Hawks

By Ernest

January 17, 2009 7:27 AM | Link to this

It is tough to win when two starters are missing from the lineup. As it has been mentioned on this blog several times, one has to question if fatique played a part in how the players performed in the last few minutes of the game. Looking at the box score, it seems that Woody went to a 6 man rotation, inlcuding Josh who fouled out.

The season is not a sprint but a marathon. Consistently playing your starters 40+ minutes per game will only wear them down, leave bench players unprepared, and could possibly cause locker room problems down the road. I know they are all professionals but some must recognize the long term problems that could occur due to the lack of using the bench effectively.

By The Truth

January 17, 2009 7:40 AM | Link to this

I’M SO SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED! YES SEKOU YOU ARE RIGHT, ANOTHER WINABLE GAME SLIPS AWAY.

Basically the way I saw it, Bibby and Flip set the table for JJ by giving the Hawks a 4 point lead with 3 minutes and change to go in the game. At that point, JJ lays an egg on offense missing the next 2 critical shots. Crawford became Josh’s daddy and used him on 3 plays blowing by him or shooting uncontested jump shots in his face. Mean while, confused Woody makes no adjustments on defense and made Crawford and the Warriors comfortable on offense. They went from being down 4 to being up 4 within 3 min (an 8 point spread). That’s the ball game folks; we lost by playing pitiful defense during crunch time. Josh has gone from being a defensive shoot blocking force to a defensive liability during critical moments of a game. I am tried of Josh not even contesting shots. Woody is living in the past by putting Josh on the opponent’s best player during crunch time. He is not the same defensive player after his injury. This was another repeat of the loss to NJ with Vince Carter. Josh gave Vince too much space and didn’t bother to contest the shot. In this game, it was Crawford. Next game, it’s probably somebody else. I don’t know who is stinking up the place the most, Hawks pitiful defense or Woody clueless coaching.

By dap01

January 17, 2009 8:06 AM | Link to this

Come on Woody, have a goal to develop players. Have a goal to develop the type of offense that fits the guys that are playing.

We lose Williams, we don’t have Hortford and the bench still barely is used.

By darrell starks

January 17, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this

Sekou how can you play defense with a six man rotation TO WIN IN THE NBA you have to develop your bench especially IF YOUR TALKING ABOUT BEING a defensive mind coach how can you play defense with weak legs ITS IMPOSSIBLE IM sorry but WOODY HAVE TO GO he has the worst winning percentage in the NBA AND HE STILL HAVE A JOB this team will soon begain to fall off with his coaching style its not EVEN HALF WAY THRU the season and joe is burned out he so tired that i bet you if you ask him to touch THE RIM HE WOULD SAY I CANT. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By richbrave

January 17, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this

That MO EVANS quote at the end of this article sounds ominous. BECAUSE minutes have been scarce “I’m a team playa’”, but feed me the burn and watch me transform into an ego-driven ball-hog? Scary.

By richbrave

January 17, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this

dap01:

Rightous post dap. I thought that was a coach’s job on an NBA team.

By Dan

January 17, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

The thing that I don’t understand is what is going on with Josh Smith. Is he not motivated or is he still hurting from that high ankle sprain and it’s affecting his explosiveness, or lack of. Yes JJ missed a couple of shots in a row, but if you remember, Hawks are up 4 points with less than three mins. to play and Josh missed a layup at point blank that could’ve put the Hawks up by 6 with close to 2 mins left, instead they took over from then. Why is he doing these weak layups when he should be slamming it in? In Josh Smith’s case, when you talk about a layup or a dunk, Which one is better to secure the basket? I think he is playing soft and every once in a while he throws one down and makes that stupid expression or mimic of being some kind of beast or something. If you can go back to that play, you’ll see that that was the turning point. If he makes that dunk, the Hawks are up 6 and Don Nelson, would’ve had to call a T.O. These are the mental mistakes that are costing the Hawks wins. If you think about it, with the exception of the Oraldo game and perhaps the second game with the Nets, the Hawks have been in every game and had a chance to win. Both those games were the second games of a home and home.

By JO

January 17, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this

This team is OK at best but not winners. Josh Smith can be trusted to make three times as many flubs as good plays, and lately Johnson and Bibby are inconsistent. And this is only on the offense. On defense, and this team wins or loses on defense is poor now and they can’t stop even the golden state losers. So……Im off the Hawks bandwagon and will watch them from the side when they learn how to at least play to earn my money and time.

By Matt = niremetal

January 17, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

Woody…what the hell is wrong with you? Against the freaking Warriors, who run all night, you only give your starting backcourt 6 minutes of rest each? No wonder JJ finished shooting 1 for 9 and Bibby did a disappearing act in the 4th quarter. They were sprinting up and down the court for 42 minutes.

Absurd. Absolutely absurd.

By I .MUS WRITE

January 17, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this

J Smoove Strikes agin…… 2 steps forward, 4 steps back…… DAM

By Ramon

January 17, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

“I’ve got to do a better job of getting [Joe] the ball in areas where he can be more effective,” Woodson said. “We had our chances and just couldn’t get key stops. This is a great offensive team and they can really score the basketball. We just didn’t get the stops to win the game.”

That is the entire problem in that statement. Woodson only concentrates on how to get JJ the ball majority of the games. JJ is an all-star, he will get his anyway. But if his legs are shot, or the entire league knows thats the offensive set for the Hawks in the 4th quarter, how successful will that really be?

The thing that confuses me the most is the backcourt has WAY more depth than the front court does. So why does JJ still end up playing 40 min a game? Every line up Woody puts on the floor has JJ playing 1-3 (sometimes 4). So much I wish we had a former point guard for a coach.

By Woody...no!

January 17, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

It’s time…FIRE WOODY TODAY! We are all sick ‘n’ tired of his crap. No matter if we are 100%, he still refuses to use his bench. The starters are exhausted at the end of games and they will continue to loose close ones because they don’t have their legs. You can count at least 6 games that Hawks could have conceivably won, but ultimately fatigue was their undoing. Please, make the change now while there is plenty of season to play.

By O'brien

January 17, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

“I don’t know if fatigue set in,” Woodson said, “but we just didn’t make plays to win the game.”

Really Woody? You wonder if fatigue set in? What do you think happens when JJ leads the league in minutes per game, and you consistently utilize an 8 man rotation, regardless of the situation?

“I’ve got to do a better job of getting [Joe] the ball in areas where he can be more effective,” Woodson said.

Really Woody? Just like when you said you have to find a way to get the bench more minutes? Just like when you said you have to do a better job of developing Acie this year?

Talk is cheap, so continue to tell us about what you need to do (when we all know you’re not going to do it).

By Joe Bling

January 17, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this

After having one of his best games of the year against the Clippers, J Smoove was back to his old self last night. Does anyone else notice how his mistakes seem magnified by the fact that every time he misses a jump shot or throws the ball away, it almost always results in some momentum changing dunk or three-pointer on the other end? His careless play is killing us. Why, oh why, can’t he learn?

By Sautee

January 17, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Dan thinks Josh is to blame for global warming, the economy, the war in Gaza, and world hunger.

Is there ANYTHING he isn’t to blame for Dan?

By Dan

January 17, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Sautee, all I’m pointing out is the inmaturity of Josh and how that hurts the team. You don’t have to be be cynical. I agree with Joe Bling 100%.

By Art Vandelay

January 17, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

I’m getting so sick of watching Josh sulk and whine every time something doesn’t go his way. He’s clearly unwilling to do the things Woodson asks him to do to improve his game and play within the team philosophy. Personally, I think Sund should think long and hard about finding a trading partner and dumping this malcontent for someone who understands his strengths and weaknesses and doesn’t let his attitude harm the rest of the team. A few highlight-reel dunks and blocks don’t make up for the horrible shot selection and toxic personality.

By Sekou K. Smith

January 17, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

Dan’s points about Josh are fine. It’s just that this team’s probloems are so much bigger than a Josh Smith turnover or ill-advised jumper right now that it’s ridiculous.

They’re not defending right now as a team and that’s been the most glaring difference between the November and December Hawks and this crew we’ve seen the past couple of weeks.

If you remember, early in the season all the good stuff they were doing was triggered by that stifling team defense. Somewhere along the way they’ve gotten sidetracked with worrying about other things and their defense (and in turn their overall performance) has suffered dramatically.

When you can’t dictate to an opponent, be it on offense or defense, you’tr going to be in trouble.

By MannyT

January 17, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this

Might it be easier to play better defense if the players are not managing their energy? If Woody gets a little deeper into the rotation earlier in the games, maybe there is more left in the tank in the 4th quarter for the Hawks to dictate.

I think job #1 of a coach is to win games.

That’s why Woody gets away with neglect on jobs 2, 3 , 4, etc.

If the winning slows down enough, all those other issues will be come lead straws on a camel’s back. If he gets them back on the winning track, much of the short rotation will be forgiven by the ASG.

Now if the lawsuit and fiscal situation make significant changes in the ownership power structure, anything can happen.

Josh Smith is a roller coaster ride that many of you seem to have difficulty accepting. From an entertainment standpoint, he is the most valuable Hawk we have…you are never quite sure if the next moment will be a great play or an awful one. That mystery leads more people to watch/pay attention when he is involved. That’s good for the Hawks, because there isn’t a lot of attention that comes the way of this team.

BWAF

By Ramon

January 17, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this

Sekou, what college game are you watching today??

Also, have you spoken to Belkin at all lately?

By cp

January 17, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

Its the same excuses from Woody. I’m tired of hearing them. Where were the adjustments? Crawford was abusing Flip and Bibby so why were they guarding him? Law once again comes in and play well but makes one mistake and is glued right back to the bench. Solo played well and was glued back to the bench. Pachulia was playing well and was sitting in the same glue. Its the same crap. We have blown at least 7 winnable games this year because the so called coy just cant seem to make adjustments or get our guards any rest when they need it.

