Contagious is the new word!
The Hawks opened up a can on the Wizards Monday night at Philips Arena, including this nasty dunk from Josh Smith.
HAWKSVILLE – Mike Woodson is retiring his favorite word, for one night at least.
Huge is history. He’s caught the bug from Jamal Crawford, whose passing exploits in the Hawks’ blowout win over Washington Monday night at Philips Arena prompted Woodson to utter this bit of prose:
“It can become contagious,” he said of Crawford’s nine assists off the bench, a total that would have been well into the double digits if not for the greasy fingers and a couple of risky attempts. “We have guys that can, our perimeter guys can all pass the ball. It’s just a matter of guys sacrificing the ball for the sake of the team. There will be times when Jamal will have big scoring nights, and [Jeff] Teague’s going to have big scoring nights. And there will be nights when Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams and Josh Smith have big scoring nights. So I think there are enough scoring weapons that we don’t have to depend on one or two guys to score all four points this year. We’ve come a long way in that regard, and we have to utilize it as much as we can.”
The Hawks piled up 29 assists on the night while toying with the Wizards, who played without Gilbert Arenas (flu). Rookie point guard Jeff Teague showed out again (16 points and five assists) and there were nice contributions from veterans Joe Smith (four rebounds and two points) and Jason Collins (four points and four rebounds before going out late after rolling his ankle).
Crawford’s passing, however, stood out above the fray.
“I had no idea you could pass like that.” one keen observer told Crawford to his face after the game. “Seriously, I didn’t know you could pass like that.”
Crawford defended his passing ability and made clear his approach during the preseason.
“You can’t go out there just shooting like crazy,” Crawford said. “Especially for me, I’m in a totally different role. I have to get used to coming off the bench and picking my spots. Coach wants me to come out aggressive. He’s like, ‘just go, go.’ But I’m taking a more measured approach. I’m feeling my way through it and seeing exactly where I can be effective for this team.”
One thing no one has to worry about is a tug of ward between Crawford and Teague (a subtle dynamic that eliminated the chance that Acie Law IV and Flip Murray could coexist on the second unit together last year). Crawford and Teague have already developed a sound chemistry working together, which each one knowing when to defer to the other in terms of initiating the offense or going into a more offensive mode.
“We love playing together already,” Crawford said. “It’s a mutual respect thing. I liked his game in college and he told me he’s admired my game for a long time. So it’s a smooth relationship already. We’ve got a lot of pieces. We really, really do. And I think the more time together and the more time on the court together, we’re going to be fine. I know it’s just the preseason, but we have a chance to be really, really good.”
HIGHLIGHT FACTORY ANYONE
OLD HEADS IN THE BUILDING
So you had to wait a while to see the old fellas?
Al Horford and the rest of the Hawks did, too.
But it was worth the wait, seeing Joe Smith and Collins on the floor in uniform. Even Crawford has been tossed into the mix with the old heads, even though he’s yet to see his 30th birthday.
“I’m definitely excited to see Joe (Smith) get out there and play,” Horford said. “He’s going to be a big help for our team, as far as his leadership and the stuff he does on the court. And Jamal just makes the game easier for everybody else. I’m just excited to have those guys.”
FOOTBALL IN THE BLOOD
Count Zaza Pachulia among the converts to our brand of football.
His maiden voyage into the realm of domestic football, he took in Sunday’s Falcons-Bears game at the Georgia Dome, turned him into a true fan.
“It was tough for a while because I wasn’t sure about the rules and stuff,” Pachulia said. “My first time changed me from where I was before. I have interest now. We sat on the 50 yard line, pretty good seats. And it was good energy. I felt it inside. I left the Georgia Dome knowing that I want to come back, when I have the chance.”
THE LAST WORD
The Hawks didn’t just run circles around the Wizards Monday night. They ran them ragged. So much so that Wizards coach Flip Saunders polished off the night like this:
“I hope our guys worked on their conditioning, because from the standpoint of our game plan, we didn’t execute anything tonight. What i thought was disappointing was that this was an opportunity for some of our guys to step up, but no one really did that. We have to do all of the little things offensively and defensively to stay in the game. We definitely won’t be able to play this team this way in the regular season.”
The Hawks and Wizards will see each other again soon, Oct. 30 in the Hawks’ second regular season game of the year.
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216 comments Add your comment
Trainwreck
October 19th, 2009
11:15 pm
I can’t Wait
Trainwreck
October 19th, 2009
11:15 pm
Wow 1st… 1st time ever
neshield
October 19th, 2009
11:17 pm
First!!
neshield
October 19th, 2009
11:17 pm
Crap beat again!!!
A Tribe Called Quest
October 19th, 2009
11:18 pm
“He’s like, ‘just go, go.’ But I’m taking a more measured approach. I’m feeling my way through it and seeing exactly where I can be effective for this team.””
