No Marvin, no cry!
The Hawks won't have Marvin Williams to lean on.
MIAMI - The Hawks survived 16 games late in the regular-season without Marvin Williams.
Now it’s time to see if they can go the next 48 minutes or so without him.
The Hawks’ starting small forward has a soft black cast on his right wrist, inadvertently matching the American Airlines Arena crowd in their “Black is Back” get up for Game 3 in this first round playoff series.
A nasty fall late in the third quarter of Wednesday’s Game 2 loss to the Heat at Philips Arena will cost Williams this game for sure. There’s no indication of how much time he’ll miss altogether. That hasn’t been made clear as of yet.
Believe it or not, there are more pressing issues for the Hawks right now.
Whether or not the Hawks get overwhelmed by the Heat and this atmosphere that is off the charts crazy right now remains to be seen.
But know this, their road to winning this series has taken a drastic turn without Williams and with Dwyane Wade and his crew feeling the proverbial heat (a cheap one I know, but I couldn’t help myself).
And if you think Game is going to be tough, Game 4 Monday night is going to be dang near impossible, because everyone down here in South Florida is going sense that it’s just a matter of time before the Heat wins this series.
While it’s far from over, this is not the kind of atmosphere (18-4 and counting right now in favor of the Heat) the Hawks could afford to falter in, not with their season on the line over the next 72 hours.
Let the venting begin Hawks fans.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
500 comments Add your comment
Volman
April 26th, 2009
6:55 pm
I come to realize, that its not Woody fault,it’s the players. I think all of them have peaked and that the best we can get from them, i dont think new coach would be able to solve the problem. Scrap the whole team
jhan
April 26th, 2009
7:15 pm
2 rookie head coaches have their lower seeded teams playing great right now (Del Negro & Spoelstra). I guess they have better players & leaders on their teams than the Hawks. Couldn’t have anything to do with coaching – NO WAY!
RealSquawk
April 26th, 2009
7:31 pm
What a journey!! The first six games of this season, I saw a nasty feisty team and then somewhere in between that boston game it all changed. The whole regular season went by without them ever returning to that form. And then Sunday the Hawks went right into form and destroyed a Miami team that does not surpass the Hawks at any position.
I went around game planning for Cleveland. Started talking to the guys about how I wanted to face Boston over Chicago after we shocked Cleveland.
During Wednesday I saw two things in particular. Complacency and Heat Streak.
For all of those thinking that the Heat won’t stay HOT. Just know they could stay hot for a game, the series, or the whole playoffs.
However.
The Hawks as Woody would like to put it have had their backs against the wall before and always come out on top!
Smirking.
Lets see if the Hawks win another game and go from there. And then lets see what the hawks do this offseason.
I am in full support of the departure of Woody, Bibby, Smith, and Solo.
Everyone else can stay.
I am not finished, but I am finished.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 26th, 2009
7:40 pm
Another thing I’ve noticed about the Hawks is that, unlike most other playoff teams who are able to “flip the switch” so to speak even when they start a game slow, the Hawks pretty much play a game the way they start it. If they come out strong they play well all game, and if they come out slow they suck the whole game. Probably ties into Woody’s inability to make adjustments, but you gotta think it has something to do with the mentality of the players on the team as well.
UGA
April 26th, 2009
7:57 pm
One question:
Why is it after every loss this year and now, we hear from players and coaches “we have to play harder” or “give better effort”?
WHO DIED......?
April 26th, 2009
8:16 pm
B/c you are here the players repeat what the coaches have been telling them all along. But some want to say it coach fault,i think you can get a new coach and this team will play the same way.The hawks are lacking something and its not the coach,besides woody seems to be player friendly,maybe that’s his downfall, for thinking he can just let the guys be what they proclaim to be as individual players,its so clear that maybe horford is the only one capable of being team player,b/c he’s the only one who doesnt force anything. the bench isnt as strong as you thought at the beginning of series,im talking complete OVERHAUL b/c its hard to justify how a 15 win team is giving hawks so much trouble especially one that is poised to get to second round of playoffs
WHO DIED......?
