Hawks have (internal) moves to make
New York – Joe Smith. Drew Gooden. Luther Head.
With all these players suddenly showing up on the waiver wire, someone emailed today asking where the Hawks were in their pursuit of one of these soon to be (they have to clear waivers first) free agents.
Maybe someone lost the memo, but it’s the same situation as before the trade deadline last month, the Hawks are simply not in a position to make any moves.
They already have 15 men on the roster and under contract, so there aren’t any moves to be made. The team that took the floor against Cleveland Sunday night and then again last night in Washington will be the same one that hits the floor come playoff time.
Whether or not that’s good enough to get through a first round playoff series against the likes of Miami, Detroit or Philadelphia remains to be seen. I don’t know why it wouldn’t be, especially if those teams are set roster-wise, as well. But no one can be sure right now.
That means the Hawks (Hawks coach Mike Woodson to be exact) have to find some ways to tinker and tweak what they already have to give this team a boost. It certainly helps when they can fend off teams like Washington with a shift in production like they had Monday, when Marvin Williams assumed the alpha-dog role normally played by Joe Johnson.
But what about when the big dogs come calling, as will be the case in later this month? Solid playoff teams and playoff contenders won’t be as easily vanquished as the lowly Wizards were at Verizon Center.
Over the course of the next six weeks it would be nice to see Al Horford, Josh Smith, Mike Bibby, Flip Murray and even Mo Evans or Zaza Pachulia try that costume on for a night or two. Anything to throw off the masses before the playoffs, when a team’s every flaw is magnified a million times under the spotlight of the postseason crush.
The more the Hawks spread the wealth the better. And is it me or does Johnson always seem more effective when someone else cranks it up and he can sneak up on a team and smash them with big shots late (as he did to the Wizards)?
There are just too many defenses designed to stop him these days. The two- and three-man pressure sets like Denver used last week are going to be the norm between now and April 15. The Hawks’ best recourse is to spread the responsibility around and allow Williams and others to assume more of a scoring load or at least run the offense through someone other than Johnson for stretches.
The best move the Hawks can make at this point is to stretch that roster out (I know teams normally shorten the rotation this time of year, but the opposite could work in this case) and throw a few trick plays at teams scouting them.
Because up to this point they’ve been an open book. Teams know it’s Joe Johnson left, Joe Johnson right and Joe Johnson up the middle on nearly every play. An advance scout for a team the Hawks could meet in the playoffs told me as much before Sunday night’s game against Cleveland.
“They’re like one of those three yards and a cloud of dust football teams,” my scout friend said. “Clear out this side and clear out that side and we’re going to run that sucker right up the middle and dare the other team to stop us. That’s the way they play offense under Woody. When it works, you can’t do anything to stop them. But when it doesn’t, they have a hard time. And in the playoffs, teams are going to do whatever they can to take away your main stuff and try and force you into your alternative options. Right now, I really can’t tell you what those other options are. When they’re at home they feed off their crowd and they run more, they share the ball more and they play more up-tempo. But on the road, it’s not as easy. And correct me if I’m wrong, they beat Boston all three games at home during that series last year but couldn’t find their footing on the road, right?”
That’s exactly right.
So it turns out that the Hawks do have a few moves to make. Just not the kind that seem so sexy right now with all the talk about contenders adding players for the playoff push.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
263 comments Add your comment
niremetal
March 4th, 2009
11:14 am
Right on, Sekou. And I like the new digs
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
11:46 am
Sekou, if we can’t afford to cut one of the bench players thats being paid the league minimum like Gardner or Hunter to sign a quality vet to the league (prorated) minimum than all fingers point at the BASG. Do these guys (BASG) really want to win…
JM
March 4th, 2009
11:56 am
Cloud of dust! Would be funny if it weren’t so true. I doubt there is any getting through to Woodson on the offensive scheme, so lets hope JJ realizes what Sekou points out and passes sooner and more often. The more movement and running plays through others, the more all get involved, the better we play. Go Hawks.
Nate ArchiBALL
March 4th, 2009
12:00 pm
I like the new spot.
The Hawks offense looked a little different against the Wiz – not as much Iso -Joe. I also noticed Josh not standing on the 3 PT line as much. Was Woody trying to add something to the offense? I also noticed Al and Josh pushing the ball up court a lot more. I would really like to them do this more often. Very few teams can put their PF and Center out on the break filling the wings or running the middle.
If you get a chance check out The Black List: Volume Two on HBO. The Angela Davis segment is pretty cool..
Daniel
March 4th, 2009
12:17 pm
Hey, Sekou
I guess we are out of the Hawks ghetto now. We are up with the big boys like DOB. Love the new chat format.
Dude, I know you are telling me the truth, but I just hate to hear it so much. I really was hoping for an infusion of big man talent to help out Zsa and Horford. But, tell the truth, can we not make moves because of league rules or because ASG is running on the cheap? I mean it seems like Boston can get whoever they want. We can’t even look? What’s up?
niremetal
March 4th, 2009
12:49 pm
Melvin,
I think it’s a cost-benefit thing. Gooden, Smith, and Horry won’t sign with us. Luther Head doesn’t do us much good (he’s basically Flip II). So is there really anyone out there who would A) give us a significant upgrade over RandMo, Solo, or Acie; and 2) that Woody would play enough to make the signing worth it?
niremetal
March 4th, 2009
12:51 pm
Heh…either read that as A) and B), or 1) and 2)…
jhan
March 4th, 2009
1:00 pm
Time to add some play action passes to the offense!! I think Woody will start playing his bench less as we get nearer the playoffs. If he hasn’t seen the need to play the bench before now he never will.
Great idea about running the offense through different folks on different nights. Great concept but our coach will never sign off.
Iso Joe & Bibby until we are bounced from the playoffs.
Ernest
March 4th, 2009
1:11 pm
Like the new format! Take a note from DOB and change the banner so that your picture is included.
I’ve somewhat resigned myself to the fact that the Hawks probably won’t make a move for a big man until the offseason. Wouldn’t it be interesting if we were able to get Childress or another Euro player prior to the playoffs? As I heard on another site, a player is eligible for the playoffs if they have not played in the NBA this season.
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2009
1:27 pm
Darn it Sekou, when are you going to finish unpacking the moving boxes?
It’s amazing how many possessions Joe comes down the floor and simply doesn’t pass the ball. In some cases, that’s on his teammates to move and get open but too often, it appears the play is truly “cloud of dust”. I noticed, however, in the Wizards game that there was much more ball movement… less iso Joe. I personally don’t think that we need to see more of Acie or Solo to show a different wrinkle. But featuring Horford on the block or high/low sets with Horford and SMith alternating their positions or Flip on the blocks… those all sound like viable options that exploit the talents of the players.
But the Hawks mostly lose when their defensive effort is poor not because they can’t score.
Ariose
March 4th, 2009
1:38 pm
Nice place Sekou……..hopefully Woody will read your post and taske it to heart lol.
**Free Solo!!!**
~Sir Links A Lot~
Ariose
March 4th, 2009
1:41 pm
We always play well on the road right after a home game. The home feeling lingers with this team for at least two straight road games…….then all hell breaks loose heh.
~Sir Links A Lot~
greg
March 4th, 2009
1:43 pm
Nice pic Sekou.
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
2:13 pm
Niremetal,
If Gooden and Smith have signed then I would look at Swift. No Swift then I say stay with what we have unless you want to bring in another hire gun (Antonie Walker)…heh,heh…. Did you make it to court this week b/c I enjoy reading your reports as well????
Wink from Lithonia
March 4th, 2009
2:15 pm
Management not being able to make any moves to obtain available players, is like Woody not having any time outs to call a final play or Joe deferring to a bench guy with the game on the line. So question becomes will Woody expand the rotation to energize this team… ie using Mario West early to crank up the defense, run back pick lobs for Solo, allow Acie to attack the basket in the first 7 seconds of the shot clock, get in the paint & dish…we need to throw the monkey wrench at the opposition…stop being so perdictable.
Blot
March 4th, 2009
2:46 pm
Ariose – I agree. Free SOLO!
The hawks offence is painful to watch, but when Joe is hot the team is HOT.
Even with an 8 man rotation we should have enough gas in the tank to take Miami (rather play detroit. who thought iverson would be awful for them?) and honestly it feels good to be talking as a 4th seed at this time of the year rather than a 9th or 10th. The problem with that is we might be inflicted with the same sickness philly had a fewv years ago (too good to get good picks but never more than a playoff teaser).
My solution, trade J-smoove. Please. He is a good player, but will never be the Nique we want him 2 be. so we need to move him while the knees r goowd
Marcus
March 4th, 2009
2:51 pm
Nice diggs…make sure the techies at ajc change the link on the Sports front to come directly here vs. the old blog.
yeah, even in last weeks losses to DEN and CLE, going down to the wire, JJ was barrelling up the gut and had 2-3 guys waiting on him. I think he did that at least twice (and missed twice) in the late stretches of the CLE game…..somebody else *had* to be open for a shot. Live and learn. Hope we learn.
