AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNew Hawks for the New Year!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
INDIANAPOLIS - If the Hawks want to raise a few glasses for a toast sometime around midnight on Wednesday they’ll have earned it.
They’ve also earned a breather from the relentless, doubt-filled analysis that’s been prevalent around here.
Because even with all of us (and yes, I’m just as guilty as anyone else here) waiting around for the bottom to fall out of this run they’ve been on for most of this season, they keep on playing and they keep on winning.
It’s clear that they’re not going to do it in the most artistic way every night. The run-and-gun Phoenix Suns they are not.
But when you put together the type of first third of the season (and if you figure in the potential playoff run, 31 games is just about a third of a season) they have, why bother complaining about aesthetics?
We all know the Hawks will face stiffer tests on the road in the coming weeks, the Pacers are just 10-21 this season. But they’ll also enter the New Year with five straight home wins on their resume and they’ve now pulled to within a game of .500 (7-8) on the road for the season.
Raise your hand if you thought this is where your team would be at this stage of the season … didn’t think so.
We’re going to have plenty of time to roast those who need to be roasted. And there will be loads of opportunities for second-guessing and all that other fun stuff.
Just not tonight. I’m giving it a rest until 2009.
Your team is 21-10 for Baby New Year’s sake (43-42 in the calendar year for 2008, just fyi), show ‘em a little love for once.
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Comments
By Astro Joe
December 30, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
LOVE, LOVE and more LOVE.
1-2-3 50 WINS!
By Melvin
December 30, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
21-10. I’ll take it. Nice way to start a New Year. I wishing all bloggers, Sekou and the Hawks a Prosper’s New Year… Go Hawks…
By doc
December 30, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
sekou, we have found that if we cant roast the team we can certainly roast each other.
here is an early toast for all to a happy, successful and healthy new year. also a round for elitism, 50 wins here we come.
By Hawks Fan In New Orleans
December 30, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
I raise a toast to the hottest team on the east coast. From north to south-we run it. May the streak continue and may all the hatin be forgot! 09 is our time baby.
By Steve
December 30, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Very impressive so far this season. They are a confident group and very capable of playing deep into the postseason.
By blast
December 30, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Go Hawks, Go go and keep on going! We love you guys!!!!!!!!!
By Ben
December 30, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
Great to see us at 21-10. My New Year Wish is that we can finally play Acie and rest Bibby’s legs for these upcoming West Coast trips in Jan and Feb.
WE MUST USE THE BENCH MORE OR IT WILL COME BACK AND HAUNT US.
By kirkinga
December 30, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Amen, Sekou. The Hawks have earned some respect around the league and hopefully here.
21-10!!
Go Hawks!!!
By tee
December 31, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
play acie more and and keep turnover prone flip murray as the the shooting guard. i also believe that solo has shown that has played his way into the rotation. last night after the nuggets game woody stated that would try to get back to bench rotation that started the season, but tonite it was the same rotation that it has been since smoove has returned. not complaining but hoping all the minutes the starters are playing want drain them in the last 2 months of the season. happy new year!!!!!!! GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
By HB Ando
December 31, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Happy New Year, SS, doc and friends. Seemed that my post on the Hacks’ blog lined up pretty well with this one, so no need to reconstruct (when a cut-and-paste will suffice):
HB Ando
December 30th, 2008 10:30 pm
Man, I feel like I just came off of an epic road trip. Flew back in to the ATL, from Philly, a few hours ago. It’s not that I underestimated the familial expectations for an audience with BABY GIRL, but I now feel a sense of what the Pope must experience.
I hope Ray’s back isn’t too sore, from carrying me the last week and a half. But these “real life” obligations were a major factor in setting up our blog in tandem.
Let’s get a ying-and-yang point out of the way: Astro Joe is solely credited with the term “organic growth”, as far as Sekou’s blog is concerned. Now, the yang is that I’m not sure how anyone can objectify how much that “growth” covers the current 21-10 record. Impact? No doubt. But if there’s anyone here who can firmly state what the Hawks record would be, without Bibby, Evans and Flip, then I’m listening, and ready to give props.
Truth is that every NBA team that’s ever made a leap has been a combination of developed youth and acquired veterans. Unless you believed the Hawks would never improve (which would be an odd perspective, given the upwards trajectory, annually, from the depths of a 13-win team), then ANY improvement from last years’ 37-win team would logically have some foundation from the youthful front line.
So here’s where the Hawks now stand: 21 wins, with 51 games to go. 26-25, the rest of the way, would mean 47 wins. But is there any reason to believe that a team who is 11 games over .500, after 31, should flounder in such a fashion?
Not unless they trade Mike Bibby. My long-standing prediction that they would, prior to the trade deadline, based on financial implications, looks shakier with every additional win. Not because I believe the ASG is reaping the additional, necessary revenues, to afford the current payroll. But because they seemingly have the opportunity to experience one of the rare seasons, in any sport, when everything comes together, and the teams’ chemistry is just right. Even if they are hurting, in this challenging economy, with the Belkin situation ominously looming, trading Bibby, in the midst of this kind of winning run, would likely be a public relations disaster.
They are now “in for a penny, in for a pound”.
These Hawks look like the fourth seed (though there are a couple of teams who present a plausible challenge to that outcome).
At this point of the season, any critiques, of the coaching staff or the players, is straight nitpicking.
This team is on a roll. There’s nothing much to do but kick back and enjoy……..
By jj
December 31, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
Hawk’s ya’ll are doing it.I got problems with Woody and his short rotation,but,boy you guys are BALLING.GO HAWKS…..HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL….
By kwooden1
December 31, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
Great win tonight, this is the way to end the Year!!
Hugh 3’s by JJ and tough work by JS. All around great game, because they weren’t shooting the ball well but kept moving the ball and finding ways to score. The HAWKS out rebounded a team that usually owns them and got a few key stops in the 4th to close out the game.
GO HAWKS!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! to everyone
By richbrave
December 31, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
So H.B.:
Are we still golden that BIBBY’s a ghost by the trade dead-line.
doc:
J-CRIT’s getting limited minutes as TAP slowly works him into the offense. Tonight his line was 5:26 minutes, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 foul, ZIP points.
By doc
December 31, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
RB, thanks for the heads up. i will be interested how he fits if at all. he could be one of those waste land players who came out too soon for his own good.
BTW i gave you a be props to the spiders and even posted the three articles on them in yahoo after they won the big one. seems your hangover lasted a pretty long time.
By HB Ando
December 31, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
RB, guess you just skimmed the post (not that I blame you):
“Not unless they trade Mike Bibby. My long-standing prediction that they would, prior to the trade deadline, based on financial implications, looks shakier with every additional win.”
I don’t have the energy to get into a prolific battle on the issue, but I genuinely believe that ownership has a conundrum with the optimal performance of the team, and the financially unlikely prospect of being able to afford resigning both Marvin and Bibby this summer.
Like I said, “enjoy the ride”……
By MannyT
December 31, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
I’ll drop a happy new year here.
Next year I’ll get back into the minutes thing on this blog.
Hopefully 2009 will bring even more excitement!
…and I don’t hold exclusive rights to blog acronyms. Enjoy.
BWAF
By Volman
December 31, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
How great it is TO BE A HAWKS FAN RIGHT NOW!!!
I am very proud of this team. They have been playing great right now.
MYK, if only SOLO could get some playing time!
Happy New Year to everyone.
Go Hawks!
By Jim Burn is Roaming
December 31, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this
Great win tonight for the Hawks fan!! Let me be the first to say that the Hawks are very impressive being 21-10. My 2-6 prediction is out of the window. If they get past New Jersey and Houston and the2 games with Orlando, I really believe that the Hawks confidence will be so high, that they may eek out a 60 win season!! Did I say that?
The confidence, along with the athleticism, and a defensive minded coach does make a 60 game season a possibility. If the Hawks win 60 games, which seems possible now, you have to name Mike Woodson the Coach of the Year.
What other coach is even close? Porter, McMillian are where we thought that they would be. Michael Curry with Detroit inherited a playoff team.
What other coach is even close for COY honors, other than Mike Woodson.
By MyView
December 31, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
If someone feels different then let me know, but the thing I love about the Hawks is I feel confident with each of the 8 players Woody is playing. Each one brings something tangible to the team. True followers know what I mean. No one is just “a guy”.
By jj
December 31, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
Hey Hawks,ya’ll are really BALLING.I love it.Although I have problems with Woody’s short rotation,I must admit these Hawks are doing it.Happy New Year and GO HAWKS….
By hawkfan
December 31, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
i see now jim burn is roaming is going against his previous 2-6 prediction, I did not believe that for a second, because the way we have been playing we are more matured and playing at higher level than before and now we know what how to win against anyone, it almost seems like the opposite has occurred between us and the celts, this time after we lost against them we didn’t go to a slump but got better while they are clearly in a mini slump now, but I love it and now that the cavs and magic have lost recently we are the hottest team in the east right now, go hawks and see yall next year in ‘09!!!!!! actually i did think we would be 20-10 after we lost the game to the celts, just saying, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
By gypsyjoe
December 31, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this
Man the Hawks are playing great. Keep it up guys. It is time for pay back to the Nets. HAPPY NEW YEAR GO HAWKS!!!!!
By Jed
December 31, 2008 2:48 AM | Link to this
They were my Hawks when Charlie Criss’s bald head was glaring from this newfangled thing called TBS. They were my Hawks during the 13-win season. And they’re my Hawks now. I just can’t love ‘em enuf.
By Ed
December 31, 2008 3:45 AM | Link to this
Yes the Hawks are playing great, but this is a marathon & not a sprint. No other team I could find plays a regular 8 man rotaion. Woody is running them into the ground needlessly with the Acie & Solo on the bench. Acie is the only other point guard on this team (except for West), but instead of utiliizing him we thrust a shooting guard to fill in when Bibby goes to the bench. Makes no sense as Acie has shown flashes of brilliance and brings things to the point guard position no one else on this team can.
By rms
December 31, 2008 6:24 AM | Link to this
Blast, Maybe you’re right. Acie should be locked up for real if he was messing around with jailbait!! It just didnt make sense for someone to be locked up for so long for no apparent reason unless he slapped his mamma or something. Maybe he does has this infactuation with vets. Maybe hawksta will find something “undercover” soon and spill the beans. Until then, GO HAWKS! Lets get revenge on those Nets! I would love it if we can really stick it to them.
By happyhawk
December 31, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this
guys do you i agree that our starting line up is arguably the best starting five in the league? in my opinion i have to say yes, cause none of our starting five is a filler (maybe marvin? but i don’t think that he’s only a filler). they are a star in their own rights. and like what sam mitchel said all our starters came from the early round of the draft. :)
By tbhawksfan
December 31, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this
Great season so far. Looking forward to the rest of it in the new year.
Also looking forward to the Hawks finally getting the big to shore up our inside and take the Hawks to the top of the NBA this season.
Nice to see Ando back-peddleing with yet another of his pessemistic Hawk predictions. Also nice to see BILLY’S BOYS turning into one of the NBA’s best young teams; another ANDO blunder of the past.
For all a positive and enthousiastic new Hawks year.
By NYC Hawk
December 31, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this
Agree with above - we got to play the bench in order to have a shot at going deep in the playoffs. Otherwise JJ, Bibby, AL are going to be fatigued by March. Hopefully (but not likely) Woody can take a long term view.
By O'brien
December 31, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
Great win for the Hawks tonight.
Woody’s goal for the year was 50 wins, which means they could go 29-22 to get there. If they keep playing like this, with some tweaking here and here, 50 wins and the 4th seed is very attainable. And if that happens, then Samuel will be right. Woody = COY
My new year’s resolution for Josh: 1) Stop leading the fast break 2) Stop taking 3 pointers
My new year’s resolution for Woody: 1) Play your bench
Happy New Year, and Go Hawks.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
December 31, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
happy new year everyone. it’s been a while since i’ve posted (here or on the new hack) …
with the hawks on target for 47-50 wins, it’s been nice to be able to enjoy a winning hawks team for the first time since ma-ma-ma-mooookie, deke, smitty and the bunch …
i’m still concerned about the depth of the team as the bench is basically three players deep. soloman jones, although playing well while josh smith was out, is seeing only slightly more use than acie law who has completely fallen off the face of the planet.
woodson likes using the vets, and who can blame him, the results are self explanatory. but 41 minutes a game are going to take toll on joe johnson at some point, but given the uncertain future, you ride your horses to the finish.
(people really need to start talking about joe johnson as an MVP candidate. look at his numbers combined with what he means to this team … )
the fabulous thing about this start is that if the hawks go 25-25 the rest of the way, they are still at 46 win team.
so here’s to a healthy 2009 and to the ability to enjoy the now.
By Mike is back
December 31, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Sekou, I concur. A VERY HAPPY NEW TO ALL, AND I THINK IN 2009, THE HAWKS STAR WILL SHINE BRIGHTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By richbrave
December 31, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
doc:
Thanks for the props. Missed ‘um all unfortunately. I’ve been over on the REDSKINS blogs listing my NEW YEARS resolutions for the team including new ownership. DAN SNYDER reminds me far too much of GEORGE PRESTON MARSHALL and too little of EDWARD BENNETT WILLIAMS and JACK KENT COOKE. Ownership’s aims are everything, and DANNY-boy’s is to sell more t-shirts. CLYDE why don’t you give him a few tips.? Just sayin’.
By ray
December 31, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Happy New year. Yay. Nice to see tbhawksfan finally got his own laptop and stopped playing with kirkinga’s….
By JM
December 31, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
For ‘09: Go Hawks, Go Falcons … and go Mets!
By Samuel
December 31, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Happy New Year,
Here’s to: Good health, good family, good wealth and continued success of both them Birds.
