Hawks

By Ernest

January 6, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

Let’s hope those that were missing from practice will be back for the game. Being a full strength is needed to effectively compete with the elites of the NBA.

By Ariose

January 6, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this

Regardless of who is out there for the hawks, they’ll be fired up and rarin to go for sure.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Brian

January 6, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this

Hope ZSAZSA wasn’t hung over, haha! At any rate, hope that Hawks stick it to Orlando both games. Only a few games back from them in the standings. Let’s GO HAWKS!!

By Greg

January 6, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

Sekou What trade if any can the Hawks make to get us to a championship caliber team this year. I think if we could swing somethin to get a guy like Chris Kaman from the Clippers that could put us over the top. What’s your thoughts what are you hearing.

By rms

January 6, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this

What does practice have anything to do with you not playing? So if JJ or Bibby missed a couple of practices to tend to an ailing family member or had flu-like symptoms they would scratched from the game even though they were at full strength and ready to play come game time? Oh well, hope the guys we do have are ready to play because its going to be a long nite…

By Ryder

January 6, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

I say let Marvin rest and sit out Wednesday, there’s no reason to rush him back, especially during this time of the year.

Also, since the Magic will be traveling after playing the Wizards tonight this will give Atlanta an advantage in the rest department. I believe Zaza will play but Marvin won’t return until Friday, where his offense will be needed on the road.

By Kaye

January 6, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

Yeah Sekou, whats the horizon on the Hawks making any adjustments or roster moves this year? I really dont see any forthcoming with there success so far. And whats the scope on Speedy “No Speed” Claxton….is he at least practicing? and i guess Thomas Gardner is just to fill out the roster

By Melvin

January 6, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

Sekou, any news whether the Hawks will wave Gardner or Hunter before Friday when all contacts become guarantee? I believe if both guys remain on the roster, than we’ll probably stand pat for the remainder of the season…

By ES

January 6, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

Tough road game this week vs. Orlando but I think the team is up for the challenge. We’re finally starting to play consistently, which is something we never did last year.

Just saw that J. Smith/Wilcox/Collison are all available from the Thunder. Any chance we pick up one of these guys? The first two are intriguing and would fit right in…

By Silly Willy!

January 6, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

Sekou What trade if any can the Hawks make to get us to a championship caliber team this year.

Um, well let’s see. Solomom Jones for Yao Ming might do the trick.Maybe Acie Law for Kobe. Mario West for LeBron. Or all three trades. That would make the Hawks championship caliber team. HaHaHa..omg!@

And while you’re looking into your magic crystal ball, please tell me the winning lottery numbers too. Thank you very mucho.

By Big Ump

January 6, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

What is a new defensive or offensive schemes is added. Can you really run it if you not there to see or pratice it with you teamates. You got 4 players that know and 1 not then that throw everything off.

By jhan

January 6, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

doc, we’re probably saving $3M/year by signing FlipMo instead of Chills. Also 2 years for FlipMo vs. 5 years for Chills. Hard to say if Chills would be worth the extra dough or not. Too bad we couldn’t have all 3 this year. What a bench that would have been.

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

January 6, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

How is everyone in Hawksville, I was on vacation last week and I am just getting back. I am looking forward to the game tomorrow and hopefully I will be able to go. Catching the Magic on back to back games with time to rest and after they have played tonight is a recipe for catching them in the standings. Yes sir!!

What do ya’ll think about Starberry going to the C’s?

By doc

January 6, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this

HG, i hope it works to our advantage but that would mean i wanted something bad to happen to the c’s, bad karma. if history repeats itself all is good for us that is.

By Jim Burn is Roaming

January 6, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

As far as trades, would the Hawks consider a 1st and 2nd round pick in 09’, plus the rights to Childress for a big?

Also, Jhan I think that the Hawks need to be proactive with Bibby. He has obviously been a “shot” in the arm and on the floor for the Hawks once anemic offense. Don’t wait until the end of the year to negotiate. Show him the “love” that you didn’t immediately show Smoove.

By happyhawk

January 6, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this

lets see…marvin avgs. 14 pts 6 reb and zaza 6 reb.. we’re going to play against an explosive scorer and rebounding machine dwight howard. so what are we going to miss? i just hope solo will step up and i don’t mind seeing randmo getting sum burn.

By Jim Burn is Roaming

January 6, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this

I keep stressing that the Hawks need to win both of these games against the Orlando Magic. The Hawks need the 3rd spot. If the playoffs start now, in the East: 1Boston vs 8Milwaukee, with the winner of this game meeting the winner of the 4Atlanta vs 5Detroit. Atlanta would meet Boston in the semis. I think that the Hawks would fair better against Cleveland over 7 games. Boston is a four headed monster with Garnett, Pearce, and Allen, and Rondo. Cleveland is a 2 headed monster.

