Hawks

By Ed

February 11, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

Regardless of the good win for the Hawks, not playing Acie at all after his showing in games recently shows what a pitiful coach Woody is.

By rms

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

Woo Hoo!! Am I the first one??

By ray

February 11, 2009 11:08 PM | Link to this

No, ding bat, you are not. LOl….

By ray

February 11, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this

Great road win, and we go into the all-star break with an unprecedented 31 wins.

Woodson has done a good job in this game, though I think Bibby could’ve used a bit more rest. He was totally gassed in the 4th quarter, though he managed to make some plays on defense a couple of times.

Great game by Joe Johnson. Getting to the basket more than he has in the past was the start of it (and the finish). It always opens up his outside game.

Josh played under control so well all game. With three minutes left, I saw him get a rebound and start to head up the court with it. He changed his mind, handed off to Bibby, then went up the court. Dude led the team with 7 assists tonight, and only one turnover. He didn’t shoot well, but he was under control.

Horford was beasting a bit, and we could’ve gone to him more, but it’s all good. I’d like to see him get this kind of offensive attention more consistently, as I believe we can get 15 points out of him quite often. Only teams with truly dominant centers will be able to stop the tandem of him and Josh down there…and just how many of those exist out there? Apparently not too damn many, or we wouldn’t have 31 wins….

Flip was huge for us again. I’d rather have a steady one-two punch of the bench, but Flip has more than held his own by himself lately.

Acie gets no minutes tonight, after putting up great numbers against Washington. Same for Solo (no minutes). I think we can count on seeing the 8 man rotation against good teams pretty consistently. We won like that this time because the minutes were handled better. The minutes were handled better partially because Flip was playing so well. Again, a good job by Woodson, as no starter played more than 38 minutes.

If that changes (and it will in some games), then adjustments have to be made. Hopefully those adjustments will be made when they become necessary.

By ray

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

From terrell barron:

No we wont Samuel. They can keep him Sheed. We’ve got enough 3 pt shooters.

Thank you. 13 and 7.6 is all we get? No thanks. We get 14 and 6.4 from Marvin….less money, less headaches, and a career in front of him, not behind him….sheesh….

Kirk,

Got a question for you (or five questions…who’s counting?). Having seen Acie play more than anybody else around here (we’ll assume), do you think he was a bad pick for this team? Apparently other teams see some value in him, if you believe what a scout, former GM, or otherwise is saying. Should we leverage him as a useable asset to pick up something else, and what do you think that should be? Developing a reliable jumper will obviously help him to contribute to this team or any other.

I know the emphasis is to re-sign Bibby, but that may not happen. Assuming this doesn’t happen, what do you think we should do, because Flip and Acie are the only guys we’ll have to play that spot, and I think it’s clear that Flip is no pg, and is much better coming off the bench as a scorer than anything else. Should we go about trying to secure another young, talented pg…perhaps someone who is a better shooter? Or do you think we should concentrate on trying to get Acie ready? I think it takes more minutes, much more consistently than what he is getting now. Dude had a decent couple of games, but doesn’t see the floor against Detroit. This being in a game where Bibby didn’t give us very much (5 points, 4 assists, 3 turnovers) and was clearly struggling. Again, I can kinda understand as it was a tough matchup…and Woody’s still nervous about playing Acie in tight games.

But that’s never going to change by itself…

Again, this is based on the idea that Bibby is not guaranteed to be back for the next 3-5 years, despite what people think. I mean, even then we couldn’t expect him to be a 38mpg guy for that long. So we gotta do something to prep the “next guy”, whoever that is. Your opinion?

For the record, I’m all about cuttin’ bait and moving in another direction if Law isn’t the guy. There’s nothing that says he is our future, and there is no other. But if you’re going to cut bait on a lottery pick pg, then we better know which direction we’re going in. Bibby won’t live forever, and this squad, as good as they are, aren’t going to the NBA finals “as is.” You yourself said you weren’t sold on this team as a 4th seed, as I recall…

By ray

February 11, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this

Kirk,

It’s clearly good minutes management on the part of Woody, but that’s not the whole story. Why did it work? Because Flip was playing so darn well. If he was having one of his “black hole” games where he wasn’t shooting worth a crap and still chucking up shots, Woody has a choice: play Bibby and JJ more (JJ was hot, Bibby was ice cold), or play another guy off of the bench.

I know, I know. We won the game, and that’s all that matters. I agree to an extent, but how many times have we lost games the exact same way? Woody didn’t have to adjust much tonight, thanks to Flip’s sterling performance. What adjustments he did have to make were good ones. I can certainly give him credit for that, and hope to see more in the future.

Samuel,

Well we all know you don’t want Acie, but he couldn’t have looked any worse than Bibby tonight. Poor guy was really out of the game, though he did get into the passing lanes a few times (in between getting torched by Iverson 3-pointers). He did manage one more assist than he did turnovers. I kept waiting for you to saying something smarmy about him looking “washed up” and just can’t imagine why you didn’t. In fact, you didn’t mention him at all. I can’t imagine why….

Woody=honorable mention for COY

By Big Ump

February 11, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this

ED

31 and 21. There are a lot more pitiful coaches out then Woody, don’t you think so? There are a lot of teams and cities wish they were in the Hawks place right now.

By ray

February 11, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this

Najeh,

You’re right. I’m used to Woody yanking the “hot hand” guy, or leaving Flip in there even if he’s missing everything in sight…

It worked out good tonight and nobody was strained with too many minutes. Good stuff. Hope to see more…

Man, Ramon Sessions is truly a diamond in the rough. He’s been great for Milwaukee, and I’m surprised that it took Skiles this long to realize he’s better in the starting lineup than Ridnour. I guess it took Ridnour getting hurt to see it…

Of course, it helps that Sessions is playing for a coach that knows how to give a guy a consistent chance to do something. Rare around some parts…

Heh! I knew that some Woody credit would bring ol’ Red Bul…er, I mean Tiger Woo out of the woodwork!

Orlando is in trouble without Jameer Nelson. Proof once more that every team needs a solid backup pg. Orlando let that get away when they let Keyon Dooling go. And guess what? Pietrus, Lee, and Reddick are not pg, and Lue has little left to give…..let this be a warning to the wise, if wise they be…

By rms

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

Yeah Ed, whats up wit cha boy Law. I heard him all the way down here barking like a you know what cause he was locked up in the doghouse. I would like to see some consistency before I praise Woody. A couple of games is not enough for me!

By rms

February 11, 2009 11:20 PM | Link to this

LOL….real funny ray

By Anthony

February 11, 2009 11:21 PM | Link to this

I agree Ed. Did Acie do something to not get some playing time. Woody’s wearing out the same old guys. These bench guys are getting paid but it seems Woody’s scared to put em out there. No wonder we have the inconsistency on defense in games. One game were good, the next we are terrible. I think it’s the wearing down of the starters and the players getting tired of the same old coach talk from the coach. That’s why they seem to some time be going through the motions if you know what I mean. What ya’ll think?

By Show me State

February 11, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

Sitting @ 31-21 with all that’s happen up to this point(injuries), the Hawks have nothing to be ashamed about. This is a really really good thing going into the all star break and the west coast trip. So overall good job Hawks and great back to back wins. Go Hawks!!!!

By kirkinga

February 11, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

Because Flip was playing so darn well. If he was having one of his “black hole” games where he wasn’t shooting worth a crap and still chucking up shots, Woody has a choice: play Bibby and JJ more (JJ was hot, Bibby was ice cold), or play another guy off of the bench.

Um,ray you’re 100% correct ray, but I believe the primary reason for the win was the performance at the free throw line, because even though there were good shootingg nights for some, and not so good for others, the Pistons had like 5-6 more shots, plenty enough to win. But where they were outperformed the most was at the line.

But you already know what I’m going to say!

We won! That’s all that matters to me really..did we win or lose? The NBA isn;t going to award us home court because Coach Woodson decided to play Acie more, or ASG decides to fire Coach, or because of the number of minutes JJ plays, or how pretty the team plays, or how efficient they perform.

Wins and losses, that’s what’s hot, that’s what’s real, that’s the only determinative of whether or not the teams makes the playoffs and if so, what position.

Did we win? Did anyone get hurt? If the answers are “yes” and “no”, respectively, then I really could careless other than asking the same of the teams directly ahead and behind us.

I know, totally predictable, but crazy Al Davis was so very right…Just Win Baby!

Go Hawks!!

By Big Ump

February 11, 2009 11:31 PM | Link to this

RMS:

Knowing you it probably take about a 82 winning streak for you for to do that.

By kirkinga

February 11, 2009 11:31 PM | Link to this

ray, goodness, you to be honest, discussing Acie is about as pointless as talking about firing Coach Woodson, no one is going to change their mind soo.

Nonetheless, to answer your questions, no I don’t think drafting Acie was necessarily a mistake. I wanted Conley so I recognized the need for a PG.Acie was considered more ready by experts. Ironically both Conley and Law are purported to be victims of underuse.

