Sports Columnists

By i am the decider

December 19, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t have a problem with the Childress pick, at least he plays with some energy and some defense. The Marvin Williams pick was the one that hurt. If I remember correctly they could have taken Jarrett Jack last year in the 2nd round and put a local favorite on the team and he is having a very decent 2nd year. Unfortunately, the hawks are always looking toward the next year. I just hope they have a decent year this year so the pick sent to Phoenix doesn’t land them a star. (It looks like it might be a deep draft)

By Rutuger

December 19, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

Between the bumbling of the Hawks and Falcons over the past several years, this city must have set a record for the highest number of blown first round picks in such a span.

S. Williams - pretty big oops. M. Williams over Chris Paul - MONU-effing-MENTAL oops Josh Smith - not bad Childress - oops! Jenkins - big oops Roddy White - earthshaking fuing oops** Jimmy Williams - oops!

Is someone tryng to sabotage professional sports franchises? What gives!!!

By Steve T

December 19, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

Hey man, I like what Billy is doing. The Hawks are one good big man away from playing for the NBA Championship. I like the Smith pick. Josh bring so much to the table it is unreal. There are playing of threes that can score, but he can rebound and block. He can have an impact on both ends of the floor.

Deng is a 1st round draft pick and Smith is a 2nd round pick. Deng and Smith number are very close. It seems like the Hawks got great Value for that pick. Gay is averaging 9.4 points and shooting 38% from the field. Folks he is taking a lot of shots. Marvin is averaging 13.5 points.

Marvin is going to be a superstar. You guys look at the guy first two years and pass judgment. I recall Joe Johnson was not where near as good as he is now. Marvin will turn out like Joe. Let him play this year and watch out.

I like Solomon. This guy is a shot blocker. He will have a big impact on the Hawks next year. Jone is going to be good if not great. You can not alway judge a big men until 5-7 years in.

Shelden has show what can of player he could be. He is not getting the playing time.

By the way, Billy went after Eddy Curry. Now if the Hawks could have landed him, they would be the best team in the east bar none. The hawks have been in almost every game. The problem has been that they need someone on the inside that can score almost at will. Eddy would have provide that.

By JB

December 19, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

Terence: Your tirade is misplaced. Since it’s not his money, one might want to question why Billy Knight is so hesitant to spend it. Look no farther than the chaos known as the Atlanta Spirit. I admit that missing on Chris Paul & Deron Williams hurts; trading Diaw also looks bad right now. But the buck doesn’t stop at Knight. Look at ownership.

By michael m.

December 19, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this

terrible column, get your facts straight. the five guys you mentioned is out of a roster of 15, not 12. and the young hustling, shotblocking solomon jones is more than what your limited mind can imagine. wait until he adds a few pounds. we don’t have the least amount of talent in the league, just the youngest.

our rotation of joe, marvin, the two joshes, zaza, shelden, lue and claxton, salim, solomon and lorenzen are a fairly solid 11.

freije, batista, ivey and bozeman are as you mentioned, but when our squad is healthy, only 1 of them will be active on gamenight. the rest are practice players who have garnered floor time due to our slew of injuries.

boozer was a free agent bust until this year, utah would have gladly given his contract away to anyone who would take it (no one would).

has bk been perfect? no. he has made some mistakes that have delayed our development, but the delay is mostly due to the fact our guys are young and have to grow into the league and also learn to play together. every team must develop chemistry over time. and drafting gay is a real bright idea, buster… just what we needed… another small forward. are you that bereft of ideas that you have to waste your column inches on a subject you obviously know very little about?

By michael m.

December 19, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

to i am the decider, jack not a second rounder. he was a first round pick, drafted in the early 20s. bk could have acquired him from portland for the laker/boston pick we had last year that ended up going to phx in the joe deal. he felt it was too much to give up at the time, which was a mistake. he should have made the deal for jack, especially considering how willing he was to give it up a short time later.

and to steve t., josh smith was likewise a first round pick. deng went 7th that year, smith 17th.

By sunny

December 20, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

Terence Moore, I am shocked that you have a job as a sports Columnists!Do you even follow the hawks?If Terence Moore had his way he would have drafted Rudy Gay instead of Shelden Williams and that would have been a great move(sarcasm)

By Logical

December 20, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

The only people that cant see the truth in Moore’s article are the homers. Knight has done nothing but make mistakes (passing on Paul and Deron) or reaches (signing speedy to start at pg, childress at 6, sheldan at 5).

By Ken Strickland

December 20, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

TENENCE MOORE, your article seems to be focused on dropping bombs on Billy Knight. You act like the owners legal, and financial woes, have no impact on Knights ability to operate. You ignore the fact that Utah has had the same coach and the same system for 2 decades. You also seem to be implying that Belkin and the Spirit have given Knight an open check book.

Either you are misusing your position to launch personal attacks, or you are simply an incompetent sportwriter with an professional approach to his job. Neither one is acceptable.

By kaye

December 20, 2006 02:20 AM | Link to this

yall make me sick….who is rooting for marvin…first what position do he play. he cant play PF…to small and plus he is always outside….2nd he isnt a SF, to damn slow and plus josh smith has more upside than him at that position….knight just dropped the ball and i cant wait til Belkin gets the team and fire him. where the only team in the NBA who either had or got players on the roster who cant play the position there at. last year, yuo had marvin, both Josh’s, chill….who the PF and who is the SF. no PG at all and still not one. as long as knight is in charge we will never win. has a team ever won without a leader…no…so you should get the point since the hawks dont. i love them but hope they lose so when the draft comes we can get oden…but wait…that draft pick is gone. and im a coach and you dont build a team this way. like i say i will always take a veteran over youth

By Wedgie Evans

December 20, 2006 03:43 AM | Link to this

The most absurd suggestion in this article is that the Hawks should have taken Rudy Gay instead of Shelden Williams. Why, so you could article blasting the Hawks for taking another small forward instead? Billy Knight has been far from perfect, but you can’t blame him for not spending money in free agency. That is a direct result of Atlanta Spirit pinching pennies. Knight has passed on some good players (Paul and Williams are two examples) and he probably should have taken Randy Foye in this draft, but you can’t say that any player he has selected has been a total bust (except Ivey, who was a 2nd rounder anyway — low risk, low reward). Josh Smith is a rising star in the league, Childress has become a dependable and consistent role player and excellent defender, and Marvin Williams has shown flashes of being a consistent scorer. And of course he gets blasted from time to time for giving up on Diaw, but if you are going to blast him for trading him you have to give him credit for drafting him as well.

If you look at the expanding number of awful GMs in the NBA, Billy Knight is not that bad. If there’s one major flaw he has it’s that he is too conservative, not willing to take risks, as the article points out. He’s not great, but he has a team right now with a lot of pieces that can be traded for another star to go with Joe Johnson. I would much rather be in the Hawks’ situation right now, where they have young players and cap room and have a chance to dramatically improve, instead of about 20 NBA teams who are sitting around the 7th or 8th seed in the playoffs and have no chance at a title in the near future.

By Basics

December 20, 2006 05:23 AM | Link to this

A general manager who will squander the surplus salary cap needed. Terence, Pleaseeeee apply within.

By Beretverde

December 20, 2006 06:24 AM | Link to this

Knight is a clown. He showed it in court by not shaking hands with Belkin. He’s getting a “pass” because of background. If it were Babcock and the team was performing like it is .. gone in sixty seconds (and should be!). Fire the clown so we can watch a different ring in the circus! Bring back TED TURNER!

