AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > February > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks have what it takes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Full credit to the Hawks: They stared down a really good team in the fourth quarter and won a really big game. Watching, it seemed clear to me that I hadn’t overrated the Hawks’ talent. If you can beat the Lakers, you should be able to beat anybody. And you shouldn’t be under .500 at this late date.
We can whine forever about the absence of Chris Paul/Deron Williams, and here’s my latest installment: Did you see what Paul (42 points, nine assists) and Williams (29 points, 11 assists) did for their respective teams in overtime road wins Wednesday night? That said, the hand-wringing over the lack of a point guard obscures the greater truth: The Hawks might not have drafted the right players, but they’ve drafted enough good players. (Shelden Williams notwithstanding.)
Joe Johnson scored 28 points and had five assists against the Lakers. Josh Smith nearly had a triple double. Al Horford, who’s already the third-best player on this squad (meaning: better than Marvin Williams), had 15 points and 20 rebounds. Big-time performances in a big-time game against an opponent Mike Woodson called “the deepest team in the West.”
No, Billy Knight didn’t hand Woodson a perfect roster. There are no perfect rosters. That’s why there’s a coach. It’s his job to maximize what he has, and Woodson has enough to be competitive. I had no problem with his tactics Wednesday — he had the right guys on the floor at the right time, and his men defended beautifully, holding the Lakers to eight points over the final six minutes — but a game like that made the skeptic in me wonder why there haven’t been more games like that.
“We’ve beaten the Lakers and Phoenix and Dallas,” Woodson said. “We’re capable of beating anybody.”
And that’s the point: Through 46 games (counting the suspended one against Miami) and occasional great successes, the Hawks still don’t appear to know how good they can and should be. They pulled together at the end against Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, but too many times they’ve come apart.
Other NBA teams see the Hawks’ potential and say, “I hope those guys never figure things out.” I say there can be no more excuses for failing to figure things out. This team needs to climb back above .500 and stay there. This should be a winning team.
Permalink | Comments (72) | Post your comment | Categories: Mark Bradley, Quick Hit
Comments
By Ben
February 7, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Great article.
Al Horford IS the 3rd best player on our team, with Josh Childress close.
This guy is no rookie.
By shock
February 7, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
first?
By shock
February 7, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
first?
By MikeJones
February 7, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
So your saying fire Mike Woodson for this group of underachievers? I totally agree 100%.
By Joe Bland
February 7, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Yeah, the Hawks have what it takes, alright. Except a GM and coach.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!
By Chikara
February 7, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
What kind of article is this Bradley? Thinly veiled shots about the Hawks not taking Paul or Williams while praising them for beating the Lakers reeks of hypocrisy.
Besides, all of you whining about the PG mess is just like some guy who lost his best girl years ago and can’t get over it. Let it go!
You’re right about one thing, there is no perfect roster in the NBA. Last night showed to everyone how effective the Hawks can be if they stick to what they do best, that’s running and attacking the basket with their athleticism.
By Najeh Davenpoop
February 7, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking as hard as I can, trying to remember, and I can’t think of even one other time when the AJC’s columnists have written a positive article about the Hawks. Amazing.
By traptout
February 7, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
This is the most accurate article written about the Hawks in 3 years.
By vdunkndunk
February 7, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
I honestly believe the main difference between these Hawks and the Suns of the last couple of years is Steve Nash + coaching. If the Hawks could come up with a running PG who can shoot the 3, plus a coach who is better suited to our current personnel, I think they could become a top 4 team in the East in the next year or two.
By ben
February 7, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
With several lottery picks and Joe Johnson, you would think they would be over .500. But, the Clippers always find a way to be bad. After this sub-par season, maybe they’ll start trading away those lottery picks to get “better”. That’s the Clipper way.
By Najeh Davenport
February 7, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Get another screen name “poop” head. Quit disrespecting my name.
By Some Sense
February 7, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Mark’s column only makes semi-sense. Sure, there are no perfect rosters, but a team w/out a good point guard CAN’T play over .500. The writing is on the wall; Shelden Williams, Law, Stoudamire will never play for the Hawks, but there is surely some market value for them. Plus Joe Johnson is a better asset to trade than to keep if a real-time point guard can come in.
By Harry Hawk
February 7, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
The main issue for the Hawks is to learn how to run plays late in games. I don’t have a problem with Childress/Horford/Smith crashing the basket for putbacks, but running iso plays for Lue or Joe Johnson doesn’t work that often. That’s a big reason why the Hawks have a losing record. They don’t take advantage of their athleticism in crunch time. If the guys are too tired at the end of the game, the bench has to be used more liberally early on.