Daniel
March 4th, 2009
3:48 pm
so marcus what do you say when JJ gives up the ball and Flip misses the last shot like in Denver? Or is it only the right play when it works?
Daniel
March 4th, 2009
3:49 pm
I also wonder why there aren’t more people interested in blogging about the Hawks? I love the Braves and it is only spring traing. That site is going crazy 24 hours a day. What gives Hawks fans?
Stinky
March 4th, 2009
3:49 pm
We have a solid 8 man rotation, but the lack of quality depth is apparent. Solo Jones & Acie might end up being key members for this team come playoff time, but they need more playing time. BTW, we need to win tonight & at Charlotte, no excuses.
-Ya Smell Me?
MannyT
March 4th, 2009
4:02 pm
I understand that a deal was made.
Wordpress outbid Blogger to pick up a free agent called the AJC.
Like with most deals of this nature, everyone needs to give the new player time to gel. Apparently, the Hawks blog is a big enough deal that the rookies, i.e. Hawks Hacks had to try out the deal before the big Wolverine comes in and takes over
Ben
March 4th, 2009
4:14 pm
Love the new spot Sekou! I’m a little puzzled by Woody’s rotation (yeah, I know I’m not the only one). Joe’s continuing to play close to 40 minutes per (I’d love to see this number around 36 in the coming weeks with Bob’s Cats, Sacramento, Minnesota on the docket) and we need to find a 3rd banana off the bench. Flip and Zaza have been bringing it. Gotta have Mo step up.
And can someone get Flip’s agent on the phone and work out an extension! Dude is only making $1.5 million this season and averaging 11ppg (on 45% shooting, which is the best in his career I might add) in only 23 minutes per.
calico
March 4th, 2009
4:16 pm
woody has to play law and solo with flip, mo and zaza that is the bench right there and you bring in mario west for defense and hustle plays from time 2 time when you want to sit mo when he is not playing well we have the players woody has to use them. lets go hawks
kirkinga
March 4th, 2009
4:35 pm
Well it’s about time the blog got it’s upgrade. The Hawks are in the middle of their renaissance season and this blog should’ve been among the first to upgrade.
Nevertheless we’re here now, it’s not as great as some might think, but the new format does have the potential to add stuff, so we’ll see.
Big game tonight, Hawks need to be able to win on the road against teams like the Knicks.
Go Hawks!!
Ben
March 4th, 2009
4:37 pm
Sekou,
Is there any chance we activate Speedy for the playoffs or he plays at all this year? I know about insurance payments, but he is a top 5 defensive PG, has a ring, and Bibby said “he’s one of the best.” Would Bibby want to resign at a place that refuses to play a player because of money?
nique
March 4th, 2009
4:38 pm
Sekou,
Why does currently having 15 men on the roster prevent the Hawks from making a move? Why couldn’t they simply drop someone like Morris and pick up a more talented big man? I mean seriously is that really thinking too far outside the box for the Hawks? How about Stromile?
Ben
March 4th, 2009
4:52 pm
I agree, Nique.
We have ZaZa (only good big off bench), Solo, and Randy as primary bigs. Celtics have Powe, Crybaby, and Mikki Moore. What a great comparison.
I think Rick Sund has been asleep since we signed Flip in August–i seriously do
SWAT Native
March 4th, 2009
5:11 pm
I don’t want to sound like some kind of apologist for the ASG, but there was an article in the Wall Street Journal this morning that said there are about 5 teams in the NBA that feel that they have a legitimate shot at winning the title and 25 other teams that are in such a tough financial positions that would not be willing to make a move to improve their chances if it means that they have to spend more money. It said that Vince Carter was shopped around the league at the trade deadline and that’s why there were no takers for him, and it’s probably the same situation with Amare Stoudamire. Also, I hear anyone could have had Shaq if they were willing to take on his contract.
There was a similar article on ESPN’s site a cople of days ago that said that basically the only trades you saw were from teams looking to dump contracts to save money, and that was basically the case with the Jermaine O’Neal trade. That’s why there were so few trades.
It’s not just the Hawks…
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
5:13 pm
the new yorkers handed it to us last meeting… we need this win..
SWAT Native
March 4th, 2009
5:21 pm
Also, did anyone watch NBA Gametime on NBA TV last night? Gary Payton and Chris Webber were saying that there were amazed that the Hawks are hanging on the four spot in the East. Webber chuckled and said, yeah, they better hang on to that spot. Really ticked me off.
Blast
March 4th, 2009
5:22 pm
So we have two blogs running at the same time now, Sekou? Three when you add the Hawks Hack?
Blast
March 4th, 2009
5:26 pm
Screw Payton and Chris Webber. Payton managed to win a ring in Miami. Webber never won anything in the NBA. Not even a conference title, so who are they to scoff at the Hawks? It’s all part of the NBA media hate on the Hawks, man. Screw those two bitter old men!
ZULU
March 4th, 2009
5:27 pm
Where is the GM? His gluts should have hit the ground working, to help improve on what he inherited. “All” of the pressure seems to be on the coach and he deserves to have a share of it, but not all. The Hawks are on the last chapter of the Book of Excuses. The hippest thing about a Hawks game is seeing Rainbow hue to the cheering fateful in HD. That is attributable to the fans who love the game and the PR staff. It’s time for Sund and Woodson to step up “their” game.
Sekou K. Smith
March 4th, 2009
5:58 pm
I don’t see Speedy being activated anytime soon (try before he is moved this summer Ben). And the 15-man roster plus the fact that the Hawks are over the cap put a limit on what kind of moves they could make nique. That said, they could have easily cut a player (or two) to make moves, but they chose not to.
ZULU raises good points. He writes like someone I know ….
Huge game tonight. Hawks are 0-3 in the New York are this season. Tonight’s the night baby. Get it done or get gone.
Ben
March 4th, 2009
6:02 pm
Sekou, saying we have a full roster of guys right now with 4 of them being Hunter, Gardner, West and Morris all being bums is not an excuse for not signing one of these guys listed above. Why can’t we just waive one of these guys since they are making nothing and eat the money like the other great teams do? Why do we even sign all these guys when we know players like Gooden and Smith always are available towards the end of the year? Smith or Gooden would be GREAT for our team right now off the bench! It makes no sense to me why we sign guys like Gardner and Hunter for the whole year when they are clearly not ready to play in the NBA. It makes me sick to see teams like Boston and Cleveland get better every year at this time with quality pickups that can help them in the playoffs and we do NOTHING.
ILL-logical
March 4th, 2009
6:21 pm
It seems like the general economy is forgotten when the discussion focuses on the BASG. The global economy is in the tank and that means advertisers,sponsers and corporations are not spending as they have in the past and fans are being careful with their dollars as well. Bottom line: the financial future of not only the Hawks /Thrashers is cloudy but if they do survive there will be a very limited budget for the next few years PERIOD.
Let me break it down for you. No more big contracts; those that have them are history. So if doesn’t happen this season-to bad!
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
6:23 pm
SWAT and Blast…
i feel the same way. the media clowns us.. it all goes back to that reputation of us not being what they feel a “die-hard sports town”… F-em…!!!
Jalen is bout the only one who shows love…
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
6:24 pm
o yea… and Scoop Jackson…
niremetal
March 4th, 2009
6:26 pm
I’m sorry…but do you guys really think any of the people you’re talking about would actually sign with the Hawks rather than the Suns, Spurs, or Cavs? Sund couldn’t have gotten Gooden, Swift, or Smith if he tried. Same goes for Horry. Name me a who is 1) good enough to constitute a noticeable upgrade over Solo/RandMo or Acie; 2) would get PT from Woody without pushing Zaza, Flip, or Mo into the 10-minutes-or-less-per-game side of the bench; and 3) who actually would be interested in signing with the Hawks over other teams that are interested in them.
niremetal
March 4th, 2009
6:31 pm
(The solution to all this, btw, is simply to fire Woodson, but that would be tough to justify when the team is sitting in the 4th spot…even though I honestly think that would be the right move)
Blast
March 4th, 2009
6:41 pm
Tonight’s game should be about revenge for the Hawks. Revenge for the last loss to the Knicks, a chance to beat another team they should beat, a chance to add to that road record and another chance to put more distance between them and Miami. The home stand coming up is not guarranteed, anything can happen, so they must win tonight.
Go Hawks!
Joe
March 4th, 2009
6:46 pm
Sekou,
Why don’t you have a picture of yourself at the top of this blog like every other columnist at the Ajc???!!! Bradley, Moore, schultz, bischer, o’brian, and Ledbetter all have a picture. Why don’t you??
