AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFirst impressions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Orlando - Mo Evans was smaller and older than what the Orlando Magic felt like they needed at the shooting guard position than what Mo Evans gave them a year ago and replaced him with free agent Mickael Pietrus over the summer.
That theory looked legitimate for all of about 35 seconds Monday night in the Hawks’ 118-101 win in their preseason opener over the Magic.
Pietrus is taller and younger than Evans. But Evans got the last laugh, outscoring Pietrus 17-9, including an impressive 4-for-4 showing from beyond the 3-point line.
Evans outplayed Pietrus and every other shooting guard the Magic deployed (JJ Redick did come off the bench and score 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting, but this is JJ Redick we’re talking about).
And he played the kind of role that the Hawks envisioned when they tapped him to replace Josh Childress.
“I think I can bring experience and bring the intensity and [help] energize the second unit,” Evans said after the game. “I think I can bring that experience from starting and calmness to them by playing hard all the time like I do. I think we will have a chance to have a very special second unit.”
A second unit the Hawks needed against the Magic. With the first team struggling early on the Hawks needed a boost from the bench and got exactly that with the performances of guys like Evans, Acie Law IV, Zaza Pachulia, Solomon Jones and Flip Murray.
“[Monday’s game] was a perfect mixture of being involved on both ends of the floor,” Evans said. “We came out and changed the tempo of the game. We allowed the starters to really go out there and finish things up. They opened it up in the third quarter and if we can do that it will have the right balance between our first and second unit.”
As for the Magic’s decision to go in another direction, Evans admitted to being stung by the lack of love for the contributions he and other veterans made in the Magic’s run to the Southeast Division title last year.
“They didn’t make any attempt to re-sign me,” Evans said. “I think they had it in their minds that they were going to target Pietrus and go in another direction. That is why they didn’t re-sign any of the free agents like myself, Carlos Arroyo or Keyon Dooling. We all played a huge role in us winning, but you have to respect management. I respect [Magic GM] Otis Smith and coach [Stan] Van Gundy. But I really thought we had something special [here], so I was disappointed that things didn’t work out.”
The Magic’s loss is the Hawks’ gain.
BIG AL: Al Horford’s name has been mysteriously absent from any of Hawks coach Mike Woodson’s pre and post practice rants so far this season.
One look at Horford shortly after halftime and it should be clear to anyone wondering why.
The guy is beyond his years in terms of how he approaches the game.
Horford was at the center of the Hawks’ rebound from a perpetual 10-point first-half deficit, trading elbows, shots and rebounds with Dwight Howard as the Hawks flipped the script and went up by as many as 10 points.
Howard is at least three inches taller than Horford and easily 40 to 50 pounds heavier than the Hawks’ second-year center. But Horford more than held his own against the new Superman (sorry Shaq).
Horford’s final numbers (13 points, nine rebounds and four blocks) weren’t far off from Howard’s (17 points, eight blocks and five rebounds), and his team won the game.
The Hawks will have to play through the post more this season and with Horford’s post up game much improved, he appears to be ready for that challenge.
“Between AL and Zaza (11 points, six rebounds and a block), we should be capable of going with a power game inside when we need to,” Joe Johnson said. “We have to be able to work inside and out and in the past we haven’t done that consistently. But we have to be able to operate like that.”
STRANGE START: The Hawks’ disheveled beginning Monday night had as much to do with the Magic as it did with the Hawks’ inability to get into any offensive rhythm.
With the Magic jumping their plays before they could get the calls out, there was little room to operate on the offensive end of the floor. And whenever Anthony Johnson was on the floor he was calling out where the Hawks were headed for his new teammates, one of the benefits of having played in Mike Woodson’s system in the recent past.
“Teams jump plays all the time,” Marvin Williams said. “These guys had a little different advantage in that AJ was our starting point guard for a time last season and really understands what we’re trying to do. But we still should have been able to execute. For the longest time we just couldn’t find the space to work. That’s why it’s good that our bench came through the way they did.”
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Comments
By hawks-4-life
October 7, 2008 5:21 AM | Link to this
hmmmm first post lol
By hawks-4-life
October 7, 2008 5:28 AM | Link to this
I stayed up until 1:00 a.m. to listen to the game (Germany) and from what I heard it seem like the hawks finally have direction and leadership on the court.
By ant banks
October 7, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
ARE THERE ANYOTHER FANTASY LEAGUES THAT NEEDS A MEMBER?
was the game on tv? i broke my remote lookin’ for it. glad to hear ac layin’ down the LAW.
did any of woody’s match up include horford at the 4? i want to know how that worked out. that will be huge for us.
horford held his on against d howard, but he can’t bang all year wit’ tru bigs.
anyone goin’ to be there saturday?
By Aaron B
October 7, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
Whoo, Dwight is a true big. And this slow start worries me a little about our starting five. They need to dominate most of the time, but Im glad to hear that our bench really stepped up.