By richbrave
February 7, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
HAWKS FANS:
I told you back when the Wizards won in OT that Horford, Williams, Childress, Johnson and Smith can flat play round-ball. Keep the person that assembled this group. Look for that great point and check your coaching. Mix and stir for two or three years and Voila’, you have a World Championship. I will reiterate - ANY of that group you want to trade to the Wizards feel free.
By The Realist
February 7, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
3 reasons this team is not above .500
1) The inconsistency of Joe Johnson. When he’s on, he’s rocking and the supporting cast has matured over the last few years. If he can every 4th quarter like last night’s, or even 2 out of 3, we’d have a few more in the win column.
2) The inability of Mike Woodson to scheme anything late in the game other than the JJ isolation. Case and point - the game in Portland. JJ was playing on a hurt leg and airballed 2 shots to finish the game. Mike Woodson needs to get other guys more involved so JJ doesn’t have to play 40+ minutes a game and go one-on-one so often.
3) Lack of a shooter…that’s easy. People keep talking about big men and point guards, but the quickest way to improve the team THIS YEAR is to go out and get a shooter that can space the floor.
By ATLplayer
February 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
I’ve got bad news…You can’t trade JJ for a point guard! If you take JJ off this current roster for a PG you will create a bigger hole. Look NBA coaches voted JJ to this years All-Star team for a reason. I admit he is not as good as some of the great 2 guards playing now…see Kobe, wade, etc, but he is the best the Hawks have. He has been logging heavy mins and playing hurt which has hurt his game. JOSH SMITH is a close second. Marvin Williams needs to work on his ball handling skills and finishing around the rim. Josh Childress is just a mop-up player. He can’t create his own shot and they really can’t call plays for him. He is best suited coming off the bench and scoring trash buckets…He has a way of doing that very well. With AJ and Lue manning the point the way they are I say go out and get a big. Law will have to wait until the off-season and next year. I like Law but he is not ready this year…he needs time, there are few rookies that can play lights out like Horford. That’s not a knock against Law, but he needs time to develop. Trade Wright, ZA ZA and CASH for a big.
By Jonathan Goldberg
February 7, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
The fact is the Hawks play very well at home and very poorly on the road. If we could improve on the road, I’m sure we’d hover over .500 and maybe move from seventh to sixth or fifth in the East.
By Sautee
February 7, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
“ANY of that group you want to trade to the Wizards feel free.” Richbrave, Would you take Marvin straight up for Caron? Let’s do it!!!!
By JuliusCesaer
February 7, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
I think the Hawks lack one good shooter from contending for the NBA title. If the Hawks could get a medium to long-range shooter, say, someone like a Chuck Person “the Rifleman” who can light it up from anywhere on the court, the Hawks would be dangerous enough to first win their division, then go onto the NBA finals and pehaps win it. The Hawks are so close and as I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, Billy Hunter should win executive of the year this year for assembling such an awesome team. Thanks Billy!
By rwg
February 7, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Is shaq going to be flown in from Phoenix to make up the end of the Heat game? Also, Billy Knight needs to try and leverage josh smith for a top point guard because I can tell you from reliable sources that he is gone after this year.
By RA
February 7, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Well Gee Wiz Bradley, talk about your backhanded complements… One thing that you’re forgetting is how young these guys still are. Josh Smith who is arguably the best player on this team, would be a senior in college right now, just to put things in perspective. But, to be honest, I believe like you do. There’s a great deal to be feared from this club if they wake up and realize that they’re strong…
By The Realist
February 7, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Wow, rwg, I hope you’re wrong about J. Smith being gone after this year. As long as he’s not trying to play point guard & we get a real one to orchestrate the offense, how do you replace him? I still think he’s yet to reach his potential. Is there a more consistent or game-changing defensive player on the squad? I say trade Marvin for a center (I have no idea who) & move Al to forward! Sorry, didn’t want to be Captain Obvious about our pathetic pg situation. I figured that was a given…
By kgod999
February 7, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
yes, the hawks should run all the time. yes, they need a point guard, yes, they need a new head coach, no, horford isnt the 3rd best player on the team, he is the 2nd best. i cant stand josh smith and his ill conceived shots and passes.
By Brad in KY
February 7, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
It’s kind of strange to see people say, in one and the same comment, how talented the Hawks are, and that the person/people who put that talent together should be fired. I mean…you know…if the team is that talented, why should Knight be fired?
