Hawks

By ant banks

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

Sekou, i wish that you had asked sund about why woody plays 6 guys 48 minutes and if he is going to “change” that theory

By ant banks

September 12, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I was culling through some data and came up wit some interesting stuff…

the hawks got done in on road games. the 1st half of the season nov.-feb. hawks had 28 road games and won only 7 games!! WTF!!

how in the blazes do we win only 7 road games in 4 months??

during 1st half of 08-09 season we have 31 road games, no way we win only 7 of these games starting the season with Bibby, JJ, Marvin, Smooth, Horford.

By Clyde

September 12, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

I agree wit ant banks. What’s the use of having more big men if your not going play them. Same coach same ole story.

By ????

September 12, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

If Joe and Bibby are the so-called leaders of this team why is JS and MW running these pickup games for their team?

By ILL-Logical

September 12, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

6’ 101/2 “, 250 lbs; a shot blocker who can run the floor AND hit the 15 ft J: Coach Drew ,Solo may be the answer to your starting 5 question. Please keep an eye on him.

By ray

September 12, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I’m glad to hear that Solo is alive and well. Was beginning to wonder. I hope he’s as hungy as he sounds. And I hope he’s actually as heavy and strong as he says. He’s going to need it. And that won’t be all he needs. I’m not sure how a handful of summer league games would’ve kept him out of the weight room…but if he’s much improved, then the team can only benefit from it.

I’m sticking by Hunter as my dark horse to make the team. Could be wrong, but I got this feeling about him….

I’m also glad that the Hawks purportedly are still pursuing another big. We need a decent veteran. No more popcorn coinnoseurs (spelling?) thankyou very much. It would be nice to see both the beef and the talent thicken up in the frontcourt…

Samuel,

Did I say that Acie Law never played the 3? No I did not. I did, however insinuate the idea that in most cases this would not be preferrable. Perhaps in some obscure fashion those three whole games (and the whopping number of minutes played at those spots) would kind of maybe, sorta, support that idea. Of course, I do not have the sacred knowledge of a Woody disciple, so I could be wrong (who knows what goes on in the minds of those people).

So if I keep surfing the net, I’ll learn as much as you’ve forgotten? Sooooo…what are you telling me, that you have a bad memory or this will only take me five minutes? Heh. I shouldn’t say things like that. After all, you did teach me a new word - “groopie”

By Astro Joe

September 12, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

ant & Clyde, Woody has said in several interviews this summer that he plans to play his bench more this season. He said that he reduced his playing rotation late last year to ensure the team made the playoffs. He specifically indicated that he “sacrificed” Law’s development to get the team in the playoffs. And he said he would manage his bench differently this season. I’m expecting that he will try to give his bench players ample opportunity to prove themselves during the first 15-20 games and then all bets are off. He knows that he is on a short, short leash.

Sekou, here’s what I remember from a few years ago, Solo worked on addind strength but didn;t play any basketball. Obviously, he may have been playing more games AND working out this time around, even though he didn’t go to the Summer League. If he is still “raw” then added strength won’t help him out too much.

Bring back Dikembe and those elbows. In 8 minutes of game time, he’ll block a shot and break a nose. Sounds perfect to me.

By ray

September 12, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Solo can hit the 15 footer? Didn’t know that…

By Spud Webb

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

Sekou as always, good stuff. I hope woody decides to give Solomon some minutes. Either way good for you Solo, if the Hawks won’t use you, you’ll find a home somewhere with that kind of work ethic. Good to hear Horford talk about Hunter. Kid is athletic and can block some shots. Again, I hope Woody plays him some.

By ray

September 12, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, looks like you and I are of the same mind on Solo….

By Lacsho

September 12, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Great Info, it’s nice to hear from Solo. With the added weight, I think he may be ready to make some noise. ZaZa may be the odd man out. I applaud the players for working hard this summer. Let’s hope the hard work pays off. Again, I state we will be making some noise in the playoffs this year. I wish they would have a couple of open practices for the fans. I always attend the scrimmage they have for the fans.

I think people we need to slow down with the minute’s argument. I agree he did not manage the minutes correctly in the past. However, this is a very long season, and we need to take one game at a time. I hope Woody put a lot of mental work in this summer.

Banks you make an excellent point. We have to win on the road, and I think Evans and Flip will help us out a lot on the road.

By Clyde

September 12, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Saying and doing are two different things. A stubborn person will always go back to what he knows when faced with adversity.

By jhan

September 12, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Having a deeper bench should help our starters tremendously. In theory they should play less minutes & be more rested than usual. This should allow them to finish games stronger.

The deeper bench should also put some pressure on the starters to perform. In years past nobody on the bench had enough talent to push our starters. Now we have that to some extent.

I’m not understanding some who feel we are worse off now because of our free agent signings. By having legit backups at both guard positions - a position that is prone to injury for the Hawks - we are now somehow worse off?

Bibby/Law/Flip - split minutes at PG JJ/Flip/Evans/Law - split minutes at SG Marvin/Evans/Smith - split minutes at SF Smith/Horford/Hunter - split time at PF Horford/ZaZa/Morris/Solo - split at C

Depending on match-ups this team can be very flexible.

By Ryder

September 12, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

The best coaches in the league knows how and when to use their bench to maximize efficiency. It will be in Woodson’s best interest to not use Horford at the 5 for extended minutes this year, as he is really the only low post offensie threat Atlanta has. With Al at the 4 they can use any combo of Zaza, Randolph and even Hunter to spell minutes at the 5.

I think the key for Atlanta to be successful offensively will be Marvin Williams. He can become that 18 ppg scorer that takes pressure off JJ to carry the load. Will he take more of that playoff aggressiveness that he displayed and use it to attack the basket instead of relying on jump shots now that he’s added on some weight?

Something else that’s been on my mind. Since all of the preseason prognasticators have written the Hawks off due to the catastrophic loss of Josh Childress and already have the Sixers in the East Finals, here’s something to think about. Teams like Cleveland, Chicago, Milwaukee, Toronto and Philly are all integrating new players in their offense and lack the continuity that Atlanta had after obtaining Bibby last Feb. They might struggle out of the gate while the Hawks continue to flow as a unit. In the NBA chemistry means a lot, and the Hawks might use that to their advantage.

I know it’s waaaay to early to bring this up, but what if Bibby and the Hawks get off to a strong start due to their improving chemistry? Will they keep him for the long term?

By Astro Joe

September 12, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Ray, yep, birds of a feather have brilliant minds… or something like that.

Lachso, I wouldn’t bet a postage stamp that Solo beats out Zaza for playing time.

Sekou, so does that mean that Speedy has made a cameo appearance at Philips since the Summer League? And will Jeremy Richardson and Mario West be invited to vets camp along with Gardner and Hunter?

Bring back Dikembe and the EOD!

By Samuel

September 12, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

I believe that I listed Solo as one to watch for this year. I saw something in him against Boston. Look for him to get 15-20 minutes per this season.

He will be THAT GUY who allows Al to play the 4 some. We could use a big who cal play, not another scrub. Those days are over around here. I look for MY BOY Rick to pull a Wilcox or someone on that level. If we’re not gonna get a starter, why bother.

Marvin, Acie and Speedy still are the likely candidates for movement IMO. Marvin and Speedy for Wilcox. Or Better yet, my boy ECurry from NYC. BK didn’t like him but that don’t mean Rick won’t. Somebody do the numbers Please.

C-Wilcox or Curry PF- Al SF- Josh SG- JJ PG-Bibby

Flip, Mo, ZaZa, Solo, Acie.

By Sautee

September 12, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Lacsho

Sorry bud, but I’ll have to disagree. Zaza will be the first big off the bench, if he’s not traded. And he’s in a contract year, so expect a lot more aggressiveness from him.

It’s been whispered that Zaza is not in the Hawks long term plans, so this season is likely his audition for the rest of the league.

And yeah, his flopping and lack of intensity drive me crazy, but until somebody else shows something more (my fingers are certainly crossed), he’s the big with the most experience and size on the roster.

So, I don’t see Solo taking any minutes from him. but I’d be excited if any big played well enough to supplant him, based on what he’s offered the last two years.

By Melvin

September 12, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Astro, I recall that same interview with Woody. He mention that he was desperate to make the playoff so he shorten his rotation. I guess he was desperate in the preseason as well b/c he was the only coach in the league to play his starters 30 mins a game. And we suppose to believe that it will be different this season. I believe it, when I see it….

As for Solo, I mention a few months ago that I suspect he skip summer league to focus on his game. I hope he’s given the chance to play this year b/c I thought he showed promise in the limited mins he was given in the previous seasons.

By Ariose

September 12, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

To gain 20lbs for a skinny guy is crazy in one summer……Gotta give him credit. You pretty much have to eat and lift weights 24/7. Did I mention he’s skinny, which means he has a fast metabolism which isn’t friendly to letting skinny people gain…..I would know (I’ve worked my arse off just to be 175’lbs). It’s also hard to shoot jumpshots or even move around much after lifting that kind of weight every day. that’s dedication.

Luckily pro ball players get off seasons and have the finances to just lift all day (Kicks Rocks) anyhoo…..

GO HAWKS!!!!!

By Sekou K. Smith

September 12, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Speedy has made multiple appearances and all those guys you mentioned are scheduled to attend training camp Joe.

By I.MUS WRITE

September 12, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Joe johnson just came to my work -i believe he is still here, good to see JJ he looks like he’s in really good shape….. I guess the whole team will be in town sumtime this coming week…lets get those scrimmages started…

Solo-I mean im say’n-Heard all of this before….If he really is 250 thatz great but is he still a foul machine ala Lo Wright, has he improved his low post moves/Offense these are the thing im concerned about.

My prediction is that hunter will be better or just as good as solo in camp but will be stapled to the bench seeing little playing time. Why? he is a rookie and thats all the ammunition woody needs .

I hope solo is improved -If he can put up maybe 9/6 in 11-14 minutes ….I would give him playing time at the 5 ….Occasionally running a line up of

Bibby/JJ/Smoove/Horford/Solo

Bench…Acie/Evans/Marvin/flip/ZAZA

By Lacsho

September 12, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

AJ Sautee

I guess only time will tell, but I put my money on Solo. I think Zaza has ran his course in the ATL. He’s a defensive liability, and most of the time he’s lost out there on the court. Every since he lost his starting spot to Big AL, Zaza hasn’t been the same. I think it was great when he stood up to KG, but besides that, what did he really do in the playoffs. Every time he touches the ball, he was a turnover waiting to happen.

