AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > November > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USVery little electricity at Philips
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Everybody was there. Current Falcons and former ones. Big Boi. Johnny Estrada. You even had North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams (hey, don’t the Tar Heels have practice or something?), Andrew Young and what remains of the Lakers mystique. Still, during one of those rare times when Philips Arena was stuffed for a Hawks game, the mood Tuesday night was strikingly mellow.
That’s a kind way to say boring. We’re talking about really boring, especially when compared to those Hawks-Lakers affairs of lore, ranging from ‘Nique and Magic to any of those involving the new Showtime group that roared to three world championships during the early 21st century. For whatever reason, the electricity (and we’re talking about literally) just wasn’t present in the house this time around.
Maybe it was because Shaquille O’Neal works for the Miami Heat these days when his ankle isn’t aching. Maybe it was because the scoreboard zonked out (we’re back to that lack of electricity) in the second quarter to leave the crowd and the players at the mercy of the public address announcer regarding the score and the time. Maybe it was because the Hawks still have a ways to go during their extremely long and unfortunately necessary rebuilding process to become interesting again.
Bad and boring. Not the best combination for an NBA team in a perennial search for others to take it seriously. So the question for the Hawks during the rest of an already rocky season is: If you’re going to continue to spend more time going north than south in the standings, can you attempt to do so with a little style?
Good news. Hawks coach Mike Woodson listened to a derivative of that question, and then he shook his head. “It’s not so much how we look right now. For us, it’s about winning,” he said, referring to a terribly young Hawks bunch that is on pace to win even less than it did last year. They had 13 victories last season compared to zero right now after the Shaqless Lakers ruined the Hawks’ opener with a lot of Kobe.
Much of the Lakers’ 103-97 romp featured Kobe Bryant and friends roaring with ease through what the Hawks called a defense to reach the hoop. “I mean, when you give up 20-plus layups, it just takes the starch out of your defense,” said Woodson, recalling just one of many problems for his 0-4 team that kept Bryant (37 points) rising as the NBA’s leading scorer. That Joe Johnson managed 26 points for the Hawks during his home debut as the $70 million man was nice, but that was about it for highlights among the slew of lowlights that dominated the Hawks’ evening.
As usual, when L.A comes to town, the stands were dominated more by purple and gold than red and white. Much of the crowd was chanting “Kobe, Kobe, Kobe” by the end of the game, and that was when he was in the midst of spending the rest of the blowout on the bench. In other words, the Hawks weren’t the most popular team in the building. Even without Mr. O’Neal, the Lakers are considered a pleasure to the eyes that the Hawks hope to become one. You know, sort of. “We looked good a lot last year,” Woodson added. “We’ve gotta win games. That’s how you win the hometown fans over. If we play hard enough and do what we’re supposed to do, they’ll eventually be on our side.”
Woodson knows all of that other stuff (the constant yapping about the Hawks’ youth, the cries for patience, the talk of the franchise sitting another summer here or there from getting that one player or two to reach that next level) — yes, Woodson definitely knows all of that gets old to a public that mostly couldn’t care less.
Until then, the Hawks franchise is hoping flash will cover up some of its lack of substance on the floor. For instance: There was a dramatic and excessive fireworks display on the top of each backboards before the game. Sparks flew, and folks scattered nearby. It likely was enough to cause those electrical problems later in the arena.
Translated: The Hawks need to stick to substance. Or at least try.
Permalink | Comments (63) | Categories: Hawks / NBA, Terence Moore
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By The Real Deal
November 8, 2005 11:42 PM | Link to this
When I tuned in on the game and saw Tyron Lue logging heavy minutes, I instantly knew the Hawks were a joke. In dire need of a point guard they waste a pick on a project MW, who is already in a logjam with the 5 or 6 other players it seems that play the same position. The makeup of this team is a recipe for doom. Lacking true point guard, true power (post) player forward or center, and no definition. They aren’t a good defensive team and the offense is boring. Woodson may be over his head on this one. The Hawks are in real trouble and its a bad thing because the City is ready to jump onboard, but this is horrible basketball. The high schools and colleges offer a better brand of basketabll at this point. But it’s not just the Hawks, the NBA is in trouble. Just not good team basketball these days, the stress on showmanship and individual play has destroyed the game. They had better make some changes are the NBA will become the NHL sooner than later.
By CJ
November 9, 2005 01:10 AM | Link to this
They are not only a horrrible and incohesive team, ownership doesn’t have a clue. You can’t fix a bad team when the ownership is bad also. They constantly trade away quality players for scraps and continue to be fascinated with project players who eventually languish on the bench or get cut.
