Hawks

By terrell barron

January 11, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this

Forget about going west. We cant even beat Philly, at HOME. I think it might be time to hit the panic button.

By gypsyjoe

January 11, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this

Man things are going from bad to worse. Now Philly is slaping us around. What gives?????

By terrell barron

January 11, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

Sund, are you watching?

By cp

January 11, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

The so called coach of the year was out coached today by a cat I have never heard of..

The effort today was pathetic.. Guys were playing like they did not care. The sixers played with energy and emotion. The Hawks were day dreaming or something. I have never seen a team not box out as much as the Hawks. The sixers were all over the glass and guys were just standing there.

By Sautee

January 11, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

Philly shot 54.7% from the field, 60% from 3 pt., and out-rebounded us by 39-24. Those are ugly stats, and it’s frightening to go on the road with that as your last memory.

Especially with no Horford.

Gonna have to tough it out.

By J

January 11, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this

Orlando’s domination of us could have been the turning point to this season. We might not recover from it, we are reeling right now, and without Horf we could wake up in 2 weeks with a .500 record

By gypsyjoe

January 11, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this

This just shows you how frigin fast thing can change in sports last week at this time we were looking good now we are with out our center and have a 3 game losing streak. 0 for 2009. We need to circle the wagons. I guess we will see what the Hawks are made of.

By ray

January 11, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this

Not willing to hit the panic button yet, but willing to say Kirk was probably right in hinting that we might just be facing a losing streak that will tell us about ourselves.

Getting outrebounded that badly is ridiculous. Dalembert had only 6 boards, so it wasn’t him that killed us. It was us. 24 rebounds pi$$es me off, with all the athletes we have. Did we not have our legs, or were our heads just NOT in the game? Can’t be the legs, as no starter played that much in the second game against Orlando, but what do I know?

This is not good. We’re relying on the perimeter game, don’t know enough to change defenses against a team that can’t shoot, and now we’re going west without Horford.

No, not ready to hit the panic button, but ready for Sund to hit that STAPLES button. You know, the one where you acquire something when you hit it….

We need another big, period. And the guys we have need to ramp it the hell up. This looked like a lackluster effort against a team that matches up well with us, but has virtually no shooters. Sheesh. Got little else to say for the moment.

By ray

January 11, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this

CP,

It certainly looks that way from the boxscore. Had to be a lack of effort, unless somebody can tell me different…

By RJ

January 11, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

This team is done if woody is the coach. He couldn’t motivate a roach to avoid Raid bug spray. This team has gone as far as it’s gonna go with woody. Avery Johnson is the coach we need.

By Jt

January 11, 2009 5:06 PM | Link to this

Sekou What is up with Speedy. I haven’t heard. Is he done for the year as usual or what?

By Joe Bling

January 11, 2009 5:08 PM | Link to this

This is not good. No defense in the last few games - at all! This team talks a good game about how focused they are on defense this year and how they’ve learned how defensive effort is going to be critical to a successful season - then they go out and play games like this one, and the one before, and the one before.

Josh Smith goes 0-3 on threes, again. Can someone tell me what compels Mr. Smoove to keep on jacking up threes? I guess he’s just bound and determined to prove us all wrong and show that he’s really a great three-point shooter. It’s been three years and one gigantic contract for Mr. Smoove, and his offensive game is worse than ever. Hey coach, how about acting like a coach and pulling his a$$ out of the game next time he launches a three? Not to mention his defense - the one thing we need him for - has been below average since the ankle sprain. I’m sure the only reason Woody won’t sit his rear on the bench is that he knows Mr. Smoove will cop an attitude and disrupt the team. That’s the kind of “professional” this kid is.

I’ll sit back and watch the Josh defenders come running to make up excuses about how he’s really just hurt, etc., that he’s a “superstar” talent who deserved a max contract, etc. Whatever. It’s about time Mr. Smoove started earning his money. I mean, seriously folks, what is this guy adding to the team right now? It’s been three years. When do we get to see the superstar?

By O'brien

January 11, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

Like so many others, I was unable to watch the game. (What’s up with that SportSouth?).

Looking at the box score: Hawks 1)20-27 (74.1%) free throws 2)8-22 (36.4%) 3 pointers

By the way, Josh-Stop shooting 3’s. You are shooting 25.5% career (113-431), and 12-47 this year). Woody, please get him to stop.

Philly 1)18-21 (85.7%) free throws 2) 9-15 (60%) 3 pointers

And now we are going to play Phoenix on the road. Steve Nash, Shaq (no big Al). We need to get it together Hawks.

By mykhalc

January 11, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this

i didn’t even watch much of the game because they look TOTALLY uninspired and unwilling in the last 2 games!!

and WOODSON still $ucks as a HC…PERIOD!!!

By bigdave

January 11, 2009 5:21 PM | Link to this

I think a move HAS to made… plain and simple.. we can not continue to play as a perimeter team with only two legitimate threats from outside of 18ft.

If there was only a way to land a Sheed, Amare… Boozer..? we could and would actually be contenders…

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 11, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this

I only saw the 4th quarter on a streaming video site (it’s flat-out ridiculous that ACC women’s college basketball takes precedence over the Hawks on local cable TV) so I can only comment on what I see in the box score. First of all, if you get out-shot and out-rebounded you have no room to complain when you lose. The Hawks actually had the free throw advantage in this game and failed to capitalize.

Some folks commented on the previous blog that our offense is too perimeter-oriented. There’s no reason why it should be that way. The Hawks had some success posting up Josh Smith last week and letting him find the open jumpshooter. Don’t know why they got away from this, but it’s important that they keep going to the post.

Defensively, though, something is seriously wrong, and I gotta point the finger at Josh Smith here. Last year and earlier this year his presence keyed the defensive effort, and I and many others rightfully gave him a lot of credit. Well, clearly something isn’t right, or else opponents wouldn’t be shooting the ridiculously high percentages they have been getting lately against the Hawks. Without Horford in the lineup Josh Smith and Marvin Williams have to do a much better job crashing the boards than they did today too.

On the upcoming road trip, the Hawks will face three very different teams. Golden State has a perimeter oriented offense too, but they have one big guy in Biedrins who absolutely has to be kept off the glass, and this task isn’t gonna be easy without Horford. Man to man perimeter defense will be crucial in that game. The game against the Clippers will be similar, since they likely won’t have Kaman or Randolph; keeping Camby off the glass and making scorers like Eric Gordon and Al Thornton shoot contested jumpshots will be important. The final game, against the Suns, will be a huge challenge and honestly I can’t see the Hawks pulling that one out if Zaza and Solo are gonna play extended minutes guarding Amare and Shaq. It’s just not gonna happen in my opinion.

Ideally the Hawks should come away with two wins on this three-game swing. The way they are playing now though, they will struggle to win one game. Golden State and the Clippers are beatable teams, so there really isn’t any excuse for not getting two wins there.

As far as roster moves are concerned, I still don’t think a major shakeup is needed, but the Hawks could definitely use a veteran big man who can play defense on other big men, someone like PJ Brown or Dikembe Mutombo. I’m not in favor of making a trade right now. I’m with Ray in that I don’t think pushing the panic button is in order yet.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 11, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this

I don’t mind Josh taking 3’s if the ball is rotated to him, he’s wide open, and he’s shooting in rhythm. This happens every once in a while and even if he misses those it’s not a big deal to me. But if he is shooting contested 3’s or 3’s early in the shot clock that’s obviously not acceptable. To his credit he has cut down significantly on the bad 3’s from where he was last year, although I don’t know in what kind of situation his three missed 3’s came today.

By bigdave

January 11, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this

well.. no boozer… the guy is actually injured..

By ray

January 11, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this

Joe Bling,

You’re right. Josh is playing badly right now. Badly indeed. Nothing but truth in that statement. So what’s your solution to the problem?

Also, I don’t know about you, but I figure $58 million was a good chunk of money…but nowhere near a max contract. Look to Philadelphia and Brand for that. And tell me if by their record, they are better off by paying 20-something million dollars more for him. That, and if Smoove is disrupting the team, then somebody must be keeping it under wraps…really well at that. Otherwise, we would not have a 22-14 record, even after three straight losses.