I saw something in Solo during his brief playing time in the playoffs. I think Solo will prove you guys wrong. If not first beer is on me lol

Go Buckeyes (damn after saying that I hope they put on a good show this Saturday)

By I.MUS WRITE

September 12, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Whats up Ray?………. Samuel- Wilcox would be a nice pick up but i wouldnt trade Marvin for him, Eddy Curry is lazy and doesnt hustle IMO….. If we could do a ZAZA/Acie for Curry i would take him

By I'm coming to your job I.MUS

September 12, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Is it a restaruant???? Do you work in the CNN center??? Come on give up the dirt…..quit leading us on and then being vauge about it. A sports apperal store (though, if there was one around there I would know about it.)

By Astro Joe

September 12, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

20 lbs. in one summer? Shoot. I did that on the opening weekend of the NFL! “Wife, go get me another cheesesteak and more fries or you’ll get dismissed.” Obviously, Solo doesn’t have it going on like I do (burp).

By Lacsho

September 12, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

AJ you are killing me lol

By Mike is back

September 12, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Sekou thanks brooooooooo, you always deliver the goods. I was especially impressed with the tactful approach you use during your interview with Sund. Those were probing question, but they were delivered with a level of decorum. It easy to be belligerent and use your position to express your level of disdain for a player, coach or someone in management…simply because you don’t agree with what they do or what they say.

I have always respected the fact that you refuse to stoop to level of journalism where all of your articles are bent on retribution and self-gratification. I want mention no names but; Bradley, Shultz, and Moore. Opsssssss, MY BAD!!!!! Heh Heh

Anyway Sekou, great piece on Solo. I said this cat wouldn’t lay down with out a fight. I’m glad he came back like a man. Despite Solo limited athletic skill, he has the heart of a Lion. You can teach basketball skills, but you can’t teach heart. Give the young man some credit. Hey if AH says Solo has step his game up, I gotta believe Solo has step his game up. He’s 6’10” with a 7’4” wing span, with that added bulk, he might be able to make a little noise.

It’s only going make Hunter and Morris compete harder for some PT, in that scenario the whole team benefit from increased competition at the pivot. If I’m not mistaken Sund all but guaranteed that Hunter would be a part of the roster during his interview. It want be easy for Solo, but I think he’s up to the test. I can’t wait to these guys lock horns, “Man is it soup yeeeeet!!!!”

GO SEKOU, GO SOLO AND GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By I.MUS WRITE

September 12, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Ahhm hell to the naw i dont work at a restaurant or in fast food or in the underground or in a sports store.

By cp

September 12, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Glad to hear that Solo went to work this summer. Hopefully Woodson will actually use his bench but hell last summer he said they will be running more and well after a few games he cut that short.

I have been a fan of Hunter since the summer league. He has good hands, finishes well, hustles, and can hit a jumper for a big man. Plays well above his size. I like the kid. I like the kid Gardner too. I think Mario and Richardson will be looking for work elsewhere. I dont see them making the team.

By I.MUS WRITE

September 12, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Not being vague either….Im not putting my bussiness on the web….. You cant fiil out an application and work here -most people here have degrees here so this is’nt what youre thinking guy……Fast food HAHAHA thatz funny….I dint even work fast food in high school…….

By Lacsho

September 12, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Ahhm hell to the naw i dont work at a restaurant or in fast food or in the underground or in a sports store

This must be the comedy hour lol.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 12, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

“Woody has said in several interviews this summer that he plans to play his bench more this season. He said that he reduced his playing rotation late last year to ensure the team made the playoffs.”

And if the Hawks get off to a less than stellar start this year, is Woody gonna reduce the playing rotation again to make sure they get into the playoffs this year?

I’ll believe that he will play the bench more when I see it. As of now Woody doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt from me.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 12, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

“Zaza will be the first big off the bench, if he’s not traded. And he’s in a contract year, so expect a lot more aggressiveness from him.”

Until I see any indication that Woody has given up his Brownian tendency to avoid playing young players, I’m gonna have to agree. I doubt we are gonna see much Solo, no matter how many pounds he has put on. Both Solo and Randolph Morris have gotten way more attention from us over this summer than their playing time for the upcoming season would warrant in my opinion.

I disagree that Zaza lacks intensity though — I don’t think he doesn’t play hard, I just think he happens to completely suck, which makes it irrelevant how hard he plays.

By LOLZ

September 12, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

I.MUS, I didn’t mean to insult you. I was trying to think “If I were JJ where would I go during the course of my day.” That’s all. Thanks for narrowing it down for me though lol.

By a thinking fan

September 12, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

BASG and MW - Hmmm!

By MannyT

September 12, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

I.MUS Keep that privacy. In the blogosphere, we wouldn’t know who came and went Jeff Dahmer on you if they didn’t like a post.

I do appreciate the info when you drop it.

Astro Joe Stop treating your wife like she works in fast food. That’s why man has microwave and phone numbers for pizza delivery ;-)

Ariose If we go Dan Patrick Show on you, 175lbs can mean different things if you are 6’ 2” or 5’ 2” (friendly ding)

Samuel If Solo’s getting 15 mins and RandMo is getting 15, that’s a lot of front court bench minutes…especially when you consider that those dudes still have to beat Zaza off the bench. That’s one reason why Woody doesn’t play the bench, it eliminates the need to figure out how to manage minutes.

We have depth, let them play for minutes. That was one of Chills concerns when he left. No love for his game so he always came off the bench regardless of who was injured.

BWAF

By This Gets Old

September 12, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

“Bring back Dikembe and those elbows. In 8 minutes of game time, he’ll block a shot and break a nose. Sounds perfect to me”

It ain’t your nose.

By I'm NOT coming to your job I.MUS

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

Manny, No ones tryin’ to see I.MUS perform his 9-5(No offense). I was just interested b/c he always talks about how the players frequent his job.

I was thinking something along the lines of (sports apperal) or (food) since obviously the Hawks players are athletes. You’d have to figure if they were to go anywhere around town (on an occasional baisis) it would be something along those lines.

I saw Acie Law Downtown at the justice dept (probably for speeding….that’s what I was there for anyway). Could I.MUS be a judge? Couldn’t be, I doubt the players want to be there for any extended amount of time let alone talk to employees there. Also I.MUS, There are plenty of jobs in the CNN center that require a degree……

Look I don’t really care, i’m just ready for the season to start just like everyone else sheesh….If I were to run into JJ, i’d just ask him how he improves his overall game and prepares for the next season in his down time….workout regimen Hint, Hint Sekou

Anywayz….

By ray

September 12, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Trading Acie Law means you change the future plans at pg….if that happens, then all I can say is “here we go again”.

Najeh, I agree. Zaza’s first off the bench unless somebody really steps it up.

I.Mus, whas happnin’? You have got the coolest job, bro’. I envy you. I agree with you on Othello Hunter. I think the cat is going to show he belongs. I hate to add the “if Woody” tag to every statement I make…but it’s always right there in the back of my mind. I applaud Solo for finally adding some weight and strength. He’s going to need both if he’s going to get anything done. But like I said earlier, that’s not the end of the story. He has to be able to rebound, make his defensive rotational assignments, and find a way to contribute on the offensive end (just set a pick or something, cut to the basket for an alley oop, learn a post move or two). If not….

By Samuel

September 12, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

I have no idea what RandMo will do. Never seen him play. I do know what Solo is capable of and we need what he brings to the table. I could see ZaZa being moved.

By SAM THE G

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

Hey guys, What i think is my balls are extremely itchy at the moment, Thanks.

By HB Ando

September 12, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

AJ, LOL!

MannyT, what I’m sayin’. Every minute that Zaza, Morris and/or Solo play at the five will require Al to slide to his optimal position of PF, and, progressively, Josh to play the 3. And then we’re right where I’ve been cautioning against for quite some time: a can’t shoot front line of Josh, Al, and the 3-headed variation of centers we are now discussing. Every minute of this configuration, in addition to producing a front line that can’t shoot beyond 18 feet, will come at the expense of minutes for Marvin, who still represents the only, POTENTIAL, legitimate deep threat on the front line. And if minutes at the 3 are reduced, for Marvin, by the emergence of greater depth in the post, how can anyone even bother to talk about Mo Evans at the 3?

If Marvin’s minutes are reduced by Zaza/Morris/Solo/Hunter, that clearly doesn’t create MORE minutes for Evans, at the 3.

Look, certainly you can mix and match the added depth. But assuming it will automatically bear the fruit of additional wins is pure conjecture. And almost every projected rotation one can make, with the expanded roster, comes with an identifiable limitation.

Go big, and Marvin sits (unless you are of the convoluted misconception that getting minutes for Al and Josh are a committed priority of the franchise). Go small, with Josh, Al and Marvin, and for every minute those three play together, any value you project for any or all of Zaza/Morris/Solo and Hunter is eradicated.

Acknowledge that what now appears to be some valid questions about the distribution of front-court minutes could have the greatest impact on Marvin, and explain to me how that situation doesn’t limit Mo’s opportunity to play the 3, regardless of his ability to handle that role. Logically progress that Mo must then go forage for minutes at the only other position he can play, the 2, and here sits JJ, logging in over 40 minutes of the available 48, and still failing to consider that the 2 is Flip Murray’s most natural position (and that Bibby, Law and Speedy appear written in to the 48 available at the PG).

Depth is wonderful when it’s managed by a head coach who is capable of the delicate challenge of keeping 8-10 guys, all of similar capability, happy with their role. Typically, those kinds of individual sacrifices are accepted on teams that have a legitimate shot at the championship.

But we still don’t have a viable 5 who can stretch the defense, which would optimize the strengths and weaknesses of Al and Josh, and our small line up continues to look overmatched, defensively, against the better teams in the league. Our two best additions, Mo and Flip, both are most comfortable at the 2, where Woody, regardless of “talk” about using his bench more, this coming season, has never actually walked that talk.

This team has more “maybe’s” than any other realistic, Eastern Conference, peers.

Doesn’t mean they can’t, or won’t, turn every question mark into an exclamation point. But, alternatively, ignoring these logical questions marks, especially given the track record of the head coach and front office/ownership, is simply Pollyanna, wearing her rose-colored glasses.

Hey, it would be a lot easier, and less loquacious (OK, we all know I’ll never choose less loquacious), for me to pretend these concerns don’t exist. But they do. And I can’t.

Bring on the regular season (AKA, the TRUTH)……..

By Ariose

September 12, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Damn Ando, no need to ask any questions on THAT response lol. I understand what you meant on the last blog now. And you did it without being your usual loquacious self lol.

