April’s Fools
Mike Woodson, Joe Johnson and the Hawks are scrambling to finish with a bang.
HAWKSVILLE - If this is some sort of sick belated April Fools’ prank Hawks, it’s not funny.
Three straight losses, now?
I know, it was three straight to playoff bound teams playing at a much higher level than the Hawks could as presently constituted (despite all the chatter to the contrary a healthy Marvin Williams would help).
But not now.
Not with everything (namely the fourth spot and the home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs that come with it) on the line.
It’s one of the more deflating stretches I’ve seen out of these Hawks this season. And there have been others.
Check the standings, though, and you’ll realize that now is hardly the time to start a tailspin.
Not even a glorious late Sunday morning brunch with the fam and neighbors at Highland Bakery could erase the stain of what I’ve seen from these Hawks the past week.
After a big time effort against the Los Angeles Lakers in a home win last Sunday, they’ve basically fallen apart before our eyes.
They couldn’t keep pace with 76ers late Tuesday night in Philadelphia (a team and city the Hawks could see a whole lot more of in the coming weeks). They suffered a similar fate Friday night in Boston in yet another loss to the Celtics.
For a while it appeared that they would use their home court mojo to end their slide Saturday night against Orlando … then they suddenly went cold and suffered the exact same sort of power failure in the second half against the Magic.
It’s a nasty trend that should worry you. Because no playoff team should be suffering these sorts of lapses with the postseason just days away.
Naturally, the Hawks aren’t ready to call this a code red just yet.
“You can’t go into panic mode,” Josh Smith said. “You just have to bounce back and try to get these games on the road and win out the rest of the season.”
Sure, it sounds good in theory.
But panic mode might be exactly the place the Hawks need to go to find refuge or at least some answers.
Josh Smith insists now is not the time to panic!
They haven’t met the physical or mental challenge of their opponents in a week, which is a clear indictment of not only the performance on the floor but also of the preparation that goes into every game.
The Hawks’ history of struggles on the road make this week’s road tests in Toronto and Milwaukee, on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, even more critical.
I’m going to close with a little ditty from one of our regulars (you probably know him as RA) who sends me regular emails throughout every game.
He made some interesting points about what he sees as some alarming developments after the Magic game:
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353 comments Add your comment
Snowman
April 8th, 2009
11:20 am
Ray…more…smile…
To another point, Billy tried to fire Woody for the same reason Grunfeld fired Eddie Jordan here in D.C. to keep folks off of his back and to buy him more time. Mike was very loyal to Billy and it appears that Billy threw Mike under the bus and the owners chose Mike. Although coach and GM discuss the draft all the time it is ultimately the GM’s decision. As I remember we were forward heavy back then when Marvin was drafted (Harrington, Chill and Josh) and what we really needed was a point guard or center.
Snowman
April 8th, 2009
11:21 am
…Ray more (slow day)
Finally, the two picks Sund made were solid but there was no buzz about either and in fact, if Flip was so good why had he been on 5 different teams over 5 different seasons?…I would have wanted us to sign Roger Mason Jr. and Kwame Brown (crazy I keep saying that…smile) but I am so, so glad we have Flip. However we needed and need another BIG to help Horford and company.
Snowman
April 8th, 2009
11:23 am
…I promise Ray…this is it for now…
One more point I LOVE JOSH’S TALENT!!!!!….Period…however I wish Josh had gone to college a year or would be open to listening. he makes the same mistakes an plays the same why year after year…month after month…if he would just follow the coaches orders…look Allen Iverson has been my favorite player over the last 13 years and just think how MUCH better he would have been if he listened to any of his coaches (except John Thompson). Pound for pound the most talented little guy out there however he too is UNCOACHABLE…I just don’t want Josh to become that guy.
