Hawks

By bigdave

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

i see what you’re saying Najeh, and i definitely have no answer for that… thats why i consistently stress in my post when critiquing our offense that it indirectly encourages selfish play. our sg plays point, and our pg plays an off guard role. inevitably we no longer play as a unit. it wouldn’t surprise me if this watershed our job on the glass. im not implying that anyone quit, its just that you are less likely to give all out effort, if you aren’t involved on both ends of the floor. so though it might be up to the point guard, or facilitator to distribute, our scheme must demand ball sharing, and strategically place our players in areas on the floor where they are most productive (the entire squad were jump shooters). i cant say that it does this… hence, a skewed/flawed scheme…

By bigdave

February 18, 2009 3:54 AM | Link to this

our inconsistencies could stem from a lack of identity. my question is who defines/develops the roles of our players? do they themselves? we have a unit that wants/asked to be “jack of all trades” no “master of one”. with an exception of a Mario West you is strictly our “defensive-energy guy”. he embraces his role and in limited action, for the most part excels.

sure as fans we can say, “bad shot Josh, thats not your game” when we feel he is out of his shooting range. when watching other teams this is easy to identify who will be a perimeter scoring threat, low post threat, and who isnt. i cant say that about us and its not because we have players with strong versatile abilities. however, at this point Josh takes those shots frequently one ask, is it really a bad shot/not his game? is this were coach wants him, sees him as most productive? another example, that i enjoy, but i question, is when Al leads the break. coach allows this, is comfortable with this? i mean, sure he is young and athletic, but so are other bigs, and they hand the ball off to a guard to start the break. he probably could beat his man up the floor faster without the ball. he will even shoot an ill advised jumper from time to time.

last year Stan Van Gundy called out Dwight for being to worried about his offensive touches and not focusing on boards and blocks. he felt when Dwight focuses on those areas they play winning basketball. he could careless about what the superstar wanted he knew what they needed to contend. great teams have players that know their roles and coaches that stress them. we just have guys playing positions…

By Clyde

February 18, 2009 6:06 AM | Link to this

Hey Give Up The Big Play Ray

Noah and Sean Williams would have got the job done on the inside for us last night. Horford is toast. Another lottery pick wasted. I would rather have Hanno Mottola at center.

By doc

February 18, 2009 7:20 AM | Link to this

kind of reminds me of those beat downs we got in boston during the playoffs and the fiasco in orlando a few weeks back. great old classic jazz song begins to come up in my head …. night and day.

with the comments it sounds as though it if there is a divide of front court and back court to me. anyone surprised?

just another egg laid, teams do that only it is sad they choose to do it against the best coming off a rest only lakers and the same amount of rest and showed what they can do when they see a team in search of its game …. accelerate.

that one is behind us, time to get focused on the one we have to win on this road trip. not too long ago i said we could be 2 to 4 games over .500 at the end of this month. if we dont get that win in sacramento it will be a huge step back in that direction.

that was a team loss plain and simple and no other way to express it.

By terrell barron

February 18, 2009 7:24 AM | Link to this

It figures! Woody is still blaming the players. I guess he’s NEVER outcoached.

By doc

February 18, 2009 7:40 AM | Link to this

i am sure there were some really good posts after i went to bed last night. it didnt take long to cull out the one that said the most without reading too many more. it is a guy who gets it and one of the factors we are up against in many games. i will post it below, enjoy!

By bigdave February 18, 2009 1:05 AM | Link to this Najeh, well the offense is dominated by the guards by design… there is no motion in most sets outside of Mike and Joe.. they are asked to either shoot or facilitate. however, there is no lane for penetration by Joe if the defense isn’t forced to move/work. they would just drive right into a help defender or double team…

it took the Zin Master one timeout to figure out Woody…

yup i stress, the last line is so critical and was exactly what my thoughts were when they took the timeout and then reversed the tenor of the game COMPLETELY. we had no answer for it on the court or on the bench. i went uh oh when i saw it as they made their run immediatety afterwards and kind of put the game in the background thinking the fun was over. wasnt long before the 9 point advantage had shrunk to a 27 point deficit within less than two quarters of play.

sekou, do you have any idea of how they changed their game or did we just quit from that point on? they also came out after half time having made a shift from 9 down to 9 up before half time to totally throttle us by hammering another 14 point advantage on us by the 6 minute mark if the third quarter to extend the lead to 23 points. it was a laugher from then on, when the pressure came off the accelerator and it got into scrub time and joke time as they made us look like the washington generals against our front 7.

ba, i agree with your remarks from last night. it seems to me they might be even better without bynum for now. man, the zen master knows the game doesnt he? and big, fast, long bodies make us shrink as we have no possible answer to it when they are playing their game.

By O'brien

February 18, 2009 7:45 AM | Link to this

“Our rebounding attitude is obviously not sufficient,” Hawks captain and All-Star Joe Johnson said. “It was their will against our will and they wanted it more. We watched rebounds come off. We’re not trying to pursue it and get it. We don’t get it unless it comes right to us … that just kills me.”

I like JJ, but still. How many times will he come out and make comments like this without mentioning that he needs to change the way he has been playing recently? Pass the ball JJ, and pass it early in the shot clock!

By ILL-logical

February 18, 2009 7:48 AM | Link to this

Watched the first half only but from SS’s column and the stats, it looks to me as if Joe did not play an All Star caliber game-did you see him punk out on that fast break when he had Kobe one on one? And of course Coach Woodson placed the blame on everyone but Joe and Mike.

I believe that while there was not an expectation of victory for this game ,there was an expectation of playing well. Josh seemed to hurt himself early on and did not have any explosiveness. Marvin disappeared after his spectacular block on Kobe’s fade away-something that rarely ,if ever happens and probably took his head out of th game.

The positives: the bench got some burn. The not so positive: as someone noted earlier, there appears to be a front court, backcourt rift going on.Sharing the ball seems to be an issue. Let’s see how that plays out over the course of this west coast swing.

By smartguy

February 18, 2009 7:53 AM | Link to this

The only thing worse than Mike Woodson is the Spirit Group. Those guys look so pitiful in their arguments about Mr. Belkin. It’s the definition of hypocrisy for them to call him greedy and difficult.

They had good relationships with the players? Great, we have owners who can pal around with players, but who can’t run a franchise (let alone two of them).

Woody is just plain terrible. How AC doesn’t get more minutes is beyond me; its like they’re broadcasting a different game onto my dish.

The Stupid Spirit deserves the Stupid Coach.

By RLP

February 18, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this

I agree that the Hawks were a disappointment because they failed to contend after the first half. For the first ten minutes of the game they looked like world champions. And then the best HC in the league worked his magic. And his magic was more on the defensive end than on the offensive end. I really don’t blame the Hawks too much for this one. I recognize that the best team in the league knows how to play defense much better that our team knows how to play offense. Different coaches different approaches.

By darrell starks

February 18, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this

BRING IN AVERY JOHSON AS THE COACH,MAKE A TRADE for AMARE STOUDEMIRE FOR MARVIN and HARFORD or JOSH and SOLO AND 2NUMBER ONE draft pick, you will see this team having a chance TO COMPETE FOR A NBA TITLE, this team with woody coaching dont have a chance period, the hawks need a low post player bad NOT JUST ANYONE BUT A STAR TO GO WITH JOE because joe is not a leader, we need someone to lead this team and we have no one. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By darrell starks

February 18, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this

AVERY COACHING THE HAWKS, STARTER BIBBY, JOE, MARVIN, HORFORD, STOUDEMIRE, BENCH, ACIE, FLIP, EVANS, ZAZA, MORRIS, OR BIBBY, JOE, EVANS, JOSH, STOUDEMIRE, BENCH ACIE, FLIP, ZAZA, SOLO. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By JM

February 18, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this

The post are dead-on this morning, without excessive Acie comments. It has already been written, but the turning point was the second time out the Lakers called and Josh’s second foul. The Lakers figure out the sworming defense at put speed in at the point. The Hawks, well, Woody made no adjustments (at least any that worked).

