Hawks

By Ariose

September 30, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

First!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 30, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Damn what is this, 3 blogs in 24 hours? You are on fire Sekou.

By Ariose

September 30, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Good Stuff Sekou. I see JJ is in mid-season form already with the wise cracks lol.

By Igoy

September 30, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Now that’s good stuff man!!!!!

By BLONJU

September 30, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

RISE UP HAWKS! Seiko, you are a great beatwriter - the only writer in the city who seems to care about what they do .. thanks for the newest inside scoop !

By Ernest

September 30, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

I hope Mark Price also helps players with their free throw shooting. IMO, that is an area that can make the difference in close ball games. For the most part, we did pretty good as a team in this area but there is still room for improvement.

By Ryder

September 30, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

I wonder when Woodson made that comment about shooting 3’s did all of the Hawks players turn directly into Josh Smith’s direction?

No question the success of this team depends on Marvin becoming that true No. 2 scorer. He must make defenses pay for doubling up on JJ late in the game.

By mavid

September 30, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Good stuff, Sekou.

Sounds like the chemistry is really strong this year. Can`t wait to hear some reports about how these guys look in scrimmages.

Me thinks Josh Smith, Marvin Williams and Acie Law will be spending a lot of time with Mark Price. That´s truly a great development for this team.

By Melvin

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

Sekou, what happen to Steve Smith? I see he’s being replace by Dominique. I did enjoyed his commentary/analysis during the games….

By Igoy

September 30, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Now that’s good stuff man!!!!!

By Darrin "The Vent King"

September 30, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

They should make J-Smoove sleep in Mark Price’s garage.

By reg

September 30, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Dang Sekou, you’re on point with these camp updates. Good looking out!! Every other NBA analyst seems to be slamming the Hawks, but since I know you’re right there watching whats going on I would rather hear it from you than someone on the outside looking in. I hope Woodson uses(no wait), I hope Woodson demands more from his bench players and that they step up, i.e. Evans, Jones, Law,and the others. Good work Sekou! Keep it coming.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

September 30, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

i was going to ask the same thing about steve smith. he did a nice job last year.

i still miss the stinger, mike glenn …

By Sekou K. Smith

September 30, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Smitty has moved on to a new gig with NBA TV, which is now headquartered here in Atlanta. Don’t worry; he’ll still be one of my regulars for analysis, insight and info. He’s plugged in around the league on the player and front office side. Having Nique around is a coup for us, though, too. We can work him for analysis and info as well.

As soon as they get into the thick scrimmage action I’ll make sure you know who did what. The first couple days, though, are probably going to be heavy on drills and conditioning.

By Mychelfromatl

September 30, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Sakou, if the AJC is handing out awards, you most definitely deserve one. Once again I can barely wait for the season to tip off. Hawks please give this city that magical excitement once again!!

Rise Up

By Astro Joe

September 30, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Sekou I found an unedited version of that last section…

Woodson let all the players know that any player that plans on shooting a 3-pointer this season better be in the gym either before or after practice working with shooting consultant Mark Price or assistant coach Jim Todd, because “you won’t learn a darn thing about offense during my practices”.

And can Marvin score more points if Woody is going to replace him at the 7 minute mark in the 1st and 3rd quarter regardless of how the guy is performing (like he did last year)? Let’s get real, no way can JJ and Smith maintain last year’s scoring averages AND Marvin add another 3-4 points per game AND Bibby scores what he is capable of scoring when healthy (and when he’s playing for a new contract) AND Horford naturally increases his point production in his 2nd year in the league AND we added offensive depth on the bench that needs time and touches. All of those things can’t realistically happen… not unless we start scoring 120 points a game. Seems silly for a Head Coach to lay those scoring expectations at Marvin’s ducky feet (I expect that nonsense from a fan not an experienced coach). Tell Marvin that he is expected to become a more complete player, capable of scoring more when the team needs his points. But don’t link a successful season for Marvin to a 4 point increase in his scoring when so many other factors weigh into his personal scoring average. UGGHHH!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 30, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Reading between the lines of his comments I’ll give Woody credit, at least he knows what needs to improve — specifically Marvin’s defense and rebounding and Josh Smith’s shooting. I hope those improvements actually happen though…

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 30, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

By the way for those who care, “Paper Trail” is that CRACK. Only problem is Luda has the best verse on the album, but it’s good to see Tip back to doing what he does best (his last album was kinda wack in my opinion…)

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 30, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Wait no more Smitty during games? That sucks…

By Ariose

September 30, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Were going to need to run a lot in order ofr everyone to get their averages up. Think 05’ pheonix with Joe Johnson.

