Hawks

By ant banks

October 13, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

1st play of the game jj made some silly pass, turnover, next series down smooth tryin’ to dribble, turnover. we ended up wit’ 19 turnovers!!

i don’t know how far we will go wit that many turnovers

By BA

October 13, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

heh-heh, I thought our frontcourt was going to “undersized”…

By ant banks

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

hawks shot 50% from the field, 41% from 3pt and 75% ft. i am impressed with the field and 3pt shooting. smooth was still jackin’ long ones. i don’t need my powerforward jackin’ long balls. bang down low.

how had 26pts down low, charlotte had 40 pts in the paint!!

we won though. whatever that means. charlotte is horrible, tho. funny how brown and woody’s teams are horrible and struggle badly offensively. tonight, we were the lesser of 2 evils and won.

to me, we lacked energy. the crowd was dead which was no surprise. i am not sure i see 30 wins based on what i saw tonight.

By ant banks

October 13, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

sekou i know that you are concerned about the lack of assist, but what about turnovers? is that a concern?

By cp

October 13, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

So they play better uptempo. Who would have thuoght that. I mean we have only been saying it the last few years. I wonder if Woodson will use the big lineup in the regular season. He could have used it last but im not going to even go there. Im ready for the regular season.

By HB Ando

October 13, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

LOL, me too, BA. And I thought they wouldn’t be able to shoot if they go big (0-1 from beyond the arc, between Marvin, Josh, Al and Zaza).

But heck, if Larry Brown says we’re going to be good, who am I to argue.

Like I said, if I’m wrong, I’ll have no problem admitting it.

But, BA, you’ve been silent on my offers to wager. Are Hawks employees barred from betting on the team, or are the wages at your mental healthy facility simply inadequate.

I guess it doesn’t matter which one it is. The net result is the same……….

Of course, the fact of our big lineup is that Marvin wouldn’t be the starter, an idea you ridiculed earlier today.

heh-heh, I thought it was idiotic, or the ridiculous opinion of an obvious “basketball novice” to suggest that a #2 pick, like Marvin, would ever come off the bench. Interesting that you acknowledged what a historically inaccurate statement that was, to Ray…….

heh-heh….

What a d*******.

By Ariose

October 13, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Great piece Sekou.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot~

By _sturt_

October 13, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Assists?

Law had zero assists until late in the game against Portland.

I believe he can be an asset, but still uncertain if he can be a starting point guard on a playoff team. He can score, but can he run a team.

That’s the question that’s going to matter increasingly as Bibby’s tenure in ATL draws to a close.

By HB Ando

October 13, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

BA, just saw your “alpo” post. Man, I have to say, you are awful clever for a 9-year old (the fact that you’re an adult not withstanding).

But here’s the thing about you’re payroll argument: until the season’s over, there is absolutely no way for you to prove your position. Just as there’s no way for me to prove mine.

However, like a handful of other big talkers, you predictably avoided an offer to wager on whether the final payroll tab will be over $60 million. So your posturing, that my opinion has been invalidated, is, well, completely invalid.

If Bibby is traded before the 1/3rd mark, of the schedule, and he goes for, say, $3 million in cash (the max that can be included in a swap), and a pick or two (which come with future cap value, but no actual expense for this season), and, say, an expiring contract of $5 million or so, then the Hawks will have effectively saved $10 million from this years’ payroll, dropping them back to the general area of their historic outlays of around $55 million.

There are several ways for Bibby to be moved without matching this season’s projected expense. And I expect that the ultimate transaction will run along those lines.

So babble about how I’ve already been proven wrong, regarding the ASG’s payroll commitment. But I’m not wrong until the final tally hits the books.

And I’m betting it will come in under $60 million. I’m offering you that bet. But you won’t take it, because you’re either restricted, based on who your employer is, or you’re just a poor-a* piece of trash, who is all talk and no walk.

If you don’t like the payroll bet, I’m also offering to bet you that Bibby doesn’t end the season as a Hawk, and/or the Hawks don’t make the playoffs.

Since you think I don’t know what I’m talking about, here are three, separate, opportunities to take my money and prove just how smart you are.

Now, all I have to wait for is whether you’ll ignore this challenge, or make some kind of lame excuse for not putting your money where your uneducated mouth is……………….

By Volman

October 13, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Awesome stuff, Sekou… How the HECK can I get some seats where you are? haha. It’s the preseason! Hook me up! haha.

Great game tonight..the crowd was actually pretty good for a preseason game…and fairly energetic.

Smoove had a CRAZY dunk and Mo Evans energized the crowd with his nice dunk off of a great Flip Murray pass.

I am really starting to like this bench…

I saw SOLO grab and RIP the ball out of someone’s hands tonight! He used to not be strong enough to do that, but he definitely is holding his own out there.

I was happy to see Flip knock down some threes…He’s going to need to do that if people back off of him…Same with Mo Evans. He had a lot of opportunities but only made one three.

Mario West needs to get with Mark Price or else a hypnotherapist to get his confidence up on his shot. He was “That guy” who was open when the ball got swung around, and he was too afraid to shoot. flip got on him a couple of times for not shooting… Chuck the ball up Mario! It’s the preseason! That’ll open up your drive.

Let’s go Hawks!

By Najeh Davenpoop

October 14, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

I didn’t see the game, but…

“So he went with Zaza Pachulia at center — with Al Horford shifting over from center to power forward and Josh Smith from power forward to small forward — and watched his team wake up from that first-half slumber within the first few seconds of the third quarter.

The Hawks instantly became a better rebounding frontline and a more aggressive and active team inside on the offensive end.”

If replacing Marvin with the much less talented and athletic Zaza makes the team better at rebounding and more aggressive and active, that pretty much tells you all you need to know about Marvin.

By Ariose

October 14, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

Here’s Woodson’s interview from tonight’s Game.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot~

By BA

October 14, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

This ando alpha alpo is such a sensitive young man. Throwing his money around like a flustered woman. Here’s an ando-style sentence to make it easier for you to understand:

i have not, and will not, bet money, on a teams roster, moves; i have always, and currently, declined your unorthodox, borderline obsessive, overtures.

why all the talking, in circles, and the coarse, language? i thought it, was just a blog?

(this is the paragraph where i launch my weak and inexplicable tirade against anyone who calls out my hater complex with silly things like facts)…

Tell you what, lets bet monopoly money- so as not to upset your backwards sense of manhood. The Hawks, with Bibby, will make the playoffs.

Now count out those pink and yellow dollars, how ever many you want, little buddy. Evans/Murray were not signed to replace Bibby, they were brought in to provide added depth in the backcourt and hopefully a longer run in the playoffs.

Book it and lock it, Kenny Rogers. Call up Guido- he’ll be GLAD to take your money. I heard they even give you a free tip, and the number to the twelve-step program at the same time!

heh-heh. Bargnani. What a hoot!

By HB Ando

October 14, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

BA, thanks for so confirming my prediction with such pathetic ease.

I’ll go with member of the Hawks organization, and older, based on the arcane Kenny Rogers reference (nobody under the age of 50 would use Kenny Rogers as an example addictive behavior).

There was no doubt that you’d beg off on putting your money where your mouth is. It was simply a matter of waiting for your inevitably ridiculous response (I have to admit that your actual excuse was far more baffling and pathetic than I could have ever expected).

Just so I’m clear: you’re position is that my opinions are absolutely wrong, even though the outcomes to support you have yet to occur. And you’re either too scared, poor, or unauthorized to actually back up your claims. But you actually believe that attempting to obfuscate the fact that you won’t put your money where your mouth is, by calling me “sensitive”, “borderline obsessive (strange reference for a guy who’s stopped by the blog about once a week, for the last 4 months), “little (yup, at 6’5”, that’s about as wrong as all your other impotent attempts to trash me)” and suggesting I’m acting like a “flustered woman”, will somehow discredit me?

Really?

Why don’t members of the organization redirect their energy to improving the team, rather than haunting the local beat blog, and making pathetically weak attempts to undermine your critics?

Not a single thing you’ve said, in contradicting my opinions, can be supported by fact. And you are unwilling, or unable, to back up your dissenting opinions. Instead, you laughably take potshots at me, lacking anything else to offer.

As I said earlier, and which you’ve only reinforced since I did, you are irrelevant. And I’ve yet to see any converts to your anti-Ando rants.

But hey, since all your previous efforts to shame me off the blog have been so successful, stay the course. Your ongoing attempts to take me to task haven’t done anything but increase the volume of my posts, encourage a handful of equally inept whiners, and make you look like the over matched fraud that you are.

Your transparency is literally laugh-out-loud funny. I can’t wait for your disappearing act, when Bibby is traded, mid-season, and the Hawks fail to make the playoffs.

Do you really think your nonsense sways public opinion, or generates ticket buying?

Wow……

By Rick Sund

October 14, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

Alright, ando, the gloves are coming off! I AM a Hawks employee! Whoo hahaha HAHAHA! Of course, if I can discredit the great Alpha, with his legions of loyal haters, I COULD sell more tickets! You know what they say, less ando, more sales! You’re so crucial to our attendance, I’m going to have to sway the “public opinion”!

And yes, the mailman DID plant a camera on your porch last week.

The CIA IS watching you.

And no, we can’t hear the voices that you’re hearing.

By Ariose

October 14, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this

Slam Online: Atlanta Hawks season preview with Lang Whitaker and Sekou Smith.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot~

By Sautee

October 14, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

doc

If you are out there this morning, call me. I need some specific info.