By Clyde

January 17, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

I am now accepting pre-orders for the new FIRE WOODY t-shirt. Put your order in today to have it at the end of the all-star break.

FIRE WOODY

By darrell starks

January 17, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

JOSH is not the probloem its the coach until we get a good coach in here we will continue to see the same from everyone joe dribbling the ball all day josh shooting from out side acie not playing solom not playing flipp playing point guard NO SET SCREAM PLAYS FOR BIBBY HORFORD RUSHING HIS SHOTS marvin and josh standing around not boxing out WOODY STANDING ON SIDE WITH HIS ARM FOLDING JOE PLAYING THE HOLE GAME AND LIST GOES ON THERE IS NO MORE excuse for this team period can we hire AVERY JOHNSON?GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Art Vandelay

January 17, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this

Manny, do you not see the contradiction in your statement? If Job #1 of a coach is to win games, then how is Josh the most valuable player we have? Sure, if the only goal of an NBA team is to break into the SportsCenter Plays of the Day every so often, then yes — Josh is our MVP. Unfortunately, he’s more of a liability than anything when it comes to Woody’s mandate to win games. He’s selfish, slow to learn, and stubborn to the point that he brings the entire lineup down a notch when he’s in one of his pi$$y moods. I’m not laying the blame of every loss at his feet, but there’s a lot more to being a successful NBA player than posterizing a couple of guys every so often. Every time I see him standing around the 3-point line waiting for someone to pass him the ball, I know with 100% certainty that one of two things will happen: he’ll either chuck up an 18-foot jumper that we all know he’s going to miss back iron (and thus, start a fast break the other way), or he’s going to try to take his man one-on-one and either charge, travel or dribble off his foot. There are no other options.

Clyde, I’ll buy one of your FIRE WOODY shirts when you buy one of my TRADE SMOOTH shirts. Sound fair?

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 17, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

Co-sign Sekou 100%. It’s easy to point the finger at one player (why is it always Josh Smith, I don’t know) but this team as a whole is playing like sh-t right now, and that includes the supposed “best backcourt in the NBA”. Along with the lack of commitment on the defensive end, one of the main problems right now is Bibby and Joe’s inability or unwillingness to get the frontcourt players involved in the offense. The offense is one-dimensional, and the defense is nonexistent right now.

By DecDawg

January 17, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this

Joe Bling,

I’ve also noticed when Josh makes a big effort play (like hustling back for a big block, taking a charge, diving for a loose ball or helping out on defense) it doesn’t translate into better effort from JJ, Bibby or the rest of the team.

So for all Josh’s mistakes, he still puts out more effort than the rest of the team. I agree that he needs to grow but so does the rest of the team. This offensive system is hard on the young guys because it’s designed for JJ and Bibby period. There is no cutting or slashing for easy baskets so everyone else in the offense has to fend for themselves. I think you would see less one-on-one plays/mistakes if the they had a real offensive system with options to get everyone involved.

By Lacsho

January 17, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this

Ramblings

Clyde do the shirts run big or small. If they are the good kind, I’ll take a XXL, and what colors do they come in.

Defense was more effective, when the Hawks utilized a 10 man rotation.

I have to do better to get Joe the ball I’ll end that quote right here. This is the damn NBA if you’re in the league, aren’t you suppose to have skills. So tell me why we depend on one man to score the entire game..

Live by the jump shot, Die by the jump shot

I’m sorry Josh is not the problem. The problem is Woody. Does Josh make some bone head plays (Hell Yeah), but does Woody continue to run the starters in the ground, and then have the nerve to wonder why they cannot close out games (Hell Yeah)

As long as the Hawks manage to stay above .500, Mr. Potato Head will remain the head coach. Dude is a confidence killer, and he’s stubborn as hell.

Now you know why the Assistants coaches were trying to flee from the scene of the crime last year. They know Woodrow will never change… He got me!! Yes, I thought this fool changed….

I think the players are ready to jump ship. There’s no way this team should be losing games like this.

**The nets have beaten us three games straight. How does this happen? (Rhetorical question)They maybe an inferior team, but we have an inferior head coach……

Ray

Whatz good my brotha

Peace Hawks Fam!!!

By Melvin

January 17, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this

Co-Sign your post Najeh. After watching the game against the Warriors last nite, how can you say one player lost that game. For those who want to blame Josh for the lost, please read Sekou’s last 3 mins recap again. I would like to add that Josh jumper was actually a layup attempt in which he was foul but didn’t get the call. Now what I will criticize Josh for is missing BOTH free throws and I thought he should have went straight up after getting the offensive rebound on his miss layup which resulted into a turnover for him. However, it wasn’t the turnover that was noticeable about that play but the fact that their were three warriors that rotated over on him after he got the rebound which force him into the turnover. That type of defensive prowdness was missing on the Hawks side of the court. Which highlight Sekou’s point that this team is not playing defense like they did in Nov & Dec. I wonder if fatigue contribute to the Hawks not being able to make plays at the end of games… Classic Woodson….

Clyde I want a T-Shirt…

BWAF=PAIN

By DecDawg

January 17, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this

Joe Bling,

I’ve also noticed when Josh makes a big effort play (like hustling back for a big block, taking a charge, diving for a loose ball or helping out on defense) it doesn’t translate into better effort from JJ, Bibby or the rest of the team.

So for all Josh’s mistakes, he still puts out more effort than the rest of the team. I agree that he needs to grow but so does the rest of the team. This offensive system is hard on the young guys because it’s designed for JJ and Bibby period. There is no cutting or slashing for easy baskets so everyone else in the offense has to fend for themselves. I think you would see less one-on-one plays/mistakes if the they had a real offensive system with options to get everyone involved.

By MannyT

January 17, 2009 4:37 PM | Link to this

Art You are mixing statements and goals. Job #1 of a coach is to win games. You win and you get paid. You don’t win, usually you get fired. Players don’t get fired except under extraordinarily unusual circumstances. In the pros, coaches and GMs want you if they think you can help them win.

Winning is not what gets players paid. Reference points, Robert Horry—lots of rings, never big checks; James Posey—left Boston to get paid the mid level exception. The big cash winner of 2008 free agents was a guy who played little and his team loses consistently in the first round—and did I mention that he doesn’t even play much due to injuries—he even let them have $16 mil for cap options—the $111 million dollar man—Agent many Zeros—Gilbert Arenas. Owners sign checks. Some guys get paid better for drawing in business. I was NOT referring to Josh from the SportsCenter perspective. I was referring to him from the interesting, yet inconsistent perspective.

Players, mostly get paid for stats, not wins. Take a look at the top paid players in the NBA. Most of them are there for stats, not rings. Some of them don’t even have stats in their favor, just good timing for free agency. Until June KG had not even played in a NBA Final. He went home in the 1st round of the playoffs 7 consecutive years, but he was paid for the way he dominates a game. That domination did not translate into wins in Minnesota. Flip Saunders still got fired when they were together.

This doesn’t even factor in the real money of sports…the endoresement deals. If you are truly a MAJOR superstar, you make more away from your sport than in your sport. Peep these numbers and note the effect of truly getting paid BEYOND your sport. These folks also drive their entire sports to be more successful even if they are not winning all the events.

Coaching ain’t playing and everyone in the business of sports knows it!

BWAF

By Tiger Woo

January 17, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

Nice effort by the Hawks last night vs. Golden State. Almost pulled it out - clutch shooting by Jamal Crawford down the stretch was the difference.

Mama said there would be nights like this - I mean, OK City beat Detroit by 10 last night - Minnesota beat the Suns by 2 in Phoenix.

Look at the big picture - the Hawks are 23-16 - a big improvement from last year. They are struggling a bit right now - unfortunately the injury bug has hit them and their lack of experienced depth makes it tough.

Just gotta keep fighting and hold the # 4 seed. At least we’re not totally under-achieving like Toronto and Indiana - 2 teams that were supposed to be in the hunt this year.

By bigdave

January 17, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this

By bigdave

January 16, 2009 11:41 PM | Link to this

PLEASE TELL ME THAT I DIDNT READ COACHES MOUTH TELLING ACIE, “THATS WHY I DONT PLAY YOU” AFTER HIS TURNOVER WHEN HE DRIBBLED INTO THE DOUBLE TEAM…?? DID ANYONE ELSE SEE THAT…? THAT CANT BE THE CASE WITH ALL FLIPS MISHAPS… HE HAD TO BE YELLING AT THE REFS…??!!

By I .MUS WRITE

January 17, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this

OMG Big Dave I thought i was the only one who saw that….Wow- he talks to the man like he’s his father. He really does’nt like AC which is y i think Ac will be gone next year.

I. MUS WRITE… great work from the camera man… i thought i was trippin, maybe trying to find something, or over analyze. what a shame though, not that im much older, but, the kid has rare talent. why should he hold Acie to different standards? we have all seen Flip carelessly turn the ball over..

Sekou, in isolation it looks as if those events cost us the game.. but i wouldnt limit it to that or those players..

Josh consistently makes positive plays that if he didnt make i dont know who would.. he gets more negative spotlight than anyone on here besides Woody; yet his aggressiveness going to the rim, unselfishness and willingness to make the extra pass go unnoticed what a shame…

By Joshua

January 17, 2009 5:18 PM | Link to this

Sign me up for that t-shirt. If you remember i started the Fire Mike Woodson express when they we’re think about keeping him around. I emailed Rick Sund the other night but of course that coward didn’t call me back.

By Joshua

January 17, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Are you scared of Woody are something?

By steve

January 17, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this

hold on!!! why isn’t anyone blaming the player who goes to the hole once every ten games???the one who never dunks,nor and-ones except if someone mis and hit him while he’s shooting a fall away jumper… our so called all star GENTLEMAN JOE JOHNSON.I have one word that discribes him “SOFT”. Hawks fans we’re not going anywhere until he gets a backbone.and Woody do us all a favor an step down no one won’t be mad just thanful.

