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
bigdave
April 1st, 2009
5:22 pm
i especially like Rubio… gives you that throwback Pistol Pete look with the lankiness and floppy hair…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSBLKrZCkeU
bigdave
April 1st, 2009
5:26 pm
ok… i LOVE RUBIO…. WE NEED THIS GUY…
THE BOY HAS FLARE LIKE RICK… “WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”
bigdave
April 1st, 2009
5:29 pm
better yet… we dont need this guy, id actually enjoy his game and would like to see him grow and develop as a NBA pro… the Hawks would bottle his game up and misuse his skills and ability in our pedestrian offense…
I MUS.WRITE
April 1st, 2009
5:31 pm
Willie Warren and Calathes are not Pg”s but i agree there are sum Pg’s on that list that are worthy of our pick ……………………. Ray is losing it !! LOL
O'brien
April 1st, 2009
6:28 pm
Why bother draft a PG when we have Speedy and Acie on the roster, and we know that Woody will not play them anyway.
Since Bibby’s $15m comes off the books, maybe we can trade Chills rights and our first round pick for a veteran PG (add Speedy if they want cap relief). Maybe we can do a sign and trade for a (restricted) PG. Felton is restricted, so is Jack, so is Sessions in Milwaukee. I like Hinrich, but his price ($10m) is too high. Maybe Luke Ridnour ($6.5m). We dont need any draft picks with Woody coaching.
Melvin
April 1st, 2009
7:01 pm
Is Hinrich contract (10 mil) really to high when we are currently paying Bibby 15mil….
I like that Ricky guy. Not sure if he will get away with that tricky (crab) dibbling in the NBA…
Astro Joe
April 1st, 2009
7:11 pm
O’Brien, Hinrich has a declining salary so I think he averages around $8M for the remainder of his deal. Speedy has a similar declining salary.
The back of Elijah's mind
April 1st, 2009
7:15 pm
Speedy Speedy Speedy Speedy Why no Speedy?
Gosh, I’m bored. ………………..I know, I’ll post as Big Ray!
Well that wasn’t as much fun as I thought.
I know, I’ll post as doc this time.
er,,,,,, oh yeah, Speedy Speedy Speedy Speedy….etc.
The front of Elijah's mind
April 1st, 2009
7:17 pm
What he said, yeah that’s the ticket.
terrell barron
April 1st, 2009
7:32 pm
What about a deal for Delonte West? Cleveland has Mo Williams running the show.
Melvin
April 1st, 2009
7:43 pm
TB, not sure if Cleveland is willing to breakup their chemistry. Especially, if they make it to the Finals…
O'brien
April 1st, 2009
7:47 pm
Hawks might have caught a break (if they play Philly). Thad Young is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.
TB, I think Delonte West is another version of Flip. He could run the point, but he is more of a scorer.
How do you guys feel about Ramon Sessions from Mil.
He averages 12.2 pts, 3.3 rebs, 5.3 assists (compare that to Bibby’s
14.9 pts, 3.5 rebs, 4.8 assists). Sessions is a restricted free agent, and his salary this year is $723,000. (I dont know if he plays good defense or not, or if he drives and dishes).
otrhawksfan
April 1st, 2009
7:47 pm
hey guys do you notice how we come out on timeouts with the ball and get a turn over or a bad shot. How is this possible i realy clue on that and the past games that i have heard we either get a turnover or a missed shot. another thing i made me cringe in the game last night was. we were down by 3 after that lou williams shot and flip took that early shot instead of movivng the ball to j-slam. i think we will play philly. i just hope we can get some type of advantage from our front court. mainly al and we should be okay. I do sense we beat boston though so lets see.
Lets go hawks!!!!!
Shaunty
April 1st, 2009
7:52 pm
The lack of a center will result in an early playoff exit unless Horford wakes up.
doc
April 1st, 2009
7:59 pm
wow another futile attempt to post as me nto that its bad or anything its good that someone wants to be you must mean yuor doign something irght
Samuel
April 1st, 2009
8:05 pm
Not another EURO sensation! He (Rubio) looks good on Youtube. We’ll see if he can handle the “MAN’S LEAGUE”. He better hit the weight room.
