Hawks

By Moweignman

February 15, 2009 9:12 PM | Link to this

The hawks will have a difficult time with the scheduling. They must be at the top of their game. I think they will get to 42 wins,if woody plays 8-9 men.

By gary

February 15, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

I am very pleased with the Hawks season. Within 4 games of their win total last year. The team was really close to winning 3 or 4 more games except miracle last second shots by opponents. We are not a joke team anymore. We have some great talent and I think we will go much deeper into the playoffs. Does anyone other than me see Al Horford and his contagious WIN, WIN, WIN motivate this team to a higher level. GO HAWKS

By Sekou K. Smith

February 15, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this

Being this close to the 37 wins they managed all of last season is pretty unreal for the Hawks. And they all agree that they should have at least four to five more wins (considering some of the games they’ve “gave” away).

This last 30 games provides a huge opportunity to make a real statement about not only what kind of team they’re going to be to finish this regular season but also in the playoffs.

By SWAT Native

February 15, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

I really enjoy reading the blog and the comments that the posters make. I’m curious if you and others think that the trade of J. O’Neal to Miami forces the Hawks into making a move? The “experts” on TV this weekend seem to have already given the Heat the 4 seed.

By Sekou K. Smith

February 15, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson’s halftime line isn’t particularly pretty (nearly 8 minutes of action and 0-2 from the floor with two turnovers), but he wasn’t exactly shooting for the MVP award.

He must be pacing himself for the West Coast trip coming up.

LeBron is rolling, as might be expected. And Paul Pierce has 14 off the bench. Mo Williams hasn’t played bad either in his first trip to the big show.

But the Western Conference has a 72-67 lead right now thanks to a strong early showing from Kobe Bryant (13 points), Amare “Trade Me” Stoudemire (10 points) and Pau Gasol (10 points).

Brandon Roy, Tony Parker, Dirk Nowitzki and Shaq have all gotten in on the act for the West, which seems to have a superior team top to bottom.

As if that matters in an All-Star Game.

John Legend is on the floor groovin’ right now. Somebody said Chris Brown was scheduled to do the halftime performance until he got in all that trouble before the Grammy’s. I’ll take John Legend myself, but I’m probably a little older than the crowd the NBA was targeting here this weekend.

By Ariose

February 15, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this

Mike Brown set Joe up to fail putting him up there with five other guards…..the West went on a run and Joe gets benched for the rest of the half?

He better get more PT in the second half.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By HB Ando

February 15, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

SS, if by “got in all that trouble before the Grammy’s”, you mean Chris Brown beat the hell out of his tiny girlfriend, I guess that’s one way of putting it.

Look at the West dominating points in the paint, 50-28, at the half, despite the presence of Howard and reigning D-player of the year, Garnett………

By SlimG

February 15, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

Has anyone brandished a firearm yet? Just kidding. Hey Sekeo, seen Ray Lewis? Another joke…….

As far as the Hawks go, I think I went on record, staff checking now, saying draft Al Hortford. Then, when all the clowns on this blog dogged him, I said “Al is the reason we are winning”. See our numbers when he was out…..

Here’s what we need before the deadline. Trade for a center!!!!!!! Someone who we can flow the offense through. Someone who will also be around next year. We can draft another small/quick guard in case AC doesn’t work out. We have to have, I repeat, have to have a big man to help Al downlow. If this doesn’t happen, we won’t get very far in the big show.

Ballers

By Sekou K. Smith

February 15, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this

That’s exactly what I meant Ando. I wasn’t making light of what he did (or is alleged to have done). Just didn’t feel like rehashing the entire mess here.

Hey SWAT, those same experts have been wrong about just about everything else they’ve yapped about, so I’m not going to start listening to them now.

JO will help the Heat in a playoff series, provided he’s healthy. But I don’t see him lifting that team into another realm over the course of the next 30 games. Look at what he’s done in Toronto and judge for yourself.

By Sekou K. Smith

February 15, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this

With all the minutes Joe plays during the season, a seat on the bench during the All-Star Game is the best place for him.

By ALL Star

February 15, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

The game is a blowout! The west is running away with it at the end of the third period.

By O'brien

February 15, 2009 11:01 PM | Link to this

Doug Collins was talking about how Sarver regretted not signing JJ to an extension before his contract was up. And he also said the Hawks are a young and exciting team, taking the Celtics to 7 games…

He also said JJ struggles in Phoenix (ever since he left).

By Sekou K. Smith

February 15, 2009 11:11 PM | Link to this

Blowout city. And Joe is still scoreless.

By Ariose

February 15, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this

Damn…..Joe’s not looking like an All-star ringht now lol.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By FRANK

February 15, 2009 11:18 PM | Link to this

SEKOU: If your the Suns would you take Josh Smith, Speedy and Zaza for Amare and change?

By Sekou K. Smith

February 15, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

Frank, if I’m the Suns I don’t trade Amare. As you know Base Year Compensation rules prohibit the Hawks from trading Josh Smith right now. But in the fantasy realm I think that’s a deal both sides would have to take a hard look at. The Suns get a young, athletic power forward to work with while the Hawks get a low-post presence to pair with Al Horford that has superstar potential. Everything else is just filler to get a deal done.

By Reggie

February 15, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this

Sekou

Since we’re talking deals. I know this deal isnt realistic, but how about this. The hawks trade Marvin Williams to the Hornets for Tyson Chandler. The hawks get the big man they need, and move Al Horford to Power forword, and the Hornets get a swingman to pair with Chris Paul & David West.