So this is not a coaching thing…this is a organizational thing…love the Hawks, love Woody and love Josh…less hate and more positive Karma as we enter these Playoffs as a 4th seed and home court advantage!!!!…Appreciate what is happening here in Atlanta and let’s put more pressure on the front office to get coach more help next year…Ray you seem like you get it unlike “Snowman is an idiot”…hope the Hawks win tonight against the Bucks…may “Snowman is an idiot’s” boy Salim might torch the Hawks tonight (now I can’t stop laughing!!!)…
Snowman
April 8th, 2009
11:24 am
…almost done Ray…
One more point I LOVE JOSH’S TALENT!!!!!….Period…however I wish Josh had gone to college a year or would be open to listening. he makes the same mistakes an plays the same why year after year…month after month…if he would just follow the coaches orders…look Allen Iverson has been my favorite player over the last 13 years and just think how MUCH better he would have been if he listened to any of his coaches (except John Thompson). Pound for pound the most talented little guy out there however he too is UNCOACHABLE…I just don’t want Josh to become that guy.
Snowman
April 8th, 2009
11:25 am
finally..this is it Ray…
So this is not a coaching thing…this is a organizational thing…love the Hawks, love Woody and love Josh…less hate and more positive Karma as we enter these Playoffs as a 4th seed and home court advantage!!!!…Appreciate what is happening here in Atlanta and let’s put more pressure on the front office to get coach more help next year…Ray you seem like you get it unlike “Snowman is an idiot”…hope the Hawks win tonight against the Bucks…may “Snowman is an idiot’s” boy Salim might torch the Hawks tonight (now I can’t stop laughing!!!)…
Snowman
April 8th, 2009
11:26 am
This is for you Sekou…
Write positive stuff Sekou, you have it in you I love your stuff! You, of all people, know this team is overachieving and really is not that talented to win consistently on the road yet however they have 29 home victories and have swept the Pistons this season…I know Woody has to like that (smile)…
Snowman is an Idiot
April 8th, 2009
11:32 am
Snowman, Salim isn’t playing until next season, and salim has a penchent for scoring big against teams/coaches/cities he has a grudge against.
Mark
April 8th, 2009
11:36 am
Ignition I don’t know about Josh and Horford playing off one another. I admit that we need to go down low for our scoring but we have no threats at the center and power forward position. Horford and Josh are both PROJECTS when it comes to their offensive games. Josh is playing better, but it has been a BAD year for him. Part of it was because of injuries.
Ray,
I have been trying to be POSITIVE during the LENT season (which will be over Sunday), but I have to disagree. Billy Knight said that Paul was too short. He wanted Marvin from the get go. I can’t stand some of Woodson’s offensive plays or his SUBSTITUTIONS and maybe even how he uses his TIMEOUTS, but I think that this is the best this team can do. They were 8 games under 500 last year, they are now 10 GAMES OVER!! This team hasn’t made any major moves like lets say Philly who signed ELTON BRAND (whose out for the season) Woody has had major INJURIES to all of his front court players. They have all missed extended parts of the season and we don’t know if we are getting MARVIN back. This team will never be a CHAMPIONSHIP contender until they make some major moves.
Ray you can say that it has taken WOODSON five years, but you can’t count the first two because they were still trying to clear CAP space. Hell, the first year they didn’t have Marvin or Joe. All they had were the two Joshes, Harrington, and Ty Lue.
People don’t expect much from this team. They are what they are which is slightly above MEDIOCRITY. They SHOULD win in the first round of the playoffs, but you know they will probably get swept in the second which is nothing new. (they have never gotten past the second round in there pathetic HISTORY!!!)
Snowman is an Idiot
April 8th, 2009
11:43 am
Snowman, What is it that I do not get? You’re just bashing players in order to make a less than spectacular coach look better than he really is. Players like salim and Acie shouldn’t just come into the leauge as highly decorated as they were and ley goose eggs. When guys like George Hill, Courtney Lee and Rodney Stucky from smaller schools come in and make immediate impacts.
Well, one difference that slaps you in the face is whose coaching them. When was the last time Woodson developed a player? I don’t see our players going to Woodson in the offseason in order to get better or to sak for advice. I’m Just Sayin’
Salim Stoudamire is the Hawks all-time Free Throw pecentage leader……and the guy barely had 300 attemps, how do you not use that? I’m laughing at you and Woodson, it’s just sad that some people can’t recognize talent.