By terrell barron

January 17, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

Is Woody still the Coach? If so, call me when he’s fired. I cant take anymore of his non-coaching a*. That bald headed rascal should’ve went back to Indiana. 5 years, same old s**!!! Come on Sund, get us a REAL COACH. How about Cheeks or Avery? I’d even settle for Del Harris, Mike Fratello, Hubie Brown, or even Dominique, who’s never coached before? Hell, I’ll take Lenny Wilkens back. Anybody but this clown. Hurry up before it’s too late. Again, I’ll see yall when he’s outta here. Nothing more left to say. Fire Woody!! We need a SPARK!!!!!

By E. G.

January 17, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY!!!!!!

The way Woody is coaching this team is abusive. He is hurting our player, especially Josh Smith, both mentally (thru lack of playing time) and physically (by playing the starter too much).

Of course JJ isn’t going to hit his shots or play good defense in the 4th quarter when he is tired.

NO BENCH AND NO REST FOR STARTERS AND BAD COACHING = BELOW 500 BASKETBALL.

By **SIMPDAWG**

January 17, 2009 6:43 PM | Link to this

It’s very hard for me to understand this team development. Josh Smith has been playing in the league for five years now, and he still hasn’t developed a low post game. Acie Law isn’t playing any quality minutes. This team has lost their swagger, defense and focus. I hate to say this but, this team needs a change now. They’re going to either fire * Mike Woodson* or make a trade, for this team to take the next step as a legitimate contender in the playoffs. There was no reason for the Hawks to lose to Golden State. This team is a joke, * and they will always be a *joke unless a change is made.

By E. G.

January 17, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this

MR. SUND!!!!!!!!

THERE ARE ASSISTANT COACHES ON THE BENCH WHO CAN COACH BETTER THAN WOODY.

IF YOU ARE NOT FIRING WOODY BECAUSE YOU DON’T WON’T TO BRING SOMEONE IN WITH A NEW SYSTEM, THEN USE ONE OF THE ASSISTANTS WHO YOU THINK CAN USE THE BENCH MORE AND CONSISTENTLY, DISCARD THE ONE-ON-ONE BASKETBALL, AND TREAT “ALL” THE ATLANTA HAWKS PLAYERS AS HUMAN BEINGS WHEN THEY MAKE “ONE” OR “TWO” MISTAKES DURING THE GAME.

By E. G.

January 17, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY, FIRE WOODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Blast

January 17, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I read Woody’s lips too. The camera caught him just as he looked at Acie and said “That’s why I don’t play you” after Acie turned the ball over. I thought that was some whacked s!!t. And Acie never got in the game again, even though he was playing well. I really don’t think Woody likes Acie much, which sucks, cos Woody sucks! Flip turns the ball over way more!

The Hawks are in a bad funk right now. As has been said here, they are playing terrible defence and don’t seem to have much passion for the game, and they are horribly thin in the front court. What’s going on?

Woody really needs to play his bench more. That’s why you got ‘em, bonehead!

By E. G.

January 17, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this

MR. SUND

I HOPE YOU ARE NOT A PART OF THE WOODY FRATERNITY. IS THAT THE REASON WHY YOU WON’T FIRE HIM.

By terrell barron

January 17, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

If the Bucs can fire Gruden, the Broncos can fire Shanahan, the Raptors can fire Mitchell, and if Detroit can fire Flip, why in the hell cant we fire Woody???? What’s up with the Atlanta sports teams? Cox and Woodson must know something that we dont. Look at his record Sund. How in the hell does he still have a job? Oh, I forgot, he led us to the Playoffs. Whatever.

By bigdave

January 17, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this

looks like its almost unanimous, with 70% of bloggers reporting… is anyone pleased with Woodson to date? if so why? please defend him…

by the way if you were watching the game in HD you could have heard him slightly.. the bench is usually right next to the Bob and Nique’ so maybe it picked up.. im only pressing this b/c that isnt coaching people.. maybe on the high school level, but never during the game collegiality or pro… and you wonder why insiders speak on it being a confidence thing with Acie, or him playing timid, cautious. he comes in and tries to emulate Bibby’s game or just fill in, instead of asserting Acie Law IV.

a shame…

By steve

January 17, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this

I read woody’s lips and I got the same thing! it’s a shame that A.C. can’t get a fair chance.sorry to say this but, it’s going to take a losing record before he GOES…

By Casey Hodges

January 17, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

Hey, Sekou!

I’m not a Joe basher. Who doesn’t like his stroke from 3, his underrated defense, or his above average passing ability. But Sekou, riddle me this. Maybe you can ask Joe these questions and give me a satisfactory explanation…

Why on Earth is a guy blessed with a 6’7, 240lb frame (a frame hard to find in the NBA) so afraid to play at or above the rim, draw contact, get front-line defenders in foul trouble, and go to the line? The guy is a great handler and can maneuver in tight spots around the paint. Does he realize that this is the most efficient way to put pressure on the defense? Doesn’t he realize that for a guy with his shooting ability, a free-throw is the second easiest shot in basketball aside from an uncontested lay-up? Furthermore, this is a guy who I fondly remember catching alley-oops and challenging big men at the rim in Phoenix, you know, before he received a max contract from the Hawks. Now all of a sudden, you NEVER EVER see this guy anywhere near the rim. His trademark move in the paint is a floater? Can this guy jump? Weak reverses and easily-blocked lay-ups jumping 6 inches off the ground? Attempts that don’t even make it over the rim? At 6’7, 240? Ridiculous. I don’t know the numbers, but I’m sure he averages around one FT attempt per quarter, most coming while the defense is in the penalty. He uses his size to push off and bump 23 feet away from the rim, on both sides. Where is this aggressiveness after you use cross-overs and stutter steps/ dribbles to get to the paint? All of that effort to stop short in the lane and use floaters and fade-aways? This fact drives me up the f*ing wall when watching my team.

A short rundown of a few players who are either shorter or smaller than Joe: Pierce and Anthony (the most comparable sizes at 6’7, 235 and 6’8, 230, respectively), Stephen Jackson, Trevor Ariza, Caron Butler, Vince Carter, Danny Granger, Rudy Gay, Richard Jefferson, and Cory Maggette. All of these players are more than willing to throw their bodies around AT THE RIM WITH INSIDE-OUT GAMES. Now, players who are considerably smaller than Joe, still players who will finish AT THE RIM WITH CONTACT: Michael Redd, Manu Ginobili, Ben Gordon, Derrick Rose, Devin Harris, and Kevin Martin. I’ll give him a pass on Kobe and Wade, as he’s nowhere near their level.

True, most of these guys are past, current, future, and borderline All-Stars. Mainly because they all have close to complete games for their size, although a few could learn from Joe defensively and Ariza being on the lowest level offensively. This is my main, glaring gripe with Joe, aside from the fact that he is probably slower off the dribble and straight-line speed than any of the players named, as evidenced by his rare occurrences of finishing fast-breaks.

This is something that I simply can’t take much more of. People have enough blame to give out for the Hawks: Woody (who is a good coach), Josh’s perimeter shooting and handling (one of the absolute worst of any professional in the world), the bench (give me a break on Acie Law, he’s an ametuer), Bibby (more miles on his legs than people realize), the offensive limits of Marvin and Al (they’ll come around.)
I always say when a team’s losing, first look at the guy with the largest share of payroll. Ours is simply frightened of the paint, I suspect because of the scary eye socket injury he endured in Phoenix eons ago while trying to finish strong. Finishing strong? What a novel concept.

I figure Rick Sund for a shrewd basketball analyst and manager. If I were a GM, I would have no problem letting Joe go on his way in 2010, or even before that. With all of his strengths, his embarrassing passiveness at the rack is not what you want from your “All-Star.” At 7 years of experience, Joe is near his prime, maybe a year or two away. Going to the hole with authority is not a skill you learn at the midpoint of your career. Either you have it or you don’t, and he’s the worst in the league at his size and skill set, point-blank period.

With that said, I’m a born and raised Atlantan who will never turn my back on my team when we lose to good teams at or above our level nor be a bandwagon jumper when we run through sub-.500 teams at home. I realize that the Magic is the only team in the East who has thoroughly embarrassed us at full-strength and pose the toughest match-ups. We took our lumps in Texas and the West Coast, and I still have my eye on 4th place, dependent on Joe taking it to a whole ‘nother level on and off the court, something I doubt more and more with each passing contest. Box out, Josh. And for goodness sakes, STOP SHOOTING JUMPERS AND DRIBBLING BEHIND YOU BACK!!! Take it to the rack, Flip. We need Al and Marvin healthy for the stretch. Let’s go Hawks

By O'brien

January 17, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this

I didn’t get a chance to watch the game last night. But so far 3 different people have confirmed that Woody tod Acie “That’s why I dont play you” (when Acie had a turnover). Did anyone else see it?

I am not a Woody fan, but it’s hard to believe that a head coach would tell a 2nd year player that during a game. However, I would not put it past Woody, because he has repeatedly said Acie is not where he wants him to be in terms of running the team.

I do agree that Woody is not the answer. Unfortunately, I dont think the Spirit or Sund will let him go, because the team is in 4th place.

