Hawks

By mountain_jim

October 20, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Cool! I wish I could afford the League Pass - I will likely only get to see the free preview games and the one (only!) national game here in NC on DirecTV.

By steven

October 20, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

I’m on board. I’m excited for the year to start

By Melvin

October 20, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Sekou, I agree. I think the Hawks, barring any major injuries will surpass the 40 win total this year.

By Sautee

October 20, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Sekou

The truth is that some of us long time Hawks fans (40+ years for me) are truthfully AFRAID to get too excited until the season is playing out.

Although it’s telling that doc bought season tickets this year.

I’m certainly encouraged by what we’ve seen so far, but just last year I was excited by the preseason and then it seemed that 10 games into the season, we had stopped running and had our point guards pounding the ball until about 10 seconds on the shot clock and then give it to “Iso Joe”.

Yes, so far Woodson has shown that he can be flexible with the lineups, but the BIG question is WILL HE when the chips are down.

I’d love to be as excited as you about this team, and I certainly am excited about our roster, but Woody is still the biggest question mark that any Hawks fan has about this year.

Woody - PLEASE prove me wrong. I’d LOVE it!

By Ariose

October 20, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Sekou, I’m right with you there. The Hawks are a lot better than thet were last season. I see us doing Big things this year.

AND FOR THE RECORD: Miami, New Jersey, Indiana, Chicago, New York, Washington, and Milwaukee Will ALL finish behind us this year.

Some of you must be delusional. I hoestly don’t know what you’re looking at this preseason but it ain’t Basketball…..Those teams suck BIG-TIME…

From Micah Hart….Hawks.com Blog

(Before the Bobcats game in Charlotte…)

“I did still manage to make it down to practice today, where I was treated to a three-point shooting exhibition put on by Marvin Williams after scrimmage was over. First of all, I think any worries we have about his thumb should be put to rest soon. I don’t know that he will play tomorrow night, but he was out there in practice today (though he didn’t scrimmage) and his shot certainly didn’t seem affected by the contraption he wore around his thumb.”

“Marvin was hitting at least 3 of 5 from every 3-point location around the court, and doing it with ease. It’s actually very interesting to watch him shoot from distance, because while I always think of him as a jump shooter in the midrange, he takes a set shot from behind the arc (or at least was today). He looked incredibly comfortable, so much so that it just seems inconceivable that he took so few last year. I’d say his development as a long-range shooter is perhaps the single most intriguing subplot to the beginning of the season for me.”

I think you guy’s may be moving a bit too fast on the 22yr old. Just give him time.

If we do make a trade it’s gotta be….

Mike Bibby For Mike Miller in 09’!!!

It works out for both teams, Flip Moves from SG to Backup PG and Miller takes his SG spot……and of course Acie get’s the pressure put on him and starts……..just for the record, I am a Mike Bibby fan…….

I wonder what it would take for us to get our hands on Marc Gasol? I think he would be a perfect fit. Zaza and Speedy?? Marvin and Speedy??? That’s probably premature on my part though. He does seem ale a better coordinated Zaza though….Just Sayin’…There about the same height.

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot~

By Wink from Lithonia

October 20, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

I get a strange feeling that Sautee is right!!!

Woody is the x-factor, better players same coach, I just don’t see any growth in the coach, like that which is expected on the players.

He has shown a workable lineup in the preaseason, by adding height & rebounding in ZaZa or Solomon even, which allows everyone else to play their natural positions. Production increased thru out the lineup.

Add Marvin to the second unit to give them some flexibility. Marvin has played off the bench his whole career, even in high school he volunteered to play off the bench.

What I see this coach doing is creating a second unit with the same principles of the first unit; Iso Joe on 1st & Iso Flip on the 2nd!!!!! So how does the added depth help the team, when the ball stops moving and no one else is getting touches.

If Woody manages the bench like he did in the Boston series, we get no better & maybe worst result. The players won the games at home, but the coach needs to put hhis fingerprint on road games, as I recall we lost them all.

Woody needs to raise his coaching game,period!!!!! I just don’t know about Woody??????????

By cp

October 20, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

I think this team will be better than last year but I still say it depends on Woodson. If we begin to struggle will he go right back to the Woody of the past? Sautee made a great point. He has to continue to use the bench and tinker with the lineups and not go back to the short bench and iso plays if the team struggles some.