By darb

December 20, 2006 07:28 AM | Link to this

Get this right. The NBA is a business, and thats all. A “successful” team starts at the top. The top in Atlanta is a joke. Whoever thought a “team” approach to ownership would work is absolutely crazy. The team approach never works, too many opinons. A professional team needs one very wealthy person that will hire the best General Manager available, and go hide somewhere. I personally cant even stand to see Arthur Blank on the sidelines of the Falcons games. Current ownership of the Hawks will never lead to a winning basketball program in Atlanta.

By PLW

December 20, 2006 07:32 AM | Link to this

Hey Terrence, you forgot to mention that Utah has a great coach, Jerry Sloan. He’s from the old school of coaching, that believes in benching the superstar if he doesn’t produce. He teaches hard work, and team, and he earns respect from his players. If everyone works hard and goes out on the floor every night with the attitude of “i’m going to do everything I can to help my team win” then your team will have the same record as Utah. It’s going to be interesting to see if Utah can keep everyone healthy, if they can, then they should still be standing in the playoffs when the hawks never get to attend the big dance.

By doc

December 20, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this

terence, you sound like the most myopic or tunnnel vision fan on this one. taking one team out of the league to make a comparison when there are some real sad franchises way over the cap and dont have the quality of young players or team minded guys that are growing into their roles.

look to chicago in all its glory who took the same route that the hawks did. their plan, the same as the hawks took them working on 8 yearts now and included the lauded draft of the twin towers two in chandler and curry not even with the team now. at least we dont have to suffer as the celt, sixer, griz, knick or t’wolve fans do whose management really screwed up their teams.

i think we as fans can be optimistic until we see who the real owner is and find out the truth on how they are going to manage their purse strings. thus far there is no team in the history of the nba that hasnt won the big prize without spending with the best of them which my guess bk is not allowed to do in spite of the porturing that goes on by the owners.

your article adds so little to the news that you would be laughed off the beat blog as an uninformed newbie not owning up to the complexities of the situation. mm thanks for righting the folks that have no clue and use uninformed comments as they make there ill prepard assessments.

now for all the glory in the paul pick, their team is struggling much as the hawks do even with a guy who can get double digit bounds and take up room under the boards and the next coming of nash for a point. so i guess they havent managed mediocrity that well either as they have no cap space. any team under cap is a misnomer anyway as there is no such thing.

the hawks are the basketball parrallel to the marlins or the pirates when it comes to spending and look at the challanges those franchises in baseball have. take off the narrow vision glasses before you strike out, if you wanted to be complimentary of sloan and his way then bring it on; to slop on bk to make that point was really unnecessary and disingenuous.

By dewan lee

December 20, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this

Darko Milicic—- T my man dont insult basketball minds calling him a talent. He is no more a talent than JChill is. As far as BKnight. You dont take role players at #5 and projects at #2. Hint look at Darko. He is not even with his original team. Kuckily Dtroit drafted better and picked up Prince in that same draft. Shelden WIlliams was another wasted pick and you can take that to the house. A 2nd roud pick would suffice for him but to take hi that early truly showed no direction. So if you have JChill who is not a 2 ( JJ is here anyway), JSmith, Marvin (also not a 2, not a 4, not a anything), got rid of AHarrington, and all the other spair parts plus Zaza. Please tell me the lineup te way you invision? Thats the million dollar question.

By pj

December 20, 2006 07:40 AM | Link to this

Owners pinching pennies? Look at the Trashers…..you can win not spending a fortune, you just have to draft well and make intelligent signings and trades. Billy Knight is a smug GM who appears to be a horrible talent evaluator as well as someone who CAN’T get a free agent to sign here (without giving up #1 picks).

By Incredulous

December 20, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this

Terrance may have gotten a few facts not 100% but you people who criticize the writer of an article that is making a point just emphasize his point more. The theme/thesis/point, whatever you want to call it is that Billy Knight is a poor general mgr. and Utah has a good general magr. The comparison was a good one because both GM’s started out with the same task around the same time and one is successful, one is not. Not just because one move has turned out great for the Jazz. EVERY SINGLE move Knight has made has been a complete bust. I even include the Johnson for Diaw and 25 first round draft picks since the stated purpose of that move was to have Johnson play point guard. We already had 2 Joe Johnsons in Harrington and Jackson. Yes, Joe is good and better than them but the Hwks have not improved. A GM’s job is not to increase the leading scorers point avg. from 17 to 22 but to win more games. Good article, point proven, it’s the truth, deal with it. Knight is clueless, he couldn’t hold the Jazz GM’s jock, whoever he may be. Perhaps Knight would get a little more sympathy from fans if he had the humility to say, “Well, in hindsight, maybe I should have drafted Chris Paul.” Instead he comes off as an arrogant boob in every interview. Thanks Terrance for calling a moron a moron. Don’t worry homers, it won’t hurt Knights feelings as his ego is much too large to ever consider anyone elses opinions or that he could ever have made a mistake. Fortunately, by the time Chris Paul wins his 1st MVP, the “Spirit” group and Knight will probably be long gone.

By Ronnie D.

December 20, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this

I like what the Hawks have done with their 1st round draft choices the past 2 years. The draft choices after the first pick are really questionable. J. Jack from GT would have been a great selection for the Hawks.//I don’t think that the Hawks “really” have the money to spend on some of the high profile free agents. Also, I question how many of these free agents “really” want to come to Atlanta. Let’s face it, we will have to build a solid .457 up to .500 winning ball club before we can attract the caliber of free agents we need. This is an inherited curse for letting ‘Nique and Steve Smith leave the organization. The good thing is that both of these guys are now affiliated with the Hawks. We will get through this!

By Amazed reader

December 20, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

Terrance Moore, Did you graduate from high school, because your logic is along this lines of an 6th grade (and a slow one at that). I find the fact that you are paid to write this shocking.

By The Murf

December 20, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this

I was hoping the Hawks would’ve drafted me. I’m about as good as the rest of the team and I’ll work harder for less money…

By Tom Adams

December 20, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

This column is totally off base to me. Utah could stink it up at any minute. Are you really telling me the Boozer deal was good. I’m no fan of Billy Knight but I think the project we have are coming around. I will say that B. Knight has gotton lucky by not being able to sign K. Martin or E. Dampier. What a waste of money those two are!

By The Murf

December 20, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this

Ronnie D, you talk like we were a great team once before. We’ve always been a horrible team. Check this out

By lawton

December 20, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this

i agree with terrance. you got a choice, spend or be a loser. the hawks choose the latter and that should tell the hawks fans its a business to them first, entertainment second, or is it atlanta spirit cant afford the team? i did hear a lot of the financing was them taking on debt to acquire the team, kinda like a reverse mortgage. anyway, they could have had rasheed wallace at forward, chris paul and joe johnson in the backcourt, josh smith at small forward and just throw bodies in the middle.

By Stan Kasten

December 20, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this

Billy Knight is the worst personnel man in the NBA.

By dave

December 20, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

First AND FOREMOST the nba should be disbanded,all they have is street thugs making millions.Why do we need a basketball team in the first place.No one really cares about knight and band of losers anyway.