As far as is desirability around the league, this makes sense because he’s played few minutes and many teams had him high on their draft boards just an offseason ago. So yes he has value, that’s to be expected given the circumstances.

Regarding the resigning of Bibby, I said in an earlier comment that Acie could be our starting PG next season, so my eyes are fully open despite my Bibby-luv.Should it come to that, I will be pulling for Acie.

I believe he will be a serviceable #1, but the Hawks will not be a better team subbing Acie for Bibby.As far as developing, I have to go with Coach Woodson on this one. What we’re doing now is working now. There’s no guarantee Bibby will be back so the window could be closing and so no, I don;t support giving :developmental minutes” to Acie, or Solo if that jeopardizes what’s working right now.

Listen, let me boil it down. The Hawks are winning. They are trying for their first winning season in a decade and so far doing a great job(by most rational standards).I don’t know if Bibby is coming back so I’m riding this puppy..as is..all the way to the end. Next year is next year. I’m trying to win the next game!

Playing Acie Law is not going to cause the Hawks to overtake the Magic, Celts, or Cavs, so he’s not a priority. He might have an entire camp to mesh with the team, but not right now while we’re winning.

Call it the Bobby Cox, Joe Tree theory of win now and win with your horses and never go away from what’s working until it’s absolutely proven to you that you must do so.Ride your horses and keep riding. If the young ones are good, then they’ll show it when their time comes.

Lastly, I have never advocated trading Acie unless part of a deal for Amare.I keep him around as insurance and next season we get to hear how “it’s all Woodson’s fault for not playing him more before”…lol!

Hope I answered them all.

Go Hawks!!

By richbrave

February 11, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

doc:

Oh yeah. Fine as frog hair. No problemo re: those nasty play suits of D.C.’s.

cp:

Sure you don’t post up on the “WIZARDS INSIDER.”? Many WIZ fans with the same perspective. McGEE is lost one minute, throws down 18 the next. Typical rookie stuff. I really think they want THABEET from CONNECTICUT and then plan to move McGEE to the #4 while losing BLATCHE and JAMISON. But that’s just me.

By Ariose

February 11, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this

Orlando WILL come back down to earth without Jameer…We can still catch them..

Unlike the 07-08 season, this season had mainly “Same confrence” matchups during the first half of the season. Now we’ll seperate the men from the boys. Everybody East is going West and everybody West is coming East. Something tells me that if we are who we thought we were, we’re going to see a significant gap between the fourth seed and the 5-8 seeds when April hits.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By doc

February 11, 2009 11:38 PM | Link to this

for a short break from our diversion here from the real world:

http://msunderestimated.com/SNLBailoutSkit.wmv

kirk, this is not about winners.

By rms

February 11, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this

the problem is that this team is too inconsistent. Everybodys happy now because we won (and thats good). We should be happy! The problem is that we look good one game and come out the next few games with no energy and the same scheme. If somebody’s not hot or dont match up well go to another guy. Sitll like I said, until I see some consistency and the guys upstairs or GM make a decision on Bibby then I will let up off Woody. Until then……

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 11, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this

I have no problem with Acie not getting minutes if the starters are not being overworked and the team is playing with energy. It’s when Bibby and Joe are going over 40 minutes a game and looking tired that I think it’s inexcusable not to give Acie some burn. Tonight’s minutes distribution was fine with me, although it would have been nice to see the Hawks carry some momentum into the 4th and put the game away with 7 or 8 minutes to go so that the starters could have sat the last few minutes.

By rms

February 11, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this

Big Ump: 81 game win streak will do!! he he

By doc

February 11, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this

for a short break from our diversion here from the real world:

http://msunderestimated.com/SNLBailoutSkit.wmv

kirk, this is not about winners.

By RLP

February 11, 2009 11:49 PM | Link to this

Not only was it a great win but it was nice to see JJ and the rest of the team play with confidence. The Hawks now have as many road wins as all of last season. It is looking more and more like this is a breakout year for the team. They may finally have come all the way back from the 13 win year to a year with a winning record.

I have read all of the criticism of this team because they do not have what it takes to become an elite team. They may never get there. What it takes is either luck or money. Cleveland got lucky to get Lebron. The Magic got lucky to get Superman. The Celtics and Lakers have money. It staggers my mind for a team to lose someone with the talent of Bynum and replace him with someone with the talent of Lamar Odum. Consistently, year after year the Lakers get the talent they need. But it is not just about money. They have a world class coach and great talent evaluators. If it were just about money I suspect the Knicks would also be in the elite class year by year. The Celtics went out and got great talent. But I do not put them in the same class as the Lakers. The Lakers simply have the best organization in the league. So we bloggers can talk about the trades that would make the Hawks an elite team all we want to but unless we get lucky we may never get there. Of course there is another way to build an elite organization.I think the current PIstons team is ending a long run as an elite team. But they built an elite team without getting lucky in the draft of without having the money the Lakers have. What they do have is Joe Dumars who built an elite organization. I would put my money on him rebuilding the team again. And I will acknowledge that his last move did not work out so great.

The Hawks have SOME of the elements that COULD allow them to build an elite team. I am really enjoying the team they have right now. I don’t care if Acie plays or not. When the team is winning I do not understand why some bloggers complain about Acie’s lack of minutes. If he is as talented as they claim he will definitely be in the mix for the future elite team. But the starting five are amongst the best in the east. Right now Flip is providing the points needed off the bench. Za Za provides minutes for the front court. In the long run we need a larger front court and will need a replacement for Bibby. But for this year let’s see how far this team will take us. A fourth seed would be wonderful. A fifth seed would not be as great and anything less will not give us much chance to go beyond the first round. But during the last four years there was no discussion of getting a home court advantage. On and one more thing - a sixth seed against Orlando without Nelson could allow an advance.

Finally, The Hawks start the second half of the season with a five game west coast road stretch. This is a critical group of games. What will the team’s won lost record be for the trip? They should beat Sacramento but have no other “easy” games. They really need to win that one and steal a win somewhere else. I think they have a shot in three of the four. And the fourth one - the Lakers - may be the one that will tell the most about the team. It sucks that the Sacramento game is the second game after the Lakers and is back to back with the Laker’s. But we do have all of our pieces back and after the road trip we do have a seven game home stand in March. But there are tougher teams than during our breakout eight game home stand. We have a lot to look forward to in the next few weeks.

By Harry Hawk

February 11, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this

kirkinga,

Mike Woodson doesn’t have Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz. His horses are not Hall of Fame-caliber. Besides, didn’t Bobby used to give young guys playing time via platoons? Of course he did. How the hell else is a young guy (Acie) going to get his feet wet in the pros if he doesn’t know what’s expected of him? The fact is that Acie Law is a good basketball player. He can help the Hawks win. In fact, he will have to help the Hawks the rest of the way.

As a Braves fan, you know the kind of havoc that injuries can wreak on a club. If Bibby goes down for a couple of weeks, Acie’s going to have to carry the load. If he is forced to try to gain familiarity with his own teammates during that process, he will have a hard time being successful. I think of increased playing time for Acie as a wholly good thing. A young player gets better, more comfortable, and more confident in his game. The players around him learn to trust his game and play off of him.

In short, the “Free Acie” movement on this blog is all about making the team deeper and, more importantly, better.

By rms

February 11, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this

Good point kirkinga AC probably will be our starting point guard next season. Its just that maybe Woody realizes that and will try to ride this thing out as to see how far they will go. You’re right, (now that I think about it) the window is closing, Bibby may not be back, who knows whats up with JJ and Marvin, so in a year or so this team could have a totally new makeup so he dont want to be experimenting with young guys and loose that 4th seed. I see your point! Still hate Woody though!!!!!!

By Don

February 12, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this

And that included a career-high 29 points against Charlotte last week.

No. 29 is not Marvins career high

By The Truth

February 12, 2009 12:40 AM | Link to this

Kudos to the Hawks for a nice road win. I’ll even give a rare shout-out to Woody for staying with his hot-hands late in the game. However, just to be picky, I thought the Mo/Prince match up was illogical. Woody was a bit late to substitute on the ISO Prince which cost us some points. But, as I said, I’m really being picky. Overall, I thought the Hawks were focused and played inspired ball especially on offense. We had a nice scoring balance which opened up the floor for JJ who played lights-out along with Flip. I am impressed with the emerging chemistry of the team. At least for this game, they all seem to know their role. However, the lapse on defense and offensive rebounding is still apparent. I know he is still recovering, but clearly Horford isn’t having the rebounding performance he had last year. So our rebounding is done by committee with Marvin leading the way (for this game). Yes we beat the Pistons but I also notice some Pistons coaching errors for not having Rasheed in the game late. The absence of Rasheed was apparent on offense along with a fatigue factor in the 4th quarter from their shorten rotation. (That Iverson turn-over late in the game was an example of fatigue.) The Detroit coaching move to bench Rasheed may be a sign of a trade in the wind involving him.