Sounds like Jamal doesn’t listen to Woody. Ha
Sekou can you PLEASE correct this error: I see it in EVERY blog
“His maiden voyage into the realm of domestic football, he took in Sunday’s Falcons-Bears game at the Georgia Dome, turned him into a true fan.”
There should NOT be a comma after “football” — there should be a semi-colon or a hyphen. Please stop making this error
neshield
October 19th, 2009
11:21 pm
Does anyone else remember back in elementery school when the fastest kids in school were the coolest kids in school. With that said the Hawks should be the coolest team in the NBA this year if thy keep playing like this.
doc
October 19th, 2009
11:23 pm
i think sekou is beginning to get the same fever and vibe ive been getting ll summer about this team. it is preseason but there are still guys playing for pride and our guys have been smoking them.
Gilley
October 19th, 2009
11:29 pm
That was a great pass. I need someone to make me a gif of the dunk if possible
Trainwreck
October 19th, 2009
11:38 pm
Hawks have a chance to get 50-55 wins this year if everyone stays healthy… or maybe I’m just a big fat homer
rms
October 19th, 2009
11:44 pm
Missed the game….What happened???
cp
October 20th, 2009
12:05 am
I’m ready for this season to start. I will be ordering league pass again this year. I like how Crawford had 9 dimes off the bench. Teague is legit and is going to be very big for us this year and in the future. Its nice to have this kind of depth allowing Woodson to use different lineups. A lot of people are overlooking this team but thats fine by me.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
October 20th, 2009
12:09 am
I saw the highlights it was an old-fashioned route. Six players in double figures and Crawford was an assist monster! This was a case of the faster team dominating every facet of the game. Bring on Agent Zero on Oct 30th!
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
October 20th, 2009
12:10 am
Dang Phife apply for editor at the AJC why don’t cha.
Melvin
October 20th, 2009
12:17 am
Highlights from tonite game with Washington…
http://www.nba.com/video/games/hawks/2009/10/19/0010900085_was_atl_recap.nba/
KC Ryan
October 20th, 2009
12:22 am
This team really has me believing that we will challenge both Orlando and Boston for the number 2 and 3 playoff spots in the East.
kwooden1
October 20th, 2009
12:27 am
Really good game, from all the guys! Even though Agent 0 wasn’t available, the HAWKS did what they were supposed to. (Take care of business!) I like the assists from Teague and Crawford, but Horford really impressed me. If he can play that way every night, then we can look forward to a great season. Having Teague and Crawford on the floor with Mo Evans will be a real luxury coming off the bench. Evans will have the opportunity to shoot a lot of open 3s.
GO HAWKS!!
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
October 20th, 2009
12:27 am
Right on KC Ryan. ‘Southeast Division Champs.’ I like the sound of that.
The Truth
October 20th, 2009
1:31 am
I was at the game and I had no idea the win would be so easy. I was thoroughly entertained. I know agent zero did not play, but the way the Hawks dominated, he probably would not have altered the game outcome much anyway. Execution wise, everything was accomplished. The Hawks played as a team and looked to be in midseason form while the Wizards played sandlot-style with no ball movement just a bunch of ISO shooters playing that way for four quarters. As BIG RAY WOULD SAY, I KNOW IT JUST PRESEASON, BUT:
Marvin is elevating his game and maybe prepping for a breakout year
JJ is still JJ; Mr. reliable, He seems to be on cruise control
Al is working on his offense in the paint and is improving his shot (a bit)
Bibby is beginning to return to form from 3-point land
Josh defense and steals were standouts. Still need some free-throw work
Joe Smith looked a bit rusty tonight
His defense looked to be a bud-light version compared to Josh
Crawford had some monster assists, still reluctant to shoot though
Impressed with Collins limited minutes; He will make a dig difference
Another monster game by Jet-Teague (I like that name)
Mo Evans is no flute, he continues to play well
With the way the Hawks played and beat the Wizards, we may have to give them a new nickname; THE FUN BUNCH. From what I saw, Agent Zero was lucky not to be a part of the rout.
With some (on this blog) yearning for an up-tempo running team, this year with our new pieces, you just might get your wish.
The Truth
October 20th, 2009
1:49 am
Correction: Mo Evans is no fluke
Nicholas
October 20th, 2009
2:56 am
tribe –
“Sekou can you PLEASE correct this error: I see it in EVERY blog
“His maiden voyage into the realm of domestic football, he took in Sunday’s Falcons-Bears game at the Georgia Dome, turned him into a true fan.”
There should NOT be a comma after “football” — there should be a semi-colon or a hyphen. Please stop making this error”
actually, sekou did it CORRECTLY
“His maiden voyage into the realm of domestic football turned him into a true fan.” works without the NON-ESSENTIAL EXPRESSION (google it) that he put in between commas
that info was informative, but not crucial
in case you don’t believe me, here is just one link: http://iws.ccccd.edu/jmiller/A%20Brief_%20No-Nonsense%20Guide%20to%20Comma%20Usage.htm
don’t quit your day job?
