South Beach or Cheesesteaks?
Will it be South Beach for the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs ...
PHILADELPHIA - No one could argue against Miami as a destination location for a first round playoff series.
There’s South Beach, an endless supply of Cafe con Leche and the chance to see Dwyane Wade face off against your Hawks in what would be a fantastic matchup.
But if the 76ers somehow nip the Heat at the tape for the fifth spot and a date with the Hawks, I could deal with a few days and nights in this gritty city, where you’re nothing without one of these Freeway beards, some Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and a cheesesteak or cheese steak (since no one here can agree on whether it’s one or two words or the best place to get one) close by.
I can’t imagine there being a more exciting first round series in terms of the individual matchups or the preferred style of play (up-tempo if the 76ers had their way). I also can’t think of a better place to see two of the league’s most athletic, high-flying teams in the first round.
... or cheese steaks?
That’s what makes tonight’s matchup between the Hawks and Sixers at Wachovia center even more interesting. Both teams will be in the mood to send a message, just in case they see each other down the road. Late season games like these always serve as playoff mood setters.
And now that the NCAA Tournament is winding down, the focus for hoops heads like us can shift officially to the NBA playoffs.undefined
That being said, my eyes have been opened to a few things in the past couple of weeks of watching the college kids go at it.
Five things I’ve learned along the way:
1. Blake Griffin is the No. 1 pick in the draft and no one else need apply. Griffin is the closest thing to a man among boys in the college game right now (sort of like Mike Beasley, Kevin Durant, Al Horford and Greg Oden before him). There’s no one else to even consider for that top spot. NO ONE!
2. Hasheem Thabeet should be the poster child (albeit a 7-foot-3 version) for players teetering on the brink of entering the draft before it’s time. Thabeet has been discussed as a high lottery pick from the minute he set foot on campus at UConn. Somehow he resisted the urge. Now he has the grand stage at the Final Four to make his case for top three status.
Does the term Man Among Boys mean anything to you Blake Griffin?
3. Ty Lawson has made his case for a lottery slot as well, proving that he and not that other Ty(lyer Hansbrough) for North Carolina is the Tar Heels’ true most valuable player. I actually had someone argue me down about his earlier this season. But there’s no debate these days. A game-changing point guard trumps a big man in the college game.
4. There isn’t a single player on Villanova’s roster that appears to be a sure-fire NBA player, but they are the one team in the Final Four I can see myself rooting for. Michigan State is out for obvious reasons. And big dogs like Carolina and UConn don’t need any more help. Nova, however, is just the kind of underdog (and bracket buster) that keeps folks tuned in when their teams have already disappeared.
5. I know his team was bounced by those hated Spartans, but Louisville’s Terrence Williams is my draft sleeper this year. I’ve only seen him mentioned as a late first round pick, so apparently not everyone thinks as highly of him as I do. I just don’t know what more a team would want from a small forward. The guy plays hard, passes well, can score in a variety of ways, is physical and appears to be arguably the most unselfish player in the country. I’m thinking he’s going to be like Danny Granger was in the 2005 draft, in terms of being a value pick outside of the draft lottery.
ONE LAST THING OF NOTE …
I know all the studies show that people don’t have the time or desire to read long stories anymore, but if you don’t make time for anything else in the next few days you have to read this riveting story from Pablo S. Torre of Sports Illustrated.
It’s a detailed look at how professional athletes go broke in this age of jaw-dropping salaries, something that nickle and dime hustlers like us figure should be an impossibility with all the zeros on cats’ salaries. I wouldn’t have believed half the stuff in the story if I didn’t know a few former players mentioned in the story and hadn’t already heard, first hand, some their horror stories.
This story took over the conversation at my barbershop last weekend, and I know if it got everybody talking in there it needed to be shared here. Enjoy and (aspiring pro athletes) take notes!
Don’t forget Hawks-Sixers tonight. We’ll chop it up here all day and throughout the game.