By Coach K

December 20, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

The Sheldon Williams pick to me is the worst pick they have made in the past 5 drafts. By now, everybody should know that most Duke players struggle in the NBA. Out of all the all Americans that went to Duke, only 2.5 all stars (Brand, Hill, maybe boozer). I think Knight is very stubborn. They had their mind made up they were taking Williams & even tho’ everyone was saying this was a bad pick, they went right ahead & did it anyway.

I still root for the Hawks…they play hard, but it’s starting to look like last year…in every game & lose it in the end. I’d like to see Salim get some confidence. I think he would be a great 2nd option. seems like everytime he makes a mistake his head drops & coach pulls him. Billy, that was one good move. I think Salim was a steal in the 2nd round.

By billy g

December 20, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

I have to say that of all of the ATL GM’s, I admire and respect Billy Knight the most. I know, I know, John Schuerholtz has done a phenomenal job with the Braves. But, Mr Knight inherited the absoulute worst franchise from Pete Babcock. I won’t go into the long line of mistakes by that man, I will just say that Babcock was the worst GM in ATL history…..and that is sayign a lot!

Mister Knight has patiently built a solid foundation that will pay off for many seasons. He has taken more critcism than I could endure. Yet, he has remained true to the formula. That formula will soon pay off in the form of a Basketball dynasty.

Of all the draft decisions he has made, the Paul/Williams decision has to stand out. I was outraged and angry that he bypassed an obvious need and a rare talent. However, it is plain to see that he drafted a rare talent in Williams and will be able to secure that star PG via Free Agency. In other words, Mr Knight looked forward and saw what he had to do to make this team a champion for years to come.

The Hawks will not win many games this year, but they will quickly become a power house thereafter. The youngest team in the league is learning to play the game together. Once a veteran back court partner to JJ is added, all will be well with the Hawks.

And when that happens, I hope that Mr Knight gets all the credit he deserves.

By griffdawg

December 20, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

so, you finally come around to the obvious fact that billy knight knows nothing about drafting basketball talent. i remember not so long ago the same terrence singing the praises of the new management for not getting rid of billy knight! maybe in your next column we could get a list from you of able black candidates to replace him!

By Floze

December 20, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

The reason why we are even part of the rebuilding process is becuase Atlanta could never make it out of the first round of the playoffs. We had no athleticism, star power, or enthusiam but had the world’s winningest coach. Now I read a column that would use the exact same model to rebuild???

Mehmet Okur and Carlos Boozer are a cornerstone of a franchise that is going up against Dirk, Duncan, Staudamire, Odom, Brand, and Ming? Please - if these guys make it out of the first round it will be it will be on NBA2K.

There is no doubt the Atlanta could use Billups or Bibby but this team has been riddled with injuries and are just getting healthy.

By Paul

December 20, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

This has to be the dumbest article I’ve read on AJC in a long while. Right off the bat he kills his own argument. And I quote “In 2003, the year before.” They’ve had one more year than the Hawks. Did they go to the playoffs last year? No. But they were close. So this year for us would be their LAST YEAR for them. Will we make the playoffs this year? Maybe not, but we’ll be AT LEAST as close as they were last year and we might even make the playoffs this year, making us ahead of their game.

So Mr Moore, you give those guys one more year than us to do that rebuild? Why do they get the extra year? Oh, I already know, because you’re know to complain about everything Atlanta sports related.

By Jim Feely

December 20, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this

The fish stinks from the head, and that’s Knight, but th coaching staff must be included in this floundering franchise. The changes need to be made NOW!

By Jim Feely

December 20, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

What do the Hawks and Falcon players do in their off tim between games. I really believe the temptation to party in this town has a n egative impact on these players.

By Navigator

December 20, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

I’m offended by all of the remarks Terence has speaketh. Oh, I’m not offended by Terence, just the subject. We have the stooges as owners, and an inept GM. I would include the coach, but how would we know, with the cast he has to work with? No, I’m just offended that Terence would bring this up; I thought I had moved the Hawks out of my conscious thoughts.

By dejuan

December 20, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Terrence Moore you are a genious. Readers haven’t exactly figured out your role with the AJC. You weren’t hired to write insightful, thought-provoking, objective columns. Your job is to write controversial, divisive, immature, and meaningless articles that have absolutely no merit or iota of competent journalism. Most readers simply ignore your material; however there are still those who continue to buy into your nonsense thus extending your pitiful existence with this thoughtless tabloid.

By Steve

December 20, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

I agree with pretty much everything in the column except something that was left out. I agree that those draft picks were misguided, but the missing ingredient I believe has to do with head coach Mike Woodson. Those draft picks have not improved at all since becoming Hawks whereas the people not chosen have flourished elsewhere. Is the problem that Billy took the worng players or that he has still has a coach that makes nobody better (see Boris Diaw, even Dan Dickau, as players that improved immediately just by leaving the organization)?

The Hawks, and it is Billy Knoght’s job to make this decision also, need a legitimate, respected head coach or their draft picks will continue to turn out failures because they will not be in a system that will set them up for success as long as Woodson is the head coach.

By Sims

December 20, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

SteveT; Josh Smith is a first round pick. He and Childress both went in the first to the Hawks.

By Real Bird Fan

December 20, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

Wwwooooowww. TM you my friend are the worst. Let me guess you woke up and said let me bash the hawks today? First off Knight has went after several free agents KMart, Eddie Curry etc. The players choose not to come here. The team we have is young and the are growing Marvin has been injured how can you Judge him until he has played healthy? J. Chill over Deng I would do it agin! Shelden Williams will be ok, I think he will be a !0 boards 10 point guy. Speedy is ……….well you have me there! T. Lue is not a starter but he is a great shooter. I like what knight is doing we just need a point and a true big-man. The hawks will be fine, they have been pressed with injuries. Go Hawks, I’m loving what’s goin on dispite the haters!

Go Hawks!!!

By Avi

December 20, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

I highly disagree that S. Williams was bad pick. He is a solid offensive played and great defensively. He fills a role that we need with providing someone who can get rebounds. I think M. Williams has looked pretty good this season, however I would have liked to get Paul.

By Feudfinder

December 20, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

I would have given Terence an applaud had he focused on Mr. Sloan’s achievements rather than the ignominious comment about Billy Knight. This is not to defend the general manager. No doubt he has made some bad selections in the past. But there is also a consequence for mismanagement. Remember, he went to hell with a return trip for bringing Joe Johnson. This man is financially handicapped as to who to bring to the team especially during this time of ownership feud. Maybe, with this year’s rise in attendance, the owners will want to spend more.

By Riley

December 20, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

this was a terribly written article by Mr. Moore. BUT still people. Come on Already. How could any of you still be defending the hawks or anyone involved with that team? Do any of you really believe that there is a plan with the hawks? DO any of you really believe that they are only one player away from the playoffs? I have no idea what all of you are smoking, but it really must be some awfully strong happy stuff.

By Paul

December 20, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this

To those blasting Billy cuz he hasn’t spent money. Dampier, KMart, Cassell, Curry. Went after Curry, went to a backup plan and got ZaZa for a steal. Went after Cassell(best point in free agency) again got turned down, went after the 2nd best in Speedy (yes Speedy started slow but is coming on, remember the injury during TRAINING CAMP folks?).

YOUNGEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE AND WE HAVE A DECENT CHANCE TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS.

