Hawks

By doc

May 1, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

wow, manny t someone needs to get the water bottle to woody for pre-game it seems. what kind of motivator is he. wasnt he the one talking up their chances, now they get almost there he is letting the air out of their balloons. take stock basg, this guy is jockeying for his job and still making excuses and still saying his team is still too young rather than saying that is its strength and somehow making that true. i am tired of woody trashing his team and his young players instead of occasionally taking the responsibility for the lack of adjustment. by not doing it he says indirectly to the players not playing … i got no need for you. it has been the common theme for the woody years. i think he had saved his job before those comments. now, i think he has probably shot himself in the foot and will limp off.

By JN

May 1, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

There will be a game 7 in Boston, simply because the Hawks CAN win at home. Once they’re back in Boston though, they’re going to get slaughtered like they did last night.

By St. Bernard

May 1, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Maybe Woody already knows he’s gone, but if not he’s just a whiner and loser. Maybe Phoenix will be dumb and fire D’Antoni, he could get these guys running for sure.

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 1, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

“hopefully the shot clocks and buzzers are all in working order”

Hell naw man… hopefully the shot clocks and buzzers quit again so the janitor can blow the airhorn and Ryan Cameron yells out the shot clock count! You know that’s our secret to success… we were drilling them during that 2nd half that day!

By Clyde

May 1, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Swallow your pride Woody and play the guys that can give you results. Zaza has proven that he does not deserve to come off the bench before Solomon Jones. Marvin has proven he does not deserve to start over Childress. Bibby has proven he can’t handle pressure defense. Swallow your pride for the sake of winning. I thought the regular season was enough to realize all of this but its never to late to make a change.

By doc

May 1, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

after reading salimfan on last blog i went and looked up the numbers on david anderson. over the past two years he has added the long ball to his game. over about 50 games he has taken 100 three point shots and made about 50 of them. not too bad for a seven footer. he also is an 80% free throw shooter, so maybe he is able to come in and provide something that is missing on this team and make some difficult match-ups when paired with smash, and horford.

najeh shot clock argument wasnt a factor in game 4, what is the point?

looking forward to this game on friday, backs to the wall so it is time to shock the world one more time. geez, if it isnt a straight up mea culpa alpha boy is begging for ducats after spending the last three years antagonizing the sh!t out of each and every one of us. that is a quicker turn around than the hawks winning two at home to the C’s. first guy to provide gets a free pass to hawk heaven as it is in the major forgiveness category.

By FrancoBeck

May 1, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

#

41.9 is an important # to remember……why?….It led the 2007 Season! 41.9 is the Celtic opponent’s FGM % average for this season! When the Celts produce that # they always win! Games #1&2……………………………Hawks shot 38.2 & 38.3 Games #3&4……………………………Hawks shot 47.4 & 47.8 Game #5 ………………………………..Hawks shot 40.6 Hold Atlanta to below 41.9% and Boston wins every time even if their shots aren’t falling!……………………….BY THE WAY…………………… ~~~~~~~~~DEFENSE DOES WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS~~~~~~~~~~~ And finally Hawkers, 41.9 is not age in years old as you’ve alluded to …..Good luck on Friday…..you’ll be needing it! Who’s old now?

By doc

May 1, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

heh, heh, forgot to add exclusive of jhan as he is already in hawk heaven.

peace

By A Thinking Fan

May 1, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

DOC Let us fail to succeed! There will be a lot of good Head Coach candidates on the block this off season…

By Ryder

May 1, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Franco we’ll be back in Boston on Sunday, better hope the Celtics will be able to bring their walkers and dentures to deal with our young guns!

Ok, so the Celtics were able to hamstring JJ for most of the game and if not for that 6-0 run at the end of the third quarter I think Atlanta would’ve been gotten back in it.

Here’s my question: WHERE ON EARTH WAS MARVIN WILLIAMS? Don’t you think by now he would know how to become a number 2 scorer when the other teams double up on JJ? Sheesh, can’t rely on him and Smoove to carry the offense.

If he is still too scared of the bright lights of the playoffs then let’s cut our losses and admit drafting him was a failure. I’ll admit being wrong about that.

By Sautee

May 1, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Why, if Bibby was OBVIOUSLY having an “off night” did Acie only play 8 minutes?

Clyde is all over this one. Woody falls into his “comfort zone” and his stubbornness leads to Childress trying to play point, and that’s when we started losing ground.

Bibby 39 min 6 pts 1 asst 2 to

Chills 26 min 5 pts 2 asst 0 to

Acie 8 min 5 pts 2 asst 1 to

Who’s producing ???

By Willie Coyote

May 1, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Acie needs more clock; Solomon can give a good 2-3 minute spurt 2-3 times a game (not just once); JRich/Salim can give you a 2-3 minute spurt a couple of times a game to stretch the defense Since Marvin chooses to shrink away from the occasion unlike Al, Josh, and Joe who are rising to the challenge.

By Bowdler for 3

May 1, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

After 4 years of getting destroyed in the 3rd qtr, TNT finally gave us a window into why. “Uhh..Phil Jackson says…” Man, Phil Jackson is in THESE playoffs and Woodson’s using his speech. I’m assuming he’ll use a Doc Rivers speech for game 6. And “if we’re gonna win this it’s gonna take everyone in this room…except for Salim, Jeremy, Solomon, AC and Mario.”

If winning this series means Woodson gets a contract, it’s not worth it.

By R. Stroz

May 1, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

The Celtics need to change their logo and put a skirt on that Leprechaun’s @$$.

You can tell Ainge is the GM because the entire Celtic team has been programmed to whine, cry, and flop.

By Ken Strickland

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

Woodson in pathetic. The reason the Hawks have been inconsistent throughout the season is because Woodson’s inconsistency. He tried his traditional approach during the first 2 playoff gms and we got creamed. Out of desperation he released the greyhounds, got excited, did some actual coaching and used his bench in the last 2gms. And as a result we gave the Shamrocks to 2 inspirational whippings.

As soon as we go back to Boston, this fool reverts back to his traditional approach. No pressure on the ball, no running, no use of our bench and no adjustments to the way Boston played our pick and roll. In pregame interviews Woodson talked about needing Marvin to be more active on OFF. Yet, I didn’t see a single play called for him or a single attempt to free him for an open shot. We used picks and screens to try and free JJ and Bibby, but not Marvin. Under the circumstances he still managed to contribute.

Woodson also hurt the Hawks by focusing too much on getting back on DEF. Unlike the last 2gms, we didn’t even try to challenge them on the OFF boards. In our last gm we fought them on the OFF boards and got 2nd and 3rd chances. In Boston we were one shot and done.

Wouldn’t it be ironic if one of the most flawed HC with the worst won lost record was rehired, while 2 of the most successful HC’s with 2 of the highest won loss records over the last several yrs are fired. It could very well happen.

By lbj_fan

May 1, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Woodson should not be back next year. His flawed coaching style will not make this team any better. Hawks have too much talent to just barely make the playoffs and lose in the 1st round. Horford is a future all-star PF, Joe is already an all-star, and J-smoove should be DPOY. The future is bright for this team, but they need better coaching. The team is too inconsistent which is a sign of bad coaching. Woody has improved as a coach, but still he’s no Byron Scott.

By dAP

May 1, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

It is amazing how bad Bibby is at running a team. He looks 45 years old. He can take no one off the dribble. Wow!

It is amazing how clumsy Marvin is. Just having him sit out would be a plus.

It is amazing how uncoached our team is. We have no plays except for saying “JJ take them one on one”.

By richbrave

May 1, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

FRIENDS:

Are you enjoying the play-off ride.?? You more than most should revel in the day. After nine long years, I would. I’m spoiled having only recently “jined up.”

I am a more appreciative fan of the Braves after only two years outside looking in. Maybe three unless things quickly turn around.

Anyway, give ‘um what for in Phillips tomorrow night. I’m watching you. Have no fear, the HAWKS will prevail.

By bulldawg

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

Wow , lose one game and things really change, man I am still proud of the Hawks. I really did not expect them to when one game, and they have already one 2. I did not expect them to win game 5, but if they win game 6, big if I know, game 7 will be a game to watch, and one game and anything can happen, also if we win game 6 on friday, an have two play game 7 on Sun. we will see who is old an tired. God bless

By gee

May 1, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

We need a new coach! There is no way that this talent should go out the way they did in Boston. Woodson should have them motivated at least which he didnt. Challenge their manhood, challenge their pride. He cant do those things. Let him go!

By kwooden1

May 1, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

What does everyone think about Avery Johnson as the next coach? I think the guys will respect him because he’s a winner they’ve seen him play some much. I think he could do a great job, but he would probaby cost a lot money and we know that isn’t much of an option, JS to sign. Does anyone still think Billy K should stay? I think either you keep them both or get rid of both. Right now I’m still in the camp that you get rid of them both. Its clear to me that the players won both of those games. Especially JJ!!!

GO HAWKS!!

By R. Stroz

May 1, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Billy Nightmare should be fired for picking Marvin Williams over Chris Paul and Sheldon Williams over Brandon Roy. Some other choices are questionable such as JChill, the guy is too soft.

Woody plays favorites, can’t substitute players, and has no offensive system, so he should be fired as well.

After all the top ten draft picks this has had over the past few years, the Hawks should look like a all-star team.

Fire both of the knuckleheads.

By Supes

May 1, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Both Billy Knight and Mike Woodson need to be fired. Start over with a new GM and a new coach. The key personel is here on the team, just need to find the right complimentary players, a true center and another guard, Bibby is past his prime. Also need Marvin and Law to step up next year, it’s put up or shut up with those guys. Esp. Marvin for the 2 pick in the draft the guy is not earning his money!

By Sean C

May 1, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Did anyone hear the pregame speech that Woodson gave in the locker room? They played the tail end of it on the TNT broadcast. It was far from inspirational. There was no urgency or fire in his tone. He just spoke in a soft monotone voice and his final words, “Lets go out there and TRY and win this one.” Now I’ve played some sports in my day, and that sounds alot like a coach that has already admitted defeat in the game.

You don’t tell a team in the playoffs on the road to try and win. You get them fired up and tell them to win or go home. I got his message loud and clear and the final score reflected it.

By MannyT

May 1, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Starting with the positive, Let’s Go Hawks Philips will be rocking on Friday. I’ll even have my emergency thundersticks on hand in case I don’t get a set from the fan squad!

When we move the ball & defend, the Hawks do better. When we are active & aggressive, the Hawks do better.

We are 95 games into this season. (82 regulars, 8 preseasons, 5 playoffs) Unfortunately little was done to develop the bench. When you put a little faith & hope on them in November, January, & March, it pays off in May. Now we only have bench hope b/c it looks like Woody’s uncomfortable playing them.

As much as folks fret, playing time helps Marvin to develop. You may not like what you have, but he is better now than he was a year or two ago.

I’ll save all that future roster stuff for the post season, but I’ll say this now. A decent player used well can become a good to very good player. A decent player used poorly appears to be a bad player.

This merry go round series has exactly 2 brass rings left to be grabbed. We need them both or we get kicked off the ride. Most would agree that we have loved this ride over the past week. I don’t want to get off.

If Woody needs to hear love for his magic decoder ring, I love it—just come up with something that works the next two games.

Assistant coaches, think soft pretzels, liquid school glue & yellow food coloring w/ a little mustard for taste matching. He may have figured out the crazy glue in the water bottle gig.

If Bibby & Al need to talk smack, sing, or dance…I’m ok with it—just win, baby!

BWAF

By doc

May 1, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

psychologically, “trying” implies doubt, a sense of failure or doom. saying, “do your best” leaves out the doubt or negativity and only allows the positive. outcome may be the same, implications much different as try suggest ultimate failure, doing your best is just that.

By clyde=moron

May 1, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Zaza has proven that he does not deserve to come off the bench before Solomon Jones. Marvin has proven he does not deserve to start over Childress. Bibby has proven he can’t handle pressure defense.

And Clyde has proven that he doesn’t know his a$$ from a hole in the ground. Solomon Jones played a few good minutes, but Zaza standing up to KG was what got the Hawks fired up in Game 4. Bibby is streaky, but he’s hit enough big shots with a hand in his face during his career (including this season) to prove that he sure as hell can handle pressure defense.

But most obviously, the fact that Marvin is starting over Childress means nothing, as you’d realize if you had an IQ above 40. Childress is a 6th Man, which is a specific role on every bball team - and the 6th Man is often better than 1 or more of the starters. Just look at John Havlicek, Kevin McHale (only a full-time starter for 3.5 seasons), and Manu Ginobili. They were all better than most of the starters on a team winning a championship, but they came off the bench.

So STFU. Between your idiotic rantings about how Sean Williams is better than Horford and your bragging whenever the Hawks lost, you proved you don’t deserve to post here. Go home, jackass.

By Raptors fan in TO

May 1, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

That loss wasn’t unexpected, we all know how Boston plays in their own building. But in Atlanta, they folded like a bunch of lawn chairs. Don’t lose faith Hawks fans, game 6 is in your house and whoever wins that game is going to win the series (Celtics would dread a game 7). Make sure to pack that arena and let KG hear it! P.S. after the season is done, Avery Johnson is suddenly available as coach. Hmmmm…..

By zack

May 1, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

didn’t seem like we lacked fire - just a gameplan and guys who can hit an open jumper (I’m looking mainly at Marv and Bibby here because they aren’t good for anything else).

By Don!

May 1, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Coaching.

Coaching.

Coaching.

This is still a flawed team from a coaching, not a talent standpoint. Sure, we could use a true center — but Big Al has done more than his share to cover the burden.

What this team lacks, now that we have a real, viable PG rotation with Acie and Bibby — is coaching. It was true in October, it’s true now.

If this team had better coaching, we would be more competitive all the time — instead of spurts where we look great, and others where we don’t even belong on the court with a good team.

It’s too late now, but as soon as this series is over — FIRE WOODY.

Later,

Don!

By mykhalc

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

as i posted on the last blog WOODSON locker room speech (the part aired on TNT) was anythin’ but motivational!!! it was an out to not have urgency!!!! as i said before i could NOT believe what i was hearin’!!!

BIG RAY, gotta disagree with you on some of the BIBBY stuff!!! you are right, he is for the most part bein’ outplayed by RONDO. one of the main reasons, is RONDO has 3 other players that will make the SMART bball play…PERIOD!!! BIBBY can ONLY rely on JJ to make the smart play!!! and when BOS takes JJ away with multiple cats guardin’ him then the main outlet is gone.

as much as i luv AL and SMOOVE, they are not polished enough to consistently take advantage of what BOS is givin’ them or the team. they bring the hustle, no doubt. but there’s more that’s needed. and MARVIN is just flat out not-ready-for-primetime. the cat has disappeared and does NOT wanna be seen. he is outta his element right now…PERIOD!!!

while i’m disappointed that BIBBY has not made more of a difference i also realize that other cats have to step up and make the ‘next bball’ play, especially when BOS is determined to not let JJ see the light of day!!! other cats have to bring help and last nite they didn’t.

and when we are led by a HC that puts ACIE, JC, MW, ZAZA and i can’t remember if JS or AL was in also, where the hell is the scorin’ at with that lineup???? it was as stupid as i’ve seen all seen, and even worse ‘cause of the moment!!!

but when the motivation was as it was last nite from WOODSON, then the lineup explains itself!!!!

By MannyT

May 1, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Friday motivation tip for coaches - youth has it’s advantages. Now is the time to use those advantages.

Your quicker is quicker than their quicker. Our faster is faster than their faster. Our ankle breaking JJ moves are sweeter than their Paul Pierce- slow bull in a china shop moves.

Hawk the Hawk gets a green walker for a skit or two.

Make the game look the same way the winner of the Fan Jam dance looks when they speed up the tape.

For my more experienced fans, let’s play that 45 at 78! It’s fun and fast.

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

what i am glad about is NOW we have CLEAR indication of how this team is NOT bein’ led by WOODSON!!! if that’s how he motivates his players in a playoff series game 5, just IMAGINE what they have had to hear for 4 yrs!!! ‘cause the sad part about all of this is, WOODSON PROBALY THOUGHT HE WAS TALKIN’ EM UP!!!! OMG!!!! get me a real HC…PERIOD!!!!

By Ken Strickland

May 1, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

DOC-it looks like it’s time for another players only meeting. Woodson apparently left his book on strategy and how to use your bench in Atlanta. I hope he finds it before tomorrow’s gm.

It’s funny, most teams rely on their HC to instill a you can do it attitute in the players. It appears in our case, it was our youngest and least experienced players, Horford and JSmith, that woke our HC up to the possibilities.

I honestly think Woodson didn’t believe the Hawks had a chance to win a single gm. He was likely hoping to simply avoid being embarrassed by the Celtics, and coached accordingly. It was the players who elevated their attitudes and efforts above everyone elses expectations, including Woodson’s, and perservered.

You could see Woodson had his previous attitude judging from the way he reacted to what the Celtics were doing. It was like why even bother making adjustments or using our bench, we’re going to lose anyway.

At home our young Hawks will have us to motivate and encourage them. I have no doubt we will prevail. But in Boston, they will have only themselves, because Woodson will be watching the gm more as a spectator than a HC. GO YOU HIGH FLYING HAWK!!!!!!! AND REMEMBER, EVEN THE MOST EFFICIENT PREDATOR FAILS TO MAKE THE KILL ON OCCASION.

By MannyT

May 1, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

doc I think Woody went to some psych classes, but missed others. I did like his all the pressure’s on them thing at the start of the series.

I can even live with the big ring.

When he gets time to plan, he can come up with an idea or two. It looks like he struggles when he has to go beyond the script in game planning & motivation.

It’s is easy enough for Friday to say the arena is on our side, let’s take it to them. He can pick the prop.

I’d go with that song from the Nike Sparq commercial and 2 lines on the board.

Play harder Play faster

BWAF

By Sautee

May 1, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

C=M

Got to defend Clyde, even though I’ve had my own issues with some of his points.

First, even if you vehemently disagree with someone on this blog, why resort to terms like moron and jackass?

Secondly, about Zaza. He played 11 minutes last night and failed to get ANY rebounds. He’s 6’11” 265 and he got ZERO rebounds in 11 minutes. I cannot believe that Solo would rebound as poorly if he were given 11 minutes.

Bibby played 39 minutes and had 1 assist and 2 to’s. Does that sound like he was handling the pressure? 39 minutes!

And, while I went round and round with Clyde about Sean Williams and shotblocking, I NEVER saw Clyde claim that Williams was better than Horford. And when did he brag because the Hawks lost?

You lose credibility when you resort to hyperbole, and you lose respect when you make attacks personal. If anyone deserves to not post here it’s the ones who have no sense of decorum.

peace

By Yocka Tocka

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

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!

By mykhalc

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

just to add…i’m F’n glad that NIQUE is not the HC too!!! 5 keys to victory…it’s as bad as WOODSON’s locker room clip!!! gimme a break!!!

By Harry Hawk

May 1, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

As I hobble along with my green walker…

I’m thinking about the AJC getting ‘Nique’s keys to victory in Game 6. He works for ASG, right? By stating the obvious about what the Hawks need to do to win, he’s basically saying that Mike Woodson doesn’t know his head from his a*. Why? Well, as many have said on this blog and the last, Woodson tried the same things in Game 5 that got the Hawks beat down in Games 1 and 2. I know that the crowd support at Philips was a huge factor in pumping the guys up, but they just played a lot more freely when they were running. It’s the only chance they’ve ever had in this series. How can ‘Nique understand that and Woodson be so confused? Thousands of posts over the past few seasons explain why.

I just hope Woody’s seemingly hesitant comments about his own status are the result of him knowing that he’s finished. BK will keep his job. (I’m definitely on board with Alpha Ando’s idea of moving Bibby and Marvin this offseason. Moving those two guys for some frontcourt help would be very helpful. I’d also like to see a veteran shooting guard who can come off the bench and knock down shots.) There’s no way he’ll get fired because of the ability the players have shown in this series.

I’d hire Avery Johnson in a heartbeat. Since D’Antoni’s teams played almost no D in Phoenix, that kind of precludes him from the Hawks job. Avery’s already handled a team that ran the floor AND played solid D. I’ll also jump on the “Avery can tutor Acie” bandwagon. The two first-round exits the last two seasons were not good, but the Mavs had a pretty old team. That happens sometimes. If he’s hired in Atlanta and can’t get it done, well, I’ll just have to put a hurtin’ on the man during a timeout or somethin’.

By MannyT

May 1, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

mykhalc as temping as you make it, I MUST RESIST throwing Woody under the bus before end of season.

…but imagine if he was in charge of marketing.

Come on out to the game, we young so don’t expect a win, but we like to see people in the stands.

If you try to attend, we’ll try to score a few baskets.

We can’t lose ‘em all?? I hope.

After 13 win season. I guarantee that we will be no worse than 13 games below last season. Come on out—we might set records.

BWAF

By msDee

May 1, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Of course the Hawks can still win this series!! Look what happen back in 1988 when the Hawks played Boston. It was the very same situation. Boston won the 1st 2 games..we tied it 2-2..We won the next (3-2) but Boston came and won 2 back-to-back to take the series. And we had home court advantage!! This time it will be the opposite. We now can turn the tables and win 2 back-to-back and take the series. I realized that, being human and all, we have this affect that if there is no pressure, we as human tend to let our guards down just a bit, causing our opponent to step up even more..With that being said, Boston will come into Atlanta with a “IF we dont win, we can still can end it at home” which is not the attutide u should have in a playoff series cause while they have their guard down, the Hawks will play that much more harder to win their game 6 causing Boston the get very nervious and ancious(not sure if I spelled that right but u get what I am saying), to lose there edge in game 7 to the Hawks!! So after saying all that, I TRULY BELIEVE THE HAWKS WILL SHOCK THE WORLD AND WIN THIS SERIES!! Again, the Hawks have nothing to lose but everything to gain!! Which includes respect, confidence, and a chance to the semi-finals!! GO HAWKS!!

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

MannyT, in the voice of the villian in ENTER THE DRAGON…MannyT, your restrain is extra-ordinary!!!LOL

By Harry Hawk

May 1, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

And yeah, you’re right, mykhalc. That was a pretty boring piece from ‘Nique. I just remember him talking on TNT the other night about the Hawks needing to run. Even Smitty and Rathbun understand that. Doesn’t Woodson know that being a coach that adjusts his style to fit the players he has will make him more likely to be successful in this league? It’s like we’ve got our own little Dubya on the sideline. It makes me want to put my head through a wall.

By Ken Strickland

May 1, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

We all know money is a very big issue with the SAASG and would factor into the firing and hiring of any HC. I have a suggestion that would make everyone happy, except Woodson. Keeping both Woodson and BK wouldn’t be a smart move since BK tried to fired him on 3 different occasions.

Why not pull the Pat Riley and send Nique to the bench until this mess with the SAASG and Belkin is resolved. It gives us someone who knows the gm, the players, the fans, the city, the organization and has the respect of everyone, especially the players. We all know he understands the style of play that best suits the team and he’s flexible. It would do wonders for our public relations and would give us the consistency we need to reach the next level of play.

I guarantee you that players like Acie, Salim, West, Richardson and Solomon will have a chance to develop and contribute. Playing our bench would reduce the mins of JJ, Bibby, JSmith and Horford, thus allowing them to operate at maximum efficency. And can you imagine the effect he would have on Marvin’s development working with him daily. After all, Marvin is playing Nique’s SF position.

And last, but not least, it wouldn’t add a single penny to the SAASG’s payroll. That would be money they could use to resign both Joshes.

Any thoughts on my suggestion?

By corey

May 1, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

MAN THE HAWKS HAVE TO JUST MAN UP SND STOP PLAYING TIMID EVERY BODY NEED TO GET THERE HEAD IN THE GAME THEY NEED TO LET THE OPPOSING CROWD MOTIVATE THEM AS THE HOME CROWD DOES AT LEAST THATS WHAT THE GOOD TEAMS DO MEANING THE BULLS OF OLD THE SPURS AND KOBES LAKERS THEY FEED INTO THE OPPOSING CROWD BOOING THEM THATS THE APPROACH THE HAWKS NEED TO TAKE

By FrancoBeck

May 1, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

It’s funny and it is all fun to see how some of ya are ready to throw the baby out w/ the bath water…You got a great team w/ a chemistry that seems to be developing..its a very young club…Given a little more seasoning and some much neede depth…you might become the new “Title Town” Maybe trading Zsa Zsa might be a start!

By SalimFan

May 1, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

For all of you Bibby haters do you see Acie getting double and triple teamed when he comes up the court? How about salim when he had his litle stint in game 1 ? No? Well whenever Cildress, Johnson or Bibby bring it up they do.

Hmmm you think thats a coincidense. Or JUST MAYBE the celtics have watched enough tape to know the key Hawk contributors in a game and are trying to take them out of their comfort zones by double and triple teaming them ON POURPOSE.

Be it because the bench never gets any PT or they just stink. The celts know that you really can’t expect any production out of anyone else PERIOD. They probably also know we have a dumb azz coach who won’t use anyone else also. They’ve also figured out thet he won’t change anything.

During the regular season Bibby and JJ account for about 40 pts on any given night. Considering the hawks only average 98 ppg that a big percentage of our production.

To kill a beast you cut off the head. If Woodson were actually a smart HC he would’ve found a way to fix this problem already. Kobe been getting doubled his whole career and he’s still able to put up monster numbers. MJ did the same too. Phil Jackson was their HC. He’s not stupid and i’m pretty sure he knows how to shake those guys free.

It’s not the players it’s the Coach.

By doc

May 1, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

ken a thought … NO!

By corey

May 1, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

marvin williams is so hoorible they purposely left him open for easy jumpshots that he could not make he is 6’9 and not atheltic at all he always trips over his feet boobles the ball HOW IS HE A STARTER OR BETTER YET HOW WAS THIS HOWARD THE DUCK LOOKING GUY A #3 PICK

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

SalimFan, just what you said!!!! on-point and i’ve been ACIE’s #1 fan since camp!!! he is NOT facin’ the same defenses nor is he bein’ asked to do what BIBBY is asked to do!!! i luv how ACIE can breakdown his defender and get to the rim but the CELTS are NOT tryin’ to take the ball outta his hand!!! no comparisons on the defenses he faces compared to BIBBY, NONE!!!

between WOODSON and NIQUE’s statements, it REALLY is amazin’ we’ve gotten this far!!! in fact, someone keep NIQUE away from the team too if this is all he has to offer!! ONE WOODSON IS ENOUGH!!!

By honest_abe

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

i agree with most of you that it’s partly the coaches fault. i’ve been on woody just as much as any other guy. but the players just didn’t show up yesterday. plain and simple. horford who is usually reliable was turning it over left and right. jsmith reverted back to crazy guy with no jump shot. jj picked up those two quick fouls. and bibby was well, just bibby. (slow, ineffective). these guys weren’t ready for the intensity that the celtics came out with. i blame some of that to coaching but i’d say the majority of that blame goes to each individual on the team. they just heard and read too many good things and probably felt they were just as good as the celtics.

how in the world does marvin still have defenders on this blog. as much as i criticize the guy i want to see him do well. but he’s officially the “RALLY KILLER”.. every time the hawks make a run the ball miraculously finds its way into marvins hands and he usually delivers his customary brick. not to mention he looks scared to rebound, chicken arming balls and his rump is too disproportioned to play any defense (imagine if you had a 50lb weight attached to your back) so when his shot ain’t droppin woody needs to look for other options. seemed to me last night when stockton mentioned how woody told him that marvin was the key to this game, it was as if woody was intent on making that statement become reality. marvin plain sucks.

woody needs to do a better job with matchups. when cassell is in we need to put west on him. there’s just nobody on this team that can guard him it seems. as for bibby he needs to play less and acie needs to play more. play marv less, childress more. zaza wasn’t gettin any boards last night but neither was anyone else. as least he brings some fire off the bench.

the hawks didn’t have that energy last night. hopefully they’ll find a way to get it by tomorrow night.

By FUNK DAT

May 1, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

There will be a game 7 as long as the players dont listen to Woody or the crowd is so loud that they cant hear a thing Woody says thus tuning him out. Mr. Potato Head deserves very little credit for these wins and I hope he is let go this summer. GO HAWKS!!!!!

By Harry Hawk

May 1, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Seems to me that the Celtics would not treat Acie the same way as Bibby. That would open the game up for Acie. Remember Boobie going off for the Cavs last year? I know Acie’s not a long-distance guy, but if the Celtics don’t respect his shot (and we’ve only got the possibility of two more games left in this series), why not get Acie in there and let him score? You’ve got to take advantage of things the Celtics aren’t gameplanning for. Acie’s a bigger PG than Bibby. He’s also a first-round pick with game. Let him do his thing.

By Bertie

May 1, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Three words: RUN, RUN, RUN.

Woody needs to do something he has not done all season, coach aggresively. Sitting down JJ for an entire quarter (2nd half of 1st and 1st half of 2nd) was another bonehead move, by the time he got back in the game we were out of it. He can play with foul trouble. Remember Woody there is no tomorrow.

By terrell barron

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

It looks like Avery Johnson might be headed to NY. They’re after him. He’d be crazy to take that job. And fellas, Marvin has been to the line more than any other player in this series. And if he does one thing well, its shoot free throws. At least he contributing.

By Bertie

May 1, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Need to go to often to Josh Smith down low to start the game, no Celtic can guard him down there. If he does that 2 or 3 of them will be in foul trouble by the 2nd quarter. Josh needs to stop hanging around outside and move more inside and not to get 2nd shots but be the first option. That will open it up for JJ and Bibby.

By Nate

May 1, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Sekou - Obviously you haven’t watched the Celtics enough this season. The Wizards exposed the deficiencies of the Celtics in transition defense long before the Hawks. They went 3-1 against the Celtics in the regular season by playing an up-tempo style. The Hawks copied the Wizards…at home anyway.

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Harry Hawk, ACIE definitely brings game to the table, no doubt. personally, while givin’ JJ a rest, i would go with ACIE and BIBBY in the backcourt with BIBBY at the 2, especially since we know WOODSON is NOT gonna play SALIM or JRICH. ACIE’s breakin’ down the defense should create some open looks for BIBBY. just gotta hope his shootin’ touch is better than it’s been in BOS!!!

By MannyT

May 1, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Ken unless ‘Nique would strongly prefer to be a coach, why toss the icon into the messy heap?

I’d rather be an icon of great play than someone, who by job description, will have to be fired at some point.

Let him be the VP of Basketball and spread good thoughts about the Hawks.

Most great players have a very short shelf life as coaches.

mykhalc I am taking deep, slow breaths and scrolling past most posts with Woody or coach in them. It is hard, not to go off on the subject now, but patience for this grasshopper. There will be plenty of time in the off season.

Fortunately work will pull me away from the blog almost entirely until game time tomorrow.

Keepin’ it simple.

**Play Hard!

Play Fast!**

Marvin can go 3/4 speed, everyone else at 90%

BWAF

By Doc Rivers

May 1, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Any chinks in the armor that the Hawks supposedly found were repaired 10 fold last night by the Celtics… The Hawks should be happy they were able to get these extra practice sessions in before the start of their long off-season. The Celtics are just too good and too intelligent for a sub-par coaching staff and young thuggish group of juveniles the Hawks put on the floor each night. By the way, why is Al Horford kissing his biceps after dunking a ball when he is losing by 15 in the 4th quarter? That is why the Hawks will lose. They’d rather act tough and play selfish… If the Hawks exposed the Celtic’s weakness in the transition game, then why did they get blown out by 25 last night after their 2 wins? Keep dreaming Atlanta… and get ready to put the paper bags over your head next year… GO GREEN!