By Jim Burn is Roaming

January 6, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this

EJ Is that trade official, with Marbury?

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 6, 2009 3:49 PM | Link to this

I agree with Jim Burn — the Hawks don’t have the luxury of waiting for things to play out for Bibby, who is an unrestricted free agent. I know the DASG has their financial problems, but if they are serious about keeping him they should get a move on it now before he hits the open market. He is at the point in his career where he has maybe one big contract left, so the chances of getting a discount to keep him here are slim to none.

As far as the benchwarmers are concerned, I’d really like to see Hunter and Gardner get sent down to the D-League for a while. This would give the Hawks flexibility to pursue any available veterans for the stretch run while giving Hunter and Gardner some much needed playing time. I’m not sure exactly how the contract situation would work, whether it would become guaranteed even if they were sent down, but it’s something worth looking in to.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 6, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this

The Marbury thing is not a trade. He’s getting bought out of his Knicks contract and signing with the Celtics as an unrestricted free agent. From what I know as of right now it’s still speculation although progress is being made on the Knicks end to buy him out.

By Gypsyjoe

January 6, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

I think the Hawks do not want to mess with the core of this team. I think Joe Smith would look good on this team. What would the Thunder want??

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

January 6, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

doc

I hear you, bab karma is not worth the effort to put it out, and it always comes back to bite you. Whatever will happen will happen and we will be alright.

Rome Starberry will leave the Knicks and I heard that he was interested in going to the C’s. I think that he is almost too good for his own good. He thinks that he can be the man, and with three already, where will he get his touches?

By Jim Burn is Roaming

January 6, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this

Najeh What do you think is “reasonable” for Bibby’s services? I am thinking that 10mil per would be respectful. I would not want to “insult” him with an offer, too low. Baron Davis took 10mil from the Clips and prior to that, he was making Bibby money.

By Sekou K. Smith

January 6, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this

A championship caliber team? If the Celtics are interested in giving up KG … that’s crazy, of course.

The Hawks have what they need to make the playofffs. Tweaking that to get what they need to advance in the playoffs should be the goal (there’s no need for a gutting for a title run when you’ve got a 22-11 team already). Another veteran big to fortify your rotation is always nice, but the Hawks would have to make a trade or cut someone to make room on the roster (both possiblities).

Which leads to our next question about Gardner, West and Hunter being on the roster by the end of the week. Unless something dramatic takes place in the next few days, I’d expect all those guys to remain on the roster (at least thru the trade deadline, where they will be just as, if not more, valuable).

As for Acie missing practice, if he played as much as Bibby or Joe, missing a practice wouldn’t be an issue. But as has been well documented around here by so many, he does not play the mondo minutes, so any time away impacts his situation. And from what it sounds like, he won’t be on the bench for the game anyway.

By Sautee

January 6, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this

kirknga

“Sautee”, I could care less if you think what I post is germane or German. I post what I like for me.

I don’t give compliments based on whether or not you care. That doesn’t change that it was refreshing (for at least one post) to have you actually talking Hawks and making good points. If you want to p!ss on a compliment, it’s your choice to do so.

But it just shows the blog exactly who you are.

And do you think there’s anybody here who doesn’t post what they like? Puzzling.

When you stop commenting on me commenting about comments, then I’ll consider suggestions.

What suggestions? No suggestion that I could see.

And kirk, whenever you focus on bringing others down, I’ll still be in your face.

Now was that a comment on you commenting on me commenting on you commenting on other bloggers? ;-)

By Jerry

January 6, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this

With Acie being out, is there any possibility that Speedy might touch the floor during the game?

Are there some players on teams that are for practice only. I see a lot of the Celtics games (I live in CT), and Sam Cassell never even dresses for the games.

Is this the same for Speedy? Is he on the bench in street clothes?

By jhan

January 6, 2009 5:51 PM | Link to this

If Bibby would sign a 3/$30M deal I think the Hawks should make that happen asap. I’m not sure he would get much better offers than that.

I wouldn’t worry about Bibby reacting the way the Joshes did during last off-seasons slow negotiations. He is familiar with the NBA & knows it is just a business. I doubt he would take things so personally.

If the Hawks keep Bibby I would think they will keep all their draft choices for next year (cheap filler). Marvin gets traded (too expensive), ZaZa & Solo get released. We’ll get to see plenty of Randolph Morris because he’s already here & is very inexpensive.

By ray

January 6, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this

Najeh,

That’s exactly what I was saying to Samuel on the last blog. If keeping Bibby is a priority, signing him to an extension while the contract and season are still going on, is the way to go. Wait until it’s over, and it will be curtains. We need not re-hash last summer to emphasize that point. This guy will be unrestricted. Free. And he will have plans of his own. Some people act like signing him is just a given….yeah, okay….