By stop it

December 20, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

Stop bit$#ing on what if we would taken this player or that player, last yr it was all about C Paul now its about D Williams the Hawks will b fine, so stop crying about what could have been, and b happy for the improvements we will continue too make A TRUE HAWKS FAN

By honest_abe

December 20, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

i find it amusing that the majority of the bk haters don’t even follow basketball much less the hawks… (minus ando)

i think everyone did a great job getting the facts right… people that i know follow the hawks from a game to game basis and talk basketball pretty much throughout the entire year. i’ve already spent entirely way too much defining my opinion of the situation so i’ll spare you guys this time.

here is a statement that just proves the ignorance of those that believe/follow blindly the popular theme of “bk sucks”…(i don’t mind criticsm of those that actually care and follow hoops)

-this from incredulous- EVERY SINGLE move Knight has made has been a complete bust. I even include the Johnson for Diaw and 25 first round draft picks since the stated purpose of that move was to have Johnson play point guard. We already had 2 Joe Johnsons in Harrington and Jackson.

i don’t really need to elaborate on the stupidity of this post. i just can’t seem to figure out why someone would take so much time to write about something he has no knowledge of. incredulous=moron.

By Paul

December 20, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

Complains about not getting Rudy Gay but if we did, he wouldnt get the playing time due to our glut of swing and he would complaining about out glut swing players instead of going after a position of need (Shelden Williams). People talk about how we should have went after a position of need (Paul) instead of talent (Marvin) but then complain because we actually did that in this draft. We went for the best available big man who we won’t have to wait 2 extra years to develop. DOES ANYONE IN THIS CITY ACTUALLY KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT BASKETBALL?

it’s so easy to complain about something using general statements.

By swhite

December 20, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Terrence…big fan of yours but you’re a little off here. Like a blogger said earlier, the Jazz have Jerry Sloan. Veteran coach who knows what he’s doing. Secondly, Marvin is coming along and Shelden a leading the rookies in rebounding…something we sorely missed last season. WHEN THIS ENTIRE TEAM IS HEALTHY, THEY WILL BE A PLAYOFF TEAM! They haven’t had a FULL squad yet this season! Boston and New York can’t say that and we know how GOOD they are. As a season ticket holder, I’m more concerned about the instability of ownership because THAT IS WHAT KEEPS FREE-AGENTS AWAY. I hate Billy Knight for the smug attitude he has but other than the caution he proceeds with at times, he’s done a pretty good job.

By Jonathan

December 20, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Everyone is saying this and that about the Hawks, Moore rips into BK today in the paper. How bout one media guy wait just to see what we have. Everyone was excited about the possibilites coming into the season.

We have been far more competative in every game, losing in close ones. Everyone is pointing fingers even though we are 8 games ahead of last years pace.

So there is one thing I don’t understand that hasn’t being said.

[color:red] Our starting lineup projected for the season has started ONE F$##@%#ING GAME TOGTHER. [/color]

Say what you want about this team, but the lineup we all looked forward to of Speedy, JJ, Marv, SMith, and Zaza. Has started only one game with that lineup (being Sat. vs Chicago).

I want to know another team in the league that has had to deal with 3 starters missing for time. I would have loved to seen the press if Denver hadn’t got AI. If they would have gone 4-11 or 5-10 during the stretch with all of the suspension people would give George Karl a key to the f’ng city saying “He held them close till everyone got back”. I am the biggest Woody hater, but to judge this team is unfair. I love Moore writing this column now after Speedy post two straight games with 11 assist. Maybe you should have written this back when he was hurt, or before he got 5 + steals in 3 straight games. OOPS!

We are one game out of the playoffs, and just now are getting all our players back. We have played 13 road games compared to 10 home games, with basically half our starting line up. We have already gone through one of our 2 West road trips.

Jump ship if you want, but its ludacris for anyone to say anything so far. Nobody knows what this team is really capable of. How bout we give our starting lineup 10 games to play before we even say anything good or bad.

I also love that 20/20 hindsight with Marvin. Not a single person predarft talked about Paul. Everyone talked about Marvin and Bogut, many even lauded Mil. for not taking Marvin that night. Funny hindsight is a amazing. I bet even you Terrance put Marvin as your number 2 that night. Marvin is young, everyone new CP was the most ready to contribute. Marvin was 19, I bet the Lakers are p** bout that 18 year old Kobe they drafted. His first two years were awful, airballing shots in the playoffs. I wonder if that kid ever got his feet underneth him. Yep lets judge a kid that avg. under 10 min a game last year till the last two months (when shocker he scored over 15 a game in 20 min) Then has played 4 games this year. Can you at least wait till he can legally buy a drink to pass judgment?

For all the chicken littles out there yelling about that sky, take a deep breath.

By William

December 20, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

Why is anyone complaining about Childress at 6? Outside of maybe Deng, who would you have taken? Al Jefferson? Yes, and we would have had the joy of watching what suit he would wear on the bench for half of his career. Iggy from Philly? You would take him instead of Childress? Do you people watch the Hawks? Alot of this slide this year has been the absense of Josh Childress who came out of the gate how he was finishing last year.

He was averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds off the bench this year while shooting 56 percent from the field. He is one of the more solid bench players in the NBA.

Solomon Jones is a rookie. A second round pick. And he is going to be a damn good player. How can you complain about Joe Johnson. And Marvin will more than shut people up this year. Claxton is coming along fine after a rough start (not that a broken hand and missing training camp would have anything to do with that) and has two consecutive double doubles.

This team is fine. It is incredibly hurt, but it is fine. Hows about waiting until everyone is there before you can say what a failure everything is.

By Sweet T

December 20, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

Mr Moore do you know anythng about basketball… The Hawks are one big man away.People Why do you want guards when it’ the paint that’s Hawks issue. I think Mr Knight is doing a wonderful job. Sheldon was a good pick and will prove his worth for what he is a forward. We need a center to control the paint. and let the Hawks run. For 2007 Mr. Knight can you find us a big man……….

By barry

December 20, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

Here we go again local Atlanta sports fans. Terrance more bashing our the development of one of our local youg and growing sports team. He needs to go. I know he had fun with Mora and his mistake this week, but that was Mora and not the team. They are strong and good and are a part of our community. However, we will not let you continue to be an oppotunist when things go wrong, on a minor level with our local sports team. the hawks for instance have a good group of players. The players they currently have, when healthy, can stand against more than the majority of teams in the NBA. Of course, we will continue to add pieces to strengthen this team, like any other NBA team competing for a championship, but in the process we do not need no anti-Atlanta, local sports editorialist, sitting at the way, like he is some kind of professional basketball consultant, utilizing the AJC to bash the morale of our local sports team is a back stabbing, low blow to our local community. Even lower than what Mora said this week. However, MORA has sense repented for his sayings. What about you? You do this every opportunity you get. I say find another city. You are not God. Who are you to judge?? You have no experience in the matter of sports to judge professional sports the way you do especially our local sports. You need to get your negative writing self out of Atlanta and let our young developing teams develop. Go to another city and talk of their teams development. It appears you like Utah. Go there!! See how they like you!!!!!

SSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! This is a SECRET Among us ATLANTA SPORTS FANS. Tell EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By bg

December 20, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

Terence, you’re an idiot. The Hawks don’t spend the money because no one is willing to take it yet. Selling the Hawks is a slow process. Open your eyes, you moron. I can’t wait to see the trash you’ll be writing three years from now.

By John Austin

December 20, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

BILLY stinks. Our last chance was Iverson. Watch Denver kick our a*. Another repeat of letting a star get by us.Thank you BILLY.

