Summer break Horford style
Al Horford (right) is eager to get things started for the Hawks this season. He's already in town and working out in preparation for training camp, which kicks off Sept. 29.
HAWKSVILLE – In the pantheon of awards Al Horford has won during his basketball career, being named Monday’s MVP of the John “Beans” Beckett Invitational probably doesn’t rank anywhere near the top (some people are into NCAA titles and stuff like that I guess).
But that didn’t stop the Hawks third-year center from celebrating a little bit after receiving the word of the honor as the crowd left the floor at the Hawks’ practice court.
“Yes,” Horford shouted in between laughter as he pumped his fist into the air on his way to the locker room. “Being 4-1 on my first day back is what matters to me.”
Jokes aside, and there were plenty of them delivered on and off the floor Monday, Horford’s glad to be back. His summer has been filled with work-related travel and activity, a summer break that probably felt more like summer school in this case.
After playing eight games in 10 days with the Dominican national team in the FIBAS Americas tournament in Puerto Rico, Horford took just a few days off before returning to the grind with an assortment of his Hawks teammates and other pros in daily workouts on the track and court.
“I know this is a big season for us, a big year, and that’s what you have to do,” Horford said. “This is what you have to do. If you want to get better you have to put in the time. So I’m here just like the rest of these guys trying to get it done.”
Horford worked with a team comprised mostly of younger players Monday, teaming with Hawks rookie point guard Jeff Teague and training camp invitee Frank Robinson to stay on the floor (winning team stays on until they lose) for most of the day. His presence on the floor was beyond noticeable, as he worked over big men from the opposing two teams (mainly veteran center Randolph Morris and rookie free agent and training camp invitee Garret Siler).
As much fun as he was having Monday, Horford acknowledged that the stakes are dramatically different now compared to what he was doing as recently as last week in Puerto Rico.
“It’s a big difference between just pro basketball and when you’re playing against other countries,” he said. “It’s a big deal. There’s a lot of heart and a lot of emotion. It’s such a big deal. It’s a lot of fun. It’s different basketball, but a lot of fun.”
For Horford and the Hawks, the real fun begins in a couple of weeks with the start of training camp. And after back-to-back playoff seasons the expectations are sky-high. With added frontcourt help in the form of veterans Joe Smith and Jason Collins, Horford is feeling better than ever about the Hawks’ chances of living up to their newfound hype.
“I like what we’ve done,” Horford said. “I’m happy we were able to get both those bigs and with Zaza [Pachulia] and then Josh [Smith] and myself, i think we’re going to be good. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to getting everybody in here and training togtether so we can get our chemistry down and be ready to go from the start.”
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
210 comments Add your comment
Mystikal
September 15th, 2009
12:12 am
Um, first!
macaroni tony
September 15th, 2009
12:15 am
well second…
dooley
September 15th, 2009
12:15 am
The Hawks are going to surprise a lot of teams this year. EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS baby……
Mystikal
September 15th, 2009
12:20 am
I can’t wait for the season to start. Wish I could get a glimpse of how all the new pieces are meshing, especially Teague. I don’t think anyone has seen Jamal Crawford up close and personal yet, but sure to be interesting. Glad to hear Al was putting in work. Going against the international players I imagine he played against some well skilled, high basketball IQ’s. Which he already has, but with Joe Smith and Collins in the fold he can get even better. How sweet it is…
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
12:22 am
FOURTH!!!
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
12:23 am
Doh!!!
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
12:28 am
Yessir!!! Cant WAIT to stick it to Wade and the Heat!!!
BTW, Sekou….Care to get a Mo Evans reacton to the events that transpired today due to certain crybabys/nerds? It’s only fair that Mo know some dude is singling him out on the Hardwood right? It’s times like this where I wish we still had our resident Goon: F(Dot)Murray sigh…he was perfect for jobs like these.
http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2009/9/14/1030060/72-reasons-to-be-excited-about-the
The Jazz have it coming their way too…..
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
12:30 am
Those two man…. Frick and Frak, I tell ya….
Mystikal
September 15th, 2009
12:31 am
Dwade still has his feelings hurt. Sure it’s hard to take ribbing from a lesser guy on a team that beat you. Oh well… LOL
doc
September 15th, 2009
12:49 am
not first
Big Ray
September 15th, 2009
2:16 am
Ariose,
Wade can say what he wants. And he can say what he wants about Mo Evans. But I bet he won’t be saying too much when somebody reminds him of that time in a game last season, when he went to the rim, thinking he’d score and win the game. As I recall, he took flight, then he saw the shadow of a fearsome Bird of Prey. It all happened in slow motion for him, I bet. One minute he was flying towards the rim for the sure-thing dunk or layup. Next thing you know, Josh Smith swooped over him (and I mean OVER him), and that shot was gone.
Must have been how Carl Weathers felt in “Predator” when he tried to shoot the alien hunter and that mutha sucka came at him with those blades. Wade had about as much of a chance….
Big Ray
September 15th, 2009
2:18 am
I would love to see Al Horford become a 15 and 10 guy.
Clyde
September 15th, 2009
2:53 am
Ray I would love to see Horford become a defensive stopper.
Kayne West
September 15th, 2009
4:57 am
I be playin point guard dis yea.
vava74
September 15th, 2009
5:30 am
I’ve been very quiet lately, for several reasons:
1. I’ve been busy;
2. You fellow bloggers have provided quality entertaining reading;
and, most of all,
3. I am having difficulties typing anything remotely logic since I am still trying to wipe out my smile after reading what J-Smoove (and the rest of the gang) have been saying about their off-season and their expectations for next season…
I am about to go from being confident that we will crack the 50 win mark to believe that we will get to the 57/60 win level this year!!!
I can’t wait for day 1!
R
September 15th, 2009
7:44 am
16th. I mean really, who cares?!?!?!?
rainman
September 15th, 2009
7:47 am
Hey Sekou, did you get to watch Horford in the ‘Beckett’ invitational?
I was curious if he had time to hit the weight room with all the off-season activities he had scheduled. I know there are not that many talented large bodies at center, but two or three of them happen to be in our own division.
R
September 15th, 2009
7:48 am
I meant who cares about the order. You guys remind me of some of my kindergarten students. I am excited about the Hawks this season. However, they are still the 4th best team in the East. All they did was to close the gap (a few games) to the 3rd best team in the East. This way they avoid a sweep in the second round.
Elliot Garcia
September 15th, 2009
7:49 am
No college for Al this summer??
smartguy
September 15th, 2009
8:11 am
FIRE WOODY!
Sekou Smith
September 15th, 2009
8:14 am
Anyone trying to take what Mo said about Wade and Kobe and turn it into anything sinister is full of it. If anything, it was a sign of respect for two of the best players on the planet. But you can take a man’s words and twist them into a foolish pretzel of nonsense with Twitter. And no, I won’t fan the flames by soliciting a response from Mo.
I was there Monday rainman. Horford’s been working all summer. They all find time to work out in the summer. I don’t think there is any doubt about that.
Hay Maker
September 15th, 2009
8:19 am
Josh Smith is just a hi jumping guy Williams is not sure where he fits in onthis team and the Hawks need a point guard Bibby is not the answer anyone can hit a shot when the game is out of reach Joe Smith is as interesting as my big toe he is unable to take over a game and he is so laid back that it affects the rest of the team. Same old Hawks at the end of this season they will be saying wait until next year. Lenny Wilkens messed this team up years ago and they will never recover from it and I will never pay a dim to see them . Still mad after 15 years a judge told me a long time ago that this was not a good sign he was right.
The Truth
September 15th, 2009
8:23 am
Sekou
From what you have seen up to this point, what is your sense of the player’s impression of Siler?
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
8:34 am
20th.
and wait till Crawford shows up and scores 50 on the practice squad.
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
8:40 am
Mo is our 10th/9th man. He will get 5-10 minutes against Miami subs. Wade needs to worry about Collins who might break his leg when tries to drive on us. Collins could do that in 1 minute.
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
8:41 am
Somebody tweet that to Wade.
donkeydawg
September 15th, 2009
8:52 am
so sekou, i guess you are saying Wade is full of it? he is the one that had his feelings hurt.