April 26th, 2009
8:16 pm
hearing
Da Real Real
April 26th, 2009
8:40 pm
I agree with you jhan! If this team is going to win its going to have to start from the top with the real leader – the coach. We can talk about passing torches and who should be the leader on the floor and what not, but plain and simple Woodson’s got to make adjustments to his game plan! You can’t let a guy who is a legit superstar walk the ball up the court and go to wherever he wants on the floor with very little attention and knock down open looks. You can’t design a game plan where your leading scorer is going to be doubled all night long and not be able to contribute.
I watched the Bulls today and that’s a team who theoretically shouldn’t even be competing with the Celtics but with good coaching look at what they are doing! I’ve watched all the teams in the playoffs and there’s a major difference with those teams and ours – THEY RUN OFFENSE! All of em! I can call a few screens here and there from our team but its nothing to get guys open. We hardly ever run any cuts. There’s no reason a team that went about bragging all year long about taking the Celtics to 7 games should be struggling and getting embarrassed the way they the past two nights.
I will continue to disagree with anybody that will say its not the coach fault and that it’s the players fault especially if the coach isn’t putting the team in a position where they can succeed.
Mike is back
April 26th, 2009
8:43 pm
Man, I started out day Sat excited about upgrading my season Tix at Phillip…I thought I had came up…Who’s zooming Who. Then I watch the Hawks come out listless for two of the biggest game of the season…go figure. I was one of the cats that thought we would take game 3 in Miami,”Right!!!” No adjustments…No education…we assed ouuuuuut!!! Heh heh
I’ll not folding on my boys…Woody just need to make a few adjustments. The 6400 dollar question is will Woody make them. Up to this point, he has stayed the course…if he continues down this path it will lead to destruction. However if he gets the ball out of Wade hand before he get a chance to survey the floor, and go with a longer guy to alter Oneal shot…then Miami don’t get those easy open looks for threes. Al is not a good match-up for Oneal…he’s too long for Al. The Hawks can steal one in Miami if make Wade and Oneal work harder to score…right now its too easy.
You can’t ask Flip to guard Wade…he is too big and he plays to physical for Flip. You got all these young bodies on the bench to throw at Wade and Oneal. They make not stop them but you can at leased slow them down. It’s two guys that you got to make work harder to disrupt their offense. The best thing about these games is it that ASG and Sund can clearly see how poorly conceived Woody’s offensive scheme is. When your offense is predicated on one guy…when he struggle…the whole team struggles!!!!!
Surely, Woody will make some type of adjustments…we talking Erik Spoelstra. Daaaaaaaaaaam the inside…get the ball out of Wade hand. GET SOLO AND MARIO IN THE DAM GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Astro Joe
April 26th, 2009
8:45 pm
jhan, coaching has little to do with a lack of effort and energy. What, you think Woody forgot to tell JJ to pass the ball? That he didn’t tell Smith to rebound in the first quarter? That he forgot to tell Horford to play with confidence? That he didn’t menetion that a road crowd may be a little loud and rowdy and that they needed to survive the initial wave of emotion and maintain their cool? Is Miami really doing anything significantly different in this series than in the regular season? I don’t think so. They’re just playing with more discipline, heart and energy. (And yes, Wade’s new found 3-point shooting is a heckuva wrinkle). Should Woody be fired because Joe is shooting poorly and Smith is incapable of playing consistently on defense? And what exactly will the next coach do? Beg Smith to grab a 1st quarter board better than Woody? Fine Joe every time he forces an awful shot with teammates wide open? Yeah, I’m sure that will make a huge difference.
Chicago is doing what we did last year. They are playing loose, with nothing to lose. No pressure. We’re choking under the weight of lofty expectations.
Woody’s accountability came in the 2-year contract extension. It was a secret-double-probabtion extension that screamed “I don’t want you to be my coach but my bosses think differently”. Meanwhile, dude who shows up only for home playoff games got 5 years of love at over $55M.
Getting rid of Woody is the easiest answer. But I don’t see how that can make anyone more comfortable with the notion that we have a group of players who shrink IMMEDIATELY in crucial road games. I can’t even imagine Phil Jackson having to explain the need for his starting PF to grab a rebound or two in the first half of a game. And Pop or Sloan? They’d be arrested for assault if they had to watch one of their players whine after every ref whistle while putting up a first half 0-for. Can ya’ll imagine if a healthy Marvin Williams failed to grab a first half rebound in a playoff game? Multiple members of this blog would put a “For Sale” sign in is front yard before the game ended. (Oh, and let’s not mention that the two are the same age and Smith has more NBA game experience).