By Ariose

October 20, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Niceness….

He’ll Be alright…

~SalimFan Sir Links A Lot~

By Najeh Davenpoop

October 20, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

I like Ariose’s Bibby for Miller idea a lot more than MW for Bargnani. Do that trade and then you can trade MW for a real center who can D up and get boards and who will actually take pressure off Horford, without losing outside shooting ability.

By Samuel

October 20, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Me Too. Ariose,

Sorry but Mike Miller will retire in Minnesota. He’s at home and has that team making huge improvements along with that BEAST Al Jefferson. Besides, they have a healthy R Foye and a much improved S Telfair.

By Ryder

October 20, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Sekou while I appreciate the positivity, I need to know how their approach to the game has changed since last May.

1) Is Josh Smith working more on offense around the basket or is he still trying to hit 20 footers?

2) I’ve heard Big Al is adding more to his low post offense. Is that true?

3) I hear a lot about FlipMo but how has the rest of the bench performed? Does it look like they miss having Childress coming off as the sixth man?

Like many of the bloggers have stated we don’t want to get our hopes up until we know for sure that Woodson is actually coaching more aggresively.

By BrittishAnger

October 20, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Thank you Sekou, for not raining on my parade like every other so-called “Analyst” has done thus far (short one guy at Sportsline). I have never been so impressed with our depth as I am right now, and the ‘Tinkering” potential you mention has to be a serious part of it. The gamut of line-up schemes is an extreme boost, and with 15 players on the roster, running an A, B, and C squad with mix-ups between them to fit fouling situations (Like Charlotte this weekend) or size situations (the Lakers with Bynum, Odom, and Gasol on the floor at one time would be a nightmare to match if they could make it happen) provides us an edge we’ve never really been able to exploit as of late. Besides the unnecessary negatives due to years of beat coverage that only grows pessimism rather than optimism, reporters aren’t supposed to pick sides at a national level, so the bias you see from people like Stephen A. Smith or any other “Sports-Blog” journalist is just disgusting and doesn’t have any purpose at this level (besides proving they don’t deserve that paycheck). I am not so naive to think the Hawks don’t have holes to fill before they become a legitimate contender on the level of a San Antonio or even a Detroit, but for all the negative hype from those who don’t know, the true Hawks fan will be the one’s left laughing last…

Oh, and Sekou, where is Randolph Morris? The big body should be out there

By MannyT

October 20, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

What’s that smell?

Could it be…Hope and Excitement?

Better tell those playoff fans that they need to be back in the house come November. The last optional fan night is tonight.

I’m ready to start the season with the guys we have. Zaza & Solo are 24. For all that time to develop stuff you pitch for other big guys, let it apply to the ones we have. I’m interested to see who starts next week in Orlando when Marvin is out. I’m also interested to see his Magic Johnson 3pt shot.

…and the million dollar question WWWD!

What Will Woody Do?

By Sautee

October 20, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

MannyT

That’s funny, a songwriter friend of mine, Dana Robinson, has a great song called “What Would Woody Do?”.

Of course, he’s speaking of Woody Guthrie, but still…..

By terrell barron

October 20, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Sekou, we talkin bout practice man. Not the real game when it counts, but practice. lol! I’ve gotta see it in the reg. season before I raise my expectations. We play well in the preseason every year. We do look like a more balanced team though. Thats for sure. I still say we should go with Bibby/JJ/Evans/Smoove/Horford and bring Marvin off the bench, with Acie and Flip. Thats 2 good shooters with Acie penetrating and dishing. Make that 3 shooters. Acie is on fire!!! Throw in Hunter, a much improved Solomon, an inspired Zaza, and Morris and thats the deepest bench we’ve seen around here in a while.

By fudd21

October 20, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Sekou In looking at the box score from saturday it shows where Josh fouled out while only playing 16 minutes. Was it ticky tack fouls or was he trying to guard Wallace and struggled?

By MannyT

October 20, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

If you want a Miller, get Brad. Mike does nothing to plug up the middle. He might even make Ando happy.

Sautee You know you can’t flip a statement like that to me or Ariose without getting mo info.

WWWD

Ariose I am happy for your boy that he is getting a chance, but let’s give up on the HS highlights. Heck, I looked like a baller when I was 8, but there was no YouTube!

