Pump your brakes
LaMarcus Aldridge will get a chance to get after Josh Smith (hand reaching for the ball) and the Hawks tonight at the Rose Garden. A knee injury won't keep him on the sideline (and major props to my man Salim Stoudamire - corner right - who is one of Portland's All-Time finest).
PORTLAND – Pump your brakes.
I’ll do it if you do it.
Because it appears we’ve gone a bit overboard with the panic room act after the Hawks’ loss Sunday in Los Angeles to the Lakers.
More than a couple Hawks reminded me before, during and after practice Monday that we’re still in the first, five-game stint of the season. We’re just three games in, with Game 4 up tonight against a strong Trail Blazers team at the Rose Garden.
“People had us winning the championship last year when we got off to that 6-0 start,” Hawks captain and All-Star Joe Johnson said and then laughed. “Everybody needs to calm down and just keep working. It’s a long season, man. Every coach I’ve ever had tells you that [the season] is a marathon and not a sprint. And that’s true. Don’t get me wrong, you’ve got to play with urgency. But you also have to keep the season in perspective.”
Perspective is something that would come in handy around here, for me and for you.
I’m not in the habit of predicting disasters but I can admit to having a bad feeling about that Lakers game. I knew they’d be hungry to make a point after losing at home the Mavericks a couple nights earlier. And I know the Hawks have a penchant for not fully understanding what it is to be focused, locked and loaded on the road.
JJ erased any fears I had with his outlandish first quarter performance against the Lakers. After he lit Kobe Bryant up for 18 points in nine minutes I started crafting my “Hawks finally show claws at Staples” story. Then the third quarter came along and I hit the delete button.
This game against the Blazers presents a similarly tough challenge; my guess is road teams won’t find this venue much easier to deal with this season than they do Staples Center. It also provides the Hawks with a chance for a little Rip City redemption. Find a way to outwork the Blazers and their All-Star (Brandon Roy)-led crew and maybe we can put file that Lakers debacle away for nit-picking at a later date.
CLOSE TO HOME
For Seattle natives like Jamal Crawford and Marvin Williams, the annual trip here to Portland is closest they’ll get to home. Since the Sonics packed up shop and moved to Oklahoma City (and were renamed the Thunder), there’s been a huge void in the road schedule for teams used to doing the Pacific Northwest two-step between this city and it’s neighbor to the north.
For guys who grew up immersed in the NBA culture that that Sonics provided that void is even more pronounced.
“You grow up your whole life dreaming about making the league and playing for the Sonics,” Williams said. “I was lucky enough to make it and play in Seattle before they [left town]. But it’s brutal, not having them anymore. It still stings for a lot of people and probably always will.”
Marvin’s career-high remains the 33 points he dropped on his hometown team Jan. 25, 2008. In fact, he’s always played well when the Hawks travel to this northwest corridor of the country. Maybe it’s all the family and friends that come to see him. Or maybe it’s just being in familiar territory that gets him going. Whatever it is, don’t be surprised to see both Marvin and Jamal go off tonight against the Blazers.
GOOD JOSH, BAD JOSH
There’s a funny, or not so funny depending on your perspective, debate that happens on press row shortly after the start of most Hawks games about which Josh Smith is in the building.
Is it good Josh (the one averaged 18.5 points and led the Hawks in assists by attacking the paint in the first two games of this season) or bad Josh (the one that showed up for that Lakers game and rarely ventured inside on offense and remained largely ineffective for all but a few minutes)?
The Hawks need good Josh to show up against the Trail Blazers tonight. They need the active Josh, the one that played superbly at home in wins over both the Pacers and Wizards to start the season. They need the Josh that changes games with his defensive presence and triggers and finishes fast breaks like few players in the league can.
What they don’t need is the Josh that spends more time complaining to the referees than he does chasing rebounds and loose balls. They don’t need the Josh that refuses to dive to the basket when JJ has the ball on the wing and is being double teamed and needs a safety valve.
