Hawks

By David

September 16, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

It would be nice to see speedy get back on the floor and perform well. I had read nice things before we signed him. At this point we need any solid contribution we can get.

I thought Flip was more of a shooting guard anyhow, isn’t that right? The new/improved Salim Stoudomire.

By ILL-Logical

September 16, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Memo to Coach Drew:

Keep an eye on the “unofficial workouts” because you will see some important trends that you can use to build the teams future without the “politics” that currently govern players/ playing time.

The preset lineups / rotations that were instituted solely for one individual’s career can be looked at in that light and summarily abandoned. The Hawks represent Atlanta’s only proffessional sports franchise with any hope of a winning future. Period.

Hold on to that thought and best of luck to you.

By mavid

September 16, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Good stuff, Sekou

Quick question: What do you think about the Hawks trying to be bring in Dikembe as that last veteran big man? While Deke obviously wouldnt be a huge addition at this point in his career, he could legitimately give a few minutes a night on some of the longer 5s in the league, plus he would be a great mentor for our collection of young big men and it would be a great little hype campaign for the Atlanta Spirit (Deke is a hometown favorite). Seems like it would work (as long as he came at the right price).

By J-Dawg

September 16, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

You know, I’ve been as critical as anybody of Claxton the past two seasons. That said, it sounds like he has the right attitude coming into 2008. Geez, I just wish he could get healty!

Sekou - if everyone is healthy, could you ever see the Hawks going for stretches with a three guard set with Joe, Bibby, and Speedy/Acie on the floor at the same time? Something to really push an uptempo speed, just a thought. Go Hawks!

By ray

September 16, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the new blog and fresh info, Sekou.

I had no idea Von Wafer was out and about around here. I thought some team had picked him up…or is he just working out in the ATL?

We need another big man, though. Enough swingmen and guards already. Or so I say. Who knows what things may come.

So Claxton is up and healthy. That’s good, especially for him. If he can maintain that health, he’s probably on his way out whenever the powers that be decide to make a move. Either that, or he will contribute to the added mis-development of Acie Law. Yeah, that’s right. Just how many minutes do I think Law will get to play with a healthy Bibby, Flip, and Claxton? Huh. Law is going to have to be exceptionally good during training camp. And even that may not be enough to overcome Woodson’s tendencies….

By mavid

September 16, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Carl Landry is the ideal big man that is left. Unfortunately, he will be too pricey.

By Robert

September 16, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Good stuff can’t wait until the start of the season. I can only wish I can see the games I am deployed now and will miss the entire season however, I will catch the finally scores good luck Hawks.

By Verbal Kent

September 16, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Yo Sekou… was Von just practicing at the facility or are we looking at bringing him in to the fold as well?

By Sekou K. Smith

September 16, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Wafer has been here working out for quite a while from what I understand Ray.

And yes, J-Dawg, those three guard sets might be the Hawks’ most dangerous changeup pitch this season. They’ll have all sorts of tweaks they can use, if Mike Woodson chooses to do so.

Flip is a combo-guard that can play both spots, and while he’s slotted to back up Joe more than anything else, I can see him swinging between both spots in a pinch simply because he can David.

Deke is an ideal veteran big, Mavid, but I don’t know that there is any chance that he joins the Hawks.

By Sekou K. Smith

September 16, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Robert,

Kudos to you for all that you do my man. And you won’t miss the entire season as long as we’re all here to keep you informed. We’ve got your back.

By Astro Joe

September 16, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Robert, thanks for your service and stay safe. Clap, clap, clap.

Sekou, Tony Delk? Wow. I’m shocked that he would want to be around anything associated with the Hawks, given how he was treated. Boy, I bet there’s a fascinating story associated with Delk and his tenure with the Hawks (and Woody).

Maybe Delk can be our next big man coach. Ha, ha.

Hey Sekou, I think Michigan just fumbled again.

By Ken Strickland

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

MAVIS-I believe bringing Deke back would do more for us, on and off the court, than bringing back former Hawks LWright and KWillis did for us. Even at his age, he’s still capable of controlling the paint and playing excellent man DEF when he’s on the court.

DOC-this is from the other blog. What the hell is reverse racism? No matter what side of a coin you you choose to look at, it’s still the same coin. Racism is racism no matter how it’s presented or who presents it.

RAY & NAJEH-I caught your comments on the Falcon blog. Ray, my heart felt condolences to you my friend for your loss. Both my father and step father retired as law enforcement officers and I was in security and law enforcement in the Air Force. I know it’s a 24/7 job and you’re always on duty, if you take the job and the responsibility that goes with it seriously. The problem with DUI, and the leniency that goes with it, is the large number of Hosea William types that exist at all levels throughout our legal and political systems.

After reading Sekou’s comments, I had a thought, finally. This will be the 1st time as a Hawk that JJ will start the season with a PG that is at or near his level and has his total trust. TLue was the only other PG that came close. This is also the 1st season in yrs where we will start the same 5 players and there will be no chemistry concerns.

I think our top 15 players will be: STARTERS-JJ, Marvin, Josh, Bibby, Horford BENCH- Acie, Speedy, Murray, Evans, Zaza, Morris, Solo, Hunter, Wafer and West.

By Bertie

September 16, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

SS: In the last post it was mentioned that Sund was not done with the roster and based on his track record he is probably looking for a true 5. The names of Wilcox and Curry were mentioned.

How about Curry for Zaza, Speedy and Atl’s 2009 1st Rd pick? Do you think the Knicks would go for that? If so, in your opinion will the Hawks be a better team with Curry.

NYK might be interested because in addition to Curry’s $10MM salary the pick could be use with Memphis to trade Zach Randolph and reduce payroll even more. Atlanta gets a true Center that will benefit from a change of scenery.

Just a thought.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 16, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Any contribution from Speedy is just icing on the cake and makes it easier to get something for either his contract or Bibby’s expiring contract before the trading deadline. Like I’ve said before, the Hawks are much better off in the long term and maybe even the short term letting Acie Law start at PG and work through his weaknesses to achieve his full potential. Yeah, I’ve been an Acie Law fan since before he joined the Hawks, but if Boston can win a championship starting an unproven 2nd year point guard, the Hawks can definitely contend for a playoff spot with one.

Von Wafer would be a nice addition I guess, although knowing Woody he’ll probably play about 5 minutes total the entire season.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 16, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

I would be strongly against acquiring Curry for any price. In my opinion the Hawks’ need for a big man who can defend and rebound is much greater than their need for a low post scorer, especially one as inconsistent and unmotivated as Curry. And I haven’t even mentioned his ridiculous salary yet. At this point if NY could get just any first round pick to unload that oaf they would probably do it.

I find it a little hard to believe though that somewhere, in some league in the world, there isn’t a big man who can provide 10 minutes or so of energy and rebounding (and fouls) off the bench to round out the Hawks’ roster. I really don’t think a trade should be necessary to address this issue.

By jhan

September 16, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Robert - hat’s off to you sir. The service you are providing our country is invaluable. I don’t think you can be thanked enough.

Glad to hear Bibby is healthy & ready to roll. Sound’s like JJ is ready also.

Can’t wait for the real thing to start!

By I.MUS WRITE

September 16, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

If Speedy is healthy and plays the way he did a couple years ago, Acie may be the odd man out.

I can see Woody going with a veteran over Acie…..The guy still looks lost to me when running the show. He’s like a SG with a suspect jumper,which translates to “not good” Even before the injuries he was okay at best….On this level you cant go 4 and 5 games without hitting a jumper or make repeated mental mistakes resulting in turnovers. Hope im wrong about him but he may get the same playing time as last year

Flip will probably be subbing at the 2 just because of his ability to score off the dribble and shoot from long distance……How many times last year did we lose leads when JJ was on the bench…..Plenty…. Hopefully Flip will help with that.
Bring DEKE home ….that would be sweet if we could get him……Still blocking shots and finger wave’n at 50.

Robert-where are u deploying to…..Be safe out there my man…I know how it can be spending 6/9 months away from family and friends.

By Ryder

September 16, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Curry is exactly the kind of player the Hawks don’t need. Besides, let’s see how Randolph and Zaza perform off the bench before complaining about getting another big man.

I’m glad to hear that Claxton has woken up to reality and understands that he is the odd man out at PG now. Perhaps this will encourage him to, I don’t know, stay healthy for a change?

I keep telling everyone that Bibby’s not exactly going to leave after next summer if JJ has his way. If these guys really begin to jell together the chances of him playing hardball with Atlanta Spirit to keep Bibby will rise.

Sekou any word on how Josh Smith is practicing now that the contract situation is resolved?

By MannyT

September 16, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

I understand that Sund may still be on the prowl for another center, but what is it that you expect new center to do that you don’t expect to get from Zaza/RandMo/Solo? This assumes that we are discussing a bench player.

The new guy would have to be a significant offensive upgrade to bump Zaza’s guaranteed 4 mil. Your defensive centers are likely RandMo and Solo who are inexpensive and young.

As for players like Curry, I agree with Najeh. Let him eat his way through NY. Give Al a chance to show his offensive game.

Older guys want that ring and we are not that close unless you count watching Frodo on DVD.

Younger bigs will look at the roster backlog and Woody’s rep for a short bench…likely response I’m in it for minutes, so thanks but no thanks.

20 days to the preseason and 43 to the real stuff!

BWAF

By Gilley

September 16, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

I hope you could utilize a digitial camera and youtube and upload some footage of the Hawks practicing and scrimmaging to get us even more hyped for the upcoming season. It also may cause me to make a impulse purchase of some Hawks tickets.

I would love to see our guys on the floor again for any type of action.

By Sekou K. Smith

September 16, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

They aren’t really practicing Ryder, basically it’s just playing pick up ball and working out together. He’s been fine, from all accounts, and looks noticeably bigger and stronger (not just from me but per his teammates and coaches).

By Swatguy

September 16, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Wow Sekou, If Wafer is a player it changes for Acie. Flip is likely a better PG than Acie right now. If Von can back up Joe, Acie will be challenged.

By Dan

September 16, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Sekou

Do you really think Hunter can contribute this year? I am more intrigued by that guy than any other undrafted free agent this team has ever brought into camp.

Also, nice to see that Speedy is already talking about resting his knee. Why doesn’t he just go home, collect his money, and save the space on the bench. That guy has done nothing but rip this organization off.

By ray

September 16, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Robert, I have to echo everyone else and say thankyou for your service. Like Sekou said, we’ve got your back. Keep loggin’ in. It’ll be live, we promise.

Sekou, thanks again. Wafer is another good pickup if we can get him. But we need a big man more. Perhaps the plan is to acrue/obtain certain guards/swing players for the purpose of moving others for pieces that make us better. Or so I hope, anyway. Or maybe this is just Wafer’s spot to work out. He picked a good spot.

Ken, thanks. It’s been longer than memory could’ve reasonably supported, so the pain of it is really something my mother, grandmother, and others have had to deal with while my memory is more of stories. He was a Major in the U.S. Army. As it is, both my mother and I were fortunate, as she married another army feller a few years later. So, I still got to grow up with what every young feller needs (especially in our culture): a dad. Toughened me right up and taught some subtle things. I’ll never be thankful enough.

Najeh, who knows what will happen big man-wise. But I doubt that Curry is what Sund is seeking. Remember, we had a shot at him (or vice versa) when he left Chicago on the heels of his medical situation. Perhaps a reason it didn’t happen, eh? Now we might get some obscure stiff, but I guarantee you the guy will be a big body designed (or perhaps I should say limited) to rebounding and defending, which as you say, is exactly what we need.

I think Sund has shown his tendencies as it is. Curry ain’t it.

Manny, I think you’ve called it about right, unfortunately for us….any significant upgrade will involve a trade. Now let me stand back, as I’m sure to get flamed for such blasphemous ideas……after all, we do have the perfect roster and coach….

By Ben

September 16, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I noticed Bibby said that he hasn’t really played since May…. Is that a good or bad thing? I want to see Bibby 15 pounds lighter, explosive, and HEALTHY. I don’t want him as big as he was this past year.

By Ariose

September 16, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Good stuff sekou.

Honestly when I Think back, Zaza’s annoying turnover syndrome really deflated the teams momentum a lot last season. Even though he didn’t have that problem in the playoffs. If he doesn’t fix that problem look for Morris(or someone else) to take over his role as backup.

Last training camp Joe was asked what was needed in order for this team to be successful at playing an up-tempo style. He said that spacing was important to open up driving lanes, and that Guys like Marvin and Childress had to be ready to shoot the Ball. Well Childress obviously was not with the program and Marvin did not extend far enough out on the peremeter in order to open up the offense.Here . WITHOUT including the obvious size factor that was lost with the departure of childress, I think that with the way the roster is currently consructed, we will be able to play at a much faster pace like JJ envisioned.

