March Madness (NBA style)!
Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat are stalking the Hawks for the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference playoff chase.
HAWKSVILLE - If you think the college kids are doing it big these days (and they are), check out Dwyane Wade in March.
The Heat superstar has all but ruined the good vibrations from the Hawks’ four-game win-streak, one that can reach five with a win today (provided they can beat back Portland at Philips Arena).
Wade’s not only been the best player in the NBA the past few weeks, he’s been the best player on the planet (sorry LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, but D. Wade’s my pick for MVP and I don’t care what his team’s record is right now).
“I don’t want any part of D. Wade in the playoffs, man,” one of our founding members wrote in an email yesterday. “He’s playing right now the same way he did during the playoffs in 2006. And you know what happened then.”
The Heat won the title that year riding Wade’s cape tails past Dallas in the NBA Finals.
While playing at an otherworldly level in March doesn’t exactly mean your team will get out of the first round of the playoffs in March, Wade’s current tear does pose a clear and present danger to the Hawks.
With the way both the Hawks and Wade (I mean Heat) are playing right now they are setting up a first round matchup in the playoffs. That means the home court advantage fight is going to come down to the final weeks of this season. And the team that gets it almost guarantees itself a win in the series.
That’s why every game the Hawks and Heat play between now and the end of the regular season, including their April 14 tilt at Philips Arena, becomes a battle of epic proportions.
The Hawks already know how important it is to “take care of home” court at all times. They knocked off the eventual NBA champions three times on their home floor during the playoffs last year but couldn’t find a way to even stay close in Boston.
You should expect more of the same in the playoffs this year, with the home teams ruling the roost. The Hawks would best served to be one of those teams. And that means taking care of teams like the Pacers the way they did Friday. Because most of the teams the Hawks will see between now and April 15 are of a much higher caliber.
Slip up against the likes of Sacramento, Minnesota or Indiana – all visitors to Philips between now and the end of the season along with heavyweights like the Celtics, Lakers, Spurs, Mavericks (okay, light heavyweights) and Magic and – and Wade will be kicking the Hawks’ door down for that fourth spot.
Every single Hawks game between now and the end of the season is its own one-and-done tournament.
Did someone say something about March (and a little bit of April) Madness?
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276 comments Add your comment
Sam from da Swats
March 15th, 2009
10:28 pm
We beat Orlando without Marvin, we are 5-0 without Marvin, and 12-1 without Marvin in the starting lineup. YOUR NUMBER 2 PICK SHOULD NEVER BE CONSIDERED NOT TO BE A STARTER ON YOUR TEAM.
Reggie
March 15th, 2009
10:38 pm
Sam:
You must be a guy that only looks at the box score. Wait never mind just the stats for the year. Have you not seen Marvin lately? Did you not see him put up 30 twice and high 20s the other night in the same week. I believe those were the stats but I watch things not just look at stats. Marvin has gotten his confidence down and was getting extremely hot. How is Marvin not considered a starter when he starts every game for us when he is healthy. That made no sense at all. How are we 5-0 without Marvin but 12-1 without him in the starting lineup. Once again that makes no sense. We are 12-1 with Mo in the starting lineup! Not 12-1 with Marvin not in the starting lineup. Mo also started when Smith was out. I wasn’t hating on Josh he is playing well right now. I was upset with his play before the feud but have never questioned his potential or talent. He was a steal at 17. Why are you making such a big deal about marvin being a number 2 pick. You should be complaining more about drafting Big Shelden in the top 5.
Mike is back
March 15th, 2009
10:38 pm
Great stuff guys, haven’t been able watch many games lately, but I know I always come to the blog and get THA HOOK UP ON THE HAWKS. Can’t wait for ESPN FOLK!!