By kwooden1
October 7, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
Didn’t get a chance to hear the game on NBA.com, just looked at the box score and read all the commentary. From what I read it looks like Evan’s came to prove something and Law came to prove himself. I like the what the bench did and especially Law, Evans and Solo. What I also read was the Magic took the first team out of their offense and that’s why the Hawks were down in the first half. I would still like to see some more of JS shots go to Marvin and Smoove get to the line more. But really this game was about see what the 2nd unit can do, and they proved that they have the ability to be as good as we hope. It looks like we really couldn’t ask for a better 1st pre-season game, especially with the minutes played by the starters. (still like to see less minutes for Smoove) Keep-up the good work guys, sorry to hear that Speedy got hurt in practice. I would really like to see his defense on the floor sometime early this season.
GO HAWKS!
By Hawksville Resident
October 7, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Good job Acie! Is it November 1st yet?
By mark
October 7, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
you it’s some players you don’t have to worry about, big la is one of them. the hawks have a superstar in ah. yes he can play center in this league. sure sometimes other centers will be taller and bigger, the young man know how to play the game. on the other hand look at the match up problems he create. ben wallace was an all star. about the same size as big al, with less of an offensive game.big al is the bomb, i am looking forward 10 to fifteen more years with big al in a hawks uniform. go hawks your #1 fan big al.
By JD
October 7, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
First 3 possessions of the game:
Bad pass Horford
Pietrus dunks on Horford
Horford baseline fall away blocked by Howard.
But Big Al kept coming back.
Josh Smith also had a horrible first half playing outside his skill set. Josh had several shots blocked, threw up an air-ball three and several tunrovers.
The first half was the old “stand around and do very little” Hawks.
I left at the start of the Hawks run at about the 8 minute mark of the third but there looks to be much work needed to change the personality back to the end of last year from the beginning.
Marvin Williams does look very comfortable from beyond the 3 point line which can only help open the inside for the others. Marvin also looks looks stronger with muscle definition in his upper body.
Acie Law also looked much more comfortable than last year and Mo Evans appears to be a excellent acquisition.
The Hawks still need some “beef” on the inside as Howard and Battie beat up on them early.
By ray
October 7, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Joe, I got what you were saying on the last blog. That’s an easy cliched question to answer: no it doesn’t matter who scores what or who takes how many shots if we win. But that wasn’t my point…
You have to have some continuity regardless of the idea that it doesn’t matter who gets what. And in our starting lineup, it’s typically Marvin who takes (and makes) less shots. This was only in answer to all the talk about Marvin suddenly, magically becoming this 20 points a night type of guy. He gave no such evidence of being that last night.
And before anybody tries to turn the flamethrower on me, I realize that this is just one preseason game, and not a 100% guaranteed indicator of how Marvin or anybody else is going to play throughout the course of the season. However, one cannot deny that this was typical of what we have seen out of some guys in the past. Typical JJ, typical Bibby, typical Marvin. Typical JJ and Bibby is a good thing, is it not?
The changes I noticed were: Horford getting the ball a good bit more…and capitalizing on it in a most positive way. Josh not shooting well, but not committing a bunch of fouls and having a only one turnover. A guy coming off the bench and hitting 4 3-pointers (Mo Evans). Two guards coming off the bench fresh and strong, and contributing very well (Acie and Flip). Three bigs coming off the bench, each making the contribution he is capable of (Zaza, Solo, Morris).
Don’t know about some of you, but I liked the changes…
By Ariose
October 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
…………yup Woody needs new plays lol. I’ve said it before. There is not enough motion in our offense. Marvin needs to be running off of screens constantly to throw the defense off.
…..and yes the bench looked great. Hopefully Woody will give Randolph a few more minutes in one of these preseason games so we can see what he’s all about.
~Sir Links A Lot
By ray
October 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
You know, I’m not much into rendering predictions. But a while back, I predicted that when preseason came, we’d argue up and down about the importance of it, or the lack thereof, and whether or not anything seen in the preseason would be an indicator of what we’ll see in the regular season.
And here we are, right on schedule, just like I said. Heh. What gets me is that we’re also arguing about the attitude that each of us has on the blog.
Man, it’s a freakin’ blog! If you don’t like what somebody is saying (regardless of how accurate it might or might not be) every time they post, what’s wrong with not reading what they post? If you keep reading everything they say, then what they say must mean something to you. I ignore what some people say all the time. To respond is to wish to engage that person. Again, this is a blog, and you don’t have to “hear” anything anybody is saying. Don’t read it. And if somebody can suck the positive vibe right out of you, then your positivity is just flat out weak. Hate to sound harsh, but let that one sink in. Think about it.
Case in point: I talk to Ando all the time (and I don’t mean on this blog). I agree with much of what he says (stop pointing those flamethrowers at me, I’m not finished and you can’t burn my black a$$ any darker, no matter how hard you try). And he’s not the bad guy some of you envision or trust me, we would NOT get along at all (I said put those flamethrowers down, dammit…I will shoot you)
However, I have a little virus called hopeandexcitement. It rears it’s head at the beginning of every season. As the season goes on, and things look very dire, it begins to abate before fading away.