Mac-Town
October 20th, 2009
3:14 am
With the way this team is built now, I’m not settling for “I think we can now get close to the big 3″
I think that if THIS team, BUILT THE WAY IT IS, plays up to its potential on a consistent basis…there’s no reason we SHOULD NOT be competing for the Eastern #1 spot.
we’re deep and talented, with many guys who can beat you. As sekou said, 5 or 6 of these cats can be “they guy” on any given night.
Ariose
October 20th, 2009
3:41 am
Niiice!!!!
Big Ray
October 20th, 2009
5:46 am
Tribe ,
Not trying to be a prick, but Sekou actually did that sentence right. In the meantime, can you find the error in this ?
Sounds like Jamal doesn’t listen to Woody. Ha
Big Ray
October 20th, 2009
5:53 am
I agree with many here. If these guys play with more unity and cohesion (as they’ve demonstrated so far in the preseason), then this “huge gap” between us and the big 3 isn’t so huge.
Talent is talent, but look at the advantages this team has if exploited properly by the coach, and executed by the players (and yes, both elements must be present for success to be possible). What really has been the difference between us and Boston? Team chemistry, leadership, cohesion, coaching. Woody coaches his butt off and our guys play together and execute, imagine what we can do. We took those guys to 7 games on their championship run without having what we have NOW, when guys had less experience (most with NO playoff experience), and Boston was healthier. How about NOW?
I’m not saying it’s a given, but between the design of our offensive/defensive schemes and our cohesion, that has been the source of the biggest gap between us and the best of the East. Seriously.
We didn’t play together against Miami very much, yet we beat them. Had we played more together, we would have swept them (okay, Wade and the refs would have stolen ONE game). And we take one or two from Cleveland by the same logic if all of our guys were healthy as well.
Can’t de-emphasize coaching, though. What happens when Cleveland’s Shaq and Lebron show isn’t enough to beat us? What happens when our multiple-headed attack and superior speed causes them problems? Is Mike Brown smarter than Mike Woodson? If you’re a Woody fan, stop using the Shaq and Lebron alibi (they’re both beatable, even on the same team) and ask yourself that question.
Big Ray
October 20th, 2009
6:08 am
I say he’s NOT smarter than Woodson.
Bandwagon
October 20th, 2009
7:04 am
This is gonna be a fun year! If these guys keep buying into Woodson’s team concept and go on the floor and give it up to the hot hand watch out league. They have so many weapons they are bound to create a mismatch somewhere every game. Team work figures out how to exploit it.
JJ is just smiling inside and letting it gel, when the season starts he is going to put his foot on the pedal. This team can go places and it is a long season, we need JJ at the end when superstars step up.
Itsmeyall
October 20th, 2009
7:56 am
Woodson is a very Good coach! I think he is licking his chops at the fun this team will have this year. Obviously the team has new swagger and confidence I dont remember a Hawk team having since the Dominique, Willis, Rivers and spudd days.Look for teams to play slow down ball control defense in fear that we will light up the score board, and they are right! GO HAWKS!
Now if we can get or develop and real center and teach Sund how to effectively spend resources we will be true contenders for the title and not “also rans”.
dap01
October 20th, 2009
7:59 am
If the Hawks play together, utilize ALL of their weapons and continue to move, distribute and run, I like our chances against ANYBODY!
rainman
October 20th, 2009
8:11 am
I just love hearing Josh say his main goal is to be on the ‘all defensive team’. Now, if Al, Zaza, and Collins can be above average in the hole, the Hawks could have a very good season — assuming Teague continues his stellar play.
Rod from College Park
October 20th, 2009
8:26 am
Quote from Josh,
I’ve heard people say, ‘Well blocking shots doesn’t always mean someone’s playing great defense.’
“I disagree. It’s hard work, too. It’s a game changer as well. If you do it right, you can change the game on any play. And if it was so easy to do, there would be a lot more guys blocking a lot of shots.”
I agree!!!! Best defensive player on the team, besides Mario.
Daniel
October 20th, 2009
8:31 am
Truth- I was at the game last night, too. Where are your seats?
It was difficult to tell how good the Hawks are, because they were toying with the Wizards from the start. Teague can get anywhere on the court he wants. At least in the preseason, I don’t see the shot happy Crawford that we have all been warned about. Jason Collins is BIG! Josh needs to work on his free throws (I know it is an old story, but dang 50% from the line is going to wreck his stated goals). Marvin looked like butter.
Well, maybe I could make some observations from the game. My daughter’s new favorite player is JT0. (he gave her a high-five after the game!) Randolph, Randolph, Randolph, he had some decent board work, but man he has bricks for hands.
Willie Coyote
October 20th, 2009
8:35 am
The same experts that are saying there is a wide gap between the Hawks and the “Big 3″ will be the same ones explaining why they always saw the Hawks as an Eastern Conference contender. The fact that these guys get paid so much to give shallow commentary is just amazing to me. News Flash: Watching highlights is not doing your research.