Woody=COY Smith=COY
By avidtvfan
December 31, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Being a good drive away, I unfortunately cannot make many games at Phillips & have to watch SportsSouth to follow my beloved Hawks. …my New Years Wish - a new color commentator to go with Bob Rathbun. Nique is just AWFUL!
Bring back SMITTY!
By Atl Hawks fan in Grand Rapids
December 31, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
21-10 makes me feel so good I’m going to order three yesterdogs today.
By ray
December 31, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Who’s butt do we get to whoop next?
By BravesFan79
December 31, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Melvin: got ya man…. take care…
Wow reading some of the stuff written about Woodsons daughters on here leaves little wonder why theres so many “baby daddys and baby mommas” than mothers and fathers in black society.
By Hawksville Resident
December 31, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Here’s to the Hawks! We have a team and a special player in Joe Johnson!!!
By RG
December 31, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
I will raise a glass to the Hawks finally being good again. It’s been a long time coming and I am going to enjoy it and not complain.
By Sautee
December 31, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
kirknga
Oh. did I mention the Hawks are 20-10? ‘Cause they are and that’s all that really matters right now.
And now they are 21-10.
But if that’s all that matters, as you said, then why do you continue complaining about the subject matter of some bloggers?
Maybe it depends on what the meaning of “all that matters” is. ;-)
So kirk, you wanna answer the question?
Why are you complaining about subject matter if winning is all that matters? Shouldn’t you just be happy? Isn’t that Sekou’s message?
By **NATIVE SON**
December 31, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Popping in just to say that whatever issues you have with the Hawks, or Woody, relax, give it a breather. Now is a great time to reflect, and appreciate the accomplishments of our team. The wheels are still on, so everything now is nit-picking. Come back in ‘09’. Until then, I’ve appreciated reading your posts, and you all have a “HAWKY NEW YEAR” . Please don’t drink and drive folks. PEACE FROM THE NATE’
By Ryder
December 31, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of my Hawks blogging brethren. Sekou, Astro Joe, Richbrave, Doc, Sautee, Najeh, Ray, and yes even you Ando nothing but the best for you all and for the Hawks in 2009!
Let’s never forget the excitement we all saw back at the Highlight Factory in Game 6 against the Celtics and let’s continue to run with it as the Hawks go for even more in 2009!
No more talks of front office drama, no trades, just keep the ball rolling until June baby baby!
Love to my wife and for the first time my daughter gets to experience the joy of a new year. Let’s just hope she will grow up to a day where she never believes the Hawks were once a doormat, and perennial championship contenders!
PEACE AND HAIR GREASE!
By Big Ump
December 31, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
NATIVE SON: RIGHT ON
By bigdave
December 31, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Big things for the city in 09’
GO HAWKS!! GO FALCONS!! GO BRAVES!!!
By jhan
December 31, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Happy New Year to everyone. Go Hawks!
By Justin
December 31, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
I asked David Thorpe a couple of questions about the Hawks in his chat on ESPN. He’s high on Joe Johnson, but says that the Hawks need another scorer in crunch time.
By Justin
December 31, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
I don’t think my last one posted. Here’s a link to the David Thorpe chat on ESPN where I asked him a few questions. He thinks JJ is an elite player, but not an MVP candidate. He says the Hawks are one more scorer away from being special. Says he’s referring to another scoring option in crunch time of the playoffs.
By Jim Burn is Roaming
December 31, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
HAPPY NEW YEAR Quick thoughts:
Yes, I was wrong with my predictions, but I am man enough to man up and admit it. Based on how the Hawks played GSW, Washington, and OKC, I figured that they would “fold tent” against better teams.
Right, now you guys are the 4th seed, thinking forward, would you rather play Boston in the semi conference or Cleveland? I think that the Hawks would match up better against Cleveland, over 7 games and meet Boston for the Eastern Conference Championship. In order for this to happen, they need to move into the 3rd seed, which is occupied by Orlando.
What do you guys think?
By blast
December 31, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
We know Joe will be in the All Star game. I believe Bibby should make it also. Josh might have if he had not been injured.
The Celtics, Lakers and Cleveland do not look so invinsible anymore after all, having lost 5 games this season. Check this out. The Hawks started most of this season on the road, while Lakers and Celtics had it good, playing at home for most of their games. Now they go on the road and they are stumbling. Lakers actually played a ‘road’ game vs the Clippers in Staples Center! All said I’m more impressed by the Hawks record at this point than any of those other teams.
GO Hawks!!!!!!!!!!
By Sautee
December 31, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Jim Burn
I think that’s putting the cart three months ahead of the horse.
By E. G.
December 31, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
MACARONI TONI
I was one of the guys who thought the Hawks would go 2-6, but I’m glad they didn’t.
My main concern was Woody’s coaching, Josh Smith’s bad decisions, and Flip Murray’s ball hogging. Well, it seems like Flip is trying to move the ball around more, and that has definitely helped.
One person on this blog said that Josh Smith makes mistakes, but he helps us at the end of games when we need him. Well, I have one question? Wouldn’t our leads be greater if Josh Smith made better decisions at crucial times; if he did, maybe games like games tonight would not have been so close near the end of the 4th quarter tonight.
We are a decent team, but we can be a good or excellent team (i.e., take a step to the next level) if Josh Smith finally learns to stop making bad decision and give the ball to Bibby instead of dribbling the ball up the court himself.
JOSH SMITH!!!!!!!! YOU ARE “NOT” A POINT GUARD!!!!!
Go Hawks!! Please beat play smart and beat the NJ Nets.
By E. G.
December 31, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
HEY SEKOU K SMITH OR HAWKS FANS
SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW YOU KNOW THE HAWKS ARE READING OUR OPINIONS ON THIS BLOG; WHERE IS THE PROOF
Also, do the Hawks really have time to read our criticisms at half time during games. I think not, but some of us think they do. Come on!!! Pull out a laptop during halftime!!!*
By Justin
December 31, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Jim Burn: Thanks for checking in with us and owning up to your prediction- most people on espn never do that. I think the c’s, cavs, magic, and hawks will be 1-4, but I don’t know the order. I prefer to play the magic, c’s, and cavs in that order. I think the hawks will knock out the celts this time if they get the chance.
Sautee: I think it’s an understatement to call the Hawks decent at 21-10. Smith’s erratic play doesn’t overshadow the overall team accomplishment and chemistry.
By doc
December 31, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
ryder best to ya!
nice to read horford agrees with my thoughts on where this team exceeds.
By Astro Joe
December 31, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Happy New Year to the Devoted Faithful and the Defeated Doubtful!
You all be safe out there in them streets tonight and try not to do a Barkley.
Happy New Year to Woody, Sund and the Players. And a big shout out to the Blog/Beat Master… Sir Sekou Smith! Much happiness in ‘09!
By ray
December 31, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Jim Burn,
Everybody makes inaccurate predictions. Not only is that okay, but it’s also okay to be wrong, change your mind, or re-think things. It’s not like you have to stick with your preseason prediction. We’re not getting paid for this, and all that’s at stake (if you want to put it that way) is blog bragging rights. Hell, the whole thing should just be fun. And it is. For most of us. Join the crowd, man. I’m number one in wrong predictions (which is why I usually avoid season-long predictions…I’m just way off with those). Besides, you could have picked any 8 games and either been exactly wrong or exactly right with them.
E.G.,
Your argument has some merit, and sometimes Smith gets on a streak of turnovers (he had 5 last night). So, the bad news is that Josh is still turning the ball over, even in crucial times. The good news is that so far this year, his turnovers are down to 2.6, compared to years past where he averaged 3 or more. So he is making progress, though it is not by a large margin.
However, one could use your argument (if taken literally) on Joe Johnson, who is righ behind Josh at 2.5. So are Josh’s TOs only during critical moments, and Joe’s aren’t? A turnover is a turnover, if you ask me. Some may seem more or less heinous, given the time in which they happen but is not each possession important? Does not each possession add together with others to determine where the game is at the end, even before somebody like Josh can screw up in the last 30 seconds? Fact is, turnovers aren’t guarantees that the other team will take advantage and score. Sometimes they turn the ball right back over. And are TOs significantly worse than missed shots, botched defensive assignments, and failures to box out and rebound?
Look at Flip Murray. He’s playing 20 minutes a game and averages 2 turnovers a game. But then after that, there is Al Horford (1.6) there is Bibby (1.5), and a couple of guys averaging 1 per game.
Fact is, this team is doing fairly decent in that category altogether. I am not seeing 2.6 turnovers from one, single guy (or any amount from any other guy) as the sole, or even largest reason why we have had some close games, or haven’t had larger leads going towards the end. Nor can it be the reason for us losing big leads. If you said that without a doubt that each turnover accounted for 3 points for the opposite team, then Josh is responsible for 7.8 points per game, and Joe is responsible for 7.5 points per game for the opposition. And that would be 15.3 ppg added to the opposition’s score. I’d believe that, if it could be proven. But it can’t, because it doesn’t work that way.
I am much more inclined to believe that botched defensive assignments or gambles (like Josh trying to make the steal, missing, and the guy he’s defending hits an open 3), failure to outrebound, and missed shots are much more responsible for close games. We give up big leads like this. We don’t close out. Sure, Josh’s mistakes include more than turnovers. But it’s a team effort, which means other guys are responsible, too.
I agree, however, that he needs to get in the habit of letting the pgs help on the break, and be a finisher. His full court passes are more accurate and effective than his full court dribbles. It’s frustrating because some games he never makes those mistakes. Then he’ll make ‘em 4 or 5 times in one game, on occasion. Some progress is slow. Some is not. At least we’re getting him into the paint, and to the line. Last night, he may have had a bundle of TOs, but 10 successful trips to the line out of 14 and above .500 shooting helped make up for 3-10 shooting by Marvin (0 turnovers) and 5-14 shooting by Bibby (only 2 turnovers). See how that works?
By I MUS WRITE
December 31, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYBODY !!! MUS
By Hms
December 31, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
I seem to recall that the Hawks went 6-6 without the “erratic” Mr. Smith. They have gone 15-4 with him. That equates to 21-10 overall. I would be rather thankful for his presence, rather than blame him for close wins. Of the Hawks ten losses, six were when Mr. Smith was out with injury. It is odd for a player to be blamed for close wins, but if Mr. Smith is to take the heat for such things, then who shall be blamed for six of the losses incurred, in which he had no part? Who then shall also be blamed for the close wins against Oklahoma City, Chicago, both against Washington, Milwaukee, and Charlotte during that time period? An explanation for this would be interesting as it may dilute or even refute the original argument against Mr. Smith in the first place, and bring light to the other issues that no doubt exist. Unless of course Mr. Smith is to take the blame for all that has happened. To be blamed for a 21-10 record would be more blessing than curse I think.
By doc
December 31, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
thanks HMS, nice points to add clarity.
By TonyToni
December 31, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
JSmoove is da bomb! In udder words he gonna blow up any minute an destroy da team!
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 31, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Hawks have the 6th best record in the entire NBA.
Life is good.
Happy new year, pimps and pimpettes of the Hawks blog.
By Hms
December 31, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Why thank you doctor.
By anphill2
December 31, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
What’s up with Mark Bradley and these ridiculous polls? Are we a better team this year than last?
Sekou - Can you point Mark towards the Thrashers or buy him a rubics cube?
By Lacsho
December 31, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Happy New Years Hawks Fam!!!!!!
Be safe, and don’t let Ray catch you slipping on the road…..
By Mychelfromatl
December 31, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Great point Hms, (same thing I’ve been trying to explain to a few knuckleheads.)
Have a safe and blessed New Year People!!
Let’s Go Hawks 2009!!!
By terrell barron
December 31, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Woody, Woody, Woody, cant you see, sometimes your coaching just hypnotize me. And I cant stand your stubborn ways, never letting Acie and Solo play. Woody, Woody, Woody, cant you see sometimes your coaching just hypnotize me, and I cant stand your stubborn ways, calling them same ole Iso plays. Woody, Woody, Woody………….. lol!!! RIP Big Poppa. Too much Mojita and Rum, I guess fellas? lol!!! Happy new year to all!!!!
By Marcus
December 31, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
21-10…. I am so excited about my Birds. Keep up the good work. Smoove let Bibby bring it up court. Why doesn’t Woody use his bench. There has got to be 5 or 6 mins per game for Solo and AC. We are going to need them down the stretch.
By rms
December 31, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
My last thought for the year before I go and ring in the new year…. Would you rather be Acie Law/Solomon Jones or a prospect in the New York Yankees farm club? Who is more likely to get playing time? Chew on that for the New Year and get back at me fellas…. Happy New Year to all!!!!!!
By cp
December 31, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Happy New Years to all my fellow Hawks bloggers.
By RA
December 31, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Okay,
Here’s the thing, I’ve got nothing but love for what the Hawks have done, but there’s a problem, and that problem is the fact that there are good players on the bench that are barely getting used. Now, there’s some weird stuff floating in the wind about Acie Law IV. Frankly, I don’t care. It doesn’t matter to me if he burned his neighbor’s house, shot their dog, crashed their car and stoled their Bible. I COULDN’T CARE LESS! Law is too high of a draft pick to ride the bench. If you’re not going to play him, trade him. Also, Solomon Jones is that athletic big that Atlanta needs. Z is playing up huge, but I’d like to see more of Solo. I mean, the Hawks have a bench that’s ten men strong. If they don’t want their starters to be out of gas for the post season, they need to start expanding that rotation. That’s all I’m saying.
By RA
December 31, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Just so you know, I ain’t hatin on Woody. If the season ended today, he’d get my vote for coach of the year. Now, that’s not to say that there haven’t been points this year when I felt like giving him the old heave ho. All I’m saying is that yes, he FINALLY has enough vets on the team to be competitive with the best teams in the league, but don’t stop doing what you’ve done over the past four years and that’s develop young talent.