The strategy for the upcoming road games should be .500 or better. If that happen, then we can maintain some distance for the 4th seed. But the second half will not be anything like the first. Wins will be much harder to come by even at home. But I must admit, this team mind set seems to be in the right place for such a run.

By Ryder

February 12, 2009 12:42 AM | Link to this

richbrave The Wizards’ best trade asset at this juncture is Caron Butler, since Grunfeld will have to open up salary cap room due to the stupid signing of Arenas he’ll now have to give up someone to get cap relief and young players to rebuild with. Thabeet would be ok but the Wiz’s biggest problem will always be Arenas.

The issue with Acie getting consistent playing time is because his style of play doesn’t suit with what Woodson coaches. Acie Law is a guy who would be perfect in Jerry Sloan’s pick-and-roll offense but that isn’t something Atlanta likes to run. I think if Woodson coached the bench players to their strengths we would see less of a reliance to have all starters play heavy minutes during this time of the season.

I just hope that Woodson will allow the bench guys to get some PT during this West Coast trip and not slip back into the old playoff mode of only allowing seven guys to see the floor.

That said, I am happy with the direction the Hawks are headed going into the All-Star break. They have taken the next step in winning games with a composure that didn’t develop until late last season. The chemistry of having Bibby here for a full season was severely underrated by the media and now the Hawks are sitting at fourth place.

I see Atlanta beating Sacramento, Portland and Utah during this upcoming West Coast swing.

By rms

February 12, 2009 12:48 AM | Link to this

what are you looking at??

By Big Ump

February 12, 2009 1:00 AM | Link to this

rms

81 won’t do for you. If it’s not 82 you still will be complaining and whining like always.

By CB

February 12, 2009 1:10 AM | Link to this

SEKOU, Do you think the Hawks are missing Josh Childress? I believe Mo and Flip put him to shame

By Ed

February 12, 2009 1:28 AM | Link to this

Let me correct my comment on Woody being pitiful…that’s a bad choice of words. My feeling is most any coach could do this well with the talent on this team. I just totally disagree with Woody not developing young guys we have drafted that have shown real talent. It’s a long year and if we are serious about making a run in the playoffs, we can’t run our starters in the ground.

By kirkinga

February 12, 2009 2:13 AM | Link to this

Harry Hawk, Bobby follows that with whoever, noy just the Cy Youngers (see: Boyer, Blaine; Acosta, Manny). Bobby is going to ride certain guys he trust, everyday and he will keep others planted firmly on the bench, even though could give rest or “be developed”.

Can you imagine Cox saying, “well Maddux is a free agent next season and I don’t know if he’ll be back, so let me bring up the hot prospect and we’ll go to a 6-man rotation, so that way he’ll get some development and we can rest the others starters too”. Now do you think there would be some intense scrutiny of Cox for doing that? I mean Cox has the stature he might be able to get away with it, Woodson doesn’t have such security.

Now Can you imagine Coach Smith deciding that since Matt Ryan was playing every snap, he would start playing DJ Shockley more . Yes, in the middle of a turn around season, with a chance not only at making the playoffs, but winning the division, the Head Coach decides he going to allot developmental minutes a back up QB, so we keep Matt fresh and see what DJ can do!

You think he’d still be Coach Of The Year ? You think he’d still be employed?

Can you imagine a NHL Head Coach taking out a goalie who is hot and the team is winning, so the back up guy can be developed?

What people are asking Coach Woodson to do with Acie Law given the way the season has gone , is the same as the above scenarios. No matter what the sport, it’s not a good idea to get away from what’s working.

And Coach Woodson should be fired if he coached as if he was going to lose Bibby anyway so he’d just assume play Acie Law.

Um, yeah.DFWI!

Go Hawks!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 12, 2009 2:52 AM | Link to this

Kirk, those are fundamentally different scenarios you mentioned from what the Hawks have. In football the quarterback playing every snap is the norm. In baseball a starting pitcher pitching every five days is the norm. Matt Ryan taking every snap and Greg Maddux pitching every five days falls in line with what football teams and baseball teams universally do. Basketball teams do not universally play their veteran starter 35+ minutes a game while burying the talented young backup on the bench. The nature of the game of basketball is completely different from those two sports. Even the league’s elite teams have found a way for players like Jordan Farmar, Rajon Rondo, Anderson Varejao, and Glen Davis to become consistent contributors despite initially having much more accomplished veterans ahead of them on the depth chart. Nobody is asking for Bibby and Law to equally split the minutes at point guard. But in games when Bibby and Joe Johnson are clearly not 100%, or in games when Flip Murray is off, it makes no sense not to bring in Acie to see if he can contribute.

By TheAntiMe

February 12, 2009 3:01 AM | Link to this

Woo hoo, another hot streak! It does appear, at least for the rest of this season, that we are going to have to be ready for the cold streaks, as well.

The Hawks roster in it’s current state is predisposed to streaky play as they obviously do not have the depth of the Lakers and Celtics of the world. The good news is that this team is, potentially, just a solid player or three away from being able to keep the consecutive loss streaks to a minimum.

The exciting thing is that the Hawks are slowly but surely turning the corner as a franchise and each year should only bring improvement - the wild card being the ASG ownership and just how much financial support they are willing to throw behind their rising young roundball team. The sooner the Hawks management can get just a few things accomplished the sooner they can start residing in the penthouse with the NBA elite:

1) Acquire a true center along the lines of someone like Emeka Okafor or Andris Biedrins so that Al Horford can move to his natural position of PF.

2) Draft a good defensive player who can come in and give the Hawks quality minutes from the start.

3) I’m not sure how many more years, if any, he has remaining on his current contract, but the Hawks need to find a way to dispose of Speedy Claxton’s contract to free up a roster spot, as well as cap space.

4) Sign another free agent or two as they did last offseason with Flip Murray and Maurice Evans, who can come off of the bench on any given night and score 15-20 points when one of the starters is in foul trouble or injured.

By dap01

February 12, 2009 7:27 AM | Link to this

Woody plays for the current game only, he never has a master plan (or even an offense). If you can not hit an outside shot that requires coaching and leadership, you are not his STYLE.

I hope Sund does not get caught up in that mindset and continues to build for the long run. We need a more balanced roster and we need a coach who will coach to the team that we have. Let the players run.

By richbrave

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

RYDER:

ARENAS = CANCER and POISON.

By AJW

February 12, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this

Great Exciting game last night. Zaza was a strong presence last night. Josh’s shot looked awful, but his defense was good.

The East is no longer the least. when you look at the standings, the West’s losing teams records are much worse than the worst in the East. So what this tells me is the western conference good teams are getting more easy wins. I think the Hawks will get 3 of 5 on this road trip, one of those will be upsetting the Lakers. I would be satisfied going 1 of 5 as long as they beat the Lakers.

By Greg

February 12, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this

I like Mike Woodson as a coach, but I think we are doing ourselves a great injustice when we do not go 10 deep. Solo and Acie have proven they could play 10 to 15 minutes a night without jepordizing the outcome of the game. I personally think with with Zaza Mo and Flip on the floor they cover any mistakes those guys can make.

By rms

February 12, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

Big Ump Dang man, I didnt think I complain that much especially compared to some of these long drawn out statements you see on here whether its good or bad. Then again, maybe I do. Oh well…. So be it!! 82 game winning streak it is!!

By I MUS WRITE

February 12, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this

Sum of yall are gonna run this Acie thing in the ground. Agreed that he deserves more time, but you cant pull a hot handed flip just to get him minutes ….rediculous

Solo was where he should have been last night -next to Speedy. With the game being that close and home court in the playoffs on the line…Im fine with the 8 man rotation.

Pull Flip for Acie…..Jeezuz man -Last season X would snatch a hot hand in a minute but i guess he’s changing his stripes ….and still they bytch on- WOW

Maxiell is a monster in the paint - Off the rebound dude looks 2 6’10 players in the face , takes off, makes a sandwich and put ZAZA on sports center. I sure wish we could have gotten him instead of Shellhead. Is he still in the league…if so probably not for long. Officer Ray put the gun down!!!!

By Clyde

February 12, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

FIRE WOODY

12 National Championships!!

By 404atlhoops

February 12, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

AJW, I agree with your comments about the east. The west is still the stronger of the two conferences but the east has closed the gap. The Lakers with a healthy Bynum are the only elite team out west and are pretty much on a level by themselves. You might could consider the Spurs. With the exception of the Lakers, the top four in the east (Hawks included)can compete with any of the western conference teams in a seven game series.

As for last night’s game, it was a good win for the Hawks. Murray was the difference but Johnson carried the Hawks. It wasn’t the number of points Johnson scored but it was how he scored them. Johnson was 10-16 and everything was going toward the basket even when he pulled up for a midrange jumper.

By JM

February 12, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this

Good win. JJ looked rested and Smoove was impressive in the post when he made a move as soon as he received the ball. He just too quick when he does that - when he holds the ball or dribbles to much, he’s less effective. Al got going after two bad plays early (he was pushed out to the line and forced up some ugly shots). It seems that when JJ going, Marvin is not. Marvin has been playing well as of late though. As far as the road trip, the Hawks seem to play up to competition, so hopefully we can steal one from LA. Go Hawks.