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

May 1, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

A couple observations:

1. Bibby looks like an old man out there. Sure he may be getting pressured, but a lot of it comes from the fact that Rondo can gamble and recover. This about the number of dribbles he’s lost or errant jump passes he’s thrown. Signs of more than just being double teamed. And his defense…..

2. Woodson continues to be sheepish about trusting his players with fouls. Outside of Smoov and Al, by virtue of positions, it should be ok to play Joe with 2 fouls to start the second. We can hold a lead/deficit for a while, but sooner or later….

3. The “Joe-go-score” offense only works in certain scenarios. What it has mainly produced is a lot of poor last second shots to avoid a violation- re: long Smoov jumpers.

4. I do like the hard fouls we’ve been committing. The C’s are shooting horribly from the line, maybe they’re getting “beaten up”

5. We have to close out on all shooters, save KG. His length precludes shot blocking so might as well keep him from crashing boards.

6. We also need to continue to drive and “do werk” inside

Can’t count on Woody, need the fans to help us…..

RISE UP

By hawkfromhinesville

May 1, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

got the c’s right where we want them…south georgia hawk hackers say we will waltz in game 6 and dance in game 7…SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mike Fratello

May 1, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

WOW…are offensive sets are a joke. Why even have a point guard? All Bibby does is pass the ball to Joe at the point and the rest of the team watches and hopes he can nail a fad-away 20’ jumper w/ 2 defenders in his face! There is absolutely no motion. The Hawks are way more athletic that the Celtics but their style of offense does nothing to prove this……….

By Melvin

May 1, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

I hope the BASG will give out hawks Tee Shirts for Game 6 instead of those cheap hand towels that gave us for games 3& 4. The place should be cover in read or blue. All the other highly RESPECTABLE NBA organizations give out shirts to their fans during the playoffs. Come on ASG, show so class to the faithful fans of Atlanta (and SC heh,heh) that you all appreciate our business…

By doc

May 1, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

yeah melvin can you imagine what it wold look like if the phillips were turned red or navy for the game. real problem is that the fans as well as the team has no identity even down to the color …. is it red, navy, white or yellow?

By JulieNewmar

May 1, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

SHOCK THE WORLD. The Hawks last stand sort of reminds me of General Custers last stand. It will be no different since it will be the Hawks last chance to do something special this year and SHOCK THE WORLD. Just go out and win game 6 and game 7 will take care of itself. Then if you end up playing either San Antonio or the Lakers in the finals you CAN beat either of those teams easily since you have superior talent to both of them. HAWKS WIN SERIES WITH BOSTON 4-3.

By SalimFan

May 1, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Get Fired Up!!!

Rise Up!!!

By SalimFan

May 1, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Cast your Ballots: Who Will it Be?

1) Mike Fratello 2) Hubie Brown 3) Rick Carlisle 4) Avery Johnson 5) Mike D’Antoni 6) Rudy Tamjanovitch 7) Larry Krystowiak 8) The A-Team Dancers

Cast Your Votes Now!!!

By mike

May 1, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Free gang signs for game 6. FU al horford and all of that crap hole you call a city. The celtics will give you a gang sign friday, called the middle finger. remeber that you pathetic, lucky azz b-ball team. u suck.

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 1, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Love the videos, the 2pac one especially.

By mike

May 1, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

hawks fans are a bunch of lo life losers. 4-2 Celtics $$$$$. Blood Sweat and atlanta with Tears.

By mike

May 1, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

hawks fans are a bunch of lo life losers. 4-2 Celtics $$$$$. Blood Sweat and atlanta with Tears.

By beki

May 1, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

I’m new to this blog ( I’m a Braves and Falcon fan )but even I noticed how emotionally flat the team was before the first quarter began. All I can say is that Woodson is not a motivator and what this team needs is a Lou Holtz - type coach and a consistent strategy that makes use of the talents that are the Hawks. That and getting rid of Bibby who did diddly squat last night.

By ATLfan

May 1, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

JulieNewmar: The Hawks last stand sort of reminds me of General Custers last stand. It will be no different since it will be the Hawks last chance to do something special this year and SHOCK THE WORLD

Custer’s regiment was massacred and lost. Hawks are donzo like him.

By HB Ando

May 1, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Look, I understand that Bibby is an improvement over everything we’ve had at PG in the last few years (all Billy’s fault). But there’s a big difference between him being an improvement, and him being the solution. He is scheduled to make just under $15 million next season. His last team dumped him because his back-up, Udrih, was as least as good as him, if not better, and was making around $565K. He’s just been completely dominated by a second-year PG who makes $1.2 million. And only Kidd, Marbury and Baron Davis are true point guards AND are scheduled to make more than him next year.

Finally, the ASG CANNOT afford the roughly $68 million it will take to keep this team intact. So for everyone who keeps saying we need to keep Bibby, you have to accept that keeping Bibby requires getting rid of several other players.

So, not only is Bibby not anywhere near worth his salary, he’s of most value as an expiring contract, as this franchise tries to deal with the reality that they can’t afford to re-sign Smith and Childress, and keep everyone else on the roster.

Bibby, like Marbury, and Steve Francis, and guys like Chris Webber, all represent a fatal flaw in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. Giving massive, long-term guaranteed contracts, to players anywhere near the age of 30 almost always ends up leading to unmet expectations and buy-outs.

And for those of you who suggest that Bibby’s struggles are related to double-teaming, what games ARE YOU WATCHING? The only help Rondo has gotten is your basic switch-off on screens. And the same has been largely true of Johnson. At Monday’s game, I told Jhan I couldn’t believe Doc Rivers wasn’t double-teaming JJ in the fourth quarter. Then, after the game, I ran into no less than 5 other people who said the same thing to me. The truth is that if Rivers HAD double-teamed JJ in the fourth, we probably wouldn’t have won the game. But that’s on Doc.

Come to grips with the reality that the Hawks cannot afford to keep this team together for next season. Somebody has to go (and probably a couple of somebody’s). And the most obvious, and cost-effective, deletion, especially given the league-wide value of large, expiring contracts (used to free up cap space for teams that want to pursue free agents in the following year), is Mike Bibby. It would be true even if he was a top-ten point guard. It’s even more true given that he’s not even close to top-ten, at this point in his career.

On the issue of Marvin, and giving him “time” to develop. I find this stance mystifying. How does a player “develop” a more committed approach to rebounding, defending his man, or looking to create opportunities for his teammates, when he has the ball in his hands? The only part of his game that looks subject to development is extending his range. But doing so still leaves him pretty one-dimensional, in my book.

One of my very first posts, when this blog first originated, suggested that I didn’t understand why Billy had drafted a player, in Marvin, who’s likely upside, in my opinion, was to be as good as Al Harrington. And the truth is that he’s still not as good as the Al Harrington Billy gave away. Al was a better rebounder, and had a far better low-post game (in fact, better than any player we’ve had since he left, with the occasional exception of times when Joe Johnson ends up on the block with a “little ‘un” on him.

I’m not going to try and revise history, and ignore the fact that the Hawks knew Harrington thought he was a max-contract player, and was expecting that kind of money. And that drafting Marvin was in expectation of Harrington leaving, one way or the other. But drafting Marvin, when you’d drafted both Josh’s, the summer before, seemed like swing-man overkill then, just as much as it does now. Especially in light of the near-immediate all-star status of the two point guards that Billy passed to take Marvin.

Bottom line is that this team cannot be kept intact, given fiscal reality. So if you want to keep Bibby, and seek to re-sign him, despite how badly Rondo has exposed him as over-the-hill, that’s your opinion. But in taking that stance, you have to honestly choose someone else, on the roster, to give up. And given the size of Bibby’s salary, next year, the only people you can move, who can make up for that number, are Joe Johnson, or the likely salary Josh Smith will command.

Now, who here, given the reality check of the Hawks likely team salary “cap”, would rather keep Bibby, and give up Johnson or Smith?

The only other way to keep all three would be to move a combination of alternative players, who’s projected ‘08-‘09 salaries would likely match up with Bibby’s. That would probably be a sign-and-trade of Childress, at anywhere from $5-7 million, Marvin’s rookie contract, at $5.6 million, and Zaza, at $4 million. But now you’ve given up you’re only center (even though Woody has reduced his value to near nothingness), Childress, who’s actually more valuable to the Hawks than Marvin, given his versatility and heart, and Mr. “Give him time to develop”, all so you can keep a slow, overpaid, no-defense PG, who not only will cost you almost $15 million next year, but likely will leave via free agency, to get back closer to the West coast/conference, where he’s a better fit, and where he’s used to living (dude is Cali, all the way).

Any of you can defend keeping the guy, or guys, you prefer. But any of you who can’t do the simple math, and recognize that the ASG is NOT going to shell out $68 million, to keep a 37-win, 8th seeded team, intact, need to either wake the %$*# up, or take a remedial math course.

I’m supposed to be the one who says the same things over and over, but may of you are completely neglecting the equally redundant doc/Astro Joe “broke-a* owners” argument.

You can’t have it both ways……..

Go Hawks tomorrow night!!!!!

Ando still needs a ticket, and will provide both beer and the best running commentary the cost of a ticket can buy!!!!!

By cp

May 1, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

The main problem I have seen is Woody playing guys major minutes who are not contributing…There is now way guys should be playing 30 minutes plus and giving us that bad of production… I know Bibby is a vet and all but when you look at it he has played pretty much one good half of basketball in 5 games. His jumper is not falling, he is commiting a lot of turnovers, and is getting torched on defense. If guys are stinking it up out there try something different. Law is getting in the paint at will and making some nice passes but is barely getting any burn. I would love to see Salim or Richardson get some type of chance to knock down some long jumpers… Marvin really has to step up.. Maybe we need to fly his mom and barber down so he can play like he did in the Seattle game. Yea as others have pointed out, the motivational speech by Woodson was horrible. I now see why they come out so flat in many of the 3rd quarters. Guy will put you to sleep.

By SalimFan

May 1, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

ANDO I’m hoping that you are wrong, I bet the ASG will suprise you.

By ZULU

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

You are on point about the Hawks home vibe. But, Sekou did you have to quote Jeff VanGundy in your article, a team destroyer, and presently a coaching ‘wannabe’. So I can destroy another set of players. The Hawks need to play like it’s 1999. Hmmm!

By Harry Hawk

May 1, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Hahahahaha…

Go check out Schultz’s column today.

Woody, Woody, Woody…

By Melvin

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

Doc, I guess that’s the BASG way of making us purchase Hawks merchandise. Oh well, I guess I will fall into their trap b/c I plan on buying two JSmoove jerseys. I hated the lint shower from the cheap towels…. HBAndo, if any one of my 5 peeps back out (it’s a possiblity) i will let you know. I don’t have courtside seats but they are not the worst either…

By Steve T

May 1, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

A.J. just might be your new coach. I think he will be the guy the team need make it the play-offs every year.

Hey why don’t you idiot lay off Billy. Like it or not, Billy is the best GM we have had in my lifetime. All GM make a mistake or two, but you must admit the guy knows talent. Boris diaw look like a bust while he was in Atlanta, but he looks like a superstar with the suns. Let’s get the right coach in here first and then we can see if Billy is worth keeping. I still remeber the bad ole days of drafting bust after bust. Judge the man by his hits for Atlanta: JJ is the best trade in Atlanta history. JS is a good fine for the Hawks. AH is one of the best rookie in hawks history.

By Astro Joe

May 1, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Ando, how long will it take for the ASG to take action? Cuban fired his coach in less than 24 hours. What’s your prediction for the dismissal of BK and/or Woody? (And anything more than 2 business days in my opinion is utterly ridiculous).

Woody’s comments have left me empty, angered and hostile. How dare he sabbotage this euphoria by demeaning his roster in hopes of maintaining his job. I’d be lying if I said “I’m done until they fire him”. But I really have lost a tremendous amount of passion since reading the comments from the pre-game interview. Here’s hoping that both BK and Woody are dismissed before the kazoo sounds at Philips tomorrow evening (since surely the horn will be busted). F them all.

By SalimFan

May 1, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

A-Men Joe!!!

By new jersey faithful

May 1, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

I reading through some of the previous article, and someone actually thought MV was smooth. Now granted, his jumper is pretty smooth I guess, but he CANNOT drive to the basket!! As im sure most of you know, he looks pretty bad while doing anything but shooting a jumper. He basically runs at the basket and is so out of control, that he rarely drives successfully. He doesnt have much of a post game…yet. He is young though, and he will get better!

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

ALPHA A, i luv ya bro but somehow since your ‘lemme talk to ANDO’ one-on-one with whichever owner it was, you somehow KNOW what the BASG/SASG have in their pockets!!??!! you don’t bro…PERIOD!!! none of us do!!! and if you haven’t seen the double-teams that come at BIBBY also then you are havin’ a bit more than pretzels at the game!!! check out game 6 with a lemonade only!!!LOL

By new jersey faithful

May 1, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Great question Astro! It will be interseting to see how long they wait or maybe they do it as soon as he gets back into the locker room after their last loss lol

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

just to add…ANDO, do you have ANY idea how much from a financial standpoint the franchise has gained by just makin’ the playoffs??? TV revenue, tix sales, merchandisin’, profit sharin’???? just askin’ cause i don’t!!!;-)

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

and let’s not forget concession sales…heh heh

By ray

May 1, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc, I’m going to say it like this. Ando does know more than you think. So do I, but that’s not at all the point, nor should it ever be. I know for a FACT that Ando stays in contact with a certain person or persons quite regularly ,who are involved intimately with this franchise. I will not disclose how they are involved or at what level. I respect the involved person(s) and Ando too much to say anymore than that. To do so would be to expose things that are confidential, shall we say. Make of it what you will (and I’m being purposefully vague), but I tell you this: you wouldn’t believe some of the things that have been discussed if I told you. And I could prove it. But I don’t do that to friends.

As to your arguments involving Bibby. I can always agree to disagree with you. I feel that the facts, interpreted through visual feedback and simple math/statistics, speak for themselves. But that is a moot point, as I have no impact on decisions made regarding the franchise.

SalimFan, Bibby doesn’t face double and triple teams. Rondo has his a$$ locked up all by himself. What you’re seeing is one of two things: Boston playing an aggressive zone, or Bibby having the ball too late in the shot-clock and the Celts collapsing on him to try and force a turnover. It has worked in three games. Acie faces no double or triple teams because nobody even knows how much of a threat he can be. He doesn’t even know. Why? Because rarely tries to score? Why? Because he gives up the ball as soon as he crosses the half-court mark. Why? Because, in a world full of pimps and gigolos, Woody has turned the pg of the future into a eunuch.Brilliant.

Astro Joe, Mark Cuban is a micro-manager. That is why things happened so fast. Not only that, but he is ONE MAN. The ASG couldn’t get together quick enough to decide where to eat. Unless of course, the direction of the franchise at the management level (and the decisions therein) has already been determined….stay tuned…

By HB Ando

May 1, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

AJ, if I had the answer to that question, I probably wouldn’t be without a ticket for tomorrow nights’ game.

myc, you’re charging into the “have your cake and eat it too” territory. We’ve been bottom-five payroll, and some of our best minds, here on the blog, have staked their positions on the ASG’s lack of financial resources as a primary reason for some of our competitive limitations (as well as using that position to defend much of Billy’s actions/inactions).

What we do know is that we maintain one of the lowest payrolls in the league. What we do know is that the team is losing money. What we do know is that somebody has to pony up a ballpark of $150 million, to buy out Belkin’s 27%.

So most signs point towards the idea that the ASG WILL NOT suddenly increase payroll by some $12-15 million, especially for a team that won 37 games and has some fairly obvious flaws.

It’s not so much that I’m pretending to know something I don’t, as much as it’s the conclusions I draw, based on the evidence I have access to.

As I said, the proof will be in the pudding, so arguing the point is p** in the wind. If the summer comes, and I’m wrong, you and many others will not let me forget. If I’m right, folks will act like I’m an egomaniac for simply making an accurate prediction.

Melvin, please let me know if you end up with a spare ticket. That would be very cool. And I am a beer buying fool…….

By ray

May 1, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Myk seriously. Would anybody blurt it out on the blog if they knew?

By the way, the playoffs do earn some extra dough. But you also have to pay that electric power bill and all of those workers too. It’s not all sheer profit. But you knew that already. It’s never going to make up for what is lost during the season. No, where it pays off is when making the playoffs (and a smart offseason of marketing) causes more fans to buy tickets next season. That’s the trick…

By HB Ando

May 1, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

myc, just to clarify, what ever happened on that night, has nothing to do with anything other than what was said. That point was, and is, completely unrelated to any opinions I have about projecting how much the ASG would, or can, spend, on next years’ roster.

I do not know how much the team makes as a result of it’s playoff participation. I’m of the general understanding that the team has lost tens of millions, over the last several years of consistent losing.

My guess would be that despite whatever extra they make, based on the playoffs, they will still end the season with an operating loss, though it is only a semi-educated guess.

As I said, the proof will be in the pudding, when we see what payroll the ASG commits to, for next season, and how that number impacts changes in the roster, as it exists now.

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, i’ll just say i respect your vagueness and will admit again that I DO NOT know anythin’ about how deep the pockets of the BASG/SASG are!!!

as far as BIBBY, yeah we’ll have to agree to disagree. but i’ll leave it at this in regards to your statements about him NOT gettin’ doubled teamed. what you’ll see on tape is that BIBBY is smart enough to see the double-team comin’ and unlike JJ he does not wait on it to have collapsed on him before he attempts to make the correct read. now that is NOT to say that RONDO has not given him trouble, because we all know he has. all i can say is go back and watch tape!!;-)

ALPHA A, since i do not know what you ‘know’ i’ll just say this…does winning change anythin’??? and yeah we can dispute is 37-45 winnin’ but for now let’s not go there. my answer would be and is…YES!!! so again, not knowin’ what you know, i’ll stand by my comments/opinions!!!

and i’ll add, and pls don’t take this as a knock on you, but unless you are BELKIN or part of the inner circle, and you TRULY gained a conversation from whichever owner just by havin’ a ‘friendly face’ as you put it, then it’s NO WONDER that this franchise is in the state that it’s in!!! why would a PERFECT STRANGER be entitled to or trusted to the info that you and RAY hint at??? but this is spoken ONLY by a fan and nothin’ other than a fan that lives 3000 miles away!!!

By Matt

May 1, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Nice article on ESPN today giving a post-mortem on the Suns. The guy basically says that trading Joe Johnson was a monumental mistake on their part. Ummmmm…ya think? Here it is:

Mistake No. 1: Re-read Marc Stein’s post-mortem from August, 2005 to properly refresh your memory about the Joe Johnson fiasco. That’s right, fiasco. Phoenix’s relationship with Johnson deteriorated so badly that he directly asked Sarver not to match Atlanta’s $70 million offer — which he didn’t — leading to the devastating trade of Johnson for Boris Diaw and two future first rounders. (Note: In that aforementioned “What If’s” column, I partially excused the Suns because Johnson wanted to leave, forgetting how they drove him away until a few bitter Suns fans refreshed my memory.) They had just come within two wins of the NBA Finals and built an identity; now they were dealing a 24-year-old potential All-Star, the perfect swingman for their system, a deadly shooter who could even play backup point guard for them … and only getting back a bench player and two future picks? Maybe that deal would have made sense for some teams, but they had just come within two wins of making the Finals! And how could they botch the Johnson thing so badly that he asked to leave? (Note: I asked these same questions three summers ago.) To borrow a modern example, this would be like the 2008 Hornets coming within two games of the NBA Finals while lowballing David West for the entire year, then trading him to Charlotte this summer for Jared Dudley and two No. 1’s. Would they ever do that in a million years?

Here’s what kills me about the Johnson trade: With Nash, Amare, Marion and Johnson, you’re set for the rest of the decade. That’s it. That’s your core. That’s your guarantee for 57-plus wins a year and a specific style that can work. Surround them with role players and veteran buyout guys and you’re contending until Nash breaks down, and even then, you can just shift the offense over to Johnson as the main creator. HOW CAN YOU GIVE THAT GUY UP???? So what if he’s insulted and doesn’t want to come back? He’ll get over it! You’re paying him $14 million a year and he gets to play with Steve Nash! Arrrrrrrrgh.

By richbrave

May 1, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

DENIZENS:

There’s still a game to play at Phillips - hello!! Worry about who’s here and who’s not next week or the week after. Plenty of time then for conjecture and finances. Keep the focus and GO HAWKS!!

By Steve T

May 1, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Hey lay off BK because things could be worst. He may not be the best GM in the game, but he sho ain’t the worse. People are complaining abot the CP move, but all the so-called expert had Marvin ahead of Chris. The bucks even pick someone ahead of Chris Paul. Was it the right move? At the time, it was the only move. Does it look so good now? NO! But it takes big men a few years to come in their own. After Paul’s 5th year, he may not be so hot, but the other two must just start to peek. They may be better year 5 - 13.

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Matt, good link man. i’ll say that i truly have gained even MORE respect for JJ’s skills. i knocked his play the 1st half of the season, no doubt. but what i get NOW is, first how much the PRESENCE of BIBBY makes to his game. he truly needed that ‘other’ player that would be respected and given attention to on the court!!!

secondly, i NOW get how much bein’ in the playoffs mean to him!!! and that was the message he was tryin’ to get over to the other cats!!! well now they know too!!!

By HB Ando

May 1, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

myc, me and the other blogger who was standing there, that night, have never stopped asking ourselves that very question.

I simply don’t know the answer. Maybe ego. Maybe a buzz. Maybe a sense that we were so inconsequential that our collective reach extended no farther than the length of our arms. Maybe…….

I know this. I’ve said things, many times, and then chastised myself, later, for opening my big, fat pie-hole. Is that enough of a reason?

And, again, that event has absolutely zero to do with budgets and financial commitments, so I ask, “what is your point?”.

By Matt

May 1, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Steve T - agreed on the “hindsight is 20/20” part of your post. Not so sure (in fact, pretty sure of the opposite) that Marvin will ever be in the same league (heck the same galaxy) as CP3. But as I said - hindsight is 20/20. Jerry West f’d up the Lakers in the early 90’s by making some bad picks and trades, but he righted the ship by the end.

As for Mike Woodson, however, I have only this to say - if the Hawks are clearly out of the game tomorrow night with 1 minute left, everyone who goes PLEASE start chanting “Fire Woodson” at the top of your lungs. That is all.

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

ANDO, my point is, ‘how can you make that statement so surely of what this franchise will spend?’ that’s my point and question.

By Astro Joe

May 1, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Ando I wasn’t asking you as an authority with insider knowledge of the plans of the ASG… but simply asking for a prediction. At this point, railing against BK and Woody seems pointless. There’s a line in the sand…. June 30. There won’t be an ounce of data worth evaluating on 5/31 that won’t exist the day after the plaoffs end. So what’s your prediction?

Ray, you’re right, so what’s the point? Seriously, Woody is ripping his roster before game 5 of a tied playoff series. The head coach and GM don’t speak to each other. We have a bottom 3 payroll. And our GM has failed to master the one resource that he can use to build the team… the draft. With contracts expiring 6/30, surely they have discussed a few contingency plans. Will something different happen on 5/4 than on 6/1? With so many teams looking for a coach, will we be at the end of the line due to the 7-headed dysfunctional creature? Why is your friend Alpha writing novelettes if his pen-pal is powerless? What’s the freakin’ point? And why haven’t the Thrashers hired a head coach in the past 28 weeks and counting?

By Melvin

May 1, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Ando, I will let you know a definite answer before noon. Matt, interesting article. Sounds like the Suns were prepared to make Joe a max offer. This was disputed on this very blog many times since Joe became a Hawk. Doc, do you all meet up during the game? I would love to chat the 1st half play and put faces with names.

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

ANDO, i ONLY bring up your conversation with the owner because, with what has been shared by you over the years on the blog, i’m ‘assuming’ that was you ‘IN’ to whatever inside knowledge you might have as to what this franchise will do since you say you ‘KNOW’ they won’t spend ‘X’ amount on a roster this upcomin’ season. that’s the only reason i make the correlation between that conversation and what’s bein’ said today.

By doc

May 1, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

matt you havent been here long but i have been saying that all along. i said it within the past few days on two different blogs and said it three years ago even in the throes of a 13 win season. yep, they were quite smug initially, now their time is past.

sarver has used his ego to blow up something special and that includes getting rid of colangio who has quickly landed on his feet in toronto. you should have seen the number of folks from phoenix coming to this blog to share their two cents worth saying they had taken us. just didnt work out that way. funny that trade really did in two franchises in a way.

i cant wait to see who they get for jj at the 15 spot. there were a few other voices then saying the same thing but it was a small chorus who will join me in watching. jj is a stud and a gamer, i just hope he gets the help he has asked for as we move forward. basg will begin to show their hand this summer.

By mykhalc

May 1, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Melvin, COANGELO has said all along they were gonna match. some folks here just refuse to believe it. most of ‘em BK haters too!!! my take is COANGELO had no need to comment nor lie about what he was gonna do. so why would he lie??? so JJ feels better??? so BK feels better??? don’t think so…

By SalimFan

May 1, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Ray, I looked at the tape and you’re right only in late clock situations was bibby being doubled.

But as far as Acie(The Bench) goes were saying the same thing.

By HB Ando

May 1, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Melvin, I’ll be looking. That you would even consider hooking up a stranger is awful cool. I appreciate the thought, even if it ends up that you don’t have a spare.

Thanks, again…..

By belinda roberts

May 1, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

this is in response to all the articles about the “new interest” in the hawks. who gives a damn about all the people who give a damn about the hawks now. trust, theres plenty of us who have had season tickets for 10 years + who already knew what promise these guys have shown in the past couple years. we dont care what the “johnny come latelys” have to say. we’ve been here through thick and thin. this is my 10 year opinion: these guys have all the talent to win this series. i havent gone to very many games this year where the hawks, whether they win or lose, have not been in the game. at the very least, almost every game has been exciting to watch bc of the guys play. for some reason (the crowd?) they had no life when they play in boston. we will win in atlanta friday night and if the guys keep up the same energy they have in atlanta when they are in boston, they will win. they need to run, make fast breaks and treat boston in boston like they do in atlanta. simple enough.

By belinda roberts

May 1, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

and mykhalc, any team owner that takes the best seats in the house (center court, front row) cares about one thing only………that he has the best seats in the house. its austentacious and just plain tacky.

By MannyT

May 2, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

richbrave keep us on track. This is about the playoffs until the run is over.

mykhalc You and Jeff Schultz are going to make this grasshopper’s head explode before this series is over. I feel like Anakin Skywalker being lured over to the dark side…must resist…not talking about Woody…master Yoda I need words of calming wisdom…aaaaaaaaggggghhhh!

I am surprised that Woody took the opportunity to stab himself in the back. I thought that sort of thing was really hard to do. Maybe Drew knows ventriloquism ;-)

On the financial front, I don’t know the numbers, but even parking prices have gone up for the playoffs. When I saw a suite seat available in Boston for just under $160 for game 5, I knew there were some make up prices in the box office for this being the first Hawks playoff series of the century! I think they even told my girl who shows me Jumbo popcorn love, not to overfill those tubs.

Matt nice catch on the ESPN article. I especially liked following the links to other articles where JJ advocates having the ball in his hands…i.e. playing PG. Clearly this was discussed with the Hawks prior to doing this deal. I’ll get back to that once the season is over.

Ando Had I not made a playoff ticket commitment to my neighbor, I would have given you my extra. I would love to learn if Ando live is like Ando the blogger. Nevertheless, I hope things work out and I get to see you on Friday.

doc if they got the word out on Tuesday, we could have easily done the color of support thing in any one of those. Maybe next time.

Let’s Go Hawks

BWAF

By mykhalc

May 2, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

belinda roberts, not tryin’ to be funny at all but i’m missin’ the point…sorry. what owner are we talkin’ about??? thanks…

By Ken Strickland

May 2, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

SALIM FAN-Fratello and HBrown are control freaks and wouldn’t allow the Hawks to run. The players would spend too much time looking to the sidelines for instructions for their every move. Rick Carlisle and D’Antoni don’t care enough about DEF to elevate the team. That leaves Rudy T and AJohnson, which wouldn’t be bad choices.

By belinda roberts

May 2, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

levenson. i guess the point is, if the owners cared about the hawks and not just their own egos, they wouldt just take up half the the seats on the front row and would put their money towards the team.

By HB Ando

May 2, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Joe, all I’m doing is maintaining an absolute consistency, a constant pressure, regarding this franchise’s need to make changes at the top. The only thing more pointless than railing against Billy and Woody, as you put it, would be predicting the date of their demise.

It’s my HOPE that change, if it is to happen, will occur as quickly as possible, as I believe managing this roster, and it’s upcoming payroll, is trickier than any recent summer (a point I’ve been trying to make over the past month, annoying many folks who want to focus on this playoff series and ignore just how critical the decisions of this summer will be, in defining whether we’re “movin’ on up”, or regressing to the mean of our previous decade).

Look, guys, go to this url:

http://www.elevationmag.com/basketball/index.php?itemid=291

and add Bibby’s contract, and the $10-12 million, extra, for J-Smoove, and a couple of $million for Chillz, and tell me that’s not over $65 million. Then note that this years’ number is $54 million. Now, give me any logical reason why we should believe that the ASG, faced with buying out Steve Belkin’s 27% stake, roughly valued at around $150 million, is going to have the means to bump up payroll by over $10 million.

In my mind, one of two things has to happen if that has a chance of occurring: one, the guy or group that takes out Belkin has way deeper pockets than the rest of the ASG, and makes a financial commitment to roster changes that would fill the stands every single night (like trading for Iverson, regardless of the implications on how that impacts our competitiveness), or, a guy, or group, with Cuban-esque money takes the whole group out, recognizes the potential of the Atlanta market, and spends the necessary cash, assembling a roster that will fill the stands every night (just like Philly used to do with AI).

Short of one of those two scenarios, I’d say you have to assume that budget doesn’t grow by some 20%, just to field a team that was 8 games under .500.

This isn’t New York. And these guys aren’t named Dolan, or Steinbrenner. And there’s a reason that there’s nearly a dozen partners.

These guys are going to let revenues drive spending, not use spending to seek revenues. It’s just smart business.

Joe wants me to predict both the futures, and time lines, of Billy and Woody. I simply can’t do it.

But I’ll predict, with confidence, that Bibby’s time in Atlanta doesn’t make it past the trade deadline. And, logically, he may not even be here by opening night.

Look, myc and Joe, I’ve never made myself out to be anything but a forceful opinion. So don’t try and impose on me that I think I’m some kind of “insider”, and then take your misrepresentation and try and make me look like some “fugazi”.

I bring nothing but my opinion, and whatever logic I can drum up to support it. Anything else either of you, or anybody else, wants to lay on me, is your agenda.

What I say is what I think. What I know is far less………..

By doc

May 2, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

melvin, we will be at the area between the black jack daniels bar and the pretzel stand about section 113 or 114. i will wear a black hat backwards with a green aguave leaf on it. i have a white beard/goatee mustache and stand over 6 ft so i can be seen. i imagine jhan will be there as well as volman and manny t if they are up to the trip from the heavens known as section 303 … yep, “the front row” as uecker once said. if you have ando in tow he will know where to go.

myc i know we have said it many times and have been blown out and ridiculed but colangio said it, writers made note of it but it was spun differently here in the big a and not sure why. bk may have done what he needed to do and had to do for this franchise as it was either that ot another year with over the hill guys being over paid just to meet the minimum instead of jj.

belkin blew it and ranks right there with sarver for undermining his own investment and the basg have continued the dysfunctional state, there are no good guys on either side as far as i can see it. they have really been lucky to have gotten horford and into the playoffs as this is not how it was planned. i say enjoy it for now and hope that there is some semblance of rational and intelligent moves to begin to move forward as players rather than lucky weekenders spending time in las vegas who didnt know when to cash their chips before the streak ended.

