Hornets vs. Hawks

LETS GET IT…

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“his”! dang what a typo!

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Marvin is str8 doo doo butter

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I’ve always dranked the proverbial Hawks ” kool-aid ” …. they’re my team. I live & die w/ ‘em.But this kool-aid has something in it. ( some GIN or VODKA ) …. I can’t get enough of this !!!!!!
The BEASTLY HORFORD,the FOCUSED SMOOVE, the DOWNTOWN BIBBY, the CLUTCH CRAWFORD, & the ” I WANT MO’ MINS. TEAGUE ” …. I’m watchin’ every game @ least twice.
The only thing better than winning is …… to KEEP ON WINNING & to see JJ show some emotion.
Bartender, another glass of that wonderful kool-aid, please !!!!!!!!

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has Bibby’s d improved..?

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we can hear the crickets around here…

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Marvin is just pathetic to watch. The only thing he’s good at is free throws. And the only reason he draws so many fouls is becuz he’s so goofy. He falls all over the place. He draws fouls by accident.

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what a shot by crawford !!!!!!

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Gonna need the starters to finish this game off.

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please Nique’ dont jinx Crawford… every time you call something it doesnt come to fruition…

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i love these hawks finishing up games! it was so frustrating when they would do so well and then give it away in the end… but this team is closing out games!

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It may have taken 3 1/2 half qtrs but the Hawks are wiping the court with the Hornets tonight… Very unselfish play on offense and good rotation on defense… Looking good tonight Hawks….

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Teague is a turnover waiting to happen

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Yes bigdave, RandMo has a nice post game….

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Woody=COY

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What are we gonna do with Marvin

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Wade just hit the game winner against the Nets… wow…

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WE HAVE THE NUMBER 1 RECORD IN THE LEAGUE. HELL YEAH!!!!

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EXCELLENT WIN TONIGHT!! I see Woodson realized the flaws in his switching DEF and put it on the shelf tonight, for the most part. We didn’t see Bibby guarding C’s & PF’s or our PF’s and C’s guarding guards. This was a well played well coached gm all around, CONGRADULATIONS ALL AROUND HAWKS!!!!!!

I absolutely love the easy fastbreak baskets we’re now scoring, as a result of playing uptempo basketball. The interior passing and scoring has boosted our PPG by 10PPG(108)over last yr(98.2). If we improve our DEF, we’ll be able to whip any team in this league anytime, anywhere.

Unfortunately, we still have certain individuals who get upset if anyone offers constructive criticism of Woodson’s coaching. Their response is usually, “WE’RE WINNING, or WE’RE 7-2 AND THAT’S THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS”. Yet, these same irrational, one dimensional thinking individuals go out of their way to criticize the play of MWilliams, while refusing to acknowledge the comments they use to support Woodson. After all, despite Marvins play, “WE’RE WINNING, AND WE’RE NOW 8-2, AND THAT’S THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS”, RIGHT.

LIVING PROOF THAT STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES.

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Bigdave B.Jennings is the truth. He is the best point guard in the Eastern Conference right now. Maybe in the league.

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Great win by the hawks ken.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!

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CLYDE I HAVE 2 AGREE WITH YOU B.JENNINGS IS A BEAST.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

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Damnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brandon Jennings
55pts, 5reb, 5ast

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Great team basketball tonight. The Hawks are looking Grrrrrrrrreat!

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Did you guys see that Boston lost another game tonight? Also isn’t Sacramento making the win there look even more impressive?

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Ken, if we can get Isaiah back in the NBA, who knows lol. Seriously, I think a playoff team possibly would. I don’t see a lottery pic, but a 19-25 pick sure. Because Marvin is still young and hasn’t been in a motion offense yet. I could even see the Lakers possibly being interested in him. If they traded for Morrison (who is making 5.2 mil this season), Marvin is way better than him.

The problem I see is there is no way that you bring back this roster next season without being in the luxury tax, unless you role the dice with Horford. And I don’t think Horford is the one to try like Smoove, Childress, and Marvin. Joe is looking for a raise (rather he deserves it is another question), and Horford is worth the raise. Even with Evans coming off the book at the end of the season, that really isn’t that much. And also maybe Marvin packaged with the right to Childress may would have a good return. I would even consider trying to move Marvin for Maggette (not Jackson) when the trading deadline comes.