SWAT Native
March 4th, 2009
6:47 pm
bigdave,
The best revenge is to knock off a Boston, Cleveland or Orlando (or even Miami who they seem to love) in the playoffs. Then they’ll say they were down from day one.
ben
March 4th, 2009
6:52 pm
Niremetal, you still act like were a bottom feeding team in the Eastern Conference! Why wouldn’t Gooden or Smith sign with us? We are in the 4th seed at the moment and going to the playoffs. You can’t use the excuse that we are a terrible team anymore as the reason for no one wanting to come here. We have idiots running our team and clearly don’t want to advance farther than the second round this year. Otherwise you go out and sign one of these guys no matter what. Don’t sign bums like Gardner, Hunter, West and Morris that don’t even play and take up roster spots.
terrell
March 4th, 2009
7:06 pm
Is it gametime yet? I sure hope Bibby is back on tonight. He’s definitely due.
Blast
March 4th, 2009
7:11 pm
Joe
Maybe Sekou is not photogenetic. Heh, heh, heh. I’ve actually wondered what he looked like myself. Maybe he just wants to be the Ghost Beat Writer!
Ben
March 4th, 2009
7:11 pm
My preliminary offseason plans:
1) Package Smoove + Speedy + plethora of picks hopefully for Bosh or Amare. Bosh is on a terrible team that will be rebuilding next year when Marion doesn’t resign and they don’t lure any FAs like usual. Speedy should be semi-healthy and teams will want his expiring contract
2) Move Horf to the PF, hopefully getting Bosh at center. Horf will beast at PF against people his size. He already is better than half the centers, so he will thrive as a PF.
3) Resign Marv for around 9 mill/year. When this guy is featured in the offense, I get this euphoric sensation.
4) Resign Bibby if he takes less (which he won’t)…The big plan is to get Jarrett Jack for trash money. Dude can play.
5) Resign Flip for about 3.5 mill/year
6) Resign ZaZa for 6 mill/year
7) Find a 32 year old big and overpay
Sekou K. Smith
March 4th, 2009
7:22 pm
niremetal is right, what makes you cats think any of those free agents would have signed here anyway? It’s nice to play the what if game, but you actually have to be in the running for a cat to sign him. And I don’t know that the Hawks were even considered by any of those guys.
And I took a picture, too. And I’m no more or less photogenic than anyone else. Give it a day or two and we’ll see if the unveil a picture to go along with the new digs.
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
7:23 pm
i wondered who he was…
i think Sekou is the slightly heavy set cat that is at every Hawk game with the lap top… at the journalist/media table near Big Country James Varrett, and one other dude…
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
7:41 pm
my boy Big Country just got hit with someones breakaway warm ups… to funny…!!
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
7:52 pm
The Hawks have 15 guys on the roster? You mean 15 players? Wow, I did not know that…
Ben
March 4th, 2009
7:57 pm
I think the Knicks give the Pistons a run for their money for most tatted team. Harrington added like 30 since he played for us…Wilson Chandler…wow
dmortone
March 4th, 2009
7:58 pm
I’m mad Woody would rather give a sick Bibby minutes rather than play Acie Law
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
7:59 pm
Lookin good so far. I love that this posts our message so fast
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
7:59 pm
Looks like we’re off to a good start. Al Horford is going to have another good night. He’s already got 7 points and 4 boards. I love when he shuts up the hatas…
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
7:59 pm
Ben,
I gotta hand it to ya. That was funny.
terrell barron
March 4th, 2009
8:01 pm
And Marvin with the left hand floater.
Samuel
March 4th, 2009
8:02 pm
Doc,
Looks like your kinda ballgame tonight. **Jack up 3 Heaven**
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
8:05 pm
Sam,
Ah gee, seems like a “COY” would be able to put a stop to that….
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
8:11 pm
Gallinari is no joke
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
8:19 pm
Josh with his one rebound, but he’s scoring with ease.
Samuel
March 4th, 2009
8:25 pm
We’re 0-7 from the 3pt line. That means we have to make 14 straight to get to 35%, huh Doc. There’s one by Mo. Looks like we’ve shot the Knicks back into the game.
Sekou K. Smith
March 4th, 2009
8:26 pm
“slightly heavy set cat” huh? I like that. Sounds better than “Chubb Rock” or “Fat Boy” too. And it’s Big Kuntry with a K. I gave dude the nickname and I spelled it with a K.
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
8:29 pm
what exactly does bibby do besides shoot jumpers? doesn’t play defense, is slow, and is ice cold every day. OMGOMGOGM HES SICK, SHUT UP TSK OOOO
Samuel
March 4th, 2009
8:31 pm
Joe, how dare you pass up that wide open 3 for a layup?
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2009
8:34 pm
Looks like Zaza is out-rebounding our starting PF again.
Did I miss something… did Josh Smith start working out with Eddie Curry?
terrell barron
March 4th, 2009
8:35 pm
Dominique is awful. I’m sorry.
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
8:35 pm
Call a 20 second timeout to “design” a play where Flip shoots it from halfcourt. Brilliant.
Must be a “COY” thing…
Blast
March 4th, 2009
8:36 pm
Still waiting on Flip to make that long heave to end every quarter. I admire him for taking those shots, shooting percentage be damned.
Woody should have called a time out immediately, not wait until the Hawks almost lost the inbound.
Samuel
March 4th, 2009
8:37 pm
In honor of D’Antoni whe’re playin zero defense either.
Cuz, what about the Bold and italics. This thang is too bland. I like the Old site. Looks too much like Hawks Hacks. Did yall merge or something?
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
8:37 pm
someone explain why Woodson calls time outs with 2.4; 1.3; .9; etc. seconds left in a HALF, or PERIOD… then when we need them, like at the end of games (Denver), we dont have em…!!!
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
8:38 pm
Joe,
Yeah, that’s the ticket…don’t worry, he’s going to get traded this summer for the 7′2″ son of a Turkish goat herder. Everything will be fine then. No more dumb Josh. You’ll be happy. All of you. I promise. Or so Sund said…
Da Real Real
March 4th, 2009
8:39 pm
Don’t need to Stinger to tell me the Hawks should be up by 10….far as I’m concerned it should be about 15. No hussle, no effort tonight.
But hey at least they finally upgraded the Hawks blog, took long enough.
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2009
8:41 pm
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2009
8:43 pm
Ray, I just want dude to grab rebounds. Is that asking for too much from a guy who has done it in the past? I’m not asking him to do anything but out-rebound the team’s PG. Sorry if that’s being unreasonable.
cp
March 4th, 2009
8:44 pm
Marvin, Horford, and Josh look pretty good so far tonight. If Bibby is still sick why is he out there ? He cant hit anything right now. It would be better to let the guy rest and let someone else handle the pg duties. Hopefully the guys realize we were having our most success when we attacked the rim and stop jacking up so many jumpers. And yea Woodson looks like he will pretty much go 8 deep for the rest of the season.
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
8:44 pm
yea… slightly Sekou, slightly… haha…
so its Kuntry with a k… like TI’s boy… gotcha… i should win some seats down their on “Gucci Row” for unveiling your identity… make that happen Sekou…!!!
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
8:45 pm
better yet… i an internship down there at AJC will suffice…!!
Blast
March 4th, 2009
8:50 pm
I don’t see any reason why the Hawks won’t win this game. They just need to continue going inside, and crank up the defence, that all. All NY got right now is the three ball and fast break. Cut those out, and let them make contested jumpers. and the Hawks needs to stop turning the ball over too.
You right, Doc, I like the new blog for instant posting, but it is bland, and bold and italics are highly missed. What’s up AJC? are we sacrificing instant post for the other conveniencies?
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
8:50 pm
james verrett says the hawks need to get back to the gameplan. what exactly is the gameplan?
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
8:51 pm
Joe,
Why whatever do you mean? I want him to do that as well. Don’t tell me the king of sarcasm is going to let…a little sarcasm…get his little goat..
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
8:51 pm
i dont like this new ajc format because there’s only like 10 posts per page so you have to keep opening new pages to see other posts
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:00 pm
Horford is going off again. I love it.
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:01 pm
Joe,
Sarcasm aside, don’t be surprised if Josh is gone this summer. I’m just sayin’…
Sekou K. Smith
March 4th, 2009
9:01 pm
This game is slipping into the danger zone right now. Hawks aren’t playing with any defensive fire. Can’t tell if there’s something wrong with Josh or not. He’s moving half speed out there.
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:02 pm
And it doesn’t matter if you think this core can get better and be just fine the way they are.
What matters is what Sund thinks, and each GM wants make his own mark. The possibility stands. Especially with Marvin making the strides he is now. I’m just sayin’…
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
9:04 pm
This quarter has made it obvious who should be here next year and who shouldn’t…
Josh Smith: wtf is this guy doing? He looks totally uninterested, like all he cares about scoring
Marv, Horf, and Joe are trying to get this thing going, and Bib may still be sick.
Also, Joe is getting the hell hacked out of him. He has never been fined before…When is he gonna blast the refs and get that mandatory $15,000 fine?