By mykhalc

May 2, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

MannyT, just remember…your skill is extra-ordinary. your fight with the guards, i mean to restrain, is marvelous!!(voice of the villian again)LOL

By HB Ando

May 2, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

MannyT, just to say it again: it was a very cool moment that occurred at half-time this past Monday. I appreciate your sentiment, and can assure you that I bring the same kind of non-stop observations (agree or not), during a game, as I do here.

Thanks for thinking of me, and if anyone bails on you, last second, look me up.

By HB Ando

May 2, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

doc, I know you’re up. Check your voicemail and draw your sword….

By ray

May 2, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

Myk, it’s not what you think it is. And it ain’t as glorious as you’d think either. And I’ll tell you why: When there are way too many “wannabe master chefs” in the kitchen, it’s easy to focus on the wrong question. The wrong question is this: How many of the chefs do you know and how well do you know them? The right question is this: How well will the meal be prepared? Why? Because you’re at the restaurant to eat…not talk to the chef(s). Sorry to be so ridiculously cryptic with my analogies, but I can tell you this: information that some of us have been made privy to has not brought the joy of being an “insider.” It’s brought the pain of realizing just how screwed up the business world can be. Especially if there are multiple parties in what should be a one (or two) party system at most. You get my drift?

Astro Joe, heh heh! Ol’ Alpha writes novelettes because he’s ol’ Alpha. But you knew that, didn’t you? And while that series of questions may or may not have been a somewhat subtle attempt at getting me to reveal something…I’ll leave it at that (you sly devil, you). I will say this, though: Ando and I have revisited many a conversation revolving around your penetratingly rhetorical question of “what’s the point?” We’ve gone ‘round and ‘round that one many a time. If you got the answer brother….you’re better than me. I gave him the only answer I could a long time ago: We do it because we choose to. Because we choose to have the passion it takes to continually exercise our rights to express ourselves on something that the world does NOT revolve around. We choose to.

In the meantime, we all know that we have no bearing on the decisions being made. To think otherwise is the true definition of being an egomaniac. If our voices are to be heard at all, they are to be heard together rather than seperate. No matter how smart any of us think we are.

Personally, I hope that the ASG proves something positive to us. That hope is slim because I don’t feel that ownership should have so many members. But hey, there’s first time for everything….right? Riiiiiight. I hope that these guys realize that major change is the best marketing plan rather than typical corporate cover-up and “scapegoat-ism.” I hope that they act quickly and decisively (but not rashly). That would allow us to remain players in the overall game. Anything less only sinks the ship further…

By mykhalc

May 2, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

ALPHA A, come man, i have nooooooo agenda other than talkin’ hoops and continuin’ to be a fan despite livin’ in san fran!! i’m merely reactin’ to RAY’s reaction to my post when he said you ‘know’ more. if we are ‘still’ talkin’ personal opinions then i’m ALL with ya man!!! ‘cause that’s all i’m bringin’ and all i ‘can’ bring…PERIOD!!! and believe me, i’m not tryin’ to misrepresent you or any of your statements. and that goes for anybody on the blog. that’s why i ask the questions…so i can be clear on the answers!!!

By ray

May 2, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

Matt, interesting article.

By mykhalc

May 2, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

BIG RAY, here’s the look on my face…emoticon with the blink blink!!!LOL i think i get your cryptology brah!!! and if i don’t i’ll keep studyin’ it ‘til i break the code!!!LOL

tooooo many members no doubt, especially when the governor had to be removed!!! what kinda governin’ board is that??? a dysfunctional one ONLY!!!

i’ll say this, the BASG/SASG have seen, experienced, and lived the empty PHILIPS ARENA syndrome!!!! they can choose the red pill or the blue pill!!! the wrong pill will guarantee that they experience the depths of RED that they have not experienced in the 4 yrs of ownin’ this franchise and probably force them outta the game!!! and i know you know what i’m sayin’!!!

DOC, all i can say is playin’ the FUTURES is a VERY risky bet. it seems, to me, that BELKIN was the weaker of the players!!! but who knows, maybe he was all about mutiny to begin with!!!???!!!! all of my ‘UNKNOWING’ places my bet on that!!!!

By ray

May 2, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

Myk, my vagueness “clearly” leaves room for any sort of conspiratorial thoughts or speculation on “insider” situations. That was the whole point: misdirection. Like I said, no glorious secret squirrel stuff…just misdirection.

By ray

May 2, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

exactly, myk. exactly

By ray

May 2, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

I have to say it (much as I hate it): Jeff Schultz laid the “wood” to Woody pretty good. Go and read his blog article. Nothing could be more on target with Woodson right now. I can’t wait to be rid of him. I imagine there are 12 players who feel the same way….Dude has thrown the team and the GM under the bus. Hard. So much for the class I said he always had.

By BA

May 2, 2008 2:24 AM | Link to this

Doc nailed it on the head at the top- Woodson saved his job and got himself fired in the same week. Not with the “if I’m here next year…” bit, but with the whole sliced bread garbage. Anyway, I’ve done a little digging around (along with “scouting” Andersen thanks to Salimfan, who I inexplicably picture having a red headband) and AlphaMatrix is right. They’re currently three from the bottom in payroll, and next year would surge into the top ten in payroll. Topping out around $67 million. Two years from now, Bibby walks. I think Acie will already have established himself. Why trade at the deadline? I think they’ll absorb it for a year. The key is: start the season strong. Tickets will start SELLING. Any doubters this is an NBA town? Think about it- especially if they are developed into a pure running team. Two reasons I think they keep this team together: One, I think Knight returns. He had ‘em with the no handshake. And everything good about the Hawks he can take credit, all the bad is on Woodson. Billy’s not going to blow up his own team. I bet they’ve made a pretty penny off these playoffs. Two- they beat a freaking sixty-six win team twice(three times? Four?) in their first year in the PLAYOFFS. Two years ago most of these guys couldn’t even buy beer yet. And to answer all the “trade Marvin” theorists, let me ask you this: Didn’t they give up on Billups when he was twenty-two? What about Joe? Didn’t the Suns give up on HIM when he was twenty-four? Don’t give up on this kid. Let’s see him with a legit coaching staff. Secret Squirrel?! Props Ray.

By mykhalc

May 2, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this

yeah RAY i was really disappointed too. totally thought he had handled himself with class ‘til this. and NOW of all times. makes me wonder what might have been said to him recently in regards to job security, especially with certain names now becomin’ available!!???!! i don’t think he ALL OF A SUDDEN doesn’t know how to repeat the same statements he’s said before when it comes to questions about his job. me says he didn’t like ‘something’ that JUST went down!!??!!!

By BA

May 2, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this

I bet Woody just slipped…he’s been on the emotional aquivalent of a two day…you know what I mean. I bet he hasn’t heard anything, he just slipped under duress.

By Clyde

May 2, 2008 2:48 AM | Link to this

This summer will be real interesting for the Hawks. Who stays who goes will we trade for any draft picks. A lot of decisions have to be made.

By Harry Hawk

May 2, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this

Harry Hawk has a few beers in him right now, but that’s cool. He also blogs as “Chop Chop” over on DOB’s excellent blog. We’re damn lucky to have some guys at the AJC who really give a s** about the fans. Good stuff.

Schultz’s column was the sort of thing that I wish we’d see more of from the AJC. I don’t live anywhere near Atlanta (I live in Albany, GA), but getting that kind of info (the info that really lets you get inside the head of a coach who’s more worried about his own future than a playoff series, which is understandable, but not what you want) makes me feel like I’m plugged into the team. I just eat that s** up, man.

We all beat this s** into the ground, but if we had to choose between BK and Woodson, we’d take BK anytime. BK blew the Paul/Deron over Marvin draft and completely whiffed on the Brandon Roy/anyone with a pulse over Alien Head draft, but this team does have a lot of talent. Woodson can’t coach it. ASG has to pay Josh Smith and surely ought to pay Childress, so BK has a mission this offseason: trade Bibby and Marvin. I think he can do it and improve the team. Maybe I just have faith that blind hog BK has a few acorns that he’ll find.

Or maybe I’m just buzzing.

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

Woody’s comments were pretty terribly timed, but at the same time I gotta give him props for standing up for Horford in the Rookie of the Year debate. A lot of coaches won’t come with such strong words defending their guy.

By doc

May 2, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

najeh, why wouldnt woody defend horford to the max? if anyone has been woody’s meal ticket this year it is horford then bibby who i am sure earned the title comeback player of the last half of the season if woody could have voted for it or there was such an award. without those two players we would have been worse than last year which if i remember correctly was where woody was given a pass because of all the injuries. if anything the coaching was better last year when the team lost significant players for significant amounts of time to win 31 games, my guess with no changes that team would have faltered even though it was a given they had been so poor because of the injury situation.

the decision will boil down to who is available and how much cash does the BASG have to work with, bottom line, follow the money. if there has been one consistent mantra for this dysfunctional group before and after the separation that was it.

By preston

May 2, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

I would love to see the Hawks win this game tonight…..hec’ I would be dancing in the streets if they managed to pull off the upset of the century by taking the series. But the flipside of that, is that scenerio would give Woodson the credibilty that he doesn’t deserve. Woodson is just not a good coach and his 15 seconds of fame are over. Woody has relied too much on his starters carrying this team, and the 2 wins were directly atributed to his starters being “on” their game. Woodson says that he doesn’t have a deep bench, but the fact is, he has never played or developed a plan that consistently gets the most out of the guys currently on the bench. Marvin, and Bibby can struggle for sretches of games with their shots and Woodson will do nothing to get Salim or Jrich in the game to at least see if they will give him anything more, and it frustates the hell out of me. Those guys are two good shooters with range, and I know that they can give you much more than a struggling Bibby and Marvin on most nights. Woodson should be using Acie more in this series too, but according to his scheme, a cameo appearence by Acie for 5 minutes is enough, and as someone noted, Acie’s production in those small minutes was still greater than Bibby’s production for what he did for just about the entire game. WTF is Woodson doing???? I will be watching the game tonight, and I will be behind the Hawks 100%, but a part of me cannot wait for Woodson and his 106-222 record to get the hell outta here!!!

By richbrave

May 2, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

I see the gold-mine of which I posted in February(i.e. OUR pockets sports fans) has been uncovered in HAWKSWORLD. Clyde will be so busy selling T’s he will no longer be able to post here. The ASG will ramp up the payroll, but not until Atlanta has fully embraced the HAWKS and cleaned the winged merchandise counters clean. Without a draft pick, they dangle “Marvelous” Marvin Williams for a one round pick. Failing in that ploy, they will continue to funnel cash from us into restructured contracts, and let Bibby go for whatever he gets on the open market. So I’m sayin’ either Williams or Bibby gone before next year. Maybe before the draft. You know with the right coach(Popovich, Sloan) Williams might develop nicely.

That’s a half an ANDO prophesy. I would have picked both gone, but he’s become such a postin’ fool in the past week I couldn’t type fast enough to get it up before he did. And this take suits my style. Everything in moderation, except the “gold-mine.” Now, I need doc, manny t, ray mkl, or ando to tell me what HAWKS collectible to buy. I don’t want to waste my money by taking a pig-in-a-poke…..

SAY, do we have a game tonight? ARE THE HAWKS GONNA’ WIN?!!!! GO HAWKS. PHIL PLILLIPS. ROCK THE HOUSE.

By Barry

May 2, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

This is a fight. Boston and the referees popped us up in Boston. Now we see the opposition were dazed on the ropes. Now our head is clear and we are back on the attack: rebounding, dribbling, defending, shooting, running, relentlessly. We are angry. We are mad. We are taking no prisoners threw none of this. We are slugging. We are unmerciful. the lucky punch of the opponent reminde us we are in a fight. Now we dance. We move we throw a jab a left hook. We look in the eyes of the opponent and we see thei fear. the fear that they are comming to an end. The fear that a new champ is in front of them. The celtics are wear. The are tired. The crowd is cheering and screaming histerically because the feel the knockout coming. The Hawks revert to a dance and a move that The Celtics never seen before. They are confussed. It’s the eqivalent to the “Ali Shuffle”. The Celtics are confused. the crowed is cheering louder. They hear it instead of seeing the shuffle. It is getting louder. The hawks make there move that will go down in history. They do the shuffle and they throw the bomb at the Celtics. The Celtics fall. Dazed confused laying on their backs the look up from the floor at the young Hawks who now,to them, looklike Giants. The young Hawks stand over them looking them in their eyes, angry and intense with their arms in victory raised over their head. They shout the most prophetic words in the history of sports “WE SHOCKED THE WORLD!!!!! WE SHOCKED THE WORLD!!!! WE SHOCKED THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!! The team is crying. The fans are crying because the new Hawks have arrived. We see the process of only great things happening in basketball in the city of atlanta and Georgia. “WE SHOCKED THE WORLD!!! AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO “SHOCK THE WORLD”” IN THE FUTURE. These are the YOUNG, RUNNING, GUNNING, NITTY, GRITTY, NASTY HAWKS!!!!! THEY ARE HEAR TO STAY AND TO BE RECOGNIZED.

“SHOCK THE WORLD!!!” MY HAWKS!!!!! TONIGHT AND THROGHOUT THE PLAYOFFS.

“SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a “HAWK FAN”. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO HAWKS!!!!!!

SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By MannyT

May 2, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

David Andersen sneak peek

I see on NBA TV that they are showing Euroleague Semifinals today. His team CSKA Moscow, is playing at 3 PM ET live. Maybe they will rerun the game on Saturday.

If, you ,like me, don’t subscribe to NBA TV, no worries. They are having free preview days until May 4.

Now would be a good time to have a DVR.

BWAF

By Melvin

May 2, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Ando, sorry but it looks like everyone in my party will be able to make the game. If something changes between now and the start of the game. I will immediate post a comment for you (i keep my laptop with me at all times). As a side note, I would much prefer to give you (a real Hawk fan) the ticket than a Chic (who’s a casual b-ball fan) in my entourage. I know I don’t post as half as much as many of the regulars but I read this blog daily (almost like my bible heh,heh) and it seems as if I know many of you all already. I’ve been posting and reading this blog for the past 3 years (check the archives). Doc, I will look for you at halftime. I’m in section 120 so you’re not too far from me… Not sure what I will be wearing (hopefully a free Hawks Tee Shirt)….

By doc

May 2, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

melvin, see you there around the pretzel stand with jhan and my son and whoever else arrives.

manny t, thanks for the heads up on anderson. i might be able to check into that. if i do, i will give you a report.

by anderson’s stats he seems to be what i envisioned pairing with yi and shels to go with smash to spread things out and give some balance to a roster that does not have a true big man, so it has to be accomplished in other ways. i just dont think he will be a gasol, dirk or even a yi look alike, maybe a poor man’s version. he is a vet with about 5 or 6 years of slugging it out and making some improvement based on the numbers but against lesser talent. safe to say anderson, horford and smash will be a bit better than yi, shels and smash i assume and probably wont get arguments otherwise.

jhan, i doubt that i will be able to see you before the game. will make the journey a little later than normal and by marta so i will go in there rather than find a way to the food court through the construction.

By MannyT

May 2, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

doc I haven’t seen him play, but I’m guessing Toni Kukoc. More outside than inside in NBA. Probably similar to Marvin—mid range jumpers as primary weapon here. In Euroleague he may get to basket more often than NBA.

I appreciate any update you can share.

Mad Ants hat will check in at halftime location.

BWAF

By H. Low

May 2, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Sekou, What the hell is going on down there? What are your Hawks trying to prove. I think Boston’s age shows when they attempt to run with the Hawks. Also do you think the Hawks are mising “that” player, or just some more experience?

By Melvin

May 2, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Manny and Doc, looking at the tape of Anderson. He seems to have a some back to the basket skills as well. Maybe we could find a team interesting in trading for speedy (his contract maybe cover by insurance) and ZaZa (expiring contract)…. Wishful thinking and I haven’t compare salaries yet. I thought I read somewhere that the Bucks were unhappy with Michael Redd performance this year and maybe willing to trade him. How about we package expiring contracts (Bibby ZaZa or Speedy depending on his ability to play again) and/or Marvin and draft pick(s) for Michael Redd… AC,MR,JJ,JS and AL would be a nice lineup. I know, I know, far fetch but at least I can dream….

By AceWilson

May 2, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

The Hawks need to play Boston great for just two more games. Thats it. Simply overwhelm Boston like you did in games 3 and 4 two more times in games 6 and 7 and send the Celtics into the offseason by eliminating them in seven games. THAT TASK WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. HAWKS WILL WIN SERIES WITH BOSTON AND ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND OF THE NBA PLAYOFFS. HAS A NICE RING TO IT. NOW GUYS GO OUT AND MAKE IT HAPPEN!!

By doc

May 2, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

ando i am still laughing as i write this. i dont have my ringer on because i forget to turn it back on after going homw a lot of days. i just got your message form this am. too funny …… but i know you were serious. heh heh heh oh yeah, you of course are right, i am happy!

By ray

May 2, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Before I give my prediction, understand that this is not what I WANT to happen (well other than the Woodson part) but what I think WILL happen. As it stands, I’m nowhere near 100% sure of any of it.

Anyway, here goes: Hawks lose tonight. Woodson is relieved of his duties within 24-48 hours (you need a head start on getting another coach or you’ll miss all the good ones). Knight stays for two reasons: 1) the infamous no-handshake with Steve Belkin and 2) Even successful coaches like Avery Johnson are scape-goated. A guy like Woodson is the easiest, no-brainer scape-goat since who knows when.

Why? Typical corporate scene. Upper management schemes to waylay middle and lower management all the time. Who knows if Billy refused to shake Belkin’s hand because he was on the ASG’s side. I suspect it was more because he believed he knew more about basketball and was mortally insulted by Belkin’s veto of his precious trade idea. Just as the other members of the ASG were resentful of Belkin’s hard-line governship (well…he did have a bigger stake money-wise in all of this than any other individual…what did they expect?). You see…in the end it’s all about egos anyway.

In the end, Billy will be able to throw Woody under the bus much easier than the other way around. Billy can say “Look at all these fine young players we have. Look at what they were able to do to the top team in the NBA when they were playing outside the scope and vision of that horrible coach I told you we needed to fire.” And the ASG will swallow it hook, line, and sinker.

Or….I’m wrong and they’ve got something else in mind altogether. Remember, none of this has to “make sense.” And it rarely does, since we don’t know all the behind-the-scenes things. Look back a few months, though. Why is Bernie Mullin really gone? And Billy is still here….

By JB

May 2, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Interesting ESPN article, check out the section regarding the Joe Johnson trade

text to be linked

Marvin has got to go but his value is so low that I’m not sure what we could get in return, a big of some sort would be ideal. Either way he shouldn’t be starting until he earns it.

By HB Ando

May 2, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Melvin, again, appreciate the thought. You and all the other HAWKS FANS, there tonight, will those guys to victory. The Hawks winning this series would be even more improbable and, definitely, historic, than either of the other two 8th seeds who have ever won against a one-seed, in Golden State and Dikembe’s Denver team.

At least on TV, I can get good replays and second-guess ever play and call.

Hope my wife understands that her Friday night is going to be spent watching hoops!

By randy

May 2, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Marvin Williams clumsy @ss was made for the bench. Hate to say it, those 2 wins probably saved Woodpecker’s job for another contract.

By ray

May 2, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Since I have NBATV, I think I’ll check out this Andersen fellow. I too will report on him later. Not that I’m a reporter or anything…

By Ken Strickland

May 2, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Realistically, we all know the Hawks aren’t playing for a championship. They’re playing for pride, respect, the future and future championships. These young Hawks are already learning to develop a championship attitude and mentality. They’ve already learned there’s nothing to be gained from fear, but fear itself.

What’s missing is the ability to succeed without that preverbial 6th man(the home crowd), and a competent sideline presence that can successfully develop and guide the team, utilize all of it’s assets and make adjustments, both during and between gms(Head Coach). Hopefully, that will come next yr.

Tonight, we are going to give the Celtics all they can handle. Atlanta fans are going to show Celtic fans they don’t have a monopoly on team support. We will show them how we can be just as loud, just as supportive and have just as much pride, but without the typical Celtic arrogance. The Celtics and their fans have developed an attitude towards the Hawks because we a actually making these clowns work for their chance to advance towards a title shot. And we’re exposing their weaknesses along the way. Unfortunately for us, Woodson can’t/won’t make the neccessary adjustments that would allow us to take advantage of those weaknesses.

TONIGHT, THE CELTICS WILL HAVE TO DEFEAT THE ATLANTA HAWKS NATION IN ORDER TO AVOID GOING BACK TO BOSTON FOR GM 7. SHOW THESE SHAMROCKS THE KIND OF PREDATORS YOU HAVE BECOME, YOU HIGH FLYING HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

By cp

May 2, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Harry Hawk im in Albany too (well im in college in Albany). I really wanted to go to the game today in Atlanta. I was going to drive up there and catch the game but I could not find a ticket anywhere. Melvin there was actually a blog on the realgm site that was wondering if trading for Michael Redd would be a nice move for the Hawks. Having Redd would cut down teams doubling JJ because Redd can shoot and create his own shot. The only problem I would have with the move is the length of Redds’ contract. I think he has like 3 more years left on it and I dont know how it would affect signing the players we already have.

Tonight we have to come out with more energy and intensity. Aftering seeing that lame attempt by Woody to motivate the team I can see why we play flat so much. I think he has sealed his fate regardless if this series goes 7 games. He threw everybody under the bus instead of focusing on the task at hand..

I really hope Duck comes out tonight with something. Bibby has to play better tonight and if he doesn’t then just play Law. The focus of tonight should be prodcution. If guys are out there doing nothing then sit them and give somebody else a chance. I would rather lose with guys coming off the bench busting their azz than guys playing 30 plus minutes and looking like they would rather be at home.

By Sautee

May 2, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Nice blog guys. I love it when there is actual discussion of realities. And actual possibilities.

And very few “dings”!

Ando, GREAT point about Bibby being an improvement, but NOT a solution. Spot on.

Hopefully Acie is at least part of the solution. I guess if he got some minutes (more than 8)we could figure it out. I’d love to see him with the same amount of confidence he displayed at A&M. Maybe next year, with the right coach.

By Ken Strickland

May 2, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

CP-we all hope Duck can have a big gm. It’s up to Woodson to call whatever plays he has that can make it happen. Running pick and rolls with JJ and Bibby and dumping it into JSmith won’t make it happen. Marvin isn’t a player that’s effective trying to create his own shot. When he does, he ends up with a lot of turnovers. But when JJ, Bibby, Acie or Josh penetrates and dishes to an open Marvin, he’s like money in the bank.

On pick and rolls, Boston is rolling both defenders and doubling the ball. The remaining 3 defenders have to zone up to cover the lane. We should use a modified version of the traditional pick and roll. Use a shooter like Marvin or Bibby to set the pick. Instead of rolling to the basket, they should roll to the corner. Let Horford or Josh flash into the lane as an outlet for the player being doubled. When the DEF collapses to protect the lane, you have Marvin or Bibby open in the corner. If they don’t collapse and cover the open man, we have Josh or Horford one on one close to the basket.

By MannyT

May 2, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

By Matt

May 1, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Ando David Andersen is waiting for your pal with the big bank account to replace Belkin. There is that Berkshire Hathaway meeting this weekend…Mr. Buffett, have we got a deal for you ;-)

ESPN Euroleague article

ray isn’t that view of upper management a bit off & cynical. I’m not against cynical in general. I guess that’s why I find Ando’s postings so interesting even when I disagree.

I would go for the upper management wears teflon so the mistakes rarely stick with them, but I doubt they sit around scheming against lower level employees. The top tier may spend more time focusing on how to maximize personal income instead of healthy, company growth, but why bother obsessing on lower level employees? This is particularly true in an at-will employment state like GA. You can be fired w/o cause.

Bernie was higher up than BK. Using your example, Bernie should have had more job security than BK. I don’t know why he left, but I would be surprised if it had anything to do with BK or Waddell throwing Bernie under the bus.

Bringing my promo binoculars tonight so I can get a better view of off the court activities from 303.

BWAF

By doc

May 2, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

sautee, this usually is ding free. fortunately we have enough good fellas like you at the table who can respond without reacting to fan the flame. they will come but if left without fuel they die out and go on the merry way.

okay folks headin to the phillips, am going to get a bonus tonight of hearing the lead hawks scout to give a state of the team address. after that i will be letting the lint fly.

PICK IT UP GUYS LET THE LINT FLY TONIGHT, EVERYTHING TO GAIN!!!!!!

GO HAWKS !!!!!!

By HB Ando

May 2, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Don’t know which is more sadly inaccurate: ‘Nique “knowing” how to beat the Celtics, or ‘Nique’s pre-draft assessment that Marvin Williams was a once-in-ten years’ talent, at the forward position.

History shows that one thing is certain: Both are dead wrong. Last time I checked, ‘Nique didn’t beat the Celtics. And Marvin, well, let’s just say Gay, Durant and Beasley, at the very least, shed some reasonable doubt on that assessment. Right now, Marvin’s not as good as Smith, Childress and Horford, and that’s just on HIS team.

It’s getting very close to the time where folks have to come to terms with the reality that it’s not just that Billy made a tragically bad decision to pass on either Paul or Deron Williams, BUT that he was also wrong about Marvin’s future status as a star. I’ve always maintained, consistently, that it was never fair to compare Marvin to Paul, because they don’t play the same position.

The point was always that a team in desperate need of a franchise point guard, already loaded with young swing men, had no logical reason to take Marvin Williams. Even if you have to honestly admit that no one knew that Paul and Deron would be THIS good, or that Marvin would be THIS average, there is no wavering on the original, pre-draft belief that point guard was the way to go, that year.

Now, years later, nationally-based, NBA writers, continue to remind the country of just how devastating Billy’s mistake was, and continues to be.

Compound it with taking Shelden Williams the next year, when no one on the planet, save Billy, saw Shelden as worthy of the fifth pick, and, having passed on Paul or Deron, and Roy, Foye or Gay, in two successive drafts, it remains unavoidable to wonder where this team could be right now, despite the fact that we’re playing Game 6 against the Celtics tonight.

Watching Paul lead an otherwise undistinguished roster of solid, if unspectacular, players, into the second-round, of the far stronger West, is so distracting.

I said, recently, that Doc Rivers didn’t become 42 games better, as a coach, between last season and this. And I think he’s proven that in the two Hawks’ wins. Well, the reciprocal of that is that the Hawks, with the same Woody, and Chris Paul, instead of Marvin, would have been a 50-win team, and Woody, who is, and really should be, if you aspire the Hawks to legitimacy, going to be fired, would have looked like a genius.

If it’s just Woody that goes, and Billy stays, it will be a(nother) critical mistake by ownership. Failing so miserably, in your rebuilding plan, that you lost your way into getting to draft Horford, which is the only reason we’re in the playoffs, shouldn’t be cause for celebration, nor claim to “I told you so”.

Nothing that has happened, no matter how much I am enjoying watching these Hawks, in this series, changes the absolute legitimacy of my ongoing belief, or Clyde’s efficient tag line:

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

I’ll be rooting for the Hawks to “shock the world”, again, tonight. But when this series is over, it’s time for a change, not some BS spin that we’re well on our way…….

By HB Ando

May 2, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Anyone here now the connection to the title of Sekou’s post, and the following line:

“Was an April morning when they told us we should go……”

By mykhalc

May 2, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

ALPHA A, ok…you suckered me in again with CP3 talk!!!LOL

ok, we all know we weren’t the only team to pass on CP3 and frankly MOST say that they just did not see his ascension to NBA all-star and ‘dominate’ PG comin’ in the way that it did. but we all know you called it early.;-)

now this IS where i think BK lacked foresight in this move. ok…BK likes the 6’7”-6’9” cats, right?? and he even wanted JJ as his PG, right? he wants that kinda length on the floor, no doubt. thus i can see NOT draftin’ the smallish CP3. too many defensive concerns with him on the court. and to be honest, the refs ARE givin’ CP3 a break ‘cause of his size. ‘cause when he’s posted up he is the ONLY person i see in the league right now that actually gets away with a full on hand-check for as long as his poster has the ball. it’s a reverse SHAQ effect IMHO.

ok, back to my point. so with all i take from BK’s reason for NOT draftin’ CP3, how does he then go and sign smallish SPEEDY CLAXTON??? now that one still has me perplexed!!??!! did his ‘vet’ status somehow compensate for his lack of size??? i’m just askin’…

GO YOUNG GUNS!!!! keep the joint rockin’ tonite!!!!

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

Billy has always drafted with his magic 8 ball. there is no logic in what he has done…and ANDO we’ve both been screaming about this for years. this is the NBA and they (owners) should DEMAND the very best AT ALL POSITIONS!

if the tire (gameplans) keeps runnin’ flat…it’s time to get a new one!

my magic 8 ball says, “TONIGHT’S OUTCOME LOOKS FAVORABLE” !

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

early in this game….the HAWKS have got to do something to get this SOLDOUT crowd into the game (sixth man)!

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Horford calls for the ball…attacks and get a PPierce foul…hmmmm (simple and smart game plan).

can’t wait to see AC pushin’ tha ball……RISE UP ATLANTA !

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

wonder how them pretzels are gonna taste at halftime?

sincerely, ENVIOUS ONE

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

mike fratello is a nut….”STAND UP SMOOVE”….it’s not JOSH SMITH…it’s SMOOVE….(and then he spells out S-M-O-O-V-E) ! is this the CORNHEISER of the NBA?

By Steve T

May 2, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

People give it a rest. Billy must know something because the Hawks have improved every year. Every GM in the NBA has made a mistake or two, but the thing about Billy is that he has done more in 3 years than the previous GM whole tenure.

The thing I like about Billy is he knows talent and how much he should pay for the talent. He has proven this but you do not give him credit.

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

fratello’s coaching prospects…he say’s “JOE SMITH is doing a great job of passing outta the double team”……….”ooooh did i just say JOE SMITH..I meant Joe Johnson” !

not the best mark on the resume considering you have to at least know the guys on the team you might be coaching! FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

and the show goes on…..the commentators have to remind us of BILLY’S downfall (CP3 pass)…..how funny does that sound…P-A-S-S….

BILLY might soon have a picture of himself in the dictionary…..

“RETARTED”- a move that makes absolutey no sense by any unthinkable possibilty.

DOUBLE T’s to end tha first…..my money is on the number 1 horse..”JOE THUMPS E.T.” !

By Ken Strickland

May 2, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Woodson has put his stamp on the Hawks again. We aren’t pressuring the ball, but Boston is, and we’re walking the ball up without even attempting a fastbreak. He’s decided to try, for the 4th time, to defeat Boston by trying to outplay them with our halfcourt OFF.

OBVIOUSLY SHAVING HIS HEAD HASN’T HELPED, SO WHY DOESN’T HE TRY COACHING.

By new jersey faithful

May 2, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

I think JJ is doing a bad job of getting out of the double team…he dribbles to the corner then runs out of room, then has the ball stolen! All year he has done a bad job of that. ONCE AGAIN THE REFS B L O W !!!!!!!