As far as Acie not getting PT is concerned. Earlier in the off-season Sund stated that he really liked Acie Law’s game. I seriously doubt he will just stand by and let Woodson not further develop Acies “Game-Time” skills. Sund really spoke highly of Acies RMR performance.

Sund has also previously stated that it is imperitave that we use the bench effectively. Sund has kept his word in the fact thst he has given Woodson an upgraded bench so it’s all on him…..BUT If I remember correctly sekou said that Woodson’s contract has him on a short leash, so I doubt we’ll se too much of the “WAFFLE King” in all his glory this season before Sund steps in for damage control.

If Joe can do all of this By himself, without shooters and without Bibby, just think of how much damage we can do this season.

I mean, the Pick n’ Roll with Bibby gave the Celtics and every other team fits. Now you add:

1) A Healthy Bibby.

2) Natural progression and maturation of our core players.

3) An improved bench with upgraded shooters/defenders who can create shots for themselves. A healthy speedy(Though I honestly don’t think he’s needed…..sorry speed). Not to mention Added size with Morris in the frontcourt.

4) The continued chemistry this team will have from keeping it’s core intact over the off-season, which should get us off to a decent to good start.

5) The experience of having to take your game up to another level in order to close out games in the playoffs…….I specifially remeber Joe stressing that the team need to take it up another notch at the end of games last regular season in order to win.

6) Sund monitoring the operation so certain people don’t make too many questionable decisions.

With all of that being considred I really think this team can secure a seed in the playoffs ranging anywhere between 3 to 6. Yes my Kool-Aid is full of optomistic sunshine. But Will it happen???

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By Ariose

September 16, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Ben, Bibby actully played in some tounament in Jamaica during this off-season. Some other NBA stars competed in it as well (Caron Butler). By drills i’m sure he meant shooting in the gym, Dribbling, Explosion, Weights, and Footwork…..Just not too many pickup games.

You KNOW these NBA players have each other a phone call away, and can gather up a fierce group for competition to be at one spot within the hour. Depending which players reside in that city on their down-time. Like for Atlanta Randolph Morris, Josh Smith, Lou Will, Javaris Crittenton, Jarvis Hayes, Tony Delk, Kenny Anderson and a host of others could all show up at any give time to run some games.

If you watch the And-1 mixtape tour on occasion you’ll see people like Iverson, Mike James, and Ricky davis geting in on the action. So Bibby has probably just been working with a trainer or two and no NBA(or intense) competiton this off-season.

Dwight Howard did that a couple of seasons ago just to bulk up and look at him now lol.

By Samuel

September 16, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Who the heck keeps bringing up this idea of trading Bibby? What part of that conversation that Cuz just posted did yall not understand. Bibby is here to stay. I read from JJ. “If Bibby goes, so do I”.

Heck yea. I’ll take a wide body who is unstoppable in the paint. Sure he had an off year last year but he’s still potentially an allstar. Trade ZaZa(Dantoni loves Euros)and Marvin or Acie.

We roll out: C-Curry PF-Al SF-Josh SG-JJ PG-Bibby

That’s as good a starting 5 as anybody in the East, period. Then you still have a good bench.

By Henry

September 16, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

It is unrealistic that Acie will be traded, after all a lottery pick was used for him last year. A lottery pick at least has 2 years, usually more to prove himself before he is sent packing and I think Acie will do just fine. Woodson just has to stop being a 7 player coach and actually use his bench from time to time. Can’t wait for the season! If Bibby, JJ, JS, and Al all stay healthy, the sky is the limit baby!!

By Ken Strickland

September 16, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Zaza’s turnover problem seems to stem from him trying to be the inside post scorer Woodson needs so badly for his half court OFF to work. If he was allowed to stay at the high post position and shoot that very efficient midrange jumper, he would be much more effective and less turnover prone. Horford, on the other hand, is versatile enough to take bigger defenders outside and shoot over them or go inside and physically overpower players his size and smaller.

Our BIG’s, especially Horford and Zaza, should be positioned, either inside or outside, based on who’s defending them. An effective high post center can pull the opposing center out and open the lane. That will allow our young, quick, fast and athletic athletes to take it to the basket much easier. Bibby, JJ, Speedy, Marvin, Josh, Acie, Murray and Evans can put a tremendous amount of pressure on any DEF if the lane is unguarded.

We made the playoffs last yr, and we did it without having a lot of talent on our bench, and we under utilized what talent we did have. We also overcame going through a major roster change at midseason and fatigue due to over utilizaion of our starters. Other than the possibility of the over and under utilization issues, we won’t have to face those other issues this yr.

This Atlanta Hawks team will be much better than last yrs playoff team. We’ll be bigger, stronger, deeper, more skilled, experienced talented, confident and versatile overall.

By jhan

September 16, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Ariose, don’t forget that everyone else in the East has bolstered their teams will All-Stars at every position so we will be in big trouble. LOL

By khao$

September 16, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Sekou, thanks for the constant updates. My question would be, not necessarily who is there, but who isn’t there. Given the Hawk’s desire to repeat playoff appearences, everybody must be on board. Save a family emergency, injury, the birth of a child or in Zaza’s case a international issue that has implications that could affect your loved ones, everybody should be in attendance. Just one man’s opinion.

By ray

September 16, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

While we’re reading that JJ will go if Bibby goes, why don’t we call JJ and ask him what else he said between the lines, like how much we’re re-signing Bibby for and how long. Oh, and what we’re going to do with a lottery pick pg who suddenly is only good for trade fodder….

By tbhawksfan

September 16, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

We need to offer NJ; Zaza / 2009 second for Sean Williams / Anderson.

By Jimbo

September 16, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

If Claxton can be a contributor this year (remember Speedy was very effective in the Finals for the Spurs when Tony Parker went missing), it would go a long way in addressing the yawning gap Josh Childress left.

GO HAWKS!!!

By doc

September 16, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

ken, reverse racism concept is the perceived victim of racism being racist. happens frequently. hate begets hate, the victim becomes what he says he despises. the mirror of projection where we reveal ourselves through a projected reality. what we see is what we are. guess who is the last to know?

jj leaving?

By MannyT

September 16, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Not trying to be Ando or Ray but a $30 mil starting back court requires success. No success (losing record in January) means someone has to go…and I don’t expect it to be JJ.

Samuel Unless there is a cook that specializes in Indian cuisine, you will not see any Curry in the Hawks locker room on a regular basis. Not hating on Curry, but the Knicks have bigger salaries to ditch (Marbury, Randolph). As for productivity they probably get rid of his dinner pal (Jerome James) first. Finally, the salary matching probably discourages that deal unless they are willing to take Speedy’s deal along with Zaza’s expiring contract.

All that said, I’d rather roll with the team we have, than trade for Curry. Heart condition, longer contract terms, questionable motivation—I’ll keep my Euro metrosexual with competition to push him.

By the way, Curry was outrebounded last season by a quasi Euro former Hawk that weighs about 80 lbs less. hmmm

I wish I could get a video game and let Ken and Samuel have at it with both ‘coaching’ the Hawks. I could sit and watch that for awhile during the preseason.

blue hawk I hope Woody spent some offseason with his coaching trainer. If not, he might get Ned Yosted.

BWAF

By dj tha dj

September 16, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

hawks will win 47 games this season mike woodson coach of the year josh smith defensive player of the year

[new hawks blog](http://playoffshawks.blogspot.com]

By Joe Johnson

September 16, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Actually, I saw Speedy going into the bathroom stall, where by the sound of it, he was dealing with some explosive squirts.

By Samuel

September 16, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

JJ could care less what Bibby makes. He’s interested in players.

We can do with this lottery pick what we did with the last one. Lottery pick, so what. There’s plenty of them walking the streets, i’m sure.

We will need Curry to score, thank you. Obviously, when he shoots there’s rarely any rebounds as he annually shoots close to 60% from the field.

We’ll see wont we Manny T. I say Bibby will be here for the duration of this year.

By Lacsho

September 16, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Robert as a dessert storm vet, I wish you success and a safe journey home. My brother you will be in our prayers.

At this time, I don’t see us needing another big. I think AL, Solo, Randmo, and Zaza should be able to hold us down, in the post.

I think we have to make other teams adjust to our multiple line-ups. If the hawks are able to apply pressure defense, the fast break points will come in flurries.

I think this current roster is made to run. If we can get quality defense from our bigs, we’ll be able to play a half court set too.

Furthermore, the hawks have talented team full of versatile player. On this current roster, everyone can play two positions except for speedy: 1)Bibby, Law, Flip = pg,sg 2)JJ, Mo = pg, sg, sf 3)Marvin = sg, sf, pf 4)Smoove = sf, pf 5)AL, Solo, Za, Randmo = pf, Center

That’s the core, and with this core we cause match up problems for everyone.

Peace!!!!!!

By MannyT

September 16, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

Samuel I have every confidence that winning will keep Bibby here for the rest of this season. If we don’t win, Bibby is Mark Texiera

…and Woody is Ned Yost.

ray players rarely think about the bottom line while they are in the game. When it’s contract time, it’s important, otherwise no big deal. JJ is no Joe Dumars…yet.

Astro Joe told you long ago exactly where JJ is going…follow the money.

I just read that the Hawks are going to have some Golden Corral seats this season. (all you can eat)

Good thing they didn’t do that for season tix, I see nothing good coming out of an endless supply of hot dogs & fries twice a week for 5 months.

Season ticket base cut in half due to flood of heart attacks…that’s health PAIN.

By Hector

September 16, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

Bibby contract expires at the end of the season but i expect him to stay with the Hawks but for less money, The Hawks will make the playoffs, we all know the these following teams wont make the playoffs, Knicks, Bobcats,Pacers,Bucks, Bulls really wiz,heat,nets,hawks,are fighting 4 the lower seeds, 1 Celtics 2 Detroit 3 Magic 4 Cavs 5 Raptors 6 76ers 7 ? 8 ?

By Melvin

September 16, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t mine seeing the Hawks sign DJ Mbenga. I think he would be a good big to bring off the bench for some muscle….

By ray

September 16, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Manny, I agree with the idea that a $30 million backcourt has to produce. As for Curry….

I have little use for a guy who can only be effective if we give him all the touches Horford already wasn’t being given (plus some more). Not only that, but he half-a$$ rebounds and doesn’t play defense (at 7-feet and 300 pounds, no less). That’s weird. That’s the exact same knock against so-called Euro-Punks. Huh.

A guy going into his 8th year with career averages of 13.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game who (despite his size and reach) could only come even remotely close to 100 blocks once, and whose career averages are a frog’s hair above those of…..none other than Marvin Williams, our small forward. Amazing what you can learn surfing the net. Oh, and that nearl %60 shooting? At that size and literally living in the paint, I should hope so. But guess what else? Childress matched that last year, and last I was hearing, he was a skinny inconsequential dude that we already found a better replacement for (is the sarcasm thick enough yet?).

I’ll give Curry this: he had one pretty decent year in Chicago. Then he had one good year in New York, where he still didn’t manage to be a good rebounder (and we won’t talk about his defense), while still not rising out of the shadow of his smaller, more versatile, and clearly more talented teammate Zach Randolph. Not to mention (to coin a particular person’s phrase here) Eddy Curry couldn’t hold Al Horford’s jock strap on the boards or on defense. If you’re going to cram somebody down there and shove Horford to the side (where he won’t get touches, because a guy like Curry has to have LOTS of them), then do it right. Cram him down there with a guy who’ll give you 20 and 10 (numbers I figure Horford can get if given the chance in a couple years).

Not some guy who might give you 19 and 7 if the stars all align properly, but is more likely to give you 13 and 5….and very little defense. Please…

By ray

September 16, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Manny, I know. That wasn’t a response to JJ. Was it?

JJ maybe interested in players, but that’s understandable. That’s why they are players, and not GMs (unless your name is Kobe or something…then you’re still not GM, but you might have him by the short and curlies). I don’t blame JJ for being thrilled to be running alongside Bibby. I would too, if I were him. He misses what he had (and left) in Phoenix. A lot. And that ties into your follow the money statement.

My concerns are further down the road. What happens after this season? Where is Bibby going to be? A one-year rental is great, but I just don’t think that way. If Acie isn’t the future, then who is? Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to enjoy this season (I certainly hope anyway) for what it is. And I know we can only cross that bridge when we get to it. But the bridge is always in my mind. That’s just how I think.