Last season, I thought I had gotten rid of it, and then we made the playoffs. Then I thought it was gone again, and we started winning games. I was sick as a dog with hopeandexcitement. Damn near took me over completely. Then we lost, and it lingered for a while before the offseason began. No sign of it whatsoever for months (and y’all can probably guess why). But this season…it’s come on stronger than it has ever before. And I don’t know if I can get rid of it. Something tells me I might have it for a while. Or perhaps not. We’ll see. It’s a sickness that can be dormant for weeks or months at a time. Hard to say…
Truth is, we should be glad the damn preseason is here. Somehow we made it through the offseason and might be in better shape in the end. But I don’t think our work with this roster is done. Hate to keep saying that, but it’s what I believe.
By the way, some people don’t get my kind of virus. Ando seems mostly impervious to it. But one day he will. Don’t quote me on when, but you know what I’m saying. We’re still boys, we’re still friends. And we still agree with many of each other’s viewpoints. It’s all good, just as it should be on this blog.
As for that virus:
For those who get it, Join the crew. The boat’s always big enough For more than a few.
PEACE
By Ariose
October 7, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
LOL, Luke walton has a stalker….it got so bad he had to file a report
~Sir Links A Lot
By ILL-Logical
October 7, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
A win is a win; good show. I am just impressedby how( warning :snark alert) the current incumbent coach had the prescience to tell Coach Drew just before tip off that Acie was going to have agreat game. Amazing-that guy should be a coach or something.
By Hawksville Resident
October 7, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Nice analogy ray. Your virus must be contagious, because I have the same symptoms! Go Hawks!
By ray
October 7, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
snark alert….hahahaha. I love it….
Hawksville Resident, yes it can be quite contagious.
By jj
October 7, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
I was just wondering why the Hawks don’t televise their preseason games? From what I hear,I like the makeup of this team.I believe Mo,Flip,AC,Z,and Solo gives us a better bench than we had last year.I wish Chills was here to be added to this crew..I think Woody will; use his bench more this year and JJ will benifit more than anyone.
By Melvin
October 7, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Ray, right on point with your 10:18 post and the 10:39 wasn’t badd either. I know those symptoms all to well. I think we have Orlando’s number or at least we had success against them in the past. A good test will be Phx tomorrow nite. Shaq and Amare in the paint. Contrast in styles. Can our small quick lineup force them to play small or will they force us to play big? It will be interesting to see who flinch first during the game….
By The Truth
October 7, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
What I am noticing early with this Hawks team is the potential swagger of the second unit. It could be the injection of the new veteran acquisitions. Last year the leader of the second unit was Chidress, who was still “green” by NBA standards. This year, the leadership is upgraded with a collection of much more years of experience and a portfolio of talent. These new veterans know their role and are getting paid to be a “SWAT Team” like group. This environment should be beneficial to players like Acie, Solo, and Morris. These players (and their fragile egos) are trying to reach their maximum potential and need recognition for their contribution. With our veteran leadership, they can feed on the second unit successes and individually become all they can be. This configuration has been the model for previous championship teams (Detroit,Lakers, Celtics, etc.) They always put a premium on strong bench players.
Us fans and news outlets (like AJC) need to give shout-outs when appropriate to these players. We can certainly help in their development.
By doc
October 7, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
i thought my computer was virus protected. i meditate to put away desire andhope is a negative energy with expectation built on defeat and the previous memory of same. yuck man. puhlese tell me the decoder ray!
By **LL Cool Scott**
October 7, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
As LL always says, as Al Horford goes, so go the Hawks. If Al is really developing a back to the basket post game and can hold his own against the most physically dominating center in the league - then this team will exceed expectations this season. It’s all about Al Horford, for this season and many seasons to come.
By Astro Joe
October 7, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Ray, Ando isn’t impervious to hopeandexcitement, he is the anti-venom, also known as doomanddismay. I don’t doubt that he’s a good guy, I just tire of his storm cloud passing over the hopeandexcitement of a new season or the hopeandexcitement of a pre-season win and too often, the hopeandexcitement of a regular season victory. Dude just brings his doomanddismay to every situation… regular season up… regular season down… playoff berth… playoff road lost.. playoff home win. BK here… BK gone. It’s all irrelevant. It’s all the same. doomanddismay. But just like no one needs to give me permission to particpate on this blog, Ando is free and welcome to bring his unique doomanddismay to the board whenever he chooses. After all, it’s a basketball blog, it ain’t real life.
By JerryWest
October 7, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Sekou
An eye witness blogged in an Orlando board that Acie had a beautiful shooting touch. Is it not awkward anymore?
Was Marvin as passive as last year? Why would AJ’s knowledge bother this team. Bibby wasn’t here. Al was a different player when AJ left. Marvin didn’t shoot 3s then. Poor excuse.
By ILL-Logical
October 7, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
“Howard is at least three inches taller than Horford and easily 40 to 50 pounds heavier than the Hawks’ second-year center. But Horford more than held his own against the new Superman (sorry Shaq”
Wow! that means that Al is 6’8”, 220 lbs. Not good,not good at all.
