Listen to the young fella!
NEW YORK - In a league where paying your dues is a tradition scratched deep into the heart of every player and coach to pass through the NBA, what I’m about to say is nothing short of heresy.
But it’s time for the Hawks to start following Al Horford.
He’s emerged as the true leader of this team, in his words and his actions.
I don’t care that he’s only in his second season (and playing marvelous basketball with the Hawks’ playoff fate on the line every night).
I don’t care that he’s the starter with the least amount of NBA experience.
None of that matters when he’s the player that displays the most organic leadership quality every night.
And go ahead and tell me you haven’t noticed (watch our for that rolled up magazine that’s going to hit you across the back of the head right about now!) so I can call you a liar.
You know it, too.
It was on full display Wednesday night, when Horford’s 20 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks only told part of the story.
You probably didn’t see when Horford gathered his teammates near midcourt last night in the second half, when they were on the brink of being run off the floor at Madison Square Garden by the Knicks, and finally said what needed to be said.
He implored them to stop shooting jumpers and to start attacking the rim so they could finish a comeback that started moments earlier with a Josh Smith 3-pointer and then another big basket from Mike Bibby (I know they didn’t listen in the end, but at least the kid said it out loud).
And I know you didn’t see when Horford’s subtle move when Smith was in the midst of being yanked in and out of the game with flu symptoms (in his defense, he really was sick and had to be attended to by a doctor after the game, but I also think Hawks coach Mike Woodson had grown sick of watching Smith fail to block out and keep his man off the glass one too many times) and was sitting two seats away from a timeout huddle, it was Horford that looked over and motioned for him to join the rest of the team.
As Smith moved closer Horford gestured again for him to [and I was reading lips] “get in here. We need you.”
Minutes later Smith drained that jumper that helped initiate the Hawks’ last-ditch comeback effort.
Do you think anyone else even lifted a finger to push Smith back into the mix the way Horford did?
Trust me, they didn’t.
Horford realizes, even if others don’t, that the Hawks aren’t going to dig their way out of their current uneven rut with just one man holding the shovel. It’s going to take all of them.
His championship pedigree affords him a view of things that the rest of us can only imagine. Face it, Horford’s the only guy on this roster that’s been a part of multiple championship teams. So he’s got experience all his elders (coaches and players in this instance) simply do not.
And at 34-27 with Miami, Detroit and Philly all chasing you, it might not be a bad idea to listen to what the young fella has to say every now and then.
I’ve yet to see him cross the line in any way, but particularly in terms of trying to lead. In fact, I think he’s suppressed his natural leadership instincts because he knows some guys just aren’t going to listen. But if ever there was a time to shed that inhibition and do what you know has to be done, that time is now.
The Hawks can’t afford any more lapses like the one they suffered against the Knicks. Charlotte will be just as eager to burst the Hawks’ bubble Friday night. And then comes that home stand, starting with Detroit Saturday, that either makes or breaks this team’s playoff seeding.
When Horford was out for 12 games with a knee injury I had folks arguing me down that he wasn’t the backbone of this team and that too many people overestimated his worth. I disagreed then and I’m telling you now that even if he isn’t the Hawks’ best or most talented player, he is by far their most important player.
Why?
Because he’s clear about what his role is, what he has to do every night and how to go about getting that job done. He’ll have his struggles like anyone else from night to night. But you won’t ever have to worry about his motives or whether or not he’s giving every single drop of energy for the greater good.
That kind of focus, especially from a guy still in the infant stage of his NBA career, is impressive.
And let’s be real clear here, there’s no rule that says the leader of this or any team has to be the guy making the most money, the guy with the most talent, the guy with the biggest mouth, the guy with the ball in his hands the most or the guy who is designated as the “team leader.”
Sometimes “the guy” is the one that simply leads without any strings attached.
And sometimes that guy is the new kid or the young buck.
Sometimes that guy doesn’t have an evil or malicious bone in his body.
Sometimes that guy is just the guy with the biggest heart, the greatest desire to win and the temperament to handle anything that’s thrown his way – from friends and foes alike.
Sometimes he’s just a natural.
Hawks fans meet Al Horford, the man who will lead this team (if they will allow him).
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109 comments Add your comment
Craig
March 5th, 2009
12:44 pm
Sekou -
You hit the nail absolutely on the head. It is a true pleasure watching Al go about his business and get (or at least attempt to get) his teammates to give it their all. All too often I see Josh being lax on the defensive end or Marvin not driving to the hoop, and Al seems to have no problem letting them know it. The fact that he hasn’t gotten into any (publicly revealed) skirmishes with the players tells me that they respect him just as much as we, the fans, do.
I truly hope the rest of the team will follow Horford’s lead and put everything they have into every game. That’s how you raise your level of play the most – let’s be honest, all these guys are in the NBA and the majority of them have natural skills. It is their desire to win and passion for the game that sets some players apart from the others – The Hawks as a unit had been lacking either quality for many years, and finally we have a guy in Al Horford who has both.
danc56
March 5th, 2009
12:49 pm
You are right on the money when it comes to this team. There are no true vocal leaders that will step up and grab guys by their collars and demand more. It has been obvious that Joe Johnson is not that type of person and he is what he is. I can understand Al defering to the more senior players; but enough is enough. I’m old school and loved when players would be more demonstrative during timeouts and momentary breaks in play to rally the players on the floor. Magic was famous for that as was Jordan. I hope that Al continues to become more vocal and demand more when it’s needed.
JM
March 5th, 2009
12:50 pm
Very interesting read Sekou (and thanks for the heads up on Josh – I’ve been defending him on this blog but last night I wondered why). The thing I love about Big Al is that champion swagger/cockiness, that many great players have. Although I think he is still really raw, he has the heart of a champion. Whether older cats like JJ, Bibby or even Josh will listen to him is another story. But someone has to lead this team and as I have been writing, JJ is not that guy. So stand up Al and show these Hawks how its done.
Ben
March 5th, 2009
1:04 pm
Sekou,
Kudos on this blog–This is the best piece you’ve written since you joined AJC.
I said it myself last night–who is going to pull this team together in the 4th (like Bibby did last year) and turn it around when the other team is pulling away?
I have not been the biggest fan of Horford’s desire to shoot so much (he shoots every time he gets it because he hardly gets the ball with JJ hogging it), but the guy has tremendous heart, and it is no coincidence at all last year that we made the Playoffs in his 1st season here. I am telling you all…If we can move Smoove and trash for a nice center/big and move Horford to PF, the rest will be history.
ValdostaMike
March 5th, 2009
1:05 pm
Al is the heart of our team.
Can we please get a shock collar on Josh Smith, one that shocks him any time he thinks about hoisting up a three pointer, or trying to dribble through 4 defenders. He has a great inside game, but his desire to play like a #2 is killing us.
Josh, there is a reason you are always open from 18 and out. Grow up, play your role, “Smooth” and you, and the team, will be fine.
ValdostaMike
March 5th, 2009
1:11 pm
Sorry for the cheap shot at Josh, but watching him play so far away from the paint and hoisting those threes is like watching Andruw Jones swinging wildly at curves three feet out of the strike zone.
He has so much talent….. it is very frustrating. I admire the courage to step up and take the shot, but make sure it is the right shot.