By Larry
November 9, 2005 06:59 AM | Link to this
The NBA has become a league of tattoos and earrings! Most of the people that attend are simply being entertained by a collection of dolts! It is the type of attraction that also attracts folks to “pro wrestling.”
How many of these “professionals” have legitimate college degrees? Why would you want to attend an event that you wouldn’t want to take you twelve year old daughter to see?
By AL
November 9, 2005 07:52 AM | Link to this
Hey Larry! I hope your daughter don’t marry one of those teenagers who aren’t educated with a getto mentality and double digit IQ’s…………who happens to be a millionaire, but I’m sure you wouldn’t mind it then. Get a life @sshole, and try taking your daugther somewhere she would like to go.
By TI
November 9, 2005 07:54 AM | Link to this
Larry: just go watch golf, then. if you can’t stand watching young, black men play basketball at the highest level, change the channel. oh, and did tiger woods graduate from stanford? did michelle wie graduate from high school? i can’t believe how racist your post is. hope you’re enjoying your suburban existence in your McMansion away from all of us “ape” colored people.
By kudzu
November 9, 2005 08:14 AM | Link to this
Hey CJ, please refer to my post yesterday about this teams problems being from the (top down). It’s going to be an ugly season. What if we don’t win one game?
Hey Larry, careful lest you offend someone.
By Peyton Forest
November 9, 2005 09:19 AM | Link to this
Larry,
I bet your coward #$@% wouldn’t dare say this to their faces. Thats the thing about folks like you. You hide behind your sinister words and intentions…but when the time comes to “show and prove” you are nowhere to be found, or you cover yourself in sheets of white with circles cut out so that you can see….but no one can see you.
Hawks are terrible…but sadly, you are worse.
By D-man
November 9, 2005 09:21 AM | Link to this
Ah, yes…let me say this, so all of you Hawks fans listen up. This team is worse than the Braves of the 80s. THey stink man..they brighten Phillips Arena just by leaving it. Anyone, ANYONE who spends a dime watching this team at the arena (people actually pay money to do that??) or waste important hours of their life watching this team on tv are idiots. When team ownership/management cant get it straight and field a decent team, WHY SUPPLEMENT THEIR INCOME BY ATTENDING THE GAMES/WATCHING THEM ON TV?? Just boycott this team until they get a clue. As long as fans go to the games and suffer, management will continue to move slowly. Want some quicker action?? Dont attend the games!! An empty Phillips Arena wont pay the bills and they will “get” it. Fans dont have a right to complain until they turn their collective backs on this team. Until then the status quo continues. And dont give the D-man crap about “true fans dont turn their backs on their team”. The D-man says this time is different. This team has got to be taught a serious lesson in economics…no decent team fielded = no fan income. Folks…think of it as an intervention…you would do it for a good friend..now do it for the team you love…yes, it will hurt for a while, but you may get a better team as an outcome. DONT ATTEND/WATCH ANOTHER HAWKS GAME THIS SEASON!! D-man out.
By GERARD
November 9, 2005 09:48 AM | Link to this
WATCHING THE HAWKS PLAY JUST TAKES AWAY FROM THE LOVE I HAVE FOR THE GAME OF BASKETBALL!
By Ken
November 9, 2005 09:55 AM | Link to this
Terrence, Write an article about the possibility of the Falcons getting Terrell Owens from the Eagles. He knows the “West Coast” offense and would give the Falcons the deep threat they need.
By 21298OK
November 9, 2005 09:58 AM | Link to this
As an experienced bad basketball watcher (lived in Denver when the Nuggets were terrible)…I’m excited about this season. The combination of bad chemistry and youth could make this an historic season.
By John Manautou
November 9, 2005 10:10 AM | Link to this
I like where our team is. Were young and learning to play together. Another bad season and a number 1 pick and Greg Oden will make us all happy the Hawks didn’t win.
By Mike Bentley
November 9, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this
Four games into the season and so many are giving up. Half the fans applaud a Laker player that insulted every married woman in America and stuck with him while they can’t show a little support for a goup of young men trying to find their way. Enough said…..I feel sick.
By JJ
November 9, 2005 10:48 AM | Link to this
Hey CJ, exactly which “quality” players has ownership traded away? As far as I can tell the guys we have now are about as talented a group as we’ve had in a long time. They remind a lot of the Baby Braves that captured the city’s attention this year with one major exception. These guys don’t play with the intensity and the aggressiveness that all the Braves rookies had. If they did, then even when they lost games the games would be close and still interesting to watch. Basketball unlike baseball is a game where chemistry is critical and these Hawks obviously haven’t developed that yet. But it would be easier to cut them some slack if you could tell every player out there was giving 110% effort all the time. When they start doing that, they’ll start winning some fans over and they’ll also find themselves starting to win more basketball games.
