AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRound 2!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
SMYRNA - I’m ready this time.
Got my snacks coming (turkey and cheese sammich courtesy of Wifey and an assortment of fine non-alcoholic beverages).
The only thing missing from Game 2 of these NBA Finals is a definitive answer on the Hawks’ coaching situation, which I know all of you are clamoring for these days.
Hawks general manager Rick Sund and coach Mike Woodson are still in the formative stages of their relationship. They’re still trying to get through the first few days. After speaking with Sund last week and with Woodson earlier this afternoon, it’s clear to me that the first priority for both sides is to come to some sort of agreement on how to proceed with Woodson as coach. But nothing appears set in stone just yet.
(Sund is also meeting with players and other staffers regularly since coming to town and is doing a rather thorough job of kicking over every rock to gain access to every bit of information he can about this team before making any official decisions. Having spoken with players and agents in the past seven days, they all seem to be impressed with his line of questioning and his forthright approach to the entire process.)
So in the absence of “news” on that front, can we yap a bit about basketball in general and these NBA Finals in particular?
The only thing worse than the fortnight of inactivity leading up to Game 1 was the seemingly endless two days between Games 1 and 2.
Even Wifey, no big fan of the game (or any sport for that matter), asked why there was no game on last night.
I couldn’t come up with a good answer and reminded her that she might want to rejoice in that fact with college football season just a couple months away.
Back to the game, though.
Could the build up be any more ridiculous? Bill Russell’s going to give KG one of his championship rings if he doesn’t get one the old fashioned way … man come on. I know the NBA and its broadcast partners are trying to facilitate drama here, but can we dispense with all the foolishness and just get to the basketball.
Fans were captivated by competitive games, thrilling series and superstar turns by players throughout the first three rounds of these playoffs (when TNT led the way with the best coverage the NBA gets) and now we’re going to dazzle everybody with staged sit down interviews and Jimmy Kimmel as a lead-in? Ridiculous.
And if they can’t find anybody more exciting to do the National Anthem in LA, I might skip that part for Games 3, 4 and 5. The old cat (James Taylor) for Game 1 was a complete bore. And then we get the Boston Pops tonight. Snore. Marvin Gaye’s version at the old LA Forum is my all time favorite.
I feel myself getting a bit bitter already, so I’ll stop here and keep hitting you up during the game.
Comments
By Sekou K. Smith
June 8, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Gasol just crammed on KG and my man Trevor Ariza is already on the floor. This is a good start to the action.
By Sautee
June 8, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Sekou, don’t you know that turkey makes you sleepy? ;-)
I’ll be setting up to tape and going to sleep earlier than you did Thursday.
Enjoy, and thanks for all your good work.
By Sautee
June 8, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
OK, I’m gone. I didn’t tune in to watch free throws.
peace
By new jersey faithful
June 8, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Who cares if the Hawks arent in it!! It sucks watching the NBA(unless its the Hawks of course), I love to play basketball, but its painful to watch these babies dance around cry! I really hope this Sund character is seriously thinking about REsigning Woodson. I have said all along that the Hawks making the playoffs mave have been enough to convince whoever makes decisions that Woody deserves more time. Taking the Celtics to game 7 might have doomed us all in the long run!!!! I pray im wrong!
By Sekou K. Smith
June 8, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Leon Powe ate his Wheaties this morning. He and the rest of these Celtics subs are the reason the home team is up eight (30-22) right now.
By Sekou K. Smith
June 8, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Come on Sautee, stay up with a brotha and watch the Celtics and Lakers do the dang thang.
By HB Ando
June 8, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Powe, just one in a litany of under-sized PF’s, taken in the second round, or as free agents, who are clearly, and immediately, better than Shelden Williams.
Ugghh. While both men are gone (Billy and Shelden, who’s obvious weaknesses as a player will forever leave him victimized by Billy’s baffling decision to draft him with the 5th pick), the haunting memory, and the damage it did to the franchise, will live on for no less than a decade.
By HB Ando
June 8, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Pierce is not looking like a guy who needed a wheelchair to get off the floor, mere nights ago…
By HB Ando
June 8, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Ray-Ray seems to have gotten his mojo back….
He looked so uncertain during all but the last game against the Pistons. It speaks volumes about what a difference it makes when you have a full-time green light, as your teams’ unquestionable #1 option, and how distracting it can be, to even a all-time great shooter, like Allen, when you have to start thinking about whether you should pull the trigger or not.
If Allen can maintain his confidence, and rhythm, it’s all the difference for which Celtics’ team is on the floor.
By Cousin Cledus
June 8, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Hey Sakeou, I’m gelus. Yore eatin turky sammichs an awl I had was skwirl. Maybee if I wer a milyon dolur bawler, I kuld a ford wheeties. I dont care much fer that Peerce feller. He’s a faker. Down with Bostun!
By Cousin Floyd
June 8, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Whats the skor, Sakeou?
By Cousin Sally
June 8, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Thats write, cuzin cledus. doun with bostin! Somebody shuld thro there t in tha bostin harbur.
Doun with bostin!
By Najeh Davenpoop
June 8, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
I’m no Laker fan, but damn, fouls #2 and #3 on Kobe Bryant were exactly the opposite of what a good referee crew would call. Regardless of who wins I don’t wanna see the refs decide the game. Right now the Lakers are playing 5-on-8.
In Hawks news, has Rick Sund shook hands with Steve Belkin yet?
By HB Ando
June 8, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
I’m searching for any possible way that I could find myself clever if I were to offer up these gut-busting “cousin” posts…..
Nope, no luck.
This seems to be one of those unique instances where the intended character is actually every bit as moronic as the author.
Now that’s pretty funny.
By Cousin Cledus
June 8, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
It iz won 2 nuthin, Floid. There playin gaim to. How wuz the posim stu? I rekun yoo cant eet nuthin else nows that yer teef fell owt. Mama will sind you sum mashd potatows an gravy. Do you want biskits two? Down with Bostun!
By manOfAction
June 8, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Ok, I’m waiting on kobe to take over, things are getting out of hand
By Cousin Sally
June 8, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Wooooooeeee! Doun with bostin! I nead mor shine. Doun with bostin, thats write… doun with bostin! Woooo Whooo!
By Clyde
June 8, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Bye Bye Woody
By Cousin Sally
June 8, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Does tha hb feller spell funny? He thanks hes smartur and bet’r than us, cuzins. Somebody give him sum shine. Losen his atitude up a bit.
By kj
June 8, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
I’m starting to be reminded of game 7 against the hawks. But I Gotta ask, Does anyone else other than me believe that the NBA is fixed? Either that or the refs have a lot riding on the celtics to win it all.
By Cousin Cledus
June 8, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
H BANDO, yoo maid poor Floid cry. He cant help that his brain dont work well as hours. Yoo should apawlagize. Down with Bostun and mean folks two!
By Cousin Sally
June 8, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
If cuzin festus finds owt, he will be very upset with you, hbando. I recomind you be nyse.