DITTO ON THE BLOG. KEEP DOING YO THANG HAWKSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Sam from da Swats
March 15th, 2009
10:39 pm
Darrell Starks, we were .500 when we lost Horford, Joe, and Josh. We’re undefeated with Marvin totally out. WE HAVEN’T LOST A GAME, and I can see if we’re playing bad teams. WE BEAT ORLANDO, UTAH, PORTLAND, AND HORNETS WITHOUT MARVIN. I hope you’re right. I hope when Marvin comes back, we don’t get the same old Woody. Bring that guy off the bench.
JerryWest
March 15th, 2009
10:39 pm
Sam – you not only make up things, you also try to change what you said before. This is internet. There is record of what you said. Your logic is also sophomoric. You are repeating what has already been debunked. Perhaps I should scroll down when I see your childish posts.
Sam from da Swats
March 15th, 2009
10:48 pm
Reggie, let me go slow with you. Read very carefully. We are 12-1 without Marvin in the starting lineup or out period. This means he was coming off the bench in some of those games. We are undefeated when that guy hasn’t played at all. That’s Orlando, Utah, Portland, New Orleans, and Portland. I watch all the games, and not only have I watched all the Hawks games, I have the NBA package and watch a lot of the other teams as well. Marvin put up 30 twice, I’m happy for him. A number 2 pick should have about 10 of those this year by now. I’m upset at that number 2 pick because I see guys drafted after him that are All-Stars. He hasn’t lived up to his potential. 14.0 points per game is an average NBA player. You have to admit, there are many small forwards that are better. Mo Evans is shooting 40% from the 3 point line, Marvin 35%, just saying.
Sam from da Swats
March 15th, 2009
10:52 pm
Jerry, You can scroll wherever, facts are facts. 12-1 without Marvin starting or in the game period. It may not mean anything to you. Hypothetically, if that record was 5-7, you guys would be on here saying how much we need Marvin and we miss him. We don’t miss him, we don’t need him.
Sam from da Swats
March 15th, 2009
10:53 pm
Sorry Reggie, the other team was Indiana we beat without Marvin.
darrell starks
March 15th, 2009
10:54 pm
SAM WHAT ARE YOU SAYING ABOUT MARVIN ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT THIS TEAM IS BAD WITH HIM. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sam from da Swats
March 15th, 2009
10:57 pm
I will say this, I like that there is finally some healthy conversations about my Hawks after years of nothing to cheer about other than last year. I’ve been a Hawks fan since John Drew, Tom McMillan, Armond Hill, and Steve Hawes, just to name a few. If you don’t know who that is, then I will just blame it on age. So don’t come at me like I’m some new Hawks fan. I know basketball, and I just know the one weak link on our team.
darrell starks
March 15th, 2009
10:58 pm
SAM FROM SWATS WHAT ARE YOU DRINKING I WOULD LUV TO HAVE SOME POUR ME SOME OF THAT HENDOG BRO. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Truth
March 15th, 2009
11:04 pm
I think the Mo Evans factor in the Hawks win streak is nothing more than a coincidence. Mo seems to always be in the right at the right time. For instance, during this recent win-streak, JJ is very motivated shooting lights-out and playing aggressive to make-up the scoring deficient with Marvin being out. JJ just happened to come out of his shooting slump during the starting-Mo-era. I notice he’s not just a jump shooter anymore as before. It seems; he’s doing most of offensive damage in the paint with a new game of floaters, runners and lay-ups instead of the tuff fall-away jump shots as his primary weapon. To be honest, Joe has re-invented himself offensively and it came with Mo in the starting line-up. Also, the Hawks in general has adopted an all-hand-on-deck approach with each player stepping-up the defensive game to make-up for the loss of Marvin. I’ll give this credit to both the players and Woody for the outstanding defensive performance. Simply stated, the numbers don’t add-up. Marvin’s stat numbers far exceed Mo Evans on both sides of the ball. Having said all of this, I will also say, however, if the players and coaching staff believe Mo Evans is better as a starter by being very superstitious, they could continue this lineup against conventional wisdom.