Woody=COY
Big Ray
April 1st, 2009
8:24 pm
BigDave,
Hate to pee on your parade, but let’s think about this for a second. Take rookie pg, drafted towards end of 1st round. Add Woody. Is the recipe beginning to smell bad yet?
Astro Joe,
Still endorsing the Hinrich move…
Doc,
If keeping Bibby is keeping chemistry, we know who failed chemistry class in high school….
O’Brien,
Agreed on the drafting a pg thing. Best not to do so with Woody at the helm, as he is likely not at all interested in another young pg. I could go for Sessions, but Milwaukee would be stupid to give him up. Conversely, we would be stupid to get Ridnour, I think. We’re talking about a guy that Bibby is able to GUARD. And he was able to run past Ridnour at will.
I could go for Jack or Felton. You’re right, Acie is not ready. We know why. But he sure seemed that way in the preseason. Wonder what happened….nevermind, we know that, too.
GA Bulldawg
April 1st, 2009
8:39 pm
Other than the fact that Acie doesn’t have a consistent jump shot, why is he not ready? I didn’t watch him in amy preseason games and I’ve only seen him play in garbage/cleanup minutes in blowouts, and he’s been solid. And also, what happened to him?
Big Ray
April 1st, 2009
8:41 pm
Samuel,
Have to agree. I don’t believe in Rubio. He MIGHT be good. Might not. They thought Jasikevicius could rule this league after what he and his team did to us in the Olympics several years ago. They were wrong.
Haven’t seen a Euro guard THAT good since Drazen Petrovic or Sarunas Marciulonis. Of course, there is that guy named Tony Parker…but so many don’t think of him as Euro…and I guess we can’t EXACTLY count Ginobilli.
Big Ray
April 1st, 2009
8:42 pm
Ken Strickland,
Come now, you remember bigdummy830 from the falcons blog. Don’t let him start in on you here, in your place of peace.
Big Ray
April 1st, 2009
8:49 pm
GA Bulldog,
I wouldn’t hesitate to get another pg to compete with/play in front of/back up Acie, but I’d give Acie a shot at running things. Just make sure the other guy at pg can run things if Acie SHOWS himself to not be ready for it. Otherwise, how does a young pg ever GET READY to start?
By playing. No risk, no reward. No test, no pass or fail.
ltdbrave
April 1st, 2009
9:01 pm
Makes no difference whether it is Philly or Miami. If Johnson and Bibby do not start to play consistent ball and score, the Hawks will not win.
Astro Joe
April 1st, 2009
9:13 pm
Here’s the thing, if Woody goes and we hire (insert your favorite name here), why would we draft a PG at 18-20? Wouldn’t we give that coach a chance to work with a guy who was chosen in the lottery and at least has some appreciation for the rigors of the NBA? I can’t find any logical reason to draft a PG at 18-20 regardless of who is coaching the team.
Melvin
April 1st, 2009
9:36 pm
Samuel and AstroJoe, yall are not the only two. Steve Smith and Ernie Smith just endorse Woody as COY on NBATV tonite….:(
Najeh Davenpoop
April 1st, 2009
9:36 pm
“Here’s the thing, if Woody goes and we hire (insert your favorite name here), why would we draft a PG at 18-20?”
Exactly.
To draft a non-lottery point guard in the weak upcoming draft would be a signal that you think your current lottery-pick point guard from an average draft is a bust. Acie Law may not have a whole lot on his resume at this point, but he’s certainly not a bust.
Ken Strickland
April 1st, 2009
9:38 pm
I did a little research and came up with the a PG we could draft that fits the criteria I previously mentioned. He’s Boston College’s Tyrease Rice 6′1″ 190lbs and is extremely quick, fast, an excellent midrange shooter, penetrator and scorer. He’s the perfect combination of Bibby and Acie and he could make it hard for Woodson to reject him. He’s a pesky defender and has the lateral movement and quick feet to become an excellent defender.