By preston

May 2, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

ok…this is why I cannot stand Woodson……the Celtics are not going to let JJ beat them again…..it is obvious that they are not afraid to double team JJ and dare the hawks to beat them any other way…..but what is Woodson doing to offset that???? Not a dam thing. Acie comes into the game with 9 seconds left in the half. Woodson is a freakin’ joke, he has shooters on the bench…….play them you freakin’ moron!!!!!!!!!

By preston

May 2, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

KEEP ACIE ON THE FLOOR……ROTATE HIM WITH SALIM…..BIBBY IS JUST NOT CUTTING IT RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

excuse me if the entries get alittle wild (blame the PATRON) ! just thinking now about how much the HAWKS are going to have to match for SMASH in the off-season!

By ray

May 2, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

MannyT, I said nothing about obsession. It’s just typical for upper management to shed heat onto lower management. And in order to effectively do so, you have to be prepared to do so. Mullin could be gone because he said the wrong thing to the wrong owner (and who knows what that could be, although the tenor of the situation is probably easy to imagine). He could be gone because he didn’t see eye-to-eye with Billy on something and Billy appealed to the higher court (after all, he’s mr. no-hand shake…he’s good as gold). Or, one or more of the ATlanta Egos Group decided they’d rather micro-manage than pay a guy to do what he’s supposed to be doing. The key is the timing of it all….very interesting.

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

preston…..AC came into the game around the start of the quarter…..are you drinkin’ more than me?

and RAY…don’t worry…i’m at home…NOT DRIVING ANYWHERE ! great seeing a HAWKS game on ESPN !

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

ray…you on duty? just curious about how HONEST and “how by procedure” police officers deal with drunken fans after the game? would you have the same type of distain that you would have on a guy driving a JAG or some young cat driving a 84’ cavalier?

inquiring minds have always wanted to know………….

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

can’t stand to hear the term “AL HORFORD is runner up for R.O.Y.” when having a guy named “TITO” as a father.

ESPN’s “in-game” insight and interviews are priceless!

By new jersey faithful

May 2, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Good comeback to end the first half! They must come out with alot of energy in the 2nd half….

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

ending tha first quarter…this HEAVYWEIGHT battle has proved to be worth every ticket sold to GA fans!

where’s LITTLE JOHN for HALFTIME ?

By Matt

May 2, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Marvin’s led the Hawks in scoring, Bibby outplayed Rondo, and Zaza (+5, 7pts 4reb) outplayed Horford (-12, 5pts 0reb) in the first half.

If this holds true at the end of the game, seriously, it’s a sign that hell has frozen over.

By Steve T

May 2, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

KG is called the big ticket. JSmith is the show. I think the Hawks need to let JJ sit out the third and let the rest of the team beat the Cs. When JJ is in the game, they double him. The had a nice thing going when he was hitting Marvin for the open shop. Marvin should have talk smack every time he hit the shop.

The hawks point guard is AC law. I gues Billy perfer a bigger PG than CP. With AC, you can play him with Bibby or Salmin and still have some size. Barkley compared him to Steve Nash.

By Ken Strickland

May 2, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Like I said earlier, when we penetrate and dish, we always get open shots. Boston’s DEF strategy is to pressure the ball, double the pick and roll and collapse to protect the lane.

Acie has been very effective because Boston can’t stop him from penetrating. Forget the pick and roll and use the drive and dish. The pick and roll automatically puts 2 defenders close to JJ. They Hawks should spread the floor and let JJ go one on one. That would force the defender to cover much more distance in order to double JJ. Once they double he should immediately pass to the man left open, who should penetrate and dish for the open shot.

Make them pay for trying to double JJ and trying to protect the lane.

By mykhalc

May 2, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

infamouskrs, man i know you are havin’ a blast!!! you even got FRATELLO callin’ the game at your place!!!LOL

let’s hope the unleash the fury in the 2nd half!!!

GO YOUNG GUNS!!!

By Juice

May 2, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

We need to get Salim out on the floor with Joe and Acie. It’s a small lineup, but it would definitely open the offense up and cut down on the double teams for Joe.

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

inbounds pass to PACHULIA=TURNOVER !

funny how this always happens @!

hate spellin’ his last name!

but DAMN…..can we see SALIM+SOLO used more than 3 minutes?

By preston

May 2, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

infamous…..lol…..I haven’t had anything to drink, but I hope that you see my point….it seems as if Acie has done a better job on both sides of the ball…..he definately needs to be on the floor more.

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

BULLSH** comments about how the Celtics should have a “walkover” ballgame….next year looks bright……….FUNK THAT ! WE HAVE GOT TO WIN———-> TONIGHT !!!!

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

mwilliams to cHildREss….on a ALLEY-OPP! this is the way HAWKS BALL SHOULD BE PLAYED!

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

CHILDRESS LAST PLAY OF THE THIRD……has got to be a CONTRACT MAKER! hAte to say it but we are gonna lose 1 of the NBA’S most coveted future all stars! can’t afford em’ all…………..

woodson at half….Ray, Kevin, and Paul are the guys we have to focus only”! is the PARTON reaaly the answre?

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

5 fouls on PIERCE “AKA O-DOG”…..how amazing is this?

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

i am officially THANKING Mr. Naismith for creating the game of baSKETBall! and to the parents of JoeJonhson…..I LOVE YOU!

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

CHILLZ GOES NUTS…big take and the 6th of PIERCE………the stars are aligning for us FANS! and their TeeD up….beautiful!

By mykhalc

May 2, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

too funny!!!

GREAT GAME!!!!

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

with 2:46 to go…..WoodPecker gets to use that “coloring book” 1 last time! i will personally pay 1.00 to the first fast-food place patron (not what i’m swiggin’) Billy applies too! CHRIS PAUL.CHRISPAUL !

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

JJ with a HUGE 3 with 1:10 to go….first 3 of the game!!!!!! are you F’NG KIDDING ME?

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

air outta tha tires……JJ shootin’ up against a TRIPLE TEAM? come on now……………

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

JJ IS F*******’ MONEY! if i hear a single post about the trade or not being a leader……I WILL ATTACK YOU!

By kwooden1

May 2, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!! HAWKS WIN !!!!

By mykhalc

May 2, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

infamouskrs, you killin’ me tonite bro!!!LOL

FORGET SHOCK THE WORLD…THEY HAVE SHOCKED THE WORLD!!!

GREAT GAME!!! GREAT WIN!!! ALL HEART AND DESIRE!!! GO HAWKS!!!

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

you tap your heels together long enough…..you’re bound to find to found the WIZARD….

sorry Rich…this one isn’t wearing a DC jersey! it’s one of those HAWK JERSEYS (5,15,2)!

By kwooden1

May 2, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Every win is bigger than the last, great game by the HAWKS!! I finally give the coach staff some credit for the defense, but I really believe that comes from the crowd. Congratulations to all the fans that showed up at the Arena!!

Going back to Boston, will be a killer, but the biggest advantage the HAWKS will have is all the pressure is on Boston. The HAWKS have got to rebound and push the ball. Mike B has got to showup, BIG.

WHO BELIEVES!!!!!!!!!!!

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

By Samuel

May 2, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Great game guys. Damn, who wooda thunk it.

Say what you want but Woody has inspired the guys to play some serious ball. All the Fire BK and Woody talk should officially be put to rest. Bottom line: They both have earned the right to continue this roll next year.

I still don’t like that call not to foul at the end but I guess Woody Must Be Living Right, caused he dodged a bullet on that one.

We don’t need to add nobody this summer, just sign the guys we got, play Solomon more next year and play with the same intensity for the whole season. Great job guys.

By Steve T

May 2, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

You guys have to get Billy credit. If it was not for Billy, the hawks would not have: JJ - he stole this guy from the Suns. For the money we pay Zaza, he was a steal. Like it or not, Zaza will be forever credited for the man who stood up and not back down.

I recall a time when the Hawks could not get a draft pick that was as good as the worst pick y’all claim we made. Doug Eawards was not good enough to carry Marvin’s jock strap. BTW, Marvin came out and did what he had too for the Hawks. Those 18 points helped kept the team close. The plan is to have Marvin play Robin to JJ’s Batman.

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

samuel has obvious issues……have you stolen the last couple of shot i had left?

WOODSON+WOODY=2 future unemployed guys that think their SI don’t stink!

By preston

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

Major…..and I mean MAJOR props to Marvin, and especially Zaza. Those are the two guys that have been missing for us pretty much the whole season, but Zaza has gotten some of Horfords’ badazz in him in this series, and it is giving KG and the Celtics fits. I can’t beleive that we are going to Boston for a game 7, where anything could happen. p.s Samuel…..I am feeling good about this win, but Woody still sucks and I don’t want to see him here next yr……the hawks players have motivated themselves in this series…..Woody should be using his bench more…….more Acie, and where the hec is Salim? Bibby is still struggling…….Acie has looked very good in his cameo appearances, and I know that Salim could contribute……and what about Solomon and Mario????? Woodson is a not the man for this job.

By infamouskrs

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

CLYDE….the slogan is still a very possible REALISTIC quote! any of you TRY TO ALL OF A SUDDEN CLAME TO BE DIE-HARDS……..know your history! you have to mention all plays of previous positives along with the negatives!

By terrell barron

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

Props to Marvin and Zaza. They stepped it up tonight. Tied 3-3! Who woulda thought? Only thing is, Woodson might be saving his job.

By Matt

May 2, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

All I gotta say about Zaza is that he showed intensity tonight that none of us knew he had. When Smoove went to the bench, he actually played good, tight defense on Garnett. Didn’t bite on Garnett’s pump fakes, and didn’t make unnecessary fouls. And Marvin and Bibby both stepped it up on the offensive end with Smoove on the bench and JJ getting double or triple teamed. Tonight, the two guys that everyone loves to hate actually did step it up. Mark Jackson said it on the air.

I still question Woodson’s decision to bench Bibby for an injured Marvin down the stretch, but in the words of Samuel, we dodged the bullet.

The biggest difference between tonight and all the other nights I’ve watched Hawks games? When the Hawks were losing but keeping it close in the third, I wasn’t dismayed. I actually was hopeful - maybe even confident - that as long as they kept it close, they’d pull away in the fourth. Thank god I was right.

For tonight, I don’t have a bad word to say about anyone on that team. Tonight was a true team effort. The Hawks earned that win. I pray to the good Lord that we can wake up in Boston on Sunday and finally realize that we are the same team on the road as we are at home - we just need to play that way.

Great win tonight, Hawks! Now GO FINISH OFF THOSE LITTLE GREEN MEN!!!

By infamouskrs

May 2, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

as the echo (echo’S)…..the gameplan had nothing to do with the coach….IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE CROWD AND THE FEAR OF BEING DONE@!

heart is alot more than some (fan with benefits-WOODSON) being allowed to p** off the TV ratings department!’

SHOCK THE WORLD…are you kiddin’ me…SHOCK THA EAST! we’re on the prowl….LEBRON!!!!

By Samuel

May 2, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

infamouskrs,

I gotta admitt, you’re way over my head cause I can’t understand a word you’re saying. Can you break it down for me.

By Raptors fan in TO

May 2, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Un-freakin believable!!! What a 4th quarter comeback! Joe Johnson did something that James, Butler, Howard, Bosh, etc. had trouble doing all year (break through the KG-led defense of the Celtics)? Go Hawks! A team with heart! (hey is a certain team with purple and red shirts watching this?)

By Harry Hawk

May 2, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

Yeah. Zaza and Marvin gave us a huge lift tonight. Gotta give it up to both of them.

Duck Butt really stepped it up. I just hope he can waddle his way to some buckets in Game 7 and help the Hawks pull off the greatest upset in NBA history.

I think the Hawks just have the athleticism to play D late in games with a crowd behind them. They play like they care when they’re at home. When they’re on the road, they look like bums. If Woody’s a good coach, Game 7 will be close. If he’s not a good coach, it’ll be like Games 1, 2, and 5. Let’s just judge Woody’s fate that way. Doc Rivers has already been found wanting in this series. He has no answer. He’s just banking on holding serve and escaping to the next round. Thanks for clarifying YOUR coaching skills, Doc.

By Matt

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

Yeah, so I basically said nothing that preston and terrell barron didn’t already say, so I’ll say this:

For the third time in the series, streamers poured from the Philips Arena rafters. Zaza Pachulia, who played a key role off the bench, grabbed a microphone to salute the joyous crowd.

“We’re going to Game 7! Woooooooooo!” he screamed.

And because I couldn’t resist, I’ll finish with this:

One night, Rasputin was invited by the conspirators to dinner. Everything was all planned out that night. He was supposed to drink the poisoned wine and eat the poisoned food and die. But that was not the case, because the Tzar’s relatives saw in shock as the monk ate and drank enough poison to kill 6 people, and didn’t seem to show any symptoms at all. So, they switched to plan B. They shot him, and found out that it didn’t kill him. They kicked the crap out of him and saw that he was still twitching. They cut his dick off, and saw that it didn’t work. They stabbed him repeatedly, but HE STILL DIDN’T DIE.

Sound like anyone you know?

By new jersey faithful

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

Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is a win IN Boston, and the rest will be history!

By infamouskrs

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

tonights last words….the BEST TEAM WON…the BEST TEAM CONNECTED…and the HAWKS proved heart will win a series!!!!! nice to be mentioned in all-time playoff upsets!

ASG members have been reported to have been seen at MATT LEINART’s house over the weekend! it’s all about the “BEER BONG+HOTTUBS” !

MY HERO

By mykhalc

May 3, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Raptors fan in TO, you got class man. you been droppin’ in since the playoffs started. very cool!!! who woulda thunk it, right???!!!

By Samuel

May 3, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Could we have done any better with any coach? You guys are a trip. Sure Woody could have done a better job this year but we’re in game 7 at the Gaaaden. It don’t get no better than that and Woody has got to get some credit. Like it or not, Mr. philosopher man.

By infamouskrs

May 3, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

STEVEN A SMITH’S bullsh@@ comments after the game about the Green GOBLINS being disgraced by losing to the lowly HAWKS! SHUT YOUR TRAP….STEVEN have you noticed your consistent loss of TV and radio time? PUNK

absolutely horrible hearing this dude (STEVE”lucky i have a job”) use “backwash” trying to make some national attention by dumpin’ on our boys…..

HUNTING FOR GREEN….and my eyes aren’t CHINESE!

By ray

May 3, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Wow!! If you had told me that Dallas would get swept in the first round, Phoenix would only win one game in the playoffs, and the Hawks would push the Celtics to a game 7…I’d have locked yo azz UP in the loony bin!

This is INCREDIBLE. And until this series is over, I’ll have nothing to say about owners, gm, or coach. All I can do right now is believe in this Team. How can you not? Sure we’ve been beat like a drum every time we went up there to Boston. And we’ve beaten them right back each time we’ve come back home. I have to believe these guys can do it. Unreservedly. I have to believe. They can reverse their fortunes. They can win on the road. Each game is a new game, the first game, the last game. No skepticism, no statistical analysis. No game break-down. I have to believe that they can do this. To not believe at this point is….un-fan-like. And so I’ll throw all doubt, all cynicism, all knowledge, all opinion to the winds…and just BELIEVE.

Win or lose, I’ll just believe.

By ray

May 3, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

OOOps. Meant to say that Dallas and Phoenix would only win one game apiece in the playoffs.

By doc

May 3, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

SWEEEET HOME ATLANTA! ROCKING BABY!!!!!!

MYK WAS DOWNLOADING YOU BABE IN THE LAST 1:07 MINUTES, NEEDED EVERYTHING WE COULD GET.

fun game, who would have thought that jj and josh smith had relatively poor games tonight and we still won. zaza was tough in spite of the refs. there were many ticky tack calls on us and some flagrant overlooks for them. before paul pierce tackled zaza twice on the same call i had seen posey and garnett do exactly the same thing without any calls made. pierce got away with it the first time so he had to repeat it immediately afterwards then acted like a 3 yr old before leaving the game. then the one where josh was so set and he got called and the ref stood there and continued to demonstrate what he thought he saw. soo bad then doc complains the whole game and who gets t’d up but woody.

the crowd was awesome once again and maybe even better.

bibby works so hard for this team, his effort is huge and he directs traffic. eve my son who knows nothing about basketball only soccer commented on it.

cudos to melvin one of the liars that made the trip in all the way from columbia, s.c. we cover dixie like the dew this blog z liars table. great to meet ya dude.

i may have to step up and get some tix from leo sloss so i can take a bit of the burden off of jhan for getting our adopted son alpha boy into the phillips. also enjoyed meeting the jhan’s lovely wife.

anyone betting against the boys? we have done it without a game where bibby, smith and jj were all in sink, let it happen sunday.

By hawk fan in new orleans

May 3, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

Check the rhyme (old school style)…

This time in Boston we shoot to thrill. ‘Shock the world’ we will with the help of Smoove and Chill! And if Bibby’s game is on - green blood will spill. For KG this loss will be a bitter pill. For real!!! RAAAAA

By hawk fan in new orleans

May 3, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

Check the rhyme (old school style)…

This time in Boston we shoot to thrill. ‘Shock the world’ we will with the help of Smoove and Chill! And if Bibby’s game is on - green blood will spill. For KG this loss will be a bitter pill. For real!!! RAAAAA

By ray

May 3, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Zaza was tremendous. And Marvin showed up pretty well, before he got hurt. Would’ve never expected us to do so well with JJ and Smoove not having great games.

Horford was a rock as usual. This is one runner-up who deserved ROY more than any other runner-up. But it’s all good. He’s getting a taste of that which Durant probably won’t get to even sniff for another year or two at the least. Hell, WE know what he means to this team! Bibby also finally outplayed Rondo. Other than game 7, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Doc, heh. You sure punched Ando’s ticket with those Phoenix/Atlanta/JJ deal comments. You baited him better than any angler. Only one problem, you clown. Since you turned your ringer off, I got to listen to that noise all damn night! You owe me on, Doc! Heh, heh…it was a good one. And now look at you…willing to go deep so ya boy can quit beggin’ on the net for a ticket. Too bad game 7 isn’t in the ATL, huh?

By Harry Hawk

May 3, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

Let’s do this Sunday, fellas. Let’s do this for every Hawks fan who’s suffered for the last nine years. Let’s do this for all the people (me included, of course) who thought you underachieved this year. Let’s do this for all the national broadcast idiots who don’t know your names and don’t respect you. Let’s do this for Atlanta.

Let’s do this for history.

I believe

I believe

I BELIEVE

GO HAWKS!

By doc

May 3, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

ray, i really dont know what you are talking about, i was just repeating what i read …. on line. just tell ando to go and read it for himself, it is there in black and white. one of our liars posted it. it was just like i said it happened as though i had been in the room with all the boys in the heat of the battle on every side as there were at least three sides no four in this sordid saga that never ends. i kept telling him that but now it is the national news media that is finally coming to tell the real story. ;-))

you know you need to teach him to listen to his elders.

oh btw, thanks!!!

i see DOC is still whining about the reffing. maybe his team needs to get some fresh legs and start moving its feet on defense. i was blown away at some of the non-calls and really they could have called two fouls on pierce the same play. i tell you if this team comes out and makes some shots, gets the c fans quiet and this c team shows it has no legs or heart then it is on to a date with bron baby. that is my formula for success. a bit of a shame i am leaving town and traveling sunday.

By preston

May 3, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

Matt- lol….are you talking about Jason Vorhees from “friday the 13th”, or Freddy Krueger from “nightmare on elm street? Wait a minute……oh God, no…….please don’t tell me you are referring to the evil and dreaded Woody Woodpecker.

By FUNK DAT

May 3, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this

All I have to say is I’m really proud of these Hawks, and thank you Marvin Williams for finally steppin up in a game. HAWKS WILL SHOCK THE WORLD GAME 7!!!!!

By doc

May 3, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this

marvin is getting no respect from the celts as the reason he is open is because they refuse to guard him and are saying “beat us marvin” because we arent going to let jj do it. marvin has to find his groove and guts for this game and find a way to make his knee better in 40 hours.

By Matt

May 3, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

You like that, preston? Well I got one more for y’all:

During a timeout in the third quarter, the Hawks game crew put the “Kiss Cam,” a popular gimmick in many NBA arenas where the camera zooms in on a couple and holds there until they kiss, on the JumboTron. At one point, the camera spotted a young girl (couldn’t have been older than 9) sitting between two boys the same age. One of the boys was wearing a Celtics jersey, the other a Hawks one. The girl looked back and forth at both boys before dumping her drink on the one with the Celtics jersey on and planting a kiss on the cheek of the one supporting the hometown team. Hilarious.

By HB Ando

May 3, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this

doc, there are so many holes in Simmons’ revisionist history that I don’t have the energy to break them down. But let’s just say that his sequence of events is a classic case of having one’s cake, and eating it too.

He blames Sarver for being a tight-a* with the cash, in every subsequent year, following the JJ explanation. He conveniently omits that his top offer for JJ for $50 million, and that there isn’t a team in the league, save the Knicks, who has a fourth option signed for $70 million. Or that, even with JJ gone, the Suns have consistently battled chemistry issues, based on Amare and Marion wanting to “get their’s”.

And that Joe wasn’t the least bit interested in staying in Phoenix, to be the fourth option, when he felt he was capable of being an All-Star on a lesser team, starving for it’s own identity.

He says the Suns got too little, but the truth is that Sarver wasn’t going to match, after having his ego challenged, publicly, by JJ’s demand to be let go (not to mention that his term sheet was for $20 million more than the Suns’ offer, and was front-loaded to pay him $20 million in the first year).

The fact is, if you bother to read the subsequent series of moves (as per Simmons), every decision that Simmons’ pans is based on Sarver’s unwillingness to cross the luxury tax line.

So Sarver’s moves, according to Simmons, to give away the pick used for Rondo, and the pick used for Sergio, were completely motivated by cheapness. But his unwillingness to pay Johnson, his teams’ fourth option, $20 million more than he offered, with Amare coming up for a max extension, was because he had his feelings hurt?

OK.

Marion has wanted out of Phoenix for years, due to ego issues and offensive touches. And you believe that Phoenix’s chemistry issues would have been BETTER if Johnson had stayed?

Finally, the naive belief that young Colangelo’s public statements, that they would have matched, weren’t an obvious attempt to kiss Billy AFTER they drilled him up the keyster, for considerations that were completely unnecessary, is about as pollyanna-ish as they come.

If a used car salesman convinced your dumb-a* to overpay for your next whip, by thousands of dollars, do you think he’d turn around and tell everybody what a fool you were? Or do you think he’d go out of his way to tell anyone who would listen, what a hard bargain you had negotiated? Especially if he knew that the next time you needed a car, he was only one of about 30 options you had to buy what you needed.

One only has to read between the lines of Simmons’ article, to find that it was a continuous unwillingness, by Sarver, driven by both ego and a bottom-line mentality, to spend more than the salary cap. Simmons’ convenient choice to leave out the fact that Phoenix’s offer to Johnson capped at $50 million, is nothing more than clever spin.

The argument that Johnson was well worth the price of Diaw and two first-round draft picks, has always ignored the reality that the Suns WERE NOT going to match a $70 million, front-loaded, offer, for their fourth-best player.

No way. No how.

Never questioned whether JJ was worth $70 million. Clearly, he was, and is. Just continue to maintain that Billy didn’t have to give the Suns ANYTHING to close the deal.

I said he got his shorts bluffed off. And I said it to an owner, in person, with a witness to the exchange. And what I got, in response, was a shocking agreement.

doc, I believe that of all the adjectives you could conjure up, in getting to know me, personally, liar is simply not a word that one can associate with me. Neither is delusional, especially given that there were two, sane people, who heard the same exchange.

I am well past tired of defending the lack of logic that seemingly occurred during this brief exchange, between absolute strangers.

It was what it was. Whether it was the by-product of an agenda, a buzz, or an expectation that saying such a thing, to a likely nobody, would simply die with my personal anonymity, I will never know.

Crazy-a* win tonight! If Woody is going to get the ax, then, regardless of the outcome of Game 7, Doc Rivers deserves no less.

While I expect the Celtics to hold home court, the fact that the Hawks have pushed them to the brink is one of the most unlikely playoff stories in the modern history of the NBA.

WOW!!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 3, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this

GO HAWKS!!! AJC, please stop disrespecting your best beat writer by far by refusing to have a link to his blog from the front page OR from the sports section front page. What the hell. Nobody cares about your fake-azz fan forum or what Mark Bradley has to say.

By BA

May 3, 2008 3:39 AM | Link to this

What is this? Doc Rivers?! Who cares! Give this team credit. With Ray Allen an honorable mention for choking up all those bricks. The Hawks out hustled, out rebounded, straight OUTPLAYED the best team in the league tonight. Where’s all the Joe haters now? That THREE was worth seventy-million, in my opinion. We sticking with the “Marvin is a bust” thing NOW? THIS is just a peak at what this kid can be. Anybody still on the “sign and trade Childress” train? How many critical rebounds and putbacks tonight alone? Call me crazy, dumb, etc.- but like I said a MONTH ago, this looks an awful lot like a fifty win team to me. Didn’t the Suns win fifty? What about Dallas. Oh yeah, the Suns are toast. The Dallas point guard was in the crowd tonight, having been dismissed already. Of those two teams and ours, who’s looked better in the playoffs? I’m proud of these young players, and I’m proud of this city. See you folks on ABC sunday, guess which team has ALL the pressure on them now?!

By BA

May 3, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this

It’s not happening because of the hidden genuis of the Afro Ayatolla. It’s not happening because Woody’s the next Pappovich. It’s not happening because of the eight(?) owners. It’s happening because this is a group of youngsters that are ALL very competitive. The other reason it’s happening? These are good kids, none of them have ever been in trouble. Ray is right. I have no doubt we take game seven. The Celtics are so tight right now, you couldn’t pull a needle out of their cornholes.

By mykhalc

May 3, 2008 4:24 AM | Link to this

DOC, i was right there with ya bro!!! all the way!!! what a win man!!! i’m exhausted even 3000 miles away bro!!!!

By Ken Strickland

May 3, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this

The Hawks have exposed Boston’s weakness and it might throw a brick into their title hopes. They play excellent team DEF and protect the lane well, but they do not play good individually DEF. When we spread the floor, it forces them to man up and they have to expose themselves when they try to double. Spreading the floor, and eliminating the pick and roll, made it much easier for JJ, Bibby, JSmith, Marvin and Acie to get to the rim consistently in the 2nd half. It also helped us improve our OFF rebounding as well.

No more pick and rolls, just break them down one on one and dish to the open man. Acie Law has actually created more problems for Boston’s DEF than Bibby. In his limited playing time, he’s carved their DEF up. He and Zaza worked well together.

I’d like to see us play a straight man to man and not double KG. Let him work hard, score his points and carry the team while we limit the open shots, especially 3’s, by Pierce, Posey, Cassell and Allen. Woodson always has us starting out walking the ball up and trying to out halfcourt Boston. But when we fall behind, it seems the players take it upon themselves to start pushing the ball. The Celtics have had great success having Posey pressure Bibby full court and limiting his overall effectiveness. We should return the favor. Our bench is strong enough at guard(Acie, Salim, Richardson, West, Bibby and JJ)to do it effectively.

We’ve got to use everything we have against Boston in order to defeat them on the road. Pressure and attack, pressure and attack for 4qtrs and let the chips fall where they may.

By doc

May 3, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

hey ray, are you able to scroll when you are conversing with ando on the phone?

By Clyde

May 3, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Man I have to give credit where credit is due. The Hawks came out and ran the Celtics out the gym. One thing they need to do during practice is shoot free throws. We missed 11 and that almost got the Celtics back in the game.

I liked what I saw from Acie Law last night. He wasn’t on the court long but he was getting by his man with ease. I think he’s going to me alright.

But the main question is will the Hawks come out with the same intensity they had tonight on Sunday. We shall see.

Lets save all the negativity for the off season. Enjoy this while we can.

By richbrave

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

My wonderful Wizards lost. I will slash my wrists now. Good-bye cruel world.

By FrancoBeck

May 3, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Clyde: Again the refs served up home cook’n! Hawks shot 36/47 (76.7%)last night.. Their season avg. is 77.2 @ home and 75.2 away (almost identical to the Spurs) Celts shot 20/25 47 to 25 ain’t even close! Sunday of course will be more home cook’n… I hope Marvin can play again..that was an ugly hit on the left knee that one sees more in football! LOL……….Celtic Hater

By MannyT

May 3, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

From shock the world to stun the Celtics…this is great!

ONE 3 pointer and JJ, AL, & Marvin all have negative efficiency ratings = we win

I cannot remember ever having this much excitement around the Hawks.

I’ll let all y’all battle over the postseason questions, but I ‘ll love livin’ in the now.

There is nothing you can post that will ruin this mood. The team has come together just enough to make good things happen.

doc,jhan,Volman great seeing you last night.

doc use this link and find a seat for the sight lines in Philips. I got my 999 for next season (sect 108), but I’ll shift a bit if you swing over that way. A win on Sunday will make them hard to get, so act soon.

Ando I understand the expectations for Sunday. In this case the benefits of being wrong outweigh the likely outcome, so I must continue to enjoy the ride.

ray you may have to let a few folks out of the padded cell. There is such a fine line between crazy, psychic & genius. I doubt there is any genius going on here, but who could have guessed that this series would play out like this?

Clyde great to see the hope in your post. I agree this is the time to enjoy!

mykhalc you and doc keep channeling whatever mental vibe you got going. I like the results. I hope you can keep infamouskrs excited w/o getting a bench T during game 7 all the way from the blog universe ;-)

I gotta believe even Woody was having one of those I have the coolest job in the world moments last night.

BWAF

By Lacsho

May 3, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I was at the game last night, with my wife and son. I have to say that was the most exciting NBA game I’ve ever experience. To my people in section 120, “We made history last night Baby”. I told the news reporter prior to the game, “Hawks in 7”.

By cp

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

Great win last night. Im glad Marvin and Pachulia came out and produced. Although some guys had rough shooting nights they still had good production. In the losses guys are logging big minutes but their production isn’t there. Chill had a nice game scoring last night. He had been effective the other games with his hustle and rebounding but his scoring wasnt there but last night he was all over the court. Bibby played hard I just hope he finds his shot for game 7 because he will get a lot of open jumpers we will need him to knock them down. Hopefully Marvin takes the same approach for game 7 that he had for game 6. Drive to the hoop and get fouled, dont settle for jumpers all the time. If Bibby can knock down his open jumpers, Marvin play like he did in game 6, and our bench shows up again I think we can win… But we have to match their intensity and energy. If we get down early we cant buckle. We have not played well in Boston but I hope we go in there and take care of business.

By Ken Strickland

May 3, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

HOW MANY OF YOU ARE AS PROUD OF THESE YOUNG PREDATORS AS I AM? COME ON, LET’S HERE IT. This is why I said I’d rather see them take a 1st class “A” whipping from the Celtics rather than have them watch take them. You learn from you adversity. However, I’d be lying if I said I expected them to learn so quickly.

I vividly remember some of you having 2nd thoughts about wanting them to make the playoffs. You didn’t want to see the Hawks get embarrassed by the mighty Boston Celtics. And yes, we made the playoffs and we’ve all witnessed our young Hawks get embarrassed by the Celtics, in 3gms no less. But despite those 3 “A” whippings by the Celtics, guess who’s really been embarrassed in this series. Guess who’s sweating and nervous while wondering if they’ll be the next Dallas Mavericks of this yrs NBA playoffs.

Judging from fan support and attitude, all this city’s been waiting on is for one of its sports franchises to stand up and be recognized. AND OUR YOUNG HIGH FLYING PREDATORY HAWKS ARE DEMANDING TO BE RECOGNIZED, AND BY THE ALMIGHTY BOSTON CELTICS NO LESS.

