AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > November > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLaw has long way to go before flying
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
The Hawks gained a measure of stability Wednesday night. After starting three different point guards in the first three games, coach Mike Woodson decided to come back for a second time with Acie Law IV. So much for seniority.
As for going against Jason Kidd and Steve Nash in consecutive games — well, you just hoped that the kid wouldn’t need to be peeled off the court by the end of the night, looking like the remains of Ed Gray.
“He’s definitely going to have to grow up quick for us to be a great basketball team,” the Hawks’ Joe Johnson said of Law. “We’ve got to play like veterans, and it’s hard for a rookie to do that.”
Four games and two starts in, Law looks like a rookie. No great surprise. But he is far closer to forecasting hope than disaster, and for this franchise, that counts for a lot.
The Hawks faced the Phoenix Almost-Suns at Philips Arena. They benefited from the absence of Amare Stoudemire (knee). They benefited from terrific outings by Marvin Williams, Josh Smith and Josh Childress. It didn’t matter that Joe Johnson struggled, nor that Law isn’t nearly ready to run an NBA offense. They beat the Suns 105-96. Law survived, and without a medic.
“Those guys are great,” he said.
And this: “I actually thought I did as pretty good job on Nash, and he still had 34 [points] and 11 [assists].”
Nash made seven three-pointers. Every Hawk took turns being humiliated, so don’t pin that on Law.
“He’s learning on the fly,” Woodson said. “He has a long way to go, but I feel comfortable having him out there, him being able to make plays not only for himself but for his teammates. Eventually we’re going to see a true point guard.”
That’s the idea, anyway.
There are growing pains with young teams, no matter the talent. There will be growing pains with the Hawks, especially, because at this time a year ago, their starting point guard was in College Station, Texas, preparing for a non-conference game against Prairie View A&M.
The Hawks’ black hole at position No. 1 has been debated ad nauseam. Law believes he can make people forget about Hawks draft decisions like passing on Chris Paul (almost). But he admits this is a different world. At Texas A&M, he was the team’s best player and leading scorer. Generally that enhances a player’s reputation. But because Law is a point guard, some wondered if he could he make players around him better at the NBA level.
Law’s development will be the difference between whether this team makes the playoffs or not. Without a competent point guard, a basketball team is like a nice house without running water or power. It looks nice, but it lacks functionality.
Law looked good in the opener against Dallas. But at Detroit, Woodson had him on the bench in crunch time, preferring Tyronn Lue. He’s concerned about Law developing bad habits, and then losing confidence. “I saw that happen with Childress and Josh Smith,” he said. “We just threw them out there and they weren’t ready to play. They hit the wall.”
Law has recognized his mistakes. At Detroit, he passed up feeding the ball to Johnson, believing he didn’t have a good angle to make the pass. Johnson thought otherwise and had an irritated look on his face when he walked to the bench for a timeout. Law took notice.
“I missed him,” he said. “Obviously, he thought he was open. I told him, ‘Man, I’m a rookie. I’m going to make mistakes. I’ll miss you a few times, but stick with me.’ “
Law’s first start came in New Jersey. After the game, Woodson looked at the box score and saw Law with zero assists and Kidd with 12. “I kind of slowed his progress a little bit in Detroit [by not playing him down the stretch],” Woodson said. “But I told him after the [New Jersey] game, ‘You can’t play 25, 26 minutes and not have an assist, and when your counterpart has 12.’ “
Law played another 24 minutes Wednesday. Total: One assist. So we’re not talking Magic yet.
“This is only gonna make me better,” he said. “It’s been tough. I’m making a lot of mistakes, but I’m getting better.”
Permalink | Comments (56) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks / NBA, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By Eric
November 8, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
Law is better than any point on the Hawks roster right now. He showed flashes of greatness in the Detroit game, since then he’s been a little tight. He’s ready
By Mr. Gilley
November 8, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
I think he still can contribute but is not fully ready to take the reins of the team but I am a firm believer in throwing them out there and letting them learn. he just has to be more aggressive and actually look to set up his people in transition. He’ll be ok!!
By Najeh Davenpoop
November 8, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
Law may not know how to play the point yet, but unlike Lue he gets the ball out of his hands and doesn’t dribble around wasting time on the shot clock. I’d rather see Law get 30 minutes a game even if he doesn’t get assists consistently. Bring in Lue when you need a clutch shot or two, but Law’s no worse than the other options on the team, even at this early stage of his career.