By Lacsho
December 31, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
RA
I agree with you. I think Acie got caught creeping with Woody’s wife, and Solo was riding shotgun….
By Samuel
December 31, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Want to see something funny. Turn on NBA-TV and watch the Raptors trying to play defense. Barney just did a 360 on defense. Their new coach just said FI and went and sat down during the middle of a time out.
JT is gettn drubbed.
Woody=COY
By Announcers Asleep
December 31, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Anybody else notice the TV announcers asleep at the switch last night on Zaza’s fourth foul.
While the announcers were speculation, the referee went up to a Hawks player in the lane and said “My Bad.”
Not a shining moment for the TV broadcast crew to say the least. Did the radio side at least catch it?
By kirkinga
December 31, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
They’ve also earned a breather from the relentless, doubt-filled analysis that’s been prevalent around here.
Sorry Sekou you’ve asked for the impossible as you can see from the comments. There will never ever be such a “breather” given to the team from this particular segment of their fans.
Some believe if you say something nice first, then what follows doesn’t qualify for yet another in a serious of relentless, doubt-filled analysis that’s bben prevalent around here.
Happy New Year!
Go Hawks!!
By Jason
December 31, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
When will you all realize
That being critical of a team is how one wins championships?
Why do you all think the Spurs won 4 rings?
Because they were NEVER SATISFIED
We cannot be satisfied with the current progress. We must ALWAYS be seeking to get better. Do not be complacent and do NOT be satisfied
By doc
January 1, 2009 12:08 AM | Link to this
some are relentless in their criticism of the team or coach and some think they can reverse that by being just as relentless in criticizing the critics. it just doesnt quite work that way, is just as obsessive while not seeing it is. therefore some things dont change going into the new year.
maybe the first comment of the new year,
GO HAWKS!
By kirkinga
January 1, 2009 12:35 AM | Link to this
That being critical of a team is how one wins championships?
Talent and coaching wins championships, not criticism.
No one says you can’t criticize, just that the Hawks have earned to be at a point where there should not be relentless “doubt-filled analysis”.
People complaining about Acie or Josh is not going to win or lose one game.
Just because a fan appreciates the team winning and finds that more compelling to discuss than whether or not the 9th and 10th men are getting enough minutes does not mean complacency.
It’s not either or. It’s saying when the team is winning one should expect analysis to be mostly positive.It’s saying at 21-10 one should read comments and understand that people are talking about a winning team.
Often reading the comments here it’s hard to tell the Hawks are a winning team.
Be as negative as you like, my friend, that’s what people here like the most and it’s their right.But don’t say people are telling you not to criticize when they say the Hawks deserve more than doubt-fill analysis or that we’re complacent.
Happy New Year!
Go Hawks!!
By kirkinga
January 1, 2009 12:55 AM | Link to this
doc, I think you have a misconception of my perspective.
I’m not out to change anyone.I’m just one fan bringing a perspective that is more positive than negative and I believe in that perspective as strongly as you guys believe in the opposite approach.
It is not unusual, except for here, for a winning team to generate a positive vibe among fans. Doesn’t mean you don’t say anuthing negative, ever, that’s silly, it just means that winning generates a different atmosphere than losing.
Right now, the atmosphere is nearly the same as when the Hawks were losing, IMHO. We see it on the other team’s blog. But it’s not going to happen here. But I’m not going to emphasize criticism when the team is 21-10.
Anyway, it was Sekou who wrote the part that I put in bold, so maybe you should address him like I did.
So have at it my friend, b**ch, moan, complain, criticize all you want, it is your right. But you shouldn’t be surprise that some believe the Hawks have earned that “breather” for now.
Happy New Year!!
Go Hawks!!
By HB Ando
January 1, 2009 12:58 AM | Link to this
Happy New Year, fellas!
Kirk, what are you babbling about? There are 80 comments for this blog, and it doesn’t seem that anyone is being negative about the Hawks. Doesn’t a conspiracy theory require conspirators?
As far as critical, I’ve seen you comment that you think these Hawks are still no better than a 7th seed. You’ve blathered about holding the organization to a higher expectation; that of championship contender (which is the essence of my position for the last 4 years). Yet you continue to blather about enemies that simply don’t exist.
If you seriously believe there are unreasonably negative statements, on this current blog, then at least attempt to credibly quote those positions, as they relate to the Hawks.
As always, I don’t know who you’re referring to, and find myself confused by your comments.
Who, exactly, are these perpetually negative posters?
If you’re not comfortable objectifying your paranoia, then feel free to have Hawks Fan 85 pretend you don’t exist on an absolute island………….
By richbrave
January 1, 2009 1:04 AM | Link to this
doc:
Hope 2009 is good to ya’. We’re at home baby-sittin’ grandchildren. What a life.
By BA
January 1, 2009 2:06 AM | Link to this
Thanks, cp, and I’ll second that- happy new year peoples.
With all the constant fretting about minutes, what about the playoffs last year? Johnson logged seventy minutes a game LAST season, then proceeded to embarrass the hell out of the Celtics.
Somebody said they couldn’t find another team that uses an eight-man rotation (might be true). But is there another team that is this young- that’s winning?
ando could surely refresh my memory, but how many guys played on that Detroit team that won the ring?
A month ago, when people were hurt (Smith, Horford, Pachulia) Solo and Acie got a little burn. I think now it’s a case of who do you sit. Murray and Evans are playing better, and Pachulia has worked his azz off. There’s not one guy in the starting five that hasn’t played exceptionally well lately. Decrease Bibby and Johnson’s minutes? No way. Depth is a good problem to have.
For the proverbial record, I predicted fifty wins during preseason. And the way the Hawks have played during the last six games, I think I might have been wrong- they could easily exceed fifty.
By doc
January 1, 2009 2:06 AM | Link to this
kirk, it is your perspective true. my perspective is that you may only want to see just the negatives and only look for that just like the railers on the hawks you so aptly comment on. it is all good, just wonder why it is is your main theme or why your theme is always cast in juxtaposition to others?
i think i get your perspective only what i hear more is not your enjoyment of the team, more so the constant criticism of others points of view. it obviously means a lot to you so i will leave it at that. this is all yours so please dont try to hide behind sekou ….. to quote:
“Sorry Sekou you’ve asked for the impossible as you can see from the comments. There will never ever be such a “breather” given to the team from this particular segment of their fans.”
i guess since most of the comments in your three or four paragraphs were of the negative variety i guess i missed your specific points about what the positives you see in our team the hawks.
seems pretty negative to me, guess i could be wrong. kind of along the lines of:
“So have at it my friend, b**ch, moan, complain, criticize all you want, it is your right. But you shouldn’t be surprise that some believe the Hawks have earned that “breather”
me, i think the team is really gelling and beginning to take on the character and personality of its own. said it a few blogs ago and heard horford almost say the same things in sekou’s article. i witnessed these positive aspects of the team after watching them over the past few games at the phillips. really good stuff and mentioned it repeatedly. only didnt you come up with the notion one shouldnt change their expectations. seems to kind of pigeon hole me into a no win situation. i guess these were specifics that i wanted to pass along to those that might be missing it and are true positives from ole biatching me.
from your comments today maybe i think you see me as maybe negative, maybe not doesnt matter. if you do maybe only if you look back i have said some very specific and positive things about the hawks over the past four weeks. i know others that you throw in as rulers or whatever your catch phrase is have said some very specific positive things as well. so no, i see more of the negatives comments you make against the folks here but very little of your positives that speak more to and of the hawks. that is what i see, though in your heart i think you see yourself differently; maybe protecting the home team and i admire that.
really most of the comments today as i saw it were more of the welcome the new year revelry variety between friends. it is what i saw and not as much of the usual negatives that seems to catch your eye. maybe i missed the negatives you saw today for seeing the positives among friends of the blog. maybe i missed your heart felt participation in that as well. if i did i apologize.
RB cool stuff, had some good times with my girls over the past four days as well. guess i am still wired from staying on the go with them. can hold off on the grandfather thing for now.
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 2:39 AM | Link to this
To RAY and HMS
I appreciate your comments. While it is true that Josh Smith helps this team, it is also true that we can be an excellent team if Josh Smith learns to make better decisions and “stay” within his role and listen to his coach.
I will continue to be critical of Josh Smith in particular because I really believe the Hawks can have the 2nd best record in the entire Eastern Conference if Josh Smith plays smart on a consistent basis.
I am not satisfied with what I see because I know they are even better than this. I also believe that Josh needs to play smarter on the road so we can be just as dominant on the road as we are at home.
If I have to be a knuckle head for having these unrealistic expectations, then I’ll just have to be a knuckle head; however, I refused to lay off of Josh Smith because I expect more of him; he’s been in the NBA too long not to know his weaknesses and strengths.
By jc_dawgs
January 1, 2009 4:56 AM | Link to this
Wow….its been quite a journey since that 13-69 season several years ago. 21-10 right now. a 50+ win season is a definitive possibility. Go Hawks!
By dondada
January 1, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it have been sweet if we had gotten Dikembe though.
By big red
January 1, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this
GO HAWKS HAPPY NEW YEAR TEAM AND I DO MEAN TEAM. IF THE HAWKS COACH GIVE THE BENCH A TRY AND LET THE STARTERS REST FORM TIME TO TIME I THINGS THE HAWKS A CHANCE TO GO A LONE WAY INTO THE PLAYOFFS AND MAYBE JUST MAYBE WHO KNOWS!!!!!!!!!!!GO HAWKS.
By Sautee
January 1, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this
doc
Excellent “perspective”.
This guy talks out of both sides of his mouth.
He’ll say this: I’m not out to change anyone.I’m just one fan bringing a perspective that is more positive than negative and I believe in that perspective as strongly as you guys believe in the opposite approach.
a week after saying this: It’s not enough to keep hollering for Acie and Solo. You have to make the case how doing so doesn’t compromise what the Hawks have going on now because you can’t have it both ways.
Did you catch the “You have to make the case”? Which apparently wasn’t being done to his satisfaction.
But no, he’s not out “to change anyone”.
So he says.
By melvin
January 1, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
BravesFan79, no problem. Hms, Good points.
E.G., we have lost fewer games than any team in the league when Josh Smith plays. I don’t see why you are so critical of him. Yes, he make some bonehead plays but so does his teammates. As Ray, pointed out. A turnover is a turnover. Would you rather he not be in the Hawks uni?
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
My reply to MELVIN
I definitely want Josh Smith to stay in a Hawks uniform, but there is one thing I would like to point out:
Although it is true that Bibby and Joe Johnson turn over the ball sometimes, I would expect a few turn overs from them because they are combo guards. And since they are required to handle the ball most of the time during offensive sets for the purpose of directing the offense, turnovers will occur.
HOWEVER! When you are “not” a point guard, but you refuse to give the ball up to Joe or Bibby in the midst of a lot of traffic during a change of possession or fast break, I have to call that pure stupidity, mindlessness, insubordination, or selfishness.
And remember guys (RAY, MELVIN & HMS), I’m looking at this from a perspective of the Hawks beating teams like the Los Angeles Lakers on the road.
I also notice how disciplined the San Antonio players are whenever I see there forwards concede the basketball to their point guards in the midst of traffic (you notice I said traffic) during a fast break or after a defensive rebound. possession.
By doc
January 1, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this
EG what were you like at 22. i have even seen superman himself (shaq) want to do and try to do what you are so offended by smoove doing. relax and enjoy.
By doc
January 1, 2009 4:29 PM | Link to this
i think i was being positive about our hawks on that last post, please dont misconstrue.
By EJH
January 1, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this
Man, I am as giddy about the Hawks these days as any true fan. We true fans suffered through the down years of this franchise, but it is so rewarding to finally move back toward to the top of the eastern conference as it was during Blaylock, Smitty, Mutombo, Willis, Levistingon, and the boys; it has been along time coming.
So today it is time to start looking at how to make this roster better, and a proven contender in the east. The first move I would make is to acquire Brad Miller from the Sacramento Kings, they have a slew of young front court talent and maybe willing to part with miller who would then give the hawks a center off the bench could could stretch the floor with his 3 point shooting and help with his passing on the interior, and adding another interior player like Joe Smith or Chris Wilcox or Oklahoma City thunder and I think this roster would be complete. To make these moves we are going to have to get Sacramento to take Speedy Claxton’s 6 million dollar contract Acie Law probably and the rights to Josh Childress along with the hawks second round pick in next years draft. Also you would bring back in that trade there point guard Bobby Brown who is 6’2 lighting quick and more of a woody type of point guard to be our point guard of the future.
By kwooden1
January 1, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this
New Years HAWKS Assessment:
Positives:
1) 3pt Shooting - The HAWKS have become a very good 3pt shooting team. They went from having 1 legit 3pt shooter (JJ) this time last year, to having 5!!! (JJ, Bibby, Marvin, Flip and Evans)
2) Improved Rebounding - The complete year stats don’t really reflect the improvement, but it’s clear over the last 7-10 games the HAWKS have not be signficantly out rebounded or won the battle themselves.
3) Improved Defense - I would make this point with stats but it’s just obvious by wins and loses that they have improved in this area.