By RealSquawk
June 8, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
At some times it really is hard for me to believe the NBA isn’t fixed in some way.
I hate to think that though
By terrell barron
June 8, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
The Lakers are in trouble. They’ll have to win all 3 at home and then 1 out of 2 in Boston. And I cant see that happening.
By The Grinch
June 8, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
This doesn’t even look competitive. And Paul Pierce’s knee injury was BS; I said so when it happened. Good theater, though. Kobe’s gonna shoot Rackmanovic with a 9 before this is all over with.
By SalimFan
June 8, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Stevo,
Just to wrap up. Joe Johnson usually sciored around 13 ppg in the first half(24 min) of a game. So it’s a no brainer to state hat if his minutes were cut in half his points would drop from around 21 to 14…..do you follow.
In stating that it is equally likely that doubling salims minutes on a consistant baisis (40 min….baisically the whole game) would up his scoring average.
Logic is also defined as a particular method of reasoning or argumentation
In other words stevo, yes I WAS using logic.
And no, Salim is not the greatest ever, but I am a big fan lol.
I don’t mind a competitive argument over salim, but your level of bashing him like he doesn’t even deserve a roster spot is just kind of obsurd….I could see if you were talking about Slava Medvadenko or Kwame Brown but salim, come on.
By HB Ando
June 8, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
TB, in general, and historically, logic would be in your corner (and I’m not saying I disagree with you). BUT, Boston has been about as bad a road playoff team as any legit contender has ever been.
SO, if any team could lose 3 straight, on the road, after 2 really strong wins at home, it would be Boston (see, Hawks, Atlanta, round 1).
Boston looks really good heading to LA. But Big Brown looked pretty damn solid heading to Belmont, as well.
By HB Ando
June 8, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Wow, 4 points and a minute left. Another 4th quarter fade by the C’s. We’ll know in minutes whether this one is fatal….
By HB Ando
June 8, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Dang, SS, looks like you ate the turkey, and joined Sautee in sleepy land….
Certainly the odds are against the Lakers now. But, as I just mentioned, if any team can give up 3 straight, on the road, to the Lakers, no less, it’s this Boston team.
Guess we’ll see.
This is still way cooler than watching Detroit or Cleveland play against San Antonio…..
By Sekou K. Smith
June 8, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
2-0 Celtics lead. This is a grimy bunch. The Lakers almost had a shot to come back and get this thing but David Stern’s favorite guys (international hoopers) came up empty in the final seconds. I don’t know how in the world Kobe Bryant doesn’t get the ball with the Celtics up 106-102 and the Lakers needing at least two points to keep their comeback alive. But that’s a question for the Zenmaster.
By SalimFan
June 9, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Man LA gettin BEAT BAD like somebody’s stepchild. But we all know how fickle Boston is on the road. Besides LA isn’t Detroit. LA plays an up-tempo style most of the time. So regardless of a lead that Boston may get they’re probably going to cough it up.
By ray
June 9, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Hmmmph.
By Sekou K. Smith
June 9, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
Leon Powe ate his Wheaties man. The man scores 21 on 6-for-7 shooting from the floor. L. Powe, player of the game. And the Celtics will show up to LA up 2-0 and riding the momentum wave that the Lakers would have had if they could have finished off the miraculous comeback from that 24-point deficit.
Someone could have told me a month ago that the Celtics would take a 2-0 lead on whoever they played in the Finals and I would have laughed them out of the building.
Now, the biggest thing in the series will be if the Celtics can steal one of these three road games in LA. If they get any one of these next three the Lakers are done. All they need is one stinkin’ game.
By ray
June 9, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
I don’t know how the Lakers managed to keep it this close with the officiating…
Heh. I think they’re done, personally. But that doesn’t make it so. I’ll say two quick things though: Kobe hates to lose, and Bynum should be good and healthy next year.
By SalimFan
June 9, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
That game was kind of rediculous. Kobe, Odom, and Vlad Rad all got two fouls in the FIRST QUATER….What???
This is supposed to be the finals, everything is on the line and the refs pull this CRAP???
Everyone has been saying the playoffs this year have been fixed to get Boston and LA to the top of the summit to duke it out.
LA Fans I feel your PAIN……
By Sekou K. Smith
June 9, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
The officiating was horrible as usual. But I always think it’s horrible so I’m not terribly objective in that regard. If the free throw numbers swing dramatically in LA, the cries of the NBA being high-priced theatre will be loudest in Boston.
That said, the Lakers aren’t playing with any force. They’re settling for jump shots instead of attacking the Celtics early. I’d go at the rim as often as possible. But that’s the way I think works against everyone.
By dmortone
June 9, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
Watching this game gave me new perspective on Mike Woodson. One thing he does right is coach defense because even on the celtics court, besides that abysmal game 7, we never let the celtics chew through us offensively like the lakers did. Defense wasn’t the problem for the Hawks.
Now don’t get me wrong, i think Woody needs to go because he doesn’t utilize our offensive weapons near their potential, but i’ll give him credit where credit is due.
By HB Ando
June 9, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
Ray, turn on your cell, unless you just slinked away from Jen for a quick post and aren’t allowed to get on your phone.
By HB Ando
June 9, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
Sekou, I hear what you’re saying, but you are losing some of your objectivity. I know you, and it’s not fair to impose how easy it would be for you to get to the rim, if you were playing for the Lakers. Give these cats a break.
I know Sekou Smith. And those Lakers, sir, are no Sekou Smith’s……..
By nahjay davnpoop
June 9, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this
it’s funny that the celtics dragged leon powe out of a downtown boston dumpster before the game and threw a jersey on him and told him to play.
and what do you know, he runs straight down the middle on an in-bounds pass and dunks the ball with TWO HANDS UNCONTESTED in the worst defensive play in finals history.
NOW DO YOU SEE WHAT AND 1 HAS DONE TO THIS GAME?
By SalimFan
June 9, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this
TeamWork
Hey you….Can’t you find a more original handle????
By Najeh Davenpoop
June 9, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this
The Lakers got robbed in that game, plain and simple. They had a slight edge at the end of the first quarter, by which time most of the ridiculous foul calls had occurred, and as the key players sat in the 2nd the Celtics outscored them by 14. Sekou, you are right about them settling for jumpers too much (and if they are gonna shoot jumpers, at least let Kobe shoot them, not freakin’ Sasha Vujacic with 12 seconds left) but if Kobe had been on the floor during the 2nd quarter I’m pretty convinced they would have won the game.
As for the Celtics, I don’t know what it says about the state of the NBA that the champion of the league can’t win a playoff game at Philips Arena…
By Najeh Davenpoop
June 9, 2008 3:03 AM | Link to this
The one thing I really would be concerned about if I was a Laker fan is the performance by Leon Powe, because that’s pretty likely to repeat itself with the Lakers’ lack of interior depth. They have to start moving the ball better.