By kwijibo
November 8, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
For a guy that was irritated at the Hawks not picking Conley, I’m more excited about the Hawks since anytime after the Dominique vs. Larry Bird playoff series in the late 80’s.
Jeff, please let Sekou do the reporting on the hawks. Keep the pessimism in the Falcons section of the paper. This team is going to be something special and the only way for Law to be the general of the floor is to get as many minutes as he possibly can. He’ll make mistakes, but the Hawks have shown they can score points in bunches and they’ll be fine with a few “rookie” mistakes.
If we can beat Phoenix with our All-Star shooting .04% from the field, the sky is the limit. Go Hawks.
By D_Costa
November 8, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
Acie is going to be fine. I can say this with full certainty. After observing the Hawks now for 4 consecutive games, the problem I see with Acie is him finishing his shots. He’s getting to the basket, but not finishing what he started.
Like tonight, he missed a couple of lay-ups after beating his man to the basket. Also, he’s a little tentative to take the 3 pt shot when it’s there (unlike Salim Stoudamire). He passed up a couple of golden opportunities with pump fakes. He’ll eventually take those shots.
There’s something special about Acie, I actually feel better about our team when he’s in the game. Even over Lue, who next to Childress is the most valuable person on the bench.
What we also need to keep in mind is, this rookie has so far played against 4 of the top point guards in the league (Terry, Billups, Kidd and Nash). He had to be more concerned with his defense than offense playing against those guys.
With the Celtics coming to town, I look for him to have a much better game statistically because he’s going against Rondo, who’s a good player, but isn’t of the before-mentioned ilk.
By Dan
November 8, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
Good lord what will it take for someone at this sorry a** fish wrapper to write something positive about the Hawks?
They are 2-2 with wins over Dallas and Phoenix and gave away a game with Detroit. When was the last time that a stretch like this wouldn’t have started the Hawks out at 0-4?
Yes we have a LONG way to go to be a playoff team, but there’s finally a light at the end of the rebuilding tunnel and it’s not an oncoming train.
We didn’t draft Chris Paul, we get it, it was a bad decision. Marvin is still going to be a good player. Get over it.
By Lil E
November 8, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
I second that.
By D_Costa
November 8, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
Here here!
And another thing. If Marvin keeps knocking down those 15-20 ft jumpers like he did tonight, I’m cool with the 6’9” guy who can drain the outside j when it’s needed most.
Granted, Paul is a talented point guard, but I like having a big guy out there who’s creating all kinds of match-up problems whereas Paul can’t really defend very many point guards in the league because of his size.
By A-ville-Ranger
November 8, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
Eric flashes of greatness ? the guy didn’t have an assist in that game,not one.He only has one assist (total)in the last three games.He may be a pg some day but he sure isn’t the best on this team right now.I can’t recall ever seeing an nba pg going three with only one assist.That would be bad for a center for a pg it’s a joke.
By tony
November 8, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this
I notice how reluctant Acie was to take open shots against the Nets but he would look for JJ or JS to take the shots instead. It seems to me that JJ and JS don’t want Acie making decisions for himself but want him to look for them to make plays. In my opinion Acie has to be the player who help build a successful Aggies basketball program and stop worrying about what JJ and JS thinks. It’s all mental with Acie right now. He has to do what Allen Averson done as a rookie by showing the veterans that he come to lead his team to victory no matter what anybody thinks. You can do it Acie just believe in yourself.
By JSS
November 8, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this
Damn!!! I keep telling that you that this man is utterly CLUELESS!
Jeff “Klancade” Schultz, the ship has left the dock. Fool, the draft was in July, and the free agency period is over… Like many, I wanted Conley simply because he didn’t need to shoot, he needed to distribute…
Acie Law has played 4 games, back off! I hope he watched Chauncey Billips carefully… Their games could be parallel…
By Eric
November 8, 2007 2:32 AM | Link to this
The fans in Atlanta are the worst. A couple of days ago everybody was coming down on Josh Smith for not having a good shooting night, guess what he had a double double with 5 blocks tonight. Today it’s Acie Law, Jeff find something positive to write about our team.
By G Money
November 8, 2007 3:22 AM | Link to this
I’m also very tired of the negative criticism of Law. A point guard is about leadership. If you look at what goes on with him on the floor and look at what matters in the the stats: the score, you’ll see that the Hawks are a much better team with him on the floor than not.
Keep the negative stuff for the Falcons. I’m sure that there is more to write about McKay or the lack of a team than there is here.