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
1:18 pm
great blog Sekou,
I agree with you so much about Horford. I have also noticed that the rest of the team has seemed to distance themselves from Josh. I agree that Al has that “it” factor to be a leader and Joe doesn’t lead that way. But, really it seems to me that Josh is really set apart from everyone else on the team. Am I seeing something that is not there? Or are his teamates growing tired of his lack of effort and development? Or is just a matter that no one on this team feels commited to each other?
Harry Hawk
March 5th, 2009
1:19 pm
First of all, I agree that Horford will be the leader of this team. He’s really stepping his game up now. He knows how to win and will do what it takes to help make that happen. It’s really nice to see. Another nice thing to see? Acie Law ballin’ last night. He had a look on his face like, “They finally let me get in this damn game. I don’t know whether to sulk or show out.” I know I’m not the only one who saw that expression. He looked like he didn’t know whether he should give a damn, but he did. I guarantee you that Big Al was well-aware of it.
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
1:19 pm
I agree with Ben and VM entirely
rms
March 5th, 2009
1:22 pm
I agree, with the previous statement. Getting a good big at the 5 spot and moving Al to PF will do wonders for this team. But we know the owners wouldn’t approve of that because that would make too much sense!
rms
March 5th, 2009
1:27 pm
BTW, Sekou, what happened at practice? You need to back Woody into a corner and remind him that he has a backup PG for a reason and give his other PF some minutes too!
Reggie
March 5th, 2009
1:28 pm
Sekou
What player would you compare Al Horford to?
Ben C
March 5th, 2009
1:28 pm
Anyone else notice this:
“but particularly in terms of trying to lead. In fact, I think he’s suppressed his natural leadership instincts because he knows some guys just aren’t going to listen. ”
Who are these guys?
Also, why does being over the cap matter so much in the NBA? These owners are supposed to be rich, where paying an extra 5-10 million is chump change. What the heck? Can 291 ASG owners not muster up enough money to get Kaman? A front line of Marvin, Horford, and Kaman is ridiculously long, has 2 legit bigs, and a sprouting future 20 ppg SF.
Also, did anyone else notice the players’ reactions after last night? Joe just had that emotionless look on his face as he walked off the court, almost as if to tell us “Same s… different day”
LL Cool Scott
March 5th, 2009
1:28 pm
I’ve been saying it since we drafted this guy – the Hawks will only go as far as Big Al takes them. He’s the leader of the team, the most important player on the team, and is rapidly becoming the best player on the team. If only Josh and Joe had half this guy’s heart and passion for winning…
ATL_LOVE
March 5th, 2009
1:31 pm
3 WORDS: FIRE MIKE WOODSON!
Too much talent to continuously underachieve.
TskOoOo
March 5th, 2009
1:38 pm
Nice blog
griffdawg1
March 5th, 2009
1:38 pm
It’s sad that our team has to rely on Al to be the leader. I think what is really going on is a lack of physical and mental toughness due to Woodson’s crappy coaching style. When is the hawks going to wake up and see that we need another coach and a legit big man so our leader can play his real position! Woodson also needs to learn how to bring along younger players. WE NEED A PURE POINT GUARD!!!!!!!!
CDawg42
March 5th, 2009
1:42 pm
Harry Hawk, Acie had that look on his face as the camera panned the bench as the Knick lead grew to 15 in the 4th quarter. It was a “you’ve got to be kidding me; this ish is ridiculous” type of look. So later, when he entered the game and played aggressively, I wasn’t shocked at all. Hopefully Woody saw that, and will reward that type of effort. Doubt it, but one can hope can’t he?
griffdawg1
March 5th, 2009
1:51 pm
Acie should be playing as much as Bibby!!!
PD
March 5th, 2009
1:58 pm
Smith should not have played if he was sick. I agree with Griffdawg Acie made a huge impact in 2:45 he got a 3 pointer and 4 assist.
Matt Taylor
March 5th, 2009
1:59 pm
I have to give Sekou some credit for this blurb. It actually makes some sense. AJC sports section is 1/3 today on blurbs worth a darn.
Hawk73
March 5th, 2009
2:06 pm
The Hawks are consitenly inconsistent. They loose close games, games they should win (to inferior opponents), and games decided by crucial coaching decisions. I love them and hate’em. The only player that plays with any sense of urgency is Horford. He is the only player that gives a da!! night in and night out. The rest of the guys do not have that championship desire without a little kick in the a!! Woody is clearly not the right voice for this team and that needs to be corrected in the offseason. No matter how much he scolds, screams, and pushes them, they do not respond to him (especially Josh Smith). Acie was strong last night, but then again it’s too late in the season to scramble and throw guys in to the mix. I just don’t have the strength to continue to post the same thing(s) over and over and over and over again.
john V
March 5th, 2009
2:12 pm
john V
March 5th, 2009
11:14 am
I sense Woody is getting a bit frustrated with Josh’s lack of focus, as am I. He’s sitting on the bench more and deservedy so. 3 of the first 7 turnovers last night,,guess who. One handed passes, inability to dish off on his drives without turning ball over, no jump shot, lousy free throw shooter.lazy defense… oh but he CAN dunk with the best. I’ve watched the last 3 games focusing on Josh and he rarely goes to the offensive board, always releases early hoping for that infamous fast break dunk.
OH but he does have a lot of POTENTIAL, if he would just wake up and play fundamental basketball.
CDawg42
March 5th, 2009
2:13 pm
I believe the Hawks are a top 5 or 6 team in the NBA when their talents are maximized. The problem is we rarely if ever get to see that happen with Woody as the coach. Does anyone besides me get that sick feeling that in a few years, when we have a new coach and most of the current players will be all-stars elsewhere, we will be talking about “what could have been”?
Melvin
March 5th, 2009
2:21 pm
Great Blog Sekou… Hopefully these guys will rally behind Big AL and finished the season strong….
Lacsho
March 5th, 2009
2:22 pm
Nice article Sekou,
I think Big Al is a great leader, and you nailed this blog.
One has to wonder if Acie really goes after Bibby during practice. I know I would lol.
I would like to keep JJ, but I wonder what we could get for him. IF we could get a legit center and a number two option on offense, I say trade him and bring Chillz back. Hell I do Durant for JJ straight up.
Or we could bring Chillz back and fire Woody. I see another long summer field with anticipation and optimism.
Peace!!!!!
Sultanofatl
March 5th, 2009
2:25 pm
Al and Marvin are the future of this team. The sooner Joe, Woody, and Josh Smith realize this they will be better for it. It’s time to hitch the wagons to these two young horses and roll out.
Astro Joe
March 5th, 2009
2:27 pm
Well, I’ve seen this movie before. It was a young guy name Jason Terry who had natural leadership skills and was forced to place those skills in his sock drawer because he was surrounded by veterans who thought they knew how to run a team. Guys like Theo, Shariff and Glenn Robinson. Guys who never won anything but decided that JT was too young to do anything other then pass them the ball.