Ray, you gotta warn me about these BCU promotions lol. Once again I’m unprepared and without a speech heh…….oh well, I’ll just make one up on the spot. “I’d like to thank the academy, Sekou Smith for the great blog/updates, all the bloggers for their great insight and funniness and my pops for getting my fist CPU all those years ago……and God/Jesus…….Thank you….;-)

oh, and “Free Mike Vick”.

BTW i’ve seen Salim in a spurs uniform (yes, I was on a spurs blog…..ugh) and I have to say it’s really going to take some getting used to.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By This Gets Old

September 30, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Sekou:

Your car break down man? Cable go out? Overwhelming us with blogs. Ain’t complaining though!

By ILL-Logical

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

As the cliche states: those who fail to read history … Here we go again with the current incumbant laying a head trip on a guy who should not be starting about how everything depends on his performance, not on the Coach’s.

Until/ unless this team puts both Al and Josh in their natural positions as STARTERS, then we will have the same results at best and criticle injuries at worst.

Memo to Coach Drew: Santayana was right.

By smartguy

September 30, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Woodson sucks! Go Salim!

By Ariose

September 30, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Hawks.com training camp report

Hawks.com Media Day Interviews

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 30, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

“oh, and “Free Mike Vick”.”

Yes sir.

By Ariose

September 30, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Check out the official Hawks.com basketblog for more coverage…

Sekou, Nice article on Mo Evans, he seems to be fitting in well. He and Flip will really make sure there isn’t a scoring drop-off when woody goes to the bench.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By Harry Hawk

September 30, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

The best part about the Hawks.com Media Day Interviews link is the roster listing.

Speedy is listed as having 77 years of NBA experience.

I knew his knees were bad, but damn…

By Ariose

September 30, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Harry, Yeah I saw that and thought the exact same thing!! ROFL.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By Lacsho

September 30, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Sekou, Wow,this is what I’m talking about!!! Looks like the drought is over, and the streets are being flooded with crack… I think I’m going to call you Nino for now on. I see you got those blue tops for the low….lol

By Traceman

September 30, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Great stuff Sekou! I’m already excited about the open scrimmage on October 11 to see how the guys are looking.

Astro Joe, I disagree with you regarding what Woody told Marv. I think it is GREAT that he told him that. Woody probably knows that unless he pushes Marv to look for his shot more, there is NO WAY he will look for his shot enough to score “in the neighborhood of 18 or 19 points this year.” By setting that as a goal for him, it tells Marv that he is being looked at as the #2 (2b to Smoove’s 2a at worst) scoring option behind JJ and that he needs to agressively look for his shot. With JJ, Bibby and Smoove on the roster as guys who are proven scorers, it would have been difficult for Marv to just start taking more shots without at least the POSSIBILTY of feathers getting a little ruffled. Now that Woody has said that he expects Marv to score more, Marv shouldn’t catch any flacks form his teammates.

By Volman

September 30, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Sekou, thanks so much for these blogs… You are REALLY getting us excited for this season with the information overload!! Keep it coming!

I CANNOT wait for October 11th!! Open practice!!!!

Go Hawks!!

By TruATLien

September 30, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Ryder I was thinking the same thing about Woody not addressing Josh directly about his propensity for 3’s, but notice he did leave Calvin Murphy’s name out of “approved” shooting coaches lol.

Seriously though, what good is all the conditioning work if they’re not going to run in the games?!?

By King K.C.

September 30, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

LISTEN UP Hawks fans: a legend returns and you are all immortally blessed by my grand presence! First of all, forget Salim. He’s a Spur. Let’s go Hawks. Al Horford is ready for an All-Star caliber season and so are JJ and MB. The Hawks will stun the “experts” and become the greatest team of all times. You heard if first from me, your Royal Ambassador of Basketball…AKA King K.C. Take care, you pathetic peasants!

Signed, the Royal Ambassador of Basketball, your Grand and Noble King K.C.! God bless you all!! (I own the BCU, so don’t bother calling ‘em). Holla!

By ray

September 30, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Read some of the articles and I’m glad that the players have such positive attitudes. This is crucial.