Mr Iverson…uh Barron. You are quite correct about not putting too much faith in the fake 8. However, I will say that I’m not worried about having every guy stay healthy for the entire season for the Hawks to make some noise.

…who is Morris? Is that Mr. Evans legal first name? If not, you should have someone introduce Mr. Woodson to Mr. Morris. I don’t think Woody knows anyone named Morris ;-)

By Sekou K. Smith

October 20, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Ryder,

1) Josh Smith’s preseason has seen a mix of aggressive moves to the basket and some of that settling for deep jumpers (because teams play off him and dare him to shoot it). While his mid-range shot is clearly improved, it’s up to him to force teams the issue at the basket.

2) You heard Al is working on his post moves? I wrote about it last week money. Come on now.

3) Sure, they miss Childress. But they’re getting different contributions from other places. Zaza, Solomon and Acie Law IV are all improved from last season.

fudd21, Josh Smith fouled out the other night on some hilariously awful ticky-tack fouls and his own frustration with the calls. He was gambling for steals on at least two of those. Then he got a technical for arguing with the officials on his last foul. I don’t know what it is with him in that city. They just don’t go together.

Check the previous blog British Anger. I’ve already stated that we need to see more of Randolph Morris, if only to satisfy our curiosity about what he might be able to bring to the table.

By Tyger

October 20, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Underlying Quagmire Awaits

1. Hawks still have a financial dilemma awaiting them post-Feb. Joe Johnson, Marvin, Horford, ZaZa and Solo are due raises. Bibby’s salary would go along way to resolving those needs.

2. Belkin still lurks around the corner. As ATL Spirit foots the bills and raises the FMV of the franchise to heights never imagined; Belkins seeks to circumvent the notion of “earning it the ole’ fashioned way” and capture a $100M windfall off his $8M cash investment.

3. Lord help us, what to do with Speedy?

By terrell barron

October 20, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Hey Manny, The Morris I speak of is the 5 hard fouls we have at the end of the bench. Sund signed him in the offseason, so Woody better get to know him.

By Ariose

October 20, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Sautee, yeah lol, you slippin’. The BCU might bring you up ‘Improper Linkage Failure’ charges hehehehe…..

Manny, You Know i’m like his unoffical PR person. I had to do it lol. Besides, Good Salim footage is hard to come by. I mean, I know you wouldn’t want to see those idiot Stanford fans (Childress Sucks) hazing poor Lil’ ol’ Salim as he exits the team bus? That’s just not good PR ;-)

…..I mean, I like to promote positive messages here on the blog CoughChildressSucksCouchCough……I’m just sayin’.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By dj

October 20, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Marvin Williams will have to shoot 35%-40% 3ptFGs to be worth the 5 yr 45 million extention he will deserve in the summer of 2009, if he does have a stat line close to this:

17.2 ppg 5.1 rpg 5.0 apg 45.8% FG 38.3% 3pt FG 75.4% FTs

assists must be up because he should look to be the best SF in getting the ball to either joe or josh in transition in the post or on the wing

It doesnt make sense to me for Marvin Williams to come off the bench, he is not a great starter but he would be a non-impact player off the bench, the move of Williams to the bench would shrink him into irrelevency, he has got to step up if any year then THIS YEAR and get these stats

JoSh Smith is my favorite player, and i used to call for the Trade of Starvin Marvin because i felt he was keeping Josh from becoming the 20ppg scorer all-star that he is destined to be, but now i see a different vision on how these hawks can be a championship team. i wish he becomes the versitile lamar odom, richard jefferson consistent player he can be, and it all depends on how well he hits that three, i see the hawks scoring over 100 ppg, joe averaging his 20/4/4, josh 18/9/3/3/3, marvin 18/5/5, al 15/11/2, and hopefully bibby 14/3/6 or something

this is the hawks breakout year, and then the real test begins in the playoffs 2009

playoffshawks

By BrittishAnger

October 20, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Thanks Sekou, and the misspelling on Brittish is intentional….You do a great job mang, keep it up…

By Ariose

October 20, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Manny, You do realize thad Brad still has to serve his 10 game suspension at the beginning of this season for Failing a drug test(Marijauana) right??