By Aaron B

October 14, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

Hey Ando, it’s been a while. I used to chat with you Sekou and the normal crew. And then I went away to school for a while.

Look, I may not agree with the negative view of the Hawks trading Bibby and not getting to the playoffs. I believe that if they were to trade Bibby it would most likely be for a better point guard. I don’t see any good GM making a silly trade on our behalf. I give Sund more credit than that. As for BA, I don’t know where you two got into this heated discussion? This is a silly discussion in my opinion since neither one of you know for sure whats gonna happen that far in advance. If it’s a bet just to see who has the better predictions, then so be it, but as Hawks fans we owe it to each other to try to stay positive as much as possible. If they are about to do something stupid and lets say “not sign Josh Smith” then I say go ahead and make dismal predictions to possibly scare Hawks ownership, but this early in the season… come on.

By Dan

October 14, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Sekou

Why is Randolph Morris getting hardly any time? I thought the whole point of bringing that guy here was to add some size and toughness downlow? Why even sign him, if they aren’t going to use him?

Also, after watching the practice on Saturday, I would love to see what, if anything, Gardener could produce. He didn’t see the floor, either.

Law, Murray, and Evens looked great last night! I think we may have a team on our hands, guys!

By richbrave

October 14, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

AARON B.:

OMG. A voice of reason. Welcome back, welcome back, welcome ba-a-c-c-k. Your name’s not really KOTTER is it.?

A.B. I think they’re tryin’ to prove which is the most prescient, ergo the most intelligent.

By A Thinking Fan

October 14, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Doc, this is my email address talk_chillin@yahoo.com
hit me up so we can connect.

Ando you’re a bad boy!

By Astro Joe

October 14, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Ando, I’ll gladly accept your wager proposal from last night. No problem. And I really see no need to argue if you feel that having a 6-7 seed is comparable to a 10 seed. If you think that is a nominal difference, then I’m not going to debate shades of gray. Personally, I think it is a huge difference. But hey, it’s your world… I’m just enjoying my condo on the other side of the railroad tracks… the neighborhood of hopeandexcitement.

By doc

October 14, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

atf got it, thanks for the info.

BA not sure why you and some folks are so uptight and upset at the notion that bibby might be gone before the end of the year. rationally, there are several scenarios that it might mean it is best for the hawks if they do it. i dont consider it a negative at all.

BTW our fearless leader SEKOU though he has remained above the fray even talks lucidly and rationally that it may come to pass that bibby is traded in the buzz that ariose sent us. listen up to the sekou’s interview with lang whitaker and then comment. is it a pi$$in contest or rational thought and discourse between you guys?

By ILL-Logical

October 14, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Memo to Coach Drew: The first viewing of your staring line up last evening(minus Flip) was a success-there was interior defense; running and scoring. There was even a rational substitution pattern.

Keep up the good work and continue to develope a system that fits the talent and not continue the practice of the former incumbent of hammering the talent into HIS system whether they fit or not.

Al’s comments after last night’s game were thee turning point for your getting the job. When the previous incumbent ,who was called out in those remarks, refused to continue to use this obviously superior strategy be cause it didn’t fit HIS philosophy, the team revolted and after the losses mounted up, he was fired inspite of the financial issues involved. VOX POPULI

By kwooden1

October 14, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Listened off and on to the game last night. It really did sound like the more balanced line up was effective, but also the bench played well. I think Acie played well also. I saw the issue with the assists, but a lot of the reason the total number was low, was the amount of times the Hawks went to the line. The assist to turnover ratio is something to watch, which does need to improve over the next few games. They won this game at the line, which is fine with me, but they definitely need to cut down on the turnovers if they aren’t to get a lot of easy shots from ball movement.

Overall I think the team is improving. Smoove is taking better shots, Acie is gaining confidence, and Zaza/Solo are a lot stronger down low. I’m still worried about Woody during the game though. Morris should get more run, but I’m not going to get mad at Woody yet about that. He was 4 more games to get run for Morris.

Hopefully Marvin can get well soon, but it might be better that he comes off the bench. I’m not saying that because I think the lineup with Zaza starting is that much better. I think that lineup is better for Woody as a coach. I still haven’t heard the HAWKS offense maximize their smaller lineup. If their going to go with Horford at center, they need to fastbreak a lot more. We can’t have Al saying that they fastbreak more with Zaza on the floor. I know they will rebound better, but that isn’t an excuse for the smaller line not pushing the ball. I think this is a function of Woody not having a system that forces Marvin and Smoove to push the ball off rebounds. Or a system that runs pick and rolls with JJ and Smoove or JJ and Marvin. Something that makes the opposing teams PF play defense is space against quick players.

Keep improving

GO HAWKS!

By Peter

October 14, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Do you think Zaza should start after yesterday’s performance? It gives them more of a size advantage. I don’t understand why they start Marvin. Is it just to appease him? Who cares he was drafted 2nd overall? Are they still trying to reconcile the mistake? As for draft position and the bench, Childress was drafted what 6th and he came off the bench and was often on the floor to finish games.

Zaza starting puts everyone back into their natural positions including Marvin.

2nd unit could be even stronger

Law Murray Evans Williams Jones

Woodson has to start Zaza opening night because of Marvins suspension. Woody makes lineups sound like rocket science when you here him talk. There has got to be something weird going on in the Hawks camp

By Astro Joe

October 14, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

The front court of Zaza, Horford & Smith obviously works if the team runs. As Horford said, it allows Smith to run and finish on the break. But, if the opposing team can defend the fast break and force that line-up into a hlaf-court set, that’s when it will become challenging. That’s wen we need for Horford or Zaza to be able to make the consistent 18 footer or Law to penetrate against what may likely be a zone defense. But here’s what some fail to realize, there are no limits on substituting. In other words, if the big front court doesn’t work after 3-4 possessions, you simply adjust by altering the line-up. That’s why I’m not convinced that we need that Okur-type player anymore. Not when we could potentially adjust with productive vets off the bench. And here’s a truly outrageous thought, if a team does throw a zone against the front court of Zaza, Horford and Smith, how about sitting down Smith for a while and bringing in Marvin? You get the benefit of having big bodies on the glass and a more reliable perimeter threat in Marvin. And no, this doesn’t mean that Smith plays 10 minutes during thr course of the game, it’s just using your personnel based on game situations. Anyone who thinks that there are 8 Eastern Conference teams with a perfect balance of size, skiil and seasoning is silly. There will easily be 2-3 “flawed” rosters making the Eastern Conference playoffs.

By terrell barron

October 14, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Marvin with a bad hand = Michael Vick with no legs. If he cant shoot, he’s just taking up space. So it takes an injury for Woodson to realize that a bigger lineup might just work against bigger teams. Wow! And I expected Larry Brown to say that this team was well coached. It’s his understudy doing the coaching. Hello!

By kirknga

October 14, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Some of the same folks who are eagerly anticipating the departure of Bibby, are the same folk who said that the Hawks with Josh Smith at the 3 would not work very well.

Unless the season becomes an unmitigated disaster, Bibby will remain a Hawk. Woodson is smart enough to understand that the having a veteran at the 1 makes a positive impact on your team’s chances to make the playoffs. Turning over the team to a player with but a year’s experience, in the middle of the season, would destroy the team’s chemistry unless that player had outperformed the veteran. Acie doesn’t look like he’s ready to take that step.

Bibby will remain a Hawks this season, and beyond.

By terrell barron

October 14, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Damn! I thought Woody was bringing Marvin off the bench because he thought it would make the team better? I did’nt know he was injured? Bummer!

By kirknga

October 14, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

I’m not a big Woodson fan, but I give him credit for thinking about this “big” lineup before the Williams injury.

He also seems to be bring Solomon along, or at least giving him a chance to play his way into significant minutes.

Unfortunately, prospects don’t appear so bright for Morris.

By doc

October 14, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

really good points aj. there is room for creativity and a way to balance things out to make the other team pick their poison or ways to dictate to the other team. it requires allowing things like marvin to play power forward as well. sit down horford, allow josh to stay on the run since he is much more athletic than marvin and allow marvin to move out on offense. i think ultimately marvin will become more the power forward than a prototypical three. it isnt ideal but we saw it with al harrington and we should maybe see it with marvin.

again it allows guys flexibility and time on the bench to rest up while making teams adjust to us if things are working. if they arent then you find the solution with the other folks on the bench. i hope we are beyond having to watch a team coached by a predetermined game plan that dosnt change if ti doesnt work other than to say, yup … our guys just didnt come to play tonight. maybe it should also suggest he didnt come to coach tonight. that type of talk should end as this team is clearly better than the one that started last year even without chills.

By terrell barron

October 14, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Volman, I dont want Mario taking jumpers. I’m sorry. I love his hustle and enthusiasm. But shooting? And it want open up lanes, if you start shooting and go 1 for 6. The opponents will give you that all day long. And btw, if you were Mario, would you start jacking up open shots, if you knew that if you missed a couple, Woody would pull you faster than a junkie on his way to the pawn shop?

By DarkRyder

October 14, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Sometimes a it takes an act of necessity in order to do what is best.

I’ve been screaming for eons how they needed to put Horford at 4, Zaza at 5 and Williams to get some pine at the start of the game. That is what we call in the business using logic.