But again, you’re right. No excuseses. He’s playing badly, particulary on defense and on the glass. Not at all like that string of 6-8 games where he was averaging about 21 points per game…..

By cp

January 11, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this

ray the effort on the glass was flat out awful.. Guys were just standing around. This team just does not box out.. The Sixers were grabbing boards because most of the time the Haws players were just standing there instead of putting a body on somebody and boxing out… The sixers also got a lot of open looks from behind the arc… The transition defense was also terrible. It looked like in the second half some guys had their minds on other things… At one point Royal Ivey of all people grabbed a rebound over a few Hawks players… Flip had his routine turnovers… The coach from the sixers was calling great plays out of timeouts and everything. He used his bench effectively… The sixers might have thrown and finished at least 5 alley oops in the second half. Guys did not have their hands up or nothing..

By darrell starks

January 11, 2009 5:44 PM | Link to this

woody 7minutes solo 6 minutes ACIE NO RYTHM in rotation at all josh 4 rebound marvin 4 rebound again no one box out IS WOODY TEACHING THEM HOW to box out or what WOODY AGAIN JOE 40MIN OR MORE A GAME NOT looking good woody its a long season it will catch up with the TEAM UNLESS YOU change your coaching style.GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By bigdave

January 11, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this

Najeh,

on what site are you finding the streaming feed…?

By Sautee

January 11, 2009 5:47 PM | Link to this

Joe Bling

About this: Can someone tell me what compels Mr. Smoove to keep on jacking up threes?

Uhhh… Bling, that would be Woodson’s scheme. If it were NOT his scheme can you possibly imagine him NOT pulling Josh out?

You’re upset about 3 out of the 75 shots that the Hawks took. 3!

I’m much more concerned with Josh only getting 4 rebounds from the power forward position, when he had to know that with Horford out, his rebounding could be a key.

Then you said this:

I’m sure the only reason Woody won’t sit his rear on the bench is that he knows Mr. Smoove will cop an attitude and disrupt the team. That’s the kind of “professional” this kid is.

You’re SURE of that, eh? What are you Nostradamus?

And for (hopefully) the last time, who on this blog said give Josh a max contract? Who??

No one that I saw, not here. Yes, folks argued his worth, but I never saw ANYONE saying he deserved the max. (Obviously he did not).

You have a point that Josh is not playing well. Don’t dilute your point with B.S.

By Matt = niremetal

January 11, 2009 5:51 PM | Link to this

Before asking Sund to get him another big, why doesn’t Woodson try playing the bigs he already has?

By ray

January 11, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

Najeh,

Can’t argue with anything you said. Josh is our defensive spark plug. I’m severely disappointed with him, as he has always shown an aptitude for this capability, regardless of his age, or how he’s playing on the other end.

I also agree on the subject of getting more scoring in the post. I don’t want to start in on Woody, but I get the feeling that He panics and goes right back to his two veteran starting guards as soon as things get a bit shaky. And they can’t always deliver, though I don’t want to blame them wholly for our problems. In fact, from Sekou’s article, there is this from Woodson (about Bibby):

“He’s been good for me, too. Because I can come in there all upset and he will instantly say, ‘Hey man, relax. Settle down and relax. Everything’s going to be alright.’ And I need that. It’s reassurance for me that they have things under control in there as veterans.”

Okay, look, I really don’t want to bash the guy. Really. And I understand that a coach needs to be able to rely on his veterans, as that is one of the roles they play. But this is disconcerting for me to hear, and I swear I’m seeing it play out on the court.

And here we go again with the breakdown of the shots:

JJ and Bibby (although they played and produced fairly well): 32 total shot attempts, with 15 of them successful.

Pachulia, Williams, and Smith combined for 25 total shots, with at least 6 of them coming from the perimeter that we know of (3 point attempts).

Add the bench in, and 5 of those guys’ 13 shot attempts were from 3-point land.

This sucks.

By rms

January 11, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this

Where you at, Samuel….Coach Woodson=COY!!! I told you it was too soon!

By ray

January 11, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this

I haven’t heard any complaints about Josh getting $58 million….which is certainly not max…

By jay

January 11, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this

My seats at the game were on the floor and josh and the rest of the team were arguing for a good two/three minutes. It seemed like it started when joe took the ball all the way to the rim not passing it to josh who would have had a easy dunk on a fast break. And continued with Flip and josh agruing about where josh was suppose to go in the offense. They were jawing at each other while Zaza was taking free throws with Marvin telling josh to shut up.

Sekou, Is there a sense that the team is down on Josh personaly more than a team that is fustrated after three losses.

By Joe Bling

January 11, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this

I probably let my frustration get the best of me. But the source of my frustration is that I strongly believe Josh Smith IS the answer. He’s got to step up his game. If he can become the kind of all-around player I think we all sense is hiding underneath that athletic talent, then he could transform the Hawks into one of the league’s elite teams.

To do that, he’s going to have regain his former defensive dominance. And on offense, he’s got to understand that we need him to get points around the basket - that means cuts, backdoors, alley-oops and, most importantly, offensive rebounds and put-backs. Just forget the jump-shooting. We don’t need him for that. We’ve got plenty of jump shooters. He needs to be getting ALL of his points in the lane, and I think if he were to concentrate on that he could turn into a consistent 20-point per night player.

FYI - I didn’t say he was a distraction now, just that he surely would be if Woody were to yank him from a game, a la Bobby Cox pulling Andruw Jones a few years ago. I say that based on the past attitude he has shown at times and his acknowledged rocky relationship with Woody. I will admit, though, that his attitude seems to be a lot more professional this year, even while his game has suffered.

By O'brien

January 11, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this

Woody’s scheme (whatever that may be) does not work. The scheme does not fit the players, and the players do not execute consistently.

However, missing free throws, not boxing out…that’s not Woosy’s fault.

By darrell starks

January 11, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this

Joe bling your 100percent right about josh thats why we miss chill he played his role MOST OF his point CAME FROM OFFENSE REBOUND AND PUTBACK we have no one on this team accept ZAZA AND SOMETIME HORFORD that plays that role every body wants to shoot jump shots JOSH HAS BEEN INTHE LEAGUE NOW WHAT 5year DONT HE NO that he can be a beast if he plays above the rim and stop shooting jump shots o yeah one more thing flipp is not a point guard WOODY. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 11, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this

bigdave, you can find streaming video feeds of many sporting events here.

The current poll on ajc.com/sports made me laugh… the question is “which Georgia coach/manager is the best”, and the choices are Mike Smith, Bobby Cox, Woody, Mark Richt and Paul Johnson. As of right now Woody has zero votes. Not even one. It’s not like the poll just opened either, since Cox and Richt are at around 50.

By hocker

January 11, 2009 6:44 PM | Link to this

Here comes the COLLAPSE. It took until January this year, just to give hopes to starved fans.

By Sautee

January 11, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this

LOL Najeh!

Of course now that you’ve brought it up, Samuel will be haunting the place. ;-)

By Ben

January 11, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand this hype about Al Horford.

10.8 points, a team-high 8.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 blocks.

What is so impressive about that? Even though he blocks 1.6 shots, he gives up way more dunks and easy points in the paint. ZaZa can easily attain those numbers, given the minutes.

Horford is a slightly above-average center who went to a great college, who the fans like. That doesn’t make this guy amazing. If we can trade him and trash for someone like Dalembert, who has a 25 foot wingspan and rebounds everything, you gotta do it.

This team is not that good and a trade needs to be made

By kwooden1

January 11, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Looks like this is going to be a tough stretch for the HAWKS. The things we’ve been talking about on the Blog are going to start happening. Acie and Solo haven’t had a lot of primetime experience, but now they are going to have to play. Woody’s going to shorten his rotation, but it won’t matter because the defense is going to be weak with the starters. The switch on all pick-in rolls won’t work because Zaza’s too slow and Solo doesn’t know the set well enough. Bad news for Horford, I hope he can take the rehab slow, so he can come back full strength whenever he’s ready.

Keep Fighting Guys!

GO HAWKS!!

By Sautee

January 11, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this

Ben

about this: Horford is a slightly above-average center who went to a great college, who the fans like. That doesn’t make this guy amazing. If we can trade him and trash for someone like Dalembert, who has a 25 foot wingspan and rebounds everything, you gotta do it.