As far JJ comments, I’d rather see some leadership on the floor and some encouragment for his teammates (like Kobe did to turn the tide after Shaq left). He also needs to recognize that he is bogging down the offense when he waits for the double team. When you get the ball, go. What are you waiting for. I don’t know how many times he has passed to someone who takes a poor shot because there’s 2 seconds left and then gives a look like I can’t believe you took that bad shot. Great player, but damn, you can’t beat the double team all the time.

By RG

February 18, 2009 10:02 AM | Link to this

The Hawks are still a flawed team. They have come a long way, but lack the leadership neccessary to compete with the big boys. When things get tough they have no leader. Joe will never be that leader and Bibby won’t take the reigns either.

By cp

February 18, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

Once again when plan A does not work Woodson does not have a plan B. I knew we were in trouble when Phill called that timeout. He made adjustments while Woodson folded his arms and yelled all night. Joe once again complains to the media about something but when he was on the court last night I didn’t see him get on any teammates about blocking out or rebounding or anything else for that matter. I don’t want to hear that he is quiet and he leads by example or none of that crap. If he can call guys out in the paper then he should be able to call them out during the freaking game. At least the guys on the bench came to play last night.

By JM

February 18, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this

Good article on Kobe vs. Joe. But check out the comment about Woodson at the end.

text to be linked

By Ernest

February 18, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

The Hawks need to find a way to get a defensive minded big man. It looked as though the Lakers were reaching over our guys to get rebounds. Blocking out properly helps but they really exposed our lack of a defensive presence in the middle.

By Ryder

February 18, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this

RG I have to disagree. Joe Johnson has become the leader of this team, and Bibby fills in by becoming a coach on the floor.

Last night’s game just showed exactly what Charley Rosen of Fox Sports said in his analysis of the Hawks after the Boston game at Phillips earlier this season: Until Atlanta gets another big man to bang in the paint they will be a second tier team who can’t beat the big boys of the NBA.

Horford can’t do it alone, and Marvin Williams is too soft. Josh Smith is such a rollercoaster that he can’t be relied upon to show up night after night, so Atlanta must consider getting another interior threat, especially if they feel they won’t be able to resign Marvin and Bibby or Zaza after this summer.

Sekou since Atlanta is going to Sacramento tonight, any chance they try another trade with the Kings to get Brad Miller?

In these next two days the franchise has to decide if they are just happy treading water making the playoffs or do they want a championship?

By The Truth

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

A few blogs ago, I wrote:

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

I also wrote a few blogs ago:

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

It is apparent that the flaws of this Tweener-Hawk-Team are becoming well recognized around the league. We are being exploited so badly, that some of our opponents are beginning to have fun beating us up while padding their stats. No matter what their current NBA statuses are, at times even some bench-warmers play like all-stars against us. I know it was demoralizing for the Hawks to watch Odom play us like a D-league team while the Laker’s bench enjoyed the show. 20 rebounds, that’s incredible! With the exception of Melvin, our frontline players (Josh and Horford) are playing out of position. That (in itself) is causing the problem. Yes, JJ and our offense stanked-up the place with turn-overs and poor shooting but poor rebounding and poor defense is a result of a dysfunctional line-up, plain and simple. Yes, the groupie-fans on this blog would argue that the loss was against the 1st-place Lakers so we should take so comfort in that. But these blows-outs have occurred routinely against the bottom of the NBA barrel. With this current dysfunctional lineup at this point in the NBA season, we have no place to go but down. If Sund wants to sit back in denial and think everything is fine based on our record, then he also becomes part of the problem. The lineup problem may become bigger then Woody’s coaching problems if nothing is done to upgrade the roster. We need a trade or additions for a stouter frontline and we need it now.

By RealSquawk

February 18, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

You know Acie might miss open shots, but he is exactly what this team needs during a game. In an earlier blog Sekou had the quotes of an advance scout who was talking about what Mike Woodson wants in a point guard, which was basically a jump shooter. There is a huge problem with this being the team identity and it is a basic one. Jump shooting teams will not be hot all night and for the hawks they might only be hot for a quarter and a half. that is why Flip is so important he digs into the defense and he takes shots close to the basket and attacks the basket. The same with Acie he wants to attack the basket, which is really good defense because it prevents a team from getting out on the break as easily when they are sucked in. You would think for a team where jump shooting was so important the offensive sets would bring the forwards and centers closer to the basket, but that also is not the case.

If the Hawks want to win some games they need to either attack the basket when their jumpshots aren’t going down or put in acie and flip and let them do it because all teams really have to do is just sit back and wait for those bricks to start going up and then they go on a run and that’s the game cause we all know the hawks are willing to let a team have it if they get out and make a run.

Another note free throws also come from attacking the basket and since we have so many athletic guys who can get at the basket we should be higher up on the free throw attempt ladder. Forget converting them. Free throws mean foul trouble and foul trouble means caution as Woody has pointed out for us time and time again.

By RealSquawk

February 18, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this

You know Acie might miss open shots, but he is exactly what this team needs during a game. In an earlier blog Sekou had the quotes of an advance scout who was talking about what Mike Woodson wants in a point guard, which was basically a jump shooter. There is a huge problem with this being the team identity and it is a basic one. Jump shooting teams will not be hot all night and for the hawks they might only be hot for a quarter and a half. that is why Flip is so important he digs into the defense and he takes shots close to the basket and attacks the basket. The same with Acie he wants to attack the basket, which is really good defense because it prevents a team from getting out on the break as easily when they are sucked in. You would think for a team where jump shooting was so important the offensive sets would bring the forwards and centers closer to the basket, but that also is not the case.

If the Hawks want to win some games they need to either attack the basket when their jumpshots aren’t going down or put in acie and flip and let them do it because all teams really have to do is just sit back and wait for those bricks to start going up and then they go on a run and that’s the game cause we all know the hawks are willing to let a team have it if they get out and make a run.

Another note free throws also come from attacking the basket and since we have so many athletic guys who can get at the basket we should be higher up on the free throw attempt ladder. Forget converting them. Free throws mean foul trouble and foul trouble means caution as Woody has pointed out for us time and time again.

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

On to other news, I watch the game on NBATV last nite and the Lakers crew broadcast the game. Snapper Jones (i think thats his name) made mention to the Suns owner comment last nite. He said Sarver (misp) admitted that his 1st mistake was letting Joe Johnson go… You happy Doc, I’m out of the dressing room…lol

Also, I notice this comment in the new article on the AJC Hawks page…

*“Alex Martins, the Magic’s chief operating officer, said on Tuesday that the club is among as many as 15 teams who intend to tap into a $1.7 billion leaguewide credit facility that will soon be supplemented. It is unknown if the Atlanta Hawks are among the teams acquiring a loan.” *

Do you all still think teams will be spluring on FA’s this summer? With half the league in financial trouble, this will have a direct impact on teams payroll and ability to spend this summer (see the Hornets salary dump yesterday). This summer will be an Owners Market b/c some teams will not have the capital to spend. Player’s agents will not have the leaverage to bully teams into overpaying for their clients. Not enough competition in the market. Resigning Bibby and Marvin, advantage BASG.

And if the Hawks are not one of the 15 teams in need of a loan, then I will give the ASG credit. Those guys have deeper pockets than I can imagine….

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this

Yes sir. Belkin attempted (and may succeed) to pull a fast one on the other owners… However, the other owners left the door wide open for him. Why the heck they let him have the opportunity to object the 1st apprasial is beyond me…

By The Truth Hurts

February 18, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

The Truth will set you free.

Truth’s 10:59 is right on.

Did Woody actually do any coaching last night? I’m not so sure he did.

Though the Lakers’ starters buried us, their second unit got them back in the game early and the lead soon thereafter.

Do the Hawks actually run any plays? Or is it an easier system to learn by saying, “isolate JJ.”

“Pick and roll, Bibby.”

“Pass it twice then shoot a 3.”

This team needs to play teams with hobbits for a frontline.