Woody is the Dark Cloud that’s holding our potentially optimistic expactions hostage. I wonder if Portland would let us rent Nate McMillan out just for training camp.

Honestly, as far as the minutes are concerned, I found myself not being able to sleep b/c I was trying to make player rotations in my head. If we trade speedy or Zaza Or Solo, I get to sleep easier. Because then my guy Thomas Gardner get’s some PT….Othello Hunter too.

As far as THE TRUTH is concerned F#&@K Paul Pirce (J/K….well….heh)

ROFL Astro Joe, Your my new hero lol. But 20Lbs in one sunday?? I think your wife is trying to sabotage you. SOMEBODY wants that life insurance money hehehehe JK.

We Need Woody Insuransce!!!

Ooh, Oooh, wait for it……..

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By jhan

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

Ando - what’s up dude? Glad to hear the little one is doing well. Hope the same holds true for you & the lady who somehow manages to put up with you daily!

Why not take the approach of attacking teams with multiple lineups during a game? When you find something working against a certain team keep pushing. At least now Woody has the option of several different lineups that should be effective. How/if he can recognize them & manage them is another question.

Against some teams a small frontline will be just fine. And ours will probably be better than theirs. We may have to play ZaZa/Morris more against others. That’s where our “bigs” have to man-up & at least hold their own.

What’s wrong with playing JJ at SF? A lineup of Bibby, Flip/Evans, JJ, Smith & Horford would put some points on the board. All 4 positions except PG would have average to good defensive players. Marvin, Acie, Flip/Evans, ZaZa off the bench is pretty solid.

Marvin could be the main focus of the offense for close to 10-15 min per game off the bench. He should abuse the other teams bench - forcing their starters to play more minutes.

I see a lot of scenarios that would work for this team. I hope Woody does as well.

By jj

September 12, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

I think the guy that’s really on the hot seat is Woddy.I think Sund will be watching him very closely.He’s got to show that he’s the man to take this team farther.I have my doubts and I think Marvin got to show he’s ready to be counted on .

By Ariose

September 12, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

……Here!!! So are we really owned by the ASG????

Pessimistic Prick…Is this guy stupid??? Look at what he said about JJ. It’s called TEAM BALL buddy. What about BIBBY?? Oh I see just let him off the hook…..I smell a Hater.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By Ariose

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

“Marvin Williams, Atlanta Hawks: Not because Williams is primed to explode, but because, in his quiet, smooth, deceptive way, it’s just that time. Between the surprise showing against Boston, Josh Smith’s new contract and Al Horford’s strong rookie year, the Hawks are movin’ on up. The loss of Josh Childress means more minutes for Marvin, and the North Carolina product — who is only 22 years old — is more than capable of scoring, boarding and finding his way around the floor. He can fill the classic three role with panache and is very likely emerging as a bigger, more orderly, Richard Jefferson.”

Here’s the Link

Five teams that will Dissapoint us this upcoming season……the Hawks are listed at #3…

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By Ariose

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

I think this 24/7 training camp is Sunds way of getting Woody fired. He KNOWS Woody won’t have anything worhtwhile to say after the third day of camp…….especially if he has to coach during the day and then talk again at night…..

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By Mike is back

September 13, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

ANDO good blog, you did a great job of meticulously describing why the Hawks are a better team than in previous seasons, those rotations you broke down can best be describe as added depth. Guy can’t sit on there Assssssssss they have compete for minutes. That added competition raises the level of play for the whole team. Having to find minutes for players is a good thing. Those were some interesting line-up. If you get five minutes out of Morris, Hunter, Solo a quarter on any given night it fills a need where the team is weakest. So I agree with the Big Dogs that Zaza will be the first Big off the bench, but if he don’t move his Asssssss, there’s some hungry young guys that will take his minutes.

These bench guys don’t have to be on fire all at one time. They just need to ready to step up when their number is called. The PG and the Pivot has been a glaring weakness during Woody’s tenure. Now you got guys competing for minutes at every position. I’ll take that problem over what we’ve had in the past any day. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!

By HB Ando

September 13, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

Jeffrey, my brother, and ticket benefactor, should you be asking me those questions, or Woody? Why not, indeed.

You know me as well as anyone here. So when I say that my point is based on some extreme micro analysis, you’ll understand. I think that the variability of alternative weaknesses, of various lineups (big vs. small, as you describe them, in general), with this specific roster, lends itself to consistently exposing those flaws in the kind of “chess match” scenarios you are referring to.

In other words, I think we’ll be more “reactive”, than “proactive”, in working with match up driven substitution patterns. I base that belief both on Woody’s well-established (tell me we haven’t talked about this a million times, with our asses planted in your seats) history of a lack of in-game flexibility, as well as the underlying point I’m trying to make in that while the prospective roster, for this season, seems to have more viable options, the Hawks still suffer from having many of those players carrying specific weaknesses.

For every bench player (or center option, if we’re not playing Al at the five), there comes a definable limitation to the five men on the floor.

Teams who play match up driven substitutions rarely have zero bigs who can shoot outside of 5 feet, or its most talented bench players playing the one position where the starter historically gets 40+ minutes. As I said, if you go big, then Al is the 4 and Josh is the 3 (Al’s necessary presence on the floor demands it, as does Josh’s contract). And, based on the bigs we can roll out there, in that situation, we have a front court that demands something along the lines of a modified zone defense, with one defender likely chasing JJ around, like a triangle and two.

We go big, and we can’t hit the side of a barn, as long as teams force JJ and Bibby to give up the ball. We go small, and all the talk about our improved size is inconsequential.

I just think the fit is still bad. And the coach who has been extended, to make the most of his expanded options, has never shown an inkling of the ability to creatively optimize his assets, in the moment (during the game).

This roster would be far more compelling if the game was 7 on 7, because then we could get shooting and size, on the court, at the same time. But I can’t agree with the argument that a better Hawks team is as simple as playing the match ups.

Especially when other teams in the East made far more noteworthy changes, while we simply swapped Childress for Mo and Flip.

Everyone wants to assume that improvement is a foregone conclusion, but a year after Golden State knocked off Dallas, in the first round of the Western playoffs, they failed to make the top 8. As an 8-seed, two years ago, they completed the shocking upset of a 1 seed, where we failed to do so with Boston. And it seems to me that building on that success, as a natural progression/expectation, was far more logical than assuming a 37-win team will clearly return to the playoffs, in the East.

By Blue Hawk

September 13, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

We’re definitely going to have a very interesting year, no doubt.

Will it be better than last year? I would have to say YES.

From what I see about our bigs, i see that all of them can run the floor. Are we about to see a running game in Atlanta? Hopefully.

Man, I’m excited!

By Samuel

September 13, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Any team in the league will have weaknesses at certain positions. When we go large we don’t need our bigs shooting beyond 18ft. That’s why we’re going large. THUUUGGGHHH!!!! My God, will the BABBLE ever seace? Let’s play ball and stop all this micro-analyzing.

By bibby10

September 13, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

this discussion is just a waste of time…the problem is the coach! as long as we have a coach like woody we won’t get into the playoffs. he’s too narrow to realize that he have more talent and options in the bench compared last season. i bet that he will stick with 6-7 man rotation. look what happened to salim, mario, solo, acie etc last season. all wasted talent. if woody is smart enough to split time efficiently among his players i’m sure we could’ve a better record last season…i bet in the end most of the players that we’ve signed won’t be even get a chance to play. no play…no exposure…no development. NO PLAYOFFS! u count on it!

we should’ve signed d’antoni or avery as our coach when we still had a chance. they know how to utilize their player’s potential to become more effective.

By ray

September 13, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

My God, will the BABBLE ever seace?

Seace, a new word I learned by surfing the net and listening to Sam. This has got to be far more entertaining than Hooked on Phonics…

Ando is clearly getting into early/midseason form early…

By jhan

September 13, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Ando - since I can’t get Woody’s ear I’ll have to bend yours.

Once again this whole season boils down to Woody maturing as a coach in my opinion. He doesn’t have the ultimate line-up but he certainly has a respectable one this year.

Coaches have made the playoffs with less talented teams than this one.

It seems to me our lack of a true big man really hurt us the most when Horford was resting. Other teams bench bigs dominated us at that point. Our 2 legitimate bigs BOTH have something to prove this season. ZaZa/Morris should handle themselves fine against other teams back-up centers. If not, they both will be joining Childress across the sea!

By Sautee

September 13, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Looks like Ando’s not the only one rounding into midseason form. ;-)

By Lacsho

September 13, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Well in other news, my soccer team won 11-1. We dominated the whole game. The other team scored in the final seconds of the game. My kids really played hard; they executed everything we worked on in practice.

Sam I agree with you. I think a lot of us are over analyzing this team. Bottom line if Woody, makes the correct substitutions we’ll be fine. We have enough talent to go into the second round. Then perhaps the spirit will wake up and spend some damn money. (I know I went out on the limb with that one) I guess I’m more of an optimistic. I believe you can will your team with positive thoughts and energy. There’s a lot of bad energy on this blog. Let’s not forget they ended the season on a positive note. If they get road wins this year we’ll be in good shape. Phillips is going to be off the chain this year, so I’m not worried about the home games.

Now it’s time for Football

By Ken Strickland

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

ANDO-why would Horford have to automatically have to be moved to PF and JSmith SF just because Morris, Zaza or Solomon are playing the 5? Why can’t Horford and Smoove, after being replaced, just go to the bench and rest. If Woodson reduces the mins of his starters, like he’s said he would, wouldn’t that create additional mins for Morris, Zaza and Solo? Wouldn’t the loss of MWest, JRichardson and SStaudamire and JChildress, who played starter mins, also create additional mins for our new bench players?

I might be mistaken, but I don’t remember Josh playing the SF position once over the last 2 yrs. Why would he have to do so this season. After all, before the trade, we had Zaza, Solo and Wright backing up Horford and Josh wasn’t moved to SF once, to my knowledge.

Personally, I think Woodson will use Zaza as the first BIG off the bench, while Morris and Solo will battle to be his next in line(edge to Morris). The loser will sit and wait for scrap mins. Randolph and Evans will get good mins behind JJ and Marvin. Speedy and Acie will fight for mins early, but Woodson will eventually have to rest Speedy’s knees or lose him for the season.