THIS FEELS BETTER THAN HAVING A WEEKEND SEXORAMA WITH BEYONC….WAIT A MINUTE, I NEED TO GET A HOLD OF MYSELF….NEVER MIND.

By Ken Strickland

May 3, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

HOW MANY OF YOU ARE AS PROUD OF THESE YOUNG PREDATORS AS I AM? COME ON, LET’S HERE IT. This is why I said I’d rather see them take a 1st class “A” whipping from the Celtics rather than have them watch take them. You learn from you adversity. However, I’d be lying if I said I expected them to learn so quickly.

I vividly remember some of you having 2nd thoughts about wanting them to make the playoffs. You didn’t want to see the Hawks get embarrassed by the mighty Boston Celtics. And yes, we made the playoffs and we’ve all witnessed our young Hawks get embarrassed by the Celtics, in 3gms no less. But despite those 3 “A” whippings by the Celtics, guess who’s really been embarrassed in this series. Guess who’s sweating and nervous while wondering if they’ll be the next Dallas Mavericks of this yrs NBA playoffs.

Judging from fan support and attitude, all this city’s been waiting on is for one of its sports franchises to stand up and be recognized. AND OUR YOUNG HIGH FLYING PREDATORY HAWKS ARE DEMANDING TO BE RECOGNIZED, AND BY THE ALMIGHTY BOSTON CELTICS NO LESS.

THIS FEELS BETTER THAN HAVING A WEEKEND SEXORAMA WITH BEYONC….WAIT A MINUTE, I NEED TO GET A HOLD OF MYSELF….NEVER MIND.

By richbrave

May 3, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

WINNING cures a multitude of sins. Everybody loves a winner.!!!

By mykhalc

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

is it SUNDAY yet???

richbrave, you hang in there bro!! you got one of your teams still playin’!!! don’t do nothin’ crazy!!!LOL

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 3, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Ken, calm down dude. Maybe if the Hawks win the NBA Finals it can be compared to a weekend sexorama with Beyonce. Right now it’s maybe a weekend sexorama with, I don’t know, Gabrielle Union? I mean she’s fine, and it’s definitely cause for celebration, but I wouldn’t hit it over Beyonce.

By MannyT

May 3, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Ken I enjoy hoops, but don’t make me choose ;-)

This is a great ride. I can see it getting us more national TV exposure, a better chance with quality free agents, and a generally more enjoyable game time atmosphere for next season. I especially give kudos to the marketing folks for the in game videos. They have stepped up for the playoffs.

Here’s something I really enjoyed. On the play that earned Paul Pierce his 6th foul, I know he wasn’t close to Chills. HOWEWVER Zaza went to the line. Look at the clip on this Celtics fan blog. Notice the very beginning where Zaza is on the weak side of court at toward the top of lane. Pierce wanted to dance with him and continued his attempts while Zaza moves to rebounding position.

It ain’t boxing out if you are holding on to a guy from behind trying to move him away. The video is better in the YouTube version where you can select high quality video.

BWAF

By MannyT

May 3, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

richbrave this too shall pass. I was right there rooting for the Wiz.

It will be interesting to see what they do with their roster during the summer.

Here were some pre game 6 words from Gil. Hawks fans, note his message to Stevenson, not about the jersey even though I agree with Arenas, but the fans in Cleveland. That’s what our guys need to use on Sunday.

BWAF

By g-thang

May 3, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

i already have round 8 tix for Hawks vs. Clev. get at me, if you can’t find tix. i know that we will win game 7 tomorrow!!! season ticket holder since ‘05 sect 217 r A, baby!!!

By richbrave

May 3, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

MANNY T:

Just can’t bring mysef to do the deed. Nothing but blunt knives and dull razors around. Where’s a really sharp object when you need one.??

JUST KIDDIN’. Easy MYKLAC, I would never do something like that. Life’s too much fun.!!! Just ask my lady, drmaryb. YO, finished the last chapter of the old drudge. Got the conclusion to go and its a wrap. Zowie.

What do you think of ARENAS’ return.? I say he’s done the exact same thing LaVar Arrington did, and he will NEVER, NEVER be tha playa’ he was.

I’m sure LeBron is just cryin’ in his beer over Gil. Horse-hockey. What an actor. Told you the league couldn’t stand him leaving the play-offs. Absolute travesty to throw out Darius. Made all the difference in game #6. And I’m sure STERN knew it would.

I color JAMISON gone and the Wizards slowly becoming Lizards again until they get a top three pick for a new #5. By then Haywood will be 32 and a back-up.

Stevenson is toast. I don’t know what his contract calls for, but I see him gone soon.

Young Andray Blatche becomes an excellent #4 and Caron Butler is re-signed until his legs fall off at #3. Nick Young becomes point when Arenas gives it up-still iffy on a rousing success.

Etan Thomas will be a MAN if he ever plays the #4-5 in this league again. I’ve done that rip you chest open thing. Damn!!

Roger Mason Jr. continues to be a valuable guard off the bench, and McGuire develops as a decent back-up to Butler. Songaila is a steady #4 off the bench unless he’s killed trying to play a #5 over the next three years. Petcherov will have to develop fast to be Haywood’s back-up and therein will be the slide toward oblivion.

A draft pick this year at #2 or a body for a pick replaces Stevenson whenever. Our second round, a reach for a big, probably a bust, most are.

VOILA! There you have it. Our recipe for a WIZARDS stew over the next three years.

Eddie Jordan has my utmost respect, but coaching Wizards can’t turn the man into one.

By jhan

May 3, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Maybe Simmons was trying to say that JJ should have been regarded as MORE than their 4th option. From what I see, only Amare is a better player than JJ- strictly because his size & skills are very unique.

Marion can’t put a club on his shoulders and carry them to victory. He doesn’t have the ball handling skills.

Nash has all the skills, but has too many miles already.

You can only evaluate the trade by what actually happened. If Sarver had matched Atlanta’s offer, maybe then they would have traded Marion & Atlanta would have nothing. In my estimation, this was a very good trade for the Hawks - regardless of the spin.

By Wow

May 3, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

I’ve got half a mind to fly to Boston tomorrow but I don’t think the bank can handle it! Great game last night and I hope to be there vs. the Cavs soon! I hate to admit it but we need Marvin healthy tomorrow night…not neccessarily bc he is playing well but we can’t afford to lose a body with our shallow rotation. If we play our game I don’t see any reason we should take it tomorrow, Boston hasn’t been playing better in the Garden we are just playing worse. Here’s to not sleepwalking through the first quarter!

By ray

May 3, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Doc and Jhan, y’all just can’t quit, can you? You know he isn’t trying to hear anything other than what he’s been saying.

Ando, why do you insist? Really? You’re tired of defending an argument that you have no hope of actually, physically proving on this blog, yet you push the argument again. It’s such a moot point now that it’s not worth the effort. The deed is done, and nobody’s complaing about Joe right now. Perhaps it’s with situations/arguments like this that people get the “mis-guided idea” that you are more interested in being right (or proven right, if possible). Just a thought. And yes, my ringer is off…I’m in Chicago right now. Heh.

By Ryder

May 3, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

ray, it’s because ando lost a bet on fantasy basketball and has deemed us his willing target of frustration….sad, just sad.

But to refute your point, I have some reliable sources in Phoenix that say Steve Nash will show up at JJ’s door after the playoffs singing “Baby come back” in acapella.

Now on to more serious matters. Game 7, and Bibby must learn how to execute the 3 D’s of playing PG: Drive, Draw, and Dish.

Woodson needs to realize that he will need to have someone D up Allen and force Pierce to beat them. That man is Mario West. Have him play in spurts to keep the Boston offense off rhythm.

Also, it’s obvious by now that even with a limited Marvin Williams he must find his jumper to make teams pay for doubling on JJ like he did Friday.

The fans (and the refs) will be out there in full force. A close game and Woodson stays, a win and I still think he’s out!

By mykhalc

May 3, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

BIG RAY, PREACH!!!!

By Da Professa

May 3, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t think the Hawks can get blown out four games straight on the road. They have to get better numbers tomorrow. They had three games to warm up, now its time to deliver. After six games against this team, you know what they are going to do. You know that they know what we are going to do. And you also know that they cant stop us after game six. Go in Boston and take what you have worked so hard to get Hawks! Time to grow up and take your rightful place as the winner in the greatest upset of all time in sports history!

By Raptors fan in TO

May 3, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

mykhalc: Thanks —- I have been dropping in since the last regular season game the Raptors played in Atlanta. That was the one where you guys pulled off an OT comeback against us.

That game sort of set the tone for both squads. After watching that game, I was very curious about how the Hawks would fare the rest of the way, so I stuck around here. Sure enough, they carried the momentum right to this series while my Raptors completely fell apart (no disrespect to Orlando, but they were beatable…)

I am cheering for you guys to win because I love a team with heart. It is also no secret that most fans of east teams want to see you guys win too, because we all resented watching the Celtics coast to a bloated record at the expense of a conference full of injury riddled and/or rebuilding teams. I hope to watch (on one of our cable sports channels in Canada) your Hawks put the Celtics out of their misery.

By mykhalc

May 4, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this

Raptors fan in TO, yeah i remember when you showed on the scene. you were one of the TOR fans NOT bringin’ any hate toward HORFORD in regards to the hard foul against FORD!!! glad to see FORD back doin’ his thing too!!! well, it’s win or go home now!!! need a road win!!! we’ll see if the YOUNG GUNS are up to the challenge!!! great series no matter the outcome tho!!! the cats have balled, no doubt!!!

By BA

May 4, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

Geez, have to go all the way to Toronto to find somebody with class…

By richbrave

May 4, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

The Blog is strangely silent on the day of the HAWKS seminal game for their future. If they take a step for which they are unprepared and beat BOSTON, they will never be the same again. They beat LeBron and the Cavs and reach the finals.

Hey, hey, hey, let’s come out and play!!!GO HAWKS!!!

doc:

DAMM man. I finished the last chapter yesterday.

By Salim Stoudamire

May 4, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Hey everyone…I know you may have forgotten about me, but today is perfect for me, especially if Marvin is hobbled….who is the one guy on the Hawks roster who can consistently bomb open jumpers?

That’s right, me.

Coach Woodson, nothing else has worked in Boston. Why not put me in for a few minutes to make Boston pay for bringing the double on Joe at midcourt?

Just saying…

By Ken Strickland

May 4, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

ANDO-I don’t understand why you think Doc Rivers should be fired. He has done a masterful job of hiding the Celtics flaws. They are rated the NBA’S#1 DEF team in the NBA even though most of his players have never played much DEF in their careers. KG, Posey and PJ Brown are the only Celtics you can mention in the same breath with the phrase INDIVIDUAL DEF.

Even with 3 prolific allstars as starters, along with 2 young talents, he resisted the Woodson desease and developed a deep bench.

By richbrave

May 4, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

YEAH K-STRICK:

You tell him!!! Did the great and beneficant HB actually post that?? Must have been in one of those arduous posts of his where I borrow drmaryb’s scroll and put it on.

Calling drmaryb - drmaryb - TO CARDIAC OR STAT!!! There’s a heart on the line that only you can save. Hope your trip to Miami didn’t make you pine for a more southern clime.

Now if the WOODEN-one can only develop a beginning of game offense which gets the green-ones on their heels while the Celtic warriors are still warming up their defense….. HAWKSWORLD will go ballistic. GO HAWKS. And for those of you lucky individuals who were able to attend Friday night’s game - thank you for rockin’ the house. This is just the first set of many to come. RISE UP HAWKS!!!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

today is the day…..the “Danny Ainge” curse will show it’s little green head!

i’m pumped….sober..and ready to “kill em’ all and let the paramedics sort em’ out” ! luv that quote.

i’ve stayed away from everything green this morning with breakfast (omellet with bacon and hash browns)…no lettuce…no parsley….no jalapaneos (damn)….and no guacomole. FORTUNATELY i’d only normally use 1 outta tha 4.

“ST.PATTY’s DAY MASSACRE” in BOSTON…MAY 4th,2008

GET EM’ BOYS !!!!!!

By TJ

May 4, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Ok, some folk are down-right delirious! To think that NBA officials are favoring the Hawks? You Boston fans MUST BE JOKING!!! It wasn’t an excuse the 3 games ya’ll won…the Hawks have shot more free throws EVERY game this series. Maybe it’s because we go to the basket and ya’ll don’t.

Look at the stats geniuses, the Hawks lost in Boston because of the 3-point line! We almost lost game 6 because of the 3-point line! Except for Paul Pierce, Perkins, Powe, and sometimes Rondo, your team is full of jump shooters. The Hawks don’t have many jump shooters. So guess what, they penetrate, and they get fouled..Duh!!

For the Hawks to win this game, in a word, POISE! Limiting turnovers, Making 8-0 runs here and there to make the ‘faithful Boston fans’ get antsy, maybe even boo. It’s not that we did not run in Game 5, it was that we did not take care of the basketball, which led to Allen, Pierce, Posey 3-pointers. 8 3rd quarter turnovers is what led to the blowout the rest of the game. I’m feeling good about this game; the Hawks proved in ATL that they could out-heart the Celtics; today will be about who out-skills who.

I just wanna see what the league would do…what would happen to all the KG Gatorade commercials running, the Lebron-KG “There Can Only Be One” commercial that ran before the playoffs began (clearly the league expected a sweep). The Hawks have the chance to break David Stern’s heart.

And the thing is, folk that comment regularly on this site KNEW that this team had it in them, but weren’t playing up to their potential. They’ve learned championship tenacity real quick, though. And for years to come, folk will be at Philips Arena, because their team has finally learned to play like they’re significant and not just say they were….the rebuild is complete. Fly sky high, Hawks!

By MannyT

May 4, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

richbrave Something unexpected and good may happen for the Wiz. Look at the Redskins—Danny Boy resisted his fantasy football urges this offseason and actually drafted well in their area of need (receiver.) Ya never know.

Your gal pal should be in a great mood when she gets her blog on. the Xplosion won in a rout 44-0 according to IWFL website.

infamousrks do you thing during the game. I enjoy watching the ride. Tomorrow you get your jalepenos back in time for Cinco de Mayo. Today we Sinko de Celts!

Young Hawks, it’s your time to SHOCK THE WORLD! When everyone is against you up there, you know they fear you. Take them down TODAY.

Probably won’t be back in Blogsville ‘til after the game…so…

let’s go hawks Let’s go Hakws LET’S GO HAWKS LET’S GO HAWKS

BWAF

By TJ

May 4, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

By Ken Strickland

“ANDO-I don’t understand why you think Doc Rivers should be fired. He has done a masterful job of hiding the Celtics flaws. They are rated the NBA’S #1 DEF team in the NBA even though most of his players have never played much DEF in their careers. KG, Posey and PJ Brown are the only Celtics you can mention in the same breath with the phrase INDIVIDUAL DEF.

Even with 3 prolific allstars as starters, along with 2 young talents, he resisted the Woodson desease and developed a deep bench.”

Couldn’t agree more! For the Hawks to win, we’ll need three, from the starters AND the bench. Salim might get some time today. They win this game, Woodson will lift the filter on his bench FOR SURE! Except for LeBron, the Hawks actually may have more talent than the Cavs. I don’t think the bench’s lack of reg. season playing time will come back to bite us. BUT I know some of the blog’s faithful may blame a loss on it. They want Woody GONE! * User shrugs shoulders * Hey…I’m not gonna focus on that right now LOL :-) GO HAWKS!!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

got ya MannyT….it’s like SUPER BOWL WEEKEND stomach butterflies this morning! same kinda feeling waking up for the Brickyard race here in INDY! I’M JACKED UP!!!!!

the days of “defending” my HAWKS FANHOOD are behind me. JoeJohnson has proven IN EVERY WAY that he has the heart of a champion and prefers to lead by example!

only one way to proceed….in full attack mode. not giving the shamrocks any thing easy. stay out of foul trouble….a team like the Celtics doesn’t need any extra help trying to dodge the claws of our BIRDS OF PREY!

Woodson….please keep your coaching to a minimum. make smart substitutions…and get a “T” if you can!

a fire needs to be lit under our a$$’s and that just might be enough to “rally tha troops” and somehow take that “sea of green” out of the equation!

here’s to leprechaun hunting,fellas!

By FUNK DAT

May 4, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

About 2 hours until the HAWKS SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!!! Leave it all on the floor, stay focused, and believe. GO HAWKS!!!!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

i’m calling out for all of you that are waking up, finally……DO NOT USE IRISH SPRING IN THE SHOWER !

1 DAY BAN

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

“420” was last month….PLEASE REFRAIN (if possible) FROM USING ANY JOSH HOWARD TYPE RECREATIONAL DRUG !

1 DAY BAN

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

if you are a real HAWKS FAN and you have green eyes….PLEASE WEAR BLUE CONTACTS FOR THE DAY.

can 1 o’clock get here early enough….hope Bibby ate his Wheaties this morning!

By richbrave

May 4, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

MANNY T:

Rightous. GO HAWKS!!!!

By g-thang

May 4, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Ken Strick i remember askin’ in the bloggosphere what we needed to do to match up wit’ boston durin’ that 1st regular season game. i never dreamed that we would match up wit’ these boys like this!!!

i have had so many emotions wit’ the team this year, mad at the record, p** at billy and woody, cursed jj when he did not show up big in some games, mad cause they lost the last 3 regular season games, i am so high emotionally now. the hawks will win today!!

See y’all next Saturday night at philip’s for game 3 of the 2nd rd!!!!!!!!!!

By SalimFan

May 4, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson I humbly apologise for saying that your points never came in crunch time and that you wern’t a francise player(I.E Kobe) and just an above average role player.

Win or loose FIRE WOODY!!!

Go Hawks!!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

damn…gotta go to the “pub” for the first half…gotta represent there!

denfinently will be touching base after halftime here!

ray allen shootin’ around before the game since 10 this morning…any chance he runs outta gas when it counts? hhhmmmmmmmm

to every proud fan of the ATLANTA HAWKS stand up…today’s our day! no-one ever expected this…….

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Time to put in Chills!

By Melvin

May 4, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Doc, it was a pleasure to meet you and your son. I guess we lobby hard enough to get free tee shirts for game 6(or the cleanup fee from the lint shower was too much). Manny T, I was told you had just walk off by the time I found Doc. Hopefully I will see you, Ando and others at future games. As for the game, it was simply Amazing. I want go into details b/c everyone else has cover all the important points. But I would like to give Kudos to the crowd who will the Hawks to victory in the 4th and to the BASG for giving out Tee Shirts… Ok, back to watching game 7. Looks like JJ has his shooting touch but he need help from his teammates…

By Melvin

May 4, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Woody has already shorting his rotation. My goodness… Even our coach has Butterflies…

By Melvin

May 4, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Too many badd shots. JJ is pressing too hard. Horford is trying to go one on one too much. Offense looks stagnant. JSmoove looks lost. Come on guys, lets get back in this game…

By Ken Strickland

May 4, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are having trouble scoring and putting pressure on Boston’s DEF and Woodson won’t use Salim or Richardson to help JJ.

By Author

May 4, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Smoove is playing like crap. And yes, it IS fair to single him out. Every time he’s touched the ball, something bad has happened.

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

See ya Woody!

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

I think it’s time to come back to earth! Damn, it sure was fun while it lasted. Time for some offseason salary dumpings, firings, and acqusitions.

By corey

May 4, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

THE JUST NEED TO GET THEIR TESTICLES OUT OF THEIR STOMACH AND PLAY BASKETBALL THATS IT

By mykhalc

May 4, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

game 7 looks like game 1!!! the cats are lookin’ as if the stage is tooooo big!!! still proud tho!!!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

absolutey horrible watching SO MANY TURNOVERS! JJ needs help…he can’t breath. there has been “nocallplayin’” at all.

STREETBALL is the way to sum up the first half!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

williams 3-10 and smith 1-8 ! just blows my frickin’ mind !!!!!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

MARVIN WILLIAMS WITH THE WWE CLOSE-LINE. that is the “fire” is was lookin’ for !

By cp

May 4, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Ever since JJ lit up the Celtics in game 4 they have been throwing double and triple teams at him. For some reason Mike Woodson still has not adjusted to this and put some shooters on the floor. He refuses to give Salim and Richardson a shot at knocking down some jumpers to stop the Celts from doublling and tripplilng JJ. We are taking bad shots, turning the ball over, getting hurt on the boards, and the offense looks like we have no offensive gameplan.. Well it was a nice run and im proud of this young team but the coaching has really hurt us.

By corey

May 4, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

GREAT TACKLE MARVIN THATS WHAT HE GETS FOR TRYING TO BLOW US OUT GREAT DEFENSE I HOPE THE FALCONS CAN TACKLE THAT GOOD

By St. Bernard

May 4, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Where is Sekou? Did I miss something?

By richbrave

May 4, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Game lost in the first ten. Never having been in a crucial win, the HAWKS played at regular speed without urgency. Being careful and feeling their way. Once they let it loose they will be fine, but too later to catch-up this day. If they become frustrated and lose their way, then a lot of one-on-one stuff as individuals leave the game-plan assuming its not working and the hole gets deeper. The plan might have worked if the start had been urgent. A lot to ask of inexperienced players.

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

BIBBY’s defense might be the reason we lose this game! gives RALLEN a COMPLETELY OPEN 3 ball…..ugly!

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

What the hell was that Marvin? How about blocking the freakin shot?

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

What the hell was that Marvin? How about blocking the freakin shot? ANOTHER 20 PLUS POINT LOSS!

By corey

May 4, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

IM SEEING ALOT OF SLAPPING BY THE CELTICS THE HAWKS ARE GETTING CLOBBERED AND NOT GETTING ANY CALLS YET IF YOU BREATHE ON 1 OF THE CELTICS THEY CALL FOUL WE HAVE ONLY 1 BASKET IN THE 3RD PERIOD AND ITS 5 MINUTES LEFT THIS DOESNT LOOK GOOD

By Alex

May 4, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

IS it just me or are the celts getting every call and the hawks getting none? UGH

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

prime game and season reasons why Woodson will be coaching a high school team next year:

-neglect to develop solid bench rotations. are guys are flat…lost…and winded.

-team lacking use of any calls for “set” plays.

-his in ability to adjust and correct in defensive pressure situations .

any one got Woodson’s address…i gotta be the first one to park the U-HAUL truck in his driveway.

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

it think i’ve seen a ghost….who is “20” ?

By Ken Strickland

May 4, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

This fool we refer to as a HC is down by 30+pts, his starters are stinking up the place and he still won’t use his bench.

By Melvin

May 4, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Why would Woody have ZaZa at the front of a full court press?

By Nookah

May 4, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

What I can’t figure out is how can you not even feel like competing for a game 7 against the #1 seed? Shouldn’t you want to be at least competitive? Has the team quit on Woody? Or is it we are satisfied with where we are? This game has done a lot to restore the disrespect we had around the league.

My opinion is that Woody has to lose his job. However, the players have to take a lot of responsibility. This is disgraceful.

Go Hawks anyway!!!!

Nuff Respect!!!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

what ever happened to the days when the announcers where bias? every single 1 of em’ are clowning on our squad! how about giving em’ props for even getting to this game 7 !

a*******holes!

By Alex

May 4, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

IF I WAS ZAZA ID HIT KG RIGHT ABOUT NOW

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

meant “non-bias” opinions and gamecast. damn, i can’t even type!

By Alex

May 4, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Maybe we can sign D’antoni or Avery Johnson so we can actually make these games within the 20’s… 40 points ridiculous.

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Mark Jackson is still pumping up Acie. H

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Mark Jackson is still pumping up Acie. H

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Mark Jackson is still pumping up Acie. H

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Mark Jackson is still pumping up Acie. H

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Mark Jackson is still pumping up Acie. H

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Mark Jackson is still pumping up Acie. H

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Mark Jackson is still pumping up Acie. H

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Mark Jackson is still pumping up Acie. H

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Mark Jackson is still pumping up Acie. H

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Mark Jackson is still pumping up Acie. H

By Alex

May 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Something else… How does Doc Rivers win COY over Byron Scott when all Docs team did was simply buy there way through the rebuilding process and Scott did it the “ol’ fashion way”

By Alex

May 4, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Scratch that Scott did win it. Cant believe i just said that

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Fire Woody, hire Mark Jackson!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

all CAVS fans should personally thank every Hawks fan you should ever meet for the rest of your life!

it might be the edge you need. tha BIRDS have banged and bruised these boys and now you’re just gonna have to get on em’ early and take it to the hole.

THE CELTICS ARE VERY BEATABLE!

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Jackson and Van Gundy are wondering why Woody does’nt use Acie, Salim, etc…. BECAUSE HE’S AN IDIOT!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

ladies and gentlemen….we are currently witnessing (with Woody’s permission) Salim’s next year’s salary audition ! team’s start your bidding! my eyes hurt…..

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

I think we would have been better off with a 1 or 2 point loss at home Friday. What a way to end the season! Losing by 40 points.

By Nookah

May 4, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

If they sign Woody to 1 year contract I’ll be very very disappointed.

Even though we went to a Game 7, Woody really needs to go. See how Salim is shooting? If he took the time during the year to develop his bench properly we may have still been in this game. Of course those guys are just playing with no real game time under their belts.

I wouldn’t mind having Mark Jackson but you win with ‘D’ and van Gundy is the man.

Nuff Respect!!

By terrell barron

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

Go Cavs!

By terrell barron

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

Go Cavs! Beat them Celtics!

By infamousrks

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

just found this on E-BAY, hot off the press:

extremely large, 5 bedroom-3 bathroom palace (currently owned by a smart and strategic NBA coach) located in the outskirts of Atlanta. comes with a newly installed “secret back” door which i’m sure will be used to avoid a few fan riots in the front yard. so much more to list, contact seller!

if you come correct with a seven figure offer…i’ll even throw in our bulldog “BILLY”.

bid with confidence….MIKE W.

By preston

May 4, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

As much as I hate to see the hawks get pummelled like, I do hope that this puts to rest any talk about Mike Woodson comming back. Can any abody tell me what sort of adjustments did Woodson make in Boston to keep his team from losing by 20plus points a game? Bibby did not show up, Marvin did not show up…….so where was Acie and Salim……oh they get their minutes when we are down by 30. Woodson needs to go……any coach would have put a scorer on the floor, or at least gave it a try to mix things up in Boston……Acie, Salim and Jrich would have given you much more than what we got out of Bibby and Marvin. Where was the effort to change……there was absolutely nothing to lose by putting those guys on the floor……….four freakin’ games that were complete blowouts!!!!! I hope that this ends the 4 yr run of the Woody Woodpecker Show!!!!!!

By R. Stroz

May 4, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Fire Woody and Knight.

Get a real coach. Get a real GM.

Keep Salim and put Salim and ACie on the court..

By Nookah

May 4, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

In a previous post a number of days ago I said we were a “Big” and a “Shooter” away, but I was wrong. We are also a “Coach’ away from being a consistent contender. What I also failed to say is that we already have the shooter (Salim).

I await with bated breath the actions of the “Spirit”. With no draft picks it is going to be interesting to see what we do this offseason.

Go Hawks!!!!

Nuff Respect!!!!

By Nookah

May 4, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

In a previous post a number of days ago I said we were a “Big” and a “Shooter” away, but I was wrong. We are also a “Coach’ away from being a consistent contender. What I also failed to say is that we already have the shooter (Salim).

I await with bated breath the actions of the “Spirit”. With no draft picks it is going to be interesting to see what we do this offseason.

Go Hawks!!!!

Nuff Respect!!!!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

HAWKS TEAM TOTALS… 4 rebs,2asst,2steals ! <- what@&!%*

absolutely no reason in the world you bring back a coach that allows this to happen. PATHETIC

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

of course those totals aren’t true but that was the way i felt watching the 2nd,3rd+4th quarters. ALL THREE! there was nothing from anyone.

i have officially lifted the 1 DAY BAN on the use of JOSH HOWARD’S girlfriend, “Mary Jane”. maybe i’ll then be able to make some kinda sense of what i just sat through… and to think i skipped my SUNDAY UNDERWATER-BASKETWEAVING CLASS to view an absolute team disappearing act! damn…i made a bad decision!

By mykhalc

May 4, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

REALLY disappointin’ but a very real reality check!!! still proud of the way they competed in ATL tho!!! BUT LET THE OFFSEASON MOVES BEGIN!!!

By Matt

May 4, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

We have the talent. We just don’t have the coach.

Fire Mike Woodson now.

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

my favorite highlight of “the game” was the ZOHAN-BARON DAVIS commercial.

do i sound depressed?

By Ken Strickland

May 4, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

THANKS HAWKS FOR A WONDERFUL FINISH TO THIS SEASON. YOU HAVE TOTALLY ERASED THE PREVIOUS 4YRS OF FRUSTRATION WITH YOUR INSPIRING PLAY.

Now it’s time to look forward to next season. We don’t have a 1st or 2nd rd pick, so we have to be innovative. First, we need to resign both Joshes. Bibby is in the last yr of his contract and he still has value as a player. We should do a sign and trade with him for a pick or two. Then we should use the money saved to sign PG Calderon, who will be a FA at season’s end. He’d give us outside shooting, more speed and quickness, much better DEF and size. His ability to go to the basket and finish would make our pick and roll much more effective.

We need to add another BIG, preferably a PF with an inside OFF. Last, but certainly not least, we need to start look for a new HC. We need a HC that will develop our young players and our bench. He also needs to design an OFF that makes better use of our young athletic talent, both individually and collectively.

By ray

May 4, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

I’m still proud of our players. We were outclassed from the get-go but took three games from the NBA’s best team. Our players did their wins the right way by winning each home game. Fans have to at least be appreciative of that.

In the end, the nervousness and panic that grips unexperienced teams took over. And a coach who never deals well with a stressful situation, was once again unable to calm his team down and lead them through the storm. There’s not much else to say and no point in trying to break this game down. It’s over. Proud of the team in spite of the eventual loss. I believed they could win. They didn’t. This happens.

Now KG goes on and faces Lebron. Now the KG commercials can continue, to be joined by various KG vs. Lebron hype. Stern and others who stand to profit from this will be well pleased (all goes according to plan..).

Now the real work begins within the Hawks franchise. These inevitable moments will be the defining of the direction of the franchise. And unless there’s a series of dramatic moves, this blog will probably be rather dead. We shall see what the future holds (depending on how long it takes).

By terrell barron

May 4, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Ken, a PF? Dont forget that David Anderson will be here next year. That’s our 08 draft pick. lol!

By cp

May 4, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

preston that is what I was wondering in my previous post. The Celtics did nothing different in my opinion than what they had been doing as far as their defense yet our coach could not come up with a gameplan to offset it. This guy made no adjustments in damn near the whole series. I hope to see within the next 48 hours some news that we have fired Woody and began interviewing some more qualified guys. I have had enough of this clown.

