Hawks

By Astro Joe

January 7, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

I’m predicting Speedy will be wearing a brown suit.

By Allen

January 7, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

Hope there is a great crowd out tonight cause these guys deserve it!! Go Hawks!!

By Mr. G

January 7, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this

MArio West is going to playfor 67 seconds….

By CullieB

January 7, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this

Hawks do to Magic what Nets did to Hawks… we have their… Speedy makes another $100,000…

By darrell starks

January 7, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this

I wont be there but we will win.GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By I .MUS WRITE

January 7, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this

Predictions

1.Dwight Howard will throw down 4 monster dunks on us

2.Josh wont make a 3

3 Randolph Morris wont play more than 2 minutes

4 Battie will be big for them tonite

1. Hawks Win!!!!!

By Sautee

January 7, 2009 5:03 PM | Link to this

As they say up here in the hills:

This orter be a good ern.

By Ramon

January 7, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this

Sekou, its clearly to see that the only way to get rid of Speedy is by trading him to a GM who has a history of buying out contracts just for roster space. In your history of reporting, is there any active GM’s who may would fit that description? I mean we know Isaiah is gone. So who’s left?

By Mychelfromatl

January 7, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this

Looks like the Magic want to send a message to the Hawks. Here is the article.

Predictions

1. Solo will have a solid performance to get him back into the rotation.

2. Flip will come up big.

3. There may be a Randolph Morris appearance.

4. Dwight Howard will have a double-double.

5. Hawks will win by at least 8.

Also)- Hawks are just 5 1/2 games out of having the top record in the league.

Lets Go Hawks!!!

By MyView

January 7, 2009 5:18 PM | Link to this

Sekou, since Atlanta is not a “7pm city”, any chance they push Hawk home start times back 30mins to get the people in. It always is very quiet early.

By ILL-logical

January 7, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this

Sounds to me like some trades are going down and the 2 absent players are moving their stuff.

By terrell barron

January 7, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this

Sekou, you’ve got to be kidding me. Woody would suit up himself, before he played Randolph Morris. And why is’nt Acie playing again? He had a family emergency, so therefore he’s out? Wtf? That’s crazy.

By The Truth

January 7, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this

ILL-logical That is an interesting prospective. We shall see.

By terrell barron

January 7, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this

Good point ILL-logical. He might as well trade Acie. He wont play him. And Zaza is in his final year. Makes sense.

By Sekou K. Smith

January 7, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this

Ramon,

That’s a cheap shot at Zeke bro, and I won’t stand for it. Especially not with Kevin McHale still employed in the NBA (though not the GM anymore).

Speedy will have to prove he’s healthy if the Hawks are to trade him anywhere. That means getting back on the practice floor full time, which has not happened.

Then and only then can they even consider moving him. But we’re a long way from the trade deadline, so I wouldn’t rule out anything.

And if you don’t think there’s a market out there for a guy who’s contract will conveniently expire just in time for the crazy summer of 2010, then you haven’t been paying attention.

terrell b, Acie’s not with the team right now. Ailing family member. That’s enough for me. And nobody’s getting traded (not today at least).

I wouldn’t trade Acie. Dude’s only in his second year. Devin Harris didn’t start right away and he’s become one of the best young guards in the league. I’d hold off passing any lasting judgment on a guy a year and a half into his career.

By Melvin

January 7, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

For those who can see or attend the game. WATCH THE GAME ONLINE

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 7, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this

“And if you don’t think there’s a market out there for a guy who’s contract will conveniently expire just in time for the crazy summer of 2010, then you haven’t been paying attention.”

Wouldn’t that only matter if the Hawks were willing to move Speedy for someone whose contract didn’t expire in the summer of 2010? Otherwise why would anyone team acquire Speedy?

I’m not too worried about Acie’s absence since Woody doesn’t use him anyway, but I am worried about playing against Dwight Howard without Zaza. That will be a tough matchup for the skinny Solo and the rusty Morris to handle. Looks like there will be a lot of doubling Dwight going on, which means how quickly the Hawks rotate to open shooters might be the key to this game. What’s the deal with Zaza anyway, is it the shoulder again?

By Blast

January 7, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this

AtlSouthside, in my view, Jason Terry is a shooting guard, not a point.

Game Time!

By Blast

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

Saying it a third time on this blog, Hawks take this game. Playoff intensity all the way.

By The Hawksta

January 7, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

Wow! We got the Hawks vs Magic and Duke vs Davidson! This my friends is Miller Time!

By Melvin

January 7, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

For those who can see or attend the game. WATCH THE GAME ONLINE

Just scroll down the page and select the game you would like to view and allow it time upload the media player. The quality will depend on the speed of your modem. But its FREE…Enjoy

By terrell barron

January 7, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

Sekou, who said anything about STARTING Acie? A few minutes a game would be nice.

By Blast

January 7, 2009 7:38 PM | Link to this

Now, that’s how you end a quarter! After playing so badly. Hawks needs to make their free throws to win this game. What is wrong with them at the line lately?

By terrell barron

January 7, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this

I hate to say it, but injuries might be a good thing around here. Woody is FORCED to use his bench. Solo and Morris in the game, IN THE 1ST QTR? Wow!!

By Sekou K. Smith

January 7, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this

I agree tb, I’d like to see the cat get more minutes myself. But I’m not losing any sleep over his development right now. He’ll be fine.

By Blast

January 7, 2009 8:10 PM | Link to this

Hawks cannot buy a basket and Orlando cannot miss a shot tonite. If they shoot the same % in the 2nd half and the Hawks keep playing in a funk, Orlando wins this game.

By Sautee

January 7, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this

The Truth

About this:For Acie to excuse himself from practice, at least, beg the question: Is Acie Hungry?

So, as it turns out, Acie’s grandfather passed away. Does it still beg the question?

I’m not accusing you of being hardhearted, and I’d guess that you regret the statement under the circumstances.

Anyway, my point is that some circumstances are beyond our control and it reminds me to be mindful of my own assumptions.

By Melvin

January 7, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this

Bad 1st half for the Hawks. They didn’t look mentally ready in the 1st 24mins. I thought Woody went back to his starters too early. The 2nd unit came in and erase the 10pt lead that the Magic had late in the 1st and early 2nd qtr. This game is far from over. Especially if they start the 3rd with better energy….

By bigdave

January 7, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this

so far the magic are showing how to come out of the half on the road and execute. not giving us any life or stretch of baskets where we can feed off the crowd. though plenty of time left…

Like I said Marvin needs to be our second option.. for no reason he gets lost in our offensive sets.. we are suffering from a inability to take our opponent off the dribble, he offers that..

By bigdave

January 7, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

what kind of defense is this.. if we played yao one on one, why dont we play dwight the same… crazy.. he’s not that great of a scorer…?

we leaving shooters.. bogus..

By Sekou K. Smith

January 7, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this

Only one team got the memo that this was a huge game tonight. The Hawks are flat out stinkin’ up the joint. I’m actually a bit stunned by this performance. I can’t remember the Hawks not being able to muster a better effort at home this season, not even against Charlotte and Golden State and Oklahoma City.

By bigdave

January 7, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

is it fatigue? what is going on at the line…? all year….

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 7, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this

Well… the effort in the Nets game was probably worse. But this is not good. You gotta defend your home court. Hopefully they can repeat their season opening magic on Friday.

By Blast

January 7, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this

Looks like this will be the Hawks first blowout loss of the season. Orlando cannot miss tonite.

By O'brien

January 7, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this

I hope Woody and the Hawks are taking notes on how to execute offensively. How many jump shots have we taken (and missed)? And where is the defense?

We should be driving and going to the basket, although we would get fouled (and we are only 10-20 from the free throw line). Thats inexcusable.

By Melvin

January 7, 2009 8:48 PM | Link to this

Can we make a free throw…. Hawks offense actually looks better since JJ went to the bench. And no, I’m not complaining about JJ…

By justin

January 7, 2009 8:48 PM | Link to this

10-20 ft don’t cut it against good teams

By bigdave

January 7, 2009 8:49 PM | Link to this

wow bibby..? j j taking u off the dribble..? guess we’ve packed it in..?

By justin

January 7, 2009 8:50 PM | Link to this

this is the first time I’ve ever seen a team this late in a game with their fg%, 3pt %, and ft% all the same- 47,45,48.

By Sautee

January 7, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this

Mark Price must be so proud.

By bigdave

January 7, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this

the ref with the shaved head has been trippin all night..

By O'brien

January 7, 2009 8:57 PM | Link to this

So…the Magic played last night. And the Hawks have been off for 3 days. Why aren’t we trying to run?