I’m a firm believer in the idea that upgrading your roster doesn’t automatically result in an improved team. The Hawks once upgraded their roster by adding 2 Allstars, RTheus and MMalone. The team was so disappointing that yr they were both sent packing the next yr. So many people thought Chicago would be an improved team when they added Allstar BWallace, and look at how that turned out. Improvement on paper doesn’t always translate into an improved team. Adding new starters, especially dynamic starters, can have a negative effect on team chemistry.

By RA

September 13, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Ken Strickland

You’re absolutely right. However, the moves that Atlanta made over this offseason can’t be ignored either. Now granted, the Hawks could have stood pat, paid Childress what he wanted, resigned Josh Smith, and gone into next season with basically the same starting five that they ended with. Instead, Atlanta saw Chills depart to a team with which he couldn’t possibly hurt us, and brought in several young and talented players in areas of need. Now while that doesn’t necessarily translate into greatness for next season, the efforts of the Hawks front office can’t be put aside either. The simple fact that NONE of the other ajc beatwriters have predicted doom and gloom on this season tells me beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is at least reason to hope.

By wordsmithtom

September 13, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Let’s see: we lost Chills. Gained two seasoned subs. + We added Morris and Hunter…more beef + Josh Smith beefed up Williams beefed up Solo beefed up 3 young studs adding muscle +++ Speedy able to play + Acie a year of experience +

Where’s the downside? Why so many predicting a weaker season? 42 wins

By Ken Strickland

September 13, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

Thanks RA. The additions the Hawks have made will have little, if any, negative effect on team chemistry. The core of this team, minus Chills, is still intact, especially the starters. Both Evans and Randolf can create their own shot and won’t be dependent on OFF sets or teammates to score. If Morris doesn’t show any more than he did with the Knicks, Solo will get his mins.

Ben Wallace created a lot of problems for the Bulls. He forced a team with problems scoring to compensate for his total lack of scoring ability. Philly might have problems, especially early, trying to get established players like Iggy, Miller, Dalembert, Evans etc, to adjust to the scoring requirements of EBrand. They might have to adjust most of their OFF sets to accomodate him. You could very easily have a simular problem with the addition of JOneal in Toronto.

Ando has a tendency to over analyze and I have a tendency to over speculate. I do know the Hawks will go as far as HC MWoodson will allow.

By RA

September 13, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Mike Woodson is an interesting case in and of himself. Now I’ll tell you the truth, the team that he inherited wasn’t fit to pour pee out of a boot with the directions written under the heel. That having been said, with the team on hand, there is NO excuse for the Hawks not to AT LEAST make the playoffs. If they don’t perform up to expectations this year, changes are definately in order.

By ray

September 13, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Sautee, you’re quite sharp…

Lacsho, that’s a high-octane soccer team you’ve got there. 11 goals? Wow. I played soccer for two years in high school. 11 goals is a MASSACRE…you must be a hell of a coach.

Dude, there’s not that much bad energy here…..now. You shoulda been around before Smith was re-signed and after Chill was out the door. Heh…then again, maybe you were and just decided to leave bad enough alone! Of course, if you want negative energy, just hop over a few doors down to the Falcons blog….

I agree with anybody that says the biggest difference is how Woody decides to do things. Now lets see how many more times we can say the same things over and over before the season begins. Of course, our comments won’t be exactly the same…it’s more like a “theme and variations” for those of you who are more musically inclined (and this applies more to those who are familiar with Classical, Baroque, and Renaissance music. One of my favorites is Ravel’s “Bolero”. A wonderful example…). But anyway: Ciao! Be Bach in a Minuet!

By femhawkfan

September 13, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Its been awhile since I have commented. However, I have been keeping up with Sekou’s blogs. So far, I like what I am hearing about the team. Its good that most of the team is back on the court working. I am also impressed to hear that the players are beefing up.
On a lighter note, I am not suprised that Bibby and Joe haven’t showed up…they are the “seasoned” veterans who really don’t need camp…they are supposed to show up later than everyone else. Do you guys actually think that Kobe, Lebron, and D. Wade show up this early? I saw the Hawks tv schedule on the Hawks website. It showed which games Sports South will show and which games FSN will show. I was a little bit upset to see that none of the two Memphis Grizzlies games will be shown by either Sports South or FSN. I guess I will have to make it out to the Arena if I want to see OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 13, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

“I’m a firm believer in the idea that upgrading your roster doesn’t automatically result in an improved team. The Hawks once upgraded their roster by adding 2 Allstars, RTheus and MMalone. The team was so disappointing that yr they were both sent packing the next yr.”

True — a much more recent example you could have mentioned is the addition of Glenn Robinson and the subsequent “playoff guarantee” a few years ago. I think we all remember how that turned out.

All that said though, I think the majority of big offseason acquisitions end up paying off for the team, at least in the short term.

By Clyde

September 14, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

Roll Tide!!!!

By Lacsho

September 14, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

Ray I should’ve given some of that octane to my Buckeyes. There’s another good soccer team in our U8 division, they blew this team out 19-0. This team had two of my son’s select teamates on it. I think the select team will be ready for the world championships in Janurary.

I agree Ray sometimes this Hawks argument gets old. I’m ready for the season to begin.

By Blue Hawk

September 14, 2008 2:38 AM | Link to this

Solomon Jones

Solo plays very tall with his length and high vertical leap. He can become a monster rebounder and shot blocker if he works hard at it, becoming more or less like a Tyson Chandler, Theo Ratliff and Marcus Camby, etc. hybrid.

Solo does not have to be a great offensive player. It’s very possible for him to become a double digit scorer if he:

1. works the offensive glass and score on putbacks
2. runs the break and score easily in transition
3. scores a lot on lobs/alley-oops like Tyson Chandler

That’s basically the type of offense guys like Ben Wallace, Chandler, Ratliff, Camby, and even Dalembert and Beidrins bring so I guess that’s good enough. Just leave the ‘offensive sophistication’ to the other guys on the floor.

By Ken Strickland

September 14, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

NAJEH-I had forgotten about that one, thanks for reminding us. While there were no guarantees mentioned, we made a big deal about how much the Hawks would be improved with the acquisition of Shareef Abdur Raheem from Memphis for the draft rights to PGasol. It was BK who shafted us with that trade.

I understand why Solo opted out of playing in this yrs summer league. He’d signed up and played the previous 2 summers and got no consideration, recognition or mins from Woodson. He decided it was more beneficial for him to spend his time working on his individual gm and physical development. The truth is, nobody can say how much he’s improved over the last 2yrs, other than physically. Woodson hasn’t allowed him a chance to show anything. We’ve all seen glimpses of what he might be able to do if given enough mins. He more than held his own against Bostons frontline in the limited time he was used in the playoffs. He has the physical tools and this summer it seems he is committed enough to concentrate on sustaining that development.

He’s been good enough to make the team the last 2 yrs, plus he wasn’t included in the Bibby trade. So he has to be doing something right somewhere. He’s in the last yr of his contract and we need to find out exactly what we have. It would be an absolute shame to let him go, just to have someone else pick him up and discover he’s a lalented BIG. We don’t want to make the same boneheaded mistake the Bulls made when they undervalued TChandler and overvalued BWallace.

By Ken Strickland

September 14, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

NAJEH-I had forgotten about that one, thanks for reminding us. Also, although there were no guarantees, we were told the acquisition of local hero Shareef Abdur Raheem from Memphis would be a big team improvement.

Solo decided not to waste another yr playing in the summer leagues. After all, playing in the last 2 didn’t get him any aditional recognition, consideration or mins from Woodson. He definitely has the tools and now he seems to have the motivation to work extra hard on developing his gm and his body. This is the last yr of his current contract and we need to find out what we have and what he can do. That can only happen if Woodson gives him enough sustained mins under gm conditions to prove himself. He more than held his own rebounding and defending the paint against Boston’s frontline in his limited playoff experience.

It would be an absolute shame to have him blossom with another team just because Woodson wouldn’t give him a chance to play. We don’t want to do what Chicago did when they undervalued the abilities of TChandler and overvalued the abilities of BWallace.

The Hawks have a lot of young talent that is developing(Marvin, Horford, Smith) and some talent that needs further development(Acie and Solo). We just need a HC that understands that, instead of one that’s continuously cries for mgt to trade for, or sign, more veteran players.

By ray

September 14, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Ken,

There are a number of ways to look at that. While I continue to point to Woody on a lot of issues, I couldn’t use him to give a complete pass to a guy like Sheldon Williams. He still showed not-so-great hands, a seeming inability to gain proper position on the block (whether on offense or defense), bad footwork, and bad defense, despite size and wingspan. He didn’t show me much different in Sacramento, but then maybe he’s a bad fit there as well…

It can’t all be about Woodson or Zaza would have started at center all last year and Al Horford would have just as many splinters in his a$$ as Solo did. So yes, he must have been doing something right to stick around, but how much did he really have to do? This team hasn’t been known for it’s pursuit of big men through free agency under Billy. Took Billy forever to go grab one, then we ended up with a near-useless has-been in Lo Wright. What other names did we have go through the low post carousel? John Edwards, Slava Medvedenko, Estaban Batista (I liked that guy)?

Sund just got here, and BAM! We missed on Kwame and Francisco (perhaps on purpose, who knows) but we got Morris. That’s talking with 3 bigs (that we know of) in a month or two. And there’s a possiblity that we may come up with another one before season’s start? The era of pursuing all the swing forwards we can find is over…

Solo will have his work cut out for him. I hope for his sake and the team’s sake, he’s ready. It remains to be seen whether or not skipping summer league (where Drew would’ve given him plenty of minutes, I know), and choosing to hit the weights (and whatever else he might have been doing) was a good decision or not. Or it may not matter. He might not be long for this uniform anyway, just because someone doesn’t see where he fits in the “program.” You never know.

But I doubt we’ll see him go elsewhere and become this huge talent. Perhaps he could show up here or elsewhere as a Milsap or somebody like that who contributes significantly off the bench. But I doubt we’ll see him showing up elsewhere in the starting lineup. Tyson Chandler is a cautionary tale, but he’s also a true 7-footer, a real lottery pick, and a guy with talent that seemed obvious to even a non-professional/non-expert like myself. That, and Paxson was drinking Skiles’ koolaid. No worries about picking up a Ben Wallace type. ASG ain’t rich enough, and we gotta pay all that type of money in a couple years.

By Ken Strickland

September 14, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

RAY-BK wanted a West Coast uptempo style of OFF and he drafted the type of versative, athletic players to run it. His biggest mistake was hiring a rigid HC that’s been molded by two old school control crazed mentors to execute his plan. Woodson was the complete opposite of what BK wanted and needed and he finally got fed up last yr.