By The Grinch
February 8, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this
The draft mistakes (especially Shelden) have been egregious, but there’s still plenty here. Woodson is an average at best coach, and a below average coach for this type of roster. They both need to be fired (meaning he and Knight); an orangutan could win with this squad, especially if it could pull off a Shelden/Salim/Marvin trade for a PG or legit C. It’s really not that hard. Who does BK have photos of?
By dinko
February 8, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this
The team is athletic, but lacks any veteran leadership. This is what that looks like, some nights on, some nights off. If you want to see the ceiling for a team like this, take a look at Portland. Getting to the next level takes veterans who have been there.
By Riley M Hawkins
February 8, 2008 4:44 AM | Link to this
Hey—The guys play hard, play D, do whatever it takes—why is that not respected? I*’m not doing this for money, maybe that’s the common denominator bia’s—777
By Riley M Hawkins
February 8, 2008 4:44 AM | Link to this
Hey—The guys play hard, play D, do whatever it takes—why is that not respected? I*’m not doing this for money, maybe that’s the common denominator bia’s—777
By RA
February 8, 2008 4:59 AM | Link to this
Now, here’s the thing about Shelden. Whenever he’s played this year, he’s contributed something. I remember one game against the heat where they don’t win without him. If you look at him over last year, he may be one of the most improved players physically that the Hawks have. I mean this guy obviously dedicated some serious time to the gym over the offseason and from what I’ve seen, he improved his game. It’s hard to improve significantly when you don’t get a lot PT…
As for veteran leadership. We got JJ, we got Anthony Johnson, we got Ty Lue… We got guys that have been there, guys that have won big. The problem is that most of your guys are 22 and younger! A roster this young is inherently up and down, but they haven’t quit and they don’t show any sign of doing so. What’s more, the team must have some type of leadership because they answered that terrible 1-4 road trip with a three game winning streak. They had to be getting some leadership from somewhere…
By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!
February 8, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this
Sign Josh Smith long-term NOW!!!! He WILL be an All Star NEXT YEAR!!!
By Melvin Flowers
February 8, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
The Hawks Needs A Center, They Need To Make A Trade And Get Shelton Williams And Saleen & zar zar, Get a big Time Center Can Rebound And Score And Give Up A First Round Draft Pick. Mike Woodson Can’t Be All The Blame The Way The Hawks Play At Time, You Might Be Right The May Need A New GM. They Should Have Make A Trade By Now. Melvin Flowers Macon Georgia
By richbrave
February 8, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
RGW:
SO good to hear such soothing words -“Smith gone at the end of the year.” Since you are so well connected, see if you can steer him to the Wizards, O.K.?
By RA
February 8, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
I’m willing to bet Smith isn’t going anywhere. In fact, if Billy’s got brain one in that huge mellon on top of his head, he’s hammering the finishing touches on an offer that Josh won’t be able to refuse, and then when that’s done, he needs to start making plans on how he’s going to court Josh’s childhood friend Dwight Howard, an Atlanta native and soon-to-be free agent…
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
J-ChILL and TIGER have something in common: a Hi-Q! 99% of-the-game is played between the ears. “Got Ears?” ;o O.K. so I am a comedian too! But, Josh is priceless, this guy is super-glue for the Hawks! without his play they lose, even as GREAT as Joe is! “JOE” has the attitude of “JOB” his strength is keeping his mouth shut and his emotions on anesthesia! I am a long time reader and a first time blogger “anywhere” I LOVE BILLY KNIGHT and I LOVE COACH WOODY can you shallow-haters CHIL_LAX! and let the ugly—ducklings……become a HAWK? other teams really do fear us. And like a 2-Live Stew’s caller …..I’m Gone! drmaryb
OH YEAH! and they both attended STANFORD.
drmaryb
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
With the trade deadlines approaching, the HAWKS do have some untouchables:
JJ, AL, J-Smove, Chills and Marvin.