By Harry Hawk

February 15, 2009 11:44 PM | Link to this

Joe had 0 points and 5 turnovers in 21:38.

God, BK was such an idiot. He ruined this franchise. The Suns flat-out robbed him.

(Hahaha. Still don’t like BK, though.)

By Cameo

February 15, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this

SEKOU…. are you hearing anything reguarding trades for the Hawks outside of Amare?

By Sekou K. Smith

February 15, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this

Just spoke with Joe following the game. There was a swarm of reporters around him by the time I made it to the mixed zone. But I asked him if he was hurt or something, because the way he played, he didn’t seem to be going full speed.

He said he got a sever stomach cramp shortly after entering the game in the first quarter and was bothered by it the entire night. He wasn’t nearly as concerned with not scoring as some of the reporters were. And he said he’s fine and ready to play this week.

Shaq and Kobe share the MVP trophy. If that seems a bit goofy to you, it should. But since the game turned into an exhibition earlier than expected, who really cares.

As the trade deadline approaches we can chat more and more about the possibilities. I still don’t see the Hawks doing anything. But you never say never when the trade deadline is involved.

By Sekou K. Smith

February 15, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this

Reggie,

I hate to travel too far down the road of fantasy trades, particularly when the salaries aren’t in neighborhood of matching. But it’s late and I’m in a sinister mood.

Just on premise alone, the idea of Tyson Chandler in the middle for the Hawks is appealing. He would certainly make the Hawks’ interior defense more stout. But are you getting the Tyson Chandler that played in Chicago or the one that Chris Paul keeps going?

That’s the gamble.

By DrewGil

February 16, 2009 12:05 AM | Link to this

Can somebody please tell me why Joe didn’t score a single point, contribute a single assist, or snag one board??? I’m not throwing him under the bus, BUT JOE HAS TO LEARN HOW TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE!

Everyone makes excuses for Joe. How he plays hefty minutes and the toil it takes on his game, the way teams structure their defenses to shut him down, and so-on and so-on. I say the Hawks coaches and players challenege Joe to assert himself more, instead of waiting around for the defense to give him something in that half-court iso set the Hawks run oh so often.

Kevin Durant is among the league leaders in minutes, plays on a crappy team (which forces defenses to lock in on him specifically), yet Durant still manages 25.5 ppg and shoots over 45% from the field. The not can be said for Joe!!!

I know it may sound crazy to some, and again I’m not trying to be unnecessarily critical of Joe’s game, but it’s time Joe elevate his level of play. Let’s hope he comes out the gate on fire for these 30 remaining games. We’ll need it with a critical West Coast swing, and a couple of tough Eastern Conference games coming up.

By Ariose

February 16, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this

Sekou, Do you think we will be OK with the bigs we havin going into the final stretch of the season? Do ou think Woody may need to get guys like Randolph some burn just in case we may need him in some situation in the playoffs?

~Sir Links A Lot~

By The Truth

February 16, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this

Sekou I agree, we need to be stouter in the middle to really make some noise in the playoff. With our tweener lineup, the playoff will really expose our weaknesses. But honestly, for that to happen, such a trade would probably involve Horford or ZAZA plus some draft picks. I don’t believe that would happen. It’s not that Horford or ZAZA are irreplaceable, it’s that it seems to be a love fest with these players and Woody. Sund has already indicated he is pleased with the team performance and wants to evaluate after this season. So, to take him at his word, we will probably not make any trades. Management seems to be happy with just making the playoff and nothing more.

By (not) HB Ando

February 16, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this

Would it be reasonable to say that JJ put up a “Joe-nut” tonight? A game like that would make my stomach cramp up too. Especially if I was watching Chris Paul and Brandon Roy combine for 28 points and 19 assists while I was going Oh-fer………..

So Sarver admitted he was cheap to let JJ go. Since he’s being forthright, he ought to add that he wasn’t willing to match a $70 million offer for the teams’ fourth option, and that the fact that they extorted 2 firsts and Diaw for JJ was gravy on a financial decision that was already written in stone. It was public knowledge that he wasn’t willing to let the teams’ payroll go into the luxury tax range, which matching JJ would have done. There has never been a question about the value of signing JJ. And the fact that the Suns didn’t derive value from the 2 picks (they gave away the pick that was Rondo to avoid luxury tax as well) and Diaw doesn’t mitigate the value the Hawks could have created from those picks, if Billy hadn’t needlessly given them away. And, for the millionth time, the only thing standing between one of those picks being Al Horford, Phoenix Sun, was a statistically unlikely bounce of a ping pong ball. If anyone believes that Billy’s plan was to have the fourth worst record in the NBA, leading into a draft where the pick he traded to the Suns was top-3 protected, then I have some prime waterfront (read: swamp) land I want to sell you down in the Everglades. Look up dumb luck, and you’ll see Billy’s picture, and the story of the Horford draft, as the example…….

The fact that the Hawks’ owners aren’t willing to admit how devastating it’s been to the franchise, that Billy failed to draft Paul and Roy, doesn’t make it any less true. Or any less impactful than the Suns decision.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 16, 2009 1:26 AM | Link to this

I am completely satisfied with Joe Johnson’s performance. All I wanted to see was him take it easy, play some light minutes, and not get hurt. He managed to do all of that. As far as I’m concerned the rest he gets over this break is a lot more important than his stats in the All Star game. Hopefully he gets over his stomach cramp and gets back to playing like the All Star we all know he is by Tuesday.