My problem with the Hawks is that if they are down (to good teams), they dont have any offensive strategy.

I dont understand this team.

By bigdave

January 7, 2009 8:57 PM | Link to this

these jumpers hit or miss are awful shots…

By bigdave

January 7, 2009 9:00 PM | Link to this

turk took Marta to the rim… and of course no call…

By bigdave

January 7, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this

keep it up… keep it up… its getting hostile in there…

By O'brien

January 7, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this

Can someone explain me to why Woody took Flip and Mo out of the game? When we made a run in the second quarter, and the run in the fourth quarter, both Flip and Mo were in the game.

By Melvin

January 7, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this

Oh my, that was a huge missed layup by Bibby….

By Blast

January 7, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

Well, not a blowout loss anymore if the Hawks lose this game, if so, they lost it at the line, man.

By bigdave

January 7, 2009 9:27 PM | Link to this

even in loss, saw some heart out there…

By Macaroni Tony

January 7, 2009 9:27 PM | Link to this

The refs was part of the reason that the Hawks started out flat…. They are giving Orlando all the calls, but those miss ft’s hurt bad….

By O'brien

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

I was very surprised that Bibby missed that layup. I still think Flip should have stayed in the game because he was playing well. Bibby has been struggling with his shot, and Flip was driving to the basket.

Reasons that contributed to our loss. 1) Missed free throws. 2) No defense in the first half.
3) JJ did not have many points, and did not have many assists.

By bigdave

January 7, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

i would have let Howard drop 50 before i fall victim to their outside shooting abilities… Didnt like the defensive game plan tonight..

By Melvin

January 7, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this

Although the Hawks played terrible thru the first 3qtrs, this game was loss in that 4min stretch in the 4th quarter when we held the Magic scoreless and they had a 7pt lead. At the time, we stop attacking the rim and started shooting jumpers.

O’brien, I agree without you. Hate to comment in hindsight but I thought Woody should have left Flip in the game instead of Bibby. Not trying to throw Bibby under the bus but Flip had it going. Woody is determine to play his starters by any means necessary and tonite I think it may have cost him the game. The bench played tremendous tonite. They were the reason we cut the 21 pt lead down to 4. Don’t understand why Woody would go away from the personnel that go him back in the game. It was the starters who allow the Magic to build a 21 pt lead in the first place.

Also, I think after tonite. We have put the age old argument away in reference to the bench deserving more mins. After their performance tonite, it’s not even up for debate anymore. Free Solomon Jones. This kid is ready to contribute.

By cp

January 7, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this

Condolences to Law and his family…

Missed free throws hurt us again. We got away with the misses early in the season but recently they have cost us a few games.

By richbrave

January 7, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this

Sorry the MAGIC came to play and the homies didn’t. Gotta’ pick it up HAWKSTERS.

By cp

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

Melvin, Woody is known to go away from whats working. That’s why I always refer to him as Mike Knapp ( Gregg Knapp the old offensive coordinator from the Falcons). Something can be working great and for some reason they both go away from it…Either way the free throws hurt us again.

By Big Ump

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

O’Brien

I agree with you on the missed free throws and no defense in the 1st half was very huge and cost us dearly.

By bigjohnhawksfan

January 7, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this

Damnit, Bibby! Even high school ballers know to never finger-roll open layups.

Use the glass…THAT’S WHAT IT’S FOR!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 7, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I agree with bigdave. The Hawks should have let Howard get whatever he can and clamp down on the outside shooters and Jameer Nelson.

By Mike Bibby's Layup Drill Sargeant

January 7, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By bigdave

January 7, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this

can we get marvin more touches…?

By Melvin

January 7, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this

Good point CP,Big UMP, and O’Brien.

By Melvin

January 7, 2009 9:58 PM | Link to this

On a side note. Looks like Shelden Williams secure his future. He and Candance are expecting their first child….lol

By Blast

January 7, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this

Ain’t no point in coming back from a 20 point deficit if u end up losing the game. The Hawks took home court advantage for granted tonite, and they paid for it. Yeah, Orlando played great, but the Hawks were terrible thru 3 quarters. If they play the same way tonite on Friday, then they’ve lost two in a row against a division leader and rival. Not good at all.

The bench was great tonite, and the starters were terrible, save for Marvin and Josh. Key turnovers in the game for Atlanta.

If the Hawks had made half the free throws they missed they would have won the game. Concentrate guys, y’all professional bball players being paid big money to play the game. Nothing but maximun effort will make u an elite team.

Hawks sucked tonite, but Go Hawks, Go!!!!!

By Shelden Williams

January 7, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this

Ladies want me … guys want to BE me!

Suckers.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 7, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this

Here’s hoping Candace’s kids take after their mom, not their dad.

By Blast

January 7, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this

Najeh That was really cold about Candace kids taking after their mom, not their father.

By The Truth

January 7, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this

Lack of preparation, Lack of focus and for three quarters, Lack of energy. These are my thoughts when I think about this loss. JJ need to come off his superstar cloud and go back to playing with a chip on his shoulder. Probably, too much pampering from the coach. This loss has Woody name all on it!

By O'brien

January 7, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this

For some reason, whenever JJ is in the game, the players do a lot of standing around waiting for JJ to make a play. When he is not in the game, the Hawks’ ball movement is better. And I think JJ holds the ball too long when he is getting doubled.

I agree with the Greg Knapp similarities (by the way, Knapp has been reunited with Jim Mora in Seattle). No matter what has been working, Woody will always go back to his starters, even though JJ wasn’t playing like his usual, and Bibby was struggling from as early as the 4th quarter.

The players lost this game, but Woody had a chance to push the right buttons and leave his bench in there. But once again, like clockwork, he goes back to his starters, no matter what. The same starters who consistently got outplayed by the Magic.

By The Hawksta

January 7, 2009 10:32 PM | Link to this

Joe and Bibby struggled tonight. I don’t remember us being this bad in free throws last year? It seems Smoothe has gotten consistantly worse from the line since his first year? Not sure. Great dunk at the end. We did go through a long stretch in the 4th where neither team scored.

By Big Ump

January 7, 2009 10:38 PM | Link to this

By The Truth

If you blame Woody for every loss, then you got to give him credit for every win.I hope you see where I’m coming from. A coach can’t help you shoot free throws during the game.

By Astro Joe

January 7, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this

First, thanks again doc for the ticket and great conversation. Great seats and a very cool neighbor that you sit with. Good time all around.

Hawks will learn to improve their discipline or they will suffer more losses like this one. Take your freakin’ time and shoot the free throws the right way. Stop passing the ball to centers who are 25 feet from the basket during fast break opportunities. And show a little (just a little) toughness and finish some lay-ups even when there is contact (or in Bibby’s case when someone is trying to chase you down).

Good to meet you Home Grown and cool to get reacquainted with MannyT & Jhan. Ya’ll hold it down for the rest of the season and I’ll be cheering from the sofa. Oh yeah, Home Grown, tell the blog world what you would do if you were the size of RandMo. That was funny.

By jhan

January 7, 2009 10:41 PM | Link to this

Missed free throws = game lost. Simple.

By Rise Up (from my seat, and leave Philips mad as hell)

January 7, 2009 10:56 PM | Link to this

Smoove can make clutch 3-pointers, but Bibby can’t make clutch layups?

Does that fall under CRAP, PAIN, BWAF, or just $H!T??

By ray

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

Jhan calls it right, and there were several perpetrators.

That and the awful first half defense. We do this against the better teams, and we need to cut it the hell out. You simply cannot play catchup from a 20 point deficit against a good team. They will execute just enough to beat you.

And yet….we still win if we hit more free throws…

Josh Smith with another 20 point game.

Flip Murray is feast or famine. Tonight it was feast.

The bench played well. Was that RandMo I saw?

Two starting backcourt players: 34 shots, 11 shots made.

Three starting froncourt players? 34 shots, 19 shots made.

Simple math…

By The Truth

January 7, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this

Big Ump A Lack of preparation and focus can be traced to the coach. You are suggesting Woody had nothing to do with the loss? Woody is a grown man, he can handling some constructive criticism. He will be the first to share in the loss. Incidentally, I’m only talking about this game only and nothing more as you suggest.

By bladderbuster

January 7, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this

No excuse for the missed layup. Hedo didn’t even have his hand up to block the shot.