I know Woodson = logic doesn’t go together, but hopefully even he will realize he can use those guys to start and have Solomon Jones/Morris to come off the bench for a few minutes. Marvin would be a nice addition off the bench and they can interchange the FlipMo squad.

Ando I usually agree with your assessments, however I must take you up on your wager. I feel that Atlanta will also be a 6-7 seed in the East barring injury.

By King K.C.

October 14, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Listen up, you pathetic peasants! Royalty is speaking…or typing. Now, where shall we begin?
ant banks I agree with some of your comments. Key #1 to a successful season, is reducing the turnovers dramatically. If that ain’t done, I will be proven wrong, and the team will stink up the gym. Sekou pointed out key #2. Share the love (and the ball). Key # 3: Defensive intensity. No layups allowed and contend every shot. Key #4: Clean the glass. Limit the opponents to very few second chance points with stellar defensive rebounding. Key #5: What else? Run, Hawks, run!

by Kirknga: “I’m not a big Woodson fan…” Just by casually browsing through the blogs, I get a sneaky suspicion that you’re not the only persona harboring such sentiment. Well, he’s the HC for now, so deal with it.

Kirk you are correct on one issue. The non believers always want to show someone the door. First, it was Woodson. Then, J Smith wasn’t good enough to command such a high salary. Now, it’s trade Bibby.
Those fools need a wake up call. Especially those silly enough to dream of Rasheed returning to Atl…in a Hawks uniform. Ain’t never gonna happen.

Dan Forget Randy Morris. He does not have NBA caliber talent or potential. It won’t be long, before he’s outta here. Nice kid, but no game…whatsoever.

Well, I’ve got important business to tend to. You are all welcome. Go Hawks and God bless, you pathetic peasants!

Sincerely, Your Royal Ambassador of Basketball—King K.C.

By Astro Joe

October 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

DING-A-LING-A-LING-A-DING!

Hope you don’t mind me borrowing your bell, Doc.

By The Flash

October 14, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Wow, what’s this, the Cryps and the Bloods. Thought I’d drop by for a visit, to see what was up with the guys, and see that a wars broken out.

Here’s my uneducated view:

One, this team needs Bibby because he (1) moderates JJ and (2) empowers everyone on offense which is something that Woody does not know how to do. If Ando is right about Bibby, then I think that he is right about everything.

Two, is Ando right about Bibby, that the Spirit won’t sign him. Remember what is scheduled to begin in February, boyz, that defines everything.

I have no clue about how that thing will work out. The Spirit have a kick-back suit against Belkin which, if successful, will provide them a barrel of cash and a captive partner in Belkin, whom they will not have to buy out.

What is the strength of this kick-back cause of action, I again have no clue. If it is sufficient to bring Belkin to sue for peace at much less a price than either of the current evaluations, the Spirit might well take it. In that case, it might mean that they’ll need to come up with cash that they would otherwise use to sign Bibby. Not good for Hawk fans. Not at all.

On the other hand, if they think that they can win that kick-back suit (I made this term up, but it in essence seeks to have the buy-out agreement voided, and demands Belkin pay his share of the cash infusions he was exempted from by that agreement and keeps him in the partnership with no say) and want to shoot the moon on doing so, which might be the only way that they actually can afford to keep the team, that too does not bode well for Hawks fans, because then too they probably will not have the cash to pay Bibby. In the longer run, of course, if they were to win, they would be flush and future free agent signings of moment could well be likely.

Those are pretty big ifs. If the kick-back suit is not to be taken seriously, and Belkin has the stones to face the prospect, no matter how slight, that the judge will rule in their favor on it, then I doubt that they spend the money to resign Bibby. They would have to know that the time for their having to pay Belkin is drawing near—if the judge rules against Belkin on his claim that he gets to buy them out and sets a value on his stock, no appellate court is going to fool with the case any longer—and need every penny that they can get their hands on to close the settlement.

So, I think Andoman is probably right unless there is a settlement between the Spirit and Belkin way before February and the Spirit have somebody lined up with cash to help them meet the settlement’s terms. What’s the chance of that?

I wouldn’t bet against my man Andoman, especially since I still believe that, if he ain’t my boy Belkin, he’s certainly smart enough to be.

By doc

October 14, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

next to last paragraph flash is key to the long term solvency and being cash competitive.

By Volman

October 14, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Terrell, I know what you’re saying. I don’t necessarily want Mario to shoot jumpers, either. Maybe I said that, I don’t remember. If you were at the game you would see that he was WIDE OPEN for jumpers at the end of the shot clock and was very hesitant with his decision making…throwing the ball away once I believe and even traveling. Flip had confidence in Mario to shoot the ball or else do something with it. I would at least want Mario to have the green light to shoot it when the clock is going down.

You can’t make the shots you don’t take. I’m not saying Mario needs to be an offensive threat, but he’s got to take them if there’s not much time on the clock and the ball is in his hands (and they are taking away the drive).

By terrell barron

October 14, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Volman, The ball SHOULD’NT be in Mario’s hand at the end of the shotclock. If it is, something’s wrong.

By The Truth

October 14, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

I didn’t attend the Charlotte game so I”m a little puzzled. After reading Sekou above article and comments from some folks on this blog, I get the impression that it is better to permanently move Zaza to 5, Al to 4, and Josh to 3, and bring Marvin off the bench. If that is true, than why did we struggle to beat 0-4 Charlotte? Al as a power forward had 3 pts and 9 rebounds on 1-4 shooting. Looking at the stats, we had a total of 31 rebounds but Charlotte had a total of 37 rebounds. I also understand our turnover rate was high in that game. Had it not been for Acie last few second shot, we would have lost that game. So how is this the “siver bullent” lineup?

By Jody

October 14, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Well, well. The Hawks go with a lineup of Horford at the four and Smith at the three and what happens? They control the paint on both ends, control the boards and win. In fact, had that lineup been in the game down the stretch in the fourth quarter, the game never would have came down to Acie having to make the winning basket. The Bobcats got three or four second chance opportunities that would not have happened had the Hawks had the lineup out there. The more this lineup plays together, the more the Hawks will control the interior (on both ends) and the boards which will translate into more wins and a deeper team with Marvin coming off the bench.

By Jody

October 14, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

The Truth, Charlotte had the overall advantage on the boards because The Hawks played a small lineup for the entire first half and most of the fourth quarter. Considering the bigger lineup caused this type of turnaround in a relatively short period of time is impressive.

The game never would have come close if it were not for key offensive boards by Charlotte in the fourth period against the small lineup The Hawks were playing.

By mateo

October 14, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Jody, if we play the front court of ZaZa, Smith & Horford - we won’t be very good at shooting jumpshots. Who cares if we control the glass on both ends & get lot’s of fastbreak points. We will never win unless we have good jumpshooting from our center & power forward!

By Jody

October 14, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Mateo, The game is won in the paint. Not outside in. Don’t believe me? Ask the Dallas Mavericks. Look at the great Bulls teams. The frontline consisted of Cartwright, Grant and Pipen. Who was the jump shooter there? Look at the Hawks under Lenny Wilkens. They had Lang at center, Willis at the four, Wilkins at the 3, Augmon at the 2, Blaylock at the 1. No prolific outside shooters in that lineup yet, they won 57 games! Teams that control the paint and the glass win championships. Just having big guys who shoot jumpers does not. The frontcourt is called the frontcourt because the players are supposed to play in the paint, not on the perimeter. Once again, defense and rebounding win championships. Undersized, finesse, jumpshooting teams go home early.

By mateo

October 14, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Jody: I was trying to be a wee bit sarcastic with that entry. I forget noboby can hear me chuckle as I blog.

There has been a lot of blogging about that lineup not producing because none of them are great jumpshooters. I understand and totally agree with your view on this subject.

By The Flash

October 14, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Doc, who is going to come in with an infusion of cash to join the Spirit? That is not happenin, not unless the Spirit are willing to sell a controlling interest and someone with deep enough pockets will buy it. I don’t see the Spirit being willing to sell a controlling interest, nor do I see anyone being willing to buy it, if they were.

They will ride this thing into the ground first, or, and now that I think about it, this is remotely possible, put down the money to resign Bibby with the hope that the team wins enough to generate the same type of excitement as the very end of last year.

If that happens again, only sooner, maybe they generate enough cash to pay what the judge orders, or try to drag out an appeal until they can generate the cash. I think that neither is likely.

The only hopes for this franchise are:

1. Belkin is sufficiently concerned about the push-back suit to take his money, as in his original investment, even in increments, and run.

2. They try to shoot the moon and succeed.

3. Belkin wins and the judge(s) refuse to order a stay pending appeal, and Belkin has the dough to sign people who need to be signed.

That’s the list.

In the meantime, I think that this squad is worth being excited about. Live for today, tomorrow, hey, they stole one election we know of, right?

By Jody

October 14, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Mateo, My bad. Didn’t catch the sarcasm.

By The Truth

October 14, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Jody, looking at the play-by-play stats, The inital lineup was played with our starters with the exception of Acie for Bibby. Marvin was subed by Evans with 5:36 min remaining in the 1st quarter. Horford Substitution replaced by Pachulia at the 3:22 min mark. The point here; we did go small with Evans for Marvin. But Smith Substitution replaced by Jones at the 1:52 mark actually balanced out our small. It look like Williams subed West at the 8:21 min mark in the 2nd quarter and played with Evan and Smith for most of the 2nd quarter. The 2nd quarter most have been when Williams got injured. Since the Big sub in this quarter toggled between Pachulia, Horford and Jones, I wouldn’t called this a small lineup in the 2nd quarter.