I don’t expect Solo to become a star, or even a starter, unless he goes to an ideal situation. But, he can be the kind of contributor off the bench that John Salley was in Detroit. Work on what he does best and do it well when called upon.

Players that are drafted by a team(like Solo, Salim and Acie) or those that make the team from training camp(like MWest, JRichardson, maybe OHunter) are more willing to remain with the team that drafted them or gave them a chance than veteran FA’s that have moved around(like Evans and Randolph). That’s why it’s better for us to develop what we have than constantly rotating our bottom seven players, especially when finances are limited.

Sund seems to be trying to give Woodson the type of players he’s been wanting to run his preferred style of OFF. The problem is, BK has left him with a core of young, talented, versatile and very athletic starters that aren’t a good fit for that style. So, he seems to be trying to split the difference by replacing the young bench players(Salim, West, Richardson) Woodson ignored with veteran players that he prefers(Morris, Evans, Randolph).

Let’s face it. Last yr Solo had more to offer this team, in the long term, than way past his prime LWright. If Solo and Acie had been given enough mins, attention and a sustained opportunity to progress, with their increased production, and a rested JJ, Bibby and Horford, we might have stolen a road gm and the series from Boston. Who knows.

Solo hasn’t demonstrated enough to replace Zaza as the 1st BIG off the bench. But he’s shown enough to merit an opportunity to try, and under gm conditions. It makes no sense that a DEF minded HC would play his least DEF minded BIG and not allow his BIG with the most DEF potential to sniff any meaningful mins, even during blowouts. Although I like the acquisition of Morris, it doesn’t make complete sense. Morris hasn’t shown any more than Solo, and for the same reason I might add. Neither has been given an opportunity to show what he can do. Why spend more money to bring in someone elses stepchild to wash the dishes, so to speak, when you have a child you’ve raised on the bench that hasn’t been given a chance to do it?

I love the excitement generated by this team when they run an opencourt uptempo OFF. And there’s no doubt they are ready, willing and able to do it.

By HB Ando

September 14, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Ken, I have both an answer, and a question, for you. First, the answer: Josh and Al can’t just go to the bench, to rest, “like the rest of us”, because the drop-off in skill level, with both of them out, is precipitous. And, as I don’t have the energy or desire to review the two years you refer to, I will only ask, are you saying that Josh and Al never played at the same time, last season, when Zaza was on the court? Because the only way your statement, that you don’t remember Josh playing the 3 ANY time in the last 2 years, is if he’s never been on the court with Al and Zaza.

My guess is that almost every game Zaza participated in, last year, included minutes with Al and Josh.

Look, fellas, here’s a further progression of my point: the better the team, and I mean the better the starters, the easier it is to leverage your depth and second team, should you have it. The best teams in the league build up big leads, and then use their bench to rest their starters. This point is not coincidental with Woody’s well-documented refusal to use his bench, last year.

Your depth is only as valuable as they are utilized. This isn’t a team that projects to run up double-digit first half leads, allowing for extensive use of a quality bench.

Not a one of you tackled the point that there will be virtually no minutes at the 2, if Woody continues to play JJ 40+ minutes. Used to be we could discuss JJ getting some of his minutes at the point. But we’ve now got Bibby, Law and Speedy there. Even if you believe Evans can get his minutes at the 3, where will Flip get his?

And the only way for Evans to then get meaningful minutes, at the 3, is for not only Marvin to give them up, but it requires that Al and Josh almost never stay on the floor when any, or all, of the now three-headed center, that is Zaza, Solo AND Morris.

I think that it’s not unreasonable to project Woody playing Josh and Al for a combined 72 minutes. Give Marvin the 32 that would be required for him to emerge in the fashion that many of you use, as proof of inevitable improvement, and you now have 40 front court minutes, to spread amongst Zaza (who has historically used up about 24 of those), Morris, Solo, Hunter, and Evans (if you aren’t too stubborn to agree that Flip will get most of the 8 remaining minutes JJ leaves at the SG).

How much value can Solo, Morris, Hunter and Evans provide, sharing 20 minutes a night? How much better can that make the Hawks?

Look, everyone here is making projections. I’m just simply trying to apply some basic math, based on available minutes, to the conversation.

Like I said, if Bibby gets traded, everything changes. If somebody important goes down for a major time frame, then this improved depth could, will, have a value.

But expecting Woody, based on his actions, rather than his words, to suddenly go to a 9-man rotation, with serious minutes for some of these new names, seems, to me, unlikely.

JJ is the guy. Josh is now getting paid top dollar (which always means minutes, regardless of performance). Al is the future star, and with the expectation that he will only get better, will be required to play around 40 minutes a night. If Bibby is here, making almost $15 million, then he’s going to be on the floor.

We traded Childress for Evans and Flip. But I bet you those two don’t combine to average as many minutes as Childress averaged the past few years. And Morris is simply a flight of fantasy, underwhelming at every stage of his young career, and only available to the Hawks because nobody better came calling.

I’m just saying that what appears to be greater depth should not be assumed to promise inevitable improvement.

Teams, at the fringe of the playoffs, either go up or down. There’s a rock-solid history of teams like the Hawks dropping down, rather than moving up.

You can take that as a “just sayin”, or a prediction (I’ll stick, steadfastly, to the belief they won’t be any better than 10th in the East).

Nothing personal…….

By Lacsho

September 14, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

If you guys have a crystal ball, please tell me the lotto numbers for next week. I had my share of problems about Woody in the past, but you don’t know what Woody’s going to do in the present, with this group of players. I digress, but when you get those lotto numbers hit me up.

Please tell me why Woodson can’t change. Someone please tell me. This is the most talent Woodson has ever had, give this guy a chance!!!!! (I know I know we’re still dwelling on the past).

Comeback after the first fifteen games, then we can evaluate him fairly. Until then, just let it go ; you guys are working yourself into a frenzy.

To the naysayers, I’m willing to put some money on Solo beating Zaza out.

By Ken Strickland

September 14, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

ANDO-we are on the same page. All of my assumptions, predictions and educated guesses are predicated on how much Woodson progresses from his habits of the past. Personally, I think he knows he’s on a short leash and will eventually revert back to his old habits. I can’t see him putting his future as Hawks HC in the hands of anyone but those he has faith in. That means our stating 5, plus maybe one other, will eventually get run into the ground playing excess mins.

We all saw this fool watch his team get 20 and 30pt leads and still wouldn’t play Solo, West, Richardson or Salim. We’ve also seen the Hawks lose those leads because he wouldn’t rest his starters. Even when we were behind big, and needed outside shooting to open the DEF or prevent JJ from being doubled, this fool wouldn’t play the shooters(Salim and Richardson). We already know he’s reluctant to accept advice from his assistants. Instead of changing to save his job, I see him reverting back to what’s most comfortable to him.

WOODOSON DOESN’T USE HIS BENCH OR ATTEMPT TO DEVELOP A RAPPORT WITH HIS YOUNG PLAYERS BECAUSE HE DOESN’T KNOW HOW. HE IS PROBABLY EXCELLENT AS AN ASSISTANT COACH, BECAUSE THE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE LIMITED AND/OR NARROWLY DEFINED. HE’S TOO LIMITED, RIGID, CONTROLLING AND ONE DIMENSIONAL TO SUCCESSFULLY HANDLE THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY BE A NBA HC.

To answer your question ANDO, if Woodson doesn’t reduce the mins of his starters, our bench will end up being a limited contributing factor, again. Also, when Zaza replaces Horford, who goes to the bench. When Horford comes back in, it’s to replace Smoove, who goes to the bench. When Smoove comes back in, it’s to replace Zaza, who goes to the bench. I don’t recall seeing all 3 of them on the floor simultaneously.

By Lacsho

September 14, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Damn Ken you act like Woody did something to you personally. What did Woody do to you?

By Steve T

September 14, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Solo adding 20 -30 pounds could mean the Hawks will be a tougher team. The Hawks have Horford, Solo, Hunter, Morris, and Zaza that can play center as well as power forward.

If he can come in and play D, Rebound, block and score a few points, it will allow Horford and Smith to get a break. Then when the game is on the line, they would not be tired or in foul trouble. I expect the Hawks to win 15 - 25 more games.

By HB Ando

September 14, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Steve T, based on your comments, how many minutes do you project that Marvin/Evans (or any other options at the 3) will play?

Because that’s my point: all these potentially viable options, in the paint, will require minutes to be subtracted from other front court players. And all five guys you mention, which is ridiculous in it’s very number, must vie for a maximum of 96 minutes, at the 4/5. And since so many folks (look no farther than Ken, who swears that Josh Smith hasn’t played a SINGLE MINUTE at the 3, in the last 2 years), adding Smith to that 96-minute scramble, are now supposed to make us better, please tell me who, of all these guys, can hit a shot outside of 15 feet.

Hell, they can all come in and “play D, Rebound, block and score a few points”. But they, ALL of them, have to do so assuming minutes from the 3. And every minute that this team plays, with anyone other than Marvin or Evans playing the 3, is a minute in which the Hawks have a “CANNOT SHOOT” front line.

I honestly can’t quit scratching my head on how so many of you either can’t comprehend the simplicity of, or just choose to ignore the obvious logic of, the very straight-forward issue of rotations and the implied weaknesses of those rotational options.

If we go big, we cannot shoot. If we go small, we cannot defend the post. That’s not a balance issue. That’s the sum of any variable 5-man line up this team can place on the floor, at any one time, based on its current roster.

Look, it’s pretty simple. Name any five guys we can have on the floor at any one time, take in to account the likelihood of Woody employing that line up, based on his historic over-utilization of his starters, and then consider the limitations of any given 5-man rotation.

If it’s Bibby, JJ, Marvin, Josh and Horford, then it’s going to struggle against a big lineup. If it’s any other variation, in which the front court does not include Marvin or Evans, then it’s going to be one of the worst shooting teams in the league. Period.

Match ups are either proactive or reactive. Woody, based on his history here, will tend towards reactive, especially since the imbalance between his lineup options is broader than most of our opponents. That means we will be responding to the substitutions of other teams, rather than forcing them.

I guess I should transition from giving these issues serious analytic thought, to just babbling optimistic platitudes, in disregard of a myriad of factors that continue to work against Hawks success (imbalanced roster, retained head coach who has well-documented flaws, and an obviously under-financed ownership group, still locked into a legal battle, and lacking the requisite money to pay off its

By HB Ando

September 15, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

Wow, Big Brother must be tracking my posts now. At the point where my last blog stopped, my comment just disappeared.

LOOK at what I was saying!