Great leaders need great followers. I think we know which players seem to be more interested in winning and which need a little ego stroking. In fact, one of those cats that needs to be stroked came here from a winning squad because he wanted to “be the man”. But getting most of the field goal attempts is a little different than being the team leader. Here’s hoping that Sund recognizes the dynamics and manages the off-season accordingly. Having a guy who could put up 16/10 consistently AND be the team leader is a great thing. Especially if the other starters (including those who will score more) fall in line.
doc
March 5th, 2009
2:32 pm
yeah astro,melvin and lacsho, just talking about that with ray privately yesterday.
Jon Koncak's Thighs
March 5th, 2009
2:35 pm
This is coming from a fan that loves JSmoove’s talent and doesn’t care at all about supposed rifts between player and coach, etc. But Sekou, could we move JSmoove for something like Kirk Hinrich and Joakim Noah in the offseason? The salaries almost match and the Bulls have Rose and a host of new/young bigs on that roster now? If we can’t resign Bibby for a reasonable discount, isn’t a scorer/distributor like Hinrich a great answer? He doesn’t shoot as well as Bibby, but he can score in loads and he is a better assist man now than Bibby is at this point in his career. Anyone else have any thoughts? I love Josh’s talent and potential, but we aren’t seeing the desire to work and improve. He should be living in the post and from 18 feet and in. With Noah at C, Horford moves to PF and Marvin increases his scoring load even more on top of his great improvement this year and last.
RLP
March 5th, 2009
2:37 pm
In the late 1970’s I was a big fan of Dr. J. It was prior to the Michael Jordan era and I thought that the Doc was the greatest player I had ever seen. I thought when they entered the 1977 championship finals they would win their first championship. I was shocked when the Portland Trail Blazers defeated them 4 games to 2 to become the champions. The Blazers were led by Bill Walton age 24, Lionel Hollins, age 23, Maurice Lucas, age 25, Bobby Gross, age 23, Johnny Davis, 21 and Dave Twardzik age 26. At the time there was a lot of talk of a dynasty for that team because of their youthful potential. I was impressed. I thought they embodied the very concept of a TEAM, Bill Walton was the best passing big man I had ever seen. The following season seemed to confirm that potential. After 60 games their record was 50-10.There was talk that the team could wind up winning 70 games that year. Then Walton was hurt and missed the rest of the season. As the playoffs began Walton tried to play again. In the second game of the playoffs Walton broke his foot. The season ended and so did the talk of a dynasty. Soon Walton was traded and the TEAM play as well.
Times have changed. The Hawks have the nucleus that has the potential to be a contender for years. I am not really comparing Bill Walton with Al Horford in their games. But maybe Sekou has shown us the leader who will lead this team out of the wilderness. I do not think it is coincidence that the Hawks made it to the playoffs in the first year of Bibby and Horford. Let us hope that the team will develop a great future. You never know when the team’s chemistry will change. Sometimes that change is good. Sometimes it is bad. But for now let us enjoy what we have this season.
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
2:39 pm
whoa astro joe. c’mon jason terry is not the kind of leader Horford is.
Also, I wouldn’t get too excited by Acie’s play at the end of game in New York when the game was basically over and he made a couple of scramble plays. gotta keep it in perspective. Now, I do think Woodson should have cleared his bench earlier, even in the third quarter, because the starters didn’t deserve to be out there. Not because secretly Acie is the best point guard in the NBA, but no talent evaluators can see it. Let’s get real.
Art Vandelay
March 5th, 2009
2:40 pm
Koncak, you’re on to something. I think Noah would be a great piece for this team because he spent 3 years playing alongside Horford, and he knows what has to be done to win games. He’ll never be a 20-point scorer, but he’s a strong rebounder and defender, and he never takes a play off. At this point, I’d trade Josh Smith for expiring contracts — he’s a liability, and his attitude is completely out of control. It just seems like he doesn’t give a rat’s a$$ what Woody or his teammates say to him; he’s going to keep chucking up bricks because he thinks he’s just that good, and he’ll sacrifice fundamental defense for the occasional highlight reel block. What people are just now beginning to realize is that when his man decides to drive the ball at him and be aggressive, Josh has no answer. The only time he gets blocks are when he’s trailing a fast break or coming over to help on another guy’s man. Half the time, he’s not even downcourt by the time the other offense has set up because he decided to stay back and whine to the refs about a call that he didn’t get. ENOUGH ALREADY. I’m over it. Don’t care if he’s a hometown boy, and I don’t care if he turns into a superstar somewhere else. He’s bad for this team’s chemistry and needs to be shown the door asap.
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
2:42 pm
Jon Koncack
I would consider moving J. Smith for Bosch. Yes, it would be his last year of his contract. (which be the only reason the Raptors would let him go, if they didn’t think they could resign him)
Arshon
March 5th, 2009
2:42 pm
SKS-
Make NO mistake about it! Horford IS that dude! He is the backbone of this organization and the ONLY one playing with a sense of the ‘fierce urgency of now!’ I’ll give Marvin credit too….he’s been busting his tail too and playing with some passion as well. But I don’t like JJ’s body language out there! Doesn’t look like he cares at times. I understand he’s quiet and all, but it just looks as though he just going with the flow. Certain not that type of leadership you seek in a three time All Star! Bibby is useless, especially when he’s not hitting his jump shots. He’s a nice floor general, but we need more from him. Problem is, I feel that he’s unable to give us that at this point in his career. And that’s unfortunate.
Smoove REALLY disappoints me….it’s almost like he got his $$$$ and was like ‘f–k it, I’m paid now…I can do what I wanna do.’My point is if you can’t shoot 70% from the foul line, you have NO business shooting long range jump shots…period! His game should be 15 feet and in….not the other way around. He better wake up, cause he’s becoming a cancer and he’s playing like a rookie five years into his career….no growth! And fans are growing tired of his silly on-the-antics….espcially his pouting to official! Sometimes you have to suck it up and play ball! Cause “Ball Don’t Lie!”
And as for Woody, he seem to be clueless out there. I thought that since he was given that two year deal….and put on a short leash by Sund, he would change some of his coaching philosophies to fit the athleticism this team clearly has. But, just like in Smoove’s case, I don’t see growth in his coaching abilities….five years in. He continues to coach like a rookie coach, and that’s inexcusable.
But yes, Horford has really impressed me. I didn’t what you were speaking of, but I’ve seen at Philips Arena time and time again this guys level of professionalism. He needs to step up and continue being vocal…cause no one else on this team is going to do it! Plus….this is March! And Al steps his game up another notch during this time anyway. Hopefully, it will lead us into a home-court advantage in the first round…and hopefully a deeper run into the playoffs!
Hopefully.
bali
March 5th, 2009
2:49 pm
great article sekou. Horford just seems alot older than he is. I wish others had the same mindset he displays night after night. Also, I really like the way Law played point last night. Wish he got more minutes playing
Jon Koncak's Thighs
March 5th, 2009
2:50 pm
A frontline with Marvin, Bosh and Horford would be sick, but too expensive for our Hawks, I fear. Unless we aren’t paying to keep Joe. We’ll see what the Hawks do, but you can bet they won’t be splurging in the ‘09 offseason. I feel like you can grab Hinrich at a decent price for his skills and potential contributions, have him split with Acie (if we have a coach, current one or otherwise, who can manage a rotation) and add Noah at C. Noah could give us 8pts and 10boards with Horford putting up 16-17 from PF and Marvin putting up 20 and JJ doing his thing. Doesn’t it sound great? Living in la-la land though, I fear.
