Sports Columnists

By phatt

January 21, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

2nd?

By Rimfire

January 21, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

IF…. they would ever run an offense, instead of waiting on JJ to win it, there’d be some progress. Come on, even High Schools can run some screens & cutters. WHY, why why can these Hawks>>>????

By newteamgear.com

January 21, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Come on Mark. The hawks are doing ok, they are much better than the falcons. You can find great myspace layouts at whateverlife or facebook. cheerio.

By PlusSizeModel

January 21, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

The only question here is who is more incompetent: Billy Knight or Mike Woodson? How about we get rid of both of them and never find out?

By PlusSizeModel

January 21, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

And by the way, did anyone bother to ask Woodson why they called a timeout in OT that thwarted their own fast break?

By jimd26

January 21, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Does anyone really care about the hawks? I can remember watching the hawks back in the mid to late 80’s, when it was fun to watch NBA basketball. Now it’s just a bunch of over paid kids out for themselves hoping to make sportcenter highlights. Maybe some day it will get back to the basics. I sure hope so!

By reese mayfield

January 21, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

somebody need to tell josh smith he not a dam three point shooter his game is drive n to d basket r post n up a player do we have a coach that c that i do but of course i wear glasses

By Tiger Woo

January 21, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Yes jimd26 … people DO care about the Hawks. I don’t agree with your statement - “it’s just a bunch of over paid kids out for themselves”.

Why are you posting in a Hawks blog if you don’t care about them?

By smartguy

January 21, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Woodson is a huge part of the problem. In regulation, he stopped our fast break (PlusSize), only to call for an iso for JJ. Its not that I don’t want Joe taking the last shot, its that all he does is take a few dribbles and heave up a long range brick (Rimfire). Woody has been calling the same play for three years, and we have been getting the same result for three years.

These things seem to be evident to everyone but the Spirit and Woody himself. Fire Woody, please.

By FIRE WOODSON

January 21, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODSON BOTTOM LINE WHY THE HELL IS AJ STARTIN? WHY DON’T SALIM (THE BEST SHOOTER ON THE TEAM) PLAY? WHY DOSEN’T HE REST JJ SO THAT LATE IN GAMES HE’S NOT WORN DOWN? THIER A LOT OF COACHES WHO WOULD HAVE THE HAWKS ABOVE 500 FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY

By curious

January 21, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Bradley- This guy has 17pts, 17rbs,6assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals and you want to complain about ONE three point shot. Complain about Woodson running the same play to JJ the whole game. He also got outcoached like usual by Mcmillan. Maybe if you actually watched the Hawks play you would know this. The Hawks must have the worst % running plays out of timeouts.

By old vet

January 21, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

The bottom line is the Hawks lack leadership from their coach and a true leader on the floor. Woodson is clueless, and JJ does not want to be the man. This time needs someone to put a foot in their butt…

By Enough

January 21, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Its painful to watch because this is a talented bunch not being coached up. Again, this mans substitution patterns leave a lot to be desired. Without a point guard and a real post man its going to be a struggle. Plus they need another 2 or 3 who can really nail the outside shot. Marvin is coming along but really at his size you still rather see him drive to the hole than always launching mid-range jumpers. If they are serious about making the playoffs, they should make a move to get a Mike Bibby, Stephon Marbury or just ride or die with law this year to get ready for next year. Woodson seems to have lost this team, his offensive philosphy is what? defense what? These guys are talented but Bradley hit it on the mark, no direction.

By terrell barron

January 21, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Anyone who knows anything about the Hawks, no that Josh Smith has been the most consistent player on the team. His numbers are there every single night. It’s not his fault when someone dribbles the shot clock away, only to pass him the damn ball, with a few seconds remaining on the shot clock. I dare you, criticizing Smooth for poor shot clock management by someone OTHER THAN HIMSELF!

By THE Hawks Fan

January 21, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Josh takes 3’s but he brings ALOT to the table. Plus he has made a 360 degree turn from the way he was playing at the start of the year. I dont blame T Lue for being slow small and non energetic. Hell you could see him out there today trying his heart out to push the ball. I thought he was going into Cardiac arrest in the 4th quarter because he was breathing so hard. I blame Coach Woodson for putting him in situations where he needs to be fast quick and big to win. I blame Coach Woodson for not playing Mario West more. I know you have guys making millions more than him on the bench, but who cares. The GOAL is to WIN! This team is better defensively when he is on the floor. Period. I just know we would have got those 2 loose balls at the end if he was on the floor. He played him earlier in the year when he HAD to and he made him look like a genius. Now he is non factor. You draft someone for who they are and the POTENTIAL they have, therefore let ACIE be ACIE. Coach him but let him be who he is. He is not going to get 12 assist a night. He is not going to hit every open jumper. BUT he is a winner and he will do whatever it takes to WIN!!! AJ has his own agenda. I wouldnt care if ever played for the HAWKS again. He gets p** everytime Coach Woodson takes him out of the game. I still havent forgot the time he left his teammates hangin and left the ARENA. Then he pulls that crap in Toronto. So what does ZSA ZSA do? He pulls the same crap. They are some serious INTERNAL problems with the HAWKS. But I dont expect a MEGA trade, but subtle 1 that includes Lue AJ and ZSA ZSA. Billy Knight and Coach Woodson will be here due to the pending court case with the ASG. If either 1 were to be fired or if JJ were traded, hence the reason for the lawsuit the court would swoop in 24 hours and Belkin would the King of the Hill. There are some plain facts about this team though. They have to RUN, every trip down the floor. This is a better team with 7 8 guys getting minutes and not the 8 or so who are getting the major minutes now. BB is a game of Rythym and money. Right now the HAWKS dont have much of either 1. They can still make the playoffs. Its going to take some serious hard play and tough descions, but it can be done. GOOOO HAWWKS!!!