Hawksfan
March 4th, 2009
9:05 pm
Sekou, is Josh sick or something?
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:05 pm
Don’t know what’s wrong with Josh either, but he’s not in the game right now, and last I looked, there were 4 other teammates who are responsible for playing defense too.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
9:07 pm
The new digs are dope, but I miss being able to use **bold** and *italics*.
For those of you wondering what Sekou Smith looks like, http://www.nba.com/media/hawks/final_day_041807_3.jpg (don’t know how to do links on the new format either).
Blast
March 4th, 2009
9:07 pm
Looks like the refs are anxious to get this game over with. They are not calling anything. Must be some good gambling going on in New York tonite!
Hawks need to win this game. Don’t toy with this team. Keep em off the glass!
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
9:08 pm
great foul call on flip. looks like Lee jumped into harrington. great call, idiot ref
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:09 pm
hey coach… nobody on the knicks can stay in front of Acie Law.. he’s on our team.. how bout get him in here these last 2 mins see if he can attack the middle…
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:11 pm
Like I said, don’t worry. He’s as likely gone as not.
Long as we get something good for him and the team improves.
Of course, to hear some tell it, you’d think a bag of Doritos and Calvin Booth would do the trick. Heh.
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:13 pm
I’ll give Woody credit: he’s going with other guys like Pachulia and Evans when he yanks Smith.
That’s good, as some sit-down time should be teaching him some lessons. If it doesn’t, then I’m totally wrong about him and he needs to go. If it does work, then he’ll come in motivated and get the job done.
Either way, good job by Woody to sit him. Only…he could have benefited from this years ago. Of course, we had nobody nearly good enough to play in his spot while he sat.
nola dawg
March 4th, 2009
9:15 pm
nice work davenpoop (by the way, fantastic name). always wondered what our boy Blog Z looked like.
Will someone please get Bibby some theraflu… I mean come on man, how long you been sick?
mo
March 4th, 2009
9:17 pm
is it just me or is nique and rathburn the WORST announcers we’ve ever had?
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
9:20 pm
The old Hawks are back. Sleepwalking through 3 quarters against a far inferior, then clawing back in 4th and losing by 3. Good game.
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:20 pm
Take note that Smith has played significantly fewer minutes than the rest of the starters. He’s not producing, so that was a good decision.
However, Bibby is not producing either, but you don’t see Law. You see Flip, but he’s also JJ’s backup and he’s not shooting worth a crap tonight either. Still no Law.
**This is where Woody aggravates the pi$$ out of me, by not being fair across the board.**
Look, either Bibby is sick, tired, or is just plain sucking tonight (just like the last 3 games), yet here he is having played 30 minutes tonight. I’m waiting for some hair-brained explanation as to why he can’t just be relieved.
I suppose the answer is that Woody is “COY”, and can’t be wrong, therefore it must be that Acie sucks so bad that he shouldn’t be on the roster. I’m not even saying “play Acie”, I’m saying “rest Bibby” because he isn’t giving us much of anything. And I’m willing to believe he’s actually not back up to full strength. Gee, I wonder why. Did he get brought back too soon?
And since we’re not winning this game, I would be interested in hearing just why this is happening…preferrably from somebody that’s not all over his jock…
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:20 pm
everybody barking at each other again…
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2009
9:21 pm
Wow, Sekou looks just like Childress. Who knew?
Ray, I was shocked when Woody’s first substitution tonight was Evans for Smith. I thought Marvin was the one to ALWAYS come out first.
Just our luck, Sund will trade Smith for one of those 7-foot busts that he enjoys having on the squad. Oops, that’s right, we already have RandMo.
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
9:21 pm
THe Knicks commentators are killing Joe for holding the ball….
Sautee
March 4th, 2009
9:22 pm
I’d LOVE to see somebody / anybody other than Flip at the end of quarters.
His success ratio has to be lower than Josh’s last 15 free throws. Ugh.
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
9:22 pm
Why aren’t Sekou’s posts in blue?
mo
March 4th, 2009
9:24 pm
i mean it sounds as if nique is the knicks announcer, really kinda annoying
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
9:24 pm
Old Hawks Old Hawks. Scrubs beating us agian. This time the Italian scrub who was supposed to be out all year.
Anyone else remember that game (might’ve been last year) where Bibby told our guys early in the 4th that the other team was tired and it was time to make a run? Does he pull our guys together and tell them anything like that anymore?
dmortone
March 4th, 2009
9:27 pm
These games are so frustrating. The Hawks have just as much talent as anyone in this league, but they just play down to their opponent. It makes these games so hard to watch.
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
9:27 pm
I mean these Knick commentators are all over Joe everytime he touches it..
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
9:27 pm
Someone should’ve woken up Sund this whole season. Where the hell was he during the AS Break? Hey Josh why dont you try block a shot for once you overpaid POC. You are immature trash and will be traded this offseason. Your FTs have cost us 10 games
Blast
March 4th, 2009
9:27 pm
Hawks are gonna lose this game.
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:28 pm
Well here we are AGAIN. Down by double digits.
Got away from feeding Al and Marvin, and went on a shooting spree from the perimeter. I guess the guards didn’t want the forwards to get too far ahead of them in the scoring department. That, and no defense. Yeah, we’re going to lose another game we should be winning, unless we tighten it up. This is what happened towards the end LAST year, and we almost didn’t make the playoffs (good thing Indy choked more than we did).
This year, we could slip to the 6th seed if we’re not careful (and if the other teams don’t keep losing the way they have).
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:29 pm
Dmortone,
But they have a “COY”. If only they would listen to him…
mo
March 4th, 2009
9:29 pm
hey melvin at least the knicks announcers are doing thier job, the hawks announcers are pulling for the knicks wtf? i thought i was watching the YES network in new york. Can we bring back steve smith?
mo
March 4th, 2009
9:30 pm
uga 65 ky 62, the damn dawgs are showing more heart than these hawks
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2009
9:32 pm
Way too many 3 pointers from a team that was killing early in the paint. Got to blame Woody for allowing the team to play in such an undisciplined fashion.
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
9:33 pm
Great job woody. Let us get killed, but leave our starters in so they can have dead legs plus we get the L
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
9:33 pm
I’m with Ray. It so convenient to blame/single out Josh went he plays badd. But look at Joe and Bibby. When will Woody show some you know what and bench those guys…. I wish so of you all could hear the Knick broadcast. They are ridding Joe to no end. And alot of it is good analysis…
Reggie
March 4th, 2009
9:33 pm
Wow we look absolutely horrible right now.
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:34 pm
yea josh a lil reckless right now… ill advised 3
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:35 pm
melvin,
you must have a personal vendetta against Joe or something… seems like you at him every game..
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
9:37 pm
Knicks crew just mention that the scouting report on the Hawks is Joe Johnson will hold the ball too long and the offense becomes stagnant..
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:39 pm
shoot ourselves out the game… yet again..
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:40 pm
thats a scouting report on your coach bruh… he schemes,allows, and refuses to change this…
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2009
9:40 pm
Knicks are trying to give us the game but we keep shooting 3s.
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:42 pm
4 3’s in 5 possessions…
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
9:42 pm
Great plan to get back in the game. Shoot as many contested 3’s as possible
Blast
March 4th, 2009
9:42 pm
Ballgame!!!!!! Off the blog y’all.
Sekou K. Smith
March 4th, 2009
9:43 pm
You get back in the game attacking and then start settling for long jumpers to try and rescue the day. Bad business Hawks. And Al Horford gathered everyone up to tell them to start driving the ball and go to the basket to catch up and slow the game down. More foolishness from America’s favorite train-wreck!
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2009
9:44 pm
Sekou, if any of the Hawks mention anything about not shooting too many 3s and playing Hawks basketball and not playing the other team’s style, please slap them silly on behalf of the blog community. And if Woody says that ish, just drop your tape recorder on the floor and walk away in utter disgust.
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
9:44 pm
Bigdave, I’m only telling you what I’m hearing. Like i said, i wish you all could hear this. I bet if I was dogging Josh you wouldn’t have a problem with that. The fact remain, Joe does not have his A game tonite…
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:45 pm
Bigdave,
Yeah, and isn’t he supposed to be the unequivocally best player on this roster? So he’s above criticism. See, this is what I’m talking about…
Josh and Joe are in a turnover race, but you won’t hear about Joe…
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
9:46 pm
The wheels are off the wagon…
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:47 pm
not exactly…wrong guy…
im always vouching for Josh…
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:49 pm
“melvin,
you must have a personal vendetta against Joe or something… seems like you at him every game..”
where did you get that from big ray?
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2009
9:49 pm
ACIE!
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:50 pm
ball game…
tiger woo
March 4th, 2009
9:50 pm
I hate to bring up an old topic, but couldn’t we have just kept Al Harrington and drafted Chris Paul instead of Marvin? Jus’ sayin’.