By Kevin

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

Sekou,

I love you man but if you don’t give us some legitimate reporting on Speedy Claxton soon I am going to lose it. Surely you could get an interview with him and ask him what is going on. What is your current injury status? What does the rehab time look like? Are you willing to sit on the bench next year as well? If he is unwilling to talk about it I am sure Rick Sund can fill in. Ask him if he is willing to put up with this for another year. WE ARE COMPLETELY WASTING A ROSTER SPOT!!!! Every time I bring this up you dismiss me as if you have already given us a good and thorough explanation. Sorry for the frustration but I am a third year season ticket holder who has paid to watch this circus long enough without knowing what the hell is going on.

Thanks!!

By Astro Joe

February 18, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Melvin, if the ASG did not hold their hand out for some cash from the league, it is only because they don;t know who may be stuck repaying the high interest rates on that loan and couldn’t come to agreement across the fractured ownership group. We know that they are losing money, why not grab hold of a $10M loan if it is readily available?

I think you’re right about this summer’s free agency class. We are seeing the same in baseball (save for the Yankees). Many quality players had to take a pay cut this winter. The top free agents will always get their money but “rotational players” may not be as fortunate. Brandon Bass, Rasho Nesterovic, Anthony Carter, Stromile Swift, Jason Collins, Channing Frye and Wally Sczerbiak are among the bench free agents that I would gladly consider at a discounted rate.

By Marv

February 18, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this

Say what you will but the Hawks made the playoffs last year because so many other teams sucked. They’re still just a low class team.

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

February 18, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this

I may be in the minority, but I don’t think Smoov is playing out of position, I think Woody has him out of position. The dude has the size skill to be a good PF in this league- has a similar build to David West (without the mid-range), Jamison, Ty Thomas, K-Mart, and others. He has shown ability to get 8,9 rbs a game if in position. Part of the problem is that he is rarely in postion (some his fault, some Woody’s). It’s true he has a tendency to be manic, but so does the team- the common factor is the coach.

RISE UP

By BrittishAnger

February 18, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this

Size and sad shots were what killed us tonight. There is nothing beyond that which can be blamed for our loss last night. The lack of post size our team has to deal with is going to make nights like these unbearable, because when one is faltering, the other has to pick up the slack, and honestly we’re still undermanned until we can find somebody who can post up consistently. The Laker’s stuffed up the lane and nobody had the tenacity or will to step up and get fouled until mid way through the third period? We aren’t aggressive in the post when its crucial to our survival, and we need to make a move to shore up that final piece of the puzzle. We need answers to this dilemma, or for any progress made in the regular season, our post season will look very similar to last years, with or without homecourt advantage….

By Reggie

February 18, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

I’m usually the optimistic one in here that saves this bad talk, but right now there is nothing that I can be optimistic about. Joe Johnson has got to get over his injury in Phoenix and drive the ball hard to the lane. He can be a 25 a night guy if he would finally just believe in himself and have the mental toughness. He needs to be aggressive and tough and lead this team. Get somebody to talk to him and be his mentor or something. I don’t know maybe somebody that travels with them EVERY night like Dominique Wilkins. Work with him he has the talent just not the mental stuff down. He is still young and he has time to fix it.

I have tried to support Woody all year but last night was it. he got absolutely destroyed in the coaching department. Phil absolutely killed him. Woody made ZERO adjustments and showed no signs of having a clue what he was doing. I wish we could let Larry Drew take over but I know it won’t happen but it just kills me to see how clueless Woody is every single night.

I don’t think we have a chance to make it past the first round of the playoffs if we don’t make a move today or tomorrow. Why don’t we go after Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman, or Brad Miller? All of them are 7 feet I believe. I don’t care how stupid the trades might sound but I’m desperate. We have to make a move soon. We have a few draft picks to trade I think and I don’t feel we have any desperation for them. We’re young enough and I don’t think we need any for a few years so teams would be interested in those too. Come on Sund make a move because these Hawks just don’t have enough what it takes to go deep into the playoffs and that is what you’re shooting for right?

By tyger

February 18, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this

Just my observations

Hawks wont get out of 1st rd as currently constructed.

Neither, Joe Johnson or Mike Bibby provide the leadership necessary for a championship.

Horford, Smith, Marvin are too small and incomplete to compete against in the big time.

Neither Horford or Smoove or 100% healthy.

If Bibby and JJ are going to disappear when you need them most, why are we paying them the big bucks?

If the players arent hustling, why doesnt Woody put in some that will?

If you can get Camby, Aldridge, Frye or Pryzbilla you better. This team isnt going far. Smoove, JJ and Horford have hit the wall. Marvin isnt going to do much. What the hell is wrong with Mo Evans and AC Law?

Woody was out-classed last night.

Miami is coming fast. Hawks are victims of their own over commitment to this core group. They vowed to win with these guys and now they have become complacent.

I would put everyone on the table except Horford and Flip.

By Astro Joe

February 18, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

Kevin, I don’t know this for sure but here’s my guess regarding Speedy, he is more valuable to the owners wearig a suit than playing. 80% of his salary is paid by the insurance company because he isn’t playing, that’s around $4M in the owners’ pockets (or equal to the salaries of Flip & Mo). If he plays, how many minutes would he get? Would he be more valauble wearing a suit and providing $4M or playing 8-10 minutes a game? Want to trade him? Then the owners have to pay the guy who comes in his full salary. As a season-ticketholder, you know the financial issues associated with this ownership group. So do you want Sekou to report that the GM says “we prefer the money to having Speedy healthy”. No GM is going to say that. Portland’s GM doesn’t say that about LaFrentz, Nets GM isn’t saying that about Swift and I haven’t heard Walsh discuss Jerome James either. Do you want Speedy to let the cat out of the bag “don’t blame me, I want to play but management prefers the welfare check”. Why would he say that? The idea of an NBA team keeping an insurance contract on their team is nothing new. If you want another player, then suggest that we cut loose Gardner. But recognize that bringing in another player (even at a modest salary) would likely push the owners over the luxuruy tax threshold… and teams are trading away young and productive centers to avoid that. Speedy’s contract becomes extremely valuable in about 365 days. Keep him in street clothes until he becomes a fairly valuable expiring contract for teams looking to shed salary in the summer of ‘10.

By Reggie

February 18, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this

Wait tyger. You said Horford is too small to compete and that he has hit the wall but he isn’t on the table? JJ isn’t going anywhere. Why would you even say to put him on the table? He came in here to a ridiculous situation and turned this team from the most laughable team in the NBA to a playoff team. That’s just absolutely ridiculous. He is still a TOP notch player who is struggling a bit mentally. He is still young and still has potential to get even better. Come on now. Also to say Marvin isn’t going anywhere is stupid. Even though I would put him on the block. He still can put up 15 and 7 on any night and he is also still very young. Now to get Camby or Kaman we might need to put a starter up but we might not. We have picks to give and some bench to trade. It really depends on what they want. Also I don’t think the Blazers are really trying to trade their promising young stars for some ok bench guys are they? Why would they do that? We would have to give up smith or willaims and I don’t think we should do that. Also Pryzbilla is ok but no better than ZAZA. Right now I’m shooting for Camby, Miller, or Kaman but I don’t see any talks of us trading anything right now. Another 1st round exit if we face Miami because they are a much better team than us all around right now.

By terrell barron

February 18, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this

So the ASG called Belkin evil? Just read that. Thats freakin hilarious. It might just be the other way around, the way they’ve made us suffer over the past few years.

By terrell barron

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

This is a MUST win tonight. Miami has Minnesota at home, and if I’m correct, Oneal should be making his debut. The crowd will be fired up. Wade will be fired up. No way they lose tonight. If we lose and they win, they’ll only be 1.5 games back. Yikes!!!