Is that the same Dalembert who averagesFEWER rebounds and FEWER blocked shots than Horford?

Ding!

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

“Horford is a slightly above-average center who went to a great college, who the fans like. That doesn’t make this guy amazing. If we can trade him and trash for someone like Dalembert, who has a 25 foot wingspan and rebounds everything, you gotta do it.”

In fantasy basketball, maybe.

In real life, no.

This is the exact mistake bad GMs make in every draft — they select athletic specimens who don’t know how to play ahead of average or slightly above average athletes who do.

None of the stats you quoted measures basketball IQ. To paraphrase Veronica Corningstone, Horford has more of it in one pinky than Dalembert has in his entire body.

As far as his offensive production, it’s not his fault Woody’s offense only gets him 7 shots a game.

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

And if you want to talk stats, Horford averages more boards, more blocks, a better shooting percentage, a better free throw percentage and a better assist turnover ratio per minute than Elton Brand did in his second year.

I’m not saying he’s spectacular — he needs to develop at least one aggressive post move — but he is pretty damn good. If Woody trusted his young frontcourt as much as he trusts his veteran backcourt, Horford’s offensive numbers would be better.

By MannyT

January 11, 2009 7:20 PM | Link to this

Today demonstrated that our best PF is also our best C. Given that we need 5 out there at a time, we are probably better off with Horford and Smith than Horford and Pachulia for most of the minutes.

As for trades, you can talk all day long about middle of the road centers (Dalambert), but is he worth a little more than Josh for his career 8 pts, 8 rebs? Probably not.

In a salary cap league, someone has to be a value contributor. That is the definition of all our bench players and Al. Thus Dalambert costs you Zaza and Marvin OR one (Marvin, Zaza) plus multiple parts of the bench OR Josh. In the words of my NBC friends NO DEAL

The value centers are hard to get. The expensive centers are usually available by overpaying or finding a funky deal like the Camby in Denver salary cap issue.

BWAF

By Sautee

January 11, 2009 7:25 PM | Link to this

Najeh

I second that.

By Ben

January 11, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this

Sautee, Dalembert isn’t getting minutes in Philly. He averages 8.1 boards in 24 minutes a game. Horford averages 8.7 boards in 8 more minutes (32) a game.

Next?

By Jo

January 11, 2009 7:49 PM | Link to this

I am happy that our hawks are back! I was truly concerned with those 22-11 imposters. 0-3, losing in blowoutfashion and at home to lowly Philly makes me see that our team has returned so that missing person/team report will not be necessary now. :)

By Dell

January 11, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding. These are the true Hawks. A team that starts Marvin Williams can’t be all that anyway! The high is over until the Awks(my bad), Hawks get an player that can score inside!

By E. G.

January 11, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this

**TO “NAJEH DAVENPOOP”

Against whom did the “The Hawks have some success posting up Josh Smith last week and letting him find the open jumpshooter. To what team are you referring?

By richbrave

January 11, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this

doc:

Don’t know if you saw J-CRIT at BOBCATS or not. I did not. The local affiliate did not provide the feed. Of course, if it had been the CAPS well……retch!!!!

\I will say this however, CRITTER is getting minutes because the obsessive brain of ED TAPSCOTT has determined that players should get minutes in seven game shifts as a learning experience for both management and the players for next year. They’ve packed in this season and are obviously hunting for the 25% slot of lottery balls. With OKLAHOMA’s win and their loss, appears that is reasonable.

Looks like my homeyHAWKS are beginning to learn the meaning of playing hurt. Now for the way out of the dark wilderness of losing and into the sunshine of winning while in that state. Another big step toward an NBA Championship must be taken.

By E. G.

January 11, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this

Mr. NAJEH DAVENPOOP

Please don’t tell me that Josh Smith was successful posting up against the Orlando Majic who has bigger, more agile front court players.

By O'brien

January 11, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this

Its amazing how when the Hawks start losing, we have these knee jerk reaction fans who pretend to know the problem and the solution.

Where are they when the Hawks are winning?

By Sautee

January 11, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this

Ben

Dalembert is also 6 years older than Horford and his salary is $10.5M /yr to Horfords $4M /yr.

I don’t think Samuel can give you the bang for the buck you’ll get with Horford even if you played him 40 minutes.

Face it, Horford is giving similar production, is years younger, and many millions cheaper. At least until he’s re-signed.

And, as Najeh pointed out to you, has a higher basketball I.Q.

Still wanna make the trade?

By E. G.

January 11, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith has spent “two” freakin summers trying to develop a post-up game, and he still can’t finish his shot when he’s around the basket. He still does not know how to use the various spots on the back board to bank in his shots. **THAT IS FUNDAMENTAL BASKETBALL, AND I SERIOUSLY BELIEVE THAT JOSH “JUST” “DOESN’T” “HAVE” “THE” “ABILITY” TO DEVELOP THESE SKILLS.

Unlike Amare Stoudamire, he is almost unstoppable whenever he’s shooting around the basket. I don’t even have to use Amare; the Rashard Lewis guy for Orlando is very good when posting up around the basket, and he weighs less than Josh Smith but yet he school Josh Smith a couple of times.

By bigdave

January 11, 2009 8:41 PM | Link to this

appreciated Najeh…

Ben, i feel you about Horford but, Sam is not the answer.. we need points from down low, a threat to score..

hey guys, check out Larry Drew son for UNC, Larry Drew II the kid has some game… appears to be a good defender, good ball handler, and plays fundamentally sound…

By E. G.

January 11, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

Did this really happen **”JAY”?

Jay said this:

My seats at the game were on the floor and josh and the rest of the team were arguing for a good two/three minutes. It seemed like it started when joe took the ball all the way to the rim not passing it to josh who would have had a easy dunk on a fast break. And continued with Flip and josh agruing about where josh was suppose to go in the offense. They were jawing at each other while Zaza was taking free throws with Marvin telling josh to shut up.

It’s hard to believe this really happened.

By E. G.

January 11, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this

JAY

Also tell me what quarter was it when some of the players started arguing with Josh.

By jhan

January 11, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this

Time for Woody to earn his COY honors. Can’t wait to see how ZaZa looks playing 40 minutes per game.

Maybe with all the playing time our bench has received this year we won’t have any problems - oops, I forgot that our coach doesn’t believe in developing his bench.

Now Woody has no choice but to develop some bench players. Hopefully we don’t have to lose the next 7 of 10 while our bench players finally learn how to play in this league.

Now we’ll actually see if Josh is really a player to build around. Now is his time to actually start playing like an NBA veteran. He has 4 years of experience & a big fat new contract. Time for him to be consistently good & sometimes great. This team will go as Josh goes.

By HB Ando

January 11, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this

New Hacks’ blog is up (and this time it was actually Ando, not Ray, that wrote it, for whatever that’s worth)………..

By BA

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

Richbrave, with a little ray of hope amidst all of this hand wringing…

If Josh and Murray and Marvin and whoever else was arguing, I don’t think it’s fair to say that now Smith is some kind of cancer.

The chips are down, so people are getting a little edgy- kind of like this thread today. It’s no fun when you lose, so naturally a group of young individuals are going to clash.

What about Solo Jones and Pachulia, 7 points and 6 boards (none for Jones). Acie Law? Zeros. If these guys deserve the playing time, then why don’t they produce (at ALL) when they get a chance?

And don’t give me that “but they haven’t had a chance to play and get comfortable”. Solo is in his third year. With the way that kid can get air, what excuse is there for getting ZERO boards in 7+ minutes?

By jt in dallas

January 11, 2009 8:52 PM | Link to this

I’ve tried to stay out of this Atlanta stuff, but here it is: FIRE WOODY, PLEASE!!! The article about Bibby’s contract expiring is great evidence that Woody HAS to develop a back up point guard and Flip is Not the one (ball-hogging, turnover prone, selfish player that he is). I agree that Woody has it in for Acie Law for whatever petty reason. Wouldn’t it be great if BK had been allowed to actually make management decisions and sent Woody’s @#ss packing last year. I noticed that in the blowout fiasco in Orlando, Woody actually started (and played) the starters in the third quarter. That would have been a great time to give ALL his bench players valuable game-time experience, while resting his starters for the next game. (Maybe they would have come out ready for Philly, huh? Since I’m from Dallas, I see Avery Johnson as the best fit for the Hawks coach. However, we had Sund here also, and he was run out on a rail for keeping another sorry, sucky coach who like Woody, couldn’t pour p** out of a boot with the directions on the bottom. Sund, wake up and smell the roses.