By Lacsho
October 7, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Ray
It obvious you’re taking direct shots at me. That’s cool, same my name and cut out the generalizing. That’s your opinion, and we know what comes next with that saying. Its obvious Ando can do no wrong in your eyes; however, the only thing I jock that hard is GOD (I’ll never be on another man’s tip like that) It’s obvious I’m not the only person who feels this way. If you dislike an organization so much, pick another team. Why come on the blog everyday expressing your pessimistic thoughts.
Flamethrowers huh call it what you want. We should be glad that the preseason is here If I’m not mistaken the preseason comes every year, so I don’t know what point you’re trying to make. If my last post bothered you so much, why didn’t you just ignore it? Evidently you wanted to engage me, so here I am. And as far as you shooting me I got a vest, and you better not miss. I have the expert buttons from my military days hanging on the wall.
What separates me from you is, I don’t have a virus. I have a heart, and in my heart I have a lot of love for the home team. You can get medication for that virus, but my feelings are lasting. Therefore, I role with the team regardless up or downs (I’m still around). That’s called loyalty. I’m not a Johnny come lately; I go back to Dan Roundfield and John Drew.
Yeah this is a blog. It’s a freakin Hawks blog Thus the blog was created for fans not haters. You can spin this anyway you want, but the majority of the bloggers have a lot of love for this team. Not matter what team you follow there will be disappointments some time or another. So the question you ask yourself is, “Can I still follow this team through the rough times”, and if your answer is yes, you leave the past in the past. They don’t come in here spewing hate, just because they don’t agree with management or the coach. Even after wins, Youhaters come in here regurgitating old arguments. Get over it!!! Woody’s here for another season, and the team is pretty much set in stone.
My post was directed to Ando, he made his response, and I gave him my response. So why do you feel like you have to mediate or clarify his position. I think he’s more than capable of getting his point across. Instead of jocking Ando so hard, why don’t you come up with your own ideas? You see I know pessimism runs in crowds. It’s always easy to go with the “I told you so comments”. It’s a shame you had to bring your lame statements to a new blog. I think you should’ve addressed this on the previous blog…. Sometimes try looking at the glass half full…
Furthermore, you sound like a woman (no disrespect to any women on this blog, and please forgive me if I offend you) always bringing up past mistakes. In life we live and we learn. Just think if we constantly dwelled on the past mistakes this country made towards African Americans. I guess some still dwell on those issues, but I don’t. I see a different America, and I see a different Hawks team.
By Lacsho
October 7, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Correction the they don’t come in her spewing hate was connected to another paragraph. I made a mistake with the cutting and pasting, but you get the point.
By terrell barron
October 7, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Acie, Acie, Acie!! Hey Sekou, whats the word on Ohello Hunter? Why did’nt he play?
By jhan
October 7, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Howard is either taller or stronger than most in this league. Who can we sign that compares with Howard - NOBODY.
It was great to get production from the bench - something we haven’t seen in 4 years (except Childress).
If our starters can just hold their own during the game, hopefully our bench can outplay our opponents bench. This should equate to more wins.
I guess I have some of ray’s virus. For now, I’m of the belief this team will be better than last year. I haven’t caught Ando’s bug yet - hopefully I never will.
By MannyT
October 7, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
I hang around this blog a bit and there are now all sorts of new viruses going about. Once all y’all get together there will be some viral transformations. Now I understand where I got hopeanddismay
It’s almost hallucinogenic in its effects.Depending on which quarter of a game you spent not watching a game last season it could have a totally different impact on what you saw.
While I’m not sure of the cure, I know that I don’t feel as bad when I use the distraction placebos that AJ & doc advocate!
…back to uh, er, yeah, basketball.
One thing is clear, AJ has a copy of that matchstick with Woody’s playbook on it.
Nice to hear that the Hawks put up a strong performance…especially after halftime.
If he is working on situational rotations during the fake 8, kudos to Woody. If not, whatever, it’s one preseason game.
BWAF
By Volman
October 7, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Guys, this is almost starting to look like a POLITICAL DEBATE. hah!
Both of you guys are bringing out valid points about the other, haha. Can’t we all just get along?
Lascho, Ray and Ando are good people.. We all need to remember that you can’t tell how a person is saying something over text on a computer. Keep that in mind. Not necessarily defending them. We ALL don’t need to take shots at people.
Lascho, I agree that this is a blog for us diehard FANS of the Hawks. I do agree with you that there is a LOT of pessimism on this blog even when things go well. I think for the most part there is a guarded optimism around here…everyone is anxious to see what this team can do in the REGULAR season. Shoot, I waited all day to sit at my computer and listen to a HAWKS preseason game… We’re all a little antsy.. Each of these fans on this blog wants this team to be successful. We have all been through the bad times in the past ten years and even the PAINFUL years of 13 and 26 win seasons. That’s painful. The expectations have risen from last season, but that’s no reason for us bloggers to pick apart the team everytime they miss a shot.
Everyone, the Hawks won the game last night. Let’s look at that and be excited. I was happy to see Solo in there, Randolph can score easily, Horford was GREAT in limited minutes.. (Yes, Howard was too, but he’s the best Center in the game….He will get his NO MATTER WHAT) and Maurice Evans, Acie, and Flip did their thing. I’m SO USED to the bench only consisting of Zaza and Childress. I’m VERY EXCITED about having a legit bench (maybe not the best in the league) but a bench that can give Joe, Bibby, Smoove, and Al some rest. There are SO MANY different combinations that this team can put out on the court, it’s crazy.