By Casey Hodges

January 17, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this

We don’t need you on the bandwagon

Many of you guys are pure bandwagon jumpers. Woody is not a great coach, but he’s better than many. What are you people seeing on the bench? Manu Ginobili? Acie is an amatuer, West is a final-minute-of-the-quarter defender. Solomon should be in college. Hunter and Morris are D-League quality. Claxton is a bowling-ball-sized tumor on the payroll sheet. After Mo and Flip, WE HAVE NO BENCH!!! Sund and Woody are doing as well as can be expected after the debacle that Billy Knight put this franchise through for years, not to mention the cavemen in the ownership ofice. The decisions these people made will haunt us for years to come, yet we’re arguably the best match-up for the world champions and defeated the Cleveland LeBrons from start to finish. Now we lose a little game to the Warriors, while shorthanded up front, and you wussies are crying? They were at home with 3 players on their team who can score 20 in their sleep! What do you expect? When Al comes back and the Hawks go on another winning streak, don’t skin your legs trting to jump back on the bandwagon, saying “The Hawks played great defense tonight!” Who do you think instills defensive principles into a team? The coach, dummies!

By bigdave

January 17, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this

O’brien, it was a quick pan to Woodson, and i barely could hear it but the audio was enhanced when watching his mouth.. thats when i posted the comment last night as soon as i saw it because i figured he could have been jawing with a ref looking for a foul, but there wasnt one in site. i never had an issue with Woodson, i watch every Hawks game, however i have question his ability as of late; so it wasnt a comment i made just to be making one, i was curious to see if anyone else caught it.. i try to watch players reactions closely as well as the staff cause usually it reveals the overall chemistry of the team…

Casey Hodges, whats going on… Atlanta born and raised as well.. question, you feel Woodson is a good “head” coach? For this team..? at this point in their matriculation?

By bigdave

January 17, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this

How do you define a head coach, do they not develop talent, put their team in the best position to win a game, use clock/time out management, motivate… i have no problem with Woodson’s x’s and o’s from a defensive perspective, hell, ive argued with friends countless times about us being fine with him. however, at this point he has showed the prowess of an assistant, a role in which he thrived in with the Pistons…

By Melvin

January 17, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this

I see Detroit is still in the Xmas mood as they gave the Hawks another gift tonite losing to Hornets but the 76ers won again tonite. Gotta keep an eye on them and Miami playing the Rockets tonite. Hopefully the Rockets will take care of them on their homecourt….

By The Hawksta

January 17, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

The Truth

All man homie you let lose on that one! Man, I hope Woody read that one(lol)!

By bigdave

January 17, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this

does a head coach not maximize the potential of his players? you feel he is doing that? how does a player progress from an “amateur” to someone who can contribute to this team? so you feel Acie has the potential of a bench warmer, with his size and skill set? i don’t know what some of us are watching but ive seen production from Acie in his limited exposure…

geesh, coach even managed to hide ZaZa last night arguably one of our best post players…

there is NO explanation for most of his actions…

By jt in dallas

January 17, 2009 10:52 PM | Link to this

Casey Hodges, Now I know you don’t know beans about bball. As far as not having a bench after the ball hogging Flip and Maurice, we will never have a bench if the silly coach won’t develop it. What happens if we have starter injured. Is not this the reason we have 12 players instead of just 5 of 6 or 7. If the bench were not to be developed why sign and pay them?? Your boy Woody has no leadership skills whatsoever.
Casey, you and Woody both need to take a flying leap to somewhere. Maybe then, the Hawks can start to win a game or 2.

By The Hawksta

January 17, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this

Free Wale

By cp

January 17, 2009 11:23 PM | Link to this

Was it the Atlanta feed last night that you guys had that picked up Woody telling Law that? I got the Warriors feed and never saw it. If he truly did say that then I know understand why Law never plays. He must really not like this kid.. Like I said in an earlier post, if you are a vet you are allowed to do whatever on this team. Ive seen games where Flip turns the ball over on consecutive possessions and never once got yanked.. Is Woody mad they took Law? Whats his problem with the kid. Seems to be a hard worker and gives you what he has when he does get a chance to play. How many players does this guy have to get into it with before we get a coach in here who can relate better. He has had problems with Josh, Marvin, Salim, Law, Solo, Pachulia, Anthony Johnson, Ive seen Lue get on him. What more has to happen before we can get a new coach in here. I’m sick of Woodson and the same crap every damn game. Its been 5 years and I’m still seeing the same crap from year one.

By matt Jones

January 17, 2009 11:30 PM | Link to this

Last year I defended Woodson because of the quality of players he had on the bench. I okay w/ ASG for giving him the contract. However I am beginning to question his coaching ability. Repeatedly after timeouts they can’t execute the play he has drawn up. It is obvious he his limited in the offensive area but it does not appear he utilizes his coaches who may be better.
Of course his mismanagement of the bench is glaring. AC, solo and zaza can contribute nightly if only for a few minutes to rest the starters. He is killing Joe. Joe is primary on offense and usually defends the best player on the opposite team. J-Smoove (more like J-Shaky) needs to be reigned in more. The obvious different treatment of the players. Some can make bone head plays over and over (Flip, Josh) other cannot make any(AC) Perhaps it is time for Coach to go. Additionally we discuss this issues on the blog but none of the local sportswriter address these issues with the team unlike media savvy markets.

By E. G.

January 17, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

Casey Hodges, Casey Hodges, Casey Hodges, you really need prayer bruh, for if you can’t see how Woody is devastating this team your eyes must be closed.

How can a coach scold a bench player who makes one mistake, but he never scolds Flip or Josh or even Joe when they make the same mistakes on more than one occasion. This is a sad day guys.

I’m sorry to say, but we need to keep losing so management can see how Woody is destroying this team.

GIVE WOODY HIS GUARTEED 2 MILLION FOR THIS YEAR AND NEXT YEAR (2010) AND THEN RELEASE HIM.

BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!! BYE! BYE! WOODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By The Hawksta

January 17, 2009 11:49 PM | Link to this

Mr Hodges

I was feeling you at first but you decided to defend Woody Claxton. Brathu, are you serious? This dude ain’t earned a check since he put on his first tailored hommie!

Woody Claxton needs to go faster than Speedy! I mean he left so fast we never saw him. Yet I be your thinking he’s better than Acie too. Don’t make me become an analyst! I’m too busy doing color around here. Can you get a cup of tea the next time you decide to sit down and watch a game! Stay off the sauce.

By SQUAWKER

January 17, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY!

GOD HE SUCKS SO F’N BAD

By Harry Hawk

January 18, 2009 12:24 AM | Link to this

Woodson will be fired if the team wears down in the second half of the season and either fails to make the playoffs (doesn’t seem too likely, but…) or gets punked in the first round. I don’t think Rick Sund will wait around.

(You know, if Sund is still working for the team at the end of the year. I can’t wait until February 17! OWNER FIGHT! Yeah!)

By Scott

January 18, 2009 12:40 AM | Link to this

FIRE WOODSONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!

By bigdave

January 18, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this

cp, yea, sports south…

By ROLLINS TREE

January 18, 2009 12:51 AM | Link to this

Why can’t the Hawks owners have some balls (drums please)? Woodson is a joke! This team will be double digits behind Orlando by the All Star break and thats sad with all of our talent. Forget 2 starters being out!! We have a strong bench this year!!

You wanna shock the world for real? Fire that lame head coach and save the season!!!

By Clyde

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

“Sign me up for that t-shirt. If you remember i started the Fire Mike Woodson express when they we’re think about keeping him around. I emailed Rick Sund the other night but of course that coward didn’t call me back.”

Joshua my friend. I hate to burst your bubble but I am the first one to call for Woody’s head. Go back 3 or 4 years and check Sekou’s blog archives. I was considered a villian back then for my stance but now people are coming to the light. Right Ray and Ken Strickland.

That episode with Acie and Woody was messed up. He didn’t tell Bibby or Flip that why I don’t play you when Jamal Crawford was running circles around them.

I told yall last year when the Hawks made the playoffs that I didn’t think it was good for this team. Yes it energized the city (for 2 weeks) and yes our young players grew a lot with the playoff experience, but we still have Woody.

By Ken Strickland

January 18, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this

It’s nice to see the WOODSON IS THE PROBLEM bandwagon I’ve been driving has started to take on additional passengers. Unfortunately, this team is player driven instead of HC driven, which is why we seem to collapse wnenever we have a key player missing. At the beginning of the season Woodson was trying to coach this team the right way by using his bench liberally, allowing the team to run and get easy baskets, which is why we were able to do so well after losing Smoove.

Now that Woodson has reverted back to being Woodson, we were unable to continue our winning ways after Zaza, a key bench player, went out. We’ve been unable to recover after the loss of Horford, and now Marvin is out. Now, more than ever, we need the very bench Woodson has so thoughtlessly neglected for most of the season. Even with the injuries and the need for effective production from certain bench players, Woodson wants to control and/or punish certain players by manipulating playing time and trying to control how they play. On the other hand, he’s perfectly content to stand on the sidelines with arms folded and allow total OFF chaos, as certain vet players take complete control.

Woodson has gradually reverted back to his old habits of needing total control, shortening his rotation, slowing the OFF down and encouraging JJ and Bibby to completely dominate the OFF, especially in crunch time. I don’t blame certain players for making turnovers. They’re just trying to overcome on the court what isn’t being done on the sidelines. Like last yr, we’ve started getting off to poor starts. It’s hard to start out energetic and full of hustle when you’re playing back to back gms, or 4 gms is 6 nights, or on a long road trip, and you want to pace yourself because you know Woodson’s going to make you log heavy mins.

THE QUESTION IS, IF FANS HAVE IDENTIFIED WOODSON AS THE MAJOR CAUSE OF THE TEAMS PROBLEMS, AND THE NEGATIVE EFFECT HE’S HAVING ON THE TEAM AND ITS PLAYERS, WHY HASN’T SUND AND THE SAASG NOTICED IT AS WELL?

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this

How can you justify firing the coach when the team has a 23-16 record? Sometimes you gotta just give the other team credit - we aren’t going to win every game and there will be slumps along the way.

Sure, Orlando brat us 2 games back to back, but they are beating everyone right now - including the Lakers, San Antonio, and Denver on their home court. Philly licked us pretty good the other day - they have won 7 in a row.