Other than that, my only concern is that he’s not bigger or taller than Al or Zaza. He’s certainly not the beast down low that many on this blog are crying for IMHO. It also doesn’t help thet he’s 32 years old….But shoot if Sactown wants to give him away like they did with mike we should defently take it. he’ll make us better in the short-term…..He’s not really a run n’ gun type of player though….I also think he makes a ton of money…..The ASG won’t want to take that on……Bibby, yeah worth the risk(and we neede a PG desperately) but Brad? I don’t think they’d pull the trigger on that.

In other news, Baron Davis could be out for up to six weeks and might require surgery on his finger.

Also, Darious Miles Was cut By the Celtics……Bill Walker is in BEAST MODE right now and nobody can stop him(I knew we shoulda go in that draft).

Carmelo Anthony is Hispanic and 7’0 Greg Oden is ready to Bang down low with the Big Boys but apparently he’s not used to the southpaw attack of the media quite yet…..They seem to be putting him in a sour mood as of late and throwing him off his game(or pushing him off the Block…..figuratively speaking).

Also, LOL @ Sekou. Ryder you slippn’. Make sure you come correct with the facts and/or their sources or you’ll regret it Hehehehehe……J/K

~Sir Links A Lot~

By terrell barron

October 20, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Tyger, JJ is’nt going anywhere. Marvin and Zaza are probably outta here. Solo will replace Zaza. The core 4 are JJ, Smoove, Horford, and Acie. Everyone else is expendable. Maybe we can trade Bibby for another defensive prescence, if there’s one to be had? I myself cant think of any. We may have to trade him for a draft pick or two?

By Ryder

October 20, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Ariose, Sekou:

The wife just had our kid a week ago, and I’ve been out of the loop on the Hawks stuff LOL! Help a brotha out, because i’ve already gotten then whole “lighten up on watching sports” bit from the mrs.!

Any fathers out there who can give me advice on my situation? Otherwise I’ll be like the slow kid in class all season long!

Tyger I’m with ya. As much as we all want to be positive about that light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes with the Hawks it could just be the headlights of an oncoming train! February 2009 will be a huge month in the direction of this franchise.

By kwooden1

October 20, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

I have a good feeling about the HAWKS and I think it comes from the hard work a lot of their guys have put in this summer. They look hungry and ready to prove something. I think it is a lot easier to be successful when you have doubters, opposed to being successful when people expect it. Especially for younger players! Sund’s moves this summer have at least made sense, opposed to many of the moves that Billy made. Anyway you look at it, Flip and Mo where great additions for the price. Their not All-Stars, but the Hawks can’t afford All-Stars, especially when they have to pay their own. Childress left for more money that he was going to get anywhere and JSmoove got a fair offer. (the HAWKS held to their word)

If Sund follows this logic, then I agree with most on the blog, Bibby will have to be traded and if Marvin does perform like an All-Star he will be traded also. We all know Horford is going to be great, so he’s going to get paid. JJ is an All-Star so he’s going to get paid even more! 3 guys getting +10M per/year doesn’t leave room for many more high salaries.

Best case for me is Bibby plays well and they some how keep him. (Some HOW) They trade Marvin and next year give Bibby a reasonable contract at 4-5M per. This would leave room to sign Horford and possibly pickup another free-agent.

GO HAWKS!

By JohnGTFan

October 20, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Ryder

First and foremost…ENJOY THE RIDE. There is nothing on this earth better…believe me…than being a father! If you have patience and accept the fact you’re going to make mistakes, you’ll be a great father!!!! Always be there, no matter how trivial something may seem to you..because as your kid gets older and older…everything becomes a big deal!!!!

I have 2 teenage daughters (ugggg) so I promise I’m not just blowing smoke up your &^%

By Ariose

October 20, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

YOU GUYS HAVE TO READ THIS ARTICLE!!!!!

~Sir Links A Lot~

By ILL-Logical

October 20, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

There is ample room for optimism regarding the Hawk’s 2008-9 season starting with the attitude of the players to date. Further, the chemistry factor that comes from several of the players having some experience both in the league and with one another will be a key success factor.

HOWEVER, the x-factor is the current incumbent: if he ,for once in his Hawk career, runs a system suited to the talent and skill set of the team rather that forcing his system on the avaiable talent, then we are good to go.( a long,long way)

If not, valuable time and energy will be wasted correcting the situation with a management change.

Here’s hoping that we are all on the same page here: a great season for a great team and a great town!

By Sautee

October 20, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Ryder

Big Congratulations.

And IMHO you’re wife is correct. You’ll regret it MUCH more if you ignore the kid for games.