Don’t blame it Joe J. Don’t blame it on J-Smoove. Don’t blame it on Tin Men. Blame it on Woody! (Sung to the tune “Blame it on the Boogie”).
N Ave Pimp
April 26th, 2009
8:47 pm
Enter your comments here
N Ave Pimp
April 26th, 2009
8:49 pm
…. ZaZa Pa-choker is HORRIBLE!! How does he ever see the court? Where is SOLO, how come he doesnt play more? C’mon Woodson wake up!! or Leave town!!
Andre
April 26th, 2009
8:53 pm
I can’t stand up for the coach. The team takes on the personality of it’s coach and this team plays just about how he looks every game. “Dull, sorry, not enthused and bloated.” I’m sick and tired of this team giving up every time they get behind.
Astro Joe
April 26th, 2009
8:57 pm
Can anyone tell me what funky “never seen before” plays the Heat are running that require “an adjustment”? Keep in mind, when Jordan scored 63 against Boston, they Bulls lost. Or is the adjustment on the offensive end where we failed to score 80 points? Maybe an adjustment on the glass is required since we’re getting badly out-rebounded. I’m sure that the fundamentals of rebounding requires frequent “adjustments”.
When I see players forget to pass, forget to block out and forget basic defensive rotations, I wonder if the problem is the scheme or that the players panic and deviate from the scheme.
Let’s fire Woody, fine a quality coach who isn’t concerned with the ownership fiasco and go from there. I’m ready to move on to the next phase. Take me to the next phase, baby, take me. A little classic Isley Bros. for the old schoolers on here.
Astro Joe
April 26th, 2009
9:08 pm
And another thing. Have you ever run across someone who may not be as naturally talented/skilled/intelligent as others but absolutely, positively refuses to be out-worked? (Think Mario West). What little the Hawks have achieved this season isn’t because of Joe’s skills, Smith’s athleticism or Bibby’s big game experience. It has been because they are very hard to beat when they play relentless defense and attack the rim with fury. This team (players and coach) can’t rely on natural skills/IQ/acumen. They smelled themselves after Game 1 (despite saying they didn’t) and now the are lost. Here’s hoping they remember to play as a unit because they aren’t good enough as a collection of individuals to beat a quality team.
jhan
April 26th, 2009
9:08 pm
Joe – I can’t imagine Phil Jackson “allowing” anyone on his team to think or behave that way. Have you ever seen a Phil Jackson coached team look this bad for consecutive games? Is it the players on his team or his influence as their coach?
I’m not saying any of the players should get a free pass. I’m all for trading whatever players need to go to make this a better team. Show me a trade involving JJ & Josh that makes this team better & I’ll all for it.
You can’t continue to blame the players for their lack of leadership & give Woody a pass. Maybe all these young cats are learning how to be a leader by watching their coach. I just don’t know what you see in Woody that makes you think he is beyond reproach.
Their defensive scheme in this series has been horrible & their offensive sets are non-existant. If you watch when JJ gets double teamed there is usually NOBODY for him to pass the ball to. He has to dribble through/around the double team to find the open man. Since everyone knows JJ will be doubled why can’t Woody design a set that will allow for an easy pass to an open teammate?
How many times does Josh end up with the ball 25′ from the basket? That’s not on Josh – that’s the offensive play that was designed by the coach. Why don’t we double Wade every time he touches the ball? Are the players not running the defense Woody is calling? I highly doubt that. They are running the offensive & defensive plays that Woody has designed & called for.
If our offensive sets resulted in open shots for our players & they continually missed them then get rid of those players. I don’t see that happening very often. The only time our offense gets wide open looks is on the fast break. Our coach continues to call for the slow down / half court game.
If your style of play is resulting in 20-25 point losses, why not let the kids run wild? What’s the worse thing that could happen – we lose by 30? We’re still going to lose if he doesn’t change his philosophy.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 26th, 2009
9:10 pm
“Why is it after every loss this year and now, we hear from players and coaches “we have to play harder” or “give better effort”?”