By dap01

February 12, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

SEKOU: What are the chances the Hawks could look to get one of the BIGS that may be available by the deadline?

Dalembert, Chandler, Camby, other?

By BrittishAnger

February 12, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

This was beautiful, far more engaging than the atrocious 2nd half of UNC v. Duke, but that’s for other boards and another time…

While I might feel a bit disappointed not seeing Acie get any minutes last night, I do still consider him as a third string option. While he puts in good minutes and makes plays happen, he doesn’t show the prowess for the position that Bibby does, and he really only gets minutes in mismatch situations, when you can run a small guard setup and let Flip break ankles at SG. The thing about last nights win to really carry away, the last two wins really, is that when this team is at 100% capacity and on the same page, there isn’t much you can do about it. For any shortcomings Woodson has shown this season, this team has filled in those gaps marvelously when they’re synchronized and focused on what each player has to do. Sekou is right about this team when when we’re on the positive edge of the bipolar night-train, were beastly because of the mismatches we create in this semi-Duke, semi-D’Antoni, semi Pittsburgh Steelers rotation Woodson has been trying to concoct for the last few years.

Generally I would rant about the big man thing, but I don’t think I need to for once…I haven’t checked the rebound numbers for the game last night, but we weren’t demolished on the offensive glass like the Clips did to us. My only message to our bigs is go watch a few rebounding clinic videos, take notes on positioning, and if you aren’t going to control the ball on the way down and smack it out, know who you’re smacking it to. I swear if Horford stayed solid in the center and Josh just crept around filling in gaps where Marvin isn’t, we’d rarely get beaten on the boards…just something to ponder…GO HAWKS….I’m proud of you…this ain’t ovah….

By Astro Joe

February 12, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

Early in the 4th quarter, Pistons started making a little comeback and Woody kept JJ on the bench. I was pleasantly stunned. Joe came back in with a little less than 8 minutes left in the game, he got a solid rest to finish out the game.

I think Ray is right, Woody will likely employ an 8-man line-up against the better teams, especially on the road. I have no issues with that. I’d rather have a coach who makes adjustments based on the situation than one who never deviates from his script. Woody does a little of both. Marvin stroked a 3-ball early in the 1st quarter that was nothing but net. A few possessions later, ref calls an off-the-ball foul and Marvin shoots another 3-ball that hits bottom (although it was essentially a practice shot). I’m thinking to myself “Marvin has his shooting stroke tonight”. Literally seconds later, Woody pulls Marvin for Evans (as always with around 5-6 minutes left in the 1st quarter). Next few possessions, Tayshaun abuses Evans in the low post and Hawks give up early lead. I’m ready to find my Woody Voodoo doll that I stored away last season. But it all ended well (this time).

Congrats to all of our All-Star weekend participants. We will appear to be relevant during this weekend’s festivities. Finally!

By ILL-logical

February 12, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this

Some spring(ALL-Star)break suggestions for the Hawks:

Josh. Relax, no chillax. Get your rest for your body and mind. You are much,much better player and teamate when you let the game come to you so quit worrying about performing up to anyone’s expectations and just win.PS. Check out Mark Prices’ spot when you get back and watch the vidios of your shooting form this season versus last. You might just learn something.

Coach Woodson.After you enjoy that well earned family time (and fund the collage funds of your golf buddies children)spend some thinking about how you can lead this team down the stretch and into the playoffs. What changes would have a positive effect on the play and morale of the team? PS. Why not get Antonio Davis to come in and work with Randolph and Solo,even if it comes out of your pocket(come on ,you played 12 years in the NBA;coached 4 years prior to this; and you don’t have alimony payments)

It is not a slap at Tyrone’s work but letting those guys know you haven’t forgotten them while you continue to keep this year’s success on a game by game basis.Oh, and congratulations for the teams progress this year!

By Astro Joe

February 12, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

I’m still prediciting that Horford and his sophomore teammates will get the beat down against the rookies this weekend.

By Da Real Real

February 12, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this

Maybe the AJC should come up with a blog dedicated to Woody not playing Acie. Its almost like no matter what that every Hawks blog turns into a “fire Woody” blog or a “Acie didn’t play enough” blog.

Anybody looking at the game last night could clearly see that Law wasn’t going to get many minutes with Flip playing the way he was. Woody hasn’t changed from that all year and I wouldn’t look for that to change anytime soon. Woody obviously likes to go with the vets in games he feels is important and that’s probably something that’s not going to change anytime soon.

As for what you were talking about Sekou about a possible first round preview. When I was watching this game I thought back to when and how the Hawks play against the Celtics. When the Hawks play against the C’s they play like they know that they can “hang” with the C’s. The last two times the Hawks played the Pistons they didn’t play to hang with the Pistons…they played knowing that they could BEAT the Pistons. Two different types of confidences to play with I guess. I think these Hawks know that they can beat Pistons and I like that confidence. If this is a first round preview then I definitely like the Hawks chances against Detroit, but like you said. There’s still a long way to go and we have to hold our position or even better gain another position.

By cp

February 12, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

I dont think anyone said Law should have been put in for Flip. If anything it should have been Law and flip on the court together. I’m sorry but I’m just not feeling Evans. Astro Joe brought up a point I made on the last blog during the game. Marvin came out hot and Woody still pulled him for Evans. As soon as Evans entered the game the Pistons went directly at him and scorched him defensively. Evans is not the defensive player he was hyped up to be. Woody has to stop pulling Marvin so quickly if he comes out hot. Marvin played well last night but wasn’t the same after he got yanked. I wouldn’t be shocked if we went only 8 deep for most of the second half of the season. It could hurt us come playoff time who knows. I just don’t like when the young guys cant get any burn even if the vets playing in front of them are not producing in that particular game.

richbrave I don’t think McGee is a 4 but then again next to a big time shot blocker like the kid out of UConn might not be a bad look. I just think at this point the Wizards have nothing to lose so you might as well let Critt and McGee start and get all the experience they can. I still don’t understand giving Arenas that big contract. I would keep Butler over Jamison but financially I guess it would be easier to move Butler,I need to check the salaries and years left on their contracts.

By ray

February 12, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

Kirk,

ray, goodness, you to be honest, discussing Acie is about as pointless as talking about firing Coach Woodson, no one is going to change their mind soo.

You’re right. Discussing Acie Law with you has proven to be absolutely pointless. I didn’t want to revisit old arguments, or try and change your mind, or whatever else you were thinking I was trying to do (I can only guess). I was looking for new perspective on the type of player Law is, since you watched him a lot more out there in Houston, than I’m sure I ever did. I was looking for a second, and more informed opinion. I was also looking for your thoughts on what to do with him as far as the future was concerned. Oh well, perhaps I’ll have better luck elsewhere. But thanks for taking a stab anyway! :)

By ray

February 12, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this

IMUS,

I don’t think anybody in their right mind wants Flip taken out when he’s that hot. I know I don’t. Makes no sense. Dude was hotter than hot, and I like him in that role: scorer off the bench. That’s his role. And he’s been good at it more often than not. Make him play the role of backup pg, and he stumbles…

I’d love to have Maxiell. Shellhead is nothing but a bad memory now. He can’t break into the rotation in Sactown either, which tells me something. Those who supported him are very quiet right about now.

CP,

What kills me is all the exaggerations. You say that Law should get 15mpg maybe 20 if the conditions are right (Bibby needs rest or is having a bad game, we’re blowing a team out, etc) and suddenly it turns into the usual ridiculous retorts: “You guys are asking for Law to replace Bibby in the starting lineup”, “You guys are saying Law should get Flip’s minutes”, and so forth…

To hell with it. After all, we don’t need to mess with this championship run we’re on….

By ray

February 12, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this

Da Real Real,

If it isn’t one subject, it’s another. Don’t worry. The weather will change soon. You think things are repetitive? You had two straight sentences that ended with “to change anytime soon.” See? It’s an epidemic! Lol…

Astro Joe,

Careful when criticizing something Woody does. You’ll be accused of calling for his firing, regardless of what you actually said. By the way, I’m looking forward to the rook/soph game. The rooks are dangerous…just for the fun of it, I’ll take the Sophs as underdogs, and say they will win. You get the bragging rights if you’re right. :)

Looking forward to the all-star festivities…

By cp

February 12, 2009 12:34 PM | Link to this

lol ray trust me I feel where you’re coming from. I said in one blog that if you bring up Law should get consistent minutes it somehow turns into you thinking Law is going to be a superstar. Law would be the first superstar ever to average only 15 to 20 minutes per game. Ive seen people say Law should play with Flip with Law handling the ball and Flip scoring. Ive seen people say that if Bibby and Flip is struggling why not see what Law can do. Somehow every time someone brings that up it always gets twisted into something the person never said. Who said take a hot Flip out to play Law? Who said take a hot Bibby out to play Law? I have not seen it.