By Rolltide 36-0

January 6, 2009 6:02 PM | Link to this

The Hawks need to let Acie Law go. Woody seems to have a problem with him. Solomon Jones should be in the line up. No one really know what he can do if Woody keeps him on the bench. But they need to go after somebody who knows how to play with their back to the basket.

By Sautee

January 6, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this

Rolltide 36-0

About this:

The Hawks need to let Acie Law go. Woody seems to have a problem with him.

After Saturday night’s game (when Acie played) Woodson said “Acie’s was great for us”.

So can you tell us about the problem?

By The Truth

January 6, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this

While Sekou, the respectable writer that he is, did a wonderful job of suggesting a missed opportunity for Acie to get more playing time without offending him. Without further knowledge of Acie personal situation, I won’t offend either. I just hope he made the right decision. This is because, his decision to be excused runs contrary to Woody’s view about his bench players. Woody has said on numerous occasions that when his bench players get opportunity to play they must be ready. They must make the most of their opportunity, even if it just a few minutes. As I wrote in the previous blog, the Magic success this year is because of their deep bench play. As Van Gundy stated, they are able to maintain a consistent level of play because of a deep rotation. For us to win these games, we must match this effort because the wins or losses will be based (in part) on attrition. These games will be very intense for four quarters. It will be a playoff atmosphere. This will require an “all hands on deck effort”. Since Marvin is already injured and his status is questionable, this will only add to the drama.

Is this the opportunity Acie has been waiting for? During a recent interview, Acie talked about his learning experience while playing with Bibby. He is expecting to take over at point guard when his time or opportunity comes. However, the problem with opportunity, you never know just when or in what form it comes. As Les Brown, the motivational speaker once said; for success to happen, you must be hungry. For Acie to excuse himself from practice, at least, beg the question: Is Acie Hungry?

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 6, 2009 6:43 PM | Link to this

Since starters’ minutes (Joe Johnson’s in particular) have been a topic of discussion on this blog recently, I thought it would be relevant to note that the number 2 minutes guy in the league, Stephen Jackson, played over 40 minutes in 13 of the Warriors’ first 16 games of the season… since then, he has missed 6 of that team’s next 21 games, and exited yesterday’s game with a strained hamstring which could keep him out for a few weeks.

This is not a guy who misses a whole lot of games due to injury; aside from the year he was suspended for 30 games due to the Detroit fight, he has missed a maximum of 8 games in any season since he became a regular rotation player.

No matter how durable a player is and how well he may be able to handle big minutes daily, it’s just simple common sense to give him some rest. I’m sure Joe Johnson can handle his 40 minutes, but that doesn’t make it a good idea.

By Melvin

January 6, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

Oh well, don’t look like we are going to get any help from Wiz tonite. At least they made the Magic play tough to the final buzzer.

By Melvin

January 6, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

Oh my, Celtics loss to the Bobcats tonite. Now their in 2nd place….

By The Hawksta

January 6, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

Sautee,

Killin him softly(lol)! That Kirk guy is his own worse enemy. He commits the crime and then has fits trying to fight it.

SEKOU

Are you getting Acie off the hook by giving us this injury report? I mean one day we have kudos a plenty for the bench patrol. The next day we got everybody doing they own thang! So Woody’s going right back to his eight man rotation and you trying to let us down lightly right?

FREE ACIE

By Astro Joe

January 6, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

Doc, if that ticket is still available, let me know. If not, maybe next time.

The Acie report is unfortunate. First and foremost, I hope all goes well with his family member. And lastly, I hope that he won’t suffer from “Salimitis”, that condition that keeps you from fulfilling your potential because there is a perpetual obstacle that stands in your way… injury, sickness, doghouse, etc., etc. One step forward and three steps back.

By doc

January 6, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this

samuel a little emphasis on the need of marvin to develop his three point shot this summer and how he has to keep shooting it:

“We’re definitely more dangerous when he’s outside making 3-pointers because that keeps the floor spread and defenses have to respect,” Hawks captain and All-Star Joe Johnson said. “That opens the floor for me to operate a little bit more, and it also makes some room for Al [Horford] and Josh to go to work inside as well.

“We’ve got to make sure to stay on Marv about taking shots when he has good looks, because when you get in a situation where you’re not making shots like you want to, it gets a little mind-boggling. It’s tough when you know you’ve been working on it and it’s just not falling. We just have to keep motivating him and he’ll get back to it.”

aj, it is still available and it would be a pleasure to see you there. i can either meet you sat about 6:30 in front of the pizza joint in the court near the main entrance or send it to you if you let me know your e-mail.

jhan, yes tomorrow night. i have been looking for you especially the night you had your posse and got up before the half to head to the stand. never saw you.

By doc

January 6, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

did someone see the olive branch on the floor just in case we need it some time in the future? isnt brotherhood fun?