As for Bibby staying for the duration…I can see that happening. It might or it might not. But I don’t care about winning any stupid argument about that. I care about how we keep winning, once we’re able to start winning. I’m sure JJ would love for Bibby to play 40+ minutes a game right along side him. But where does it lead us next year if Bibby then goes elsewhere and Law ain’t ready to handle the reins because he didn’t get to play….again. Oh wait, we always have the draft. Ha.

By Ken Strickland

September 16, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

MANNY T-I guarantee one thing. If I coached the Hawks, there would be better and greater player utilization. I’d rotate my players and run an uptempo OFF. I’d exploit individual matchups and use a pressure DEF and utilize halfcourt traps. I’d force teams to use all of their players, and a lot of clock, to get the ball across half court and initiate their OFF.

Offensively, I’d install plays that would send various players off a series of picks for open shots. I know Bibby, JJ and Marvin are all deadly coming off picks. I’d also punish teams that tried to cheat on DEF with constant back door cuts and lobs. I’d use our youth, size, quickness, speed, athleticism and depth to pressure teams for 4 quarters at both ends of the court.

We have to take advantage of the fact that teams capable of matching our speed and quickness can’t match our size, strength and athleticism. Teams the can match our size and strengh can’t match our speed and quickness, and definitely not our athleticism. This philosophy and style of play would maximize the talents of players like Josh, West, Speedy and Acie. These players are quick, fast and/or athletic, with excellent DEF skills, but questionable outside shooting skills.

By doc

September 16, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

ray, speedy to the rescue in that case. heh heh

By blue hawk

September 16, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Can we just start training camp already!

Bibby was abysmal in the playoffs. I hope he finds his form back.

By Dub C

September 16, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

I agree with Melvin. I mentioned on a previous blog that we need to at least look at DJ Mbenga. We also need to look into possibly getting David Harrison from Indiana. I may get some heat for that one, it’s at least an option. But, if no other bigs are added, I think we’ll be in decent shape with what we have. Our strength this year will definitely be our bench, IF utilized properly. That’s the big key. Woody must step up his coaching game!

I can’t wait for the season to start!!!

By Dub C

September 16, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

I also find the Bibby conversation very interesting. There are certainly different opinions on if he’ll be here at the end of the season or traded at the deadline. Personally, I think it’ll all depend on how successful the Hawks are. If we are playing .500 or better, I think he stays. If not, he’s definitely gone. Having a healthy Bibby at training camp will do wonders. Believe me, he’ll look very different than he did during last year’s playoff push. Having the thumb injury, then the heal issue slowed him down. He’ll be here for the duration, and then re-up’d at a lower cost.

I’m really looking foward to seeing Marvin and Josh. But the player that will be the surprise bench player will be Morris. I think he’ll be motivated to play how he’s capable of playing.

I’m so ready for the season to start!!!

By Samuel

September 16, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Yall better get him!!

By Ariose

September 16, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty Sure D.J Mbenga signed with the Lakers about two weeks ago……In not I KNOW he’s signed with someone. I remember reading about it somewhere.

Ken, If I were our GM i’d hire you lol.

Ray, That just reinfoces what I was telling Ando last week. There’s not may Centers in this leauge that I would trade for to move Horford to the 4 spot. Horford is a Beast, and the centers that I would trade for aren’t going anywhere, as long as their teams have anything to say about it. Maybe we could pull a center away from the Clippers but at what cost??

….Peronally, I wouldn’t have minded a two headed monster at point with Acie and Salim……but whatever. We have Bibby now and if he’s willing to take a pay cut we could be set at the PG position for years to come.

Yeah, JJ was young and wanted out of Pheonix. I gaurentee you now he’ll gow where the money AND the talent is from now on. Older players usually do. In 2010 wouldn’t it be nice to have LeBon and JJ on the same squad………well back to reality.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By dondada

September 16, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Hey Robert, thanks for serving your country. Whaduknow a Hawks fan in the war zone. Be Safe man.

By Nay

September 16, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Is it possible that the Hawks sign Ben Gordon and have Joe Johnson move to the SF position?

By Nay

September 16, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Is it possible that the Hawks sign Ben Gordon and move Joe Johnson to the SF position?

By Dub C

September 16, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Good looking out, Ariose! On ESPN, they still show Mbenga as an unrestricted FA. I didn’t remember him signing with anyone.

By MannyT

September 16, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

I don’t know the future, but I do have a PEST (Predictive Events Sphere of Truth)

Bibby IS a slightly older Mark Texiera for the Hawks. Excitement when he arrived. Good impact. If we win in a full season, he stays the whole season. If we are losing, I can hear the trade song now…Bibby was a rollin’ stone…

Face it, if we are good, Bibby’s stock goes up and we won’t pay him that last good contract he wants. If we stink, why pay so much to lose? If Speedy has no wheels, Flip runs the point until we figure out if AC is the answer or we need a new long term option at PG.

doc if Speedy can go hard every other game, he should get some time because he is the most defensive minded of the PGs…and Woody likes defense…because D - Fence is made of wood ;-)

Ariose Mbenga has a job offer, but he is checking his options to get more cash. I doubt he comes here unless we have more than minimum money, which would be messy with RandMo.

On that JJ and LeBron thought, you never know. Remember when Orlando found a way to give out 2 free agent max deals back in the T-Mac/Grant Hill coup of 2000.

Ken Just remember one tricky thing about coaching in the pros. That player relationship is crucial. If the team doesn’t like what you are selling, the $2million coach gets the door before the $10 million player…see Scott Skiles Christmas gift from the Bulls last season as well as many others who have come before. You and Samuel are going to have to show some love to the millionaires.

ray are you calling Curry the Scott Mitchell of basketball? The Detroit Lions fans would be amused ;-)

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 16, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

DJ Mbenga wouldn’t be a bad acquisition, although I’d like someone who can last more than two minutes without fouling out.

Ben Gordon though… at his price and his expectation of being a starter no, but if it was to bring him off the bench the way Salim Stoudamire was supposed to be used, then sure. Still think his asking price is gonna be way too much though.

By Robert

September 16, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Thanks Sekou and all of you who shown me some love I really appreciate it this is coming from the heart as a long time Hawks fan from when Tree was blocking shots I will log on and thanks again for having my back. Again thanks for the support from all the way from Afghanistan to Atlanta GO HAWKS.

By femhawkfan

September 17, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

I’m glad to hear that all the players have checked in. I am really excited for this upcoming season. Its about six weeks left until the first regular season game on Oct. 29 and I just can’t wait. I’m liking football, but I am beginning to realize that I am more a basketball fan. Anyway, I am noticing a few posts about trading or bringing a couple more players in. Honestly, I just don’t see a trade happening at this point in time. Sund may bring in a couple more guys, but thats the only thing I see happening.

By Ken

September 17, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this

I hope we start the season off focused, because we have a heavy road schedule in the early half of the season. That is going to greatly affect whether we finish near .500. Here’s my prediction for this year:

1 Boston 2 Orlando 3 Detroit 4 Toronto 5 Cleveland 6 Philly 7 Atlanta 8 Miami

If we were to end up matched up against orlando, I think that would really benefit us, because we match up so well with them.

By blue hawk

September 17, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this

Let’s face it. The guys we would most likely see on the court all the time will still be Horford, Smith, Williams, Johnson and Bibby. Nevertheless, it’s still a great five to have on the floor. What changes would you like to make on that five? I wouldn’t change anything at all!

Enough of the yapping about our frontcourt players being ‘undersized’. You have to admit physical height is a little bit overrated. It’s actual game presence that matters and our bigs have enough of it.

We all know what JJ, Smoove and AL can bring. We are all hoping Bibby plays like the Bibby of old and Marvin wows us with his further development (hopefully he”l be consistent and reliable).

Can’t wait . Can’t wait.

By bigeasy830

September 17, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

The Hawks will win at least 45 games this year. We are a much better and deeper team than last year team. We have very good depth and talent at gaurd and some good solid bigmen. See you at the HIGHLIGHT FACTORY!!!!!!

By Aaron B

September 17, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

This season is gonna be a true testing ground for the Hawks future. Even though it may not seem like a lot of moves were done this off season to improve our team, there is a definitive boost in our bench. Not to mention that Bibby is healthy. When Bibby was on fire, no team could stop us, because they had to leave Joe to single or double coverage. And if they decide on doing just that, there’s Josh Smith and Al horford left with at max single coverage down low. LOLOL Give me the Hawks play book and I’d make the opposition suffer!

By BBgenie

September 17, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Hawks 08-09 Outlook/Forecast. We currently are the 4th BEST TEAM in the Eastern Conference. Based on our Playoff performance of last season. We will need to make an adjustment in our starting unit. M.Williams will need to become our new sixth man,this move will make room for our BIGGER(5)spot addition. R. Morris and by forcing remaing frontcourt players in the starting unit to move over a position Hortford (4), Smooth (3), This will give us a huge match-up problem for opposing teams at the 2,3,&4 spots. Also this will make our 2nd unit very strong with ZaZa (5) Solo (4), M. Williams (3), Flip Murry (2) & Law (1). We still need a bona-fide 3pt shooter who will knock it down when called on. I agree that if the Hawks picked/up DJ Mbenga as a extra banger in the post. We could end up in the Eastern Conf. Finals. We must have a Stronger Defensive Effort on the Road from start to finish. No excuses!!!! Our main GOAL should be: Win 50 games, Finish in the Top 4 in East, and Gain Home Court advantage for the playoffs. We all know what the Hawks can do at Home. HAWKS in Eastern Conf. Finals!!!!!!!

By MannyT

September 17, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Najeh I think you nailed the Gordon situation on the head. At this point, a team would probably have to sign and trade to get him. I would not push him away, but I would not give up anything more than a sack of magic beans to get him either.

By the way, are you accusing DJ Mbenga of premature disqualification? I thought they had pills for that ;-)

By jhan

September 17, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Manny - you’re killing me! LOL

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 17, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

“By the way, are you accusing DJ Mbenga of premature disqualification? I thought they had pills for that ;-)”

Ohhhh, so that’s what those late night TV infomercials are about? Haha damn, I never understood until now…

By ray

September 17, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

MannyT is in rare form as well. From Scott Mitchell to the magic beans…too funny!

Najeh, beats the Valtrex commercials…you know, where the healthy-looking couple is seen doing all the healthy-exercise things (like kayaking, bike riding, rock climbing) in the perfect natural backgrounds…then one of them starts talking about how they haven’t had an “outbreak” in weeks or months, and neither has their partner…..hehe hehe hehehe…!

By Joshua

September 17, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

If you look at it I think Rose is overrated, and he has destabilized the bulls , The Sixers are out of reach for now but I think that some of the other playoff teams will drop including the Champs , No Posey no Brown and maybe no Cassell , Without these guys they wouldn’t have won a title . Role players win titles, Flip Murray and Mo Evans create extra possesions and hit clutch shots , Every team who has won a title has had a Flip or a Mo . Big Shot Bob is the classic example, and the Bulls had a roter of them like Randy Brown when they won titles . Good GM’s get a couple good stars and surround them with guys who make extra possesions . That’s why we should have some hope , Last year we had Zaza sometimes and Chill all the time were better this season off the pine. We didn’t to trade for O’Neal or Artest , We needed solid role players and we finaly have them and I bet you some teams will be caught with there pants down .

By doc

September 17, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

manny t, are you on row t section 108?

By Ariose

September 17, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

LOL @ MannyT!!!

By Ricky

September 17, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Sekou, what are your thoughts about Dale Davis being the last big man added to the roster? He lives in the area… is he interested in playing ball?

Go Hawks!

By ray

September 17, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Arios, personally I like the idea of adding another big PF to the roster instead. More traditional centers are harder to come by these days. As you said, the good ones aren’t budging. A highly motivated and skilled Randolph Morris actually fits the bill. But that’s a very big gamble. We can only hope to have found a diamond in the rough with him.

The bad news is that he hasn’t proven a dang thing as of yet (and nobody was looking to sign him either).

The good news is that with jazzed-up teammates that are motivators/supporters/cheerleaders like Horford and Smith….Morris should be surrounded with enough positive energy to shake him out of any doldrums. Then we may get to see what he can really do. I think the skill set is there, and so is the size. He doesn’t have to be rock hard tough in the post like big Al (and who is), but he’s got to be tougher than he’s shown himself to be. Hopefully he comes on strong in the effort department in training camp.

If not, Woody won’t give him the time of day. Again, I’m not expecting much, but I’m hoping for plenty…

By ray

September 17, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

It’ll be intersting seeing what Solo is like as well. At 250, he should be more like a Marcus Camby type. Then again, there’s the matter of skills. Increased strength and weight is definitely a plus for a guy like that, but are the skills there?

