Bienvenido a Miami!
Al Horford and the Hawks will tangle with Heat plenty over the next two weeks!
HAWKSVILLE - Actually, the Hawks have already earned the right to host the Miami Heat in their first round playoff series.
But I’ve been waiting three weeks to use that line from Will Smith’s hit song (courtesy of our friends at YouTube. And I promise, this is the last time I use the words “Will Smith” and “hit song” in that order in this space) about one of my favorite hot spots.
And while others were dreading the thought of facing Philadelphia and frightened by the prospect of dealing with a hard-to-figure Chicago team in the first round, the same team that has been on a collision course with the Hawks for months now will be the foe starting this weekend at Philips Arena.
I love the matchup (my main man Chris Perkins of the Palm Beach Post and I discussed as much the last time these two teams played). Who doesn’t want to see the Hawks face one of the league’s most dynamic talents in Dwyane Wade in a best-of-seven series?
You’re worried about playing the refs too, huh? Get over it. Wade is going to get his share of calls. The superstars always do. But that hasn’t ever stopped the better team from handling its business.
And if the Hawks are indeed the better team, as their record and performance all season suggests, we should be in for a treat with this series.
I love the individual matchups. Joe Johnson and Wade, the two All-Stars and national team colleagues trying to see who can one-up each other on the big stage.
Mike Bibby and Mario Chalmers, the old and the new at the point guard position going head-to-head like Bibby and Rajon Rondo did (well … anyway) did last year.
Josh Smith and Mike Beasley, if they’re allowed to match up against each other, is a lefty air-up-there showcase that we should all enjoy.
And Al Horford and Jermaine O’Neal will get a chance to settle any debates about the best center in the Southeast Division not named Dwight Howard.
The subplots are endless, as always with a playoff series.
The bottom line, any way you slice it, this is going to be must-see-basketball for the fans of both teams. And that’s what makes Tuesday’s sneak preview (the Hawks’ regular season home finale) so intriguing.
My cousin Big Will is down with partying in the city where the Heat is on!
Do both teams rest their big dogs, knowing that they’re going to each other again in a few days in hand-to-hand combat? Or do they go for broke and pull out all the stops to win the game no matter what, making sure to send a message of what’s to come?
I love it.
But there are other things to discuss this …
AWARDS SEASON IS UPON US - In the NBA, that means teams are sending out swag and propaganda that defies these harsh economic times. The Hawks have opted for a much simpler approach, one that caught the attention of good friend and esteemed colleague Steve Aschburner of si.com, and a recent president and of my crew, the Professional Basketball Writers Association. In this age of multi-media and complex techno-gadgetry, the Hawks went with strictly the facts. And that resonated with Steve, as I’m sure it will with many others who are appreciative but tired of the gimmicky stunts teams pull to impress voters.
“Not only shouldn’t voters be influenced by that sort of persuasion, it flies in the face of true journalism ethics — at least for those newspapers that still abide by that stuff,” Asch wrote in an email to the Mad VP. “Besides, I’ve never figured out what sending an iPod or a GPS system to a voter does to make a stronger case for a player or a coach deserving an award. (Think some team sent the conference coaches a GPS system to lobby for an All-Star berth for somebody.) My theory is, if you want to bribe me, come with cash. Lots of it. Or don’t come at all!”
Classic stuff from one of the very best in the business. And I never did get my iRoy so I had to buy my own iPod.
My iRoy never showed up so I had to buy my own iPod!
SPEAKING OF AWARDS - Some of you have weighed in with your own feelings about the Hawks and who on the roster (and coaching staff) should be in the mix. Flips Murray’s a no-brainer for inclusion in the conversation about the Sixth-Man award. And a case could be made for JJ to be included on one of the All-NBA teams as well (per the scouts and league executives si.com’s Ian Thomsen polled for his take on the awards season).
As for our in-house feedback, there was a bigger stir for Hawks coach Mike Woodson than anything or anyone else. I wasn’t surprised that some of you emailed me concerning Woody’s status in the conversation (he’s rarely mentioned by any of the “nation” types despite having a familiar season and profile to one of the recent winners, Sam Mitchell formerly of the Toronto Raptors).
Two items really stuck out for me.