By Jeff
November 9, 2005 10:57 AM | Link to this
Tl,
Basketball at the highest level? For how long, maybe 3-4 minutes at crunch time in the fourth quarter if you’re lucky. Name any other sport where the fan’s dollar pays for so little in the way of full time athletic effort night in - night out. The NBA has been in a perpetual death spiral since the retirement of Bird, Johnson and MJ with no help on the way.
By TI
November 9, 2005 11:05 AM | Link to this
Jeff: where in the world can you find basketball at a higher level? some euroleague? south america? why do their players long to be in the nba with only a few being successful? because the nba is basketball at the highest level. you can argue all you want to about the history of the nba, but the fact is, the nba is basketball at its highest level anywhere in the world. it’s not that complicated, man. also read pat hruby’s article on espn’s page2 about myths of the nba. it will cause you to respect the nba game at least a little more.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hruby/051104
By quint
November 9, 2005 11:09 AM | Link to this
Last night was the first time I purposely turned to watch the Hawks play since the end of the Steve Smith\Mookie Blaylock era. I was slightly encouraged by what I saw. Those young kids can play, but not yet as a team. They only lost by six, not sixteen or sixty. They still need some parts, but now this logjam of players they have can become trade material for the solid center and power forward they need. Come on, give them more than four games.
By Traceman
November 9, 2005 11:09 AM | Link to this
John, unfortunately, Oden is not going to be in the ‘06 NBA Draft due to the new age limitation and I don’t see a draft eligible big man out there right now who I think is worthy of a top 3 pick. That said, I still think we need a PG and maybe the likes of Daniel Ewing or Rajon Rondo will be available when we pick. We will likely have to get a big man via trade of free agency.
I would much rather these guys start winning than to get another lottery pick but I think it is pretty obvious that won’t be happening until we get that big man and another PG. In the meantime, I’ll be still rooting for them and hoping to see the young guys develop. I think we have a decent core but we still need those other pieces to become a competititve team.
By TI
November 9, 2005 11:20 AM | Link to this
Daniel Ewing is already in the nba, but I agree that Rondo would be great for this team, or possibly even Gibson from Texas. Makes me wonder if this team would be any better had they drafted Chris Paul.
By Jeff
November 9, 2005 11:20 AM | Link to this
Tl
It seems you don’t get out much. Aside from when a game is on the line in the fourth quarter and when play heats up in the playoffs when money is a motivating factor, the level of play during the season is very mediocre. The Euroleague may be talent wise a step below the NBA, but at least the fans get to see what they pay for more often and more predictably than the NBA fan. If you’re impressed with mediocrity, then continue to pay not so mediocre ticket prices for the NBA. This discerning fan will hold the NBA to a higher standard before shelling out money to overpaid athletes that give a glimpse of their talent sparingly and unpredictably.
By ebineezer
November 9, 2005 11:22 AM | Link to this
The NBA has taken baskeball and transformed it into thugball. No more team play. An offensive set consists of a single pick and roll at most. Defense is optional. Big name players do as they please. When was the last time Kolbe or a player of his stature fouled out of a game or even got in foul trouble? Its not about the team winning its about each player fighting to get his. Anyway, its early and the Hawks will win some games. Joe is good and you cain’t hold his contract against him. Woodson will do as good as anybody else could with this team. This team has got to be better than last year simply because it cain’t get any worse. If this bunch decides to play defense that might be enough to get them in the hunt for a playoff spot. Billy is the man driving the bus. Its time to change drivers.
By TI
November 9, 2005 11:29 AM | Link to this
Jeff: classy statement: “you don’t get out much.” do you always lash out when someone is attempting to have a civil debate with you? i’m definitely not impressed with the mediocrity of your comments and arguments.
By Michael
November 9, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this
Same old story; clueless ownership, a sorry GM and an overmatched coach. Though I certaintly don’t long for the days of Pete Babcock, you would think the Hawks would have learned their lesson. But, it’s more of the same or even worse.
By John Reid
November 9, 2005 11:45 AM | Link to this
This will take time, but at least there is direction. I think by mid season they will win these games and learn how to play beyond the third quarter.
I was wrong about Al Harrington, this team definitely needs his presence. The only way the Hawks are going to grow is to have continuity.