Heat Check
March 5th, 2009
2:51 pm
Scramble Plays = Penetration. The NYK can’t defend “scramble plays”, so it was no mystery why Acie was succeeding in his limited time. The mystery is why Woodson never changes his gameplan or reads scouting reports. Talent evaluators can see just as much from Law as any of us (NOTHING) because he only plays for 18 seconds at a time. FIRE WOODY.
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
3:03 pm
Heat Check-
Woodson deserves to be critized, but c’mon quit acting like Acie is some kind of baller. so marvin and Al’s progression is just on them, but Acie’s lack of ability is Woodson’s fault? This is the stretch run of the season, not training camp. The kid just ain’t all that.
PD
March 5th, 2009
3:16 pm
Yo Daniel no one is saying he is the best point guard in the World. He actually wanted to drive the ball and make plays. When you are shooting 6 for 22 from 3 stop shooting and drive like Acie. Woodson is ridiculous to allow his guys to keep jacking up shots. Trying to play Knicks ball terrible.
Horford could have scored like 40 points if they kept feeding him the rock.
Wink from Lithonia
March 5th, 2009
3:26 pm
Until we could get a big man of consequence, I will go with Al as the leader of this team. Horford could play with anyone, he knows his strengths & weaknesses and plays within himself.
I think Marvin is coming on as a legit scorer…inside & out. This guy gets to the free throw line and defends his position.
I would like to see a lineup of Marvin, Al, Sol with ZaZa his backup. Start AC at the point & Bibby at shooting guard, because that is the position he is playing now.
I would bring JJ & Josh off the bench. JJ & Flip both could play point on 2nd unit. Woody would still have his same 8 man rotation. Both units would have an attacking point & a shooter. The second unit by design is suppose to come in to energize the team or maintain a lead. This unit would be able to energize or extend a lead.
What do you think??
MannyT
March 5th, 2009
3:30 pm
Astro,
Love that post, but I’d like to tweak a little. Great leaders can do thier thing with average followers, but the better followers make the band/team so much better. Remember, Magic helped Vlade Divac to be the man. I still think this team has the parts to learn from the Chuck Daly Pistons. Lots of variety, but they made it work well as a team, leveraging different players on different nights.
Sure, Al is the leader of tomorrow, but can he navigate through the politics of today?
I hope the Sund-dialing happens this summer to reshape the team. Not trying to run everyone off, but you have to factor in team chemistry when you redo the roster. That includes coaches and players.
Not knocking our top offensive players, but notice how Marvin plays when they are out. It is a personality thing that either needs to be drawn into the nucleus of the team or let him move on for some asset(s). Do JJ & Bibby want to give up all those shots? Is Josh willing to hit the boards like a more athletic Dennis Rodman?
I am not saying that they need to be similar personalities, but they do need to work together better as a team than if they want to achieve something special.
BWAF
Astro Joe
March 5th, 2009
3:47 pm
Daniel, I wasn’t trying to suggest that JT is a better leader than Horford (although I have no idea how any of us would know based on 1.5 years of Horford and JT being held in check during his tenure here), the point was that the Hawks have previously had a young guy (didn’t JT also win an NCAA title?) who wanted to lead and seemingly was all about being the right kind of leader (on and off the court) but faced internal obstacles.
Astro Joe
March 5th, 2009
3:48 pm
how do you turn off bold once you start using it?
shresee2
March 5th, 2009
3:52 pm
First, I love the new upgraded site and comments. Now to Al. Love him, his spirit and determination is obvious. I see him talking to Josh and other players all the time recently. Defense wins games. The hawks cannot out score every team but they can shut them down. I notice the Hawks have a tendenacy to play down to a team. The intensity they have playing the Celtics, or Cav’s is just not evident with teams the hawks think they can beat. The was proven last night when they got lazy on defense the game was lost. Marvin has become a killer on the inside and that left hook jumper is amazing. They are not going to make this home stand playing inconsistant, almost every team is either in the playoffs or fighting for a spot. The Hawks are so frustrating because yes they have improved but they could even be better. I hope we do not drop down to 6 or 7 and have orlando first round.
Mac
March 5th, 2009
4:03 pm
Amen, Sekou. Ask the Falcons offense if a young guy can lead. Go, Al, kick some butt.
BB1
March 5th, 2009
4:08 pm
There is potential on this team but they truly need a new coach to move it forward. With Marvin, Al and JJ they have a strong foundation, but something has to be done with “J Smoothe” to make him understand his strengths and how playing to these strengths can make the team so much better. I just don’t think Woody is the one to get it done. Is there anyone out there, like me, who is tired of watching JJ dribble around looking for his shot, with multiple defenders chasing, and the rest of the team just standing around. It’s not that I don’t want JJ to take the shot,he’s a scorer, but if the ball was moved around with some sharpness, keeping the team involved it could get back to him for his great jump shot if necessary. Watch them come down the court sometime, Marvin is so far in the corner it looks like the is trying to get of the court. Could this be coaching, I think so. The parts are in place, they could use a big to move Al to his natural spot. Heck put J Smoothe in the middle and make him work close to the basket, do something. When clicking they’re great, but I think we need a coach who can make them compete for 4 quarters and if one guy won’t listen, no matter who, put him on the pines and get someone to do the job.
Daniel
March 5th, 2009
4:16 pm
1) PD- I agree with putting in the whole bench earlier last night, but not because Acie and Solo are these hidden gems, but because the starters were playing like crap.
2) Astro- JT did win a NCAA title, not two, and he dominated the ball at the pg spot. He wanted to be a combo guard and we wanted pg. That is why he is on the bench in Dallas. Horford bends his game to the team, and he shows another gear down the stretch.
Astro Joe
March 5th, 2009
4:43 pm
Daniel, I was referring to JT’s early years with the Hawks. I wish I could find the qoute but JT specifically said that he was told to shut-up by the vets on the team. That squad that featured a very talented but under-achieving front-line. Imagine having Theo, SAR and Glenn all close to their prime and watching them do absolutely nothing as a unit. And the root cause was that they were all selfish and no one could get them to play together as a team. I’m referring to a quote in a newspaper article… back then, we didn’t have the rampant lies found in blogs.
Sekou K. Smith
March 5th, 2009
5:15 pm
Hard to compare Al to someone off the top of my head Reggie. Gimme a day or two to think about it and I’ll try and come up with someone.
Practice rms? “We talking about practice? Practice?” No, really. Nothing went on beyond the normal this time of year. They ran some sets and tried to sharpen some things up. But the real test comes tomorrow night against Charlotte. It’s win or go home time now. Well, actually it’s win or give up home (court advantage) time now.
dmortone
March 5th, 2009
5:19 pm
I was reading Hoopinion when I stumbled across this little gem The important part of the article reads:
There’s a monster white board in the Knicks locker room – it wasn’t used in quite the same way last year under Isiah’s reign – which always has Mike D’Antoni’s most important keys to the game written in big, colorful letters.
When we walked in for pre-game interviews last night, there were a couple of one-liners that caught our eyes. The first of which was a little diagram of the painted area with “No Joe” written in there. More on that in a second.