By RLP

January 6, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

I picked up today’s USA Today and was reading the sports section. I was reading all of the comparison’s and contrasts between the Sooners and the Gators when it suddenly struck me that the sports writers for that paper were doing exactly what occurs daily on this blog. The writers (or players being quoted from the two teams) were using statistical analysis to support their reason why one team or the other would win the game. Oklahoma will win because their defense is ranked higher than any opponent that the Gators had played. Yes, but that is because they play in a conference that is pass happy and none of the teams they played have much of a running game. And on and on and on. The difference between the paper and this blog is that on Thursday night we will find out which team will actually win. For this blog we may not find out if Woody failed to develop his bench to the point that it will adversely affect the team in the playoffs until April or May or maybe even June. And we may not find out what kind of player Solo and Acie are for a number of years.

I remember when I first discovered this blog. It was about the time that the Celtics were coming to town back in December. I loved the blog but I felt that most of the postings were very negative. I really did not understand the blogger’s appreciation for the Hawks and their desire for their team to win. Clueless as I was I decided to submit a posting. I wrote and thought I was stating that the Hawks had a very good change to win the five remaining games on their home stand. I really did not think that my posting would be taken as a prediction. I made my statement and then went to bed. The next morning I looked and found that there had been two immediate rebuttals to what I had said. One was by The Truth who took issue with another statement I made. The second was by Doc who questioned my “prediction”. and stated that his best prediction was a 19-11 record because of Detroit. And then he asked me to defend my prediction. I remember someone else writing with an analysis of each team we faced and doing a position by position description of the teams and why my prediction was not correct. I tried to find that comment but it was not immediately after my posting and I don’t have time to read all night to find it.The next day I went back to the blog and read Doc’s comments. It was at that point that I learned that this blog is not just a posting of comments but actually an ongoing conversation between the members of the blog. I decided not to respond to Doc’s question because a day had elapsed and a response would come too late AND because I really had not intended my comment to be a prediction but a possible outcome AND because it would be easy to determine if I were correct simply by waiting for the five games to elapse and we would then see how great my predictive powers were AND because I had not made an intensive analysis but arrived at my conclusion intuitively.

As I said I learned since my first foray that these postings take on a power of their own. My first prediction happened to be correct. I was lucky. My next prediction was that the NETS would be a greater threat to the Hawks for the fourth seed than the Pistons. Oops. That was another intuitive pick that so far has been totally wrong.

Don’t get me wrong I have learned a great deal reading this blog. But sometimes I think bloggers become so invested in what they write that they continue with a perspective long after everything that can be said about it has been said from a statistical analysis standpoint.

I like some things that a posted on an ongoing basis such as Samuels signature Woody=COY campaign. He has an obvious bias for his position and he defends it on occasion but he is not boring about it. I liked Jim Burn is roaming predicting a 2-8 stretch and the responses he engendered. I liked his acknowledgment that he was in error. And I learn a lot from some of the other critical analysis. But I also see those who have stated their position, realized that it won’t matter given the current coach or ownership group and then move on. What I really wonder is if the blog found some position that was so well accepted that it reached a consensus of the blog and then had the power to affect the Hawk’s future. Just an example - Right now I think that the vast majority of this blog thinks that resigning Mike Bibby should be a priority. Could we use the power of the blog to make the ASG feel that it was mandatory for the fiscal well being of their franchise to survive that they would begin negotiations to extend his contract now? So my question to the blog is twofold. One - do we have a consensus on Bibby? Two - Does the blog have the power to work toward that goal?

By rms

January 6, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

To answer that first question, RLP, YES I think it would be doomsday if we dont re-sign Bibby because cleary AC is not taking over the reigns anytime soon so it would be foolish not to keep him. Secondly I was unaware of any power this blog has. I sometimes blog on here and mostly my comments go unnoticed (but so what) but as far as persuasion is concerned that is totally up to our disfuctional ownership group whom is a bigger laughing stock than Starbury sitting courtside on the phone at a game he should be playing in. I doubt those guys (ASG) have time to read what fans really have to say and how they feel. Signing Bibby would be a nice step in the right direction, but unfortunately for an unorganized, dsyfunctional so-called group of owners that would make to much sense, which based on their past history is totally against their nature!!

By RLP

January 7, 2009 12:07 AM | Link to this

rms

So your position is that we as a group could have no effect on the ASG? I have been on the blog for less than a month but your non de plume is recognizable to me. Keep posting. And I appreciate your response.

It is late for me. I’m off to bed but will check for any other responses tomorrow because I cannot stay awake tonight.