By Ehlo

February 16, 2009 4:38 AM | Link to this

What happened tonight doesn’t matter, what matters is that JJ is ready to play in L.A. Tuesday night. And because I’m in also a sinister mood, Acie Law, Marvin Williams and a 1st rd pick to PHX for Amare

By MAC-TOWN

February 16, 2009 6:18 AM | Link to this

Are there ANY SERIOUS TRADE/SIGNING/etc. talks involving the Hawks right now??

By terrell barron

February 16, 2009 7:39 AM | Link to this

JJ had 0 points and 5, that’s right 5 turnovers. What’s up with JJ and the turnovers? Not just last night, but in general. I dont know how many he has, but I’ve seen plenty of them. Between he and Flip, they might set the team record.

By ILL-logical

February 16, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

Sidebar: Could Shaq go and Amare stay be the catch phrase of the day?

Now on to our hometown heroes. The backcourt focused offense will get the Hawks to the playoffs but that ‘s where the party stops and management is ok with that because they have to come up with a plan to survive. A plan that has to not only has to excecuted on top of hundreds of millions of dollars in losses but an economic climate that is unfavorable for additional credit.So don’t expect much for now.

The future? I dunno but the smart money is on a slow approach with few if any dramatic moves either on the trade or draft front. NBA players like living here but don’t regard the franchise as either stable or,more importantly,having a winning tradition. And there are fewer marketing opportunities that generate endorsement dollars as well for the non LaBron and Kobe types-how many commercials has Joe had locally?

Hope the team and staff had a great time resting and is fully prepared for the stretch run.

By ILL-logical

February 16, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

Sidebar: Could Shaq go and Amare stay be the catch phrase of the day?

Now on to our hometown heroes. The backcourt focused offense will get the Hawks to the playoffs but that ‘s where the party stops and management is ok with that because they have to come up with a plan to survive. A plan that has to not only has to excecuted on top of hundreds of millions of dollars in losses but an economic climate that is unfavorable for additional credit.So don’t expect much for now.

The future? I dunno but the smart money is on a slow approach with few if any dramatic moves either on the trade or draft front. NBA players like living here but don’t regard the franchise as either stable or,more importantly,having a winning tradition. And there are fewer marketing opportunities that generate endorsement dollars as well for the non LaBron and Kobe types-how many commercials has Joe had locally?

Hope the team and staff had a great time resting and is fully prepared for the stretch run.

By smartguy

February 16, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this

I’ll trade Mike Woodson for a box of crackerjacks, a bottle of apple juice, and an old ragity t-shirt.

By ray

February 16, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this

Smartguy, sold!!

As Sekou says, amidst the whirl of Amare Stoudamire rumors, I wonder who really is going to get traded? I have to admit, I wouldn’t mind seeing Stoudamire going to Chicago, seeing as how I’ve liked the Bulls for most of my life. But anyway….

Don’t know if the Hawks will do anything at all, and doubt if it will be anything big if something does happen. Would still like to see a veteran big added. Solo seems to be a bit out of the rotation. If we get anybody, it needs to be a guy with some toughness and defensive presence. Doesn’t have to be a 7-footer, just hold your own and help Zaza out down there.

As for JJ going scoreless in the all-star game, who cares? Healthy and ready for the last 30 is all that matters to me. Let’s get it on….

By Ken

February 16, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

If we are satisfied with just getting to the playoffs or maybe winning one round then do nothing to upgrade the team. If our goal is to win a championship within the next 3 years, go out and get someone like Stoudamire this week.It seems to me that the Hawks are satisfied with the first option. I hope they prove me wrong!But I seriously doubt it.

By R U Kidding Me

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

Are You Guys Nuts? No Wonder the rest of the sports world think the Atlanta fans are dumb and clueless!

Any sports fan with half a brain would know that you don’t trade Hofford!!! Period! Unfortunately, you guys wouldn’t know an upcoming superstar if he smacked you in the face.

For those of you who are suggesting these stupid trades are not Hawk fans and probably don’t care anything about the city or its team. Like the IDIOTS that come to Atlanta and complain about how bad the city is and how it’s overrated, but refuse to go away. For example, the transplants from Chicago (the 3rd city behind NY & LA) and how they go on and on about how great their city is, but they’re living in every other city in the country but Chicago. Not to mention, they are notorious for comparing their city to NY as being #1. Yeah right!! LOL. As a matter of fact, the city is not even #2, it might be #3 but definitely not #1 or 2. Yet every chicagoans and their mid-westerner friends are their leaving that area by the thousand because outside downtown Chicago it is a Pit-Hole both figuratively and literally. Try visiting sometimes and you’ll see what I’m saying and you’ll also discover that the food/dinning is over-rated as well.

I digress-

If you are going to trade someone w/value, then I would suggest J Smith unless we can hire another Coach because he’s not progressing and never will under Woodson. They don’t respect one another…and you can throw in ZaZa, if necessary.

With that said, I would keep the team in tack and Fire Woodson- That’s the Hawks problem in a nut shell.

By Astro Joe

February 16, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this

That’s the Hawks problem in a nut shell”. Did something happen in the last 2-3 days? Did the Hawks lose 15 games in a row (during the break no less) and are now in the 11th spot in the conference? Let me check the standings real fast. Nope, looks like we’re still 10 games over .500 and in 4th place. Pretty good for a team that hasn’t had their starters on the floor at the same time for more than 50% of it’s games. And who is ahead of us? Oh, the defending champ, a team with LeBron and around $30M in centers and a team with today’s most dominant big man and two 6’10” snipers bombing away from deep.