The first was an early morning/late night (how does 3:08 a.m. strike you) message from one of my most trusted voices about all things basketball, you can just call him Pop. “In my opinion,(of course),when you look at all the playoff teams Houston and Atlanta standout as the least likely to have done so well,” he wrote in an email. “Who has gotten more out of their talent? My point, [Houston's Rick] Adelman and Woodson should be at the top of the list of candidates for coach of the year (maybe Chauncey Billups if he had been named player/coach).”
As it stands, few people outside of this space predicted the Hawks would have a winning season, let alone home court advantage. And some of us here weren’t that positive. And to his point, Woody stands fifth on the Hawks’ coaching list for wins, only Richie Guerin (327), Mike Fratello (324), Lenny Wilkens (310) and Hubie Brown (199) have more than Woody’s (152 and counting).
One of our founding members, the one and only Astro Joe, didn’t hesitate to offer up his own fresh take on things Sunday evening. He raised some other interesting points in addition to where Woody stands in this coach of the year discussion (and he wasn’t shy so read his email word for word):
So I was thinking this weekend. One of the cool and refreshing things about Woody is his willingness to state a goal at the beginning of the season and essentially place his career on the line. Last season, he stated that the team needed to make the playoffs. The unstated consequence of failing to meet that goal was likely the end of his run as Hawks coach. After all, he was a lame duck based on his expiring contract. He enters this season, with only the security of a ratty blanket (two year extension) and he declares that the team needs to secure a home court playoff seeding. Again, with a new boss on board, the consequences of failing to meet that goal may have been yet another person visiting the Georgia unemployment office.
Do we see this in other cities and in other sports? It seems we often get generalities … the team needs to take another step toward competing for a title” or “if things break right, we should be able to improve form last year’s performance.” But Woody put it right out there on the line for all the world to see. Last year and again this year. How can a fan of any team in any team sport NOT admire a coach who declares the goal for all the world to hear and then gets it done? Yes, dude has some massive warts, but [expletive], that’s the kind of [gutsy] move that would make other coaches a cult favorite.
Now here’s the but. I hope that this team recognizes the fragility of this achievement, home court advantage. The Hawks are one lethargic first quarter from losing that which they fought 80 games to achieve. One game when they forget to share the ball from seeing this blow-up in their collective faces. They are two first quarter fouls on Horford or Smith from flip-flopping with the fifth seeded team. And because Woody abused his top 7 players with too many minutes, the team is one unfortunate injury from exposing an unprepared bench to maintain the advantage of having Game 7 in front of their sometimes rabid fans.
But all that said, I’m proud of my team and my coach. With five of the top 10 players requiring a new contract (even Marvin needs to agree to some deal or he may be chilling with Chill next season), I’m not taking this for granted and assuming a return to this level of prominence next season. Just like home court can be lost in a few minutes, so can the momentum built in the last two years be gone in a mater of a few weeks this coming summer. Thanks for being the record-keeper of a pleasantly surprising and fulfilling season.
Astro Joe
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359 comments Add your comment
Hawksfan
April 14th, 2009
12:44 am
Funny article on Bleacher Report
The All NBA Hate list: Celtics Fanactics Viewpoint
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/155202-from-a-celticsfanatics-viewpoint-the-all-nba-hate-list
Two of our starters made the list!
KevinA
April 14th, 2009
3:32 am
The best thing that could happen to Marvin is to get 14 ppg. Best thing that could happen to the Hawks is JJ getting 18ppg. Isn’t about points dude it’s about team balance. It’s about shot selection and shooting percentage.
Big Al and Josh are coming into their own. The Hawks strength is their dependence on no one player. We bow in admiration to the JJ effort in the last 4 years but now is the time to play team ball. Ball rotation and keeping a balance between the front court and the back court takes the Hawks to the elite status.
We know Bibby and JJ can win games on their own. We know ZaZa and Flip can dig our way out when the back court gets off to a slow start. But when we play our best is when Big Al and Josh get off early and often.
We have figured out that Evans, Mario and Solo have important contributions to make. It isn’t about numbers, dude, it’s about winning. Lets quit worrying about stars and kick some butt. If we get Woody to buy into this attitude, we’ll be even tougher to beat.
truth-serum
April 14th, 2009
5:03 am
Al Horford is not a center Sekou, but a power forward playing the 5 because ZaZa “I cant finish,watch this turnover,please give me a foul,”Pachulia our starting center; cant play the position and has been reduced to coming off the bench. The Hawks are a good team but wont get to the finals levels of the playoffs because you cant win in the NBA using a power forward as your center….Duh! Thats a no-Brainer….the Hawks need a center… the Hawks need a center… the Hawks need a center…The Hawks need a center…
truth-serum
April 14th, 2009
5:21 am
For all you Woody haters the Hawk are a decent team thats playing without a center. They are where they are because Woody has them playing at or above their talent level. That makes him a very good coach. Hate up on that!!