By Enough
November 8, 2007 4:03 AM | Link to this
Northerners like Schultz will forever try to rain on our parade. Can’t live in the past, the Hawks have taken there lumps and its time to shine. Not only is the two wins impressive heck the losses were to if not for the late bs whistle in Detroit by the now all suspect NBA ref, they could have won that one. The writers at the AJC can only get views and comments on there blog with negative spin so pay them no attention. You read this stuff hoping for positive insight on our teams but instead meaningless rehashed stupidity. Josh and Joe are certain All-Stars and Harford could be in the running for rookie of the year though Durant is filling the net. AJ can provide some steady spot pg play until Law is more seasoned. Lue shoots to much and doesn’t initiate the offense fast enough, but is somewhat clutch every now and then. Joe has to show better leadership and remember heck his stint at the point didn’t work out so well either. But this team, though I wish they had one more seasoned veteran will make some noise this year. I see a 6 or 7 seed in the east. Wouldn’ a trade like maybe Harford, Sheldon, and Lue for Jermaine Oneal put this team over the top to break through. I hope management is looking at what Boston did with there young talent to garner what could be run at a championship right now.
By kaz
November 8, 2007 6:36 AM | Link to this
Give Law 15 games and then he should be adding real value to the team. The Hawks are good enough to weather the storm until he’s ready. But even now, he creates a lot more ball movement than Lue, who has no clue on how to run an offense, plays Glenn Robinson-type defense, and is a below average passer. Did I mention his defense?
By destin
November 8, 2007 7:13 AM | Link to this
When can we expect Zaza and Speedy back?
By Tech75
November 8, 2007 7:22 AM | Link to this
I am excited about the Hawks!
Didn’t think I’d ever say that…
Look, Jeff, if you don’t agree with what Woodson is doing at the 1, what’s your plan?
I think Acie’s going to be really good, he just needs to get used to the pro game. Give him 30 or 40 games, and if you don’t see improvement, then you can complain.
Give ‘em a break! They’re playing hard and getting results.
By Tech75
November 8, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
This, from the Arizona Republic website, ….es me off:
(Regarding the Hawks dressing room post-game)
They were feeling fortuitous that they caught Phoenix before the Suns find their rhythm and health.
A-holes.
By paulmart
November 8, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this
I like Law. He looks smaller than he’s listed. He’s quick and his shot mechanics need work. As for his assists - two things - 1.) it is hard to get assists when you don’t run a lot and - more importantly - when the Hawks offense consists of the point guard tossing the ball to the wing, cutting through the lane and then everybody stands and watches Joe Johnson, Josh Smith or Childress go one-on-one.
By Hawksville Resident
November 8, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
Law along with Horford have me so excited about this team and our chances that I’m even going to the Wizards game this sunday! Shultz, talk about our team beating the suns, talk about the sell out “Wednesday” crowd and our enthusiasm, talk about how the national analysts like Steven A** Smith are now excited about the Hawks. Let’s stop looking under rocks trying to find something negative. Atlanta finally has a Hawks team to be proud of…
By Duh
November 8, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this
*Why didn’t Sheldon “The Bust” Williams get this attention early last year? * Sheldon was a higher pick and twice as bad so I don’t understand how he slipped under the media radar. Forget running the team, the question about Sheldon was whether he could MAKE the team. Schultz meanwhile expects a 4 game NBA rookie PG to run the team like Nash. Law is coming along nicely and there are PLENTY of more deserving players to pick on if you’re hard up for an article.
By bwtbird
November 8, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
How many assist opportunities has Law really had?? Do you watch the games? The Hawks have to have the least “pt. Guard” centric offense in the league…whoever rebounds the ball goes with it so there are very few opportunities in transition…the few he has had…like the one last night where JJ missed and easy finish and got fouled, he has handled pretty well. He refuses to be like Tyronn Lue and dribble 12-15 seconds off the clock…they have done very little pick and roll so he very seldom gets the ball back in his hands. Obviously he can and will improve…He has tremendous ball skills and good vision…As the season progresses we will see a much more confident and assertive player
By Lloyd
November 8, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
The blogger “Duh” couldn’t have articulated this any better. You guys (Bradley, Bisher and Moore) are comical at best in your “attempts” at journalism. The things you write are both sad and pathetic. Law is, as previously mentioned, a whopping four games into his career and already you (probably your colleagues as well) are criticizing him. GIVE THE GUY A CHANCE AND LET HIM PLAY! End of story.
By against the law
November 8, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
great article, jeff. you’re right, the hawks should cut law. personally, i think they should trade for a real, TRUE point guard, luke ridnour, or kirk hinrich. you need someone cerebral who isn’t some streeball thug.