By doc

May 4, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

well myk i am on the wrong side of the nation in oregon. good trip in i didnt have to spend time watching the game today, probably would have paid little attn to it by the sound of it , it was over after 8 minutes. the guys needed to come out shooting the lights out of it hittingon all cylinders with everyone in sync.

it just wasnt meant to be. i guess order is restored and the upstarts have paid dearly for their insolence of the earlier week in taking 3 of 4 from the C’s. quite a run by these guys who showed a lot of heart to stun the world if not shock it. it was fun and it showed that folks are starved for a competitive team.

so the ball really rests in the BASG hands fully. the next couple of moves and how quickly they are done begin to tell greater tale than the saga of jj from 3 seasons ago. i have a feeling alpha boy and i will agree whole heartedly on what needs to be done next to captivate further fan interest in moving up the ladder of success. well, on second thought maybe we wont.

i will say we will probably agree something should happen quickly to show this management team is not asleep at the wheel and are projecting what steps should be done based on certain outcomes from this season including the playoff run. with that said i just hope the rest of the folks in the organization are not as tipsy as ted’s son in law who i heard say the owners have only been working so hard to give the team what they needed right now to think too far ahead. gee, i hope he is only a cheerleader and not too involved in the strategy going forward because that strategy should have been mapped out about the same time this team found itself in the playoffs. maybe it was just positive spin and i will leave it at that. can say if there are no announcements soon about who stays who goes and some idea of where this ownership i thinking the needs are then i think i will remain unsophisticated and call these guys naive if they think this is the way to run an organization. several programs have already made their moves. it is time for the BASG to make theirs even if it is to say everyone returns which is fine. if there is a delay in saying it they know it is the wrong move and they are just trying to not change the good vibes here and continue to serve up playoff success to sell more tickets. it means that they re still living in the past.

well on to finding out just how good this C team is. i personally would like to see kg get his but not without a tough fight over the pistons and the spurs.

overall not quite ready for prime time players. need to get some help and balance.

By mykhalc

May 4, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

DOC, sounds like you’re on the right side of the nation bro!!! ya gotta free yourself up west coast style every so often!!!LOL

yeah, you saved yourself from seein’ a beat-down in beantown today. but again, the team showed heart thru the series. nothin’ but proud here for the cats. the next moves will be the real indication of where this franchise is headed, no doubt!!! we’ll find out how deep the pockets are, along with how functional the BASG/SASG is or isn’t in makin’ solid choices for movin’ forward!!!???!!! let the games begin!!!!

By infamousrks

May 4, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

new AJC poll

who’s got the funniest lookin’ ears: JORDAN FARMAR () BARACK OBAMA ()

vote now!

By MJ3

May 4, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Enlighten me - what does BASG stand for? I know ASG = Atlanta Spirit Group, but clearly I’m missin something.

By mykhalc

May 4, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

MJ3, we have a few nicknames for our infamous ownership group…

DOC (i think) coined the phrase BASG for BROKEN ATL SPIRIT GROUP. i call ‘em BROKE A$$ SPIRIT GROUP and STUPID A$$ SPIRIT GROUP (SASG). and there’s more out there!!!LOL

By Matt

May 4, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Sekou just posted a story with an interesting headline (“Woodson may have coached last game for Hawks”) but a disappointing statement from JJ (“”I hope he comes back…I hope we’re able to bring him and his entire coaching staff back. That was one of the main attractions for me coming here [from Phoenix three years ago], so I would definitely love to see him come back.”).

JJ - I love you like a brother, and I realize that your career has blossomed under Woodson, but I hope the Atlanta Spirit team recognizes that it’s time we bring in a coach who can help ALL our players blossom going forward.

By Mike Woodson

May 4, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

I know you guys love me deep down inside

I don’t make adjustments because I trust my players so much!!!

If the organization just gives me at least 3 more years I promise to have a 66 win season and when we achieve it I will shave my head again

By Steve T

May 4, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

I do not understand this call for a real GM. I think Billy has done a great job of tearing down and rebuilding the hawks. There are team in the NBA that have been rebuiding for years and are not close to be as good as the Hawks are now.

The average fan can not see where this team is headed. The Hawks are a young team that will be in the play-offs for year to come. The Hawks only need one piece to the puzzle and that is a big man in the middle and this team goes to the NBA finals.

Like I said I will support Billy because I remember the bad days where the Hawks could get any value out of the Draft picks. Do you remember Jon Konack? Do you remember Doug Eaward? The Hawks had so many bad draft picks that would have come out better drawing names out of a hat. If you are honest, you will admit that Billy has done a good job thus far and the Hawks have hope for the future. I like the diresction we are headed and it was be foolish to start over because we do not know if the new GM willsend us back to the good ole days of Jon Konack.

By doc

May 4, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

yup, ya got it right myk. there have been some off shoots as well as your take off.

myk, found a coop bud, had me some veggie food with quinoa. not too much make-up here, kinda natural. cool.

this is the post-season of TRUTH.

By new jersey faithful

May 4, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

WHY HASN’T WOODSON BEEN FIRED YET??

By MannyT

May 4, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

A hard game to swallow. Nevertheless, this season was a real interesting ride with ups and downs. Some parts were fun and some of it stank.

Real interesting to see JJ quote about Woody. Sometime soon I expect Ando to bring it now that the season’s over…call it a day…sorry that it had to end this way…oops back from music flashback.

I appreciate the views we get in BloggZville, BlogUniverse, Blogtopia, etc. No one says we have to agree, but we will have a few more folks in the fold after the Hawks first run to the playoffs in the 21st century.

I’ll wait until the next blog to start my summer Campaign for Respectable Athletic Professionals. That’s right—CRAP starts with the next blog!

I know something will be different by opening day, but I have no idea what. It will be interesting to see it unfold since we have no firm dates to focus on. I don’t even know if we will be in the Rocky Mountain Revue w/o draft picks…hmm

BWAF

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 4, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Disappointing Game 7. I didn’t expect them to win, but I was hoping they could keep it kinda close… you know, the same thing I was hoping the first three games.

But on the real though, we gotta feel pretty damn good about this team right about now. We have a nice core of three versatile, talented young players to build around and some trading chips to get us the remaining pieces we need to contend. You gotta admit the way they played in the home games gives you hope that with experience they will be able to carry that mentality over to winning on the road. Right now they are just too young to win in a place like Boston in the playoffs. If there’s anyone I’m disappointed in it’s Bibby, who’s supposed to be the veteran leader with playoff experience but who failed to make an impact in any of the four road games, but you can’t fault the young players for being a little overwhelmed.

Looking ahead to the offseason, I think we can all agree Woody’s gotta go for this team to get better. It’s not like there’s nothing good about him — he had this team playing terrific defense all series — but we need a guy who can run some offensive sets that actually work. As far as Billy is concerned the key decision he’s gonna be faced with this offseason is how to pay Josh Smith and bring in depth to this roster without any draft picks. I think they are gonna have to trade Bibby for some expiring contracts that provide some bench depth and hand the starting PG reins to Acie Law. The Celtics proved this year that you can have an inexperienced 2nd year point guard as the starter if you have better players around him and pull off a winning season. Obviously our “big three” (Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford) is not as accomplished as theirs, but I still think Acie can hold up over the course of a full season at PG.

Finally, here’s a little trade proposal… I realize it probably adds way more in salary commitments than the BASG is willing to take on, but just think about it from an on the court perspective — Bibby and Marvin Williams for Jermaine O’Neal. Salaries match up (pretty much) so theoretically it’s possible. Any thoughts? Good or bad for the Hawks?

By ray

May 4, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Steve T, keep working on that promotion, brother. The ASG will move you out of that cubicle one day.

Personally I find Joe Johnson’s words disturbing. He wants Woodson and his staff back. Maybe that’s because Woody has treated him so well and let him do as he pleases (except playing him such heavy minutes…but then perhaps JJ doesn’t mind so much). Hell, Woody has made him the star of the show all by himself. Obviously JJ knows something(s) we don’t. But I have to disagree with him, regardless of that. I don’t see Woodson getting us anywhere. You can point to the Hawk’s victories at home, particularly in the playoffs. You could say that Woody deserves credit for this, because the team seemed so together.

But you’d also have to point to the seriously lop-sided losses on the road. And ask why wasn’t Woodson so able to keep the team together and disciplined? What was the difference between the wins and the losses?

Here’s also where JJ makes some interesting statements (perhaps what would be his answers to the questions I just posed in the last paragraph). He says that the team needs some veterans, that “some young guys” were “running wild” out there.

Got a few questions for you, Mr. Joe Johnson. Why isn’t your favorite coach maintaining order and discipline? Why isn’t he able to get a handle on these out of control young players? Why aren’t you and Bibby stepping up and taking control? You are veterans, are you not? So are you telling us that somebody else needs to be brought in to do the job that captains and veteran team leaders like yourself are supposed to be doing? What are you saying exactly?

I agree that our young forwards need better influence and leadership. They’ve not had it at all. But who is to blame for this? Certainly not the young guys themselves! Funny thing is…a rookie forward playing out of position turned out to be the most vocal and expressive leader/influencer throughout the series. Hmmmmm.

The easiest target would be Josh Smith. What’s sick is people will still think he needs to go. Joe and Woody (since they’re such good buddies) probably think so too. I wouldn’t be surprised if it went down that way. For what? It better be good. Last time we had some “much needed vets” here, they barely had an impact. TLue was good when he was healthy, but not good enough to be the solution at the point. Same can be said of AJ. And Lorenzen Wright? Well, his most notable achievements were telling Horford (a player who came into the league as a better NBA player than Wright has ever been or will ever be) that he needed to take care of the team baggage because he was a rookie. Oh, and he wasn’t good enough to take the same elevator as the veteran players. And let’s not forget the popcorn-filled SUV.

I know this probably sounds harsh. I don’t care. This is another way to throw Knight under the bus if you wish to do so. But I do know this: on the court, the veteran players haven’t been able to consistently provide this “leadership and influence” JJ is b!tching about, and the coach has not provided the gameplan, discipline, and leadership.

Blame anybody you please. But don’t blame the young guys.

By ray

May 4, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

MannyT, sounds like you want to be poster of the year. It’s all yours buddy. You definitely have the juice. “CRAP” sounds like a winner.

Najeh, take a close look at JJ’s comments, both about Woody and about his young teammates. They are a bit of an eye opener in some ways. I am not getting good feelings about this…but then, JJ’s not the one calling the shots either…is he?

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 4, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson wanting Woody back reminds me of DeAngelo Hall wanting Jim Mora back. Just because a star player wants a coach back doesn’t change the fact that the coach sucks. Ultimately you have to make the decision based on the guy’s performance, not how well-liked he is in the locker room. And I’d guess Joe’s feelings are not universally shared by everyone either (anyone asked Zaza or Salim how they feel?)

By hawksfanfordawin

May 4, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

No ray your the one B!tching, what did you expect jj to say. Oh i dont know i dont really like our coach and want him to be fired like all those other whiners. Or oh i thought that our guys playd really good and composed today , we barely had any turnovers and everything was all jolly good. Dude get over yourself, we do need veteran leadership and what makes you think that joe hates josh. Theyve been buddies for a long time you can see that josh respects joe and that he respects him back. So stfu and accept the truth.

By SalimFan

May 4, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Is woody fired yet? That was so painful to watch. As soon as the third quater started I was like if Jeremy and salim don’t get in there with Joe then were going to get beat BAD….looks like I was right. Salim coming in and hitting shots in garbage time just shows woodys incompetense. I hope this guy never coaches again.

What really p** me off was Van Gundy saying that the hawks had no heart. BS!! We had no coach. If there is any positive I can pull from that game it’s the fact that woody won’t be coming back.

Joe I don’t Understand??? He F-ing sucks!! He won’t even put the proper talent on the floor with you. He’s one braincall away from being and idiot savant. Joe…Really????

By SalimFan

May 4, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Joe you really dissapoint me with those comments. The star player should also be the most SANE, and right now I don’t think that’s you.

The whole bench should Slap JJ back to his senses.

By SalimFan

May 4, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

We need more veteran leadership,” Johnson said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys that are just running wild [on offense] and we need more veteran leadership. Hopefully we can get that.”

Seriously joe? Thats How you feel about salim, just like woodson huh? IDIOT!!! You were the ONLY ONE throwing up bad shots. Those young guys (Salim, J-Rich, Mario) on the bench were the ONLY players who could have saved you from that awful azz wuppin. We need a smarter Shooting Guard. How about JJ for Jason Richsardson???

By mykhalc

May 4, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Najeh, gotta agree with you. most disappointin’ thing was BIBBY’s lack of impact on the road. still not ready to throw him under the bus like some, but disappointed, no doubt!!!

BIG RAY, mostly agree with you bro. and i think, if i’m correct, you say you can’t blame the young cats without goin’ to WOODSON first. yep, with you there. but where i think i might differ is i do blame the young cats ‘only’ because they just didn’t bring today. and as much as i wish BIBBY woulda had more of an impact, we ALL know that he and JJ were not gonna be able to do it alone. the BOS defense was/is just too good for that, especially at home.

i just think the moment was just tooooooo big for the young cats. ‘cause what i imagine happened is that they talk about somethin’ in the huddle (assignments, sets, execution, etc) and the cats just did NOT go out and do as assigned!!??!!! moment just too big!! and i think that leads me back to your bottom line. ‘cause WOODSON should have made the adjustment!!! but because had not developed the bench properly, he had nowhere to turn!!!

what came out the most to me in the games at BOS is that when the athleticness could not get them over the hump the bball IQ was not there to allow them to make the right bball play, except for HORFORD in game 1. and the fact that BIBBY’s shot was MIA in BOS only made it harder since he could ease the load and spread things for the younger cats.

but all that said, it does come down to adjustments!!! and most of that has to lie in the hands of WOODSON!!

By SalimFan

May 4, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

hawksfanfordawin, I think you need some sleep son. You’re just as delusional as Joe.

By hawksfanfordawin

May 4, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Excuse my stupidity, i was caught up in the moment lol. I take back what i said but not my intent. I didnt expect what joe said but i can understand why he said it. Face it guys, no other good coach would let joe try to do it by himself which joe is very used to at the moment. I can see why he would want woody back. Wow it feels as if joe is running the show not woody.

By mykhalc

May 4, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

well i’m not ‘really’ sure why JJ endorses WOODSON. but to me, JJ is endin’ the season the way he started in the article that caused so much reaction.

JJ proved, to me at least, that he is on another level above his teammates!!! and i was not sayin’ that in the 1st half of this season. but he CLEARLY knows how to play the game correctly, make the right bball plays, and plays it at the right ‘speed’ 99% of the time. and this especially showed thru in the BOS series!!!

what i take from it is this. as much as i luv SMOOVE’s game and his potential, JJ has shared the court with another great athlete, AMARE!!! so what JJ wants is cats that can really play the game, not just be athletic!!! and he might not have been referrin’ to SMOOVE at all. certainly, MARVIN has been wildly outta control goin’ to the hoop at times!!! but my point is, his reference to cats ‘runnin’ wild’ is a knock on the bball maturity on this team. and without callin’ cats out, HE’S RIGHT!!!!

not puttin’ JJ on KOBE’s level but looked at KOBE this year compared to last year…180 degree difference with his level of trust with cats on the court now. i ‘think’ that’s what JJ is gettin’ at…bottom line!!!

you gotta be able to trust your teammates to make the RIGHT bball play. that was not there in BOS in any of the games. again, the moment was just too big!!! none-the-less, i still give ‘em props for goin’ someplace i had NO IDEA they’d go when this series started!!!

By Matt

May 4, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Ray,

I don’t agree at all with hawksfanfordawin’s tone nor his characterizations of you. You know that I have nothing but respect for you. But dude does have a point about JJ. JJ can’t exactly say that he thinks Woodson should be fired. Please show me one time in the past 25 years that a star player has actually publicly called for his coach to be fired. Nothing wrong with a player standing by a coach he’s worked with for 3 years. MJ publicly stated that he wanted the Bulls to keep Doug Collins (and even hired him went he joined the Wiz) and made no secret that he didn’t like Phil Jackson’s offense when Jackson first took over. The point is that there’s a reason players don’t make these decisions.

JJ also had a point about veteran leadership for two reasons. First, the dude is only 26 years old. He also only has 2 years of playoff experience - and one of those was cut short by his eye injury. So even he is only a “veteran” in relative terms. Second, I think his point was not so much that the Hawks have no veteran leaders now so much as that a winning team has to have MORE veterans. Mike Bibby is the ONLY player on this team who has at least 10 years of NBA experience - and he has exactly ten years. That just doesn’t cut it in the playoffs. Two veterans (to the extent that JJ is a veteran) aren’t enough to get you through the pressures and rigors of the postseason. I can’t think of a single NBA team since the late 80’s Pistons thats won a title without at least two starters with 10 years of NBA experience. Only team I can think of that even made it to the Finals without that is the Shaq-and-Penny Magic team that got swept by the Rockets.

And as for your comment about Horford…man, you know I like you, and I LOVE Horford. But yapping at Paul Pierce and committing an unnecessary flagrant foul are hardly things that most veteran leaders. Horford certainly provided energy and inspiration for the Hawks this series. He might have been “vocal and expressive,” but hell, so was Zaza. That doesn’t make him a leader. Rathbun and Billy Donovan both commented how his demeanor this series was immature by Horford’s standards.

The only comment that JJ made that I think was blameworthy was his comment that the young guys were running wild. He needs to back up his teammates better than that (although even then, MJ and Kobe made similar comments about their respective teams - MJ with the Wizards and Kobe last summer).

To conclude, I totally agree that Woodson sucks and should be fired tomorrow. (Actually, he should have been fired last summer). Even if a team does have sufficient veteran leaders, they’re rudderless without a good leader standing up on the sideline. But a team needs BOTH to get to the next level - we need a new coach AND we need to have more than 1.5 veteran players.

It’s not one or the other that’s the problem. It’s both.

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 4, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

I must say, I am a little disappointed that Mark Bradley is apparently a more qualified recipient than us for HB Ando’s latest comma-saturated tirade. C’mon Ando, we haven’t gone anywhere.

By SalimFan

May 4, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Just answer this VETERANNS???? Is Chris Paul a veteran? How bout Deron Williams? It’s coaching + Talented players Joe. You had veterans and they crapped up the job, thats why they were shipped outta here. Get your head on straight.

By kwooden1

May 4, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Great Season by the HAWKS, terrible last game, but after that first win everything else has been just icing for me!!!

I hope the 3 loses at Boston, makes it clear to Management that Woody is not the coach to help this team really go to the next level. Management has some real difficult decisions to make because this team can clearly be the 4th or 5th best team in the East next year. I’m really nervious about this summer, because of the poor decisions management has made in the past. The first order of business is to retool the coaching staff, they really need guys that can help JS improve and mentor Marvin. Which means that I still think we have to resign JS and trade Chills for cap reasons. If we keep Chills that means Bibby has to go, but I don’t think their are many teams out there that want his contract. Claxton is still around and if healthy I think he plays the best defense of all our PGs. I hate to say this but think they should trade Chills for a draft pick if possible, because we don’t want a free agent in return that we need to sign to a big contract. A first round pick would be great, but I think he is worth much more than that. Chills deserves a good salary next year and I don’t think the HAWKS can pay it or are willing to pay it. If they can get a 1st round pick and Anderson is as good as stated on the Blog, I wouldn’t be that upset. The management situation has been terrible and won’t be resolved by the end of the summer, which is still a hugh problem.

So a new coach and other assistant coaches, one year contract for the GM, trade Chills for a 1st rounder (or more picks), sign JS and hope Anderson can play. (If Claxton retires than try and pay Chills or trade him for a Free Agent)

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

By mykhalc

May 4, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

DOC, you just decided for me what i’m gonna have for dinner!!!LOL

By SalimFan

May 4, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

“We’re so inexperienced and we showed that every game in Boston,” Johnson said. “We had no chance of winning games here. None. I guess some of these guys thought we were just going to be able to come out and play hard and have fun. There’s more to it than that.

Well thats what your dumb a* coach kept telling the guys over and over again on National Television.

“Four games here and we got run ragged all four times. You would think in Game 7 you would have a [expletive] clue. We didn’t have a clue as to what was going on out there.”

The coach you praise so much is the one with no clue. Apparently you don’t have a clue either. You’re losing me Joe…….as a fan and as a person.

By SalimFan

May 4, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

“We’re so inexperienced and we showed that every game in Boston,” Johnson said. “We had no chance of winning games here. None. I guess some of these guys thought we were just going to be able to come out and play hard and have fun. There’s more to it than that.

Well thats what your dumb a* coach kept telling the guys over and over again on National Television.

“Four games here and we got run ragged all four times. You would think in Game 7 you would have a [expletive] clue. We didn’t have a clue as to what was going on out there.”

The coach you praise so much is the one with no clue. Apparently you don’t have a clue either. You’re losing me Joe…….as a fan and as a person.

By kwooden1

May 4, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

I forgot to say that I’m not worried about JJ comments that much because that is what you have to expect from him. He’s probably the reason this team never tried on the coach during the season. If he gets a new coach he will say he wishes his best to Woodson and is a 100% behind the new coach! As for his comments about the young players, as long as he’s already said the same thing behind closed doors he’s not hurting anyones feelings. For one thing its true, secondly everyone is young so its not really directed at any one individual. He’s not going to say it, but he knows that inconsistant play is a coaching problem, especially if you don’t have knuckleheads as players.

By Author

May 4, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

SalimFan,

Anyone who says that we would have beaten the Celtics today IF ONLY we’d started a second rounder, an undrafted rookie, and a D-Leaguer…well, I’ll just let that speak for itself.

Instead of ripping on Joe, why don’t you try growing some brain cells?

By mykhalc

May 4, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

kwooden1, last thing this team needs is to get younger IMHO. only thing i’d wanna do with a draft pick is trade it!!! bring in some seasoned cats to go with the core group. who’s the core group??? we are about to find out!!!

By SalimFan

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

Hey Buddy, I didn’t say we would WIN I said if certain players had been utilized we wouldn’t have gotten our asses handed to us on a silver platter and we could at least loose with dignity. Why don’t you read my whole post before you comment next time.

By Harry Hawk

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

I think this JJ quote should be posted in various important areas at the Hawks’ practice facility and in the locker room at Philips Arena:

You would think in Game 7 you would have a [expletive] (insert the expletive) clue.

The Hawks need more veteran leadership (not Lorenzen Wright or Tyronn Lue…I’m talking about guys who can still get it done in the league). Only a young team would fold as badly as the Hawks did today. I have no problem with Joe ripping the response of his team, but he should never, ever, EVER say that he wants Woodson back if THIS is how the team responds to pressure. Joe will still be the main option on this team with a new coach, so I hope that’s not his motivation. I think Joe would be a better player with a better coach. Let’s hope Woody walks the plank. I’m sure Joe shed too many tears.

By Ken Strickland

May 4, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

TERREL BARON-with our current lineup, we don’t have a backup PF. We usually move Horford over when Zaza enters the gm. With this arrangement, if our centers are in foul trouble so are our PF’s. I don’t know much about Anderson, but I assume he’s a center. If he’s good enough to start, it could mean JSmith will be the odd man out.

Both Horford and Josh are far too valuable and talented to come off anyone’s bench, and neither is suited to play SF. The most important off season move we can make will involve Bibby. I would love to have a combination of Calderon and Acie at PG. We could probably get Calderon in the price range we’re paying Bibby. Otherwise, we lose Bibby after this season and get to revisit the PG situation all over again.

If Anderson doesn’t start, then we can keep Josh. Hopefully, the SAASG will be foresighted enough to invest in the teams future. The Hawks will have a lot of sellouts next season, especially if we sign a PG like Calderon and resign JSmith.

By mykhalc

May 4, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

man, i don’t know how you cats feel but i would luv to see the BASG take a chance on MARK JACKSON!!! probably won’t happen for a number of reasons but out of JACKSON, D’ANTONI, and AVERY, i’d go with MJ. he just really seems to have a great coachin’ mind and i think he’d be able to connect with the young cats on this team…much like a BYRON SCOTT!! just my opinion.

By Harry Hawk

May 4, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

I’m sure Joe WON’T shed too many tears.

Whatever.

I think Joe’s blowing smoke up Woody’s a*.

I did read Ando’s rant. I don’t expect a whole lot out of any columnist, so I’m not sure what the hell Ando’s so annoyed about. Does Ando really believe that sports columnists worry much about how seriously they are taken? They can make quite a living writing the most inane junk ever foisted upon the English language. In fact, the angrier people get at columnists like Mark Bradley, the more Bradley gets paid. It’s a vicious cycle…and it’s certainly not worth the carpal tunnel.

By MannyT

May 4, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

ray you are the poster of the year. I am happy to pick up some of the scraps left on the table. If we had a Blog Z Hoops logo, you would get a shirt or mug or something.

Don’t underestimate the valued words of a star player. I heard that one of the people Rick Carlisle met with in Dallas was Dirk. Remember how Pat Riley got his shot—Magic shot down Paul Westhead. The support of the top player has value in the NBA. If the Celts don’t get to the Finals, I’ll bet you part of Doc Rivers’ fate will match up with the words of their star players. It’s not the only factor, but it is a factor.

I’ll put in a research request to the IBEW Irreverent Bloggers Exposing Weaknesses. Maybe they have some insight on JJs perspective. Wait a minute, Sekou or one of those 27 AJC staff covering the playoff Hawks should be able to get some detail from Joe.

SalimFan I don’t know if any of the other Hawks are tough enough to take Joe…closest might be Bibby…not big, but a tough enough ‘tude to make it a good scrap.

mykhalc would tell me not to fall prey to the Dark Side after today. Remember the teachings of Masters Khan, Po & Yoda.

I hope Philips continues to rock next season. I’m moving down into the where posters happen lower level in November.

BWAF

By Steve T

May 4, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

It is funny how some people on here are talking about replacing the GM. I have spoken to lots of people who never really watch the Hawks. The first words out their mouth is The Hawks have a very talented roster. Someone had to put the roster together.

The truth about the Hawks will be revel when the Cs play the next team. If they beat the team in less than 7, then you guys will have to respect the Hawks. Remember the Hawks played the best team in the NBA and took them to the limits. This a young team who just made the play-offs. They had to find out what play off games are all about. The hawks are taking steps towards being a great team.

We get the big man from over seas, and we have a 6-5 PG out there over seas. If we could both those guys, the Hawks could be set.

By HB Ando

May 4, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Steve T, I’m going to post your incoherent statement, and assume that I understood your point (taking into account, your ongoing suck up to Billy Knight and the Hawks’ management, over the last several years):

“There are team in the NBA that have been rebuiding for years and are not close to be as good as the Hawks are now.”

Now, if I understand you correctly, you are saying that Billy, and the Hawks, have done a better job than all the other “rebuilding” teams. The only way to quantify whom you define as “rebuilding”, since Billy passed on Paul (and Deron, if I’m being fair), is to highlight the other basement teams, from ‘04-05, when we won only 13 games.

This year, we won 37 games. Obviously, you view that as the best “rebuilding” of any team in the NBA, since our lowest point. That summer, we drafted Marvin Williams, instead of either Paul or Deron.

So let’s look at the change in win totals, of other teams, from that season, to this.

New Orleans: took Paul and went from 18 wins to 56.

Utah: took Deron Williams, and went from 26 to 54.

Portland: took Brandon Roy, after Billy took Shelden Williams, went the full season without the #1 overall pick, Greg Oden, and still went from 27 wins to 41.

Golden State: went from 34 to 48.

Lakers: went from 34 to 57, almost exactly the same increase in wins as the Hawks, from that year to this one, despite having no early draft picks.

In ‘04, Billy selected 6th and 17th. In ‘05, he selected 2nd. In ‘06, he selected 5th. And in ‘07, he selected 4th.

That’s 4 top-6 picks, and another at 17, in the last 4 years.

I defy you articulate a viable argument that anyone, in that time frame, has cumulatively had stronger drafting position than Billy Knight.

Additionally, I defy you to offer a legitimate explanation, other than Billy’s abject mistakes, as to why the Hornets went from 18 to 56, and the Jazz went from 26 to 54.

Only four teams ever posted less wins than the Hawks, that season.

Honestly, was there really anywhere to go but up? How much credit should a man receive, for masterminding a 13-win team, and, in 3 years, taking it to 8 games UNDER .500?

It’s kinda like saying Rickie Lake is hot, because she lost 120 pounds………..

By HB Ando

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

And so I don’t have to duplicate one of my infamous novellettes (I think that’s how Joe spells it):

By HB Ando

May 4, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Damn, Bradley, you always get it wrong, still a dilettante in all sports subjects not related to Kentucky basketball.

It’s absurd to declare that this team has a “bright future”, when it’s GM has made crippling draft decisions, it’s head coach cannot coordinate an acceptable, and somewhat basic, given the pick-and-roll nature of the NBA game, half-court offense, and, to keep it’s current roster, which was 8 games under .500, and just endured one of, if not the, most lopsided, Game 7, playoff losses, in the history of the NBA, will cost them roughly $12-14 million more, in team salary, next year (and no, this was not a run-on sentence).

The Hawks were dominated by the Celtics’ two weakest positions; point guard and center. These are the glaring holes Billy has failed to address for 4 years now. He succumbed to a PR move, in acquiring a highly overrated, and highly overpaid, Mike Bibby, who was abused by a second-year PG, who, coincidentally, was ultimately drafted with one of the very same first-round draft picks he was pointlessly bluffed out of in the Joe Johnson deal.

Bibby stands to be the fourth-highest paid PG in the NBA next year, and he’s clearly not even in the top-20, at his position, in the league (Why do you think Sacramento gave him away for the expiring contracts of three, NBA, nursing home residents, and the worst #5 overall pick in at least the last decade?).

The ASG isn’t going to go into next season with a $68 million payroll, they have no draft picks, and their only hope of retaining the majority of this roster is to find a taker for either Bibby, or to move 3 or 4 of their current rotational players.

They are forced to make a gamble of frightening proportions, on how much is too much, to match, on a 22-year, in Josh Smith, who is both one of the most compelling athletes in the league, but who just checked out with a 7-point, 5-turnover Game 7, bearing a striking resemblance, both statistically, and from a hoops’IQ standpoint, to the Jazz’s AK47, who, at the same age, put up almost identical numbers as Smith did, this year, signed for a max-deal, and has not only failed to improve, but who has actually regressed to the point that the Jazz couldn’t trade him if they wanted to (and it’s pretty clear that they’ve wanted to).

Am I saying there’s nothing to build on here? Am I denying the potential of this roster, if properly managed? Was it not exciting as hell to watch them take 3 home games from a disrespectful and disbelieving Celtics’ team?

No.

But the idea that there’s no where to go but up, for this Hawks team, is questionable as the largely held belief, less than two years ago, that the Bulls were the team of the future, in the Eastern Conference.

So you’re either naive, ill-informed, or downright clueless, to unequivocally declare the Hawks as legitimate, for the future.

This teams’ immediate future leaves more questions than a George W. Bush press conference on the state of our country’s international relations.

As always, your roving opinion requires about as much accountability as a weatherman.

So go blather on about something, anything, other than the future of the Hawks. Because if this is the best you can come up with, you’ve merely wasted the time of your readers (all 14 of them).

By mykhalc

May 4, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Najeh, you called for him. you got him!!!LOL

By HB Ando

May 4, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Harry, I actually agree with your statement about how much guys like Bradley care (thus, the weatherman statement). And while it took far less effort, and entailed substantially less emotion than you seem to perceive, it’s not important to me what Bradley wrote.

It’s important to me that a coherent counterpoint, agree or disagree, is accessible, to folks who follow the Hawks on the AJC.com.

That’s what’s great about blogs and the internet forum: you can call BS out when you read it.

And instead of talking to yourself, your friends, our your completely disinterested wife, you can reach anybody who’s compelled enough to read not only the opinions of unaccountable editorialists, but everyone who has a response.

Once again, as the years go by, I caution anyone from confusing my intensity for obsession (thus, my absence for weeks at a time).

I just like hammering the hell of my point…………

By Steve T

May 4, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Ken if we sign a center, I would suspect Smith would play the 3. Although he is not perfect, he can do somethings as a 3 that would help the Hawks. I think Marvin and Chills will coming off the bench along with ZAza and AC. We could have AC at the PG, Zaza at C, Solo at PF, Chill at SF, and Marvin at SG.