By doc

January 7, 2009 11:21 PM | Link to this

enjoyed sittting with astro and shooting the breeze in between bites on a pretzel tonight at the phillips.

the comment by astro summed up the evening completely. about the end of the third quarter he looked up and said it is hard to believe that jj reddick is outscoring jj 2 to 1 and jj is the one still in single digits.

i had said earlier it should be a slam or a put down of the hawks to even see jj reddick on the court for significant minutes. ugly game tonight as there was no rhythm or intensity to the hawks most of the night. simply could not believe it when bibby missed the two footer uncontested that would have brought it to a 2 point game with just under a minute to play. ouch.

again aj to reiterate, if HG were the size of rand mo there would be one more brother in jail. glad he is out, to good a guy to be in.

By Rise Up ... Kissimmee/St. Cloud?!

January 7, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this

They practically GAVE us the game, and we miss HOW MANY shots in the last 5 minutes??

Where’s the killer instinct???!!!

By Da Real Real

January 7, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this

Yeah it falls up under all of those categories Rise Up Missed a lot of good open looks tonight but you can’t always expect to have nights where you’re shooting lights out from the floor all the time. Some games will be like the one tonight. But free throws, free throws, free throws we absolutely kill you. What’s going on at the free throw line?? I just can’t understand whats going on aside from the obvious fact that we’re not making them.

We can’t play like crap for three quarters and expect to win a ball game in one quarter against a good ball team. I thought, and still think, that we’re better than the Magics who at one point tonight didn’t look like they could miss a bucket. I can’t really blame this one on Woody though because he’s not the one trying to get rebounds, turning the ball over, and missing free throws. Players have to bring energy and make plays.

By doc

January 7, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this

no ray there were two or three times flip gave the ball up for an unforced error wanting to do too much too quickly. he has the cahones of josh just not the talent to do make overs on the other end. kind of reminds me of the QB that makes one good TD and then throws two interceptions.

jj is not a great ball handler. he cant take it inside and come out the other side or penetrate and find the open man. he should have taken his guy on consistently and when help arrived send it elsewhere. instead he either got trapped or put up a poor shot tonight.

By richbrave

January 7, 2009 11:31 PM | Link to this

doc:

CRITTER update from last night. 26;39 minutes, 3 points on 1-4 shooting and 1-2 at the line, 3 (1 offensive) rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, 0 turn-overs, 0 fouls. Didn’t see the game, ice hockey was on instead - puke.

By hawkfan

January 7, 2009 11:44 PM | Link to this

oh well, didn’t see the game but this loss is making me a bit worried about friday, the only good thing tonight is that the celtics lost again now to the rockets at home, which means that the magic are now a half a game behind the celts for 2nd in the east, hope we can win on friday though, seems like not a lot of ppl showed up today at philips and zaza didn’t play but no excuses, let’s just bounce back again but this time on the road where we struggle a bit, go hawks!!!

By The Truth

January 7, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this

All this talk about playing this game with a playoff mentality, what happen?

Too much talk and not enough practice at the free throw line among other things. This reminds me of the Allen Iverson famous quote “WE JUST TALKING BOUT PRACTICE MAN”

By kirkinga

January 7, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

Yuck! No good losses and this one is no exception.

Bad shooting the primary culprit.

No need to panic, I think the Celts losing 6 of 8 is far the more interesting news in the NBA tonight.

22-12 and on to Friday’s rematch.

Go Hawks!!

By doc

January 7, 2009 11:53 PM | Link to this

RB thanks for the updates. i checked a couple of times and it looked like he was getting minimal minutes at best. nice to see him getting some play time. the steals dont surprise me at all as he is quick and has size. he could have been a terror here but they went with the finished product in acie. yeah right. me i wanted j. crit or stuckey a freshman and a div 2 player.

samuel and i were high on j crit that whole freshman year at tech. once he gets it he will take over as he is deadly from outside, plays defense, passes well for assists and is able to step up and make that shot at the end of games. shame bk or woody didnt see it. he truly is a triple threat.

looks like the braves are not on anyone’s dance card this year despite the spin. smoltz wanting one more go at the off season with the red sox doesnt surprise me. ohman is saying the right things but is courting a lot of pretty faces too is my thought. petite ends up in houston, nyc or back with torre based on what happens to lowe is my best guess. nobody else out there beyond glavine. we better have more than pig slop on the farm is what i am saying.

our boys were pretty flat tonight.

By doc

January 7, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this

hf the fans there made a whole lot of noise i assure you.

By kirkinga

January 8, 2009 12:03 AM | Link to this

Sadly I must agree with you doc about the Braves. Yuck again.

We might have to ride with the young guys +Chipper(his last season?) and hope for a Hawks-like revival.

Depressing night.

By doc

January 8, 2009 12:50 AM | Link to this

kirk, the braves blog just blew up after the news came out and many entires flooded in is my guess. i had said my peace there once it came to pass but of course the thing just chewed it up and spit it out as it was entered.

basically, i said the worst case scenario just got worse. i may head north to see ball this year instead of south to the ted and go to gwinnett to see the same standard of ball until they get things sorted out. i would rather be an optimist, dont consider myself a pessimist though i am seen as such by some. i tend to see myself more the pragmatist. the storm has been brewing the past few years and clouds hovering just no one has been willing to let the real times hit them in the face.

i am sure the access to the games will be easier on my 81 yr old dad, price better for tix and food and hot dogs always taste the same at the ball park, real good. and it might be a chance to go back to the future in a way and start where we started in minor league baseball watching the young kids again. many a day i spent with him after a swim and lunch on a sunday at the ponce de leon park. kirk, i share your exaperation and hope wren has something up his sleeve, just dont hold out much hope right now.

peace bro.

By doc

January 8, 2009 12:52 AM | Link to this

btw, the first post about smoltz was before the official announcement. sadly, the rumor was accurate.

By MannyT

January 8, 2009 1:13 AM | Link to this

One strong quarter doesn’t make a game. It’s hard to win if you give up 60 in a half in today’s NBA.

I guess the good news is that the team fought back after looking at blowout city in the 3rd quarter. It was a winnable game. I am thinking that Flip should not be allowed to play the PG on offense. When he plays PG he remembers that flip is a synonym for turn over. Just let JJ initiate the offense and let Flip score the ball.

Let’s check the +/- stats on the boxscore. Similar to a close game with NJ, all the starters had - numbers and all the bench had + numbers. I am sure there is a message there. Not saying that the starters should be benched, but maybe we can let the bench ride its momentum a bit more.

Good to see ya AJ, doc, Home Grown aka 6-10 or RandMo 2 ;-) AJ remember only accept Jumbo popcorn. You cannot get it at the locations that don’t make it fresh during the game. Only 50 cent more and one of the best deals in the place. Sorry I missed jhan.

I think the 4th quarter gives us a good stepping stone for Friday. Play good D, get 2 friends to play good D and so on. We can win the Amway ;-)

BWAF

By kirkinga

January 8, 2009 1:16 AM | Link to this

doc, I’m a die hard Braves fans just as I am with the Hawks and Falcons. I’m trying to care about the Thrashers but…..

The blog blew up; that’s typical. Wish we could get that kind of action here on the Hawks blog. Care to guess what the next topic for discussion will be on the Braves/MIB blog…lol?

If Smoltz leaves(I hold out hope), it’ s almost like Nique leaving. It’s hurts, some never get over it, but it was inevitable anyway.It’s like the changing of era’s. Say like from the Fratello Era to the Wilkens ERA. We said farewell to many favorites along the way.

Tonight the Hawks disappointed for one of the few times this season, and the Braves just tripled the misery. No pom poms tonight.

Then again,I am comforted somewhat by the lesson the Falcons, and so far, the Hawks have taught the fans this season. Show up play the damn games and let’s see what happens.

There will be a team, like the Hawks there is a certain core level of young talent,(with more supposedly on the way) and an organization that knows how to win.(I’ll make no ASG comments here on purpose).

Sad night Atlanta pro sports fans, but not the end of the world. Let the Hawks show us the way to where we want to be.

Go Hawks!!

By doc

January 8, 2009 1:48 AM | Link to this

kirk another day. reaction here is muted except to say good bye and hello if that makes any sense.

i think this is more abrupt than they would have wanted but necessary as far as the braves are concerned. said earlier they need to go back and earn it by making the right choices and decisions within their own franchise. do think they need to come up with something though. smoltz for 5 mil or so would have been a start or tidy over pr wise if nothing else.

out with the old and in with the new. unfortunately, the braves have not looked in control of their own destiny. that is the most damaging part of it to me.

yeah and like you i am a die hard fan as well of all the franchises for as long as they existed and in the instance of the braves and hawks before they even considered coming here as funny as it may seem. by the time i was 7 in 57 i had chosen those two teams to follow. odd. i will still be a fan.

go hawks!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 8, 2009 3:57 AM | Link to this

Since we’re talking about it… I’m all in favor of the Braves blowing up the team, getting rid of all the veterans and starting over with young players, but if there’s one veteran they should have kept it’s Smoltz. Smoltz has been on the Braves for as long as I’ve been a fan of them, and it’s gonna be really weird to see him in a different uniform. If anything good comes out of this, hopefully it spurs the fire sale and rebuilding the Braves so desperately need. We don’t have to look any further than our beloved Hawks to see the rewards of blowing up the team and starting over — yeah, you suffer through a few bad seasons, but there’s always hope for the future and eventually with good draft decisions you reach the league’s elite again. A lot better than the Braves’ current situation, where they are probably gonna be hanging around .500 again while fans get sucked into believing they are watching a contender.