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this

Astro, I don’t think they are battling over ownership of the team anymore. It looks as if it’s ASG team going forward. I think the dispute is how much the team is worth. Which would determine Belkins share. If they accept any loans, then it will be ASG footing the bill for repayments…

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

Terrell although we have to get thru this west coast trip, I think Miami remaining schedule is tougher than ours. We also need to keep an eye on Philly b/c they’ve been playing better ball since Brand went down…

By Astro Joe

February 18, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

Melvin, here’s what I recall. Belkin got the second appraisal and the ASG did not purchase his share based on the second apparaisal so a judge ruled that he was able to bu out the other seven. But the seven got a judge to throw that ruling out which brings us to the current trial. As I understand it, what the judge needs to decide now is who can request the second appraisal… but ultimately, the seven will either need to buy-out Belkin or the other way around. Ia gree, that in theory, Gearon’s crew has the advantage. Seemingly, it should be easier for the seven to buy out one than the other way around. But first, they need to settle on a price. I don;t think the the judge will set the price… although that would be nice. I’m personally hoping that he takes the power away from both sides and maybe gets an NBA-sanctioned appraisal that both sides must use. I have no idea if he can do that but it seems to be a logical option… allow Stern to choose a firm to make the appraisal and don’t allow either party to object since it is being done by a neutral party who has a vested interest in a fair and quick resolution (the NBA). Then, the seven would have whatever time table to buy-out Belkin and this thing is done (or they fail to rasie the funds and Belkin buys them out).

Did anyone read during the McDavid trial that someone offered to purchase the Thrashers AND keep them in Atlanta for a price that would have covered the owners for the initial purchase of everything? These guys are first-class idiots!

Glad to read that Sund is listening to offers.

By Ariose

February 18, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this

Check out this Bibby article

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

Astro, the way I see it. The magnificent 7 has no choice but to buyout Belkin in order to recoup some of their losses and have opportunity to make a profit going forward. Considering their options at this point, if you take into account the 174 mil they already loss in the past few years and the fact that Belkin can buy them out at cost if they choose to sell their share. It’s a no brainer to me, that the ASG will have to keep the team…

It’s going to be interesting to see what type of proceeds Belkin will receive after everything is settle. Assuming he hasn’t contribute any funds during this nasty divorce. With reports of this ownership group losing almost 200mil, seems to me that the value of the organization has decline. Will that be taking into consideration during this buyout process????

Advantage Belkin

By cp

February 18, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

I just read that the Cavs are in trade talks for Jamison, Butler, Camby, and Brad Miller. If they get 2 out of the 4 guys then they are going to be tough to beat. Its no way they get all 4 guys but lets say they get Camby and Butler. That’s still a great move for them. I wish we were trying to get something to help this team.

By Astro Joe

February 18, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this

Ariose, good find, thanks. It actually suggests that we have a good shot at keeping him beyond the next few months. I’d still like for him to establish his front court in the first quarter by setting them up and being more of a distributor, but I really can’t complain too much with what he has brought to the team. In fact, I’m kind of hoping that Griffey, Jr. can do for the Braves what Bibby has done for the Hawks… provide that team-wide confidence that helps a team perform better than expected because they believe in themselves.

By Harry Hawk

February 18, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

When Clyde (or anyone else) mentions Sean Williams, I think of his wonderful picture on his ESPN player page.

That is the look of a man who probably doesn’t give much of a damn about anything.

By Flappin' Hawk

February 18, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this

Nobody here mentions Flip until Real Squawk about half way thru the blog. C’mon you blogger vets. Without Flip’s fire coming off the bench this team had no prayer against the Lakers. As soon as I heard Flip would not play I knew it was doomsday. This team is utterly reliant on Flip to deliver a counterpunch. We don’t have counterpunchers, we have jumpshooters. There is not one player on the Hawks team that plays with Flip’s intensity and who can take over a game by himself(JJ in spurts). The man is pure business. He doesn’t goof around. Not even with the dude that interviews during the games. No smiles, all business. This is the 1st game without him and it showed. I hope the Hawks can extend his contract. He brings a genuine, in-your-face, toughness to this team. A quality that no other Hawk consistently has. WE NEED YOU IN SACRAMENTO, FLIP! GO HAWKS!!

By I MUS WRITE

February 18, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this

Noah and Sean Williams………. There goes Clyde talking out the side of his neck again.

By I MUS WRITE

February 18, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this

It really doesnt bother me that Ac is’nt the shotter I thought he wuz. What bothers me is Coach x allowing Flip to turn the ball over repeatedly with not a word being said… or bibby shooting brick afta brick and still being allowed to fire away…….

What is the mans beef with Ac. the guy looks scared out there, scared to do too much -you can not run a team playing like that.Correct me if im wrong but is’nt it the PG job to fascilitate /set guys up for easy shots. Thats our problem -we depend on our guards too much ……They take the majority of the dam shots which leaves everybody else looking and scratching them selves…………

I think X has single handedly killed the man confidence and now thats its dead he’s jumping up and down on it, spittin and cussing and such……. ” Thats why i dont play your a*”

Ditto flapping hawk……. U dont realize how much he helps until he is’nt here. he’s a turnover machine at times but he’s wet from deep……..AYE!!!

By Wink from Lithonia

February 18, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this

Is there a way to get our starters to play against the other teams 2nd unit. Start AC & Flip, with Horford, Solo, Josh. Let Bibby, JJ, Marvin, MO & ZaZa play as 2nd unit.

It would force the team to play aggressively, since there would be no JJ or Bibby to lean on. Defense would be better from beginning of game. Josh may feel the need to be the leader and Horford could play his position of PF. Solo could focus on defense & rebounding; use his fouls to protect the paint. AC & Flip like to attack the basket which would allow easy assist to Josh & Horford. There would be 3-4 Hawks in or near the paint for rebounding and would limit fast break opportunities of opponent.

With JJ & Bibby playing from the bench, along with Marvin, we would have some instant offense available. I would sub Marvin first to assume perimeter attacks to the basket & spot up jumpers. Being veterans JJ & Bibby can work their way into the game.

The only starters that matter is who finishes the game in the 4th quarter to secure the win. Look Kobe scored only 10 points last night, we got beat down by their bench. Kobe is a bonafide superstar and he was not needed; yes Laker are best team in NBA. Also, remember we got beat down by the Clippers who are not. Someone needs to look at the common thread that is present in such losses.

Maybe we should come up with an offense or mirror one that works. Let me guess, that TRIANGLE OFFENSE run by Phil Jackson, has won how many Championships with Bulls & Lakers. See players change but the system remains the same… you can’t argue the results…maybe, just maybe you should study it!!!

By terrell barron

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

Jamison to the Cavs.

By terrell barron

February 18, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

Melvin, and what’s your definition of a tough schedule, when it comes to the Hawks? They make EVERY game seem like a tough game. I guarantee you, tonights game will more than likely be a tough game. Should it be? Probably not.

By bigdave

February 18, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this

Harry Hawk, a picture is worth a thousand words aint it… and thats exactly what its saying… ” i could care less”.. i wonder if he had the same mug on his face when BC campus police was escorting him off campus for trespassing…?

By MannyT

February 18, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this

That should be Miller & Salmons to the Bulls for Nocioni & Gooden.

Look out east, here they come!

BWAF

By bigdave

February 18, 2009 6:49 PM | Link to this

well the Kings will be short handed tonight Just packaged Salmons and Miller to Da Bulls…. no excuse to lose tonight…

By Astro Joe

February 18, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

terrell, where did you see the Jamison to Cavs story?

By niremetal

February 18, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Clyde. Sean Williams would be a big help for us at center from JAIL.

By ray

February 18, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this

Interesting trades/trade rumors going on out there.

Chicago will miss Nocioni’s gritty play, but Miller is a true center. And John Salmons is quite the bargain with his salary vs. production. Now the Bulls have solved a couple of things: no more need to play a PF as a center, and hope that the other “power” forward has his head screwed on right that particular night (Tyrus Thomas). And Salmons is a steady scorer in case Deng can’t get it together. Boy has he not earned his money yet this year…injuries not withstanding.

As for the Kings’ side of things…well, they got better in some ways and worse in others. Gooden and Nocioni are quality guys, but they alone will not help the Kings be a better team.

So the Rockets are looking to get Baron Davis from the Clips? Hmmmm. It’s a rumor, but doesn’t surprise me much. As it is, the Clips are going to be set at guard (at least in one spot) for the forseeable future with Eric Gordon. And they’ve got a great second punch in Thornton. The Rockets get stymied by a major injury every year. If it’s not McGrady (and it usually is), then it’s Yao. No wonder they want BD…who’s also injury prone at al the wrong times, LOL!