But hey, I’m sure that if Avery Johnson were the head coach, we’d be undefeated and they would have gone ahead and awarded us the trophy during the All-Star festivities.

Again, I’m the last guy who wants to defend Woody, but can we please stop acting like we’re in the middle of a 30 win season? My goodness, some of you have truly been traumatized by the past 3-4 seasons and need to contact Dr. Phil ASAP.

By dhj_1962

February 16, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

trade zasa gabor and a # 1 draft pick for Shaq!!! instant Championship in Atlanta!!!!!

By dmortone

February 16, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

No Flip for the first two games of our road trip, Acie needs to really step up against the Lakers and Kings.

By doc

February 16, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this

wouldnt it be funny to see the lakers package a deal to get shaq back? did anyone see dr. phil’s smile as they got their reward. zen master strikes again.

i treat post traumatic stress disorder astro and it seems to have struck many hawks fans. one of the most telling symptom is how they continue to hold onto their fantasy in spite of the facts of present reality. it is a brain stem problem connected to the amygdala or the reptilian brain so it is beyond their comprehension and cortical functioning. in effect a short circuit. just show compassion because there is little one can do to change the outcome.

By terrell barron

February 16, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

The Suns are falling fast and Kerr is is in desperation mode. He fired Dantoni and brought in Porter because they didn’t play defense. Well, you cant teach defense to a bunch of guys who dont like to play it. Idiot!! And now he fires Porter, and believe it or not, I heard he fired him and will name Alvin Gentry(Dantoni’s former assistant) Head Coach. Wtf??? BK, you are my hero!!!

By tyger

February 16, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this

Its all about Portland’s young bigs: Pryzbilla, Oden, Aldridge, Frye.

The Hawks should try and pry one loose, Portland is so far over the cap, their noses are bleeding. And the Hawks have chips, rights to J.Childress, Speedy’s medical exemption, and expiring contracts in ZaZa, Solo, RandMo.

Its so sweet, Portland could move several contracts and not take back any salary, perfect, especially after their fiasco with Darius Miles.

Add AC Law and you probably have a nice buffet of choices with Portland. Bayless perhaps? Webster anyone?

It would sure be nice to finally get something for Speedy after all these years.

By ET

February 16, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this

All you Woody haters…Your guy you wanted as our coach last year seems to be available again. Terry Porter has officially been fired as Suns coach. I dare say that if Porter couldn’t do it with the Suns he didn’t stand a chance with us!!!!! I guess Woody will never be good enough for these fools.

By terrell barron

February 16, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this

Just heard the Clippers are trying to move Kaman for expirings. How bout Zaza/Solo/2nd rd pick? And on another note the Suns want Mayo/Conley/1st rd pick for Amare. Steve Kerr must be smoking something. Who would Amare play with in Memphis if Mayo was gone? It’s not like their going to compete in Memphis for at least 3 or 4 years. Stoudemire will be old by then. Sorry Steve, no thanks. This clown is really getting on my nerves.

By Sautee

February 16, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

You KNOW it’s getting poisonous on the ol’ blog when Astro Joe starts to sound like a hybrid of Kirk and Tiger Woo! ;-)

Hey AJ, at least it’s better than Anakin.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 16, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this

Portland has declined trades for a lot of highly regarded players because they overvalue their talent. They would be looking to package two or three of their young players along with Raef LaFrentz’s expiring contract to get a legitimate star to pair with Brandon Roy (someone like Amare Stoudemire). The Hawks are not in the position to offer a trade like that unless it means parting with one of the core players of the team, and it wouldn’t make sense for them anyway since they are not trying to rebuild.

Chris Kaman has four years left on his contract at an average of $11 million a year. I don’t see the Hawks trying to take on that contract. Marcus Camby, on the other hand, would be a perfect fit like I’ve said before.

By The Truth

February 16, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

I’m afraid Sund is going to miss-out on the fire sales trying to wait until after the season to evaluate. With his strategy, after the season, the clearing house special will be over which means the discounts will be over. He will pay retail price for veteran upgrades during off-season. If you don’t believe that, ask Chicago and Philly. It is asinine to suggest there are no better talents in the current market to upgrade our roster. As much as I appreciate his Flip/Mo deal, fans will turn on him if things go south.

By Skyhawk1

February 16, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this

Sekou, aren’t you hearing any rumors the Hawks are making a trade, even a small one to get us a big who can be relied on more than Zaza and Solo? I mean, it’s not like we’re 41-10.

By doc

February 16, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

some interesting thoughts on how young players want to be coached or managed from the DOB blog today uttered by k. johnson.

Bobby is extremly patient. He’s been patient with me and my career, so I know firsthand. I think guys really like that no matter what, there’s going to be something positive to say.

Two good stories about that, and I’ll keep it quick: If you make an error and something happens immediately, he’ll say something like, ‘I thought it hit a rock.’ He’ll come up with something that takes the heat off, he takes your side. And I read the other day about Kawakami the other day, how he watched the video, and he said nobody got a ball out of the infield. Someone called him on it and asked who made the video, and he said, “agent.” But that was another case where Bobby was being so positive.

He’s always got your back. if he’s got a beef, something he wants to tell you, he’ll call you in. He has a way of doing it, it’s quiet. he’s not gonna embarrass you in front of your teammates. That’s what you want from a boss, or a coach or manager.