Areas of Improvement: 1) JJ only legit play maker - JJ leads the team in scoring and assists. To stop the HAWKS you have to get the ball out of Joe Johnson’s hands. 2) Limited low-post offense - Horford is still raw in the post, and JS isn’t a true “Banger” in the post. 3) Weak man-to-man defense against quick guards - Bibby isn’t a primetime defender, he has difficulty keeping guys in front of him. 4) They fall in love with the 3
Overall I believe the HAWKS have improved in the areas that will really help them if they make the playoffs. (I believe they will) Their areas of improvement can for the most part be addressed without any major personnel changes. 1) Bibby has to become the second playmaker and Flip/Acie have to be the playmaker’s off the bench. 3) has been addressed with good team defense and switching on all pick&rolls (I’m fine with the defense as is) 4) can be addressed with better decision making and better offensive sets. 2) is the hardest to address and will probably be an issue until Horford improves his low-post game. Hopefully they can make-up for this deficiency with great 3pt shooting.
GO HAWKS!!!
By Fritz
January 1, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this
Doc and Melvin,
EG is 100% right about Smoove.
As father to a 22 year old I know that a 22 year old can do a lot of stupid things and that a 22 year old can feel invinceable but that is not a legitimate excuse for Smoove not understanding how to maximize his considerable tools to benefit his team and his own game.
I agree that his maturity is the problem but more than his age I think it is that fact that his relative inexperience and lack of coaching. Coming to the NBA right out of high school and getting big money did not help. And his father is a very bad influence. Too bad he never a had a coaching “father figure” to help guide him. Woody hasn’t filled that role and a father who struts around and bases his own self worth on his son’s status as an NBA star doesn’t do it either.
We can see that he’s trying harder this season and we certainly would not be where we are without him. It’s just a shame when we and he could be so much better if someone could get through to him.
By kwooden1
January 1, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this
E.G I agree with you about JS to a point. But remember the “nail the coffin” 3 JJ hit the last game came from a pass by JS. He tries to make up for his mistakes on the defense end and also it’s very clear the switch everything defense works a lot better with him. I don’t agree that JSmoove improving his assist-to-turnover ratio is the key to the HAWKS taking the next step. There not going to be truly at the Celtics/Lakers level until they get a consistant low-post scorer. I’m really impressed how they’ve made up for their lack of size in the rebounding department. But Horford still is very raw in the post. Zaza has moves but really doesn’t know the right time to use the right one.
EJH I wouldn’t break-up the chemistry of the team right now. Look at the effect its had on Philly and Toronto. (they mey be better later, but right now it hasn’t worked) The real concern for the future is how they are going to pay Horford, JJ and Marvin, and pay a legitmate center. If the HAWKS want to really build a true contender there going to have to draft a true center (no one is trading a true center if they have one, look how much the Bucks paid for Bogut!) or really get offensive improvement from JS and Marvin with their current lineup. It’s a gamble to try and win a championship with the current lineup but the Lakers and Houston are really the only teams with enough size to give them problems. I believe they really need to find out what type of defense and pentration Acie can bring to the table. Solo looks like a servicable Center/PF of the future, if they can’t resign Zaza. (Solo might be a very good player, but we’re probably not going to find out this year) I think they should let the current team configuration play out and this summer find out if they can keep Bibby and pay Marvin something reasonable.
GO HAWKS!!!
By LYNN
January 1, 2009 6:27 PM | Link to this
Hawks are great! I been a season ticket holder for 5 years now and this season is wonderful. I think that JSmith should sit on the bench when he carelessly turn over the ball. He make lazy passes and falling on the court is not going to get him any foul calls. Get back on defense and quit complaining all the time.
By doc
January 1, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this
fritz, first of all no one is 100% right about anything so from the beginning what you say is false speaking of a 100% truth. yeah, i get it, he does make mistakes. very few great players didnt at 22. think jordan was a finished product at 22? ask doug collins who lost his job because MJ wasnt and remember didnt he have how many years of development before 22 in college?
folks forget marvin does similar things as does horford. even bibby and jj do it. flip does it more in a shorter amount of time. personally, i prefer smash going for it and living and playing to win instead of playing to not make a mistake or to not lose. they showed against the celtics that playing to not lose is the best way to lose.
look closely and that is the biggest change in marvin, it is his go for it style not afraid anymore to make a mistake. i certainly dont want smash to pass the ball when there is only 3 seconds on the clock and he is at the three point stripe because the guards ran down the clock and found themselves in a bind so smoove ends up with the hot potato. those situations are the o-fense and guard play, not smash. didnt i see jj dribble into the corner into a double team situation against the pacers where he had no way out. yeah pretty stupid for a veteran and he gave it up. it happens.
isnt it that diamonds all need to be polished to shine? so give them time. you only have to look to how they have grown from where they were just this time last year and expect it to continue because they want to be better. plain and simple truths too, maybe …. almost …100% …. the truth. heh heh
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this
Hey KWOODEN1
I agree with you also. I only desire that we maximize our potential by playing smart like San Antonio who is well coached. I might be wrong, but know we can beat Boston, maybe not LA, if we don’t give them opportunities they don’t deserve through turning over the ball unnecessarily.
Josh Smith might have made up for his mistake, but against good teams it will be more difficult because they usually have 3 to 4 players they can rely on to beat you during crunch time.
I know we need a legitimate big man, but until we get one, we need to play smarter as a team and not stick out like a sore thumb as Josh Smith does when he makes his trying-to-hard mistakes (lol).
I have 4 children, and one of my four children (he’s 20 years of age) doesn’t listen like he should because my wife continues to spoil him by not letting him experience the negative consequences of his bad decisions.
Josh Smith still has not grow up because somebody refuses to take him under their arms and show him tough love; maybe it’s too late; maybe Josh Smith has lost respect for everyone on the coaching staff; maybe he knows no one can do anything with him because he is locked into a contract and the team definitely can’t trade him because the need his defense.
I appreciate all the comments. God bless everyone and have a happy new year in 2009.
By Samuel
January 1, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this
Fritz,
With comments like those, I’m gonna assume that you are more than a casual observer like the rest of us. You obviously know Josh and his family and are around the Hawks on a daily basis. Otherwise, you’re full of sh_t. Or maybe this is one of those joke post.
Furthermore, that has nothing to do with Josh Smith the basketball player.
I just believe he has trouble accepting what he can and cannot do. He wants to be able to do it all. He cannot. Some plays he understands that, some plays, he doesn’t. Hopefully, he will one day understand that. If not, we’ll just have to deal with it.
One thing we all agree on is that the Hawks are a much better team with Josh Smith in the lineup and I don’t really see another player in the league right now who can do what he does.
However, I do understand why Woody shaved his head. Josh will make you pull your’s out on a nightly basis.
Woody=COY
By ray
January 1, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this
Doc, Sautee,
The man has stated from the get-go that his intention on this blog is driven by a single purpose. And it isn’t talking Hawks basketball. It’s to provide a perspective contrary to that which he has found here. To quote him, to “go against the grain.” That’s it, in a nutshell. I’d say that 97% of his posts have supported this quite well. So, his “integrity” is definitely intact. As you and others have noted, it’s not like he can’t or doesn’t make good, solid points on the subject of basketball. He can. He does. But rare they are, because he does not wish to waste so much time actually being positive about the Hawks when there is so much criticism of fans/bloggers to be done. I have never understood someone who thought that bringing incredible amounts of negativity to a fan blog would actually increase the level of positivity. But hey, I’m sure the Crusaders thought they were right, too…One thing is for certain: nobody else around here has the need/desire to tell other people how to be a fan or how to blog. Much less how to think. Thankfully, such a combination of dementia, narcissism, and hypocrisy is rare…at least in these parts. The DOB blog feels our pain. I’d love to see how his teachings went over on the Falcons blog. Talk about negativity. Those guys don’t criticize. They attack the team and each other. Hell, he might fit right in…
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this
Hey guys!
I’m enjoying these constructive conversations without the profanity. You guys are better and more intelligent than that.
I am not unhappy about the Hawks; I am a patient person, just as I am with my children. However, this doesn’t mean that I want be consistent with my constructive criticism toward my children while simultaneously showing them love.
I expect the very best out of the Hawks, so you will continue to read my criticisms on this blog.
Don’t worry, If Flip Murray resumes making knuckle headed mistakes in a short period of time like Josh Smith (lol), you will also see me criticizing him.
I HOPE JOSH AND FLIP ARE READING THESE BLOGS.
By ray
January 1, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this
E.G.,
I have to agree with Samuel on this one.
I hear what you’re saying. I just am not going to pin the fortunes of this team on one player. I have never said that he doesn’t make stupid decisions. Trust me, I get just as frustrated with him as anyone else. I love to watch the guy play, though. He’s still learning. I guess some people expect him to have a complete game at the age of 22, with 4-5 years in the league. Kobe came into the league at the age of 17. Tell me just how complete his game was at 22? At 25? Hell, the guy didn’t start really caring about defense until a year or two ago….
I also understand your point about us playing smart, like San Antonio. You’re right, especially when you talk about San Antonio being well-coached. And there you have it, my friend. Poppovich is far more experienced than Woodson. But you have forgotten a few things. For one thing, Parker and Ginobilli took some time to get it right. They used to drive Poppovich crazy. It took years. We now have Bibby (finally, a worthwhile pg), and this is his first (and possibly last) season from start to finish with this team. To expect San Antonio-like discipline and performance is unrealistic, I think. Still, as you say, Woody doesn’t sit Smith all that often. Maybe it’s because Smith is just that good. Maybe it’s because Woody doesn’t want to play Solo. I have no idea. Will Smith’s increased smart play help us get to the next level? Yes, I believe so. But it won’t be the only thing, and may not be the single biggest thing.
This team has struggled with clear, defined roles where leadership is concerned, and for a long time. You can attribute quite a few of our problems to that issue by itself. Josh’s improvement definitely brings this team further along. His presence alone (even not being at full strength) is a big part of this team. I definitely want to see him (and the rest of the team) play smarter and better.
But I think Kwooden1 makes a good point as well: there are other elements that must come into play for us to make it to that elite level.
By doc
January 1, 2009 7:49 PM | Link to this
yeah, EG flip has been a bit more controlled the last few games. commented on it as well.
right now as a fan i am enjoying their team defense. it is beginning to resemble some of the best like san antonio and boston. they are flat moving, swarming, closing space and smothering teams when they want. again, that is their focus and includes the likes of zaza. dont see too many bone head moves by smash on that end nor complaints. that type of defense may be what solo and acie lack to get them more play time. it is only a guess. it is what will keep them winning and the identity we are seeking. just dont look for that identity in their o-fense.
By Samuel
January 1, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this
I have 4 children, and one of my four children (he’s 20 years of age) doesn’t listen like he should because my wife continues to spoil him by not letting him experience the negative consequences of his bad decisions.
Sounds like you don’t have all the answers either. If you were the perfect husband and father then your wife and 20 year old would follow your lead. Sounds like you’re shifting the blame to me.
I guess you never made mistakes on your job at 22 either. If you did, did your boss send you home for the day? Probably not, the work still has to go on.
Woody=COY
Are we gonna have any bowl game worth a sh_t?
By ray
January 1, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this
E.G.,
I don’t know who called you a knucklehead, but I don’t think most folks here are going to go for that. I certainly wouldn’t call you that. Your criticsims of Josh are not unreasonable: the guy needs to improve. I think he’s making progress, even if it’s not by leaps and bounds. I don’t completely agree with some of your perspective on where his improvements take the team, but there’s no harm in that. I don’t think this is worth being a point of contention. Just a difference of opinion.
Besides, it’s not like you’re hating on the guy. At least you can acknowledge that this team is much better with him than without. Similarly, I had criticisms of Bibby for playing crappy defense, not getting many assists, and jacking so many 3-pointers. Since then, Bibby has proven myself (and any others) wrong by becoming the floor leader we needed, shooting very well from outside, and improving his defensive effort (and effect). I don’t mind at all saying that the guy proved me wrong. Glad to say it. Some of us can recognize players for what they are, and the effect they have on a team. Some of us cannot.
Here’s to Josh continuing or improve, and continuing to prove wrong those who think we didn’t/don’t need him.
By ray
January 1, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this
Doc,
It’s possible. But then, why did they both receive more playing time earlier in the season? Oh wait, Narcissus already told us: they’re just not that good. Silly of us to not think of that…wonder how they even made the team…
By doc
January 1, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this
ray, i saw them play more when josh was down and al hurting or in foul trouble. our three bigs are avoiding the early fouls that have forced woody’s hand to change his substitution policy. the game where solo and randmo played so well was because smash was hurt and both horford and zaza were in foul trouble. after that smash was injured and zaza and al were having to play different roles as well ending up with early fouls. dont see either solo or randmo seeing court time until woody’s hand is forced again.
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this
Hey SAMUEL, my brother.
At this point in my life, I a perfect husband and “FATHER”(lol); it’s just that my wife refuses to follow my lead.
My wife choses not to listen to me concerning disciplining our children because she said we are not financially where she expected up to be at this point in our lives, and, therefore, she has lost respect for me. Consequently, she ignores my lead.
What is so strange is that EVERY TIME comes back to me asking me to help her because of her bad decisions, but I tell her, lovingly, “what can I do now; he already wrecked the car or spent all the money you should have never given to him” (those are just two examples).
Samuel, I don’t want to continue to tell you about my personal life. All I am saying is that SOMEBODY is not doing their job concerning Josh Smith.
I know he’s only 22, but look at Lebron, Garnett, and others who came into this league directly from high school. I never saw them making such mindless blunders when they first came into the “AND” four or five years later.
I know Josh Smith’s lack of discipline has a lot to do with coaching, but since the coaches can’t work together to discipline Josh Smith, just like my wife would not work with me to discipline our children, I am trying to use this blog to get Josh Smith’s attention because I refuse to believe that he is not smarter than this.
Afterwards,
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this
Hey SAMUEL, my brother.
At this point in my life, I am a perfect husband and “FATHER”(lol); it’s just that my wife refuses to follow my lead.