By Ariose

September 30, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Oh, lord. Not again……

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By Blast

September 30, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Nice stuff, Sekou. Keep it coming. We sure appreciate it. Smitty will be solely missed, but we welcome Dominique. Go Hawks! This season will be interesting!

By doc

September 30, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

i knew it, go ahead ariose and admit it. you had already gone there when i accused you of it. i bet you still got the same handle only modified to salimfan2. heh heh

By bwtbird

September 30, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Aroise: Getting used to seeing Salim in a Spurs uni may not be as hard as you think…Most knowledgeable and impartial bb folks…like Hoopsworld…think he has quite an uphill battle to make the final roster…again these folks do not see a one dimensional 6’1” roster filler as such a crucial centerpiece!!!

By Ariose

September 30, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

bwtbird, Thanks for your input….

By Ariose

September 30, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

Doc, Now way lol I was just there looking for Salim info. They don’t even know I exist. Scouts honor(eve though i’m no scout) hehehehe….

~Sir Links A Lot

By Ariose

September 30, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Calvim Murphy is my new here lol.

He was helping smoove with his handle too I beleive.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By doc

September 30, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

remember ariose you are being watched. we dont let good talent go that easy.

By Ariose

October 1, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

bwtbird, You MUST be right considering thev fact that Ginobili probably won’t be back until January…….Riight. I’m sure they won’t need a collective effort to fill the void…..espically without Brent Barry now.

Salim Having trouble in a training camp? That’s funny.

Maybe it’s a good thing Sund Didn’t contact Avery Johnson lol. At least that’s what it looks like now.

Looks like Marbury is up to his old tricks again. So is the mediaup there.

It’s pretty pathetic. The knicks can’t even focus on basketball up there. Marbury and the Media both just need to grow up and shut up. He spen’t th whol time talking about how marbury violated his space instead of what was really important. I’d hate to be a knicks fan right about now.

Doc, I’m a proud member of the BCU and I assure you I am personally monitoring SalimFan’s actions. He won’t go a stray on my watch ;-)

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By Ariose

October 1, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this

ESPN-Hollingers team forecast: Hawks

Just like last year, he’s going to be wrong…..again.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot

By HB Ando

October 1, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this

Joe, very compelling, and original, post. Today, the 30th, you said:

“And can Marvin score more points if Woody is going to replace him at the 7 minute mark in the 1st and 3rd quarter regardless of how the guy is performing (like he did last year)? Let’s get real, no way can JJ and Smith maintain last year’s scoring averages AND Marvin add another 3-4 points per game AND Bibby scores what he is capable of scoring when healthy (and when he’s playing for a new contract) AND Horford naturally increases his point production in his 2nd year in the league AND we added offensive depth on the bench that needs time and touches. All of those things can’t realistically happen… not unless we start scoring 120 points a game.”

I was struck by an odd sense of deja vu, but I just couldn’t pinpoint where I’d heard such a theory. And then I remembered the gist of my post on the 25th, and thought I’d revisit it. It may be just me, but didn’t I say the exact, same thing?:

“Ken, if your comment about Bibby was a response to me (I don’t know if it was), I never intended to insinuate my belief that Bibby would be a “ball hog”, or put his contract agenda ahead of the team. I was merely suggesting that it’s somewhat implausible that all five starters, assuming a line up of Bibby, JJ, Marvin, Josh and Al, can all increase their offensive production. There’s simply not enough shots, on a nightly basis, for all five to be 20 ppg scorers, and that’s never been accomplished by any starting lineup.”

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

I guess I’m flattered…….

Najeh, you hit the nail on the head when you suggested that even perpetually critical Ando must think more of this Hawks’ team than Hollinger. Here’s a cut-and-paste from an e-mail I sent to Sekou, upon reading Hollinger’s projection:

“Your boy, Hollinger, is calling for 31 wins.

And I’m the town pessimist?

Predicting wins, with what I perceive is a very real question of whether Bibby stays for the year, is tricky. I’m betting not, and I’m probably going to come in around 35 wins, when you run your annual prediction blog. I’m adding to that my continued belief that every rotation besides the Bibby, JJ, Marvin, Josh and Horford grouping will be fatally flawed at one end or the other. And that as long as Bibby is here, there aren’t going to be enough minutes available, based on Woody’s style, for the addition of Flip and Evans to match the prior contributions of Childress. I still don’t see where Flip gets minutes, with 3 other PG’s, and JJ’s 40 mpg floor time. As far as Evans at the two, the same issue applies, compounded by Flip’s presence. And Evans getting minutes at the 3 makes any unit either very small, or very imbalanced.”