By thomas

January 21, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

The NBA is dead in Atlanta!

By On Strike

January 21, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

It all starts at the top. You have to have winners running the organization. Billy Knight is bar none the worst GM in all of basketball. Mike Woodson is a good guy but the numbers speak for itself. He is over a hundred games under .500 in his tenure and at no point have the Hawks overachieved. It is time to bring in a new GM and let him decide who the new coach should be. I have no faith in Billy Knight picking the right choice. I will never forgive him for making us worse than an expansion team when he took the job. He gave away all of our talent and got nothing in return. Several years later we still have a losing record. The Atlanta Spirit need to get a clue and bring in some people that know how to run an organization. If they are not willing to do this, they are cheating the city of Atlanta. I grew up in Atlanta in the 1980’s and going to Hawks games back then was flat out awesome. Back then the Hawks didn’t need to sell 4 tickets along with 4 chicken sandwiches just to fill the seats. They also need to push the start times back to 7:30pm during the week so people like me that live in the northern suburbs can actually make a weekday game. Atlanta would flock to Hawks game if we put a product out on the floor worth watching. I consider the Hawks the most underachieving organization in the NBA. I am a native Atlantan and am very proud of this city. For many years I avidly supported the Hawks. It is several years later and the organization completely lacks direction. I feel like the Hawks (The Atlanta Spirit) owe it to us lifelong fans to do whatever necessary to build a winner. If they cannot do this, they should sell the team to someone that will.

By On Strike

January 21, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

It all starts at the top. You have to have winners running the organization. Billy Knight is bar none the worst GM in all of basketball. Mike Woodson is a good guy but the numbers speak for itself. He is over a hundred games under .500 in his tenure and at no point have the Hawks overachieved. It is time to bring in a new GM and let him decide who the new coach should be. I have no faith in Billy Knight picking the right choice. I will never forgive him for making us worse than an expansion team when he took the job. He gave away all of our talent and got nothing in return. Several years later we still have a losing record. The Atlanta Spirit need to get a clue and bring in some people that know how to run an organization. If they are not willing to do this, they are cheating the city of Atlanta. I grew up in Atlanta in the 1980’s and going to Hawks games back then was flat out awesome. Back then the Hawks didn’t need to sell 4 tickets along with 4 chicken sandwiches just to fill the seats. They also need to push the start times back to 7:30pm during the week so people like me that live in the northern suburbs can actually make a weekday game. Atlanta would flock to Hawks game if we put a product out on the floor worth watching. I consider the Hawks the most underachieving organization in the NBA. I am a native Atlantan and am very proud of this city. For many years I avidly supported the Hawks. It is several years later and the organization completely lacks direction. I feel like the Hawks (The Atlanta Spirit) owe it to us lifelong fans to do whatever necessary to build a winner. If they cannot do this, they should sell the team to someone that will.

By THE CITY DESERVES BETTER

January 21, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

It all starts at the top. You have to have winners running the organization. Billy Knight is bar none the worst GM in all of basketball. Mike Woodson is a good guy but the numbers speak for itself. He is over a hundred games under .500 in his tenure and at no point have the Hawks overachieved. It is time to bring in a new GM and let him decide who the new coach should be. I have no faith in Billy Knight picking the right choice. I will never forgive him for making us worse than an expansion team when he took the job. He gave away all of our talent and got nothing in return. Several years later we still have a losing record. The Atlanta Spirit need to get a clue and bring in some people that know how to run an organization. If they are not willing to do this, they are cheating the city of Atlanta. I grew up in Atlanta in the 1980’s and going to Hawks games back then was flat out awesome. Back then the Hawks didn’t need to sell 4 tickets along with 4 chicken sandwiches just to fill the seats. They also need to push the start times back to 7:30pm during the week so people like me that live in the northern suburbs can actually make a weekday game. Atlanta would flock to Hawks game if we put a product out on the floor worth watching. I consider the Hawks the most underachieving organization in the NBA. I am a native Atlantan and am very proud of this city. For many years I avidly supported the Hawks. It is several years later and the organization completely lacks direction. I feel like the Hawks (The Atlanta Spirit) owe it to us lifelong fans to do whatever necessary to build a winner. If they cannot do this, they should sell the team to someone that will.