Can you argue that there’s a conspiracy to silence me??!!!

OK, actually there’s a key somewhere on this laptop, that I continue to hit, during posts, that just evaporates my post (man, don’t a bunch of you wish you had a button that would evaporate my posts?!).

So, it’s not as much a conspiracy as it is a rogue key on this smallish laptop, that does what many of you wish you had the power to do: erase my near-complete posts, right before I enter them.

Now if someone would just explain to me why the Republicans are putting so much effort into having Tina Fey become our vice-president………

By BLUE HAWK

September 15, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

Maurice Evans will most likely not back up the SF spot. He’s too small to play small forward, being a fraction above 6’4” with shoes on. Although he can play taller than he is, I think he is more suited to back up the shooting guard spot ‘cause that’s what he really is, a shooting guard. He will likely sub for JJ, period and play small forward only minimally.

Either we are still in need of another SF on the bench or we may see Josh playing a lot of minutes at small forward giving way for our other bigs to play some minutes at the bigger spots.

By HB Ando

September 15, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Blue, pretty much my point. If Evan isn’t a 3, that leaves the 2. And JJ plays the 2 for 40 minutes. And Flip is more 2 than 1. And Flip is fighting with Bibby, Law and Speedy for minutes at the one. So, exactly how many minutes are available for Evans and Flip, collectively, at the one and two?

And if you’re right (my point exactly) that most of the minutes that Zaza/Morris and Solo can accrue, will require Josh to play the 3, then we’re EXACTLY where I suggest, with a front line that may well be the worst outside shooting group in the league.

That’s why Luke Jackson was somewhat attractive. But all these variations come at the expense of Marvin’s minutes, at the 3.

So he either is, or is not, going to emerge as worthy of the second overall pick.

From my perspective, I don’t see how Marvin can step up to his supposed potential as long as he’s the FIFTH option on this lineup. With Bibby, JJ, Smith and Al, can anyone document another situation where the FIFTH option, on an average team, emerges as a 20 PPG scorer?

I see confusion. Now, and throughout the season.

Quick start, and then a predictable unraveling, as other teams settle in, and this one discombobulates.

By Lacsho

September 15, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

Ando you’re my man (and you know this), but if Woody fails to play his bench this year, I think he will be out the door.

That means we will be responding to the substitutions of other teams, rather than forcing them.

During all three home games we dictated Boston’s substitution patterns. I can send you copies of the games. I watched them every other week.

Back to the rotations, how do you argue rotations, when the team is not intact? Based on your argument, why should we pick up anybody in free agency, as long as Woody’s the coach? I guess we should have an eight man team.

Bottom line if management was convinced that Woody was the man, how come they only gave him a two year extension. The rationale for this two year extension is two folded.

1. Woody stated, he didn’t have the vets he really needed. So management signs to vets that are highly capable of being productive off the bench. Now woody has to prove he can manage a team.

2. Woody has a short amount of time to prove he can successfully coach, a talented team. The bar has been set, and if the Hawks fail to make the playoffs with this team, Woody will be out the door before the season ends.

My brother I feel you on that Fey comment.

Some people say Woody failed to build a rapport with the younger players. I ask the question, how you know? Were you in the locker room after the games, or perhaps you were a fly on the wall at the practice facility. Smoove stated him and Woody have a great relationship. Chillz was disgruntled because he didn’t start. However, Chillz would be in the game, at the end of the game.(hmmmm nice) I could care less about starting, if I was closing out the end of the games. Don’t get me wrong chillz is nice, but he can easily be replaced. Some act like chillz was the second coming, and he wasn’t. If chillz was all of that, he would still be playing in the NBA, not in Greece. Bottom line ownership made a lame offer, and Chillz went for the money overseas. If the players were really disgruntled about Woody, he wouldn’t be the coach this year. There’s always going to be one or two players, who don’t like there coach. Anyone who has played organized sports should be able to attest to that point.

Lastly, dare I ask wassup with a paragraph full of caps? The same old argument with different rhetoric.

Geez

By BLUE HAWK

September 15, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

If not Woodson then who?

Flip Saunders? Nah, I don’t like him.

Is there a coach out there that will best use the talent that we have?

I’m thinking more of a Hubie Brown type of coach. His teams run a lot and shoot a lot. And he uses big rotations, giving a lot of players a lot of minutes. But I also want a defensive minded coach ‘cause like everybody keeps saying, it’s really true that it’s defense that will win ballgames.

Is there anybody out there? Or have things changed and Woodson is that guy?

By HB Ando

September 15, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this

Lac, “some people say” followed by “how you know”? Dude, you’re better than such a thin attempt to attribute “some people” to my opinion.

Do we not know what the roster is comprised of?

And how can anyone stake a position on Woody as a lame duck coach when he just got extended? I mean that’s a serious head scratcher. If they didn’t believe, then why extend (the length of the extension actually answers the question: the ASG had to pretend someone was worthy of credit for their wholly unexpected performance against Boston, and, with Billy gone, Woody had to take PR credit).?

Plenty of coaches have been put in a position of having to perform during the last season of their contract, so there’s no real logic to placing Woody in the same position, other than some level of commitment, consistent with an extension. We know this ownership group is frugal, so extending Woody, with any level of expectation that they would be keeping him on very short leash, makes absolutely no sense.

It wasn’t like Woody made a stand and said he would quit if he wasn’t extended. So the decision to give him that extension is completely on the ASG. And it suggests he’ll be given no less than the majority of the upcoming season to prove himself.

I just don’t understand how Woody goes from being a guy that most folks, who actually fixate on every game, found to be consistently lacking in both half-court, offensive execution, as well as logical rotational patterns, to, suddenly, a top-tier NBA head coach, capable of maximizing a confounding combination of a one legitimate star, in JJ, a couple of truly compelling, young talents, in Horford and Josh, an overpaid, over-rated, expiring contract, in Bibby, a complete question mark, in Marvin, and a largely undistinguished collection of maybe’s and journeymen.

In lieu of any specific rejoinder, my prediction that very few minutes will be available for the supposed improvements to the roster, remains unchallenged.

There aren’t enough minutes available to satisfy a healthy threesome of Bibby, Law and Speedy, at the point. That pushes Flip (and Evans, if you agree that he’s more 2 than 3) to the SG, where there are absolutely no minutes, unless JJ goes down.

Again, how are we better, if the additions, minus the net loss of Childress, which is a wash, at best, can’t get on the floor.

Bigs can’t shoot and the smalls can’t defend.

Our best lineup will be the obvious starters. But that lineup, with Horford at 5, will continue to flounder as undersized, unless we turned to a coach who could potentially maximize the athleticism of this roster, which Woody hasn’t shown any ability to do (yet he’s extended, rather than either fired, or retained on the final year of his deal, with the pressure on he and his staff to prove they can evolve).

I think it’s important to highlight that my intent is as much about playing the devil’s advocate, to optimism that I find to be questionably defensible, as it is an attempt to maintain a negative perspective.

I could actually switch perspectives, for arguments’ sake, and assume a position that is consistent with some of the more positive projections here. But I simply find that many of those positive projections are founded on emotion and hope, rather than attempts at to strongly question the prospective strengths and weaknesses, of this roster, it’s coaching staff, its ownership group, and the very relevant changes to the rosters/coaching staffs of the teams that we’ll be competing with for the last couple of potential playoff slots.

I agree with Ray that a solid start is very feasible, and that, with many of you, that will be fodder to attack these concerns. But the truth won’t be established until the end of the season.

And I’m taking the position of the tortoise, rather than the far more encouraging hare.

For those who ask, “if not Woody, then who?”, how many folks were familiar with D’Antoni, when he took over at Phoenix? Did anyone know who the hell Pop was, when he became the coach of the Spurs? Phil Jackson was the coach of the Albany Patroons prior to arriving in Chicago.

The next great NBA coach, that no one has heard of, is noteworthy exactly because no one has yet heard of him. That truth is no reason to dismiss the idea that Woody will never be capable of leading a championship team.

Money still dictates that before the end of next summer, both Bibby and Marvin will be gone. And the Hawks won’t participate in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 15, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this

“Now if someone would just explain to me why the Republicans are putting so much effort into having Tina Fey become our vice-president………”

Well the worst part is that they are trying to convince us that Tina Fey is fine. Now that is one middle American value I just cannot stand for.

By Lacsho

September 15, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Ando When I made that some people statement I wasn’t talking about you. My man I will address you directly. Your arguments against Woody is not fueled with hate, your more on the logic approach.

However, some literally hate Woody, and those feelings shouldn’t be normal for a MAN.

Lastly, how in the hell do people watch this women’s interview, and still feel comfortable voting for her. How do you not know what the BUSH Doctrine consist of when your running for the second highest seed in the land. I’ll stop there I do not wish to offend anyone.

By Lacsho

September 15, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

I did not proof read, so please forgive the grammatical errors.

By Samuel

September 15, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

You take the “tortoise” position when convenient. Last year we finished with 37 wins but played much better than teams with with better records in the playoffs.

Bibby over-rated but suggest that we aquire Barganini(Ray spell check that would ya). I thought you said that Bibby would be gone by the trade deadline. Now it’s the end of next summer.

So who is this great coach who is capable of leading us to the Championships and why hasn’t he done it yet.

You keep crying about Horford being undersized. The guy more than held his own defensively last year as a rookie.

I believe your intent is exactly what you continually write, negative and nit-picking. You say you’re playing devils advocate. To me you are only allowing yourself wiggle room just in case the Hawks show up this year and take it to the next level.

By ray

September 15, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Sorry Sam. It’s “Bargnani”, not “Barganini”. But if it’s any help, I think Barganini is the name they gave one of those new silly pasta dishes from Pizza Hut….

Ken, LOL! Everytime you make mention of the guys we picked up this summer in free agency, you refer to them as Morris, Evans, and Randolph. You’re killin’ me bro’! Morris and Randolph are the same person, Murray is the name you’re missing. Not pickin’ on you, but it is funny, ‘cause you’ve done it a few times now. Sorry! But I do get what you’re saying, and it is a discussion we’ve had before. If you ask me, it’s grounds for dismissing Woody right there….