However, I agree with you, it is hard to evaluate total game rebounding numbers by comparing our 1st-half lineup with that “Big” 3rd-quarter line-up and our unconventional small 4th quarter line-up.

As an after-thought, One question I raise from the play-by-play stats; when Evans subed for Marvin in the 1st quarter, how much rebounding ability did we lose since Evans is 4 inches shorter than Marvin? Was that a factor in the rebounding stats? Since I didn’t see the game, I’m purely looking at numbers.

By doc

October 14, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

flash, been saying that for years. recently made it too strongly for some eyes got criticized a bit. thanks for agreeing with me and putting it so well since you know one of the parties personally. seems that to say it or state it as a real possibility means that one has ill will for the hawks franchise. guess you have been too long gone and have missed a bit of the fun. or you are just stirring the pot? heh heh

guess the next question for you is does belkin have the bucks to run a profitable and successful franchise fully funded by himself or is he too cash poor to do it.? if so can he get some money help?

as far as the team, yes it should be fun and one of the reasons i have bought into it for some season tix.

By ray

October 14, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

King KC! Where you been, man? And why’d you change your name from Casey? Oh well, no matter. You brought up some good points interestingly enough. As for Woodson, yeah we’re stuck with him for now. Moving right along….I think you forget one thing: Kirknga was one of the guys who didn’t think Josh Smith should get paid that much money. In fact, his viewpoint was that we could get better whether he was here or not. Does that fall into your unbeliever category? I think so. On the flip side of the coin, I have a hard time seeing Bibby here beyond this season. Reason being, we have some other sizeable contracts looming…like Al Horford. Then we gotta re-sign JJ. And how much would you expect to pay a guy who is getting 15 million this year? I’m just sayin’….

Sincerely,

Your favorite peasant.

p.s. Lower the taxes. Or we’ll toilet paper your castle. Again.

By ray

October 14, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

The Daily News

Casey has returned. Only now he’s king Casey. Or K.C. Or whatever. We don’t know how he took the throne, but that’s neither here nor there. What’s important is, he’s back. Funny, I don’t recall the knighting ceremony either….oh well. I assume this all went down in the kingdom of Far Far Away (oh wait that’s been copyrighted, hasn’t it?). Ok, we have to come up with a different name then. Suggestions are welcome.

At any rate, somebody ought to tell King KC that the king is supposed to don the royal robe, not that multicolored jumpsuit with the crazy looking 3 or 4 pronged hat with the bells attached to each prong…besides, that’s my out fit. Give it back! And when they told you to take your seat upon the throne, they meant that big chair up their, not that small woods hed out back with the crescent moon carved in the door! And no, that’s not a jewel-encrusted “bedroom toy” it’s a scepter, not a dild….nevermind. Leave that on the table if you’re going to misuse it.

All hail King KC! All hail King KC! All hail….where did he go? Where…sighhhhh, back in that wood shed again…methinks he useth it far too much…but then, when thou art full of it, what canst thou do?

Moving right along….

The BA vs. Ando battle is really heating up good. Got your popcorn? Lorenzen does.

Commercial Break

That last comment brought to you by Manny/Doc/Joe Productions!

We’ll make ya laugh, we’ve got the BWAF, and we’ll poke a needle in your a$$!

Tiny writing lawyer speak: (Needle pokes in a$$ done by Doc upon request, other services performed by Doc and Manny. No batteries included, prices subject to change, mumble, mumble, fast talk, all liability is on consumer, plausible denial, and other outright lies).

Okay, we’re back on. Where were we?

Oh yes…

Sources say that Mike Woodson has begun tinkering with the lineup and has actually played several different guys…mostly in the positions that they naturally play. What’s more, he’s used more than two people off the bench! Recently, Major Mojo Blogmaster Sekou Smith recently wrote an article in which the words match-ups and mismatches were mentioned by Hawks team members. What is this world coming to? Oh happy day! Oh wait, it is still the preseason…hmmmmm.

This just in:

Occasional blogger Flash, a resident sage, has come out of hiding to promptly agree with Ando. That’s courage, man. I mean, doesn’t he know he could get flamed more than Joan of Arc? I mean, the masses of Ando Hate Clubs of America will unite against him. By the way, I heard that those masses don’t meet so often anymore. Seems they can’t cater their meetings because their leaders keep losing all the cash in the deposit box to basketball related bets with an anonymous bookie who’s initials are H. B. A. Strange, very strange…

And in other news…..

The roster is down to 15 now. Think we’ll keep ‘em all? Send your answers in to the AJC….I hear they’re still allowing the ASG to sponsor a few of the poll questions…okay, okay. All of the poll questions.

You heard it here first…..

By Daily News Editor

October 14, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

We apologize for Ray’s grammatical errors.

In paragraph one- “that big chair up their” shoudl read “that big chair up there.

Also in paragraph one, “not that small woods hed” should read “not that small wood shed”.

For this, Ray will receive two demerits and be put on probation for his next Daily News column.

Thankyou. Sincerely,

ray…ahem..I meant, The Daily News Editor

By Lacsho

October 14, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Greetings From Denver

Doc thanks for the kind words on the other blog. You are a class act..

Imus

Thanks for holding me down. They can’t get rid of ya boy that easy..

Banks

What it do my brother? Thanks for the updates, and keep fighting the fair one. We’ll connect one of these day’s and the first Corona is on me…

I’m glad to see the Hawks pulled out another one!!!!

I’m in the mile high and it’s 40 degrees. I guest I’ll peep out the Nugget vs Jazz game tomorrow…..

Peace to the home team supporters!!!!!

By doc

October 14, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

lascho you are a good man, i wasnt sure how it would sound and was hesitant to speak, just meant what i printed. stay safe, look forward to hearing back from you when you return.

i imagine i will have two tix that i cant use this winter, maybe you and the boy can experience a game together. when i was in my fellowship at baylor one of the attendings gave me tix to a few rockets games and an nfl oiilers playoff game and it meant a lot to me to use them with my then 5 yr old son. i know it would be put to good use. stay in touch dude.

By Ken

October 15, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this

I did a little experiment comparing some of the more successful teams over the past 3 to 5 years and see what type of player combinations tend to be affective. The results were (and by position): 1) Great point guard play, 2) Good shooter/scorer/playmaker, 3) perimeter defender/versitility, 4) Low post scorer 5) Rebounder/low post defender. And also the first two off the bench were a combination of: a) tough/versitile and b) playmaker/energy guy. Now paring the hawks starting line-up (Bibby, JJ, Marv, Josh, and Al)against these findings we are pretty good in the back court. The front court is tricky because of our small line-up. Horford can be a good low post scorer and Smith is versitle and a good defender. But Marvin isn’t much of a perimeter defender or a rebounder. All this is not to but our whoa’s on Marvin but this shows our rebounding deficiency and why we give up so many points. The team that most closely mirrors us is the 04/05 Phoenix Suns starting line-up of Steve Nash, Joe Johnson, Quentin Richardson, Shawn Marion, and Amare Stoudamire. Now this team was built for offense and very good at it, the hawks however are attempting to be a defensive team under Woodson. The hawks are less experienced and not nearly as good offensively, but both teams suffered the same problems. The suns later added kurt thomas to put some size/defense/rebounds into their frontcourt alongside Stoudamire and Marion slid over to his natural 3. Sound familiar? Just as the hawks put Zaza in to start at the five, moving Horford to his natural 4, and Josh, to his more effective 3 and had success the other night. Marvin Williams is not a bad player by any means but we still don’t know what his niche is. Hopefully, he will define his role by the all-star break or he may be gone. But we have seen a glimpse of what could be!!

By BA

October 15, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this

For the record, I’ve never thought Bibby would be resigned AFTER this season, for many of the aforementioned reasons. The only way I see them resigning Bibby is if a. Law isn’t up to par by then and b. Bibby is willing to take a considerable pay cut to stay in our lovely city. Not sure of the likelihood of either scenario, but as somebody said earlier, it’s too soon to tell.

Doc, if they can trade him and make us better, I’d be considerably less uptight. But we needed a point guard for years, and they found one, and he’s developed a good chemistry with some of our core players.

ando, whether he’ll admit it or not, gave us a steady diet of gloomy predictions in regard to the CURRENT season’s payroll. In stark contrast to these predictions, they re-upped Smith, AND brought in some quality veteran players to fill out our skeleton crew bench.

That’s not slashing payroll. That’s adding payroll.

So now he’s on this new conspiracy theory that Flip and Evans are here as pre-emptive replacements for Bibby, because this is such an “undersized” and “unbalanced” team, and no way they keep their starting point guard because they’ll be so far out of the race.

I just don’t buy it. I can express my point of view with respect and substance, or I can do it with disdain and vitriol. Alpha Matrix Reaper seems to prefer the latter.

RichBrave, I’m sure the cat’s intelligent enough. You can cull that from his writing. So maybe we are just crossing streams.

Man, you gotta love getting a nod from the “Daily News”. Hopefully I won’t be charged in any missing dry erase board cold cases…

By Kadeem7272

October 15, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this

Al Horford at strong forward? Good. Why can’t they just put him there for the next so many years and worry about something else?