Reggie
March 4th, 2009
9:50 pm
Melvin you are absolutely killing me. I couldn’t care less about what the Knicks announcers are saying. The fact is that Joe make us a much better team. His net points when on the court is better than anyone else for us except Horford with -3. Smith’s is -12. JJ hasn’t missed about 75% of his free throws since the break. Joe has also probably out rebounded Smith every game since the break. It’s also not Joe’s fault that when he gets the ball the entire team stands around looking at him. Smith has been way out of control on the offensive end with running down the court like a fool with the ball. JJ is consistently gettingus 7 boards and dimes a night lately and hasn’t had his shot quite one but still kills Smith game in and out with his performance. Let’s be real now.
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
9:51 pm
Acie comes into the game with less then 3mins remaining and the Hawks score 8 straight points. I wonder if he was eligible to play earlier in the game..
niremetal
March 4th, 2009
9:52 pm
JJ is still not playing like himself. And Bibby clearly still isn’t 100%. And Woody *still* runs our entire offense through them. It’s so predictable – there’s no offensive scheme at all. No one moves, and JJ just dribbles around a lot. I certainly don’t absolve JJ because he isn’t making any adjustments, but you KNOW he wouldn’t be doing this if the Hawks actually ran a play every once in awhile that wasn’t ISO or the occasional pick and roll.
Marvin is still playing a little clumsy, but Al and to a lesser extent Marvin are the only ones who are playing like they care tonight. Smoove is still afraid to take it to the rack (presumably because he still can’t hit a FT to save his life) and isn’t patrolling the lane at all.
Acie actually made it a game once he got in. But I wouldn’t even take 10:1 odds on him playing meaningful minutes in the next game.
So predictable. So sad.
Ed
March 4th, 2009
9:52 pm
Until there is a coaching change we will never rise above where we are now…a 40+ win team that goes out in the first round most likely, but never past that if we do make it to the second round. The play is so ragged & inconsistent from game to game…that is where the coach comes in. Somewhere between Woody’s oversized ego & his infamous doghouse we have lost our way & show no signs of turning it around. The question is whether or not Sund will have the power to make changes or will the ASG once again rear its ugly head.
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:52 pm
cosign Reggie… guess we watching the same thing…
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:53 pm
Wow. So I wonder what Acie is supposed to learn here in the last 2 and a half minutes? How to lose with some semblance of dignity? There he goes right down the lane, gives to Marvin for a dunk.
Yeah, he’s definitely a bust…
Well, Josh didn’t play well. So I wonder why we lost? It must be a combination of his two missed free throws and the fact that he refused to outrebound sick ol’ Bibby. Yep, that’s the ticket.
Da Real Real
March 4th, 2009
9:54 pm
Embarrasing, just a horrible game all around. As far as I’m concerned NOBODY showed up to this ball game especially on the defensive side of the ball. Can’t go to sleep on these kinds of teams…this shoulda been a 3 win road trip. Last week was somewhat acceptable against the west but this is unacceptable for the team to come out and play like they did tonight.
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:54 pm
look at Acie.. like a damn jack rabbit…
will be a good point for someone…
guess Woodson didnt think he could have contributed with that speed… and ability to penetrate…
dumb ass..!!!
niremetal
March 4th, 2009
9:54 pm
(I guess I should say Law made it interesting…but as long as the Knicks hit their free throws, it won’t be a game…)
TskOoOo
March 4th, 2009
9:54 pm
Nique is busy raving about Law.
So where was he the whole game?
What exactly did Bibby accomplish in his 30 minutes?
And why are Nique and Ratman not even mentioning Acie playing earlier in the game?
Reggie
March 4th, 2009
9:55 pm
Acie looks real solid. Why don’t we bring him off more just for a couple minutes a quarter for some quick offense and energy?
jhan
March 4th, 2009
9:56 pm
Acie breaking the Knicks down with ease. If we had played him 20 minutes we couldn’t have done any worse – lose. At least he would get some experience.
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:56 pm
jump ball ref… well, i guess it wasnt Lebron with the tie up…
jhan
March 4th, 2009
9:56 pm
Acie just makes a good defensive play. Must be a mirage.
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
9:57 pm
i woulda kept that TO coach.. dont let them set up D…!!! we just need a quick 2 and foul.. use your 20 if they miss 1. pro-long the game…!!!
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
9:57 pm
Wow, Acie is making it a game. Don’t know that we can pull this off, but this kid is giving it all he’s got. And he should have been in this game a long time ago. Even a “COY” should know that..
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2009
9:57 pm
We lost this game because we took too many 3s (everyone except Horford) and too many tiurnovers. Oh yeah and because we allowed a team to score over 100 points. Once again, we tend to talk about offense but the VAST majority of our losses come as a result of playing poor defense. Our offense is not nearly as pathetic as many seem to think. If the Hawks put up 105, they’re supposed to win.
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
9:58 pm
Reggie, so if Joe is having a bad game. Can we not critic his play. Besides why am I following you up. It’s even NOT ME who’s criticizing Joe play…
niremetal
March 4th, 2009
9:58 pm
Wow…Acie Law singlehandedly has made this interesting. A three-ball, four assists, and forcing a turnover. Makes you mad that he’s had so many DNP-CDs, don’t it?
otrhawksfan
March 4th, 2009
9:59 pm
when you down by 8 with 3 to 4 mins to go a good post play or a high % shot would be suggested. Why all the 3’s fellas!!!!!
kgbsfinst
March 4th, 2009
10:00 pm
Melvin,
Your right! I am(was) watching the game with the Knicks announcers and they are ripping the Hawks for settling on jumpers and dribbling the ball too long. Its funny that he said “scouting report,” looks like its not just us that has figured out the Hawks game plan. I hope management realizes this and takes a hard look at WHY that is our game plan.
Can anyone really defend Woodson on this? Does anyone really think he is still COY?
Reggie
March 4th, 2009
10:01 pm
I think I have jumped on the (GET ACIE LAW SOME PT) bandwagon after that.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
10:01 pm
I’m repeating myself from the first time the Hawks lost to the Knicks, but when you are playing against a team that has ZERO SHOT BLOCKERS, why wouldn’t you drive the ball to the basket ON EVERY POSSESSION?!??!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!
Seriously. The Knicks are probably the easiest team in the league to game plan against. Take the ball inside on offense, make them beat you off the dribble on defense, and don’t leave shooters open. I have never coached a basketball game in my life and this is incredibly obvious to me. Why the HELL were the Hawks not driving the ball in the 4th quarter? What was up with the jumpshots with 15 seconds left on the clock?
Oh yeah, and WOW MAYBE ACIE LAW SHOULD PLAY MORE?!??!?!??!?!?!!?
O'brien
March 4th, 2009
10:02 pm
Bibby played 36 minutes, and we got nothing out of him. Even Nique mentioned that when playing the Knicks, you need somebody to penetrate. But Woody brings Acie in the game when it’s too late.
How many games this season have we played with no intensity? I can’t wait for Woody’s comments.
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
10:03 pm
got a tough Charlotte team coming up…
jhan
March 4th, 2009
10:03 pm
Pathetic defensive showing. They scored plenty of points but put forth zero effort on defense. What happened to our great defensive COY?
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
10:04 pm
This whole Josh Smith situation is really killing the Hawks too — he’s not playing nearly well enough to be left on the floor during crunch time, but at the same time when he’s out of the game the Hawks don’t have any shot blockers on the floor either, which makes it a lot easier for the likes of Larry Hughes to get shots near the basket. I have no clue what’s up with him but he looked completely out of it in the 2nd half.
Samuel
March 4th, 2009
10:04 pm
Woody’s saving Acie for the playoffs. His legs will be fresh.
Now we know these guys do read this blog. They got drunk(bold) on Doc’s Koolaid. Thanks Doctor for being so convincing.
Ando,
Can we get your mom to Coach Nique up with some of that Advanced Language Arts?
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
10:04 pm
Watchout KG, Reggie and bigDave may boot you off the blog for agreeing with me…lol
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
10:04 pm
like i said, Acie should have been in the game with 2 mins left in the 3rd…
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
10:05 pm
By the way, the Heat are on the brink of beating the Suns in a shootout. Out-f*cking-standing.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
10:06 pm
“Woody’s saving Acie for the playoffs. His legs will be fresh.”
That was good for a loud, hearty laugh from me.
Reggie
March 4th, 2009
10:06 pm
Melvin Joe didn’t have a bad game. His FG % was average at 6-14. He had 18 points 7 boards and 6 assists. He shot 6-7 from the line and his net points while on the court was +2. Josh Smith gets the criticism because of how he has played lately. On the floor he just looks lost and out of place just like Marvin looked last year. Maybe next year he will improve like Marvin did this year. I still believe in Smith but lately I have been so disappointed in his play.