For you ZaZa Fans. Zaza is a scrub and would not make many NBA teams. He is a liability and has been reduced to coming off the bench. We now have a power forward starting in his place because he cant man the position.
The Hawks lose regularly to any team with a good center who can block or alter shots and intimidate. ZaZa does neither and other teams run down our throats. If the Hawks had a center Woody would get 55 + wins out of them.
Stop judging the Hawks with your feel good emotions and learn the game!!! In the longer playoffs series the game always comes down to a half court game. He who has center control will win. Period.
Za Za is a turnover waiting to happen.
il;jkljklj
April 14th, 2009
5:23 am
Enter your comments here
Edo River
April 14th, 2009
7:08 am
Astro Joe, you are a true poet above the rim, if not with rhyme then with lofty sentiments and in-the-paint observations. I would like to think that the clear headed comments here come off the bench and give you the minutes in the spot light you deserve. JJ feeds it back to you instead of throwing up a hope for a 3. Its your chance. Your drive.
dap01
April 14th, 2009
7:29 am
Marvin could average 18 on a team with an offense that didn’t consist of guards that pound, pound, pound, dribble, dribble, (shot clock) shoot.
jake
April 14th, 2009
7:53 am
This is the best first round matchup of all the 1st round games if only for the media, celebrity, and nightlife. The way I look at it is this is a great matchup with the two best shooting guards in the east. D-Wade can score at will and defend with the best. Joe Johnson is a technician who could work the post and murder you from the wing. All the experts say that DW could win a series by himself, I’m just glad that JJ doesn’t have to. When it all boils down to it Al and Josh can and probably will carry the Hawks through the series. JO’Neil can’t keep up with Al in the open floor. Not to mention JO can’t score on big Al or keep him off the glass (13 boards in the first half of last game agains the heat). Josh Smith over the course of the series will dominate the rookie Beasly. Beasly is a good scorer and good rebounder but can’t dominate the paint as I’ve seen JS do regularly (defense and offense). Haslem gives them a little toughness down low but I think what a healthy ZZP brings kinda cancels that out. I don’t think Magloire or Solo get enough burn to really matter. Marvin’s BACK, and that spells trouble for Miami. Marvin is really at the one position that I trully believe Miami dosn’t have an answer for. Moon is to small, Cook is to small, and Wade is too busy. Marvin will live at the line in this series. I’ll take Bibby over Chalmers anytime. I don’t know much about their bench but if they are better than ZZP, Flip, Mo Evans, it can’t be much better. By me looking up and down these rosters I just can’t see how this is even close. Wade is good enouph to keep Miami in a couple of games but Miami gets tossed in five games.
Astro Joe
April 14th, 2009
8:15 am
Edo, thanks.
Let’s see what Speedy can do to increase his trade value. Here’s hoping for a 24 minute performance with 7 assists, 3 steals and maybe 5 points. I recall watching him steal the ball from the Cavs during a rare healthy performance a few years back. He probably had 5 steals in limited play, it was amazing. Let’s see if he can become our X Factor during the playoffs.
kgbsfinst
April 14th, 2009
9:27 am
Anybody mind telling me who the center was for the Pistons the last 6 or so years? The years in which they have not only made the conference finals like every year, but have WON A CHAMPIONSHIP. I’ll give you a hint, here has been 2 of them, I’ll give you another hint, THERE BOTH SMALLER THAN AL! In our starting lineup, we have 3 top ten picks, a 2 time all star, and one of the better defensive players in the game(who also happens to be a slam dunk champion). How our they playing “above their talent?” Also, how is it that he can get the 5 starters to play above their talent levels, but he cant get the other players, like Zaza, Acie, or Solo to?
One more question. Who was Bostons starting center last year when they won the championship? I’ll give you a hint, HES SMALLER THAN AL!
kgbsfinst
April 14th, 2009
9:43 am
Truth serum,
Maybe you can teach me something about the game. What is our half court strategy? I see us with two players, Josh and Al, that can provide mismatches on the offensive end because of their speed and quickness, yet I don’t see us going to them very often. I see us taking a lot of jump shots, I mean a lot.