Be all the dad you can be. Let the games go for now. When mine were small, I hardly saw any sports until the playoffs and even then, not a whole lot, but I don’t regret a bit of it. Your relationship with your children is and will be the primary thing from here on out. You’ll adjust and find time here and there. But man, you should absolutely revel in this wonderful opportunity to help raise another human.

Be well, and if we don’t see you as often, we’ll know it’s for the best imaginable reason.

peace

By Ken Strickland

October 20, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

From the last blog.

ANDO-I read that same article which is what prompted me to make those comments about JSmith being or not being a natural SF. While I have no doubt Josh can play the position, I’m not sold on it being his natural position. The truth is, Josh is one of those special athletes the doesn’t really have a natural position, he just has natural athletic talent and determination. As for Horford, I have no doubt he can be a successful C in this league. However, I do think he would be a much better PF. I don’t see him bcoming an AllStar C, but I have no doubt he’d be an AllStar PF.

I agree with the point you made on the Marvin/Josh issue. One of them will likely have to be moved in order to accomodate switching Horford to PF. I don’t recall who made the comment, but you have to take your hat off to BK for the talent he left behind for Sund. Marvin, JSmith, Horford, Bibby & JJ as starters, with Acie, Childress, Zaza & Solo off the bench ain’t bad. I wonder if BK would have retained Childress by offering him an extention before his contract ran out, had the SAASG allowed him to make his own decisions?

SEKOU-I have to agree with you. This team has the individual talent to accomplish an awful lot this season. They can make a 13 gm jump under the right circumstances. One things for certain, they’re not going to go backwards. I have a feeling that those of us who have suffered for so long as Hawks fans will get to appreciate what this yrs team will accomplish this season.

By doc

October 20, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

ryder, find a rocking chair in front of the tv and hold that baby as close to you as you can and rock and watch. there is nothing better than that connection.

By HB Ando

October 20, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Fellas, per last nights’ post on Bargnani (and to those who responded): first, I’ve got no problem with anyone who disagrees, just don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions about Bargnani. Several of you mentioned giving Marvin a little time, as he enters his fourth year, but you had no problem closing the book on Bargnani as he enters his second.

He may never become a good rebounder, but it’s a little early to call it. Let’s go back a few years. Let’s say we needed a point guard who was a serious assist man. Let’s say I suggested a player who finished his second year in the league, averaging a robust 33 minutes per game, who only produced 3.8 dimes a night. Based on the logic I’m hearing about Bargnani, this guy would obviously be a bad choice to address our need for a true point guard. And if I told you he started his sixth year in the league, with his fifth team, and was formerly the #3 overall pick in the draft, seems pretty obvious the dude was a bust.

But his name is Chauncey Billups, and you can go look up every fact I just highlighted.

In November of ‘05, in an e-mail exchange with one of the owners, I strongly suggested he seek to acquire a little known, back-up point guard, from Toronto, name Calderon. Go see what his production was up to that point in the league.

My point is that sometimes you have to look ahead and take a chance on upside. Because if you wait until every player has clearly defined what he’s going to be, in the NBA, then you have to pay top dollar for the good ones.

Almost every big man in the league is slow to develop, with a few rare exceptions. Go look at what kind of numbers Okur was putting up at Bargnani’s age.

All I’m saying is the idea that Bargnani is a flop is way premature. He may end up being just that. Or he may end up like Dirk.

There’s no point in arguing the finer points of how I would see Bargnani fitting in, both offensively and defensively, with Smith and Horford. But the essence of what I think Bargnani can become, defensively, is a guy who is long enough, and who could get strong enough, to play solid position defense on opposing centers, and free Horford and Smith to dominate their opposing match ups on the boards.

Sekou, give me some of that Kool-Aid…………

By rms

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

Good point, HB Ando. Chris Kayman of the Clippers is a good example of that. He was completly unknown until he had a breakout year last year, now he is looking like a true legit big man. Lets not give quite yet on Marvin, or R. Morris, or Solo and even Law. I think some of these guys will eventually come into their own in due time especially Acie Law.

By Ryder

October 20, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

THANKS EVERYONE! It helps to put things in perspective….

….JohnGTfan it’s a girl, so I’m already preparing myself for the fun and joy. I’ve already got my headache powders ready when she becomes a teenager.