Number two was “Bibby is struggling – keep him there.” And number three was, “As funny as it sounds – don’t let Pachulia make an impact.”
The Knicks accomplished all three things and won.
Zaza played 8 mins in the entire game(and grabbed one more rebound than JNoboxout) while Bibby played 38 mins and was completely ineffective. Gee, sounds like Woody was completely and thoroughly outcoached.
doc
March 5th, 2009
5:31 pm
dmortone, i was suggesting that earlier. i wonder what he wrote up there at halftime. sad we see it over and over hen something isnt working continue to use it. when something or someone is working move away from it. nothing in this coach inspires me during a game and it seems some of his players feel the same way.
Josh Smildress
March 5th, 2009
5:47 pm
How come there cannot be a picture of you in the banner like the braves and falcons blogs?
Rod from College Park
March 5th, 2009
6:00 pm
I have figured out a solution for our team’s problems. First and foremost. FIRE WOODY. The next thing that we need to do is hire the famous sports psychologist that worked with John Smoltz early in his career to work with the following players:
Joe Johnson – He needs to get over his fear of going to the hole and avoiding contact. This stems from the eye injury he suffered early in his career, and has caused him to be a perimeter player, instead of being the superstar player that he should be. His fear of contact, and injury again is what is keeping his game from evolving.
Josh Smith – He needs the most work. All of the problems with his game are mental. Free throws, thinking he is a point guard, with no handles, boneheaded plays, immaturity, constant mood swings, and thinking he is Reggie Miller instead of a better version of Dennis Rodman. He might have a dual personality disorder.
Marvin Williams – While I am not a Marvin fan, like most of you, I will admit that if he had the mental makeup or toughness that Al or Josh had, he would probably be a 20 point per game player. He needs to stop being so passive, and believe that he can be a star in this league. He needs to demand respect from the guys on the team, and make them see him as a viable option every night. I think he is so used to being the weak link, that it is hard for him to actually get the guys to take him seriously.
Acie Law – Correction. He needs the most work. This guy was a hired assassin in college. I saw him destroy almost every point guard put in front of him in college, and he can’t hit a 10-foot wide-open jump shot in the pros. His confidence is gone, and he needs to be reprogrammed.
Mike Woodson – No comment. He is so stubborn; he probably would not go anyway. If he did go, he need to be convinced that other plays can be run in the game besides the ISO Joe play. FIRE WOODY.
doc
March 5th, 2009
6:20 pm
rod, you sleeping with clyde now?
Big Ray
March 5th, 2009
6:23 pm
Daniel,
How can you even really judge Acie Law? How many times has he been afforded the opportunity to start? How about just play 20 minutes in a game? You say he’s no baller (or you allude to that opinion), but the man hasn’t had the opportunity to do anything. Funny, in the preseason, he started nearly every game and performed wonderfully. So many people seem to forget this, or dismiss it. You can say that Law got garbage minutes against New York, and you’d be right. But he turned trash into treasure, and if not for a couple of miscues by other players (including an air-balled 3-pointer by golden boy Joe Johnson), the Hawks could have come back and won the game. He brought them within 4 oints in less than 2 minutes. Again, how can you judge the guy when he doesn’t get the PT?
Astro Joe,
Doc and I were discussing the very same things last night. Wow….
Lacsho,
Ditto! And good to see you live and kickin’.
Rod,
Pardon me while I try to figure out this bold/not bold stuff. I think a sports psychologist would be great. But X Woody out of that conversation altogether. He’s the kind of guy who would see a player on the ground, having an epileptic fit, and say “Put a stick in his mouth so he doesn’t swallow his tongue”, while denying the idea that the poor guy needs treatment/medicine. Yeah, that’s how I see it.
Bubba
March 5th, 2009
6:46 pm
A great leader doesn’t care whether or not anyone else says he’s a great leader. He simply does what he does, without ego or need for recognition. You don’t seek respect from others, only from yourself.
I’m buying my Horford jersey this weekend.
darrell starks
March 5th, 2009
7:26 pm
Nice blog Sekou. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hollywould
March 5th, 2009
7:31 pm
Horford needs to take over. I have never seen a team that like these Hawks who never get excited. Everybody has a frown except for big Al.
They act like they could care less. I don’t need to hear that so and so is a quiet leader(That’s Crap). Even a quiet leader should get excited some time especially when you are not playing well. Has anyone ever seen Joe Johnson actually execute a fast break? You know, he shows how great he can dribble while standing still but cannot do it on the move.
He might be a great teammate/scorer/ or whatever but he bogs this team down. Hell, if I was Marvin or Al I would try to score everytime I got the ball because you might not get it back. That is the Coach’s fault.
They are going nowhere with this friggin offense.
O'brien
March 5th, 2009
7:38 pm
Wasn’t it Horford who provided the Hawks with the “Ali” DVD last year in the playoffs, which got them off on the right track?
Wasn’t it Horford who put his arm around ZaZa when things got heated against Boston (or did he put it around Josh)?
And when Josh had the big block, it was Horford who ran up to him first.
As good as Horford is playing, we need to feed him early, and that will open up things for JJ.
BrittishAnger
March 5th, 2009
7:41 pm
Kudos for missing me with that newspaper…can’t blame a ninja for trying…
I saw this coming during last years playoffs, when Horford ran the Rumble in the Jungle fight right before the Hawks came back from oblivion to keep the series with Boston alive, and there is nobody on the team who actually carries himself like Horford does. While Marvin has taken those similar steps as well, Horford’s desire to rebound in the last few games (and what numbers those have been) and to be involved in defensive stops and alterations (those blocks against The Great Fool Lebronny Jameson (yes, purposeful…come get some) do indeed draw one towards the swing center as an available third leader, and while my complaints of his size tend to fall on deaf ears, he is a lynch pin we can’t do without. Let’s see what happens, perhaps a better inside-out rapport with the guards and Marvin will improve those outside numbers to the way they were at the beginning of the season.
However, I’ve been pondering exactly what is to be done regarding J-Smoove and this atrocious FT shooting we have seen as of late, and during the Cav’s game the lady who was announcing (I could care less who she was since she reminded me of an American sportscaster commentating a Mexican soccer game….pitiful and a waste of oxygen) talked about LJ squaring his shoulders: perhaps the ankle is tweaking that, or in other words, it didn’t heal right….it’s off balance and thus contributing to this off-balance parade of misses at the FT line which have cost us several games this season. Something to ponder…
Astro Joe
March 5th, 2009
7:47 pm
Rod, did you just suggest that another player should have Smith’s mental make-up or toughness?
Doc and Ray, sorry I missed out on the discussion. Great minds think like a bird…. or something like that.
Jay
March 5th, 2009
7:48 pm
The first thing I thought when I opened the blog was “I wonder what Sekou looks like?” and I was disappointed to not see your face posted up top. Come on, don’t be camera shy!
Rod from College Park
March 5th, 2009
8:10 pm
Astro Joe,
Mental makeup and toughness meaning he has to think he is good and not defer. Josh thinks he is the best player on the team, and does not back down to any other player. Not saying that he wins, but he actually thinks he can. Marvin is naturally passive, and gets intimidated by other players sometimes. That’s what I meant.
doc
March 5th, 2009
8:13 pm
the discussion aj was in e-mails back and forth. too funny, dude.
rms
March 5th, 2009
8:16 pm
I like Rod’s statement. I am curious about what we intend to do about the PG position in the offseason and possibly acquiring a Center.