Eric
March 15th, 2009
11:05 pm
SAM, NOT TO DUMP ON YOU, BUT WHEN JOE JOHNSON WAS OUT MARVIN HAD 29/7 AND 23/10 AND THE HAWKS WON BOTH GAMES. DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE BETTER WITHOUT JOE???
KevinA
March 15th, 2009
11:12 pm
The better play of ZaZa, Al, Josh, JJ and Flip have more to do with our late success rather than the loss of Marvin. The entire team is playing with more energy at home. Bibby is the only starter I would trade and that is because of his 14 million dollar contract and defense skills. Don’t get me wrong, I am a Bibby fan. If he would resign for 10 million I would say, do it. We need the money to help pay off ZaZa, Flip and Marvin. Would love to see Childress come back. Nice exchange for Evans who I like but is not the player Chills is.
I am not convinced that Solo can’t be the guy were looking for down low. He just needs to eat more during the off season and keep working. Keeping evey one paid over the next 4 years should be our main concern. We need Bibby and JJ to take a little less so the others can fit in. I hope it happens. Remember we are still young and have a lot of upside potential. Why trade it away.
Reggie
March 15th, 2009
11:13 pm
The Truth:
I co sign that those are the points that Sam can’t seem to get in his head.
Sam from da Swats
March 15th, 2009
11:16 pm
Yeah Eric and we played the Bobcats, and lost the next game after that against the Clippers.
Sam from da Swats
March 15th, 2009
11:18 pm
Actually Eric, when Joe was out we played Minnesota and Charlotte without Gerald Wallace when Marvin had those two big games.
Reggie
March 15th, 2009
11:19 pm
Kevin:
I wouldn’t be surprised if Bibby does go for about 10 million this year. He knows he is not as quick and knows he just isn’t quite the player he was and I think he like Atlanta. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him back in Atlanta next year getting about 10 million for 3 years or so.
Sam from da Swats
March 15th, 2009
11:24 pm
Now Eric, if you want to tell me about how good somebody is against the Timberwolves and the Bobcats without arguably their best player, then good night. No need to waste my time on here.
doc
March 15th, 2009
11:27 pm
you know since josh chewed woody’s arsh out at half time in charlotte woody has been a very good coach. way to go josh it took several head butts but maybe just maybe woody has finally gotten it. what do you say to that astro. heh heh maybe ken and clyde will agree if no one else. double heh heh
thought it was a real interesting interaction between acie and woody the other night. he called acie ver and acie put his hand on woody’s shoulder then as he returned to the court he tapped woody reassuringly on the butt. never would have seen that two weeks ago.
josh really shook this team up. good stuff josh, you even got jj out of his doldrums. never have i seen such a smart player to take it on himself to shake things up like that. he is a psychological wizard.
sam swats the team is 8 and 0 with marvin not playing for what it is worth and as someone said 2 and 0 with jj out. does that mean they can do without jj as well as do without marvin?
JOSH = MVP!
Eric
March 15th, 2009
11:30 pm
BOTTOM LINE IS WE HAVE A GOOD YOUNG TEAM THAT WE ALL SHOULD PUT SOLID SUPPORT BEHIND. THE HAWKS ARE BETTER WHEN THEY HAVE ALL THEIR PLAYERS, SO LET’S END THIS. EVERYBODY GO TO BED!!!
JerryWest
March 15th, 2009
11:48 pm
Doc – that was ROFLMAO.
Ryder
March 15th, 2009
11:51 pm
I see Philly beat Miami earlier today and are now just two games behind the Heat for 5th place in the East. I hope Miami holds on to the 5th spot so they can play Atlanta in the first round. Since the media will be so quick to worship Wade (as will the refs) it will give Atlanta more national exposure (as well as give Joe Johnson more respect) once they beat the Heat.
I think with Marvin being hurt the team is playing with a bit of more urgency. Of course being at home helps, so hopefully they will take care of business against Sacramento on Tuesday and Dallas on Thursday.