Sekou Smith
September 15th, 2009
9:01 am
That’s not what I amn saying donkeydawg. Yet another instance when someone’s words get twisted. Ha. I just don’t get why people love to take this stuff and turn it into something it isn’t. It’s a waste of time.
As for your question Truth, Siler has only been around the vet’s for one day (yesterday). My guess is that it will take a little more time for them to form any opinions on the big fella. Everyone agrees on one thing … he’s a big dude.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
9:07 am
Yeah, I guess hes just a lil bitter. But It’s really just uprofessional…Cryin’ just like he does to the refs…
donkeydawg
September 15th, 2009
9:14 am
i agree it is dumb to turn it into something its not. and this really isn’t anything. don’t think it deserves newspaper space. but i find it widely entertaining. twitter brings people close to the athletes. and it is funny to me that Wade would even comment about something the 8th man said about lifting weights.
the world is getting is smaller. but this might just be a sign that i have no life
donkeydawg
September 15th, 2009
9:15 am
plus it is sept. Us NBA fans are dying here!
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
9:19 am
Sekou, I hear ya. Like I said, I let that Heat Fan have it who started this whole mess. I know Wade and Mo have done Converse events together in the past when they were both signed to them(wase is with Brand Jordan now) I figured Mo could just contact him and clear the air. I guess not. The playoffs must have really made him bitter. I know Mo and Wade had a few words and scuffles in the series’ but I didn’t think It was serious. I just dont want Wade coming at Mo with any kind of sinister intentions on the court(but I guess that’s the refs department……If they don’t get locked out this season
)
But can you beleive Deron Williams? What a kid. Remeinds me of some punks I knew back in gradeschool
Anyway, plenty of Hawks Fans let Wade know that he proabaly read the statemnts wrong, and that it would probbl take a 60 point effort for him to single handedly beat us next season, ’cause he still doesn’t have any help lol….Quinten Richardon Hah!!!!
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
9:23 am
*Wade not wase lol…
newkid
September 15th, 2009
9:25 am
Sekou, thanks for taking the rational approach by avoiding the seeming epidemic of attempting to ‘make the news’ as opposed to ‘observing news’ when it occurs. Wayward and perverted attempts to make the news have so perverted many of those in your profession, some of those of us in the world of blogs and tweets have rather blindly taken to mimicry. I commend you for refusing – in this instance – the requests by others to contribute to the madness. Keep it up.
ILL-logical
September 15th, 2009
9:25 am
Sekou,
What’s the stautus of Mo-the other one:Momentum regarding the club at this point? Is there a palable sense that ,in the words of the Greenville Guy-our time is now?
doc
September 15th, 2009
9:27 am
r if you let that bother you you are at about the level of an impetuous kindergartner.
mo is our 11th man if things work as planned. funny folks forget how quickly d wades go is bruised when he pouted at a walk on named west stiffed him and celebrated. didnt wade get excited a few times in his career when he was put in a spot and delivered? let wade expend his energies trashing out 11th man. you just wont see him trash josh though. heh heh, the cat would bring down the house all over him and he knows it. d wade talking baby talk.
macaroni tony
September 15th, 2009
9:28 am
Ariose,
I feel you. The Hawks was the league’s punching bag for years, but now when people see that you can’t just push us around they take things personal. We should have beat the heat in five games if we were more healthier, but I can take the fact that we made it to the second round. Now we have more beef in the middle, and we have more scoring power. I love this month for sports, because every sports league is gearing up to rumble. I hope that Wade is ready to to bring the funk, because It’s ON: Go Hawks
macaroni tony
September 15th, 2009
9:37 am
We need another wing also on this team, we only have MW and Mo. Who could we get that want break the bank? I like GGreen. That would be another high flyer just like JS. Any thoughts?
rms
September 15th, 2009
9:38 am
37th…..
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
9:56 am
Ray & Doc, ROFL!!! Wade sure knows ho to “choose” his battles doesn’t he? Apparantly Wade skipped pre-school where they teach youm manners and how to respect you elders…er…opponets heh. If his comments were for Josh Smith, I think we’d all be slaivating at this point waitng for the ensuing dunk-fest.
Tony, I agree. We should’ve taken care of them earlier, but those darn injuries man. This month has really been excitng for sure. I was really wanted Buffalo to get that W last night though, oh well.
It’s funny how people forget that just ten years ago we were a consistant playoff team. It baffles me that the Hawks were associated with that (The NBA’s version of Siberia) label so quickly. It’s all good though, ’cause were about o run through the Leauge like never before.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
10:00 am
Tony, I like GGreen also, I don’t know whats going to happen though. Some seem to think that wemay sign stackhouse, who seems to have founda fountain of youth momentarily lol.
rms, You’ve just won a new plasma flat-screen HD Television!!! Give it up for #37 everybody!!!!!
BYC
September 15th, 2009
10:03 am
I’m excited at Josh’s quote from the other article, seems like he is finally gonna figure things out and take it to another level this year:
“I wanted to work more on my decision-making than anything. I handle the ball so much on the fast break and in transition that I wanted to make sure I’m thinking the game the way I need to be. I also worked on my handles and knocking down that mid-range jumper. I’m really not worried about the 3-point ball right now. We have so many guys on this team that can make that shot.”
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
10:04 am
and wait till Crawford shows up and scores 50 on the practice squad.
Ha! Yeah, thats what we wanna see!!!
Dos Hawkquis
September 15th, 2009
10:10 am
SEKOU,
I was reading MJ transcripts of his acceptance speech into the HOF. He was notorious for taking another players words and twisting it to motivate himself.
Obviously, DWade is doing the same thing.
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends!”
macaroni tony
September 15th, 2009
10:11 am
If we sign SHouse then this would be a team that will crack the 3rd spot in my opinion. We are going to shock the world: It’s ON Go Hawks!
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
10:11 am
Well, Josh has passed the denial stage.
That’s a major step whether he completely recovers or not.
I MUS WRITE
September 15th, 2009
10:17 am
I would like to see Horford get more touches. I would like to see Woody utilize the weapons he’s been given proficiently. Mo is bulking up huh? Can we put some lifts in his shoes as well because he’s still 6′5 and a defensive liability against most SF….. He is not a SG atleast not by the depth chart.
So ahhhm…… Nirmental and Ariose were band geeks in high school i see- hahahahahaha! Bach,Mozart,Bethoven LMAO
We’z Cultured now…..LOL
Sekou-gotta give it up to Big Blue, they looked good Rich Rod has got those guys playing with attitude and passion.I must admit that I wuz routing for ND but im glad Big Blue is back to national respectability. Defense looked except for 33 – He looked horrible against Floyd…throw after throw going his way -no respect at all. Torschier is the real deal- that yung’n has sum wheels and is crazy cool under pressure.
Nir/Salim fan ……just for the record there is noting cool about playing the flute in the marching band …What else are yall hiding- Flag Team, Majorettes, Spirit Team Well Dam!!!!
O Randolph Morris is a jug of 3 month old jug of spoiled milk
” ” ” a strippers G string after hours of twerking
” ” ” a boat full of haitian refugees
” ” ” A bag of my old BDU’s after a 2 week feild exercise
” ” ” The smell of my socks after a 12 mile road march
Just Putrid is what im say’n yall……GOOD DAY
PD
September 15th, 2009
10:18 am
Sekou,are the Hawks going to sign Stackhouse or he is just passing through waiting to be invited to a camp from any team like Anthony Johnson is doing?
macaroni tony
September 15th, 2009
10:19 am
I don’t thank that JS should not keep trying to shoot three pointer on the practice floor. A lot of players learn how to shoot later in their careers. Hell Shaq is still learning to shoot free throws, the reason why I said that is because we made need that shoot from JS at point in the season. I just think for now that he should be more of a banger in the hole. If you do then he will be a 20-10 player.