By doc

January 7, 2009 12:07 AM | Link to this

rlp, funny i rekmemebered that and as that prediction came closer to a reality i was rooting strong for it especially as they handled their business. generally it is a chance for dialogue and that us what my respnose was to dig deeper and find ot whys, after all it wasnt that much a difference between what i thought might be very doable in 19 wins as much as the hoped for perfect string of 20 and 10. just picking the brain a bit and finding out what was there i anything. no harm in asking especially since i gave you very specific reasons why i thought there were some stumbling blocks like the pistons and possibly the nuggets. as it got closer i was pulling hard for the sweep not my prediction and stoked as i drove home that night when it was complete.

rlp, it is all fun and good. now did sekou find that olive branch he was looking for at the start of this blog? and yeah you got it. the only consensus i see is the hawks should win all games and if they dont it is certainly either woody’s or josh’s fault.

By The Hawksta

January 7, 2009 12:08 AM | Link to this

Way to bring it RLP!

I ain’t jumping on the Mike Bibby ship yet. We gotta see what he’s gonna do in the second half? He’s injury prone. This is the best health he’s had in at least 3yrs! Clearly I see he’s the reason we’ve come so far. His scoring has steadily increased this year. But check back with me after the allstar break.

The Clippers made a stupid choice by giving Baron Davis all that money and not resigning Brand. What’s one piece without the other. I mean Brand and Camby would have been sick! Throw in BD and maybe. But they”re all injury prone so who knows?

I say if he proves to be healthy by the break, sign him to for whatever we paying Speeding. That’s insurance money. How about 3yr 27mil? That’s it! If he were on the Lakers they’d be NBA Champs in 09! But if he signs with us, his age limits our title run to three years. It may take longer to develope the necessary chemistry to win a title because of our youth. We can’t afford a commitment to his age group unless it’s a big.

By The Hawksta

January 7, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this

Hey rms, you’d be surprised at how many people appreciat your comments. I read them all the time. You’re good!

I think we all wished we had the power to make change with respect to the Hawks. Hey, you never know.

Look at HB ANDO and Ray… Now they are the Hack Hawks:)

Maybe the former Hack came back as Kirk? It’s hard to just let go(LOL)!

By richbrave

January 7, 2009 12:43 AM | Link to this

doc:

J-CRIT got 21 minutes against the CELTICS with five points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one foul. His first real PT. Just keeping you up to speed since you wanted to know. Should I keep it coming, or have you seen enough.? Like I said before, he’s GRUNFELD and TAPSCOTT’s boy so they’re feeding it to him slowly.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 7, 2009 1:41 AM | Link to this

RLP, if I’m not mistaken Michael Gearon Jr. has said something before to the effect that he does in fact go online and read what people are saying (don’t know if that means this blog in particular) so yeah, it’s possible that any general consensus reached on this blog could have some effect. I don’t post here with that intention, but I can see how it would be possible. I’m pretty sure sports owners in general find ways to gauge fan interest, and it would make sense that younger and likely more Internet-savvy owners like Gearon would use the Internet as a way of doing so. Whether or not they actually take our opinions into account when making decisions, I don’t know.

But your comments did hint at something I’ve felt for a while, which is that there’s very little difference between people like me and you and people like Mark Bradley and Jeff Schultz when it comes to actual sports knowledge. Like us, they are watching games and looking at stat sheets and forming opinions, but the only real differences between us and them are that they have journalism degrees and don’t have to answer to other readers challenging their opinions.

By BA

January 7, 2009 4:41 AM | Link to this

Nice post RLP! To answer the end of it, yes I think it’s a consensus (on this blog) that resigning Bibby is a priority.

And no, I don’t think it will make a damn bit of difference.

However, I think there is hope- because as the ‘09 season got closer and closer, I was getting concerned that they weren’t even going to resign Smith.

Hell, at the trade deadline LAST year if you had asked me if I thought they would trade for an expensive player like Bibby, I would have said you were nuts.

There are so many factors, where does Bibby (and his old lady) really want to live, will some other team blow the Hawks away with an unrealistic offer…

Do teams ever sign guys to extensions mid year anymore?

Let’s go 2-0 against Orlando. Marvin, get those long azz arms up against that goofy looking point-forward they have- break up some of that nonsense.

By ray

January 7, 2009 7:06 AM | Link to this

RLP,

Don’t mention the power of this blog. Some people are both superstitious and allergic to the concept, lol! Seriously, I’ve been told (and so have others)that this blog is a powerful voice, collectively, and that a lot of people read it. People within the organization, players, etc. Hey, we’re just doing our thing here. By the way, great insight, as others have already said. Your contribution only makes this a better place. You’re right about some things: sometimes some of us do become too heavily invested or just stuck on a concept from time to time. But even the staunchest of us knows how to bend, and wants to get along with others in conversation. We all know not to slap the olive branch out of the hand that offers it. Well, most of us anyway. There’s always an exception….