That’s the nucleus, we need a big and a point. Those are the two most difficult gems to find. Brains, Heart and Size can’t be measured only discovered. 20/20 hindsight vision? everyone has that! The pundits/scouts get it wrong every year. You can’t see a dark horse until he has come and gone. Portland got lucky with ROY, but not so lucky with Sam Bowie over Jordan, Greg Oden is no #1 not now or ever! Be careful with this team, we are so close!!!! drmaryb
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Hey RA…are you kidding me? Al Horford is the exact same player as Dwight Howard. Compare their rookie numbers at the half-way mark of their careers. Al is only going to get better. He plays the 4/5. He’s a BEAST! He plays like a 7 footer. He’a a punisher in the paint. He reminds me of Charles Barkley down there. The scary part is he hasn’t even figured the NBA out YET! He’s only gonna get better!!! Josh Smith is Special. There is no one in the History of the Game I can compare him to. He plays big and takes up a lot of space with his long arms and legs…He’s a space eater and ball eater! very unselfish player see his assists. He’s a KID for crying out loud..he will learn to make better decisions … didn’t MJ miss 9,002 game winners on his way to greatness!
By The Realist
February 8, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Maybe I’m missing it, but what’s untouchable about Marvin? Is it that potential we’ve been waiting on for some seasons now? Here’s the deal, while Al is excelling at center, he’d be a terror at forward. Having said that, trading for a more natural center without giving up Marvin would create a log-jam at the starting forward positions. So, considering what J. Smith brings defensively night in night out, trade Marvin. I like him but he doesn’t have game-changing ability on either end of the floor. I know we need more offense & he’s got a sweet jumper (I wish he drove more), but I wouldn’t choose his inconsistent offense over a big man to help clog up the middle.
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Hey Terrence Moore and all the Mike Conley lovers out there….Do you still pick Mike Conley over Al Horford? Call Memphis I’m sure they would love to do a straight up trade…Anyone? Anyone? If you negative people have no positive suggestions why not say NOTHING! All you people who love JJ, Chills, J-Smove and AL why not credit the GM for the picks and admitt you were wrong! I believe Chills team beat Igudola’s and Deng’s Team this season handedly…HELLO! Duuh!
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Hey Realist; Give Marvin the time to develop and grow..”Boys to Men” is not a cliche’ that’s REAL. Everyone keeps saying we need a shooter? Well, we got Marvin he’s…home-grown…MJ did’nt have a jump shot when he got here…he was a ball hog and made a ton of bad decisions…but his game evolved and then “WOW” - He’s the greatest ever! Do you expect the KIDS to be kids forever? Marvin has a picture perfect jump shot..every shot looks like it’s going in…Practice in the off-season, no hand injuries, game-experience will produce the pure shooter your’e looking for…you’ll see it was here all the time! When will BILLY get credit for the picks and the balls to not shake the “EVIL-HAND” of Belkin? (Who do you suggest we replace BILLY with? I’d love to hear who you have in mind?) The man’s takes a lot of unfair criticism. Iam glad the ORG doesn’t react to all this crap on here! We are building something here…let it grow! we’ve suffered long enough in the ATL! Al is Rookie of the Year! …I’m Gone! drmaryb
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Why not bring Marvin off the bench as the “Specialist” a pure shooter. Let Chill’s start the game because he is a stat stuffer too. Offensive rebounds, put backs, he can get his own shot..no plays needed for him, he moves without the ball. No more standing around on offense. He reminds me of Reggie Miller and Rip Hamilton. Chills shoots the 3 very well, but he’s smart enough to play inside anyway, he’s not in love with his 3 but he can definitely hit it. Please stop feeding J-Smoove at the 3 point line with 03 on the shot clock..it’s a train wreck in slow-motion. Keep J-Smoove off that 3 point line…ooooweeee! that’s scary…this is fun! my first time blogging ever…I’m hooked! Good-Looking and Smart! A true Sports Babe with in-depth knowledge ;o
By richbrave
February 8, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
DOCB:
I see you groove on the same five players that I do. What GM brought them to Atlanta. He’s a genius. Ernie G. our GM tries but he can’t get into the lottery for a Horford pick. The Wiz just hang around the middle of the pack. We need Josh Smith. How about a trade: #1 pick and a player for him. How about Areanas? Smith and Williams and you give us a #1.
By richbrave
February 8, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
I started posting here after the last Wizards-Hawks game. So many negative comments, racist and team. Where’s all that negative energy? You folks should continue to blindly under appreciate the players on this team. Then maybe we can pick up Smith, Williams or Childress for a draft choice. We’ve got a 7 foot rookie, Petcherov, who’s an OUTSIDE threat. How about trading. I know he’s a liability on defense, but you’ve got too many good dewfenders. Come on DRMARYB what say you? Let’s call up the GM’s and get this done.