By HB Ando

May 4, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Najeh, I got waylaid by the headline of Bradley’s nonsensical post, and, thus, was derailed in my obligatory return.

My bad.

Hope I made up for it……..

By Harry Hawk

May 4, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Ando,

Should this team be blown up now? After those three games at Philips, do you really think this team should be blown up? If not, you’re assuming that a new GM and coach would come into the BASG situation (which no one, including most rational candidates, likes), separate the wheat from the chaff in the roster, and somehow turn the Hawks into a title contender, right?

The fact of that matter is that BASG firing both BK and Woody after making the playoffs and taking the #1 seed to a seventh game in the first round is something that any sane person knows WILL NOT HAPPEN. That doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t, but there’s no effing way it will. If we’re lucky, and God knows we could use some more luck, that means that we might get ONE of those two removed. Since Woodson was completely overmatched coaching this squad on the road (this was true all year, not just those wipeouts in Boston)…and BK didn’t shake Belkin’s hand (hahahaha), Woodson will draw the short straw. I’m not saying BK SHOULD stay, but he will. We have to take what we can get. All I know is that a failure to trade Bibby this offseason should set BK up for the ax soon enough. We’ll just have to suffer with the guy.

(And I know I’m risking death by directing posts toward Ando, but I’m a dopey mascot. Death is desirable.)

By HB Ando

May 5, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Steve T, you’re up awful late, for a Sunday.

What’s up: did the the Hawks give all their customer service reps the day off on Monday?

By Harry Hawk

May 5, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Ando,

Re: your 11:50

I understand completely. At least we do have these outlets to let it rip if we feel the need. My girlfriend told me to get off the phone with her during Game 6. She was about to head to bed anyway, but she didn’t want to hear me yelling at Bibby to stop jacking up jumpers with 20 seconds left on the shot clock and under 2 minutes to go. I would have been better served to type my sentiments on one of these here wonderful AJC blogs, but I was trying to be the “good boyfriend.”

She only tried to send me on a guilt trip a couple of times the next day. No harm done.

By Steve T

May 5, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

HBando, the LA Clippers have been building since I was a kid and they have yet to be as good as the Hawks are now. Let us withhold judgement until after the next series for Boston. This will tell the whole story about how good the Hawks are really are. I will maintain my position I had since training camp if this play make up its mind to play ball, they can play with anyone in the NBA.

By HB Ando

May 5, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

No, Hawk, I actually agree with you.

I’m quite afraid that the “glass half-full, marketing spin”, of those three wins, will generate the exact inaction, on ownership’s part, that you predict.

I’m going to rail against it.

But the truth is that with 3 wins at home, and taking the Celtics to a 7th game, regardless of how embarrassing the defeat was, there’s ample support for the ASG to spin any decision they make, in any direction.

I’m not so naive as to confuse what I think should happen with what will. But I’m also not going to give up my long-standing position that this team is in the wrong hands, from a front office standpoint. And I don’t think anyone should come to the conclusion that Woody has evolved into a championship-caliber head coach.

I think you’re correct, and have feared that outcome ever since we were a relative lock for the 8th seed. Billy probably has enough political capital to maintain his role.

I think it’s an epic mistake, on the ASG’s part. But I’ve been slamming that opinion for 3 and a half years, so it’s easy to understand that making the playoffs, in the pathetically watered down East, and leveraging their unexpected intensity, and heart, in the 3 home wins, would be solid marketing spin for praising Billy, rather than acknowledging his crippling mistakes.

But I still haven’t seen anyone step up to the plate and explain to me, in objective, financial terms, how the Hawks keep a team that was 8 games under .500 together, when the likely team salary will require an $12-14 million increase, despite insufficient revenues, less than bottom-less pockets, and the unresolved buy-out of Belkin, for what I would estimate is no less than $150 million (And did I mention that we have no draft picks, and that Bibby’s performance significantly reduced his market value, despite the attractiveness of his expiring, $14+ million contract?).

So, yes, you and I share ground in the same camp of cynicism.

But that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to make as much noise as I can.

By ray

May 5, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

hawksfanfordawin, I don’t recall ever treating you in such fashion. Perhaps you misunderstand what I’m saying, perhaps you simply disagree. Either way, it appears that you want to put the gloves on and get in the ring. I don’t know what it is that makes you think I need to get over myself, as I never give the impression that I’m a b-ball genius or anything of the sort. But whatever. In the ring we go.

Matt, and Mykhalc. Let me paint a different picture for you here. I tried to make this a “read between the lines” type of thing, but it didn’t work so well for me. Consider this:

I don’t think that JJ hates Josh Smith. I also don’t think that his comments about “young guys running wild” were of the best kind either. This is what I gather from that, coupled with what I see:

1)Joe is frustrated (understandably so). However, he wants more veterans around. He has one other veteran playing with him in Mike Bibby. Bibby didn’t show out so well against Boston, most of the time. However, you have to see things for what they are at the present time. Joe is a team captain is he not? Then lead….the best you can. Get those young guys under control. Be more vocal. If you aren’t, then why be a team captain? I mean, you are getting paid 70 million to be the man are you not? Or didn’t you leave Phoenix to do just that?

2)Mike Woodson is the team’s head coach. Veteran players or not. Why was he not able to rein those guys in? Oh…I forgot. Because he only plays 6 or maybe 7 guys, he can’t put anybody on the bench. Hmmmm. And this is the guy JJ says needs to be brought back.

3)You can trash Horford all day long about his yapping with Pierce and getting a flagrant foul. I see that the beloved Marvin Williams was thrown out for his flagrant 2 in game 7. Here’s what some are NOT mentioning though: Horford had Josh Smith’s ear. When Josh started floating around in the wins we had, Horford helped him stay focused. No one can deny that. In fact, some sports articles (and some commentators) made mention of this. Horford is the best influence from the forward position that they Hawks’ young forwards have had the ENTIRE time they’ve been here. That’s just sad.

4)The last batch of veterans we had weren’t getting much done. And the veteran big we had? A prankster, not a player. Hmmmm.

5)I ask this with a certain amount of “tongue in cheek” tone….but what is the magical age at which a player can be expected to be a true veteran and team leader? So Joe isn’t at that age yet? Then how do you explain Chris Paul and Deron Williams? Last I looked, neither New Orleans nor Utah had a pile of veterans that they could rely on. In fact, for the most part….both teams are fairly young. Morris Peterson has to be one of the elder statesmen on the Hornets squad. And Utah? Who do they have there? Boozer’s no oldie. Mehmet Okur isn’t either, really (not in the NBA anyway). How about Andrei Kirilenko? Nope, and not a protoypical leader anyway (remember, he wanted out because he wasn’t getting enough shots). No, the difference here is coaching….isn’t it?

6)I don’t think I need to go over my feelings about Woodson, so I’ll just say that I disagree with JJ on the subject. I don’t know if he’s serious or blowing smoke up his butt. I’m certain that several players wouldn’t shed a tear if the man left. But what do I know. What I find intersting is that so many people want to give him so much credit for getting the guys to play hard. So many people want to give him credit for “pulling this team together” when we won those three playoff games at home. So what happened in those 4 awful playoff games in Boston? Same coach, right? Each game was a blow-out. Are we really going to blame that on the players?

Anyway, does anybody happen to recall what he said recently within earshot of Jeff Schultz recently? Something I’ll paraphrase along these lines: “Some of y’all seem to think that this team is the best thing since sliced bread. I don’t see it that way.” Hmmmph. What does that sound like to you? Sounds like a complaint headed in a specific direction to me.

7)I agree with anyone who says that two vets like JJ and Bibby can’t do it alone. You’re right, they can’t. And this isn’t the first time JJ’s complained about this sort of thing. He said it before. And he’s right. And like his “favorite coach”, that complaint seems specifically directed.

Now. Let’s take all of that and see where it leads. Figured it out yet? I’ll say it like this: you can’t blame the young players for anything other than lack of effort and attitude. I haven’t seen any attitude issues, and the effort has been mostly there. After all, doesn’t everybody keep saying that Woody always gets his guys to play hard?

I still think he’s crap for a coach, but that’s me. The coach is responsible for game management. Responsible for gameplans, gameplays, substitutions, adjustments….and reining the “wild young players” in.

Who’s responsible for the additions or subtractions of the roster, hmmm? Who’s responsible for bringing in good veterans who can provide not just some solid minutes, but good solid leadership? Who evaluates and acquires these kind of guys? Who are Woodson and Joe Johnson pointing the finger at? I’ll give you a hint that makes me laugh even as I type it:

It’s the guy who gets so much credit for putting such a nice, talented roster together. Yeah, him. That’s who your star team captain and head coach are pointing at. Try and deny it…

By reese

May 5, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

I just want to thank the hawks players and coaching staff for providing me the opportunity to see a team that I care about play 7 games in the playoffs.

Myself, relatives and friends had the opportunity to be part of the loudly cheering crowd in games 3 and 6.

Anyone who felt that the hawks should not have made it to the playoffs should offer their apologies.

By HB Ando

May 5, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Steve T, the moribund Clips won 47 games, two years ago, and 40, last year.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t that, statistically, make them “as good as the Hawks are now”?

I mean, we just topped out at 37 wins, and last time I went to first-grade arithmetic, 37 is less than both 40 and 47………

You can maintain your brown-nosing position all you want, but there’s very little data that objectifies your ongoing, and mystifying, support of Billy Knight (other than being either a relative or an employee)…..

By doc

May 5, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

hey myk, i started to worry. you know they call it theleft coast and all. arent these people close to commies? will it rub off? just asking.

well i agree with most or all of what ando said. with have to go back and read he fine print after a full day of travel and little sleep might have missed something.

reese now you are going a little far there. isnt it enough to say i was there for all three games to support the guys and am considering season tix since i will get some cash back to match my down payment. if it is in the right area i might just bite.

By HB Ando

May 5, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

Ray, hit my mobile. Soon….

By ray

May 5, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

You know what kills me? When people rave about the 3 home wins and then completely (and conveniently) ignore the three completely lop-sided and devastating road losses. Look, I was livin’ it up in those wins, and even had faith that we would do better in game 7 than we had in the previous three road playoff games. I was wrong. If anybody is going to say that front office and sideline personnel should be judged off of this playoff series, then it has to be the SERIES, not just the three wins (and ignore the 4 losses). It just doesn’t work that way. I wouldn’t be judging anybody’s job performance only off of a 7-game playoff series ANYWAY!

Steve T, so that’s it, huh? If those DAMN players would just get their butts together, they’d be something, huh? I mean, after all, how dare they screw things up for such a perfect gm and coach! Wow. Yeah, ASG’s gonna see to it that you’re promoted real soon. You’re sounding like front office material…

By Harry Hawk

May 5, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Ando,

I’d like also like to read/hear that explanation from BASG. The odds of us getting that explanation are practically nil.

However, if I were to venture a guess as to how they’ll pay for all of this…

1) They’ll fire Woodson and hire a new coach (Avery Johnson seems about right) that (most) people will believe can make the Hawks a consistent winner.

2) BK will have to get rid of Bibby. This trade will be very important because it will free up money for the Joshes.

3) They’ll begin a media blitz in Atlanta (with commercials starring Horford, Joe, and Josh Smith) to get people energized about a new season. They’ll hope to spike merchandise and ticket sales with this marketing campaign.

Proposed slogan: “Let’s Run One!”

4) “Mr. Blank, would you mind buying out Belkin and being part of our ‘feel-good’ franchise?”

5) UNICEF-style Atlanta Hawks collection boxes that encourage potential givers to “Rise Up” and donate for what should be their new favorite charity.

6) “Gold Club” suites.

By instituting these strategies, the Atlanta Hawks will become financially solvent enough to…add Jermaine O’Neal and any other well-known vet who doesn’t have more than a season or two left in his legs.

I can’t f*** wait.

By hawksfanfordawin

May 5, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

Ray after reading my post i myself felt stupid, dont take that in a bad way i didnt mean to bash you. But joe had to say that in that situation. I mean we did win 3 games vs boston and wood had to have get some credit. And joe just cant go around saying this is worst coach i dont give f if he gets fired. And be in joes shoes. This is the first oppurtunity for him to be the main guy and woody was his first coach to let him do that. AS MUCH AS I HATE TO SAY IT take it like this, imagine a baby duck that loses its mother and the first thing that it sees when it opens its eyes is its mother. And as corny as it sounds the first coach that let joe do his thing was woody so he has major respect for hiim.

By HB Ando

May 5, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

Hawk, sounds about right. I actually suggested, to one of the owners, hiring Johnson, and seeking out Colangelo, Sr., as the investor, with Colangelo, Jr., as the new GM.

If only the Gold Club were still around (though I always preferred the Pony)……..

By mykhalc

May 5, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

DOC, they’re gonna sprinkle you with left coast dust so you can take it back to the bible belt!!!

BIG RAY, only thing i’ll say is let the off-season games begin!!! BASG/SASG, you’re now on the clock!!!

By HB Ando

May 5, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

This can’t be the Ray I know, because he certainly would have hit the Bat Phone, by now……

By Ken Strickland

May 5, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

Come on ANDO. Just because BK didn’t draft the player or players you wanted doesn’t mean he didn’t do a good job of drafting players. After all, he had a 5yr plan and he has one more yr to complete HIS team. Man, you can’t seem to embrace the present or the future because you’re obsessed with the past. And you seem to have a need to be perceived as all knowing in certain areas.

Bk’s responsibility wasn’t to draft the players you or I wanted, but the ones he wanted, and he did that. You fail to factor in Woodson’s impact on his decision not to draft your preferred PG’s. It’s no secret, Woodson strongly favors veteran PG’s period. It’s not like BK totally ignored the position. He acquired vets like AJohnson, TLue and SClaxton, although they didn’t workout as hoped. We’ve all seen how Woodson would much rather play an injured, hobbling vet PG, like TLue and Bibby, than a healthy rookie PG.

Those past drafts are over and done with. BK made his choices and your preferred draft choices aren’t going to wear a Hawks uniform no matter how much you wish it, revisit it or fantasize about it. As far as the JJ deal is concerned, no matter how much we paid we got our money’s worth. Learn to accept what we have and stop obsessing over what you think we coulda shoulda had.

You’ve got to get past this idea that BK, or any GM for that matter, is incompetent and/or stupid just because he didn’t do it the way you wanted it done. Just because something makes sense to you, or me, or any of us, doesn’t always mean it makes sense.

By Matt

May 5, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this

Ray,

I’m not sure how much your post is directed at me, but if you re-read mine, I said that we need both more veteran help AND a better coach. I certainly never absolved BK, and I CERTAINLY never absolved Woody.

I think BK did a nice job of getting us young talent. He might NOT be the right guy for fine-tuning a talented roster into a winning one. He did a great job of compiling young talent for the Grizzlies too, and then it was West that got them the coach and the pieces they need to get the Grizz into the playoffs. I will say that he did bring us Bibby - which you, Doc, and everyone else in the world said is what made the difference in getting us to the playoffs. I honestly don’t much care whether BK stays or goes. I just don’t think he’s done nearly as bad a job to date as Ando the Arrogant thinks he has.

As for your crack about CP3 and Deron and veteran leadership. First off, there’s no way to tell who those guys are in the draft. That’s why you bring in veterans rather than trying to draft leadership. With a veteran, you’re getting a known quantity. With the draft, it’s often tough to tell whether you’re getting the next Chris Paul or Deron Williams or the next William Avery or Mateen Cleaves. Second, I think Jerry Sloan and Byron Scott have a lot to do with the success CP3 and Deron found already. Which leads me right back to the “it’s time for a new coach” mantra.

Finally, I never said that we should bring in veterans for the sake of bringing in veterans. I said that we should bring in veteran leaders. That doesn’t mean going out and signing the first 33-year old we see (a la Wright or AJ). That means moves like the Cavs’ getting Eric Snow last year, or the Celtics getting Cassell this year.

All that being said, I know I want Woodson gone, and I’m certainly open to bringing in someone besides BK to bring in the last couple roster pieces. My assessment of BK has never been that he’s great or even necessarily better-than-average; merely that I don’t think he’s done as bad a job as people say he has.

Which brings me to this…

Ando,

I have not once lost my cool at someone on this or ANY other blog, but I have NEVER seen a string of more arrogant and condescending trash than what you spewed at Steve T and Bradley. Ray said that you sometimes say things that make you sound like someone who only cares about “proving” themselves right. I’ll do Ray one better. It is the epitome of arrogance to say what you did to Steve T - that no one could possibly disagree with your assessment of Knight unless they were A) stupid or B) a relative or employee of Knight’s.

You’re not God, Ando. This is a BLOG, for Chrissake. People are entitled to their opinions. By definition, it is impossible for someone to “prove” an opinion right or wrong with data (and by the way, if you read this thread and the last, you’ll see plenty of people use “data” to show why BK’s moves made sense). There is NO reason to insult and demean someone once, and there’s definitely no excuse for doing it a second time after they politely responded to your first post.

I don’t care how long you’ve been here. Steve was incredibly polite, and you responded with two posts that completely and unnecessarily condescending. Chill the f’ out.

By ray

May 5, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this

hawksfanfordawin, it’s no problem. I just thought you rather suddenly had a huge problem with me, but no biggie. I completely understand what you are saying about JJ’s comments. I know he can’t say that about the coach. After all, I said that Woody has treated him rather well. But taking that into account, and the fact that we signed him to “be the man”, being the man isn’t all about it being easy. Sometimes it means shouldering the load even if you do it by yourself. But even with all that, I don’t expect the guy to do it alone. And while I don’t ever want to take anything away from him, he’s not one of the guys that is really vocal (which guys like Smoove and Marv really need)….and he’s not quite the game changer that guys like Kobe, Lebron, and Dwade (when completely healthy) are.

Here’s what I think: Before coming to Atlanta, JJ had those other veteran players to do the lifting along with him. He’s never had them in Atlanta, and before Bibby…the only experienced and solid guy he had was Al Harrington. Now he’s got Bibby, but Bibby isn’t on every night. Not yet anyway. Joe isn’t ready for this “put the team on my shoulders” stuff every night. And most importantly: He no doubt was promised that the team would be built around him.

Whoever made that promise didn’t come through, because this is the second or third time he’s said basically the same thing….

And really, that was the focus of my comments: 1)On the one hand, part of being a veteran player and team captain is recognizing things for what they are (not what you’d like them to be) and doing the best you can with it. 2)On the other hand, Both star player and coach seem to be pointing the finger in the same direction. It’s not a coincidence.

Ando, check your text messages. The bat phone is acting up, and I’m going to have to take it to the bat phone repair shop if I can find a damn bat phone repair shop and not get my bat black a$$ lost up here in bat f’in Chicago! Now where is my bat suit?!

By reese

May 5, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this

Doc, nope, I stand by my statement. Those playoff games in the ATL forced the hawks players to play at a higher intensity level that I’ve been asking about for a long time. It allowed us fans the opportunity see our team compete against the best in the east and do it very well. Hopefully, the small taste of playoff exposure does the following to make these players understand what they must do to get back to the playoffs.

(1) Josh Smith recognizes that he needs to improve his ball handling, passing, outside shot, touch and hands (ability to catch passes and hold on to the ball when slapped) to compliment his other assets.

(2) Al Horford needs to develop his low post game and midrange shot. Additionally, he needs to work on his free throw shooting.

(3) Josh Childress needs to work on his ball handling, outside shot and hands. Needs to focus on what he needs to do to keep up his intensity level. Of course, he needs to work on his strength as well.

(4) Marvin Williams needs to develop heart, strength and intensity as well as ball handling, passing, rebounding, man on man defense and help defense. Hopefully, someone will be honest with this kid and show him examples in film where he is not rotating of defense, where he is not filling the lanes on fast breaks, where he is not hustling for rebounds/loose balls, where he not challenging the shots of smaller players or how often he is falling to the floor when attempting an offense move.

(5) Woodson or whomever the coach is needs to develop the bench, devise help defensive rotations, teach fast break concepts, teach pick and roll, devise full court and half court rotations to quicken the pace of the game.

By Matt

May 5, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this

Ray,

I agree with pretty much everything you said.

Also, I apologize if I sound like a twisted version of the civility police. I’ve been working on a project involving civility in the courtroom, and have become hypersensitive to people who are unnecessarily uncivil.

(For a sample of what I’m studying, check out this video of a deposition; they edited out the part where the lawyer who’s asking the questions at the beginning calls the other lawyer a “fat tub of [crap].”)

Of course, I was uncivil in response to someone’s incivility, which doesn’t make me much of one to talk. For that much, I apologize to Ando. Although to the extent possible, can we keep the implications that fellow bloggers are stupid for expressing their opinions to a minimum?

By ray

May 5, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this

Matt,

That wasn’t a “directed at you” post. It was me trying to clarify my thoughts on things. I addressed you and Mykhalc because of your respecful remarks and what appeared to be our disagreement on a few issues. The point I’m trying to make right now is that comments made by both Joe Johnson and Mike Woodson would indicate that someone (read: Billy Knight) hasn’t done such a bang-up job with the roster. JJ’s said as much before…once or twice…and both times were met with quite a stir on this blog.

The fact that we’ve had some veterans here that did us little to no good can only point to Knight. The responsibility for acquiring good veteran leadership is Knight’s responsibility.

I didn’t crack on you with the comments on about Deron Williams and CP3. You made mention of the fact that Joe Johnson is only 26 years old, and therefore just a veteran in relative terms. I countered that with the undeniable fact that both aforementioned point guards are leading their respective teams…despite having been in the league less time than JJ, and having less experience than him in the playoffs. The idea here is that true leadership ability knows no age…and these two guys are proof of that. My comment had NOTHING to do with the draft.

Furthermore, if you re-read my 12:26 post, at point #5, you will see that at the end of the paragraph, I made a particular point of saying that coaching is the difference here.

So, we are saying some of the same things. I was trying to elaborate on and tweak the comments of my previous post, and in doing so, I brought up more points. Wasn’t arguing with you, except on the age thing, where there are always exceptions.

By Matt

May 5, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

Ray,

S’all good, my friend. See my last post; once again, we seem to agree on 90% of the stuff, and it just took us awhile to realize it.

Man, I have an exam in 15 hours…what am I still doing here??

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 5, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 5, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this

Clyde ain’t here, someone’s gotta say it.

By ray

May 5, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

Matt, oops. It appears that my timing continues to be just dismal. I posted a few minutes behind you again. Not to worry, the civility stuff wasn’t bothering me. I understood what you were saying. I have to admit I give Steve T crap about some things. It’s just that…well, I just feel like sometimes he’s being unecessarily homer-ish in some areas. But he has the right to think and feel as he does…as we all do.

Hell, I’ve personified the word “hypocrite” myself on occasion. I try to keep it to a bare minimum though! As far as Ando goes, I get your drift. And while he can certainly speak for himself, I’ll also stick my neck out and say that he’s a stand up guy who isn’t nearly as condescending as one would think from reading this blog. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to find a tactful way to say “now, how do you think what will be viewed? Isn’t this statement making you look like the very thing you don’t WANT to look like?” But to effectively do that, you have to know someone a little bit, or it’s misunderstood as an accusation.

To tell you the truth, Matt….although agreeing is always nice, I think that at the end of the day, it’s more important that we understand each other. We often get way too tangled up in trying to get our points across. Charge me as guilty on that one….

By McLovin

May 5, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this

Where’s Sekou?

By ignition

May 5, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

I agree with Reese in every way.. Add another big and please let Woodson go.. If we do keep him (please God no) then he needs to bring on board a assistant that can develop better offensive sets and develop his bench.

By ILL-logical

May 5, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Well, it is finally over and what hath been wrought?

The good news is that the Hawks made the playoffs after a season filled with controversy and turmoil(GM calls for coaches firing and is publicly rebuffed).

The not so good news is:

JJ ,as good as he is does NOT make the players around him better; Josh Smith needs to grow both in decision making skills and excecution of his physical skills( he does make the players around him better)if he is to be the defensive stopper,third offensive option 3 star that he can be; Al needs to grow in his offensive game as well as physical strength in order to be the starting 4 that he can be.

Further,MW;Solo and Acie must all become solid and dependable back ups at the 2,4 and 1 repectively.

In so far as management is concerned, BK is in limbo because of the above referenced contraversy.Therefore, either he or Woody must go ;however, if he stays can he be trusted to make the right decions,ie getiing a real starter at center who can bang(over 260 lbs(; run the floor and most ipmortantly provide strong inerior defense? And can Woody be trusted to improve the performance of the younger players, a key criterion posed by Mike Gearon in the press recently?

Don’t know the anwer to any of these issues but would like to congratulate the team,fans and the bloggers on a very good season all in all!

By Raptors fan in TO

May 5, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Myk and B, thanks for your kind comments. To differentiate me from the other TO fans, I’ll post in the future as Ben the Rap fan…

Sorry about the loss folks, perhaps the Celtics were the favourites but even I wouldn’t imagine that the game would be over by the end of the first quarter. I now see why some of you question Woodson’s coaching…

I like the fact that your team gave it a good run. Now I think Mr. Knight really needs to add some depth to that bench, perhaps another PF and a PG (not just a filler guard, a defensively responsible guard with starting potential to eventually replace Bibby, if any are available in the draft). If he can’t re-sign Smith, he should be agressive and pursue a sign and trade for some depth players. You guys have a young nucleus who have learned how to win in the clutch. So Knight has to ACT NOW. With the east as it is, this team can be tinkered to at least be a .500 ball club. I know what it is like to watch several years of rebuilding, and it ain’t fun…

By GT80

May 5, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Did Woody forget to tell the team the game was yesterday?

The winds of change are blowing and it appears Woody might stay.

BK has got to go. His record is deplorable. You cannot count last years draft because his picks were the logical picks that anyone could have made. He’s had one good pick, Josh Smith @ 20, in his tenure. His misses and bad FA signings are a long list.

Get a real GM. Have him determine if the players are still listening to Woody and determine if we need to get a new coach or not.

I would love for us to get D’Antoni in to replace Woody.

By big d

May 5, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

has someting happened to sekou

By BA

May 5, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

It makes me sick to sit here and read the same person post the same illogical pessimistic garbage that they posted at the beginning of the year, and maintain that the Hawks taking the best team in the league to seven games somehow proves how inept the Hawks are. Bad news Ando, you were wrong and Knight was right. End of story. Name the “twenty” point guards better than Bibby. Be sure to include their numbers. He’s not even worse than Udrih, as you have repetively claimed. The numbers prove it. Over and over and over again, the same half-baked theories from you. The owners allowed Knight to trade for this guy, and now, six months later, they’re going to demand he trade him? IT MAKES NO SENSE! If they didn’t have the payroll to keep this roster together, they wouldn’t have allowed the trade for Bibby. You think they forgot the would have to pay Smith/Childress?! I think you were desperately rooting for the Hawks to lose game seven, if only because it helps your bizarre conspiracy theory. Except the damage is done. NO ONE, including me, expected them to make it this far. I’ll bet NO other team beats the Celtics three times in these playoffs. Does that mean they have to blow up their rosters, too? This team IS on the way up, Woodson or not. Ask the Celtics. Save your repetitive response, looks like I’m about the fourth person to call you out today anyway. Guess we are all dumb. The “unwashed masses”, right? No, that’s not condescending at all.

By Kenny

May 5, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Please somebody tell me what chain of events needs to happen for the Hawks to hire D’Antoni. After I heard the Hawks wanted to run this season (which was, considering the athletes on our team, the only truly logical decision), I doubted Woodson’s ability to coach that style of basketball. He came from Detroit and half-court defense is his thing. Nothing wrong with that, only we don’t have the man-to-man defenders nor the jumpshooters to be a half-court team. Thus, our inconsistencies this year did not surprise me…we were trying to be a running team with a coach who has no idea how to implement that style. I knew from day one that there was no way we would be able to sustain a running style without a coach who specializes in that type of gameplan. At the beginning of the year, I remember thinking, “Man, I wish we could get D’Antoni.” Of course, at the time, D’Antoni was about 150 games over .500 (in the extremely tough west) and I figured there was no way the Suns would ever let him go…especially not in the foreseeable future. Now, lo and behold, D’Antoni is available!!! For whatever reason, the Suns don’t believe that having a coach 150 games over .500 is good enough and they have given him permission to speak to other teams. Holy freaking crap. The best coach in basketball in terms of teaching a team how to run…and he’s sitting there right now… If the Hawks are serious about running, they have to take a look at him, don’t they? Please somebody tell me that the fit is obvious. No, we don’t have the three point shooters that Phoenix has/had but, with our athletes, running is the only conceivable option. Who better to teach our kids how to run than D’Antoni? Is there anyone out there who has contacts with the Hawks’ front office? Please, please, PLEASE let them know how important it is to have a coaching style that fits your roster. And the # 1 coach for our style of basketball is sitting out there looking for another job.

By drmaryb

May 5, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Hey Kenny

Man, we don’t need D’Antoni in here. The reason he is available is because he couldn’t run his team to a championship. His teams played no Defense! Running does not WIN championships - It takes DEFENSE to win a RING! So, IMHO this team does not need a Coach to teach it how to run - because that’s what athletes do naturally.

We need a defenseive minded teacher and play-caller with a #1 & a #2 to get this thing turned around. We need a coach who can get this team out of the second round of the playoffs.

Acie Law has to be allowed to play so that we can see what he can really do. Get us a true #5, learn to run that Utah style Pick & Roll like Stockton to Malone and we’re GOOD!

Defense, Defense, Defense & Half cout game for the times you can not RUN, RUN, RUN! Think About It?

By Air Force Ed

May 5, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Congratulations Celtics! Hope you learned a thing or two from the Hawks. Nothing’s easy..Oh by the way KG, PP, and RA you still have something in common with the young Hawks. The same amount of Championship rings…0! Don’t get too cocky you still haven’t done a damn thing in the NBA except score a bunch of points. The future’s looking bright..I gotta wear shades!

By drmaryb

May 5, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Hey RichBrave

How Bout Them’ Braves? Chipper is HOT! Wow, my Hawks really gave them Proud Celtic a handful and a lot to think about Hah? That’s all I wanted was for them to COMPETE and cause a big ole’ ruckus and if possible steal this series and really give this City, these Owners and us Fans - Something to Talk About.

Well, they did some of that! As a true fan, what more can you really ask? They gave themselves a CHANCE to win it all in an unthinkable Game 7. Yeah, I hate Losing but not as much as I despise a lack of effort and Will! We are who we thought we were, our glaring needs have once again been exposed. We need a #1, #5 & a Game Planner combo/Teacher to get these young boys playing some damned TEAM defense..like crazy glue defense. JJ is a fantastic on the ball defender, J-Smoove is an Animal in the paint on D. Mario West has earned some time in this rotation - and get’s NADA! That RichieB Is Just WRONGE! Everybody else just SUX! on Defense.

I am in South Beach, Miami still flying back this evening. My football team won 47-0 great game and a well needed win. We are rebuilding now with 21 new rookies to coach up, but we like a professional team when we are on the field - It is fun to watch from the sidelines! I will post you up later when things calm down over here.

Miss you and don’t forget that secret weapon Scroll On When you see a fool..just keep scrollin’ baby…step on the gas and you don’t stop! LMBoobiesO!

By Sautee

May 5, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Steve T

I’m not piling on after Ando, but I DO have issues with some of what you’ve claimed. Here’s a quote from your 11:35 p.m. post: “I have spoken to lots of people who never really watch the Hawks. The first words out their mouth is The Hawks have a very talented roster.”