The only thing the Hawks don’t have going for them is the reality of the NBA officiating. It is a factor (unfortunately) and the Hawks don’t get calls. We’ll see how good they are if they can play through the bad calls and still come out with wins against the flyin’ (& cryin’) Lebrons & Wades.
Willie Coyote
October 20th, 2009
8:36 am
Oh yea, and Josh not getting ANY consideration for the all defensive teams the past few years is a joke.
Daniel
October 20th, 2009
8:45 am
Willie- I totally agree with your assesment that the Hawks need more “respect” from the league officials. It is unfortunate, but true.
BBgenie
October 20th, 2009
8:51 am
Damm!! Now You know. Hawks in 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crawford is my new Hero, he’s going to break someone’s ankle real soon. Can’t wait to see JJ & Crawford in the backcourt together. Mr. Smith as in (Joe) will be a great asset for this team when it comes to match-up. We can put him at the(5). His soft touch from 10ft will be Deadly. And Marvin could become most improved player this season. What about Josh Smith wanting to be on the All Defensive team!!! I’m not worried about the Cavs, Boston, or Orlando, They Better be concerned with us. How about you????? Let’s see more Woody Ball!!
Sekou Smith
October 20th, 2009
9:06 am
Zaza has a hip injury, by the way. He’s resting it and getting treatment and will continue to do so the remainder of the week, per Woodson. Doesn’t sound like anything terribly serious.
Big Ray
October 20th, 2009
9:08 am
Heh.
I think Sund has done a fab job with the resources available (as if we really know just what resources are available).
And where are the “OMG, Crawford is gonna be a shot-happy chemistry killer” fans at? I’ll tell you where some of them are right now: complaining that Crawford isn’t shooting much.
Too damn funny….
A Tribe Called Question
October 20th, 2009
9:08 am
Nicholas,
It doesn’t classify as an essential or non-essential expression.
““His maiden voyage into the realm of domestic football, he took in Sunday’s Falcons-Bears game at the Georgia Dome, turned him into a true fan.””
I am referring to “he took in….Georgia Dome.” Every blog I see this same egregious error of comma usage as well as the usual errors. What is a tug of ward?
Mike N.
October 20th, 2009
9:20 am
Love the comments from the game last night…did not get to see it living in Florida. Looking to forward to watching Fridays nights game vs. Orlando.
Anyone know if there have been anymore cuts yet? Siler, Wilks and Dixon were DNP coaches decision. Is that a sign that they might be leaving?
Daniel
October 20th, 2009
9:24 am
Sekou- anymore of a vibe on who is going to make the team? Looks more and more like Mario to me. Where is Siler now?
Big Ray- I just said the same thing about Crawford.
Tribe- you gotta push it along, push it along
ILL-logical
October 20th, 2009
9:56 am
Crawford has the skills and experience to not only start but to be a leader. The question is whether or not he can but if he will be allowed to be.Some have questioned whether the Hawks have the star power to get to the top. Well Jamal has it ,IMHO, and if he is given the chance good things will follow.
BTW,Daniel the box score from last night that I saw had Josh 3 for 4 from the line. was that incorrect?
rms
October 20th, 2009
9:57 am
Did I just hear Rick Sund say that Teague is going to have to deal with being the 4th guard? The 4th guard? I assume that means Bibby, Joe, Crawford and Teague but hopefully you only got Bibby and Teague rotating PG play and Joe and Crawford playing 2 guard. No need for someone playing someone’s position such as a SG playing PG while your other PG sits on the bench? Just wondering…..
ILL-logical
October 20th, 2009
9:59 am
Crawford has the skills and experience to not only start but to be a leader. The question is not whether he can but if he will be allowed to be.Some have questioned whether the Hawks have the star power to get to the top. Well Jamal has it ,IMHO, and if he is given the chance good things will follow.
BTW,Daniel the box score from last night that I saw had Josh 3 for 4 from the line, was that incorrect?
Rod from College Park
October 20th, 2009
9:59 am
Marvin and Horford on 790 the zone now. They have already interviewed Woody and Sund.
Mike is back
October 20th, 2009
10:14 am
Sekou, I agree it is very contagious. Finally got a chance to see Teague, JTO is an accurate description. Really like what I seen…I said man…the second unit will be very potent with Crawford and Teague…I just smile said yeah…NO DOUBT this team will CHALLENGE THE BIG THREE!!!!
It looked like the Hawks was cruising out there…then you look at the scoreboard and Hawks are up by 18 at the end of first quarter. The biggest different I see is the SWAGGER THE GUYS HAVE…THEY BELIEVE…with the different line up Woody can throw at you…the Hawks will be able to come at you in waves.
I’M SOLD…GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seven
October 20th, 2009
10:27 am
Hey i cotinue to say JT will get rookie of the year.
Juan Dixon should does NOT deserve a roster spot.
Marvin is gonna be a beast this year, but i think most on the team are gonna have break out years.