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353 comments Add your comment
Omg
March 31st, 2009
11:43 pm
ray, get a freaking life . Do you have to write on here 294 times in one night? We get the idea– the Hawks lost
Jody
March 31st, 2009
11:44 pm
Plain and simple, the hawks struggle to get easy baskets against teams with legit bigs that defend (Cleveland, Boston, Orlando, San Antonio etc…) A big part of that problem is the fact that the hawks are undersized up front and until they get some legit bigs that can get them easy baskets in a half court set and adequately defend other teams bigs, they will continue to be a middle of the pack team. By the way, I take my hat of to Josh Smith. For all the crap he gets, I don’t think people have any idea how hard it is for him to have to battle bigger guys night in and night out and the type of beating he takes night in and night out doing so. It’s easy for folks at home to criticize when they’re not getting hit by guys who are 20 to 30 pounds heavier and taller. There’s a reason he steps out on occasion to shoot jumpers.
irishmafia
March 31st, 2009
11:57 pm
Hey one of the bright spots not mentioned about the Hawks season, now Woodson is only 53 games under 500 for his career —- LOL LOL my vote for worst coach of all time with over 200 games coached –but at the same time the greatest survivor of NBA coaching –Who does he have pictures of?
niremetal
April 1st, 2009
12:05 am
I said I was done, but I need a break.
Astro – heh, I think that you replied to a spammer. I also recall that there are 1 or 2 females who’ve posted on here sporadically, but their names escape me. Speaking of names, why couldn’t you leave my old, discarded name on the side of the road where it belongs – Matt is dead
. Also, I trade Josh for Przybilla and a pick or cap filler in a heartbeat; even straight up, I’d probably do it. Przybilla is EXACTLY the type of player we need – a 7′2 defensive stalwart who can pound the glass and who loves to mix it up underneath. The 25 minutes a game he’d give us regularly + 35 versus teams with top-flight 7 footers + the increased scoring we’d get by allowing Horford to slide over to the 4. And if they throw in ANY player on their roster not named Raef (i.e. Webster, Frye, Batum, Bayless, Rodriguez…and especially if we could get Outlaw, Blake, or Fernandez)…honest to God, I think it would improve us so much.
Omg, don’t hate. Ray cares about the team and enjoys writing about them, as do I and as do Astro Joe, jhan, MannyT, Sautee, Samuel, Melvin, Ando, doc, bigdave, Najeh, terrell, and many others. And don’t talk about the lives of people you don’t know. Ain’t right.
cp
April 1st, 2009
12:14 am
Woody being who we thought he was + Nique and his award winning analysis = me laughing, shaking my head, and watching enemy of the state
kirkinga
April 1st, 2009
12:48 am
Were people really expecting a Hawks win tonight? After watching the previous 74 games, I just can’t believe anyone is shocked at the loss tonight. Certainly the Hawks are capable of such a win, but without Marvin and on the road against a team with a very strong frontline?
Isn’t time to make peace with the team and the coach? Doesn’t mean you accept the coach, doesn’t mean you don’t want to see the Hawks play hard and always compete. But by making peace you recognize the Hawks aren’t going to solve their season long weaknesses at this point in the season.
I see the Blame-Bibby folks are out as well. I sorry but it is not a coincidence that the Hawks have a winning record since the guy arrived. Hate him all you want, but the team has won with him, and lost when he wasn’t here. That seems like simple math to me. + Bibby=winning record and 2 trips to the playoffs. – Bibby=Lottery!
The Hawks could split the next two games, but I wouldn’t expect it.
The Hawks will win the 4th spot, but in the last week of the season. Philly still has 2 games against the Cavs, 1 with the Celtics, and I don’t see them beating the suddenly-hot Bulls and Bobcats.
The Heat still have 5 road games remaining. Are the suddenly going to start winning on the road? I doubt it.
The Hawks will limp into the last few games barely clinging to the 4th spot, but will regain their swagger and win 3 of their last 4 ,securing the 4th spot and going into the playoffs with renewed confidence. March is over and the Hawks are still right there were they’ve been all season long.Predictions that they would collaspe under the weight of their March schedule were quite wrong.
Go Hawks!!
Harry Hawk
April 1st, 2009
1:06 am
Maybe Ray Felton will be the guy we go after? I don’t know, but if this team gets knocked out in the first round, we should have a new head coach. Sund doesn’t have any loyalty to Woody. If Woody goes, this team will probably go to a more traditional PG.
Big Ray
April 1st, 2009
3:00 am
Omg,
Oh my gosh! I don’t know what’s worse, my 295th time, or your first…
Big Ray
April 1st, 2009
3:11 am
Man, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Spurs last night. With Tim Duncan on the floor. In San Antonio. Mmhmmm.
vava74
April 1st, 2009
4:34 am
We are going to loose on the first round, regardless of being Miami or Philly.