Lascho, Ray, Ando, I appreciate your passion for this team.. This is great for the blogs to have heated discussions on EVERYTHING HAWKS like we do. There is no reason we all need to agree on things, but we do need to agree on one thing: don’t take this personal. We need to all throw our egos out the door here.. It’s tough with a bunch of guys, but things can go much easier without egos being hurt here.
We are all Hawks fans and want the best for this franchise…We need to LIVE WITH what we have in our current team and hope that they can continue to progress like last season.
Now let’s go out there and cheer on our team.
Go Hawks
By terrell barron
October 7, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
With Acie coming along, Bibby might be expendable(15,000,000), if we’re somehow not in the Playoff picture. If Bibby stays healthy, he’s going to be one heck of a commodity. We could definately fill out this roster with that extra cash. Dont get me wrong, I like MB, but business is business. I dont know how much JJ would like it, but it’s going to be talked about sooner or later. And I always knew Acie had it in him. He showed flashes last year, before the injury. So the talent is there, Woody just has to find a way to USE that talent. Cant wait for the opener.
By terrell barron
October 7, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Just read on Sporting News that Sund said Marvin Williams IS NOT a candidate for an extension. Probably old news, but I thought I’d post it anyway. lol!
By Lacsho
October 7, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Volman
I will stick to the hawks for now on. If someone takes a personal attack on me, I will defend myself. I thought everything was squashed… You’re right I’m very passionate about this team. I too listened to the game over the computer, and I wanted to make comments about the game, but I had a detour… I don’t know Ando personally, and I do not harbor any ill feeling towards him. I look forward to meeting him at one of the games, as I do with all my Hawks family. Again, I come to the blog to escape for a couple of hours, and I enjoy the commentary from Sekou and the rest of the bloggers. It’s nice to find people passionate about a team, in which no one outside of Atlanta believes in. That’s our bond. We’ve made it through 13 win seasons, and we’ll be riding the wave high during this season…
Banks
I’ll be at the game Saturday; we can meet up and discuss the hawks over a beer…
Imus
The early voting lines are long everywhere. Yesterday my wife waited 1 1/2 hours, and we live in Douglasville.
Peace Hawks Fans
By Najeh Davenpoop
October 7, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
4 blocks for Horford? Wow, if he steps his block game up that would be insane…
By Volman
October 7, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Lacsho, I feel what you’re saying. We really are against everyone outside of Atlanta when it comes to the Hawks! Nobody believes! (Some people IN Atlanta don’t even believe!)
I’m just trying to be a middle man and help calm down the situation. There’s nothing wrong with sticking up for yourself, bro. Just trying to calm both sides. :)
By TheHawksFan
October 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Great Win HAWKS!! Anything positive is good. We haved had the Magic’s number these last few games. Im glad they are our 1st game of a tough start to the season on the road. We start winning on the road and its Really On! Alot of things go into the makeup of a TEAM. Could it be we finally got it right??? GOOO HAKKSSSS!!!
By Astro Joe
October 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Sorry that I contributed to the distraction. Very, very sorry.
I like that some sites are now providing a “Blocked Attempt” stat (BA) which is the number of times a player’s shot was blocked. Last night Smith had his shots blocked I think 4 times. I guess the good news is that those shots were most likely taken close to the basket (where he tends to be most effective), but the bad news is that someone with his leaping ability should be able to release the ball in a position that only a handful of guys can swat it down. Of course, one of those handful of guys would be Mr. Howard. Again, from a hopeandexcitement standpoint, an indication that Smith was shooting close to the basket is a good thing.
I know that we’re about 3 weeks away from the opener against Orlando, but I’m already wondering who will replace Marvin in that game (reminder, he was supended for the opener due to the flagrant foul in Game 7). Evans may appear to be the logical selection, except, do we want either Evans or JJ matched up against the 6’10” Hedo? I’d like to see Woody give either Solo or Zaza the chance to start that game, depending of who earns that privilege during thr pre-season and practices.
Just trying to move the debate from a character subject to one of substance. By the way, if you’re into politics, do yourself a favor and spend about 20-30 minutes flipping between MSNBC and Fox News between 8-10 during the week.
By Melvin
October 7, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Astro,
I have to tell you, Thank You. I couldn’t figure what that ‘BA’ stood for… As much as I look at stats, the column had me stomp…
By Sekou K. Smith
October 7, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Acie shot was going in last night. I didn’t really notice any change in the form. And all four of those shots Josh Smith had blocked were blocked by Howard at the rim. Great plays by Howard and not the greatest of shots by Smith (he tried the same reverse layup on each of those shots). He changed up in the second half.
Al’s every bit of 6-9 and 240 pounds but HOward is a behemoth. He’s at least 280 and pure muscle. And he knows he’s bigger and stronger than everybody else on the floor and uses it to his advantage. Give Al credit, he played him about as well as one guy could and made Howard work to guard him.