My wife choses not to listen to me concerning disciplining our children because she said we are not financially where she expected us to be at this point in our lives, and, therefore, she has lost respect for me. Consequently, she ignores my lead.
What is so strange is that EVERY TIME she comes back to me asking me to help her because of her she made a mistake by not listening to me, but I tell her, lovingly, “what can I do now; he already wrecked the car or spent all the money you should have never given to him” (those are just two examples).
Samuel, I don’t want to continue to tell you about my personal life. All I am saying is that SOMEBODY on the Hawks’ coaching staff is not doing their job concerning Josh Smith.
I know he’s only 22, but look at Lebron, Garnett, and others who came into this league directly from high school. I never saw them making such mindless blunders so noticeably when they first came into the “AND” four or five years later.
I know Josh Smith’s lack of discipline has a lot to do with coaching, but since the coaches can’t work together to discipline Josh Smith (just like my wife would not work with me to discipline our children), I am trying to use this blog to get Josh Smith’s attention because I refuse to believe that he is not smarter than this.
By Samuel
January 1, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this
E.G.,
Let me hip you to a little secret, my Brother. No woman is gonna follow your lead if you are lacking in that department(finance).That: For Richer for Poorer Line only goes so Far You’d come out better lacking in that other department, if you know what I mean. They can deal with that.
I would love for Josh to be better at making descisions. Believe me he really does need to get better but i’m not stupid enough to believe he can be great at everything. Sometimes you just have to take the good with the bad and hope the good outweighs the bad. Right now his Defense, his energy and his competitiveness is outweighing his boneheaded plays.
Good Luck with the Mrs. Hustle a little harder. It’ll be allright.
Woody=COY
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this
SAMUEL
(lol) That was funny!!
Mrs. Hustle
However, the irony of my situation is that both my wife and I are christians. It’s just that I have chosen to love her, and everyone else, unconditionally just like Jesus Christ has instructed me, and it’s not a struggle for me to do this.
Thanks for the encouragement, my brother.
By Samuel
January 1, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this
I wasn’t calling her (Mrs. Hustle) I meant, Good luck with the Mrs.
(You) Hustle a little harder.
The Bible I read says that the woman was made as a Help Meet for the Man. She can’t help you if you aint doing nothing. It’s not that she doesn’t love you but Love don’t pay the bills.
You may have to swallow your pride and get a second job. You may have to limit the missionary(charity) work for a while to save the marriage. Jesus would understand. There is nothing more important than family.
Woody=COY
By doc
January 1, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this
something for the falcon fans among us to get ready for the weekend:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AjRBuDGoiAVmmkAUFL7YmTM5nYcB?slug=cr-ryancompletepackage010109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
i see dr. samuel is among us. ;-)
By ladiesman3000
January 1, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this
TMI!!! go hawks…..to be cont’d
By Samuel
January 1, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this
Back to Basketball.
Yall remember when Cuz did that piece on Woody where he said Marvin would have to step up more, or something to that effect. I can remember the debate we had about what that really meant. Some here swore that he meant that Marvin would have to score more and that would take away from the others.
Well, looks like Woody was dead on again. Marvin has improved more than anybody on this team this year, yet his Numbers don’t necessarily say so.
Guys, I don’t know about you but i’m really enjoying watching this team mature into becomming an elite team in this league. I really feel like we can win every time we step onto the court against anybody. CELTICS AND LAKERS INCLUDED.
Hey,
What yall think about Sir Charles. You think TNT and TMobile will do anything. They’re always so quick to criticize drugs and stuff. I don’t really think they will. Charles brings the ratings.
Woody=COY
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this
Well SAMUEL
We could go on and on with this.
When I had a job that equaled working two jobs (and this job gave us more money than we needed) my wife still wasn’t satisfied. She then accused me of loving the job and my friends at the job more than I loved her. She then lied to me one time while I was working on that job and told me that she called my job but they said I wasn’t there. She later told me that she just made the story up thinking she could catch me in a lie or something. And the irony of this was that I took this particular job for her, but she used this job, which required long hours sometimes, to accuse me of not loving her or the kids.
My wife has a lot of distrust issues from traumatic childhood experiences. Like I said before, without getting into more detail and exposing my wife’s traumatic experiences, I am a good father and husband. Only God can heal my wife’s heart.
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 11:24 PM | Link to this
SAMUEL Regarding Marvin Williams
I watched Marvin Williams earlier this year when they were scrimmaging each other. After the scrimmage was over, and the fans went home, Marvin stayed on the floor to practice his three-point shooting.
I noticed that Marvin was hitting 80% of his 3-point shots while using his “set shot”. Marvin only used his “jump shot” whenever he was inside the 3-point line.
My son, Caleb, is a very good jump shooter inside the 3-point line, but he is not an accurate 3-point jump shooter outside the 3-point line. However, when I told my son to try shooting 3 pointers using only his set shot, he became very accurate.
Why did I say all of this? I notice that Marvin Williams hasn’t been making his 3-point shots since he went back to using his jump shot to shoot 3 pointers. Marvin needs to go back to using his set shot to shoot his 3 pointers.
I HOPE SOMEONE ON THE HAWKS TEAM IS READING THIS BLOG SO THEY CAN TELL MARVIN WHAT I JUST SAID.
By Samuel
January 1, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this
You are right about that.
If you truely believe that you’ve done all that you can do. You’ll be fine. Just make sure you do all that you can before throwing in the towel. Whatever happens, your children will love you. When it’s all said and done, that’s what matters.
Woody=COY
By Samuel
January 1, 2009 11:39 PM | Link to this
EG,
This is a joke right? Cause I had this conversation about that same subject. Set shot vs jumper. I’ll try to pull up the post.
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this
I STILL NEED SOMEONE ON THE BLOG TO TELL ME IF THEY ARE SURE THAT THE HAWKS ARE READING THIS BLOG, AND PLEASE PROVE IT IF YOU CAN.
By E. G.
January 1, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this
TO SAMUEL
I’LL BE WAITING FOR YOUR POST.
BUT I CAN TELL YOU (AGAIN), WHEN I WENT TO THE HAWKS’ PRACTICE, FREE TO THE PUBLIC, DURING THE PRE-SEASON, MARVIN WILLIAMS WAS HITTING THREES LIKE CRAZY WHEN HE WAS USING HIS SET SHOT.
I’m not saying that Marvin should stop using his jump shot, but that his jump shot should be used only “inside” the 3 point arch, not outside, for Marvin is more accurate with his 3-point shoot when using his “set shot”.
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 12:18 AM | Link to this
EG,
I can’t find the post but I was debating that same issue with someone here. I believe it Doc and/or Ray. I said that Marvin would never be a great 3 point shooter because he jumps too high on his shot. He started out like gangbusters but I see he’s down to 37 percent and falling.
You can’t tell some folks nothing though.
The best thing you can do for your son is to tell him to forget about that line. It will ruin his mechanics. If he happens to hit one every now and then, so be it but don’t look for it. It will be hard cause all the highlights and video games pump that shot up. Tell him to develop a good floater. That will help his career a lot more than shooting that da_n 3.
Sure the Hawks are leading the league or close but outside of JJ, Bibby and occassionally Mo, we don’t need to hang our hat on them. Marvin definately needs to go to the hole and get to the line. He’s becomming very effective within his range(15-18 feet).
WOODY=COY
By doc
January 2, 2009 12:58 AM | Link to this
uh, marvin needs the three point shot to keep the other guys honest on his first step to the basket guys, makes him quicker. whether it is a set shot or not it makes him more effective when he has the option for both or all three with the pull up 15 footer. they have to back off him a bit from the arc or he goes by them once they back off he takes the shot. he is big enough and accurate enough to keep them honest. more importantly he also is smart enough to take it to the hole when he isnt feeling it
besides COY woody has designed his offense to place three or usually four at the arc and move the ball on the perimeter. it is why smash ends up there in position to “take the three”. i know you hate the three samuel but it lies right down on your COY candidate foot print now doesnt it?
By Ed
January 2, 2009 1:05 AM | Link to this
Here’s a look at the present NBA All Star voting tallies so far for guard in the eastern conference. What an embarrassment…even Sekou’s fav Luke Ridnour has more votes than JJ GUARDS: Dwyane Wade, Miami, 1,473,225; Allen Iverson, Detroit, 1,027,153; Vince Carter, New Jersey, 708,699; Ray Allen, Boston, 435,945; Devin Harris, New Jersey, 359,442; Gilbert Arenas, Washington, 283,030; Luke Ridnour, Milwaukee, 276,009; Derrick Rose, Chicago, 242,740; Jose Calderon, Toronto, 221,946; Jameer Nelson, Orlando, 198,050; Joe Johnson, Atlanta, 189,343.
By hawkfan
January 2, 2009 2:17 AM | Link to this
yea, I know Ed, the sad thing about it is that arenas hasn’t even played this season yet and he has more votes than JJ, but the all star ballots is a popularity contest anyway, so if you are underrated it will show in how many votes you get, but it’s only january so we’ll see, I mean some ppl might not want JJ to come back to phoenix for some reason, lol
By BA
January 2, 2009 3:20 AM | Link to this
You’re on point about this three point issue, doc. And like ‘Nique, I think Smash will eventually hit those threes. People rail Smash for taking those shots, but 90%of the time it’s because this season he plays the three more often and the offense is designed that way. Plus it’s usually JJ passing out of a double team at the end of the shot clock.
At his best the kid (at only 22) is the most active player on the floor and the second best player on this roster. I can live with the turnovers.
doc, do you buy this set shot/jumpshot thing your boy Samuel is floating with Marvin? On t.v., those games in Indiana look like those folks left half the lights off to save money. Nobody’s shots were falling in the first quarter.
By dap01
January 2, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this
SEKOU:
Do you know of any issues that our coaches are working on for future development for players such as AC, Morris, Solo?
Ex. Are they wanting Morris to become stronger? Solo to work on _?
By Jim Burn is Roaming
January 2, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
E.S.P.N. is reporting that Stephon Maurbry is “really close” to joining the Boston Celtics. If this happens, pencil in the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Step will destroy the chemistry of this team, just like he did with the Suns, Timberwolves, and Knicks. He is a cancer. If I am not mistaken, he and Garnett had issues in Minnesota.
There is no way that ‘Starbury’ can exist in the team fisrt environment of Boston Celtics.
This is a good sign for Atlanta
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this
Doc,
Now I remember, it was you. Marvin needs an outside shot but not the three. The 3 is out of his range and the more he shoots it the less effective he will become. I also heard Nique say that, “there’s a reason why you’re always wide open at the 3pt line”, they want you to shoot it. Or was that Barkley?
BA,
It’s really pretty simple. Any sport where acuracy is important, you’re more effective with your feet on or close to the ground. If players shot jumpers at the free throw line, their percentages would go down at least 20 percent.
You play golf? Your drive is better when you keep them feet still. A quarterback doesn’t jump to throw. When you’re in the air you lose pretty much all control. Physics takes over. Doc, you should know that.
The hottest shooter in the league right now is Mike Bibby. Check out how high he jumps. The set shot is not Manly but it’s effective.
Don’t worry, JJ will make the Allstar team. The question is: will Mike Bibby? He deserves to but probable won’t. Also, I wonder if my Boy, Al Jefferson will get in. It would be a serious travesty if he didn’t.
By Jim Burn is Roaming
January 2, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
If the reports of “Starbury” going to Boston is true, it further reinforces the notion that you can be “rewarded” for your recalcitrant behavior, instead of punished.
By doc
January 2, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this
ba, it is more about splitting hairs, finding fault and not knowing what they are talking about. to hear some of these folk you would think if you went to the stats there would be some very revealing pattern. to hear them you would think you would find that these guys especially smith made three point attempts every time down the court i mean serious jacking. what is really there? what do you find if you really look. what do you see in the stats if you want to really know? for the last ten games, smith and marvin have taken 18 and 19 shots total respectively from behind the arc. to rant and rail only seems to point more to the ranter than the actual issue as there does not appear to be one. does smith always take his shots when forced to in certain situations? no of course not. however, when you look at it through real data and know some of those are forced by the situation and the coaches spacing then it is not something to really even mention or take seriously.
ba as ray has mentioned before marvin has an awful looking jump shot at times. whether it is jump or set i would hope that he and mr. price are working on it. i can accept 37% from marvin as it represents a huge improvement over his 10% from last year.
By doc
January 2, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this
samuel less than 2 shots a game i can live with. maybe you are obsessed with it. he will also get better at it. it is kind of like saying to sheed when he was young dont go there only now it makes him a better player especially when as a center now he takes other bigs out there away from the basket. horford looked very uncomfortable defending him outside the arc a cat out of his element. it jusr went against his nature. let him be and smash too. they do and will continue to deliver in crunch time
now i will admit i dont want them to take all their shots from there. need to talk to your coach woody the COY candidate about how he sets up his offense not us if you want that to change. cant believe you are criticizing his strategy samuel.
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this
Romy,
What exactly did Steph do? He came to camp in the best shape of his career and was the best player on the team. Them good ole boys chose to prove a point by embarrassing him. Now they are the ones embarrassed. Good for Step, good for Boston.
Doc, if Marvin or Josh keep shooting them they’ll settle in around 30 percent. If a guy misses 7 out of 10 shots. I’d leave him wide open too.
And just because Josh pops out to the top of the circle doesn’t mean Woody wants him to shoot from there. He’s a pretty good passer and slasher in the half court.
They probably will continue to shoot them and will occassionally hit one or two. Like I said, I can live with it. If they keep hustling like they are, they deserve to try their luck.
By doc
January 2, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this
samuel look atthe o-fense dude, they are positioned there. stacked sometimes four on the perimeter. it is by design not a pop out there.