If we get Miami, the refereeing will kill us protecting D-Wade, which is essential to boost the second round ratings.
If we get Philly, Andre Miller will simply kill Bibby and with Bibby relenting points after points and getting too tired to get his shots, we always loose.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 1st, 2009
4:48 am
“Hey one of the bright spots not mentioned about the Hawks season, now Woodson is only 53 games under 500 for his career —- LOL LOL my vote for worst coach of all time with over 200 games coached”
Somewhere, Tim Floyd is asking himself what more he has to do.
DeadManWalking
April 1st, 2009
5:37 am
Might have to agree with the first round loss, given the way the Hawks are playing. The team does not come together often enough and the head coach makes needed changes even less. He is so very much not an Xs and Os coach. All he knows how to do is yell and blame players for not making shots or getting rebounds. Some ask if there is a better coach available out there. I ask is there a worse one. Perhaps Carlesimo, Krystowiak, Dunleavy qualify. After that few do.
terrell barron
April 1st, 2009
6:47 am
No harm, no foul I guess. The 4 seed is basically wrapped up. No way Philly or Miami wins out. Just trying to stay positive.
dap01
April 1st, 2009
7:49 am
Bibby is not the answer. If a point guard is not hitting his shots he should have more than ZERO assists. He is a major liability.
Woody is not a coach who can do more than simply hope for good results.
The Hawks are going nowhere right now.
What is the expected return dates for Marvin and AC?
O'brien
April 1st, 2009
8:06 am
Not to bash Bibby, but check out the stats from the game.
Bibby: 32 mins, 7pts, 0 assists, 1 rebound, 0 steals
Miller: 42 mins, 18 pts, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals.
I think Bibby’s playoff performace will dictate his next contract. If he struggles in the playoffs, I think his price will come way down.
Astro Joe
April 1st, 2009
9:01 am
0 assists from your starting PG is far worse than 0 rebounds from your starting PF. Seems to me that it is easier to find an open teammate than to grab a rebound. I mentioned yesterday that Bibby plays poorly in Philly but goodness. 0 assists? Woody should… oh, wait. Woody should write him a not too pleasant hand-written note without the jar of jam. That will show him.
doc
April 1st, 2009
9:07 am
hmmm 21 for 21 from the line last night.
nire, poor efficiency from our starting guards last night … 18 shots and 18 points.
o’brien, those numbers scare me. should we be interested in bibby at any price as that has been the rule rather than the exception? yes, we beat the lakers, their weakest position is point. other top teams with point guards have eaten him alive this year.
doc
April 1st, 2009
9:10 am
aj, no bibby would just laugh at woody and be able to get away with it. he knows real coaching and real offenses. remember, bibby is a good influence on woody.
ILL-logical
April 1st, 2009
9:23 am
Michael Gearson is holding a press conference today at noon. He will announce that the Atlanta Spirit Group has resolved their legal issues and will take on a new equity partner,Mr. Chris Brides , who will invest $50 million over the next 5 years.
Further,Coach Woodson has been extended 2 years on his current contract. Woodson will announce at this conference that he is going to utilize a 10 man rotation from here on out. The line up will feature Biibby,Johnson,Smith ,Horford and Jones.Bibby will play 25 minutes and push the ball more; Johnson will average 35 minutes and pass the ball more and create opportuinties for his teamates; Smith will become a Tayshun Prince type forward who will generate energy on both the offensive and defensive ends while averaging 35 minutes a game. Jones will become a Caldwell Jones type o center who can run the floor and block shots in 20 minutes per game. Horford will become a Linwood “Buck” Wiliams type of 4 who will see time at the 5 but will run the floor and play high -low offense with Smith.
ZaZa will averge 25 minutes and become the best back up 5 in the business; Acie Law will average 20+ minutes and push the tempo and play shut down defense . In a surprise moove,Woodson announced that Othello Hunter would become the back up 4 as a banger type to as he put it:kick some #$% down low. Marvin will provide scoring punch and leadership at the 3/4 and Flip the Switch , would take the load off of Joe every night at the 2.
The entire team will be at the press conference and they ,the management ,staff and press corps will stand as one and sing Kumbaya.
Braveshater
April 1st, 2009
9:24 am
Its time to start thinking of the next hawks 2 guard, Joe is done, sick of him disappearing every night, he’s a bonified joke.