By Ariose
October 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Astro Joe, Why would we spend our time flipping through garage news channels no.1 and 2???? LOl I know what you getting at though heh…….don’t even get me started on Dollar Bill O’ Reilly.
Y’all calm down sheesh. The REALITY is that it was ONLY one preseason game BUT you KNOW i’m geeked about it…..i’ll ride the gravey train until it stops lol.
By crystal
October 7, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
something special is about to happen with hawks team this season. GO HAWKS!!!!
By Spud Webb
October 7, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
terrell barron I agree about Bibby. I dare say even if we are in the playoffs or close we can trade Bibby for what we need. If Acie is playing well we can bring Flip off the bench, he can play both the 1 and 2. Seems like a great situation to be in for us (the Hawks). So if we see a glaring need and we are solid at the 1 & 2 with 3 players, we can address it. I’m curious to Hunter as well, why didn’t he play. With Morris, the scoring has never been an issue, the guy has talent. I think the key with him is if he wants to play defense or not and what kind of fire he has. Hate to say it but a guy like that has multiple talent and tools, if he decided to play as hard as say Solo, the skies the limit. Lets keep our fingers crossed!!!
By Spud Webb
October 7, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
terrell barron I agree about Bibby. I dare say even if we are in the playoffs or close we can trade Bibby for what we need. If Acie is playing well we can bring Flip off the bench, he can play both the 1 and 2. Seems like a great situation to be in for us (the Hawks). So if we see a glaring need and we are solid at the 1 & 2 with 3 players, we can address it. I’m curious to Hunter as well, why didn’t he play. With Morris, the scoring has never been an issue, the guy has talent. I think the key with him is if he wants to play defense or not and what kind of fire he has. Hate to say it but a guy like that has multiple talent and tools, if he decided to play as hard as say Solo, the skies the limit. Lets keep our fingers crossed!!!
By cp
October 7, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
I would like to see Hunter get some burn. I think the kid might be a gem. From what I saw in the Summer League he has all the ability despite only being around 6’8 I believe.
I think we all have been hollering for Woody to add some motion to his offense. I guess he still has the same playbook from when he first started here. Its time to add some new plays and wrinkles Woodson.
By Volman
October 7, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Astro, good thoughts about who will take Marvin’s place. I actually would like to see a lineup of Bibby, Joe, Mo, Smoove, and Al.. Maurice Evans knows what the Magic want to do and I think he has an edge defending a guy like Turkoglu. That brings in Acie, Flip, Solo, Zaza, and others off the bench for support.
I know the height difference is there with Mo and Turkoglu, but I know that Mo is way more quick and athletic, and can use that to his advantage because Turkoglu is more of an outside player, isn’t he? I don’t think he’ll post up Mo too much and take advantage of his height.
That’s what I would do.
By doc
October 7, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
manny t oh yeah. bring the a team on. boy i love sports and all there is to it.
nocebo vs placebo, i’ll take the sugar pill any day.
ok, i’ll say it … redundant minus the bk attack is what it is and no one can argue with it until the season gets started so, uh, why bother?
still kind of getting excited about being there some more this year now that i have the ducats in hand. 111 is where the action will be for me many nights at the phillips. cant take it away, looking forward to seeing jhan, volman, manny t on a regular basis and anyone else that stops by and continuing to meet the folks here at the liars table that grow in strength of arguments and numbers.
By ray
October 7, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Lacsho,
I don’t know what got into you, but I will be quick to admit that all the “jocking” comments rubbed my nerve hard. I didn’t expect anything like that from you, but apparently I have read you wrong. Let me address your post in a manner unlike the way you addressed me…one point at a time. Were I not used to confrontations (personal ones…as in right in my face), I would probably respond to you the way you did to me (though I wasn’t directing the post at you).
First, that post was not directed toward you. I have never had a problem calling people out by name. NEVER. Sam and I have gone at it for half the summer, and that alone should be proof…If you see your name, then you know I’m talking to you. I do it damn near every post I write. If I’m addressing something to someone, I tend to put their name in bold, followed by a comma. Did you see your name anywhere in my post?
I believe I’ve tried to give you nothing but respect, especially for your service in the U.S. Military. Haven’t called you names or anything else. The fact is, you are not the only one by far who reacts the way you do to Ando. The reactions started having a certain tenor to them, though. It became less about basketball and more about “let’s hate on this guy.”
It’s the same stuff I found myself engaging in on the Falcons blog, where you stop talking about your favorite football team and start spending all your energy on people you don’t agree with. That post was me speaking to everyone (myself included) before we started getting down that path and destroying the blog. It’s something I am just as guilty of doing as anyone else, so don’t think I’m trying to preach from a soapbox.
Second, let me enlighten you on a statement I made that I figure (from your response) must have struck a nerve.
And if somebody can suck the positive vibe right out of you, then your positivity is just flat out weak. Hate to sound harsh, but let that one sink in. Think about it.