Meanwhile, can we steal Camby? I know I’m holding out hope for nothing, but it’s more fun than just giving up…

Another late game tonight, and I’m expecting totally different results.

By terrell barron

February 18, 2009 7:45 PM | Link to this

Brad Miller to the Bulls. Hawks still standing pat. And I jumped the gun on the Jamison to Cleveland post. It’s not official.

By anphill2

February 18, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this

Is there a worse defensive point guard in the game than Mike Bibby? He provides a consistent outside stroke - true. You can see the Jordan Farmers’ of the world, salivate at the oppurtunity of playing the Hawks, and we know the Farmers will score with ease. It’s every game. Why are we not shopping his expiring contact? Say Baron Davis?

Relying on your #1 scoring option to be your facilitator to your bigs, is unpredictable. I want a point-guard that can break down a defense, and get the ball in position to score. Acie would be this PG if he had any resemblance of a self-esteem.

Give me more Zaza / Hortford combo. Kudos to Mike Woodson for getting exactly what this team needs out of Flip/Mo/Zaza this year.

Too much standing around on the wings.Jsmith/Marvin did not go to the ball, creating logjam, and too much dribbling.

Does anybody notice the defensive help that Marvin is giving night in/out? He is covering up Bibby’s lack of speed, and Jsmith’s perpetual habit to go for every steal/block. Start Marvin at the 4. Mo at the 3. Smoove off the bench. JSmith must realize that defense is about positioning and effort, not STATS.

Joe needs help breaking down the defenses. Al is fine being an undersized center (only 1 true in the east). Give us a facilitating PG, that can move his feet with the other PG’s, and can shoot the 3 with 35% success.

By terrell barron

February 18, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this

Clyde, your boy Sean Williams was arrested at Boston College last weekend. What is up with you and your love for this clown? I know one thing, we dont have to worry about hearing s** like that about Horford.

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

Dang, Sund could offer the Lakers a 2012 2nd round pick for Chris Mihms….

Grizzlies acquire Chris Mihm MEMPHIS, February 18, 2009 – The Memphis Grizzlies added depth to the team’s frontcourt by acquiring Chris Mihm from the Los Angeles Lakers, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today. The Grizzlies also received cash considerations in exchange for a 2013 protected second round draft pick.

By terrell barron

February 18, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this

Chris Mihm??????? Whoopie!!!!!!

By niremetal

February 18, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this

I hate to break it to the folks here, but as long as Woody is the coach, adding “depth” won’t mean jack. The only way it’ll help is if we trade Speedy and/or some combination of the guys who never play (i.e. Solomon, RandMo, Gardner, Othello, Mario, and maybe Acie) in exchange for a veteran who is clearly capable of starting and/or playing 25 minutes a game off the bench. And to be blunt, no one is going to want any of the players listed above except Acie - and Sund won’t be willing to part with Acie unless we get a point guard back.

If we traded for someone like Mihm, he’d play 6 minutes a game and Solomon would play zero. And that would mean nothing changes.

The long and short of this is that as long as Woody is on the bench, there’s no way that we will be able to frontcourt depth in a way that will actually translate to a more balanced rotation.

By bigdave

February 18, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

wow.. tough off season for the Bravos, another player stiffs us… say it aint so Jr….

By ray

February 18, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this

Chris Mihm may not be all that and a bag of chips, but he’s an actual center who can contribute some meaninful minutes. Well, if you play him….

Meanwhile, I read this at NBA.com. It says a lot, and after Joe Johnson’s comments (which were both true, and not delivered to the right target at the same time, I figured this should be posted):

By Dave McMenamin, NBA.com Posted Feb 18 2009 1:29PM

LOS ANGELES — You know the old phrase used to describe a girl, “she’s good from afar, but far from good”? Twist it around and it applied to the shooting guard matchup at Staples Center on Tuesday, with the Lakers earning a 96-83 victory. The games of the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and the Hawks’ Joe Johnson look the same from afar, but are far from the same.

Their bodies just beg for the comparison.

Kobe checks in at 6-foot-6 and 205 pounds. But for the bulk of his career, he was playing at 220. Joe has an inch and 30 pounds on Bryant, but he came into the league at 225.

They both have a versatile offensive game that’s built on the ability to score in a multitude of ways — from deep, off the dribble, catch-and-shoot — while possessing the court sense and passing ability to get others involved.

Entering Tuesday’s game, Bryant was averaging 27.7 points on 47.5 percent from the field, 35.0 percent from 3-point range and 86.9 from the line. Johnson was averaging 21.6 points on 43.3, 34.4 and 80.5 percent, respectively.

Break down Bryant’s points and you’ll find that 14.6 percent of them come on 3-pointers, 27.5 in the paint, 22.5 on free throws and the other 35.4 percent from midrange.

Johnson’s breakdown is 27.3 percent on treys, 26.7 in the paint, 16.9 on freebies and 29.1 percent from midrange.

They score in a similar fashion.

“I’ve always been a big Joe Johnson fan,” Bryant said after the game in which the two beat each other up for three quarters — Bryant going 4-for-12 for a season-low 10 points and Johnson missing 11 of 17 shots to end up with 14 — before neither played a minute in the fourth with the Lakers up by 25. “I felt like it was a big mistake for Phoenix to let him go when they did because I felt like you had another player who could create opportunities for others.”

“He’s extremely versatile,” Bryant said. “Go left. Go right. Shoot it. He’s a very good player.”

It’s a mutual admiration society between the two. “I still like to watch him as a player, I’m still a fan,” Johnson said. “It’s a little different when you’re in the NBA playing against him, but most definitely, I watch him and try to take little things that he used to do and try to put it into my game.”

The whiteboard in the Hawks’ visiting locker room before the game read: “Run Kobe off the three … Make him hit 2’s … Nothing in the paint.” That would be a pretty good plan for Joe, too, according to Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw, who is responsible for scouting the Hawks.

With one exception:

“I just think Kobe is head and shoulders above everybody in terms of his tenacity and will to compete, that killer attitude and instinct that he has,” Shaw said.

Everything that seemed so similar before starts to bear no resemblance. Bryant’s success starts in his head and the body follows. Johnson is still the other way around.

Maurice Evans, Bryant’s former backcourt mate in L.A. and Johnson’s current backup in Atlanta, agrees. “I think you see a little bit of the mental edge [with Bryant] as far as the confidence level, as far as winning championships and having a greater level of success,” Evans said. “When [the Hawks] played Boston last year and they went to Game 7, Kobe’s been in situations where he’s actually won that game and had that type of success. Once Joe gets that under his belt, I think he can start playing on that level.”

It’s that mental edge that made their USA Basketball experiences so different.

Before Bryant came to the Redeem Team’s rescue, averaging 15 points in the Olympics and scoring a clutch four-point play to help seal the gold medal game in Beijing, Team USA had Johnson playing the two. He averaged just 7.3 points on the team that took home bronze at the 2006 World Championship of Basketball.

It’s that supreme confidence by Bryant that made their All-Star weekends so opposite.

Johnson and Bryant were both selected to play in Phoenix, but Bryant scored 27 points en route to being named co-MVP while Johnson was the only player in the game to go scoreless.

But neither Bryant nor Johnson were the show on Tuesday.

The man of the hour was University of Southern California senior Robert Ward, who banked in a half court shot to win $165,000.

Pau Gasol had the third triple-double of his career, finishing with an effortless 12 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. New additions Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown suited up for the first time. After Jordan Farmar turned the ball over late in the fourth, Brown chased down Mario West and made an incredible block where he elevated so high he could have rejected the ball with his armpit, according to Bryant. The play was so awe inspiring that the Staples Center video board operators showed it on replay over and over, even though the block didn’t technically count because Brown was whistled for a foul.

Lamar Odom won a bet with Bryant that he would snag 20 rebounds after just missing the mark the last three games. Odom finished with 15 points and 20 boards. He also said that by winning the bet, Bryant owes him.

“But what he owes me comes in June,” Odom said.

“Kobe did his damage,” Atlanta coach Mike Woodson said, not even knowing about the incentive Bryant put out there to make Odom a game-changer on the glass.