By Joe

September 17, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

If the hawks had Dwight Howard which I know not going to happen but wow Dwight Howard & Al Horford on the same team that is a dream.

By Melvin

September 17, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Gilbert Arenas to miss the 1 month of the season. Looks like a good opportunity to make some ground on the Wiz early in the season…

By steve

September 17, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

We need a center. A shotblocker that rebounds and can run the floor, athletic, good hands, maybe a face-up jumper but thats pushing it…. a banger that can really handle it and do the dirty work.

We need that so we can slide Al to his real position at Power Forward and watch him add that inside presence to our offense in the lowpost, he could push for an allstar berth as soon as this year and could push for 20/10 many scouts including David Thorpe of ESPN are saying. He was very impressive this summer.

That also moves Marvin to 6th man which makes our bench so damn strong. Immediately gives our bench a focal point, gives marvin the added responsilbility that came with Chillz’s role which is GREAT for him, and makes our bench go from weakness to strength (Marvin, Acie, Mo Evans, Zaza, Flip)

And maybe most importantly besides of course Horford’s move is that it gets Smoove back to his slot at the SF which is natural to him, and he can tear it up from there especially as he improves his versatile offensive game….. defense he’s a monster there too.

Solo should be the guy at center. 6-10’1/2 and 250, athletic as heck…… thats great.

By blue hawk

September 17, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see Bibby step-up in the way that a point guard brings out his teammates’ talents and puts their strengths to good use. I’d like to see him lead in that way, leading teammates and making them better ballplayers (or at least making them look good hehe).

It certainly going to be not just about him and Joe. He’s definitely going to have to gel and develop chemistry with the other players, especially the other 3 starters.

Imagine how the Hawks could be if Bibby brings out the best in and utilizes the strengths of our key players. That would really make for some exciting ball!

Unfortunately, I think Bibby’s really not that type of point guard since the guys making the great plays and passes in Sacramento were Webber, Divac and Brad Miller, more so than Bibby. He’s not the type that “makes everybody around him better.” He has to learn it in Atlanta definitely.

If all these guys could gel, and Bibby will take on a leadership role and make everybody better, this team will be a nightmare for opponents.

By Ariose

September 17, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Ray, Yeah Al and Smoove will defenetly have a good impact on RandMo. Especially since he gets to play in front of his gfamily now all the time. If he sees Zaza slipping I wonder if he’ll take advantage?? I wouldn’t mind brining a guy like Mbenga in also. But i’m really hoping that Solo steps up and fills the void.

WOW, Gilbo out until at least december. Well there goes their playoff spot lol. Not to mention that they lost their main guy off the bench last year to the San Antionio Spurs.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By Clyde

September 17, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

We still having Woody as a head coach. He said he was going to make changes last year but he was back to running the same ole plays and using the same ole substitution patterns. What makes you think he’s going to change this year? I guess we have to just hope and pray for the best.

Alabama vs. USC For The National Championship

ROLL TIDE

By HB Ando

September 18, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

Manny T, your perspective, highlighted on the 15th, at the six o’clock hour, was spot on. If everyone accepted my analytical position on the franchise, it would eradicate the sense of “fan” in many. I think the reference phrase, from literature and film, is the “willing suspension of disbelief”.

And therein lies the challenge I continue to face, with regard to my sense of being a longstanding “fan” of the Hawks, and my ongoing frustration with the impotent performance of the franchise.

Should I root, root, root, like Ken (with all respect to his openness to reviewing the franchise in critical terms)? Have I gotten stuck on a perpetual train of negativity, that has lasted so long, that I’m no longer able to maintain any reasonable level of “objective” subjectivity?

I’ll tell you that if I hadn’t defined my expectations, at the very beginning of the blog, over 4 years ago, as predicated on building a team that could compete for championships, as a base line, then I’d have more self-examination to perform.

Anyway, I ran across mention that the Jazz’ payroll is going to be $65.3 million this year. While I remain firmly of the belief that Bibby will be traded, to alleviate the ASG from spending a similar amount, that stat also serves to highlight what a fan base should expect from it’s local squad, should they commit that kind of money. If I wasn’t just clear, what I’m saying is why should the ASG spend $65 million for a 37-win team (even if they had ever exhibited the means to fund such a commitment), or the Hawks’ fan base be happy with such a poor utilization of such a financial commitment (conversely unrealistic as it is, given the historic payroll of the team, under current ownership), when a that amount of money gets the Utah fans a 60+win team, in the far better Western Conference?

What that comparison underscores is how poor the Hawks’ ROI (return on investment) has been. It highlights just how horribly the front office, over the last five years, has been run.

On to the Hawks’ camp roster, the reports that Speedy is healthy, and that Von Wafer is present (a talented, young player who only adds to the perceived log jam in the back court), I’m increasingly (yes, even more so than posts from the previous weeks) of the question, “how will all these arguably indistinguishably back up players, to JJ and Bibby, all receive enough minutes to justify the optimal, individual upsides of each of them”?

Where will all these guards, each of whom are assuming some level of mystical expectations, as contributors to the newer, better version of the Hawks, get the minutes necessary to justify their fantastic projections?

JJ is still going to get 40 minutes. And a reasonable inference to all this JJ/Bibby chemistry discussion, should one discount the financial likelihood that Bibby’s contract size and status are both prohibitive for the ASG to keep him through the season, is that there’s virtually no room left at the proverbial inn.

There’s so much that’s incongruous about the projected sum value of what this roster is comprised of, to me, that I just can’t untangle it (especially when you add Woody’s impact, for better or for worse).

So some of you have chosen to view this upcoming season with nothing less than optimal expectations.

How often does any franchise, as poorly run as this one, meet, or exceed, lofty expectations?

Such unanswerable questions highlight the recurring point: there’s nothing left to do but start the season and see what’s what…………..

By steve

September 18, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

I cant wait for the season to start.

There are 5 50+-win teams in the east that are legit contenders (Magic, Pistons, Cavs, Celtics, Sixers) and about 10 that have realistic playoff goals with very good teams (Hawks, Heat, Raptors, Wizards and Bulls)

There are gonna be some great GREAT battles in the East and in the West with the Rockets, Lakers, Hornets, Clippers, Blazers, Mavs, Spurs, Suns, Jazz and Nuggets.

10 real-deals on both sides. GREAT/SUPER-EXCITING and competitive year this coming season!!!!!!

By steve

September 18, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

HORFORD IS THE KEY TO THIS YEAR AND THE FUTURE!

GET HIM THE BALL IN THE LOWPOST EARLY AND OFTEN. WATCH HIM BE THE 20/10 MONSTER ALLSTAR POWER FORWARD THAT LEADS THIS TEAM FOR THE NEXT 10+ YEARS……. (dont forget that he’ll make all-defense every year too)

GET HIM TO THE POWER FORWARD SPOT! BREAK-OUT SOLO AND FILL UP OUR CENTER SPOT!

MARVIN TO 6th MAN! SMOOVE TO THE SF SPOT! GO HAWKS GO!!!!

By HB Ando

September 18, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

Steve, a couple of things, since your the only one still up.

Leaving Toronto out of your top-five, with Calderon assuming full-time PG, and the addition of Jermaine O’neal, is a stretch, at best.

And your suggestion that our front line be comprised of Josh, Horford and Solo (or any other center option currently on our roster), plays right into my rigid position that without Marvin at the 3, and with no addition to the 5, who can shoot from the perimeter, any such suggested front line will be the worst shooting in the NBA.

Financially, the retention of both Marvin and Bibby, is almost completely unlikely, given the limitations of the ASG, the commitments to JJ and Smith, and the upcoming, near-max commitment to Horford. At best, one of them could stay, if either was willing to consider something along the lines of $8 million per year. But I don’t think EITHER of them would, so it’s equally likely that BOTH will end up moving along,

So begin to envision Law at point (low cost), and the acquisition of a big, who can shoot from deep, to allow what you suggest, with Josh at the 3 and Horford at the 4. Because the only way that happens is if we complement their collective weakness as outside shooters, with a big who can stretch the defense, opening up single coverage on the low block, for Horford, and opening up driving lanes for Smith. Short of that, with Solo, Zaza, Morris, etc., moving Josh and Horford to the 3 and 4, respectively, every single team in the league will pack their front court, in the NBA’s version of the allowable zone, and then, in what would amount to a variation on the triangle-and-two, overplay JJ at the 3 point line, with or without the ball, and leave Bibby to represent a one-man break-down offense, forcing shots from the perimeter, or on the drive, or dumping the ball into a zone-packed lane, with teams fixated on letting anyone but JJ beat them in the half-court offense.

The only way to avoid this is to acquire a legitimate front court player, who complements Smith and Horford, who’s offensive game is most dangerous facing the basket from long range (he says for roughly the thousandth time).

Bla bla bla………..

By blue hawk

September 18, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this

Hey Ando,

The player you really want is a guy named Steve Novak.

Too bad he signed with the Clippers already. He could’ve worked well in your system.

Helluva shooter.

By Samuel

September 18, 2008 6:47 AM | Link to this

What championship team, other than Detroit, in the last 10 years has had a center who shot from the perimeter? That’s not necessary.

You can post a big man(Horford) on the low blocks and one or two perimeter players(JJ and Bibby) who can shoot and that’s all you need. Pretty simple. The other side of the court will be wide open for drives to the basket(Smith and Marvin).

By Samuel

September 18, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

You have to go back to 1990 with Lambier then ‘79 with MY BOY Jack Sigma.

I believe that Horford will be effective enough to draw a double team this year on the low blocks. Bibby and JJ will be deadly on the perimeter with Josh and Marvin holding down the weak side. Horford is also a very effective pick and roll center.

We really don’t need nobody else.

LET’S DO IT

By mavid

September 18, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

The guy Ando is envisioning is Okur.

Actually, I think Utah is gonna deal one of Okur, Boozer or AK-47. When you look at the numbers, they cant keep all 3. Boozer is the guy they wanna keep (for obvious reasons), but hes a FA this offseason, and there are STRONG rumors that hes already looking at Miami (he lives there in the offseason and is tight with the owner). Miami also could offer him more money (by not re-upping Marion).

So, for Utah to keep him, they gotta cut the salary of either Okur or AK-47.

Would they do Marvin for Okur? Would we?

I havent been posting or reading here for awhile, so Im sure Ando has pointed out that a frontline of Smith, Horford and Okur is pretty much a carbon copy of AK47, Boozer and Okur.

That lineup for us creates crazy mismatch advantages too. I can see the advantages…

By Ken Strickland

September 18, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Bottomline, our starting lineup, and our core bench players(Zaza, Morris, Murray, Evans and Acie are set, period. The rest will battle for the 2 remaining active roster slots.

ANDO-in a normal situation, we all know there are enough mins to keep at least 8 players reasonably happy. We also know, with a degree of certainty, those mins will not be distributed in any equitable manner by Woodson. To do so would cut into his primary HC duties. You know, standing along the sidelines with arms folded(looking like a Black version of UNCLE FESTER) while barking at the officials. He’s certainly too insecure and control oriented to rely on his assistants to manage the players mins. After all, there’re not the HC, or man in charge, HE IS.

By ray

September 18, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Melvin, the Wiz were better last year without Arenas than they were with him. That, and with madcats like Butler and Jamison around, they aren’t great per se…but can’t be taken lightly either. They seem to have more fight when Arenas isn’t suited up. Weird, but true. Maybe not so weird after all. Still, we should be punishing them. Where talent is the clear advantage to us…coaching clearly makes the difference…

Ando, what you on the train of negativity? Inconceivable!

Blue Hawk, Bibby is great in certain offenses. He’s not much help on defense, and I defy anyone to prove otherwise (including his few unrealistic and rabid supporters). Of course, we can blame it all on politics within the NBA and media, but there are other reasons he never made the all-star team despite being close to it a few years.

Read any profile review on him and the truth is told….consistently. No one can deny his offensive talent. Back in Sacramento, and when he was doing really well, he was the featured guard. Seriously, does anybody recall very easily off the top of their head who the SG was? If you do, it’s because you were paying a good bit of attention to the team as a whole. If you don’t, it’s obvious why….No my friend, you called it absolutely right on the ball movement in Sacto back then. It had a LOT to do with Miller and Webber, both of whom are handy with the ball for big men. The other guy who was responsible for so much of this stuff? Rick Adelman.

That’s what frustrates me so damn much about some of the opinions in regards to Bibby. Look, I love the offensive skills he has. But look at the freakin’ systems he has played in. Arizona. Sactown under Adelman. They’re built for him. Injuries aren’t the only thing that slowed him down. A new coach (and therefore a new gameplan) affects even superstars at times.