By SpanishHawk

October 15, 2008 5:24 AM | Link to this

News from Europe. Childress played this past weekend his first league game and his numbers were: 16 points, 2 rebounds and 1 block. He played 23 minutes (remember that here the games last 40 minutes). Olimpiakos won 61-90 vs Egaleo. Sorry for my English.

By doc

October 15, 2008 6:29 AM | Link to this

ba i like bibby but i will hold off getting to enamored with him until i see if he has gotten over what ailed him last year and begin to find out whether acie can hold his own in the league which is similar to yours mentoned. is he our best bet right now? agree with you he is, is he all we got? if it is it is scary to think whether he has to be signed for big bucks or whether he falls for the big a and offers a discount. i just dont think he is that enamored with the city as his family is elsewhere and he seems to put some stock in it by his experiences this summer with his own son. his priorities may be perfect just not a priority with the hawks. thanks for clarifying your thoughts on bibby.

btw, i never read the conspiracy where ando thought mo is in the mix to replace bibby. more the idea acie has to be given a shot just like the back up to bibby got in sac or flip by default. his argument is too expensive unless clearly the creme de la creme. you know can get the same production numbers just cheaper. oh and dont forget speedy, heh heh

By Go HAWKS

October 15, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this

If there ever was a team that needs a “pass first” point guard, this would be it. There aren’t too many around anymore. I agree, Sekhou, assists are vital. Pass the dime, Acie & Bibby!

By ray

October 15, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this

Heh. Stark denial is an ugly thing. But I’ve seen worse…

By Dan

October 15, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Ken

There have been plenty of good teams that have not had “great point guard play”. The Heat title team, insert any good Lakers team since ‘00, The Cavs, the Celtics last year, I could go on and on.

This arguement that a great PG is the only way to success is just tired and shows limited b-ball knowledge. You save these research projects for jv b-ball fans like Mark Bradley

By Aaron B

October 15, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Man everyone is here. I just came back after a few years absence and I I see that Doc, Ray, Ando, and Astro Joe are all here. Sorry for those that I missed, but it’s been a while for me. Don’t expect more than a blog a day from me with my work schedule the way it is, but it’s so good to see my old friends. Hopefully you guys can still remember me. And no I dont have any aliases… its just Aaron B…

By A Thinking Fan

October 15, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Game time tonight, let’s get ready to rumble!

By Kevin

October 15, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

I do not think it will make that big of a shooting difference as long as smoove does not start launching 3’s. Zaza can play high post, al low post and smoove be a slasher, leaving bibby and joe to be outside. Zaza does well at the high post and in the past has hit the little 15 footer. Bringing centers to the high post will open up the paint a great deal, and still leaves the two best rebounders in the paint.

By Astro Joe

October 15, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Flash, good to have you back in the neighborhood. Hope to see you ‘round these parts more often. Here are my quick thoughts on the ownership fiasco, Stern must have a list of about a dozen names of people interested in purchasing a franchise (either out-right or in a partnership). That’s how the unholy marriage between DC/Atlanta and Boston was created in the first place. If Atl/DC want to find a sugar daddy, I don’t think that is out of the question. The percentages would need to be worked, governance, etc. but just because we don’t know who has the interest and the wealth to join this debacle, doesn’t mean that those people don’t exist. I had never heard of Clay Bennett’s name before he popped out of nowhere and essentially stole a franchise from Seattle.

The reason I believe Bibby stays the entire season (unless he falls flat on his face and Law is balling like crazy) is because of Mr. Joe Johnson. No way Joe signs an extension in 2 years if ownership makes the team less competitive in order to save a buck. Could they trade Bibby for someone like Hinrich, which essentially gives Law another year or 2 of apprenticeship? Sure, but that’s different than trading Bibby for a draft pick or 2 and telling JJ to enjoy the double teams. I would think JJ would demand a trade in his final season and we would truly be back to the drawing board.

Regarding the big front court, I personally believe that Marvin should continue to start (with Al & Josh). All I was suggesting yesterday (or whenever) is that Woody needs to play various line-ups based on game situations. But he should lead with the best 5 players until situations call for a change. There may be times when having Law, Flip, JJ, Marvin and Horford on the floor would make sense. That squad could trap hard on defense and bomb away on offense. But just because it could work for a 6-8 minutes stretch doesn’t mean that is the right starting line-up. Sund has given Woody some experienced assets that can lead to several combinations. I personally doubt that Woody is creative enough to do much with this set of 32 colors he’s been provided. Chances are, he’ll stick with the basic colors he has used since Kindergarten. But if he chooses to add Magenta or Teal, Sund has provided those options.

By doc

October 15, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

aaron careful about the use of old dude, getting a bit touchy when you have friends like ray, ando and the rest.

by the way, the low urinals in the men’s rest room that you think are for kids are there for a different reason. even youngsters like ray will find out too soon for his or anyone else’s liking.

wisdom priceless.

aaron b, glad to have you back.

By Ariose

October 15, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

ummm…….LOL!!!

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot~

By Ken

October 15, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Dan, thanks for the feedback. But I did not say a great point guard was the ‘only’ way to success. I said amongst successful teams it was a common thing to have good point guard play. Of course there are many times that did it without. Although, many of the teams you named (Heat and Lakers) had one of the top 5 players in the league at the off guard. And I love Joe Johnson, but he is not on that level. For the way the hawks are built though, a great point guard would make them sky rocket. I know these amazing point guards don’t grow on trees, even though we passed on two of them in 05 (I know I gotta let it go, I’m trying). But I’m trying to think how to make the hawks competitive in the playoffs as opposed to just being happy to be there. Not trying to build their success last season into outlandish expectations, but i’ve been a loyal fan and suffered through the never ending losing seasons. All that built up hostility has me offering all kinds of opinions.

By Aaron B

October 15, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Sup Doc… Im not exactly young, but I understand. As far as Joe not being “on that level” Ken. I disagree. Joe frightened people during the playoffs because he could put on that Kobe hat and start tearing up the Boston Defense. In fact I would like to point out that even though Kobe averaged more points per game against Boston than Joe, Joe had a better Field Goal percentage and three point percentage. So against the same defense… Joe was Kobe esk, and there fore should get some real consideration when evaluating him against the top tier guards in this league. just a look for statistic proof

JJ & Kobe averages Against Boston defense during playoffs

JJ: 20.0 points, 16.4 fg attempts, fg% .409 3p% .444 KO:25.7 points, 21.8 fg attempts, fg% .405 3p% .321

So in essence JJ was even more solid than Kobe against Boston and hsa less “super stars” backing him up. Just something to think about. These stats came from NBA.com btw in case you were wondering how accurate I was.

By Astro Joe

October 15, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Aaron B, we’re like old luggage, we stick around forever. I bet you doc has some mustard-colored, hard-covered Samsonite in his basement right now… and it is probably full of cash.

By Aaron B

October 15, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

AJC was nice enough to push all my stats toegther and make them unreadable. the second line indicating Kobe stats are right after the .444 for Joe’s three point percentage

By BA

October 15, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Just read Ford’s article on ESPN about players likely to be traded this season. Not one reference to Bibby. Guess Ford doesn’t have his finger on the pulse of the NBA like our boy ando Jianlian. I heard the Bibby trade was a foregone conclusion.

Just like the Hawks getting swept by Boston.

By ray

October 15, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Ken, your points are well understood. We could use a great point guard. Or just an awfully good one. I still think we need some other changes, as I’m sure you do, too. In the meantime…..who we playin’ tonight?

Ariose, the shadow knows….

By HB Ando

October 15, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

BA, two things: first, go back a few days, where I post a very explicit desire to not engage in name-calling, and, instead focus on talking about basketball. Your next post was essentially a non-stop personal attack, ignoring my request to keep it about basketball, and, for what seems like the millionth time, resorting to name-calling.

Second, where will you be when Bibby gets traded? You respond to someone else, regarding the future of Bibby, with a much more uncertain perspective on his future here. But continue to act like the idea that Bibby, and his $15 million, bank-busting salary, could be moved before years’ end, is ridiculous. Since you don’t know, any more than I do, what will happen, how do you justify acting like my differing opinion is ridiculous?

Logically, the relevance of your Ford reference is nil, since you discount the prediction of another ESPN hoops writer, Hollinger, when he predicted a 13th place finish for the Hawks, in the East, which is consistent, though more harsh, than my 10th in the East prediction.

Here’s the thing: I’m not going away. And I don’t think there’s any more likelihood that your petty attacks are swaying the opinions of people here, regarding my opinion, anymore than I think that my questions regarding the potential of this years team would impact anyone’s decision to buy a ticket for a Hawks game.

The only person who seems excited about your Ando-bashing is Joe, who’s always looking for support in overstating my opinion on the Hawks.

You guys keep highlighting how irrationally negative I am, about the Hawks, despite the fact that I continue to reiterate that I think they’ll fall just short of making the playoffs, and just a tad short of playing .500 ball.

What do you, and Joe, hope to gain, by continuing to paint me as some kind of persecutor of the Hawks? There is no evidence that either of you, continuing to relentlessly hammer me, personally, have generated any type of anti-Ando momentum. More importantly, your collective efforts to scoff at my less optimistic predictions won’t change the outcomes, for the Hawks.

So, since neither of you can disprove my expectations, at this time, and there doesn’t appear to be anyone joining your Ando Sucks club, what entertainment does your relentless, factually unsupportable, difference of opinion, regarding the future of the Hawks, actually serve?