By Anthony

January 21, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

I said at the beginning of the year to give this team about 30 games to see how they’ve progressed. Well it aint happening. Bottom line is you have the talent but you either have no direction in your coaching or the players are getting tired of the same old stuff. Sure, the team has made progress but at a turtles pace. We need a new coach. We need somebody that can bring some fresh air to the table. Remember, these players are all adults. There’s got to be a way to motivate these guys night in and night out. When you keep losing games the same way over and over, at some point there’s got to be a change and we all know you can’t fire all the players.

By Let Sekou handle the Hawks you and the other clowns stick to the Falcons

January 22, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

Yea blame Josh Smith when he clearly is not the problem. Bradely stick to beating that dead horse aka the Falcons. Let Sekou handle the hawks.

By Lil E

January 22, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

I can’t see our team getting too much better until the ownership situation is resolved. Does anybody have any information about the progress of the situation ?

By ERIC

January 22, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

THIS TEAM SHOULD BE BATTING THE MAGIC FOR 3RD PLACE IN THE EAST RIGHT NOW, YOU HAVE A SOLID ALL STAR IN JOE AND ONE OF THE BEST SHOOT BLOCKERS IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME. WOODSON SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIRED 2 YEARS AGO, BUT WHEN YOUR BEST FRIEND IS THE GENERAL MANAGER IT AIN’T GOING TO HAPPEN.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 22, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

Not a terrible assessment but not a great one either. Josh Smith definitely does have to work on shot selection, but his overall impact on the game is very, very positive. He actually played excellent defense on Outlaw on the game winning shot — Outlaw just somehow managed to make it over J-Smoove’s outstretched hand.

What really needs to change for this team is the over-reliance offensively on Joe Johnson. Point guard or no point guard, when the Hawks need buckets they have one play: iso for Joe. It’s not like Horford and Josh Smith are incapable of scoring. It’s not like there ain’t players on this team who can set picks for Joe to get him more open.

Ultimately the blame for this lies on Mike Woodson. I think Woodson has the perfect background and personality to coach a young team like this one. But there’s one problem — he is not a good X’s and O’s guy. He cannot draw up creative plays and consistently put players in a position to take advantage of their strengths. Joe Johnson probably works harder for his points than any other 20 point per game scorer in the league, and that is mostly because of Woodson. Al Horford is probably the best post scorer in this year’s draft, and yet he takes only 7 shots a game, most on putbacks or dunks. Josh Smith is capable of doing a lot of things offensively — true, he can’t shoot 3’s, but his mid range shot is not bad, he is a very underrated passer, he would certainly be a good finisher if they used him on pick-and-rolls, but Woodson doesn’t draw up nearly enough plays to take advantage of his amazing athleticism. Woodson has taken the Hawks this far and made them a .500 team. Now the Hawks need to find the guy who can take them beyond that.

Oh yeah, one more thing for the Hawks to ponder: BOX OUT. PLEASE.

By Dr. Warren

January 22, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this

The Hawks should sign a point guard right NOW to make sure they reach the playoffs THIS year. It’s a vital milestone for the franchise and the fans. The pg doesn’t have to be a superstar. Luke Ridnour would do.

By Chris D'

January 22, 2008 5:02 AM | Link to this

Last night Acie Law looked very good and confident as the starting point guard. He had 5 assists and he was taking the ball to the basket and creating. He was pulled down the stretch and sat on the bench for most of the 4th quarter. Can someone explain that to me. Portland played the penetrate and kick game all night. I am thinking it makes more sense for Marvin and Joe Johnson to get open looks off of dribble penetration and ball movement as opposed to fade away j’s with a guy in their face. It seemed to work all night for the Blazers.

Solomon Jones seems to hussle and make solid contributions when he is put in the game. He is an athletic big that could have contributed defensively last night when the Blazers bigs were stepping out for open jump shots. Zaza was ill suited to be out there last night against the bigs for Portland. Nice moving screen at the end of the first half there Zaza to help Portland get back in the game.

By Chris D'

January 22, 2008 5:12 AM | Link to this

For the record Mr Bradley the Blazers have a really good basketball team with great players that I would trade in a heartbeat for the Hawks roster. They have balance at every position and with the addition of Mr Oden in the lineup in the coming years I have no doubts they will be contending for a title. With his presence in the post they will be unstoppable. Lamarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden down on the block at the same time is a frightening thought. That is 14 feet of trouble for the rest of the NBA.

By tony

January 22, 2008 5:51 AM | Link to this

nothing will change until we hire magic johnson(gm) and kurt rambis(hc).