Some people just cannot seem to get it through their concrete-reinforced skulls that Bibby is in a completely different system with Woody! Some people think Bibby is bringing those ‘03-‘04, ‘04-‘05, ‘05-‘06 performances with him. 1)He’s not. 2)That’s not the problem. The problem is that he can’t bring that system with him. He has to be acclimated to Woody’s style. I recall Woody saying that he can’t wait to fully integrate Bibby into his system/style.

In fact, what is Woody’s style?? Does it seem like something that Bibby would do well in, given what he’s used to in the past? I’m not saying he’ll fail. I’m saying look at the entire picture and understand that we already have a featured guard. Bibby is a guy who has done his best as the featured guard. He is now being asked to be more of something that he has been less of in the past: a distributor. And less of something that he has been more of in the past: THE featured guard. WE AREN’T GOING TO GET THAT 19.6 PPG/6.8APG OR 21.1PPG/5.4APG SEASON PERFORMANCE. Not with Woody around. Not unless we want to largely ignore the other explosive weapons on this roster, along with all the “key reserves” we just signed.

Can Bibby get it done in such a way that the entire team benefits and becomes winners at the level some people think we’ll be? Hope so. Why? Because contrary to what Ando says, I think he’ll be here all year.

Why? Because his wonderful expiring contract might just be more attractive to our owners than it is to other team owners. Y’all forget: cap space is a hot commodity, but it means something else entirely around here. Of course, Ando could be right (and we’ll never hear the end of that $hit either) and they don’t committ to a payroll this high. But then, since when has doing the sensible thing ever been En Vogue in the ASG circle…

By Astro Joe

September 18, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

En Vogue? Did someone mention En Vogue? Hmm, tasty!

I think the Hawks were close to a .500 team with an injured Bibby playing in Woody’s non-system, with a bad thumb and a bad heel and very little chemistry with his new teammates. And I think the Hawks averaged a fair amount of points during the post All-Star break last season (and likewise, gave up a ton of points). So there is empirical data to be a little optimistic about the coming season, assuming a fair amount of health and improvement from a still young nucleus.

And how many of us were shocked that Arenas got a $100M+ contract coming off an injury-riddled season?

By Peter

September 18, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

DJ MBenga has been on my radar for 2 season. I think he could neutralize the Perkins, Magloire, Old Shaqs and Young Odens in this league. He is serviceable a defender and rebounder in limited minutes.

Let’s not forget about a bigger Solo who I think he is underrated and was unused last season. Woodson needs to exploit him even more next season. He has long arms and hustles.

By steve

September 18, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

By Samuel

September 18, 2008 6:47 AM | Link to this

What championship team, other than Detroit, in the last 10 years has had a center who shot from the perimeter? That’s not necessary.

You can post a big man(Horford) on the low blocks and one or two perimeter players(JJ and Bibby) who can shoot and that’s all you need. Pretty simple. The other side of the court will be wide open for drives to the basket(Smith and Marvin).”“”“”“

I absolutely agree. 110%.

Rondo couldnt shoot for the celtics. Smoove is our Rondo in that lineup. The outside shooters are JJ and Bibby (Ray and Pierce). Horford and Solo(or better shotblocking/athletic/hustling 5man) make up the frontcourt similar to KG and Perk…….. go thru any other finals/championship caliber lineup and you find similar formula……….

not saying we’re championship caliber…….. yet. That will be in 2 or 3 years when the core grows in that formula. Marvin is a helluva 6th man to grow with the core. Hopefully Acie can shoot lights out like Bibby and take over for him when his contract expires without us missing a beat…. that is the one thing im worried about.

Everything else (Horfords development as 20/10 allstar pf, solo developing as a dalembert-esque 5, Smoove developing his allaround skills and massive talent at the 3, JJ continuing to venture into elite-level play as our leader, Marvin developing into a great 6th man……. etcetera) im not too worried about. I see it all happening in the growth of this team.

By Melvin

September 18, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Ray, Doug Christie(misp) was the SG that played with Bibby in Sac Town during the glory years…

As for the Wiz, yes they did played well w/o Arenas last year but I don’t think they could duplicate that performance this year. They are going to need him for them to make and advance in the playoffs. The lost of Mason, an older Jamison (who maybe declining) and injury prone Butler (who’s a good player when healthy) could cause them to missed the playoffs w/o a healthy Arenas.

However, I think every team that finished or who’s projected to finished above the Hawks this season has question marks that will be answer when the season’s start.

Celtics - Supporting cast. Aging BIG 3 that may have to logged more mins during the season this year b/c of the lost to key bench players (Posey, Brown and possibly Cassell).

Pistons - Key vets that look like their better playing days are behind them, new rookie head coach and a GM that has threating to breakup the team could all spell disaster on and off the court.

Magic - do they have the perimeter players and PG play to compliment the BEAST in the middle. Can Turk duplicate his performance of last season? Will Lewis step up and be the man that his contract say he is…

RAPS - Can Bosh and O’neal coexist? They are talented offensive players who games are very similiar. Will they have good enough wing play and bench support to be an elite team???

Cavs - Will Lebron new sidekick (Moe Williams) propel them back to finals. Low post scoring?

Sixers - Chemistry. How will the team play with Brand being the focal point on offense? Do they have outside shooting to go along with Brand Low post scoring?

By Lacsho

September 18, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Melvin

You’re right, Cristie was the other guard, and Jackson was coming off the bench.

Sam

I agree we don’t need Okur; I think our current roster is straight. I don’t know if I agree with Marvin coming off the bench. Furthermore, I see Marvin solidifying his role on this team as an offensive threat this year.

AJ So there is empirical data to be a little optimistic about the coming season, assuming a fair amount of health and improvement from a still young nucleus.

I concur with this assessment, now we have to sit back and wait for the season to start.

By Ken

September 18, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

I think a starting lineup of Bibby, JJ, Josh, Solo, and Horford could be intriguing. But not exactly how most mentioned. The Celtics were successful with KG’s skill/athleticism and Perk’s size/strength. With the hawks Horford has stength, skill, and athleticism; while Solo is athletic and long. Horford would definitely be the goto guy on offense, but defensively it may depend on the matchup with the other team. Also Josh Smith is such an excellent help defender and could pick up solo’s offensive slack. So the main question would be how well Solo is able to defend the opposition’s startin 4/5. But seemingly it could work. And with a 9-man rotation including Marvin, acie, mo, and zaza/randmo we could mix up the rotations and create some interesting matchups. I can’t wait to see the improvements of Horford, Smith, Marvin, and even Solo.

By Thaddeus Maddeus

September 18, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Fire Billy and Woody - Oh that’s right, Billy is already gone.

By Thaddeus Maddeus

September 18, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

What about Mario West?

By Ariose

September 18, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Bobby Jackson, Hedo Turkglu, Jeff Funderburke (Love that name), and Brad Miller all came off the bench.

Bibby, Christie, Peja, Webber, and Vlade Divac started.

Ando, Let’s not forget that Smith has stated that his confidence in his ability to make jumpshots is at an all-time high. Both Horford and Smoove are improving jump shooters. We might not need another shooting big man at all……Organic Growth (I know you don’t like that term lol)

Ray, I agree. I think Bibby stays the duration of the season.

By Daren

September 18, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

It would be nice to see Solo make a great leap, but he is far from Marcus Camby. When Camby came into the league he was just a tall skinny kid. But he has always played with great energy and possess great instincts for the game. Solo needs to work on his ball skills and watch a lot of game tape on whomever he’s trying to imulate. Hopefully he won’t get pushed around as much with the extra weight, but he could be a great defender and shot blocker.

About Marvin Williams becoming the sixth man, I also think that is a good idea. He could be a big time scorer in that second unit. The thing is who should start. Obviously if we had a start worthy center than Al could slide to the 4 and Josh to the 3 (which would be awesome). Don’t know if Zaza has the speed to make that line-up as effective as it should be or if Randolph Morris is ready to take on that role period (what has he done). Also I think Aciew Law should be worked into the lineup more the way Detroit is slowly bringing along Rodney Stuckey for Chauncey Billups. With a declining Bibby, I think Acie may be just as good a shooter and definitely a better passer.

Someone mentioned starting Okur in the line-up with Smith and Horford. It is a good idea in theory, but must be careful. The hawks already have a horrible track record in finding talent, and Okur is a contract player. I am scared to death of giving a large contract to a guy like Okur. That has been part of the problem with the hawks general managers. They only want to look at size or stats. A good GM however looks at a player’s character, what kind of heart does he play with, and is he a winner. Those guys can be hard to come by or easy if you know what to look for. The Pistons have been to the conference finals 5/6 years straight because they have a roster full of guys with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. Many players get their big contract and kick it in neutral (NY knicks). But I think Joe Johnson has proven his worth, Horford has a winning track record from Florida, and I believe (especially after all the drama) Josh Smith wants to prove that he was the best free agent this summer. The better question is do we have the right guy in the coaches seat, but let me stay optimistic.

By steve

September 18, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

COACH WOODSON IS GREAT!

By Clyde

September 18, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the throwback Thaddeus Maddeus. I’m still rockin’ the t-shirt.

Have any of yall checked the Mark Bradley article? What is David McDavid owned the Thrashers and Hawks? I hope he wins his lawsuit against AOL who has totally wrecked the Atlanta sports scene.

By ray

September 18, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Melvin,

I actually knew it was Christie, and I knew a few guys would remember. The rest will look it up. Not that he was an absolutely obscure player, but my point was that he was somewhat forgettable because Bibby really was the featured guard. He can’t play that role here. Not to say that he can’t play his new role well…but he hasn’t had to do that since his first couple of years in Vancouver…just sayin’….

As for the Wiz, my point wasn’t whether they’re actually a better team with or without Arenas, just that they showed fight and some continuity when he wasn’t there. They even made the playoffs, didn’t they? Just saying that we shouldn’t look at them as easy prey. Nobody is easy prey for us until we prove ourselves capable of dominating like that. We haven’t yet. We can’t afford to look past anybody or we’ll find ourselves playing catch up.

Lacsho, I don’t know if our roster is exactly “straight”, but it is what it is for the time being. Still, I’m not b!tching. We have some continuity and some talent. Hell, we have a LOT of talent. If I can just get through one post without mentioning my Woody reservations…

By Melvin

September 18, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Agreed Ray

By fudd21

September 18, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Marvin is NOT coming off the bench! I will even venture to say that he will become our second leading scorer (around 18ppg) this year behind Joe of course. Ray go ahead and laugh!

People, I know some of you don’t like what Ando has to say but he really hits the nail on the head with Josh moving to the 3. For that to happen there has to be a big that can shoot so there are lanes for Josh to drive and space for Al to be affective on the block. With Josh at 3, Al at 4, and a traditional center (one who plays with their back to the basket 10 feet in) the lane will be very crowded as opposing defenses slump off Josh.

By richbrave

September 18, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

HAWKS fans. Don’t say I didn’t tell you. ARENAS has just had a scope on that same knee. Third go round to clean out the joint from bone frags and assorted other junk.

The man can’t sit still. Coming back before the proper time and over-the-top rehabbing will do the same for him it did for LAVAR ARRINGTON. He’s done in the NBA in my book.

And what’s the jist? The Wizards are treading water without him. HAWKS will trade places with the WIZARDS IF WOODSON knows how to coach this team.

By Jody23

September 18, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

I happen to agree with the suggestion of moving Al to the 4 and Josh to the 3. In those positions, they BOTH become post players who command double teams in the post. If teams don’t double, it’s two points or a trip to the line. If they double down with perimeter players, you leave Bibby and Johnson open(both are deadly outside shooters). If they come to contest a shot with a big, they’ll leave only one of their frontcourt guys to TRY to box out two of ours. Also, bear in mind that both Josh and Al are GREAT passers. If they’re left at the 4 and 5, they won’t draw double teams in the post which will lead to our struggling to score in the halfcourt.

By jhan

September 18, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

I’ll repeat a post from a previous blog. Why do we want to model our team after Utah? Have they won a title I’m unaware of? Will being knocked out of the playoffs in the second round make everyone happy?

Instead of trying to build the most perfectly balanced roster, build a team that will beat our current competitors in the East - the Celtics.

We got beat last year mostly in part to Rondo & Cassell outplaying Bibby & Law. Now we have Bibby, Law, Speedy & Flip to throw at them.

Leon Powe & Perkins caused inside damage last year when Al was our only Big. Now we have Morris, Hunter, Solo & ZaZa to turn to off the bench.

There are 5 legit players coming off the bench this year. Last year it was only Childress & a disinterested ZaZa. Instead of our starting 5 being completely exhausted at the end games, they will have fresh legs. You can’t tell me that won’t make a difference.