Snowman is an Idiot
April 8th, 2009
11:53 am
Snowman, What kind of coach plays Tyronne Lue and Anthony Johnson ahead of Acie Law and Salim Stoudamire huh? Think about it……
Mark
April 8th, 2009
11:57 am
Snow man is an idiot,
You have to admit that apart of Salim’s problems was his attitude. The man even had problems with Olsen at Arizona. Salim was hardly the SNIPER they wanted him to be. He was always injured also (sort of like Acie Law, who hurt his knee last night). Hopefully Salim does a good job for Milwaukee next year.
I don’t like some of the crap Woodson does, but I don’t thing Phil Jackson or Larry Brown would do much better. Heck if Larry Brown came here he would have made some changes like he did in Charlotte. Josh may have been traded earlier in the season for not rebounding and Bibby definitely would have had to go because of his defense.
This team is right where they want to be according to them. They wanted to have the fourth seed and to win a round in the playoffs (as pathetic as it sounds).
KevinA
April 8th, 2009
11:58 am
Looking to the future.
I think Bibby could be like a Jasen Terry coming off the bench. Point being, we need a pg who can defend better and put the front court in better positions to score. Al, Josh and ZaZa don’t have the greatest handles but are very effective on the receiving end of drive and kicks. JJ has supplied much of this passing while Bibby is more effective around the top of the circle. For the team to change from primarily jump shooting team to a front court first team relies on a new pg or an improved Acie. I have not given up on Acie becoming that type of PG.
I believe we can afford to be patient while Acie, Marvin, Josh, Al, Mario, Solo etc. as they continue to grow and realize their upside potential. We still have a Childress, Speedy and draft picks to look for a piece down low to add more defensive presence.
The biggest question is Bibby’s contract. We need some of those dollars to reward up coming contracts. Him and Speedy are the only players who seem to be over paid into today’s market. Of course the flip side of Acie, is will Woody give him enough minutes to come into his own so we can determine once and for all if he’s our guy for the future.
I wish the owners would give us some kind of indication of how money supply will effect Sunds decisions to resign players over the next couple of years.
Looking to the playoffs.
If Marvin can get in a couple of games before the playoffs and Acie can get a few more minutes I think we’ll be ready to rock and roll.
For all of our griping our team has improved but is still not an elite team. It is what it is. I would say we have not over or under performed and have enjoyed the results of an improved team. How well we do will mostly rely on our defense and jump shooting. We have a great shot at winning the first round and gaining experience in the second.
One last point. Sund should get more credit for Flip and Mo who have turned out to be great bargains and decent players.
Snowman is an Idiot
April 8th, 2009
12:04 pm
Richard Jefferson on Salim Joining the Bucks:
“He didn’t miss many shots at Arizona. I think he only missed about six free throws the whole time he was in college, so he’s a talented kid.”
Snowman is an Idiot
April 8th, 2009
12:08 pm
Mark, I agree with everything you said, But I also know salim was on his best behavior during the 07-08 season. I slao recallyLarry Bron saying he loved Bibby on the 2003 Olympic team, but things do chnge lol.
Snowman is an Idiot
April 8th, 2009
12:10 pm
“I also Recall Larry Brown”
Snowman
April 8th, 2009
12:49 pm
Excellent, excellent points Mark!…bravo!!!…for you “Snowman is an idiot”, coach and his staff have developed Josh, Marvin and Al and even Chill…He has done it like a college coach would…I guess you thought Sheldon is good as well and was a good draft pick?…are you Salim’s agent?…Mark, again you said what took me entirely too long to say and that is NO ONE could of or would of done a better job of coaching this crew….if they win the 1st round that will be a great accomplishment and another step on the way…GO HAWKS and let’s everyone get behind these guysand support them!!!!
Snowman is an Idiot
April 8th, 2009
1:00 pm
Just Ignore all of my points and agree with Mark. Whatever man, I’m finished with this.
O'brien
April 8th, 2009
1:27 pm
In my opinion, one of the reasons the Hawks won last night is because they were 11-22 on 3 pointers. The problem with the Hawks is that if they’re not making 3’s, we’re in trouble, because we are still going to attempt 15-20 a game, and there is no offensive adjustment (from the coach or the players) to go inside more.