I’ve debated with numerous folks – scouts, agents, executives, other players and just about anyone else you can imagine – this notion that the Hawks go as he Josh goes. I’ve never really bought into that premise. But I’m starting to see the light. When he’s at his best, the Hawks are literally at their best. And when he’s not … you saw the Lakers game.
ALDRIDGE TO PLAY?
The status of Trail Blazers big man LaMarcus Aldridge is no longer uncertain for tonight’s game. The knee injury he suffered during Sunday’s win over Oklahoma City is not expected keep him out of the game, per the Oregonian.
Aldridge has given the Hawks major fits here – averaging 20.0 points and 9.5 rebounds in Portland’s last two games against the Hawks here.
ONE LAST THING
I ran across this link that is required reading from Yahoo! Sports columnist Adrian Wojnarowski. Woj attacks the simmering issue that is Chris Paul’s plight in New Orleans. It’s good stuff. Take a break from work, my treat, and read it. You’ll be glad you did.
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601 comments Add your comment
For Real
November 3rd, 2009
4:39 pm
By the way, I wouldn’t wait til the end of the season for the Wade trade. Lets do it now.
Rufus1
November 3rd, 2009
4:43 pm
Chris Paul?
Does Paul make the Hawks a championship caliber team?
Is Paul 7ft?
Does he Block shots?
Will he average 10 rebounds a game?
Can He score on the block?
Will Woodson change his offense to suit his skill set?
The answer to all these questions is, NO!!!!
The best PG for this team, under this coach is Crawford…Woodson wants a Big(6,5″) offensive minded(19pts)PG to run his system. Crawford and Joe would create match-up problems for teams in the league and it would cut down on the double teams on Joe.
But I will take Paul if they can get him, because the Hawks would be exciting…
Isn’t he a defensive liability..like Bibby?
O'Brien
November 3rd, 2009
4:43 pm
For Real,
I would trade JJ for CP3, straight up. But why would the Hornets do that deal when they dont get any salary relief or financial flexibility?
And I dont see the Hawks trading Horford.
Boneyard Randy
November 3rd, 2009
4:44 pm
We need to run at these guys tonight. Al needs to be beating these guys up and down the court every time. Teague, Crawford, JJ, JSmoove and AH – speed lineup. Leave the Bibster, ol’ duckbutt and the Zazzer on the pine.
Mac-Town
November 3rd, 2009
4:50 pm
How many more seasons must we wait for “bad” Josh to stop showing up half of the time and be able to expect a CONSISTENT performance from him???
The hawks offense = get the ball….take your man to the hoop one on one…..or take the jump shot.
Josh isnt good at either one. He could be deadly in an offense with a lot of movement or an uptempo style, which obviously isnt gonna happen with Woody being the coach.
As long as Woody is the coach with his offensive scheme, I dont see Josh improving offensively.
Get Woodson out of here, or Trade Josh for a player(s) that fit Woodson’s offense better.
As for Marvin, he isnt all that but can have a nice streaky jumper. He is expendable, but the SF position can be better suited simply by starting Mo Evans and bringing Marvin off the bench.
Dos Hawkquis
November 3rd, 2009
5:22 pm
Does anyone know if they Hawks watch film and break it down after games? There is no way that they can be watching film and see Josh hoist shot after shot and not say anything. Watching film will improve your game individually and as a team.
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.”
Josh Smildress
November 3rd, 2009
5:35 pm
Hows this for an answer to CP3’s problems n New Orleans…Bibby/Teague/Marvin for CP3
Jody
November 3rd, 2009
5:38 pm
ILL-logical,
I may be wrong, but I’m pretty sure that after Chris Paul worked out for the Hawks, Mike Woodson had nothing but good things to say about him and even said he was going to be really good in this league. He said the same thing about Deron Williams. It was Billy Knight who didn’t think Paul was going to be a good player.