By doc

September 18, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

manny t check out ? above.

By Lacsho

September 18, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Ray (my man 50 grand) I know the SAASG are cheap, and I don’t want to pick up a low caliber player for cheap. That’s why I say we’re straight for now. I can’t see this group pulling off a legit blockbuster trade, so therefore I say hold tight with what we got.

I notice your comment about Randmo, I think he got lost in the midst of the Isaiah controversy. Plus a city like NY will swallow you alive, so for a young player, it’s was hard for him to stay focus. Remember NY got Morris a week after the ncaa tourney. Furthermore, look at that group of dysfunctional players. Which one of those disgruntled players was going to take Randmo underneath their wings and show him the tricks of the trade? I’ll answer it for you, none of them, Notta, not a single one. Therefore, here in the Atl, he has a large support system; hence we should see vast improvements in his attitude and game. Again, that’s just my opinion, he’s a hometown kid, and he has a lot of people rooting for him to succeed.

This team will surprise a lot of people this year!!!!! I’m ecstatic, and I can’t wait for the first scrimmage. I’ll definitely be in the house, when they open up the gym for the fans.

By ray

September 18, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

fudd21,

I wouldn’t presume to laugh. I want Marvin to do all the things people say he will. Better for us and better for him. I think two things must exist for that to happen though: 1)Marvin’s confidence and aggression turn up a notch…and 2)Bibby starts getting 8+ dimes a game. If Bibby isn’t getting that many dimes (or thereabouts), then something’s not right.

And if that’s the case then a few possible reasons come to mind: 1)Guys aren’t converting when Bibby gets them the ball, 2)Bibby is shooting significantly more than he is passing, 3)the offense runs solely through the backcourt with little or no variation, 4) we continue with a half court offense as our staple, with a one-way pick and roll (in other words, pick then shoot, not pick then possible pass to the guy who set the pick). Or any combination thereof. But again, a team with this many weapons should allow for a decent pg to get those kinds of assist numbers.

Jhan,

I get what you’re saying. And I swear I’m not trying to pi$$ on your parade. I definitely understand your point about Utah. I won’t even go into the details of the competition and powers of the West. No need, everyone can see for themselves.

But you’re slightly undermining your own argument (and it’s really not your fault at all).

First, we already had Zaza and Solo to turn to in the playoffs last year. So Al wasn’t the only big we had.

Second, the only two added names are Hunter (undrafted rookie signed from the summer league), and Morris (a guy nobody was trying to sign). The fact is that both are unknown commodities (despite the fact that you and I have hopes for both).

Third, there is the one thing I didn’t want to say again, but you made me do it (hee hee). There is the Woody factor. We can have 10 bigs down on the end of the bench. If Woodson doesn’t play them, or for whatever reason they aren’t developed sufficiently, depth will be a joke and a byword yet again amongst Hawks fans (and players). We can believe in the players all we want. They can believe in themselves. As long as Woodson is coach, all that matters is what he believes. Believe that. I damn sure hope Sam’s belief is justified. Or I believe we’ll be losing our minds again.

I’ll tell you this much: a frontcourt this young needs to be played. Zaza is our elder statesman at the ripe age of 24. He is the incumbent “first big off the bench.” No offense to him, but the other guys (Hunter-if he makes the team, Jones, and Morris) should be allowed to push the crap out of him for playing time. It will make them all better and allow all of them to develop. Besides, there are two positions that minutes should be available at (assuming starters are getting reasonable rest…ahem). Center and power forward. But I digress….

We’re not going to build a team overnight to beat the Celtics. Rondo can run circles around Bibby still. Cassell is older, but we’ll have Murray to throw at him. Acie, if he gets the proper PT, will be a problem for opponents. But if putting a shooting big out there with Smith and Horford isn’t the answer for building a team that can beat the East’s best…then what is? Just curious…

By ray

September 18, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Lacsho, I totally agree about Randolph Morris’ new surroundings. Recall my comments earlier on being around guys like Smith and Horford. Both guys stay amped up…

When those first practices get going, you and the others who get to go gotta let us know how they go…

By blue hawk

September 18, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

man, we can’t get enough of all this speculating, theorizing and wondering, huh?

CAN WE JUST START CAMP ALREADY!

Sept. 29 - Media Day

Sept. 30 - First Day of Practice

…and please, please can we have enough of the talk about the “undersized frontcourt” already?

wanna know who was undersized? check these out: (you wouldn’t believe me but this is true)

Alonzo Mourning: 6’9” (6’10” with shoes) Hakeem Olajuwon: 6’9” (6’10” with shoes, yes, The Dream) Ben Wallace: of course 6’7” (6’9” with shoes and pressed afro)

oldies:(these guys held his own against real seven footers like Kareem, Chamberlain, etc.)

Wes Unseld (C/F): a hair under 6’6” (6’7” with shoes); Willis Reed (C/F): 6’9” (6’10” with shoes) Bill Russel (C): let’s just say 6’9”

So can we already accept the fact that Al Horford can hold the fort in the middle as a “Forward/Center” and that we don’t need to get a top notch or shooting center? Some of you guys have to realize that physical height can sometimes be an “overrated” thing.

Go shorty! You can do it! hehe

By Lacsho

September 18, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Ray I got you!!!!

By MannyT

September 18, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

doc Been trying to do too much this week. Overloaded.

I am in sect 108 row S. (next to last row)

I would sit in row T before purchasing. Good news—no one really behind you, bad news—leg room is a little less in that last row. I think your legs might put out a contract on the rest of you.

By Ken Strickland

September 18, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

RAY-come on, you can say it. Say Woodsoon or Woody, use the force Ray, heh, heh. I don’t need the force to call him out. We are going to cause matchup nightmares for a lot of teams, especially if we run. How many teams have 5 starters that can put up 20-25pts on any given night and rebound very will at their respective positions, except for Bibby?

I certainly hope we get more info during training camp than we’re getting leading up to it. If Josh is stronger, maybe he will be able to improve his man DEF skills. During the Q & A, he mentioned he’d developed a midrange gm. I’ve been harping on that for some time, especially him using the backboard. Same with Marvin. How much better do you think Horford will be as a scorer, rebounder and DEF player? Add a healthy and more confident Acie and Bibby, along with our improved, deeper bench, and we have a team destined for the playoffs. YES, I SAID IT AND I MEAN IT TOO. YOU HEARD IT FROM ME FIRST. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Ariose

September 18, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

WOW, check out the NBA.com season preview for the Hawks…..there are some errors…..and they called Marvin a Bust…

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By doc

September 18, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

thanks for the advice manny t, considering firming things up for the residual after the playoffs. this boy does nee some leg room.

By Ariose

September 18, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Blue Hawk Don’t forget that Charles Barkley was a 6’6 Power Forward…..For all of you who think 6’5 Evans isn’t adequate at the SF position or Smoove and Al are seriously undersized…..Im just sayin’….

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By blue hawk

September 18, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Hey Ariose,

Don’t get me started on the ‘undersized’ thing. I have a lot of ‘undersized’ players on my mind. haha

Well my real favorite is Adrian Dantley. Closer to 6’4” but man, can he score in the paint. With no freakish athleticsm, without a chiseled or muscular frame. He even had one leg shorter than the other. Maybe that was his advantage, hehe.

By jhan

September 18, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

ray - you are absolutely correct about this boiling down to your favorite head coach.

I believe there is enought talent on this roster to make the playoffs again. I think this is easily the best roster the Hawks have had in quite some time.

I hope Woody can make it happen. You & I have pretty much the same opinion about his skills.

Nothing would make me happier than to be proven wrong!

By HB Ando

September 19, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Mavin, Okur is the reference point I’ve been making.

Ariose, so Josh’s confidence in his outside shot is at an all-time high. Not coincidentally, W Bush still believes his public support is at an all time high. See the connection?

Sam, 8 of the last 10+ NBA champions had either Shaq or Duncan on the team. Boston had 7-footer Garnett AND two future hall of fame wings. Detroit won with an undersized, steroid gulping center, who’s PF happened to be your favorite 7-foot center of all time, in ‘Sheed. Hakeem was one of the most dominant big men of all time. And he only won two because Jordan took some time off.

So, other than Jordan teams (which included 7 footers like Cartwright, Longley and Perdue), every championship team has had a hall-of-fame worthy center, other than Detroit (which had 4, count ‘em, 4 all stars, playing with the juiced Big Ben).

So unless you, or anyone else here, are willing to anoint Horford as the next Shaq/Duncan, then your point is ridiculous.

Various undersized stars, of the past, have nothing to do with winning titles. Hell, Blue Hawk, Dantley was the man. But if you want to lean on a name to defend “undersized”, is there really any better example than Barkley?

As far as highlighting that Utah hasn’t won anything, from my perspective, that’s not really the point. They’re in the mix, viewed as legitimate. And the POINT is that with AK at the 3, and Boozer at the 4, they have the most similar situation to our complements, in Horford and Josh. I’ve already punched in a specific statistical comparison, stage-wise, between AK and Josh. So I’m not going to waste my time repeating it.

So, Shaq and Duncan-led teams represent 8 of the most recent championships. Hakeem snagged 2 more, when Jordan was out. Every Jordan team started a 7-footer. And Detroit had 6’11 ‘Sheed paired with Big Ben. Garnett is 7 feet, and they still started a legit center, in Perkins, who had some monster minutes against our front line.

If any of you are ready to stake your credibility on Horford being the peer of any of these big men, at this stage, please state clearly.

For the millionth time, I didn’t say Horford couldn’t play center, I’ve only said that both he and the team would be better if he could play his natural position of 4 (the only position Barkley mentioned, during all-star weekend, when he raved about Horford’s star potential in the NBA).

But, again, proof will be in the pudding. No way Bibby and Marvin will both be playing for the Hawks when the ‘09 season starts. No way the ASG spends $65 million this season.

Hawks don’t end the year better than the 10 slot in the East.

Still willing to take wagers on that.

Still haven’t had a taker.

Money talks. The rest of you, clearly, walk.

By HB Ando

September 19, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

Jeff, if I had your level of “skin” in the game, I’d probably gravitate towards your position. But Utah’s playoff performance, in the West, is a little different than what I would expect, if they were in the East.

You, of all people, know the limitations of throwing out the names of our potentially deeper PG and C positions, when there aren’t minutes for all of the PG’s to reinforce that point, nor is there any acknowledgment, in mentioning our “maybe” improved center situation, without getting into the issue of how bad a shooting team we become if any or all of those centers play major minutes, which must come at the expense of Marvin/Evans, at the 3, leaving us a horrible shooting team.

You cannot have it both ways.

You cannot point to major minutes for our centers, without admitting we’ll be a really weak outside shooting team when they’re in.

And you cannot talk about how good our offense will be, with Marvin and Evans at the 3, without admitting that, with the clear expectation that Al and Josh will be eating up close to 40 minutes a night, there’s nothing but scraps for those bigs if Marvin and Evans combine for major minutes.

Again, this roster has a little more of everything, than they’ve had in the recent past. But there simply aren’t very many realistic 5-man combinations that don’t have very specific weaknesses.

And I still think, based on both that reality, and Woody’s track record for in-game, on-the-fly substitutions, that we’ll mostly be reactive, rather than proactive, as far as match ups are concerned.

I will concede that this roster projects to be able to absorb a major injury, to a starter, than any roster from the last 5 years. And maybe that will end up being of value, from a win/loss perspective.

But the flaws are still obvious. And the East is better than last year. And last year we were 4 games UNDER .500.

By MannyT

September 19, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

Ken While it is fair to say that the Hawks could cause match up problems for most teams, Woody has to bring something new to the table for this to work. He has not done much to exploit his advantages in the past. I wish he had been on Chuck Daly’s Detriot staff. Coach D knew how to keep running the same play with the same guy until you stopped it or the guy was exhausted. Don Nelson knows how to force the issue playing small ball. Some folks understand proactively playing to your strengths.

Coach W just runs that modified Dean Smith play, the one corner, where JJ dribbles a lot (playing a combined Phil Ford/Walter Davis), then shoots before the clock runs out. I am trying hard not to take the chain saw and matches to Woody before he gets a chance to show he has a new plan, so I’ll stop there. The “fan” in me has to use that willing suspension of disbelief thing that Ando mentioned.

Spekaing of which, I think I have an appropriate and normal phrase for those who want the Hawks to do well, but have logical issues with their actions—advocates. Not really fans that go all in with the team, but folks that hope for good things even though reasonable thought says ditch this deal.