Hawks are showing CHAMPIONSHIP form right now as a whole team who can match in the east player for player?
Rod from College Park
October 20th, 2009
10:53 am
Jmaal Crawford on 790 the zone just stated that he has 9 game winning shots in his career. Sounds like a guy who wants the ball in pressure situations. No way you can keep that guy off the floor in crunch time. I will state agian that our best and most productive lineup will be with Joe and Jamal on the floor together. There will be no way that Woody will be able to stay with our normal starting lineup this year.
A Thinking Fan
October 20th, 2009
11:20 am
It is still preseason, but good moves by Coach Woody so far. Pressure of the regular season is yet to be experienced by coach & team…
Daniel
October 20th, 2009
11:33 am
Ill- he was 3 for 4, but just watching his FT shot it is lucky to go in. He has no confidence in it. Same as it was last year. I hope he gets it fixed but it is one negative that I really see in his game right now. He definitely is working the inside more, which is great, but he is going to draw a lot more fouls if he keeps it up.
vava74
October 20th, 2009
11:34 am
ESPN:
Expert predictions: Atlanta Hawks
What a massive load of cr*p!
Daniel
October 20th, 2009
11:34 am
Ill- you know how Shaq and Duncan will have a 70-75 % night but it doesn’t “feel” good. BTW.. I won’t be in club, I will be in 117 by the bench.
jerrywest
October 20th, 2009
11:35 am
Jamal had only 9 game winners in 9 years? Doesn’t he always have the ball with the game on the line? Then again, his teams were rarely on positions to win.
How many does JJ/Bibby have?
Gamarjoba
October 20th, 2009
11:35 am
I think our depth just hit me for real… I mean I was excited to see all the moves this summer, but man…
We have the same starting five as last year, Zaza and Mo are back — two of the top rotation bench guys. And we’ve added Jamal, Teague, Joe Smith, Jason Collins…
I know this is old news, but we’re deep. This is going to be an amazing season. And Woody needs to assign a bench coach to keep up with the substitutions.
Daniel
October 20th, 2009
11:36 am
Rod- I have no doubt we will see Joe and Jamaal on the court together, and a lot of end of games situations where we may be close but behind. Still doesn’t mean he will start. Just like Manu doesn’t start, but often finishes.
jerrywest
October 20th, 2009
11:47 am
http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/62230/20091020/hawks_waive_wilks_dixon/
Wilks and Dixon waived
jerrywest
October 20th, 2009
11:54 am
4 man standing:
West: Defensive point guard, Defensive shooting guard, Defensive small forward, rebounding small forward, Master of Woody Defense.
Othello: Big Small forward, Small Power forward.
Simms: Big offensive power forward, Small offensive Center.
Siler: Project for the future at $450,000 only.
jerrywest
October 20th, 2009
12:04 pm
http://www.790thezone.com/Recaps/channels/story.aspx?ID=1153243
audio interviews Crawford.
scoll down for Marvin, Al, Sund & Woody’s audio interviews.
Daniel
October 20th, 2009
12:07 pm
jerry- while you are at the 790 website, be sure and vote for me for “suit up for the Hawks”!!!
niremetal
October 20th, 2009
12:15 pm
Here’s the link to vote for Daniel:
http://www.790thezone.com/SuitupforSeasonTickets/index.aspx
You’re killing them, man, but does the online poll determine the outcome???
jerrywest
October 20th, 2009
12:17 pm
thanks Nire. Just voted.
Jamaaliver
October 20th, 2009
12:52 pm
A Tribe Called Quest,
I am actually a Journalism major here at OSU. Sekou’s punctuation of the statement in question is correct.
The sentence essentially breaks down as such: “His maiden voyage into the realm of domestic football turned him into a true fan.”
The clarifying NON ESSENTIAL statement added a bit of clarification.
“He took in Sunday’s Falcons-Bears game at the Georgia Dome” is essentially an independent sentence on its own. Because Sekou chose to combine into a singular compound sentence, it does require punctuation to separate the two independent statements.
marcus
October 20th, 2009
12:58 pm
this is going to be a “nasty” team. with the 2nd team guards, nobody in the league is going to be able to handle johnson, bibby, teague and crawford. nothing against flip, but you can’t even compare the backups to this year’s group. i mean crawford alone is a monster, but him “backing” up johnson! joe johnson should take the easy money and sign now, because if he don’t whatever is left on the table is going to be crawford’s for the taking. i can’t wait for the season to start. i know one thing the “scalpers” are going to be happy.
Hoops
October 20th, 2009
1:20 pm
Daniel,
We got your back bro!!!
Hoops
October 20th, 2009
1:24 pm
jerrywest,
If the Hawks are only going to keep 13 on the roster then who is the one? I say it will either be West or Siler. I will not be surprised if they keep both. What do you think?
jerrywest
October 20th, 2009
1:37 pm
Woody is fighting for a contract and there is no tomorrow.
None outiside the top 11 has shown any sign of becoming a rotation player THIS YEAR.