The rookie/soph game will be a good one. The rookies have big men. I think Horford is the only big for the soph this year. I would not be shocked if the rookies did pull this one out.. Im going to go with J.R. Smith in the dunk contest. I like Dwight but for some reason I think Smith wins it this year. Kapono will probably win the 3 point contest. I have no idea who wins the H.O.R.S.E. game or the skills competition.

By ray

February 12, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this

CP,

You and Astro Joe could be right. I’m just playing devil’s advocate. I have no idea who is in the H.O.R.S.E game other than Joe, and I couldn’t guess the skills competition either. Don’t play a game of HORSE with either Iverson or Ginobilli, though. Those guys should be the stars of Mission Impossible IV, instead of Tom Cruise and Co, lol!

J.R. in the dunk contest huh? I love watching the dunk contest. Dwight doesn’t keep his crown unless he comes up with some truly imaginative stuff.

By terrell barron

February 12, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

AJW, upsetting the Lakers? Damn, I hope Kobe isn’t reading this. lol!!

By HAWKS 101

February 12, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this

Good job coach Woodson. Now lets see if we can trade Acie Law.He is garbage. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 12, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

The other HORSE contestants are Kevin Durant and OJ Mayo.

By Daniel

February 12, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

What a great win last night. I want to agree with a couple of posts, and say that I was most impressed with the way Josh played last night. He played under control. Josh keep it up and your usual great defense and you are well on your way to All-Star status.

Here we are at the break with 31 wins. With all the injuries that this team has endured I am very impressed. I only hope that the guys take the kind of undercontrol offense and stifiling defense that they showed last night into the last 30. No more of those SLOW starts, please.

Still hoping Sund makes a move to get another bench big. Would love to see Diop.

By ray

February 12, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

Daniel,

Agree with everything you said…

By Ariose

February 12, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

We HAVE ENOUGH bench bigs. We just need to play them. I’m fairly certain that anything Diop can do Randolph Morris can do better.

I just read a trade article on ESPN.com that called law a botched lottery pick. I was so p** off about it.

Boris Diaw(Actually, he really did suck at the time), Salim Stoudamire, Solomon Jones, Acie Law, Randolph Morris: These guys don’t suck, theit just bing shackled to the bench, held back for no reason.

Now all of a sudden Stuckey is beter than Law? How can you make that assumption when he gets no PT You don’t know what he can do? It’s the same thing I would say when people used to dogg Stoudamire.

I bet if you put Randolph with the Celtics he’d look pretty damn goood. It’s not the players(Where hav I heard THAT before).

~Sir Links A Lot~

By ray

February 12, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

Thanks, ‘Poop

By GREAT

February 12, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this

SEKOU K SMITH MARVIN WILLIAMS CAREER HIGH IS NOT 29 POINTS ITS 33 POINTS AGAINST KEVIN DURANT SONICS LAST YEAR IN WASHINGTON MAN SEKOU IM NOT THAT BIG FAN OF HAWKS LIKE U BUT DAMN U SHOULD DO UR HOMEWORK.

By JM

February 12, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this

The Suns are desperate to trade Amare. Sund should put his hand in. Maybe we can get Stoudemire for the cheap.

(http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-sunstrades021109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

By Cedric

February 12, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

Good finish to the first half of the season Hawks. I think FlipMo got their swagger back coming off the bench and giving us that 1-2 punch and also the starting 5 is looking like they got their legs back under them also. I think over the break it is key to see who will work on their individual weaknesses that have been hurting them the most coming down the stretch b4 the break. Our team has struggled a bit to be consistent on the charity stripe and hopefully they work on that to get that squared away. Going into the West Coast swing of the schedule I hope we come out like gang busters and attack teams on the wings and out on the break to play similar to the West Coast squads. When we attack teams we are at our best so go Hawks and I look forward to seeing our stars represent at the All Star festivities.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 12, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this

Somewhat lost in the Amare trade rumors is the fact that there are other players in the league who can be had in trades as well. In Bill Simmons’ NBA Trade Value column today, he proposes this trade:

Butler, Juan Dixon and Darius Songaila’s crappy contract to Atlanta for Marvin Williams, Speedy Claxton’s not-quite-as-crappy contract, Acie Law and a future No. 1

Keep in mind this is nothing more than Bill Simmons’ imagination talking, but once you get past that… this deal actually looks pretty decent to me. We get rid of Speedy, Songaila’s contract is actually not that bad ($4.5 million this year and the next two, so basically he would replace Zaza in the rotation and on the payroll after this season), I’m assuming the future #1 would be lottery protected, and not only would Caron Butler be a clear upgrade over Marvin Williams but he also gets paid a pretty reasonable deal for his skills and never again would Joe Johnson or Josh Smith have to guard the opponent’s best perimeter player. Being the Acie fan that I am, giving him up for Juan Dixon (who is basically a taller Salim Stoudamire) kinda sucks, but I would be cool with that if it’s what it takes to get the deal done. Financially it’s more or less a wash — Butler gets paid an average of $9.5 million this year and the next two, which is probably only slightly higher than what Marvin would get as a restricted free agent this offseason, and Dixon has an expiring contract which could then be flipped along with Zaza (who would be replaced by Songaila) for another piece, preferably a big man, who could help the Hawks in the stretch run and the playoffs this year.

It’s at least worth looking into for the Hawks, I think…

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 12, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

Also, some pretty funny stuff in that article about Josh Smith’s love for the 3-ball…

By Melvin

February 12, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

31-21 I will take it… Although, I think we could have had 35 wins at this point just as well…. But all things consider, I’m happy with the team progress this season… GO HAWKS….

By otrhawksfan

February 12, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

this is the nba not the ncaa!! I would like acie and solo to play more but if there is no foul trouble in the front court solo is not coming off the bench! the coach should stick with zaza,flip, and maurice .If acie comes in the game and take control he would be on the court more. It would be nice to see how he does in practice and in shoot-around to see how deals with the dnp’s.How about just keeping whats going good staying that way and if situations allow for solo and acie to play in meaningful moments pray they give it there all.

Go Hawks!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ant banks

February 12, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this

there is a log jam at spots 5, 6, 7 all of the teams have 27 wins. the 5 spot is a toss up as far as who we will play.

i think that the hawks/miami 1st rnd playoff series would be a “sexier” match up. that would bring the media and stars out, playoff atmosphere similar to boston series. the series would probably go to the hawks in 6 games.

hawks/detroit match up is a blue collar match-up. there is nothin’ “sexy” about. the series would probably go the the hawks in 6 games.

hawks/philly match up isn’t “sexy” at all. i am not sure that i would purchase tix to this match up.

thoughts?

By Astro Joe

February 12, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

Najeh, I enjoyed the Simmons piece. Here’s what some don’t realize about trading Speedy, the owners will lose money on virtually any trade involving Speedy. He makes around $5.5M with 80% of that paid by insurance. So owners are paying a net amount of $1.1M for him. If you trade him, you going to get back a player with a net salary closer to the full $5.5M. This cash-strapped ownership group is not likely looking to increase out-of-pocket expenses by $4M. Here’s another way to view it, Speedy’s insurance checks are paying the combined salaries of Mo ($2.5M) and Flip ($1.5M). Keep the little guy in the suit right there a few seats down from Woody. He doesn’t need to go anyplace else. Speedy is more valauble to the team in street clothes than in a basketball uniform (if he plays xx number of games, the insurance payments stop).

(By the way, Portland has the identical issue with LaFrentz, but his contract is around $12M I think. His insurance checks are worth almost $10M to Paul Allen. And, he has an expiring contract. That’s why I think they will only trade LaFrentz for a guy who will be a top 3 player on that team. His contract is an ultra-valuable trading chip).

By jhan

February 12, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

Kirk - I never thought anyone would write the Hawks won a game because of free throw shooting & actually mean it! LOL

I like how Woody kept substituting for Josh down the stretch. I’ll give our coach credit for that. Nice move at a critical time.

We’ll just have to disagree about bench development & players minutes. I can’t really moan about much right now because we are winning.

I, like you, am most concerned with wins. As long as we keep winning then ultimately I’ll be happy. I do tend to look more long term, but for now I’ll just be happy I’m spending my hard earned money on a team that is winning.

I really liked how the team took turns running plays for everyone last night. Al/Josh had plenty of looks on the block. Marvin had several plays run for him on the wing & on the block. Joe was Joe last night (finally). Bibby couldn’t shoot or cover AI but he helped facilitate for others.

Hopefully this is a permanent change in Woody’s play calling philosophy. Maybe he is finally starting to listen to his assistants. You have to believe they told him if we continue to only run “iso Joe & Bibby” teams will shut us down in the playoffs.

Whatever the reason I’m glad for the change. Here’s hoping this is just the beginning.

By Ariose

February 12, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this

Poop, Salim can actually shoot…..you should know better….

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Ariose

February 12, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

Dixon shoots no better than speedy….