Having NBA league pass, I watch more games with the other teams commentators then I do the Hawks, and it seems almost all the commentators say that we take too many jump shots. They say the way to beat us is to keep a hand in the Hawks face when they shoot these jump shots. I guess all these analysts need to learn the game of basketball also.
MAC-TOWN
April 14th, 2009
9:45 am
Hawks 133
Heat 98
Thomas Gardner – 38 pts, 8 rebs, 5 asst (7/9 three point fg)
Truth-serum
April 14th, 2009
10:20 am
kgbsfinst
April 14th, 2009
9:27 am
Apparently you can’t answer your own question and clearly don’t know basketball. When the pistons were serious contenders they had bill lambeer (check the spelling) some time later in their progression they used Rasheed Wallace. Last year the Celtics used Kevin Garnett and if you question his height then look at the picture of ZaZa in his face and you’ll see that ZaZa is looking up…pe-cu-liar (Za Za the human turnover is 6′11″). I do agree that Garnett is a power forward that spends time at the post but if you take note the Celtics added a true center to their rotation and he hurt us the last two games. To respond to your lack of understanding about the game, a center is not necessarily determined by height, (that helps) but how you play the game and your body weight also play a part. Boston now has a center that is not 7′ but is thick in the middle like kind of like a Moses Malone…
Al is a power forward, and will always be. If you want to see a center who is up and coming look at Grey with Chicago or that center coming off the bench in New Jersey, Lopez. Look at the Rookie number 55 with the pacers. Those are true centers that will at some point have an impact in the NBA. Id trade Zaza peculiar for either of them. Where is Marcus Camby? The rockets were smart to resign Mutombo (we could have got him and he’s much better than the human turnover Zaza.
As far as playing at or above the Hawks talent level. Bibby is on his last leg and is a liability defensively. Joe Johnson is a star and a solid player but not a SUPERSTAR. Josh and Marvin are just now beginning to understand the game and have been young, project developments that are now coming into their own. Al is in his second year, kgbsfinst; being a first round draft pick does not equate to wins in the NBA but rather potential.
Yeah, Woodson is done a first rate job and that without a center. The Hawks are playing at or better than their potential.
Before you sponsor quizzes and contest, first learn the game. Also, we are men; learn to think with your head not with your emotions. In 99.9% of the cases you don’t win the finals without a center.
“Just keeping it real.”
SouthAfrican09
April 14th, 2009
10:25 am
Kendrick Perkins is smaller than Horford? Didn’t know that
SouthAfrican09
April 14th, 2009
10:25 am
We need Marvin to attack the basket in this series. He CANNOT settle for jumpers
Truth-serum
April 14th, 2009
10:35 am
kgbsfinst
April 14th, 2009
9:43 am
The Hawk are a run and gun team and have a problem in the half court because we dont have a center to go to and Josh Smith prefers the three point cinderblock over the slash and in kgbsfinst face dunk! Our game is athleticism and speed.
If You have an intimidating center to enforce control of the middle then your guys can take it to the rack like the other teams with centers do to us.
Since we dont, its bombs away. Shooting can slump but finishing in the paint doesnt.
Who is arguing that we shoot outside too much?
Even the Hawk hating commentators got that right. But the question is why?….Hawks need a center, Hawks need a center, Hawks need a center!!
Thumbs up to the Flip Man!!
Truth-serum
April 14th, 2009
10:52 am
kgbsfinst
April 14th, 2009
9:27 am
Za Za is playing at his level, scrub! Acie is hurt and a project, Soloman is a CBA player who is too light in the pants to play the low post…why dont you keep your mouth close and let me think you are ignorant rather than open it and confirm it.