Believe me I know about watching sorry teams who never seem to get over the hump, i’ve lived in DC the past 13 years and had to stomach the Wizards play so awful until last year. What made them finally get it right? Continuity, allowing their star players to mesh with their young talent, and adding the right pieces. Atlanta has two star players to be in JJ & Al, the key is now developing the role players around them. I agree that it will take time, unfortunately it seems that most of you “fans” don’t see that there is finally a plan in place. Yes it might mean there are going to be some 100-75 beatdowns and quite possibly only 20 wins this year, meaning a high draft pick for a desperately needed PG (Lue’s a great backup but not a starter) and obtain a post player with the money leftover in cap room.
It’s painful in the short run but it wiil pay off.
By Johnny
November 9, 2005 11:56 AM | Link to this
Please send Mr. Terrence Moore to another paper far away from Atlanta. His negativity towards the Falcons, Hawks, Jackets and Dawgs is too much for one town to handle. Get behind the teams and stop beating them up. Terrence, seriously stop drinking the angry tea.
By SQ
November 9, 2005 11:58 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately the Hawks will continue to struggle as long as Tyrone Lue is getting significant minutes. The guy can score some points but he plays no defense and doesn’t distribute the ball. What a joke. Does anybody realize that the guy T Lue is guarding always seems to have a career game? Why can’t Woodson see this. I get so frustrated watching this joke that I walk away. I’ll come back when the Hawks get a real point guard. And by the way, check out how Boris Diaw is doing with Phoenix.
By paul02085
November 9, 2005 12:31 PM | Link to this
Im just amazed anybody watches this garbage. Kinda like watching “the longest yard” i guess.
By Steve
November 9, 2005 12:35 PM | Link to this
The Hawks will put it together soon enough. There is plenty of young talent on this team and Coach Woodson will get through to them. Everyone will just have to be patient.
By 21298OK
November 9, 2005 01:08 PM | Link to this
To be fair: The first half against Golden State was mostly notable because GS played some of the worst basketball I’ve ever seen…and if Lamar Odom wasn’t missing everything in the first half last night the Hawks would have been down 6 or 8 at the half. And lastly, why not foul after Stoudamire hit the late 3…LA had been stuggling at the free throw line and it was a 3 possession game with about a minute to go?
By Rutuger
November 9, 2005 02:27 PM | Link to this
The Hawks suck, that’s nothing new. As long as they play hard and try to get better, I will watch them.
While the league certainly has the most gifted athletes, the best basketball in the world is most certainly NOT played in the NBA. If you need proof, write to NBC and get yourself a copy of the Olympic basketball games, when our NBA stars were learned, humiliated, and exposed by small countries with players who knew what teamwork, hard work, and fundamentals are.
As for “TI,” you are hardly in any position to question anyone else’s class after your reply to Larry’s post. In no way did he make any racial generalizations whatsoever, and you decide to play the race card and put words in his mouth. THAT is the true definition of poor taste.
By Basketball Princess
November 9, 2005 03:26 PM | Link to this
Every one is always talking about how the hawks are so horrible. ATTENTION FELLAS!!!!! We know this already. Does everyone fail to realize that we have young inexperienced players as well as an inexperienced head coach. Our first year players last year were bieng coached by a first year head coach. Not to take anything away from Woodson. He did assist Brown on the Pistons chapionship team…BUT….what was his specialty on that Pistons team “Defense” Something that our Hawks have lack of. Granted, he did earn an opportunity to be a head coach but was it his time and was it with the Hawks. If Woodson had a players who were willing to defend would his debut as a head coach been a little bit more rewarding? I think so. In the NFL there is a offensive coordinator, and a defensive coordinator. I know this is basketball but who plays that position on Our Hawks team? It couldn’t be Woodson because his niche is defense….
I love the Hawks and I will ride with the team to the end.
I have a question. What kind of town would Atlanta be without our Hawks?…………………………………………..I can answer that. Freaking boring during post NFL season. So what they are loosing. be glad that they are here in this city and be even more glad that they are trying to rebuild. What franchise would want to stay in a city where all we do is BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG! (Opps! I better be careful becasue Larry might think I was refering to Gun Shots)LOL
On another note. My son loves going to the Hawks games sitting up close, eyes glued with hopes to see a facsinating dunk by J Smoove. He left the game yesterday saying “Mom they seem to be getting better. They only lost by 6” (but I still had to let him know that was because Jako called off the dawgs)
By Basketball Princess
November 9, 2005 03:29 PM | Link to this
Please excuse the errors in my typing only had 3 min to get my point accross
By GoldenGhettoman
November 9, 2005 03:32 PM | Link to this
The hawks do stink and probably wont win more than last year. But remember everything in this town is racsist, check out the past.