Listen, if you think that this is me describing you, then the shoe fits. But I don’t believe that. I think you have enough positivity to overcome any negativity. You do, don’t you? That statement wasn’t directed at anybody, it was just a comment! In other words, if your belief can be overcome by someone else’s belief, then your belief isn’t very strong, now is it? It’s a rhetorical statement, that’s all. And if you truly believe in God as you say you do, then you truly understand that statement, no? Again….was your name attached to that statement?
Third, I don’t know how much of my postings you read, but my stuff is usually humor-charged. The idea of a virus is a joking analogy. So too, were the flamethrower and “shoot you” comments. I think the average person should be able to see that rather clearly. I’m picking fun with the flamethrower comments because I know Ando brings it out of people, and people know that we’re friends. As for shooting people, come on…are you really taking me serious on that? It’s sort of a cop joke….you know, step away from the weapon or I’ll shoot you…drop the gun or I’ll shoot you…I’m not serious here.
Fourth, look I disagree plenty with my friends. Ando is no different. We’ve argued about stuff for hours at a time. But we know each other. Of course I defend him. I’m a loyal friend. Sorry if that offends anybody. It’s not like he needs to be defended, though. I only used him as an analogy because he’s one of the guys who people get all wrapped up with and start blog wars. Hence my phrase case in point.
Perhaps next time I’ll use the battles I’ve waged with our dearly departed (where is he I wonder) friend CASEY as an analogy, and less people will be offended. Geezz…
Fifth, what did I say that was so disparaging of the team, eh? Point out to me just what the hell it was that I said so wrong about the team. Ando had nothing to say about that game last night, so who’s comments was I following? I have my own ideas thankyou very much. Even if they sound like they’re in agreement with anyone else’s, who cares? Did you even read anything I said about the team during and after the game? If I agree with you, am I now “jocking” you? Huh? To be absolutely honest, I can’t tell in your last two paragraphs of the post addressed to me whether you’re talking to me or Ando half the time. Save whatever hate you have for him and give it to him. If you have hate for me, here I am, ready to take all you’ve got because it’s no worse than any I’ve faced day in and day out, from sources both similar and different.
Again…you read the “virus” analogy, but you missed the entire point: I’m positive about this team. I’m crazy about this team. I’m emotionally attached about this team. The virus coming and going is like the ups and downs of the season and offseason. I thought I made that clear.
Lastly, I have never questioned your manhood or self respect in any way. I would ask that you do me the favor of showing the same amount of respect. A lot of what you said pi$$ed me the f@ck off and I find myself caught in between just letting it blow over my shoulder or returning a testosterone charged reply. The latter makes no sense, as there is absolutely no substitute for face to face communication of any kind. On the flip side of that coin, I don’t have a problem dealing with any such issues in person if it has to be that way. Any person. Any time.
Your comments about firearms strike a chord with me. However, we do not know each other, so prattling on about my list of accomplishments in the world of weapons is nothing more than internet posturing. However, I have a keen interest in them and am burdened with different responsibilities in my department where they are concerned. It is a burden I enjoy greatly.
Once more…PEACE
By ray
October 7, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Astro Joe, I get what you were saying to me earlier. I have no hard feelings about the subject, though. I understand.
I actually forgot that Marvin was suspended for the opener. The only problem I have with Evans replacing him in the lineup is that this takes away from the bench to a degree. Last night it was great to see him come in charged up like he was. We don’t have another guy behind him that can play the 2 or 3 like that and hit from the outside like him. Flip figures to play at the 1 and 2. Maybe at the 2 if Acie keeps playing the way he did last night.
I think the best way to keep Evans coming in off the bench (if that’s the best idea, that is) is to do what you suggested: bring in Solo. The reason I say that is because whoever they start will have to be somebody who can play defense out to the perimeter. Both Rashard and Hedo will take opponents out there frequently, so it’s a must. I’d say that Solo will do better in that area than Zaza will.
I figure put Solo on Rashard and Josh on Hedo. Either way, it’s a matchup problem, but we handled them last night. We just can’t get going too slowly or they will take the game. I don’t think Van Gundy will make the same mistake twice by experimenting with the lineup while we’re going on a strong third quarter run….
Some of this depends on who makes the team as well. Well, not just in this first game, but in the season. If a guy like Hunter wins a spot on the team, then we have two backups at the 4 spot, and possibly two at the 3 spot (depending on whether he can guard that position or not). If it’s not Hunter, but a guy like Gardner or West, then we’re looking at more backups at the 2 and possibly 3. We’ll see. Going to be interesting. When’s the next game?
By Matt = niremetal
October 7, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
I’m coming out of my hiding place (aka law school) in search of mykhalc - where are you buddy?? I thought Pietrus was supposed to be the hotness! Haha. I’m just joshin’ you.
PS - The poster formerly known as Matt will henceforth be known as “niremetal” in order to distinguish himself from the numerous other Matts in existence.
By ray
October 7, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Minnesota’s win against Milwaukee said more to me about Milwaukee and the struggles they’ll endure than it did about Minnesota’s emergence.
With a new coach, different starting point guard and Villanueva still there…I think last night’s game is actually somewhat indicative of what we’ll see early on in the season from them. And that’s good news for any Hawks fan. That team will be trying to find it’s new identity under Scott Skiles.