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Hey richbrave: mmmh let’s see…. Smith, Williams and a #1? for broke-back-knee Arenas? what ever your’e smokin..save me a hit! oooowwwweeee! did it hurt? you know when you bumped your head. If you want to make a trade let’s be reasonable..unless you have Joe Johnson over there…we don’t need any more one-dimensional players like Arenas..he’s a great scorer but what else can he do? defend? rebound? assist? how about Marvin for Caron straight up?
Oh Yeah…a #1 and a pick for Josh? ATL picked him at #17 what a steal? why did so many teams pass on him? How you like him now! (The scouts called him a super bust on draft night on ESPN remember that idiot? where is he now? Thought so..) Yeah I do like the Wizards though they are a great team wait til ARENAS comes back…woooe!
By badnewsva
February 8, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
one constructive comment for hawks.
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Hey RichBrave… Your’e so right man, the idiots who are all transplanted to the “A” (voluntarily) are so stupid! Hell, these fake people can’t even navigate their way out of a parking lot without a cell phone and a GPS combined. Heck, not one of them has ever attended a live game but they sure are geniuses. These crack-heads say the same thing over and over fire billy..fire woody but they never say who the replacements are? It’s Crazy to Me. So today the gloves same off and after 15 years I decided to “Blog-Up” and get after ‘em. I wish all the haters would go back to where they came from..if it was so great why come here and complain? Their old town probably don’t even have a team! Saad!
We’ll take your Petcherov for Shelden straight up! But a 7’ jump-shooter? what a waste of height why can’t he mix-it-up in the paint and take adv of his size? What has Dirk ever won besides KOBE’s MVP TROPHY!
By Rutuger
February 8, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
FIRE BILLY KNIGHTMARE AND MIKE WOODSON
By jaxstate
February 8, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
I heard Woodson on the radio a couple of weeks ago saying that his goal is to finish .500. I wonder if Phil Jackson or any good coach ever had a goal of .500 on any team he coached. Maybe if we set our goals a little higher the players might actually realize their potential.
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Well Mr. Rutuger Since your’e such a smart and creative thinking guy….it’s obvious you can read other’s comments and spell with such voracity on here….Tell us all..
1. Who would you hire for our GM 2. Who would you hire to coach the kids?Anyone?…Anyone? any solutions bumping around in all that empty space? And what player on this team do you like? Oh Yeah…What GM picked your fav player on this roster?
Sorry, if that’s too many questions at one time…take your time…take all day/week/year…just wondering? dr.maryb
By Charles
February 8, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
TRADE POSSIBILITY: Three team trade that makes sense for all teams involved.
Atlanta gets: TJ FORD
Toronto gets: Darko Milicic
Memphis gets: Sheldon Williams (From ATL) Tyronne Lue (from ATL) Juan Dixon (from Tor)
Atlanta gets a point guard that can penetrate and lead the fast break for all of our athletic wingers. Toronto gets a defensive stopper that can complement Bosh down low, while losing a pg that has health risks and is behind calderon on the depth chart. Memphis dumps Darko’s contract, while adding a young defensive replacement, along with two expiring contracts.
What do you guys think? I know Ford is risky and makes a lot of money, but I think this team needs a guy that can dribble penetrate so bad, and TJ Ford excells at it…
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Hey Charles Buddy…. Are you crazy? TJFORD hasn’t played since mama said “knock Him OUT”
Hello…Charles…your’e probably one of those guys that keep saying: fire billy!
If being a GM is so easy…why do you people keep suggesting stupid trades…thank GOD BILLY knows what the hell he’s doing is he perfect? No One IS! but hell how about a straight up trade of “SPEEDY for TJFORD” Mano Y Mano! The “A” does not need a F150-TJFord (Fix Or Repair Daily)…we already paid Alan Henderson…now wer’re paying SPEEDY’S house note…Who the hell wants to buy a house in Atlanta for free?
We have enough traffic on 285 already…we need a PORSCHE in the garage not a broke down SPEEDY-FORD sitting on BLOCKS! Don’t be a Block-Head!
By mrprozach
February 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
rwg: I believe that Josh Smith is a restricted free agent. So unless your sources are in the Spirit, and are telling you that they won’t match whatever offers that Smoove will get. He will be a Hawk.
By Charles
February 8, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
drmaryb,
For your info, Ford played in Toronto’s last game. Get your facts straight before you make assumptions about me. I make a realistic trade that would make the Hawks undeniably better, and you attack me? And if you bothered to look at the trade, Speedy Claxton was not involved, so I have no idea where you got that one. TJ Ford is a risk, but unlike Claxton he has started before and been a real contributor.