By I saw all four games too
November 8, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Columnist are paid to enrage, so Jeff…job well done.
Us real fans see the potential in Acie. I agree fully, we are a better team when he’s on the floor. He’s a threat to penetrate and that’s the key to any successful guard (Nash, Billups, Paul, Parker, Iverson, Kidd, Henrich, ect). Those guys get assists by drawing in extra defenders then dishing the rock. He’ll get to the stage, but obviously it will take more than 4 games. I say toss the kid into the fire and watch him go!
Secondly, did anyone else recognize that we were 2 points away from having 5 players with double-doubles last night? (Smooth, Chill, JJ, and Starvin Marvin) Shouldn’t we embrace the TEAM ball we are witnessing instead of pointing out the faults of one rookie after his fourth game in the NBA? Or better yet, if you’re stuck on pointing out rookies, how about the amazing play of Harford 4 games into the season. I say ZaZa should back him up when he gets healthy. GO HAWKS!
By LL Cool Scott
November 8, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
I don’t really understand the negative reactions to this. First off, it’s a pretty accurate assessment of how Law is progressing. Secondly, I think it’s a fairly optimistic article. Some of these readers are such homers that they are enraged by even the hint of criticism of their favorite team.
By smartguy
November 8, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
Four games into a rookie season, and we’re making judgments about their viability. Chill out. And leave the hoops to Sekou.
By Chris
November 8, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
I am not a Jeff S. fan by any stretch, but I think all of you are reading more negativity into the article than there is. Maybe you were expecting it and it’s coloring the reading…
all he’s saying is that it will take a while for Acie to develop into a Billups type PG. Not that he won’t, but that he needs to do it quick.
Who here is really going to say they wouldn’t love to see Acie with 10 assists a night sooner than later…
By JMF
November 8, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
I can’t hold my excitment. When I first saw the schedule I was worried that the Hawks could play well and still be 0-6. Show some excitment.
By Ryder
November 8, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
What some people need to understand is that Acie is still getting used to the speed of the NBA game. Players he has faced (Kidd, Nash, Billups) are stronger and faster, not to mention much more experienced than he is. As a result he is going to have growing pains at that position. He is going to have to get accustomed to not being the go-to option on offense as he was at Texas A&M and instead become a facilitator.
Fortunately he has enough talent around him (Marvin, Smoove, Chill, and JJ) where he can distribute the ball and not worry about his own shot. My only concern is him missing free throws down the stretch like he did last night. Other than that I’m glad I was wrong about Woodson not trusting his rookies down the stretch.
Speaking of rookies, Schultz, if you want to bury one rookie, why not give praise to the other rookie AL HORFORD? He’s averaging double digit rebounds and providing tremendous defense in the paint! It’s amazing when you consider he doesn’t even have Zaza to complement him. His defense has been instrumental in getting the Hawks in transition. Why don’t you start praising someone who has already adjusted to the NBA game?
And you wonder why you and the other scrub writers here are never invited to Around the Horn or PTI?
DO YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO ANSWER THAT ONE SCHULTZ? WELL DO YOU?
By mavid
November 8, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Acie has a long way to go still, no debating that.
But, he has looked better out there than his stats suggest. He’s been playing decent D and our team just looks better when he’s on the floor.
In any event, he’s the best pg we have… so we kinda have to go with him.
Luckily, our forwards and other guards are all good ballhandlers (even Horford!), so that helps.
I think at times we should go Chill, Joe, Marvin, Smoove and Horford and have Chill and Joe share point duties. See how teams like playing against that athletic line-up.
By Maurice
November 8, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
I would love to see that. but it will only happen if he plays. Jeff writes that they need a veteran point guard, if they get one that limits the minutes Acie gets. Why do that? Childress and Johnson can spell Acie at point when he is in the game. Oh, and he played against Chauncey Kidd and Nash the last three games. What other point guard rookie at that would have had good stats against those three? Don’t defend Shultz. He’s an idiot for writing a point-less article. Pun intended!!!
By ATLplayer
November 8, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Law is tha man! He is the Hawks best option now. The guy could score more but choose not to. He looks for the open guy. If you notice hawks players missed on his assist attempts. I have no problem with him period. In fact I say TRADE SPEEDY NOW! He will only take playing time away from law with no results. He haven’t done anything since he been there. I smell PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!!!