He’s got such accomplishments, such job security, that he doesn’t worry about getting heat and getting blamed. He’s not going to push that blame on players the way some managers might.

hmmm food for thought.

By Melvin

February 16, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

With Flip being out for the 1st two games of the West Coast trip, I guess Woody has no choice but to play Acie extended mins….

By The Truth

February 16, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

doc I can’t wait to read the therefore part of your comment. Is this a Jedi mind thing? :)

By Astro Joe

February 16, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this

doc, maybe you can provide a referral to someone who works over at Charter-Peachford for those who seem to believe that the Hawks are still a bottom-feeder. Or just give them a prescription for I CAN’T LET GO disease.

Sautee, regretably, I’m more comfortable wearing the “Anakin” hat than I am wearing this freaking “voice of reason” nonsense that some force out of me. It is so much easier to be angry, spiteful and venomous than logical, reasonable and rational.

Sekou, regarding that stomach cramp… tell Joe to stay away from the peanut-butter crackers. I’ve tried to tell my wife for years that a cheesesteak is much healthier than South Georgia produce.

By bigdave

February 16, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this

one rare observation i made this weekend was the unusual love we were getting from one Steven A. Smith. thats right.. the “Atlaanta Howks” (his accent) are his surprise team… and he feels that if there was a team to make a run in the 2nd half of the season, it would be us…

well…well..

By rms

February 16, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

how about we make a trade for dominique in the studio for glen doing game analyst.

By doc

February 16, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

truth i think you got it at a cellular level, bypassed the usual senses. heh heh

say it aint so joe!

this team can make some noise if it plays above .500 ball going in. the schedule is arduous to say the least. just the same if they do well it bodes well for us as they will head into the playoffs with a bit of confidence. it also would suggest the team could potentially make a run to get to the second round. first up lakers. would anyone be disappointed if they come back 2 and 3 after this trip west?

By Melvin

February 16, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this

Doc, 2-3 wouldn’t be bad for this road. But we must be Sac-town. Hopefully Bibby will have it out for his old team… Would you care to mention the 2 teams that we will be? I thinks 3-2 is not out of reach (SAC, Portland and Denver)… However, I expect all 5 games to be competitive….

By doc

February 16, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this

melvin, we will have to steal one and get the sac game in hand. best choices are denver and portland. utah and denver are up in altitude and both are great home teams because of acclimation issues. all four teams besides sac are thorns in our sides usually as guests. we may have to live with one and four realistically like we had to survive “the texas swing”.

By HappyHawkFan

February 16, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

Sautee, why do you take a swipe at Tiger Woo and Kirk and then talk about how posinous the blog has become? I don’t get Woo’s love for Woody, and Kirk’s is a wannabe Al Davis, but they do make positive contributions to this blog. You like conflict , no matter which name you use, and that’s all you’re trying to do…stir the pot. The blog has been really good lately and I’d appreciate it if you let the peace continue. Go strir up trouble on your fan blog and leave this one alone.

By cp

February 16, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this

I was watching the nbdl dunk contest and the one dunk James White had was better than any of the NBA players dunks. As far as trades I don’t think Sunk will make a move. He said something about taking a year to evaluate the roster or some crap like that. I wouldn’t mind getting a big like Brian Skinner or Joe Smith in here.

By doc

February 16, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this

ding!

By Astro Joe

February 16, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this

Maybe (maybe) Marvin will treat Portland like he used to treat Seattle. I read that a bunch of Seattle Sonics fans made their way to Portland when the Thunder played there recently. So if some of the abandoned Sonics fans are treating Portland as their surrogate Key Arena, then maybe that’s where Marvin’s friends and family will show up to support him. I recall last season that Marvin went for something like 33 in Seattle. Here’s the other possibility, that Portland may have a new player (or two) being integrated onto the team. In fact, several of these teams may have some distracted players over the next 3 days (while I doubt that any of the Hawks need to be concerned). I’d gladly take a 2-3 road trip no matter how or where they happen.

By ray

February 16, 2009 5:08 PM | Link to this

If you are going to trade someone w/value, then I would suggest J Smith unless we can hire another Coach because he’s not progressing and never will under Woodson. They don’t respect one another…and you can throw in ZaZa, if necessary.

With that said, I would keep the team in tack and Fire Woodson- That’s the Hawks problem in a nut shell.

Ding…..word is that Base Year Compensation keeps Josh from being traded, Josh has obviously progressed, and his so-called issues with Woodson have not surfaced since the end of the preseason. So uh…you gonna tell us which city you were transplanted from now?

Doc,

Your 2:01 post. Nice.

Astro Joe,

You are straight killin’ me, man. Keep bringing it!

bigdave,

You know how Stephen A. Smith is. He’s trying to save face is all, and recoup from an observation that he shares with a bunch of other “experts” like John Hollinger. Of course, they’ll be right there if the Hawks suffer a second-half collapse (makes the sign to ward away such evil)….

Najeh,

I see where Flip Murray will be gone for our next two games. I’ll refrain from stating the obvious, as it will incite the usual riots around here. Know what I mean? Still, it will be interesting to see how we do without having that fall-back spark plug around. I’m thinking JJ and Bibby will get 42+ minutes…on the light side, lol!

I hope all is well with Flip and his family. We all endure family emergencies of some kind, and none of them are fun. Even if you knew they were coming…..