By Feudfinder

December 20, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Thank you honest_abe. At least you are not afraid to let stupid people know that they are stupid. These were the same people who demanded BK’s head on a platter because of Joe Johnson’s trade. Now they are complaining about BK’s limited spending. This is one of the things that will make scream stupiiiiiiiiiiiiiiid

By HipHopTalkShow

December 20, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

Billy knight worst work:

I think B.Knight should have worked a trade T.Delk for Dale Davis w/Pistons. D.D. would have given us leadership for the youngsters, 8 rebounds and 6 fouls. Instead we cut T.D. A week later, the Pistons inked him.

Nothing for Al Harrington or Rasheed Wallace.

Not enough for a real PG (Speed Bump is a Flop!!!

Speedy Claxton and Lorenzen Wright

By g_from_doolooth

December 20, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

I agree in that Billy Knight has done an outstanding job. Does ANYBODY remember the nightmare of a team that Babcock left us with? We had a team full of boring/old STIFFS that were all overpaid (except for JT)! We need to give BK some credit for unloading all that crap and giving us the opportunity to spend some money on free agents. And to his credit, Joe Johnson has been a HUGE success…and Tyron Lue was a valuable pickup as well.

If anything, I think this is the year when Knight truly needs to be evaluated. We are just so young that it takes time for these guys to adjust. I think we are on the brink of something great if we are all just patient. Once everyone gets healthy, we’ll be capable of making a push towards making the playoffs…

By JCH

December 20, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

WOW - Moore blames an African-American for something. Looks like H%LL froze over just in time for Christmas.

By Brian

December 20, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

Terrence, your view is not entirely right but not entirely wrong either. Overall, Billy Knight has been an average GM. Without doubt, he has been mediocre at best with draft picks. The Childress and J Smith draft was good, the Shelden Williams draft was poor, and the Marvin Williams draft turned out to be a huge mistake given how Chris Paul and Deron Williams are playing.

He also overpaid Phoenix for Joe Johnson although Joe then turned out to be an all-star. Overall, I give him positive marks for the move because of how great Joe is playing, but the reality is that we should have been able to get him for less than 2 first round picks and Diaw.

The Claxton signing is looking like a bust. It sounded great at the time, so I have trouble criticizing Billy for it, but if we’re gonna give him credit for Joe Johnson, we have to penalize him for Speedy.

But what Billy Knight has done UNBELIEVABLY well is the #1 most important thing any GM in basketball has to do: NOT OVERPAY MEDIOCRE PLAYERS WITH HUGE LONG TERM CONTRACTS. That is the one surefire way to cripple your franchise for years and years to come (look at the Knicks). So sure, his eye for talent isn’t great, but his business sense is superb. Eventually, he’ll get lucky in the draft/free agency, and the Hawks will be good. It’s a sad truth in the NBA that if you just don’t overpay crummy players, you’ll eventually be a good team because most GMs in the league are awful and WILL overpay crummy players.

With that said, Mike Woodson has to go. He insists on running a pick and roll offense even though none of our guards are skilled enough passers to pass the ball to the big man setting the pick, and none of our big men are skilled enough to do anything with the ball even if they COULD receive it. He continues to let Josh Smith and Marvin Williams jack up 3’s night after night when this is clearly not their core competency. He’s got them playing defense which is great, but right now the offense is totally reliant on Joe Johnson’s heroics. We deserve better.

By Brooks

December 20, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

Real Bird Fan, first of all let me say that I am sorry. You have obviously designated yourself as a Hawks fan. I salute you for accepting constant failure and dissapointment. You’re a rare breed my friend. Also admittedly supporting the NBA. A league full of thugs and overpaid criminals. I usually don’t agree with anything Terrence Moore has to say because I think he is a wannabe sports writer with his own agenda. This time I do agree. The Hawks management obviously is satisfied with mediocrity and low support in order to save money. At some point you have to make a statement that you are willing to do whatever it takes to build a contender. Every offseason the Hawks fail misreably. The Hawks should try to pick up the Allen Iverson’s of the NBA world. Instead they pickup Speedy Claxton or Lorenzon Wright. Need I say anymore. We just need to send the Hawks packing. GO DAWGS

By Draft dogger

December 20, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

Guys this is simple. The Hawks have drafted poorly for years. ESPN page 2 did a great article about how poor we’ve drafted written by a guy named Kevin Cott. If you read that, you’ll know why we are in the predicament we are in now as Hawks fans. Moore got this right I feel.

By ROD

December 20, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

I love and support my Young Hawks, but a playoff team needs veteran leadership. Steve Smith Dennis Scott, and Nuqie offer thier wisdom but we need a seasoned big man to nurture and influence the youngsters. Go Hawks!!

By Feudfinder

December 20, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Why are still dwelling on this BK stuff? Oh! I know why. We all want him to spend like Isiah Thomas so that we can get him out quickly.

By JOHN

December 20, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

** It hurts to see paul play elsewhere. We had a chance to draft a ready made player. This was very visible to many, not to mention Chris Paul had a great workout for the hawks, and they needed a control tempo style point guard. If the hawks draft Chris Paul they could have kept Al Harrington. Paul, Johnson, and Harrington sounds pretty good. Not to mention that Paul would have made the whole team better with hi style of play. If I was owner, I would want answers on how my eployees drafted an unproven college player before a bonafide gate attraction, olympian and sure to be sencond year allsta.

JOHN

By Richard Garner

December 20, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

Ummm when the Hawks actually do SOMETHING wake me up and then talk trash. Until then all you fanboys humping BK’s leg should settle down. BK is still below Pete Babcock “joke of the nba”, even Pete assembled a few playoff teams.

By John

December 20, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

The Hawks have been the joke of the NBA for the past 10 years since they got rid of Dominique. They are nowhere near nor will they be in the near future a playoff team. Billy Knight has done something nobody thought possible, he makes fans miss Pete Babcock. They are garbage, have been garbage and will be garbage. Happy Holidays.

By Chris

December 20, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Let’s look at the bright side. I don’t think there is a gm in the leage that would have passed on marvin williams for paul or williams. What gm would have passed on j chill at 6 a couple years ago. Sheldon was a reach, but he was needed for his polish and leadership. He had four years of college under coach K, and can be a solid role player sooner, and contribute in ways that are not on stat sheets. Could Boris Diaw lead this franchise. Look at what Denver just gave for the Answer who is 6 years older than Joe. So while Boris is part of a system with great players around him, and two draft picks that might end up being good, and we get Joe who is our system. The Hawks got a young, hungry, talented, hard working LEADER who can be built around for Boris Diaw and two draft picks. If anyone is to blame it is the ownership, which by the way saved us from signing Kenyon Martin and some other overpaid, underacheiving players. Has anyone watched Speedy play besided the first 15 games of the season. Everyone says he is a career backup, who hasn’t kept a starting job, look at what Chancey Billups went through his first years five years in the leage. I think the Hornets did the right thing by giving the starting job to Paul, and I believe the hawks did the right thing to sign Speedy. Watch how good he will be in the second half of the year. He is already putting up double doubles in a new system with new players. He is only going to get more comfortable and people are going to wonder how we got him so cheap, and next year when Sheldon is putting up 12 and 10 in 22 minutes off the bench (as a power forward and center), we will think he was a pretty good pickup also. Nobody is perfect, but are young, we have the parts for a trade, and we will continue to get better. We have been in every game except two, and to expect a team this young to win those games is asking a whole lot. Go Hawks!!!!!!!!!