And since you like to make assumptions, I’ll make one about you. I bet you have no idea what’s going on in the league besides what’s going on in Atlanta. I’ll help you out here. In Ford’s absence, Calderon has shown everyone that he will be a star in this league. Since this is the last year of his deal (and TOR wants to resign him) they’d be crazy not to dump TJ’s salary. Memphis is dumping salary like crazy, as evident by the Gasol deal, and would love to lose the 6 mill mistake in Darko so they can sell the team easier.
The Hawks would take advantage of both situations and give away Sheldon, who doesn’t really contribute anyway, and Lue, who while valuable, would not be needed if we had Ford.
Even if Ford gets injured again, we would be in the same situation that we are now, with AJ and Law at the point.
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Hey Charles…
Listen to yourself…you actually make some sense on here. If we have a SPEEDY-FORD…Why would we make that same mistake. If Ford is so great, Why would Toronto let him go? Ford is the exact same player as SPEEDY..besides he has SPINAL-STENOSIS! that is not curable…(by the way I happen to be a SPINOLOGIST) Yeah I know every stat from hockey to la crosse and all sports in between. If memphis and toronto are dumping garbage and salaries why should the HAWKS be a Landfill? I put it out there .. based on your illogic..Why not trade Speedy for TJFord? they’re the exact same player “Fast and Hurt” How many games have they each played in the past four years? Now combine that and divide it by two! what do you get? That’s right…A Pretty Nice Suit on the Bench…maybe they can call G.Q. I heard they’re looking too! Listen we got a Point..why not develop ACIE…do yo believe in giving a rookie a chance or must they break out in Year One with You? What’s wrong with growing ACIE…Hell the HAWKS haven’t been in any hurry to win anything…At Least We’re Not a Box Of Chocolates…We already know what we’re gonna get….We need a real #5 and a real #1 not a proven bust in here! let toronto pay TJFORD’s House Notes…!
By Marcus Robinson
February 8, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
The hawks should fire woodson and hire a coach who will let them run the ball,because they are a much better team when running there record should be much better. Billy Knight made one terrible pick and that was sheldon williams.They should trade him while they can and also play salim stoudamire more than they do as well Acie Law. Once they fire Woodson they will be much better because of JJ,JS,AL and J Chill and Marvin, which is a great nucleus
By Chiefs fan
February 8, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
The Jayhawks are better than the A-Hawks
By Charles
February 8, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
TJ ford is not Speedy Claxton. Look at their numbers. TJ Ford is a legit starter, who averages about 15 pts, 8 assist a game. When he got hurt against the Hawks, on a freak play I might add, he had something like 27 pts and 8 assists. Speedy has been nothing but a backup PG that can’t shoot. Toronto would only be “dumping” him because they have Calderon, a much better option than anyone on the Hawks. Acie Law has a ways to go, and it is still unclear if can ever be a true point. Ford is a proven star who has started in over 70 games in each of the last 3 seasons. He is amazingly quick, is a great passer, and plays tight defense. He is the perfect guy to lead the fast break for Smooth, JJ, Marvin and co. It wouldn’t be that big of a risk considering the possible reward. The only real downside is we might not be able to resighn BOTH Smooth and Childress. But the way I see it, the NBA is all about starters. Just look at what Boston is doing with the bench they started the season with. Childress is good, but if you aren’t going to start him, there’s no point in giving him starter’s money.
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Hey Charles Baby,
I am having fun on here…Today is the first time I have ever blogged in my life…If you really want to see the HAWKS - SOAR? Why patch an old-tire and put it on a brand new porsche?
Can you feel me? The HAWKS are brand spanking NEW. Why buy parts from an old broke-down unreliable FORD and put that on a Sexy Black Porsche? The HAWKS have been the laughing stock since the dumb-a* traded NIQUE…All of a sudden everybody want what we GOT! Why give it to ‘em?
That’s right…Billy’s phone is jumping off the hook right now..Why grow the seed and give away the plant? Yeah! we need a POINT…do you get the POINT? TJFORD has already hit his ceiling got a big a* lump on his head…if you love the HAWKS so MUCH…Why not trade for CALDERON and lit the Raptors keep their beautiful FORD…we already got a FORD in our garage…a HOR-FORD!
By Charles
February 8, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
drmaryb I hear what you’re saying, but I’m tired of “watching the seed grow” We Hawks fans have been doing that for 10 years now. There aren’t too many good young point guards that teams are willing to trade. Ford is still young enough where he hasn’t quite hit his ceiling. The guy can play. Toronto will not trade away Calderon unless we give up someone like Josh Smith. He’s too young and cheap right now. When you’re thinking up trades, you gotta think about A. Will he fit you’re team B. Do you have the pieces to make the trade, and C. Is the player you want even available. Outside of Jason Kidd, I don’t see any true point guards out there who can run the up-tempo game that our current personell demands.