“I challenge guys, I just want to get the best out of them really,” Bryant said. Even when he scored a season low, he had a hand in his teammate corralling a season high.

Johnson’s teammate Josh Smith, playing Odom’s same position, finished the game with zero boards. You think Johnson challenged Smith to do that?

It doesn’t take a genius to see why Bryant thrives.

By ray

February 18, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this

Understand one thing about the previous post. This isn’t about bashing Joe Johnson. I like the guy, and am glad we have him, before any self-righteous, angry retorts come my way. Take it as you will, though. I didn’t write the article…

By ray

February 18, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this

To me, one of the biggest things that stands out is the leadership. Scoring 20+ points does not make you a leader. If it does, then Ben Gordon is the Bulls’ leader. Corey Maggette is a natural born leader. And Glenn Robinson should have lead teams to multiple titles.

The other thing is the percentage of points each guy got, and WHERE. And it’s not like this is old news. We’ve discussed it on the blogs to death.

By ray

February 18, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

Niremetal,

You have a point. And you’re likely right about the minutes. The only thing that can change any of this is Sund getting in Woody’s face and demanding that he change. Don’t know if Sund would do it, or if he has the backing of the ASG to do it (considering how it went for the last GM, who tried to fire him). We better hope Sund has more respect from these guys than Billy did, but I figure Billy dug his own grave in some ways. Not that I want to get into that discussion with anybody….

By Melvin

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

Philly & Miami lost tonite. And the Magic are down by 20 in the 4th. Hawks has a good opportunity to pickup a game on the 4th spot with a win tonite and hopefully the Spurs will beat Detroit tomorrow…. But the Hawks must win this game tonite. Especially, since SacTown will be short handed b/c of their trade today…

By Kevin

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

God Bless you Astro Joe

Thanks for the in-depth report. I had no idea an insurance policy was in play. The situation makes total sense now. I always knew it was about money but I just couldn’t understand how or why the situation could be kept so quiet.

I owe you one.

By Astro Joe

February 18, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this

Ray, sorry but I don’t understand the Chicago trade. Miller is mostly a jump shooter and Salmons is a scorer who needs the ball to be effective. I don’t see how Deng and Salmons can coexist, especially with Rose being the offensive force with the ball in his hands. Paxton has failed to pull the triggers in previous years for a true low-post scorer and now he gets yet another wing and a jump-shooting center?

Missed the start of our game, has Smith grabbed a rebound yet?

By O'brien

February 18, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this

2 quick fouls in the first quarter for Josh Smith last night, and he gets 2 quick fouls again tonight…

Bibby should be motivated to have a big game tonight, so let’s hope he leads the Hawks to a victory.

By Da Real Real

February 18, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this

That was a good read Ray

I wouldn’t even consider it bashing JJ. I think its always good to get the perspective from the outside. We’ve all brought up JJ’s leadership and the lack there of…I honestly don’t know who the Hawks leader is - at time Horford tries to show that leadership. Its just hard when you have a game like we did last night and nobody is stepping up to show leadership. I think the leader should be JJ because the guys do look up to him. If we’re ever going to beat those elite teams and become an elite team I would think that we would need some kind of leader on the floor. Shouldn’t that leader be your best player??? I think so. It’s just up to that guy to be the leader and show some leadership.

By 404atlhoops

February 18, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this

After watching the first quarter, the Kings are pretty much a jump shooting team that plays no defense. If the Hawks actually move the ball offensively, they will score at will. The Hawks need to tighten it up on the defensive end. The Kings got too many open looks in the first quarter.

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this

The Kings are waiting for the Hawks to blow them out. Willthe Hawks accept the invitation????

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 10:57 PM | Link to this

Wow, Tyson Chandler has failed his physical and is on his way back to New Orleans….

By ray

February 18, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this

Da Real Real,

I’m glad that you saw that for what it was. I’m not a JJ basher by any stretch of the imagination, I just think he needs help. The help might be there already, but we’ll never know the way this team is run. For a good response to that article, check out Niremetal’s post on the Hawks Hacks.

By ray

February 18, 2009 11:05 PM | Link to this

Damn. Horford took JJ’s comments to heart. He’s got 10 boards already.

Josh gets stymied by early foul trouble again.

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this

Oh my, SacTown commentators said that Joe is very skill and strong but lacks the quickest to blow by people….Hmmm, where have we heard this before…

By Murphy

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

I hate Joe Johnson’s Body Language. It drives me crazy

By MAC-TOWN

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

We Suck, even if we win, we suck. we have like a 13 pt lead and let the KINGS go ona 19-2 run.

…and we have the 3rd toughest remaining schedule. This teams needs a heart.

By cp

February 18, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what to say about this team. Kevin Martin is owning us. Even Sheldon freaking Williams was out there contributing. We should have put them away when we had the chance but we let them stick around and now they have the lead.

By Melvin

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

What a disgrace. Hawks gave up a 13pt 2nd qtr lead and end the 1st half down by 4. All this to a depleted Kings team. There was even a Shelden Williams sighting…

By KevinA

February 18, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

What a way to finish the half. We need to try Acie on Martin. Nobody else can guard him.

By ray

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

CP,

So who do you figure Joe will tell the press lost the game for us this time, if we lose? Man, we do not need to lose this game. We shouldn’t lose this game. I HOPE we do not lose this game.

By ray

February 18, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this

Somebody tell me something. Is Josh Smith hurt, or what? I know he has two quick fouls, and he’s only played about 4 minutes. I guess that’s all there is to it. Or is this about to become a trend? Teams have to know that getting him into early foul trouble is a good ploy, because our defense suffers greatly when he’s not in there.

By cp

February 18, 2009 11:25 PM | Link to this

ray knowing Joe he will say something about how we did not sustain our energy and put them away or guys got away from what we were doing or some other tired cliche him and Woodson love to use. I hope we don’t lose this game but man we are looking soft out there. No heart no emotion no nothing. They need to step it up.

By JohnGTFan

February 18, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this

Someone please tell me I didn’t see the Hawks up 55 - 45 with 2:10 left before halftime..and now they’re done 59 - 55 at the half!!! And people think Atlanta’s roster is fine the way it is??? Are you serious?????

By JohnGTFan

February 18, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

Ray

You’re right…they SHOULD NOT lose this game…so will they…but of course!!!!

By bigdave

February 18, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

If u ask me Joe is having a good game, grant it he is our starting guard and shooting guard…

By niremetal

February 18, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this

See the latest on the Tyson Chandler trade? I’ll say this - if Tyson stays there, the Hornets are up a creek. An overpaid player who feels like he’s not wanted? That’s a hard thing to overcome if you’re a borderline playoff team. The next 3 months will REALLY put CP3 to the test.

By ray

February 18, 2009 11:34 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe,

There’s no denying that Paxson has failed to get them a true low post scorer. That is painfully obvious. Kinda like “..a scorer who needs the ball to be effective…” Um yes, that would pretty much describe most scorers. I don’t know how they’d do what they do without the ball…

What the Bulls do get is a true center, jump shooter or not. No, he’s not the answer if it’s a low post scorer you want. Pax was trying to get that in Stoudamire, but if you believe what the press is saying, people in Suns management finally came to their senses (uhh, maybe) and realized that if you trade an all-star for whatever expiring contracts and young players, and the coaching isn’t what you want it to be….then all you end up with is one less all-star, some young guys who may not ever pan out to what you had, and the same coach. Heh.

As for Salmons, he’s an option and an asset. He takes Nocioni’s place, but may provide more scoring punch. Bring him off the bench and give him good minutes. And maybe use him as a trade piece later. Asset management is the key here. What you see now is not necessarily the end product, or what you’ll be seeing for the next 5-10 years. Besides, a 28/29 year old vet who can give you that kind of production off the bench? Very useable. And not just off the bench. Remember, a lot of teams were after this guy before Chicago got him.

Chicago is a long way from where they want to be. With Pax, who knows if they’ll get there. But at least they have tradeable assets (like Hinrich and others).

By ray

February 18, 2009 11:38 PM | Link to this

CP,

I have to admit, Woody and his star pupil are beginning to sound the same, and I don’t like it. Nah, I’m overreacting. I must be. I damn sure hope I am.