Bottomline, Bibby isn’t the answer and Acie will never be allowed to be the answer as long as Woodson and his system are in place. The best way to use Bibby is to bring him off the bench like we do Flip.
Melvin
April 1st, 2009
9:40 pm
Give me Moe Cheeks with your cheesesteak AstroJoe….
Big Ray
April 1st, 2009
9:52 pm
Najeh,
Agreed. But sometimes, out of the same mouths that promote Woody, comes the idea that Acie isn’t the guy. That, and having Woody simply accentuates the foolishness of drafting a pg this year.
Ken,
Even better in my opinion is to let Bibby go. Acie then HAS to get some run. But here’s the catch: you still need an alternative, and his name isn’t Flip Murray. I’d still get another pg, just not through the draft. Woody ain’t interested in rookie pgs. His name is not Eric Spoelstra….
That, and I’d really like to see Acie get his shot. But I wouldn’t bank everything on him. That’s just smart thinking. Better to create a healthy competition at that position and re-sign/allow Flip to do what he’s doing: coming off the bench as a featured scorer.
Big Ray
April 1st, 2009
9:56 pm
More food for thought, via Fox Sports (Charley Rosen):
Why isn’t Joe Johnson recognized as being the great player that he really is? Is it because he plays for the Hawks? — Aaron Ju, South Pasadena, CA
Joe Johnson is rapidly wearing down. (Scott Cunningham / Getty Images)
For sure, if J.J. played in N.Y., Boston, L.A. or Chicago, he’d be much more appreciated in the basketball universe. The most significant problem is that the Hawks haven’t been serious contenders in quite a while. Another problem is that, as he approaches his 28th birthday, Johnson is rapidly wearing down.
With Mike Bibby no longer able to carry the ball into the paint on a regular basis, Johnson and Flip Murray are the only wings who can create their own shots and also get to the foul line. But Johnson plays more minutes than Murray, and therefore takes more of a beating from the opponents’ bigs.
Rarely does Johnson simply catch and shoot. Instead, he’s much more likely to venture into the bosom of a defense, then fake, spin and/or step-through before finding an acceptable shot. No wonder his best days are already receding in the rearview mirror.
Another factor is his routine task of defending the best wingman on the other team. Plus, Johnson is also asked to play some point guard, another duty that affords him very little off-the-ball rest.
Moreover, except for his injury-plagued season of 2006-07 — when he only played in 57 games — Johnson has missed a mere seven games since he entered the league in 2001.
Still, he remains a great player who certainly deserves more kudos that he usually receives.
Big Ray
April 1st, 2009
9:56 pm
Melvin,
heh, heh. I’m not going there….
jhan
April 1st, 2009
9:57 pm
No need to draft a PG unless someone like Lawson drops.
Defense wins championships! The Hawks only play defense with 4 players when Bibby is on the floor.
I don’t think JJ is done as a SG. I think he SHOULD be done having to play defense against PG’s.
If we get a solid PG that can average 10 & 10 while adequately guarding his position you will see a rejuvenated JJ. He’s forced to do too much right now.
RLP
April 1st, 2009
10:01 pm
Detroit loses to Nets. The Hawks will be seeded no lower than sixth.
Bobcats have Celtics in OT in Boston. How hot are they?
Heat up on Mavs in Dallas by 6. with about 8 minutes to go. Game in the third period
Astro Joe
April 1st, 2009
10:10 pm
Melvin, seriously, I don’t endorse Woody as COY. I just think that he deserves a little local love for what the team has accomplished. I don’t expect the national media to recognize anything good about this team. I’m guessing if you polled the average NBA fan, they would say that our record is worse than the Heat, 76ers and Pistons.
Sund once thought highly of Acie and I have no idea if his opinion has chaned now that he has had a better chance to see him up close (and no, I’m not talking about in games, I assume that Sund sometimes watches practices as well). I heard Sund mention in a recent interview (last 2 weeks) about the development of Devin Harris. So I’m guessing that he won’t give up on Acie after only 2 years.