By Basketball Princess
November 9, 2005 03:34 PM | Link to this
What comes down must come up. What goes around will come back around. The Hawks will step up to the plate.
Everyone is so quick to critisize BK but please remember that he had a bunch of dead weight whn he became employed. He had to exfoliate the dead skin to bring out the the new skin.
When one gets a facial, afterwards the skin is fresh and healthy looking and to keep it looking fresh and healthy looking you have to make drastic changes in how you care for your skin. New products of moisturizers, cleanseres, scubs, masks and even drinking more water. Somehow you have to figure out the best combination of different products that works best with you skin type….Well the The Hawks Administration is the skin type. The Products are J Smith for Sensative skin, Joe Johnson for for oily skin, Marvin Williams for dry skin, Al harrington for Night time moisture, Z. Pachulia for 7 day scrub, Childress for masks and the other players like Ivey, D. Smith T Lue is water…Somehow the face will figure out what works for it but you have to give it time to adapt.
When you start using a new product on your face it seems like it gets worse before it gets better. Last season was the worst now give it time to get better becuse you will soon be impressed with the results.
By CJ
November 9, 2005 10:53 PM | Link to this
Ok the other fans here have made a good argument. This IS a young team that hasn’t played together. Other than JJ and AL there is barely anyone who can compete effectively at the NBA level for 4 quarters. They always fade in the late 3rd or 4th quarter. And..this isn’t Babcock’s Hawks…he’s gone…but he left a heck of an aftertaste. We will see down the road, but I still say the ultimate result will be futility. Like someone has said before..if they showed effort and atleast try to remedy some of their roster weaknesses in a more traditional manner it’d be better. Get REAL power fowards and REAL point gaurds…not a collection of experimental tweeners. Also try to effectively develop players with proven veterans on the staff instead of letting them go for nothing and contribute to other teams.
By Former Fan
November 9, 2005 11:34 PM | Link to this
To Atlanta (NO)Spirit:
I ordered two season tickets about two months ago. I spent 45 minutes on the phone selecting my seats. I chose two seats that were not next to each other, because, my buddy and I are both big guys. The sales person confirmed my order and I thought that everything was fine. A few days later the ticket manager called me from the ticket office to say that I need to request two different seats. He said that it would be “hard� to sell a single seat, so I couldn’t buy two that were not adjacent. This is stupid! I am a single person, so If that’s the case then, is he saying that people who want individual seats are not welcome. Instead of letting me keep the two seats that I had already purchased, he refunded my money. So now instead of trying to sell that one seat, there are two more empty seats. I guess that you have enough fans.
By Larry
November 10, 2005 02:33 AM | Link to this
“AL,” “TI,” and “Peyton,”
You’re the perfect exemplification of my point—tattoos, earrings and blatant ignorance!
AL,
Try doesn’t instead of “don’t” in your sentence for proper grammar, and no, my daughter wouldn’t be interested in a relationship with millionaire, sub-human illiterate of who’s every sentence contains five or six “you knows.”
TI,
Look up the terms “diction” and “syntax” in your dictionary.
Peyton,
Maaaaannn, you just plain ole dumb!
There we have it folks—the Atlanta Public School System producing “Einstein’s” like TI, AL and Peyton, who are in the battle of their lives pursuing their GED’s while spending all their money on their hair and basketball shoes. They can’t think but they sure are pretty!
Please guys—PLEASE—don’t reproduce! I’ll commit to buying you a lifetime supply of basketball shoes if you’ll commit to not having children—deal?
By wes
November 10, 2005 11:53 AM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN! Terence Moore reports that Hawks games are boring. Absolutely tantalizing journalism, Terence!!!
By Biff
November 10, 2005 02:03 PM | Link to this
Larry, your use of the phrase “of who’s” is grammatically incorrect. You should have just used “whose”. Methinks the pot has called the kettle black. Calm down, dude.
By TI
November 10, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this
Larry: my diction and syntax are fine. i’m not sure what you’re talking about. also, i did graduate from an atlanta public school, went to northwestern for undergrad (go cats!) and am now in my first year of law school. so, i’m actually spending all of my money on rent, food and books. i’d rather be “ignorant” in my love for the game instead of ignorant of other races and cultures as you seem to be.
Rutuger: i think the site editor or webmaster may have edited or deleted one of Larry’s posts. he made a post stating how david stern’s requiring these “apes” to wear a suit was laughable, which i felt was a racist comment. as the posts exist now, i admit that it seems i jumped on him for little reason, but yesterday i felt it was warranted.