By Jonathan

December 20, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

For most of I posted this at the Squawk. But Mr. Moore please read and tell me how much better Utah’s GM is. He hit a winner with the 3rd pick and thats it.

You may not like the picks due to position, but nobody can argue BK’s talent evaluation. Look at Orlando they wasted a 1st round pick on a guy that said he wasnt coming to the NBA. All of BK’s draft picks have value in the league. Each of the guys could draw multiple 1st rd picks from other teams in trade, or be big contributors here. Name one team that doesn’t have one bust of a guy that has no trade value.

Glad JOe DUmars gets a pass look at those picks.

“Call it a slow day at work, but just to show what we are saying by picks better GM, here are teams drafts for 2003,2004,2005 since the 2006 rookies havent played enough to judge they will not be included. The teams are ranked in avg. pick number. This only includes 1st rounders. SO logically the teams with the lower draft postion should be worse picks. Those at the top of the list have had picks of better caliber players. Avg Pick 1) 4.5 Mil- 8)TJ Ford, 1)Andrew Bogut 2) 5.5 Cle- 1)Lebron James, 10)Luke Jackson 3) 5.6 Chi- 7)Kirk Hinrich, 3)Ben Gordon, 7)Loul Deng 4) 6.6 Cha- 2)Emkea Okafor, 5)Raymond Felton,13)Sean May 5) 7.3 LAC- 6)Kaman, 4) Livingston, 12)Yaraslov Korolev 6) 8.5 NYK- 9)Frye, 8)Sweetney 7) 8.8 Tor- 4)Bosh, 8)Arajuo, 7)Villenueva, 16)J. Graham 8) 9 Phi- 9)Iguedola 9) 10 Was- 10)Jarvis Hayes 10) 10.3 GST- 11)Pietrus, 11)Biedrinis, 9)Diogiu 11) 11.8 Atl- 22)Boris, 6)Chill, 17)Smoove, 2)Marvin 12) 12 Orl- 16)R. Gains, 1)Howard, 20)Nelson, 11)Vazquez 13) 13.3 Uta- 20)Pavlovic, 14)Humphries, 16)Snyder, 3)Deron 14) 13.6 NO - 19)West, 18) JR Smith, 4) Paul 15) 16 Sea- 12)Collison, 15)Ridnour, 12)Swift, 25)Petro 16) 16.6 Den- 3)Melo, 20)Julis Hodge, 27) Linos Kleiza 17) 17.6 Mia- 5)Wade, 19)Dorell Wright, 29)Wayne Simon 18) 18 Det- 2)Darko, 26)Delfino, 26)Jason Maxell 19) 18.3 Por- 24)Outlaw, 13)Telfair, 22)Khyrpa, 23)Monia, 6)Jack, 22)Martell Wbster 20) 18.6 Dal- 30)Howard, 5)Harris, 21)Pavel Podkolzine 21) 19 NJN- 23)Zoran Planic 22) 19.5 PHX- 18)Cabarkaba, 21)Nate Robinson 23) 20 Bos- 17)T. bell, 21)D. Jones, 15)Jefferson, 18)Green, 24) West, 25) Allen 24) 20.3 Mem- 14)Banks, 28)Perkins, 19)Warrick 25) 20.5 Min- 27)Nbudi Ebi, 14)Rashd McCants 26) 20.6 LAL- 25)Cook, 27)Vujaecic, 10)Bynum 27) 23 Ind- 29)Harrison, 17)Granger 28) 24 Hou- 24) Luther Head 29) 24.5 Sac- 26) Kevin Martin, 23) F. Garcia 30) 28.3 SA- 29)Barbosa, 28) Udrih, 28) Ian Mahiuni

Have fun but name 5 teams with better total picks, not just one guy cause they had a high pick and then compare that years pick wtih Atl. Name 5 teams with better drafts. PLEASE. “

By Feudfinder

December 20, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

Draft dogger, you can honestly do a better job than these so-called sports writers or analysts. Was it not one of them who called Vick a coach-killer? Was it not one of them who said he did not Vince Young was that good? Look at the stats of these players, just to mention two,and tell me these people use their God-given brains.

By Jay

December 20, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this

Hilarious how many people attack Moore when he is just stating the obvious…this roster is a joke, too many players at one position, we have a #5 and #6 player on the bench because of no space to play them because Knightmare has players in their positions, two backup pgs and two scrub pgs (ivey, bozeman), a sf playing pf, a center who doesnt like rebounding or defense. And now our team is sinking into another last place finish.

You cant possibly tell me that we have more then three players that would start on other teams. Knightmare destroyed a mess and then made his own.

By Jonathan

December 20, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

Stupid paste feature Avg Pick 1) 4.5 Mil- 8)TJ Ford, 1)Andrew Bogut 2) 5.5 Cle- 1)Lebron James, 10)Luke Jackson 3) 5.6 Chi- 7)Kirk Hinrich, 3)Ben Gordon, 7)Loul Deng 4) 6.6 Cha- 2)Emkea Okafor, 5)Raymond Felton,13)Sean May 5) 7.3 LAC- 6)Kaman, 4) Livingston, 12)Yaraslov Korolev 6) 8.5 NYK- 9)Frye, 8)Sweetney 7) 8.8 Tor- 4)Bosh, 8)Arajuo, 7)Villenueva, 16)J. Graham 8) 9 Phi- 9)Iguedola 9) 10 Was- 10)Jarvis Hayes 10) 10.3 GST- 11)Pietrus, 11)Biedrinis, 9)Diogiu 11) 11.8 Atl- 22)Boris, 6)Chill, 17)Smoove, 2)Marvin 12) 12 Orl- 16)R. Gains, 1)Howard, 20)Nelson, 11)Vazquez 13) 13.3 Uta- 20)Pavlovic, 14)Humphries, 16)Snyder, 3)Deron 14) 13.6 NO - 19)West, 18) JR Smith, 4) Paul 15) 16 Sea- 12)Collison, 15)Ridnour, 12)Swift, 25)Petro 16) 16.6 Den- 3)Melo, 20)Julis Hodge, 27) Linos Kleiza 17) 17.6 Mia- 5)Wade, 19)Dorell Wright, 29)Wayne Simon 18) 18 Det- 2)Darko, 26)Delfino, 26)Jason Maxell 19) 18.3 Por- 24)Outlaw, 13)Telfair, 22)Khyrpa, 23)Monia, 6)Jack, 22)Martell Wbster 20) 18.6 Dal- 30)Howard, 5)Harris, 21)Pavel Podkolzine 21) 19 NJN- 23)Zoran Planic 22) 19.5 PHX- 18)Cabarkaba, 21)Nate Robinson 23) 20 Bos- 17)T. bell, 21)D. Jones, 15)Jefferson, 18)Green, 24) West, 25) Allen 24) 20.3 Mem- 14)Banks, 28)Perkins, 19)Warrick 25) 20.5 Min- 27)Nbudi Ebi, 14)Rashd McCants 26) 20.6 LAL- 25)Cook, 27)Vujaecic, 10)Bynum 27) 23 Ind- 29)Harrison, 17)Granger 28) 24 Hou- 24) Luther Head 29) 24.5 Sac- 26) Kevin Martin, 23) F. Garcia 30) 28.3 SA- 29)Barbosa, 28) Udrih, 28) Ian Mahiuni

By D-Man

December 20, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Good column Mr. Moore. The day the hawks leave Atlanta will be the best sports day in this city since October of 95. Hawks suck!!