Samuel
March 5th, 2009
9:45 pm
Cuz,
I was thinking that very thing last night. I believe Al and Bibby are the leaders we need going foward. One young buck and one crafty vet. Only one problem, JJ. I don’t see JJ deferring that role to Al, eventhough he(JJ) has failed miserably at it.
This offseason, how about us trading JJ for another scorer and a Big man. JJ is a good player but we can improve by getting two starters or a Starting Big and another scorer. Let’s head off that FA dramma.
Josh is really starting to worry me also. He really looks like he’s mentally gone. I hope he can finish the season on a strong note but he really doesn’t look good.
Harpie
March 5th, 2009
10:01 pm
Al is awesome, Josh is an idiot, and Woodson stinks!!!!!!
Da Real Real
March 5th, 2009
10:07 pm
Yeah Sekou I definitely agree with you on this blog. Horford plays with a fire night in, night out and we see him rallying the troops more than anybody. I don’t think he can do it by himself with the make up of this team…JJ “should” be the leader and I don’t know if he’d take Al’s leadership…Josh thinks he should be the leader but clearly nobody is going to follow his lead. We don’t even know if Bibby is healthy or sick….he’d seem like somebody to be the leader but I like Big Al’s characteristics as a leader…he has the leader quality. Next to him I’d say the number 2 guy will probably grow to be Marvin if he’s still around after this year.
dmortone
March 5th, 2009
10:22 pm
An article on our upcoming cap situation this offseason. We’re going to have to make some hard decisions and it’s unlikely we’ll be able to keep both Marvin and Bibby.
In my untrained eyes, it seems like a no-brainer. Marvin has a chance to be special, whereas Bibby will continue to play no defense, shoot the lights out some games, and be a complete liability in others. Too bad we don’t have a point guard waiting in the wings…wait, there is that guy who, if he gets lucky, plays the final few minutes of games if it’s already decided. Oh well, coaches who look at the big picture are overrated anyway.
dmortone
March 5th, 2009
10:23 pm
http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/2009/02/27/2009-cap-space-atlanta/
I messed up writing that
MannyT
March 5th, 2009
11:12 pm
dmortone
It’s more about your ownership cash position if you are only keeping your own free agents. If they want to keep Bibby & Williams, it can be done. Probably for less than the 2 make now. If you really want a new PG that is not drafted, then you may have to trade for him, unless you get him for the mid level exception (or less). Flip’s potential extension might be trickier because he has only been here 1 season, so I’m not sure that Bird rights apply.
BWAF
Birddawg
March 5th, 2009
11:24 pm
Great article Sekou, but let’s take it a step further and make a bold statement here…THIS TEAM WOULD BENEFIT FROM ADDITION BY SUBTRACTION BY GETTING RID OF MIKE WOODSON AND POSSIBLY JOE JOHNSON!!! I know everyone is thinking that I must be out of my mind, but Mike Woodson’s inability to develop young talent and bring his team together into a cohesive unit is what’s killing these guys, not a lack of talent. Joe Johnson endorses keeping Mike Woodson here and who can blame him. Because of his lack of coaching, his first four options on offense are Joe Johnson, Joe Johnson, Joe Johnson, and Joe Johnson. Come on, there are so many weapons on this team to keep opponents guessing that they should be damn near unstoppable. Joe Johnson is a more than viable first, maybe even second option, but he shouldn’t be the only one. Joe can do it all, but why should he have to when Marvin can shoot, penetrate, pass and rebound. Josh and Al should be an unstoppable duo inside because they are both ridiculously athletic and tenacious inside defenders, but rarely do plays start inside with them and work their way outside. Acie is a penetrator and shooter as well…USE HIM DAMMIT!!!
dbc n bham
March 6th, 2009
1:11 am
i’ve loved the hawks for so long. i’ve was stressed all day today about the knick lost. j smith’s play was pathetic,as usual. jj beating the ball into the floor with 3 defenders chasing made me sick too. woodson’s lame coaching style. sund appears to be seasoned, if we all see the problems,surely he does.maybe the goal is not to be a contender?
Big Ray
March 6th, 2009
2:11 am
Wow. The flood gates are opening up on JJ.
Co-sign what Samuel said….
tbhawksfan
March 6th, 2009
3:37 am
I think JJ’s problem is that he was a young slasher with one of the prettiest shots in the league and he was on one of the most talented teams. When he came to the Hawks, he gained weight, lost speed and became slow SG who can’t slash and finish. He should either try to regain some quickness and become a complete player again or move to the three.
There will be some many ways to transform the team this off-season. I think the biggest problem with the Hawks is Woodson, then Smoove, then JJ. I would be onpen to trading either Smoove or JJ, just have to make sure that we arn’t dumping and get back at least equal talent.
The Woodson solution is easy; replace him.
A core of Al, Marvin and Law (if he ever gets a chance and contributes) is the real core of a possible championship type team in a couple of years.
Imagine Roy (a slasher/shooter and real leader/core player) instead of JJ; what about Fernandez, Rodriguez, Blake and Aldridge for JJ and Bibby (ST)? Just a posssible senario, might hurt in the short-run, but I’d like to watch that team continue to develop.
Our current team has stopped developing due to: very poor coaching, a ridiculous sense of entitlement and player conflict based on undefined roles and spoiled brat ego problems. Good coaching might solve all of these problems, if not, a trade is a solution.
dap01
March 6th, 2009
7:42 am
it’s time for Sund to step up and provide leadership. The whole team is in dissaray. The coach is a not only a bad leader, he is actually harmful. The team is one of the worst balanced teams in the league. The Celtics and others add inexpensive veterans to help out slightly (Joe Smith) and we hold onto the last guys on our bench even they do not figure into’s anyones vision of our team.
The wheels are falling off, get to work Sund!
Big Ray
March 6th, 2009
9:12 am
tbhawksfan,
OH please don’t bring up Roy….painful memories…
The Truth
March 6th, 2009
9:20 am
Sekou
That was a very inspiring article on Horford; kudos for that. It got me out of the funky mood I have been in with the Hawks these days. However, I wish you would have written that piece after the season ended though. The analogy of your article is like awarding an Oscar to an actor while the actor is in the middle of making the acclaimed film. Your article could become a double-edge sword. On one hand it could have a positive effect on the team (if they are listening). On the other hand, it could induce a negative (too many variables to explain). I am tempted to echo your comments with a projected outcome. I will yield to reason and wait. We shall see.
Melvin
March 6th, 2009
9:21 am
Ray, did you sleep last nite…lol
oldmike
March 6th, 2009
9:26 am
Where’s the mug shot, Sekou?
Sautee
March 6th, 2009
9:53 am
Very nice piece Sekou. Horford has been my favorite player since his Soph year at Fla. (That says a LOT, ’cause I’m a Dawg fan).
He does SO MANY little things that don’t show up in box scores:
Like tipping a rebound to a teammate when he can’t get both hands on the ball. Happens every game, and many times more than once. And it’s a saved possession for us, that no box score would show. And the teammate gets the stat.