It’s really hard to please some of you out there. How soon you forget where we were this time last year - we had an 18-21 record.

Could they have a better record? Yes. Are they struggling a bit right now? Yes. Everybody wants to fire Woody whenever the going gets tough.

By Vince

January 18, 2009 9:18 AM | Link to this

Has anyone noticed that JJ gets a pass for his screw-ups and everyone else gets sent to the bench?

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

Vince - I didn’t notice that - do you even watch the games? Every player makes mistakes - it’s part of the game. J-Smoove certainly doesn’t get sent to the bench every time he makes a turnover.

Our record is 23-16 people - not 16-23 - # 4 seed in the east right now. Gotta give Woody a little credit for that.

By Chea

January 18, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this

“THAT’S WHY I DONT PLAY YOU”

????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ridiculously arrogant stuff. I seriously don’t know if I can root for this team with Woody. It’s hard enough to be a Hawks fan with the ASG, now we have to deal with this?

I can support a team with a bad coach, but I can’t get behind one with a cocky arse like Woody. His methods don’t remotely deserve to have any kind of success associated with them.

Go Acie. If Woody stays I hope you find another team and become a star. Too bad you don’t play for the Raptors, cuz there would surely be some “Free Acie Law” t-shirts by now.

freeacielaw.blogspot.com anyone? word?

By bigdave

January 18, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this

TIGER WOO…

i definitely give credit to Woodson for our start, along with our players who began to gel i dont even think im calling for his head; however, i am hard pressed to find Woodson’s head coaching strengths. the way he manages mins, our offense has become predictable and stagnant. Im pleased that we got off to such a great start allowing cushion for setbacks. other teams are beginning play much better, so our finish is just as important. i mean we are still very young, and we have skilled players that need developing. our record at this point last year is null and void; i for one dont feel the hawks are overachieving…

things should get interesting..

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this

Good points, bigdave …

I question some of Woody tactics as well - it reamins to be seen if they peaked too early this year - however, Woody deserves a chance to see how far he can take the team this year.

Too early to panic right now and give up on the coach - So called “elite” team Detroit has just lost 5 in a row. The Celtics had a 4 game losing streak recently - the good teams know how to weather the storm - now the Celtics have won 4 in a row.

If the Hawks, god forbid, fail to make the playoffs or fall to a 7th or 8th seed, I definitely think a coaching change is in order.

I know our record from last year at this point is null and void, but it does show that the team has made progress.

By jt in dallas

January 18, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this

Chea, count me in on the freeacielaw.blogspot.com. I watched the Warrior game on the internet (which gave me the Warrior feed) and went back to review the game after seeing some of you mention what Woody Birdbrain said to Acie. Their feed did not pick up the incident so I have to go with you guys. Although I said I like the free acie blogspot, how about a free Woody blog spot (as in freely let his @$$ go). Also, to Tiger Woo. It is good that the Hawks started good and created some cushion because they are playing as erratically now as they did last year. They may not be able to back into the playoffs again this year like they did last year with Indy’s horrific flop. Also, in some ways I don’t mind seeing the guys lose so much now, because that may be the ONLY way for Sund to realize that he has to let Woody go. I question his evaluative talents when he gave Woody his new contract. And with the money problems of the ASG, I’m not sure they can afford a decent coach. I say let’s get us a little league coach who doesn’t mind working for peanuts, cause he certainly can’t be any worse than what we have. I’ll even send my resume.

By Melvin

January 18, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this

I just watch play where Acie made the turnover. I didn’t see the exchange between he and Woodson. My broadcast was on the Warriors network (CSN).

By Ramon

January 18, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this

CP, Woody still has JJ on his bandwagon. That is the main thing keeping him around.

By doc

January 18, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

oooh best to stay clear of this one. it is a true bashing here. i dont read lips but wanted to hear it for myself. i wondered who he was going after. i was hoping it was toward a ref rather than one of his on in a public display. unfortunately woody is most demonstrative when angry rather than positive. it only works so ling before guys turn it off. the most positive enthusiasm he has renderd is a pat on the butt as a guy comes off the court.

i guess if we could we would paraphrase it to woody in the same way he said it to acie; “it is easy to see why we dont have any confidence in you woody for bringing guys along.” no wonder these guys look so confused on the court. certain guys get long leashes others have to be perfect which is impossible which only creates further confusion between their ears as to what they see, do and hear.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this

jt in dallas,

Again, the Hawks are 23-16 - how can you justify firing the coach?

While we’re at it, along with Woody, let’s just fire all of the coaches on the so-called good teams that have a worst record than the Hawks - Dallas, Utah, Miami, Detroit, NJ, Toronto, Indiana …

By terrell barron

January 18, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

We’re in desperate need of a big body, and Charlotte picks up Diop for Ryan Hollins and Matt freakin Carroll. Are you kidding me? Come on Sund, get off your azz.

By jhan

January 18, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this

Clyde is without question the driver of the “Fire Woody” bandwagon. Since day 1 of this blog Clyde has let his feelings on Woody be known.

I told Samuel earlier this season that I agree Woody earned this year after how we finished last year. I’ll stick to my agreement for this season. If this team doesn’t show well during the playoffs he will probably need to go.

Woody got all the credit for our 6-0 start - rightfuly I must agree. We’ve basically been a .500 team since then. If .500 is your standard then Woody is doing fine. If you think this team is better than .500 then Woody deserves criticism.

By doc

January 18, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this

tiger, every team except one did just that within the past year or less including the toronto team this year and the sixers not on your list who are fast closing on our hawks. detroit and dallas did it in spite of winning records. so if that is true maybe you have made the best statement to do just what you say not to do. miami is doing it with two rookies arent they and the real deal in d. wade?

dude wake up! on your list of teams within the last year only sloan survives in utah after 23 years of winning. throw phoenix in the mix as well moving ahead with a new coach in spite of winning. it is a trend that might include woody if things are not reversed in the next three weeks through the most grueling portion of the schedule. i started saying it three weeks ago to watch out for a fade and that was not meant to be a golf term.

By Sautee

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

Casey Hodges

about this: “Woody is not a great coach, but he’s better than many.”

Better than Many????

OK Casey, I’ll bite. Can you name 3 coaches you think Woody is better than. Many is NOT a few, but just list 3 active coaches you think are worse. I think you’ll find it difficult.

And I’m sure you know that those on this blog who are upset with the coaching are not as concerned about our record (which obviously is better than last year) as they are frustrated that the team doesn’t seem to be playing to its potential. And confused about an offensive scheme that almost totally depends on jump shots.

And a winning record is not necessarily a mark of a good coach. Flexibility, adaptation, discipline, and a willingness to take a longer view are marks of coaching excellence. I see NONE of that in Woody.

By the way, I’m an Atlanta native as well and have been on the bandwagon for over 40 years. But I think we have an overmatched coach who is “coaching scared”.

By Sautee

January 18, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this

jhan

About this: Woody got all the credit for our 6-0 start - rightfuly I must agree. We’ve basically been a .500 team since then. If .500 is your standard then Woody is doing fine. If you think this team is better than .500 then Woody deserves criticism.

jhan, that was most excellent. The most cogent argument yet for our dissatisfaction.

The cheerleaders can have that .500 record. I think we are better than that, IF we can get beyond our injury woes.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this

Doc,

Detroit, Dallas, and Phoenix are and have been consistent winners and championship contenders over the past few years and have much higher expectations and standards than the Hawks. Just making the playoffs apparently is not going to cut it for those teams - thus, the coaching changes.

The Hawks have had low expectations, so having a record over .500 is a good accomplishment.

By the way, those coaching changes in Detroit, Toronto, and Indiana aren’t working out so well, are they? yes - the Sixers are finally showing signs of like after replacing Cheeks - what I am saying is - just making a coaching change in mid-season isn’t necessarily the answer.

By bigdave

January 18, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

doc, neither do i, heard some of it though barely. thats why i immediately asked if anyone else caught it..

Tiger Woo, i ve always pondered if coach had any influence on drafting and free agency during the Billy Knight reign; has Woodson gotten his players? what/who is a Woodson type player?

Sautee, exactly, you hit the nail on the head, i for one think “this” team could be much better with a scheme that fits its talent… i hope its not hurting the games of some of our younger players, to the point were they cant recover confidence wise in another scheme/team…

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

jhan / sautee,

Yes - we are 17-16 since out 6-0 start. Don’t count out the 2 close losses to Boston and the buzzer-beating loss to NJ. Could our record be better? Yes. Gotta count those 6 wins though - we don’t have a .500 record.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this

Not too long ago, people were touting Woody as coach of the year on these very blogs. Now, after a few losses it’s FIRE WOODY and J-Smoove is a coach killer. Now, if they get on a winning streak again, it’s WAY TO GO HAWKS!

What I’m saying is - it’s a long season of peaks and valleys - let’s not get too high when the going is good and too low when the struggles happen!

By bigdave

January 18, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

Woo, what about Woodson and BK’s relationship draft night/free agency? you think Woodson’s voice was heard? you think it could possibly be different since the organization has somewhat committed to coach? it just seems like our players dont fit our style…

By Ken Strickland

January 18, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this

TIGER WOO-the difference in perspective that seems to exist between you and those like me, who want Woodson fired, is expectations. While we all appreciate the 23-16 winning record, as you obviously do, we also realize it could, and should, be far better. We all recognize it would be better if we had a HC with better in gm coaching skills and one who understands the significance of fitting a system to the talents and skills of the players, instead of forcing greyhounds to become methodical tracking dogs. Having a HC that understands the importance of properly developing and nuturing the young talent he’s been given, instead of openly demeaning them, punishing them, and using them as an excuse for team failures, would also contribute to a better overall record.