Samuel
March 16th, 2009
12:28 am
Just got in. I missed all the fun. I’ll have to watch it later. Looks like the “haters” did too.
Mighty quiet around here after a big win like that.
Two COY candidates in one week.
Woody=Coy
niremetal
March 16th, 2009
12:29 am
Funny. “Rod from College Park” seems to have left. But some guy we’d never seen before named “Sam from da Swats” showed up using similar writing style and syntax and making the same points.
Hmmmmmmm…
Ken Strickland
March 16th, 2009
1:01 am
BIG UMP-I DON’T HATE WOODSON. It seems you read what you wanted me to say about Woodson, not what I said about him. If you had read WHAT I ACTUALLY SAID in my last few posts, you’d know I’ve given HC Mike Woodson credit for the Hawks’ sudden resurgence based on his recent decision making and strategy. This isn’t the first time he’s relaxed his imposed restrictions, reached beyond his 8 man rotation and allowed the team to run and excel. This isn’t the first time we’ve gotten these ssme results after he’s made that change. However, in the past, after we lose a gm or two following a winning stretch, he’s always reverted back to his slow down, ISO, one on one style, which feature JJ and Bibby and we become inconsistent and boring.
My concern is will he do as he’s done in the past in these situations, or will he finally realize, after over 4yrs, this team functinos best playing the style of uptempo ball it’s best suited for, not the slow down, one dimensional ball he’s best suited to coach.
doc
March 16th, 2009
6:32 am
samuel, glad to see you back safely. since you were out and probably missed this from the last post, and you made such a point to ridicule what was said i will bring it forward from the last post:
your quote samuel:
doc, “You got to be kidding me about Outlaw. You oviously don’t really know how the game is played with that comment. There are plenty of players in the league with these “learning disabilities”. Hell, half the students in the public school system are diagnosed by you guys with some kind of disability.
Has nothing to do with him on the court, trust me. You can have your scholarly “heady” guys and i’ll take the SPED players and beat you by 50.”
no samuel, i wasnt kidding, here is the article describing how heady guys saved the kid outlaw and how the portland organization from the gm to the head coach and assistants have done something pretty special in their commitment to their young players. just no dog houses there. they have committed themselves to teaching the young guys to succeed. i applaud it. truly hope you take the time to read it. here it is and again, no, i am not kidding:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-outlaw121807&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
it has everything to do with how outlaw is on the court doesnt it? i really hope you took time to read it as you may stop your constant anti-intellectual theme for lack of a better way to say it and realize there are some folks out there where it is more about who you help to succeed rather than the other way around. i dont expect it because your beliefs are pretty ingrained.
also not too sure what you meant by the “you guys” comment. if i read it right you seem to be implying or inferring something about me that is truly sad. i think most that really know me would say you are so far off base it is shows where your heart, uh no, mind, really is on just about every argument. do you really generalize that much on “us guys”? sad, truly sad.
with that said samuel, i was pulling for woody and our guys yesterday, yelling loud. i assure you i am not one to say he needs to be fired, only held accountable to up his game and follow through on what he admits are his faults, just as the players are held accountable to continue to progress. i imagine the basg and my boy rick see it very similar. change for the sake of change is disastrous usually unless there is a sure bet.
glad josh got wooody’s attention. he might truly turn into a special coach and vice versa.
JOSH = MVP!
ILL-logical
March 16th, 2009
8:44 am
Is it me or did anyone else raise an eyebrow after reading Woodson’s quotes in Terrence Moore’s column about how the fans are expecting too much from this team?
I know what I expect is that the team be well coached: use of the talent to construct a system rather than forcing a system on the talent; effective in- game adjustments; and, strategic decisions based upon factual circumstances and not personal feelings. Hey, maybe it is my fault to expect that?