By doc

January 11, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this

great game today, enjoyed it because i had no expectations. this team has been playing over its heads and it has been fun while it lasted. unfortunately it is the nba where seasons last 82 games instead of 35.

havent had too many leads in the last three games have we? nothing positive out there to talk about in that game, NOTHING.

By The Hawksta

January 11, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

Everyone is down… Let me be your sense of inspiration. Judge what you see in me, but your ability to see me in thee. May thou bow to thy father in worship. Let not fools hinder your prosperity. For I am Allah, Jehovah, Yewah, the King of kings and your are molded in my likeness! Thus sayeth the LORD! I will bless the Hawks and make amends those who fell to believe!!! Uh…Uh…Uhhh so on and so forth!

FREE ACIE

By E. G.

January 11, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this

Hey BA

I noticed in the games I watched that no one ever set up any plays for Solomon or Randolph Morris to post up when ever they were in the game, and Acie Law is scared to be agressive most of the time whenever he is playing along side of Joe, Bibby or ball-hog Flip Murray.

By Sautee

January 11, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

Hawksta’s been hangin’ with King. K.C. ;-)

By E. G.

January 11, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this

Well HA-LLE-LU-JAH brother (lol)

By E. G.

January 11, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

It is sad to say that in order for Acie, Solomon and Randolph to get decent playing time, Zaza and Flip Murray (God forbid) would have to be the next person to go down with a long-term injury.

By RLP

January 11, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

To early to panic? I think so. Please remember that if the three young starters had played four years of college JS and Horford would be rookies this year.and Marvin would be a senior in college. Overall the Hawks still have the sixth youngest team in the league. Yes it is very painful to watch when the team goes on a wild swing. At the first of the year they start with a winning streak and then a losing streak. They had a nice run at home after a period of five hundred ball. And now they are on a down swing. It is not easy to be patient after seeing them playing so well for a period of time and raising our expectations. It is easy to become overly enthusiastic and to become overly pessimistic. For the first time this year we have seen flashes of the potential Marvin can bring. Until his injury Josh has had periods when it appeared his potential was unlimited. And Horford has shown maturity beyond his years. But what other team has three starters playing this well together? I think these guys need to be given more time. I think JJ, Bibby and Woody should be the leaders to pull us out of the slump. They are the veterans. I do not have much confidence in Woody but each year the team has improved under his leadership. And I think the W/L record will be an improvement again this year. The team has taken two steps forward and now have taken a step back. Time will tell if they are, in the long run, still on the right track.

By BA

January 11, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

Fair enoug, E.G. I couldn’t see the game, had to rely on Steve Holman (one of the best). I certainly don’t expect Solo to score (and I wouldn’t want many offensive plays run through him). But rebounds are a result of hustle, not play design. Smith, Williams and Jones get a total of eight boards? That’s unacceptable.

By Big Ump

January 11, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this

By The Truth

No” My dialouge with you is not high maintence, maybe on your end it’s different. About one of your comment just chill and read where I always say tht I respect your opinions. You see people who disagree with me I have no problem with it. My profession people disagree with me all the time, that’s just part of life.As soon as you can accept that it will make you a better human. So By The Truth Who Think It’s True did you get all that?

Futhermore as you quote that I don’t have to tell you what you already know. Remember this if you can’t remember nothing else, that I will always, always, and always let you know what I think. Look at the word Think again. So you have a choice to read it or not read what I said.

I do agree with you that opinions is like as!s holes and everybody got one. But it seem like some of us have 2 as!s holes. Also a man don’t bring other bloggers in conversation when it’s only between A & B. you got it?

I’m sorry and I hope you fogive me that it took me so long to reply back to you. I just got back from a camp.

By The Truth Who Think It’s True, you can always know BIG UMP is watching over you. Have A good one. Looking to hear from you soon.

By NativeATL

January 11, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this

WE ARE IN DEEP TROUBLE!!! WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS OUR RECORD WILL BE ABOUT 500. DETROIT,PHILLY,ORLANDO, & SOME OF THE OTHER TEAMS IN THE EAST ARE STARTING TO PLAY WELL & WE ARE GOING THE WRONG WAY. SORRY TO SAY, NO COACH LET’S HIS TEAM GET BEAT AT ANY POINT IN AN NBA GAME BY “50”. GET ANY COACH AVAILABLE THAT WILL MOTIVATE HIS TEAM. WODDY IS NOT THE ONE! SORRY. ______THOUGHT? MAYBE DOMINIQUE CAN TAKE OVER THIS SHIP. HE CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE MORE PASSION. PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS.

By Sautee

January 11, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

ding!

By darrell starks

January 11, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this

I SAY AVERY JOHNSON THE NEW COACH NATIVE ATL WHAT YOU THINK? GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By jay

January 11, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this

It was in the four quarter. It first notice something on the fast break with Joe down the center fighting thru two defenders, josh was on the left side, would have been wide open for a dunk if joe passed it. Joe missed the shot and was at the line. josh was mumbing something, did not slap joe between the two shots. A few plays later, Flip had the ball at the top, telling josh to move something different than he was, ball got down to Zaza missed the close shot but was fouled. Flip and josh were jawing at each other while zaza was at the line. marvin said something to josh along the lines of stop it/shut it. The demeaner for the team was sour for the rest of the game towards one another (they were losing also). I have been to about half the home games and had never seen that for this team.

By doc

January 11, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

RB we have seen similar rotations here by wood two years ago. didnt really matter the score or the situation.

missed crit last night. let him play and arenas will be forgotten.

By doc

January 11, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

ray as i came out to chat with the guys at half i said exactly that. they are better without brand. they are developing some outside shooters. hate to think what they would have looked like with josh on their side. oh my , did they ever blow it.

still no confirmation about the tepers flarin. it was even mentioned on the radio post game but i onlt caught the last of it by d. scott with no details. said it was time for an airing out and talk between the players. anyone else catch that interview?

By E. G.

January 11, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

Excuses RLP

Josh Smith will be struggling to learn his fundamentals throughout his NBA career. I know plenty of players who have come out of college and high school early, and they knew how to use The Glass early in there careers.

By E. G.

January 11, 2009 10:41 PM | Link to this

HEY JAY

I wouldn’t be surprised if Joe Johnson is getting tired of the stupid decisions Josh is making on the team. I saw his face in the Orlando game. I could tell that he’s getting tired of playing with some of these guys because of the lack of skill they are playing with, especially Josh.

In the Orlando game, and many other games, Josh has proven that he can not be depended on to post up against good teams. Joe knows he doesn’t have good offensive players at the four and five positions who can really finish around the basket.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he left this team once his contract is up. Every NBA player like Joe Johnson wants to win, especially as they get older and older. I also believe in my heart that he knows Woody is a coach who doesn’t know what he’s doing, a coach who doesn’t know when to pull players who are making bad decisions.

Joe knows that there is no leadership coming from Woody on this team. Can you imagine a coach needing Bibby to encourage him?

By Melvin

January 11, 2009 11:02 PM | Link to this

Doc and MannyT enjoyed chatting with yall at the half. Hate I didn’t get a chance to meet the great HBAndo but Doc son is real cool…. Jay, I also noticed the exchange between Josh/Flip and the play when JJ didn’t pass Josh the ball (I was yelling for JJ to pass the ball). Doc, I meant to mention it to you before we left. The Hawks look flat today. No energy or focus. They look like a team thats fustrated. For those who are complaining about Josh 0-3 from 3 pt land. I was at the end of the shot clock and the one was a desparation shot clearly after the game was decided. I missed his first attempt.

On another note, just watched the Magic beat the Spurs. Even the great Tim Duncan couldn’t slow D.Howard down tonite. And the Magic shot lights out from beyond the art 14-21. The Magic look scary good right now…

By Melvin

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

Jay, I also want to add that I don’t think the flare up was that major. And I think JJ missed Josh b/c he was fustrated with the lack of calls and was trying to make a play. But overall, I think the current losing streak has fustrated the team.