ANY HC THAT TAKES THE ATTITUDE THAT THE PLAYERS ARE THERE TO SERVE HIM, RATHER THAN HIM BEING THERE TO SERVE THE PLAYERS, IS NOT GOING TO TAKE HIS TEAM TO THE NEXT LEVEL. THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT WE HAVE IN HC MIKE WOODSON. His post gm comments after the last loss shows he’s aware of the fatigue factor, but is unwilling to accept it as a factor. Why, because it goes directly to his coaching philosophy of using a short rotation and running his key players into the ground rather than developing and utilizing his bench.

We are becoming inconsistent and have started having 3 and 4 gm losing streaks. We are no longer able to win close gms, like we did earlier in the season, because of fatigue. We no longer play good DEF, especially in the 2nd half, and we’ve gone from playing the team basketball that served us so well when we were winning earlier, to the 4th qtr.

Woodson constantly complains, and blames loses on a lack of good DEF, but steadfastly refuses to give a reason why they’re playing poor DEF. FIRST, Instead of reducing the mins of his key players, he actually shortens the rotation and increases their mins. HOW DOES THAT REDUCE FATIGUE? SECONDLY, how can you expect your DEF to overcome fatigue and get better when you refuse to play your best DEF players, Solo, Acie and West, especially in the 2nd half.

Case in point. JCrawford is consistently lighting us up from the perimeter. Both of our starting guards had logged heavy mins, both are shooting terribly, and unable to stop Crawford. WHAT WOULD YOU DO TIGER WOO? Woodson’s first move was to use a poor shooting Bibby, a DEF liability who’d already logged heavy mins. When he realized that wasn’t working, he used Smoove, a PF, and we all know how that worked out. Personally, I would have brought the fresh legs and energy of Acie and West off the bench to put pressure on their guards on both ends of the court. I would’ve loved to see JCrawford do the damage he did with either Acie or West in his face. Acie, with his speed and quickness, and West with his strength and athleticism, would have caused problems for Crawford on both ends of the court.

TIGER WOO, HOPEFULLY THIS WILL GIVE YOU SOME INSIGHT INTO WHY SOME OF US WANT A HC, WHO’S TEAM HAS A 23-16 RECORD, FIRED.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

bigdave,

I’m guessing Woody should have had some input on draft night/free agency, but sometimes it doesn’t look that way - especially when you look at some of the draft choices. Salim wasn’t one of his “guys”, nor was Shelden Williams or Acie Law, it appears.

By Melvin

January 18, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

Tiger, How can you say there are lower expectations in the ATL if fans want to fire the coach who’s responsible for making the playsoffs last season, being 7 games over .500 and 4th place in the East this season? Firing the coach may not be the answer but I don’t think standpat is. At least it shows the fans that they are trying to improve their product.

Jhan, put me down for thinking that we have a team thats better than .500. Better yet, i think we are better than our current 23-16 record.

Doc, Shaq is playing against the Raps today. I hope the Raps can keep it competitive so their starters can play big mins…heh,heh

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

Ken Strickland,

You make some good arguments and I’ll be the first to admit that Woody frustrates me sometimes with his decisions, but I don’t see the value in firing Woody in the middle of the season when the team has a winning record. Most of the coaching changes that have taken place after this season started haven’t made much of a difference to this point.

Let’s see how far Woody can take them this season - if they fail to improve on last year’s playoff showing - let’s make a change. Let’s get a new guy in starting training camp and give him a chance to succeed.

By the way, I don’t think Acie or Mario would have slowed down Crawford at all! - just my opinion. I also don’t believe that Woody has openly demeaned or punished his bench players or used them as an excuse for team failures.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

Melvin,

I said there are lower expectations than teams such as Dallas, Detroit, and Phoenix - teams that expect to go deep into the playoffs each year.

No, standing pat is not the answer, I never said it was - neither is panicking when the team hits a rough patch.

By Melvin

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

Tiger, I think the team has ran it course with Woody as HC. I will give Woody credit as he raise the level of expectation for this franchise but I don’t think he’s the guy take can take this team to the next level. As I told Doc at the 76ers game, very few coaches has taken a bottom feeder turn them into a championship caliber team. I’m not saying that it’s impossible but I think you will find that it takes at least 2 cycle of coaches in most cases. Sloan has been in Utah over 20 years and he still chasing that 1st ring. Also, a few weeks ago we were talking about a team that was 11 games over .500 and now we are 7 over. Other teams such as Philly, Bulls, Heat and even the Bobcats are playing better. Where as our Hawks are seems to be regressing. Maybe a coaching chould give us a shot adrenaline where as we may have our hands tie trying to make trades with this ownership fiasco…

By Sautee

January 18, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

Tiger Woo

Please understand that many of us, when thinking of the Hawks chances this year, had to use Manny T’s WUF.

That’s the dreaded Woodson Undervaluation Factor.

It’s the reason we were a sub .500 team LAST year, when we clearly had the talent to do more. Many of us thought that Woody, by his poor game management, and general lameness cost the Hawks 5 or 6 winnable games. At least.

So, therefore, we had to adjust our expectations for this year, since Woody was re-signed. Then, they come out smokin’ for the first 6 games (7, really, as they played well and lost in Boston). And from that stretch we see the potential of this team. Woody started off playing 10 deep, and we were rolling. The problem many of us have is that he approaches the games differently now. Short rotations and LOOOONG minutes for starters. Different from how we started. Why?

Well, Woody IS famous for going away from what’s working!

And about this quote:

“I’ll be the first to admit that Woody frustrates me sometimes with his decisions, but I don’t see the value in firing Woody in the middle of the season when the team has a winning record. Most of the coaching changes that have taken place after this season started haven’t made much of a difference to this point.”

If you make a coaching change in the middle of a season, you are RARELY looking to improve your chances for THAT season. (Except maybe for Paul Westhead / Pat Riley).

What you are saying is, we’re headed down the wrong road. And for the long term health of the organization, we think a different direction is needed. So, it’s misleading to defend the coaching changes for this year as less than effective, as ANY change will require some adjustments. In other words, you can’t fairly judge any of the coaching changes made this year for at least a couple of years.

We’ve had 4 and a half years of Woody, and I think it’s obvious that his style doesn’t match his roster. Whether for or against him, I think that’s an easy argument to make.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this

Melvin, You may be correct regarding Woody. Maybe a coaching change is needed to get the team to the next level. Maybe he has lost the respect of some of his players. However, a coaching change in the middle of the season when the team has been somewhat successful doesn’t make sense. As I said earlier, if a change is to be made, let’s bring a new guy in starting training camp next year to really give him a chance to succeed.

Also, a coaching change alone may not be enough - another big in the front court is really needed right now.

The Bulls are 4-6 in their last 10 games - the Hawks are 4-6 - the Bobcats are 5-5 - only Philly at 8-2 is really playing better than Atlanta out of the teams you mentioned.

Finally, how was that foul on Marvin by Turiaf not a flagrant foul? I’ve seen worse hits called for a flagrant foul.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

Sautee,

I hear what you are saying, but the team is 23-16 - # 4 in the east right now. There are 42 games left. If they match that pace for the next 39 games, they will be 46-32 - not too bad.

We were rolling pretty well during the homestand with the 8 man rotation - why they suddenly started struggling is anyone’s guess. I wouldn’t blame Woody for the lethargic play during the 4 game losing streak.

I guess I just don’t understand why the team’s success so far this year calls for a coaching change.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this

By the way, 23-16 could EASILY be 26-13. Lose to Boston at the buzzer (Paul Pierce) - lose to Boston after JJ misses a free throw to tie the game - lose to NJ at the buzzer on Vince Carter’s long 3 pointer. Let’s go ahead and blame Woody for those losses.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this

Actually there are 43 games left - not 42.

By Melvin

January 18, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this

Tiger,I agree. I thought Turiaf committed a flagrant foul. Keep an eye on those teams I mention although their last 10 games may not reflect it but none are coming off a 3 or 4 game losing streak either. Heck, the Bobcats have put together 3 straight. Bulls beat Lebron the other nite and won 2 out their last 3.

Bosh just tweak his ankle after coming down on Shaq foot. He finished the game but it could be an issue for tomorrow game. Phx was down 1 and Nash took it to the basket for the game winning basket. Hmmm, as good as a jumper shooter he is, I wonder why he didn’t settle for a jumpshot. The commentators mention that decision is what makes him a superstar b/c he knows game situations. Could that be an indictment of our backcourt during curcial moments of the game. Even Sekou scout friend mention how our backcourt dominates the ball on offense for us…

By Blast

January 18, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

Tiger the Hawks are 23-16 but they could easily have been 30-9 or 29-10. You cannot argue that they have allowed a bunch of winnable games to become loses. And you cannot say that Woody has been coaching this team properly, especially on offence where he relies strictly on Joe and Bibby. His substitution skills and utilising his bench is also nil, which is why most folks on this blog would like to see his fat arse canned. And making that stupid statement to Acie after the turnover was just plain dumb. Great teaching skills, Woody! Knock down your already vulnerable and young point guard when his confidence is already sagging. That’s how you develop your bench? And I DID read his lips, and Woody DID say it. You could only have caught it if you were watching the game on Fox Sports South. I’ve been a trainer on various jobs for years, and that’s not how you train/teach people. On that score, Woody gets an F.

Maybe Acie did mess with his girl after all. Acie is a good player, and there is no reason at all why he should not be playing. You need his skills, Woody. I’m not calling for Woody’s head right now, but I say if the Hawks are playing .500 by the All Star, then Woody should be fired. The Hawks might still have a winning record, but they are grossly underachieving, injuries or not.