That either means they don’t want to give away their weaknesses to the media or they are not smart enough to figure out what the problem really is. In the Hawks’ case I would go with the 2nd option.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
9:15 pm
Jhan,
All I can say is denial is such an ugly thing. Here we have quotes from Dwyane Wade, saying that he’s seen every kind of defense there is, and there hasn’t been much that the Hawks have thrown at him, that he wasn’t expecting.
Here we have Jermaine O’Neal quoted as saying that everybody is playing well together, and he gives particular credit to Spoelstra and his staff for throwing different looks and sets at the Hawks.
Yep, all right there in Sekou’s article.
Astro Joe,
Do us all a favor and tell us what this scheme is that the players are deviating from. The players panic? How many times have you heard Bibby or any of the other veterans compliment Woody on anything, besides saying “Yeah, we played good defense tonight, like Woody has been screaming/preaching at us all this time.”
How many times have you heard Woody say “I have to find a way to get Joe going, or get Joe open.” Tell me what the results have been?
Oh no, wait. I forgot. Woody did find a way. It’s just that Joe sucks, and can’t listen to Woody, is that it? After all, we do have a great offensive scheme. But I’m blind like everybody else around here is, and couldn’t possibly tell you what that is. So please enlighten me and any other lost souls.
In fact, all of the players suck. Woody is an innocent, sacrificial lamb. We should fire all the players, or at least trade them away, because they just won’t listen to this guy who is trying to lead them to the promised land.
Yes, we know different guys are failing at different things. And only an idiot would give the players a complete pass.
At some point, you have to question WHY players, both veterans and youngsters alike, are NOT listening to their coach. Well, unless you wish to remain in the “it’s all the players fault” line of thinking. So, I’d be interested in your solution for this issue. Who do you think needs trading, and who should we receive in return? Come now, with your ardent, relentless defense of the coach, you MUST have some sort of plan or idea you’ve thought through?
By the way (and I know you won’t agree, but what would be surprising about that?), Mr. Smith, whom you hate with an unbridled, undisguised passion, seems to be doing more to earn his money than most of his teammates…unless of course you conveniently don’t want to count stats. And since when did we count production based on how much a player has left on his contract? Awfully convenient. Try feeding that to a horse, because most of us don’t eat STRAW…
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
9:23 pm
Jhan,
Exactly. Woody calls the plays.
And as for player panic, I seem to recall A Sekou Smith article in which Woody was quoted as saying that he comes in sometimes all in a panic, upset about whatever, and that Bibby is the one that calms him down by saying “don’t worry, we got it under control.”
There’s your fearless leader on the sidelines. I understand the need for a good extension of a coach on the floor. But who developed a guy like Chauncey Billups into that kind of player? Who helped Tony Parker become more than just a wild kid? I suppose there is NO coaching involved whatsoever…
As for trading players, I’ve always said what you said. “If trading a guy makes us better, then do it.” But I keep waiting for these wonderful trade proposals that never seem to come out of the pro-coach, anti-player mouths…
Astro Joe,
Guess what? You’re right about leadership being a natural thing. But you can either cultivate it and guide it, or you can destroy it. Acie was a natural leader in college. Now he doesn’t know what to do. Guess he lost that leader’s edge when he found out how the old school veteran program works. And dammit if he doesn’t get it together, we know it’s all his fault, because players just need to listen to the coach, he knows everything.
But, I have a way for you to not blame Woody for the lack of leadership, including Bibby not “being the man.” But you’re not going to like it, because it will paint you into a historical corner. We had a chance to draft three very natural leaders. Their names were Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and Brandon Roy. Congratulations! You don’t have to hear “it’s Woody’s fault.” You can now blame Billy Knight! Cheers!
Mike is back
April 26th, 2009
9:28 pm
Astro Joe, when get the brakes beat off you two games and a row in the playoff…surly you got to make some type of adjustment.
We talking DWade…the same cat that dunked on Oneal in Indy in the playoff his first year in the league…that’s before Shaq came to Miami. You got to run two or three guys at him to get the ball out of his hand.
We have always had problems containing Oneal when he was in Indy. So yeah this is a different Miami team with Oneal playing well. Yes, Woody will have to adjust his game plan…a seven-man rotation want get it done.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
9:35 pm
And for the upteenth time, you can either side with the coach, and get him the players that will make him and the team successful (or at least the kind of guys he claims he has to have)….