Astro Joe
April 14th, 2009
10:58 am
Truth-Serum, you can play effective half-court offense WITHOUT a true center. And until recently, Smith has in fact reduced his 3-point shot attempts. If the Hawks have struggled with their half-court sets this season, I think you have to consider the injuries to the front court. Marvin has missed around 20 games, Horford & Smith around 12 each. Those guys are still perfecting their half-court skills so when they miss time, it really hurts. And it forces over-reliance on the vets with proven half-court skills… JJ, Bibby & Flip. Indy has a huge front line but Horford and Smith feasted on them last week. I still say that our front line (when healthy) can more than hold their own against the vast majority of teams in this league. We do need a “part-time” defensive center but I ain’t mad at our starting front-line as a collective unit.
jake
April 14th, 2009
11:14 am
Mike Woodson will have a job somewhere in the league for a long time. The way he hung in with the Hawks and made them a winner is remarkable. He’s made JJ a bonafied star in this league. He got JS to recognize that he changes the game defensively with his energy on the ball, in the passing lanes, backside help with blocks and altering shots, and he is still the only one on the team that attempts to take a charge. Coach got Marvin to improve his range, defense, and rebounding. He’s done an outstanding job with Al “BOSS” Horford. Al didn’t just come into the league knowing post position, defensive rotations and schemes. As much as some people hate it, he also let Bibby do what he do. Bibby’s not the best defender and his shot isn’t always working but, he does NOT give the ball to the other team, unlike every pointt guard that we’ve had since Mookie. As far as his bench, he gives Flip minutes because he earned them. He gives Mo minutes because he earned them. He gives ZZP minutes because he earned them. Acie looks like he isn’t interested, Mario and Solo are situational type players (six fouls each). Gardner, Hunter, or Morris have no business in the league right now. As for Craig, you can’t tell me that he isn’t satisfied getting a check every week sitting in street clothes. This bench is NOT as deep as people want to make it seem. He don’t have a lot of options there but his 8-9 man rotation is as effective as any in the league. This team has a lot of weapons, but it ain’t like Woody just rolled the ball in the gym and said “have at it”, this guy have done a great job.
kgbsfinst
April 14th, 2009
11:17 am
AJ,
I agree we need a part time center.
Truth-serum,
Dunk in my face? Really? I was willing to banter with you a little, but after that, never mind.
Not too many people, including myself, want Zaza to start, and I would take Josh and Al over Al and a Kendrick Perkins type any day of the week. We can win with this starting lineup, we don’t need a starting center.
Truth-serum
April 14th, 2009
11:19 am
Astro Joe
April 14th, 2009
10:58 am
Theres nothing wrong with hope.
I dont disagree with you that the Hawks are competitive and can play some half court games against the lower tier teams but not against the Celtics and Spurs, Lakers and Cleveland. Against those teams we will be shooting jump shots.
The bottom line is you wont win the title whether NBA or conference without a Center.
You and I agree on the point that the Hawks need a center. Like you, I like this team. It has the nucleus to win it all with a couple pieces added…a center(like a Camby) and another option to complement JJ(Amare Stodimire), and with good health, the Hawks can win it all. But it aint going to happen without a center!
kgbsfinst
April 14th, 2009
11:28 am
Jake,
Your right about pretty much all of it. My biggest concern is that you need more from a head coach. What about our offensive scheme every night? What about during the game?
I think Woody is a great assistant coach, because he does do a good job helping develop his players. He just doesn’t do a great job during the game.
jake
April 14th, 2009
11:29 am
Al “BOSS” Horford is a center. Been playing it at a high level for two years. Has excelled there defensively and on the glass. Show me one center that has outplayed him (Howard), and I’ll show you three that he has outplayed (JO’Neil, Dalembear, Okefor). He may be one of the top 7 centers in the league and two Gasol and Bynum are on the same team.
Truth-serum
April 14th, 2009
11:31 am
kgbsfinst
April 14th, 2009
11:17 am
Sorry your feelings are hurt. I did not mean to hurt your feelings. I just wanted to make a point about the game and its tenacity. Do you think we can drive the ball on that center from Orlando? Want to bet we turn to the jumpers against him? Its amazing how a true center changes the scope of the game. Howard is an enforcer and opens the middle for his team. Za Za is a proverb in turnovers.
Like I said before; Woodson has the Hawks playing at or above their talent level.
Just keeping it real.
Flip is a beast and will drive on any one!
Truth-serum
April 14th, 2009
11:33 am
jake
April 14th, 2009
11:29 am
Horford is a pf not a center. He was in college and is in the pros. He always will be. He plays the 5 spot because Z cant. Z is our center who is now resigned to coming of the bench. A year ago he was a starter.