About the Hawks. We need to realize that the manic defensive energy they started the season with is extremely hard to sustain throughout the season. They cannot sustain it if Flip and Mo and maybe Zaza are the only bench players contributing. As a result, the Hawks are becoming metally and physically fatigued. Evidence of this abounds in their last few losses: Less intensity on defence; less concentration at the free throw line; stagnant offence relying mostly on your guards, and the recent inability to close out the fouth quarters strong and win ball games. Tired men cannot do all that. Last game Joe was on fire in the first half, then went super cold in the second. You think fatigue might have been a factor? Especially when you have to chase people like Jamal Crawford and Stephen Jackson around all night?

By Blast

January 18, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this

Hawks cannot do what they did last season this year and expect to succeed. That is they cannot back into the playoffs simply because other teams like Indiana lost ball games enabling the Hawks to creep in. Y’all remember how terribly Atlanta played to round off last season? I see that same pattern here, which is why their current funk is alarming. The only reason they still have the 4 seed is simply because the Pistons are having problems of their own. Meanwhile, Philly is creeping up, Miami is still hanging around, and the Pistons will wake up eventually, so the Hawks cannot be complacent or take anything for granted. The cushion they had with 11 games over five is gone. It’s time to bring it, and coach Mike isn’t helping them too well right now.

By Sautee

January 18, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this

Tiger Woo

about this: “I guess I just don’t understand why the team’s success so far this year calls for a coaching change.”

If you were to judge SOLELY on the record, you are correct.

I think most of the folks arguing with you feel that we have underperformed, that Woody is wearing out the vets, that he’s short-sighted regarding development of depth (which Sund said would be a factor in staff evaluation), and that his offensive “system” is not particularly suited for this group of players.

In addition, his credibility drops as he continually talks about changes he should make but that he refuses to commit to.

So you see it’s not based on the teams “success”, but rather on what they might become with an imaginative offense, paired with a mostly competent, and sometimes spectacular defense.

We are wasting assets and that HAS to be Woody’s job to insure they are maximized. I think he’s failed on that front.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this

Yes Melvin - the Hawks are not in the driver’s seat by any means - I wouldn’t worry too much about Charlotte right now @ 16-24, but teams hovering around .500 right now such as Philly, NJ, and Milwaukee are cause for concern.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this

Blast,

Previously I mentioned 3 definitely winnable games - the 2 Boston games and the NJ game - that would make them 29-13. Looking at the schedule, maybe they win the Dec. 6 game @ Dallas (late comeback fell short) or the Jan. 9 game vs. Orlando (another late comeback) but no other losses (looking at the final scores) look like they should have won.

I agree - Acie and Solo need to be utilized more - let’s see where we stand after the next 2 or 3 weeks - a bunch of wunnable games on the horizon.

By terrell barron

January 18, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this

Tiger Woo, that’s a BIG IF. We better staert playing better, if we want to go 23-16 in the next 39. Thats for damn sure.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this

By the way Blast, Jamal Crawford played 47 minutes in the game Friday and 60 minutes in Wednesday’s game - I guess he’s in better shape than our guys?

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this

Sautee,

Wins and losses are still the bottom line - if Woody takes the team deep into the playoffs, all the other stuff won’t matter - believe me.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this

I agree terrell - 12 of the next 13 games are vs. teams that we have a better won/loss record. Now is the time to make a move.

By BO......

January 18, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this

WOODSON DOES NOT HAVE CONFIDENCE IN HIS BENCH. WE DONT HAVE CONFIDENCE IN WOODSON. THINGS WILL STAY THE SAME HERE, AND ALL THE PLAYERS WILL B GONE. NEED A COACH WHO INSTILL CONFIDENCE IN PLAYERS. HE HAS DESTORYED ZAZA, SOLO, AND ACIE. WE NEED A BRAD MILLER, MARCUS CAMBY, YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO THINKS ITS COOL TO GET A REBOUND…..

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

BO,

Zaza is actually one our our best rebounders this year - I wouldn’t say that Woody has “destroyed” him. Solo has shown signs of improvement this year - hopefully Woody give him more playing time going forward. Acie just needs more playing time - may not be in Woody’s plans, though.

By Blast

January 18, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

Tiger, but I don’t think Jamal Crawford is asked to carry the defensive AND offensive load Joe is called to carry day in day out. Joe is the Man over here, Jamal has never been the Man anywhere. Yeah he had stints in New York and now Golden State, but the only time we ever see or hear of him is when the Hawks play his team.

By Melvin

January 18, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this

Tiger, yes the next 13 games will be huge for the Hawks. As they are very winnable (favorable) games, just looking at the records of those teams. We need to achieve double digits wins over this strech. I agree with Blast, Crawford is not ask to carry the load for his team like JJ. JJ is ask to be the focal point on offense and guard the opposing team best perimeter player. But what make folks so puzzle with Woodson is that he will acknowledge the fact that he need to play the bench more, develop Acie and fatigue being a problem with his players and he still continue to do the same things over and over again… Is he INSANE…..

By BO......

January 18, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this

Tiger I know Zaza is one of our better rebounders. Thats the problem. hes getting what 12 - 15 min. a game, and doing that. with 7 pts 5 fouls. He used to be a 18 pt. 12 rb. per. Woodson has destoryed his confidence. Our 40 min guys can only get 7 rbs, on a good day. need a tough rebounder bad. ala camby, prysbilla, Marion, . Hey Channion Frey not playing these days. Really like David Lee.

By Tiger Woo

January 18, 2009 5:47 PM | Link to this

BO,

Zaza is actually averaging 19.4 minutes per game this year - I do agree that adding another big to the equation would be nice. Marion is too small - don’t think David Lee is available - Camby is too expensive.

By jt in dallas

January 18, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this

Oh, well. I came back to the sports page to see if there was a late-developing story on Mike Woodhead getting fired. I’ll just check back later. Wishful thinking I guess.

By woody4coy

January 18, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this

cmon guys, It is just one game. The goal for the season is 5 wins..So far, we are on track to meet that.LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE. We are still 4th and if the playoffs started today, we would have homecourt…

By Melvin

January 18, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this

And there’s evidence that at least one player read these blogs….

“There might be widespread panic on blogs and stuff like that, but that’s not the case for us,” Josh Smith said. “What we have to understand is that we’re still in a good position right now. Yeah, we’ve lost a couple of games. But you saw what the Boston Celtics did. They lost a couple of games, and you saw how they bounced back and are winning again.

By Ken Strickland

January 18, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this

TIGER WOO-the reason you want to fire Woodson at this stage of the season is so we can continue to have a winning record. At the frequency we’re starting to experience losing streaks and losing winnable gms, and with fatigue and injuries becoming more and more of a factor, we aren’t likely to continue having a winning record. To this point, Woodson has made no positive adjustments that would help the team out. That is, unless you consider making decisions that create more fatigue, further restricts bench use, becoming even more antagonistic towards our younger bench players, who we really need, and being more permissive and tolerant of the selfish, individual, ball hogging habits that’s becoming more prevalent among certain veteran players.

Woodson’s overall coaching approach, which has been heavily influenced by the fanatical Bobby Knight, his uneven treatment and attitude towards yonnger players, as apposed to veteran players, is just something else these players have to overcome to become a successful team over the course of the entire season. WHY PUT OFF UNTIL TOMORROW SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TODAY. AS A BLACK MAN, I WANTED WOODSON TO BE A SUCCESSFUL HC. AS A DIE HARD ATLANTA HAWKS FAN, I WANT HIS BUTT OUTA HERE.

By O'brien

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

Sekou mentioned an interesting stat on ajc. Last January the Hawks were 4-11, in 2006 they were 5-10 and in 2005 they were 4-11. This January, the Hawks are 2-6 (although in 2007, they were 8-7).

Why is it that the Hawks tend to struggle in January? Could it be that teams figure us out and Woody is unable to make adjustments? Or is it because JJ starts to get tired?

By rms

January 18, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this

I’ll tell you why we WILL continue to struggle….We are not as good as we thought we were. We keep refering to “lets get back to playing the way we did in the beginning of the season”. Come on man that was SIX FREAKIN’GAMES. We dont have a bench to develop. No shooters, no real defenders, not even a legit center! You can fire Woodson all you want, but the problem is our players. We have a decent starting five, but thats about it. I like AC as a pg, and maybe Solo. Murray and Evans are decent additions but thats about it. Without consistent defense and a coach that gets the most out of his players then mediocrity, here we come!!

By MannyT

January 18, 2009 10:56 PM | Link to this

Sautee Glad you remembered WUF.

There are always a few games that a coach can have a greater role in the outcome. Very good coaches tend to win most of those. Average coaches tend to give you average results. Bad coaches tend to lose most of these. Given what often happens when the Hawks come out of a timeout or start the 3rd quarter. I’ll let everyone make their own judgments on how Woody fares in coach deciding games.

The next few games could be the start of a coaching epiphany for Woody. He will have to do some things that are outside of his comfort zone to get through this patch successfully without Al & Marvin.

A Hawks fan can only hope…and bet against the WUF…hmmmm

BWAF

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 18, 2009 11:49 PM | Link to this

Well, it looks like it’s about to be too late now to complete HB Ando’s often-talked-about Marvin for Bargnani trade.

The Raptors are about to trade Jermaine O’Neal to the Heat for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, which means they intend to keep Bargnani in place as their starting center.

By uga-brave

January 19, 2009 1:55 AM | Link to this

j smoove, jeff francoeur, keith brooking.

time for all of you so called writers’ or journalists to call them out.

quit giving the home boy’s a pass.

j smove has zero low post moves.

absolutely no game with his back to the basket.

but then again he think’s he he is a two guard.

By Tiger Woo

January 19, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this

All I have to say is: 23-16.

If the Hawks REALLY fall apart and return to mediocrity, then you may have a case for firing Woody.

Now is not the time.

By Tiger Woo

January 19, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this

By Ken Strickland

January 18, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this

TIGER WOO-the reason you want to fire Woodson at this stage of the season is so we can continue to have a winning record.