Unlike previous seasons, when the expectation was reasonable that the roster we started with wouldn’t be drastically altered, predicting wins for this season is harder than before. I predicted 26 wins two years ago, and hit bulls-eye. Last year, I caved to an avalanche of optimism, and, at the last second, changed my gut-level prediction from 36 to 39 wins. Ended up right in the middle.

This year, I think it’s harder to predict wins, but I’m confident in predicting where we’ll end up. I’ve been saying all summer that I don’t believe the Hawks can finish better than 10th in the East.

So, I actually do have higher expectations than Hollinger’s 13th slot finish.

But not by much……

The individual talent here may be the best in a decade. But it’s still ill-fitting, and hamstrung by a lower-tier coach, an uninspiring GM, and an absolutely confounding ownership group, who may or may not have the money and commitment to pay for this current roster, and who still have an unresolved ownership dispute, in which they seem to owe some amount of money, to their former partner, that they simply don’t have.

And given the implosion of the investment banking community, which, over the past decade, has largely coordinated the purchase and financing of professional sports franchises, as either buyers, or as well compensated matchmakers, the idea that there’s an individual, or group, ready to replace Belkin, at his buy out price, given the obvious risk of spending that amount of money to join a clearly flawed partnership group, is, in my opinion, less likely than at any time in the last few years.

It would be more likely that any individual or group, interested in the Hawks, would expect to buy out the whole of the ASG, and take complete control of these mismanaged assets. And if the ASG is unwilling to sell out, then we have what we have (and have had).

Any expectations regarding the Hawks must be taken in that context (hey Joe, given your long-standing misrepresentation that I viewed the Hawks problems as all Billy and no ASG, despite an absolute lack of logical connection between Billy’s retarded draft picks and ownerships’ flaws, as well as my repeated clarifications that I understood both parties were culpable, but that my focus on Billy was a byproduct of his being replaceable, versus the absolute inability of anyone to remove the ASG, this is a perfect time for you to highlight how it was always you,and, ok, doc, who accurately blamed the ASG, rather than Billy, for the Hawks flaws).

There’s a long standing cliche, applied wherever folks feel it’s applicable, that a “whole” can be greater, or lesser, than the sum of its parts. I think we’ll see the latter come to fruition with this season’s Hawks.

Two things I feel confident about for this upcoming season: Bibby will not be a Hawk beyond this season (OK, that’s a hedge, because a good franchise, with no intention to re-sign Bibby, would trade him before the deadline; but this is the Hawks), and the Hawks are not returning to the playoffs.

I apologize for my post being so short, but I’m a very busy man……..

By hawks-4-life

October 1, 2008 4:51 AM | Link to this

Wow way to bust the hawks down before even a preseason game. As impressive and your detailed opinion is, I’m an optimist and rather reserve early predictions until I get some feedback from camp and preseason games.

By doc

October 1, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

ando, i heard more the point of what aj said is that it is absurd for the coach to be placing such false expectations on a number for marvin rather that emphasize the areas more in his control … defense and aggressive rebounding. it also is more about marvin showing up for every game and being consistent night in and night out.

as far as woody if ando is right on both accounts then woody will be gone as well. personally, id want an improved season rather than woody gone. let us see how it plays out as that is why they play games, no?

By richbrave

October 1, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

tHAT two o’clock bottle is hE!! isn’t it.?

By richbrave

October 1, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

I’m not willing to dismiss the WOODEN-one until he proves his inability to be flexible in his thought, i.e. substitutions and effective in his pre-game schemes along with in-game adaptation. In other words being a coach. If he’s a control freak - as I think he is - he’ll never be an effective coach. But the season for coaching change is past and the playing one’s upon us. “Don’t change horses in the middle of the stream” is an old and in this situation an apt saw. If you’re a WOODY hater, blame the ownership for his presence and no one else.

By Stefan

October 1, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Ah man! I was so hyped up about this season (and I still am), but a couple weeks ago I switched from Charter to Dish and now Dish won’t let me subscribe to Sports South or FSN South since it’s not in my package. Now, I have to watch the games over the internet, but not live. This is horrible! I’m so upset!