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WHAT A SPORTS NIGHT…GATORS GOT PUSHED….MY HAWKS WON….UFC WAS GOOD….NOW ITS TIME FOR THE FIGHT….WHO DO YOU HAVE?

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ken if i traded marvin it would be for al thorton of the clipper i like his game plus he would fit in well with hawks.
GO HAWKS!!!!!

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COTTO IS TAKING A WHOPPING

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hawks crushed the hornete, you’re next once again portland. the hawks will trounce the trailblazers sending them off lost on their trail.then we will dominate the lucky miami heat. we will destroy the heat and dominate the east.

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mike woodson is a tremendous defensive coach as well a great coach. if management had any sense they would lock up him and joe johnson to contracts now.the hawks will be there in the finals and take no prisoners. GO HAWKS, ALL THE WAY TO THE FINALS

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I must say Woody is doing a great job this year, I think the results do warrant an extension but the season is young. I hope he keep up the good job.

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SAMUEL-You’re the kind of person that just can’t admit that someone else might be right and you might be wrong. I know it’s killing you and Sybil to know that I have an extensive knowledge and firm grasp of basketball, and you don’t. I can use stats, facts, common sense and deduction to formulate informed opinions, and you can’t.

Whether Woodson has been reading these blogs and taking my advise is mute. The fact is, regardless of why he’s doing it, I made the call before he did it, AND I WAS RIGHT. If you and SYBIL weren’t so clueless and full of disdane for me, you might have realized how revealing it is that a fan(me)can come up with solutions to problems that Woodson has been unable or unwilling to come up with and/or embrace, until pressured into accepting and implimenting by his GM.

If you look at the complaints and suggestions I’ve made over the last 2-3yrs, you’ll find I was totally on the money.

(1)I started suggesting we play an uptempo fastbreaking style of OFF back when we drafted ALaw. How many times have I said we needed to embrace a system that takes full advantage of the speed, quickness and athleticism of our young greyhounds? Now that we’re doing it, look at the results, 4th in the NBA in scoring. We could have been doing this before now.

(2)Do you remember this off season when certain individuals blasted me for saying we would be the most improved team in the East because no other team could match our ORGANIC GROWTH. Name a single Celtics, Cavaliers or Magic player that’s shown as much improvement as Smoove or Horford. Name another player that’s been added to the rosters of those 3 teams that’s had a greater impact than JCrawford.

(3)I got blasted by Woodson apologist like you for complaining about him using the switching DEF to try and compensate for Bibby’s poor DEF last yr. Teams adjusted to it last yr, and have been taking full advantage so far this yr, and now we’ve been giving up over 103PPG as a result.

(4)I also got blasted by certain individuals for saying Horford wasn’t playing out of position. I said if Woodson took advantage of Horford’s speed, quickness and athleticm, and allowed him to run, he could outplay most of them. NOW THAT WE’RE PLAYING UPTEMPO AND ALLOWING HE AND THE TEAM TO RUN, WHAT HAVE WE SEEN FROM HORFORD AND THE TEAM SO FAR?

For you and SYBIL to continue blasting me for offering informed opinions that have been proven correct, demonstrates your ignorance, low basketball knowledge and/or IQ, and a disdane for me that interfers with any ability you might have of engaging in logical and rational thought.

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Ramon

Yes only cause I dont think his value is that diminished because the season is young and he is he.\

Pacquaio is the man, what a display he put on

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The ignorance of the Bubba hate posse is sad. Can you imagine eating a wonderful meal and saying the chef if F_cked up? Can you imagine seeing a beautiful building and saying the architect is a moron? The Hawks are a product of 5 years of Woodson’s handiwork. They are good and so is the architect.

It is a turn off to visit this blog sight to see so much folly. Kind of reminds me or republican talk radio and the politics of silly. What a willfully and zealous bunch of fools you bubba haters are. Samuel and many others have will characterized you. Snowman doesnt even visit here anymore. Thank goodness there are other blogs where there is a positive and uplifting exchange taking place.

I wonder how advanced and exciting this site would be minus the ignorant s. You cant stop the hawks with your hate.