By Hubie Brown's ghost

January 22, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

Fire Billy and Woody!

By brave fan 73

January 22, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

The biggest issue i take Mr. Bradley is saying that Oden is the greatest college player since Ewing. Are you out of your mind? I can name atleast 10 guys that have been as good as Oden in college in that span.

By JohnD

January 22, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

The Hawks need a coach who will utilize the talent on hand. Mike Woodson is a terific man and a pleasure to be around, but we have seen the results and they are not pretty.

In defense of Josh Smith, some of those 41 three’s he missed came at the end of the shot clock when all else had failed and the ball was kicked to him because he was open. After all, why guard him out there?

The criticism of the offense is justified - the Hawks (and every NBA team) must have a penetrator to break down the defense. The Hawks have a couple, Salim and Law, but seldom use them. How good offensively would JJ be if we were shooting OPEN shots?

Marvin has proved this year he can make open jumpers, he is just not given many.

Solomon Jones is not a BIG, he is a TALL. There is a difference.

ZaZa appears lost. This is a coaching problem. He has been productive in the past and seems to have been asked to do other things this year - things outside his skill set.

Al Horford is by far the best draft choice the Hawks have made in many years. Al will be a solid pro for many years.

The two Joshes were also excellent picks.

There is enough talent on the Hawk team to finish in the 4, 5, or 6 spots in the East. The team has to play at a high level each night to accomplish that goal but, again, we are back to coaching.

The Hubie Brown and Mike Fratello Hawk teams seemed to over achieve each year - this team does not.

By Krib

January 22, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Guys, Please look at the big picture! At the beginning of the season all every one wanted was a playof spot. Right now, we are at the 7th spot.So we still have a chance !!!. They are doing okay considering the expectation. GO HAWKS !!!

By JohnD

January 22, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

At the beginning of the year we did not have a good fix on our draft picks or some of the other teams in the East - the Knicks were projected as a playoff team. Anyone who picked the Knicks should never again be allowed to publish a prognostication.

We now know the draft picks can be solid pros and some of the teams projected to improve have failed.

Being stisfied with the 7 or 8 spot in the East is only a willingness to go home after the first round. Detroit and Boston will see to that.

Finishing between 3 and 6 would give the Hawks an opportunity to advance. The Hawks must stop wasting opportunities like the Portland game to make the playoffs and certainly to reach one of the higher seeds.

By HOOP GURU

January 22, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Too many excuses, no focus etc. and all that B.S. this is an easy fix. Trade Pachuilla for Mutombo, Muto is longer, defensive, good people and will give quality minutes off bench and won’t gripe. Trade and get that rocket from the Knicks-Robinson, give them say Sheldon Williams. You will see a BIG difference in the Hawks with A TRUE PG. Why can’t Knight and Woodson see it? Put Robinson or any TRUE PG with Johnson, the Josh’s, HORFORD AND WILLIAMS AND SEE HOW THE HAWKS FLORISH! Another saving grace is this upcoming draft is full of real PG’s. Augustin at Texas, Rose at Memphis, Chambers at Kansas, Lawson at No. Car. Mayo S.Cal. etc. But I’m beginning to think Woodson-Knight just can’t get it done!

By JR

January 22, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

The Hawks need a point guard. Duh. The Hawks need a center. Duh. The Hawks need a coach and a GM. Duh,Duh,Duh. This ain’t rocket science.

By Jordan Dawg

January 22, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

THE BOTTOM LINE IS BILLY KNIGHT IS TERRIBLE!!! His poor selections in the draft (no PG, all Wings) has left us in a bind. Perimeter shooting killed us yesterday (Portland’s was great, ours bad except for Lue) and we have no bench! Hey Mike, where is Salim Stoudamire? We iso, penetrate, draw the double, then kick out, and there’s no one who can make an open jumper!!! Salim is a microwave if Woodson would let him be one. Portland=Deep team that has 10 legit players Atlanta=Team with only 5 legit players that will be sitting at home come playoff time

C’MON EVERYBODY, ALL TOGETHER NOW: FIRE BILLY KNIGHT! FIRE BILLY KNIGHT!

By lancemick

January 22, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Listen, coming from a Blazer fan, we will not be trading our starting five for your starting five. Heck, we won’t be trading our back up 5 for your starting 5.

Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are studs. Atlanta needs a PG and some excellent outside shooters / roleplayers, and then you will compete. However, outside of these 2 guys, I don’t trade Roy, Outlaw, LaMarcus, Oden, or even Martell for any Hawk. Throw in James Jones, another outside shooter, Sergio Rodriguez and Pryzbilla, and I still am not making any trades with Atlanta. Heck, maybe we can package something for Jarret Jack. I like the guy, but he is simply too short to be a combo guard.

By AGAN

January 22, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

As long as Mike Woodson remains as coach of the Hawks,we have no chance of winning.It is not the players,it’s the coach!