By Big Ump

January 8, 2009 7:16 AM | Link to this

By The Truth

The lack of focus don’t only apply to a coach. The players have to focus and bring energy also. Sure Woody is agrown man and can handle constructive criticism. Who say he Wasn’t? Sure he will be the first to share in the loss, because he is the coach. But like I said the game boil down to the missed free throws. We hit them we win simple as that.

In your opinion you think there was a lack of preparation and I can respect that. But my opinion is that you can be prepare all you want, but you still have to excute once you get on the hardwood.

Have a good day my man.

By Fritz

January 8, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this

Got to the game last night expecting “big game” atmosphere with best two teams in the division squaring off…..approaching the arena there was no traffic, inside the arena it was EMPTY….and the crowd and the team were flat. It’s a mystery to me - last night was one of the most meaningful regular season games in memory and neither the fans or the team showed up. Do we only get up for the Celtics.

Observations from the game - we desperately need a point guard who can penetrate and kick it out. Jameer Nelson was a load. We have no equivalent - Bibby is more of a shooting guard, and Joe is forced into the role of penetrator but he’s constantly double teamed.

Flip can score but he can’t handle the ball (botched at least two fast breaks) and he can’t defend. We really missed Acie last night and I hope Woody can find a way to develop him. He can be a penetrator and defender. He has the quickness.

Smoove continues to have occasional mental lapses which hurt. He doesn’t box out and we got hurt by it.

Marvin is becoming a workhorse and is showing excellent instincts defensively and offensively on the court. He’s definitely a big part of our improvement this year - even tho’ his numbers are the same.

Woody’s rotations? What can you say other than they’re consistently incomprehensible.

By Melvin

January 8, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this

Do remember fellow Hawks lovers that the Orlando Magics were playing the BACK end of a BACK 2 BACK last night and that they also were wearing down in the fourth quarter when our beloved made their final run at the game. We got the pants smacked off our bottoms last night at home!

By Ramon

January 8, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

Sekou, I wasn’t saying that to take a shot at Isaiah. Actually, I think he was heavily criticized for bad gambles in a city where you have to gamble and he was significantly better than the post Lenny era (I forgot you probably had extensive coverage with Zeke when he was with the Pacers). But on the topic that I was asking about. I wasn’t aware of too many active GMs who have a reputation of buying out contracts during mid-season.

To be honest, I never really looked at Speedy’s contract in that manner. I never really considered the fact that his contract expires in 2010. However, as you said, if the cat doesn’t ‘lace up’ in public, he basically isn’t in any serious conversations.

Sekou, you spend all of your time covering the Hawks. So I’m curious to know do you think Sund should try to rent-a-big man for the rest of the season? Or should he search for a reliable young big who could come off the bench for at least 2-3 more seasons?

We all know Sund LOVES post players and isn’t scared of making a play for post projects. Yet, we all know Woody is Woody.

By the way, I just remembered. My comment about Isaiah wasn’t nearly as harsh as *’The Artist Formely Known As…….’ *

Keep up the good work though.

By doc

January 8, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this

fritz, we have that guy but he languishes in woody’s system of “roles”. if acie isnt that guy it needs to be determined on the court in consistent games personal leave aside.

ramon it was more than fair your comments yesterday. nobody in the history of the NBA has gotten so little or made such a mess of a payroll in the what 120 to 140 mil range? absolutely made no rhyme or reason, like curry and randolph on the same team for example. that is against isiah the GM not zeke the playa. there is a distinction there just as there is a distinction between mr jordan the GM and MJ the playa.

mchale has made a mess but has no money to spend his way it of it as his brother did in boston or similar look alike did in LA nor jerry west in memphis or, oh yeah, BK did here. sekou took a swat at you ramon not fully deserved. me thinks that was blog z the fan coming at you. you know, the same one very quiet this past ncaa football season. heh heh, dont take it personal er, either of you.

now what color is maize?

By kwooden1

January 8, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

I wanted to add to the Bibby resign discussion, but first a comment about last night. Coming in a game back is a good thing but to go down that big at Home against a true rival isn’t a good sign. Orlando was missing a starter and another player (I think), we’re missing some bench players. Since the game was at home (advantage HAWKS), it was definitely the time to show that we’re an elite team. If they won, they would be up 2-0 against the #1 team in the division. That would have shown that the HAWKS have really made the transition from sub-500 team to contender, the way New Orleans has. If they win at Orlando all is forgiven, but I really like the mentality of protecting Home Court. Just some observations from a guy that read the box score! (Missed the game again!)

In terms of Bibby, I’ve always thought they should resign him because they would probably get some kind of discount and he really gets love from the core guys. 10M/year is probably to much. I think a 3 year at 8M/year is reasonable, but the last year should be a team option. (I think Bibby already said he only wants to play 2 more years) I would try to post an estimated salary (per player) breakdown, but when I’ve do it before it never really showed up that well. So I will just say this, if they Bibby 8M, and extend Marvin at 8M also, they will be able to sign Horford to something around 10M. This put the HAWKS above the salary cap, but right below the luxury tax. I think if they keep winning the ASG will be willing to pay above the salary cap, as long as their not paying the tax. Since the economy isn’t that great this might be to optimistic on my part but it seems reasonable. From what I saw this summer, they did what I expected and didn’t over pay for JS and basically let Childress walk. They brought in two guys who I didn’t expect in Flip and Mo, but paid them less than what they would have paid Josh. So far that strategy has worked out. But the risk I see coming is paying everyone and not have a true center. I’m not confident their core of JS, JJ, Marvin and Horford can win a Championship. They either need a Chris Paul level PG, Marvin/JS to score like V. Carter (and rebound like Dennis Rodman), or trade a core player for a center (Bynum, etc). I personally don’t think a trade would ever happen, so they definitely need to keep their picks and try to draft one, or bring one from Europe/S.America.

Jim Burn has got be looking at the big picture again!! Got to stop!!! Friday night is all that’s important!!

Pay Back Time!!

We’re coming Orlando!!

GO HAWKS!!!

By The Truth

January 8, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this

Big Ump In retrospect, my comment was actually two-fold. The sarcastic JJ part represented the very thing you are suggesting, which is player performance. The coaching part has already been discussed so no need to repeat. I called out JJ because he is the head of the snake. As a strategy, to stop the Hawks means you stop JJ. Orlando did a nice job in that area holding him to just 13 points. But, as you mentioned, we still had our chances. I hope I’m wrong, but my gut tells me the Hawks maybe too focused on their past successes and the buzz of being mentioned as one of the “elite team in the east”; in addition to JJ perhaps being mentioned as MVP material; Also, the buzz of having one of the best home record in the NBA. These are success traps that will certainly contribute to a loss of focus. The ego container is only so big, when it is filled with this nonsense; it has no room for commitment to details such free-throw shooting or turn-oven ratio. I can even imagine JJ having those MJ dreams at night. I think, maybe, the team is spending too much time buying into this kind of hype. If this is the case, then it is the fans obligation to serve them a notice.

If this team wants to be masters, they must be humble as servants.

By doc

January 8, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this

what we think is reasonable usually doesnt get the signature on the dotted line. look to this past summer with chills and josh with limited free agency and th numbers went higher. look to smoltz leaving the braves. so many said it is reasonable to get him for 2 mil and change.

it is the market that determines what is reasonable. there may be a team with money, er the lakers maybe, that could fit him into their scheme for say 10 mil so where does he go? bibby is unrestricted and would be a fool to sign now unless the hawks offered top dollar in the 10 to 12 mil range. he can go out and sell himself for more than 8 mil is my guess with the unrestricted tag.

By Da Real Real

January 8, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this

Yeah, I agree with you Big Ump. From playing sports from when I was a kid up to when I was in college you had to learn that the coach could only do so much. It was up to the players to execute, focus, and bring energy to the game. I think that we as fans always feel that there has to be a fall guy or somebody that cost us a game. We can’t, for some reason, just say that the team lost the game or that those guys were better than us on that night.