Why would Woody want to develop Siler or Othello?
West gives him productive defensive minutes. Woody can use him NOW. IN CLOSE GAMES. Woody doesn’t need him to score.
It will be a short term decision. Unless Woody can get a veteran like Stackhouse, he’ll keep his reliable Mario.
Jim n Buckhead
October 20th, 2009
1:41 pm
I’ve always like Bibby but if Jeff Teague keeps balling you got to play him….could lightning strike twice with Wake PG’s?…..lets hope so
Melvin
October 20th, 2009
1:44 pm
Dixon waive? I know Aroise is happy…:)
BRAD
October 20th, 2009
2:05 pm
This team looks DANGEROUS!! There are not many teams than have the depth of the Hawks! Starting 5 is as good as almost any other team, and with our bench. Might have to start talking about the big 4!!!
I MUS WRITE
October 20th, 2009
3:16 pm
Yeah Rod I see alot of Crawford and JJ together in the backcourt.Woody will probably start Bibby the entire year, But that should be okay as long as Teague/Jamal get their minutes.
Teague and Bibby coming off the bench together would be a nightmare….Too small,neither can guard the 2,bibby’s ball pounding(no homo) would take the ball out of Teagues hands and limit ability to get to the rim
The way the team has looked the last couple of games,hopefully we wont have to hear this much ” We just were’nt prepared tonight” “I’ve got to get these guys motivated”
NO excuses ….Its time to man up and earn that extension
4 guys left…… If we go with 13 i think Othello is getting the last spot. 14 -Mario and Hunter probably make it. Siler to the D league,we need to stash this guy. Sims has a nice offensive game, and good size as well wish we could keep him, but at this point he might not ever play- Horford,Z,Morris,Collins -no time available at the back up center but he could get minutes at the PF… Josh 29 min Joe 12 Sims 7
just a thought
Bailer
October 20th, 2009
3:17 pm
I have read them all and nowhere did I see the praise that our new gen mgr deserves. one other thing will all you english majors go to the library on game night and let the spellers and non spellers enjoy our blog. see you at the game
Sekou Smith
October 20th, 2009
3:29 pm
There are at least a couple more cuts coming between now and Thursday’s game against the Heat. My guess is that this thing comes down to Hunter and Sims. The point guards had their fate sealed by Crawford last night (nine assists and one turnover with one eye closed).
But that’s just my guess. Rio and Big Glacier (Siler’s nickname, a classic) are still in the mix, too. But in my eyes Hunter and Sims play the obvious position of need and could be counted on to contribute this season if needed.
ILL-logical
October 20th, 2009
3:36 pm
“Hawks eager for peak at Wizards.”
The old word is grammar.
A closer look at last night’s game reveals that most of the Wizards’ mainstays stayed away, so let’s not read to much into the game other than wininng beats losing every day of the week( and twice on sundays)
I do like Jamal’s “politics”: he is saying all the right things and letting his on court play speak for itself-good veteran savvy. It gives Woodson room to make any adjustments without a lot of chatter from one of the key players involved.
For those opining that if Jamal supplants Bibby as a starter that Bibby and Teague would be forced to play together,try this on for size: Bibby replaces Jamal sometimes and other times Teague does at the point; on other occasions, Teague plays along side of Jamal or Mo. It is not automatic that Jamal starting at the “point” means Bibby and Teague would play together exclusively. There may be times when an opponent goes small that our counter is to play those two together but those instances would probably be few and far between.
Jamal’s passing skills just provides additional potential for a number of combinations that might be necessary to continue the Hawks winning ways, especially in the playoffs.
Ariose
October 20th, 2009
3:38 pm
Melvin, Amen!!!! Crisis averted!!!!
Sekou, I agree. Sims and hunter see the door. West(wing) asnd Siler(center) stay for emergency pourposes. Then we Sign stack later.
Ariose
October 20th, 2009
3:44 pm
Jamal is doing the right thing. He had 9 assists, but he was still 2-7 from the field with four points. He knows his limitations. He knows that he has always put up big numbers because of “volume” and playing “lots of minutes”. I think he should continue to play like he’s playing Until he can figure out how to manufacute buckts with a good FG%. I think that is what seperates him from guys like Flip/Teague who get to the line a lot and manufacure their points efficantly that way. Jamal is more of a shooter, but if you count those assists as points, he actually had 22pts on 2-7 shooting…….not bad at all. I think he will be fine in time.
Keep it up sir.
rms
October 20th, 2009
3:50 pm
WT– Its a Sekou sighting??
Ariose
October 20th, 2009
3:50 pm
Sign Mario, G.Green, and Jerry Stacks on deck!!!!! Eat Crow Lebron!!!!
…..I just couldn’t resist…..
The Truth
October 20th, 2009
4:13 pm
Ariose
Did you miss this part of Sekou’s last comment?
“But in my eyes Hunter and Sims play the obvious position of need and could be counted on to contribute this season if needed.”