Charlotte looks like they’re going to beat Boston in Boston after defeating the Lakers last night. I watched a lot of this game. Charlotte has played some terrific defense all night. I wish the Hawks could defend like this on the road.
Astro Joe
April 1st, 2009
10:11 pm
Oops, Mr. Shutteswoth just tied the game with a clutch 3 after shooting like NBDL call-up for most of the game. Still, Bobcats have only allowed 101 points after 53 minutes… on the road.
Astro Joe
April 1st, 2009
10:21 pm
Melvin, Cheeks wouldn’t be a bad choice. I’d prefer him over Avery Johnson (at least based on some things I’ve read about hos controlling Avery was with Dallas).
This team misses Marvin, including Joe. Marvin keeps the opposing SF from doubling Joe. Now, we have to play a 3-guard offense in order to stop the double-teams. And that usually leads to us getting killed on the boards. I haven’t been overly concerned with our offense (we mostly lose when we forget to defend) but we have failed to break 95 points in the past 4 games. Granted, against high quality opponents, but we clearly need to step up our offensive game. And our next opponent is who? Oh yeah, Boston.
Samuel
April 1st, 2009
10:24 pm
hey, what does Smitty know? Now, if I could only get my other Cuz on board to endorse his own.
Woody=COY
RLP
April 1st, 2009
10:29 pm
Bobcats take Celtics to second OT before losing game by 2 points.
Samuel
April 1st, 2009
10:37 pm
I don’t think JJ is wearing down, I think he needs to realize that he aint the only game in town. He could make things a lot easier for himself by an occassional pass inside and spotting up for the jumper. Instead, he wants to pound the ball and “bump and grind” his way to the basket. He’s becomming inconsistant as a scorer and that’s hurting us. Bibby is off but he will show up in the playoffs.
Like it or not, these guys do think that they can turn it up another notch. They have proven that they can so I’m really not worried about this team no matter who we play in the first round. Say what you want but they do seem to get up for the big games. Home court advantage will be enough for a first round series win. Count on it.
Woody=COY
RLP
April 1st, 2009
10:57 pm
Comparing Detroit and Charlotte is interesting. They play each other in Detroit. They each play the 76ers but the Bobcats have them at home and Detroit in Philly. They each play Chicago but Detroit gets them at home while the Bobcats go to Chicago. Detroit pays the Nets at home and the Bobcats play them in new Jersey. They each play Miami but the Bobcats play them at home and Detroit plays them in Miami. They each have two more road games but the Bobcats play Oklahoma City and Orlando while Detroit plays at the Knicks and Indiana. At the moment Detroit has a 2-1 edge over the Bobcats but if the Bobcats win in Detroit and the two teams tie for the eighth position they will have to go to the next tie breaker. The next tie breaker is the division records. That would give Detroit the lead right now. So for the Bobcats to get the eighth spot they need to be one game ahead of Detroit. Detroit has been 3-7 in their last tne. The Bobcats have been 6 – 4. I do not think the Bobcats can do it but they have a shot.
RLP
April 1st, 2009
11:08 pm
Heat lose. The magic number to clinch no lower than 5th is now 3! The 76ers will probably be the Hawks opponent and it is yet to be determined who will have home court although the Hawks are leading.
I think the 76ers will be harder for the Hawks to defeat. In order to do so home court is really necessary.
Filthidelphia
April 1st, 2009
11:14 pm
Damn that city stinks. Bring on Miami! Maybe there’ll be less racists than in Boston.
cp
April 1st, 2009
11:19 pm
I watched the Celts/Bobcats game. The Cats had the game but they kind of unraveled in that fourth quarter. They probably should have left Augustine in the game. I like Felton but his lack of a jumper and his questionable decisions with the ball in his hands cost them tonight. I would love for them to make the playoffs. They are a nice team to watch. Larry really has them playing some good ball.
doc
April 1st, 2009
11:22 pm
aj i agree that the man deserves some cudos, just dont think he is the complete product yet.
seems lkie soemone likes to maek fun fo dyslexci peopel.
niremetal
April 1st, 2009
11:44 pm
Co-sign Samuel’s last post as far as JJ goes.