This advocate term is probably a good label for all those folks who ran for president in the primaries and lost. Now they are out there saying nice things about the person that snuffed out their presidential dreams.

While it is not something to bank on, injuries could change our approach for the good. Not wishing ill on anyone, but a week or two out could force some new rotations and new ideas about the best way to get the most out of this team.

Moving on, I really admire Gilbert Arenas. Let’s opt out while injured, get a heck of a new contract to stay, and continued to be injured a little worse than expected. You would think the Wiz would know more about his knee than any other team.

I wonder what Ernie D is doing in those pictures Gil keeps in his safe deposit box?

Strong negotiating CRAP!

By HB Ando

September 19, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

One last thing, this evening: am I the only person who, when reviewing the confusing, largely disjointed, rambling nonsense that comprises Samuel’s collective posts, finds themselves genuinely concerned that he has daily access to other peoples’ children, in not only a supervisory role, but, more frighteningly, an educative position?

Sam, my wife and I are looking to buy another house this spring, with the arrival of our daughter. Would you be so kind as to let me know what district you’re in, so I can cross it off of our list?

I’d really appreciate it………

By HB Ando

September 19, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

Manny, Gil for $111 million, Lewis for $110-ish, Barry Zito for $126 million…..

Their all ridiculous, but when you look at Lewis and Zito, Gil almost seems like a bargain, no?

All kidding aside, seriously, how did Gil get $111 million, when the Clips, the all-time punch line for cheapness (the Hawks are closing in with a bullet), got Baron Davis for $65 million?

Baron is a damn bargain!

By Ariose

September 19, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this

Oooh low blow Ando lol…low blow…..Though I’m not mad that I didn’t live in sam’s district either hehehehe….

Also Ando, I completely left myself open for that point(laziness). We’ll just have to see. Hopefully Smoove’s confidence is proportional to the amount of jumpers he’s been sinking on a consistant baisis throughout the off-season…..we all know that hasn’t been the case in the past. BUT I am fairly certain that Horford(Who has a much more consistant stroke) will have improved that aspect of his game.

A big improvement and a lot more consistancy out of all of our starting front court players will give us a significant boost compared to last season. If they can get us off to a good start that MIGHT mean more time-scraps for the bench bigs.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By Ariose

September 19, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

Hell yeah, I’d Pay 100mill to tha Baron over those other clowns/ball stoppers anyday….

By MannyT

September 19, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this

I read something about Baron wanted to go back home and make movies. If he had been from anywhere in the middle of the country, I think the Clips lose out on him…especially when Brand packed up and went to Philly.

This is the year for BK’s interchangeable parts to come alive. Not that I expect Marvin to play center, but if he gets caught on a switch, hopefully he can offer some resistance. If the attack of the similarly sized front court can exploit mismatches, the Hawks will have a chance to make the playoffs.

We will see as the season starts.

BWAF

By Gypsyjoe

September 19, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this

How many guys can the Hawks bring to camp?? Last year we had 18. Hoophype.com says the Hawks are going to bring that kid from summer league Frank Robinson. Anybody here any names????

By Samuel

September 19, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this

Ando the great, is fallen, is fallen.

Wow, never though I could bring down the great Ando. What’s the matter, BUDDY. You upset that people are jumping off your band wagon. Even Ya Boy dissed you. You slippin. That’s what babies will do for ya.

Believe me, i’m the last thing you, your wife or yo younguns have to worry about. Looks like they have their hands full overcomming you for the next 20 or so years.

By doc

September 19, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this

our sister organization had a town hall recently. here are some comments about content and info from waddell:

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/thrashersfans/entries/2008/09/18/thoughtsonthe.html

By DAP01

September 19, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Hey, let’s trade for Josh Howard!

By I.MUS WRITE

September 19, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Jeezuz ……Cant we all get along, Dam Samuel- you really hit a nerve with ol Ando. Every body is entitled to their own opinion-cant understand why we would involve innocent kids though. Im deducting a point from both of you guyz for low blows. All of this verbal sparring= when animals attack. Dap01- No thanx on Josh howard …. What a douche bag, i mean a real dumb azz. the national anthem comment kinda got under my skin. I wouldnt trade Harry the Hawk for that loser.

By ray

September 19, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Ando, Sam, this is a bit personal and beneath both of you, is it not? Come on guys…not necessary…

By the way Sam, there’s a difference between disagreeing with my homeboy Ando, and disrespecting him. The former happens, the latter does not. We’re friends. I don’t disrespect my friends if I can help it. Don’t you have friends, or are you exactly the same kind of guy in person as you are on the blog (and I’m not insinuating anything in particular with that comment…heh heh)?

I was going to make a big long reply to the “undersized” comments, but I see Ando has beaten me to it rather handily, right before trying to gut Sam, and Sam trying to return the favor. Starting to look like UFC in here. Skill/technique vs. Brawling. Heh.

MannyT, your 12:41 a.m. post summarized everything I feel about Woodson. Spot on, man.

By ray

September 19, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I.Mus,

Josh Howard will have a lot to prove this season. He didn’t rise to the occasion last year, and he spent so much time being exactly what you said he was. That won’t fly with Carlisle. We’ll see what happens.

In other news…

Gilbert Arenas has got to be the biggest waste of money of all the contracts signed since the offseason began. The only way he ever makes up for anything is by becoming the kind of guy who either takes over games Lebron/Kobe style, or starts making his team better. He has a better shot at the former, because the latter just isn’t his style. Only, he’s never going to be a Lebron/Kobe type. And as hard as Jordan works up there, the pieces just aren’t there. Trading Gilbo prior to that huge contract would’ve been better…though I don’t know how that might’ve worked out. The Wiz aren’t going anywhere.

Speaking of not going anywhere, some articles are saying Ben Gordon isn’t going anywhere either. If that’s the case, I’m thinking one year qualifier, unless he buckles under the pressure and Chicago signs him for significantly less than he wants. But you figure they still gotta trade him to get something more useful…the backcourt is way too jammed up and the frontcourt isn’t stable enough…

By ray

September 19, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Ariose,

That’s that fantasy league stuff. Has to do with each player’s value in the fantasy league, and nothing to do with whether or not the team will win. Nice link (as always), but I’m not listening to Kyle Fisher. The real previews will come later…

By Ariose

September 19, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Lol, my bad ray heh……Don’t worry though, i’ve got some good stuff for you guys later lol.

BTW Kyle Who??? Didn’t he used to play chess?? J/K

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By terrell barron

September 19, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Von Wafer? He’s been around for a while, and has’nt caught on ANYWHERE. I wonder why? Was’nt he on Denver’s Summer League team for a couple of years, and then on to the D-League? I cant see him getting and playing time whatsoever under you know who. And Ken, I still say we should go with Bibby, JJ, Evans, Smoove, and Horford. And a bench of Acie, Flip, Marvin, Othello, and Zaza. With Speedy, Gardner, Solo, Morris, and Mario filling out the roster. Evans gives us anothe r vet alongside JJ and Bibby, who plays better Defense and also has better range than Marvin. Marvin can replace Chills as the 6th man.

By terrell barron

September 19, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

And Ken, I’ll take Gardner over Wafer.

By terrell barron

September 19, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Manny T, Morris a defensive center? Not! Solo? Maybe? I say we go after Wilcox. And hell f******* naw to Curry!

By I.MUS WRITE

September 19, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Woah, Theres been a Terrell Barron sighting………………………………………………………………………………..Eat the cake Anna Mae!!!!!

By jhan

September 19, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Ando - I guess my take on Utah is this:

They’ve been running with that type of squad for the last three years.

They have a Hall of Fame coach. Their PG is an All-Star. They’ve had a good bench for that run.

We have Woody as our head coach. Our PG is old, brittle & slow of foot. This is the 1st year we have any bench.

If Utah can’t make it happen, what makes you think it will work here?

If Utah was in the East last year do you think they would have beaten the Celtics? Or Detroit? I believe they lose to both. I think the Finals match-up would have been exactly the same. In my mind, it doesn’t matter what division Utah is in. I just don’t think that formula will win a championship.

By Lacsho

September 19, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Going At Each Other Throats

This happens when the beat writer only provides one article a week. Everyone’s fiening for information, like a crack addict.

Ken You were on point with this statement.

I certainly hope we get more info during training camp than we’re getting leading up to it.

By HawksDC

September 19, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

I think the hawks will finish above Washington and the 76ers, making them 6th in the east first round against the Cavaliers or Magic. But thanks for not sleeping on them again.. i can not believe most polls have them 10th in the east. Josh Smith very well may be a all star this year. Look for Flip to put up big numbers off the bench.

By richbrave

September 19, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

ray:

Remember my lament when ARENAS issued his throw-down ultimatum to the WIZARDS management.? If you don’t sign JAMISON, I’m gone too. I said then cool-be gone, we’ll take the compensation and roll with it.

But ABE’s a loyal guy and ERNIE G’s hands are tied. Got the money but no vision, Mr. POLLIN. Sad, so sad. Now look what he’s left with. A 111 million one-legged liability and one less WASHINGTON fan. IF the WIZARDS make the playoffs it will be in the position the HAWKS manned in ‘08.

By richbrave

September 19, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

ray:

Remember my lament when ARENAS issued his throw-down ultimatum to the WIZARDS management.? If you don’t sign JAMISON, I’m gone too. I said then cool-be gone, we’ll take the compensation and roll with it.

But ABE’s a loyal guy and ERNIE G’s hands are tied. Got the money but no vision, Mr. POLLIN. Sad, so sad. Now look what he’s left with. A 111 million one-legged liability and one less WASHINGTON fan. IF the WIZARDS make the playoffs it will be in the position the HAWKS manned in ‘08.

By Nay

September 19, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks want to take out the Celtics in the playoffs they sould be looking to SIGN: BEN GORDON!!!!!! ASAP! Have him be the STARTING SG, move JOE JOHNSON to SF and MARVIN WILLIAMS be the 6TH MAN.

By Dub C

September 19, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

LOL @ I.MUS WRITE and the Anna Mae cake comment! One of my favorite movies!

By ray

September 19, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

RichBrave, It’s a shame it has to be that way. I think you’ve got Pollin pegged, though. Well, we shall see, but I don’t think things are exactly lookin up in Wizard-land.

Ariose, hey that wasn’t anything against you. I just don’t pay much attention to anyone or anything fantasy league-driven when it comes to assessments. Well, except Rick Kamla. He seems to be about his business pretty good. The actual team previews will be out later, though. I just can’t remember when. Of course, I’m not saying the assessment will be much different, LOL! You never know with these experts…

Jhan,

The way I see it, Ando’s idea works just fine (although Utah is facing much stiffer and more versatile competition than WE are). But I get what you’re saying. We don’t have the coach for it, and we may as well stop right there.

Terrell Barron, where you been? Well, I have caught you here and there on the Falcons blog. You didn’t go get another job, did you?

The word I heard on Von Wafer is that he can shoot pretty good, but he’s not very cerebral and plays NO defense. That alone will keep a brotha starvin’. I mean, there are plenty of guys who make their living in the league by being pure hired gunners. But the ones who stick around are the guys who are able to do their assigned job well and stay within the flow of the gameplan, and play at least a little defense. Guess Wafer doesn’t do that.

By ray

September 19, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Lacsho, there probably isn’t much to report right now. Training camp’s around the corner, though isn’t it?

By Lacsho

September 19, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Ray

Yessir Thank GOD

By terrell barron

September 19, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Ray, another Job? Not a chance. lol!! I’ve been around. Just not that much to talk about right now, concerning the Hawks. And I still cant believe the Wizards gave an injured player 100 mill$ when they played just as good or even better without him. Poor ole Richbrave. lol!!

By richbrave

September 19, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

tb:

Don’t poor me. When I said WASHINGTON had one less fan, I referenced myself. Oh, I’ll watch because I must as its the only game in town, but I’m fast becoming a HAWKS fan. If WOODSON will do his job, ATLANTA will stretch their wings and fly. Believe me, I’ll be glued to the set when the HAWKS-WIZARDS lace ‘um up.!!!! I’ll provide some live game commentary for you folks. GO HAWKS.

By HB Ando

September 19, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Too damn funny. Sam, you’ve been talking to me for weeks. I was starting to feel a little sorry for you, given how desperate you were to engage me.

Truth is that I find you inconsequential. Honestly.

But your response had an unintended value. It added ‘delusional’ to the list of adjectives that fit you like a glove (you know, like OJ’s glove, you silly man).

You’re post created a morbid curiosity that I have to explore. Exactly how did you “bring me down”? I simply want to know what school systems employ teachers who can’t spell.