Re: Marvin. The short answer is that when he is out there is more ball movement and better team defense.( When joe is out there is even better ball movement ). His improvement has been an asset to the team and he does have a good future in the NBA. With the Hawks, that future could be at the 2 when joe departs. The trend around the league is big,physical 2’s like Durant,Kobe and Joe.His skills ,ie shooting and ball handling, are comparable to some of those guys; all he needs is some confidence.
The core talent on the Hawks is very good but it is still not being used effectively IMHO. I quess I am just expecting too much. My bad.
Daniel
March 16th, 2009
9:00 am
Ill-
I have to say that I agree with you about Woody’s comments. Although, not in every point. In truth, if you would have told me at the begining of the season that we would be where we are right now, I would have said great. However, watching this team play so well many times, and downright LOUSY at other points, it is very hard for us as fans to gauge where this team really should be. Honestly, on paper and when playing well I see this team as better than Orlando, but are we really?
In Woodson’s defense, his stated goal at the begining of the season was 50 wins which is a very high goal. I really do hope that Marvin can be back and contribute this season, and I agree with you that I hope that Woody does not shorten his rotation too much. West gives so much that is not recorded in stats in the game. By running the other team ragged when the other team starters are already thinking about the break; takes its toll. Keep using him 5-10 minutes a game. Acie should be getting 15-20 min. And solo really depends on matchups. Also, I don’t care how big we are up, I don’t ever need to see Randolph Morris in the game again.
MannyT
March 16th, 2009
9:28 am
doc, nice point about Woody’s improvement since he & Josh went all soap opera spirited in Charlotte.
Just to show my objectivity and note Samuel’s concern about recognition for Woody. I think he has done a good job since Marvin went down. He has added some wrinkles and taken the krazy glue off the bench seats. That probably get’s him coach of the week, just don’t tell Truett, Dan, & Bubba Cathy, yup…
Woody = COW
Ken Strickland
March 16th, 2009
9:37 am
ILL-LOGICAL-WHAT YOU SAID. Already, there have been comments suggesting our winning streak in the result of Marvins loss. Just how rediculous can some of our fans be. With or without Marvin, after that blowup between Smoove and Woodson, this was going to happen regardless. None of us knows what the exchange between the two was, but it seems obvious that what each individual said to or about the other had a positive affect on both. Josh is playing inspired ball, and Woodson has expanded his range as a HC, at least for now. As a result, we are all benefiting.
I seriously doubt if any of the regulars on these blogs that’s been critical of Woodson’s approach, attitude and control issues, wants him to fail. I know I don’t. All I’ve wanted from him is a lot more of what we’re getting from him now, along with the results. The thing that frustrates and puzzles me to no end about him is why has he been unable or unwilling to see or accept what has been so obvious to most everyone else?
If his coaching philosophy or technique were analyzed scientificically, the results would be obvious and already included in some scientific journal. When the Hawks play an uptempo style of ball and Woodson consistently goes deeper into his bench, the result has been predictable. We get more easy baskets, have better ball movement, have more assists, play better DEF, become way more consistent, successfully overcome the loss of key players, have no sideline or lockerroom issues, and win far more consistently. WOULDN’T THIS BE PREFERABLE TO THE RESULTS WE’VE GOTTEN OVER THE LAST 4+ YRS WHEN WE’VE GONE AWAY FROM THIS FORMULA, WHICH, UNFORTUNATELY, HAS BEEN FAR TOO OFTEN?
TO HC MIKE WOODSON. KEEP UP THE RECENT GOOD WORK, AND DON’T TIGHTEN UP THE LEASH AND REVERT BACK TO WHAT HASN’T WORKED VERY WELL FOR US IN THE PAST AS SOON AS WE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD.
Mike is back
March 16th, 2009
9:38 am
ILL, C’MON MAN, we’re talking about Terrance
Cleo Moore, the Self Absorbed Prince, who seems to always come with dubious
comments that either alienate that fans or players, or coaches.
Between, him, Bradley, and Shultz you always count
on one of those JAsses to come up with something controversial, that’s
the only way they can feel relevant.