By Harrison

January 22, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Atlanta has an NBA team? Cool.

By timbo

January 22, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

I can’t speak to the Hawks’ coaching and GM situation, but as a Blazers fan I will offer a few thoughts, which you can take or leave…….. (1) I’m glad Atlanta fans like their starting 5 better than the Blazers’ starting 5. We feel the same way. Both are talented young clubs that are VERY VERY SIMILAR in that we’ve been extremely unsuccessful franchises over the last few years and have managed to accumulate lots of extremely athletic young talent. The Blazers are the Hawks of the West and the Hawks are the Blazers of the East…….. (2) The point is well-taken that the Blazers have not 1, not 2, not 3, but 3-1/2 point guards (Roy carries the ball in the second half of the 4th quarter). This makes the Blazers hard to trap and hard to cover. They get great movement and passing on the perimeter……. (3) The Blazers have ANOTHER point guard on the bench in the figure of Florida’s Taurean Green, by the way. If Atlanta needs a PG, their GM needs to be on the phone to Kevin Pritchard…….. (4) Something clicked for the Blazers this year, they were 5-12 and then a light bulb went on. They learned how to play together as a team. The Hawks have the component players for the same thing to happen. They need a court leader akin to Roy and a true commitment (not lip service) to the team concept. I don’t know Hawks personalities well enough to say whether that leader is on the squad now or whether he is one signing or one draft away — but that’s the magic ingredient. The Hawks need to draft not the slickest ball handler, not the most athletic rebounder, not the prettiest shooter, but a real LEADER who has above-average competence in several or all of the fundamental skills. That’s the difference between the Hawks and the Blazers really — Brandon Roy’s attitude and ethic, which has seeped into the pores of this “callow” unit……. (5) Don’t hang your current coach for his past records. If he is the right guy, he’s the right guy, despite his winning percentage. I can’t answer that, but don’t blame him for having to compete with half a tool-box in his garage during past seasons. Is he teaching TEAM BASKETBALL and are the players listening? (6) And one more thing……. GO HAWKS! ———

t Corvallis, OR

By Andy

January 22, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Why do we play has been (acutally never been that good) veterans? We draft all these young players, and then never allow them to get any game experience. Salim, Solomon, Acie, Shelden all recieve limited playing time in favor of these rejected veterans. Then we trade the young away or let them sign elsewhere to mature into great players. We need to get the young guys more playing time! Yeah, they might be a little suspect in some areas, but they have some talent that someone saw, otherwise wy did we draft them??

By Blazer Fan

January 22, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are very, very impressive young studs.. yet, I wouldn’t trade BRoy for both of em, let alone the Blazer starting 5 for Atlanta’s… that statement was just ignorant.

By JB

January 22, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Acie Law’s timidity is due to the poor coaching of Mike Woodson. Woodson should be removed to savage the season.

By GA Buckeye

January 22, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Based on the number of posts, I think people really do want the Hawks to be successful. The loss to the Blazers was tough to take, but the Blazers are an example of a team playing well together and their bench was just so much better than ours. I attribute much of that to the GM not building solid contributors in positions 6 thru 10 on the bench. The comparisons are numerous from the drafts and free agency: Shelden Williams vs. Brandon Roy (no contest), Childress vs. Luol Deng or Andre Igoudala (Childress is a serviceable 6th man, but he was a 6th pick (we need more from that high of a pick)); tons of money invested in Speedy Claxton, etc. There is still hope fr the play-offs, but the Hawks need that defining moment that jumpstarts them like the Blazers were jumpstarted.

By fudd21

January 22, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

HOOP GURU That’s all fine and dandy that those PG’s will be in the draft next year but the Hawks don’t have a pick next year. Phoenix has it. And will someone please tell me again why the Hawks passed on B Roy to draft S Williams. Worse case we could use Roy as trade bait to get a big or PG. S Williams we couldn’t give him away. Best case we have a legit 2nd scorer to take alot of the presuure off Joe and a leader.

By Ken Strickland

January 22, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with most of the sentiments posted. The players, and thus the team, can’t come together and grow if key players aren’t allowed to contribute. Woodson doesn’t seem to realize that he hasn’t establish anything as a coach that would allow him to have a doghouse for is players. This team desperately needs the talents and contributions of its entire bench, especially Salim and Zaza.

There are times when we need more size and rebounding(Zaza), and there are many times we need outside shooting(Salim). When was the last time any of us saw JJ take as many open Jumpers as he took yesterday. That’s because TLue gave him the protection he’s needed. Woodson takes Lue out and we quickly lose the lead we’d built up. That would have been a perfect time to play Salim.

AJ lacks the ability to be a consistent penetrator and ALaw seems to lack the confidence. Salim combines most of the attribute of TLue and ALaw. He has Law’s quickness and penetrating ability and Lue’s confidence and shooting ability. He doesn’t play DEF like ALaw, but he’s certainly no worse than Lue.