…Or you can change the coach, change SOME of the players, and add the kind of talent you need to be successful. Every GM has a vision of what he wants. Now he has to match that team with the right coach.
One thing to remember: A GM is always going to spend and/or lose tons more money playing musical chairs with players than he ever is with a coach. Funny how the “ain’t never the coach’s fault” argument always folds in on itself.
You need a coach? You go get one. You evaluate each candidate, seeing if he meets the requirements you have. Will he develop young players that you pick up? Will he develop a solid gameplan on both sides of the floor, with ready-in-waiting adjustments and different looks? Does he use the type of players he has to their maximum ability? And so on. But you only pay one price.
Meanwhile….
Coach can’t rebound. So you spend money on guys who can.
Coach can’t defend. Guess what? You pay for defenders.
Coach can’t pass. You need a pg, or three.
Coach can’t shoot. Better buy yourself some shooters.
And you have to have back-ups and options for each. By the way, you get to draft new guys each year, and draftees cost less, initially. If you play really bad, you get a chance at drafting a very good player next year! You can even make trades.
You don’t get to draft a new coach each year. You don’t get to trade ‘em either.
So. Is it easier to get rid of the coach? Of course it is. Duh. Trading or finding replacements for all those players? Yeah, that’s hard. And expensive. And fans will never support coaches the way they do players, unless that coach is a proven, long-time winner. You don’t see fans running around with jerseys with the coach’s name on the back, do you? (If you do, call the police, somebody escaped the loony bin…either that or the coach’s family members showed up for the game…or the coach has a stalker). No, you don’t. Coaches don’t make the highlight reel do they? No, unless they do something physically violent, or get tossed from the game.
Yeah, it’s easier to replace the coach. But if you’re going to replace the players, you better MAKE SURE THE COACH IS WORTH IT.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
9:52 pm
Sekou, why are there so many typos in your writing? Do you not proofread it?
Triangle Offense
April 26th, 2009
10:06 pm
@WHO DIED……?
Interesting concept the Triangle Defensive, what ever will work. I agree those championship team were loaded talented options 1-3, but the system works. Because those team beat other teams with talented options 1-3. My point is the Hawks as designed does not appear to have a team system. Plug in a player an the offense remains recognizable.
Woody may not be the problem, but he is most certainly not the answer: as mentioned above –
Coach can’t rebound. So you spend money on guys who can.
Coach can’t defend. Guess what? You pay for defenders.
Coach can’t pass. You need a pg, or three.
Coach can’t shoot. Better buy yourself some shooters.
Coach can’t coach. You get a new one.
I merely suggest one who knows the Triangle Offense…seems to work.
doc
April 26th, 2009
10:08 pm
here is a little help for the basg and sund. it is a quote on how leaders handle the situations, borrowed from the falcons of late:
“We have to capitalize on opportunities we have right now. None of us want to sit back and think, ‘Let’s see where we are in five years.’ This is about the competitive side of it. You strike while you can, and you be consistent with your strikes.”
god help us all.
UGA
April 26th, 2009
10:32 pm
Kenny Smith sums up our half-court offense the best, “dribble, dribble, dribble.”
Woodson should not be all to blame. Wade is better than any player we have and they are shooting lights out right now. We win tomorrow (long shot), then we have the home court edge again.
DeadManWalking
April 26th, 2009
10:34 pm
Bulls beat Celtics again. Series is tied up and lets not forget they won one in Boston. Nice to see such a young team with a young coach do what we couldnt do last year. Maybe they have better players than we do since there is a thought that nothing is wrong with Woody Woodpecker. Yeah right sure. Cleveland is already done with their first round series and waiting to pound on Miami if they continue to pound the feathers off the Hawks. Sure feel better if Hawks can even the series at 2 like other teams are but not expecting it. Glad at least the falcons are run properly. Great draft the last two days.
ASTRO JACKA$$
April 26th, 2009
10:40 pm
Woody is perfect. HOW CAN YOU PEOPLE NOT SEE THIS. TRADE ALL THE PLAYERS FOR PERFECT ONES WHO WILL PLAY FOR THE PERFECT COACH! IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO WIN! I HAVE A WOODY POSTER AT HOME. I DON’T HAVE ANY OF THE PLAYER POSTERS. I HATE THEM ALL. ESPECIALLY JOSH SMITH. HE SUCKS WORSE THAN ANY VACUUM CLEANER.