As I’ve said many times, it’s an open blog, and a free country, so you are well within your rights to continue to call me names, and dismiss my opinions (with absolutely no ability to disprove them, at this stage of the year). I’m just not clear on what the point is, given that I’m not going away, you’re obviously not undermining my credibility on the blog, and only time will tell who’s expectations, for the Hawks, will be confirmed.

Talk about wasting time……….

Joe, too funny, you dismissing my ongoing desire to see the Hawks acquire a big man, who can consistently stretch opposing defenses, only to suggest that it would be optimal if Zaza or Horford could provide that very same need.

Here’ the thing, if Horford is the answer to a consistent, outside-shooting big, who then replaces his projected role as our low-post scoring threat? He can’t be both. The whole point, I’ve been making, and you’ve been mocking, is that Horford needs a complementary big, with that skill, so he can expect more single coverage, on the block.

The idea that Zaza is suddenly going to become a consistent threat, from 18-20 feet, from the wing, seems pretty outlandish. What about his game suggests that’s a likely answer?

So keep mocking my opinions, while concurrently sliding towards the same conclusions I’m suggesting.

Now, I’m really bored with you two. Because neither of you actually want to talk substance, about the Hawks.

I tried to re-focus my contributions, here, to just basketball, and was met with personal attacks from both of you right after that attempt.

If either of you really believes your efforts are somehow minimizing my place here, or generating some type of grass roots support for your platform, you’re both in need of a new hobby, or a clue.

If either of you come to a point where you can objectify an instance of me being flat wrong, feel free to point it out. But until then, is there really nothing more compelling about contributing to this blog, other than a redundant campaign to smear me?

Really? You have nothing better to do, here, or anywhere else? Heck, I don’t spend half as much time referring to myself, as you two do talking about me. I’m not sure if your efforts are more sad, or creepy. You’re like my two, personal, cyber stalkers.

At least Lacsho was p** off. You two just sound obsessed……….Ick.

By MannyT

October 15, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

For those that scoffed at my Bibby for Wallace thing at the end of the last blog, keep the following in mind.

First—I don’t think Bibby moves unless he struggles a lot or the team struggles to stay close to that 500 winning percentage level.

Second—If he does move, you have to trade for salaries that are within about 25% of each other. Unless you get multiple players for him, your best skill player is likely an older one. Why trade a good young player(s) with a high salary for an older guy with a high cap number?

Only exception is Portland. Based on that Chad Ford article in ESPN where they have a need to clear cap space and Darius Miles comes back to give you a $9 mil salary cap hernia.

Otherwise…You guys crack me up.

Astro you can see if doc will confess to one of the bags in this link.

Ariose I saw a Salim note in TrueHoop earlier this week. Nothing major, but you may get a kick out of it. Just in case you missed it.

AaronB The formatting on the blog could use work, but I doubt anything will be invested in it. There are many times I have tried to neatly arrange a series of points only for them to come out looking like I used to hand with the unabomber.

…Back to basketball. The last draft pick to person in the Joe Johnson to the Hawks deal shows up tonight…Robin Lopez. He seems to be adjusting well to the NBA. He has some of the stuff that many of you want to see from the first big off our bench—toughness and defense. I think his game is more like what we need from Solomon. I hope steps up to the challenge and outplays the young fella tonight.

ray, king Did you know that you can make a cool crown with popcorn, syrup, and a bundt pan ;-) If you get one of the special pans, you can get those peaks that look more angular for the top of the crown! I am out of links, so no visual on this one…maybe later.

BWAF

By doc

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

hey manny t and aj, you would be amazed at what those pieces of luggage are worth on ebay these days.

nope aj dont save money in them or recommend it because i remember a mouse got into one of my green set pieces in 1974 and couldnt get out. smelled him, tracked the smell down and found the remains of the little feller inside. sadly he had done a lot of damage trying to eat his way out. dont trust money in a suitcase if mice are around and you dont know thatt they are there until it is too late. couldnt get the same amount on ebay either for the broken set.

what are our boys doing tonight?

By SKUG

October 15, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

are there enough good parts between bibby and claxton to put one healthy, experienced point guard in the starting rotation??

By HB Ando

October 15, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Manny, my only hesitation, regarding your idea, is that the Pistons are already overloaded at guard. They still have Billups and Rip, and are trying to figure out how to get Stuckey (a guy we passed on for Law, despite pre-draft chatter that his workouts were outstanding). So where would Bibby fit in?

If they were looking for a swap of expiring contracts, for Wallace, within the Eastern Conference, wouldn’t it make more sense to swap ‘Sheed for Marion? Wouldn’t both of them, as rent-a-players, create better balance for the other team?

I don’t see how Dumars trades Sheed, unless he really believes they won’t contend for the East title. What can they get for him that makes them better than what they are, with him on the floor? I still find him frustrating, as he’s as versatile as any big in the league, but he’s never put in the effort on the boards.

If Bibby leaving becomes a foregone conclusion, then what about, say, the Knicks? They buy out Marbury, and are left with Duhon and Robinson. Wouldn’t D’Antoni, looking for immediate results, while still staying in the franchises’ framework of lowering payroll, over the coming seasons, like to have Bibby as a stop-gap, for this season, with a range of plans for the long-term left possible by his expiring contract?

Denver is so desperate for a PG, that they’re considering Tinsley? Why in the world didn’t we send them Bibby for Camby? They swapped 2nd rounders for the guy.

Every solid game, from Acie and Flip, furthers the already financially logical exodus of Bibby, and his expiring, seriously over-valued, $15 million contract.

By richbrave

October 15, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

AARON B:

Ah yes, AARON. You would have loved my paramore drmaryb and her cheetah thong thang. Her FAB FIVE are no more, but BIG AL and the THREE SURVIVORS will make great music here in ATLANTA for years to come - hopefully.

By RaJaH

October 15, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Did anyone else see ZaZa fall during the player introductions?

By HB Ando

October 15, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Shucks, we lost to a Shaq-less, Amare-less, Barbosa-less Suns squad tonight (and Nash played 13 minutes).

The blog is crickets.

Hard to tell if the “big” lineup, of Zaza, Horford and Smith, would be viable, given that the Suns played without their star four and five. Going, instead, against a small lineup, it was a bad match up.

Flip scores 23, and Acie has 6 dimes. The “Bibby trade watch” grows……

Every pre-season win, and loss, has a range of “buts” that simply don’t exist during the regular season. There’s no more value to be gleaned, from one, more than the other.

Great teams use the pre-season to get in shape, protect their best players from injury, and let folks compete for the last few roster spots. Bad teams, intent on making a statement, approach the pre-season as if it matters. The Hawks have moved to the in-between stage, cautious with their best players, but still motivated to generate some momentum from games that don’t count.

Their wins, to date, have highlighted some of their potential. Their losses have reinforced some of their weaknesses. I think they are a couple of really clever moves away from being formidable. But, if this roster stays “status quo”, my projections do as well.

They can replace Bibby with a combination of Flip and Acie, for, as Joe called it, “a quarter of the cost”. I simply don’t see any argument, given a financially disabled ownership, that doesn’t see the likelihood of Bibby moving on. If they were legitimate contenders, in the East, then keeping Bibby, if they believed he was the difference maker, would be worthwhile.

But they’re not, and they won’t.

And Marvin’s future, as a Hawk, is looking tenuous, at best. Unless you believe that both Joe and Al are not going to be re-signed, at max, or near-max, contracts, then within a couple of years, the core of this franchise, built around Josh, Joe and Al, will command in the ballpark of $45 million. And, despite BA’s contemptuous denials, if this ownership group remains, and does fail to fund a payroll of more than $60 million, then 3 guys, realistically, project to account for around 75% of the Hawks’ future payroll.

Even at $65 million, that scenario leaves $15-20 million, for 12 other players. Where in the world would Bibby and Marvin fit in there, in even the most optimistic of discounted projections?

A future, built around Joe, Josh and Al, tied to the current organization, leaves nothing other than a very smartly coordinated assortment of low-priced, high-value (guys like Flip and Mo), players, to fill in the gaps.

Believing that either Bibby, or Marvin, much less both of them, will be re-signed, long-term, for numbers as low as $8 million a year, for example, would put the Hawks starting rotation, 2-3 years from now, all by themselves, at around $60 million.

I may not know much, but I’m pretty sure that the ASG, as it currently comprised, isn’t funded to commit $60 million to its starting five, much less, as it stands now, a whole, 15-man, roster.

Nice to hear from our old friend, Flash, who, with no agenda comparable to BA or Joe, offers a pretty matter-of-fact assessment of the ownership/financial side of the discussion.

No, Flash, I’m still not your old friend, Belkin. But, as always, if he ends up with the team, please put in a good word for me……..

By MannyT

October 15, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

doc sounds like useful investment advice these days. Keep your gold bars and krugerands in the Samsonite. Hopefully they are stronger than the mouse and need a place to sit if you don’t trust the banks.

SKUG We can rebuild him. Make that PG better, stronger, and faster. But don’t get the wrong architect/mad scientist. Otherwise, instead of the super PG, we get a non shooting, non defense playing vet that spends lots of time on the DNP-CD list when healthy.

Ando that is a fair response. The Matrix also gives them leverage with the new plastic man (T. Prince)

I don’t want to deal with the Knicks if it means taking one of those hefty underachievers. There really isn’t a good place for Bibby until someone loses a PG. While Denver is an option, they just ditched Camby in a salary dump, why pay big for Bibby?