By Astro Joe

September 15, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

There is NO doubt that the Hawks are far from a finished product, but so what? Anyone think Houston, with Yao, T-Mac & Artest (all of whom are good for missing 20 games a season) are winning a championship with Rafer Alston and a limited bench? There are probably 25+ teams with gaping holes. Here’s the good news… teams don’t compete against an ideal roster. One that is perfectly balanced, the right blend of vets and youth, the right mix of stars and glue guys, the perfect combo of shooters and low-post bangers, of role players and scorers, with quality defenders in the post & perimeter… all led by a HOF coach. No, they play against other flawed teams that may be suffering thru injuries, may be tired after 3 road games in 4 nights or may be frustrated by in-fighting. When all is said and done, the Hawks enter this upcoming season with more depth, more beef, more experience, a healthy quality PG in Bibby and the invaluable experience of having played together in a playoff series a few months ago. Gaps and questions still exist but there seem to be fewer this September than we’ve had in any recent September that I can recall. Perfection is a process and we’re further along now than before.

By Ken Strickland

September 15, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

LACSHO-I don’t hate Woodson, I just hate some of the unnecessary and mindless things he’s done to this team and certain players. He’s not important enough, especially in my life, for me to hate. I simply have problems with people in positions of responsibility, who can make a difference, that allow personal issues and hangups to get in their way.

Last yr, we had a young team with considerable talent, although that talent is in the developmental stage, that’s not expected to make the playoffs or have a winning season. Why not play your young players significant mins and allow them to learn from their mistakes and experiences while progressing towards the future? Why not rest your starters and play your bench when you’re either 20-30pts ahead or behind? When your starters are tired, and having trouble scoring, why not bring in fresh legs and at least see if they can make a difference?

You know your team is extremely thin at PG and Center. Yet, you refuse to use a young, talented player, with the potential and/or ability to solve your current problem. Why, because he either made an earlier mistake or reacted unfavorably to your heavy handed tactics. You always blame the players for not getting the job done even though you haven’t given them the rest, help, or OFF structure and/or options needed to consistently get it done.

LASCHO, this is the BS that I hate, not Woodson. He’s just a victim of having been mentored by individuals(BKnight and LBrown)who’s ideology encouraged or forced him to limit his options, ideas and approach to basketball.

ALL OF US HAWK FANS HAVE HAD TO ENDURE ONE LOSING SEASON AFTER ANOTHER BECAUSE WE SIMPLY DIDN’T HAVE THE TALENT TO COMPETE. NOW, WE HAVE THE TALENT TO COMPETE, BUT WE’RE BEING LIMITED BY A HC THAT REACTS AND FOCUSES MORE ON WHAT HE DOESN’T HAVE RATHER THAN FOCUSING AND PROPERLY UTILIZING WHAT HE DOES HAVE. YES, YES, YES, I HATE THAT!!!!

By Ken Strickland

September 15, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

One more thing. Suppose the SAASG had allowed BK to fire Woodson and replaced him with LDrew. Does anyone think that move would have prevented us from making the playoffs and taking Boston to 7gms? If that had happened, do you think all of us would be more excited and optomistic, or less so?

SAMUEL-thanks for the correction. I believe this is the 2nd time you’ve brought it to my attention. You have to know I wouldn’t want you to hurt on my account my friend.

By Samuel

September 15, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Good Job Ray,

You’re the best. Nothing like a good cop in charge of administrative duties. I knew you were good for something.

Right On Joe, Right On.

By jhan

September 15, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with Astro Joe. That is basically what I was trying to say earlier. This team is not perfect, but at least there are legit options now.

By Lacsho

September 15, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Ken point taken. I’d like to move forward with this discussion. Perhaps we can get a nice interview from Woody, so we can gauge his vision with the current roster. Then maybe we can get a direction, on where this team is headed.

AJ nice post.

Ray what’s the deal with you and Samuel. (Good Lawd)

By GOP

September 15, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

I asked my friend’s little girl what she wanted to be when she grows up. She said she wanted to be President some day. Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there, so I asked her, ‘If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?’

She replied, ‘I’d give food and houses to all the homeless people.’

‘Wow…what a worthy goal.’ I told her, ‘You don’t have to wait until you’re President to do that. You can come over to my house and mow, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I’ll pay you $50. Then I’ll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house.’

She thought that over for a few seconds while her Mom glared at me, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, ‘Why doesn’t the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?’

I said, ‘Welcome to the Republican Party.’

By Astro Joe

September 15, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

GOP, still got that “W” sticker on your car? ‘Nuff said.

By I.MUS WRITE

September 15, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Ray -whass up my man…… what did u do -accidentally tap Samuels wife or sumthing? LOL He seems to have sum real live man hate for you.

Ive been reading these posts and i think sum of us are over analyzing the team, which can be attributed to boredum ….. we are gonna be okay for the upcoming season…..I say that we will make the playoffs regardless of who got better in the east……..

the team is definitely better than last years… We loss: J Chill,Salim

We gained Mo,Flip,R. Morris,Hunter to go along with a beefed up Solo/Marvin as well as a healthy?? Speed

Definite upgrade…..

By Samuel

September 15, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Don’t think so. Ray digs White Guys. Can’t you tell.

By I.MUS WRITE

September 15, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

R.I.P. Cousey 1985-2008

• Sept 15 2008 10:49 am *

Another yung’n gone due to senseless gun violence. Im gonna miss you lil homie,I know you’re walking with the angels right now.

By jhan

September 15, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

IMUS - you must be correct. Now we’re talking politics & personal sexual preferences. I prefer to stick with basketball - something we all like regardless of political affiliations or sexual ideas.

Go Hawks!

By Lacsho

September 15, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Samuel lol

By I.MUS WRITE

September 15, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Jeezuz Samuel…… U really do have man hate for ol Ray…LOL

U sure you wanna go after the boyz in blue? hate to see you get roughed up/searched for no particular reason or even worse in the fulton county lock up running for your life because Bubba wants to cuddle you at night…LOL

Jhan_ i agree with you i’d prefer to talk B-ball,but every now and then this blog goes haywire….Its like when animals attack around here sumtimez. time for a new blog -as ray say’s we “cant be left to our own vices” without turning on each other for entertainment

By I.MUS WRITE

September 15, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Lawyer Milloy gets arrested for a DUI…………..Come on guy- I dont understand these pro athletes. If you have millions at your disposal why the hell wouldnt you have a PERSONAL DRIVER.

I was at Opera this weekend to celebrate my homies birthday, and i mus admit i was smashed. Even in a smashed state i had enough sense to hop a cab and get my truck on sunday.

I mean 12 dollars vs a DUI and 2grand in fines not to mention license revocation,dui school and sky high insurance rates….whats there to think about. I guess sum of these guys believe they are above the law.

By doc

September 15, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

a, reasonable pointj bad example since you left out their glue player and that team just tore us up last season without the imperfect three. they also have the coach both of us wanted the hawks to consider, no? unfortunately you can break down most of the teams ahead of us in a similar manner. time will tell if we are going forward or drifting back.

my concern is not about perfection but the true fact we got smaller instead of bigger with a coach that coaches big boy ball. too much is riding on the sudden development of solo and randmo before you go there. as someone pointed out, maybe blue, that evans is not the replacement for chills length and a point i have said over and over. jj will have to replace his length if we want to have our five best on the floor at one time. that means smash stays at four and horford at five. probably williams sits down at the end of games because i think we need three folks that are legit from behind the three and bibby cant stay out there and distribute if he is to get any motion in the offense. he has to be able to keep the game moving and if he has some threats behind the three point line besides jj then we do better. that is also why i think marvin has to develop the three.

ultimately the courts decide and i am looking forward to it.

By Astro Joe

September 15, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Doc, I could have used any of 2 dozen plus teams to dissect. Clearly, this is not a championship roster nor do we have a championship coach. But not too many teams have every i dotted and t crossed.

One thing about Marvin, he gets to the free throw line and does a good job of converting once he gets there. I’d rather see Marvin attacking the basket in late game situations than see Mo Evans shooting a contested jumper. Of course, both of those options pale to having the ball in JJ’s or Bibby’s experienced hands.

I’m not too concerned with the allocation of playing time, injuries and foul troubles will likely resolve some of those issues. And if Woody looks at that difficult schedule to start the season and decides that he should play half-court, then I’m guessing Sund will be the second GM in 2 years to ask for the pink note pad.

By I've got you now I.MUS hehehehehe.....

September 15, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

………So I.Mus, Hows the ADVERTIZING campaign for the upcoming Hawks season coming along????

What are you like the Chief Avertizing campaign manager/director for your marketing firm??? …that’s gotta be like a Mssters degree….What’s the new slogan for this years team huh???

I’ve got you pegged now buddy……yup

You get paid Big Bricks to make JJ look real good in the magazines and on Bilboards DON’T YOU!!! Not to mention that idiot woodson and gearon too…

We’re on to you buddy, you’re not fooling anybody around here……nooooo waaaay jose…….

BTW………can I get and early copy of the Hawks swimsuit calendar??? Mah, It would be better if you just told me where the photo shoot is so I can get my copy first Hehehehehe…

By We Already know I.MUS....The Jig is up

September 15, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Sucker……(Evil Laugh)

By I.MUS WRITE

September 15, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Mr. anonymous……. Ur Funny - Howz about we team up and scower the city for that photo shoot. Well maybe not out of 32 teams our gurlz maybe 28th …..Lol

By Ariose

September 15, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Oooh….ouch lol. No love for the home teaam? Lol. Yeah first stop is in Miami!! they’re defenetly Numero Uno on the list heh.

I Confess I.MUS It was me. I was just having too much fun with the whole thing lol.

SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By ray

September 15, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Lacsho, I.Mus, it’s just a summer trash talk thang. I don’t really hate Sam, although I don’t know if he can say the same about me….heh, heh, heh!

Sam, you have got to be kidding me. Isn’t it you who’s always talking about Your Boy Rick. Not only do you dig white guys, you dig old white guys. Scary. Well, it’s true you dig Woody, too. Sounds like you’d be perfect for a second version of Michael Jackson’s old video…I can hear you now: “You can be my baby, it don’t matter if you’re black or white…” Or will you be singing songs about Ebony and Ivory. I don’t think anybody can beat your love-fest for those two guys…..bwahahahahaa!

By the way, administrative is what you get to be once you prove you’re intelligent enough to do more than just trade punches with the thugs. Most consider it an accomplishment. But there are always crabs who can’t appreciate a brotha doing better for himself. It’s all good, because I’m not done by several miles. I’m only 31. I’ll keep making my way up the chain and getting better and better, while not losing sight of where I came from. Ya dig?

Astro Joe, it’s like this every year isn’t it? Analysis, over analysis. Personally, I hang on Sekou’s every word just to have something new to hash over…or at least the illusion thereof. We know there is very little new to hash over until the ref throws that first ball up in the air….