Like helping trap on defense without fouling. Most bigs get in foul trouble trying to trap. Not this one.
Like tipping passes in passing lanes. Often he’ll tip it out and a teammate will get credit for the steal, but it originated with Al.
The luckiest day of Billy Knight’s career was the day that the Hawks got the #3 slot and Al fell in his lap.
Rick Sund: Build this team around Al and we’ll be happy.
Darrin "The Vent King"
March 6th, 2009
10:16 am
Take it from me, as a Gator fan, you couldn’t be more correct about Big Al. He was a joy to watch back in those days and hopefully his natural leadership abilities and championship pedigree will overcome some of the lackluster coaching and attitudes on this team. When Joakim Noah and Corey brewer was getting all the press during their title runs, anybody that really watched their games knows Al was the rock of that team that allowed those other guys to flourish. He was the leader on the floor that kept Noah from getting carried away. The other guys used to call him “The Godfather” for pete’s sake, that’s how much respect they had for him. He is just a natural born leader who leaves it out on the floor day in and out. If J-Smoove could gain half the attitude Horf has, he would be unstoppable. I think no matter how this season end, things with this team needs to be shaken up a little and some cats may need to be traded cause this inconsistency is borderline nuts. Either the coach has to go or some malcontents will have to go. I wish we could clone Horford. His attitude and effort is the absolute best. One day he hopefully will be the unquestioned leader of this team. We couldn’t find a better man for the job!!
GO HAWKS!!
Bertie
March 6th, 2009
10:24 am
SS – I agree 100%. If Josh Smith and even Joe Johnson took notice and imitated Al’s attitude, consistent hard work and unselfish play this team will be able to compete with the big boys.
I.MUS.WRITE
March 6th, 2009
11:02 am
AC Law is horrible,despite coach x being a poor developer of talent.
KevinA
March 6th, 2009
11:33 am
I don’t think we have a leadership problem on the floor as much as we have an execution/style of play problem. Mile Bibby does the best that he can but his offense skills are more of an outside in style of game which rely’s on him and JJ to hit a high percentage of shots for the Hawks to be successful. Fact is, they don’t hit a high percentage of their shots. Most successful teams have a point guard that lives in the paint. JJ also defers to the jump shot to much even though he is more successful when he drives and shoots his floater.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Bibby very much and the team struggles without him. He has kept the turn over rate down and at times can shoot our way to wins. To often though he thinks shoot first early in the clock instead of running plays for front court.
Jump shots are for later in the clock if multiple drive and kick attempts have drawn good defensive pressure.
Bibby is a large part of the rise of the Hawks and I think that he is a good leader. Both in toughness and play. But I have to think that to rise to the next level of execution it will take a change at the point guard position.We need a point guard that is comfortable with penetration and passing to the young studs in a way that utilizes their talents. For 14 million a year, surely we can acquire a pg with these skills.
If leadership is encouraging, then Al is the best at it. But I think that is a little overstated. Josh is about the only player that complains to much and at the same time makes the most mental mistakes. Josh is not a me first player though. I think all the Hawks play good team ball and will fight for each other. This is where the resilience comes in to play. In his quite way Marvin shows the tough play and the willingness to play team ball and is very supportive of his fellow players. JJ isn’t as supportive as Al and Marvin but he is the best player on the team and plays unselfish for the most part. On the whole our on court leadership is in good shape in my opinion
Like Bibby we need to give coach Woodson credit for raising the play of the Hawks, but his skill set does not fit the talent of these players. Woody seems very unfair about dishing out criticism and the players seem to defer to him instead of taking on the responsibility themselves. To me this is a coaching problem. He seems set on playing 8 players and does not seem interested in developing Acie, Solo etc.
The real talent and future of this team are its athletic young players. Al, Marvin and Josh have shown the ability to attack the rim. An inside out point guard that can set up these players to attack the rim would be more successful. I just don’t think Woody is capable of utilizing the potential of the players he has or has demonstrated the ability to solve our execution/style of play problem. Wether you want to call it leadership or skill set I think we can do better.
Nate
March 6th, 2009
11:54 am
Sekou,
By far, the best article I’ve seen you write.
O'brien
March 6th, 2009
12:13 pm
So who wants to make predictions for the game tonight?
I think Diaw has a good game. If Bibby struggles trying to keep up with Felton and DJ, then Acie needs to get some PT, even if it’s only 10-15 minutes.
I think the Hawks come out inspired early, and then Larry Brown makes adjustments, and the Bobcats take over after halftime.
I hope I’m wrong, because the Hawks need this win.
Poor McKay
March 6th, 2009
1:00 pm
O’brien, I think the Hawks win tonight by 5 points.
WH
March 6th, 2009
1:49 pm
You’re right Sekou! Al has demonstrated more leadership on this team than any of his veteran teammates. He is playing great basketball and is consistent in his play. He is undersize at his position, but he knows his role better than anyone else on this team. SUPERB LEADER!!
Hawksfan
March 6th, 2009
2:49 pm
Sekou, any word on whether Josh will be playing tonight?
Astro Joe
March 6th, 2009
3:06 pm
Sekou, any word on whether Josh will be rebounding tonight?
The Flash
March 6th, 2009
3:40 pm
I’m back! Just for a visit. I can’t believe that the old arguments are alive and well. “Roy,” now that’s rich, I have to agree Rayman.
This is the issue with Josh–his body-organization for shooting a basketball, a jump shot or a foul shot is completely out of whack. He ends up depending entirely on his release for accuracy, which will not cut the cake from distance. This, I bleieve, is not a shooting coach issue. It is the job for a movement specialist, someone like me, right Doc?
Hey, let me hear a little JOY here. That’s why I visited. Whenever I see the Hawks, they look freakin good to me. But, hey, what do I know? Later, guys, that even goes for you too Astroman.
The Flash
March 6th, 2009
3:43 pm
Oh, I forgot, I think that the shooting issue has Josh completely frustrated. However, tweaking little things will not help, as I’m sure he’s figured out, nor will someone telling him, for example, “Put your left foot a little farther . . . .” But, I think that Josh is understandably perplexed and frustrated, and that that could turn around if he made progress with his shooting. I don’t work cheap.
Astro Joe
March 6th, 2009
3:59 pm
Flash, what’s going on with the trial? You come back without mentioning the sissy-fight in Maryland. WTF?
The Flash
March 6th, 2009
5:16 pm
Don’t know a thing. Just said hello, wished my boy good luck, and didn’t stick my head under the tent. Can’t believe that this is still going on, which, for you guys, would be the freakin understatement of the decade.
MW is really playing some ball, the few times I got to see him; JJ actually seemed to slow it down less, although still more than one would probably like, but overall, the team looks night and day from where its been. See some swagger that they can back up. Smile, you guys, the rest of the freakin world is falling apart.
This is for real: in the off season, Smooth should teach himself, perhaps with some light coaching, to shoot righty. He has no bad habbits to overcome> I suspect that his shooting problems come from what he does with his torso and pelvis; whereever the dysfunction, he will not be able to shoot even little shots with backspin and make swishes righty if he does that s#%^. Once he knows what it feels like not to do the things that get in his way of shooting, he’s got a shot at doing things better lefty. There, that was a freebee. I suppose that’s why my boy Belkin don’t confide in me–I’m always giving stuff away for free. Later.