By David Stern
June 9, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this
The fans at Philips Arena were great. I’m glad the fans of Atlanta witnessed three home playoff games after nine years of waiting. I’m really glad. That was not a wink, my friend. I think I got a little schmutz in my eye.
Be prepared for the Lakers to get a minimum of 40 free throw attempts in Games 3 and 4.
That wasn’t a wink. It was a facial tic. A tic, I said. What’s with the raised eyebrow? And again with the raised eyebrow!
(The NBA…where wacky hijinks happens!)
By I.MUS WRITE
June 9, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Jeezuz-Leon Powe is a grown azz man. That guy really goes hard in the paint Gasol/Odam should be ashamed.
HMMMMMM so now its Powe and P.Milsap who were drafted in the second round that are clearly better players than the guy we picked at #5….Shelldome will be out of the league in two years -what a shame.
The Lakers really look out of wack…. maybe sum home cooking will get them going. I really think Boston’s D is the real reason they look so bad…..How impressive is Rondo for a second year player………
Sekou -that dunk really was’nt that impressive,it was more of a drop shot…. KG’s crotch in your face dunk was better….. How about Gasol flalling like a candy azz tryn to foul when Powe went 94ft for that one dunk.
Terrell BARRON-Was that your lame attempt at being a comedian? Dont quit your day job buddy. Just for the record I dont live in Buckhead and I’ve neva eva been to the blue flame. WTF are you talking about- Cracked Hoof…….. The Vets,Trainers and handlers all said there was no structural damage to that horse what so ever -He just didnt feel like running that day.
My god they didnt even take X-ray’s…… So I guess we are supposed to Believe he was hurt just because u said so…… get a life . You are a know it all- who knows very little my man.
I Played competitive sports for years dude so pain and injury are friends of mine……. Even at 30 sumthin I still give yungnz the bussiness on the basketball court…… You never played organized sports ha?…. four squares and bad mitten dont count…… ha ha ha ha ha !
I.MUS
By jp
June 9, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Hey Sekou, I know you get this asked alot but what are the chances that the Hawks can resign both Josh Smith and Josh Childress? With Speedy deciding to give it another try, it seems the hawks would be over the cap in trying to resign both of them. Is there also a way that Sund can convince Speedy to retire? We already have two point guards.
By Boheezy
June 9, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Hey I got a question for some of the respected minds on here or even Sekou if you know the answer. If by some slim chance we can maybe do a buyout on Speedy’s contract, would his cap space be available immediately or would it still be on the books for a season like how the football cap works?
By Casey
June 9, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Well, isn’t this interesting? Listen up fools! Who was it that predicted the Lakers would fall to 0-2? That’s right, your friend not friend Casey! If you guys would spend more time listening and taking my advice, your lives would be very much improved.
This Just In: The light is on at Krispy Kreme. Enjoy the fresh doughnuts, Bacon Man.
Holla!
By KevinM
June 9, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Sekou,
Knowing that the Finals are the main topic of discussion, what kinds of things are you hearing regarding improving our team for next year? Is it likely that we could get a draft pick or will we just have to suffer through the draft show with no involvement. Has anyone done a 5 most important questions for the Hawks this summer? We have to get this Woody matter settled and focus on improving the roster before we end up with scraps to fill the bench. Normally, rumors are not rampant for this team in the summer, but I would hope RS could come in here and see our weaknesses and fill those voids rather quickly. But, I don’t think we get a serious vet to come in here unless he gets the opp to come in here and start. There are so many ways we could be a better team, and we need to get active out there. What possibly could Woody be saying to convince RS that he is the man?
By Najeh Davenpoop
June 9, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Boheezy, my understanding is that when you buy him out the amount of the buyout applies for that year and then he’s off the books after that. The NBA doesn’t do cap “charges” like the NFL where you get charged an amount that’s not necessarily equal to how much you are paying out in a given year. You are charged whatever you pay out. That’s what I think anyway.
By Darrin "The Vent King"
June 9, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
NBA refs suck nowadays. They make calls to appease whoever is the homecrowd. The free throw stats through out the playoffs attest to that! I wonder what type of green Bentley this ref crew is going to get the chance to share…
By ray
June 9, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Najeh, you’re not the only one with a stalker, it seems.
The last I heard on Speedy is that he is going to try and play again. Hmmmph.
By femhawkfan
June 9, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
I hope everyone picked up on this one key sentence in Sekou’s blog:
* After speaking with Sund last week and with Woodson earlier this afternoon, it’s clear to me that the first priority for both sides is to come to some sort of agreement on how to proceed with Woodson as coach.*
That sentence tells me that the chances of Woodson being fired are very slim. I know, I hate it also, but we have to face the facts. I honestly believe the Hawks want to keep both Smoov & Chill and with the salaries those two are probably asking for, there is not going to be any money left to hire a new coach.
Oh yeah, I have also been wondering about Speedy and his chances of returning.
By doc
June 9, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
C boy did you misspell there? did you mean fiend instead of friend.
son, you seem to have the same tenor of what to expect form the devil or at least that is what my fundamental friends say as their description of him from the garden on through the bible, “you need to listen to me”.
yep sautee called it in this goodnight note of what to expect. i too came close to commenting on the refs but am getting as tired of saying that, as i have been about the redundant blunders by the hawks. case in point was the call of the foul after the block which would have been ruled clean many times over to be followed by the non-call on gasol as he went to the basket and was clearly fouled duing the shot and afterwards with no call. all of this in about two minutes of play time. remember, these guys are graded the best among their peers by the league so how could we not believe it for what it is.
this display is just about the type of stuff that the wrestling foks put on the air. now, tell me why doneghy is in jail? oh yeah he was dealing with las vegas and on the individual take rather than the advertisers and abc who ultimately pay the bills for all the owners.
funny how the criticism of the lakers after the game was they werent the aggressive team. how could they be when the refs clearly were saying by their calls we are going to take the ball out of the lakers hands as much as possible and give it to the other guy? that effectively said the lakers are going to have to win this game by not playing tough D and by taking outside shots, try it any other way and we will stop you .. fair is fair.
By Casey
June 9, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Listen up Doc! How dare you or anyone else refer to another man as “boy.” That term has some harsh undertones to it. One minute, you want to belittle and judge me, then you follow up with a sermon, that also is judgmental. Typical Bible thumpin moment for ya, pal. Your God must be real proud to have you on His side. Read the book, and live by it, before you try to play Robert Shuler on my azz. Besides, this is Monday, dude.
Your friend, not friend
Rev. Casey!
By kwooden1
June 9, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
This what I’m thinking in terms of the lineup for next year and the salaries. (in Millions) If they trade Chills (for a draft pick), and sign JS, they should have enough space to sign Dave Anderson and a late first round pick. I would hope they could get a guy like Douglas-Roberts, but that is just hope.