OK, here’s the problem. First off, in your previous post to that (7:22 p.m.) you say “The average fan can not see where this team is headed”. First you give credence to folks who have never seen the Hawks as proof that Billy has compiled a talented roster, and then you say that the average fan can’t see what YOU can. You want to have it both ways, but that’s not reality. And, whether or not Matt thinks Ando was rude to you, you have still not quantified the things Ando was asking. I DON’T think it’s rude to ask how you back up statements like “Billy has done a great job of tearing down and rebuilding the hawks.” Actually Ando had it wrong - the Hawks picked 3rd (and 11th) last year, so BK has had 5 lottery picks PLUS the #17 pick in ‘04. Even I could have amassed a talented roster with those picks!

And I also have issues with the Koncak thing. Yes Koncak was a reach and NEVER should have been resigned to a huge multi-year deal, but he was MUCH more productive as a #5 overall pick than Sheldon (also a #5 overall). Isn’t it pitifully ironic that your example of the nadir of Hawks administration was actually BETTER than BK’s pick at the same slot? And yes I freely acknowledge that there are wide differences in the talent level of the draft year by year. Still, I’m just sayin….

By crs

May 5, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

First off, keep BK and MW, bringing in a new coach or gm at this point would probably do more harm than good. This team should set two goals right now for next season, 50 wins, and one of the top 4 seeds in the east. Soloman needs to get a shot to start at the 5, he has an NBA body and we need someone on the floor dedicated only to setting screens, playing defense and doing the dirty work inside. Al at the 4, Josh at the 3, and Joe and Bibby in the backcourt would be a nice starting 5. Marvin, Childress and AC would provide a solid top 3 off the bench and Salim and ZAZA could also provide situational help. The keys for next year in my mind are AC being healthy, he’s solid on defense and is certainly one of the better hawks at getting in the lane. The whole team needs to be more consistent on defense. Marvin needs to make progress towards being a consistent 20 point scorer. No reason this team can’t win 30 games at home and play 500 on the road next season.

By Tony Soprano

May 5, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

GUY’S GET OVER IT, THIS WAS YOUR CLASSIC CASE OF THE NBA LETTING THE SUN SHINE ON THE THE HAWKS A$$ AND THE CITY OF ATLANTA FOR THREE GAMES, AND NOTHING MORE. THE NBA IS A MAFIA AND EVERYBODY KNOWS IT, IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY!

THE CELTICS WON 66 GAMES THIS YEAR, AND SOME CRAZY # LIKE 20-5 AGAINST THE WESTERN CONFERENCE, AND WE HONESTLY WANT TO THINK THAT OUR 37 WIN HAWKS TOOK IT TO THE CELTICS AND THEY COULDN’T HANDLE IT, PLEEEEEASE!!!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE

By drmaryb

May 5, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Hey KenS

Great 12:10 am post on here. The control freaks for coaches gives me a royal headache. With Fratello in his prime I think cleveland averaged 68 points per game and it was very painful and boring to watch.. ugh ugh! I have seen that show enough to last me a LIFETIME!

I do like Avery, poss a Bill Laimbeer type..did’nt he win a Championship in the WNBA with the Detroit Shock? Anyone who knows how to implement a solid defensive scheme will be fine with me!

You always speak my mind, I love your posts all the time.

By Ken Strickland

May 5, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

For those of you who think you want D’Antoni as our next HC, think again. His style of OFF is totally PG dependent and requires prolific shooters. In case you haven’t noticed, we don’t have a SNash type PG or the prolific shooters either. But most importantly, DEF is a very low priority with him and you don’t win titles without DEF.

If Marc Jackson isn’t hired by his former team, the Knicks, he would be my choice. I’ve heard him comment enough to know he’d have the Hawks focus on playing an uptempo OFF and pressuring the ball on DEF. There’s no doubt he would develop and use his bench. As a former PG, he’d have a tremendous impact on ALaws development, and Salim’s as well if he’s retained.

By Sautee

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

My mea culpa:

In my continuing efforts to help control the hyperbole on this blog, I’ll have to admit that my saying Koncak was MUCH more productive than Sheldon was a little over the top. More productive - yes, but not that much. Still, it was Steve T’s example of Koncak as the nadir of his Hawks experience that I felt had to be compared to Sheldon given their overall #5 slots.

I’m going to reread before hitting send. And hope that I’ve still got SOME credibility.

And as long as I’m owning up, the Hawks matched up to the Celts better than I gave them credit for - at least at Philips. The games in Boston were about as I feared.

peace

By A Thinking Fan

May 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Tony Soprano You have it ALL WRONG! Actually Stern & the NBA are upset with the Hawk’s org (management situation). They wanted the Celtics to run us in 4!

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 5, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Ken’s right on the money with his concerns regarding D’Antoni. I’ve said before and I’ll say again that he would instantly make this team better, but his deficiencies as a defensive coach are well documented. Woody, for all his faults, has done a good job instilling a defensive mindset in the young players on this team. Even a guy like Marvin who has been clueless on defense most of his career has gotten a lot better just in this series. I don’t want to bring in a coach that’s gonna de-emphasize defense to the point where our young players start slacking off on D at this still early stage in their development.

And like Ken said the Phoenix style offense works best with shooters. When the Nash-Amare pick and roll was the centerpiece of the offense it worked because Amare is an incredible athlete and finisher and there were shooters to spread the floor and give the two of them room to operate. When it was Nash and Diaw running the pick and roll Diaw, being unable to score himself, found it really easy to kick out to shooters on the perimeter.

I have said before, and still think, that the offense Rick Adelman ran in Sacramento would work pretty well with these players, with some minor tweaks. Sac-town, contrary to popular belief, didn’t run all that much even though they scored a lot of points — obviously the Hawks would change that. But the basic structure of their half-court offense could be applied here with Josh Smith playing the role of C-Webb in the high post (I still think a good coach can harness his passing ability and make him a legit 20-10-5 guy), Joe being your main perimeter threat, Horford being your primary low-post scorer, and Acie Law being your penetrating point guard who can knock down shots. If Childress is retained the Princeton-style back cuts featured in that offense would be ideal for him, since he already spends most of his time on the court around the basket anyway. We would still need to acquire a long-range shooter and some big man depth, which I think we should try to get in return when we trade Bibby.

I have no idea what kind of coach Mark Jackson will be, and as we’ve seen before coaches often say one thing and then do something completely different, but I do know that these smart, unselfish, but somewhat limited point guards have done pretty well as coaches (Nate McMillan, Mo Cheeks, Avery Johnson… you could even possibly throw Scott Skiles in there). So maybe giving him a shot is a pretty good idea.

By HawkFan4Life

May 5, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

All of the fans calling for Knight and Woody to be fired must be perfect. Yeah, they’ve gotten a few things wrong along the way but they have also gotten a few right. Check out some of the comments that regulars on the site made on the eve of the draft…most were dead wrong about Horford

draft day dumbness

By SalimFan

May 5, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

For The D’Antoni thing to work, Salim Would have to stay and J-Rich would be very important. I could work. Just get D’Antonit one of the best defensive assistant coaches in the business (and of cours BK would have to let him know that he doen’t have any say-so as far as defense in concerned PERIOD)

Also David Andersen is a 3pt shooting big man so that would work to our advantage

I still would rather get Avery Johnson……..times running out though, I hear chicago is really after him, Woody needs to be let go immediately.

BA Tell it like it is!!!! I completely agree. Everyone knows the cheap azz ASG doesn’t make moves without a pourpose. Why would they bring Bibby here if they wern’t going to keep him? They dumped a whole lotta sorry contracts just to make space.

By richbrave

May 5, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

BA:

Regarding BIBBY, to me he looked like a chump when the Celts meant business. When the greenies weren’t all over him, he did well. He just looked too short when it was necessary to stand tall. I’m just sayin’.

But the last game, the HAWKS team was green. They just weren’t into the intensity thing in the first 10 which put the pressure on. Then they came unglued. No big deal. They’re learnin’. But BIBBY has play-off experience. Could he do anything about it.? That’s the crux of the problem, and the solution. He just didn’t look up to the challenge without more skilled help. Which JOE JOHNSON echoed in his comments to Ledbetter.

ANDO’s point about salary is very valid. Off BIBBY’s performance in the playoffs, I’m sure glad the ASG has to make the hard decisions about his stayin’ or goin’, and I’m glad I don’t.

By BA

May 5, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Rich, I’m not saying Bibby is the next Bob Cousy or anything. And yeah, his playoffs performance was lousy. But the Hawks are clearly better with him than without. And as awful as these games in Boston made him look, I don’t think you make any decision based on three games against the best defensive team in the league.

By Ken Strickland

May 5, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

If Woodson is rehired, then BK will have to go. After all, BK did try to fire Woodson on 3 occasions. It would be just another dysfunctional relationship to go along with our ownership mess.

Bibby improved our overall OFF, especially our outside shooting, but he wasn’t consistent, especially the way Woodson overplayed him. On the other end, he made us a poorer DEF team. He doesn’t effectively pressure the ball or prevent entry passes. Upon Bibby’s arrival, our OFF output increased 9ppg, but our DEF gave up an additional 9ppg. We need a PG that can maintain or increase our OFF PPG, but decrease DEF PPG allowed.

This is why I’m in favor of trading Bibby and his expiring contract. Take the money we’re now giving him and spend it on Calderon. He’s younger, quicker, faster, bigger and a much better penetrator and DEF player. His ability to penetrate and dish makes it easier for his teammates, especially excellent spotup shooters like Marvin, JJ, Childress and Horford. We’ve seen how ineffective Bibby is when his jumpshot isn’t working. On the other hand, Calderon can still be effective because of his ability to consistently penetrate and break down the DEF.

Imagine the difference he would have made if he had been our PG instead of Bibby. If Boston couldn’t stop Acie, what could they have possibly done with Calderon. With he and Acie running the team, we could maintain an uptempo OFF and apply DEF pressure for 4qtrs. Resign both Joshes, add another servicable BIG, and we can immediately challenge for the Eastern Conference Title and a NBA championship.

AND THEN MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, WE CAN FINALLY PERSUADE OUR FRIEND ANDO TO GET PAST HIS OBSESSION WITH PG’s BK COULDA SHOULDA DRAFTED, HEH, HEH.

By BA

May 5, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Nice work, Hawksfanforlife. So Sekou wanted Conley?! Our resident genius ando wanted Noah? Or YI?! In fairness though, I don’t think ANYONE expected Horford to be as good as he is.

By mykhalc

May 5, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

BA, i’m with ya on BIBBY. again, i am a big ACIE fan and have been so since camp. but what i don’t want to do is take 2 steps back now. and to me, not givin’ BIBBY the opportunity to run this team for the entire year next year would do that. because now you have good PGs on the 1st and 2nd units. those are 2 positions, right now, that the team does NOT have to address!!! and if one doesn’t think that BIBBY has not made an impact on ACIE’s performance would be mistaken IMHO.

i’d truly be surprised if BIBBY is moved, especially if the BASG is tryin’ to keep the core together. but who knows??? maybe they move BIBBY, don’t re-sign either of the JOSHes, bring in a new GM and HC!!! when i think about it, this franchise could do any number of things!!! some just more F’d up than others!!!!

By cp

May 5, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Najeh Davenpoop you made a lot of great points. I think D’Antoni would be an upgrade but we would need some pieces to make his offense effective. I would love to run the old offense the Kings ran but we need a coach with some type of imagination. Ken I would love to get Calderon but I dont see Toronto letting him go. They would rather get rid of TJ Ford and keep Calderon than keeping Ford and letting Calderon get away. Either way Calderon will be getting a big raise this summer.

By Boheezy

May 5, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

I’m happy with the season and the Hawks effort. I look forward to the Offseason. I just want to know how long will it be before we can do one of those things that we did with Terrell Brandon’s contract with Speedy’s. He’s a big waste. It’s funny Hawks have Speedy, Braves have Hampton and the Falcons have Abraham.

By richbrave

May 5, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

KEN STRICK:

Sorry man, the Wizards are gonna’ replace Arenas with Calderon.

By infamouskrs

May 5, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

ANDO you keep doin’ what you’re doin’….i always respected and appreciated your posts! funny how when you’re gone…everyone’s always wondering where you’re at..you must be saying something right!

maybe you should become a boxing promoter…given how easy you’re able to “ruffle feathers” around here! (no pun intended Harry Hawk)

Ray hit it on the head…”does anyone not remember the 4 BLOWOUTS”? i for one…believe that we only tapped the team potential this year. Billy , i my own opinion, does not deserve the credit. “FLAWED ROSTER” when you have that many top 6 picks you’re going to be floating between 25-40 every year, THE ARE PROS! imagine if we had “set” plays that didn’t always involve runnin’ down the floor and immediately dishin’ to JJ. can you point out in any of those 7 games where the team looked like they actually had a game plan for the entire 48 minutes…maybe even 24 minutes…or what about 12 minutes? not me, not a single quarter!

youth can win on skill alone (alas 37 wins)….but championship teams are coached!

i’m not one for wanting to be a bottom-feeding team, all year, that around the final 2 weeks of the season is hanging around crossing-fingers to secure an 8th seed.

this is the NBA ! PRO LEVEL BASKETBALL. the league expects the best…WELL SO do us fans..EVERY YEAR! NBDL+College is where you wait for talent to develop…not the freakin’ N-B-A !

and as for Billy not drafting players for us fans…yeah, he doesn’t….but to have passed on franchise cornerstone-type players that were “immediate needs” and end up going with the “best player + NBA ready player” choices when you continually have top 6 picks every year, am i missing something? and 4 YEARS into that project you’re only able to muster a 37 game win total in the EAST? TOP 6 PICKS EVERY YEAR!

By ray

May 5, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

BA and SalimFan, I say this hoping that I’m not stepping on your toes. While not actively seeking an argument, I’ll say that my point of view is decidedly different in the Bibby trade.

First, let’s rewind a bit. Bibby is definitely an offensive upgrade to the veteran point guards we’ve had. I was excited to see him come here. However, he is not a defensive upgrade, nor is he consistent from game to game on either end of the floor. So, we must ask ourselves why Sacramento was shopping him. And make no mistake, he was being shopped. Actively. The easiest and most centered answer is that they already had their pg of the future who was already turning in numbers that were almost the same as the veteran pg. And here’s the catch: the young pg of the future is making less than $600,000. The veteran is making $14.5 million. Which would you keep?

Now let’s go a step further. Sacramento wasn’t losing anything. They were getting a huge contract off the books while getting several “trash” contracts that are soon to come off the books, meanwhile paving the way for their new pg, who will still make much less than Bibby when he re-signs. In the meantime, Atlanta gets a veteran pg with some value.

Here’s what it means for us: We get a veteran pg that Woody can trust to finish out the season. While Bibby is the single largest reason we got just enough wins to make the playoffs, let’s not forget HOW we made the playoffs. We made them because Indiana (a team who owned the season tie-breaker with us) choked. If you recall, we could’ve made them earlier, but we kept choking…We made the playoffs the day Indy lost to Washington. After that, we just had to sit there and wait, which we evidently did, losing the majority of our games after that (some of which were VERY winnable).

Now, the fact that Bibby has some value and ability is obvious. What should also be obvious is the fact that he has a BIG expiring contract. While I don’t mean anything negative by saying this…I have to say that in the world of NBA business, Bibby’s biggest attraction characteristic right now is his expiring contract. Any team that gets him does get a good pg. But they also get a somewhat inconsistent, recently injured, defensive liability…who’s contract takes a LOT of money off the books.

If you think that Knight and the ASG didn’t think much about the expiring contract when they sought Bibby, then you haven’t been following their path and methods for the past several years. These guys have been well known for dealing in expiring contracts to gain cap space and what not. Rather than ask the question of why would they trade for a guy and then not keep him, ask the question why would they keep him at his production level, AND pay him that much money?

By Ken Strickland

May 5, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t be upset if we ended up with TJ Ford. He’s quick, fast and can pressure the ball. Besides, he’d be less costly than Calderon. With Acie, and a one man fast break like Calderon or Ford, even Woodson would have a hard time slowing our OFF down.

Remember, our DEF problems started when we traded PG AJohnson. He pressured the ball, forced teams to take a few more sec to set up their OFF and made entry passes more difficult. Realistically, we’re just a quick, fast PG, a servicable BIG, and the signing of 2 restricted FA’s named Josh from possibly representing the Eastern Conference in next yrs finals.

By ray

May 5, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Guys, how can some of you complain about “blowing” up the roster in one sentence, then say that we need Mike D’Antoni in the next? The fact is, that would require blowing up the roster. We don’t have 90% of the pieces needed for him to be effective. And as several have already said, D’Antoni is an offensive-minded coach. I’m not going any further with that one…other than to say that our team is NOT built to outscore opponents. I think most of us know why.

Also, why are people defining roster tweaks and changes as “blowing up” the team. Trading one, two, or even three players is NOT blowing up the team. Trading JJ, Smoove, Marvin, and Chill, or Horford IS “blowing up the team.” Stop calling it something it’s not. If tweaks and changes are blow-ups then damn near every team in the league blew itself up this past year.

Sautee, if anything you’ve gained credibility from what I’ve seen. No Mea Culpa necessary, although admitting to mistakes or possibly exaggeration or fudging of facts/opinions only helps one’s credibility. Your insights are always very solid. I think I speak for some others when I say that….

Ken Strickland, you’ve really hit every nail on the head. NICE points!

Infamouskrs, that is what I believe Billy must be judged on. Giving Billy Knight credit for accumulating a lot of young talent is not unlike telling a guy he’s a financial wizard because he got rich by picking up a suitcase full of money that somebody abandoned. I mean really, the guy has been picking in or near the lottery for how many years straight now?

Billy has been in a position to pick up this young talent. He almost couldn’t NOT do it. The difference however (between a good gm and not so good), is picking up the MOST talent and the RIGHT talent. It’s about picking the talent that will either make your team better, or leveraging that talent as an asset to acquire what will make your team better. It’s about balancing a roster and filling the holes. It’s about knowing whether you want to match the roster to the coach or the coach to the roster. If you pick the coach, you have to give him the tools that he needs to make his system work. If you’re going to pick the roster first, then you match it up with a coach that can make use of the tools you have.

This Billy has not done for the most part.

By fudd21

May 5, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Ken I don’t disagree with a servicable BIG, but I think more importantly than that is a second scorer/shooter. We have got to get someone in here that can take the pressure off JJ and make teams pay when they double/triple team him.

All championship teams have at least 2 go to guys, we have one. I think game 7 was a perfect indication that when we really needed someone to get us a basket, as Boston was taking the ball out of JJ hands, we had no where to turn.

Now if you beleive that Marvin, Josh, or Big Al can develop into that second scorer thats another story. But all of them have questions about whether they can be the second guy and even if they do, it’s not going to happen overnight.

I just hope something happens before JJ contract expires. The man said at the beginning of the season we needed veterans and again once the season is over. To me I think he is simply saying I need some help. I can’t do this by myself and the other guys arent ready yet. Heck anyone would get tired of being the best playmaker, shooter, scorer, and defender for 3 straight years.

By Ken Strickland

May 5, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

RAY-I don’t like it when you start making more sense than me. Of course, that’s not necessarily a difficult thing to do these days. heh, heh. Keeping Bibby makes absolutely no sense. If we don’t trade him, we’ll have to pay him a lot of money next yr and then lose him with no compensation. That puts us right back where we were before trading for him, except we won’t have another PG on our roster other than Acie.

We’ve already seen how adding a PG like Bibby improved our team. Just imagine how much more a quicker, faster, more consistent, DEF minded PG could improve our team.

By ray

May 5, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Ken, don’t forget one decent head coach, LOL!!

Seriously, the only thing about Ford is his health questions. I’d be nervous about those, especially considering how unprepared we evidently were in evaluating a certain other ball-pressuring pg that we signed not too long ago….

Realistically, we could make a VERY serious run at getting either guy (preferring Calderon of course). We could put Toronto in a very tough position where they would have to make a tough decision that is likely to end in our favor. But we’d have to move quickly, and it would involve shipping Mike Bibby out….which some people evidently think is a big no-no…and I disagree with that sentiment. For details, ask Ando.

Don’t get me wrong, I like Bibby. But he’s not our future. And his contract does expire next year, which is when one of the more celebrated bidding wars will occur, as the 2009 free agent class will be verrrry interesting. So, it behooves us to clear the cap space and get value while we can. After next year, do we seriously consider re-signing Bibby for so much money? No. And if we don’t ship him now, we lose all value, because he then becomes an unrestricted FA at the end of his contract. I don’t want to smell another Al Harrington type of deal here…

Either way, Bibby has to be replaced. But with the development of Acie Law, we wouldn’t have to pay so much for a veteran, as we wouldn’t need a front-runner/starter to play 30+ a game. But getting someone like Calderon…that changes the dynamics of our capabilities altogether.

By BA

May 5, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry, Ray. I don’t even have toes on the internet. And I hear your (valid) points. But Bibby’s production during the season is a different thing than his regular season numbers. We don’t MAKE the playoffs without this guy. Of course Sac. wanted to get rid of him, because they’re doing what the Hawks did three years ago- cleaning house and starting over. The four awful (and they were AWFUL) Boston games are not enough to convince me that you have to break up the (potentially) best back court in the east. Just like I refuse to believe these owners are stupid enough to let either Smith or Childress walk (or be traded) just because they won’t suck up the excess payroll for one year so this team can go after the three seed. If that WERE the case, they would have vetoed the Bibby trade in the first place.

By mykhalc

May 5, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

KEN, your points are solid, no doubt except the ‘no compensation’ comment. compensation is the ‘expired’ contract that is then off the books to allow the franchise to pursue ‘ANY’ FA!!! thus my argument for keepin’ BIBBY next year!!!

despite all that’s said and his showin’, he is the 2nd shooter/scorer, or threat that was needed in the startin’ 5. yeah he can be replaced but i’m just sayin’…

By g-thang

May 5, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

personally, i would like to see dominique get a shot at bein’ the GM. he was a great player for the hawks and the organization owes him and needs to take care of him. look at dumars and detroit, ainge and boston.

‘Nique for GM. we need a new coach don’t matter

By infamousrks

May 5, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

i like your term Ray…”NBA BUSINESS”. if you’ve been following this team through the years, like myself, you’ve learned to not get too attached to the players. it seems like every jab that’s thrown at a player around here is immediately attacked by someone that acts like a relative! this reason alone is why i’ve stopped buying new jerseys that aren’t throwbacks! the very next year 3-4 players are with different teams and those jerseys end up on E-BAY !

i’m all about what’s best for the franchise! i don’t (for the most part) care about who’s representing the Hawks squad ,as players, as long as they are coachable and are willing to “tweak” their games according to the team’s need!

MEDIOCRITY from a PRO TEAM ,year in and year out, should not be tolerated!

By Ben (Raptors Fan in TO)

May 5, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Richbrave, great idea for the Wizards, but there is no way Toronto will let Calderon go to Washington. Remember, Calderon is a restricted free agent —- Toronto retains the right to match any offer.

CP was correct. The feel in Toronto is that Calderon won over many fans, and his pass-first mentality makes him the perfect floor general for the Raptors. Ford is (unfairly) being grilled as an expendable ball-hog by some beat writers up here.

I like TJ Ford’s game —- he is a scoring machine, and unlike those beat writers, I don’t want to see him go anywhere. But I also know the Raptors are in dire need of defensive help. Ford would be a great fit with the Hawks, because he would be surrounded by better rebounders and be counted on to concentrate on scoring points. Face it, Johnson needs bonafide help from the back court and I don’t think Bibby is a long term solution.

Of course, the salary cap issues have to be worked out, but I could see a possible trade where the rights to Josh Smith and another player come to Toronto for Ford and either Jamario Moon or Joey Graham (or both). What do you think?

By infamousrks

May 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

i’m so sick and tired of the word “REBUILDING” ! we had players….they just weren’t used “at all” or “not enough”. COACHING PROBLEM, PEOPLE!

we had great opportunities with draft picks and we didn’t use them correctly! GM PROBLEM, PEOPLE!

are all of you comfortable with SNEAKING into the playoffs?

By infamousrks

May 5, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

i’m thinking SEKOU is M.I.A for the sole reason of seeing if this blog can reach 500 posts….just guessin’ !

500…..almost like the record this team was definently capable of reaching……….without a coach!

By Harry Hawk

May 5, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

It wouldn’t make a lot of sense for the Hawks to trade Bibby and overpay for Calderon (who I can’t possibly see the Raptors letting get away unless he truly is overpaid by a huge margin) with lottery-pick PG Acie Law riding the pine. Acie would almost certainly have to be moved if Calderon were added.

Since I don’t see any way we’d get Calderon (and T.J. Ford’s injury history is not worth taking a chance on over Acie), I believe it would be better to let Acie grow into the starting PG role along with a coach who knows how to deal with a young, talented PG. I guess that’s why I’m on the Avery Johnson bandwagon. At least the guy knows how to develop a young PG (Devin Harris) and coach defense. The Mavs did actually run offensive sets with Avery at the helm. As most people here would agree, the current roster of Hawks needs more structure from the coaching staff.

Whatever roster changes are made this offseason, the Hawks will not be a better team until they start to play like an actual basketball team with solid, sound offensive and defensive philosophies.

By Ken Strickland

May 5, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

MYKHALC-I understand your reference to my “NO COMPENSATION” comment. However, if we keep Bibby and allow his contract to expire, won’t we have to use the savings to sign a FA PG that yr. Since we don’t have any 1st or 2nd rd draft picks this yr, doing a sign and trade might give us one or two. Why not resolve our PG issues now rather than wait an entire yr.

In both options we get rid of his contract. But, by doing a sign and trade we get compensation in addition to losing his contract. W then get to persue our FA PG this off season rather than waiting another yr. Remember, WHY PUT OFF UNTIL TOMORROW SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE TODAY.

RAY-I am well aware of Ford’s health issues, but I’m also aware of Bibby’s as well. Besides, Ford is more versatile and better equipped than Bibby to play extended mins, which he’d have to do if Woodson is retained. Also, playing in an fastbreaking uptempo OFF like ours would expose Ford to less physical play than a half court OFF like he’s playing in now.

As far as a new head coach is concerned, I am concerned with only a few things. (1)Develop and utilized our young players and our bench.

(2)Maintain an uptempo OFF and pressure DEF.

(3)Design an OFF that takes advantage of MWilliams’ exceptional shooting skills.

(4)Be versatile, flexible and able to adjust to change.

By MannyT

May 5, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

The next blog seems slow to come. May as well start to get my 2 cents in.

Candidate qualifying is now done for all the real politicos. Now is the time that I throw my hat in the ring. I am running a summer Campaign for Responsible Athletic Professionals, yes CRAP. These folks can be players, coaches, GMs, owners, or anyone in the direct pay for play food chain…which usually ends with…CRAP if done well. If not, we end up with Professional Athletics Ineffective Normalization, yup PAIN

My CRAP has only 2 core points.

1. I want an enjoyable fan experience.
2. I want to see reasonable efforts to improve the team each season.

I doubt I’ll say much about #1 during the offseason, but I expect to see lot’s of #2 coming out all summer.

Will the big CRAPpers be ASG, Belkin, BK, Woody, new basketball management, new players? Too fuzzy to know at the moment, but I expect some flushing to clear up matters this summer. Hopefully things don’t get stuck, that would bring the PAIN.

Of larger concern for most is #2. Now that the season has closed, there are a few pressing questions that linger for me regardless of the major personnel decisions that are coming for management and players. Whomever holds the key jobs will need to answer these questions and implement those answers successfully.

a. What are we going to do to raise the overall level of the team, i.e. better players at key positions.

b. What are we going to do to maximize the usage of the players we have, i.e. play to their strengths.

While I haven’t gotten into my new Woody rant which isn’t that different from my old Woody rant, I do not expect to see much of him for the summer regardless of his job status, so we break out one of the two summer sign offs.

CRAP

By infamousrks

May 5, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith will be a very desired FreeAgent…guaranteed! the guy needs more off-season tudoring. some one that can show him that he needs to engage those hops, on a more consistent basis, on the OFFENSIVE floor! TAKE IT TO THE HOLE…ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!

suggestions: DOMINIQUE MOSES KWILLIS

who hard is this?

in-house answers (some only a phone call away..not in TEXAS) !

we can’t lose this kid….if he was 30 and still making the same “bonehead” mistakes….i could see the arguement!

By ray

May 5, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

BA, well we agree to disagree. Best backcourt in the East? Hmmm. I haven’t seen the evidence of that yet. Not consistent evidence. And during the playoffs? How about for three games that might have been close to the best…while for 4 games, I would’ve preferred Acie Law. Sounds harsh, but it’s what it is.

Mykhalc, that’s a gamble. Simple and plain. Not a gamble I’d like to see us take. We pay that much to have Bibby for one year and probably never again. So what’s the future plan at pg then? Hope Acie pans out while Woodson (assume he’s still here) continues to NOT develop him and Bibby is gone (because we can’t afford to continue to pay him the way he’s been paid), meanwhile having no back-up for Acie? Or better yet, unsuccessfully wade into the FA market again for another re-tread? That sounds more like rebuilding than building to me…

Infamouskrs, that’s the attitude one must have. The NBA is a business. Not always a fun fact, but always a fact.

By Harry Hawk

May 5, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

I know who can back up Acie!

Speedy!

“ˇÁndale! ˇÁndale! ˇArriba! ˇArriba!”

(Happy Cinco de Mayo.)

By MannyT

May 5, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Depending on your age, we could have Barry Allen or Wally West at PG, but it won’t matter until there is a commitment to the style of play that makes speed important. If we are going to shy away from the up tempo helter skelter game, I’d prefer not to bring TJ Ford in here.

Why have another asset that we don’t use properly?

We have to address the GM first, coach second, then build/rebuild the team.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that I’m in the keep BK camp. Why keep BK? First, I put his efforts in the middle of the GM pack. Second, the Ando rants about why you won’t get a good coach in this organization could be used about as well for the GM. How many good GM talents are lining up to work for the ASG, the LA Clippers, Al Davis, or Dan Snyder?

Most BK concerns are with his drafting, not trading. There are no draft picks so he won’t draft another swing man.

He does a decent job evaluating the value of current players, so let it ride.

For the Craig Claxton comments coming, I doubt anyone foresaw this level of injury on the horizon. Compare his average level of production pre-Hawks to what we were getting. He got a little over the mid level exception to become a starter.

If the ASG disagrees, let him go quickly so the next GM can get in place to evaluate Woody and the coaching options. None of this Dan Snyder hire a staff first, coach last foolishness. That’s akin to dumping my long term girl, then setting up my entire married life (house, cars, etc, etc) THEN looking for a wife.

CRAP

By terrell barron

May 5, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Hiring Dantoni would be about like when Detroit lost Larry Brown and hired Flip Saunders. Defense not as good, offense a little better. I’m not comparing Woodson to Brown, but they have the same philosophies.

By mykhalc

May 5, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

KEN, i’m followin’ you bro. BUT..LOL…i guess where i differ is that i DO think the PG situation is in place for the next year!! personally, i think the franchise should concentrate as much as it can on signin’ the JOSHes or whomever along with findin’ ‘that’ needed 5!!! ‘cause if ACIE gets another year under BIBBY then he’s ready to truly take over and then with BIBBY’s contract expired the BASG can use some of the cash for a young backup PG behind ACIE. all kinda ways to approach it. that would just be mine.;-)

By MannyT

May 5, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

New blog up

Bring yours—be it CRAP or PAIN