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Hawks fans hit the breaks on trading Marvin Williams. Every player in the NBA has had a rough stretch in his career. Josh Smith seems to have found his way. Marv is still trying to work his way into the new potent offense. Instead of looking at Marv’s individual game lacking, look at the big picture – which is that the Hawks look great even with Marvin struggling. If the Hawks are legit now, just wait til Marv finds his groove. That’s just another threat on a team that is on course to crush the dreams of anyone who thinks the Eastern Conference has only 3 contenders.

Go Hawks!

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OH SH!T GRAND B!TCH WTF?

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Ken=COY

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Ken Strickland,

“If you look at the complaints and suggestions I’ve made over the last 2-3yrs, you’ll find I was totally on the money.”

You also said that Marvin Williams was just as good as Danny Granger. Remember that? TRADE MARVIN WILLIAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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LOOK PEOPLE

WE ALL KNOW MARVIN SUCKS. HE IS PLAYING LIKE TRASH. BUT WE ARE WINNING. IS TRADING HIM FOR MAGGETTE GOING TO MAKE US BETTER OR WILL IT JUST TAKE AWAY SHOTS FROM JJ, HORF, SMOOVE, AND BIB?

LET MARV CONTINUE TO SUCK AND US WIN. AS SOON AS WE GO ON THAT 3 GAME WINNING STREAK TO TEAMS LIKE THE BUCKS OR BULLS, THEN WE TRADE HIM OR SAY WE SHOULD TRADE HIM

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No matter what they say about you Ken I think that one day you will be a coach and hell have your own team in never never land. It may be at the YMCA or in grade school, but either way, I wish you luck.

call it the never never land team bubba

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Why are yall so impatient with Marvin Williams? People we’re 9 games in! We’re 7-2 & this team’s confidence is sky high. Why do yall wanna mess with that? Marvin is doin everything we need him to do…we don’t need 14 ppg from Marvin with Jamal avg 18-20 for us. I REALLY hope noone of influence reads some of these posts…Marvin Williams for Al Thornton? Are some of yall crazy?

-REEcently Roe!

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Like I said earlier, IF THEY CAN’T CHALLENGE THE MESSAGE, THEY ATTACK THE MESSENGER. MY INFORMED COMMENTS REALLY BROUGHT SYBIL OUT FROM UNDER HER ROCK. It doesn’t take a psychiatrist to realize that the character using the mulitple names to attack me and converse with him/herself is really one sick piece of meat. Only an extremely underdeveloped child like personality, or a truely disturbed one, could derive so much sustained joy and pleasure from repetitively engaging in such sick behavior.

Fortunately, this mindless troll seems to be focused almost exclusively on me. That’s likely because for him/her/it, facts, reality and/or the truth is extremely painful, and I obviously bring the pain. I’ve also noticed that he/she/it(SYBIL)will create additional names(personalities) to try and get me to respond. Sybil obviously needs and craves attention, but there seems to be a particular need to get my attention.

I was always taught to treat people with mental, emotional and psychological problems with kindness and understanding, but I don’t understand this clowns particular brand of sickness. I WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO EVERYONE FOR STIRRING THIS SICK PUPPY UP AND BRINGING HIM/HER/IT(SYBIL)OUT IN ITS VULGAR FORM. I’ve noticed he/she/it(SYBIL) is extremely sensitive to words and phrases like MORON, STUPID, INGNORANT, IDIOT, ANAL MINDED, FOOL, DUMB AZZ. He/she/it(SYBIL) seems to recognize and associate with these names and phrases and reacts accordingly. He/she/it(SYBIL) obviously believes/knows we’re referring to him/her/it(SYBIL) when these words and phrases are being used.

I WANT EVERYONE TO JOIN ME IN HELPING THIS INDIVIDUAL TO RECOGNIZE NORMAL BEHAVIOR. THE NEXT TIME HE/SHE/IT(SYBIL)COMES ON THESE BLOGS AND ATTACKS SOMEONE IN THE VULGAR UNCIVILIZED MANNER IN WHICH HE/SHE/IT(SYBIL)HAS INCREASINGLY STARTED TO DO, LET’S REPORT HE/SHE/IT(SYBIL)TO THE AJC AND HAVE HIM/HER/IT(SYBIL)BLOCKED, OK.