RLP
March 6th, 2009
5:39 pm
I think KevinA had a very insightful analysis of the Hawks. Too many blogger’s seem to think we can make trades and the other teams will simply give up great players because we are in need of help. The same thing is true with the criticisms that come after a tough lost on the road to a team such as the Knicks. It is almost as if some bloggers think other teams will lay down for us because our team has a better record. Those guys are professionals. Normally the better team will win against a lesser opponent. But not always. Too many on this blog expect perfection from young players every game out. That is just not the way things work. Others have complained about how Woody treats some players such as Acie but have no trouble making similar type comments about anyone and everyone on the team. Please remember this team does have a winning record. I agree that a new pg will be needed as Bibby’s skills decline. I agree that a true center is needed. I agree that Josh Smith is in a slump. JJ has not demonstrated the skills he has shown earlier.But we still have a winning record for the first time in nine years. There have been times this year when bloggers could not contain their enthusiasm for Josh or Bibby or Marvin or JJ and now Horford. Heck there have been times when Flip Murray had great games that bloggers raved about. Enjoy this season. If the team can maintain fourth place or even wind up 5th they have a shot at getting to the second round. What a great accomplishment that would be! Especially if they were able to really be competitive in that second round. But even if they are bounced in the first round they will have advanced over last year. Then we can say wait to next year with some optimism that the trajectory is still on the right slant. During the summer work hope that some of the problems that have been revealed during this season will be corrected. And if not then maybe a new coach will be waiting in the wings since this one’s contract will have expires. And that will give many here a new reason for hope two years from now.
RLP
March 6th, 2009
5:43 pm
And one more thing – If the Hawks fall to sixth then they play Orlando. The Magic lost Nelson. Are they vulnerable to an upset?
Ramon
March 6th, 2009
5:52 pm
For what it is worth, Josh did hit one of his two attempts from beyond the arc. And many of you say you trust Bibby’s judgment. Well, I’m curious to know why during the ESPN interview, the first comment Bibby made about Smooth was that he can hit the 3. Why would a smart, well-coached (B.W. – Before Woody) point guard make a comment like that, if he didn’t think he could. For the the most part Smoove’s 3pt attempts are down, and not killing the team. Smoove takes fewer bad threes than Bibby, JJ, Evans, and Flip. Yet he is criticized the most by bloggers.
Part of Smoove’s frustration comes from JJ and Flip (the primary ball handlers lately) never finding him (with exception to JJ finding him periodically when 3 seconds are on the shot clock) when he’s actually open. The front court are often times put in a position where they have to create for themselves, because the back court never creates for anyone but themselves, except for Bibby. Flip and JJ only sees the need to feed the post when they’re in need of a ‘bailout’. Marvin, Al, or Smoove can score 3 possessions in a row, yet, JJ and Flip will still come down and play one on one for his own shot.
By the way, on many plays when the Hawks are in Iso Joe on the left wing (like they run 30-40% of the game), there’s no other place for Smoove to be but on the perimeter. Horford is taking up the right block, with Bibby at the top of the perimeter, Marvin in the right corner, and Smoove is often times on the right elbow. So after JJ dribbles for 12 seconds, and passes out to Bibby, Bibby is no longer open because the defense recognized that as JJ’s only possible play. That leaves Smoove with the ball in his hand and 2 seconds on the shot clock, many times. Many times in those occasions when he has time, Smoove still swings it to Marvin in the corner. The only person who doesn’t miss more jumpers than Smoove is Marvin. And to make many of your arguments even further unjustified is the fact that Smoove is 2nd of the starters in FG% (and from 3pt land he’s only a few points behind Lamar Odom, Andre Igoudala, and many other players who don’t have to deal with the ‘fans’ the Hawks have). Michael Jordan shot under 30% from 3pt territory in NINE of the seasons he played.
I agree, he should rebound better (although he is averaging 7 boards a game), but how good does his coach do of putting him in a position to rebound, especially when he’s the only player who truly plays transition defense. But his 7 rebounds per game, is only one shy of Brad Miller’s average, and 2 shy of Kaman’s average when he’s been healthy. Yet many of you would trade Smooth for them in a second. Yet everyone fail to acknowledge the fact that Kaman and Miller combined have only played in 78 or more games ONCE.
Many of you place Smooth under the microscope, because we all know he should be the best player on the team. The Hawks have a harder time winning when he’s having a bad game, than when JJ is having a bad game. But I assure you most teams in this league would love to have him. Many say he’s crazy or stupid. But he’s under 25, a multi-millionaire, gets paid to play with a rubber/leather sphere object for only 82 days a year, and then leave thousands of grown men and women conversing about what he did 2 minutes after he did it. No matter what order I say that in, or no matter how I add that up, it doesn’t equal stupidity in my equation.
doc
March 6th, 2009
6:40 pm
flash you need to take a look at the kids body mechanics. he is still messed up from his ankle injury. he just cant do what he did before the injury due to instability and imbalances. he is a mortal right now and whatever he does is taking three times the amount of energy than it used to. yup mentioned a while back you could fix the boy. id prefer that than his starting anew on the right.
yeah ramon and most of the time out of position to try and rebound. that alignment is why the team has become such an inferior team on offensive rebounds or rebounds in general.
Sekou Smith
March 6th, 2009
7:32 pm
New game blog up folks. Come on over and let’s start fresh for this Bobcats ga… dang, the Hawks are down 36-21 after the first quarter already. Well, come on over any way so we can chop it up anew. America’s favorite train-wreck appears to be back off the track again.
hawk'shawk
March 6th, 2009
7:33 pm
Who to blame so far for this game?
Blast
March 6th, 2009
7:43 pm
Bobcatts can’t miss a shot. Hawks are in trouble tonite.
hawk'shawk
March 6th, 2009
7:54 pm
Mike Woodson you do the samethang every game, we cant keep switching every pick cause everybody know we going to do it. but guess u really dont care. he sucks
hawk'shawk
March 6th, 2009
8:06 pm
decent way to close out the half hawks, woodson still sucks. the starters played alot of mins in the first half and bibby was the only one who shot free throws. hopefully we get alil deeper rotation and start out the second half alot better and play better defense. all the switching looks like its confusing everyone. another reason why we get out rebounded. too much switching instead of making bibby or flip work around or through the picks. go hawks screw woody
Rollins Tree
March 6th, 2009
8:36 pm
For those of you who want to pretend things are ok in Hawks land have to admit tonight that there is no reason we are down to this team.
NEW COACH NEXT YEAR THAT CAN GET THIS TEAM TO WIN ON THE ROAD!!!!!!!!!!
hawk'shawk
March 6th, 2009
8:45 pm
why josh aint playing?
hawk'shawk
March 6th, 2009
8:59 pm
Sekou
what happen to Josh? did him and woody finally get into it. i know woody didnt fuss over that last shot off the half
E. G.
March 7th, 2009
9:28 am
**The Hawks have no true coach. They will slip below Miami and Detroit before the season is over, and they will be ousted from the playoffs in the first round.**
This time they won’t take Orlando, Cleveland or Boston to 7 games.