We need more imagination from our coaching staff. It was the imagination of Don Nelson that made the Warriors so successful last yr. He used his imagination to better utilize the players he had at his disposal. We need someone that can fit a system around the talents of our players instead of the other way around. In situations when our OFF becomes stagnant and we fall behind, or we aren’t shooting well and JJ is being doubled, I’d play a lineup of JJ at SF, Marvin at PF, with Salim and TLue at SG and PG.

Woodson seems to be looking more for excuses or reasons to exclude players from his rotation rather finding ways to include them in it. Common sense dictates whenever we’re shooting poorly, and JJ is being doubled, you don’t solve the problem by sending in JChildress, ALaw, AJ or MWest over Salim. Woodson has made some good contributions to this team. However, they are not sufficient enough to overcome his shortcomings.

I’d give anything to see this team go all out playing an uptempo style of OFF. I’ve said enough. Besides, I’m starting to become very, very damned frustrated.

By JohnD

January 22, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

If the president is gone can the GM be far behind?

By Larry

January 22, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Offensive basketball is not a complicated game. It is played best from the inside/out and not vice versa (as the Hawks often do). To play inside/out a team can have a penetrating point guard who feeds other players either cutting or setting up for shot or you pass to the Center and the game evolves around him. So to do this effectively, you need a penetrating/passing point guard or a big man who can handle the ball. The Hawks have neither so they will continue to struggle. However, all teams need role players, especially 3 point shooters, who can spot up; question, where is Salim? You cannot at crunch time just give the ball continuously to JJ and say ok, score for us. You need the first two elements and then let the ball come back to JJ. My thoughts.

By R. Kelly

January 22, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. FIRE WOODSON. I think you get my point. Yet in still the Hawks do need a point guard. They should do everything in their power to accomplish this. Everyone on the bench is expendable. The only players that the Hawks should keep are JJ, both Joshes, Hortford, Marvin Williams(questionable) everyone else can go. We can get anyone else to do what they are doing, But in defense to Salim, Woodson will not give him an opportunity to play. AC Law was has always ben a question mark. I thought they should have packaged that pick with someone else to get a proven point. We the young talent we have we need an experience point guard to be a good floor general. We need more leadership than talent at the point. Right now we have neither.

By richbrave

January 22, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

MARK:

I thought the coaching staff was supposed to ascertain the clubs strengths and weaknesses. Then they have the players stay away from the weaknesses as much as possible. Listen, I saw ability in these guy’s floor play(not foreplay!). If the coachings not right, change it, but don’t begin a dump of the players. They’ve got what it takes. This from a Wizards fan.

By Chykara

January 22, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

richbrave, I’m a wizards fan too, and I totally agree with your assessment. The problem is that Mike Woodson coaches to the team’s weaknesses instead of strengths. It’s not wise to run an iso offense when you don’t have the horses to rebound offensively. Horford is only one person and he needs some help down low. Josh Smith is a fantastic player (much like Caron Butler) who can do it all but should not shoot 3’s under any circumstances.

A lot of this team reminds me of Washington: ability to run the floor and can adapt on defense.

However the difference is that Eddie Jordan coaches to the Wizards’ strengths, which is cutting and passing. Woodson does not take advantage of Atlanta’s quickness and sets up an offense that is best utilized with a strong big man down low. On a team like Houston Woodson would be the perfect coach. Here that’s not the case.

Now that Bernie Mullin has left it will be interesting to see what happens with ownership. Will they make a move to better this team by letting go of Woodson? I don’t think Knight is a bad GM when putting together talent, he just needs to end his love affair with this coach.

By Jay

January 22, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

This Is What The Need To Do.

Get Rid Of These Players And Bring In Better Players.

Josh Childress Speedy Claxton Zaza Pachulia Solomon Jones Salim Stoudemire Lorenzen Wright Sheldon Williams

Fire Head Coach Mike Woodson Fire GM Billy Knight

By Steve

January 22, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Lue was a HUGE defensive liability, he got absolutely torched by Sergio Rodriguez, and the Blazers continually gave the ball to whoever Lue was defending (And it worked 8 out of each 10 times).

I agree with everything you said in your comment my man. Especially the stuff about Acie, He should have got more playing time. Yes, Acie needs to improve his shot selection(Shoot it when he has the open look), and needs to improve his outside shot. He shouldve played alot more though as he gets us into our offense much quicker and pushes the ball, is a better PG on both ends than Lue is even though Lue is a better scorer/shooter………. we won the game by 6 points in the 20 minutes that Acie Law was our PG, and lost the game by 8 points in the 25 minutes that Tyronn Lue was our PG.