I don’t care for players like Wade, Deron, Lebron, because they really think that they’re untouchable. But what JJ did to him in game seven made him look really small. It’s On: Go Hawks
youngstar from atlanta
September 15th, 2009
10:26 am
The hawks are gettin ready for the next step in the process. Every year we have gotten better. What the hawks need to do is pick up a sf(Gerald Green or someone with athleticism and can score ) to be complete. If you look at it we have added depth to every position except sf. I love Marvin but we can’t wait. Mo Evans too one dimensional. Just someone to stretch the offense off the bench
rms
September 15th, 2009
10:29 am
Ha, that was funny Aroise!! I could use a new flat screen T.V. to watch the Hawks kick butt in HD this season. Not to sure about signing Stackhouse, that just might be an too much for Woody to handle. He already got enough in the Dome of his, we dont need to overload anymore than it already is!!
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
10:30 am
If Mo Evans is an upgrade over Mario West, Stackhouse is certainly an upgrade over Mo.
Sign him up for minimum-Vet. Let the league pay most of his salary.
Stack would have the guile to guide this team & get his 6 fouls on LeBron/Pierce/Carter. He is a UNC guy, and probably knows the tricks on defending Carter better than most.
Get him Sund.
I MUS WRITE
September 15th, 2009
10:32 am
Hay Maker… Honestly do u even watch the games? We didnt get Joe Smith to take over the game-he is here for front court depth and veteran leadership, Mo has a role its called Defense and shooting the long ball. Last time i checked Mo is crazy athletic for a 6′5 guy…Ie the backwards two hand dunk on amir Johnson last preseason..AHHHH YEAH
Is this fool still talking about the team under Lenny Wilkins….wake up fam its 11 years later and all of those guys are gone-were u asleep in a time capsule or sumthing……..
Wait what was that Hay Maker????? The falcons are gonna be tuff to beat this year under Jerry Glanville…….Wake up fella LOL
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
10:36 am
Smoove needs to learn how to box out and rebound. That should be his top priority. He should be ashamed that with that kind of hops, he can’t average 10 rebounds.
Learning to shoot 3pointers should be his 173rd priority, way behind learning how to chop his trees.
lexluther
September 15th, 2009
10:37 am
Haymaker talks like he’s been smoking HAY. Get a clue…
The Truth
September 15th, 2009
10:37 am
Sekou
Thanks for the update on Siler (as vague as it is). I guess I am a bit antsy about his progress. Because of his limited basketball experience, he has the makings of a true Cinderella story that would be even better then Mario West. If I was Sund, I would sign this guy if for no other reason then to be the Team Cinderella Mascot. By definition, the term comes from the ending of the fairy tale Cinderella, and it implies unexpected success after a period of obscurity. In reality, that is the story of the emerging Hawks. The funny thing about these Cinderella stories in sports, some ends just as a fairy tale but some also go all the way to victory as I am remembering Jimmy Valvano and the Cardiac Kids (1983).
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
10:37 am
We could use Jerry Stackhouse’ guile more than Gerald Green’s athleticism.
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
10:39 am
We could develop Siler in the Dev-League. Don’t expect much from him this year.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
11:31 am
I Mus, loldont hat on the band…..you probably watched the movie Drumline like a 1,000 times
BTW, what a U hiding? Closet waterboy? ha!
rms, It might just happen lol. That would be information overload for the WAFFLE man. His bran would probably stop functioniing for a few minutes it we signed stack….DO IT!!!! Hehehehe…
Deron Williams hit me up on twitter. He was a little irritated ’cause I was making fun of him last night hehehehe…..well, thats what happens when you don’t watch what you say. You wake up an angy mob of Twittering Hawks fans. I hope he’s learned his lesson.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
11:33 am
*hate
*are
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
11:37 am
Sekou, Remeber when Siler said all of the Hawks Bigs looked smaller in person? I wonder how the big man felt after getting his lunch money taken away by Horford
BBgenie
September 15th, 2009
11:49 am
Hay Maker, Get a life!!! “STH” Stop The Hate!! Stick you Big toe, In your Big mouth!! Also if you don’t have cash to buy a ticket to a hawks game, maybe if you “STH” I will give you a pair of tickets to see the NEW Eastern Conference Champs play this season. Hawks in 7!!!!
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
11:51 am
Ariose – Now you are trying to make Siler mad. We’ll all come after you if he injures Horford. Stop when you are ahead.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
11:55 am
jerrywest, lol OK. But I doubt Siler could even catch Horford at this point hehehe…
MannyT
September 15th, 2009
12:23 pm
When do the Beckett Invitational shirts go on sale in the team store
What is the coaching equivalent of working on their craft in the summer? Do they go out and secretly coach some AAU practices?
A better reason for the Miami Heat folks to be on edge.
And poster number 43 wins the random crap prize for the day IF (s)he included 43rd in the post…oh well…better luck next time.
BWAF
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
12:26 pm
Very few people are noticing – the big 3 is becoming the big 4.
The organic growth, the continuity, the new found depth and the balance of youth and experience will make this team far superior to last year’s team. The depth will probably cut down on the number of injuries, and when the injuries will occur, the replacements won’t be 3rd stringers. Can’t wait.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
12:27 pm
R. Economics Make you poor:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tx5xGq150o
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
12:33 pm
mannyT, LOL! And What the heck is a Beckett invitational?
jerrywest, I’ve noticed. They’re going to be good this year, especially since they finally have a replacement for James Posey(Daniels).
And we’re going to be on their level. The East better watch out, cause were coming. SE Division Champs!!!!! Lets GO!!!!
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
12:35 pm
Miami’s finished(at least for this season)……good riddance.
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
12:41 pm
Ariose – I was talking about the Hawks – not the Celtics. LOL. The big 3 = Celts,Magic,Cavs. Celts big 3 will slow down a lot this year. They’ll have much more organic decline than organic growth. Daniels is no Posey.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
12:42 pm
TYT on MJ’s HOF Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r6SQbTpJYI&feature=sub
O'Brien
September 15th, 2009
12:51 pm
When is the last time we (Hawks fans) went into the season with such high expectations?
I’m thinking 50-55 wins, and a solid showing in the second round of the playoffs.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
1:01 pm
jerrywest, Oh. Gotcha….We Have a Big three? I think it’s going to expand to a big 7 or 8 this year for us though.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
1:02 pm
O’Brien, I agree 55 Wins. Book it, that’s m pre-season prediction and i’m sticking with it.
Nookah
September 15th, 2009
1:03 pm
I have enjoyed the posts from all of you here. I am also a big Hawks fan and have taken some blows over the years as we all know. However, regardless of the team we play this upcoming season they’ll have to bring it, as we are no longer the footstool of the NBA.
I too am very excited about this imminent season. Can Josh Smith really develop an effective mid-range jumper? If he is able to hit that 45% of the time, we will be very very dangerous.
Go Hawks!!!!
cp
September 15th, 2009
1:06 pm
I don’t think Stackhouse has much left in that tank. I would rather have Gerald Green but I doubt we sign him at this point. Would be a nice addition off the bench though. How crazy is it that Sheldon Williams has a new team but Flip doesn’t. I hope the guy catches on somewhere.
Ramon
September 15th, 2009
1:12 pm
Nookah, JJ and Bibby doesn’t hit their jumpers 45% of the time.
I’d rather have Stack over Green. With this lineup, I just don’t see Woody letting Green get in at any point, even more than West. Green is quite athletic but all his attributes have been listed on offensive side not on defensive. I just believe the team needs another back up wing who is more of a hustler and defender than a scorer.
Sekou Smith
September 15th, 2009
1:24 pm
The first casualty of JBI is Josh Smith, who left during the first game today after tearing the webbing between his fingers on his left hand. He was going up to block Jeff Teague’s shot and caught his hand on the rim and needed seven stitches to close the wound. He’s fine, of course, but the action ended shortly thereafter.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
1:27 pm
SASHA PAVLOVIC HAS JUST BEEN BAUGHT OUT BY THE PHEONIX SUNS!!!!!! WE SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS!!!!
RICK WHERE U AT!!!!! HE’LLL SIGN FOR THE VET MIN!!!!!!
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
1:29 pm
nOOO!!!!! MY SISTER TORE HER WEBBING ONCE!!!1 FOURTEEN STITCHES MAN…….HE WONT BE ABLE TO PLAY FOR A WHILE….THERE GOES ALL THE MOMENTUM HE HAD DURING THE SUMMER. NOW HE’LL BE AFRAID TO BLCOK SHOTS LIKE JJ IS AFRAID TO DUNK!!!!!!