Mike Bibby 15.2M Joe Johnson 14.2M Josh Smith 10.2M Al Horford 4.0M Dave Anderson 2.0M
Acie Law 2.0M Speedy Claxton 5.7M Marvin Williams 5.6M Solomon Jones 0.7M Zaza Pachulia 4.0M Douglas-Roberts 1.1M Total 64.7M
By Casey
June 9, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Now if you idiots will stop attacking me, hopefully we can have some basketball discussion.
As I predicted, LA has gone down 0-2. (Casey 1, idiots 0.) Boston will win the championship, but the refs will make sure that this thing goes 7 games. They will try their best to get Game 7 to go into OT.
Now, listen up doc
Your friend, not friend, not fiend
Rev. Casey the Great.
P.S. I forgive you, you idiot.
By doc
June 9, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
well fiend, i call some of my best friends boy,dude and son. i didnt think i gave a lecture but asked a question or two with only an observation, no? guess i got an answer that all can see in your self reflection.
no sense of humor i sense, maybe one takes themselves so seriously? another question and observation presented so you do not misconstrue.
By Casey
June 9, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Listen up doc Get over yourself. You know you were wrong, so quit with the spin control. I have a sense of humor, you just ain’t funny. Bless you, my friend, for you have sinned.
The Great Rev. Casey, verses 1:14-1:21.
By Samuel
June 9, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
You can cry all you want about the refs but this series is being won by the better, hungrier team right now.
This Laker team is a far cry from the Phil Jackson coached teams of the past who hung their hats on great defense. They have fallen in love with that dam_ 3 pt line and are being beat and out hustled on the boards. Phil stop crying and remember, defense wins championships.
These young cats on their bench (who were supposed to have an upper hand on the AARP Gang in Boston) are gettn schooled.
All the more reason to admit how much the Hawks improved by seasons end.
Keep Woody
By Bugs Bunny
June 9, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
WHAT’S UP DOC?
By Viagra
June 9, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
What’s not up doc?
By terrell barron
June 9, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Leon Powe got more foul calls in 14 min., than the Lakers did, as a whole. WOW! Talk about Homecourt advantage.
By doc
June 9, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
heh heh
By terrell barron
June 9, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Hey Samuel, I think Phil has a pretty good idea of how to win championships. He’s only tied for NUMBER 1 ALLTIME with Auerbach. Are you kidding me?
By femhawkfan
June 9, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
NBA COACHING ALERT
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Bulls have hired Vinny Del Negro as their new head coach. He was an assistant for the Suns.
(Copy & paste this link: http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-080609-chicago-bulls-vinny-del-negro,0,3915064.story if you want to read the article)
If on some chance the Hawks decide to fire Woodson, I think there are still some good coaches out there that the Hawks can grab.
By david
June 9, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
When Sund decides to keep Woodson how will he announce it. “Okay guys we are going to go in a new direction. And our coach is going to be Mike Woodson. Yes yes I know he’s a proven loser with a 106 and 222 record but he said he going to do great things.” Is that how? OHMYGOD. Only my Hawks.
By Joshua
June 9, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
I don’t get why they don’t get rid of Woodson he’s a bum and everyone knows it ok . Plus look at the picking three top flight coaches two of which with reps of working well with young players . My pick is Flip Saunders , Look what he did with Kevin Garnett , What do you think he’d do with Marvin Williams and what do you think Josh Smith would do if Woodson came back . Be JJ for the Hawks and demand out he hates Woodson .
By doc
June 9, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
what sund is having to do is determine if woody ranks as high as dick motta on the level of his coaching ability. sund was around the mavs when they built an organization from the ground up organically. different era without free agency but he knows that it can be done the slow route which requires patience and perseverance. the mavs slowed down as they reached the .500 threshold and finally broke through it to become one of the better franchises of the time though not the best because of the bulls and pistons. they did get into the 50 win a year category but only look to memphis to see how quickly it can change.
obviously he has to get it right or look the bumpkin if the team goes flat and he has to jettison woody after 20 games. probably some serious soul searching going on as his intial cred rides on the decision.
By femhawkfan
June 9, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
ANOTHER NBA COACHING ALERT
The Pistons have offically selected Michael Curry as their new head coach.
Here is the link to the article: http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gxx_PRgCxQ1JIlU6Pwf4oysrDM8Q
Thanks for playing with our head, Joe Dumars!!!
Anyway, I believe all the empty coach vacanies have been filled. With that, I believe a decision on Woodson is coming very soon!
By youngjay1225
June 9, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
I am getting sick of watching these set up NBA games. 38 to 10 free throw advantage?
By Don!
June 9, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
The sad part about all these weekday games with 9 p.m. starts is that my son doesn’t get to see hardly any of the games. Where is the next generation of NBA fans coming from?
Anyway, you would think that Doc would quit harping on the 2-3-2 format now that he got both of the first two games into the Celtic’s win column. One win by the green men in LA and it’s pretty much all over. Even if they do get swept in LA, they still have home court.
Regardless I hope the Hawks get a new coach in place soon. I know there’s no rush — but I’ll feel better knowing that there will be a change in place so I can enjoy the off-season more!
Later,
Don!
By terrell barron
June 9, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
A friend of mine in DC said he heard a trade rumor between Atl and Was. Marvin and Bibby(contract) for Arenas. I have yet to see that one, but I’d take it in a heartbeat. I dont know why they’d want Marvin, when they already have Caron, but who cares? Would the salaries work out? If so, would you guys make that deal?
By HB Ando
June 9, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Hard to genuinely believe that Dumars really had any intent to bring in Woody. ‘Course he is the same guy that drafted Darko. How much better would the Pistons have been if he’d taken any of the next four players drafted?
Anthony, Bosh, Wade and Kaman? I know that Billy apologists want to point to the draft mistakes of others, as a way to excuse his horrible choices.
2 wrongs still don’t make a right.
Though I must admit that if Dumars could make up for that faux pas by trading Billups for Anthony (especially if he could make the deal Billups and Prince for Anthony and Camby), and plugging in Stuckey, the Pistons would be right back in it next year (giving Wallace instead of Prince would be worth doing as well). I still fail to understand why Camby ends up in annual, off-season trade talks. There just aren’t more than a handful of guys in the league that can do what Camby does.
Pistons. Nuggets. I guess when you’re programmed to expect nothing clever from your home team, in the trade department, then you have little else to do but ponder what good franchises will do to re-shuffle their line ups, as they push themselves for nothing less than the opportunity to compete for championships.
As far as Sund goes, he seems to be faced (or maybe I just think this perspective is the most logical approach) with two options: one, he feels that Woody isn’t the guy to take this franchise into the future (which should lead to an immediate change in the head coach), so he commits to a coach that he believes he can share a philosophy with, and then makes personnel moves (Bibby, the Josh’s, Marvin, Zaza, are all in play, as that new, future identity, emerges) consistent with that vision. Or, he believes Woody has what it takes to take this franchise to the big time, and he begins making the necessary changes that jibe with Woody’s strengths.