Is it just me, or do Anderson Varejao and Robin Lopez go to the same hairdresser? Yes, I said hairdresser, ‘cause you know they ain’t going to no barbershop with mops like that! Not hatin’, just wonderin’…
By ray
October 7, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Volman,
That’s a point that very few people tend to remember. A lot is lost in translation when reading what another types. Which is why asking questions in response is more effective than just blasting away.
By ray
October 7, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
To be honest Volman, I wasn’t even excited when I wrote that post last night. I was laughing at myself though…my intention was to get others to do the same. Guess not, huh? Heh heh.
By richbrave
October 7, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
ray:
Your 10;39 a.m. Put on drmaryb’s thong song and scroll on.
By ray
October 8, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Huh.
By BA
October 8, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this
It’s a shame and and scam that the Hawks radio broadcast can’t be heard beyond the perimeter. I don’t know if Holman was on tonight or not, but the BASG should be ashamed. Get an FM radio deal, you shmucks.
Everything I’ve read (from Mr. Smith’s reports) sounds good. Improvements. Solid coaching. An active (and productive) bench. Didn’t that negative nancy ando convey a much more dismal forecast? Over and over and over and…
I thought our froncourt was too small to “compete” with the upper-tier NBA teams this year? I thought there was some “inevitable” decision to move big Al to his “natural” position at the four?
Putting up 13-9 on DWIGHT HOWARD (with four blocks)- hardly sounds like a mismatch to me.
But what do fools like me, one of the “unwashed masses”, know about stuff like this? The venerable Charles Barkley (who probably didn’t SEE a Hawks game last year until the playoffs) said it, so it MUST be so.
So Evans showed out? I thought he was one of the free agents that ando claimed no other team wanted. Nancy was right- who wants 17 off the bench?
Ray, I’m sure your boy is a nice enough guy. But a basketball novice he is not. And as this season progresses, and the Hawks keep winning, I’m going to match every BS late night Hawk-hating post that we endured from the self-proclaimed wonderboy throughout this interminably long summer.
But I wouldn’t expect to see him (ando) anytime soon, kids. He only comes around after a loss. A one-trick pony. And when he does come around, he’ll play the “I’m too cool to read everybody’s posts” card, conveniently avoiding his many detractors.
And then he’ll sing the same sad song, impervious to the drastic improvement of a team that ALREADY gave the eventual world champs all they could handle under the bright lights.
The guy is either crazy, or just dumb.
I’m leaning towards the latter.
By tbhawksfan
October 8, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this
idiot: someone who is mentally ill or has a very low level of intelligence.
This could have something to do with the Ando/Lascho debate.
I guess you would define this definition as someone who does or says unintelligent things on a regular basis as an idiot. If you add to that that the person also does so with an arrogant, pompous attitude….
Well Political Correctness has taught us to not talk about or even see stupidity. Isn’t it stupid to not see stupidity?
I also come here to enjoy a Hawks experience. I love it when we enter into positive, intelligent debates. Some are in the habit of setting a negative agenda and no mattter what, seeing and saying only what they want to see. Doesn’t seem like a very intelligent behavior in the context of where we are.
By richbrave
October 8, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
Any particular reason JOE.? Why not CNN or CBS.? Is there a contrast in style we should study or content.?
By ray
October 8, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
I must have posted 5 times last night, (including a lengthy reply to Mr. Lacsho)and not a single one has come through. What gives?
RichBrave, could your team possibly have worse luck? First, Arenas is out for a while, then Jamison gets hurt in last night’s game, and now Haywood is being told he needs to have a surgical procedure done that will have him out 4-6 months. Ouch!
By Barry
October 8, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
I heard someone on this blog talking about because Acie Law had a good preseason game that makes Bibby expendable. Are you crazy!! Bibby’s play was that catlyst that took us to the playoff even though he was injured. In, fact he played less than the last quarter of the season. Moreover, he is a proven veteran that has always proved his worth with wins and good play. On the otherhand, Acie Law is a work in progress. He has failed to play a whole season in addition to carrying the team on his back as Bibby did in getting us to the playoff, in his early career. It would be insane to even think about trading Bibby because of an unproven player having a good game. Only someone who does not know basketball would make such a crazy move at this time in both of these players careers with the Hawks. We need Bibby and a player who plays like him. The Hawks have been crying for a quality point guard. We have a proven one in Bibby. Why try to trade for one considering the inconsistant play and injuries of previous point guards for the Hawks.
Bibby’s a Hawk. I look forward to him contributing for a whole season in running and gunning and taking the Hawks to the next level.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YEAH. We are still gonna
Ringold
By A Thinking Fan
October 8, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Ah! HB & AJ at it again, must be Hawks’ time of the year…
You guys plus Doc and many others have provided some of my best escapism during the day/year. Please keep up the good work!
By ant banks
October 8, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
lacsho cool!! my usual seats are in sect 111 row U, but the hawks gave out some other tickets, also so which ever one is the better seats, i will be seating.
I will meet you in front of PASTAbility, right outside of 111. there is a bar across from it.