So to the argument that the coach is at fault for the lost in last night’s game I would say that it is a little ridiculous to make that argument. Woody has been taking blame for years and it has almost become a habit for Hawks fans & bloggers to blame him for losses - It’s easy to do that. I think my opinion is the same as yours on the game last night. The Hawks DID look like a prepared team. They were getting to their spots early in that ball game but could not knock down good looks, and open looks….after that the floor fell from under them and they started resorting to taking quick shots and awful shots, and oh yeah they missed free throws. That’s not coaching…that’s a player’s focus and mentality of the ball game. Now they started to get it back in the end because Woody actually made a decent move in using his bench, but if you think bench is going to play the whole 4th quarter you’re crazy. I don’t know to many coaches thats not going to go back to his better ball players when its clutch time. I can’t blame this lost on the coach…he didn’t miss an open layout, and he didn’t miss any free throws.

By MannyT

January 8, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this

doc In an a-maize-ing bit of irony, last night the Michigan basketball team came back from 20 points down to beat Indiana.

If only it had been the Hawks.

Also looks like LoWright is a part of a broader popcorn-rookie hazing club.

I wonder if Hunter and Gardner have to bring the bagels?

Ramon one of Sund’s big projects got traded yesterday. Johan Petro (and a 2nd round pick) to Denver for Chucky Atkins (and a first round pick)

Fritz I don’t know how often you go to Hawks games, but I would not call this a pro Hawks town. Philips arena is a see and be seen place. Because the Orlando transplant factor is probably not as strong as some of the larger cities (NY, LA, Chicago, Boston, Philly) it didn’t draw the same amount of crowd.

The other signal that it is not a big game locally is the curtain over the 400 level seats. When the Lakers come to town, or during the playoff run, the house is packed.

It is true that this was a big game for basketball fans, but the crowd rarely gets into the games early down there. This season, I don’t recall us struggling that much throughout the first 3 quarters. The Magic took what little magic the crowd might have mustered until the 4th quarter charge.

BWAF

By Sautee

January 8, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

Woodson certainly has some culpability in the loss, but as I see it it’s from a scheme standpoint.

As Ray pointed out, the starting backcourt took 34 shots, and shot a poor percentage. That’s gonna happen some nights, but where the culpability lies is in the scheme that had the backcourt taking that many shots.

Look, it’s worked fairly well so far don’t you think? 22-12 is so much better than last year. And JJ and Bibby are our most experienced players. But when you put that many eggs in the “backcourt basket”, you’re bound to break a few every now and then.

Yes, the players must execute, and failed to last night, but a scheme that has us taking that many jump shots will fail if our backcourt shooting is off.

If the scheme is tilted that much toward the backcourt, we’ll end up putting our fate in the percentage that JJ and Bibby shoot. and that scheme is just what Woody wants right now.

We need more consistent frontcourt offense, so that we’re not as vulnerable to games of this sort. That’s on Woody to find a way.

By terrell barron

January 8, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this

Are the Sixers better off without Brand? It sure looks like it. And the GM made Cheeks the scapegoat. That’s a damn shame.

By I .MUS WRITE

January 8, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this

Why do we continue to start games slow? It happens every other game- Jeezuz man you cant spot a team 20 points and expect to win,Well not against a good team anyway.

Free Throws sealed the deal for us -54% is horrible, with JJ and Bibby having off nights we needed more than just Smoove to step up.

Good to see JS going to the hole more-those dunks were crazy especially the facial on Lewis. Big game from the yungn -I think he’s finally hit his stride…now if we can just get him to stop dribbling up court.

I wonder if we could get OkC to trade us;

R.Westbrook/JSmith for Ac/speedy/Solo/2nd

Just say’n since they’re cleaning house

Almost forgot the missed lay up- Come on man…….. My neice hits that shot repeatedly -with the left hand dont see how a player of bibbs caliber blows that- o we’ll gett em on friday

By E. G.

January 8, 2009 10:02 AM | Link to this

I am one of the fans who usually blame Woody for causing us to lose games, but not this time. Bibbly seems to have replaced Josh Smith in making bad decisions on his 3 point shoots, and even Reddick (if that’s his name) took Bibby off the dribble very easily a couple of times.

We also had two turnovers down the stretch in the fourth quarter that really hurt us. Once turnover was when Josh Smith made a beautiful pass to Solomon Jones who wasn’t expecting Josh to pass the ball on a fast break, and the other pass was during another fast break when Horford clearly let a pass from Bibby (I think) hit his hands and go out of bounds.

There was surely a lot of mental errors in the fourth quarter last night, you would think that we had played the night before instead of the Orlando Magic.

By O'brien

January 8, 2009 10:02 AM | Link to this

Very disappointed in the loss last night. Can’t blame Woody for this one (although I think he should have left Flip in the game in the 4th quarter). And I do think we should resign Bibby before the season ends.

It will be interesting to see how we respond on Friday night.

It was obvious from the first quarter that Orlando was going to make JJ work for everything. He never got in a rhythm, and the other players never got into a rhythm either.

By Astro Joe

January 8, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

MannyT, wow, I guess Lorenzen was ahead of his time. Instead of ridiculing him, we should have respected having a best in class prankster on our team. Of course, filling the car with bagels would have been more appropriate… but it also would have cost probably 20 times more than the popcorn prank.

By the way, if anyone wants to fill my Pinto with cheesesteaks and fries, holla at a brotha.

By E. G.

January 8, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this

One time I saw Randolph Morris post up on a Boston player last night (it wasn’t Dwight Howard), but Flip Murray didn’t even look his way (although both of them were on the same side of the court) to consider giving Morris the ball. Morris was in a good spot; during that same possession we didn’t score.

By MannyT

January 8, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

Astro Joe If it is a 1970s Pinto, we can load it up with raw meat and potatoes and let it cook.

BWAF

By MannyT

January 8, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this

E. G. As often as RandMo plays, it is possible that Flip didn’t recognize him as being on the same team ;-)

If his regular playing patterns continue, RandMo will not be back on the court for 2 weeks.

BWAF

By Sautee

January 8, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this

AJ and MannyT

LOL, Wasn’t the 70’s Pinto the first car to come standard with a wick?

By Seriously Speaking

January 8, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

LOL @ EG & MannyT

You sure only 2 weeks Manny??? More like 2 months.

By doc

January 8, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this

the only thing i can give rens credit for is leaving a trail of popcorn behind him the last four years in the nba. something tells me he might have left the blueprint on his way out of sacramento last year. look out cleveland rookies.

By Sautee

January 8, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this

I. MUS

OKC might jettison Joe Smith, but no way they let Westbrook go. No way.

Joe Smith could be an interesting addition, but of course that would mean fewer minutes for Zaza and Solo. Although unless we intend on re-signing Zaza, (and it looks like that’s NOT in the cards) we’ll need another big body somewhere, and I’m not sure RandMo will be ready next year.

By Ken Strickland

January 8, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this

What’s up everyone. I’ve been moving and unable to post. I want to say I don’t blame Woodson for the 2 recent losses. The players simply have to take their time and concentrate more when given freethrow opportunities, period. However, I will say one thing about Woodson. If he didn’t allow his coaching/personal limitations to have such an effect on the limitations he’s placing on the playing time given to Acie, Morris and Solo, their wouldn’t be as much apprehension about what we can expect from them under current circumstances. Otherwise, I’m cool.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and there were no negatives to report. I’m having to use a library computer, so I don’t have time to read many responses, sorry. Once things get settled with me, I’ll be back full force. Talk to you all later.

By ray

January 8, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

Kwooden1,

I agree. What we have at the moment is not championship material. It’s going to take longer to get to that level, and as you say, key spots will have to change. Remember all the talk about Marvin becoming a 18-20ppg scorer? I think he’s still capable. But not on this team. Meanwhile, is anybody besides me noticing that Josh Smith is becoming that guy? Not only is he averaging over 20 points per game, but he’s shooting over .500 while doing it. And it is not taking away from the team…it’s adding to it.It’s not like the guy is selfish. It’s funny, though. At one point in time, some people said that all he did was dunk, block shots, and lay bricks from the perimeter. They said he needed to stay inside, quit trying to make the big defensive plays…stay at home on defense so as not to give up points to his own man.

You turn around, and Josh is doing all of that. And what is the response? People start yelling about the fact that he’s not blocking X number of shots per game. Heh. OH, and he’s still dumb….