…So far we’ve been able to agree that I’ll be watching her at nights, so I can hold her in the rocking chair (thanks doc), but I’m starting to think it’s probably not a good idea to hold her while watching Hawks games. I don’t want her to start getting upset when she sees Daddy freaking out over one of Woodson’s inexplicable coaching decisions, because I don’t know who’ll be crying worse, her or me!

Sautee i’ll do my best to keep up with you guys as much as possible. In a way this has almost been like a family, with the way we’ve all stuck together during the noir days until now (even with HB Ando as the grumpy uncle LOL j/k)

I’m believing for the best this season from the Hawks, maybe it’s the whole “being a new dad” thing glowing for all of the optimism :)

Take ‘er easy everyone!

By doc

October 20, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

ryder, to hold her during hawks games is to teach you the self restraint necessary to get you through her teen age years! dude, it wast a prescription for her or your wife but for you. heh heh kidding but all kidding aside, got three myself towo daughters and a son who is the oldest, cant beat any of it. enjoy bro.

By Don!

October 20, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

I think the Hawks will win 40-42 games, but we’ll never reach our potential with this lineup, with this coach.

Sorry, but true. If we had an up-tempo coach, we’d be better. On the other hand, if Woody had a more disciplined team that plays to his strengths (see Pistons), then he would be a much more productive coach.

It’s not the Hawks players, nor the coach. It’s just the combination doesn’t work well together.

Time for a bad analogy. The Hawks players are like a good, October pumpkin pie. The Hawks’ coach is like a crispy dill pickle. I like pie. I like pickles. I don’t like pie and pickles together at the same time. They’re both good, but together they can make you stomach kind of queasy … especially driving up to Charlotte.

Later,

Don!

By ant banks

October 20, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

i have been cullin’ thru data and the hawks can win 45 games if they do:

1. score 100 pts/game. last yr they scored 100 pts 27times. they could have won atleast 8 more games if they had scored 100.

2. last yr. they shot 35% from 3pt land. they need to get this up to 40%.

3. they must get 42 rebounds/game.

4. FT% was 77% last yr. they need to get this up to 82%.

5. keep turnovers less the 12/game. last yr they avg 15.

if they do these small things it will translate to 8 more wins.

IS THE GAME ON TV TONIGHT

By BA

October 20, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

You got to love Ken Strickland, because he makes ME look like a PESSIMIST! Fifty wins? I’ll take that. For the record, mark me down for 45. ando had, what, 35,39? How about it, regulars? I’d love to hear predictions.

Ariose, Indy and Washington behind us? That would be nice, but I don’t know, bro. Also, got to pass on Mike Miller. My opinion is based strictly on his excessive use of the Hello Kitty hairbands.

Bargnani vs. Marvin? I look at it this way, ando- what would Marvin’s upside be if he had Bargnani’s height? To me that’s almost like saying (as I did, once last season) how good could Smith be with Pachulia’s height/frame?

The Billups reference is a good one, but late bloomers that become as good as Billups are pretty rare.

I like talking trades, kind of like I like fantasy football. But in reality, I think Sund would be a fool to tinker with this roster until they see what they’ve got. It’s preseason, but it’s been a damn successful one. And from what I’ve read from Sekou Smith, they’re developing a good chemistry already. Hungry, talented young guys combined with savy veterans.

We don’t have a “big three”, but we’ve got a legit superstar (Johnson). Don’t believe me? Ask Boston!

By terrell barron

October 20, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Ken, I disagree. I can see Horford becoming an Allstar Center next year backing up Dwight Howard. Who’s better at Center in the East right now? Dalembert? Perkins? Lopez? Big Z? Mcdyess? Who? I think we should leave him at center, and leave Josh at PF. Al played center alot at Florida, and played extremely well last year as a rookie. He’ll only get better. The guy is 6-10 245, with a helluva wingspan. You guys keep saying everyone is playing out of position? It’s called versatility. We can mix and match, if need be. We can still go big against certain teams. But to only play Al at pf because it’s his so called natural position would be silly. If we change anything about last year’s starting 5, it should involve the SF position, not PF or center.

By bali smith

October 20, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

i sure hope you are right about the hawks.They seem to be pushing all the right buttons this preseason. Everything i have read sounds positive . It sure would be nice if they could win 40 to 45 games this season. Thanks for writing such a positive article concerning the Hawks. The articles you write are always interesting, and you do not hold back on your reporting. keep up the god work

By BA

October 20, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Too many turnovers…

By Ariose

October 20, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

…..yup

By BA

October 20, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Hope the can close out the SECOND half!