Astro Joe
April 1st, 2009
9:25 am
Confessions of a poor wannabe scout. I recently read an article about how GMs should avoid watching the NCAA tourney because it could sway their opinion about a player. I recall watching D-Wade with Marquette and thinking “this guy is incredible, he is going to be a great pro”. So when he had a great rookie year, I “got da big head”. I think the very next year (or maybe two years later), I watched this kid at Nevada, Kirk Snyder, and I thought, “oh my, this kid is going to be great”. Oh well. I just read that dude has been arrested after allegedly breaking into a neighbors house in the middle of the night and beating up his neighbor who was asleep in the bed. Of course, he bounced around the league before ending up without a contract this past season.
So I guess I won’t make any comments about Sam Young from Pittsburgh. He may either become one of the best or he may be wearing an orange suit and running from a dude name “Big Rock”.
Astro Joe
April 1st, 2009
9:26 am
Ill, the first April Fool joke of the day. Thanks.
ant banks
April 1st, 2009
9:27 am
as much improvements that the hawks have made this year with the acquisition of Flip-Mo squad, they are still the SAME team. last year they won 12 games on the road. this year, with 7 games left, they have won 14 games on the road.
the elite teams win at home and on the road…clev, sa, boston, la, orlando, but we struggle mightly on the road. WHY? i fear the same thing in the playoffs this yr, win at home and lose on the road.
the big caveat this year is if we lose one of the home playoff game, the momentum shifts exponentially to the other team as we will probably get swept on the road this year, too.
Hawks73
April 1st, 2009
10:11 am
Is anyone surprised by the outcome of this game? The Hawks have shown all year their consistently inconsistent. The worst part of this performance is how flat they came out…then again, this is their M.O. I see all the comments in regards to “not having bigs”, but ultimately, it’s the coaches responsibility to use and develop his players. They may not have any dominant frontline guys, but they certainly have bodies on the bench that have been underutilized (Solo, Randolph). It’s a common theme for Woody to make excuses instead of finding the solutions to make this team better. He made excuses (when Billy Knight was here) that he didn’t have “right pieces” and so on and so on and so on. The fact remains, is that Woody will always come up with an excuse (to save his on a!!) then assume responsibility for his poor coaching. I am afraid that this bozo will get too much credit for the teams improvement and we will be having this conversation next year.
O'brien
April 1st, 2009
10:16 am
Doc, even if Bibby’s price comes way down, I think the Hawks need to look in another direction. All he gives us is the occasional big shot/ offense. And his shortcomings combined with Woody’s coaching is not a good mix, because even if Bibby is struggling, Woody will still play him 32-36 minutes, and Bibby will still get his shots.
Plus I think the Hawks will be better served with a younger PG who can play defense, penetrate, and hit the open jumper. I dont think Acie is ready to take over, so maybe we can sign one in free agency (Hinrich, Jack, Felton, somebody), and let Acie be the backup again (hopefully he’ll be healthy, and hopefully Woody will play him more). And resign Flip of course.
A PG who can penetrate will get our bigs involved more, and his defense will also help the bigs (and JJ), who has to continuously pick up the slack because of Bibby’s shortcomings defensively.
Ken Strickland
April 1st, 2009
10:38 am
The Philly HC knows his team has trouble scoring consistently when forced to play halfcourt. So, he uses his teams athleticism and bench and runs at every opportunity to get as many easy baskets as they can, and the strategy works.
The Hawks also have trouble scoring consistently when forced to play halfcourt. So, our solution is to continue playing halfcourt, limit bench use, and restrict the OFF to 3 players(JJ, Bibby & Flip) playing one on one and isolations. The results of that strategy could be seen in last nights loss.
We’re getting killed by opposing PG’s because of Bibby’s matador DEF, his inconsistent shooting. and Woodson’s insistence of playing him 40+ mins. We’re also feeling the effects of Marvins absence. Teams now realize they can double JJ, Flip or Bibby with MEvans’ defender because he’s not likely to hurt them by putting up 25-35pts like Marvin can do. That’s why Evans is so free to get at least 1-3 uncontested OFF put backs per gm.