By TI
November 10, 2005 03:04 PM | Link to this
Former Fan: your experience with the ticket office is appalling. i can’t believe they refused to sell you TWO season tickets just because they weren’t together. what else are they going to do with those seats? give them away (for free) to some local radio station? if i were you i’d send an e-mail to owners@hawks.com which is supposedly an e-mail inbox that the ownership group reads. maybe they will get involved and reverse the ticket manager’s decision.
By TI
November 10, 2005 03:06 PM | Link to this
Former Fan: correction on that last post. go here to contact the hawks ownership group.
By d
November 10, 2005 03:08 PM | Link to this
Maybe Lenny Wilkens, and Dominique for that matter, have placed curses on the Hawks after they were fired, b/c the team hasn’t done anything since they both left. At least with Lenny there was excitment and the team was making into the playoffs. Have the owners not learned that whenever a Wilkens is fired it’s never the same. The only way to reverse the curse is to bring Lenny back as head coach and ‘Nique as assistant. That could have been accomplished with the new ownership. And it would have brought fans back to the arena. For whatever reason it seems to me that outside of his Hawks uniform, noone has ever taken D Wilkens serious. He doesn’t seem to garner respect around the league. The Hawks organization seem to have him around as a figure head and to somewhat apease old Hawks fans by trying to right a wrong. If DWilkens is serious about coaching in this league, he’s going to have to leave the Atl franchise. There are too many spoons attempting to stir the Hawks and Thrashers pot and his dream of become a coach is being deferred. Maybe when Woodson is fired and not because he didn’t try hard, D Wilkens will be hired. Hawks 2005-06 season record 20-62.
By Scott
November 10, 2005 03:48 PM | Link to this
Al Harrington is the only player worth watching on this team. He’s the only guy who really cares and isn’t afraid to get in someone’s face when they dog it out there. He’s by far my favorite player and sadly he probably will be gone from Atlanta by the trade deadline. Al Harrington is the type of player you want your kids to watch because he plays the game the right way.
But at least Tech basketball starts up soon and the Thrashers actually won last night.
By Chris
November 10, 2005 03:49 PM | Link to this
Without an NBA point guard it is hard to win in the NBA. Go and enjoy the other team. It shall be a long year but alas….
…lets think about the positives and the one thing that the Hawks have been able to dominate over the last 20 years. We are the dunk capital of the NBA with our 3 slam dunk champs Nique(human highlight reel), Spud (the little man that could) and our current phenom Josh (junior) Smith. The Slam Dunk Contest the Hawks dynasty continues….
By Larry
November 11, 2005 07:08 AM | Link to this
TI,
You’re too insecure (little wonder)!
You see, authentically intelligent and secure men—like me—never feel compelled to “sell” others on their credentials; they just know it! It’s called confidence!
This is why guys like you wear earrings and get tattoos—you just aren’t content with what you see in the mirror. Additionally, you decide to become an attorney so you can have a business card to pass out to impress the gullible and immature. Oh boy—another attorney!
It won’t work, TI, because people like me find people like you just pure entertainment, and you’re too dumb to get it! Then, you bury yourself using the “race cardâ€? to hide behind your cerebral inadequacy.
Next, you’ll go to chiropractic school so you can call yourself a “Doctor.”
What’s next on the piercing schedule, your nose or your tongue?
By Basketball Princess
November 11, 2005 09:18 AM | Link to this
Larry and TI,
First of all this is a column about our ever so loosing Hawks. Not about who has the highest IQ. As far as I’m concerned both of you sound childish and immature. TI you have no need to explain yourself to a complete stranger. Come on guys…who saw the game last night. Was it me or did we play that game in slow motion? I hate to say this but we need a new coach…
By TI
November 11, 2005 10:56 AM | Link to this
Basketball Princess: I went to the Clippers game last night and I thought that the team looked like it didn’t have a plan on offense. It seems like we have players with individual tools, but they just don’t flow together on the court.
And sorry, Basketball Princess, I love you but I just have to respond to Larry. When someone disses Grady High I can’t keep quiet.
Larry: actually, authentically intelligent and secure men don’t dismiss a person as unthinking and “in the battle of their lives pursuing their GED’s while spending all their money on their hair and basketball shoes” because of race or the fact that he went through the Atlanta Public School system. I never said I was smarter than you. However, you called me and few others dumb because of prejudices that you have in your mind. I find it interesting (and pathetic) that your only response to mine, AL’s and Peyton’s posts is “you’re dumb,” instead of “no my post wasn’t racist and here’s why.” Oh, and my mom is white and my dad is black, so in your mind does that make me at least half as smart as you? Man, I really feel sorry for you that your confidence and authentic intelligence hasn’t helped you get past your prejudices.