No doubt it will be drama with these last roster selections. My motto say, follow the money or the savings:
Sims+Siler = Mario Salary (with 100K to spare)
or
Mario+Hunter = Nearly 2M
or
Siler+Hunter+Mario = 2.5M
Mike N.
October 20th, 2009
4:20 pm
All 4 of those guys I are better then Randolph. Too bad we couldnt just buy him out so we could keep an extra guy
niremetal
October 20th, 2009
4:32 pm
Truth,
Sims is not a rookie – in fact, he is a third year player for NBA salary purposes book because he played 3 games in 07-08 (and one game last year). So he and Mario are set to make the exact same amount.
Mario: $825k
Sims: $825k
Othello: $736k
Siler: $458k
No offense, y’all, but if you really think that the ASG will determine who gets the last roster spot(s) based on $367k in salary…well, you must be living in 2006 still.
My order of preference: Rio, Hunter, Siler, Sims. Sorry, but I don’t view us as having a “need” for a 6th big man – especially one who can’t play defense worth a ish like Sims.
I will say happy early 26th birthday to Sims, though – his big day is tomorrow. And yup, that’s right. Sims is older than Mario, Othello, and Siler and also older than half of the rest of our roster (Teague, Marvin, RandMo, Horford, Josh, and Zaza). So how anyone thinks this guy has a good chance of turning into a real player is a bit baffling to me…
niremetal
October 20th, 2009
4:41 pm
Also, Sekou – I’ve said this many times before, but I don’t see how you can look at our roster and say that PF/C is a position of need. We have 6 guys on the roster capable of playing minutes at PF or C (Josh, Al, Zaza, Joe, Jason, and RandMo) already. On the other hand, we only have 4 guys capable of playing SG/SF (JJ, Marvin, Jamal, Mo). Two injuries to our frontcourt, and we are depleted but still have SOMEone to put out there. Two injuries at SG/SF and we suddenly have no one to come off the bench at those positions.
Again, I think that people are just so used to us being thin at PF/C that they can’t accept that we no longer have a need there. Because bearing in mind that the 13th man will only see time in an injury emergency, how is PF/C a greater need for that 13th roster spot than SG/SF?
jerrywest
October 20th, 2009
4:44 pm
Good post Nire.
I don’t see Woody admiring Simm’s defense.
I don’t see Sund, who has a fetish for big centers, letting a cheap home run possibility like Siler go to waste.
I don’t see Woody letting his defensive prodigy Mario go.
cp
October 20th, 2009
4:44 pm
I still say Hunter. Mario has added nothing to his game in 3 years. He has had only one decent pre season game. Still cant shoot or dribble. I know he hustles and works hard but he has to bring more than that. He gets compared to a Bruce Bowen type but hell even Bowens added that corner 3 point shot to his game. What has Mario added? Sign Hunter and call it a day. If we sign two players sign Siler and stash him in the d league.
jerrywest
October 20th, 2009
4:45 pm
For what this team needs, Stackhouse is THE PERFECT FIT.
I don’t understand what’s the problem?
Jamaaliver
October 20th, 2009
5:00 pm
Tribe
doc
October 20th, 2009
5:11 pm
melvin, you beat me to it, i saw the relief on ariose’s face even though i have never seen his face. heck i even heard the sigh that went along with it.
you be at first game? anywhere near my spot?
gwite
October 20th, 2009
5:16 pm
Mario makes it. You have to pay for good defense also. He’s a bargain at that price.
He’s also a very good rebounder, leaper, and scores by picking up garbage points.
The Truth
October 20th, 2009
5:20 pm
niremetal
Good point, Sims may not be a rookie for salary purposes but I’m not sure I would give him 3 years credit. Maybe one year credit since he was signed by the Pacers and then Waived 1 week later. The terms were not made public but the assumption is they bought him out and gets the year credit. After that deal, he had 10-days contracts with various teams. Are you giving him a 2-seasons worth of credit playing 10-day contracts?
Regarding what will really happen with these final roster spots, we shall see. If Sekou doesn’t really know, then that is enough said about us. However, I won’t lie, I am enjoying the drama.
Ken Strickland
October 20th, 2009
5:44 pm
It looks like the Hawks have started showing, and fans have started noticing, the results of the ADDED TALENT, CHEMISTRY AND ORGANIC GROWTH I’ve been preaching about during the off season. Maybe now you can see why I predicted we’ll compete for the 2nd or 3rd seed in the East.
gwite
October 20th, 2009
5:47 pm
Truth
Refer to any team roster list(ex.,nba.com) to player status.
No guessing required.
gwite
October 20th, 2009
5:54 pm
^^
…”for” player status.
O'Brien
October 20th, 2009
5:55 pm
Ariose,
You forgot the $800k!!!
I agree with nire. We need help at SG/SF more than PF/C. If Marvin misses time again, that would mean Mo Evans starts at SF. But then we have nobody to back him up. If Joe or Jamal gets hurt, we have nobody reliable to play backup SG. And Mario is not the answer.