You make some good points, but the Hawks are in a position to finally make the playoffs. Don’t you want to ensure that this happens? If you truly are a fan of Woodson, you would be all for giving him the best players to work with. If we could swing a deal like this a get a proven PG while only really losing Sheldon Williams, how can you not be all for this?
By Charles
February 8, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
drmaryb I hear what you’re saying, but I’m tired of “watching the seed grow” We Hawks fans have been doing that for 10 years now. There aren’t too many good young point guards that teams are willing to trade. Ford is still young enough where he hasn’t quite hit his ceiling. The guy can play. Toronto will not trade away Calderon unless we give up someone like Josh Smith. He’s too young and cheap right now. When you’re thinking up trades, you gotta think about A. Will he fit you’re team B. Do you have the pieces to make the trade, and C. Is the player you want even available. Outside of Jason Kidd, I don’t see any true point guards out there who can run the up-tempo game that our current personell demands.
You make some good points, but the Hawks are in a position to finally make the playoffs. Don’t you want to ensure that this happens? If you truly are a fan of Woodson, you would be all for giving him the best players to work with. If we could swing a deal like this a get a proven PG while only really losing Sheldon Williams, how can you not be all for this?
By Charles
February 8, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Update
Espn says that their is a rumor in trading sheldon, acie, speedy, and marvin. For J-kidd.
Again only a rumor so dont get your hopes up.
By Gumby
February 8, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
I wish the Hawks had gotten Shaquille O’Neal instead of the Phoenix Suns. Shaq is exactly what the Dr. ordered to help the Hawks win the NBA championship this year. I think they will still win the title anyway, but it just would have been much easier with Shaq than without Shaq. Go Hawks!!!
By richbrave
February 8, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
DOC MARY B:
When you see Petcherov you’ll understand. Thanks for the posts Ms. Doc. It’s all good when you’re posting with a fan who has a full deck.
Caron, Jamison make us go. Can’t touch that. Haywood’s our only 5. Blatche shows too much promise to trade. Stevenson, Daniels probably too old to interest anyone. Mason and Young show promise, but might be had. McGuire’s raw, and a liability defensively, at this point. But a great nose for the ball. He’s a rook with a little hardwood time due to the injuries. Ultimately will be a tenacious rebounder, average defender. Trade? Songaila’s a good player, but not suited to our offense.
Areanas and Songaila for J. Smith and Williams. You get a great shooting guard, and a player with some abilities defensively/half court offensively. We get the presence we need inside, and a shooters touch with Williams.
Call Billy. I’ll jingle Ernie.
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Hey Charles Baby….I like you already…can you ball? But….
The HAWKS are so damned CLOSE to BALLIN! Our next step must be calculated. your comment:
“The only real downside is we might not be able to resighn BOTH Smooth and Childress.” ????????????
(They’re Untouchable!)
Are you kidding me? Smoove and Chills are not chopped-liver! why trade two healthy players for a “Spinal Stenosos” look that up! thats like having cancer in the SPINE!!!!
Let’s Move on!…We agree that we need a POINT! not a “pretty-lemon”
The HAWKS can not “A-FORD” another LEMON…a pretty car that doesn’t run well …or that has a “Car-Fax”…. Entry Period!
Let’s look under a different rock here…let some other team that’s closer to the RING take that “known-risk” I’d rather gamble on something “Brand-New” than something “Brand-Old”
The HAWKS are Brand-Spanking New…these guys on this team have “Sat-up-Straight” and “Ate their Broccoli” ….So why send them to their rooms when we’re about to have DESSERT? Why let other teams benefit now…WE don’t need other teams waste now!….When we needed the other teams they laughed at us…So we went to the LOTTERY and found some talent!!!! So why three to four years later take them our….
All we need is some “Whip-Cream” and a “Cherry” on TOP ….Look at the Houston Rockets - CHUCKIE? They got a #5 and a #2 but they will never win without a #1 ….We need a POINT & a true Center! not some injury proned flash in the pan…Mr. Ford is one more “OOPS UP SIDE THE HEAD” away from retirement….no more bench-riders for the “A” please!….
We finally got something somebody else wants…lets be careful here!