Astro Joe
March 16th, 2009
10:00 am
doc, funny. There was clearly more going on in that Charlotte intervention than Smith vs. Woody. The whole team has stepped up, including Joe. At the same time, we’re playing at home and that may be the biggest factor in all of this. including our record without Marvin. We’re a very good home team and have been able to win at home without Marvin, Horford and Smith (at various points in the season). We’ve been fortunate that these most recent set of games have not been against an elite SF (Granger missed the Indy game). No doubt that Joe can outplay most comparably sized wing players and with Bibby & Flip in the line-up, those 3 present quite the challenge.
For all of this “Woody is using his bench” talk, Joe still played 40+ minutes in each of the last 5 games (including blowouts against Indy and Portland). I guess everyone is excited about these cameo appearances by Acie and Mario. But those guys seem to be filling the Marvin void… the other 7 are still getting the same PT as normal. But hey, whatever makes you guys feel better about our coach. Since winning 10 more games and improving 4 playoff spots won’t do it, maybe playing Mario and Acie for 8-12 minutes a game will get r done.
Rod from College Park
March 16th, 2009
10:21 am
Niremetal,
Remember to please page down when you se my comments. It will save you a lot of agony. Maybe Sam from the Swats is a true south side Atlantan, who actually played the game of basketball, and can determine if a player is above average or not. Maybe he has looks at the games the same way I have and can see that we have been playing better ball without your superstar “Marvin Williams”. Believe it or not, it’s true. Maybe you live in Decatur, Lithonia or Flowery Branch. That would explain everything.
Reggie – You said this
“Rod:
Marvin is the best man on man defender we have. He has gotten put on Melo, LBJ, Pierce, VC, and Granger this year and has shut them down a lot. Do you remember the game against Cleveland when we shut him down the whole game and the only time LBJ went off was when Marvin was sitting. He also killed Melo when we played Denver. Marvin can really play hard perimeter defense and is the best at it on our team.”
I say that is not a true statement:
Players you named that Marvin shut down this year against the Hawks:
Vince Carter – 26, 29, 18, 18 avg = 22 ppg
Granger – 34, 25 = 29.5 ppg
Lebron – 24, 33, 26 = 27.6 ppg
Carmelo – 16, 23 = 19.5 ppg
Pierce – 34, 18 = 26 ppg
Durant – 28 extra one = 28ppg
Your statemnt is false!!! If you can’t believe the stats, then what can you believe. Ask Sautee. I’m sure he can check the math for you.
KevinA
March 16th, 2009
10:48 am
I think most of like increased use of the bench. We can only hope this continues when Marvin returns. The team seems to be getting better at situational awareness. Flip was 1-6 and was smart enough quit shooting. This has been a problem in the past. JJ and Bibby would have a higher shooting percentage if they would pass more when they are having off nights.
The improved play of multiple players means the Hawks don’t have to rely on the back court. Fan-em and feed-em should be the new motto. Our front court has proved the ability to take over parts of games. ZaZa is proving his worth while Al has taken his game to another level. If every one on the Hawks team gives Josh a hug and gives him 13 shot attempts he can go double double every night.
I believe we have a ways to go in exploiting this area but the signs are encouraging. JJ and Bibby need to feed and fan these studs.
One area Woody could do better at is playing Acie against quicker guards. When Bibby is hot he can offset great PG’s but we need Acie’s defense when Bibby is not shooting so well. There is still time to work with Acie on his consistency before the play offs. Were going to need him confident and happy.
Speaking of happy, the chemistry of the Hawks is evident. The psychological wizard that is Josh has cleared the air and more team ball is the result. All of us are human and need encouragement and support. Woody is the hard boss that rarely likes to dish it out. Lets hope he’ll chill a little and feed the good vibes. I think giving bench players even 3-4 minutes in important games gives them the feeling their needed and important to the teams success. When Marvin comes back we can only hope the bench is not forgotten.