By Larry
November 12, 2005 08:27 AM | Link to this
TI,
Two questions:
What percentage of Grady High boys have their ears pierced?
Are you one of these boys?
By TI
November 12, 2005 10:29 AM | Link to this
By Larry
November 12, 2005 02:30 PM | Link to this
There you have it ladies and gentleman!
TI will be the first President, Governor, CEO, Attorney General or District Attorney to sport earrings!
I rest my case!
Let’s just hope he pays his child support.
By TI
November 12, 2005 04:59 PM | Link to this
Larry: wow, you definitely proved your case. You proved that you’re pretty much a racist bigot. I don’t wear an earring anymore, but now I kinda wish I still did. I’d pray for you but I’m not Christian, and you probably also hate all non-Christians, too. I hope your kids and grandkids grow up with more tolerance and enlightenment than you because they’re the future and shouldn’t suffer just because of their association with you. peace, and go hawks.
By TI
November 12, 2005 05:01 PM | Link to this
a* = a s s o c i a t i o n
By TI
November 12, 2005 05:02 PM | Link to this
ajc has an overanxious profanity filter, I guess.
By Larry
November 12, 2005 07:28 PM | Link to this
Indeed I did prove my case, TI, that you epitomize my original argument: like the NBA, you’re dumb, immature, image conscious, and grossly insecure. For men there is a direct correlation between a low IQ and wearing an earring—check it out!
This has NEVER been about race, dummy. There is only one race, the human race, and we all originated from a single tribe originating in the African continent. Our skin color is only different due to adaptation to our changing environments due to exploration and relocation.
My best friend is “black” and I probably have many more professional “black” friends than you do. But, the difference is NONE of them wear earrings or tattoos and neither will their children. So, your “race card” dog won’t hunt! This is about idiots—black, white or whatever—called the NBA that is loaded with thugs that dummies like you idolize that fuel and re-fuel their “apish” behavior.
All of my terms were targeted at all skin colors, thus my ire with you hiding behind the “racist” accusation to avoid facing the truth.
TI, REAL MEN never get tattoos, earrings, abandons their wives or children, blame others, or make excuses. REAL MEN have honor, integrity and are loyal and trustworthy. The NBA is full of self-centered idiots, and thus the lack of “electricity� exists at Phillips Arena as MR. Moore said.
Racism is pure ignorance; rigorous honesty is true and everlasting!
By TI
November 12, 2005 11:30 PM | Link to this
check it out? where? how? are you making this up? by the way, if you knew what a correlation was, you’d know that a correlation does not imply causation, or in other words it is a logical fallacy. but you’re the last person i’d think could get his brain to apply logic to any situation. there is a correlation between gun ownership and crime, so does that mean that gun owners are criminals?
i’m so surprised you made the typical “but my best friend is black” argument to hide your closet racism. how many times have we heard that one? you’re simply being dishonest, and you don’t have to be a member of the KKK to be prejudicial and a closet racist.
honor and integrity have nothing to do with tatoos and earrings. if you think that a real man can’t have a tattoo or earring or if you think that it somehow destroys honor, integrity and loyalty in a man, then you are simply closeminded, just as closeminded as the person who thinks that in order to be manly, you MUST get a tattoo. the rest of us sane people are in the middle. we don’t have irrational prejudices either way towards such people.
for every man with a tattoo who has abandoned his wife, i’ll show you a tattoo-less, church-going, self-proclaimed good christian man who has done the same. you epitomize insecurity and ignorance. you’re lashing out at others and resorting to name-calling because of how a person looks. how is that not prejudice? it would be just as ignorant as me calling you dumb for disliking the Hawks because I say men with honesty and integrity must love the Hawks. it just doesn’t make sense. neither do you, Larry.
is kevin garnett self-centered when the tattoo-laden nba player donated $1.2 million to hurricane relief? was tattoo-less FEMA head mike brown self-centered when he was more worried about his lunch plans instead of doing his job the day after the hurricane? what about tattooed warrick dunn who wears a huge silver chain during games, who also builds and gives homes to families? what about tattoo-less kenneth lay when he defrauded his stockholders? my uncle has six tattoos and also served in vietnam and in the army for 27 years. is he without honor? i challenge you to name a player on the hawks who has abandoned his wife or is self-centered. go back into your ignorant bubble and leave the rest of the world alone, Larry. you are small-minded, and it seems that can’t be cured. i hope you live a long and healthy life, i just hope i never encounter your type of ignorance and hate in mine.