Sir Links A Lot

By JM

February 12, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this

Butler is a good player but no way would I make that move. Hawks would be giving up too much unless you think Marvin won’t get any better.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 12, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this

AJ, I didn’t know about the insurance thing… that certainly changes things from the ownership perspective, although it’s still a deal I would do from a strictly on the court standpoint.

By Astro Joe

February 12, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this

Najeh, agreed. I’d have no problem with that as a pure basketball move.

By MannyT

February 12, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this

Enjoy the roller coaster!!!!!!!

I think some folks take the fun of the roller coaster/bipolar balers for granted. If we were the Spurs, we could look at them like a sports metronome. With remarkable consistency they win about 70% of their games. They rarely lose to bad teams when they are healthy. It is very predictable. Now folks like winning predictability, but let’s be real…one of the best things about the old Hawks was that no lead was safe. With these new Hawks, they are rarely out of a game even though they are likely to start the game halfway through the first quarter.

For all the worries and blog chatter, this is the best record we have had this century. In addition, the team still has that old NASCAR, we might get into a wreck mentality, almost every game.

While you may not want to admit it, this team is uniquely entertaining in its own odd way. Enjoy it while you can. You never know when a youth movement might swap a Wilkins (or Bibby) for a Manning (or JR Rider)

…and doc I missed out on my predatory loans to get my multi-million dollar house with no money down. But, I’m off to get some payday loans so I can flip foreclosed houses and become more attractive to the stimulus package folks ;-)

BWAF

By ant banks

February 12, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this

can we catch orlando for the 3rd spot? they have lost jameer nelson and have scrambled to find a replacement.

with this west coast swing, i am not sure that we can make up 7games to take over 3rd seed.

By coloradoaggie

February 12, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this

Please trade Acie! I followed Acie through his time at TAMU and, believe me, his skills and leadership are being totally wasted there at Atlanta. When he was leading the A&M team - things happened. Whether he was making the last second clutch shot or he was driving and kicking the ball out or he was just making a difference in the mindset of the team — Acie was LEADING the team to wins.

When Acie went to Atlanta, I became a Hawks fan. When Bibby came to Atlanta, I thought what a great position Acie would be in - following an experienced pro and learning to lead a team, even if he is a different kind of player than Bibby.

But, Acie has no chance to learn or grow into the NBA player that I am confident he can be. If he was getting any kind of consistent playing time, the others on the team could learn to work and win with Acie, just like Bibby. If they can’t adapt their kind of play to a different kind of PG, then are they what the team needs anyway? To me, saying that the team can’t learn to play with Acie is a real insult to them! Having differnet “PG styles” would give the team a tremendous advantage, because the other teams would have to make defensive changes every time the PG switched.

But, right now, I don’t see any change in sight. All I really care about is seeing Acie develop. So, please trade him to a team, a coach, and a system that will utilize what I know Acie can bring to the game. Its not happening there!

By Sautee

February 12, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this

jhan

Excellent post at 3:34. Co-sign every word.

Najeh

Man, you been KILLIN’ me for about a month now. Just about every time I read one of your posts, I’m nodding my head and saying..umm hummm. You have SO OFTEN posted exactly what I was thinking, that it has almost become comical to me.

Great perspectives and keep it up. You’re elevating the entire blog.

By doc

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

manny t need a partner?

you are right friend. this team is entertaining and made up of guys i like to pull for. wish woody would pull for them a bit, too. maybe he will in time.

By KevinA

February 12, 2009 8:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to be a pessimist but its not just a west coast swing. We play only 2 home games out of the next 13. Many of them against tough opponents. I think the last 30 games of the season are tougher that the first 52. If we can split the remaining games we would end up with 46 wins. I think that is do able. But will it be enough to get the 4th seed is the question. We have 13 out of the last 20 games at home, but again against many tough teams. We beat teams that are better that us. We lose to teams that we should beat. This team makes you pull your hair out and then wins three or four in a row to reset your confidence. Our only saving grace is the 4 teams behind us have a similar problem. 30 to go - what do you think?

By Samuel

February 12, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this

Guys, in case you haven’t noticed, we are 3 and a half games up over the 5,6 and 7th spot. If we were in the all-mighty Western Conference we’d still be 1 game out of the 4th spot. We are about to get rested, hopefully rejuvinated and ready to make this second half run.

For all the whinning, b*** and moaning, not one of you can honestly tell me that we could have been in any better shape than we are right now with whomever as head coach.

Please, enough of the feeling sorry for Acie stuff. He’s a big boy. If he’s all that he will make it in this league. Just not this year.

I am very interested in seeing if we will do any deals. I kinda think not and i’m good with that. If we do ,it won’t be any kind of blockbuster or anything. Something like a Wilcox for Acie and or Solo. Although, I still would love to rent Sheed for our playoff run.

Speaking of Stimulus packages and buyouts. Ando, you saving up?

Clyde,

What’s a UTE?

By doc

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

kevin, i sounded the alarm last month. kirk and i have conferred over the upcoming road trial and the whole of march is going to be a challenge even though with many home games with the likes of la, portland, san antonio, dallas, etc. the only good thing about it is these guys hustled to improve their position to close to the 11 games over .500 mark they held in december. yes, that means the month of january was probably sub-500 but it isnt the 5 and 13 that detroit ran off. we are sitting well right now and somewhere down deep i have got to think these guys have it in themselves to weather the storm if they dont have any significant injuries or a coach that gets in their way.

By doc

February 12, 2009 9:11 PM | Link to this

samuel, heh heh, cruel buddy cruel. heh heh

By ray

February 12, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this

You know, sometimes you just want to say, “I’m tired. Can you just call yourself an idiot this time?”

By Ed

February 13, 2009 1:15 AM | Link to this

Great blog and dead on coloradoaggie.

By Fritz

February 13, 2009 3:45 AM | Link to this

Bill Simmons on Amare:

36. Amare Stoudemire Bruce in Phoenix recently begged me, “Can you hold off on the Trade Value column until some GM is dumb enough to offer us too much for Amare? I don’t want them to know that he sucks now!” Hey, Bruce? I think they know. Why do you think you’re getting so many pu-pu platter offers? It would help if Amare grabbed a rebound or switched correctly on a high screen more than twice per quarter. I still say the Amare era is salvageable — stick the kid on a team with a good point guard (Chicago?), tell him to just worry about putting the biscuit in the basket (New York? G-State?), or trade for him and say, “We love you, you’re our franchise guy” (Sacramento? Memphis? Indiana?) and I think he’d start slapping up 29-9s again. With a smile on his face.

Hope we don’t go there. Simmons gets it.

By The Truth

February 13, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this

As much as I like Al Horford as a player, I don’t think he is accomplished enough yet in the NBA to say: “I’ve got nothing to prove to anyone”. He is correct to say that as a 2-time NCAA Champion. But it is a bit premature for a 2nd year NBA player who is still trying to refine his game. I know he had good intention but he can only make that remark when he has proven to be legitimate at either the center or PF position in the NBA. The verdict is still out on this. Also there are other factors:

1) Signed his big pro contract 2) Become a consistent threat at his position 2) Make several All-Star appearances

By Mike is back

February 13, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this

By The Truth, I feel on that, but Al is beyond his years from the mental aspect of the games for a young player. He is speaking of a state of mind not is status in the NBA. It’s a level of confidence that gives you that swagger, that will, that desire to be the very best. Al wants to win a Championship that what he’s focused on. Not stats!!!!  

He right, he don’t have nothing prove, his game speaks for it self.

Samuel,  while you sit there and gloat,

By ray

February 13, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this

I was all for the trade idea that Najeh posted from a Bill Simmons article. I was all about to toast the idea when Astro Joe pi$$ed in my wine glass….you ain’t right Joe. Let a man dream, will ya? :)

Looks like this Stoudamire thing is heating up. Latest on YahooSports has it as a three team deal amongst the Grizz, Heat, and Suns. Grizz get Beasley and something else, Suns get Marion back along with Gay, and the Heat get Stoudamire. Obviously other parts will be swapped as well, but that’s the general idea. Hmmmmm. I think the Suns come out on top with this one…Can’t really levy an opinion on this until all of the story is told.

I like Beasley as a player, but he’s more of a 3 than a 4, and I ain’t so sure he’d be better than Gay.

The Truth,

I read that article and I see what you mean. I think maybe he’s saying that to take the focus off of his own individual achievements (and perhaps media-driven expectations) and back on what he can do for the team. At least that’s what I figure, considering it’s Horford. The guy has shown nothing but class and a great work ethic up to this point. I don’t believe that he thinks he doesn’t need to work on his game. I think that he says that as something that helps the team, more than just padding his own stats.

Yeah, I’m a homer on this one. But such is my choice….

By A Thinking Fan

February 13, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

HC MW makes or breaks the Hawks playoff chances!