By ATLplayer
November 8, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Oh I forgot…Jeff Schultz is not bashing Law; this is his attempt to be critical against Mike Woodson. He’s complaining about Woodson choice to start Law. Jeff Schultz simply wants a new hawks coach. Since the Hawks are playing well he has to find reasons like starting Law to point out. I smell playoffs!!!!!!!!!
By I.MUS WRITE
November 8, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Acie is going to be fine, he just needs to be more aggressive in looking for his shot. Also reduce his turnovers, 4 games into the season and he looks just as good as lue or any other pg on the bench. Bye Dec.1 look for Acie to be playn 30+ minutes a game. Joe didnt look good at all last night, but it did’nt matter Marvin to the rescue… Marvin’s shot looks Jordanesque- this is the type of developement we need to see from a #2 pick. When zaza returns and give us scoring on the block, combined with Horford/Sheldon doing dirty work on the blocks its going to be hard for teams to get a win against us. Woodson finally put his ego to the side and gave Salim some run -look at the results instant offense and solid defense……. “hawks” !!!! go hard or go home
By TxAggieinAustin
November 8, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
I’m a Texas A&M Aggie grad, and I just wanted to say how proud I am of Acie! I’m so glad he’s getting playing time right out of the gate. Give him a few games, and he’ll be an amazing contributor for the Hawks. I grew up in San Antonio, so of course I’m a Spurs fan. But with the Hawks drafting Acie, I’m now a huge Hawks fan as well.
We miss Acie here in Aggieland, but we’re so proud of him! Go Acie!!!!
By norman Owen
November 8, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Acie can defend a large point guard.Lue is a midget. Thats reason enough to start him.
By Patman
November 8, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Give the Hawks a break As someone who’s been disgusted with this team and it’s general manager, I like what I’m seeing fromt he team and from both rookis. Law isn’t setting the world on fire but he’s learning and he’ll be just fine at the point position. Horford is already having an impact and the best is yet to come from him. When both rookies comeinto their own, watch out! For any team, let alone the Hawks, to be 2-2 with the competition that they’ve had so far is awesome! I don’t know what to expect for the rest of the season but I like what I’m seeing so far and I strongly feel that the bad times are finally over.
By VickBeliever
November 8, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
I see nothing wrong with Acie Law besides the fact he is a rookie he will be fine. The problem I see is with the head coach not pushing the right buttons. Blly Knight may have made a mistake by not take Chris Paul and Deng but he has provided the Hawks with a very good team. Woodson needs to let the past issues he had with Salim be by gone and find him more minutes. He can stretch the defense and open the middle for Johnson, Smith, and Horford. So don’t worry about Acie Law keep a eye on how the coach is coaching.
By MsDee
November 8, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
WOW..I cant believe this article!! Law is doing exactly what a rookie PG should be doing..He is coming into his game after 4 games..Just wonderful!! Jeff, if u haven notice, the Hawks looks and plays much better when he is out there. Who says Law HAS to have 10+ assists a game to be effective? Which one would u prefer..Law gets 1 assist, 7pts,2 sts and win the game, or Nash gets 11 assists, 34pts, and lose?????????????????
By Frontman
November 8, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Like a lot of people, I don’t necessarily see a problem with Law, but I do see a guy that looks real suspiciously like a 2 instead of a 1. Can someone give some examples of guys who were 2s at lower levels and turned into extremely solid NBA 1s? My point is that you don’t usually take a 2 and turn him into a really good 1. He’s either a 1 or he isn’t. Letting him play 1 when he’s not a 1 may accentuate his weaknesses and hide his strengths.
By Orlando Rivera
November 8, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
against the law, which is 1) a stupid handle to begin with and 2) way to make a pointless entry. Since you obviously want your pg to be white, why not request for Jason Williams from Miami? At least unlike those other inbred hicks he has a championship and he fits your skin tone preference. So enough of you sir!
Frontman, Billups was a 2 at Colorado who became a premiere 1 in the NBA after being traded from five other teams because he couldn’t master the point.
Jeff sounds like some other people who prefer their QBs to have 300 yard passing games and lose than to have 50 yard passing games and win. Regardless of the sport, some things sure don’t change in Atlanta don’t they?
By Dr. Warren
November 8, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
Give Law a break, Schultz. He’s 21 years old and infinitely more talented and accomplished at what he does than you’ll ever be at what you do. He also seems like he innately understands the principles of leadership better than you. Your adolescent rancor, so pervasive in your columns, belies a man who doesn’t like himself very much. Take it from a University of Chicago Ph.D. You’re no Red Smith.