I simply don’t see any point in keeping Woody here, unless Sund, and ownership, are, collectively, convinced that he’s capable of taking the Hawks all the way.
And certainly, I see little public sentiment that Woody is such a coach (though public opinion is only as meaningful as it’s definable impact on ticket sales).
But I can’t see any indecision on giving Woody a “little” more time. The Hawks are either convinced that Woody can do it, with a better matched roster. Or they aren’t.
If they aren’t, then why waste another minute.
And how do you make decisions on who stays, and who goes (maintaining a firm conviction that this roster cannot be kept intact, based on team salary implications), if you aren’t certain about the on-court leadership going into next season?
And the longer Woody’s status remains murky, the less time the Hawks have, this off-season, to structure next years’ offering.
Make the call, and get busy matching up the roster with the vision.
That very issue, as much as any other, was glaringly absent, as Billy built a team that couldn’t have been more poorly matched with the head coached he hand-picked.
An actual plan would be a welcome change…..
By Ben
June 9, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
The Hawks coach this coming season will be either
Mike Woodson
or
Dwane Casey
I’m leaning toward Casey, and expect an announcement on Wednesday.
By SalimFan
June 9, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
OOOhhhh!! I’ve got GOOD STUFF
Top 30 Point Guards by total value.
Top 30 Shooting Guards by total Value.
……And yes there are Hawks in each report sheesh, how could you doubt ME….I know you did.
By david
June 9, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
The Hawks are the only team I have ever seen that NEVER has a plan. Never. Look at the Jazz for example Stockton and Malone. They finally retire then Utah has a down year then they are back with Boozer and Williams. Kind of a poor man’s Stockton And Malone. With a chance to be as almost as effective. Point is they like a brusier for a forward and a strong point guard. They have a plan. Look at at Detroit, Dumars and Isiah now they have Hamiliton and Billups (strong guard play). Lakers, Chamberlain and West. Jabbar and Magic. Shag and Kobe and now Gasol and Kobe (A big man and a strong guard). Every successful team has a blue print. San Antonio does their thing. Phoenix likes to run. What is the Hawks plan? They obviously don’t like guards. They finally get a couple good ones and won’t play them. Then they get and pay a Sac King a billion dollars that is not the answer. Their plan is to get a bunch of forwards and expect to win. AND now we are going to keep Woodson. Pleeeease give me a break. Gasol was there for a couple years to get. To go with all these forwards A BIG MAN. They get Bibby because they want to make a push for the playoffs. Is that not the goal from the gitgo? So a point guard IS important. But not enough to draft one or develop one that we have. Rambling on but JC get a clue. GET A COACH.
By SalimFan
June 9, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Top 30 Small Forwards by total value.
By terrell barron
June 9, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
I dont get too excited thinking about Dwayne Casey. I’m sorry! 33-49 in his only full season as a head coach.
By Casey
June 9, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Wow, mark it down in history. I agree with HB on something! 2 wrongs don’t make a right, so quit wronging me you idiots.
ESPN: Artest wants to play for Knicks? Don’t care. Dude can’t stay out of trouble.
Listen up! May the Lord give you peace, and grant you the wisdom not to argue with me.
The Great Rev. Casey verses 10:07-10:13.
}:-)
By SalimFan
June 9, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Dave, I like the way you think.
Ando, Good point
As far as everyone else having their coaches in place, They are in the draft so not having a coach wouldn’t be smart. We however aren’t in any rush. AND sund has already stated that since this year we have so many free agents, it’g good that we don’t have to deal with the draft. Especially if we had to give out a guarenteed contract to a rookie….not gonna work considering the money were going to be shelling out in a couple if weeks.
By Is this blue?
June 9, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
COOL
By Casey
June 9, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
David, I apologize to you. I scrolled past your post, due to the length of it. Read a short post that stated a fondness for “the way you think.” So, I read your words. Very good observation. One of the few intelligent posts to ever be scribed on this blog.
To the idiots: Listen up!
May the Lord bless your sad, boring, lame azz lives with something better to do than blog all day!
The Great Rev. Casey verses 11:52-12:01,
By Casey
June 10, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
P.S. }:-)
Holla!
By SalimFan
June 10, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
Lol @ Casey,
Can you beleive that The Sonics have get this: SIX picks in the 2008 draft!!!!
In a draft as loaded as this one, that’s completly unfair and genuis….I wish I had thought of it. Now thats what I call a lottery. Attention Draft Clearance!! Every player must go!!!….damn.
By HB Ando
June 10, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
Casey, boy, are you the pot or the kettle?
What is it about the summer that brings out all the people who have been dropped (or, if you want to be honest, fired head-first into the ground, by their parents) on their heads?
The good thing, though I can’t define the “how”, is that they seem to come and go at an equiliberizing pace, never leaving us more than about 3 or 4 utterly nonsensical characters to deal with, at any given time.
I can only theorize that it’s an uneven combination of both our prison, and mental health, systems, that seems to maintain a nearly acceptable balance of annoyingly reprehensible dimwits.
By SalimFan
June 10, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
I’m of the opinion that trading Childress would set this franchise back, unless we get a stud. You can talk bout his shot all you want but chils has the “It” Factor. He has come in and secured so many wins for the Hawks in the past. Exellent at all of the intangables. He’s Marvin’s better half, and the fro’ is soon to be an Icon.
If you read what was written about Childress in that article I linked (Top 30 Small Forwards) they are right. Regardless of the price tag chills is a steal for the simple fact that b/c of the lack of national coverage the Hawks receive, Chills probably won’t be offred a contract that’s up to par with his ACTUAL value…..he’s a winner period.
By HB Ando
June 10, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this
….expiring contract is worth, around the league, combined with the clear reality that his game is in decline,make him the most likely choice to exit town.
I just don’t see Josh Smith getting away,though he could well receive a term-sheet that tests the financial resolve of the ASG.
Thus, I’d predict that Bibby doesn’t make it to the trade deadline, and either Chills leaves in a sign-and-trade, or Marvin goes for the rights to a first-rounder, or player still on their rookie contract.
If Woody inexplicably stays, look for both Salim and Zaza to move onves,as thry have more value to other teams than they project tohave in woody’s doghouse.
The other huge ?, should Woody, again inexplicably, remain, is if Bibby goes, as finances dictate, is Law the projected replacement, or does Sund acquire another option, in any of the above-mentioned moves?
One of the most consistent misrepresentations I have seen, over the years, here on the blog, is that so many people fail to account for the realistic replacement value of players we might trade. I know that Billy has conditioned us to expect nothing in return when he moved a player of value. But that was a major symptom of his absolute ineptitude, and not something we should continue to expect from Rick Sund.
We have assets, though we retain a roster that is imbalanced. Now, financial reality compels the Hawks to make moves that are not straight salary dumps. And we now have a GM who’s been around the block a few times, and who has long-standing respect around the league.
Expectations should be re-set. Even in light of the remaining, and potentially valid, question marks about ownerships’ financial resources.