Big Rays Gay Stalker
April 26th, 2009
10:44 pm
Whoopsy I did not mean to reveal my true intentions. I mean to say something about typos. Sometimes I pretend to be Sam too. But he loves woodies, and I do not mean the kind I get in the middle of the night thinking about Big Ray either. Whoopsy did I say that?
Big Rays Gay Stalker
April 26th, 2009
10:45 pm
My real name is Ariose.
Big Rays Gay Stalker
April 26th, 2009
10:46 pm
I mean to say my real name is doc.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 26th, 2009
10:48 pm
“Kenny Smith sums up our half-court offense the best, “dribble, dribble, dribble.””
“Woodson should not be all to blame. ”
……………
Mike Woodson
April 26th, 2009
10:48 pm
Astro joe, you are the man! Wanna come over for beers again friday night? YOu can stay the night again too. I promise your butt will not hurt so much when you wake up this time. I will sleep in the other bedroom.
Poor McKay
April 26th, 2009
10:49 pm
Please, someone tell me what scheme is required to get a starting PF to rebound in the first half. Ray, if I’m a hater then you’re an apologist for Smith. He has the biggest remaining contract on this team (after this season). Dude came up with blanks in the first half. And you want to pat him on the back for what exactly? Meaningless stats after losing by a combined 40+ points in the last 2 games? That’s supposed to make us feel better? That his vast contributions kept it from being 60+ points?
If you don’t like Joe, guess what, he magically disappears in about 84 games. Bibby? In potentially 2 more games? I need a calculator to figure out when Smith’s road woes come off the books. Smith is shooting 28% from the field in his last 5 road playoff games. 28%. 28%. 28%. $45M+ left after this season. 28%. You can call me a hater until Joan Rivers finds a surgery that leaves her looking like Kim Kardashian, but that straight SUCKS! I’m not saying Joe has been great. I’m not saying anyone has been great. But I am saying that 28% in five road games sucks. Is that even debatable? No boards in the first half Saturday and 28% in road playoff games. I mean, can that be spun differently by the Jsoh Smith Fan Club? Oh yeah, the coach’s road scheme has him standing at the 3-point line on the road but has him standing 4 feet away from the rim at home. Yeah.
Read Sekou’s current article and tell me who the players are blaming. This whole team tries to take accountability for their actions. I guess that’s admirable. Players say they need to bring energy (well, duh?) Coach says he needs to find ways to get Joe better looks. Well guess what, the other coach is trying to take away any good looks for Joe. But can that same coach do something to sap the energy from the Hawks? One wouldn’t think so (unless you believe in Harry Potter or something). ENERGY. What scheme overcomes being lethargic? What mastermind can overcome a team that doesn’t rotate on defense, crash the boards or misses free throws? How do schemes change from home vs. road? You know what I read Spoelstra told his team after Game 1, hit them in the face first. Wow, there’s a brilliant scheme change. That had to come straight from Pat Riley as no rookie coach would come up with that gem. That’s a freakin brilliant adjustment. “Hey guys, bring more energy from the opening tap than the other team”. Let’s put dude in the HOF tomorrow.
I hope our next coach is a visionary like Spoelstra. Maybe he can even tell the players to “make the extra pass”. I know, a bold coaching idea that they have surely never heard before. These poor players, it’s a miracle that they have overcome a lack of coaching and made it this far. I guess it was their collective will, energy and heart that made the difference during those first 83 games of the season.
Astro Joe
April 26th, 2009
10:51 pm
Sorry, used my Falcons alias (Poor McKay) on that last lengthy comment.
Falcons seemingly had a nice draft, especially if Jerry and Sidbury become above average pass-rushers.
Hawks73
April 26th, 2009
10:51 pm
Dwyane Wade is the modern day Jordan.
WHO DIED ......?
April 26th, 2009
10:56 pm
actually spo likes to call it a hockey assist, meaning the pass before the pass that scores the basket is just as important as the direct pass to score bucket
Dr. Josh Smith
April 26th, 2009
11:02 pm
TEH REFS!!! = http://www.sun-sentinel.com/media/photo/2009-04/46512492.jpg
bradsmitty
April 26th, 2009
11:11 pm
Good post by Astro Joe (Poor McKay). Both you and Ray are right, of course.