This is where a guy like Stackhouse could be important (if he doesnt mind playing spot minutes). Or even Gerald Green. Because Mo Evans can play backup SG, but he is our only backup for Marvin.
A Tribe Called Quest
October 20th, 2009
6:09 pm
Big Ray,
I speak with 100 % sincerity when I say you are a complete joke to this place. Your #1 goal here is to disagree with and repudiate everyone just because you have the amazing unattainable text of your posts in gray. You think you are the hot shot here. You are nothing but a nobody. You are just as normal and average as the rest of us.
I am glad that you posting in the same color as Sekou brings you such satisfaction. After you get off from your dead-end minimum wage job as a janitor in the DeKalb County system, you come on here and post about how amazing you are and how wrong everyone is. If this is your life goal, so be it. I will go back to my studying at my Ivy League school, as I will be graduating with my MBA and a 3.9 GPA very soon and will be making real money — something you know nothing about.
Good luck in life.
ANT BANKS
October 20th, 2009
6:13 pm
IS ANYONE ELSE CONCERNED ABOUT THESE REPLACEMENT REFS? I MEAN COACHES HAVE BEEN GETTIN’ FINED, TECH’S LEFT AND RIGHT, HORRIBLE CALLS. WHAT WILL PUT THE HAWKS IN THE MOST ADVANTAGEIOUS POSITION? REPLACEMENTS OR THE REAL THING?
ANT BANKS
October 20th, 2009
6:17 pm
TRIBE,
don’t bank on gettin’ a “real job” because of your MBA status. i have several friends with degrees out the wyzoo who can’t land jobs commensurate to their levels. what ivy league school are you in any way? there are non in georgia, anyways.
niremetal
October 20th, 2009
6:52 pm
The Truth,
How much credit I give him is irrelevant for salary purposes. As part of the collective bargaining agreement, the NBA considers you a rookie only for the season in which you play your first NBA game. Your minimum salary thereafter is determined based on the number of years its been since you signed your first NBA contract. That’s why RandMo’s minimum-salary contract was based on someone starting with two year’s experience, despite the fact that he only signed his first contract in March of his “rookie” season and only played in 5 games that year. After that, you are credited with NBA experience based on the number of years it’s been since you first appeared in the league.
If you don’t believe me, you can check on NBA.com, yahoo.com, and ESPN.com, which all will tell you that Courtney Sims has 2 years of NBA experience.
As for how that reflects on his ceiling, well ok – I’ll grant that I don’t care so much about the NBA designates Sims for salary and ROY eligibility purposes. But I do care about the fact that he’s 2 years out of college (where he played 4 years and then went undrafted), has been cut from two other teams’ training camps, got cut three times by two teams who signed him to mid-season contracts, and is now a 26 years old man who weighs an anemic 211 pounds (so much for an NBA-ready body). Are you really going to tell me there’s a good chance this guy suddenly becomes a real NBA player?
niremetal
October 20th, 2009
6:56 pm
Heh. Whoops, he weighs 230, not 211. 2,11 is his height in meters:
http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/index.jsp?player=courtney_sims
Still, 230 ain’t much, and the guy obviously does not have the body of a banger.
ANT BANKS
October 20th, 2009
7:02 pm
because of crawford’s two year, bibby’s 3 year and teague’s apparent ability to play, i am less and less concerned about jj’s contract. if he re-signs good and if he doesn’t good.
we can use his 15mil cap space to do somethin’ prudent, i am sure.
NIRE,
how will childress play out for us in 2010?
niremetal
October 20th, 2009
7:06 pm
Hey Tribe,
Congratulations. That was the most arrogant and condescending post I think I’ve ever seen on any blog, ever.
Congrats on your success in school. But you can be smart without going to an Ivy League school, and you can be an idiot in the ways that count in the real world even if your resume is brimming with academic credentials. In fact, it’s my experience that the only people feel the need to brag about their academic credentials are those people who aren’t secure about their intelligence in the first place. It’s either that or you’re just an arrogant prick. Either way, it’s not a good sign.
Good luck in the real world. Because you’re going to need it if you take that attitude towards people.
niremetal
October 20th, 2009
7:12 pm
Oh, and lest I forget – thanks to grade inflation, it’s a hell of a lot easier to pull off a 3.9 at an Ivy League school than it is at Georgia State. Just sayin’.
chuckw/deadjournalist
October 20th, 2009
8:19 pm
regarding stackhouse – barring an injury, i think he’s a guy that gets signed in january (by the hawk or someone else) and plays himself in shape for the playoffs.
nire – you can probably speak to this better, but the hawks could keep ‘rio, then cut him before his salary becomes guaranteed around january 20, correct? they could then sign him to a couple of 10-day contracts as needed; and re-sign him for the remainder of the season afterward.
it seems like the hawks did that years ago with either morlan wiley or ennis whatley.