Doc,

I refrained from mentioning what should be obvious: Flip is a small sg who is averaging more turnovers per minutes played than the infamous Josh Smith. A fact that is conveniently ignored or missed outright. While he is a great offensive spark off the bench when he’s on, one must consider the idea that he provides points far more than he initiates the team offense. A spark plug is great for igniting the force to a single cylinder in the engine. But it is a DISTRIBUTOR that sends power to all the cylinders….that’s why we say “distributor”, be it an automotive part or a basketball player.

And for some reason, this concept is lost in some circles, as we scoff at the idea of Law playing more, or even the need for such a type of player when Bibby isn’t around. But I digress…

By rms

January 8, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, My two cents is this: We either need to resign Bibby or trade him with another player for a low-post big man that can put some decent points on the board and rebound. You have to let Law play some significant minutes at some point to find out what you got in him. Right now its kinda hard to tell. Joe Johnson (in my opinion) is proving that he is a All-Star caliber player, but not an elite level superstar. He doesn’t have that “it” in him, whatever “it” is. We need a player alongside him that have that killer instinct in him with an All-Star level player that the team can rally around to keep their foot down on the throat of another team when they are down and not allow them to come back and win the game. I know it happens sometimes, but championship caliber teams blow mediocre teams away when it is a must win for them no matter if it is a back-to-back game. They dont make excuses such as “we have to learn from this lost” , how many times have we heard that one, or “they were just better than us”. No they are not better than you. That has to be your mentality when you are on the court. Nobody is better than you, I dont care what the record says. Unfortunately, the home team is quite a bit away from winnig a championship (a division title, maybe), but no ring any time soon. Get rid of that eight-headed, or nine-headed monster of a so-call ownership group and then we can talk championship. Until then…….

By I .MUS WRITE

January 8, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

Sautee- Yeah i know we cant get Westbrook, but I can dream. I like his game alot when he slows down and the game becomes slower` he’s gonna be top 5 in the league- crazy athleticism,speed and a nice jumper….He’s everything we want mr. Law to be.

“By the way condolences to the Law family for the loss of their grandpappi “

Joe smith would definitely take sum of ZAZA’s minutes and Solo rarely plays. I know Coach X would give him minutes becuz he’s a solid veteran big. Get it done Sund ASAP-

Why did u say we probably wont sign ZAZA for next year….Did i miss sumthing- he’s been our best big man so far.

I would have taken J Petro. before the Denver trade…Im sure we could have had him for speedy’s expiring deal and a 2nd round pick since they were try’n to dump salary.

I know the kid has character issues but would we be intrested in J Howard since dallas is try’n to move him………………………………………………………On second thought nevermind the National anthem thing p** me off..

By O'brien

January 8, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this

I think the game last night could also be titled “The plays you dont make”. Because as bad as we played for 3 quarters, if Bibby makes that layup, we are down 2 with over 1 minute to go. All we would have had to do was play somne defense, get the ball back and score.

Same thing with the Boston game. if Joe makes 1 free throw, we probably go to OT.

However, it’s a long season, and we will have our chances to make those plays again (like Bibby did against Houston).

Ray I really like how Josh is playing these last few games (and he’s dunking more). But I still cringe when he takes those long jump shots/3 pointers and free throws. If he starts driving to the basket and make his free throws more consistently (like Marvin), watch out…

By Big Ump

January 8, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

By Da Real Real

I can tell you were an athlete or still an athlete.

Ray

Good article about Josh.

By Astro Joe

January 8, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this

Smith is playing much better on the offensive side but I don’t think that he is rebounding like he did in at the beginning of the year. And I am certain that we’re not seeing the same blocked shots from him. I’m hopeful that as he becomes healthier (and grows to trust that he is healthy) that some of his offensive explosiveness will be applied to the other end of the court.

I just took a look at Horford’s season stats. Funny, somehow I missed that he is almost doubling his block shots per game from his rookie season. His rebounding is off from last year but he is picking up the pace with Smith back at his side. We know that providing weak side support often takes you out of rebounding position. It will be interesting to watch them as a tandem and see who provides what type of support for the team.

By Sautee

January 8, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

I. MUS

I don’t remember exactly, but I think it was a preseason article that said Pachulia was not in the long range plans. That certainly could have changed, but that’s what I was basing that comment on.

By Blast

January 8, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this

Hope the Hawks spend their free time doing nothing else but practising free throws, learning to concentrate and make free throws during ball games. Fourth off the last in free throw shooting percentage in the NBA is unacceptable. You cannot win close or tough games shooting like that. They are free for heavens sake! A reward for your opponent fouling you when you tried to score. You must make your opponents pay for those fouls or they will just keep fouling you knowing you would only brick those free throws. It’s just you and the rim, guys. Even Dwight Howard was making his! Mark Price, where in hell are yoooooooooou???????????????????????????

Folks are saying the big news is that Boston lost, again. I think not. I think the bigger news is that Detroit lost. the Pistons have been on a tear since losing to the Hawks two weeks ago. They lost to Portland last night, meaning the Hawks still maintain a one game lead over them. I know standings will still flip-flop as the season goes on, but better to be 4th in the East than 5th at this point.

By Sautee

January 8, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this

AJ

I just took a look at Horford’s season stats. Funny, somehow I missed that he is almost doubling his block shots per game from his rookie season.

Yes, and more than Dalembert, T. Chandler, Shaq, and Rasheed. You know, guys with a rep for an “inside presence”.

LOL, don’t tell Clyde! He’s bummed enough about the Sugar Bowl.

By I .MUS WRITE

January 8, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this

Ray The Athlete…… Thatz Whass up - What Sport Officer ?…… I didnt know chasing bad guys, jumping over fences and high speed chasing were considered sports.

Naw Im joking Ray…. but seriously tho did you see the video of the officers who shot and killed an unarmed guy in the subway………

I’ve seen alot of foul things in my life but this is easily top 5…I read reports this morning that the locals in East Oakland are rioting behind that incident.

Dam Shame First Shawn Bell now this….

By ray

January 8, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this

IMUS,

Yeah, I saw that. All a guy like me can do is hope I’m never involved in an incident that goes wrong like that. Am I worried about doing that myself? No. Just don’t want to be around when/if it happens. I don’t know what all the circumstances were, since I wasn’t there. But I know a bad situation is a bad situation, and if it walks, craps, and quacks like a duck….No doubt this will turn into another training video for other departments.

Big Ump,

Thanks, man. It was all I could do to keep from injecting too much of my own opinion on Smith. I’ve got to get the hang of this blog-writing thing, lol!

BY THE WAY GUYS/GALS,

The latest Hawks Hacks blog is supposed to read ” ‘Throws, ‘Fros, and Euros.” I don’t know why it appeared the way it did. Guess I gotta read up some more on the system we’re using…

Astro Joe,

No, Smith isn’t getting the same number of blocks as we’re used to seeing from him. He’s still a load in the paint, but he’s not quite the same….yet. One thing I think is different though, is that he’s staying at home on defense more. I noticed while he was out that Horford has begun to block a lot more shots, averaging roughly 1.6 or so a game. Marvin is blocking more too, though he doesn’t block a whole bunch. Smith needs to get back to being an absolute terror on defense, but you have to wonder if it’s not just about him regaining his health and confidence therein. Is it that the team defense is also getting better? I think so, because nobody is having to go to Marvin’s rescue like in years past, and Bibby is shoring up his end as well (though he will never be considered a serious defensive type of player).

I don’t know. Maybe we’ll see Josh ramp it back up. But I do recall a lot of people criticizing him for gambling too much on defense, and how his blocked shots were great…but others were scoring because he had left his own man on defense to block a shot. And here we are talking about him not blocking enough shots…Still, I do agree that he needs to grab more boards.

Perhaps our guards are contributing to the rebound situation. They are grabbing quite a few themselves. But I do like to see Horford average 10 or more, and right now he’s not. But then, he also doesn’t get the ball enough on offense either. But hey…we’re 22-12. Heh heh heh.

By Astro Joe

January 8, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this

Ray, if you measure team defense by points scored against, it doesn’t look like the defense has improved in the past 5 games. In fact, we seem to have gotten into a bad habit of allowing teams to score 100 points of late.

I do agree that block shots do not translate into strong individual defense but they obviously help team defense. I haven’t looked too closely at the numbers (like field goal percentage, free thow attempts, etc.) but my sense is that we are outscoring teams more than “locking them down”. Good news is that we are winning in multiple ways and the bad news is that we aren’t quite the scary-good defensive squad we were earlier this season.

But I agree with your overall assessment… most of the players are playing better defense individually. My guess is that the team is suffering from periods of poor defensive effort but can “step up” when needed. So the result is probably 2-3 quarters of 28+ points and one where we allow less than 24. Again, lack of discipline.