(Woody’s lack of adjustments and planning) + (No energy, leadership, and execution from the players) + (Red hot Heat team) = Getting blown out by 30 points on the road.
Everyone needs to be better in order for this thing to turn around. However, if offseason adjustments are going to be made, it is easier (like Ray said) to just rid of the coach and make a couple player changes than it is to get rid of the whole team and keep the coach.
bradsmitty
April 26th, 2009
11:14 pm
Also, in regards to Dr. Josh Smith’s photo, this sums up what Josh does FAR FAR too often for a player that has been in the league for this long. He whines after any and all contact and frequently doesn’t recover on the defensive end because of it.
He has to cut this out, along with the early game pouting he showcases when things aren’t going his way.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
11:15 pm
Astro Joe,
I already knew you were Poor McKay, so it doesn’t matter. And don’t ask me how I knew.
Okay, I give in. You’re right. Josh Smith sucks monkey nuts. Fire him, and do it now. Happy?
What kills me is that you never want to mention anyone with as much vehemence as you do him. I know what the players are saying. It ain’t what YOU’RE saying. I didn’t pat him on the back. I simply mentioned that out of the all the underachieving players that you want to bash, he’s doing the best. What does that say? I’ve seen more effort out of him than I have certain other players.
You imply that the scheme couldn’t possibly change from the road to home games? Explain why Joe has sucked in both? Ah…he must not be trying. At all. Whatsoever. And since the other team has built schemes to stop him, it’s totally on him to figure out how to beat the schemes himself….
We’ve stunk it up on the road all year. That hasn’t changed. Why? Nevermind, I forget. The players suck. They don’t play with any energy.
One more time: WHAT IS OUR OFFENSIVE SCHEME? WHO, OUT OF OUR SUCKY PLAYERS DO WE TRADE, AND FOR WHOM? Come on, it shouldn’t be too hard for you: Josh Smith for who?
Call you a hater? Why, when everything you say is louder than any name I could call you? If you want to call me an apologist (or any other name that suits your fancy) go ahead, if it makes you feel better. And change your “other name” to Poor Woodson. That might make you feel better, too.
“Please, someone tell me what scheme is required to get a starting PF to rebound in the first half.”
A classical example of your MO. Here I am talking about our offensive scheme, and all you can think of is Josh Smith not getting a rebound in the first half. As usual, it’s your whipping boy’s fault. If he gets 10 rebounds in the first half, then we win, huh?
Here’s the best part. While he was averaging 20 and 10 through the first 2 games, where were you? Oh, that’s right….saying “his athleticism was on display” more or less because his teammates were playing well. After all, they’re the reason why he was able to get those rebounds, right? Or the reaons he kept outrunning the defense on fast breaks. I mean, he couldn’t have possibly done it himself…
I seem to recall giving Josh Smith plenty of heat during the regular season when he didn’t perform well, including that game against the Lakers when he didn’t get a rebound in the ENTIRE GAME. I was on him so hard, other bloggers were telling me I was being too harsh. Huh. Don’t remember that one, do ya? Or any of the others, no doubt (including the streak of sorry rebounding prior to the blow-up with Woodson).
But I’m an apologist. I wonder what that makes you for Woodson? Is there a word for it, I wonder?
Mike is back
April 26th, 2009
11:18 pm
I’m watching TOutlaw break out of his slump for Portland. I’m looking for the same thing out of JJ Monday. JJ is due for a 30 point game. For all you Josh haters…last I check JJ was our Superstar, and JJ is the one the offense is design around. Take away Josh contribution and Maimi is going for a sweep tomorrow…hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!
Wow, Nate made an adjustment to go with a bigger line-up and it change the momentum of the game…Portland has taken the lead. Yeah I know that want work for the Hawks…cuz we got Josh…nothing works for the Hawks cuz of Josh, “Right!!!”
Najeh Davenpoop
April 26th, 2009
11:18 pm
AJ, although I’m not on your side when it comes to Josh Smith, I gotta say “Poor McKay” is a pretty clever nickname.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
11:19 pm
bradsmitty,
I get the “lack of energy” thing. We got beat on the road. But explain to me how we got beat at home as well? I’ll tell you: They changed their approach and punched us in the face early. And we didn’t know how to adjust. We never do. All year long, we’ve had issues on the road. This isn’t new.