By rms

October 20, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

hey guys what channel is the game on? can i at least hear? hello… anybody??

By Macaroni Tony

October 20, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

If you have a computer then go to NBA.com, and then add a profile on the nba site then you can hear the game that way.

By richbrave

October 20, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

RYDER:

CONGRATS BTW. Your first.? Nothin’ like fatherhood. It’s a true blessing and a life-changing event if you don’t know.

Tell your spouse you love her. Keep her uppermost in your mind. She needs you close right now. Bite the bullet. Bring home little things and volunteer with the babe. Don’t disagree. You two are a team now. Think that way. This is your home-team. Above all talk. Communicate with her. She needs to be selfish with her time and needs reinforcement from you not to feel guilty about it. Show her you understand and you’re on the team. But tell her that it will take a little time for you to adapt to this new way of thinking and acting. Once she sees you on board in rearing your child, she’ll ease off and you will have your own space again. Just never quite as much as before. That’s part of being the man. The old interpersonal two-step. Give and take. And give up the idea that things are going to be normal. Never again. Things have changed in your life. You have to change to meet them in order to control your life. That’s what life demands of a new parent - change. Roll with it RYDER and good luck. GOD bless.

BA:

WIZ definitely behind the HAWKS this year UNLESS THEY TURN ON A SWITCH WHEN THE GAMES START TO COUNT. I’ve seen them in EUROPE, and if I had paid the price of admission, I’d be sueing to get my money back. They’ve set the standing of the NBA in Europe back ten years. I mean STINKO.!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

October 20, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

I’m not watching the game, but just from the stat sheet — too many fouls, man… 4 each for all three front court starters, 5 for Morris off the bench, and 3 for Solo in 8 minutes. I know handling Howard is not easy but he’s not the most polished low-post guy in the league; it shouldn’t be that hard to simply stay between him and the basket without reaching. Nice that we have more big man depth this year to play Hack-a-Dwight (7 missed free throws for him already), but it would be nice to see a little more discipline from them. And where’s Acie? He’s completely invisible today, maybe Anthony Johnson remembers his tendencies from practicing against him last year?

On a positive note, Morris seems to be putting up his best performance so far this preseason (coincidentally against the guy he beat as a senior in high school). Josh seems to be playing a little better although 0 rebounds in the entire game is a little troubling.

By Najeh Davenpoop

October 20, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

At home this team should be beatable, especially without Turkeyglue.

By rms

October 20, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Macaroni Tony. Dang, Hawks lose! Whats up with all those turnovers. Bibby and Law need to get the assist numbers up so they get everyone else involved in the offense, you know moving the ball around. Hope this losing dont start a pattern. Good to see Morris get some playing time.

By Matt = niremetal

October 20, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

These games are meaningless, so I’m not that concerned about the loss. What I am concerned about is the fact that JJ played 40 doggone minutes. This is the preseason! I understand that JJ is a freak when it comes to his stamina and resilience, but there is no reason to play him that many minutes now. If he’s not even going to give his bench a few more minutes now, then maybe he hasn’t learned a damned thing since last year.

By Ariose

October 20, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

Evans Didn’t play tonight………Marvin Either……

By ant banks

October 21, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

a couple of things that stuckout to me from the stat sheet:

we stunk from 3pt land, shot 31%, had 18to, and 38 rebounds.

the recipe to a good season is. 100pts/game, 45%+ from the field, 40%+ from 3pt land, 80%ft, 40+reb/game, fewer than 15turnovers, and 30pts off the bench. when we do these things combined, it is hard to beat us.

check the stats and the win columns against these numbers!!

we won 37 games last yr. pretty much had the stats in all the necessary columns except: pts/game 98, 3pt% 35%, 77%ft,

By HB Ando

October 21, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

Bali Smith, you’re not the guy who used to work at Six, in Buckhead, are you? If not, I’ve now run across two Bali’s in my life.