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
10:06 pm
Davenpoop…
he looked sick… maybe he has Bibby’s flu.. they showed him on the bench near the end of the game and he was rubbing his face, looking sick… we cant afford to miss him and i doubt he will take time off…
Reggie
March 4th, 2009
10:08 pm
Melvin I do agree with you about we should have been driving the ball and penetrating. Woody did nothing that game to change it up. The only thing I disagree about is the Joe and Josh thing.
tiger woo
March 4th, 2009
10:10 pm
Acie Law had the same number of assists (4) in 3 minutes that Mike Bibby had in 38 minutes.
O'brien
March 4th, 2009
10:11 pm
JJ played 43 minutes. Why? And a sick Bibby still played 36. Only Woody knows, while Acie plays 3 minutes.
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
10:12 pm
Reggie, this may sound funny but Joe stats looks good but he didn’t have his normal dominant performace. And yes, Josh is struggling right now. I agree with Najeh on the catch 22 with him. He’s not playing with the confidence needed to finish the game but our interior def lacks when he’s out of the game…
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
10:13 pm
It’s a lot easier to get dimes when you can GET IN THE LANE, LIKE EVERY GREAT POINT GUARD.
I realize Acie doesn’t fit Woody’s outside-in offensive scheme, but that’s what bench players do on good teams — they come in and provide something you CAN’T FIND in the starting lineup, as a change of pace.
(I hate having to capitalize everything now… I miss bold and italics)
Melvin
March 4th, 2009
10:15 pm
Reggie, don’t get it wrong. I’m not saying Josh is better/more important than Joe. I like Joe just as much (ok a tab bit less than) Josh..lol.. But I want the best for both of them. Matter fact, I want the best for the Hawks team.
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
10:16 pm
Put me on record for a few things.
1) If Josh doesn’t get his head out of his butt, and continues to play like this for the rest of the season (I’m talking about rebounds/all-around effort, not free throws), then trade him for the best thing we can get , even if it’s the aforementioned tall son of a goat herder. But upgrade our Doritos to a party-sized bag of Tostidos Chips and Pace Chunky Salsa.
2)Acie has some skills. Bibby is sick, tired, and off of his game. Woody rides him for over 38 minutes tonight, and that should be a prosecutable crime. Acie does in 2 minutes, 45 seconds what none of our guards could all game long. I do not understand why this is the case. Yes, I do: Woody is a dolt. And he’ll glue Acie to the bench for the next game, just to keep him from getting “uppity.” Watch.
3)If Josh is going to sit when he’s not producing (as Astro Joe correctly noticed, Marvin was usually the first to sit…but he’s producing), then I think Solo should get some burn. Why is he not playing? It’s not like he hasn’t proven himself worth it nearly every time he’s stepped on the floor!
4)It makes no sense for Al Horford to dominate the Knicks for the better part of a half, shooting 8-13 from the field…and then only get one shot attempt in the majority of the second half. I applaud his 13 rebounds, but he should have had 25-28 points. The Knicks couldn’t stop him. Marvin had a nice game too, but he threw up 5 threes after they quit giving it to him near the hoop. That’s what happens when the guards start playing “catchup” with the shot selection.
5)We are not going to win against good teams, or even dangerous teams (like the Knicks) by playing bad defense, or trying to dominate the game from the perimeter. It’s just not going to happen. And I don’t know why our coach doesn’t seem to be getting through to his players on that point. If they’re not listening to him, then why is he here?
6)Add Add some Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum and a few liters of Coke to that Josh Smith trade. I want to be drunk when I find out which Ukrainian we’re trading for who just started playing basketball last month.
otrhawksfan
March 4th, 2009
10:17 pm
we should take josh out and put solo in the game to defend the lane/rim if the bad play doesnt stop.
O'brien
March 4th, 2009
10:18 pm
Ray, I agree. We need Josh to step it up. 2 rebounds from your starting PF?
By the way, Woddy said we had some turnovers from fatigue because he played some guys heavy minutes. But then he said that’s no excuse.
Woody Woody Woody.
Ed
March 4th, 2009
10:18 pm
Acie only plays a few minutes because Woody didn’t want to draft him & he therefore lives in Woody’s doghouse. Acie has All-Star potential, he demonstrated that at A&M, but he will never get his chance playing for Woody.
404atlhoops
March 4th, 2009
10:24 pm
This was a pretty pathetic effort by the Hawks tonight. When is this team going to learn they have to play at a higher intensity level on the road then they do at home? The Hawks can’t wait until they get down 14-15 points in the 2nd half on the road and then decide to “turn it on”. Its just very frustrating watching this team.
Reggie
March 4th, 2009
10:25 pm
Melvin I understand you but the fact is even with Joe is off of his game he can still put up good numbers and help his team with assists and good teamwork. It seems lime Josh has no ideal what to do out there right now. He actually shot well tonight and ended up I think about 7-10. What he doesn’t understand is that he needs to stay down low and just attack the basket from there. Every time he gets the ball on the perimeter he feels he has to go piling through the lane like a fullback and throw up some crazy shot or turn it over. I also don’t understand why when the other team shoots he is trotting down to our side of the court. He isn’t a point guard who runs off to the other side for a fast break. I think both of his rebounds today were just long ones that bounced his way. He has got to wake up and realize what he needs to do. I think his main problem might be his basketball I.Q.
Heat bench tonight had 55. Wow we will never do that.
tiger woo
March 4th, 2009
10:25 pm
Reggie,
6-14 is not average – it’s not very good. Joe is supposed to be our all-star – our superstar, but he doesn’t show up every night like a true superstar – like a Dwayne Wade, who doesn’t take nights off – Wade averages 38.2 minutes per night – you don’t hear anyone crying about his minutes and saying he’s tired.
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
10:27 pm
Reggie,
My patience is run out. That fool is not lost. No way, no how. He’s acting up. No way can you be lost, yet go 7-10 from the field. He had 4 turnovers and 2 rebounds. There are no excuses for that, not when you can jump out of the gym. And screw all these “he’s not a true PF” comments. Shawn Marion isn’t either, and in his worst times, he still rebounds way better than that. He’s not even as strong as Josh is. No excuse.
The guy is clowning. And if he’s gonna clown, then he can sit down. This is as good a time as any to let him play 25 minutes, and give the rest of it to Solo. Then tell him, “when you can start producing and playing with a sense of urgency, you can go back to playing 35+ minutes.” Matter of fact, sit his butt and let him play 20 minutes. If he gets mad, so what. Let RandMo and Othello play. Bet you they’ll give you some decent minutes/fouls at least. Then see if that doesn’t motivate his butt. And if it doesn’t, then we don’t need him. Simple as that.
I’m not giving up on the guy. I’m just really pi$$ed about his pi$$ poor performance.
Harry Hawk
March 4th, 2009
10:30 pm
Acie was awesome tonight, man.
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
10:30 pm
And it has nothing to do with his IQ. He routinely makes good passes out there when he’s playing in the flow of the game, and playing where he should be playing.
It’s lack of effort and concentration. He’s just NOT getting it done. And I’m sick of it. I think the only mental “block” he has is at the line. Guess what, Josh? Cowboy the hell up and get over it, Shaq still is a stinker at the line. Do you see him fading out to the arc? No.
Reggie
March 4th, 2009
10:31 pm
Tiger Joe shot 43 % tonight and that’s what he has shot for the season. That’s why I called it AVERAGE.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
10:31 pm
Harry Hawk, how did you make “awesome” bold?
O'brien
March 4th, 2009
10:31 pm
Woody and Josh have had issues in the past. I wonder if it’s only a matter of time before they resurface, especially with Josh not giving 100% every night.
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
10:32 pm
Right on, Tiger Woo…
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
10:34 pm
And “Acie” italics, for that matter…
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
10:34 pm
Jersey is taking Boston to the limit tonight. All tied at 111. The wonderful Sean Williams has two points, 4 rebounds and a block.
Harry Hawk
March 4th, 2009
10:35 pm
hahahaha…
alright, let’s see if you can follow this…
In order to italicize something, use a less than sign, type “em” (not in quotes), and follow that with a greater than sign. Then, type whatever you want to italicize. Next, type a less than sign, a forward-slash, then “em” (not in quotes), and follow that with a greater than sign.
In order to bold something, type the word “strong” instead of “em”. Again, not in quotes.
I’m looking around for a page that has the instructions. I had it bookmarked for DOB’s blog, but I learned how to do it after a few minutes and removed it.
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
10:37 pm
Golden State is getting pounded by Chicago.
**Clyde**,
Noah has 12 points, 15 boards, and 4 blocked shots. Now THAT I can get down with. Put him next to Horford and Marvin….
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
10:37 pm
Woo look at the design of Miami’s offense and look at ours… there’s a big difference when u playing 39.2 when you take a player and make him account for 80% “of what we do” on the offensive end… trust me… how many ball screens do you see for Joe… not that guard guard mess im talking bout 2 bigs picking defenders…
your boy Woodson mis-manages his players… point blank period.. Joe is different this year, cause this scheme is different… Coach Woodson is still star struck from game 4 Boston…
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
10:37 pm
He’s no scorer, but that ain’t in short supply around here.