By richbrave

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

Well, he’ll get minutes in seven games at least. He’s in the middle of the set now.

Looks like our HAWKS are beginning the learning process of winning while hurt. All great teams come to terms with the ugly truth of the grind that is the NBA 82 game season. Sooner or later our heros will also.

LIZARDS never have. They just keep laying back waitin’ for HAYWOOD and ARENAS to come to their rescue. Shows what an NBA house of cards looks like when the injury bug strikes the vital parts. But if given time, I think GRUNFELD and TAPSCOTT will develop a formidable core of players who can win a championship or two.

Right now though, the HAWKS have got the ability and the will. They just need a coach to show them the way.

By jay

January 11, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

EG

From my perspective, this was not a joe thing but a josh thing. really a josh v team thing. Which itself is way overstating it. Like I said, I have a half season tickets very close to the action. I went down to Miami to caught the Hawks-Heat game. I tivo every game. (i did miss tivoing this one) but I had not seen anything like this before this season. after the agruement at the foul line, I saw josh pleading his case to woody who seemed to try to teach josh what he was doing wrong. (but I am on the other side of the hawks beach so it was a long distance.) but josh was not having any of it. josh just does not seem right still after the injury.

The team is fustrated at point, joe is really starting barking at the refs for his non-star treatment lately and with it loss a little focus.
Free throws are not going down. (both josh and joe took their eyes off the rim just before missing freebies again focus) The focus is not there like it was earlier. Which goes back to that first Orlando game this week; if we just shot free throws we win that game and not playing very well to begin with.

It is january and heck the Celtics are having some trouble.
In the long term, if we continue to win, joe will come back and heck you never know we could get another star in FA or Marvin could continue on his path to being a more complete player.

By jay

January 11, 2009 11:23 PM | Link to this

Melvin, I was also yelling for that pass. josh would have had a monster dunk.

I also don’t believe that the flare up was major in itself; I am not calling for the sky to fall but it was new and does not need to be a trend.

By NativeATL

January 11, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Darnell S………..Avery Johnson works for me. He’s a great guy!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 11, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this

“Against whom did the “The Hawks have some success posting up Josh Smith last week and letting him find the open jumpshooter. To what team are you referring? “

I believe it was the Nuggets or Pacers last week… if you look in Sekou’s blog archive, I posted about it while watching that game.

Also, if you think Turkoglu and Lewis are more agile than Josh Smith I would like to execute a psychoactive-substance-related transaction with you.

I wasn’t at today’s game, but apparently the radio guys seemed to think the much talked-about dispute was mainly between Josh and Flip. Obviously I know very little about the situation, but if Josh was wide open and Flip jacked up a low-percentage shot without looking to pass it wouldn’t surprise me, since that’s what Flip’s been doing all year.

By ROLLINS TREE

January 12, 2009 1:03 AM | Link to this

TIME FOR E NEW COACH THAT CAN INSPIRE THIS YOUNG TEAM NIGHT AFTER NIGHT!!! NOT JUST FOR THE “BIG” GAMES!!!

By E. G.

January 12, 2009 1:20 AM | Link to this

**Mr. Najeh Davenpoop”

I saw the Boston game just like you. Whenever Turkalou (I hope I spelled that right) or Rashard Lewis posted up against Josh, they were able to hit a fade away jumper or back board shot around the basket. However, Josh Smith was unable to return the favor. He might be able to do it against smaller players, but he doesn’t know how to finish around the basket as a post up player. He has shown NO IMPROVEMENT AT ALL.

By Edo River

January 12, 2009 2:17 AM | Link to this

Mr. Smith my prediction 1) This injury to our center causes Woody to use his bench more. The team loses alot more games. BUT we all learn (including Woody) of the strengths and weaknesses of players asked to step up, or continue stepping from their previous performance.

2) Eventually we barely make the playoffs, but we are a better team for this experience OVER THE LONG RUN. regards from Japan

By ray

January 12, 2009 6:53 AM | Link to this

Key words from Mo Evans:

“In my opinion, there seems like a complacency on our team right now, like we already clinched a playoff seed or home court advantage or something and we’re barely out of the starting gate of this season.”

Seen this on the blog, and seeing it on the court.

By kwooden1

January 12, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this

Woody, “I’ve got to get them back playing defense because that’s the only chance we have of winning.” That statement more than anything else bothers me from yesterday’s loss. We all know that Zaza is a jump shooting center that has some really good games rebounding, other than that we have all wing players and JS is a mid-range guy. Woody wants to slow the game down and play that Detroit style grind out game. We don’t have Ben Wallace in the middle or Billups at the point. Play with the personnel that you have Woody! Your problem wasn’t that you couldn’t stop Orlando, the real issue was you couldn’t score. The team that scores the most points wins, no matter what the score. (151 to 150, or 51 to 50)

You can’t expect JS to be a “banger” when he’s not. You can expect Zaza to block a lot of shots when he’s not. Woody has to concentrate more on find ways to score than, pick and roll defense. Bibby is going to get lost in the pick and roll, especially without Horford to switch with. (that’s nothing new!) We all know you play better defense when you play better offense. (if you can score you need less stops to win!) Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying Phoenix of two years ago is the way to go, but at the same time we’re not Detroit. I hope Woody figures out that he’s going to have to play Solo more than 7 min a game. I don’t care if Solo gets in foul trouble, he needs to learn and they need someone that can jump.

Jay if they weren’t yellling at each other during the game, I would be upset. At least someone cares. I know if I was at that game I would have been yell at all of them, doesn’t mean I hate them, I actually care.

Again I really hope Woody start to learn from this, because if they start losing like the Wizards/Philly/Toronto did earlier this season, we will be seeing a new coach just like those teams. Expectations can be good and bad!!

GO HAWKS!!!

By terrell barron

January 12, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this

This building thru the draft s** aint working. This is the NBA, not the NFL. Our core guys(Marv, JJ, JSmith) have been together for 4 or 5 years now, and we’re no better than a team like NJ, who only has 1 starter left from the Byron Scott led Nets team. You have to make moves in this league. Whether it be, the Coach or the players. We need a spark. Maybe Chills wants to come back. IDK? Maybe Sund has his hands tied like BK did? Hopefully after we lose 5 or 6 straight games, he’ll start making some calls. Get us a big body my man, before we end up fighting for the 8th spot again.

By kwooden1

January 12, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this

EG

Your a bit more negative than constructive with JS. Don’t let potential cloud your judgment. #1 He’s not Lebron James! JS can jump like Lebron and block shot better but that’s it. Maybe some day he can handle the ball as well, drive to the basket as well, but there is one freak of nature King James and we don’t have him. #2 Clearly JS is missing some of his explosiveness. I don’t know the problem, but he knows it and so does everyone else. #3 He’s a wing player! Doesn’t like to bang! Will never like to bang! Woody wants a PF that bangs, JS isn’t it. He usually makes up for it by being long and quick but he can’t every night against every opponent. (R. Lewis isn’t a banger, but Orlando looks OK right!) Woody needs to coach with the talent he has!

As a team they have some fundamental issues, but the HAWKS lost confidence after the beating that took from Orlando. Missing Horford throws off their chemistry on defense also, but confidence on offense is what they are really missing.

Don’t worry, there is always another game to play!

GO HAWKS!!

By JM

January 12, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this

Sunday, was the first time I ever left a game early (about 2 minutes to play) but I couldn’t watch that crap anymore. The Hawk’s have looked bad the last week and Sunday was even worse. Zaza could hold on to the ball, Joe kept dribbling the clock down and the team as unit looked slow. Hard to watch. Hopefully, a win over the Suns can bring some swag back.

By Barry

January 12, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

I was at the game last night against Philly. What I saw was a team unable to play defense, man to man. Philly appeared so much quicker and faster against our Hawks. I say appeared because I believe the Hawks way of playing defense make other teams look quicker and faster. First of all, when they play man to man defense they play flat footed and players qickly catch them out of position, make a move, and zoom right pass them to the hoop. The Hawks do not move to adjust to the offense keep their man contained in front of them, moving their feet to quickly adjust and defend the baket when the player attempts to pass or slash to the basket. What I say last night was horrible. The Hawks, primarily the guards were playing on the side of the player instead of in front of them, moving their feet, to contain the player. Philly players, were just dribbling and slashing by the Hawks to the hoop and scoring. While Philly was on defense, they were digging in. Playing in fron of our players, moving there feet to a point where you could hear their sneakers screeching on the floor. You hear that sound because they were moving their feet consistantly while defending our players and prevented them on many occassions from scoring, inaddition to stealing the ball.