By Ariose

January 8, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this

I’ve been watching some NBA TV lately, it it’s come to my attention that Chris Webber and Gary Payton are funny as hell…

Check out Gary and Chris Spoofing Joe Johnson.

This time Gary and Chris argue with CP3 about who is the better Bowler.

These guys crack me up!!!

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 8, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this

I’ve always wondered how people who shoot 3’s well can’t hit free throws. It is after all the same basic hand motion. I remember a few years ago when Bruce Bowen was shooting like 45% from 3 and 40% from the line. Strange that the Hawks are having this problem. Many of us have given Mark Price a lot of credit for the improvement in 3 point shooting, so I guess it’s only fair to expect him to have some effect on the free throw percentage too (since he was a 90% free throw shooter and everything…)

By Ariose

January 8, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this

Check out this SI article about Mike Bibby.

Dwight Howard Talks with NBA.com aftr the game about himself, Josh and Randolph…..he also tells E-Snow to lay off lol.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Nel

January 8, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this

Link to Last Game Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic Analisys:

[http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/9035948/Magic’s-big-man-key-against-Atlanta]

Sautee,Ray,AJ and others…, good posts…

By Ariose

January 8, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this

I love this team. Solo and Randolph need more burn…..ther’re going to get it in the playoffs regardless. But I LOVE watching this team this year.

What do you guys think about the Hawks looking into Vladamir Radmonovic? He’s in the doghouse in LA and only geting PT right now because of Lamar and Luke Walton’s injuries. If we did it would have to involve a third party of cash/picks because the Lakers are overe the luxury tax threshold so they wouldn’t be able to accept a contract of equal value (Speedy Claxton makes about as much as VladRad).

Let’s not forget about Mike Miller either. It’s going according to my prediction. Minny is strugling and will soon be loking for cap relief or space in preperation for the offseason. They’ve got the whoule youth movement thing going on and I highly doubt they’ll be good by the time Millers contract ends in 2010(you KNOW he’s not happy right now….as hard as he plays). Ladies and gents, it’s almost Miller Time…

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Ariose

January 8, 2009 7:25 PM | Link to this

….Radmonovic is the better FT shooter of the two…..which in our case is a plus these days lol.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By ray

January 8, 2009 7:46 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe,

Putting it in that light, I have to agree. It has to be discipline, nothing else makes much sense. Marvin does play better, and so does Bibby. JJ is still on again, off again. Looks like we’re going to need some tough love from Woody again (does it come any other way from him though?), hopefully in an effective fashion, and some infectious, terrorizing defensive intensity from Josh and his partner in crime down low. Horford has done well. Josh has to raise his level back to what it was. Looks like his physicality is either back, or mostly there. Good point you made about him regaining his confidence in his body.

One thing I’d do though: get in Flip’s grill. Mo Evans, too. We need better “D” out of those guys, as they are the primary guys off the bench. Okay, other than Zaza, they are the only guys off the bench. Flip isn’t giving us much on the defensive end, and it bothers me. You know what I’m going to say….

“If one ain’t gettin’ it done, I’m sure another would like some run.”

Had an old football coach who used to say that. Following that was usually somebody’s a$$ going to sit on the bench while somebody came off and got an opportunity to play….

Ahhhh. It’s so good to see Sir Links A Lot back to doing his old thing. :)

By ray

January 8, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this

Ariose,

I wouldn’t mind having Miller, but have to wonder when and where he gets the playing time. And if he does, who loses out, because as it stands right now, we have an 8 man rotation.

Same question of Radmanovich, who is not exactly known for his defense or consistent play. He’s a Zaza-sized guy with perimeter capability, but without the rebounds and defense most nights. Does Woody even play a guy like that? What does Sund think?

Better yet, what do we give up to get either one of those guys? I don’t know.

By ray

January 8, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this

Was reading an article on NBA.com by David Aldridge, talking about the ‘09 free agent class being more likely to have a huge impact on the game than the ‘10 free agent class. It’s a good article. Then I came to this part:

Indeed, the NBA is feeling the pinch just as badly as any other business. Ad sales are way down, one of my spies tells me. While the usual suspects, like the Lakers, Bulls, Knicks and Suns, are doing fine — and Boston is back in the top five coming off championship No. 17 — the per-game league average through the first two months of the season has flatlined at around $894,000 a night. And even that break-even number may be artificially pumped up by Oklahoma City’s huge inaugural season — the Thunder’s average nightly gate has increased by 127 percent over the team’s final season in Seattle.

I couldn’t get this nailed down, so I won’t mention the team, but I was told by a management source that one franchise is off by $250,000 a night over last season. Over 41 games, that would be $10 million less cash on hand in ‘09 than at the end of the ‘08 season.

Heh, heh, heh. All I could think was “Hmmm. Has David Aldridge been talking to Rutherford Seydel again? Perhaps over a couple of cocktails?”

By ray

January 8, 2009 8:03 PM | Link to this

Then there’s this tidbit:

Fewer involved ‘09 teams=more ‘09 opportunity. By one team president’s math, at least 16 teams already have cleared or will likely have cleared enough cap room by the summer of 2010 to be able to pursue at least one max-level free agent. By contrast, the team president figures, only five teams will be in a similar situation next summer.

He didn’t specify, but it’s not hard to figure them out: Atlanta, Memphis, Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Portland. Detroit could become a sixth, but only if it renounces its free agent rights to both Iverson and Wallace, which is extremely doubtful. Portland’s flexibility may well be compromised if the contract of Darius Miles, waived Tuesday by Memphis, ultimately winds up back on the Blazers’ books, costing them $9 million in cap space and near double that in possible luxury tax payments. Atlanta has to decide how much to put into Mike Bibby and Marvin Williams.

Ah yes. Heady stuff, if you’re willing to think past a 22-12 record that is….

By ray

January 8, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this

The point is, there will be far fewer ‘09 suitors than ‘10 teams. And while Bryant is equally not likely to leave L.A. for smaller-revenue teams this summer, those teams are nonetheless in a buyer’s market similar to that of Major League Baseball. There will be solid, veteran players available who may well have to settle for cents on the dollar instead of bigger paydays. A wise team will likely get a whole lot more bang for its reduced buck in ‘09.

Says one extremely high-ranking team executive: “This is going to be a nuclear winter for free agents. I would not want to be one this summer. So, if the point is that this summer will be great because there will be bargains galore, you are on the money.”

Good food for futuristic thought. This no doubt will greatly affect how things go at or near the trade deadline, for a number of teams. Interesting. Very.

By Ariose

January 8, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this

Ray, just shakin off some rust and rouding into shape lol.

But as far as those guys’ go, I had the same thoughts……I only we could get speedy to play a couple of games lol, we’d be set.

I like our team right now, but if we were to make a move in orer to beef up for a postseason run, I’d go in that direction. Of course it’s not likely with our management though…..and their legal fees/problems.

I also wondred what Sund would think. I know he drafted VladRad, and Radmonovitch played well while he was in seattle so I think he’s at least consider it. I just thought it’s worth looking into since Radmonovic spreads the flor and can play the SF and PF positions……Kind of like a smaller, more effective Barghnani(I know that’s right up ol’ Ando’s alley lol).

Sund probably wouldn’t put too much thought into the Miller situation because of the problem you addressed about the minutes, besides we are solid 1-3 rotation-wise…..but’s it’s still nice just to consider it.

If we DID make a move that’s realistically possible, who do you think we should go after to put us up a notch Ray?

~Sir Links A Lot~

By ray

January 8, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this

And one final bit, that curiously is in line with a lot that has been offered here in the distant and recent past, by many of this blog’s members, including the infamous Ando:

A One and a Five beat a Pair of Threes. The ‘10 group is lousy with wings — big wings, small wings, fast wings, shooting wings. But so is the whole NBA. The worst teams in the league — Oklahoma City, Washington, Minnesota, Memphis — all have perfectly fine wing players. It’s the point guards and centers that most of them lack, and so does the 2010 class.

Point guards available in two years: Nash. He’s it. And he’ll be 35 on opening night, 2010.

Point guards available next year: Kidd (who, granted, will be 36 on opening night, 2009), Miller and Bibby.

Quality bigs under 35 in two years: Bosh, Nowitzki and Chandler.

Quality bigs under 35 next summer: Boozer, Okur, Varejao, Wallace. Not-great-but good ones include Dallas’ Bass, Chicago’s Gooden and Atlanta’s Pachulia. You can even take a flier on a Sheldon Williams, the fifth pick in the ‘06 draft, who will be unrestricted after a less-than-stellar beginning to his career in Atlanta and Sacramento. Maybe he’s not going to be a star, but he could certainly be a solid, serviceable, 10-year guy like Smith (the first pick overall in 1995, if you remember) has been.