Truth-serum
April 14th, 2009
11:44 am
jake
April 14th, 2009
11:29 am
Horford is a power forward who is forced to play the 5 spot because Z cant. Z was a starter a year ago and has been in the NBA for 5 years. Just face it, hes a scrub and has been demoted to a bench player. I think he leads the league in turnovers for a center.
Thumbs up Woodson and Flip!! kgbsfinst,jake Stop the hate!
Dont hate, Congratulate, Woodson on an OUTSTANDING JOB!!
jake
April 14th, 2009
12:14 pm
Truth-serum, I just listed numerous of reasons to appreciate the job Woody has done. I could go on some more but I’ll leave that to others. NOT hatin’ on Woody at all. It does seems as if you are hatin’ on the mindblowing work that “BOSS” is puttin’ in. I agree that he isn’t as big as some of the others but not only does he hold his own he excells. I think what we need is an upgrade over Solo. Most good teams have about four to five BIGS rotating not three.
jake
April 14th, 2009
12:20 pm
Not hatin’ on Woody at all. It does seem like you’re hatin’ on “BOSS”. The guy has held his own and excelled most games. Been solid as a rock the past two years without adequate backup. Upgrade over Solo helps this team more than ANOTHER starting center. Most teams used four to five BIGS not three.
jhan
April 14th, 2009
12:23 pm
Truth – ZaZa doesn’t start because he’s not starter material. He’s actually a very good bench player. Is everyone who doesn’t start in this league a scrub?
Who in this league takes it to Howard? That’s a pretty poor example. You make it sound like there are plenty of Howard types around so we should just go get one.
While we’re at it we should get a Chris Paul clone. He would help us also.
I’m not much of a Woody fan either – but I’ll give him credit for what he’s done this season. Results are what count in this world & right now his team is providing positive results.
Perhaps his team of young studs is making him look good – instead of him making the players look good. Ever thought that might be the case? Probably not from reading your posts.
jake
April 14th, 2009
12:30 pm
Add another BIG and you you get a better rotation in which coach can trust. It will also add alot more flexibility to the lineup. As it is now, the only true backups to JS are already in the starting lineup (Horford if we go big and Marvin if we play small). As I said before, not many options.
jake
April 14th, 2009
1:04 pm
Let’s pray for an injury free game for both clubs. Would love for both teams to be at full strength this weekend. Miami is riddled with injuries and Acie is probably still on the shelf. Hope we all get healthy.
O'brien
April 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
I read on ESPN that the Cleveland Coach addressed one of his shortcomings last offseason. He hired an assistant coach, who became the offensive co-ordinator.
Who is the Hawks’ offensive coordinator? I think Woody needs to hire one for offense, and Woody can focus on the defense.
Truth-serum
April 14th, 2009
3:00 pm
jake
April 14th, 2009
12:14 pm
I appreciate you. I think Horford is a budding superstar and one of my favorite players. If he is not now, he will soon be, one of the top 3 or 4 power forwards in the game. Don’t misconstrue me on that. I’m just calling apples, apples and centers, centers. Al plays the 5 because Z (who was our starting center) cannot.
Al is a power forward who can give you minutes a 5 spot as can most good pf’s.
jhan
April 14th, 2009
12:23 pm
Z makes far too many turnovers and can’t finish in the low post consistently. He is not an intimidating force and other teams run down his throat!
He has lost his starting position. He hurts with his turnovers more than he helps with his…humm..? Picks? Z is a center albeit not a good one. That’s what makes him a scrub.
I agree with you that Howard is a force and a true center. I just listed three youngsters that we could get to raise our level of play and build for the future simultaneously.
Please read my 10:20 posting.
Chris Paul is a great player but his talent won’t enhance the Hawks as much as a good center will. Flip is assurance that we won’t slouch at the 1 position. Between Flip, JJ and Bibby we have the backcourt at the ready. We need a center. I agree with you how many minutes a new center gets will be Woodson choice as he decides how to utilize his resources based on the game style of the opposition. Right now his options are limited. With a legitimate center the Hawks may win 55+ games. I also agree that if I had to choose between Z and Solo Id choose Z, but that’s like choosing between castor oil and ex-lax either one would be some….
jake
April 14th, 2009
12:30 pm
I like this post Jake. The only problem is Horford is a Power forward and Josh is a small forward. You are confusing what going big is by calling Horford out of position. He can only give you minutes at the 5 position but he isn’t a true center, but a perfect power forward. We don’t have much of an option to go big.