By Ken Strickland

February 16, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this

I don’t see us making a trade. It would be counter productive to trade any of our core players when we’re solidly entrenched as the 4th seed. Neither would it make sense to make a trade to add to the bench when Woodson will refuse to go deeper than Murray, Zaza and Evans for the stretch run.

This road trip comes at a good time. The overall team will be rested and feeling good, especially after coming off a strong finish leading up to the Allstar break. With Flip out the 1st 2gms, Woodson will be forced to use Acie more. I hope he doesn’t pressure Acie, or react to him in his normal overbearing way. If Acie doesn’t excel during these next 2gms, he might not see the floor again this season, unless injury or foul trouble forces Woodson’s hand.

DOC-I’d accept a 2-3 record off this rd trip, but don’t be surprised if we go 3-2. Either way, we’ll have to go at least 6-1 on our 7gm homestand. We’re going to find out what this team and its HC are really made of over the next 15gms. Will Woodson make this a team effort and expand the use of his bench? Or, will he choose to be a sideline distraction, like last yr, instead of a HC and put the teams fate in the hands of his top 7 veteran players and ride their backs for the remainder of the season?

By Ariose

February 16, 2009 5:40 PM | Link to this

Damn, Flip not playinf against the Lakers/Kings…..as if Five days wasn’t enough lol…

~Sir Links A Lot~

By doc

February 16, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

ken you been in the kool aide again?

ray, thought you would appreciate it as it was from a player perspective and his own words.

By MannyT

February 16, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this

I’d be surprised if we made any trade unless it includes the Hawks also received cash in the deal.

Ken You know that once we hit March Woody shortens that rotation. If he were a NASCAR pit crew chief, his car would never take anything but gas a pit stops to get them out faster.

When the tires blew out he’d say we were ahead and had a good run until bad luck caught up with us.

Phil Jackson’s crew would say why don’t they take a few extra seconds and replace the tires during the race.

I do have a question/concern. If Flip is out does AC get more minutes or does JJ play a straight 48?

doc Imagine what AC would be like if he played for the basketball equivalent of Bobby Cox. I’m not saying all-star, but I am saying better than he is now.

BWAF

By MannyT

February 16, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this

Anakin Joe, you may prefer.

Yoda Joe you may be!

Future scientists will confirm that the cheesesteak IS one of the superfoods of this era when you factor in overall nutrition AND psychological benefits.

Who generally looks happier—someone eating berries or someone eating a cheese steak!

By terrell barron

February 16, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this

I would’nt be suprised if we went 5-0 on this road trip. But I also would’nt be suprised if we went 0-5. Nothing suprises me with this team. We’re the Mind bender of the NBA. I’m just trying to enjoy the ride. lol!!!

By ray

February 16, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this

Ah hell, the old Manny is back! Too funny!

But Manny, I was trying to avoid talking about (shhhh..whispers)…Acie Law with Flip being out. It starts riots, man! Don’t you know that?!

But seriously, the NASCAR thing was pretty funny, accurate though it be.

By MannyT

February 16, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this

HIs NASCAR nickname would be RIMS!

ray They have had a few days off. Now would be the time for the Hawks to surprise folks with the Mario at backup PG substitution. (unrelated—I also left some reading for you on your Hack.)

A little beat down for Jordan Farmar and the west coast backups from the Punisher LOL.

terrell you’ve got the true rhythm of the 21st century Hawks fan now. There will be ups and downs, so just enjoy it. I’d rather watch us now than watch Durant now and lose almost all the time.

AJ You made me think of one reason why Marvin has not played as well out here. He’s from the land of rain and he now lives in the drought belt. If he gets his power from rain—like Superman and the yellow sun…hmmm

Solution—He gets to start wet t-shirt contests before every game. I get to be first assistant for coming up with the idea!

BWAF

By Sautee

February 16, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

HappyHawkFan

Here’s what I said: You KNOW it’s getting poisonous on the ol’ blog when Astro Joe starts to sound like a hybrid of Kirk and Tiger Woo! ;-)

Hey AJ, at least it’s better than Anakin.

And here’s your reaction:Sautee, why do you take a swipe at Tiger Woo and Kirk and then talk about how posinous (sic) the blog has become?

HHF, How is what I said a swipe at them? They both revel in their positivity. I have no problem with that as long as they keep it real, which both do, for the most part.

My post was a comment on the posters Astro Joe was reacting to. And that “they” must have REALLY been poisonous to make Joe, who’s not usually in the position of defending Woody, jump in and defend him.

If there was ANY negativity from me it was towards the folks Joe was speaking to. Sorry that you didn’t pick up on that, but there was no attempt to stir up ANYTHING. Other than to comment to Joe that if he had to respond THAT way, than it must have been poisonous.

I have no idea how long you’ve been around (Like Kirk, I lurked at the blog for a couple of years before posting), but if you knew (and maybe you do) the history of the tenor of AJ’s posts, maybe you’d better understand my point. But, believe me, there was NO attempt at conflict, and NO attempt at a “swipe” at Kirk and Tiger.

And I didn’t even know I HAD a fan blog! Can you give me a link? ;-)

peace

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 16, 2009 8:21 PM | Link to this

Ray, no doubt… I really hope Woody doesn’t use the All Star break as an excuse to play Joe and Bibby all 48 minutes. The Hawks simply cannot go through a long road trip playing both backcourt starters over 40 minutes a game. It’s just not possible. If the Lakers can give Jordan Farmar 15-20 minutes a game from day one there’s no reason Acie shouldn’t get minutes on this road trip.