Hoops
September 15th, 2009
1:36 pm
Sekou,
How long will Josh be out of action?
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
1:41 pm
My sis had her hand wrapped in goz forno less than a month if i’m remebering correctly…ugh.. Heis injury may not be as serious as hers was though…..hopefully…
cdog
September 15th, 2009
1:45 pm
IF GIVEN THE CHANCE SILER WILL GET A LOT OF PLAYING TIME. SIGNING STACKHOUSE WOULD BE A PLUS. I SEE THE HAWKS POSSIBLY CONTENDING FOR THE TOP SPOT IN THE EAST ALL OF A SUDDEN.WAY TO COME BACK AFTER A SLOW START RICK SUND.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
1:50 pm
I hope it was is right hand and not his left…..WE NEED THE LEFT ONE DAMMIT
The Truth
September 15th, 2009
2:06 pm
Ariose
About this comment:
“O’Brien, I agree 55 Wins. Book it, that’s m pre-season prediction and i’m sticking with it.”
Do you make any adjustments after hearing the news about Josh? Inquiry minds want to know.
Sekou Smith
September 15th, 2009
2:11 pm
Don’t know that he’ll miss anytime. Training camp is two weeks away. He didn’t break anything folks, just needs seven stitches to close up a cut on his hand. Ariose is going off the deep end here. Ha.
Sekou Smith
September 15th, 2009
2:14 pm
Josh will be ready for training camp. He should be fine for camp. Don’t start the panic train Ariose.
Sekou Smith
September 15th, 2009
2:28 pm
Just spoke with two people that confirmed Josh will be ready to go come training camp. Out 6-10 days from contact work but can still do everything else he needs to do. And should be cleared for full contact before camp.
BrittishAnger
September 15th, 2009
2:40 pm
Ahh, the excitement is palpable, the tensions in the training facilities matching those out in the Dome and whatever arena the Dream got thrown into because of booking dilemmas (sounds oddly familiar…). I watched a couple of those Dominican games on 360 and while Horford wasn’t the primary focus (Villanueva got that award), he continues to look solid and beastly with each passing season (dude looks like he could knock Rondo out cold with a good set screen). I like the layout for this team going into training camp, with a solid ten man rotation worth batting lashes about and some front court depth to finally quell my desires for somebody to fill that void. The only thing I think we need is one final swing guard; we’ve got nasty depth in front court and at PG (Bibby, Crawford, Teague is a nice rotation for that spot), but Mo Evans is the only back-up for Marvin short of rearranging the angles on any given night. One final security blanket, one final deep roster fill (Siler, of course; won’t back down on the young guy just yet), and this is going to be a team that will shock the world with how good it will be. I’m praying for third, I’ve got this feeling the Boston Three Party is now overcrowded and while they’ll be in the playoffs, they might be fighting Chicago a lot sooner for position than another first round exchange like last season…GO HAWKS, GO DOBBS, AND PRAISE VITALE!!!
PDubATL
September 15th, 2009
2:42 pm
That’s good news, and it sounds like people are starting to trickle back into the A. Any word on if JJ and Crawford are going to be hooping it up before camp? Will be interesting to see how their games mesh out on the court.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
2:45 pm
Whew!!! Thanks for the info Sekou. I was seriously abut to sart with the Doom and Gloom for a minute there
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
2:48 pm
Truth, It’s still 55 after hearing about Josh lol! Thought you had me huh? lol….
The American Dream
September 15th, 2009
2:58 pm
Horford is the man. He reminds me of a young Junkyard Dawg. I want to remind all of you that I will be appearing at Johnson’s Tire location in Jessup, Georgia, tomorrow night. I will be wrestling a tag team comprised of Mad Man FM Bradley and Tony the Hawk Surrat. Tickets are four dollars at the door. Please come out and support the American Dream. I am a huge Hawks fan. I remember when I used to sit courtside with Fratello and go one on one with Tree Rollins down at the Claremont Lounge. Boy I sure do miss those good ol’ days. Now let’s get funky like a monkey and cheer on the 4th place Hawks who will likely get bounced from the playoffs by Dwayne Wade and Star Jones.
Hawk
September 15th, 2009
3:00 pm
The Hawks are horrible. They will never win a championship. The Bobcats hve as much a chance as winning the title as the Hawks.
Suku Duku
September 15th, 2009
3:01 pm
Wow! Do any of the writers that work for the AJC have any talent? They might as well be frying chicken down at the KFC.
newkid
September 15th, 2009
3:13 pm
Yet another attempt to ‘make the news’. C’mon man.
The Truth
September 15th, 2009
3:20 pm
Good news about Josh indeed. It seems like Teague is doing some serious balling if he got Josh all worked up to block his shoot perhaps to make a statement no doubt. I know Woody must be salivating about this kid. He might embrace Teague like he did Al Horford when he was a rookie. His minutes might be something more then replacing Acie minutes. I love our PG combination between Bibby and Teague. They seem to compliment each other quite nicely. Based on Teague’s draft profile, what he does the best (getting to rim) is what Bibby does the least. However, what Bibby does the best (catch and shoot) is currently a challenge for Teague. We can call this wrinkle the Hawks new one-two-punch.
Big Ray
September 15th, 2009
3:37 pm
If Jeff Teague works seriously on his defensive game, the tandem he forms with Bibby will be perfect (and he’ll get more minutes). I don’t think we need to worry about his offense, according to the people who count. By the way, all the pre-draft analysis and assessments mean nothing at this point. His coaches and teammates have observed him, and have played with him. Their analysis is what counts, and what matters now. I’m gonna roll with that .
Al Horford is a defensive stopper. Unfortunately, he is all too often left to stop the opposing team’s frontcourt by himself, in addition to having to respond to the perimeter. This is where a better team defense has to come in. His 1.4 blocks per game put the lie to the idea that he was a non-factor on defense.
Kanye West is an idiot. I liked a fair amount of his music. However, this is the third time he has completely shown his ass and I’m tired of it. The first time he didn’t win any awards, he lost his mind and made all kinds of noise about it. Hey man, people are buying your stuff, you’re winning anyway. Then they had that thing for Hurricane Katrina, where various celebrities helped the effort by talking with callers. Kanye screwed that one up by saying what didn’t need saying (we all knew the Federal Government screwed up already, ok?) and nearly stopping the whole fund-raising effort altogether. Now he’s gone and ruined it for a first time winner by snatching the mic away and stealing her moment. The man has no class. I don’t give a rat’s butt about who won, and I don’t listen much to Taylor Swift. But no way did she deserve to have that happen. Beyonce had a lot of class and helped save the day.
Kanye needs to get his act together and quit showing himself to be an a-hole. Regardless of the validity or lack thereof of what you say, there is a time and place for it. He better learn that before somebody gives him a case of lead poisoning. Having beef with your competitors, particularly in the same music genre is one thing (and quite common, if not fake half the time), but this is something else. What an idiot. Pissed me off. Why’s he gotta act like that?
I wish he had done that to somebody like Aretha Franklin. She would have b!tch-slapped his ass right there on stage, on camera. And I would have laughed.
Big Ray
September 15th, 2009
3:38 pm
And let him say one wrong word about Beyonce. Jay-Z will have that ass.
Mystikal
September 15th, 2009
3:40 pm
Sekou,
Did it look like Teague was building some chemistry with anyone or whose games seem to mesh really well together on the court? Or still too early to make any such conclusions?
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
3:40 pm
reasons to be excited about the Atlanta Hawks: #46 Jamal Crawford’s crossover http://sbnation.com/e/795964
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
3:44 pm
Woody didn’t embrace Horford. Zaza was the starter, but he got injured. Horford got inserted into the starting lineup because he was better than Shelden, and he played fairly well for a rookie. Zaza didn’t play well when he came back from injury, and the gap between the two kept extending to this day.
Lets tweet this everywhere:
“Hawks aggressive rookie point guard Jeff Teague when for a vicious dunk and injured Josh Smith”.