JohnGTFan,

It’s like we’re a boxer with a glass chin. But I know we’re better than this. I know we are.

By ray

February 18, 2009 11:41 PM | Link to this

That’s a bit more like it. Man, is Horford on a mission or WHAT? Keep feeding him.

Come on, Josh. Get in the groove. Two blocked shots gives me some hope…

Horford is really doing it all, points, rebounds, assists…And Bibby has the hot hand. Yeah, you won’t hear much from me while he’s doing this well.

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this

Mo Evans can’t guard his drink against a fly…

By hawkfan

February 18, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this

wow check this out http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/dave_mcmenamin/02/18/analysis.lakers.hawks20090217/index.html this comparison thing between kobe and johnson doesn’t even make sense, they are completely different ppl

By cp

February 18, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this

Evans is the basketball version of Ray Buchanan. This cat is forever getting burned on the defensive end. Did he leave his defense in Orlando because I haven’t seen it all season.

By JohnGTFan

February 18, 2009 11:44 PM | Link to this

Ray

Yeah, they are better…but honestly, not much. Atanta, right now, honestly is slightly above average. There is no true low-post presence…there just isn’t. Without that, Atlanta will continue to be a jump-shot team. And since this is not college, it will not be successful

By ray

February 18, 2009 11:44 PM | Link to this

Bigdave,

Yeah, but what’s with his turnovers? 4 again? People all the time would ignore Josh Smith having 5 assists when he had 4 turnovers. But it isn’t seen the same way with JJ.

I’ll be he won’t be talking about all of his turnovers during an interview after the game…

By bigdave

February 18, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this

i must say that the we are playing like we don’t want to lose tonight… love the effort…

By ray

February 18, 2009 11:47 PM | Link to this

Niremetal,

I’m afraid you’re right. But if anybody can do it, it’s CP3…

By bigdave

February 18, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

say what you want about his offensive woes, Josh Smith brings intangibles and defensive awareness that can’t be replaced…

By ray

February 18, 2009 11:53 PM | Link to this

Ha! Mario’s so cool, man. Barely 6 seconds into the game, and he’s already fouled the sh!t out of somebody. Dude does not care, he will let you know…

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this

ROFL. Shelden shoots an air ball 3pt shot to end the 3rd qtr and Woody gave him a steer like WTF????? Uh Woody, he’s no longer a member of the Hawks….lol

By bigdave

February 18, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this

that was a well played Hawks 3rd… though there wasn’t much execution i liked what we were attempting to do. we pulled out 28 pts. more and more it looks as if the Hawks play better in a chaotic, frantic like approach…

By JohnGTFan

February 18, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this

I’m a fan of Josh Smith..the kid is exciting…but you have to be honest…he still is not where he should be by now. He can’t handle the ball..still takes horrible shots..and he’s not the defensive stud people make him out to be…he’s not a good one on one defender. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not breaking his b@lls…he’s still young and exciting to watch. But he should be better than what Atlanta is getting from him!

By bigdave

February 18, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this

love Beno’s game… love it… would be a great Hawk…

By Melvin

February 18, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this

No need for the cleanup crew to mop the floor after the game b/c I swear Mo Evans has fallen on every inch of that court tonite…

By niremetal

February 19, 2009 12:07 AM | Link to this

Big Dave…were you watching the same game as me? The Hawks are giving NO defensive effort tonight and no effort on the boards (with the exception of Horford and Zaza). Every time there’s a rebound, no one goes after it if it’s not coming straight at them. No one’s helping on defense. Smoove is actually the worst culprit of that - he’s not patrolling the lane like he used to. There’s no ball movement at all on offense - just a lot of dribbling by Bibby and JJ (come on, Woody…).

This is a pathetic effort. They should be pounding the Kings into the ground, and they’re not even keeping them at arms length.

By bigdave

February 19, 2009 12:09 AM | Link to this

Ray, 4… they were situational, and one was when he was starting the break he was called for traveling when Martin stepped in front of him..

they weren’t bone head turns, i think thats why people (not me) bark about Joshes.

By ray

February 19, 2009 12:10 AM | Link to this

Bigdave,

That’s exactly how other teams’ coaches and scouts say we play best. But because they said it, it just can’t be right…heh…

And while some will come after me for saying so, I don’t mind telling you what you probably already know: Two things: 1) Beno would’ve been the man in San Antonion if not for Tony Parker, and 2)Beno is the reason why we have Bibby. Otherwise, salary or not, they wouldn’t have let dude go…

By Melvin

February 19, 2009 12:10 AM | Link to this

No Solo or Acie in the 2nd half… No comment…

By bigdave

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

J. R. wit da nasty fade away back in the day…

By cp

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

Joe with another terrible shooting night. At least we are winning this game now… I hope Evans does not get back in the game. This cat is nothing like I thought he would be. Marvin has been pretty much invisible.

By ray

February 19, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this

Where’s Clyde? I wonder why he hasn’t said anything about Horford’s game tonight. I can’t imagine why….

JohnGTFan,

Understood, but what do you attribute that to?

By Melvin

February 19, 2009 12:20 AM | Link to this

It must be a Blue Special in the Arco arena tonite b/c K-Mart has already shot 17 free throws with 3 mins left in the 4th….

By bigdave

February 19, 2009 12:20 AM | Link to this

niremental… that was a 3rd qrt. post… i thought there was good energy in the 3rd…

u might be commenting on what u are seeing now.. ya know fatigue is a mafu… havent seen many subs since… plus Bibby’s man is beating him off the dribble Josh comes to help and we leave an open shooter…

like Hawes, see why the could let Brad walk… Kings have a nice young unit…

By Da Real Real

February 19, 2009 12:23 AM | Link to this

Sac. is kinda reminding of the Hawks a few years ago…they’re a young scrappy bunch. I just hate that the Hawks are having to go all out against this team when still have another tough 3 games

By Melvin

February 19, 2009 12:25 AM | Link to this

WTF….Kings miss a free throw and the Hawks get call for a lane violation…..

By MAC-TOWN

February 19, 2009 12:26 AM | Link to this

These two games prove we are missing our all-star guard….flip murray

…..when it comes to his importance to THIS team….yea….ALL-STAR

By bigdave

February 19, 2009 12:27 AM | Link to this

Marvin plays so small….!!!

Nique is actually a better commentator in interesting games… well hold on wait a min… neva mind…

Ray, i think they might be right… t as far as Beno, there some exec. in Sac-Town that know what they are doing.. Bob Rath wasn’t lying…

By bigdave

February 19, 2009 12:29 AM | Link to this

well Bibby was beat but reached and got ball…

By Melvin

February 19, 2009 12:29 AM | Link to this

Marvin forces K-Mart into shooting an air ball and he catches his own shot the ref initially call traveling then over turn their own call. What kind of new age cheating are these refs doing?

By Melvin

February 19, 2009 12:30 AM | Link to this

Dang Joe missed a free throw that would have put the Hawks up 4pts instead we have a 3pt lead and Sac has the ball with 18.6 seconds left… That’s our superstar..

By MAC-TOWN

February 19, 2009 12:30 AM | Link to this

Honestly speakin, I’m starting not to like joe johnson. To be an “all-star” he sure doesnt perform like one in the clutch MOST of the time……and when things arent going for him his body language and facial expression just seem likes he’d rather be pessimistic and sit and cry about it wether than keeping at it…..same for josh

By bigdave

February 19, 2009 12:32 AM | Link to this

Real Real…

this is just what they needed…

By MAC-TOWN

February 19, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

Da Real Real…you mean another tough 5 games….after the trip we return home to Miami and Cleveland.

By Melvin

February 19, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

Mike Bibby misses a free throw that would have put the Hawks up by 5 but Marvin got the rebound and he miss a free throw that would have put us up by 6pts. All this bad free throw shooting is JOSH SMITH fault… He started the bad free throw shooting trend….huh

By cp

February 19, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

It was ugly but at least we won.