The question is, WHY? And it’s up to the coach to figure that out. But what happens when we face some adversity? We come apart. And if anybody is looking to the sideline, the answer they get back is “play harder.”
Any boob can say that…
Sekou Smith
April 26th, 2009
11:19 pm
New blog is up. Check out my man John Shaft!!!!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 26th, 2009
11:23 pm
Also, if Josh Smith had half the jumpshot Travis Outlaw does, he would be an incredible player. Outlaw came into the league out of high school a year before Josh, and to my knowledge was never a very good jumpshooter as a rookie. Now he has a very reliable stroke. I don’t think it’s out of the question that Josh can do the same thing, but it’s something he needs to work on.
Does anyone else watch Houston and wonder why the hell Yao doesn’t get the ball on every possession? I know Rick Adelman was up there among the Coach of the Year candidates and all, but really, he can’t make it a point to make sure Yao gets fed the ball at all times? It’s the same argument me and many other people make on this blog about feeding Josh Smith and Al Horford in the post, except multiplied by 100000 since Yao is actually an elite player.
Astro Joe
April 26th, 2009
11:24 pm
Ray, there’s another option besides replacing the coach or the players. Replace them both. That would be my choice at this point. Re-sign Bibby and package him with Smoove to the Clippers for Baron Davis and Camby. If Joe bolts on us the following summer, we still have Baron and Horford (and maybe Marvin) as our nucleus. I have a feeling that Baron and Camby are much less likely to shrink in road playoff games. Clips do it because Baron is a horrible match with Dunleavy and Camby is expendable. I’d try to convince a Fratello or Doug Collins type to take over the team. If they turn me down, then I’d gamble with Mark Jackson or Bill Laimbeer. Bottom line, either a big-time coach or a big-time personality. Someone the players can’t ignore.
Big Ray
April 26th, 2009
11:34 pm
See ya on the next blog, Joe.
Cj Steele
April 27th, 2009
11:24 am
Man this team is playing with no heart. Especially Joe, Good thing is that we will win tonight because the liability should be out in sorry Marvin. Josh Smith needs to shoot every day all day all summer long cause he sucks at shooting. Being a athlete only gets you so far in this league. We need a true leader without one we will continue to get knocked out first round. Who knows maybe we will get knocked out by the Bobcats in 5 games next year. lol.
Ken Strickland
April 27th, 2009
12:26 pm
DA REAL DEAL-the same situation existed when I first started calling for Woodson to be fired. I simply realized the team was winning inspite of Woodson not because of him. I saw teams with far less talent having as much, if not more, success because of better coaching, utilization of talent, better player development and decision making. I just realized if you combine those attributes with our talent, we’d be a much better team and accomplish a whole lot more.
NOW WE’RE SEEING THE TEAM SUFFER AS A RESULT OF WOODSON’S LIMITATIONS AND HIS STUBBORN DOGMATIC APPROACH TO DEALING WITH THE TEAM AND THE PLAYERS. The team would be much more effective if Acie started and Bibby came off the bench. Most one dimensional players are usually more effective coming off the bench. With Acie’s speed, quicknes and penetrating ability he’d have a field day with Miami doubling JJ and everyone else playing the passing lanes. Solo’s length and quickness would make him a better choice for playing JO’neal than Zaza. JJ would be a better option at SF than MEvans.
When you don’t have a clue what to do strategy wise, and your current system isn’t getting it done, you try to create advantages and mismatches by changing and/or rearranging personnel. SO FAR, WOODSON HAS DONE NOTHING BUT STAND ON THE SIDELINES WITH ARMS FOLDED AND ALLOW HIS TEAM TO ABSORB 2 BUTT WHIPPINGS. SHORTENING THE ROTATION, OVERPLAYING HIS STARTERS AND KEEPING 3 OF HIS BEST DEF PLAYERS(MWEST, ALAW & SJONES)FIRMLY ANCHORED TO THE BENCH IS BENEFICIAL TO MIAMI, NOT US.
Miami Heat coach ...."Erik Spoelstra"
April 27th, 2009
7:38 pm
it’s like im the only head coach out there