By Larry
November 12, 2005 11:52 PM | Link to this
Still screaming “racism,” huh TI?
Don’t worry—the givers will continue to support the takers! You’ll not have to earn anything in your life.
Also, try to be original with your vocabulary and stop mimicking mine in your explanations. This may be hard for a guy who relies on his earring for his self esteem! Also, your examples of giving is called “tax deductions.”
Arguing with you leaves me unfulfilled. I fill I’m in a debate with an unarmed opponent!
By TI
November 13, 2005 09:17 AM | Link to this
Larry: “fill?” you’re an idiot. “examples of giving” should be modified by the verb “are” instead of “is.” incidentally, there so many grammatical errors and misused words (i guess because you’re trying to use words that are too big for you) in your writing that it’s comical, almost as if my 14 year old niece wrote it. she is an extremely gifted student, though, despite the fact that she doesn’t conform to how you think a person look, so being compared to her shouldn’t feel insulting. she’s getting much better and is testing at a high level for her english skills at that age.
my uncle was in the army for a tax deduction? if you insult him for his service, in my mind you don’t deserve to breathe, so please stop and keel over. you clearly don’t understand the tax code if you think that you can somehow profit from donating money, but that’s not surprising because you’ve probably never done it. if you’d like to know how it works, let me know and i’ll point you to the relevant provisions in the code.
it’s laughable you can’t respond to any arguments with anything other than lashing out. it’s clear you have no relevant arguments left to make. you’re unfulfilled arguing with me because you realize you’re wrong but are too closeminded to admit it. again, i really feel sorry for you that you have this unwarranted sense of superiority and prejujdice. i think you’re a pathetic man, and i say that not to insult you, but i feel an honest sense of pity towards you and hope for the best for you. i hope you can get past all of your hate. god bless.
By bob
November 13, 2005 12:34 PM | Link to this
You are all stupid, so shut up. Most people don’t have tatoos or wear jewelry but most thinking people won’t blame really bad basketball or the problems of our society on them.
So how about a lot more thinking and a lot less talk. SHUT UP.
By Larry
November 13, 2005 07:51 PM | Link to this
At least most on here know when to capitalize; a greater indicator of lazy grammatical ignorance than using “is” mistakenly.
But, then again, only dumb, insecure apes fill the need to mask their inferiority complex by wearing an earring, and you have already admitted to being a member of this group.
Sorry TI (kind of sounds like a dude with an earring), but your Grady High writing skills do not bode well for a respected Law School. It is respected, right?
Just what we need—another low level, bottom feeding, ultra-liberal attorney sporting an earring! Yee-haw!
Still waiting for some original diction, TI! Know any four syllable words?
By Larry
November 14, 2005 07:11 AM | Link to this
TI,
I’m letting this exchange die. I’m not the racist you accused me of but I’ll no longer defend this. My original comment was sincere about NBA players of all races. This is my opinion, and as an Atlanta native, one that I’ve heard expressed repeatedly about the Hawks and the NBA.
I apologize for any hurtful comments, all of which were sparked from an angry reaction to your original accusations. Regardless, I was wrong to say many hurtful things.
Good luck in Law School. Even though there are a lot of attorneys, there is always room for another good one.
Larry
By TI
November 14, 2005 09:09 AM | Link to this
Bob: Sorry for getting overzealous in making and defending it, but your comments are exactly my point, and have been all along.
Larry: You’ll no longer defend your position because you CANNOT defend it and never could. For future reference, if you’re making baseless (and frankly wrong) attacks on someone’s “writing skills” and appearance, you’ve come across a losing argument and it’s time to admit it. My writing skills aren’t the point of this discussion, and incidentally I know my writing skills are fine, objectively much better than yours. How’s that for authentic intelligence and confidence?
If someone doesn’t like basketball, I can understand that. But your comments had nothing to do with the game itself, and when you start calling the players “apes” in a league that is over 90% black, that harkens back to the days when African-Americans were portrayed as monkeys in cartoons and silent movies; it oozes (even if unintentional) racial prejudice.
By Basketball Princess
November 14, 2005 09:53 AM | Link to this
DID ANYONE SEE THE HAWKS GAME ON SATURDAY? DID YALL SEE HOW WELL OUR YOUNG TEAM PLAYED UNTIL ZAZA MISSED TO CLUCH TIME FREE THROWS WHICH WOULD HAVE WON US THE GAME. DID THE AJC GET TIRED OF WRITING ON THE HAWKS?