The Hawks inability to defend man to man goes to coaching. i do not know what Coach Woodson is thinking about in telling his men to play flat footed on defense, but in professional basketball a man will blow by you 90 % of the time when you do. I believe that is how Orlanda bllew them off the court with their fast pace game. Our team can play man on man defense because they have the speed and the players to do it, but it appears this coach and his staff are not teaching it. If this continues, we will lose more games than win in this leauge and be bumped out the playoff and/or barely making the playoff every year. Therefore, Coach Woodson change the philosophy of how the Hawks play man to man defense. Having them play flat footed defense throughout the game will have teams slashing to the hoop and killing us any time they want. And the end result is a “LOSS”.

Just some words of advise.

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

            "SHOCK THE WORLD!!!"

Ringold

By Ken Strickland

January 12, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this

I don’t want to keep beating a dead horse, but there’s little left for me to do. When you incur the inevitable injuries, and you’ve ignore your bench and certain bench players, you can expect what were going through right now. If you make no attempt to maintain a level of proficiency amoung your young bench players, and overplay your starters and vets, how can you reasonably expect those ignored and underdeveloped players to maintain the same level of proficiency as your starters?

If you allow a brand new high proformance car to sit and not be cranked up or driven for prolonged periods of time, it will lose it’s performance edge. With players, you have to factor in ATTITUDE as well. Woodson is not up to the task of maintaining the efficiency of this team.

By JM

January 12, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this

And somebody please tell Woody that they don’t have to switch on every screen. I don’t know how many times Zaza or Smoove switched on a guard, leaving Joe to foul a Philly big or allow a dunk. UGLY.

By Clyde

January 12, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this

Ken your filling in well in my absence.

Woody=Clown Of Year

By tribe called QWEST

January 12, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this

Hawks will be .500 by the end of January. They have squandered the 10 game above .500 syndrome. Woodson has operated the team under the assumption that there will be NO INJURIES, by not developing ANY of the substitutes for Horford, mainly Solomon.

If they end up below .500 by the end of January, don’t be surprised if Bibby is moved and Woodson is gone.

You heard if first…

By doc

January 12, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

heh heh heh

too much fun.

guess the recent full moon brought the tide back in.

By Barry

January 12, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

The hawks were out of defensive position so much that when Philly drove/slash to the hoop for baskets, the Hawks were totally out of position to draw “charges”. In fact, when was the last time you saw the hawks draw charges consistantly in a game and/or in a season since Woody’s been here? Hard to say because the players are not taught a basic defensive philosophy which is “keep you man in front of you at all cost.”

By Dan

January 12, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this

Plain and simple, after getting killed in Orlando the other night, you would expect the Hawks to come out with more energy and a sense of urgency to turn things around. We saw niether! It doesn’t seem like this team was prepared to come out out and play today. That falls on the coach. His responsability is to get them prepared to play. No matter how much talent we have, their are too many mistakes being made. For instance; 1- Joe Johnson stop dribbling so much. Move the ball around. Swing it from one side of the floor to the other. Why do you think that Phil Jackson’s Triangle Offense works so good, it adds flow to the offense. 2- Joe johnson when you penetrate, you don’t have to do the impossible to get the shot to go in. This isn’t the playground, there are officials that will call the foul and get you to the line. Talk to Nique about that, I’m sure he can show you how that works. 3- Josh Smith stop shooting three’s. You have no business shooting from out there. Thats not your game. Your game is driving to the basket, using your explosive athletic ability and the ocassional mid-range jump shot. 4- Marvin Williams has to play more under control. He’s commiting too many turnovers. 5- Mike Woodson have these guys shoot free-throws in practice til they demonstrate that they are professionals and stop choking at the line. It is costing us too many games.

The Hawks have enough talent to not have to rely solely on Joe Johnson’s one on four drives. It’s as simple as moving the ball til you find the open man.

Fellow bloggers, tell me what you think. Am I right or wrong?

By Astro Joe

January 12, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

That was a very revealing quote from Mo Evans… the one about the team acting like they have achieved something (with more than half a season worth of games to be played). If Sund had watched about 20 Hawks games over the last few seasons, he would have realized that Childress’ value wasn’t in his stats (which were very solid) but in his ability to impact a game off the bench without needing the ball. Once again, when the starters come out flat we don’t have anyone to change the tempo of the game. No one who is thrilled with crashing the boards, diving for loose balls or attacking the basket. No one to wake the team up by example of his energized play. No one to be a tangible manifestation of the term “team first”. If Sund knew Chill’s real value, then negotiations never would have escalated to the point that a freakin’ Euro team would have offered an excessive contract. No way we should have paid Chill $10M but in no way should we have ever told the guy “go find another offer”… you shouldn’t utter those words to someone who makes your team better (and CANNOT be replaced by 1-2 nomadic players).

By doc

January 12, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

agree aj

it all adds up to mental, emotional and physical fatigue. maybe the west trip will be good for them. get away from families and be with only themselves to recreate something they have that is special but can be lost in a blink.

the tipping point may have been orlando with visions of challenging for the top spot and 50 wins, elite stuff only to be buried in ordinariness. not fun and hard to come back from or see in the mirror when one wants to see and anticipate something else.

By JM

January 12, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this

Agree on Chills and we still have a hustle, team first player in Mario West that gets no PT.

By Dan

January 12, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this

I didn’t particularly like the decision of keeping Woody, but the fact of the matter is the Hawks players have to step up, play hard, play together and be accountable for their mistakes.

By richbrave

January 12, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this

doc:

True enough, but I can’t swim.!!!!

By I .MUS WRITE

January 12, 2009 12:10 PM | Link to this

JoeBling- I co sign that, Josh Needs to stop shooting the 3 ball-he’s terrible at it. I dont know if its a designed play,but it needs to stop now.

Once again that yung’n could be so much more if he played within his abilities. Ball handling and 3’s are not what we need from him…. Dam it man itz been 5 years when is the light gonna go on…. BBIQ -is seriously lacking

His defense this year is below average -I just see his standing around the rim mostly,not even trying to block shots. Guy’s are ice skating to the rim with no type of resistence…..

Ben- I hear u dawg…. We will miss big Al defensively but his numbers are really modest…. Solo put up 12/9 in about 22 minutes against orlando…although it was in a route -I think he can give that type consistency if given the minutes.

Ray - No one’s complaining about the 58 milli, but right now Smoove is’nt earning his money, he’s not playing like an 11 mil a year type player- more like 6-7….If he doesnt give us Good /great defense and is a liability on offense why do we need the guy….seriously

It may be to early to talk trade or fire the coach, but I would listen if some one was offering a Big like …Bogut, Beidrins,

By jhan

January 12, 2009 12:10 PM | Link to this

As much as I like Chidress, how does he help us with getting torched inside? We had the same problem when he was here. Besides, if we had resigned him we wouldn’t have Flip or Mo. That means Childress would still be the back-up PG/SG - A PG with poor handles & a SG with no jumpshot. Don’t see how that makes us any better.

We are STILL lacking an inside post presence on offense & defense. Until that issue is addressed this team will be destined for mediocrity.

By I .MUS WRITE

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

Yeah E.G !!!!!….Go ahead Poop (Mr.black or white) Tell us how josh is better that Turkoglu,Lewis,Howard…..

Go ahead we’ll wait

By terrell barron

January 12, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this

kwooden, if Woody wants a PF that bangs, why did we give Josh all that f******* $? Was it just a publicity stunt, to keep JSmoove’s fans in the seat? Was the ASG really hoping someone offered him too much to match? Or were they planning on moving him to SF, when Marvin’s contract comes to an end? Explain.