18-20 now……

By Tiger Woo

January 22, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Jay,

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple …

Right now, the only truly marketable players out of the group you mentioned are Josh Childress (who I would keep), Salim Stoudemire, and maybe Zaza Pachulia. The rest are either damaged goods (Speedy), over the hill (Wright), inexperienced (Jones), or just plain lousy (Williams).

By JMYK from S. Springs

January 22, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Gilbert is a free agent next year? Hmmmm!

By Steve

January 22, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Just get a pointguard, PLEASE GOD GET A POINTGUARD (THAT IS A GOOD PG IN ALL WAYS AND CAN SHOOT)AND GIVE THE BALL TO HORFORD IN THE LOWPOST. GIVE IT TO JOSH SMITH IN THE LOWPOST TOO, AND MARVIN WHEN HE HAS A MISMATCH.

PLEASE GOD LET US RUN SOME PICK/ROLL’S WITH JOSH SMITH AND AL HORFORD ROLLING, AND MARVIN WILLIAMS POPPING…. PLEASE GOD LET US RUN MORE UPTEMPO…….

GET US A NEW COACH!!!! PLEASE GOD GET US A GOOD PG THAT CAN SHOOT AND A NEW COACH!!!

By Bubba

January 22, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

When was the last time the Hawks looked like they were having fun? Seriously? Maybe that has something to do with it.

By Steve the Hedge

January 22, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

A Blazer persective:

Find out who’s doing what you want to do and steal their people.

1. Coach. Monty Williams, lead assistant coach Portland Trailblazers. He’s the reason Travis Outlaw has developed. His name is already being talked of for future head coaching openings. Seattle seriously considered him before going with PJ. I’ll be run out of Portland for suggesting you go after him.

2. Players. JJ, JSmith, and Horford as first unit guys. Keep Acie as a back-up learning the ropes. Everyone else trade for expiring contracts, draft picks, and cheap high-character veteran help. You’d be surprised how cheap they can come. Ime Udoka was a great guy for Portland last year, and the Spurs picked him up cheap.

3. Needs. A serviceable center that can rebound and defend (See Joel Przybilla). A pass-first point guard that can distribute efficiently (See Steve Blake).

4. System. A team structure for offense and defense. The coach will bring this with him. Portland has similar players so it’s mostly cut-and-paste. Horford=Aldridge with better post game. JJ= Brandon Roy with better scoring potential. J Smith= Travis Outlaw with better defensive presence.

5. Patience. Any team that fires a coach mid-season is basically throwing the dice on whether the change will work fast enough to resurect the season. I’d bet not, but there might be enough initial bump to make the playoffs likely instead of just possible.

I’d offer advice for your GM situation, but I don’t know of anyone beside Kevin Pritchard (Portland) or RC Buford (Spurs) that I’d trust. I don’t see either of those guys leaving.

In Short, you’ve got several soild pieces that just need a better supporting cast with some solid leadership and structure. I picked the Hawks to make the playoffs this season, and I still think they will. Given the right seeding, they might actually make some noise too.

By Peter

January 22, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

We have idiots running the team, and picking the guysm that is about it…..

Good thing we didn’t get Chris Paul, heck he is in his second year, and a MVP candidate….

WOW what a career he is going to have !

Duhh…….that is about what we get from the front office down to the head coach.

Great job Hawk management !

By Wink from Lithonia

January 22, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Only one person needs to figure this situation out and that’s the judge who will rule on ownership. Please let Belkin win this franchise, at least we would have only one person to blame for our frustrations.

With that ruling we would get rid of BK & Woody!!! Then we can start over just like the Falcons with a new GM & Coach.

I am not convinced that Belkin was wrong when he balked at signing JJ. He liked JJ the player, but not at the price of what we were giving up. JJ is a reluctant star. At best he is a 2nd or 3rd option, thats why Phoenix could let him go. He or Josh Smith has to go to get any kind of value in return; my opinion both are over rated - trade either while they have some preceived value.

I think Bernie Mullin has figured it out - best get out of dodge - since no one was listening to him the President & CEO. Both GM’s reported to him but they went around him - direct to the owner of their choice - too many indians in dodge city.

By the way, Woody will coach our Hawks to an 0 for the West Coast and out of the playoff in the next 10 days!!!

By Steve

January 22, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

I would keep Marvin Williams no matter what. Even before I keep J-Smoove I would kep Marvin, his shooting is so vital and he can do EVERYTHING on offense, post up, drive, so athletic, his shot is great, midrange game, his size, pick and pop game would be perfect for him, good on the pick and roll, can fill a wing on the break or be the trailer….. He can do it all. J-Smoove is a no-brainer to keep as well, but so is Marvin Williams. He would be my starter with his shooting to spread the floor and J-Smoove would be my 6th man much like Travis Outlaw. JJ, J-Smoove, Marvin and Horford are the definite keepers…….. I would trade J-Smoove in order to get a good PG (like a Bibby or Calderon) and solid center (Like a przybilla) for the starting lineup plus a throw-in roleplayer/shooter for the 2nd unit and keep the other 3 plus Acie and Chillz.