The Hawksta,

You made some good points on the last blog. Didn’t get a chance to comment back on them. I agree on Bibby’s second half performance. I don’t see him struggling if he’s healthy, but the health part worries me. I hope I’m worrying for no reason. But this is also why I’ve lobbied so much for Acie to get more playing time. I like Flip Murray, but he’s a turnover machine sometimes (averaging 2 per game in less than 20mpg!). And I am sure that if Bibby goes down for any length of time, it will be Flip who takes the reins. I may be wrong for saying it…

By the way, your comments in your 12:13 post had me laughing…that thought had crossed my mind as well, some time ago…lol!

And my man Sautee is on fire…

Speaking of Acie, why are some people questioning the guy for excusing himself from practice? We don’t know what’s going on with him, or what might have happened. Haven’t we all been at work and had to leave due to some personal or family related issue? I’m sure Woody was ok with it, and that would be all that mattered anyway. I have to admit, I felt that way when Solo decided not to play in the summer league. I castigated him for not doing so, choosing to workout on his own, elsewhere. AND BOY WAS I WRONG FOR IT, ‘cause homeboy came back stronger and better than ever. Learned my lesson…

By Paul

January 7, 2009 8:18 AM | Link to this

It sucks that we get three days off to prepare against Orlando who doesn’t get those days off, but they get ruined due to various uncontrollable issues.

By The Truth

January 7, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this

RLP

As much as I enjoyed reading your thoughtful comments about us bloggers instead of our Hawks. I most also say that I am scratching my head at the question you posed. First, you say this:

The difference between the paper and this blog is that on Thursday night we will find out which team will actually win. For this blog we may not find out if Woody failed to develop his bench to the point that it will adversely affect the team in the playoffs until April or May or maybe even June. And we may not find out what kind of player Solo and Acie are for a number of years

Then you asked this question:

do we have a consensus on Bibby?

Based on your own comment, isn’t this question a bit premature? We are not halfway into the season yet and you are polling for this info. I am sort of in the camp with The Hawksta on this question. Since the point guard position is a unique position requiring a multitude of talents including experience, leadership, skill-set, and young legs; Bibby posses many of these qualities. I am warming to Bibby’s evolution into the team since his arrival. However, it is still too early to call a campaign for me. I think Woody is over-playing his starters and I am concerned about durability from a longevity prospective for the point guard position.

By rms

January 7, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this

RLP, actually what I was saying was even if the ownership group was to read this blog they wouldnt make any decision solely on how we felt. Listening to the ownership being interviewed on sportstalk radio and the AJC they seem to be a stubborn group that are convinced they know what they are doing when it seems to those on the outside looking in that they dont. Yeah there may be some influence but ultimately I dont think it is as much as one would think. Personally, like I mentioned last night, ASG tends to do things backwards like wait to the last minute to sign a free agent or cite financial reasons (cap space) as to why they cant sign another low-post player or resign key players we already have. If it makes sense, you can guarantee they will do the opposite. I love my Hawks I just wish we didnt have that mess at the top!!!

By doc

January 7, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

RLP. yes the BASG do read this and when things get too tough PR wise there have been upper level administrators on here wanting to sway opinion. does it change their mind? doubt it, do they read? probably, does it plant seeds? maybe.

i assure you comments here are right on and we see some of the themes developed over time come out later almost preceding or anticipating the moment. it is like the recent comments by woody and jj concerning PT from the bench. there were many folks wanting to down play the issue as it was brought up here. maybe that is also a response or an influence from the ajc writers line of questioning. i dont think he makes it up, more asks the questions that are obvious and on our minds and then reports the response.

bottom line we all want a better product whether it be the fans here blogging, the owners in the uncomfortable situation they are in and the players and coaches wanting to make it happen on the floor. i also dont think there is a significant influence exerted here. the important thing to be seen is a passion that can be seen within all who bring comments here no matter the position…. and it is growing which should please hawks’ owners, administrators, coaches and players.

By rms

January 7, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

Thanks Hawksta!!! I dont wont anybody to think I am always trying to be negetive. Just stating what appears to be obvious to me…. Ownership group got issues they need to straighten out so the rest of the NBA can take them seriously (i.e. free agents), and some questionable play calling and bench rotation by Coach Woody (although I will say he is getting better and not as bad as previous years), so I am warming up to him.

By Astro Joe

January 7, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this

Doc, pizza joint at 6:30. Give me a little wiggle room as I will be coming in from the Brookhaven area and in-town traffic is always unpredictable.

No doubt that the thing that keeps Marvin from being a better scorer is his team-first attitude. He simply won’t shoot if his shot isn’t falling. And he seems to be very comfortable adhering to the wishes of his coaches. I wonder if Woody gave him a specific number of shot attempts to take a game if that would help him be more aggressive? Anyway, I’m not complaining… I’ll gladly take 14 PPG from him and a 4 seed in the playoffs.

Anyone hear Sund on 790 The Zone this morning? He was just beginning when I had to leave the car.