On another note… I don’t usually watch much regular season college basketball, but this Pitt-UConn game is a good one. Pitt is so far showing how a team with no size whatsoever can go up against a team with maybe the most quality size in the nation and still compete. DeJuan Blair gives up more than a half a foot to Hasheem Thabeet and he dominated him in the first half. I don’t think that says as much about Thabeet’s weaknesses as it does about how a player with good fundamentals can succeed even against taller players.

That said, Thabeet still does use his athleticism a little too much to really be consistent on either end at the NBA level. He still needs to improve his fundamentals in a lot of areas. I would still take him in the top 3 or 4, but I wouldn’t expect him to win Rookie of the Year.

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 16, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this

On the other hand, DeJuan Blair and Jeff Adrien both look like the kind of players who get slept on by draft experts because of their lack of size or quickness and drop to the mid-20s, where some contender takes them, they end up earning significant minutes in the rotation, and ESPN writes articles wondering how they slipped so far.

By Astro Joe

February 16, 2009 9:12 PM | Link to this

MannyT, when I grow up, I want to be just like you. Well, you and Ray! Actually, you, Ray and Ray-J (ya’ll need to check out dude’s show on VH1… SICK).

Najeh, let me know if Blair fits that “freakishly athletic but too small to play PF” description that I talked about last week. I would love to see the Hawks draft that type of tweener (our own Brandon Bass/Jason Maxiell/Leon Powe type enforcer to come off the bench and brutalize teams).

By Sautee

February 16, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this

doc

I got YOUR 4:52 post on a cellular level, heh.

By doc

February 16, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

he’s baaackk!

By MannyT

February 16, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this

AJ I haven’t seen the show, but from what I understand, the first step to being like Ray-J is to star in your own video ;-)

From TrueHoop—In response to the question Your basketball life is on the line and it comes down to a single possession. You’re in isolation. Who’s the last guy you want to see defending you? And how do you beat him?

Answer from Joe Johnson

My coach, Mike Woodson. He and I tend to have little one-on-one battles every now and then. He’s always fouling. He swears he isn’t, that he’s playing great defense. I don’t know if that’s how they played defense back in the day. He’s out there mugging me. I have to get aggressive with him. I don’t like to get too physical with him, because he’s an old man. I try to take it light on him.

BWAF

By ray

February 16, 2009 10:41 PM | Link to this

HappyHawkFan,

Sautee does not have a fan blog. That would be HB Ando and myself. And really if you want to be technical, it’s not ours, it is the AJC’s, we just regulate it and write the opinionated diatribes masquerading as articles (see? I can poke fun at myself as well as I can anybody else). And if it belongs to fans, then it belongs to all fans.

By your last comment, you must think Sautee posts under many names, and is really Ando or me (or maybe even somebody else). Well, he’s not. I have to admit, the idea is not a new one, and makes me think I may know who you are, as I have seen this accusation (in it’s entirety) before. But that is of little interest, as everybody seems to be enjoying themselves and each other right now. Manny and Joe are in fine form, which is always a pleasing commentary. Doc is shooting off fireworks, Ando will probably drop in at some point, Sautee’s satire is peaking, the trade deadline is three days away, Najeh’s knowledge is off the chain, and the rest of the gang is right around the corner.

I know I missed a shout-out to a person or two (or about fifty), but it’s a party up in here! What’s not to like??

By Najeh Davenpoop

February 16, 2009 10:55 PM | Link to this

AJ, Blair is built like Jason Maxiell, but he’s probably more skilled. He can’t be any taller than 6’7”, but he is strong as hell and doesn’t back down from anyone. Dude is a beast on the glass and was able to get shots off against Thabeet regularly today. Having a guy like that on the bench would be such a luxury for any contender.

By ray

February 16, 2009 10:56 PM | Link to this

Najeh,

Great observations. It seems that this sort of thing happens a lot. George Hill wasn’t highly regarded, but he did okay in the combine. Fast forward, and he’s getting good minutes with the Spurs. It’s only the smart organizations that make moves like this. I guess that’s why they’re “contenders”, huh? Heh. Well, perhaps it’s more along the lines of organizations with smart guys. And part of being a smart organization is knowing who to hire to do what, and realize that they are the pros (which means you should let them do their job) and listen to them. Otherwise, get the heck out of the way. Mark Cuban may never learn this….

As for Thabeet, I think it will all come down to two things: his work ethic and the chemistry he manages to develop with whomever he gets picked by. He does have some fundamental issues, but that isn’t the first time we’ve seen a guy come into the league with those, as you know. If he is willing to work extra hard at getting that together, then he’ll probably be fine just about anywhere he goes If he’s not quite at that level with his personal work ethic, he will need help in the form of external motivational, inspirational, and patient forces. And that depends on the organization, including how they view him, how much they’re willing to invest in him, and how well they develop big men…or if they’re willing to bring in a Clifford Ray type.

Thabeet may never be dominant. But at his size/athletic ability, all he has to do is be solid.

By ray

February 16, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

MannyT,

Joe should just beat Woody’s a$$ one good time, and that will be the end of it. One forearm shiver to the jaw on the way to the basket. Woody will wake up a new man…

By ray

February 16, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

Najeh,

I’m still wondering how Tyler Hansbrough will do in the NBA. There’s so much that’s instinctual and what not about him, but there’s also plenty to say that he’ll be nothing more than a role player. Hmmmm. He’ll do somebody some good. Maybe he’ll end up being a David Lee type. I think they’re about the same size…

By Matt = niremetal

February 16, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this

I’m getting to the Montgomery County courthouse bright and early tomorrow to give y’all a firsthand account of the trial. I won’t be able to attend most days, but I’ll be there tomorrow and Friday, and I’ll give you all my best forecast of what will happen if you’re interested.

