AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 12
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A case for Shelden
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some of you out there are making a case for Salim to get more playing time. I have no problem with that. Salim brings energy when he comes to the game and seems to pick the team up.
A player I would like to see more of, though, is Shelden Williams. In last night’s game he was second on the team with nine rebounds. Starter Al Horford led the team with 10. From what we’ve seen lately, we all know that this team doesn’t rebound like it should.
“Look at the score when Shelden comes in, ” a colleague pointed out. “Then look at the score when he leaves.” Usually, the opponent has a big lead when Shelden enters the game. Shelden goes to work, rebounding, scoring some and even picking up a couple of assists. In the meantime, the score is whittled down. Once that happens, Shelden exits. Then the opponent goes to work, outscoring the Hawks.
My point is this: Why not keep Shelden in the game longer? I’m not saying start him, I’m just saying give him more minutes, which hopefully will lead to more of the little thing she does well and maybe the Hawks will be able to eek out a few more “W’s.”