HOW CAN WE CONSIDER OURSELVES A LIGITIMATE 4TH SEED WHEN WE’RE AFRAID TO COMPETE AGAINST TEAMS THAT ARE BELOW US.
kwooden1
April 1st, 2009
10:38 am
I didn’t get to see the game, but what everyone has said and looking at the box score; the things that I thought needed to happen didn’t. Evans didn’t knock down 3’s and overall they didn’t shoot the ball well. Philly’s bigs are always going to cause us problems, Horford’s inside game has developed enough to deal with guys taller and longer than him. He needs to utiliize/develop the moves that David West uses, he scores on almost anyone. I wouldn’t classify the Hawks as a poor road team more than a team that is depend on jump shots. Their offensive sets don’t get them a lot of layups or looks inside and they really can’t play inside out. (a little with Horford and Josh) Their defense has to be solid for them to win and if another team is hitting from the outside they are in trouble. Going to Boston should be a good wake-up call for them because they are going to be forced to play half-court basket and run their sets. (PLAYOFF Style Basketball) Woody clearly needs to get more time for Solo and Mario, which I never really understand why he doesn’t because he a defensive guy anyways? In terms of Miami vs Philly; I think I would take Miami right now over Philly, just don’t match-up well against Philly. More opportunities to score against Miami.
GO HAWKS!!
PS: Keep Bibby for the right price, get healthy Acie and Marvin
Barry
April 1st, 2009
11:08 am
Hey Y’all:
I personnally believe the Hawks should have no preference to who they play in the playoff. Be it Miami or Philly, I am sure they understand they this is the playoff and the better come in and play Hawks basketball which is defense and “run and gun offense. Let the opposition beware of our style of play and be very afraid that they will lose playing the Hawks straight up. The Hawks must play their game with any team they confront in these playoffs.Of they are “PREPARED”, they will be sucessful throughout these games. And with that, “LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!”
“ATLANTA HAWKS, BOOM-BYE-YEAH!!!!”
“SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!”
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a Secret from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
doc
April 1st, 2009
11:18 am
o’b i agree. dont be disappointed, my sources tell me to be ready to have bibby back because of “chemistry”.
bibby has served his piupose at a huge price tag, chills for one. it is time to come up with a better alternative.
SWAT Native
April 1st, 2009
11:19 am
Ken Strickland,
One final off topic comment: my mother’s family is from not far from Dothan, a little town called Opp. I’m also not a Bama fan, I’m an Auburn grad.
Back to the Hawks. I think they finished last year about the same (I remember Sam Cassell lighting them up in Philips just before the end of the regular season), but elevated their game in the playoffs. Hopefully this will happen again.
Mychelfromatl
April 1st, 2009
12:00 pm
Wow just another ride on the Hawks rollercoaster.
1 – Hawks vs. Spurs. No Tim Duncan. At Philips. Hawks on 8 game home win-streak. Hawks figures cakewalk. End result, Lost.
2 – Hawks vs. Celtics. No Kevin Garnett. At Philips. Hawks figures cakewalk. End result, Lost.
3 – Hawks vs. LA Lakers. Kobe playin? Yes. Hawks perform a defensive masterpeice on the LA Lakers. End result, Win.
4 – Hawks at Philly. Hawks coming off Lakers win. Philly coming off Detroit Lost. Hawks once again figures cakewalk. End result, lost.
5 – Hawks at Boston. Hawks coming off Philly letdown. Hawks remember being outplayed at home by Boston with no KG. Hawks get amped. Hawks goes into Boston, does the unthinkable, and outplays the Celtics. End result, Win.
6 – Hawks vs. Magics. Stay strapped for the rollercoaster ride that is Atlanta Hawks Basketball!!
O'brien
April 1st, 2009
12:24 pm
Ken Strickland, I agree. When Bibby is struggling, Woody needs to get him out of the game. Some of Bibby’s games this season:
Suns, 29 minutes, 2-13 FG, 5 pts, 6 assists
@Mia, 32 minutes, 1-6 FG, 2 pts, 0 assists
@Det, 38 minutes, 1-5 FG, 5 pts, 4 assists
@LaL, 27 minutes, 4-10 FG, 9 pts, 1 assist
@Wash, 37 minutes, 3-11 FG, 7 pts, 3 assists
Utah, 27 minutes, 1-6 FG, 2 pts, 2 assists
@Phi, 32 minutes, 2-9 FG, 7 pts, 0 assists.
Why does he play so many minutes when his shot isnt falling, not much assists, and he is a major defensive liability?