That being said, a win is a win, and that’s all that matters.
I am looking forward to the game tonight. I would like to see what Ramon Sessions can do against Bibby. Bibby has had a couple good games recently (although even when he has a good game, he still gets outplayed by the opposing PG (see Rondo and Calderon)).
If we win tonight, what’s the magic number? 1? Let’s go Hawks.
Raps fan in TO
April 8th, 2009
2:40 pm
Good game for the Hawks despite the slow start (wasn’t I right about Toronto’s non-existent perimeter defence? You’re welcome
As for the Raps announcers, I take no responsibility for that
Not sure who called last night’s game as I missed it, but I can wager a guess. We have one analyst who is good, Leo Rautins, he is the Canada national team coach, but he is no longer a regular in the broadcast booth. I am guessing that the usual guys did the game — one guy who used to be the radio play-by-play dude for the Bulls, and Jack Armstrong, a former college coach who is a *shameless* homer. Sorry guys, all of our best broadcasters are working the hockey games up here.
I for one would love to have Smooov on our side, we don’t even need his 3-ball
We need his defense, and that ultra-soft defending in yet another late game collapse is proof. (It was asked how our record could be so bad — that’s the reason).
I’m checking out until the playoffs begin, when I can cheer for the Hawks all the way — see you then
terrell barron
April 8th, 2009
4:08 pm
Brian McCann is beasting so far. Now I can see why they got rid of Estrada and Salty. As far as the Hawks go, why cant we just play teams on winning streaks every game? But seriously, it was a good win, but I’m not letting myself get up too high, only to be brought back down to the ground tomorrow night against Milwaukee. It’s happened to me too many times this year.
doc
April 8th, 2009
7:25 pm
ando, my how time flies when you are having fun.
snowman is on house arrest by the hawks gm and basg. must be a member of a PR firm that came up with the slogan … NOW YOU KNOW! guess we got it now, from the source, one might say.
snowman to make an argument that josh should have gone to college so he would be coachable unlike AI who went to college and had one of the best college coaches ever just plain speaks of being an idiot. just doesnt make any sense. kg, howard, kobe et al. are not coachable because they didnt go to college? did you really mean that, as it is incongruent. i mean really what does college have to do with it. COLLEGE, I MEAN COLLEGE?
mark theologically speaking lent ended last sunday the sunday christ returned form the wilderness and palms were thrown at his feet as he came back into town. the sh!t hit the fan later that week as you know. lent represents the time while he was in the wilderness of 40 days which ended on palm sunday. funny he sacrificed his life so that people would adopt something more than to attempt to be positive for 40 days a year, whatever. if you want to be negative theologically you can without waiting for easter. also mark, cap space was aplenty four years ago. btw they opted to go cheap and toe the line at the bottom of the cap line spending only what was required delaying the resurgence of the hawks by what most folks do in 2 instead of 5. woody didnt have control over that for sure and i suspect neither did bk.
KevinA
April 8th, 2009
8:04 pm
The one thing for sure is we never know which Hawks team will show up. We do know what they will try as a game plan. We know that the back court will jack up a bunch of jumpers and normally give way to a slow start. Then it’s up to the bench or the front court to get us back into the game.
JJ usually doesn’t shoot well until he takes it to the hole and drives. He seems to use jacking up jumpers to warm to the idea that driving works better.
Bibby is going to focus on coming off of screens to shoot, If that doesn’t work, Bibby will focus on coming off of screens to shoot.
Sometimes, after shooting a low percentage we actually start rotating the ball. We play much better with good ball rotation which happens in about 1/2 the games.
We know Woody will not change his player rotation unless there are foul problems. Woody believes teams have to adjust to him and not the other way around. The George Bush playbook of situational execution. Sorry about that.
We usually do not start playing our best defense until the 2nd half. A lot of times this is because of inspired defense and awe inspiring dunks by Josh.
Once we get inspired, we become a pretty hard team to beat.
One out of 4 games or so our plan really works well. We shoot lights out and win. When JJ, Bibby and Flip shoot a high percentage we become a pretty hard team to beat.