Jody
November 3rd, 2009
5:51 pm
Alot of the points being made by posters on this blog after the Lakers loss are not people saying the Hawks are done and won’t make the playoffs and are a completely terrible team. Rather, folks have seen the real weaknesses in this team that have lingered for some time and are ready for them to be LEGITIMATELY addressed. To pass that off as everyone is overreacting is not accurate and it’s refusing to acknowledge the very REAL flaws in this team. These flaws won’t just go away on their own. At some point, if the Hawks are to reach the next level, they’ll need to be addressed. This blog has some VERY knowledgeable basketball fans on it and when the flaws of this reveal themselves again, those fans will and should point them out.
KevinA
November 3rd, 2009
5:54 pm
Balance, Balance, Balance
In the Laker game we lost it. Why I don’t know. Maybe Odem and Bynim are just intimidating or maybe without a home town crowd pushing them we just turn soft.
Here are the numbers.
Marvin/Hunter Evans – 11 shots. This number should be closer to 15.
Josh/Al/ Smith/Collins/Morris – 24 shots. This number should be closer to 32.
JJ/Bibby/Crawford/JT – 47 shots. This number way to high.
Shot Selection, Shot Selection, Shot Selection
Even when the ball did move past the back court we still shot to many jumpers. JT was the only player that seemed to mix his game and was the main reason we made a push when it was to late. Part of the responsibility of the back court is to get the big’s the ball in a position for easy scores. What did they do instead? shoot 7-23 from the 3 pt line. What happened to driving and kicking. What happened to attacking the rim.
If we do not play with balance and attack the rim – look for another loss.
KevinA
November 3rd, 2009
6:06 pm
niremetal
November 3rd, 2009
1:31 pm
I don’t think success or failure comes down to any one player…when the Hawks lose badly, it always seems like 3-4 guys lay an egg, not just any 1.
I agree, it was like Easter Sunday with the eggs being turnovers.
Samuel
November 3rd, 2009
6:08 pm
Say what you want about how Rondo has benefited from playing with the Big 3 but right now, he and Chris Paul are a toss up. Actually I would rather have Rondo. He’s faster, a better defender and rebounder and tougher. I admire Paul for not throwing his guys under the bus but he better start speaking up if he wants to win.
I can smell a “monkey in the middle remix” coming tonight. The Blazers have close to the same type of length and talent as the Lakers. The difference is that they don’t play the defense that the Lakers do.
Somebody here mention Stephen Jackson. Forget about it. These guys want choir boys around here. You know “good character” guys.
Blast
November 3rd, 2009
6:10 pm
Nice to see Hawk fans still indulging in their favorite pastime: Fantasy trades.
Marvin still getting bashed big time. If Marvin had been picked 20th in the draft, will he get so much vitriol directed at him when he plays badly?
Hate those West Coast games. They come on too late. 10pm? Give me a break!
Go Hawks, Go!
cp
November 3rd, 2009
6:13 pm
Actually Jody it was Woodson who did not want CP3 He even admitted last year he didn’t think Paul would be this good because he thought he was to small, couldn’t shoot, and would have trouble on the defensive end.
Roy and Outlaw always give us trouble. I don’t think tonight will be any different. I want to see fewer turnovers and more willingness to drive to the bucket instead of jacking up jumpers all night. Maybe Marvin will actually remember the regular season has started and have a decent game tonight.
Grandad
November 3rd, 2009
6:18 pm
*O’Brien: As for the CP3 fantasy…I think the only way to steal him would be @ the trade deadline. Sorry, I had intended to mention that before. N.O. would get immediate sal. relief in Joe’s exp. contract.
Teague would have to be part of any deal, one would think. I agree this is an odd time to be talking trade but Sekou planted the seed. And Yes, we would still need a 5 wi. a def. prescence. *On another note about “Paul” he is considered an outstanding defender with good #’s in both steals & rebounds.
*Dos H: It does make you wonder…if they watch and or break down film.
*Good Josh will show up consistantly when good Woody shows up.
Samuel
November 3rd, 2009
6:24 pm
If we get Chris Paul, we are still no better than 4th in the East. Paul can’t rebound, score inside or defend the paint I’m afraid.
Sekou Smith
November 3rd, 2009
6:38 pm
Some of the stuff that gets tossed around on this blog some days makes me smile. I realize nothing short of a championship will satisfy the masses but goodness. Are you serious with some of these trade suggestions?