By Woody...no

January 12, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

Ok, it’s certainly not time to press the panic button, but there is cause for concern. Two points I’d like to make. 1.) The lack of Woody using his bench and building trust and experience in them will & is hurt(ing) this team. When you don’t have faith in the players that practice their a.. off everyday that will eventually rear it’s ugly head. Case in point, now with Horford out coach has no choice but to use these guys and they are probably not properly prepared for it…hence, bad rotations on defense, lack of rebounding, and most importantly, lack of chemistry. 2.)The recent home loss to Orlando was tough, but the loss at Orlando was even more disappointing (which led to the subpar performance against Phillhy). It was printed that Woody was extremely harsh on his players in practice (as well he should have been) and they responded with a resounding thud. It begs the question, do they really respect Woody enough to listen to him berate them and play with intensity every night…we’ll see.

By kwooden1

January 12, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

terrell barron butts in seats is the real answer and potential of course. Orlando gets away with R. Lewis at PF because they have a truly dominant center. When healthy, our starting 5 can make up for it’s physical deficiencies, but as stated on this blog multiple times, its not realistic to think they will be healthy all year. Horford is out, Marvin, JS and Zaza are a little banged up and we haven’t even made it to the All-Star break. Woody is about to really earn his two year contract, because for the first time all year, I really believe he is in trouble if they go on a 7 game losing streak. Expectations are too high and all the things we talk about (bench/minutes, pushing the pace, new offensive sets) on this blog Sund and the ASG know. Besides Philly, the Wizards and Toronto all got some improvement with a coaching change. Woody needs to start listening or he will follow suit. From his last comments I think he might be getting the hint. We’ll have to wait and see.

GO HAWKS!!

By Coach

January 12, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this

JM- I hear you.

Turned off the second Orlando game because I was literally getting so mad my wife and kids had to leave the room. Am wondering if Woody’s irate practice after the FIRST Orlando game did more harm than good. These Hawks need something, just am uncertain what it is!

By Astro Joe

January 12, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this

Jhan, I see Chill helping because of the term often used to describe him… ” a glue guy”. Absent an interior defender, the team needs to play better team defense. We didn’t have a bruiser during the 7-1 home stand nor during the 6-0 run to start the season. But the team was playing better team ball. We see it all the time, if one guy sacrifices life and limbs for the team, others follow suit. Sorry, I don’t see Flip doing anything but shooting. Mo is a team-first guy but it doesn’t translate the same way.

I reference Chill because he was a guy who wore the Hawks uniform, but there are other guys out there who could do the same at a lower price tag. Bottom line, we need someone to provide that “warrior mentality”, the “I may not be naturally able to play this position but if it helps my team I’ll give it my very best effort” guy. Where is the teammate that inspires other by their sheer hustle and determination? Seriously, who on this team leaves their all on the floor after every game?

By Melvin

January 12, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

Kwooden1, I think Woody has already push the panic button and by shorting his rotation. In yesterday game against Philly, Woody did not play Solo nor Acie in the second half. He played Josh at the 5 for ZaZa, along with Marvin at the 4 for a good stretch in the 2nd half. Hence why they got out rebounded. Philly was too long and athletic for Marvin/Josh to handle in the paint. At one point, Philly had Dalambert, Maurice S. and T.Young in the game (7,6-11 and 6-9). Woody counter with Josh, Marvin and Evans (6-9,6-9 and 6-5). At that point, Philly went on a 6-0 run to push the lead into double figures which decided the game.

By ant banks

January 12, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

i am concerned for the hawks, too. woody has no one else to blame, except himself. why would you not develop solo, in the event that one of your bigs go down? now we are at that point.

when fear and panic sets in, logic goes out the window, so expect more illogical events to take place, like shrinking the rotation down to 6 players.

pray that no one else goes down. strap on your seat belts ‘cause the ride is about to get ruff.

By jhan

January 12, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this

AJ - good question about the “glue guy”. At this point there is nobody that I can see providing that role now that Al is down.

Josh Smith would be my best guess right now. When he’s playing his best he brings a ton of intangibles. Right now he’s not at his best for whatever reason.

This season can turn in a hurry - look at last year for an example. If we don’t watch out we’ll be in a dogfight for the final playoff spot again.

Haven’t heard from our resident coach lately. What is his advice for our team & coach?

By doc

January 12, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this

melvin, excellent observation to those who looked at the numbers and said our boys are not trying. hope sund saw it, too. we got beat by the type of team that gives us fits and always has, long tall and quick because it one ups our own strengths of speed and length without the height.

By E. G.

January 12, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this

It is sad to say, but Woody is not a good coach.

DO ANY OF YOU GUYS REALLY THING WE ARE GOING TO WIN ONE GAME DURING THIS 3-GAME ROAD TRIP WITH WOODY’S COACHING?

By kwooden1

January 12, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this

Melvin your right but I think that is his normal in game panic move. He’s already made the mistake of not developing his bench, so the question is will he try to fix that now by letting the bench play through their mistakes. His nature wouldn’t allow him to do that but if the starters don’t respond or we have some more injuries he’s going to have to play the bench anyways. Sund and ASG might take the excuse of having injuries and not fire him, but for the first time this year I don’t think so. They know enough about basketball to know every team needs to have a bench that is game ready (not practice ready).

GO HAWKS!!!

By ray

January 12, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this

IMUS,

True, true. There have been games this season where you could say that of any player on the roster that gets regular playing time. Did anybody earn their pay during those two games against Orlando? I’d say he was more than earning his pay during the stretch of 6-8 games where he was averaging over 20 points a game. He certainly wasn’t a liability then, was he? How about in the 5 games he played in prior to his injury? If anything, his scoring has increased since then, and since his slow injury recovery.

Conversely, his defense and rebounding have been subpar, to put it nicely. Oh, to hell with it. His performance in these areas lately has flat out sucked. I think he knows it, too.

Here’s where we agree completely: If somebody’s willing to give us a bonafide starting center that we can trot out there for the next 8-10 years, THEN SHOW ME WHERE WE GOTTA SIGN.

You never turn down a swap where you give a starting wing for a starting center (all else being equal). Not unless that wing’s name is Lebron (or somebody like that). Period.

By RLP

January 12, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this

E.G.

Yeah I’ll bite. The Hawks will win against a team that is on an eleven game losing streak with a 3-15 home record. But it will not get them any relief. That would come if they were able to win a game against a true NBA team. That’s why they play the games.

By O'brien

January 12, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this

Another note on Woody. He claims to be a defensive coach, but in almost 4 1/2 years, have the Hawks ever been known to be a defensive team (partly BK’s fault for not drafting Woody’s type of players)?.

It has been stated many times that there is a mismatch. Woody needs a team (and bench) of veterans, and the Hawks need a coach who knows how to coach to their strengths. BK finally came to the conclusion that he is not a good fit, so maybe Sund will come to that conclusion as well.

By Sautee

January 12, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this

doc

about this:

we got beat by the type of team that gives us fits and always has, long tall and quick because it one ups our own strengths of speed and length without the height.

Only if we insist on playing a slowdown halfcourt, perimeter oriented style. ‘Cause we can run with anyone.

By Ramon

January 12, 2009 7:19 PM | Link to this

This is sad, lol. Many of you ‘Hawks’ Fans’ turn quicker than a downtown D.C. brothel.

Before the last two games, Smash had how many consecutive games with 20 or more points? And two games later every one is saying he’s in a slump? Wow! If this is the loyalty you guys show to a franchise, its a good thing you’re not in Boston. Smash is playing hurt. And anyone who’s ever played with an leg injury knows the uncertainty that goes through your mind every single time you land. That alone takes away the willingness to jump after ever ball that bounces. Yet, Smash still has found a way to contribute since the injury in a positive way. The last two games weren’t due to anything that Smash did, it was caused by the TEAM collectively (coaches included) not preparing and executing with assertiveness.

The question in my mind is Woody sitting back hoping Sund makes a move, or is Woody looking at this lineup and honestly trying to figure out what is the best way to win with this team. (Then again Coach Bibby may be running practice)

The first two games that the team plays uninspired basketball, is because of the players. But any game after that is due to the coaching staff (no one excluded) not finding a way to motivate the team.

Many people say Larry Drew should coach the team. Yet they don’t know how good of a job he’s doing himself to motivate the guys. All of these problems, and not boxing out doesn’t fall on Woody’s shoulders and no one else.