Ken,

Firing Woody does not guarantee that we “continue to have a winning record”. Let’s get all of our guys back andblet this thing play out before we press the panic button.

By Tiger Woo

January 19, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this

Let’s be realistic …

If they didn’t fire Woody last season when they were 18-21 at this time, do you really think they are going to fire him when they are 23-16 at this point - the best record after 39 games in ages?

Like rms said, we aren’t the deepest team in the league - one injury can really disrupt the chemistry of our team. Besides perhaps giving Acie and Solo a little more playing time, Woody is doing his best with what we have.

Yes - we lost 3 very winnable games that I recall - the 2 Boston games and the NJ loss @ the buzzer. Neither of those losses are the result of Woody’s coaching decisions.

By Raptors fan in TO

January 19, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

Hi folks,

Happy MLK day! I’m back as always since the Raps are in town. Saw a reference to how the firing of S.Mitch up here isn’t working well —- the Raps woes have more to do with Jose Calderon’s injury than the coaching, and he is not expected to play today against your boys (even if he does, his injury has completely robbed him of his speed and mobility, as demonstrated in an ill-advised comeback attempt against Boston last week).

So I’ll be hanging around here, watching the box score, etc. during the game. I fully expect the Hawks (even without Mo Williams) to feast on Toronto’s stinky, soft, lame and non-existent perimeter defence

By doc

January 19, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

glad we have an optimistic outlook for the game even if it is from the opposing team fans.

glad to see you come around again rap.

truth to the rumor of sending JON?

By Raptors fan in TO

January 19, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this

Thanks doc! Glad to hang with real basketball fans —- unlike the Orlando forum :-) (j/k)

You mean the JON to Miami rumour? Word up here is that it is a legitimate one, but it means nothing until he is healthly again. Rumour also includes the fact that Shawn Marion is coveted by Dallas as well, and our only selling point to Marion is that he played for Bryan Colangelo in Phoenix.

I’d personally like to see us grab Bruce Bowen from San Antonio instead

By jhan

January 19, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

Tiger Woo - do you honestly believe none of those losses were because of coaching? Woody coaches us to our victories but the players are responsible for our losses?

Pull your head out of Woodys backside long enough to take a breath - you are starting to suffocate!!

By doc

January 19, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this

who wouldnt want bowen? kind of what we need. maybe artest is available too?

By Tiger Woo

January 19, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

By jhan

January 19, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

Tiger Woo - do you honestly believe none of those losses were because of coaching? Woody coaches us to our victories but the players are responsible for our losses?

jhan,

Yes, the 3 losses I mentioned (2 Boston losses, NJ buzzer beater) were not because of coaching - could have gone either way.

Jeez, you all want to blame Woody for everything - the bad economy, global warming, …

I never said Woody coaches us to our victories but the players are responsible for our losses - those are your words.

By the way, if you can’t have a civil exchange without resorting to insults when someone doesn’t agree with you, don’t bother. I’m not a Woody fan by any means, but in my opinion, firing him is not the right move right now.

Happy MLK Day !!

By doc

January 19, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

ASTRO, i assume you saw this, the latest update from ajc on the ownership dispute:

http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2009/01/18/atlantaspiritdispute.html

By terrell barron

January 19, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this

Tiger Woo, you said “besides perhaps giving Acie and Solo a little more playing time, Woody is doing the best with what we have. Wtf??? How is he doing the best with what we have, when he want play his bench players, who can actually help this team? Are you serious, or are you just trying to p** everyone off? And last year’s record is irrelevant. As a matter of fact, since you want to talk about last year, Woody knew his job was on the line, and all he could get out of this team was a 18-21 record to start the season, and a 19-24 record in the 2nd half? Whatever man. And another thing, records should improve on experience alone. Especially when it’s only 4 of 5 more wins a year. Let me ask you this, if we go 40-42, which is an improvement over last year, should Woody still be the Coach?

By tbhawksfan

January 19, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this

I had Woodson figured outby the end of his second season. I didn’t like the way he developed the young guys and no rotation and X’s and O’s.

I really like Bibby, but I don’t think he’s the right PG for the Hawks. Most wanted a scoring PG to pair with JJ and got him. I’m thinking a slashing, passing PG that could get our big athletes moving to the basket would be the ideal. JJ and Marvin would play outside in, Smoove and Horf inside.

Law could be that guy. Woodson doesn’t want to know, so we don’t get to know.

There will be many ways to improve the team before the deadline, even without moving the core of JJ, Horf, Smoove, Bibby, Marvin, Law.

But Bibby is so tradable with his $15.5M expiring and very good play. Like I said, I like him, I think that moving him, Zaza and a pick or two could move the Hawks into their prime. He’s also much older than the rest of our core, so if we realistically look to the next two or three years as the Hawks best chance at peaking. Bibby should be moved.

By Tiger Woo

January 19, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this

terrell barron,

Why is everybody so sensitive on here? I can’t offer my opinion that may not be the consensus on here without p** everyone off?

To answer your question, as I said many times on here, if the Hawks falter for the remainder of the season and end up fighting for a # 8 seed and end up with a 40-42 record, yes - Woody’s job should be in jeopardy.

As I said many times, I just don’t think now is the time to fire Woody. I don’t particularly like him, but the team is 23-16 and he deserves to continue as coach.

Now, I guess I’ll just go away since I’m upsetting the masses on here.

By terrell barron

January 19, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

In jeopardy? You mean to tell me, that if we finish with a 40-42 record, all you can say is his job should be in jeopardy? Thats almost laughable. And I was joking when I said you were p** everybody off man. You dont have to go anywhere. I like talking to Woody. lol!! You are Woody, aren’t you?

By bigdave

January 19, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

AIGHT HAWKS FANS TIME TO UNIFY AND TRY TO TO GET A WIN… CANT WAIT TO SEE HOW WE COME OUT AN PLAY TODAY, ILL BE CONSTANTLY CHECKING TO READ AND COMMENT…

LETS GO HAWKS…

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

January 19, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

Wow, What’s up to doc, MannyT, AstroJoe, Suantee, and the rest of you guys. Ya’ll let Woodrow have it on this one. I still feel the same way I felt on the last blog. I think that Woodrow has taken this squad as far as he can: 8th seed, 1st round, 7th game. It may be a little better this season, but with a tired team making it to the playoffs, what really can we expect them to do? Our goal should always be winning a championship not improving on what we did last year. Improvment is ALWAYS good, but good is not great. Would you say that Woodrow is a great coach, or a good coach doing better? I also want to say that I am going to stop thinking that we can beat teams with records that don’t match up with ours. case and point: the 76s came in with here and beat us, and from the standings I thought that we should have won that game. I think that you have to start looking at HOW a team is playing and that changes every night. Right now the 76s look good, but the next time we play them we might be on a better course as well.

By Raptors fan in TO

January 19, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

Almost game time. Who else is here?

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

January 19, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

I am at work, how do you watch the game from the PC? Let me know.

By Sautee

January 19, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this

Has anyone ever seen Tiger Woo and Realist in the same place?

Hmmmmm.. ..and both seem to be apologists for the current regime. hmmmmm. Very interesting.

By Sekou K. Smith

January 19, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this

Live game blog going up in minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Tiger Woo

January 19, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

OK - This is my final statement on here - then I’m gone to find another blog since my comments are not welcome on here:

1) I don’t really like Woody

2) I’m not an apologist for the current regime

3) The Hawks are 23-16 which isn’t too bad considering where they have been.

4) Woody deserves to finish the season

5) Some of you (not all) need to learn to respect others opinions that may not agree with yours

6) I enjoyed interacting with Doc, bigdave, and some of the other interesting guys on here

7) Time to watch the Hawks game now - maybe I’ll interact with y’all down the road in another blog - I know - don’t let the doorknob hit cha where the dog shoulda bit ya, right?

By terrell barron

January 19, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

Turnover JJ. If that was Acie……….

By Melvin

January 19, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

EJ, try the link below…

Online TV

By Sautee

January 19, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

Gee, I wonder how Josh made those two great passes to Joe, since he has no basketball I.Q.?

Must have just gotten lucky.

By Raptors fan in TO

January 19, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

Still early, but it seems you guys really miss Al Horford in the front court. Bargnani is taking advantage early on…

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

January 19, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this

I can’t get this blog to work. Its not free and i dont want to charge it to the compnay. Any other way to get the game?

By Clark Dark

January 19, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this

Go Hawks!! Keep up the good work Woody !!

Tiger Woo,

Don’t let the playa’ hatas chase you away !!

By Melvin

January 19, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this

Nothing but RESPECT for you Tiger Woo. You defend your ground well under heavy invasion….

By Sekou K. Smith

January 19, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this

New blog up!!!!!!

By Melvin

January 19, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

EJ, it’s a free site. make sure you scroll down the page and find the Hawks game and double click on the icon and allow the media player time to download. That should do it….

By bigdave

January 19, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

ill be damn… garner over acie…?

By Melvin

January 19, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

Oh my goosh. Woody put Thomas Gardner is in the game before AC. I didnt even know they had a game uniform for this guy…

By Melvin

January 19, 2009 2:41 PM | Link to this

Flip should have pass the ball ahead to Josh instead of lauching a 60 footer. B-Ball 101 in transition. You always pass the ball ahead to your teammate.

By bigdave

January 19, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

later on Woo…

flip should have made the extra pass to josh for a layup…

By Tiger Woo

January 19, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the support Melvin …

Maybe I’ll hang around a little bit longer and pi** some more folks off!! … LOL !!

By bigdave

January 19, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

SAY WHAT U WANT FOLKS… BUT IM SICK OF FLIP MURRY..

By doc

January 19, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this

tiger this is a good place to practice not taking things personally. dont go to far, dude. i’ll catch ya on the other blog as well.