By C SCOTT

December 20, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Very interesting and all so correct column Mr. Moore. It is a shame that we have one of the worst GM’s in the game. I agree with all you said, but I do think the Hawks are somewhat fixable in a sense. As you said we have 2 back up point guards without a solid starter, but a start to the fix would be to start Speedy, since he’s so over paid, play him about 14-17 min. a game and keep Lue coming off the bench to get most of the PG work. T. Lue is comfortable coming off the bench and not too far from a 6th man award. Speedy and Lue should never be in the game at the same time. The starters for the Hawks should be as follows: Speedy 1, Joe Johnson 2, Marvin Williams 3, Shelden Williams 4, and Pachulia 5, Childress and Josh Smith should come off the bench as they would with any other team in the league…This would give the Hawks more balance, a nice size back court 1-3 and toughness in the paint, and more off the bench. I have yet to see the Hawks pressure teams up the floor, with the youngest team in the league, Woodson absolutely must demand more on the defensive side, which means more trapping and full court defenses. I think if they do these things they can stay away from the cellar of the division and at least look like we may want to compete, cause although the guys you mentioned would be available coming this summer, what reason would they have to even think about coming here.

By ozzy

December 20, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

The NBA is made of of thugs and pimps who drive “Exxcalades” and are always “axx-ing” for more “moneys” for “dey ho’s”. Bling Bling!

By Chuck Norris

December 20, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

The hawks are not 1 big man away from anything. They need a big man and a point gaurd. Only then can we evaluate how good they can be.

By Olde Guye

December 20, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

I didn’t know the Hawks were still here. Need to take the family down to Omni to see them play.

By Kelvin

December 20, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Everytime I look at a Chris Paul highlight I just shake my head in frustration because we really blew it by not taking him. If I said it before I have said it a thousand times “Why did we not take Chris Paul?” I said we should taken him before the draft and I haven’t changed my mind. The kid is headed for a Hall of Fame career. If Marvin Williams doesn’t turn out to be the player everyone expects him to be then that draft will be the biggest bust among many big ones for the Hawks.

By LD

December 20, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

I believe the Hawks have enough talented players to make the playoffs. The problem is Woodson.He is too busy trying to be Larry Brown,instead of adjusting to his team’s strength which is their athleticism and youth.Joe Johnson is the only real threat in a set offense,if you stop him ,you stop the Hawks.I say you take the reigns off and let them run.It would create alot of easy baskets for a team without shooters.

By AJC SUCKS

December 20, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

Enough said every article that comes out of this paper is complete garbage, Terrence you are an idiot that doesnt know crap about anything, just like the rest of the ajc. You are so simple minded and dont see the great potential of this VERY YOUNG team that also is the MOST INJURED team in the NBA right now. just wait until they are all healthy and playing together, josh smith has been a MONSTER the last couple games and hes 21 years old. marvin has looked GREAT since coming back and hes only 20. you are an idiot just like mark bradley, shultz and the rest of them. try looking at some real newspapers next time before writing this TRASH. F THE AJC AND THERE CRAP

By Jake

December 20, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

I don’t usually get on here, but BK is fine. Woody is fine, Bk missed on Deng, but Jchil has grown into a solid 6th man, josh Smith will be great when he becomes a little more selfish-he is as explosive a leaper as you will see, he just needs to get his weight up so he can take the fouls FT’s count. Sheldon will be the next PJ brown, nothin flashy, but a solid presence and rebounder,14 and 10 everynight. how about findin ZaZa. Give him some slack. Oh yea Jason Collier died last year RIP. The Hawks are right where they should be. I hope no one wanted us to go for AI, and break-up the next 6 years for a guy who has 2 left. Denver was crazy to give 2 1st for thatlittle old guy..LOL

By Kevrock

December 20, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

IT’s Atlanta…We suck at sports in all facets…We got lucky with the Braves but after ‘96 we are chokers.

There is only one saving grace…We have all the teams so we get to see the other better teams…

This is just the facts…I will always be like this…learn to live with it… It’s the ATL way of Life…”Born to Lose”..Thank’s Ray…

By GT80

December 20, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

Shame on me, I read another T Moore article thinking he might have written something of substance. Damn, I hate it when I get fooled into reading this hack.

Hawks have some talent. Joe Johnson is legit AllStar, Woody is a fine coach and will get better the longer he’s in charge. We still need a PG but one that can defend more than anything else. Ever notice how the other teams little guy has a huge game against us? T Lue is fun to watch on the offensive end but he cannot defend anyone. I would love to have JJack here..BK, work that out.

By mike

December 20, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Moore,

I usually don’t read your incompetent blabbing, but you find a way to make some decent points. My biggest problem with you is that you glorify all that is wrong, but do not take the time to reinforce the positive things we are doing nor offer viable solutions. Granted that isn’t a whole lot right now, but we are in bette shape than we were during the Ken Norman/Priest Lauderdale days. We have habitually chosen bad talent over the years, always have, so why not highlight the inability of management to properly scout worthy talent as supposed to ripping the players, coaches and anybody who will listen. No one wants to come here to play ball! Point blank! The enviroment is that of losing, managemental(sic) bickering and poor coaching. We have the players we have now because no one else wants to play for the Hawks except rookies and journeymen! As much as I hate to say it, people still remember how the organization screwed Nique’ and basically tossed away the best basketball teams we have had because they did not want to pay anyone decent money to stay. So now here we are, 2006, and the expansion magic team is looking better that we ever had. They have even (gulp) been to the finals! shaking head Where’s the pride from front office? If your focus is saving money, perhaps they should go into banking instead of sports, because in this league you have to spend money to make money…and scared money don’t make money!

By dewan

December 20, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

Criticize the writer for stating the obvious. Pete did have a playof team albeit a 1st round type but it was playoffs. Man dont we long for the Mookie Blaylock days at PG. Noting against Marvin Williams but we are talking about the ACC player of the year versus a 6 or 7th man for UNC. Did I thinkk Deron would be as good as he has been, the answer is a surprising NO but hey I only called for CP3. We talk of CP3 like he was some old guy. He is one year older than MWill along with 2 straight ACC 1st team selections. Nothing else to say so I am done like BK time here in the A.

By waynes world

December 20, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

Terennce youre an idoit i saw u on the horrible ESPN show JIM ROME is buring. only you would go on the worst show on ESPN and it shows by your horrible writing. My 6 year old daughter is a better writer than u r. You are so anti-atlanta sports teams its not even funny.

By cusehawk

December 20, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

smoove out 2-4 weeks.

By Christopher

December 20, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

Does anyone care about the NBA anyway? I didn’t know the season had started. I just thought TBS was airing tag team wrestling without the ring! But it now make sense….. wrestling can at least fill the seats!

By eric b.

December 20, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Since when have the Utah Jazz been great?what have they ever won?Even with Malone,Stocton,and Sloan at coach they still could not beat Jordan&Pippen,could’t get past Kobe & Shaq. And they are not going to be a champion this year either!

By nique

December 20, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

heres a thought… the hawks draft or trade for someone that can shoot the ball. But thats the trend of the current NBA, athletes that cant shoot. sickening..