If the Hawks doesn’t make it to the 2nd round this season, Woody is gone regardless who’s injured. But one thing to remember about when thinking of his replacement, is who has endured a losing team before. Avery hasn’t ever had to coach a team with potential. Eddie Jordan hasn’t ever coached a team that played defense in the playoffs. If there was a way for Hubie Brown to become a special consultant for the team, I’d be all for it.

By cadagan

January 12, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this

Not that i’m telling you anything that anyone doesn’t know. But this team is frustrating to keep up with from a casual fan’s perspective. With years past of frustration, i’m guessing alot of people are waiting on consistent winning before they get roped in, including myself.

5-0, start keeping tabs on what’s going on and watching games, then uh oh lose 4 straight. 6-2 and you hear more positives, then lose 3 straight. 9-1 and wow they are up and comers, but lose 4 straight again.

Is it better than the recent hawks past? Of course it is. But if they’re this inconsistent now after playing their starting 5 til their eyes bleed, how can they hope to be better as the season wears on?

Is it better than

By kirkinga

January 12, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this

This is sad, lol. Many of you ‘Hawks’ Fans’ turn quicker than a downtown D.C. brothel. Ramon

LOL! Love It!

Is that pitter-patter you here the sound of feet jumping from the bandwagon and onto the Told Ya So Express? Only time will tell. :)

Losing streak time has come though. Injury bug is bitting a bit too. This is a test of players, coach, and organization.

I am worried, but not broke down. I will continue to stick with my preseason expectations for this team. Even with the 3 game streak, they are outperforming my expectations.

Interesting times, but I’m still excited about this team.

Go Hawks!!

By ray

January 12, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this

Aw, come on Kirk. Be a good sport and copy/paste the rest of the man’s post. That was only a small portion. :)

Of course, that would mean you have to acknowledge that this is what he immediately refers to:

Before the last two games, Smash had how many consecutive games with 20 or more points? And two games later every one is saying he’s in a slump? Wow! If this is the loyalty you guys show to a franchise, its a good thing you’re not in Boston. Smash is playing hurt. And anyone who’s ever played with an leg injury knows the uncertainty that goes through your mind every single time you land. That alone takes away the willingness to jump after ever ball that bounces. Yet, Smash still has found a way to contribute since the injury in a positive way. The last two games weren’t due to anything that Smash did, it was caused by the TEAM collectively (coaches included) not preparing and executing with assertiveness.

Mentions the franchise, yes….but the crux of the point is about people turning on Josh Smith…

Is that pitter-patter I hear the sound of you dancing around his actual point to try and strengthen your own…or is that your mischievous roommate Hawks Fan 85 sneaking up on you and your laptop again? :)

Couldn’t help it….I had to….

By ray

January 12, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

Okay, being serious now…

Losing streak time has come though. Injury bug is bitting a bit too. This is a test of players, coach, and organization.

I agree. And in the previous blog, I referenced you prior to the loss to Philly, saying that you called it right about a losing streak coming sooner or later (in this case sooner). And to add a dash of humor, that more or less gives you the right to board your own “Told Ya So Express.” Not that you would do that, of course. :)

By Sautee

January 12, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

Bob Rathman and Notre Dame coach Mike Brey.

Separated at birth?

By Melvin

January 12, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this

Doc, here come the link to the (free online tv sports games)[http://www.channelsurfing.net/]

By bigdave

January 12, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this

MELVIN POST OF THE YEAR DOG… THIS WILL COME IN HANDY FOR THE NON TELEVISED HAWKS GAMES…

By Melvin

January 12, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this

Enjoy BigDave b/c its FREE……

By Matt = niremetal

January 12, 2009 10:48 PM | Link to this

Really? Rondo and Allen over Iverson and Hamilton? Ok, folks…

By O'brien

January 12, 2009 10:53 PM | Link to this

From si.com “The Lakers have given up 100 points or more 16 times since Dec. 1, but they have only five losses in that stretch thanks to their league-leading offense (107.8 points). “I gave up on the notion that we’re going to be a possession team earlier in December” coach Phil Jackson said.”

This is what I’m talking about. Great coaches adapt to their teams. Woody keeps talking about defense, when it is clear that the Hawks will continue to struggle on defense. Our frontcourt is undersized, Bibby is slow, and ZaZa is not known for his defense. Neither is Flip, while Acie and Solo get no PT.

I agree that in the playoffs, you will need to execute defensively. However, if we’re playing a game where we can’t seem to stop the other team, we should run up and down the court, and dont worry about grinding it out. We’re young and athletic, and we have no half court offense.

By richbrave

January 12, 2009 11:18 PM | Link to this

doc:

Crit sank his first mid-range jumper tonight, but I’m of a mind that he cost the WIZ a game. The offense absolutely stagnated with him at the point. Even commented on by BUCKHANTZ and CHENIER. Not good, not good. The young man’s got a long way to go to be what “THE” DOC, GRUNFELD and TAPSCOTT see in him. I see potential, but long-range potential. Kinda’ like McGEE in that respect. BTW doc, was he a two guard at TECH or a one?

By ES

January 12, 2009 11:21 PM | Link to this

When it rains, it pours The Hawks need to pick it up on the road - it’s not going to be easy against three seemingly “beatable” teams.

http://thedirtychronicles.com

By doc

January 12, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this

ray i am giving you or anyone else really the gift that will just keep on giving, but no one here wants to be right as their purpose or do they:

By kirkinga January 12, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this KC, some people are persuadable. You just have to keep saying stuff over and over too. Then one day, someone else will make the point you’ve been making as if it was their own and then people will say “ok”.

So don’t worry. When the Braves play better than expected, all the points you try to raise now will be raised by others as their own and you will know they got it, even if they deny you said it way back when. :)

Just keep on making rational and balanced statements and you’ll see.

RB, he was a combo however he got many an assist which is hard to do at that level. he made a name for himself as being able to hit the big long shot.

By doc

January 12, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this

es the problem with trading chills now is they would have to pay out real money instead of monopoly money. while he may represent about 4 mil on paper it is money in their bank not his. to trade him means they have to use real money on their cap to pay whoever they bring in.

essentially the same goes for speedy as the plan if carried out will get a return on his investment in part or full in insurance money. that is about 11 mil they have accounted to them on paper that they would i assume rather keep right there. i dont think they can afford to go out and speed 50 to 60% of that considering the court date comes our way very soon.

maybe manny t our resident capologist can bring in the specifics or correct where i am missing the boat. my expectation is we do with what we have.

you know ray, a broken clock is right at least twice a day. dont change anything because i bet we somehow will come across something you say is right if you just stay right where you are and dont waver, logic, good ole logic, just like a broken clock.

By ray

January 13, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this

Doc,

LOL! Trust me, I got what you were telling me with the first post, wherein you confirmed a long-standing suspicion by identifying the modus operandi. It made too much sense. Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and $hits like a duck…In the second post, I could not help but laugh. I don’t think there’s an anology or example of personification that fits better. Especially with it’s true, intended target….

And to barge into your conversation with RichBrave, I think Critt would do well to be in the backcourt with a more “true” pg-oriented player, rather than be forced into that role. Not all make the transition that Billups made, and it takes the right teacher/right student match to make it happen. A lead guard he can be. Though he does not have the exact same game (and maybe not even similar) as Roy and JJ, it may be the same type of mistake to try and squeeze him into the role of primary or sole ball-handler/distributor. It would take away from other obvious talents that he has.

By ray

January 13, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this

O’brien,

Very good, compelling points.

By Left knee hurts

January 13, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this

I either watch or DVR all the televised games. I live in South GA and don’t make it to many games. The 76ers game was one I was able to make.

In the layup line, I noticed the Hawks seemed loose and carefree. Flip came from behind and swatted RandMo’s layup one time. Then other guys started trying to block layups. The guys were smiling and stuff. My thought at the time was - hey, they sure are relaxed after getting drubbed Friday night. I hoped it would mean a good start. After getting down double digits right away I thought - dang, they need to concentrate better. I don’t know what button to push right now. Let’s cheer on these guys to take their A game out West!

PS I stayed to the bitter end Sunday and watch Big Thad knock down 2 more 3’s. How did Tech ever lose with those guys?

By MannyT

January 13, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this

new blog up