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
3:48 pm
Lets tweet this everywhere:
“Hawks aggressive rookie point guard Jeff Teague went for a vicious dunk and injured Josh Smith”.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
3:49 pm
Ray,
http://www.comcast.net/video/jay-leno-returns-to-primetime/1254366996/Comcast/1254411284/
Yeah he F-ed up big time.Everyone knows it. Check Youtube. The amount of video responses bashing him is incredible….and he deserves all of it.
Besides, That Beyonce video wasn’t even that great. It’s just three chick dancing in front of a white canvas…the wonam has like a gazillion awards already anyway….
The Huricane Katrina thing was comical and sad at the same time. I ovelooked that one b/c there was a good meaning behiend his motives….but did u see Chris Tucker’s face??? Classic!!!!
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
3:50 pm
jerrywest, let’s not and say we did
rms
September 15th, 2009
4:12 pm
Does anybody know if Teague is considered a PG or a SG?? Is it too soon to compare him to any of the current guards in the league right now or does he look like he might be up there with the top PG’s of the league.
Big Ray
September 15th, 2009
4:14 pm
Ariose,
In regard to the Hurrican Katrina thing, I’m not saying he was wrong (I disagreed with some of it), just saying his timing was awful. He’s just getting on my nerves. His music can be pretty good. But he screws it up by acting like an arse half the time. But anyway….
George Holman
September 15th, 2009
4:24 pm
You really have to like what management did during the off season. Let’s see if Woody can put it all together.
Ramon
September 15th, 2009
4:36 pm
So Sekou says Josh stroke is looking right!
Ramon
September 15th, 2009
4:37 pm
If Crawford doesn’t come in balling, Teague may very well be the 6th man this year.
jerrywest
September 15th, 2009
4:50 pm
Sekou sent Stackhouse to realgm front page.
http://www.realgm.com/
someone will get him soon.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
4:56 pm
Ray, I agree. Horrible Timing. I was shocked just like the rest of America…..and Chris Tucker!! LMBO!!!
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
4:57 pm
He should have just released a statemnt to the press. That’s the classy way to go about voicing your opinion.
Matt Smith
September 15th, 2009
5:14 pm
yes….114th…..best day ever
A Tribe Called Quest
September 15th, 2009
5:20 pm
Whatup Sekou?
Are we trying to add Sekou to this roster?
bigdave
September 15th, 2009
5:35 pm
i havent watched MTV in about 4yrs but i saw the clip, he looked foolish… and then “Lil Mama” (lip stick song; looks like Bow Wow in drag) pulled a pub stunt during Alicia and Jay’s performance…
worked to a degree cause now yahoo, ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” have done features on America and manners/civility…
about the Katrina remarks… hmm… could have been done better… i do appreciate him having an opinion and stance and not digressing. so many times front line celebs either have no comment or retract their statements not using their fame as outlets to evoke thought.
i dont like the cop-out he used in the Leno video…
Blast
September 15th, 2009
5:56 pm
Kanye West sucks big time. I saw the show and the stunt he pulled was ghetto, asinine, juvenile, disrespectful to the extreme, and portrayed black people in more negative light. There were so many other ways he could have expressed his views, and not take away Taylor Swift’s thunder. Reason I saw that bit was because I was at my friend’s place that night and she is into pop, country music and such. She said right before the winner was announced that Taylor Swift or Pink would win that award, cos she had seen all the videos, and she was right. Kanye was dead wrong. I never liked him or his music, and if I was a fan of his, I would have stopped buying his music. He was only mad he didn’t win anything. And when was he named Beyonce’s lawyer with the right to campaign on her behalf? I hope somebody f***cks up Kanye West good sometime soon.
On basketball? Get well quick, Josh Smith.
MannyT
September 15th, 2009
5:57 pm
@Ariose–Check out the first sentence of today’s blog for the Beckett Invitational. I’ll never be first because I read what he writes before I start typing.
@Sekou–still loving the Twitter stream next to the blog.
Kudos to the person that came up with that idea.
Hope Josh heals soon. At the same time, this may create just enough of an opportunity for someone to get extra time and shine in pre-camp workouts. I don’t know who, but this is another example of opportunity knocking due to injury.
@BigDave–I’ll take entertainment from entertainment folks. I can skip the opinions on bigger issues…except for Charles Barkley who was smart enough years ago to step away from the role model thing.
BWAF
KevinA
September 15th, 2009
7:05 pm
It would be interesting to see Hunter and Stackhouse fight for one of the last spots. If Hunter does not project replacing Evans in the next year or two, A Stackhouse might fit the bill for a one year deal.
Samuel
September 15th, 2009
7:36 pm
Let’s be real here. There’s a big difference in Katrina and some funky as_ awards show. I agree that that was stupid but most people I know said the Katrina statement was “Right On Point”.
Kanye needs to make his mind up wheather to be a part of the “system” or get out of it. can’t really have it both ways.
Unfortunate thing about Josh. Hopefully he’ll recover 100% and even get better with the “off hand” because of it.
Cuz,
Are all the staff at these workouts(trainers, coaches ect.)? If so, why do they perpetrate and call it “unofficial”? I not, they need to cool it until it is official.
KevinA
September 15th, 2009
8:01 pm
LOL the president said it best Called West a Jack Ass.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
8:26 pm
Melvin, Apparently the Spurs have signed your boy Curtis Jerrels
http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/sierra/2009/09/15/spurs-add-guard/
MannyT, So true….but now I can never be first lol.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
8:27 pm
Manny, I saw it. I jut wnnaknow what it is….I’ve never heard of that one before.
Big Ray
September 15th, 2009
8:39 pm
Samuel,
Agreed. Two totally different events altogether. Again, it’s the timing. Didn’t win an award and you’re pissed about it? Fine, then say something on Letterman or afterwards, but NOT when somebody else is getting their award and trying to thank the fans for it. Got an opinion on the federal government’s failures? Don’t we all, but the idea of that event was to get people to call in and donate money, while getting to talk to stars. I won’t say he was dead wrong about his timing, but it sure could have been better. Let’s not interrupt the flow of good vibes when people are donating money to a good cause by opening your mouth and making it seem like it’s all about you.
Big Ray
September 15th, 2009
8:45 pm
Just want to let you guys know, the Hawks Hacks blog will be back soon.
Samuel
September 15th, 2009
8:49 pm
I think he was just trying to impress “B”. Didn’t work.
Sautee
September 15th, 2009
9:10 pm
Enough about Kanye. He doesn’t deserve our attention.
The only West I want to read about is Mario.
Big Ray
September 15th, 2009
9:17 pm
Samuel,
I don’t think he wants to go that route. Not with Jay-Z. I heard there’s an empty seat next to Tupac and Biggie…
Big Ray
September 15th, 2009
9:20 pm
Sautee,
Word. And we haven’t heard a word about him…
Hoops
September 15th, 2009
9:38 pm
Arthur Triche: Hey Hawks fans, be on the lookout for some interesting news tomorrow — I think you’ll like it. Over 3 hours ago.
Hawks fans this is a quote from Arthur Triche on Twitter. Could it be that the Hawks are about to sign Stackhouse? WOW!!!
Mystikal
September 15th, 2009
10:07 pm
Is this a hawks blog or what?? Screw Kanye and his crazy a$$. Why is this even a topic?
I MUS WRITE
September 15th, 2009
10:11 pm
The American Dream is a Wack Sandwich…..Dwayne Wade has male groupies too, Well Dam!!! 4$ at the door OMG…. U kill’n me man.. please u gotta stop!! hahahahaha! Let me guess they serving fish sandwichez in the back right. How about 22 oz colt 45’s. Did somebody jus roll up here in a dam tractor!!! O star Jones called she wants her uterus back.Some body light an incent-EWWW.
Ray- Kanye was off his meds sunday night, I thought it wuz funny at first “Beyonce had the best video eva” until i thiught about how he ruined her first award on national tv. Get ready for more its Kanye-Thatz what he do!
Mystikal
September 15th, 2009
10:12 pm
Don’t know how true it is, but Stackhouse would be a great addition. We needed some more depth behind Marv, think that was our only week spot. Now we have good size, plenty shooters, more ballhandlers/playmakers, veteran experience (playoff exp), and still have the youth and versatility that makes us dangerous. Can’t wait to see how it all comes together!!