Luke Cage
March 16th, 2009
11:57 am
I listen to you guys and people are saying that you can’t resign everybody, which is correct, but I see teams like the Spurs (Ginobali, Parker, Duncan), Lakers (Bryant, Gasol, Odom, Bynum), Celtics (Garnett, Pierce, Allen) Suns (Shaq, Stoudamire, Nash) & even the Magic (Lewis, Howard, Nelson) with big big contracts, and some of their second tier players have nice contracts also, so what I’m sayin why not the Hawks also, the team is young and is on the cusp of being a elite contender for years to come, so why not ante up and pay the guys, now if they want max deals then I say no way other than for JJ & AL
doc
March 16th, 2009
12:21 pm
aj i had a feeling it might at least get a chuckle out of you. what i have seen is that jj is playing more of the three as we have often seen three “guards” on the floor during the time marvin is out. said it earlier and have seen a few others make the same observation, joe looks to be a formidable force when he plays the three spot maybe more so than the two spot as there are still some quick guys and shooters around to give him support from the perimeter. i have also seen him use the baseline ala chills a couple of times with marvin out which is a new move for him away from the floater or iso joe of the past.
fudd21
March 16th, 2009
12:23 pm
Sam from CP Your quotes are not facts. We are 12-1 when Mo starts. Marvin has not missed 13 games and has started every game he has played in never coming off the bench.
I think some of you put too much weight on where a player was drafted. It’s not Marvin’s fault he was drafted 2nd, just like it’s not Shelden’s fault he was drafted 5th. Adam Morrsion was drafted 3rd, does that guy even touch the floor. Darko was drafted 2nd ahead of Melo, Boss and D Wade and last I checked his numbers have always sucked. Blame the GM not the payers fault.
Daniel
March 16th, 2009
12:23 pm
Luke- first of all, how is your unbreakable skin?
secondly, I agree with your point entirely, but until the court decision is final, we won’t be able to make any big moves. Obviously, Joe is a max guy. Horford probably is but if you were able to renegoiate early, then you might get a Smith like deal. The two big issues are Marvin and Bibby. Those two contracts or lack thereof will define Sund and this ownership group for years. Hopefully, they will get it right.
Rod from College Park
March 16th, 2009
12:38 pm
Doc,
Great observation. There is actually hope for this blog. Someone who actually understands the game. Joe has been much more effective at the 3. Maybe everyone else still thinks that we should get rid of Josh and let Marvin play the 4 since he can do everything else. (LOL)
Gumby Williams
March 16th, 2009
12:48 pm
After Tuesdays game with Sacto (worst team in the league and assuming that is a Hawks win) the Hawks will face perhaps the toughest stretch of five games that Ive ever seen in their history. #1 – Dallas Mavericks (tough team, but a winnable game for the Hawks); #2 – San Antonio Spurs (streaking at the right time; have won four championships in the last 7-10 years; impressive!); #3 – Cleveland Cavaliers (LaBron and Co. have been UNBEATABLE AT HOME). The Cavs are either undefeated at home or might have one home loss this year (almost impossible to do that); #4 – Boston Celtics (currently the defending NBA champions); and #5 – Los Angeles Lakers (Kobe & Co. have been fabulous in the western conference and hold the top record in the NBA). This is the most brutal schedule Ive ever seen a team face over a five-game stretch, but I tell you if the Hawks continue to stay hot as they have been the last three weeks, I believe the Hawks might blow through that schedule and win all five games (5-0) with very tough opponents. Luckily for the Hawks, they are playing fabulous basketball at just the right time to take on such a difficult schedule. Go Hawks!
Daniel
March 16th, 2009
12:50 pm
Wow Gumby..