You will need to understand that to appreciate the job Woodson has done.
Ariose
April 14th, 2009
3:19 pm
Acie is on the shelf, and so is ZAZA. Micah Heart said they were both probably out for precautionary reasons though(zaza was at the walkthrough this mornong). Mo will also be missing the game with his family situation.
That means More time for Flip, Solo, Speedy, Randolph, Thomas, Mario, and maybe even Othello.
At least our starting unit is intact………sheesh.
jhan
April 14th, 2009
3:29 pm
Truth – Josh is certainly not a true small forward. His dribbling & shooting skills are below par to start there. He can “give you minutes” there but not as a starter.
If we get legit beef at center, move Horford to PF (which I agree with) that will leave us with 3 guys who need to operate in the paint. Won’t work in this league. Very easy to defend & not enough room to operate.
Ariose
April 14th, 2009
3:33 pm
Oh Lord, Micah is recording a podcast with John Hollinger as we speak. He asks if we have any questions for hollinger. unfortunately I don’t have a twitter account to respond(and i’m working on a presentation right now so I haven’t the time).
If anyone get’s around to it. Make sure you tell Micah to Make Hollinger apologise to all of the hawks fans
1)For Being WRONG
2)For hatin’ on the home team
3)For showing his face in the streets of tha ATL after his shoddy predictions and his factually flawed ab baseless prediction that the Miami Heat will beat the Hawks in round 1.
4) Ask him why he continues to pose as a real Hawks fan when he’s reallly just a fairweather bandwagon jumping STATboy.
5) Ask him to move to Miami or ESPN headquaters in Conneticut
Here’s the linke to the official Hawks Twitter:
http://twitter.com/atlanta_hawks
icalhoun
April 14th, 2009
3:35 pm
Sekou, your boy Steve Aschburner took a shot a Mario today:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/steve_aschburner/04/14/awards/1.html
Set him straight.
Ariose
April 14th, 2009
3:37 pm
Oh, and Hollinger is a poo poo head, just like Barkley for betting that the Hawks would have a worse record than the Timberwolves(why we let Chuck walk the streets of Atlanta after that comment is beyond me…..he should go cover Auburn basketball or something….)
Ariose
April 14th, 2009
3:45 pm
…….Forget it, I just created a Twitter account. I just couldn’t let it go. Hollinger needs to own up to his idiocy.
SouthAfrican09
April 14th, 2009
3:58 pm
Playoff roster:
Joe Bib Marv Smoove Horf Flip Mo ZaZa Speedy Mario Solomon Randy
That’s a pretty darn good lineup! Woodson, do NOT put Law on the roster!
Once you set playoff roster at 12, can you change it during postseason?
SouthAfrican09
April 14th, 2009
4:08 pm
speedy only playing 7-8 min toinght arghhhhhhh
Macaroni Tony
April 14th, 2009
4:11 pm
aroise my twitter account is tigerworld37
I sent a message to Micah (about his bad commenta) early…..
Macaroni Tony
April 14th, 2009
4:16 pm
Aroise what’s your user name, my username is tigerworld37
I sent Micah a message earlier (about the Hawks)
Macaroni Tony
April 14th, 2009
4:28 pm
Micah mention a comment that I posted on twitter. Micah also mention about that fact Hollinger predicted the Hawks would have a worst season. But he said that bench would be horrible, but the bench was better than expected.
Ariose
April 14th, 2009
4:30 pm
Tony, My username is JazzHop
Macaroni Tony
April 14th, 2009
4:37 pm
On the Podcast Hollinger said that Hawks should beat the Heat in five or six games.
Macaroni Tony
April 14th, 2009
4:39 pm
Ariose I couldn’t find you…
Ariose
April 14th, 2009
4:45 pm
Tony I found you
Ariose
April 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
I asked Micah my questions but I was too late lol. But since Hollinger has changed his tune i’m not too mad anymore lol.
mred1943
April 14th, 2009
5:26 pm
GREAT JOB BILLY FOR ASSEMBLING THIS TEAM
GREAT MIKE WOODSON FOR AN OUTSTANDING COACHING JOB
GREAT JOB RICK SUND FOR ADDING NEEDED VETERANS TO THE TEAM
GREAT GREAT JOB ATLANTA HAWKS PLAYERS
GREAT JOB ATLANTA SPIRIT ESPECIALLY THE GEARINS