By RLP

January 7, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this

All

Thanks for the positive responses. I was not pushing Bibby as all anything. I just used him as an example because it seemed to me that keeping him as a Hawk was the closest thing I could think of on which a consensus for action might be based.I think all of the Hawks are needed in this competition. I remember when Dominque was in his prime the team had a substitute who had a great game. Remember Antoine Carr coming off the bench and giving Dominque a blow? He was a talented guy who could have been a starter on many teams. To me the key to the current Hawks is that you do have five guys contributing. Bibby just seems like the veteran who can hold the team together for two to three years while the team tries to find another young guy to replace him. It may be AC or it may be someone else. But keeping Bibby and, yes, hoping he avoids injury is critical to the franchise right now.

Ray

Actually it was nice as a first time poster to have anyone respond. I did not take your response as a negative. Rather it just helped make me aware of what this blog was all about. Thank you.

The Hawkster

Thanks for the kudos to RMS as well as to me. I also appreciate your caution on Bibby. So far he seems to be having a career year and has been a major factor in the teams success. I hope that the second half is as successful as the first but even if not he is still helping to reduce the iso jj which will not stop even if the three point shots begin to fade. (Hey I am proud of myself - amonth ago I would have had no clue what an iso jj was. Now if I could just figure out what BWAF meant.)

By Edo River

January 7, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this

SO, I wouldn’t let Acie Law see the game floor for not showing up for practice. He makes his choices. And the coach makes his.

By Cedric

January 7, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this

I am just going to say this, if I am not mistaken, Rondo and Law came out the same year right. I could be wrong about that but I think the Celtics gave Rondo the opportunity to grow moreso than the Hawks are giving Law that same chance. If we let Law create similar to what Boston does with Rondo we might see him come out of that shell he seems to be in. Just some random thoughts. I do think we need his production.

By Astro Joe

January 7, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this

Cedric, Rondo came out the year before Law… the year that the Hawks drafted Shelden Williams. Rondo got a lot of development time during his rookie season, the year that the Celtics won less than 30 games. I doubt that he would have received that much on-court time with someone like Bibby in front of him (or as a rookie on a team looking to make the playoffs for the first time in 8-9 years). I absolutely agree that Law needs development time. I think the “Devin Harris plan” employed in Dallas may be a better blue print. But ideally, he will still be with the Hawks when it is time to give him the keys to the car. I support keeping Bibby for another 2-3 seasons and maybe even moving Bibby into the Jason Terry bench role in his last year and having Acie run things. But first, we need for Acie to stay ready when opportunity knocks.

By bigjohnhawksfan

January 7, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this

Friday can’t get here soon enough ;)

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

January 7, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

doc Hopefully I will see you, MannyT and AstroJoe at half time by the now famous portal #5.

AstroJoe I wanted to say that I was not trying to pry in on the extra seats with doc. The last time i heard about the seats I jumped at the opportunity to go to the game. I am a Hawks fan, pure and simple. So please do not take that personal, as I didn’t get a chance to go anyway. Hope to see you at “The Potal”

Resigning Bibby is important and needs to happen! I don’t care when, it just needs to go down. I think that with the time that will AC to develope, it will all work out. RLP I am new to this site as well, but after putting my limited thoughts down that was one of my first questions “What is BWAF” Sautee filled me in and he told me “Bald with Arms Folded” often the way Woodrow looks from the sideline when the camera catches him. These guys on here are cool people, from doc to MannyT to others that I have not met yet, but one thing binds us all, and that thing is the Hawks and their success!! Yes sir!

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

January 7, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this

That’s another good point from Astro. I think that if he will accept it, move Bibby on the last year of the contract so AC can take over. Bibby will steal be there for support and to come in in case of emergency.

By Cedric

January 7, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this

Yeah Joe I think using Bibby similar to how the Mavs use the Jet would be perfect but we know ASG are not going to be proactive with this contract situation. This organization cannot have another offseason of sittin on their hands early on in the negotiation period. If we can sign him to a reasonable contract before the season is over that would be great. We need to keep this group together and add some more toughness down low in the mold of Millsap and Landry. What you guys think.

By Astro Joe

January 7, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this

Home Grown, no worries on the ticket deal. Looking forward to meeting some of you cats this evening.

Cedric, I agree about needing a tough tweener to join the fold. I think Ray and I chatted about that a few weeks back. Supposedly, Othella Hunter may eventually become that type of player but he isn’t getting any game time (still can’t figure out why he isn’t in the NBDL along with Gardner). If Michael Sweetney could lay off the Big Macs, I’d give him an audition… dude definitely had the skills to play, just not the conditioning.

By hawksta

January 7, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this

Thought it was Bald Woody Arms Fold(lol)!

Still debating going to this game tonight… Don’t like to going during the middle of the week. I know this will be a good though. Man, I hate the long wait. Let’s play some ball!!