By Mike is back

February 13, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

Samuel, to finish my thought.  While you’re sitting there gloating, take break and enjoy the All Star break.  You’re probably just as worn out as JJ is. Heh heh

By The Truth

February 13, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

Mike is back and Ray

That is why I said he had good intentions with his comments. I do agree that his comment is probably directed to himself for mind set purposes. Personally, I would like to see AL play hungry with a chip on his shoulder. If he pushes himself, he can be all he is capable of being. I know he doesn’t mean as his comment could imply that he is completely satisfied with his game and he is on cruise control.

By Mike is back

February 13, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this

By The Truth, we are in agreement. Al has plenty of room for growth and development. I’m glad to hear that Woody is planning on getting Al more much touches in the paint. It’s only going to speed up his development.  What’s scary is, this only his second season in the league.

By terrell barron

February 13, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this

The Heat picked up Oneal and Moon for Marion and Banks. Damn! If Oneal stays healthy it might be a good deal for Miami. Thats a big IF though.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 13, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

The only thing surprising about the Marion-O’Neal trade to me is that it didn’t go down sooner. It makes sense for both sides on the court, and even though JO has an extra year on the deal he still expires before the summer of 2010 when Wade will opt out of his deal. Too bad for the Raptors it’s not going to make them a contender this year… with their injuries and where they’re at in the standings it’s way too late for them to make a push for the playoffs. It does mean that if you have Andrea Bargnani on your fantasy team you can breathe easy for the rest of the season.

Looks like that means the three-way Memphis-Miami-Phoenix deal won’t happen. It didn’t really make a whole lot of sense to me from Memphis’ standpoint anyway… it’s one thing if you are trading a veteran for a young player, but Rudy Gay is pretty young too, and it’s not like he has realized his potential yet either.

If Al Horford develops one or two aggressive post moves (by aggressive I mean something that moves towards the basket and gives him a chance to get fouled, instead of the turnaround jumper he uses now) he will be an All Star, guaranteed. I think he’s certainly capable of being a consistent low-post scorer if he is given touches and he develops a move like that.

Sautee, ‘preciate it.

By kiringa

February 13, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this

jhan, yes I believe the difference in the close win at Detroit was the Hawks making more free throws than the Pistons. Looking at the box score they were close in most stats and that is what jumped out at me.We often state what we believe was the difference in a win or loss, so I don’t know why you found my comment odd?

Yes, we’ll disagree, I guess. It’s nothing personal. I really don’t think it’s really much of a disagreement either. I’m not against development or using the bench. I agree that Acie needs development. I just disagree with the when and the who.

As for playing the bench,I presented data that I thought supported my assertion that Coach Woodson’s use of his bench is not unusual. And what I found showed that he tends toward using more players for significant minutes than other teams.

I’m glad that you are happy with the wins. I can’t always tell that people here are happy about them because their unhappiness about something else is what tends to get more emphasis.

I like the wins too.

ray, I really didn’t have anything to add beyond what has already been said about Acie in the countless discussions and in my previous comments all the going all the way back to when he was drafted and there was a huge amount of discussion about who was the best PG. I thought Conley was the guy to draft. I was wrong.So I don’t know what I could’ve possibly said that I haven’t already said…and repeated, in the last year and half. I don’t believe there is anything I could say, or you, or anyone else who has been talking about Acie since before he was even drafted. That is what the quote you highlighted was saying. You turned it into me saying something snarky when that was not my intent.

I only answered because of it was you that asked. I think you took that quote the wrong way.

Sorry you were disappointed, but to say it’s only me who isn’t going to change his mind about Acie is very hard to believe. I thought I was being respectful in answering thoroughly your questions. I intended them to be my last in depth comments on Acie because as I said, no one is gong to change their minds at this point and it only leads to misunderstanding and slights.

As for the future, I addressed that as well. I talked in the last blog about development. I have talked about the possibility of Acie being our PG next season and how I hope he did well. I also said I wouldn’t trade him unless it was in a package for Amare or some other high impact player.

I see you didn’t get all that, hopefully I was able to find reach others who understood where I was coming from.

I wonder when this blog will switch to the new format? I like it much better, though change is hard for some.

Go Hawks!!

By terrell barron

February 13, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Najeh, Bargnani, Bosh, Marion, and Calderon is’nt too shabby. They could run, run, run. I could see them making a run for a playoff spot. 7th or 8th.

By terrell barron

February 13, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

And Najeh, the Raptors are only 5 back of Milwaukee for the 8th spot.

By Raptors fan in TO

February 13, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

I’m afraid Najeh might be correct here. I like the O’Neal-Marion trade, because Toronto has never had a true SF since Vince Carter and T-Mac left. They will improve and make a push, but at 11 games under .500 with 27 games left the playoffs are a dream (especially with Calderon and Bosh injured). They made this deal for money reasons (Marion’s expiring contract) and Miami wins the trade if they can get Jamario Moon to spend more time in the paint. If the Hawks are in the market for a back up SG, Anthony Parker is likely the next one to be shipped out of Canada.

By 404atlhoops

February 13, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this

The O’Neal trade definitely makes the Heat a serious threat to the Hawks. Although O’Neal is not the player he used to be, he’s still a legitmate low post threat. An effective O’Neal will not only take some of the burden off Wade but guys like James Jones and Dequan Cook will get open looks. If those guys start bombing 3’s like the Hawks do now, then watch out. The Hawks will be in a war for the fourth seed. Even if this trade flops for the Heat, it was still worth the risk. The Heat standing pat were not better than the Hawks.

By Mac

February 13, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this

By mid-March, depending on how things go, I may be willing to concede that only Billy sucked.

By kiringa

February 13, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this

I’m going to reserve judgment as to how much O’Neal helps the Heat, if he does at all.

I believe the same skepticism people applied to a potential Amare Stoudemire trade should be done with this trade as well. Why are they willing to trade a guy they just signed? Why did the Pacers let him get away?

O’Neal is damaged goods, or at least degraded goods or he wouldn’t be bouncing around. This is his third team in less than two seasons. More importantly, he went to a good team, a playoff team, and the team became losers. I think that is a huge red flag.

The Heat were already an improved team. Subtracting Marion and adding O’Neal does automatically mean they will now improve further.

By jhan

February 13, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this

Kirk, the reason I found your statment odd is because the Hawks are a HORRIBLE free throw shooting team. Their free throw shooting is usually the reason they lose, not win.

I guess I should have said it was odd the Hawks won because of (not in spite of) their free throw shooting.

Keep the wins coming & I’ll be thrilled.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 13, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this

Terrell, it’s not so much about the games behind as it is about the number of teams between them and the 8th spot. They have to jump past six teams as it stands right now to make the playoffs. It’s reasonable to think one or two of those will post a worse record than the Raptors for the rest of the year, but the chances that all six of them play poorly enough for the Raptors to leapfrog them are pretty slim. I do think the Raptors will be better, but will they be four or five games better than teams like New Jersey, Chicago, and Charlotte? I doubt it.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 13, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this

Kirk, I agree that O’Neal is damaged goods, but even if he plays as badly in Miami as he did in Toronto this trade acts as addition by subtraction to an extent since Beasley now gets extended minutes in the front court without having to play out of position. Shawn Marion may be a better player right now than Jermaine O’Neal (some people might even say that’s debatable), but between the minutes he took from Beasley and the complete lack of depth inside that the Heat have, I think it will still benefit the Heat. Put it this way — O’Neal is definitely no worse than Jamaal Magloire and Joel Anthony.

By Raptors fan in TO

February 13, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this

On that last point, I wonder why Magloire wasn’t tossed into the O’Neal/Marion trade. We could always use an extra C up here, and remembering his dominance of our local high school leagues, that guy was born to wear a Toronto uniform. My last comment on the trade —- sorry to digress from the blog topic

By Ariose

February 13, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this

Damn, and we were done playing Toronto for the season. Now we have to deal with O’neal two more times. BUT, just like the Hawks, the Heat have to go west also in the second half. I don’t think they will pass us in the standings, but they ARE potentially a lock for that fifth spot now. Dealing with Wade and O’neal in the first round will be troublesome…..

*~Sir Links A Lot~

By Astro Joe

February 13, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this

Darn, Ray, I haven’t added any flavor to someone’s wine glass since that time I was working at a popular Italian restaurant with the initials O.G. and a customer ticked me off.

For some reason, the Miami trade doesn’t scare me. Maybe because I don’t think they’re bench is better than what we have and because I have no reason to expect JON to play more than 60% of the remainder of the games. We’ll know if the roster is truly competitive by what Riley does next. If he kicks the young coach to the curb (like he did to SVG after the Shaq acquisition) then we’ll know that he is drinking his own kool-aid again. More than likely, this gives them a fighter’s chance for an upset in the 1st round against either us or Orlando (again assuming that JON is healthy for a playoff series).

By the way, the O.G. tale was a joke. My parents did a decent job of raising me right. I can take a C-note from a verbose blogger but never tinkle in a man’s drank.

By Ariose

February 13, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this

Nique is starting out real rusty in the celebrity All-Star game. Hell get it together though. His moves look real good, he just needs to finish lol.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Ariose

February 13, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

Aww maaan, Nique’ is really stinkin up tha joint. He just got rejected by the rim on a dunk attempt.