I MUS WRITE
September 15th, 2009
10:21 pm
Dont be tard for The Party
I MUS WRITE
September 15th, 2009
10:25 pm
Is this thing on….. Tap tap tap!!!! so im being monitored i see, Freedom Of Speech Dam It
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
10:27 pm
Looks like you cant put Joe Smith on the back of a Jersey. So we will have two “Smith’s” this year. Not even initals…so no J.Smith Oh well…it woulda been funny though…
http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2009/9/15/1032206/a-fantastic-piece-of-news-from-the
I MUS WRITE
September 15th, 2009
10:30 pm
Can we please stop the Kanye hate ….He did it – It was rude and disrespectful- Its over… Everybody in the lench Mob will be buying or downloading his music as soon as he drops another hot album…… Ray has it playing in his squad car right now…… ” I keep my love Lock down ..my love lock down…….. Well Dam!!!!
I MUS WRITE
September 15th, 2009
10:33 pm
Just kidding officer ….I saw what happened to Rodney King, Wow did I just say that -Oh well one to many Mai Tai’s…..
Sekou Smith
September 15th, 2009
10:46 pm
I put the Twitter feed next to the blog Manny (with an assist from a tech savvy friend of mine). Ha. I like that trick, too.
Sautee is right, we need to forget about that crazy West and talk about Rio. He’s nursing an injury right now so he hasn’t been on the floor with these other cats at the Beckett Invitational. But he’s been around, getting treatment for his injury.
Coaches aren’t there Steamboat. Not only are they not allowed, most of them are not even in town. This is something the players do every year. And it’s not just the Hawks, it’s players from all over. One of them is a cat from your neck of the woods. Courtney Fells (Shannon and NC State) has been in there working out the past few days. He’s pretty good, too. I spoke with him a little bit today. It’s a great look for guys like that to get on the floor with NBA players and for them all to get a good run in.
The old worry about a player getting hurt is useless. It could happen anywhere. A guy can twist an ankle walking down the stairs in his house or something outlandish like that. It happens, man. You just thank you lucky stars it’s not anything more serious than it is.
Whatup Tribe? Don’t flame that rumor. They’ve already alerted Fat Magic that they’re not interested in adding a fullback/point guard to the roster. Ha.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
10:46 pm
Oh lord, now he’s accusing ray of black on black crime
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
10:49 pm
LOL@ Sekou!!!!!
Sekou Smith
September 15th, 2009
10:52 pm
Stackhouse is just here working out. There’s nothing imminent with him and the Hawks.
Ariose
September 15th, 2009
10:52 pm
Sekou, Don’t be modest. We know you got the sick crossover and a body built for backing down lazy defensive guards like Mike Bibby hehehe….
Big Ray
September 16th, 2009
12:17 am
IMUS,
Hey dammit, I LIKE that song. How’d you know I was pumpin’ that in my cruiser?! But ol’ boy is wrong. That wasn’t one of the best videos ever. In fact, I think the vid for “I don’t think you ready for this jelly” was better…
And why you gotta act like I’m tryin’ to beat a brotha down?
Ariose,
I’ve heard worse, and IMUS is just doing his thang (tryin’ to bug da fuzz), LOL!
Okay fine Mystikal so I strayed from the main groove! I’m sorryyyyy (like Dave Chappelle in “Half Baked”). Now what were we talking about?
Big Ray
September 16th, 2009
12:18 am
Sekou,
That “Fat Magic” ish was too funny. If they’ll sign a pg/fullback, then surely they’ll have no problem with a 5′11″ forward/nose guard….
bigdave
September 16th, 2009
1:48 am
MannyT…
well and true… and good for you. however, to my point, there is a major difference between evoking thought, and agreeing with or following someones views. you must remember the fan bases. sure they are just silly ole’ entertainers. though with lots of influence. in agreeance or not the dialog (be it classroom, dinner table, etc) it creates could be of value.
Samuel
September 16th, 2009
6:24 am
Yea. I feel you. Glad to see “My Boy” Courtney made it to town. He’s a good dude. Very mature for his age, no? And crazy hops and serious range. He had a bad Summer league(shooting wise) but hopefully he can turn “My Boy” Woody’s head enough to get an invite to training camp. What are his chances? He can do all the things Mario can on “D” plus a much better scorer.
Tell Woody he owes me one. LOL!
Willie Coyote
September 16th, 2009
8:11 am
I know I’m late but I have to say I’m a little disappointed that Deron Williams is all over Wade’s jock. That dude has enough refs lining up to take a knee; we don’t need other players trying to suck up to the cool kids too.
Courtney Fells
September 16th, 2009
8:41 am
Ima take Mario West’s spot on the team, yo.
Jones
September 16th, 2009
9:02 am
Sekou, any word on Flip’s plans? I know there’s no place for him on the Hawks now, but I appreciate what he added last year and hope he finds a good gig. He’d be a great asset for someone.
doc
September 16th, 2009
9:03 am
samuel, yes, love is a beeeatch, especially when you are chasing it.
cudos for the pres for calling it like it is. might have grabbed a vote or two on that one without asking the pollsters.
Ariose
September 16th, 2009
9:49 am
Willie Coyote, AMEN!!!
Sekou Smith
September 16th, 2009
10:39 am
Miami is the rumor making the rounds on Flip, Jones, but there has been no confirmation of that from anyone.
Daniel
September 16th, 2009
10:44 am
Sekou- can you give us a word on Korolev? I don’t know if I am behind the news or not.
Daniel
September 16th, 2009
10:49 am
IMUS- that was some funny stuff you posted last night.
BTW- I think it is a good sign that the most controversial thing going on right now is that Kayne made an a** of himself at an award show. Slow news is good news for the most part. I do have to say the new Jay Z album is very good.
macaroni tony
September 16th, 2009
10:52 am
Who is Jones? Get news for Flip…
macaroni tony
September 16th, 2009
10:57 am
Following NBA on FaceBook, and watched PPierce and I see that they are back in NBA finals form. I hope a lot of teams don’t over look our Hawks. It’s ON: Go Hawks…..
macaroni tony
September 16th, 2009
10:58 am
I wonder if Thomas Gardner will find another home or is his career in the NBA over?
Watchandsee
September 16th, 2009
11:13 am
The Hawks will be a fun team but have too many powerforward and back up centers to compete at the higher levels. Horford is no defensive stopper, has no offensive tools an is playing out of position. At best he is a blue coller rebounder which leaves the Hawks not much better than they were last year. Are the Hawks ever going to get a real center or will they continue to use power forwards and has beens at the 5…just keeping it real. How can we replace Sund?
red
September 16th, 2009
11:16 am
can we sign robert horry? i think we need to add another vet player who’s capable of making miracles in clutch situations especially in the playoffs. i think horry still has the “it” factor and he’s also battle tested and a playoff performer. i think he can be a good addition in this team. just my opnion…
Daniel
September 16th, 2009
11:19 am
Watchandsee- why would you want to replace Sund? He has done a very good to excellent job in just two off seasons. Who is this mysterious center that he was supposed to get? Remember you can’t centers that are already under contract, i.e. Howard,
Oh… did you mean he was supposed to get Shaq? (terrible trade) or Gortat?(John Koncack 2.0)
Do you have any real ideas?… just keeping it real.
Daniel
September 16th, 2009
11:20 am
red- the calander reads 2009 not 2006. Why don’t we see if we can get Scottie Pippen too.
dap01
September 16th, 2009
11:44 am
Watchandsee: In the playoffs last year, we were exposed because of the following:
1. JJ was hurt and tired
2. MW was hurt
3. AH was hurt
4. There was no backup forward
5. Our Center position was thin
Sund has addressed each
1. Crawford and Teague should make it not necessary to overuse JJ
2. There is more depth at Forward position
3. There is more depth at the center position
4. Joe Smith is an excellent compliment, tutor to Josh. He can defend, rebound and score.
5. Collins will help with the depth at center. He is big and strong for a few minutes each game.
The Hawks are more flexible with Crawford.
The Hawks have more options at PG with Teagues speed and game. He is a nice compliment to Bibby.