By doc
January 2, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this
samuel, do the math. they both shoot about 45% from the field or say nine points for 10 shots taken. okay, now take ten shots from the arc and make three. viola you get ummmm 3 X 3 is ….nine points, wow! and increase the range of your game. you are splitting hairs and may not want to take a rational approach because of your own bias against it. nine points vs. nine points, is it really a point you want to belabor? talk to your COY woody on that one samuel cause this face doesnt want to listen. kidding and enjoy the back and forth.
may be the perfect place for starbury to land. will it undermine rondo though? yes, it could ultimately backfire and help to the cavs, magic, hawks and pistons in the end if starbury handles it like he has handled his last three rounds. he does have another chance. it is his choice. you can only yell you dont understand so many times. look only to john daly.
By fritz
January 2, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this
Doc - one for you, You’re 100% right. :)
Samuel - no reason to get so personal. it’s not a joke. Wish it were.
By Astro Joe
January 2, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
Vin-sanity Alert Vin-sanity Alert
After Vince Carter was prematurely ejectd (I hate it when that happens) from his last game, teammates seem unity in predicting that Vince will take out his frustrations on his next opponent… the Atlanta Hawks.
Well, that’s just great. Carter already seems to feast on the Hawks, even when he isn’t ticked off at the world. Since the Nets have one of the few backcourts that can outscore out backcourt, we will definitely need for our frontcourt to step up if we’re going to win.
doc, I’ve been monitoring Yi and he still has not broken through as a consistent contributor. I was on board as I thought he would provide comparable economic benefits as Yao… but it doesn’t appear that he has made any on/off court impact (yet).
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this
Doc,
That math is over my head. I flunked business statistics but I do know that Josh bricks more threes than he hits the rim. Marvin looks good but usually misses(7out of 10 times). If he were a lead off man, he’d be a HOF candidate but this is hoops.
I say again, just because you catch the ball in a particular area doesn’t mean shoot it.
Fritz,
You’re the one who got all personal. Talking about the Man’s(Josh) Daddy and all. You need to tell him to his face how bad a father he is, not on some blog.
By doc
January 2, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this
astro his numbers are ok for25 minutes per game only i would have expected more from him as well. checked on it earlier this week wodering how things were for him. noy good not bad.
fritz, cool. glad you saw some of the humor meant.
samuel with less than three on the clock you shoot it and dont hold it or pass it as horford has done because he is afraid to shoot it.
the math is correct. if you dont believe try it on your fingers as it only takes ten. heh heh
By Sautee
January 2, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
Samuel
Re: I say again, just because you catch the ball in a particular area doesn’t mean shoot it.
So Sam, who do you think designed the offense?
Do you think it’s just an accident that they are stationed by the 3 point line?
If Woody didn’t want Josh and Marvin shooting threes, wouldn’t / shouldn’t he have redesigned the offense?
Isn’t that what a COY does?
If you think he’s COY, then maybe you should trust his design.
Or, if you are that bugged by the 3 pointers, maybe you should back off Woody’s jock!!! ;-)
OK Sam, I’m just stick poking and I do remember you saying that they hustled and deserved a chance at shooting the 3. You’ve had some good comments today though if I were you, I’d be careful interpreting the Scripture on a blog. Dangerous! It’s like talking politics at an office party. ;-)
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
I’m looking forward to payback tonight. We’re healthy and JJ has 70 hours of rest. Josh and Mo will contain VC and JJ will hold DHarris to a reasonable number.
Look for a big game from Bibby and Horford.
By I .MUS WRITE
January 2, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this
Fritz -I have to agree with Samuel, U should tell Josh’s dad these things to his face. I doubt that you would tho he’s a big guy and I would hate to see you get pummeled LOL…..
If he is cashing in on his son’s success so what -the parents of yung actors and singers do it all the time EX. The Lohans, Jessica Simpsons dad,Gary Colemans parents etc…… Again so what- Are u jealous?
What does that have to do with Joshes game- His father isnt a coach but im sure he has played AAU since young, and he went straight to the league from high school so of course he isnt going to be as polished as a college junior or senior coming into the league. I met his dad over the summer and he was really cool and reserved so stop with your hating
Who are you anyway never seen you around these parts….
Terrell B-You killn me man…..I wuz like dam where have i heard that before LOL. Nice rap.
Starbury going to boston is gonna make them alot better…….I think they need another big to repeat tho,say what u want about Steph (most of it deserved) he can give u 20/6 with his eyes closed, and he replaces Posey’s bench scoring from last year,their bench is rounding out nice
Stephon,Powe,House, Allen,Cry Baby
With Kg and Pierce there i think they can keep Steph from emploding and ruining their cohesiveness
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this
When you feed, cloth and care for someone for 20+ years it’s ok to stick your chest out when they rise to the height of a profession, No?
I would think that mom and pops deserves some of them Millions but I could be way out of line.
By doc
January 2, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this
samuel, i get the better the base, the better the accuracy. i am not arguing but it is funny you are wanting to teach me physics and you cant count to ten. wasnt it really your evasive maneuver you pull when you are unable to bring substance to an argument and are going down but cant admit it? next you might want to rant a bit as your next maneuver. you know the one if i say it louder it will mean more.
anyway, yes, in full agreement if marvin shoots better from the arc by having both feet on the ground and he doesnt need the lift over a defender then fine stay on the ground. for now i will let mr. price and marvin work on it. i will gve you credit very astute observations for someone playing dumb over simple math not exceeding ten and involving simple third grade fractions.
btw i feed clothe and love my kids to set them free not take their money or make myself bigger. not saying josh’s dad does it. i seem to think mr. or mrs. smith, horford, williams and the village that raised them have done well as i like all three.
By Fritz
January 2, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this
Samuel, You’re right. I picked the wrong place to criticize JSmoove’s dad. My bad.
It isn’t uncommon for involved parents to interfere with the player-coach relationship. My point was meant to be that Smoove needs the benefit of a relationship with a coach that he can respect like a father. I think JS has all the talent in the world if he could trust putting himself in someone’s hands and take the guidance.
Michael Jordan learned the game under Dean Smith. At Carolina if you didn’t do the fundamental things you didn’t play - that was the system. Wish Smoove had had the opportunity to benefit from that type of guidance.
By Melvin
January 2, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this
Forget that big kid for UConn, get me Monroe from the Hoyas….
Greg Monroe, F/C, Georgetown Monroe has so many tools for a big man that the Chris Webber comparisons were inevitable. He can shoot, handle the ball, pass and get up and down the floor. While there were questions about his work ethic and drive in high school, his strong play for Georgetown has quieted those concerns.
His stellar game against UConn and lottery prospect Hasheem Thabeet Dec. 29 pushed him into the Top 5. A few scouts have him as high as No. 3. And one NBA exec has him as the No. 2 player on the board. If he continues to improve as the season goes on, he’s the one guy on this list that could challenge Griffin for the No. 1 pick.
By Sautee
January 2, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this
The last time the Hawks were in NJ was the nadir of the season. Zero energy on defense. Zero movement on offense.
No Josh Smith that night. Coincidence?
Let’s hope that tonight is a complete turnaround.
A win gets us to .500 on the road. A noble goal.
We need a big defensive night.
By ray
January 2, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this
Man, y’all are straight killin’ it on this blog!
Samuel and E.G. going to church…
Jim Burn,
Is Steph really going to Boston? We won’t know until it’s official. But if you think he’s going to destroy that chemistry, you’re crazy. Boston has three very solid all-star veterans and a good coach. None of them are going to let anything go sideways. Besides, why would Steph want to go someplace and mess things up? I’m not seeing it. Not on this team, anyway. If anything, he could make them that much harder to deal with, at least in the backcourt.
Doc,
The offense we see on the court is by design, whether it’s what Woody has drawn up, or what he is allowing to happen. Either way, he’s the head coach. Sam says we don’t give him the credit. Well, he gets the credit for this perimeter game too. I don’t think he’d argue to hard about that. Not at 21-10….
By kwooden1
January 2, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this
I hate not being able to really comment on Marvin’s 3point shoot, because following games on the radio has its limitations! I will say this, only Evans and Bibby are shooting a better percentage than Marvin. (Evans by only half a percent) He’s shooting a better percentage than JJ. I agree with EG that the set shot will always be more consistant, and Marvin should go back to shoot that way. I have assumed that his percentage has gone down because teams actually respect his shot and they come out to contest it. Marvin will be fine from the 3 point line, his technic should keep him going until his confidence comes back. JS is the one to worry about, his technic is very inconsistant. He fades back to often on his shot, I think the easiest thing for him to fix is to stop fading. JSmoove probably need to what some more Magic Johnson tapes to improve his dribbling.
I believe JS needs to push the ball on the fastbreak for the HAWKS to be really effective. That’s the best way for him to exploit the mismatch he creates when playing Power Forward. Bibby and JJ have to make sure that are ahead of JS on the break until he really improves is dribbling and decision making. JS gets in trouble when someone isn’t ahead of him to pass the ball to. Hopefully this is something they can work on because Horford and JS really need to push the ball. The HAWKS can be really effective with their fastbreak and secondary break if they do that. It also really helps against the bigger teams like Houston and Lakers.
GO HAWKS!!!
By cp
January 2, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this
The Nets are a tough matchup for us. They have a lot of size, a quick pg that gives us trouble, and Vince who always seems to light us up. Vince and Devin will get theirs but we cant let Lopez have another career night against us. I forgot the other guys name but he was killing us from the perimeter the first two games we played…. Evans defense is way overrated. It is nothing like I thought it was going to be. I remember a Magics fan on some board telling Hawks fans that Evans defense is nothing like advertised…Evans is solid but that defense is average at best…
By Melvin
January 2, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this
For Kwooden1 and any other blogger that doesn’t have NBA league pass or unable to attend the games at Phillips, try this site. They normally broadcast all NBA games and other sports. The quality depends on your computer speed however, it’s free so enjoy….
By Blast
January 2, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this
I mentioned the East All Star in an earlier post. Joe is a lock, regardless of how those mindless fans vote. Biby is the question. If the Hawks keep on playing at a high level heading towards All stars, it would be a crime if Bibby didn’t make it. I would love to see Mike Bibby and Marvin at the 3 point shooting contest.
Marbury to Boston could go either way, but I think it will work out. Why? Stephon will not be the man on that team. He might be the man off the bench. If Stephon does go to Boston, I believe by now, he knows he has to get his head thinking right, that this is his chance to get a ring. Maybe last chance to reedem himself. Strong personalities, or (egos} exist in Boston already for Steph to have a chance to screw things up. They get him for a year on the cheap, he behaves, plays hard, and get your bling. Boston can always can his trifling A$$ if he steps out of line. But until KG comes out in public to say he is cool with Steph after Mini, I won’t be convinced that there is beef btween them.
The Nets caught the Atlanta Hawks at a critical point of their season. The Hawks were playing short-handed, but I think more important, their morale was low, so they were playing badly. The Nets are a bad match up for us, but the Hawks sucked during those 4-0 losing streaks. Even after Josh went down, they were still playing well, until they got their hearts broken in Bean Town, and went on a skid. Since that losing streak, the Hawks have only lost ONE game to BOSTON. Go figure. Who would have thunk it?
Well, game time. Go Hawks Go!
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this
I just saw Ole Miss destroy Texas Tech. My first time seeing them all year. Wow, I was blown away.
Clyde, yall got them Rebs next year? If so, you better bring it.
Hoddy Toddy
FSN just laid a big egg buy putting Barkley’s fat as_ on talking about what Black People need to do. He’s officially a scrubb in my book right now. No Respect!! I’m really anxious to see how TNT handles this one.
Woody=COY
By The Truth
January 2, 2009 7:54 PM | Link to this
Happy year guys, glad to back.
I see that JJ is seriously on the MVP watch list. He moved from ranking 10th to 6th in one week.
His competition in the east only consist of three players.
By rms
January 2, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this
I wouldnt mind a Mario West sighting to maybe slow down Devin Harris, but that would take away a scorer on the offensive end. I hate seeing Flip Murray sub for Bibby as if he is really a backup point guard. Same ol’ same ol’….
By doc
January 2, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this
look at my hawks go. playing d with zaza leading the way and smash hammering from the outside. just like our COY designed it.
well let us see how long this lasts.
By ray
January 2, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this
Ha! There goes Pixie Frank….outta da game!
I’d be mad too if my highest-in-the-league backcourt duo was getting stomped right now.
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this
Opie has left the building.
By ray
January 2, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this
Sam, you ain’t right….lol!
Great pass by Smoove to a man wide open under the basket, but it got stuffed by Carter. Harris is heating up. Gotta be careful, though I certainly don’t feel bad with us up 46-29.
Josh just made another great pass inside, but no conversion by the guy he gave it to. That’s 2 assists he should have had.
Bibby looks good driving into the teeth of the defense. I love to see our pg do that. Love it.
By Blast
January 2, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this
Wow! This game is not over yet but revenge, as they say, is a dish best served cold. 20 point game at halftime. Wow. Go my Hawks, Go! Everybody is in the act, even Mario West!
By ray
January 2, 2009 8:41 PM | Link to this
What a play by West. First the steal from Lopez, then the 38 foot heave for the quarter-ending 3 pointer. Surely that’s worth another 60 seconds of playing time…
Oh wait, I forgot. That’s 60 seconds of playing time we’re ripping away from some poor unfortunate starter. Damn my eyes for suggesting such a thing!
By Ben
January 2, 2009 8:41 PM | Link to this
By Trey Daniels
After almost 5 years on the job, and despite many more L’s than W’s on his record, Hawks head coach Mike Woodson feels he is finally getting somewhere with his young team.
“I am starting to get it. I am still working on some things, but I think I finally have the basics down, ” said Woodson. “Whoever has the most points at the end of the game wins. Once I figured that one out, the rest of it just started falling in place.”