By JohnGTFan

February 19, 2009 12:35 AM | Link to this

Ray

Honestly, I wish Woody would just pound the ball in to Horford more. But at the same time, he could use some help (ZaZa is not it)

By Macaroni Tony

February 19, 2009 12:48 AM | Link to this

damn we miss flip

By Realist

February 19, 2009 12:48 AM | Link to this

The hawks are the worst 10 game over .500 team in ORGANIZED BASKETBALL history

By Da Real Real

February 19, 2009 12:54 AM | Link to this

Yeah you’re right Big Dave, we definitely needed the win. I can’t complain about that point…but then again……

By Ariose

February 19, 2009 12:56 AM | Link to this

You guys can quit your whining now……when we wax Portland on Friday(W/Flip returining) you will all be singing a different tune.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By gypsyjoe

February 19, 2009 12:56 AM | Link to this

We won.

But the Kings where shorthanded. 2 words: freethrows,rebounds. We suck at both. This team drives me frigin nuts.

By Ariose

February 19, 2009 12:58 AM | Link to this

How about Acie with no PT in the second Half.

Hey the lakers had a hard time fending off Golden State tonight. Rocords don’t mean squat right now……especially after the All-star Break people are healthy and rested. Anyone, any team can get owned in any night.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Macaroni Tony

February 19, 2009 1:00 AM | Link to this

what the hell are you talking about realist… what kill me about hawks fans is when they win or lose we cry. it was not a good win but the games is over. if we can go 2-3 I want be happy but that’s life

By Macaroni Tony

February 19, 2009 1:02 AM | Link to this

acie didn’t do a damn thing when he had his time in the game. marvin and acie would have been better off playing chess tonight…

By Sekou K. Smith

February 19, 2009 1:04 AM | Link to this

Man, these cats win on the road in Sacto for the first time since 2000 and you’d think they got beat by 50 the way folks are reacting around here.

Where is the love? (new blog going up shortly)

By terrell barron

February 19, 2009 1:04 AM | Link to this

Mike Bibby plays 44 min. Wtf?? And Acie Law only 3 min. with no Flip??? Either trade Woody, or trade Acie. Thats ridiculous. Bibby is 32 years old, not 22. 44 min is unexcusable. I cant wait to see him trying to chase around Sergio and Bayless on tired legs. I’m glad we won, but come on Woody, use your freakin brain sometimes. If you hate Acie that much, throw Mario or Gardner in there for a spell. Idiot!!

By kirkinga

February 19, 2009 1:11 AM | Link to this

There’s love here Sekou, it just ain’t much of it…lol!

32-22, 4th place in the East.

Go Hawks!!

By Sekou K. Smith

February 19, 2009 1:14 AM | Link to this

Agreed tb, too many minutes for Bibby. That’s the minutiae I will agree to discuss. But the idea that you’re mad at how you won against a Kings team with a bad record, I can’t go there. The Hawks are still a work in progress, I don’t care where they sit in the standings. They’re still in just win mode.

By niremetal

February 19, 2009 1:16 AM | Link to this

Sekou,

You watched the game, right? I got nothing but love for you my friend, but you KNOW that the effort still isn’t where it should be. Where’s the ball movement? Where’s the defensive rotations? Why aren’t Smoove and (to a lesser extent) Marvin crashing the boards more?

Terrell,

Yeah, the minutes number is scary, but Bibby was feeling it tonight. You can tell he loves playing in Sac-town. I’m usually first in line to smack Woody for overplaying starters, but I’ll give him a pass on that one. No pass for not giving JJ more of a respite, b/c JJ was definitely NOT feeling it tonight and was not playing with much heart, either.

By darrell starks

February 19, 2009 1:21 AM | Link to this

No trade by deadline whats up ASG THE HAWKS WILL LOOSE THE next 5 games. GO HAWK!!!!!!!!!!

By RLP

February 19, 2009 1:42 AM | Link to this

Good things tonight:

• The Hawks have won more games on the road this year with 28 games remaining than all of last year

• Bibby, Horford, Za Za, played great tonight

• The teams immediately behind the Hawks lost

*The Hawks are only 10 wins away from a winning record for the first time in 9 years.

Bad things tonight:

• From my point of view JJ, Josh and Marvin played with no confidence tonight

• The Hawks offense had no cohesiveness at all tongiht

• The word appears to have gotten around the league that JJ needs to be double teamed because he will hold the ball then dribble and either take a bad shot or make a turnover or give the ball up to someone else with no time left on the clock. Cab the coaches not change the playbook?

• The new blog ain’t up and I cannot stay up any longer. So this will probably be the last post on this blog and nobody will read it.

Good night all.

By ray

February 19, 2009 1:43 AM | Link to this

Big kudos to Big Al. Dude played like a man possessed. We need that from him more, but for it to happen offensively, his teammates (ahem, the guards) have to involve him.

Josh had a better outing this time around, though it was nothing to write home about. He remains a major threat on defense.

Bibby was straight up hot, and I see JJ managed to shoot enough to get 20 points…

Marvin manned up on the boards, which was good to see.

Zaza came to play again, as he has for the bulk of this season. Solo grabbed a few boards, and Mo gave us a couple of 3s. For the sake of my sanity, I’ll not say anything else relating to the bench…

We won. They lost. Next.

By ray

February 19, 2009 2:00 AM | Link to this

Heh. Much love for my Hawks. I won’t say much else, because I notice some people damn sure don’t show up with anything to say during losses, be it positive, negative, or balanced.

By ray

February 19, 2009 2:02 AM | Link to this

The word appears to have gotten around the league that JJ needs to be double teamed because he will hold the ball then dribble and either take a bad shot or make a turnover or give the ball up to someone else with no time left on the clock. Cab the coaches not change the playbook?

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I give you Exhibit A….

By niremetal

February 19, 2009 2:10 AM | Link to this

Man, I should be happier, right? We’re up 3.5 games now for the 4th seed. I dunno…I just can’t stand this nagging feeling that we should be doing better. I guess it’s good that we’re doing as well as we are in win-loss terms when we haven’t yet reached our full potential. It just is frustrating to feel like we STILL haven’t reached that full potential.

By ray

February 19, 2009 2:29 AM | Link to this

Niremetal,

I see it as a natural feeling. Don’t let the sycophantic cheerleaders tell you otherwise…

By ray

February 19, 2009 2:32 AM | Link to this

One other thing, Niremetal.

CP3 knows how to handle his. Hornets 117, Magic 85. CP3: 36 points, 10 assists. Good God….

I really don’t have to say it.

By Ken Strickland

February 19, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this

One thing happened in last nights gm that really put things into perspective for me. With the gm on the line, and Bobby Jackson at the FT line, Smoove made a completely boneheaded play. Jackson was awarded 2 FT’e, and Smoove committed a lane violation on the 1st FT attempt. The man operating the camera must have have the same questions about Woodsons unequitable treatment of certain players because he focused the camera on both Woodson’s and Smoove’s reactions. Woodson just stood there, with arms folded, in obvious disgust, but he didn’t do or say anything to call Smoove out or embarrass him.

We all know what would have happened if Acie or Solo had done something that stupid. HOW CAN ANYONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND CONSIDER THIS APPROACH A POSITIVE, PRODUCTIVE WAY OF DEVELOPING AND BRINGING ALONG A YOUNG PLAYER? It was a good thing Bibby was on his gm offensively, because his DEF reminded me of the old swinging door. They took turns blowing by him last night. However, none of our frontcourt players did much to protect the lane or draw any charging fouls, especially when we knew what they were going to do.

Ironically, it was Bibby’s DEF and smarts that saved the day in crunch time. Watching last nights gm, and observing the heavy mins Woodson forced Bibby and JJ to log, I was reminded of a statement once uttered by former Hawk “Truck” Robinson. He said, THE LAST TIME A TEAM WON A CHAMPIONSHIP FEATURING THEIR GUARDS WAS THE GREEN BAY PACKERS. They represent the majority of our OFF and it’s almost all perimeter oriented by design.

By terrell barron

February 19, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

Damn Ariose, healthy and rested? You act as if the All Star break lasted for 2 weeks. The players only had a few days off man. And most of them traveled to Phoenix to either play in the game, watch the game, or party hardy.