By The Truth

October 21, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this

I attended the game tonight and notice some glaring defensive problems with the Hawks. It is beginning to be a pattern. Even when we won those previous pre-season games, we outscored our opponent but our defense had little to do with the wins. It was apparent tonight that Orlando wanted this win more than we did. They were going after loose balls, contesting every Hawk shot. JJ simply got tired in last few minutes because he couldn’t get any spacing. When he did get open, he was not comfortable with the shoot. That’s why he missed that critical shot near the end. They played with a purpose like it was regular season. They out worked us. We, on the other hand, played the game like preseason. We didn’t challenge, we didn’t contest, and we didn’t fight for loose balls. Orlando played us like it was practice shoot-around. However, we still could have tired or won the game at the end but Biddy shot an ill-advised shot and missed. If Biddy doesn’t have a clear spot-up shot, offensively, he is ineffective at worst or average PG at best. Woody hadn’t figured out yet that Biddy need to come off screens to be effective. When he’s man-on-man, he’s exposed. That’s why he missed that critical last shot. He’s old and too slow to shake and bake. He couldn’t get any spacing so he just launched the shot and missed.

In addition to the defensive issues I saw we may have chemistry issues. We play too many players with the same style of play. 3-pt happy, spot-up perimeter jump shooters all on the court at the same time. We need a low-post presence. This style is OK during small ball play but I hope this is not the norm. Flip is the exception because he attacks the basket and draws fouls. Flip only problem is turnovers. Bibby, I’ve mentioned already. Josh need to slash, dish and create more. He is not a very good SF (right now) because of his inconsistent perimeter shot. JJ is fine he just need help. Marvin is the missing link because of his size at SF and shooting ability. Al is fine with his rebounding but his offense is still in training.

I like Morris play tonight. Woody coaching will surely be on display even more so with him in the mix. If he continues to sit during regular season with his offensive abilities, Woody will have to answer to the fans and Sund. He may be what we need in an half-court set.

By jc_dawgs

October 21, 2008 4:44 AM | Link to this

48-34 this year. Horford and Law will be even better this year now that there rookie season is behind them. Bibby will now be with the team for a full year and the chemistry is now in place.

Pachulia…Mo and Murray will provide quality depth. Its a no brainer. 48 wins….mark it down.

By Samuel

October 21, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

Tough loss. I didn’t make it to the game but did catch the play by play on Yahoo. The thing that stuck out with me, and it always does, it that we are toooo 3pt happy. I hate that line. I wish they would outlaw it. There is absolutely no reason in hel_ to take a 30ft shot just because of the possibility of getting one extra freekin point. You sacrifice 10-15 % FG shooting for one freekin point. We cut down on the 3’s and we’ll be fine.

Considering the fact that 2 of our first seven didn’t play, it’s an alright performance. I like our team though. They fight to the end, even in preseason, and that’s good. The only thing that worried me was Acie’s GOOSE EGG. That’s not good for a guy who is supposed to be taking over the reigns by Allstar break, according to some.

Ando, I’m usually not a bett’n man but are you still taking comers?

By DAP01

October 21, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

Great to see our best player getting 40+ minutes in a preseason game.

Woody is soooo impressive.

By kwooden1

October 21, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

Listened to part of the game and I agree with The Truth. Perimeter defensive was suspect, and will probably be an issue all year. Liked the play of Morris, which is the best sign from the game. The assist to turnover ratio was OK also, it seems that the guys are sharing the ball more. They definitely missed Evans and West’s defense last night, but overall it sounded like they worked hard. 3pt shooting wasn’t great, but the fact that they are taking a lot more is really good. Offensively they are showing good signs, especially if Morris can give them anything in the post during the regular season.

I’m glad there is only one more preseason game, I think this team can only get better by getting into the grind of the regular season. They need to develop some more chemistry on offensive and Woody needs to find his game rotation. This is the first time I think I’ve every seen a team where all 15 guys on the roster deserve some playing time. Hopefully Claxton can play in the final preseason game and starting getting his legs for the regular season. He brings the ability to pressure the opposing teams PG, which is something the HAWKS really need.

GO HAWKS!

By Aaron B

October 21, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

Yeah, I would have to say defense needs to improve greatly before I get too encouraged about my Hawks. I will however watch as many games as I can since I love them so. Joe said that the guards let the team down defensively, and he is big to say so. Just hope it doesn’t happen opening night. And as for Woody’s lack of running… he better wake up and realize that everyone but him seems to see the hawks potential.

WAKE UP WOODY!

By Sautee

October 21, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

new blog up