Woodson said he once thought basketball was like golf, where the lower score wins.
“That totally changed the way I approached the game,” said Woodson.
He said he also recently figured out the 3-point line, back court violations and rebounding. Woodson, who has faced rumors of being fired, said he should keep his job.
“I figure it can only get better. Now I can tell our players, ‘Hey, we need 3 points, shoot from over here.’ And it’s actually OK if you miss the shot, you can run to the ball and get it back,” said Woodson. “These are things I can pass on to our players and it should lead to a few wins.”
When asked what he knew about defense, Woodson seemed puzzled.
“You mean it is OK to try to stop the other team? Wow!”
Woodson, who was an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons before coming to Atlanta, admitted he mostly rode the bench while Larry Brown did most of the work.
“Larry was great,” said Woodson. “He could tell players what a travel is. He could even explain a bounce pass to them. That is part of the reason Detroit was so good.”
Woodson said Brown allowed him to do vital things for him, like hold his clip board and hand Gatorade to players on the bench. The Atlanta coach said he rarely paid attention to the game saying he always found it “a little boring.”
General Manager Rick Sund, a self-proclaimed ‘basketball expert,’ said he didn’t realize Woodson knew so little about the game before hiring him.
“I really do very little in terms of preparation for these things,” said Sund. “For me, picking a coach is a lot like drafting a player. You just close your eyes and pick a name.”
The Hawks are currently 21-10, and Woodson said he feels good about the team’s playoff hopes.
“We have been working on these things called free throws,” said Woodson. “I think they could have a big effect on the game.”
By Ben
January 2, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this
**By Trey Daniels
After almost 5 years on the job, and despite many more L’s than W’s on his record, Hawks head coach Mike Woodson feels he is finally getting somewhere with his young team.
“I am starting to get it. I am still working on some things, but I think I finally have the basics down, ” said Woodson. “Whoever has the most points at the end of the game wins. Once I figured that one out, the rest of it just started falling in place.”
Woodson said he once thought basketball was like golf, where the lower score wins.
“That totally changed the way I approached the game,” said Woodson.
He said he also recently figured out the 3-point line, back court violations and rebounding. Woodson, who has faced rumors of being fired, said he should keep his job.
“I figure it can only get better. Now I can tell our players, ‘Hey, we need 3 points, shoot from over here.’ And it’s actually OK if you miss the shot, you can run to the ball and get it back,” said Woodson. “These are things I can pass on to our players and it should lead to a few wins.”
When asked what he knew about defense, Woodson seemed puzzled.
“You mean it is OK to try to stop the other team? Wow!”
Woodson, who was an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons before coming to Atlanta, admitted he mostly rode the bench while Larry Brown did most of the work.
“Larry was great,” said Woodson. “He could tell players what a travel is. He could even explain a bounce pass to them. That is part of the reason Detroit was so good.”
Woodson said Brown allowed him to do vital things for him, like hold his clip board and hand Gatorade to players on the bench. The Atlanta coach said he rarely paid attention to the game saying he always found it “a little boring.”
General Manager Rick Sund, a self-proclaimed ‘basketball expert,’ said he didn’t realize Woodson knew so little about the game before hiring him.
“I really do very little in terms of preparation for these things,” said Sund. “For me, picking a coach is a lot like drafting a player. You just close your eyes and pick a name.”
The Hawks are currently 21-10, and Woodson said he feels good about the team’s playoff hopes.
“We have been working on these things called free throws,” said Woodson. “I think they could have a big effect on the game.”**
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 8:48 PM | Link to this
Clyde,
What’s up. I just flipped over and caught ya Boyz gettn scrubbed by a Division II powerhouse, UTAH?
And you talking bout National Championship? Yall betta pick it up. You know we gonna be on ya.
Come on guys, keep your foot on their throats. We might get an Acie and Solo sighting tonight.
WOODY=COY
By rms
January 2, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this
LOL…. That was funny!!! At least we’re winning!!! So much for Acie playing backup. Like I said before, at least he dont play for the Yankees farmclub. I dont know whats worse. Hopefully we continue to pour it on in the 2nd half and dont blow it….
By Freshmaker
January 2, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this
Wow…the Hawks are just crushing the Nets. Guess this is payback for those 2 Ls earlier.
By Blast
January 2, 2009 9:01 PM | Link to this
20 point lead down to 9. Now is the time for the Hawks to show what stuff they are made off.
By doc
January 2, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this
samiel do you thing the tide has dried up?
looks like we are trying to do our second half fold thing with a lead on the road. we have taken our feet off their throats.
ray that shot was more like 55-60 feet as it was shot from the other side of mid-court. game channel got it wrong.
By bigdave
January 2, 2009 9:04 PM | Link to this
This is a Dam% shame… they do this every time… once again this game shouldn’t even be close.. why do we poorly execute out of the half unless we are down.. what is this??? why are we taking these ill advised shots, primary offense through Al taking a dam@ fall away free throw jumper… This p** me off!!! We have Houston tomorrow… this game will go down to the wire when it didn’t have too…
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this
We need to get Al out. he’s not ready to play tonight. Wow, really not a good start to the Half.
By O'brien
January 2, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this
Where is the defense Hawks? A 25-11 run for the nets?
This reminds me of games last year when the Hawks had the lead and came out flat after half time.
By rms
January 2, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this
Dang it, I knew it!!! Crackheads blew the lead…..
By bigdave
January 2, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this
I swear.. id rather see Mario West than Mo get in there with his poor defense… he fouls and bumps and swears he hasn t touched anyone.. he rides the player when they drive instead of sliding his dam$ feet… kinda like Carmelo…
By terrell barron
January 2, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this
Zaza sucks.
By ray
January 2, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this
Man, we almost didn’t survive that third quarter. Got outscored 32-20. How did this happen?
It must have been that one turnover Josh Smith had in the quarter. Yeah, that’s it. Surely that incredible 3-point shooting on the part of the Nets is his fault too. Damn him for not playing up on all those guys! Here we are, in another close game, just because of Josh!
Heh heh heh…
By Melvin
January 2, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this
We have missed too many free throws in the 2nd half….
By JohnGTFan
January 2, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this
sad sad sad. Everyone does know Atlanta will NOT win this game. A loss like this can really change a season…I think since it’s a loss…Woodson should bench EVERY STARTER…let the back-ups play to prove a point to the starters.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 2, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this
Mike Woodson must have told the Hawks some uplifting stories about cancer and genocide at halftime… to say the Hawks came out flat in the 2nd half is the understatement of the century.
By O'brien
January 2, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this
I’m not a Woody fan. But the players get most of the blame for this second half performance (lack of execution) so far. How many open 3 pointers did the Nets take? Where is the defense that we saw in the first half?
By JohnGTFan
January 2, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this
I don’t want to hear about anyone blaming Woodson for this loss…this one is ALL ON THE PLAYERS!!!! ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC!!!!!
By ray
January 2, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t bench Horford or Bibby right now, JohnGTFan. They’re both playing well and look fresh. If they were tired, I’d let ‘em sit.
We need Joe to wake up or something. Draw up some plays to free him up a bit. In doing so, the defense will key on him…and free Bibby.
By Joe
January 2, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this
If the Hawks p** this game away, they should just stay in New Jersey. What an embarrassing 2nd half. They still have no killer instinct.
By bigdave
January 2, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this
Im bout to throw up… these fools bout to kill my ESPN.com streak for cash…!!!
By ray
January 2, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this
O’Brien,
Good point. It’s on the guys. No “D”. Carter has been open more than Charles Barkley’s mouth…
I really hate to see us lose a game like this. We had these guys. Really had them. Got to find a way to get it back and pull this one out. And it will start with defense. No other way.
Ben,
That might have been funny last year.
By JohnGTFan
January 2, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this
I know RAY…just my frustration coming out of me. I just can’t believe they give up playing against a far inferior team.
By JohnGTFan
January 2, 2009 9:43 PM | Link to this
WEll, Josh and ZaZa did their BEST to guarantee this loss from the free throw line!!!! WOW
By Melvin
January 2, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this
What kind of shot was that JJ….
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this
Bad play by JJ,
He needed to kick that out to Bibby. come on Joe. You got to get better at that. Bibby is just as clutch. We need a stop.
By Joe
January 2, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith still makes way too many losing plays when it matters.
By Joe
January 2, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith still makes way too many losing plays when it matters.
By Melvin
January 2, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this
The starters has played too many mins tonite. Even the nets asst. coach found a way to rest his starters… got dand Woody
By O'brien
January 2, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this
Everytime we think the Hawks have taken the next step, they come up with a game like this.
8-17 free throws, 8 turnovers between Josh and Zaza? Come on guys. We have Houston tomorrow. We need this win!
By bigdave
January 2, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this
oooooooooooooooooooo !!! NOT MOE EVANS!!!!!
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this
good foul.
By kwooden1
January 2, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this
3.6 seconds left NJ has the ball. I don’t know who’s won the game or if it’s Overtime when I wrote this but: 7 points in 6 minutes, didn’t play again!! Enough Said.
He better be HURT!!!
By Sautee
January 2, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this
As Skip would say:
“Free Basketball tonight at the Izod Center.”
By Mr. G
January 2, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this
Why is JOsh Smith taking 3’s?
By kwooden1
January 2, 2009 9:54 PM | Link to this
Overtime? WHY???
By Melvin
January 2, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this
We scored 36pts in the 2nd half… awful
By Melvin
January 2, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this
We scored 36pts in the 2nd half… awful
By ray
January 2, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this
I don’t care what happened in the last two minutes of the 4th quarter. If we lose this game, we lost it in the 3rd quarter and most of the 4th, due to a lack of defensive intensity. Period.
I still don’t understand the play where Josh comes to the arc, gets the ball, and shoots it. It’s great if he wins the game (or contributes in some way to the win). But how many late game or game-winning 3s are we seeing from him? The problem is that this is obviously a play, or Woody would be losing his mind on the sideline and sitting Smith on the bench….right?
Well, let’s see how overtime goes. One buck for VC already…
By doc
January 2, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this
this is a team game and they are all doing their best to give it away. no heroes yet.
By ray
January 2, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this
I agree, Samuel. What I wanted to see was Joe draw two defenders (or even just one), and somebody come up and screen off on Bibby’s man, freeing him. I think that would’ve worked.
By rms
January 2, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this
SEKOU…. Are u watching this???? What an embarrassment!! We wont have any gas left for tomorrow. I wonder if Woody will use more of his bench against Houston or will he stick with the same old rotations. You guys are right- no KILLER INSTINCT!! We will never take it to the next level without that….
By Mychelfromatl
January 2, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this
This ish is crazy!!!!
By Mychelfromatl
January 2, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this
O My F**king God!!!! What A Play!!!!!
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 2, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this
Hmm… maybe Mo Evans should be on the floor after all?
What a clutch defensive play. Let’s hope they can come up with another one with 11 seconds left.
By Melvin
January 2, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this
Great steal by Mo and finish by JSmoove. It should have been an and 1….
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 2, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this
Wow.
That sucked.
By JohnGTFan
January 2, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this
fitting end to that game
By Melvin
January 2, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this
Got dam*, Carter did it to us again…
By rms
January 2, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this
We deserve to lose that one!! Sorry Freakin Hawks got just what they deserve. Now come on home and get your butt kicked by Houston….SUCKAS!!!
By Mychelfromatl
January 2, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this
Wow. Another heartbreaker at the buzzard.
By rms
January 2, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this
Hawks got what they deserve!!! Sorry freakin Hawks got what they deserve. Now come on home and get your butt kicked by Houston….LOSERS!!!!
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this
WOW,
Nothing you can do about that. A 35 footer by VC. Tough loss. Let’s come back strong tomorrow.
By uga-brave
January 2, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this
nice d there josh, way to get in vince’s face. what a joke. josh the coach killer.
By Blast
January 2, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this
Bad loss. Big time heartbreaker. The Hawks lost this at the foul line, pure and simple. Yeah, Vince Carter made that incredible 3 pointer to win it, but the Hawks need to know that they cannot allow these games to come down to the wire where an opposing superstar can win at the buzzer. re; Carter and Pierce. Just like the second loss to Boston, the Hawks will learn from this loss, learn to put teams down, step on their throats when they have them down. I hope this does not affect their game vs Houston
By ROLLINS TREE
January 2, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this
Nice loss. We are still a good head coach away from the next level. No reason to lose to this team!!!
By O'brien
January 2, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this
This was a total team loss. What was up with JJ tonight? 5-16. And to make it worse, he took some bad shots. We were 10-20 free throws, and bad turnovers. And could somebody tell Josh to stop shooting threes? 10-40 on the season? Are you serious? 25%?
After a loss like this, will there be any carry over to tomorrow’s game?
By Roger
January 2, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this
How much longer do we have to see josh: 1. shoot shots he seldom makes (no one guards him for a reason! 2 He is a turnover machine! 3 His man beats him to the bucket everytime 4he never hustles on the defensive boards. 5 He should not be allowed to leave the paint at either end. 6please get something for him since we were bidding with our self during free agency!!!!!!!!
By O'brien
January 2, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this
ROLLINS TREE This loss is on the players, not on Woody. Woody did not go 10-20 from the free throw line, Woody did not stop playing D, and Woody did not have those turnovers. Blame this on the players.
The Hawks lost this game, but the important thing is that we have to beat Houston tomorrow. After that we have 2 games with Orlando, and we cannot afford to go into a funk like we did after the first Celtics loss.
By ray
January 2, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this
And the Josh hate continues…..
Bad defense in the second half. How do we give them so many open looks? Try pinning that on one player.