Ramon
November 3rd, 2009
6:42 pm
I get so tired of reading the comments of fair weather fans on this blog. The team lost to the world champions, and some of you guys act as if they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks or Clippers. Penetrating the lane against Boston, LA, and Orlando is tough to do when you’re not doing it by design. You have Bynum and Odom (who is great at drawing charges) babysitting the front of the rim. Not too many players can just go to the lane one against 2-3 guys without drawing a charge or committing a turnover. Josh may have made some mistakes, as well as Horford. But the problems with this lost weight heaviest on the side of the coaching staff. The coaching staff didn’t do a good enough job of creating mismatches in favor of the Hawks offensive game plan (that sounds redundant doesn’t it, lol). I truly wish there were more backdoor screens being ran. I would love to see this team with a variation of the Princeton offense.
If you could trade coaches, I would trade Mike Woodson for Rick Adelman in a split second. His team lacks the all star player now, yet they’re still a threat to win every night because of the movement that happens away from the ball. The biggest free agent acquisition will not be Joe or any other player. It will be someone on the coaching staff who creates movements. Teams get to rest defensively against the Hawks. Actually the Hawks play like we used to play in the park. This style of play is ok to beat the lower rank teams because of the athleticism of the Hawks. But it will get crushed every single time when playing any team in the championship contender circle.
Ramon
November 3rd, 2009
6:43 pm
Sorry for the typos, in a rush to get to Bible study.
Blast
November 3rd, 2009
7:16 pm
Trade coaches. That’s a good one, Ramon!
Grandad
November 3rd, 2009
7:39 pm
Actually no; on the trade suggestions, just responding to peoples ideas.
I like our team( although we still need someone to guard the basket). Also, Woody could use an infusion of creativity.
Clyde
November 3rd, 2009
7:40 pm
RAMON pray for the Hawks at Bible study. Them boys need it.
FIRE WOODY
KevinA
November 3rd, 2009
7:55 pm
Sekou Smith
November 3rd, 2009
6:38 pm
Some of the stuff that gets tossed around on this blog some days makes me smile. I realize nothing short of a championship will satisfy the masses but goodness.
I don’t mind losing to the Lakers but when you go up against a front court that has more skill the best thing you can do is play smash mouth basketball. Collins and ZaZa should have used up their fouls with one thing in mind. Let them get their points at the free throw line. Send them home with bumps and bruises. Be willing to give up a few fast break points because the entire team is crashing the boards
There ought to be a team rule. No jumper for anyone unless they have made a foul shot first. This would mean attacking the rim. We may not be as good as the Lakers but we can certainly be more aggressive and more physical.
Samuel
November 3rd, 2009
8:11 pm
Again,
Why exactly did we sign Collins?
tbhawksfan
November 3rd, 2009
8:30 pm
The Hawks really need a new coach. So many of the problems could be corected with good coaching and toughness.
Zaza should be playing a rebounding enforcer role. Trying to get O out of him is bad entertainment.
I think Smoove would stat inside if the ball ever came in there. Our guards don’t create movement and the big guys don’t get touches. No one but JJ and Bibby get off because they won’t consistently run a balanced O.
Of course, all of this is coaching.
Please fire Woodson asap. Bring in Adelman’s clone.
Grandad
November 3rd, 2009
8:31 pm
Yeah Woodson can use an infusion of creativity. Look at me and Ken for example. We are fused. Since everyone knows I have a hate issue with Woodson I created this Grandad character to attack Woodson while concealing my true Identity. How cool is that ? Way cool. Know body suspects anything. Now I can bask Woody through Grandad and stay above the fray with Ken Strickland. Cool. I also gain another member of the hate Woody club. To bad Woodson is no able to have this kind of infusion.
Undisputed Champ!
November 3rd, 2009
8:45 pm
Ramon
November 3rd, 2009
6:42 pm
mismatches in favor of the Hawks offensive game plan (that sounds redundant doesn’t it, lol).