Patrick
April 1st, 2009
12:57 pm
Interesting story from last night. I was at the game, behind the Hawks bench. (white dude in a Smith jersey, you can see me in the Flip Murray Dunk of the Night Highlight)
So towards the end of the first quarter, Josh takes the ball up the court with time winding down and instead of giving it up to someone else to run the final play, he goes at it alone, and is of course called for a carry. Mike yanks him, quarter ends. Now, they are huddling up before the start of the second quarter, and Josh is watching the cheerleaders try to dunk a basketball off a trampoline. Woodson has everyone else huddled up, but no one is saying anything. He’s just sort of…staring at everyone, I guess. He motions for Josh to get in the huddle as well, and Josh doesn’t even really look at him. Still sitting away from the huddle, watching the cheerleaders on the jumbotron. A few more moments of silence, and Mike finally goes about muttering a few angry words and drawing up a play. Just an incredible sequence, and more than worth the price of admission on its own.
-Patrick
bigeasy830
April 1st, 2009
1:27 pm
By know it all Ken Strickland,”A lot of fans want us to acquire a talented starting BIG, but that would necessitate getting rid of either Horford or Smoove. Switching Smoove to the 3 simply isn’t a viable option”. Many believe that Al and Josh are playing out of position. Even though Al is 6″10″ and Josh is 6″9″, both should slide up one position. Al and Josh would have an advantage on the offensive and defensive end on other 4’s and 3’s in the league. Al is considered a PF and J-Smoove definitely have the skill set to play the 3, he just need to play under control more. You are the only know it all on this blog that do not want a center. Now, we are doing fine with the rotation like it is, but, a true center would free those other 2 guys up and take a lot of pressure off them on both ends of the court. We will lose one more forward this off season.I think it will be Marvin. If we resign Marvin then we will lose Al or Joe the next year, that is simply my opinion. I also think tha A.C. can run our team but he has not been given a chance to do so. He is a better penetrator than Bibby and a better defender, but we rely too much on the outside shot and that is Bibby’s only advantage over A.C. But economics will dictate it and Bibby will be gone after this season. I love what he has meant to the team but, The broke ASG will not resign him for big dollars. Buty any way fans don’t get discouraged over one game, we will turn it up come play-off time. Ken Strick I knew you were a “BAMA”, I just didn’t know you were from Alabama,HAHAHAHAHA. That probably went right over your head.
Holla
Darrin "The Vent King"
April 1st, 2009
1:49 pm
Right now, I’m teetering on saying it’s 50-50 (okay maybe more like 60-40 Philly) on who we should want because the Hawks are their own worst enemy. One night they are world beaters, the next they stink like dead pig butt. Inconsistency is not your friend during the playoffs, focus is and D-Wade may have enough by himself to overcome the Hawks in a seven game series. The only thing that would help us against that is home court advantage and the fact D-Wade is playing with some youngsters who are not playoff tested. Philly on the other hand is maybe a bit more threatening because they are mirror images of the Hawks- long, athletic, and fast-paced. Plus I think they actually believe they are better than the Hawks and would love to play us on our court more than theirs to prove that. Their fearlessness of the Hawks is as dangerous if not more than D-Wade and co. If the Hawks play with the surge they are capable of they can handle either team, but that’s just the problem- IF. I sincerely hope they do and will be cheering hard for them, but they worry me a bit with their inconsistency.
GO HAWKS!!!
Melvin
April 1st, 2009
2:21 pm
Patrick, give us some more insight from the game that we would have seen on the tube (ie. players conversations)…
Big Ray
April 1st, 2009
2:26 pm
I am leaving. Bye AJCI am leaving. Bye AJCI am leaving. Bye AJCI am leaving. Bye AJCI am leaving. Bye AJCI am leaving. Bye AJC
Ryan
April 1st, 2009
3:32 pm
Definately want the 76ers. If the Hawks play the Heat the officials will put DWade on the free throw line 30 times a game.
Ken Strickland
April 1st, 2009
3:49 pm
BIGEASY69-the fact you’d think your very last statement could possibly go over anyone’s head shows that compared to you, even a BAMA would look like a Rhodes Scholar.