I ignored the last dozen or so attempts you made to engage me. I was starting to feel sorry you, repeatedly posting, “Ando, Ando, Ando”, followed by your typical nonsensical ramblings.

I think I’m the one who hit a nerve. You’d have to matter for me to be upset by anything you say.

My wife has been teaching for 10 years, and my mother taught for 30, with a doctoral degree in education, and having started the AP English program in Gwinnett county.

I just have a hard time, based on your rhetoric, believing that you are in the same field……

And I’d still like to know what district you’re in.

By richbrave

September 20, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this

drmaryb:

Got your scroll on.?

By Samuel

September 20, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Woa!!!!,

I’m impressed. What district am I in? Yea right. I know your kind. Don’t even try it.

Truth is, if your kids did happen to have me for a teacher, they’d love me and so would your wife. I’m pretty good. Not a good speller though. Thank god for spell check. Maybe I should do all my post in Word, then cut and paste. Will that work for yall.

Truth is. There’s no reason in hel_ for the Hawks to go out and grab some big stiff that jacks up long shots. I know you would love for us to. Some how I can picture you in your younger days as a JACKER.

Truth is. People are beginning to get excited about this team and you can’t stand that. You would much rather us continue with the gloom and doom atmosphere here so Ando can look like some kind of expert. Sorry!!

By the way, where do you work? I’ll make sure I don’t visit that Walmart or Mickey Dees when i’m out.

By Ariose

September 20, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

ROFLOLAMO!!!!!

Dwight Howard cracks me up, Marvin toatally jammed it in his grill…..and Joakim Noah just got abused like an unwanted stepchild lol. The footage is on youtube….it was pretty ugly to say the least.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By jhan

September 20, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

The battle wages on!

By ant banks

September 20, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

hb ando sam probably is teaching out in Clayton County. LOL!!

By HB Ando

September 21, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this

Sam, “truth is” many folks here have been excited about this team, during the pre-season, for every year this blog has been in existence. So what’s different, and why wouldn’t I be able to stand it? All I’ve ever done is push this organization to truly commit to excellence. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, and I quote, “I’d rather be wrong, and have a team with the potential to compete for championships, than be right and struggle with the long-standing reality that the Hawks are one of the least respected franchises in the NBA”.

You’re position seems to be that I’m bitter about a handful of folks being optimistic.

“I know your kind”? I can’t figure out whether that statement is more conspiracy theory, or racist, but your track record here makes either option equally plausible, and the possibility that there’s a little of both, in your sentiment, equally reasonable.

Doom and gloom, as you put it, are pretty accurate descriptors for the recent history of the Hawks. That fact speaks for itself, rather than any type of reference point for my opinion. I seriously doubt that ticket buyers, with unmet expectations about the perpetually poor performance of the franchise, give a damn about me being right.

I think I’m asking valid questions about the potential of this seasons’ team. I think those questions stand as reasonable counterpoints to the contrary opinions of other participants, who believe significant improvement is a foregone conclusion.

I think it’s pretty obvious, for anyone who’s been participating on this blog, for several years, that there are quite a few folks here who see themselves as experts, you’re pretentious a* being the proverbial pot that called the kettle black, from that regard.

So hey, call me naive for expecting that a certified educator, in this state, should be able to spell. Heck, call me confused when I find it disrespectful for a PE teacher to inexplicably disrespect a law enforcement officer, and protector of one of the East coast’s primary ports of entry, when said individual has earned his rapid escalationto the level of supervisor, by the age of 30 (analogous to you transitioning to school administrator, by the same age, though you neither did, nor, if you had, or ever should, would it carry the same level of critical import to Ray’s role with the Port Authority).

Sam, you seem fixated (“the great Ando has fallen, has fallen” and “never though [I assume a literate person, with the same agenda, would have meant “thought”] I would bring down the great Ando”).

A couple of obvious, kind-of-sad, points, about your post:

First, you refer to me as “great” twice, which is two more times than I have ever referenced myself.

Second, despite the fact that your literacy has been been brought to the forefront of several of your purposefully chosen, self-instigated, battles, you simplify the reinforcement of your dismissible caricature by once again misspelling yet another, fairly basic, elementary-school level word, in “overcomming” (hint: it’s overcoming).

Finally, you’ve made a point out of psychotically refusing to tell us the school district you work in (“don’t even try”????!!!!). Are you embarrassed to admit where you teach, concerned that if you’re employers ever connected some of your comments to you that they might fire you, or seeking to avoid some larger misrepresentation?

I mean short of some sort of absolutely pathological paranoia, about “the man” being out to get you, why in the world would you not only refuse to simply state where you teach, but offer one of the most bizarrely paranoid responses I’ve ever come across: “I’m impressed. What district am I in? Yea right. I know your kind. Don’t even try it.”

What in the world could I be trying? What, exactly, is my “kind”?

Based on your response, I’m now even more frightened for the well-being of your students than I was when I made my first post (which was more “snarky” than serious, until you ponied up a response that was equal parts conspiracy theorist and paranoid schizophrenic).

Look, Sam, it’s just basketball. I’m not out to get you (even though you know my kind and have made it clear that I shouldn’t even try it). And I’m not seeking to build a cult of followers, based on my dissatisfaction with the Hawks management and performance, over the previous decade.

I’ve never cared whether you, or anybody else, agrees with me. The essential value of a blog is the absolute freedom to articulate your opinion on a subject. How you’ve convoluted that basic premise, into your compendium of conspiracy theories, with racial undertones, grandiose misrepresentations of agenda of others, and, most recently, some kind of freakish “Sam as David, slaying Ando as Goliath (how else should anyone with a reasonable, college education view)-

By Samuel

September 19, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this

Ando the great, is fallen, is fallen.

Wow, never though I could bring down the great Ando. What’s the matter, BUDDY

I don’t know what to say, other than, “I’ve fallen (Sam) and I can’t get up”…………

I feel slayed (I guess).

Very, very strange……….

By richbrave

September 21, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

SAM:

So what’s “great” about it?

By Samuel

September 21, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

That was good. Now get some sleep. Yo baby will need you in a couple of hours.

By ILL-Logical

September 21, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Today’s dead tree edition of the AJC carried an interesting Q & A session with JJ that had two glaring ommissions:

there was no comment/question re his(JJ) view on the return of the current incumbent head coach and there was no comment re his long term committment to the franchise.

considering the tremendous amount of ink that was expended on these two topics this summer, I found those ommissions curious. IMJS.

By richbrave

September 21, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

HAS EVERYBODY GONE TO THE LAST HOME BRAVES GAME? HELLO. Or are we just disgusted with Sammy’s little vendetta regarding the “GREAT” ANDO? REDSKINS win again FALCONS fans. Sure feels good to get a mark in the left-hand column doesn’t it? How many days to HAWKS-WORLD?

By Dub C

September 21, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

richbrave…it’s definitely the latter!

By Gypsyjoe

September 21, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

The Hawks may need another banger. How bout Elton Brown.

By MannyT

September 21, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

richbrave I am glad that the Skins and the Falcons grabbed a W today.

I know Ando & Samuel have gone deep into canniblogging. Ray tried to be the voice of reason and it didn’t work. Almost made me think he was working instead of having fun. Blogging here shouldn’t be work.

You think either of those hardheads is going to listen to me? nope. Training camp starts next week. They can snipe until then…afterwards, more people will post and their slap fight will almost get lost in the weeds. I’ll just shut them up by running a superb fantasy hoops team this season ;-)

They might get exiled to one of the AJCs real canniblogging sites like the education blog, Get Schooled. Some of those folks really need to relax a bit.

As doc brought up the Thrashers Town Hall. I think the Hawks should have one before the season starts too. It gives them a chance to build on the excitement of the playoffs with the new season ticket holders. It also eliminates any chance of having to avoid one if we get off to a slow start.

Several of my recent attempts to post have been sucked into the vortex. Just a sign that I need to keep rolling in Olympic fun for another month.

BWAF

By blue hawk

September 21, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

HB Ando,

About your wager…

“Hawks don’t end the year better than the 10 slot in the East.

Still willing to take wagers on that.

Still haven’t had a taker.

Money talks. The rest of you, clearly, walk.”

**Bring it on!

Hawks will make the play-offs.**

The only reason in my mind that the Hawks will not make it is if we lose significant players’ man-hours (games actually) to injury.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 22, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

SalimFan, I can’t believe I beat you to this link…

Salim Stoudamire signs with Spurs

I actually think this is a great fit for him — it lets him concentrate on what he can do well (shooting) while covering for the things he can’t do well (defense, ball-handling).

By HB Ando

September 22, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

Manny, I always listen to you, or, at least, consider your perspective. You consistently put more effort into contemplating both sides of any reasonable argument, than most anyone else. Your version of subjective is as objective as any other.

All this sniping will evaporate with the first “real” tip. The results will speak for themselves. Ray suggests a solid start is quite plausible. I can’t find fault with his logic. I simply believe any number of factors will undermine such a start, with financing, roster imbalance and/or flawed coaching, all contributing to a failed attempt to make the playoffs.

Blue Hawk, at least you’ve responded to my challenge. But, unless I missed something, you specifically failed to put your money where your mouth is. So, there’s still no one who is willing to bet cash on the Hawks making the playoffs.

Money talks……….

By blue hawk

September 22, 2008 5:48 AM | Link to this

If I lived on the same continent as you, I’d put some money on this wager. For now I’ll pass. But for now, it still stands, I’m saying that the Hawks will make the playoffs.

Common guys, you can take Ando on his wager.

A full year of Bibby.

New backcourt production from veterans, Flip and Mo.

A still improving frontcourt: Marv, Smoove, Hoffa.(these guys are stars in the making, if not stars already)

More big bodies to throw around. (RandMo, Hunter with Zaza and Solo)

Still, one of the best starting fives around.

Woodson learning from the playoff victories (and losses); Woodson learning the best way to play his group of guys.

A healthier year overall is possible, now we have guys that can give our starters a rest for all positions.

By ray

September 22, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

I can see it now: a new line for the daily news: In This Week’s Episode of The Wager….heh heh…

Ando, thanks for the kudos. It hasn’t been an easy road…

MannyT, I am really looking forward to training camp and then even preseason. Just think, we get to argue about the validity of the preseason, like we do every year. Heh. Truth is, I’m just starving for new Hawks news and hoops in general.

However, I’m compensating by watching my Falcons too…nice win yesterday.

RichBrave, congrats on the ‘Skins grabbing a win!

By Lacsho

September 22, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

Ando

I’ll take that bet!!!! How much we putting up?

By MannyT

September 22, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Ando. I do try to be objective in my subjectivity ;-)

If you check out that Thrashers Town Hall link, you might find the financial talk (just above the comments) interesting. It sounds like the Hawks get the money this go round and the Thrashers may have to settle for Heelys instead of skates. While that won’t get Bibby a new contract, it may give a route to keep him around until the ownsership divorce is done if there is winning basketball. All that said, if the Thrashers are doing better than the Hawks, I could see him gone to give Waddell a coin or two for a late season trade. However, that hard salary cap in the NHL makes the finances easier to navigate.

I believe someone could be in store for a name change, Mr. Davenscoop. I’m sure Ariose would have beaten you to this if it had been on YouTube! Sometimes I thionk he has continuous video feeds like those guys that are in a room with 20-30 monitors in a big grid doing security work.

I am LMAO at the latest TV gimmick…National Stay at Home Week, brought to you by ABC. Is it about safety, family, environmental awareness of your carbon footprint…nah. We need to have a legitimate boast that we are the most watched network. We want to make more cash so sit yourself down and be a couch potato. I’ll play part of their little game. I’ve got a DVR, so I’m going out on a scooter to gas stations and laugh at all the folks that need more than 2 gallons of gas. Then I’m gonna come back home…and watch Heroes on NBC ;-)

ray you reminded me of something. The Hawks were strong last preseason. If you add those games to the regualr season, it was a 44-46 record before the playoffs. If Woody hadn’t chucked so many games under the stands right after halftime, he might have had a(nother weak) argument for getting that new contract.

and next time on The Wager…if you really want to put some salt in the wounded side of a wager, make the loser pay for a shirt that the winner has made up to praise one and ridicule the other. Clearly, the loser has to wear it out in public a few times. Nothing like friendly humiliation funded by your bank account to show your commitment to…The Wager

heh heh heh heh heh heh….

By MannyT

September 22, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

new blog up

By sableman

September 22, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Even though it got very little press here today, what a shame to see Salim Stoudamire sign with the Spurs. Way to go “Woody”, another example of not knowing or not willing to use your bench. Hard to believe that you could not find a way to use a “pure shooter”, especially when an opponent plays zone defense. Maybe a “real” team can now utilize his talents.