Reggie
March 4th, 2009
10:38 pm
Ray it’s not surprising he shot well from the floor. He is our leading player in FG percentage. Josh has a problem with basketball I.Q. with no doubt. While focus and effort is a problem he still has no idea of what is going on around him sometimes. He will drive it straight to the hole when he is outnumbered 3-1. He shoots jumpers when there are wide open people around him who can shoot it better. He makes bad decision after bad decision. He has a lot of things wrong right now but I don’t think Woody will be the one to straighten it up for him.
jt in dallas
March 4th, 2009
10:38 pm
WOW!! I’m glad I had a chance to see Acie Law almost single-handedly bring this team a victory. Stupid Woody made the mistake of letting him get garbage time and he almost won the game. See what the Hawks can do when they stop running that idiotic outside-in offense that features predominately jump shots.
That brings me to another point. Perhaps if the Hawks actually let a point guard RUN the offense and create, maybe we would get much better shots. Those penetration assists provided great looks that were hard to miss shots. Even the 3’s when the defense was sucked in by a driving (did I write “DRIVING?”) point guard.
It’s very depressing knowing that we have a coach with such a low NBA acumen. What a dumb@$$ he is.
Well, as they say, if you don’t have anything good to say about someone, don’t say anything, so I’ll let Woodrow rest for now. However, I’m still thinking “F-I-R-E W-O-O-D-Y!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
10:39 pm
Italics
Bold
Harry Hawk
March 4th, 2009
10:39 pm
This explains how to link a page on here.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
10:39 pm
Oh snap! I can bold and italicize again!
‘Preciate it, Harry.
Harry Hawk
March 4th, 2009
10:40 pm
Here’s a site with the bold and strong tags explained.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
10:42 pm
Link
bigdave
March 4th, 2009
10:43 pm
cosign jt…
Bibby is a shooting guard at this point in his career…
Najeh Davenpoop
March 4th, 2009
10:43 pm
What if i try to link, bold, and italic at the same time?
tiger woo
March 4th, 2009
10:44 pm
bigdave,
It’s not Miami’s offense that is the difference – it’s Dwayne Wade. 35 pts. 16 assists tonight. Talk about taking over a game! Penetrate – dish off or finish with authority. Forget it – I don’t know why I’m comparing Joe and D-Wade anyway – no comparison.
Harry Hawk
March 4th, 2009
10:46 pm
As you can see, Najeh, it works.
cp
March 4th, 2009
10:47 pm
I had the Knicks feed and the commentators were saying the same thing many have said on here. Joe tends to dribble too much and hold onto the ball. This has been said by a lot of guys on here so I don’t see why a few guys are taking offense to it. It is true. When Joe over dribbles it does hurt our offense. Tonight we were at our best when attacking the rim but once again we went away from that and started launching jumpers. Woodson will find another reason not to give Law significant minutes in the next game. If Bibby is still sick or hurt then it makes no sense not to get Law at least 15 to 20 minutes. What did Solo do to get put back in the doghouse?
Reggie
March 4th, 2009
10:52 pm
There is no doubt that Joe dribbles the ball way too much. The problem a lot of the times is that nobody is moving around to let him create something. Why are there no screens or cuts or picks for Joe going on? What is the problem? After a while with Joe constantly having to bang in and in he is going to get tired. The teammates are doing nothing for Joe to make it a little easier on him. I’m not sure if that’s Woody’s fault or the players on the courts fault. That is the main problem with our offense is how stable we are on the floor. It gets frustrating seeing a bunch of guys just standing around until about 6 on the shot clock.
Sekou K. Smith
March 4th, 2009
10:55 pm
Josh Smith was on the training table in the locker room after the game being checked out by a doctor. It appears he might be suffering from the same viral infection that has hit Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby and Acie Law IV already this past month. More craziness. I’m taking some Nyquil and hitting the sack myself. See you all in the morning from practice at the Garden.
Harry Hawk
March 4th, 2009
10:56 pm
Woody’s an ineffective coach. Tonight was a prime, shining example. Either he doesn’t see what’s going on in a game…or he can’t get his players to do what they need to do.
Reggie
March 4th, 2009
10:57 pm
Tiger in part it is Miami’s offense. Now i know Joe is no Wade but Miami’s offense is always setting picks for Wade and having off ball screens and cuts to the middle and opening up a lane for him so he can take over a game. That’s what the Lakers do for Kobe, the Cavs for LBJ, and what the Wizards did so well for Gilbert. Joe isn’t these guys but he can put up a better performance if he had the help. That’s why I don’t see Joe in the a Hawks uni after 2010
otrhawksfan
March 4th, 2009
11:08 pm
okay we will see solo play since josh is sick. is this the 1st time the hawks have played the bobcats since all the trades?
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2009
11:09 pm
I don’t want italics and I certainly don’t want to bold.
tiger woo
March 4th, 2009
11:14 pm
Reggie,
It’s very simple – Joe is not athletic enough to do the things offensively that D-Wade, Kobe, and LeBron can do, even if the lane opens up for him. Joe would be a good # 2 guy – like Scottie was to Michael. He simply doesn’t have the tools necessary to take over a game and go crazy and drop 40 at any given time like D-Wade, Kobe, and LeBron can do.
rms
March 4th, 2009
11:38 pm
I just got home and heard the Hawks just got it handed to them! I figured they were going to lose. We should be used to this by now. Our offense is just shooting jumpshots. We look like a good team when we are hitting the 3 and nailing the jumpshot, but look awful when we are missing the shots. Why is a sick and ineffective Bibby playing almost 40 min. and your healthy backup PG comes in a does better in 3 minutes than Bibby does all game. Thats our Woody. COY, right Samuel!!
Da Real Real
March 4th, 2009
11:38 pm
Viral disease huh? Boy I tell you it keeps better and better for these Hawks. I don’t care what the Knicks commentators were saying because they know that we’re better then what we showed tonight and the last time we played up there….has the Knicks played in Atlanta yet??? I’m pretty sure that the Hawks would knock the Knicks around if they played in Atlanta, but it’s time for this team to grow past that point. They go around talking about that #4 seed like it’s an major accomplishment in a way I guess it is, however there’s no reason this team should go out and lay an egg the way it did tonight against a team like the Knicks who were supposed to be a “depleted” team.
rms
March 4th, 2009
11:39 pm
Whats up with this funky new blog site. Where is Sekou hiding anyway?
rms
March 4th, 2009
11:41 pm
Just got home and can see the Hawks just had it handed to them. Where is our beloved Samuel with his Woody=COY banner?
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
11:41 pm
Reggie, if Josh is stupid for charging to the basket against three defenders when he can jump over most of them, then what does that make Joe for doing the same thing…when he can’t jump over much of anybody?
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
11:42 pm
Clearly, I have NOT figured out this bold and link stuff
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
11:43 pm
dadgummit
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
11:44 pm
Meant to say bold and italics
Big Ray
March 4th, 2009
11:45 pm
With the playoffs on the horizon, Woodson said there’s no way he can run his players into the ground with so much basketball still to be played.
Now how many times have we heard this?
“Josh really has to start thinking about double digits every night. And there is no reason that he can’t or shouldn’t be grabbing that many rebounds a night.”
In a nutshell…
dmortone
March 5th, 2009
12:07 am
Is it just me or does it seem like every other week some player is getting their season highs against us? Gallinari, I think Bellinelli from GS got his, did JaVale McGee get a season high boards against us? Chauncy Billups got his second highest point total of the season against us.
That’s all I can think of off the top of my head, but I know there are other examples. Good work for our defensive-minded head coach.
kirkinga
March 5th, 2009
12:57 am
Disappointing loss for the Hawks tonight. The Knicks simply are not a better team and the Hawks should’ve won this game.
March is upon and the Hawks have to start playing better. I’m concerned, but not overly worried;then again I predicted 35-45 wins so they are still on target to meet my preseason expectations.
I think the players “are feeling it” a little bit and are sluggish. I also believe they will play their way out of it and will end up in descent playoff position. But unless they start playing better on the road it’s not going to matter.
Yuck, that’s really all I can say to describe tonight.
Go Hawks!!
Harry Hawk
March 5th, 2009
12:57 am
Just imagine if Bargnani, Belinelli and Gallinari were all going up against us. We’d be like the heads of the Five Families. Not pretty.
Rollins Tree
March 5th, 2009
1:28 am
Nuh nuh nuh nuh. Nuh nuh nuh nuh. Hey hey hey. Goodbye!
We are going to be booted first round of the playoffs yall!!! Im picking a new team to cheer for if Woodson is back next season. Too much talent here to be wasted like it is. I stand by what I said in December…… new head coach and we are the number two or three seed in the East next year. AND WIN ON THE ROAD!!!!!!