Starts with Woody’s fate though. We’ll see soon enough if there’s a serious commitment to building on last year, or just a bunch of spin, designed to obfuscate another season of substance-less marketing bluster.
By ray
June 10, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this
Good points, Ando. I don’t see how anybody can see Woodson as the guy who can take us all the way. And what would we have to do to this roster to give him what he wants?
I said it before and I’ll say it again: you only tailor-fit a roster to the needs of a coach whom you trust and is a proven commodity. I’ll never forget Woody’s comments to the media (courtesy of the reprehensible Jeff Schultz): “You guys think this team should be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but I don’t see it that way. We’ve got some good pieces, but we’re young.” Then there was the answer to a question that wasn’t even asked before he brought it up: “If I’m the coach next year…” right in the middle of the most momentous occasion for this team since he was hired…
Thanks Woody. Way to support your players, most of whom were playing on a level and in a situation they had never played in before. A guy who openly says that about his team when his team is staring the NBA’s best regular season force at 3-3….I don’t want a dude like this coaching my team.
How many players were/are wondering which of them is the “few good pieces” and which ones aren’t? How did that affect their confidence? Does anybody remember the response to that by Josh Childress? He said that this wasn’t the time to be thinking about whether or not he would be the coach next year and what not! This was the time to figure out how to win! So we’ve got a young player who has better presence of mind than the head coach? Exactly….
And that’s not the end of it. Woody wants veteran players. A pile of them. He’d probably just as soon kick most of our young guys right to the curb. “They’re not ready to play” , remember? So, veterans it is. Guess what. Vets cost money. And depending on their collective age, you have a good bit less time to do what you want to do with them. We don’t have but so much money, so we have to be careful what kind of veterans we get. This isn’t going to be like Boston, where we pull off blockbuster deals to get an instantly 25-games-better club.
Again, where’s the money for these vets that Woody (and Joe)would like to have? Oh that’s right, we’ll just trade all but one of our young guys for a slew of retreads (live we’ve been doing for the past 4 years). Woody would be happy. And he’s going to take us to the promised land, so that’s all that matters. Heh….
By Casey
June 10, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this
HB, you are forgiven. Trash me all you want, if that’s what it takes for you to “be a man.” You dang idgit!
Listen up! May God bless you with all of His grace. You need it to cover your uuuuuuuuuugly face!
Your friend not friend
The Great Rev. Casey verses 3:06-3:15
By KevinM
June 10, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this
Again, another column and no one here thinks Wooody deserves more time. To me, this is ridiculous. I would like to think that Dwayne Casey is being considered as he does have ties to Sund, but there are more successful coaches collecting paychecks that would do this roster much better than Woody and his 6 man approach. We need some new life in this franchise; no one is going to give Woody a HC chance after what he has done here. He has been given more time with that bad a record than anyone with probably the exception being Kevin Loughery. It doesn’t matter at this point who is on the roster as long as we have the same inconsistent results from the bench coach. Let him take his clipboard with him to Charlotte and figure out a way to beat us as a division rival. ASG, there is better out there and with the value of this and all NBA franchises climbing each year, there is no excuse for the group of 7 or 15 or however many of you there are to get a successful coach who has been to the Finals and has the rings to show for it. Something very funny; Kareem is miffed because he thinks he isn’t being given consideration for a HC postion because they are all being given to former PGs. He may be right! IMO, I wanted him before Woody was hired, yet no one will even interview him or give him an opportunity to express his plan. We are talking about one of the all-time greats. I think he would know how to put a winning basketball team together. Didn’t he coach a minor league team to the title in his only year as the coach?
We could do much worse by staying with Woody. All Sund has to do this year is bring in a new man, resign the Joshes, uptick the bench quality, and you have yourselves a team on the rise…..simply by removing the albatross around our neck whose name is mentioned in almost every post here.
By SalimFan
June 10, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Do you guys see Sund making a move for any of his old draft picks? Like “Cool Hand” Luke Ridnour, who seems to be in the doghouse up in seattle. I’ve always liked his game. Their management is so scrwed up they’ll probably take speedys contract for him…..or Bibbys….
By Samuel
June 10, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Who available can take us all the way? Last time I checked there are only a hand full of coaches still coaching who have. If they haven’t what makes yall think they will do it here. D Casey, are you serious?
Last night I watched game 2 over. It still amazes me how people make excuses when their team is getting drilled like the Lakers are. Out of the hundred or so calls that the officials made, I could see only 2 that were questionable in the first half. Kobe’s 2nd foul(eventhough he did throw an elbow) and a no-call on an alley-oop to Gasol. Other than that, you guys are full of shi_.
I can also see why Mark Jackson and Van Gundy’s no-coaching as_ are still in the booth. They are two of the main culprits of this bullshi_ about the officials. Who wants coaches who make excuses. Funny, one liners don’t mean you can coach, i’m sorry.
Leon Powe was using power moves and getting foul calls. Fundamental basketball, while Gasol and Odom were doing baby hooks and soft Euro moves.
Ando, you giving up on Yo Boy Darko so quickly? Dam_ Euro Scrub.
By Samuel
June 10, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
It figures that a guy in love with Salim’s game would also love Luke Ridnour. He’s a scrub just like yo boy, the “SNIPER”.
Back in the day Ridenour and Tom Scott. That was real music.
By Astro Joe
June 10, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Ando, I think the February issue is another factor to consider. Do they have the financial resources to do anything this summer (both in terms of players and a marquee coach)? Reports indicate BK was offered a 1 year deal. I think that suggests the ASG were trying to create a “status quo” bridge that got them through the divorce proceedings. And in a perfect world, that makes sense. Presumably, whomever owns the team in March will have the financial resources and authority to “re-model” the team, players and coaches, as they choose fit. That ability does not exist this summer. So I think that Woody would be allowed to work on a 1 year deal, if he accepts an offer. Would a 45-win season lock him into a long-term deal? It certainly would greatly improve his resume, so he may choose to roll the dice and accept such a contract. Under normal conditions, I would agree with your assessment, either he can take us to a conference final or he can’t… let that decide his fate. But I think in our case, there is also the issue of the divorce and how do we bridge from a fractured to a settled ownership group? And how much compensation would Woody want for a 1-year deal?
Lastly, I think Bibby stays for as long as fans stay engaged in the team next season. And Sund should keep Zaza, given that he will be playing for a contract and can’t get a raise by being a 7-foot creme puff. Chilldress is likely gone, Andersen likely comes over, add a Fred Jones/Juan Dixon/Jarvis Hayes type and I think Sund is done.
By ILL-Logical
June 10, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
IF things with the (dis)Spirit come down to money,and they will, then a choice must be made betwwen Marvin and Josh Childress.
The overload at the 3/4/ whatever positions is untenable in the current economic climate so ,put simply, someone has to go.
The remaining and logical issue is whom and where/ for what?