The Hawks are more flexible in the front court. There are several looks that can be utilized (Big lineup, shooting lineup, defensive lineup).
The Hawks have a chance to be much better and FRESHER in the playoffs. That can mean the difference of a game or two against any team. And with a game or two difference a series can easily be won by the Hawks.
Sund has accomplished this without sacrificing our future flexibility.
Good job Sund!
vava74
September 16th, 2009
12:15 pm
I can’t wait for day 1!
vava74
September 16th, 2009
12:16 pm
I’m revising my prediction to 57 wins!!!
vava74
September 16th, 2009
12:21 pm
And next year:
Lebron will be rebuilding elsewhere;
The Celtics will be reduced to 1 young elite player (Rondo) and a bunch of geriatric old geezers:
KG and Allen are starting to crumble and can’t see them playing at an acceptable level beyond this year, and Sheed is getting further away from the low post as the years go by.
Pierce is also getting veeeery old.
And finally Orlando not only will be a flop with Vince this year but also next, since he is also past his prime and will not last long at an acceptable level.
I MUS WRITE
September 16th, 2009
12:49 pm
Aroise chill out dude , I didnt accuse Officer Friendly of anything….I wuz just having fun is all, U seem tightly wound these days-is school getting to you -if so i can understand -Im back in school as well pursuing my Masters Degree and it seems like i dont have time for shyt these days not even sekous blog, but i do pop my head in and go crazy from time to time….
O Randolph Morris is a big bag of Morning Breath……Stank is what im say’n ….GOOD DAY
GeeMack
September 16th, 2009
1:03 pm
VAVA74
Do you see the Hawks winning it all this year?
Zach
September 16th, 2009
1:08 pm
Sekou..
What’s up with Carlos Arroyo? Is this a real option? Seems like a great guy to bring in as our 3rd PG. He has played in a lot of big games, and still has the ability to fill it up. Are contract negotiations on going?
Ramon
September 16th, 2009
1:14 pm
I see the Hawks reaching the Eastern Conference Finals this year, and winning 59 games in the regular season.
Daniel
September 16th, 2009
1:16 pm
whassup GeeMack- I am with Vava, and I am looking for two years from now. There is this one big stumbling block along the way, two if you count Woody, will Joe Johnson resign?
I don’t think I will go so far as to predict 57 wins, but 50-52. I definitely think we are closer to the top three than the next 5.
Daniel
September 16th, 2009
1:17 pm
But hey I support Ramon and Vava. I certanily will be rooting for them to win it all.
Dos Hawkquis
September 16th, 2009
1:28 pm
I am thrilled that the Hawks have a 10 man rotation, but if they continue to run ISO JOE what does it matter?
Basketball 101: PICK & ROLL, GIVE & GO, HIGH SCREEN/LOW SCREEN, DRIVE TO THE BASKET or whatever you want to call it. The Hawks can increase their win total just by doing these thing consistently.
If they Hawks are going to be ISO JOE and dribble the ball for 20 seconds then hoist up a jump shot, they have to have some DOGS down low rebounding the ball on the offensive end, like Rodman was for the Bulls.
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends!”
Dos Hawkquis
September 16th, 2009
1:48 pm
DAP01, IMUS, VAVA74, GEE MACK,
DAP01 i feel your 11:44 post. One thing that you left out was HEART. There were a few games where the guys showed NONE. JJ even mentioned it a few times in the paper about how guys were not showing up etc.
HEART comes into play mainly on the road, in a hostile environment. The past 2 years, we have had this nucleus: JJ, Marvin, JSmoove,ZaZa, Horford, Bibby. 07-08 we won 12 road games, 08-09 we won 16 road games. GOTTA HAVE HEART ON THE ROAD!!
Hawks last won 20+ road games in ‘98. We had HEART back then.
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends!”
Ramon
September 16th, 2009
2:00 pm
Sekou if you could get a Q&A with all of the starters, individually, one week, that would be great.
We’ve heard Josh talk about his improvements that he’s working on. We’ve also heard from Marvin. But I want to know what JJ is thinking he needs to improve in.
ant banks
September 16th, 2009
2:04 pm
RAMON,
what do you think he needs to improve on? he is the only all-star on this team. he avg. 46mins/night. he was the go to guy night in and night out. why do you think everyone is glad that we have teague and crawford so they can’t double jj.
jj’s game is complete. the flaws that he had last year i attribute them to the fact that he was run down.
Ramon
September 16th, 2009
2:16 pm
Ant, JJ’s game is *not* complete. There is probably only one or 2 players in the league who game is *complete*. Getting his teammates more involved is something he could work on. Passing out of double teams is something he could work on. Getting more FG attempts in the lane instead of all jumpers is something he could work on. Attacking the rim so he could get more FT attempts is something he can work on. Getting his quickness back on defense is something he could work on. Attacking what the defense gives him more in the transition instead of only running to the corner for a spot up 3, is something he can work on.
You say he was run down. But Lebron, Melo, Wade, and others weren’t worn down. And JJ has a better supporting cast than Wade, Rose, and others. Just like Riley said Jordan, Magic, Ewing, Bird, and others used to play way more minutes per game at a higher level.
If JJ (or any player) thinks for a second that their game is complete on THIS team, then we are headed for a downfall. Sund said it himself he loves that everyone on the line up can still improve. And that was the reason why he wanted to keep the core intact. After MJ won his first 3 rings people could’ve said his game was complete. But when he came back that was when he mastered the turnaround fade away. And if the great MJ still found a way to improve HIS game after winning three rings. And Kobe found a way to improve his game by trusting his teammates more and getting them involves after winning 3 rings. I *know* JJ nor you really think his game can’t improve any more. If his game can’t improve anymore, then it is time to start answering calls about trading.
The Truth
September 16th, 2009
2:27 pm
Ramon
Amen. Even us bloggers can improve. Enough said.
ant banks
September 16th, 2009
2:31 pm
RAMON,
look at what you poste: 1.gettin’ his teammates more involved? wtf? how can he work on THAT durin’ the summer? 2.Passin’ out of double teams? really? how can he work on THIS durin’ the summa?
look bruh, what players usually work on in the summa is their handles, endurance, strenght and conditioning, jump shots. all of the stuff you mentioned has to be coached approved or worked on durin’ camp.
come on man get serious
ant banks
September 16th, 2009
2:55 pm
TRUTH,
i agreee that we all can improve, but the things that he listed can’t be worked individually.
A Tribe Called Quest
September 16th, 2009
3:01 pm
My bad, S. Meant STACK, not Sekou. Already mixing you with a career 19 ppg scorer, HA.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 16th, 2009
3:05 pm
D-Wade is a baby. Looking forward to seeing Mo and the rest of the crew make him whine like they did in the first round in April.
Glad to have something to post on this blog about again. About damn time this season starts.
Ramon
September 16th, 2009
3:05 pm
Ant, if you go back to my initial post, you will see my statement was I’m curious to see what Joe feels he needs to improve in. I didn’t say what he worked on over the summer. And also if Smooth can work on his decision making during the summer, JJ can work on his mental part of the game as well. You think in pick up games he can’t work on passing out of a double team, or not trying to take over every play? If you can’t trust your teammates in a pick up game, you definitely won’t be able to trust your real teammates in the middle of a season when its your contract year.
And do you not feel JJ needs to finish at the rim better than he does now? Do you not feel JJ needs more explosiveness in his legs than he has now? Are those not 2 things he can work on in the gym by himself? I also mentioned getting quicker on defense. Is that something you can only work on in the middle of the season? So *all* the things I mentioned weren’t things that can only be worked on under the supervision of Woody. Many of those things were things JJ can go back and look at on film. And I know Woody gives his players access to film during the off season.
Ramon
September 16th, 2009
3:07 pm
Ant, another thing, Teague is finding a way right now, before camp, to earn the trust in his teammates. So you’re telling me JJ can’t be working on trusting his teammates before camp?
ant banks
September 16th, 2009
3:12 pm
RAMON,
yeah, they can look at film and break down some things they could have done diff. i don’t know why jj doesn’t drive to the rim. personally, i think that dude is scared of contact and lacks heart.
a lot of what jj does is what the coach WANTS him to do. jj is not goin’ to challenge a coach’s call like bibby and smoove would.
the biggest thing that jj can do to improve his game is get some HEART!! and that is nothin’ that can be gained over the summa.
ant banks
September 16th, 2009
3:14 pm
RAMON,
teague has HEART and jj doesn’t. paul pierce punked jj durin’ the boston game last year when he missed the free throw that would have tied the game. i was at that game. i saw paul laugh in jj face and read his lip say…”you choked b*tich!” jj didn’t even as much as look at him.
i don’t see teague bein’ that way.