Honestly, you’re not knowledgeable or perceptive enough to be critical of me. First, I’ve never said I didn’t want the Hawks to acquire a center. I said we needed a PG with the combined skills of Acie and Bibby more than we needed a STARTING center. I said acquiring a STARTING center would necessitate losing either Smoove or Horford. I also said we could use a quality backup center. ONLY A CLOWN TRUELY LACKING IN COMPREHENSIVE ABILITY COULD TWIST THAT INTO SAYING I SAID I DON’T WANT US TO ACQUIRE A CENTER.
Lastly, after going on and on expressing your opinion about me and your assessment of Smoove, Horford, Marvin and the ASG, you made the following statement, “IF WE RESIGN MARVIN THEN WE WILL LOSE AL OR JOE THE NEXT YR, THAT IS SIMPLY MY OPINION. How is it you feel you can openly express your opinion, yet single me out for criticism for expressing mine? THAT’S CALLED HYPROCRISY, AND PEOPLE THAT PRACTICE HYPROCRISY ARE CALLED HYPROCRITES, AMONG OTHER THINGS.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 1st, 2009
3:52 pm
I don’t necessarily care about the Heat or the 76ers as much as I care about home court advantage. Neither of those teams is winning a game in Philips Arena. As long as the Hawks take care of business now and lock up the 4th seed, neither the Miami Salvatores (Bill SImmons’ term) nor the Sixers is going to bounce the Hawks.
bigdave
April 1st, 2009
3:57 pm
Ryan…
true, the Hawks will have to be on their game no matter who we face…
bigdave
April 1st, 2009
4:07 pm
possible PG entries in the draft…
1. Ricky Rubio
2. Willie Warren
3.Brandon Jennings
4. Stephen Curry
5. Jonny Flynn
6. Eric Maynor
7. Ty Lawson
8. Jrue Holiday
9. Jeff Teague
10. Darren Collison
11. Patrick Mills
12. Nick Calathes
RLP
April 1st, 2009
4:17 pm
I agree with Kirk’s comments.
Tonight’s beig games are:
Bobcats V. Celtics. A win for the bcats put them a half game behind Chicago for the eighth spot.
Pistons V. Nets. A Pistons lost guarantees that the Hawks will finish no lower than the sixth seed.
Heat V. Mavericks. A Heat loss will put the Hawks one game closer to securing the fifth seed.
Melvin
April 1st, 2009
4:21 pm
bigdave, i think they are some quality/nba prospects on that list…
Melvin
April 1st, 2009
4:22 pm
bigdave, i think there are some quality/nba prospects on that list
newkid
April 1st, 2009
4:53 pm
Interesting to read comments from Woody and some of the players regarding the absence of fire in the loss to Philly last night, when in fact the organization (front office, coaches, and players) set an awfully low bar for itself by establishing 4th place as a major goal. How many times over the past several weeks have we heard protestations from players and coaches about how important it was to maintain 4th place and a 1st round home court advantage? That even became a common refrain in these parts. Who was it (Michelangelo I think) that warned us of the peril of setting our goals too low and reaching them, rather than setting higher aspirations and failing to get there but in the effort achieving so much more than would have been achieved in pursuit of lower aspirations. With a 3-game lead in the loss column and 50 wins all but out-of-reach, could it be that we’re happy now with ‘getting by’ for the remainder of the regular season? Is it reasonable to expect our guys to be able to ‘turn it off’ now, then successfully ‘turn it back on’ come playoffs? Not from what I’ve witnessed this season.
My sprint coach in high school always implored us to ‘run through the tape’, and he always placed the practice tape at 110 meters when we were training to run 100 meters. It seems Woody, Sund, et al had the tape set at 70 meters, and forgot to inform Cleveland, Boston, Orlando, and others.
Elijah
April 1st, 2009
5:11 pm
WE NEED SPEEDY TO PLAY. HAWKS ARE NOT COLLECTING INSURANCE CHECKS ON HIM
doc
April 1st, 2009
5:15 pm
itll be interesting to see what happens in the next few days the hawks are playing well but we needt o win on the road if we are going to be legitimate i want to see us attack boston and win that gtame because it is a huge game and by the way i am really lame and i have no life so we eneed to win some games and thsi si important because if we dont then we will not be perceived as al egitimate contender so lets go aout on wfirday and win
bigdave
April 1st, 2009
5:18 pm
agreed Melvin… and i think we are in need of one…
Astro Joe
April 1st, 2009
5:19 pm
DING!