But I wouldn’t bank on us holding home court against either Philly or Wade…er, Miami.
Shaunty
April 2nd, 2009
12:02 am
Boy Mario need to learn how to shoot! No excuse for a bench player to not be able to make a jumpshot
Cha heard!!!
Shaunty
April 2nd, 2009
12:42 am
Since Bruce Levenson said that every player and coach in sports is on a day-to-day contract, should Joe be released after last night’s performance?
Ed
April 2nd, 2009
2:50 am
Hawks73
April 1st, 2009
10:11 am
Unfortuately we will be having this conversation next year.
doc
April 2nd, 2009
8:09 am
as far as minutes played, the difference on the body is that of 4 mpg if you play 40 vs 36 as it is with jj and say kobe or nash. if you carry that out it is like playing an extra 10 games a year. it will take its toll, guaranteed. if jj isnt worn down now he will be and can anyone elucidate on why he seemed in slow motion for parts of the season if he wasnt?
funny folks talk of how challenging it is for jj to be left with a top player to guard. isnt that what happens when you are the best anyway. dont you get that assignment or does kobe or wade take time off on defense? i was shocked the other night when i heard wade lead the league in BLOCKS. jj got two in 30 games. not in the same universe with wade.
DOUGLAS EDWARDS
April 2nd, 2009
8:53 am
THE PROBLEM WITH THE HAWKS IS JOE JOHNSON, WOODSON (THE BIGGEST PROBLEM), AND MIKE BIBBY. WE SHOULD NOT RESIGN BIBBY, LAW WAS A SUPERSTAR IN COLLEGE AND COULD BE ONE IN THE NBA IF NOT FOR WOODSON. J.J IS NOT A SUPERSTAR, THINK ABOUT IT, WHAT STAR PLAYER HAS GAMES WITH BELOW 15 POINTS ON THE REGULAR. WE SHOULD TRADE HIM IN THE OFFSEASON FOR A SOLID BIG MAN OR GUAD AND A HIGH DRAFT PICK. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, WOODSON! THIS GUY MAKES ME SICK HE HAS TO BE THE DUMBEST COACH IN LEAUGE HISTORY. HE DOESNT PLAY HIS PLAYERS ON THE BENCH, HE SWICTHES ON EVERY PICK AND ROLL REGARDLESS OF WHO IS ON WHO AND HE TRYS TO GRIND IT OUT WITH A FRONTLINE THATS 6FT8,6FT6 AND MW AT 6FT7 INSTEAD OF PUSHING THE BALL. WHAT A JOKE. HIS OFFENSIVE SETS HAVE TO BE THE WORST IN THE LEAUGE. THE HAWKS SHOULD BUILD AROUND HORFORD AND MARVIN WIILIAMS. I FEEL SORRY FOR BILLY KNIGHT HE PUT A SOLID TEAM AROUND WOODSON, BUT HELL HE COULDNT EVEN GET ALONG WITH DIAW,OR SALIM. THE ONLY PICK THAT SUCKED WAS SHELDEN WILLIAMS. BUT WORD IS, WOODSON WENT TO OWNERSHIP AND REQUESTED HIM, HELL BILLY KNIGHT DIDNT EVEN INVITE HIM TO WORK OUT.
Astro Joe
April 2nd, 2009
9:18 am
doc, I completely agree and you’ve never seen me suggest otherwise. I’m just evaluating on an annual basis (like we do in the office). Sometimes you have a great year, producing the best ideas, selling the most product, creating the cost-saving processes. Next year, not so much… your blogging all the time, debating basketball and checking out standings. Neither year is likely a statement of your overall lifetime value, it just is the roller-coaster of performance (most can’t be Tiger or MJ). I think it is okay to acknowledge that Woody has been pretty good this season without recommending that his face be carved into the Mount Rushmore of NBA coaches.