By RA
November 8, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Newsflash, we didn’t get Chris Paul! I’m sorry, but we did get another guy in that draft. I think he goes by the name of Marvin Williams or somethning. He had a pretty good night 20 points, 12 rebounds… For once, Schultz and Moore, stop talking about the guys we didn’t draft and focus on the ones we have!
By Scott
November 8, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
Give this guy some time and he will be consistent & clutch. I watched him in college & he grew by leaps & bounds from one year to the next. Every year he adds another element to his game and keep this in mind - he is never afraid to take the last shot. I’m not saying he will be an all-time great, but he will be a sure-handed leader for many years to come.
By against the law
November 8, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
orlando rivera,
jason williams? are you kidding me?! his nickname is “white choclate.” he’s more of a thug than ron artest. no, i don’t want him. dan dickau would work.
your stupid 300 yard and lose theory is retarded. what you don’t understand is that’s how a championship is won. it takes brains, not raw athleticism. how many rings does vick, mcnabb, cunningham, mcnair (the list goes on and on) have?
i’ll take the 6foot5 300 yard passer who is smart over the athletic idiot anyday.
By Jeff Schultz
November 8, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
A few thoughts as I read your blogs: I’m not quite sure why so many of you read negativity into this column, regarding either Law or Woodson. Hey, I agree Law should be starting, but it’s going to take time until he’s a bonafide NBA point guard. He says it. Johnson says it. Woodson says it. But if you want to give me heat for saying it, that’s cool. Comebacks … … KWIJIBO (if that’s your real name): Sekou’s my man. Great hoops reporter. I talk to him, as I do all of our beat writers, to get their feel for things, before I write a column. I hope that answers your concerns. … DAN: You wrote, “Yes we have a LONG way to go to be a playoff team…” Wow, I can really take that as being overly negative. Imagine if I had written that. What would your response be? … TECH ’75: What did I write about Woodson? I’m quoted him saying that he slowed Law’s progress. … CHRIS (my shining light): Thanks for the perspective. … DR. WARREN/FREUD I’m impressed with the Red Smith reference. JS
By kaz
November 8, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
Its hillarious to see how much emotion goes into these comments. Jeff’s article does not say Law stinks. He needs to improve like every rookie and going up against the best pgs over the next several games will be a huge benefit. Reading between the lines for the conspiracy theory is getting old. These journalists are not out to “get” the Hawks. They may be cautiously optimistic, but they are also probably more excited about the team’s success than we are.
By bali smith
November 8, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
jeff, so you actually read the blogs concerning your articles. Amazing………….. so you actually care if someone agrees or diagrees about what you say. I wonder if Furman gives a damn
By Ryder
November 8, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Jeff, I stand corrected. I still think that if you’re going to start talking about the Hawks’ rookies, then show Horford some love.
Orlando, I don’t think that’s what against the law meant. That said, I still think you have to give Law time to develop and not be ready to castrate him 4 games into his rookie season.
By Jeff Schultz
November 8, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Kaz … Thanks. It’s funny how so many readers/bloggers accuse writers of having an agenda, which nothing could be further from the truth. I think often people have a preconceived idea about what somebody is going to write, sometimes based on a bad headline (which writers don’t write). Bali Smith … Yes! It’s true! I always read the blogs. I just don’t respond all the time, but I’ll make an effort to do it more often. It’s nice when people agree with me, I’ll admit that. But it really doesn’t bother me when people have a different opinion. It only bothers me when their opinions are based on false assumptions, if you follow. JS
By da troof
November 8, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
jeff schultz: “I think often people have a preconceived idea about what somebody is going to write”
you know what people’s preconcieved ideas are, as well. you play into that by being inflammatory.
By Jeff Schultz
November 8, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
Da Troof (nice name)… Cite something and I’ll respond. A columnist’s job is to express a viewpoint. That you would call an opinion inflammatory I think just means that you don’t agree with it. What in the above column is inflammatory? Come on - educate me.
By Tom
November 8, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
They were booing Nash in Dallas his first couple of years.
By da troof
November 8, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
just your whole focus is inflammatory. instead of focusing on the not so obvious (beating dallas and phoenix, who would have predicted that?), you focus on a point guard who isn’t expected to be ready to perform on an all-star level, and say he has to be an all-star now for the team to make the playoffs. that’s inflammatory.
educated now?
By Ryan
November 8, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Is it even possible, for once, for a columnist for the AJC to write a purely positive article on an Atlanta sports team without trying to find some way to insert something negative in it?