We seem to be able to dominate in different parts of quarters. I guess we call this a run. And then just as likely give it right back. This makes for exciting games but sets us up for another weakness of our team. Free Throw shooting.
This young team is growing and improving. Some of us think that changing the way we play is a coaching problem. However it’s hard to argue with the improvement year after year. Our players play hard for Woody so we should at least give him that.
At this point in the season it’s to late to change anything. Ride the horse that brought you there and pray the jumpers fall. If they don’t, pray JJ drives and then drives and kicks. If that doesn’t work leave it ZaZa and Flip to bring it.
It’s game time, bring it.
rms
April 8th, 2009
8:16 pm
dang hawks, here we go again. That was nice little preview show that was on before the game showing the team on the road and Woody trying to coach
Melvin
April 8th, 2009
8:32 pm
My Gosh. Woody sub Joe for a 1 min in the 1st qtr. The Bucks only had a 1pt lead before he can call timeout to send Joe back in the game…
Sautee
April 8th, 2009
8:48 pm
I remember when we played defense.
Sautee
April 8th, 2009
8:53 pm
How did Josh make that great ball fake and pass to Horford with NO basketball I.Q.?
Must of gotten lucky.
Big Ray
April 8th, 2009
8:55 pm
Snowman,
Sorry I didn’t reply to all of your posts. I went to bed not long after the last one I made to you. I’ve just now gotten onto the blog, and was trying to get through all of your posts (there was a lot of repeat, but also a lot of changes). And then there was the “Snowman is an Idiot” character. I’m still not sure what was going on where with that whole conversation, and some parts obviously weren’t addressed to me (I think).
I guess it’s best if I make this shorter than usual: I don’t hate Woody. He aggravates the crap out of me with some of his repetitive mistakes. I don’t love the guy. Sorry. However, some of the players aggravate me just as much AT TIMES. Woody has not done nearly as bad a job as guys like Larry Krystowiak, PJ Carlesimo, Isaiah Thomas, and Mike Dunleavy to name a few….but he’s not done as good of a job as several that I can name.
Bottom line: that opinion is debatable. You give him more credit than I do, and there’s no harm in that. I’d like to see the guy coach the team to back-to-back winning seasons before crowning him the next great coach. Even then, that’s an accomplishment that several guys have managed, and some of them have been fired. Get my drift?
Anyway, it’s all good.
otisfirefly
April 8th, 2009
8:56 pm
I’m glad you guys can watch it. I live in Birmingham and my SportSouth channel says its Hawks, but they are showing one of those stupid “In my own words” shows no one cares about. WHAT GIVES????
Big Ray
April 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
One more thing: I realize that having the right combination of players is key to the success of the franchise. No doubt about it. On the flip side, coaching is a form of management. Either you’re a good manager or you’re not so good. Some manage to straddle the fence, but not for long. Sooner or later, you show yourself. And let’s face it. This isn’t a perfect world, where good little coaches get perfect rosters. If that was the case, who would need a coach?
And for those who like to play the Woody vs. Josh thing….
Pardon me if I expect more out of a guy who has played several years in the league, coached several years in the league (under at least one successful head coach, no less), and has won a championship ring while doing so….than I do out of a guy who came into the league as a teenager, knowing how to do three things: run, jump, and dunk.
The resumes just don’t compare…
Najeh Davenpoop
April 8th, 2009
9:05 pm
Uh… so I’m not watching the game, but… how the F-CK are the Bucks shooting 66%?
Big Ray
April 8th, 2009
9:05 pm
This game is sucking on the defensive end.
Bibby is shooting over 40% tonight, that must be why we haven’t seen Acie yet.
Nothing like a 7 1/2 man rotation.
Some defense please? Sheesh…
Najeh Davenpoop
April 8th, 2009
9:08 pm
If I’m not mistaken, the magic number for the Hawks to clinch the 4th seed is 2. Winning this game would make it 1, and would allow the Hawks’ starters to get some rest heading into the playoffs. It can’t be THAT hard to beat a Bucks team with nothing to play for on the road that’s missing arguably its two best players. Come on.