Cheers, y’all!

By doc

February 16, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this

i wonder if our buddy flash will chime in soon?

By ray

February 17, 2009 3:16 AM | Link to this

Looking forward to it, Matt. Some old-a$$ arguments make for better reading than others do….

By terrell barron

February 17, 2009 5:37 AM | Link to this

Wrong blog, but has Mike Hampton ever been tested for roids? That guy breaks down more than a rebuilt Ford Pinto. I hear he’s having problems AGAIN. Irregular heartbeat, I think?

By smartguy

February 17, 2009 6:57 AM | Link to this

Matt = niremetal, see if you can heckle them a bit, too. I’m still dying to know the details of the fight over seats for the all-star game a few years back. Bunch of clowns.

LET MY WOODY GO!

By richbrave

February 17, 2009 7:53 AM | Link to this

tb:

I’ll second that. Possible caffeine. I have irregular heartbeat as an allergic reaction, but no one’s suggested inserting a pace-maker for it. Sounds a bit more serious.

By doc

February 17, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this

yeah, me too smartguy, that one stuck in my craw a bit and explains the true depth and dysfunction of the group formerly known as the atlanta spirit now simply referred to as BASG.

tb, he certainly leads my suspect group. sad to say it but smoltz is in there too as is anyone who ever was recorded on the speed gun at 100 miles per hour including randy johnson. smoltz has always hinted that guys were being forced to use to keep up and now comes out with the argument that some who never used could get thrown in the mix and never be able to live it down even if they were not guilty. go back and look at chipper before he got the multi-year big contract. see if you dont see roid muscle on that body compared to now or even two years later. seems like it was home cooking with the shef involved. heh heh

By Astro Joe

February 17, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

Did you guys hear the one about one of the ASG owners essentially using the Thrashers locker room for their kids’ birthday party? And if I remember the story correctly, it was right before a playoff game. These guys are clueless. The only advantage they have over Belkin is the Atlanta connection (at least for the Gearons and Turner’s family).

Matt=niremetal, if you can throw eggs and not end up in jail, please toss a few at both parties on my behalf.

Najeh, thanks for the scouting report. He sounds exactly like the kind of guy we need. I also noticed that Brandon Bass is a UFA this summer. I definitely hope that Sund adds some muscle in the summer. If we can’t afford a legit defensive center, go get one of those tweeners to do the dirty work on defense and score some easy put-backs on the other end. I don’t even need anyone as skilled as Big Baby… just an athletic space eater.

By The Truth

February 17, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this

For all the fanfare, looks like the Amare Stoudemire trade is not going to happen after all. I wonder how the Suns Organization will spin the PR while keeping Amare motivated at the same time. Since they are still trying to make a playoff run. It will be interesting to see the damage control in action after all the trade hype.

By RLP

February 17, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this

“I can’t begin to tell you how important this stretch is for us,” Johnson said before Sunday’s game. “We went into the break strong, winning four of our last five games. So we can’t let up right now. We really need to push even harder over these last [30] games to put ourselves in the best position for the playoffs.”

One of the things about the Braves during their long winning streak was that they were known for their professionalism. They did not get too high or too low. I would suggest that this is a failing of the Hawks brought on by their immaturity. What happened after their opening six game winning streak and their subsequent four game losing streak that started with a wonderful but loosing game against the Celts? A four game loosing streak. This is not uncommon for NBA teams. Just look at what happened to the Celts immediately after their loss to the Lakers following their 19 game win streak? They promptly went 2 and 6 in their next eight games. After riding a high they had a low. But the key is to get over it. I say the Hawks should realize they have a tough road trip. Play hard every night. Play their best. But if they go 1 and 4 do not let it get them down too much. Keep fighting. Almost all teams go through these periods. The two exceptions this year are the Lakers and the Cavaliers who have not lost more than two games in a row all year. But they are the teams the Hawks want to be like aren’t they?

Just as many here have rightly criticized Woody for getting down on Acie after one poor performance how many of us really get down on the team after one or two poor performances. (One in the case of the game against the Clippers.)

By doc

February 17, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this

truth, the first step maybe to get his support going forward was to fire the head coach he didnt like in style. amare stayed above the fray in that with some very mature comments after it was done. wonder how shaq will fit is more the question of at all.

quite a collection they have brought together. who runs that organization? i imagine nash feels like the character in king of hearts a very old and great movie from the 70’s when the gates to the insane asylum were opened up so all could run free.

missed that one aj. when ya got it flaunt it, right? too funny. guess, chucky cheese was below their standards.

By bigdave

February 17, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

cant wait to see how much Kobe rides and reaches on Joe tonight and doesn’t get one foul called… after he and Kobe went at it trading baskets a few meetings back at the Phil he has taken exception. It was quite obvious in that blowout in LA last year, and he even gave us a sample in Sunday’s All-Star Game. when Joe touched the ball he hounds him, reaches, rides him, Joe has even said “he fouling!!” , but no whistle…

By Sekou K. Smith

February 17, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this

New blog up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By yetta

February 17, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this

Please stop making excuses for JJ; he appears to be very unhappy all the time. He should take responsibility for his actions and stop blaming everything and everyone else. In other words, Stop Crying!