By terrell barron
June 10, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
For all of you who wanted YI over Horford, The Bucks are already trying to move his azz. lol!! Great pick BK. On another note, TJ Ford will be out in Toronto. I wonder if they’ll take Bibby’s contract and a throw in for him? Maybe Zaza, or possibly Marvin. Or we could do a sign and trade with Chills for TJ. I love Chills, but TJ could be our version of Tony Parker. TJ, JJ, JS, AH, and DAnderson, looks pretty damm good to me. With Acie, Mario, Marvin or Chills, Solo, and Richardson coming off the bench. We could pick up a couple of vets in free-agency, like PJ Brown, Diop, Shannon Brown, Eddie Jones, Jamal McGloire, or maybe even T-Lue, and we could be a top 3 team in the East next year, with a NEW Coach, of course.
By cp
June 10, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Great post ray. terrell I like TJ Ford but that injury history scares me. If I knew that a hard hit wouldnt cause him to miss anytime I would be happy to trade for him. I just dont know because that neck injury is a serious problem. He would fit in nicely with our athletes but if Woody is still the coach then I dont know because of the style Woody prefers. Its some nice talent that will be available in the second round. We should try to get in this draft to help fill out our bench seeing how this B.A.S.G. probably wont invest in any other players after they sign the Joshes.
By peter
June 10, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
CASEY, do you actually have anything basketball related to say? All I have seen from you is trash talk about other people. Who is Bacon Man? That is a strange name to be calling someone. Are they supposed to be insulted? You keep saying that you want to talk basketball but all you have is one-liners about the Lakers going down 0-2. Gee, that is easy to call when it has already happened and I cannot see where you called it before hand. I looked. All I saw was trash talk. So what in depth basketball stuff do you want to talk about? How about who is a better coach for this team that we can get. Or should we just keep the one we have.
By peter
June 10, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
I will have to counter the Mike Woodson view. You ask why would we want a coach that has not taken a team all the way to the championship. I ask why would you want to keep a coach that cannot even take you to a .500 record. Answer that one. There were several winnable games at the end of the season that our team just did not even try to win after the Indiana Pacers GAVE us the playoff spot. That is right. We had several chances to earn it but did not. Instead, we won enough games to be given the spot by a Pacers team that was just as bad but worse at the worst possible moment. We should have won more games in March. We went 9-8 with our new point guard when we should have at least beaten Charlotte, New Jersey, and Chicago. That would have made us 12-5 and we could say we earned it. We went 3-5 in April when we should have been 6-2. Philadelphia, Indiana and Miami are all teams we should have beaten.
This sounds to me like a coach who cannot keep his guys focused which means they are not listening to him. funny how the same is being said of Flip Saunders yet people want to keep a coach like Mike Woodson who not only cannot keep players focused but also cannot come up with a decent game plan to match what our players can do or substitute at the right time. Plus he does not play his bench so they never learn to play and look crazy or lost when they do hit the floor. So why keep a coach that has all these problems and cannot take you to a .500 record? Answer that one.
By peter
June 10, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
SAM, it is funny that you see the officiating so differently. I saw Kobe Bryant and his teammates trying to use power moves and he got called for offensive fouls. I saw the Lakers trying to get physical on defense but more whistle blows. I would say the Lakers lost because of their defense, but by the time the first quarter was over the refs had made it obvious that they were not going to let the Lakers do much of anything physical.
You sound like somebody who just wants to see the Celtics win. That is all well and good but why lash out at anyone or anything that disagrees with you? How do you hold the commentators responsible for the opinions of other people, all of whom seem to see the same thing? That is reaching if you ask me. often times people are not even listening to the commentators unless there is a replay on something that was missed or happened to quickly to tell what really did happen. Your comments about Europeans is suggestive. Lamar Odom is black, so I do not understand where you are going with this. Perhaps it is just the type of player that you like in Powe and dislike in Odom. I say score however best you do it but it is hard when you are not getting the calls.
By nique
June 10, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Didn’t Sund say it would be appropriate to ask him today whether Woodson will stay or not? Sekou have you asked this? If so, when do we find out what Sund is thinking?
By doc
June 10, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
peter agree whole heartedly the refs allowed the aggressor to be the C’s and essentially made the lakers know it from the start. i have rooted for the C’s all year, i just dont want it to turn into a fiasco like it was when miami won and to be honest i was rooting for them, too. i want to see good intelligent agressive basketbal with officiating not a part of the game. i didnt see that to be true in 2006 nor the second game.
so the lakers have given the C’s a bogey now it is time to watch how they respond and i hope it becomes a real series determined by the players not stern and his crew. players know when to hold em and when to fold em and the lakers did the latter for the most part after the first quarter. we will see how the crowd in LA responds if the refs continue wit their lousy calls.
also peter just get the scroll on for the troll.
clyde, can you make up a t-shirt that says?: SCROLL THE TROLL
heh heh
By Samuel
June 10, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
I believe you guys want the Lakers to win because a win by the Celtics will make Woody and the Hawks look that much better. So far the Hawks have played them better than anyone and Woody deserves credit. Like it or not.
I am a big Phil fan but I believe the Celtics just want it more. KG, Pierce, Allen, PJ and a guy(Powe) who was homeless and living out of his car. I wouldn’t bet against anybody that hungry.
Tonight will tell the story, will the Glamor Boys from Hollywood stand up and be men or continue to get Beat Down by the blue collar guys from Bean Town. I’m ready. I got a six-pack of Vault on ice. No way i’m falling asleep on this one.
By doc
June 10, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
no samuel, i want to see it fair and square, not influenced in any way so the celts will be true champions and certainly not considered the lucky recipients of a stern like fabrication as it was last year in phoenix and the year before in miami. in my heart, i dont think the last one won by shaq was real and still dispute the lack of integrity of the way the suns were treated last year. that is especially true when the similar issue came up this year with none other than the C’s and our hawks. if stern had been consistent possibly, just possibly the C’s wouldnt be here at all. though stern choked on that one, i am all for kg and ray ray getting theirs and hope they do.
as a fan, i want to see a game that is fairly competitive throughout the game and it has nothing to do with woody as his decison will not be based on the outcome of the finals. it is a simple request that hasnt been met the last two years. stay tuned for part three.
samuel, do you really think it is logical to think they might be waiting on that to make a decision? isnt it a bit of a stretch? though i am sure woody is pulling for the c’s as his own resume might be enhanced no matter what, but cant the cavs say it similar to be within one shot themselves of unseating the C’s on their own home court. now that was a true accomplishment …. almost.
By terrell barron
June 10, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
I still dont understand why everyone is so suprised that the Lakers are down 0-2? The Celtics had the best record in the League, and they also beat up on the Western Conference. I think it will go 7 myself, with the Lakers taking it in Boston, but I’m not suprised that Boston won both games at home. Phil Jackson is the best adjuster in the game, and they’ll take all 3 at home.