Could you elaborate. Which mismatches do the Hawks have? Seeing that the hawk are a team of average players and one 2nd tier all star It occurs to most people that Woodson has done an out standing Job.
So what mis matches to we have. When I match the World Champions starting five with Our starting Five Im not seeing any mismatches.
Your comment “that sounds redundant doesn’t it, lol” Well to me the only thing that sounds redundant is the naggy whinny whimpering you do when you and Ken/grandad, level hate at Woodson with out justification.
Again, can you explain the so call mismatches? The only mis matches I see is the facts and your blog. Now that’s a mis match.
Tony from Stone Mountain
November 3rd, 2009
8:53 pm
As much as fans complain about not having Chris Paul and Brandon Roy. Would the Hawks have been able to afford these players? Our TEAM will beat these All-Stars more times than not. Go Hawks!
Grandad
November 3rd, 2009
8:56 pm
This is the real Grandad (Sekou: I sure hope you can discern from your end)
Id like to talk about Woodson, hes been here 5 years and hasnt won a championship with all that talent we have. I think we should fire him immediately. A team with this much talent should be in the finals every year.Woodson is holding this team back. If Ken Strickland, Bob Weiss or OJ Simpson was the coach wed have our title. Ive talked with OJ, and If I can come up with some bail money (I’m looking for donors), he has assured me that he is willing to take the job. Some times you have to be smart and get the best talent available.
Shouting to my buddy and best friend Ken.
Samuel
November 3rd, 2009
8:58 pm
The coaching staff didn’t do a good enough job of creating mismatches in favor of the Hawks offensive game plan.
Now that funny.
Grandad
November 3rd, 2009
8:58 pm
Sekou: The more I think about it; there have been no trade suggestions that I’ve heard today, that are less feasible than the Lakers acquiring
Pau Gasol 2 yrs. ago for three baseball bats and a bag o’ beans.
Grandad
November 3rd, 2009
8:58 pm
Tony from Stone Mountain what do you see the hawks doing in Portland tonight?
Idiot Check
November 3rd, 2009
9:00 pm
Grandad, why are you bashing woodson so? And what makes you think O.J. can coach basketball?
Sautee
November 3rd, 2009
9:02 pm
Samuel,
Interesting question about Collins. Maybe you should ask COY.
Grandad
November 3rd, 2009
9:04 pm
Id really doesnt matter who is the coach. O.J. can do it. I can do it, Ken Strickland can do it. Why does it matter who coaches the Hawks. This is the best team with the most allstars. Woodson is holding down the Hawks. I may get Shirley Franklin to coach. who would you like?
Idiot Check
November 3rd, 2009
9:05 pm
Maybe we should rename this the Fire Woodson Blog site.
Idiot Check
November 3rd, 2009
9:08 pm
I guess Ill roll over to the real hawks fans blog site where people appreciate Woodson for the fine job he has done.
Melvin
November 3rd, 2009
9:11 pm
Watching the Cavs/Wizards game. I bet these Cavs announcers can tell you what size Lebron jock strap is. My goodness, those guys are disgusting…
Ken Strickland
November 3rd, 2009
9:16 pm
I see this has turned into the fantasy league with all of these trade proposals and suggestions that we immediately breakup the team to acquire one player.
JEJE-you have got to be one of the most negative minded individuals on these blogs, because you seem to see and focus on the worst in everything. You made the following statement: “I AM NOT BEING A KNEE-JERK REACTOR”. Well, judging from that disclaimer, you certain realize you’re starting to sound like one. In your defense however, you certainly have plenty of company.
Isn’t it odd how those who are predicting doom and gloom after an 8pt loss to the Lakers in LA, seem to forget how we got blown out by the Lakers last yr and still managed to win 47gms, the 4th seed, and advance to the 2nd rd of the playoffs. I believe Marvin, Josh and Horford were a part of all that as well.