So lay out the rose petals for the Class of 2010. But pull out your checkbook for the Class of ‘09.

Good stuff. After reading the whole article (which you should do on your own, I’m not Ariose, and I’ll F up a link in a heartbeat), if you still think re-signing Bibby after the season’s over (and his contract is over as well) is a given, then you’re either living in his house and know that he’s going to stay of his own volition…or you’re crazier than Heath Ledger in the latest Batman movie.

Remember all the snide and smarmy comments earlier in the season when some of us talked about the possibility of Bibby being traded due only to financial reasons? Remember how people smugly talked about how it was soooo ironic that other teams (such as Cleveland and Portland) showed interest in Bibby? Let the man’s contract end, and watch all that come back to bite some smug a*******es…especially the ones who think the ASG is just the bee’s knees.

If Pachulia isn’t in the team’s longterm plans, should we not consider packaging him in a trade, or no? It may be easy to say don’t mess with things now, but it’s not like we’re going on a championship run this year.

Anyway, like I said, good food for thought if you like to think ahead.

By Ariose

January 8, 2009 8:27 PM | Link to this

Ray, great exerpt, I read that too. Especially when you consider(For the Hawks) that Childress is feeling the pressure in Greece to be perfect and the fans are not pleased. Sund said he is really considering coming back this off-season. We can still deal his rights cha-ching?

Lamar Odum has the most intrigue to me out of that 09’ free agent class or maybe okur, but I think we have enough traditional bigs RandMo Solo……speaking of which, do we keep solo? Hell yeah IMHO. Okur and Boozer are also out there. If we get one Big free agent in 09’ beforeusing the Bird rights to sign our own guys that’ll be great. We just have to make sureit’s a guy that will put us over the top or it won’t be worth the investment.

Of course it all boils down to the ASG’s judgement though………not that i’m foreshadowing disapointment though. I just wouldn’t get your hopwes up lol.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By richbrave

January 8, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this

Whew. Things are HOT on the BRAVES blogs today.

By ray

January 8, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this

Ariose,

To be honest, I don’t know what’s realistically possible, so any answer from me on that might not make sense. I have no problem admitting to the fact that I have conflicting answers in my own mind. I could take the easy way out and say leave everything as is, but I don’t think that works for the long term. Besides, that’s what people say when they can’t, don’t, or aren’t willing to think ahead.

Personally, I’d like to see some of our guys play more, more than I’d like to see us pick up more players, or different players.

But if we’re going to do a trade, it might be better to do something that changes the makeup and size of our starting lineup, rather than add on a guy who may or may not receive playing time from Woody.

We are 22-12 with the lineup we have, and that is great. But we have yet to make it through half the season. Ending up with a 45-50 win team with this lineup and this rotation would go a much longer way towards suggesting that this team can win year after year this way. Right now, we have proven nothing than that we can win 22 of 34 games. I don’t mean that to demean or downplay the team’s accomplishments. I’m enjoying this as much as anyone else. But it is a hard, cold, objective fact. You have to remember Garnett’s words thoughout last season- “We haven’t done nothing yet. Nothing.”

I don’t know that we can win big year after year with a PF and basically two big SFs. I’d rather see two PFs and a small forward. Or a center, PF, and SF.

I’m wondering where Sund wants to go with this team. I figure he’s got to be wanting a guy he can put at center, so he can slide Horford to the 4. I could be way wrong, but history has shown Sund likes his bigs.

So, a couple of ideas. One is something that has been championed by Ando, and I know I’m going to get flamed for it. I actually like the idea of giving up a guy like Marvin (and perhaps somebody else) for a guy like Bargnani (and perhaps another player). Samuel would no doubt be burning my likeness in effigy if he knew what I looked like. But I honestly do think that a guy with his size and skills (and weaknesses) works well with Al and Josh. He’s a true 7-footer (hey, extra size doesn’t hurt, and the guy isn’t a plodder) who would have to learn to play better defense, but he’s capable of blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, can hit as many 3s and jumpers as Marvin does, allowing Smith to do what he does now, and Horford to do more of what we should be letting him do. That’s a two PF, one SF type of lineup, and I think it can work. Bargnani is not the only guy it works with, as Rasheed is quite possibly the most talented fit for this design. He’s also older and probably not going to be available. Bargnani is available, as the Raps are looking to add athleticism on the wings. Marvin fits that bill, though I’d like to keep him (realizing that this is likely not feasible for a number of reasons).

Again, if this squad proves to be a big winner the way it is, then you have to consider leaving it alone. If you believe you can one day win a championship this way.

The other way to go is to worry less about the pivot, and more about the point. Extend Bibby for another 3 or 4 years if you can or want to. If not, then trade him while his value is high. The question is where do you trade him and for what? Another veteran pg? That’s what Woody likes, but then where does Acie fit in, and what kind of vet are you going to get? Or, you trade him for another young talented pg and a smaller expiring contract. That way you get another good option at the point (and a good backup probably), and still get to put some money in your pocket. One idea that I’ve discussed with the infamous Ando is Bibby for Sergio and Lafrentz. I’ll no doubt get called crazy for that. But Sergio is a dangerous pg with similar size to Acie, and even more quickness if you ask me. GM Kevin Pritchard says he really likes him, so you know the guy has some value. But he doesn’t see more than 10 mpg because veteran Steve Blake gets the starter’s minutes, and Roy handles the ball when Blake isn’t there. Sound familiar?

With LaFrentz, we get an expiring contract. If he’s healthy (ha ha), then you get a serviceable big as well. Which means, whether or not he plays, ain’t nothin’ changed, because we know who is playing under this 8 man rotation.

Anything that involves trading Bibby means the delicate chemistry of this team probably takes a mean hit. So a lot depends on what gets done with him. The biggest question is whether or not we can/want to keep him and for how long. Focusing on the remainder of this year and where we go (which will not be to the Finals) is a limited, short-term perspective that anybody has a right to.

Good teams build a chemistry that can overcome such changes. Good coaches can keep a team focused and together, despite such changes. Do we qualify on both counts? We’ll find out, because like it or not, these changes come eventually. Either at the trading deadline, or at the end of the season. The roller coaste ride may be fun, but at some point you have to get off and count your fun park tokens…

By richbrave

January 8, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this

doc:

So you’re gonna’ jilt the TED for my old club, eh.? Enjoy. Hot dogs and cold beer pretty much the same everywhere-$$$$, not so much.

G-BRAVES will have SAMMONS as catcher. Don’t know what will become of VLADIMER NUNEZ and the two other Cubans. 6’ 9” AUSSIE “Roo-Nads” was lights out in AAA until he was dumped by COX in mid-season. He’s a great reliefer if his head’s screwed on straight. JONES should be better, again IF minus any ‘tude. I’m sure SCHAFER will be in CF, especially if ANDERSON is up with the big club. You will like BRUNDIGE. He’s the sleeper for COX’s job in my humble estimation.

I’ll keep it coming for you on “critter” when I can see the games. Enjoy every minute you can with your dad. Lost mine at 12. So I know whereof I speak.

By Ariose

January 8, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

new blog up.

By Astro Joe

January 8, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this

Ray, the problem with the trade Bibby arguement is that it is a finacially BAD decision. We either have to take back comparable salaries or we try to get draft picks. So what are the chances that we would get quality draft picks by trading Bibby? A lottery-bound team isn’t trading for Bibby and giving us a lottery pick. Would we trade Bibby for Portland’s pick… somewhere in the 20s? I hope not. Could we get more than 1 draft pick for a 4 month rental? Doubtful. So would the ASG risk the revenue of a possible home-court playoff series (or even a second round playoff appearance) PLUS the flexibility of doing something (or nothing) with that $15M salary slot in the summer by trading away Bibby for either one non-lottery pick or comparable salaried players? Again, it doesn’t seem to make good finacial sense.

No doubt that there will be competition for Bibby. What we have to hope is that the growing bond between Bibby and JJ is such that we have an advantage… not just with Bibby but also with keeping JJ the following off-season. It’s hard to imagine JJ staying with us after having a partner of Bibby’s caliber to share backcourt duties. Sund must make a competitive offer and convince JJ that he didn’t make a “John Smoltz” offer that forced Bibby to leave the fold. What we don’t want is for JJ to have a comparable reaction to what we’re reading from Chipper about Smoltz. Because unlike Chipper, JJ will still be in his prime when his current contract expires.