One last shot by a guy known for hitting big time outside shots. Should Josh have closed out on him sooner? Maybe. Carter might have hit it anyway. Or he may have slipped by him, or drawn the foul. Either way it was curtains.
We didn’t lose that game at the very end of the 4th, or in overtime. It was lost in the entire 3rd, and part of the 4th quarter. And we damn sure lost it on the boards.
Well, I wonder what Narcissus will have to say…perhaps something about us being wrong for expecting a win or whatever.
By Blast
January 2, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this
I strongly believe those white wands, rubber batons, whatever that the nets fans were waving behind the foul line seriously affected the Hawks abilities to make foul throws, cos you could hardly see the rim, only a sea of waving whites. How come we don’t have that at Philips? I looked around for them during the Cavs game and could not see one, not even a white handkerchief been waved to distract opposing free throw shooters. What’s up with that?
By Big Ump
January 2, 2009 10:50 PM | Link to this
If you play this game long enough, there will be days that you lose this kind of games. So they lost tonite. There will be games that they will win also like this. It’s funny people who claims they are Hawks fan but once they lose then their true colos come out. Look at RMS how he sounded calling Hawks Suckas and loser. We lost so it’s over. We will go at it again Friday.
By Da Real Real
January 2, 2009 11:01 PM | Link to this
I agree with you Ray. I hate it when one of the Atlanta teams loses that you get some people to come on the blog out of nowhere talking nonsense.
I seen it on the Hawks before the 1st half ended, before Mario hit that half court shot…The Hawks were walking the floor and didn’t finish the 2nd quarter strong. We built that lead to 20 and the Nets had made a couple of shots before Mario knocked down that shot to put it back to 20. The Hawks at times have shown how much they’ve learned and how much they’ve matured this season.
I was thinking that this Hawks team was mature enough to not let this team smell a comeback…I remember thinking before the 3rd started that I don’t have to worry about this Hawks team blowing this game. I was wrong, but I do believe that this team will learn from this. You can’t blow a 20 point lead and expect to get away with winning one which the Hawks almost did. I think the Hawks got to comfortable, and got lazy coming out in the 3rd. Absolutely no hustle for loose balls or rebounds, and of course there was the bad free throw shooting.
I know people love pointing fingers because its easy…its hard for people to say that the team lost collectively…don’t know why that is but that’s the case. From coaching down to the players. Of course Woody didn’t miss any shots, but he left a few guys in bad positions. He sat ZaZa and he should have probably sat Smoove for a few possessions. I’m hoping he makes adjustments and I hope the team also learns from this game.
Man I’m tired of giving games to the Nets. Really does start to get annoying because I know we’re at least 10 points better than those guys.
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 11:05 PM | Link to this
We didn’t really play well the whole game. They just stunk up the place the first half. If I had to pin it on one thing, it would have to be the free throws. As bad as we played the second half, we still could have won if we hit at least 70% from the line.
No excuse for that. JJ didn’t have a good game at all. He really needs to trust Bibby more. He’s been crying for a running mate who can hit the big shots. Now he’s got one. He needs to trust him.
I think he got too much rest. I’m sure he’ll come back strong tomorrow.
No way you can blame Josh for that defensive effort on the last play. A guy hits a 35 footer. he deserves the bucket. The last thing you want ot do is foul in that situation. He just made the shot. We never should have been in that position.
Anybody who blames a coach for that loss is just plain_____. You fill in the blanks. Please.
WOODY=COY
By bigdave
January 2, 2009 11:10 PM | Link to this
Josh’s play kept us in this game late…
By Blast
January 2, 2009 11:15 PM | Link to this
Rms you take this game in stride and move on, not dump on your team because they lost. You watch the game, root for your team, analyze why they lost and how they could have won, and move on. What you don’t do is call them suckers and losers because believe me, this loss is gonna hurt the players more than the fans, you have to consider that. They are the ones playing the game, we are only fans and watchers, so they gave this game away, but they had the chance to win it at the end, save for a Vince Carter outrageous shot, and yes, I believe Josh should have been straight up Vince’s chest because the clock was winding down.
Maybe that says something about Josh’s basketball IQ as some folks have debated here, but again, the game was not lost on that last shot, but by the fact that the Hawks gave this away.
By Astro Joe
January 2, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this
Ray, I partly agree that our defense (or lack thereof) hurt us in the second half. At the same time, NJ missed a ton of super-easy baskets in the first half and things typically even out in this game. I thought the bigger issue in the 2nd half was a lack of offensive discipline… we kept hoisting up jumpers even when the previous hot hands were ice cold. And of course, we took our free throws for granted. Strangely, I felt that all of the free throw misses from Zaza and Smith hurt more than Bibby’s miss. For whatever reason, when Zaza and Smith missed most of their free throws, it felt more like they were not respecting the game nor the opponent and didn’t have the proper focus at the time (again, lack of discipline). Bibby had the focus, he just missed (or choked, depending on your persepctive). We’ve seen this team get the big-head in previous seasons only to be deflated… tonight felt like another example as they seemingly expected the Nets to rollover and die in front of their home crowd in the 3rd quarter. Oops, they did it again… got their faces cracked and their big-heads popped!
Sekou, does anyone track how often the Hawks bigs get called for an illegal screen? Seems like a nightly event, just like Zaza being called for traveling and Smith taking an awful long-distance shot? I assume that the coaching staff works with the players on how to set a screen and when the ball handler (often JJ or Bibby) should utilize the screen (they often move before the screen is set which is more on them and less on Horford/Zaza). It’s just frustrating to see the same violation every game… kind of like watching a defensive tackle get called for off-sides every game.
By doc
January 2, 2009 11:19 PM | Link to this
uh stuckey went big again tonight for 38, follows a 40 plus effort last week. look out.
ultimately they wanted it more than us, hustled a bit more on loose balls tonight. they need t learn they cant just turn it on and turn it off. very little flip tonight. might have been able to use him in the third quarter when there was no energy and nothing going in or did i miss something?
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 2, 2009 11:20 PM | Link to this
“I strongly believe those white wands, rubber batons, whatever that the nets fans were waving behind the foul line seriously affected the Hawks abilities to make foul throws, cos you could hardly see the rim, only a sea of waving whites. How come we don’t have that at Philips?”
They are called Thundersticks, and they did have them at Philips either last year or the year before. I’m guessing the money for Josh Smith’s contract came out of the Thundersticks fund at DASG Central.
By E. G.
January 2, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this
Bibbly play 42:30 before OT, and Josh Smith played 43:30 before OT. I said to myself during the forth quarter when Bibbly was jacking up 3s and outside shoots, “this guy has no more legs left”.
We also had no one in the 4th quarter, like the NJ Nets, to break down the defense or score in the paint, so we were relegated to shooting a bunch of outside shots. I know Woody can’ be blamed for everything, Mr. O’BRIEN, but Woody has to start putting in Acie Law, Morris and S. Jones to give these guys a rest.
I think Joe Johnson took that shot because he knew Bibby didn’t have any legs left, even though I did holler at the TV when he didn’t make the pass.
Josh Smith had five turnovers tonight; I guess that will happen sometimes; however, I was “very” surprised when the person defending Josh pick pocketed him during the overtime. How did that happen!
Our Hawks are going to be extremely tired tomorrow, and Houston just lost to Toronto by 21 points. I think Woody better find a way to start giving his starters a rest, for we could easily lose the next three games without using our bench.
Just the other day the Boston Celtics just admitted that their starters are beginning to get tired for playing a lot of minutes. I hope we wake up and start realizing that having our starters fresh for the 4th quarter is very important.
Peace! and God bless!
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 2, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this
Joe Johnson was a dime and a board away from a triple double. Josh Smith keyed the first-half defensive effort and made many good plays down the stretch. Quit blaming them — this loss can’t be pinned on just one or two players. The Hawks lost this game because they came out of the locker room at halftime lethargic and unready for the run they had to know the Nets would make. Today’s loss was a result of getting out-hustled. The box score bears this out as well — 15 offensive boards for the Nets, who out-rebounded the Hawks 52-42 overall, and 10/20 from the free throw line. Getting out-hustled takes a full team effort.
By Astro Joe
January 2, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this
Doc, I’m guessing that Woody was looking for the D to pick-up in the 3rd quarter, as oppose to asking for a shoot-out by bringing Flip in the game. What we really needed was discipline at the free throw line… a respect for the opponent and a determination to stay focused on the little things (like converting a freakin’ free throw). Sorry, but I equate missing free throws in the first 45 minutes of a game to a simple lack of concentration… and that ticks me off. We didn’t play any youngsters tonight (other than cameo appearances by Solo and Mario), so I expect the regulars to maintain some discipline. I wouldn’t mind it if Woody invites Zaza and Smith to shoot about 100 free throws before tomorrow’s game.
By Sekou K. Smith
January 2, 2009 11:35 PM | Link to this
New blog up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Samuel
January 2, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this
Clyde,
Bama is really making the SEC look bad. Getting manhandled by a Skiing school.
Fire Nick Saban
By prseton
January 2, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this
Like someone said, the hawks got exactly what they deserved. Yes, that was an incredible shot by Carter…..there wasn’t much Jsmoove could have done to stop that….but the game should not have ever come down to that. The Hawks did lose this game at the free throw line, but man, how many times are we going to play the nets and watch Devin Harris keep them close and in these games, and then let Vince beat us? JJ and Bibby were not having their better games, so why not insert the younger fresher legs and better defense of someone like Acie…….just to try and slow down Harris?
By doc
January 2, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this
i guess we can say the tide has gone out tonight. call it roll over tide maybe or low tide.
yeah najeh you have to match runs once ahead. they werent able to keep the nets off the boards in the second half for whatever reason. zaza looked all world then he wasnt heard from. defensive boards were awful and let them back in.
aj, you have to change the course of things with what you have. dont think we found anything that worked in the second half on either end. rebound time tomorrow night.
By E. G.
January 2, 2009 11:44 PM | Link to this
Hey Mr. Najeh Davenpoop
Do our Hawks have any power forwards or centers who can jump? I saw plenty of times tonight when we were in the right position to grab a defensive rebound, but the rookie Lopez, if that’s his name, just jump higher than us or over us from behind to get a rebound.
These other teams have true 7 footers, but we don’t have one 7 footer on our team. Zaza is 6’11”, Horford is 6’10” and still forced to play CENTER!, and Morris is a 6’11” player (center) who will probably never play one game for the Hawks.
Soooooooooooooooooooo, where is our big man. If Zaza wasn’t good at hustling for position for rebounds, the other teams would be “killing” us on the boards. Why did we pick up Randolph Morris? Why?
By E. G.
January 2, 2009 11:53 PM | Link to this
This is what SEKOU K SMITH said about Josh Smith on his new blog:
Carter never should have been allowed to scoop up an errant inbounds pass from Jarvis Hayes without the Hawks swarming him like the ice cream man on a sweltering summer day.
Josh Smith, who was guarding Carter at the end, opted to let Carter chase the ball and turn and set himself before launching that game winning shot. But with 5.3 seconds left and a bad pass, scrambling after that ball would have prevented Carter from making a clean grab and getting the chance to that final dagger.
“There’s five seconds, and the ball went past half-court,” Hayes said after the game. “The man that was guarding [Carter] didn’t follow him into the backcourt to get the loose ball and he just left him too much room.”
Neither Smith nor Marvin Williams, who was guarding the inbounds pass and actually turned to chase for a moment, before remembering Hayes was his responsibility and turning back to cover his assignment, broke off and made the play Hayes is talking about.
What’s even more perplexing is that Smith did exactly that on the previous possession to give the Hawks the lead. He left Carter to trap Devin Harris and he and Mo Evans wound up combining for the steal and the subsequent fast break Layup that provided the Hawks with the 91-90 lead that Carter squashed with his game winner.
“First and foremost, I was just looking to see if the guy was running down and if he’s running, I would try to get the ball before he does,” Carter said. “It was 1.8 seconds, the clock was running, so I just wanted to make sure I could get it and get my feet set. He didn’t run so I was able to turn and get my head around and get my feet set and make it happen.”
If someone makes a play on that ball, it never happens. Or at least it doesn’t happen as cleanly as it did this night.
Again, sometimes it’s the plays you don’t make, even the simple ones, that eng up costing you the most.
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 3, 2009 12:01 AM | Link to this
“Do our Hawks have any power forwards or centers who can jump?”
Well, Josh Smith and Al Horford can both jump, but that’s not the problem… Brook Lopez was a lottery pick for a reason, and it’s because he’s got skills, length and athleticism in a 7 foot body. That is a flaw the Hawks’ roster has — the inability to match up with athletic 7 footers. But this is not the only team that has 7 footers or near-7 footers who can play. The Hawks handled Cleveland with Ilgauskas, Orlando with Dwight Howard, Golden State with Andris Biedrins, etc. It is possible for shorter players to handle bigger players if they position themselves properly, box out, etc. Usually the Hawks do this, and that’s a big reason why they have had so much success this year defensively. Tonight they didn’t have it. But I think it says something about the caliber of team the Hawks are, that they can be so below average on the boards and at the foul line and it still takes an overtime buzzer beater to beat them on the road.
“If Zaza wasn’t good at hustling for position for rebounds, the other teams would be “killing” us on the boards.”
I don’t agree… Zaza throwing his body around certainly doesn’t hurt, but the Hawks are a good rebounding team normally with or without him. They just weren’t hustling tonight. You don’t have to have a height advantage to have a rebounding advantage.
“Why did we pick up Randolph Morris? Why?”
Randolph Morris was not picked up with any intention of being a serious contributor for this team this year. He is a minimum-salary project who is here solely due to his upside. Really, the Hawks would be smart to assign him to a D-League team and let his game develop, like the Nets have done with Sean Williams. Same goes for Othello Hunter.