Ramon
September 16th, 2009
3:24 pm
Ant, do you remember how quick JJ used to be when he came? That is something that can be worked on over the summer. And its not because of age, because even Kobe lost a step for a few seasons, but were able to get it back while preparing for the Olympics.
I’m just saying that I don’t think he’s a complete player yet. Because name one all star who is the best player on their team, and doesn’t get double teamed by majority of the coaches in the league. JJ doesn’t see any defense that the other stars don’t. JJ doesn’t play any more minutes than the other stars did when they were his age. JJ only has a couple tricks at the moment, and it could be a lot better.
ant banks
September 16th, 2009
3:27 pm
RAMON,
if woody would employ the BASKETBALL 101 strategies i mentioned earlier, you would see marked improvement in his game as well as the team. good points though.
Ramon
September 16th, 2009
3:30 pm
You’re right, Teague has something half of the team doesn’t have, except for maybe Josh, Horford, and Crawford. Teague has that personality that he’s going to make sure you remember him when he leaves the gym. Teague saying that he’s going to be the best pg taken in the draft, has been backed up by the fire he plays with. I just pray that he doesn’t miss any time during his rookie year. That will be the biggest blow to him.
jerrywest
September 16th, 2009
3:35 pm
http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=4791
all 82 hawks game on tv.
sund – sign stackhouse already before sekou makes him too expensive. Shut up sekou.
sekou – please get nique a promotion man. I don’t want hear “heat check” ever again.
ant banks
September 16th, 2009
3:39 pm
see RAMON, that is what i am effin’ talkin’ about FIRE!! i loved it when teague said that!!! dude is goin’ to bring some fire to this team!!! FIRE AND PASSION can sometimes take you further than talent…jj has talent, no question, but he lacks the fire in his belly.
jordan, wade, kobe, barkley, malone all had that fire and killa instinct!! jj ain’t got it and it shows on this team. all the teams punk the hawks thats why they have won 12 games and 16 games on the road the past 2 years.
did you see how boston punked them in boston 2 years ago. they dam near crap their pants everytime they went up there and would ball outta control when they came home
Ramon
September 16th, 2009
3:44 pm
Ant, I think that is why Smooth tries to take over so many times, because he sees that. And truth be told, Smooth is just as good as JJ in the clutch the past 2 years in some stretches. JJ does seem like the type to accept defeat quicker than every one excluding Marvin. I think Josh argues so much with the refs, because besides Woody, no one else says anything (before Bibby came).
Daniel
September 16th, 2009
3:51 pm
Ramon- I was with you up until you said that Smoove was just as good as JJ in the clutch. C’mon man be real.
Ramon
September 16th, 2009
4:21 pm
Daniel, you can go look at the stats if you need to. Josh shows up for big games just as much as JJ does when you look at overall performances.
GeeMack
September 16th, 2009
4:28 pm
Daniel! what up homie?
I’m with ya’ll on the 52 win. I can even see the ECF, but only if we move Al to the 4 & Josh to the 3. I’m not as confident about us making the finals. However I do think that should be the teams goal this year.
Deez Nuttz
September 16th, 2009
4:50 pm
dap01
September 16th, 2009
11:44 am
The back up powerforward was playing center (al horford) and stained muscles and turned ankles and was man handled under the basket because he was playing out of postion and against real centers in the play offs. I agree the the 5 spot was weak last year, but its not a strenght this year. Koncak Pachulia and collins dont terrify snoopy. Think again. Our power forward Al will again whither in competion at playoff time and may tear something more serious next time. The amout of physical exertion that it takes for him to compete will take its toll against the like so shaq and Orlando. We spend a lot of money on Koncak pachulia when his numbers are almost identical to Collins to whom we gave a NBA Minimum. Flips playoff numbers and minutes confirmed what I already knew. Make flip a starter and we would get 17-22 points a night from him. Sund instead brought over crawford and paid him more than twice what it would have cost to get the same basic numbers from flip…Improve…yes, the hawks improved…any center is better than none at all. Improve? yeah but not by much. The hawks will fold in the second round of the playoffs. We may win more games but fourth place is still fourth place(conference) whether you win 48 or 53 games. It not enough when if you were an industrious GM you could have got us a real center and we would have moved into the elite circle of team and have a shot at a title.
watchandsee
September 16th, 2009
5:05 pm
Daniel
Last season I share this same sentiment that prove true as the year unwound. Nothing has changed so the results will be… In the rally cry of the president you cant do the same things time after time and get a different result.
Sund lack of a serious move was telling. You say no centers were available.That a cop out. Quite a few centers changed hands. Starting before the playoffs and after the season. We did not go after anyone but scrubbs and figure wed make Woody the scape goat. Any center is better than none at all.
Oneal, Shaq(your rumors of his demise are greatly Exaggerated),the UCONN Rookie were easy pickings and if you wanted to get creative any player is to be had from Lopez to Bynum. Real GM s play the game and get the player. We have enough powerforward and guards that we could have made a trade without destroying the chemistry of the team. I think Sund could have been more agressive and assertive seeing how we are on the bubble and could get there. Its my view and you may disagree but ive seen real GM’s over the years who when they get this close they pull a rabbit out of there hats. Sund pull Jon Koncak out of his.
Extraordinary Nuttz
September 16th, 2009
5:11 pm
September 15th, 2009
10:46 pm
Oh lord, now he’s accusing ray of black on black crime
Ray Im going to cut you some slack hear…I could work with this. Make a note of it.
Extraordinary Nuttz
September 16th, 2009
5:12 pm
September 15th, 2009
10:46 pm
Oh lord, now he’s accusing ray of black on black crime
Ray Im going to cut you some slack here…I could work with this. Make a note of it.
GeeMack
September 16th, 2009
5:16 pm
watchandsee
I don’t think center is the problem with the Hawks getting to the next level, as it is another impact player. A superstar talent ie…Melo, CP3, Amare, players that are great on their current team, but can be had for the right price.
justcheckingin
September 16th, 2009
5:16 pm
Ramon
September 16th, 2009
1:14 pm
Step away from the bong!@!
darrell starks
September 16th, 2009
5:28 pm
Clyde woody COY.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
rms
September 16th, 2009
6:35 pm
where in the heck is Sekou? He puts up a blog and then bounces. Whats up with that?
jerrywest
September 16th, 2009
6:42 pm
If Siler can hold his own against Bynum, wait till he gets some real coaching and experience…
undisputed champ!
September 16th, 2009
7:02 pm
I hope he does step up to the higher level Jerrywest. Right now all we have is hope. Reality trumps hope. Weve had too many guys with potential end up as high priced back ups.
The old saying goes if “ifs & ands, were pots and pans” the world with be a kitchen….
If a frog had a glass aizz every time hed jump hed break it.
Never the less I hope you are right.
bigdave
September 16th, 2009
8:43 pm
the Dream can ball…!
bigdave
September 16th, 2009
8:45 pm
or am i just thirsty for Atlanta basketball action?
The Truth
September 16th, 2009
8:59 pm
The Hawks just signed a non-guaranteed contract with 5′10″ PG Mike Wilks. At least we know what position Sund is focusing on these days. I would have loss money in a bet thinking it would have been a backup SF
The Truth
September 16th, 2009
10:57 pm
The real 411 about Courtney Sims. Between him, Siler and that roster spot; LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!
Extraordinary Nuttz
September 17th, 2009
12:58 am
The so called super star talent you mentioned hasnt help their current team so there is a huge question whether they can help ours. I think Amare could help because of the offense hed bring to the post. The Relevant point is you cant get to the finals level with out a center but you can without a superstar. Melo, cp3 nor stodimire are not superstars just stars…in jj’s leaque.