This post is in response to the blazers fan obviously.

By Steve

January 22, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

If AJ could shoot and we moved a defensive/rebounder/banging center into the starting lineup with Horford switching to the 4 and J-Smoove moving to our “white team” to spearhead our bench as 6th man we would be fine.

JJ is an absolute stud of a young leader/franchise player much like Brandon Roy, and Al Horford needs to get a ton more touches/shots on offense in the post. Marvins a great shooter to spread the floor and can do a ton on offense, if we had a PG that can SHOOT that would be so huge for us. Then move a banger (Not a stud, just a Przybilla/Kendrick Perkins type) to our starting center (Cant be undersized if were gonna play such a slow pace), and move J-Smoove to our 6th man playing 32 minutes a night (Like travis outlaw)and our bench is unreal with him, Chillz, Acie, Lue, hopefully Shelden but likely Solo, Salim and Zaza.

I still think we have a very very good young team and will be fine. We’ll keep getting better and better as we develop, we have a ton of talent and a very very bright future. Hopefully we find our pointguard.

By Steve

January 22, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

We are still 12-5 when AJ plays 26 minutes or more. I still think we’ll be alright, I really do, I think these things will be figured out.

We have a ton of talent, play good defense (Half the battle with a young team), a great young leader/franchise player in JJ, very good 2nd/3rd options in J-Smoove and Marvin, a stud in the lowpost in rookie Al Horford still developing, a good bench/depth led by stud 6th man J-Chillz, we have size, we have accepted roles that are thrived in (another half the battle for a young team), great chemistry, and we play with alot of poise, confidence, and hunger. We never give up and play very very hard…… we really really want to win and are READY to win. I think we will turn it around, I THINK WE WILL FIGURE IT OUT. We’re young and getting better by the day, youngest team in our league! 2nd half we’re gonna really turn it on, we’re figuring it out, if AJ can shoot and stabilize our PG position while Acie develops and gets a good 22 minutes a night of burn I really think we will be alright. Hopefully either J-Smoove or Marvin moves to spearhead our bench as 6th man which makes our depth and bench VERY VERY VERY VERY good, while Horford moves to starting PF and we move a banger/rebounder/defender to the starting center spot, and AJ does a good job as our PG with Acie as the main backup and Lue as a shooter off the bench…. AND hopefully Horford gets a ton more touches on offense in the post, J-Smoove stops shooting 3’s altogether and gets more post-ups and pick and rolls, and we run more pick/rolls and pick/pops period plus run uptempo off our defense a bit more…… Hopefully Woodson realizes these adjustments and makes them as our very young, talented and GOOD team continues to develop and get better every day……

I THINK WE’LL BE ALRIGHT!!!!! GO HAWKS!!!!!

By Robby

January 22, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

OUR POINTGUARD SITUATION

(Including the Miami game which is wiped out of the records)

In games Anthony Johnson plays 26 minutes or more: 13-6

In games Anthony Johnson plays less than 26 minutes: 7-14

AJ IS DOING A GOOD JOB SHOOTING 40% ON 3 POINTERS TOO, PLAY HIM 30 MINUTES A NIGHT AS OUR STARTING PG WITH ACIE AS THE BACKUP PG PLAYING 20 MINUTES A NIGHT AND DEVELOPING, I AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT PUTTING A BANGER INTO OUR STARTING LINEUP AT CENTER AND MOVING FIREPOWER OF ONE OF OUR STUD YOUNG SWINGMEN (SMOOVE OR MARV)TO THE BENCH STILL PLAY 30+ MINUTES A GAME WHILE HORFORD SLIDES TO POWER FORWARD IN STARTING UNIT….. EVERYTHING WILL BE OK!!!!!

WOODY WILL FIGURE THESE THINGS AND ADJUSTMENTS OUT AND WE’RE GETTING BETTER, YOUNGEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE DEVELOPING AND WE’RE PLAYING GOOD BALL PLAYING TOGETHER, WE’LL BE OKAY IN THE LONG RUN WE HAVE A VERY GOOD TEAM, WE WILL FIGURE IT OUT!!! GO HAWKS!!!!

By Tiger Woo

January 22, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

A lot of people are talking about obtaining Joe Przybilla … the sad story is that the Hawks had Przybilla in 2003-2004.

I guess he would make a good backup - if you look at his career stats, he has never been as productive as Zaza was in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007.

By The Dalai llama

January 22, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

The leader should go and the followers will follw Knight has blamed everyone but himself for bad drafts Woodson needs a new start good guy bad decision bring in new gm trade for point whatever u need to packae then draft hansboro to drawl some whites to arena and hire better looking hawkettes

By Gudmund

January 23, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

Um … who wouldn’t trade the Hawks’ starters for Portland’s? Maybe Portland, but that’s about it …