I always wonder if we were even in the conversation when a magic beans trade happens. Capwise, we could have given up roughly the same players to get Gasol that we gave up to get Bibby. Even less of a swap to get Camby. If we had a trade exception, I think we could have put an NBA uni on you to get Camby. Nothing personal…just sayin’ that it looked like anything works, just take him off our books.

I missed most of the game (my internet NBA audio went out after halftime,) but why can’t Woody get Morris and Gardner into fake 8 games. I don’t expect them to log big minutes, but not even a token appearance when Bibby, Claxton, & WIlliams are out. Maybe RandMo has a few more popcorn tricks than LoWright ;-)

I guess Woody doesn’t want to confuse the new assistant coaches. They might think the entire bench is available to play on a given night.

BWAF

By Typical Day At The Blog

October 16, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Sekou: Hey guys, got some new stuff on the team. Wanna hear it? (Don’t know why I’m asking, but here goes anyway)Blah, blah, observation blah, Woody blah, then Joe said blah blah blah , Marvin blah blah, Josh and Al blah, blah. There you go. Enjoy and I’ll get back to you soon with more. Ha. I give it about 9 posts before they start fighting again.

Irregular, unknown blogger: Thanks for the information Sekou, keep it coming!

Another irregula blogger: Sekou that sucks! Why don’t you tell us something we don’t know!

Doc: Welcome to the blog but careful how you enter as karma follows all that one does knowing this you are free to speak you mind and receive much return in perhaps you understand not what sekou says or maybe its your own twisted version of a perception you might call reality okay this seems like a good place for a period so the end of the sentence here it comes.

Ken: We’re going to make the playoffs if Woody coaches us right! If we get 8 points from this guy and 4 rebounds from this guy, and 3 assists from this guy, we’ll make the second round! Yay!

HB Ando:….and as I was saying back on November 13th of 2005, in paragraph 4, subsection 6, of my 5th edition discertation on why the Hawks won’t make the playoffs or likely win more than 33.6 wins….

Astro Joe: Ha! Got you now HB Ando! You said the Hawks wouldn’t win more than 33.5 wins and they won 33.7 games! Ha! You were wrong, you were wrong, you were wrooooooong!

Mykhalc: I HATE WOODY!!!!

Ray: I do too, but I’m trying not to say that. But I’m saying it while I’m trying not to say that. Did I say that out loud? I said it again. Damn.

Samuel: That HB Ando be thinkin’ he knows everything, but Woody is a good coach and the Hawks is goin’ to the playoffs. Ando don’t know shizzle. Fa Sho. Shout out to anything from Mississippi!

HB Ando: Joe, you are misrepresenting me again. If you read beyond the three dots in my last sentence, subsection 6, paragraph 4, of my 5th edition discertation you will see that I said that the Hawks would not win more than 33.6 games in 2007. They didn’t, and they didn’t make the playoffs either. Try again you imbecile.

Ariose: Anybody seen Salim? Salim! Salim? Salim!

Ray: Samuel, actually I think HB Ando is right.

I MUS WRITE: Hey y’all the Harlem Globetrotters, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Dwayne Wade, and David Stern just walked into my place of work. Stern told my boss that he is placing a new team in Finland. Michael says hi. Is that Ludacris that just pulled up with Allen Iverson in the car? Gotta ask them what they’re having for lunch today.

Lacsho: I just got a parking ticket! WTF?! This whole planet sucks! Me against the world. Me against the world!

Ken*: Well HB Ando, the Hawks are getting better. We’ll win 35.8 games this year and that will get us into the playoffs. Just have faith. Although, I’m not so sure about that Woody guy.

MannyT: What rhymes with orange and smells like Dikembe’s underwear? I don’t know, but if anyone ever finds out they better not tell! Love, peace, and chicken grease y’all! Stop the Canniblogging.

Clyde: Roll Tide! Fire Woody.

BA: HB Ando, you suck. And you know nothing about hockey. I mean basketball. And subsection 7 of paragraph 4 is all wrong. Despite the fact that I never read it and probably can’t pronounce half of the words. You still suck. And besides, I can pi$$ my name in the snow. You suck.

doc: im mildly interested in andos point about subsection 6 but paragraph 4 is of a karmic cosmic stream of consciousness thought perhaps then he has not considered this from another viewpoint as not all people think alike some are suffering in other countries where there is no basketball and this is anotehr good place for an end of sentence no?

DrMaryB: I love all of y’all! I got my THONGS ON RIGHT NOW IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED BETWEEN THE AGES OF 23 AND DEAD! I love you RichBrave LMBoobiesoff! I love the Hawks too but SCROLL ON IF YOU DON’T CAUSE I AM NOT HAVING THAT SMACK TALK I’LL TAKE MY THONG OFF RIGHT HERE AND WHACK YOU WITH IT! LMBoobiesO!

Astro Joe, that’s not the point, HB Ando. You were wrong. Everybody saw that. Who cares if we didn’t make the playoffs. You were wrong. And who cares if the rest of your sentence puts the entire point in a whole other light. I’m not going to let you spoil the moment for me. I’m not wrong. You are.

Aaron B: Hey Sekou! Thanks for the nice article. I think we can win if we run the court more.

DrMaryB: THONGS! THONGS! THONGS!

RichBrave: Where’s my Viagra? The Wizards suck.

Ray: Aw hell naw, y’all aren’t going after my boy HB Ando. Here come the big guns. It’s on, now. Ken, I see your point. But I don’t know how to express my agreement with you and agree with HB Ando at the same time. Have to get back to you on that one. Maybe you’re right, but don’t tell HB Ando I said that.

Honest Abe: Does anyone ever notice that Doc writes like Master Yoda talks?

HB Ando: Joe, you are an imbecilic, tragically afflicted peddler of falsehoods. If you would just review subsection 6 of paragraph 4 in its painful but accurate entirety, you would see that I am right once again. And I know you hate that. Now begone while I deal with BA. BA, who cares if you can pi$$ your name in the snow. I can do it too, and when I do it, it looks like Caligraphy. You are a sychophantic, pathetically retarded, pseudo-maniacal excuse for a quadroped. You are beneath my notice and irrelevant. Which in no way explains my repeated compulsion to reply to your insignificant rantings in both chronological and systematic order.

BA: you still suck.

Doc: abe making fun are you of me this time i think no punctuation will i use ray are you living in andos shadow again as his hidden tool heh heh you know i only kid as this is a disclaimer i must use or i know you will come after me with your police brutality just kidding no really hoping you cant understand a thing im saying as i smoke my weed just kidding again but not about teh punctuation

Ariose: Hey, I have about 50 links you guys should check out! By the way that last sentence I just typed was a link. I should just name myself Link.

Samuel: Ray stop getting all over HB Ando’s jock. What is wrong wit yo dark azz? You got white boy love or sumpin’. Peace izout! Hey Cuz, when are you going to come see me again? You aren’t going around telling people we ain’t cuzins again are you? Peace to da brotha.

HB Ando: Joe, there is no subjection 7. But if you move on to paragraph 5 of that chapter, I will be only too happy to point out my 7th, 8th, and 9th reasons why the roster is imbalanced…

Stevo: Greetings from Greenland. I have no idea what I’m doing up here but one thing never changes. HB Ando is an idiot, Ray sniffs his a$$, and most of the rest of you don’t have a clue. See you later. Cheers!

kirknga: I am glad to see the team is doing well. I am not sure Mike Woodson can coach very good. I notice now some people are saying the opposite of what I said they were saying before, although absolutely no one knows what I’m talking about or when anything like that was said.

HB Ando: Actually, if you read my 4th edition, chapter 18, paragraph 6, subsection 1, on proper drafting, you will see that I picked all the right guys for all the right teams, even though none of them listened to me. But I’m sure Joe will find a way to take that out of context.

Astro Joe: You bore me, HB Ando. Go suck an egg.

MannyT: Calm down guys. Take a look at these links of hot chicks.

Astro Joe: Holy Schmoly! I’d like to do that one!

DrMaryB: Did somebody say DO ME? I’M WEARING A THONG THONG THONG! I’LL DO IT ALL DAY LONG LONG LONG! Stop calling me a HO!

RichBrave: Crazy girl. Still can’t find my Viagra.

By HB Ando

October 16, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Richbrave, one of these days you’ll have to play Paul Harvey, and tell us “the rest of the story”.

I’ll always believe, until confirmed, or proven otherwise, that there’s a deeper, more curious, relationship between you and Drmaryb, than the supposedly spontaneous combustion that defined your confluence, here at our otherwise love-lustless blog.

What say you?

Aaron, great to have you back. Don’t make too much of the last few days of posts. My presence, over the summer, has been very scarce. My exchanges with Astro Joe are pretty much what they’ve been for four years. I’m not sure what BA’s goal is, but he’ll have to carry on a one-man war to extend his substance-less blather, beyond the next few days.

Despite his passionate efforts to malign me, he’s actually done nothing more than encourage my renewed participation here. He deserves full (with a nod to Astro Joe) and absolute credit for my return to daily contribution. If anyone would have preferred a different outcome, feel free to reach out to BA and thank him.

For his encouragement I can only say: job well done, sir………

By Harry Hawk

October 16, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Gotta go with Ando on this Bibby business. Acie is playing like he wants to be a starter in the league. That’s a good thing. If he can do that in the regular season, Bibby can be moved in a way that certainly will not hurt the team.