I keep hearing this same sad and sorry excuse being used about Horford being undersized and not being a true center, whatever that’s supposed to mean. In our 1st 3gms Horford has gone up against three 7′ centers.(Horfords stats are in parenthesis)
(1) ABynum 7′0″ 285lbs. 21pts(10) 3rbs(9) 2blks(1)
(2) RHibbert 7′2″ 278lbs. 6pts(24) 9rbs(16) 1blk(2)
(3) BHeywood 7′0″ 263lbs. 19pts(10) 9rbs(12) 2blks(5)
HOW IN THE HELL DO YOU EXPLAIN A SO CALLED UNDERSIZED CENTER, THAT’S SUPPOSEDLY A NATURAL PF THAT’S PLAYING OUT OF POSITION, OUTREBOUNDING ALL THREE 7 FOOTERS AND HAVING MORE BLOCKS? Maybe the only thing that’s undersized is the appreciation and understanding, from those using that as an excuse, for how good a center he actually is.
* Ding!*
November 3rd, 2009
9:25 pm
Theres only one bonafied center amongst your group the other two are scrubbs who combined for 25pts,18 rbs, and 3 blks. Not bad for a pair who will go back to oblivion after your blog. Horford is a nice man and a decent hard working power forward, playing center.
* Ding!*
November 3rd, 2009
9:32 pm
Dennis Rodman out rebounded many centers but no one ever mistook him for a center. Charles barkley was the round mound of rebound but no one ever mistook him for a center. Rebounding does not make one a center **Ding!!**
Samuel
November 3rd, 2009
9:33 pm
Sautee,
Woodson didn’t sign him. Hell, he doesn’t even have a contract himself. I’m sure he would have rather signed Frye, Rasheed or Shaq. You know a real player. Oh yea, you guys said these guys were malcontents, old and over rated.
Dezz Nuttz
November 3rd, 2009
9:36 pm
2 of the three you mentioned clearly dog horford, Ken.
Grandad
November 3rd, 2009
9:37 pm
Sybil: I see your back @ it. Let me guess; mid 20’s, live @ home with your mother, bored sitting @ home all day while mom’s @ work. Creative mind…although for whatever reason didn’t attend college. Social activities were non-existent @ trade school. How am I doing so far. You were either the mgr. for your HS b-ball team or a male cheerleader, no…no…I’ve got it…you were the mascot. I would actually be interested in your erudite opinion concerning basketball stategy, player evaluation, coaching philosophy, or particular players skill
and or ability level.
***As for K.S.***I don’t know nor do I care what your infatuation is with him. Were I to disagree with him, then I would do so in civil discourse.
***As for Coach Woodson – He has done a nice job raising the kids…I’m not certain he is a Teacher, first and foremost. I hope for the sake of the team, he can hold his own with the upper echelon coaches in the league. Now Sybil, tell me this , do you and Herschel get together for
group activities?
Undisputed Champ!
November 3rd, 2009
9:37 pm
Good Points Samuel!
Undisputed Champ!
November 3rd, 2009
9:42 pm
Well guys its almost game time. Shout out to the Hawks! Play your game and don’t look for excuses nor whine. You control the game and the ball. Lets win baby!!
Timbo
November 3rd, 2009
9:43 pm
Who has been deciding on the pics, stories and captions for AJC.com lately? A lot of anti-Atlanta (pro-Aints) bullcrap . . .
Also, Joe Johnson doesn’t need to worry about somebody else’s (especially fan’s) perspective. He needs to be more consistent and keep his teammates in the game.
Ken/Grandad/Sybil
November 3rd, 2009
9:47 pm
You guys are nuttcases!The funny thing is, its all one person acting as if there are three or four. I do admit you are funny, or sick man. Keep it up. Do some more hate Woodson stuff.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 3rd, 2009
9:55 pm
Nine minutes until tip off. Hope the ATL Hawks make it worth going to work sleepy in the am. You guys are tripping with your trade ideas. Seriously dudes. Sigh!
Sekou Smith
November 3rd, 2009
9:59 pm
Aldridge is definitely a go and the battle for Seattle (JCrawford and Marvin on one side and BRoy and Martell Webster on the other) is on. This could get entertaining with so many different guys in the mix for this game. The JJ-BRoy matchup is always fun to watch.