Sautee
April 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
Maybe Woody’s trying the “rope-a-dope” defense. Soften them up and then take over in the 3rd.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
If there’s anything positive I can see on this box score, it’s that the Hawks have already attempted 20 free throws, which means they are at least making an effort to attack the basket and get fouled. Usually that results in the tide turning your way in the 2nd half as players get into deeper foul trouble. But allowing 62% shooting and 20 assists on 39 made baskets is just abhorrent for a team that expects to make some noise in the playoffs.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 8th, 2009
9:21 pm
^^ I meant 24 made baskets, not 39…
cp
April 8th, 2009
9:25 pm
The defense has been horrible. Their bench also outplayed ours in the first half. Maybe Woodson will make some adjustments. And yea Nique is still Nique for those who cant see the game.
Melvin
April 8th, 2009
9:33 pm
I will be surprise if the Hawks have enough gas to finish this game. Our main guys look sluggish. We had key players that played almost 20 of the 24 mins in the 1st half after playing over 40mins last nite… On the other hand, Bucks bench score 24pts in the 1st half and none of their bench players are household names. Especially, when they already have 2 starters out of the lineup…
Snowman
April 8th, 2009
9:50 pm
Big Ray, I lost my mind earlier, sorry about that (smile). Hey listen you are clearly up on this and I enjoyed the exchange because you were very thoughtful and clear in your position. We can agree to disagree on Woody because I do think he has done a really, really good job given all of the circumstances over the 5 years he has been there. I know there are allot of other coaches who have not done suggitty in this league and Woody has stayed steady and the results are clear. I would just like to see what happens when or if ownership gets these guys a andditional BIG to help Horford and a couple of players on the bench.
Finally, we both are Hawk fans and we both hope they advance to the 2nd round this season and if that happens there will be enough Kudos to go around for everybody!!!…Enjoy the game tonight I see they are down 9 at the half (ouch)…
Melvin
April 8th, 2009
9:53 pm
Hawks tighten up on the defense in the 3rd and take a 10pt lead into the 4th after being down by 9 at the half…. Now lets finish strong..
Big Ray
April 8th, 2009
10:02 pm
Snowman,
We’re cool. I agree totally that offseason moves will determine what this team can do about repeating it’s success and/or improving upon it next year. I’ve been crying for a big man for so long, I just gave up.
Nothing against Zaza’s yeoman-like performance, but we need a guy who can really be rugged in the post, and let Horford slide to the 4 (or spell him for decent periods of time).
We need solid defense on the perimeter. It all starts there.
Big Ray
April 8th, 2009
10:05 pm
I notice after last night’s game, Woody didn’t want to talk too much about the 3 point shooting.
Well, dude…your team is jacking up quite a few of them. You have to wonder, how much are these guys listening to him? I know he had to have been pi$$ed when Josh drew two defenders, then passed to Joe, who shot from well outside the arc…early into the shot clock. WTF….
Big Ray
April 8th, 2009
10:08 pm
I love Flip’s fearlessness.
Josh is looking better and better, from the line and from the field. And his decision-making is getting better, too.
And guess what? Have to give both Josh and Woody credit for that…
Big Ray
April 8th, 2009
10:09 pm
Wonder if Bogans got frequent flier miles for that airball?
Big Ray
April 8th, 2009
10:14 pm
I am SO sick of watching Al and Josh play such consistent, hard defense at the point of attack of their zone, then watch a perimeter player close out way too slow, and the other team gets a shot.
This time it was Joe with the slow rotation.
rms
April 8th, 2009
10:16 pm
typical Hawks….blown lead, go back to the iso joe
Big Ray
April 8th, 2009
10:16 pm
Nice shot by Joe. Bailed himself out after two straight bad possessions. He needed that, and so did the team.
bigdave
April 8th, 2009
10:17 pm
from Old National Joe…
bigdave
April 8th, 2009
10:22 pm
big free throws josh…
bigdave
April 8th, 2009
10:23 pm
Nique’ hate to tell you but that is the shot that Mike Woodson wants…
Najeh Davenpoop
April 8th, 2009
10:23 pm
Has anyone noticed that Josh tends to step his free throw shooting game up in big moments? It certainly seems that way anyway…