By SalimFan
June 10, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Samuel, It’s funny how those “so called” scrubs make more money than you’ll ever make huh…
By ray
June 10, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
I’d actually like to see KG get a ring. I think he deserves it. Dude played hard as hell his whole career despite not having the proper setup around him to make it to the championship (or past the second round for that matter). I’m not taking anything away from any of the other Celts, I just feel like it would really mean something even more to Garnett, who gave Minnesota damn near everything he had. Now he’s giving Boston everything he’s got.
Samuel, are you wearing a tin foil hat? That was one of the more ridiculous conspiracy theories I’ve heard in a minute. Since when did you become such an ardent Woodson fan, anyway? I still can’t believe you said that: people want the Lakers to win because if the Celtics win, it will make Woodson look better. I don’t see how that computes into the hard facts and figures, but whatever. Of course, that’s probably the “Vault” speaking. Good thing you didn’t drink any “Jolt” cola. By the way, I hope you do know that drinking all that Vault will have you up late with all the professional bloggers…heh…
Doc, as far as I’m concerned, I’m inclined to agree with peter as well. But hey, everybody has an opinion about the refs. And last I looked, that was part of the commentators’ jobs: to make comments on what is observed throughout the game. Nobody’s paying them to be silent…
By ray
June 10, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
I have to say that Leon Powe is definitely an example of a success story. He plays very hard. He’s everything we wanted from a guy named Sheldon.
You could say that nobody gave Powe anything in the NBA. But you’d be wrong. Doc Rivers gave Powe a chance. He gave Powe attention. He gave Powe playing time. He gave Powe a chance to prove himself. A consistent chance. Good thing Powe didn’t play here. He’d have never gotten that chance….
By mykhalc
June 10, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
BIG RAY, i’m with ya on KG gettin’ a ring even tho i hate BOS!!!
still say WOODSON is outta here!!!!! the hand-writin’ is on the wall in the form of, ‘now what is it exactly you bring??, asks SUND’. and the answer was a MannyT’s WAF!!! he’s out, he’s out , he’s out!!!!
By SalimFan
June 10, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Ray, I’m moved by your words lol.
I too didn’t know samuel was such a woodson supporter.
By SalimFan
June 10, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
My ego is still sore frome that game seven azz wuppin but yea…….it’s bout’ time for KG to get his….Boston in 6 lol.
By cp
June 10, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
How did Atlanta play Boston better? Did you forget those road losses where we were not even close. We got blowed out in all 4 road games. The last one was ridiculous. If anything the Cavs played them better than the Hawks or Detroit. The Cavs had a great shot at beating them in game 7 but they were missing everything down the stretch. So I really dont see where you’re coming from. I think the majority of people who want Woodson gone realize he just isn’t the right coach for this team. As Peter said the Pacers choking at the end is the only reason we made the playoffs. Im glad we made it but not lets act like the great coaching of Mike Woodson is the reason we got there. Down the stretch we couldn’t beat the teams we should have beat. We did not hanlde our buisness. We got beat by a team in Miami that had a bunch of NBDL players out there. The great Woody put the starters back in the game although it was clearly over and the Hawks still got beat. Its time for a new coach.
By mykhalc
June 10, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
SUND ain’t crazy!! he KNOWS WOODSON ain’ the one!!! he’s looked at enough tape to know!! he’s just givin’ WOODSON the time to ‘try’ to sell himself, a courtesy if you will. but he knows!! NOTHIN’ about this looks like anythin’ close to a WOODSON endorsement!!!
By Samuel
June 10, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Ray,
Who here hasn’t been given a chance.
Yea, I haven’t exactly been a Woody Fan throughout the years but I give credit where it’s due. Unlike you guys.
The bottom line is that the Hawks, led by Mike Woodson, finished the season as strong as anybody in the league where it counts, in the playoffs. I still say that I can’t see anybody out there that blows me away with their coaching ability, otherwise they would have a job, no?
Let’s get this straight, I aint losing no sleep regardless, I just believe that Woodson earned a chance to continue next season. If he’s not back, oh well. I’m sure somebody will pick him up. Based on the history of Atlanta Hawks Basketball, I won’t be surprised at nothing.
Doc, still sore about the PHX series.
Salim Fan, duuuhh. I’m a teacher, everybody makes more than me but i’m content with: my family(wife, 5 children), my puny little 4 br house, my old as_ Chrysler Town and Country, VW Jetta and 91 Dodge Dakota, my bass boat that I stole off craigslist and most of all my 17 acre lake full of bass and slab bluegill.
I love my life. How bout you?
By Sautee
June 10, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
myk
Please be right Please be right Please be right Please be right Please be right Oh please oh please oh please.
I’d be pleased if you are correct.
Can you tell?
By mykhalc
June 10, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Sautee,LOL. i’m tryin’ to do my predictin’ on clear, unfoggy days here in san fran!!!
By Sautee
June 10, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
richbrave
Unfortunately you and doc may be right. I may have to join the conspiracy theory team.
Now where did I put that tinfoil hat?
Here’an interesting link:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401
By mykhalc
June 10, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Samuel, limpin’ into the playoffs and playin’ 3 good games outta 7 is NOT finishin’ the year strong bro!!! had they played all 7 games well in the playoffs, i might be more inclined to agree with you. but let’s not be fooled at what those 3 games really represent no matter how starved for success we are as HAWKS fans!!!
it’s simple, WOODSON is as limited as you can get as a HC…PERIOD!!!
By david
June 10, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
You don’t keep a coach because of three good games at home. You look at his overall tenure. PLeeasse. All coaches get fired. Larry Brown has been fired. How do you keep a guy with a record of 106 and 226 (or whatever it is)? You don’t if you are REALLY interested in getting better. They just barely got in the playoffs this year in a very very weak eastern conference. You don’t keep this guy because they won three home games against a team that probably didn’t take them serious enough. This is a perfect time for them to take the next step. A new GM, new attitude and hopefully a new coach. Keeping this guy is exactly the same thing as saying we are happy where we are. Are we? Are you? I hate losing. I hate losing 60 percent percent of the time and getting killed and not competing 40 percent of the time. What a no brainer.
By Sautee
June 10, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
In MannyT’s absence - (where are you, dude?……)
new blog up.
And it relates to that link I gave earlier.
By ray
June 10, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Samuel, believe it or not I gave Woodson plenty of credit for a long time. But he kept doing the same things over and over. I see someone else already beat me to the punch on how the regular season ended, how we got into the playoffs, and what we did once we got there. I am not going to rehash it, it speaks for itself. And as far as Woodson goes, if he’s here, then he’s here. If not, then not.
Of course you don’t see anybody out there who blows you away coaching-wise. Those guys have jobs already, and nobody wants to get rid of them. But then, head coach is the hardest job to keep in the NBA. Which means somebody is always on the move, whether they are really the problem or not…
By Casey
June 10, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Listen up petey! I’m on the new blog. Hope to see you soon. Go Hawks.
Your friend, not friend Casey the King of Cool!