Cleveland has ONE PLAYER on their team…we got THREE maybe FOUR….so woooe nellie!!!!!!! How do we get that…without giving up JJ,SMOOVE,AL,CHILLS & MARVIN….in that order!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Help Me Out Here! ;O
By mrprozach
February 8, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
richbrave great comments man, but Arenas and Songalia for Smoove and Darkwing Duck? That trade might actually get BK fired. That would give the Hawks two shooting guards including one that is older and injury prone. I say maybe give up a couple of expiring contracts and either AC or marvin for songalia and Arenas.
That would allow Arenas to play the point, providing the shooting spark the Hawks need, and would give the Wiz a quality young point and cap room.
By richbrave
February 8, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
DRMARYB:
Thans for making this blog go. It’s got some zip, FINALLY. Kudos. Take a bow. See Lew Hartman about a Wurlitzer. He posts on Dave O’Brian’s blogs.
Your team is even with the Wiz in the loss column. They’ll be “Movin’ On Up” as the old song goes and will be getting their just desserts “Finally” with a “Piece Of The Pie.”(post-season participation).
By richbrave
February 8, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
MRPROZACK:
Last year’s #16 Young is going to be a quality point. So I feel the Wiz are set there. That’s why I feel Areanas can move on. Are you saying he’s OLD? I haven’t looked, but I think he’s 24-25 maybe. He reinjured his knee trying to come back too fast. The trainers?? …Areanas doesn’t mind them. He’s got a mind of his own. He’s quite obsessive. I’m sure you’ve heard of his nature while working out. He’s not a gym-rat. It’s his LIFE. I mean 24/7/365. Always trying to be better. By the time he’s thirty, he should have developed some defensive skills, if he doesn’t kill himself first. The dude is obsessed, literally with baseketball or starved for attention and approval, I’m not sure in which order. But he’s a great guy. Approachable, giving. Really. He’s got a blog, but a virus ate my e-mail so I haven’t been able to get on it. He posts some cool s$it on there. Funny stuff.
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Hey RichBrave…
Are you nuts…J-Smoove is a “Red-Hot Pocket-Book” we don’t need to package him with nobody to get a Wizard! There is no one on that roster I would trade for straight-up for Smoove. Much less Marvin. Marvin is not a throw-in for any trade out of the “A” we have a bench full of throw-ins..but last time I checked Both Smoove and Marvin are Starters in the “A” you have got to be reasonable here. Not only is it that…MARVIN..has yet to scratch the surface…This is his only break out year!…Who knows about next year? Hell…he may even be an “All-Star” O.K. I’m stretching there…but maybe…some-day but MARVIN will never be a throw in…I mean he’s not “Glen-Rice” or “Big-Dog” is he? do you think he is one-dimensional? even if he is a “possible pure shooter” that is verrrrrry rare to come-by
By richbrave
February 8, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
DRMARYB:
O.K.MaryB no trades. See ya’ on the hardwood!!
By richbrave
February 8, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
DRB:
Of course I’m nuts. Why else would I be a Wizards fan! Still love my Braves though. Gotta’ go. Thesis time. Bye-bye.
By drmaryb
February 8, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Hey RichBrave….I’m lovin you already…I never said no trades…only the untouchables: JJ, Smoove, Al, Chills and Marvin. Everybody else id fair game….do you see any contenders out there trading their valueables? The last time I checked: Tim Duncan and Tony Parker were not on any trading blocks….The only trades you see going on now are old washed up players or scrubs….The HAWKS got Scrubs too…Anyone?…..Anyone? …
Sheldon, ZA ZA, Lorenzen, SPEEDY..ETC take your picks!
Our Joe is not your “Average Joe” People say (ELI-Manning and Tony Dungy) have no FIRE?….but the last time I checked the ROUGHEST SPORT of all is FOOTBALL and the last two SUPER-BOWLS were won by: TONY & ELI!
Point-Made! We got a “Cup-Of-Joe” all we need is some whip cream and a cherry!
By Joseph Allen McWhorter
February 8, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Good article Mark and I do agree totally. The Hawks are not at all an elite basketball team but they, like you state, do have enough talent to be over .500 and clinch the eighth seed in the playoffs. And it goes without saying that Woodson is on the hot seat. Plain and simple. No playoff appearance simply should mean he gets the axe and is looking for another job! He should feel the pressure!
By hocker
February 8, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
After tonight’s loss the Hawks are done. One home game in the next 8 for these Road Wimps — and that’s against Detroit. The Suns are probably considering their lottery pick options.