FREE ACIE

By Cedric

January 7, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

Well whoever is at the game tonight come over to the Club level and holla at a playa. We need Philips to be loud tonight cause this Magic team has been pretty good on the road this season. Our big men have their hands full vs the Magic frontcourt, hopefully they show up with some toughness. I like our matchup with Flip vs their second rotation of guards tonight. Woody has to get the other guards involved more to give Bibby and JJ some rest.

By doc

January 7, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

aj, see you there. 6:30 allows plenty of wiggle room. see the rest of you at half in front of the pretzel factory. manny t will stop at the lorens popcorn memorial before he arrives i am sure. dont worry manny t i’ll point aj that way as it seems he enjoys the lighter fare.

By JerryWest

January 7, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

When can we extend JJ’s max contract?

Bibby has been hobbled for many years. What makes you think that he can stay this healthy throughout his next contract? The Kings fans think we are already in bonus territory with Bibby.

Marvin/Josh have the pefrect combo of size/athleticism to exploit Magic’s 6-10 near-allstar forwards, both defensively and offensively.

Woody doesn’t play Acie against the contenders anyway. He is better off staying with his ailing family. Hope its not serious.

We need Solo’s 6 fouls & 5 blocks tonight.

By hoho

January 7, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hey maybe Mario will get a few minutes tonight. Perhaps just the obligitory 30 seconds at the end of first half though. Heck, nobody knows what kind of player the Hawks even have in that guy.

JerryWest is right: Acie and the others only get scrub time, only against Non-contenders at that!

By Left knee hurts

January 7, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this

Talking about who reads this blog… I wonder if word got back to Joe last week. There were several comments here last week during the “superstar” talk. The observation was Joe is not as flashy as Lebron and DWade. Low and behold, Joe has dunked a couple instead of the easy layup. Maybe Joe logs on here???

The Hawks seem to struggle with the fast PGs. Can we through someone at Nelson tonight and Friday? I expect to see Joe cover Nelson some letting Bibby chase Bogans and Pietreus. Whoever takes Lewis, please do not leave him alone in the corner.

By Blast

January 7, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a Bibby fan since he was in Sac-Town, and I jumped for joy when the Hawks traded for him last season, even though he was hobbled. Then in the off-season, most Hawks fans wanted us to get rid of him cos he made too much money. Now we are talking about extending his contract because he is playing a hell of a ball game and has proven his worth. How winning changes things!

I’m still in Bibby’s corner 100%. Even though I hate talking about future injuries, I would still want him on my team even if he got injured, knock on wood, know it won’t happen. Bibby is having a career year at this late stage in his career, with the Hawks! Go figure. The Hawks have not had any point guard close to the quality of Bibby in years. The only one I can think of in the last 10 years that come a bit close is Mookie Blaylock. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

That said, the Hawks win tonite, Acie playing or not. Go Hawks, Go!

By Melvin

January 7, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

Blast, you must have forgot about Dan Dickau(misp) aka Travis Deiner look alike…

By AtlSouthside

January 7, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this

Jason Terry was better than Mookie.

By Astro Joe

January 7, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this

I think Bibby is definitely playing better now than he will next year (or beyond). Part of it is that he is healthy, sprinkle in Mark Price’s tutoring (Bibby has given him credit) and of course, it’s a contract year for a guy with one more multi-year contract ahead of him. But with all that said and with full knowledge that he is having a resurgence that we likely won’t see again, I’m all for bringing him back for another 2-3 seasons. The aspects that I enjoy the most about his game… his savvy, his stroke and his clutch play, shouldn’t diminish too much in the next few years. He will surely become a greater defensive liability and will likely miss 10+ games a season. But all of that bodes well for a young PG to develop his game in the wings. The question becomes is that guy Acie or someone else?

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

January 7, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this

Alright Hawks fans, it time to gain some ground!!! Yes Sir!!

By Samuel

January 7, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this

It’s funny when all people can resort to when trying to find fault in a player is his “future” injuries. How about admitting that you guys were just plain wrong about Bibby.

The guy has never been fast. He’s always hung his hat on a high IQ, could pick and roll you to death,could shoot the lights out, and not afraid to take the big shot. Getting a couple of years older should not deminish his game. Again, we’re talking about a 31 year old.

On Acie, I found a very interesting comment while surfing and checking up on my boy Monta Ellis. Seems as though Nelly actually wanted to trade Ellis in 07’ for the rights to Acie Law. WOW

I’ll try the link thing but I can never get it right so go to insidehoops.com NBA rumors.

{text to be linked](http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2009/01/06/ellis-randolph-and-the-further-future-discontent-of-the-warriors/)

Nelley, you still got time. Make it happen!!

We’ll miss Zaza’s energy tonight but Solo should be more than fresh and up to the task. It’s superman tonight baby. Who got the Kryptonite?

Woody=COY

By ray

January 7, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this

Down by 15 at the half. Ouch. Gave up 60 points. Double ouch.