Yeah, I figure we’re further along than before, but the proof of that (or the disproof, though I hope that ain’t the case) will show in the regular season. The way I see it, we should start off November, December, and a least part of January a lot better than in years past. In fact, we should probably have a winning record (did we not have a winning December at least last year?). After that, we’ll see what this team is really made up of. By then, teams will have had a chance to gel and get their chemistry issues straight. And the trade deadline will be around the corner.

By this point in time, we will find out whether we truly have better depth….or just better bandaids to cover the problems.

By doc

September 15, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

aj, you and i both know that the ball will not be in marvin’s hands at the end of games and someone ha to be outside when jj takes it into a jammed up lane to kick it out to with confidence. too many soft floaters that had no chance of going in were what i remember and saw in the notorious offense of woody that gave the ball to jj and never got there in clutch situations. yes, marvin is great from the line, just dont think he will get the call to do it when it is time to deliver in the clutch.

is it down to new stripes or a pink slip?

By MannyT

September 15, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Oh my. Y’all have lead me to a new word. All this infighting as there is almost nothing new to discuss until the end of the month. You are now canniblogging- a combo of cannibals and blogging where you find ways to attack each other. Politics, race, sexual preferences are always good signs that Hannibal Lecter has entered the blog. Now you only need a good Chianti to finish the meal ;-)

I’d put real money on it that a very large number of folks vote based on feel not fact. A smaller number vote on a very small set of hot button issues. It is a very small group (that won’t win you an election as a dog catcher) that vote on a compilation of factual analysis of issues comparing all of the candidates.

Remember, picking on grammar is soft blogging.

Now back to the REAL topic—Hoops.

Banking on Woody can only be based on hope, because he has not put down enough concrete success to get him from the front stoop to any street in town. Lot’s of yelling for scrapping out 3 home wins by a total of 17 points,while losing 4 times by a total of 101 points. If you are on the bandwagon, it has to be based on hope, because the hard core numbers say sad things. Regulars know I am not a fan of the WAF, HOWEVER if, like most fans of most teams we look for something hopeful to hang a hat on, it’s the start of the season. No one has more wins than we do. There are some new players, so chemistry will be different.

Face it, jumping on the bandwagon in April is for the follow the cool crowd folks that showed up in Philips for the playoffs. If the gang that shows up in the summer to type away about hoops cannot express a disproportionate level of hope, who will.

Ando while you may be factually correct, and I may never have Samuel sized faith in Woody, YOU have to face a fact. The core of having something to root for requires folks to have an interest. While yours may be analytical, the vast majority of fans are not. Otherwise, most of the rooting would be stuck on a handful of teams that are favorites to win.

If that idea worked all the time, the Pistons never would have beaten the super Lakers that rolled young and old all stars out at every position in 2004.

Gotta run—still have a few weeks left to hang out with my politcally independent, sexually ambiguous, mulitracial friends that love the Olympics!

Enjoy the liver & fava beans ;-)

By richbrave

September 15, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

HAWKS FANS:

Call me when the feet hit the hardwood for keeps.

By richbrave

September 15, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

AND MANNT T:

You da’ man.

By Ken Strickland

September 15, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

RAY, SAMUEL-you guys have to ease up on the underlying animosity. I don’t want to be reminded of the uncivilized attitudes that exist on the Falcon blogs. I just signed off that blog because I got fed up with all of the racist, vulgar attacks and comments being made by the BOTTOM FEEDING MORONS that reside on that site. Both of you have entirely too much intellectual talent to waste it on childish insults and/or innuendos.

Let’s save some of that energy for Woodson, especially if he messes up early and reverts back to his old habits.

By blue hawk

September 15, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

We’re all waiting for the next blog and y’all must admit we all still pretty much have the Hawks on our damn friggin mind.

So I just wanted to ask all of you guys that if you were Mike Woodson’s “coach” how would you “coach” him, what would you tell him?

Here’s what I would tell him…

1. Use players’ strengths on offense and not force an ill-suited offensive system to work.

Use your ingredients to make the best dish possible with what you have and not to force making a dish that’s doesn’t suit what you have in stock.

In the Hawks case, use their athleticism to good use. Still use JJ’s talents but recognize other talents too. We already have shooters on board (Richardson, Gardner, even Salim before) make use of them, take advantage. Randolph can be an offensive weapon down low. Solo can score easy buckets for you too. Acie can score given the chance. Flip can score. We already have enough, we just need to utilize properly.

1. See the statue in the block of marble.

Believe in what your players can become. The block of marble never told the artist “hey, I’m a beautiful statue waiting to be made”. Woody has to be a kind of artist as a player developer. He has to see what could become of his players and help them achieve that. He must have the initiative in terms of having faith and confidence in his players in order to create the Pygmalion Effect. The key here is to recognize the uniqueness of the player, to maximize his strengths and manage his weaknesses. Develop the strengths of Randolph, Acie, Richardson, Gardner, Hunter, West, Solo. Encourage their actualization.

1. Instill a strong defensive mentality.

You know why defense wins championships? This sounds simplistic and stupid but if your opponent can’t score, if your opponent can’t get their points, they can’t beat you. They need to score more than you do to beat you and you have to keep them from doing that.

The ‘offensive mentality’ is just not good enough. Great offensive teams can be beaten because no matter how many points you put on the board for your team if you let your opponent score more points than you, then you’re beat.

We already have strong and solid defensive players, put them all to good use, install a good defensive system to match.

We have shot blockers (Smoove, Solo, Horford) We have perimeter defenders. (JJ, Evans) We have low post defenders. (Hoffa, Smoove) We have bulldogs on defense. (Flip, Mario West)

Man, we can play like the Pistons of ‘04, holding opponents consistently below 80 or something.

The desire to hold opponents down must be instilled in these players. Make them love the feeling of having teams at their mercy.

1. Over instill the value of getting the ball.

Again, I’ve heard that defense and ‘rebounding’ wins championships. But it’s not just about defending and getting the rebound. It’s about getting the ball. Going after the ball for the whole 48 mins. All five guys on the floor must do a good job of getting possession if not the opposing five will. Why?

Having the ball is the best defense. If your opponent doesn’t have the ball, they can’t score. Again, sounds simplistic and stupid but realize it’s value. And corollary to that is your team can’t score if they don’t have the ball. You can’t just wait for the ball and wait for possession. Gaining possession is a very active endeavor and all five on the floor must do their part or else the other five will. We have guys who are very capable of winning possession, it’s the mentality, desire and discipline to do so that seems to be missing at times.

Hey that’s it. That’s my very simple basketball philosophy. I’m sure what I’ve said makes sense. I just hope it gets to Woodson. hehe

By doc

September 15, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

yeah ken, is it beginning to go beyond humor? i feel like i might have been slandered and maybe it was suggested i was a second class citizen or someone to not associate with. is that reverse racism? funny, someone seems to like most folk as well but is disregarded as being liberal and open minded enough to hang out and like my kind as well as his own. did i misread?

blue if you keep it up i’ll call you baby ando for length. heh heh

manny t i am 75% there, do i qualify to hang with? you arnt watching olympic reruns are you?

By Samuel

September 15, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

I hate that you guys are gettn all worked up. I’m good for just talking hoops but I can go dirty politics if necessary.

Hawks are my team now. It took me 5 years to finally accept them. Now, i’m with em win or lose. Same with Woody. I gotta stand up when I see the haters rear their ugly heads.

By doc

September 15, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

welcome samuel. they have been my team for 51 years, all the way back to bob petit. wasnt long before super lou came along.

By blue hawk

September 16, 2008 4:39 AM | Link to this

hey, i think we have an under rated key personnel loss this season.

we also lost herb brown.

By blue hawk

September 16, 2008 5:24 AM | Link to this

Do you guys think we can make the playoffs?

1 Boston

2 Detroit

3 Orlando

4 Cleveland

5 Toronto

6 Philly

7 Washington

8 Miami (It’s going to be close)

Seems more like it.

Do we have next year’s first round pick or is it still Phoenix’s?

Who knows since we’ll be in the lottery we might end up with Ricky Rubio, the perfect feeder for all our players. hehe

By ray

September 16, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

Heh. Alright then.

By Sautee

September 16, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

If someone disagrees with someone else are they automatically a “hater”?

Blogs are about discussion, which is inevitably going to lead to disagreement at some point.

The whole trick is to AGREE to DISAGREE without accusation.

I don’t have a monopoly on knowledge and neither do any of you (sorry, Sam).

But, that said, if you bring something here, expect that you might be called out. That does NOT make you a “hater”, or the one that called you out a “hater”. We’re ALL trying to discuss the Hawks and we’re ALL fans or we wouldn’t be here.

By MannyT

September 16, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

doc you are more than 75% OK by me. Even folks that aren’t Sautee‘d enough to see things the way we do are fine. i.e. he is very correct that haters are very different than folks that don’t agree. Everyone has the right to their opinion. It just gets silly when those folks start chewing on each other (canniblogging) for things that have nothing to do with sports. Even though I’m more of a popcorn person than a pretzel person, you’re still good in my book ;-)

Not only am I still into the Olympics, I am trying to figure out how to get within touching distance of some real Beijing medals in the next few months.

blue hawk Thanks for trying to focus us on another hoops topic. I believe that Woody needs to get that strengths focused thing. He has a defensive mindset. I’m not sure what he sees in a block of marble, but I doubt it’s anything creative during the games. He seems to be more of a plan before guy, not a in game strategist.

By the way, NEW BLOG UP

By WOODY D COACH

September 16, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

The reason why I used only 6-7 guys last year was that WE NEEDED TO GET TO THE PLAYOFFS. For the sake of the team and organization it would have been a disaster if we did not get to the playoffs. We have spent 3 years “developing players”. We could not afford to spend another year doing that. We needed players that could get it done immediately. All you who claim i have not developed the players. Look at JJ.. Can you compare JJ to where he was when he was in Phoenix? Has Marvin and Smith not improved every year in the league ? This is our year… All you doubters..I fanally have a POINT GUARD from training camp that has healed from his foot and hand injury. If you havent noticed, this is a guard driven game with all the new handchecking rules. GO HAWKS !!!

By WOODY D COACH

September 16, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Please guys now that we have Bibby and Joe, please can you let me know which team has a better back court in the East except maybe Detriot? Look for me to take advantage of this like i did during the playoffs!.

By WOODY D COACH

September 16, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Please guys now that we have Bibby and Joe, please can you let me know which team has a better back court in the East except maybe Detriot? Look for me to take advantage of this like i did during the playoffs!.