By Paul

December 20, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Moore’s point is that if you compare what the Jazz were able to do after losing the core of their team vs. what the Hawks have been able to do, then you get frustrated to the point where you have to wonder if the Hawks know what they are doing and if they are really committed to winning.

BK can keep building his foundation but the numbers don’t lie - look at what the Jazz have done over the past couple of years in a tougher Western conference vs. what the Hawks have done in a weaker Eastern conference. The Jazz is an organization that is on the same page and is committed to producing a winner. Their results are not from luck or an accident.

Y’all can argue for the Hawks potential all that you want but my answer to that is simple - “potential” means that you haven’t done anything yet.

By JohnGTfan

December 20, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

Terence…you truly enjoy proving to everyone that ANYONE can write a column for the AJC. First, you harp on things that have been harped on, over and over and over (not many thoughts going thru your head?) Secondly, within the next 3 years, I hope we do not see you writing a column on Marvin Williams when he becomes an All-star! I do, however, agree that the signing of Speedy and Lorenzen has been suspect( I won’t fully judge 23 games into the season). I think Shelden will be fine, and the Josh’s…come on…they have more energy and hustle than anyone on the team. I’m not exactly a BK fan, but what could you honestly expect from the man with the nightmare he inherited. TRUE FANS will give him another year or two to see if his decision making pays off…and I do not believe it’s that easy to go spend crazy money when our ownership is in a legal mess. But, as usual, you neglect to mention that…oh wait, probably didn’t have any space between to let the thought pass.

By IshouldwritefortheHAwks

December 20, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this

so i read the blog and only thing i saw was the reasons of why you should be fired! you fail to look at obvious reasons of why the hawks are in a much different case than the Jazz, but you know what i am not going to show you out because you need a job

By Bob Sanders

December 20, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

Terrence, you are a f*** idiot.

By Mark Eaton

December 20, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

Hey Atlanta, you will always suck because you never support your teams.

By michael m.

December 20, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

doc, thanks for the props, much appreciated.

there’s one other factual inaccuracy i want to point out amidst the 75% of clueless blogger posts here. to HIPHOP, we did not give away rasheed wallace for nothing. he was brought here in a contract dump from portland during his free agent year. he WAS NOT going to resign with us. he wanted to go to a winner, as was discussed ad nauseum at the time. we then traded him to detroit for a first round pick that we then used to draft JOSH SMITH. so to say we got nothing is ridiculous and inaccurate. get your facts straight if you wanna act like you know anything, which you obviously do not. that year, we used our pick for childress and the acquired (from wallace trade) 17th pick on smith. likewise, for al harrington we have indiana’s pick in the deep draft upcoming this year (unless it is pick 1-10, which is not going to happen).

By AJ

December 20, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

Terrence you are dead on. Thanks for the column.

The Hawks are terrible and for the fans that don’t undertsand that is unfortunate. Billy Knight has been a wrecking ball to this franchise. Every year for the past 4 or 5 years we keep hearing about all this cap room that will be available for us to go get a big name free agent. Speedy Claxton? Lorenzen Wright? Are you kidding me?

Go ask Cleveland Cavaliers fans what they were doing before Lebron James showed up. Season tickets went way up and sellouts happen almost nightly now. Denver now has Carmello and AI. Big names draw big crowds. Period.

The only other thing that draws fans is winning. We don’t have that either.

How is Mike Woodson still coaching this team? In his 2 and 1/2 years in Atlanta he is 48-138. That’s garbage. No other team in the league would settle for that. We haven’t had quality coaching since Fratello and Lenny Wilkins and that was 6 plus years ago.

Atlanta is an NBA town. Make no mistake about the demographics that the Hawks draw. Were you around when the NBA All-Star game was here in town? This place was buzzing with rappers and celebs in town to get a piece of the action and see the superstars like Kobe, Shaq, D Wade, etc…The Hawks are a big name free agent away from a buzz and it won’t happen with anyone less than a Vince Carter type player.

Just watch, when or if this team ever makes it back to the playoffs, this town will explode and tickets will be very tough to come by.

In the meantime, someone has to take blame for this disaster in place right now. Getting rid of Woodson is step one. Getting some quality players through trades or free agency is second. You just can’t win with a small payroll in the NBA. It just won’t happen. You guys can argue till your blue in the face over what the draft picks have done in the past five years. It doesn’t matter. Some work out, some don’t.

You decide who else should take the fall for this mess. Stop after Billy Knight’s name leaves your tongue.

By I am the decider

December 20, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

**to michael m. with apologies to woody paige,”thanks for straightening me out!” I do recall Josh Smith going 17th and the “risk” associated with the pick and a lot of people thinking the hawks made a mistake. they could use a few more mistakes like this one. peace and merry christmas..or happy holidays,

By Steve T

December 20, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

It made be my upbring, but I like good big over good small. I think Marvin Williams will be playing long after CP3 fizzle out. A good point guard comes around every year, but it is hard to find a good big man.

The hawks need a good big man in the middle. Folks, playing have been trying to get a good big man. He went after the man that could have turn this team around. The man was Eddy Curry. Can you see a front court of Smith, Curry, and Shelden.

Since people feel so good about Dan Dickau, I am going to compare him to Speedy. Since Dan is not doing too well this year, I am going to compare the best year. Dan only had one good year.

In 2005, Dan averaged 31 minutes, shot 40% from the field, averaged 2.7 rebs, had 5.2 assists, and 13.2 pts.

Speedy shoot 41% from the field, average 2.7 rebs, had 4.8 assist, 12.3 points. Speedy is still playing better.

Oh BTW, how is Josh Smith looking tonight. He is starting to put it together now. Like I stated earlier a good big takes a little longer to develop. Josh has 17 points in the third quarter. I think Marvin, Shelden, and Solomon will make some big steps in the in a year or two.

BK, you got to get us a very good big man. Hey T, you will have egg on your face if the hawks win. They are up by 10 now. This is why I am screaming for a big man. They need someone that can pound the ball for some easy points.

By Steve T

December 20, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

I hope y’all are watching the hawks! How said that Josh Smith was a bad pick. The guy is putting on a show tonite.

By Gary

December 21, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this

PLEASE FIRE MIKE WOODSON HE IS THE FAILURE BUG THAT IS GOIN AROUND WITH THE TEAM. HIRE LENNY WILKENS OR A VET COACH LIKE HUBIE BROWN OR SUMTHING GET HIM OUT

By Taurus

December 21, 2006 02:22 AM | Link to this

I have no problem with Josh Smith, he’s a late first round pick and has loads of talent and a all around game. I felt it was extremely obvious that Deng and Iguodala were better than J. Childress, but they chose Childress anyway. I think it had a lot to do with Childress doing 4 years in college, while the others had not and they just got burned by the Demarr Johnson first round pick, who left college early. The Marvin Williams pick will set the franchise back 10 years. At best, M. Williams will be no better than Al Harrington, which, is what you already had when you drafted him. The Hawks passed on three franchise point guards in Paul, D. Williams, and Felton in 2005, and to make matters worse, Paul greatly expressed how much he like Atlanta and wanted to come here. To add insult to injury in 2006, you could have chosen a 6-6 guard in Brandon Roy who’s as smooth as silk and can play both guard positions very well, Randy Foye, another combo guard, or a true point guard in Marcus Williams who’s looking real good, but we chose Shelden Williams. The sad part about it, we committed to him 2 weeks befor the draft. Oh did I mention we spent money for the heck of it picking up Wright and Claxton in free agency.