. If it was valid that Rivers simply wasn’t good enough to lead that team, then he wouldn’t have led them to 66 wins this season, regardless of that roster.

We need a new head coach. No doubt. But a new coach, and the same roster, will NOT lead this team to 45+ wins, as some folks believe. And the ASG is not going to pay $68 million, next year, for a .500 ball club.

Expect change, or expect to be disappointed. Those are the only logical projections.

By HB Ando

April 25, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

MannyT, I went to your link. Please clarify if you are suggesting Wesley Snipes (Swipes?) or Amy Winehouse, as the new investor. Wesley should have plenty of cash, since he’s been refusing to pay taxes for years. And Amy can’t be any higher than Billy was when he made those draft picks…….

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Larry Browns job with the sixers for these past couple of years is the longest that he’s ever stayed in one place. He’s a drifter. Not to mention his offensive prowress isn’t that great. He’s an exelent defensive coach though.

I have a feeling he quit with the intention of bringigng his drifting arse here. No way. WE WANT FRATELLO!!!

Or Mike D’Antoni….I hear that if he doesn’t get it done against the spures this season he might be out of a job. I say you fire steve kerr though. He’s the real culprit.

By HB Ando

April 25, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Sautee, thanks for the kind words. One can only hope that what you describe as “giddy” isn’t actually a manic phase kicking in……..

I find that when I don’t have to repeatedly defend myself against personal attacks, or misrepresentations of my opinions, I’m left to approach the blog with a light-hearted sense of folly and child-like innocence.

I’m going outside, right now, to spend some time on my merry-go-round…….

Sure am looking forward to attending Monday night’s game. Nothing quite like catching the last game of the season.

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

WE ALSO NEED A LEGIT BIG MAN ANDO. THATS IT. And we can get one without giving up the core WHIC INCLUDES MARVIN. I’d give up zaza, Mario West, and Solomon Jones for a Beast.

And you for haters out there. I’m not involving salim in the deal b/c if he got wind of a trade coming his way he’d probably just sighn with someone else before it happens. Actually the joshes can also do that, so for all of you saying that we should trade smith, it’s probably not going to happen.

By MannyT

April 25, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

new blog up