Hms
March 5th, 2009
3:22 am
35-45 wins is a big gap. That is two totally different teams. Talk about a safe prediction.
dap01
March 5th, 2009
8:23 am
What kind of ailment does Woody have? The Hawks are dead in the water.
Sautee
March 5th, 2009
9:04 am
italics bold
Sautee
March 5th, 2009
9:06 am
So does using italics and bold slow down the post?
Sautee
March 5th, 2009
9:07 am
Apparently it does, but only momentarily.
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
9:07 am
Alright, I gotta vent.
Horrible game last night…
Nobody played with any defensive intensity, Josh has become a turnover waiting to happen. He honestly looks like the rest of his teamates have lost confidence in him. If gets the ball, it goes nowhere.
Hey, Flip! If you get the ball at the end of a half or quarter can you do something besides driving and losing the ball?
Gee Acie, maybe if you played like those garbage minutes a little more, you might be a little more valuable.
Woodson, why do you not dress down your team? Pull all the starters in the 3rd quarter. That was an embarassing coaching job.
To the team as a whole, you represent not just yourselves, but a city and its fanbase. Show a little more respect to us.
Right now, none of you are worthy of our city’s name.
Punks!
ps. I love the Hawks and tend to be an apologist. I am just mad as heck and I don’t want to take it anymore
Sautee
March 5th, 2009
9:13 am
Hms
I agree,although I thought I remembered that Kirk’s predicted range was 40-45 games. Maybe that changed since October. No wait, Kirk wouldn’t have changed, it wouldn’t be fair.
Just stick pokin’ there Kirk. Glad to see you’re still out there. I guess you’ve been hanging with DOB lately.
Sautee
March 5th, 2009
9:16 am
Well obviously, the bold didn’t work like I thought it might. I was trying to just bold Hms.
This may take a little work.
Astro Joe
March 5th, 2009
9:23 am
I heard your coach on the radio this morning being interviewed by the 680 The Fan crew. Among the highlights… he and his coaching staff don’t want to put too much pressure on the guys regarding free throw shooting. They want them to feel confident when they go to the line. They work on it in practice but it sounds like no one is yelling at them about being the second-to-the-worse team in the league in that ctaegory (anyone thonk that will bite us int he playoffs?) He mentioned that the team is losing the rebound battle most nights and that all 5 players on the court have to focus on rebounding and not just 1-2 guys. And he talked about how well Marvin has played this season. Oh yeah, he did one of his famous “I could have done better” lines when talking about using his bench last night. “Some of the starters looked spent and I could have done a better job of using Solomon and Acie in last night’s game”.
As sure as I need to lose a few dozen pounds, Woody is going to do whatever is neccessary to retain that #4 slot… even if he has to go with a 6-man rotation. He has a singular focus on that goal and if Miami/Detroit pass us by even a half-game, expect Joe and Bibby to start having 45+ minutes games.
terrell barron
March 5th, 2009
9:35 am
Hey Smoove, I learned this concept from an old b-ball coach back in the early 80’s. Maybe it will work for you?? It’s called the B.E.E.F concept.
Astro Joe
March 5th, 2009
9:35 am
Sorry, some tools shouldn’t be put in the hands of amateurs… like italics. My bad.
Melvin
March 5th, 2009
9:36 am
Astro,
the sad thing about your statement is that playing Joe and Bibby 45+ mins doesn’t guarantee us a win anyway..
terrell barron
March 5th, 2009
9:39 am
Hey Smoove, I learned this from an old coach back in the early 80’s. It’s called the B.E.E.F concept. Here we go: Balance, Eye on target, Elbow in, Follow through. Again: Balance, Eye on target, Elbow in, Follow through. Got it?
Astro Joe
March 5th, 2009
9:42 am
<strong?Melvin, true that. But we remember what happened last year, Woody went with Chill and Zaza and pretty much nothing else to get the team in the playoffs. The good news, I guess, is that he is more likely to go with 8 and not 7. But it sure would be nice for him to think “I will play 9 guys every game and the 9th guy will be based on the game situation. If we’re getting out-rebounded, Solo may get some run. If we need better on-ball defense on the PG, Acie (or Speedy) gets some love. He needs to view the 9th guy as a specialty player… someone who addresses a specific issue.
terrell barron
March 5th, 2009
9:46 am
Miami hs Toronto on Friday, and Detroit has GS. 5th or 6th seed here we come.
Hms
March 5th, 2009
9:48 am
Yet it is likely to happen all the same. 4th seed or bust.
, I am not sure of what the original prediction was but 35-45 wins is as safe a prediction as there is.
35 or 36 wins is a team that is worse than last year. 37 wins is a team that is the same as last year. 38-40 wins is better than last year but not a winning record, 41 wins is a team with a .500 record, and 42-45 wins is a winning team and more or less significantly better than last year.
So you see, predicting between 35-45 wins is no different than saying that the team will be worse, as good, or better than last year. What sort of prediction is that? One that covers most, if not all the bases. In other words not a prediction at all, or a straw one at that. A clever but transparent move. Heads I win, tails you lose and that sort of thing. This blog is entertaining.
Hms
March 5th, 2009
9:49 am
Last comment directed to .
Hms
March 5th, 2009
9:50 am
Last comment directed to Sautee.
terrell barron
March 5th, 2009
9:50 am
7th seed here we come.
Hms
March 5th, 2009
9:51 am
Sautee. This forum is difficult to deal with as far as the features it uses.
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
9:53 am
Terrell,
I am very disappointed with this team right now. see above comments, but they will hold onto the 4th seed. They have the easiest remaing schedule and Miami and Detroit are not any better.
Astro Joe
March 5th, 2009
9:54 am
stop themadness
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
9:55 am
Terrell,
I am very dissappointed in this team, (see my above comments), but they will keep the 4th seed. They have the best remaining schedule, and Detroit and Miami are just not that good. Now, we go out and lay an egg in Charlotte. I might start to agree with you.
Hms
March 5th, 2009
9:59 am
6th is more likely. Not all three teams behind the Hawks will be able to take advantage of a late season swoon because they might experience injuries and will certainly experience their own losses. With Iverson coming from the bench, Detroit could make a move but is still unpredictable. Miami is playing quite well and should be feared. Role players are stepping up all the time, but in Miami more people are allowed to play and therefore they contribute. It is not like that for the Hawks. Philadelphia is playing well too but they still have shooting problems from time to time. They will lose their share of games and watch Detroit and Miami chase Atlanta, and possibly catching up. Miami is most likely to do so unless Detroit gets a sudden attack of pride and begins to play earnestly. All three teams play much deeper and productive benches which will hurt the Hawks in the end if not before then. The Hawks had better hope no more injuries, especially to their low post players or a key backup like Flip Murray. They have no guards off the bench after Murray. Acie Law plays very sparingly and Mario West cannot do the job. Milwaukee could suffer serious challenges at the 8th seed so this is not remotely over. The higher you are the harder the fall.
Hms
March 5th, 2009
10:04 am
Charlotte is deeper and more talented than in times past with Desagana Diop to help with rebounding. Since Josh Smith suddenly does not like to get rebounds, things will be infinitely worse against a low post lineup that includes such names as Diaw, Okafor, and Diop. Expect an egg to be laid as things do not get better with two quick point guards in Raymond Felton and DJ Augustin who are quick enough to run by Mike Bibby on every play. Or even the taller Joe Johnson. How do you like your eggs? Fried, poached, scrambled, over easy?
rms
March 5th, 2009
10:04 am
<bold
terrell barron
March 5th, 2009
10:04 am
Hey Daniel, what’s makes our schedule easy? No victory is an easy victory for this team. And btw, our schedule looks just as difficult as Miami’s and Detroit’s. IMO.
rms
March 5th, 2009
10:05 am
dang it how do you bold text?
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
10:25 am
We have more home games, by a wide margin
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
10:25 am
oh, and fair point that no game is an easy one for this team. although by the way they played last night, they seem to think so.
terrell barron
March 5th, 2009
11:22 am
I was lloking at Orlando’s roster compared to ours, and their is NO FREAKIN WAY they should be 10 games ahead of us. I know they have Howard, but damn. The rest of the roster is no where near as talented as ours. Is Van Gundy that much better than Woody? Evidentally so.
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
12:15 pm
I agree Terrell, we should be closer to the third seed than the 5th seed.
kgbsfinst
March 5th, 2009
3:47 pm
*We will finish with the 4th seed.* We have five more home games than the Heat, and although we don’t play well every night(I blame Woody for about 95% of why we don’t) we usually play well at home. If you think about it we have had two or three games on prime time this year, and every game we have played well. This team can, and does get up for big games, lets just hope they realize big games aren’t just the ones on national TV.
asdf
March 5th, 2009
11:18 pm
tine
huy