I’m not giving up on Marvin yet, but he’s got to be better this year. If he isn’t, he’ll make it very easy for the Hawks to let him make too much money somewhere else.

In short, I think Acie and Marvin will go a long way toward determining the future of this team this year.

By HB Ando

October 16, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

Manny, I don’t know where he would fit in here, long-term, but from what I was reading, the Knicks face a difficult decision with David Lee, regarding the choice of re-signing, or creating much desired cap space, for 2010.

As far as Denver, I’ll counter “why pay big for Bibby”, given that it would be one year, coming off the books, versus taking on Tinsley for 3 years.

‘Course, sounds like AI could be moved as well. Denver seems to be a bubble team, in that they could end up being buyers, or sellers, depending largely on early-season outcomes. Me, I don’t see how they can survive the rugged West, without Camby, given that they are otherwise defensively clueless.

While I don’t usually pay much attention to Chad Ford, his suggestion that this season could see more, early, trades than usual, makes some sense. There are quite a handful of guys who will either be free-agents, next summer, or who have the right to opt out of their current deals, next summer. But this summer seemed to underscore the lack of collective cap space, around the league. So it’s hard to imagine that everyone who can opt out, will. The other side of that coin is that it’s hard to imagine teams, who have a reasonable consideration that a franchise player might choose to opt out, and leave them with no compensation (Baron Davis and Elton Brand being prime examples), will leave themselves exposed, and not act preemptively.

There are a handful of players, who would qualify as difference makers, who could change addresses, during the upcoming season. That makes projections far more challenging (who thought the Lakers would acquire a guy like Gasol, for nothing, and end up in the Finals?).

Regardless of the Hawks prognosis, this NBA season has the potential to generate a myriad of surprises, depending on what key players end up being moved, and where they show up.

The Hawks aren’t the only team that have what I consider to be fairly obvious balance issues. If Ford is right about a rare rush of early-season trades, there’s no telling how it could impact the pecking order of both conferences (again, Lakers anyone?).

By MannyT

October 16, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

LMAO

I guess we resemble that Typical Day At The Blog

Just throw a Volman in there for me. I know he wants to increase the blog peace.

BWAF

By BA

October 16, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

My response to someone else, ando, was that I didn’t think Bibby would be signed BEYOND this season.

Your contention is that the Hawks will trade him DURING this season.

Can you tell the difference?

And what is all this “anti-ando momentum” foolishness? Say it with me: delusional. Stalker? Really? I interract with a lot of folks here, Ray, doc, Ariose, etc. Am I stalking them? You don’t see me address those cats quite as often as you, but their opinions aren’t THAT far off from where I stand, so what would the debate be?

You are not a celebrity. You are not running for office. No one is stalking you, and there are no attempts to discredit your ajc “credibility”. You have an extreme position, and you’ve been wrong consistently. Let’s review some of your positions:

1. noah and yi instead of Horford

2. The Hawks will not make the playoffs last year

3. The Hawks will be swept by the Celtics

I’d let this all slide, but you have presented yourself as some sort of basketball guru, some sort of definitive authority on the Hawks.

Yet you’ve been consitently wrong on a number of issues.

Incorporate some humility in your posts. Otherwise, don’t act suprised when you get called out. You made yourself a target, so naturally folks swing away.

This team will compete in the East THIS year, last year was the first step in the Hawks turning the corner on a long, bad era. If they couldn’t afford Bibby, they wouldn’t have allowed the trade to go through in the first place. If they couldn’t afford Bibby, they wouldn’t have re-upped Smith. If they couldn’t afford Bibby, they wouldn’t have signed Evans, Murray, and Morris.

Everything Atlanta has done goes against every one of your cash-strapped theories. This is a team that, while not spending Laker money, has spent within their means to “go for it” this year. They have improved a team that went to the playoffs and nearly upset the eventual world champions.

But you’d have us believe that this team, comprised of young players that have upped their games every year to this point, is going to regress- despite the addition of valuable veteran players?

You’re not going away? Good. Neither am I. And I hope, as this year the Hawks enjoy a succesful season well ABOVE .500, that you’ll be here to face the music. And to answer your question, IF they trade Bibby, I’ll be right here. Like I have been for a year. If you can’t handle it, if it’s too much for you, just tell me, and I’ll be glad to stop exposing you. I’ll shut down the ando sucks club, and we’ll burn all the “BA in ‘08” bumper stickers.

By Ariose

October 16, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

Typical Day at the Blog= Yayfulness….lol.

No cameo from Poop???? shucks….

BA, Preach!!!!

Manny,….you….you TRICKED ME!!! I was all ready for a Salim link, and you bombard me with…….Luggage???? That hurt.

lol, I Know, I know. So then I looked for it myself and I couldn’t find it……..please link me young Jedi master…..may the force be with you.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot~

By Obama Shmama

October 16, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this

BA in ‘08!!!

BA in ‘08!!!

BA in ‘08!!!

BA in ‘08!!!

BA in ‘08!!!

BA in ‘08!!!

By BA

October 16, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

That damn 12:00 am post is funny.

By HB Ando

October 16, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this

Damn, BA, I am always completely wrong.

3 years ago I predicted, here, 26 wins. Total wins: 26

2 years ago I predicted 33 wins. Total wins: 30

Last year I predicted 39 wins (had actually predicted a range, between 36-39, and then succumbed, at the last second, to the same type of frustrated criticism you now carry the torch for). Total wins: 37

If anything, rather than being unreasonably negative, the track record suggests I’ve been overly optimistic. Wow, what can you say about that anomoly?

‘Course, since your suggesting I have a history of being wrong, you open a door most would prefer stays closed. No less than Sekou Smith (and you can search high and low for proof otherwise, but it does not exist), here on this very blog, has confirmed that I told him, pre-draft, that Chris Paul was the only choice the Hawks could make. You won’t be the first to seek an alternate truth. But you would be the last, in a long line, who can’t argue the facts.

I also told one of the owners, at his request that I present my draft opinions ahead of time, in an ongoing e-mail dialogue, that they could do anything they wanted, with the 5th pick, in 06’07, but choose Shelden Williams.

Guess I was wrong about that one, too.

Your like Joe, on last years’ draft, in that you misrepresent my position. I suggested that we should leverage the pick we used on Law, to move up and grab Noah. And I’d do it again today. As far as Yi, I did range out, from a philosophical perspective, and join doc in a discussion about how drafting Yi could generate a financial windfall, for an otherwise perpetually cash-flow negative franchise.

I don’t think there was anyone, however, who actually believed that the Hawks would pass on Horford. So your suggestion that I either predicted, or advocated, taking either Yi or Noah, at 3, is inaccurate.

What I said was that if the Hawks wanted to make money, taking Yi, at 3, would accomplish that. And all I ever committed to, as far as Noah, was that we ought to consider moving up and snagging him, and keeping he and Horford as a unit.

I’m glad to hear that you’re planning on sticking around. I’m glad to hear that you’re planning on standing by your predictions. I’m cracking up at you suggesting you haven’t spent the better part of this week slinging 5th grade-level barbs at me, rather than addressing the very specific points I’ve made regarding the current amalgam of players and coaching staff. I’m glad you’ve confirmed how little you know about my track record, Mr. “I’ve been here for a year”. Show me one quote where I’ve called myself a “guru”.

I hope you’re being well compensated, for the thankless, and tireless, task of taking me on. Like I said, you haven’t drummed up a single convert, to date. And the most obvious impact, of your petty little tirades, is that, in combination with the start of the regular season, I’m now willing to show up here, every day.

That makes you my muse, of sorts. Again, a thanks from me, and a thanks from all of the people (OK, both of them) who wished I was done.

Without you, I likely would have moved on.

How ironic is that?????

By BA

October 16, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

Allright, already. You’re a regular Nostradamus, ando. But for the record, half of the metro area wanted Paul, so lets get a little perspective.

And I bet 95% of the area didn’t want Sheldon Williams. I didn’t. Guess I’m a prodigy as well.

If you’ve been misrepresented, fine. But if Horford, after his spectacular rookie season (where he played exclusively at the five), is undersized, what makes you think Noah would be an adequate starting center?

Why would you have preferred Noah over Law? If it weren’t for Law, we would be dependent on the “expensive” starter we have, that you advocate shipping out at the Break. The consensus seems to be that Law’s jury is still out. Have you seen something that makes you think he’s not going to be a capable starter?

And I’ll extend my thanks, for being a nice big target, one that’s easily perturbed. I don’t believe for a second, however, that were it not for me you would’ve stayed gone. Maybe until the first loss of the year, then you would’ve turned up. You rarely miss the chance to gloat after a loss.

Whatever the reason (and whatever your current gloomy doctrine), I’m all for the blog being better. And certainly longer.

By Aaron B

October 16, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

I have a hard time talking about basketball with this flame war going on between Ando and BA. Come one guys.. stick to the facts and leave each others failed or not predictions to the past. None of you truly can claim to be prophets. And this isn’t Vegas.

By doc

October 16, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

aaron b there is a concept that has drawn a lot of use lately and is quite helpful for moments like this. it is called put your scroll on. medically, it is a dynamic movement to practice as it quickens the forefingers for increased dexterity as well. be thankful for the opportunity some folks give us to improve our performance in other ways.