He shoud’ve practiced leading up to this lol.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By kirkinga

February 13, 2009 9:00 PM | Link to this

jhan, correct regarding the free throwing shooting woes, but the irony I thought was worth commenting upon…lol!

Najeh Davenpoop, great point, I hadn’ thought about it that way but I see what you’re saying. I’m a big Beasley fan having seen many of his games and I thought his game would translate well into the NBA.

As for who is the better player right now. Doesn’t that really depend on what they’re asked to do? Marion is ledd effective outside a running offense, whereas O’Neal has played in mostly traditional offenses.

My question about the Heat is, is O’Neal the 2nd or 3d option? Can he handle being the 3rd option, and if he is the 3rd option is that questionable coaching given his low post skills?Let’s see what chemistry issues pop up these last 30+ games.

If Marvin plays well, then I think our frontcourt is as good, or at least there isn’t a wide enough gap so that the O’Neal acquisition makes the Heat that much better than the Hawks.

Wow, still haven’t switch the Hawks blog to the new format?Oh well, guess it’ll happen soon enough.

Go Hawks!!

By ray

February 13, 2009 10:46 PM | Link to this

Kirk,

I didn’t twist your words at all, they just sounded a bit snarky. You say it wasn’t intended that way, so I take your word for it, and there’s an end to it. No harm done here. I got all of what you said, it just wasn’t up to my expectation. As you said, you repeated your point of view multiple times. I’ll put it like this: I already know what you think, I wanted to know how you arrive at your conclusions, as that may help me to better understand your point of view (and who knows, maybe even change my mind on whatever subject we are discussing). The slights and misconceptions spring from the rather natural assumption that there is an argument or battle to prove a point. I think we can both identify with that.

You weren’t the only one who wanted Conley. I just didn’t want him at #3, which is where we would have had to pick him, unless we managed a crafty draft trade (not Billy’s forte). So I gave up on the idea of Conley rather quickly. Given a choice between him and Acie at #11, and I would’ve gone with Conley, who I suspect would be seeing the same or less playing time than Law is now. Ironic, eh?

By the way, I agree with you and Astro Joe on the trade of Jermaine O’Neal. It would take a herculean effort on his part just to stay healthy any great length of time, much less contribute positively. Healthy, he’s dangerous if he’s in the groove, and will be a low post help to the Heat. But we were beating this team when he played with Bosh and Calderon. I’m not too worried about it myself.

By ray

February 13, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe,

Don’t get me started on food sabotage stories. I could tell you about one years ago as a teenager working at a minor league baseball stadium main concession stand. It involves one big, obnoxious cop (imagine that…but not too strongly), a burger, some ground cajun and red pepper, a small amount of laxative (okay it wasn’t that small, but well hidden), and some strange sounds coming from the restroom a while later. Let’s just say it’s never good to get burnt on both ends….as he found out…that and don’t mess with the people fixin’ yer food…

By ray

February 13, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this

On the flip side of the coin, if Jermaine O’Neal can remain reasonably healthy for the Heat, and Moon can help out on the wings…then I’m worried. The Heat can be tough enough without those additions.

By ray

February 13, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

Clearly Kevin Durant has that “it” about him. Dude has a will, and he’ll find a way.

Oh and Astro Joe….hehe hehe…I tol’ ya…Sophs, bro’…devil’s advocate wins this one.

By ray

February 13, 2009 11:21 PM | Link to this

I wonder if the Heat are actually done dealing? They may not be. You know how Riley is…

By Samuel

February 13, 2009 11:34 PM | Link to this

I do believe that Miami got better with that trade. If nothing more than freeing up minutes for Beasley. It’s gonna be very interesting seeing Beasley and DWade fight over shots though. Dude has no conscious what so ever.

Kevin Durant is a beast. Don’t know that i’ve ever seen a player with that much versatility at 6’10. Iceman is the closest thing to it but Ice can’t touch that, i’m afraid. OKC will be hard to handle in a couple of years with: Westbrook, Durant and Green.

By Ariose

February 13, 2009 11:36 PM | Link to this

I was angry when I heard that Atlanta Management called during the game and said that Horford couldn’t play more than three minutes at a time because he’s coming off of an injury.

We’re supposed to be showcasing our guys!!! Das Bull by rick man. Why don’t you just take bibby out of the 3pt contest because of that ankle problem he had a few games ago….Bull All would have at leat had 25pts this game and improve upon his 19pts in last years game.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By HB Ando

February 13, 2009 11:49 PM | Link to this

Sam, did you mean “conscience”?

Marginally alarmed that we agree on the value Miami received, and the likelihood that Beasley will blow up with Marion out of the picture. And I’m downright bummed by how much I agree with your Gervin comparison. He IS a taller Ice, is he not (I was such a Gervin fan, growing up, that 44 was my jersey number in high school)?

But I don’t see Wade and Beasley fighting for shots, as Wade has the ball in his hands almost every possession, and has always been a high assist guy. Beasley’s production will rise quickly, but his touches will be provided by D Wade.

Per my comments over on our blog, Durant, and Beasley to a lesser extent, are the types of talent that should be taken 2nd overall, when drafting a forward. Marvin is going to be solid, but he’ll never live up to 2nd overall. Is Shelden Williams still in the NBA?

By Samuel

February 14, 2009 12:27 AM | Link to this

Thanks Ando,

Make yo Mama proud.. Miami will suffer on the other end though. Beasley breaks out in hives at the mear thought(of playing defense).

We’ll see on the touches though. Beasley is the Bermuda Triangle. I can see a clash developing. At least I hope so. Please don’t bring up the Slum Lord. Reminds me of the days of: Royal Ivey, Donta Smith, Slava Medvedenko, Obie Ekezie, and Tom Gugliotta. I’m seriously bout to throw up.

Let’s keep that era a distant memory. Please!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 14, 2009 6:07 AM | Link to this

Durant has been a beast all year. I don’t think many people have noticed since he’s playing in Oklahoma City, but he’s no longer the one-dimensional inefficient scorer he was when he came in the league. That guy would be considered a legit superstar by the mainstream media right now if he played in a bigger market. I honestly don’t even think it will take two years for Oklahoma City to become a playoff-caliber team. They are that athletic and that talented in the starting lineup, and they have a ton of draft picks stockpiled over the next couple of seasons.

Believe it or not, Shelden Williams scored in double figures the other night. It speaks to how horrible and injured Sacramento is that he’s actually been getting some minutes off the bench.

Sam, you forgot Predrag Drobnjak. Of all the scrubs the Hawks had during that era, he was probably the worst.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 14, 2009 6:10 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah, and did anyone see Nique in the Celebrity All Star game? I think Bob Rathbun might have a higher vertical than him at this point…

By ILL-logical

February 14, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this

How many commentators remarked about Al’s potential as a 4 last night? Seems as if everyone BUT Hawks management sees this.

But that thought raises an interesting situation; if Al does go to the 4 now or in the near future ,who plays the 3? Think about it.

By I MUS WRITE

February 14, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

I woke up this morning with a head full of randon thoughts …………Wanna hear them well here u go…. K.Durant is the smoothest 185lb player ive ever seen. I wish R.Westbrook was here instead of Ac.

Valentines day is on the worst possible weekend for a hoops fan. instead of watching the dunk contest and 3pt shoot out . I’ll be in a restaurant wishing i was home on my couch…dam

Dominique couldnt jump off a curve right now, I see why he’s always talking about his good ol days - y go to the game and embarress your self nique ….. so now u suck at hoops and commentating- DAM

JJ in a nationally televised commercial…WTF- and he still doesnt show emotion. Come on stone face show me sumthing

Im in the Dekalb farmers market last nite and a 5 year old asian kid befriended me - really tho- he was talking to me nonstop and asking me questions……Really cool little kid but in my mind im like this looks so wrong—where are your parents ,is floating thru my head woah

The flower line at Whole foods was packed this morning- I felt a bond with all the last minute types .

Speedy is the worst signing in hawks history, yeah even worse that Koncak. How about a 6 for 1……….. AC,Speedy,Hunter,Gardner,R.Morris,Solo for / Ice man 2k9 Kevin im so slim Durant.

Dunkin Donuts coffee is way better than Star bucks not to mention cheaper. I hate working on saturday- there has to be a better way.

I.MUS Is The Future…..AYE!!

By Ariose

February 14, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

ILL-logical, We are who we are, not who people think we are….

~Sir Links A Lot~

By terrell barron

February 14, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

Thabeet already has 23 pts. 18 reb. and 8 blocks. Wow!!

By terrell barron

February 14, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this

And JJ drills a 3 from half court. Are you guys watching the All-Star practice?

By ray

February 14, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this

IMUS,

You know your lady will make it up to you. She knows what this is costing you, and I’m not just talking about dinner, lol!

LOL @ Samuel….I can’t believe you remember all of those guys, man. That will give you nightmares just thinking about it….You’ll be in a corner whispering “I see…scrubs!”