1st- I hope you are right
2cd- will I get a contact high if I stand near you?
hawkfromhinesville
March 16th, 2009
1:06 pm
the south georgia brigade is up again for our hawks…this team could go far[ask the celtics] and they are improving each year…HAWKMANIA IN THE SWAMP!!
yessir
March 16th, 2009
1:14 pm
All the Marv haters are hysterical. Rod/Sam from CP/da Swats, I love the effort. No, seriously!! It takes a lot of creativity to try an argue that the Hawks are a better team without Marv. Gee, I guess snice the Hawks cleaned up without JJ and won their first two games witout Josh (ON THE ROAD) that we’re better without them too, huh?? I know!! Let’s trade all our starters and go with Flip, Acie, Mo, Solo, and Zaza!! WE’LL BE UNSTOPABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
doc
March 16th, 2009
1:40 pm
thanks rod!
JOSH=MVP!
Sam from the Swats
March 16th, 2009
1:43 pm
yessir, what happened the two games that Woody didn’t play Josh at all in the second half? We lost. Don’t get me wrong, Marvin is an average player. All this talk about him being this defensive stopper and unbelievable scorer is mind boggling. He’s slew footed, he can’t create his own shot, he gets his shot swatted at least twice a game, he’s our weak link. The main reason I’m against this argument is after the draft, everybody was saying how good Marvin will be. Josh Smith was just an extra piece. Now, Josh Smith is more of a piece than Marvin. Take away the 3 point and FT percentage, he’s a better defender. He finishes on the break. He’s averaging more points per game. His rebounding is up. Why can’t anybody else see that? Are you guys North Carolina fans? I get it, its because Marvin is the Mr. nicey guy and Josh acts as if he doesn’t give a …..We need to sign and trade Marvin.
Barry
March 16th, 2009
1:45 pm
Round 9 of a 15 roud fight still going down. The opposition tried to rally but the Hawks stood firm amd took their best shots. Left hook. Right Hand. The Hawks catches the punches off the glove. The opposition is wondering what is this new defense tactic. They cautiously throw more flurries at our Hawks, but to no avail. Our hawks dance back, swing around, and hit the opposition with a round house punch to the head. The opposition is dazed. They are frazzled and confused, as the Hawks step in a slams a right hand to the body. The opposition keels over, looking up at our Hawks for sympathy. Our Hawks, however, don’t want to take them out now. They want them to suffer for all the negative talking they previously done about the character and resilency of the team. The Hawks hit them with two more right hands to the head and a left hook to the head. The opposition is phased. They are crying. They want an end to this and what is possibly to come. The referee inteferes, check the opposition and waves our hawks to a neutral corner. Our Hawks eagerly awaits the referees decision to knock some more opposition head. Will he end the fight? The crowd is screaming “BOOM-BYE-YEAH!!! BOOOM-BYE-YEAH!!!!
To be continued………………………….
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEE Y’ALL AT PHILLIPS!!!!!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!!”
Sam from the Swats
March 16th, 2009
1:45 pm
You guys are being stupid now with the Josh=MVP. Nobody is saying that. You guys think however, Marvin=MVP….ROTFLMAO!!!
Astro Joe
March 16th, 2009
1:54 pm
Hornets, Jazz, Pacers (without Granger) & Blazers. Four teams that would allow Joe to effectively play at SF. Kings won’t present any real problems. I’m not sure what is going on with Josh Howard but I’d hate to see Joe playing Brandon Bass for more than 5 minutes. So it will work for several more games but I don’t think it is sustainable. But I’d much rather see Joe at the 3 than Josh Smith, that’s for sure.
I wonder how many teams would have had each of their 3 front court starters miss at least 10 games due to injury this season and still make the playoffs (with homecourt in the 1st round no less). Either we have a deep bench to handle those absences or a coach who is having a decent season at the helm. Must be the wickedly good bench.
Sam from the Swats
March 16th, 2009
2:00 pm
Astro Joe, good analogy. I think what has helped is we have a deep team this year. Picking up Mo and Flip helped us tremendously. I think we’re unstoppable when we go Bibby, Flip, Joe, Josh, and Horford. I’d hate to see Joe guarding Bass as well, but Bass would have to guard him on the other end. Can you say 30 more points?