This isn’t directed in anyway at ROD FROM COLLEGE PARK OR SAMUEL. They’re not sick or disturbed, JUST DUMB.

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*MEANT TO SAY LOSING STREAK IN PREVIOUS POST

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hawks looked great, take a look at this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8GuH9oDHrU

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REE ROE i like marvin 2 i just don’t see him getting any better than what he is, marvin will only be and avg. player threw out his career, now far as al thorton when watching him he is a balance player who has a great upside in his game don’t sleep on him.

MARVIN 7.5 MILLION
AL THORTON 1.5 MILLION
PLUS THORTON WILL MAKE THE HAWKS EVEN BETTER TRUST ME.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

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The Hawks are averaging 108PPG and some of you are complaining about Marvin not scoring 15-18PPG. Within the context of Woodson’s OFF, it’s up to JJ, Bibby and Woodson to determine how many scoring opportunities each player gets during the course of the gm. You complain about Marvin not being more assertive and demanding more shots. Well, didn’t you complain when Smoove became more assertive and took all of those 3pt shots when he couldn’t get the ball from Bibby or JJ down low? Didn’t you complain when both JJ and Bibby became more assertive and dominated the OFF with their ISO Joe and Bibby? And aren’t we still complaining about JJ continuing to do the same thing? WHY IN HELL WOULD YOU WANT MARVIN TO STOP BEING A TEAM PLAYER AND JOIN IN ON THE SAME SELFISH BS YOU’VE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT?

For those who insist on believing Woodson is an excellent HC, why would you continue complaining about the performance of MWilliams when your COY hasn’t registered a single complaint or comment about his overall performance, and continues to start him? ARE YOU SAYING YOUR CHOICE FOR COY ISN’T PERFECT, ARE YOU SAYING HE CONTINUES TO MAKE A BAD DECISION WITH MARVIN, OR, ARE YOU SAYING THAT HE’S AN EXCELLENT HC, OR COY, AS LONG AS HE DOESN’T DISAGREE WITH YOUR ASSESSMENT OF MWILLIAMS?

Since you’ve labeled everyone that doesn’t agree with your assessment of Woodson as a HATER, wouldn’t Woodson be a HATER as well, since his actions demonstrate he doesn’t agree with your assessment of MWilliams? HOW MANY TIMES AND WAYS MUST I PRESENT YOUR NUMEROUS CONTRADICTIONS AND ILLOGICAL CONCLUSIONS BEFORE YOU REALIZE YOU’RE A HYPOCRITE AND A TOTAL BASKETBALL ILLITERATE?

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Ken do you still think that Teague should be starting in place of Bibby? You have made that statement. To me that is a foolish statement. Why should a person incur your wrath for challenging you on your current statements? You like to lift yourself up when you get one right. Did it ever occur to you that even a broke clock is right twice a day?

Any person with any basketball sense knows that Teague is not the player Bibby is nor is Teague starter material at this time.

Also if he loses confidence in his skills its not because Woodson isn’t giving him a chance, but, rather its because when he is given a chance he is not performing at the high level.

Its a no brainer that Teague is not ready to challenge Bibby.

The Hawks have brought into Woodson and his style of coaching. It works for them. They like Woodson very much even if you don’t. They have brought into Woodson’s offense and defense. They are also set under Woodsons teaching. Organic my azzse. Woodson is the farmer producing this blue ribbon winning team. Not You Ken, but Woodson. Let me hear you say that W-o-o-d-s-o-n…

Thank goodness you aren’t allowed near the Hawks. You’d be barred from interviews like Schultz. You are so negative and divisive. Why don’t you accept that this is Woody’s team and the players love him and are growing because of Woodson’s teachings, on how to play the game, not because of Ken’s theory on organic growth? They are listening and applying what they learn. It’s paying off. In case you missed it this is a work in progress for the last five years.
It’s one thing to disagree with his style of coach, surely you have done that. OK, we heard you. You don’t like Woodson’s style and you demand that he play your style and play your favorite players. I wish he d play my style and my favorite players too. He’s paid to do the job and he’s winning. STFU! Let me enjoy the season without your constant whining, Pl-e-e-z-e. At the least let us that think Woodson is doing an excellent job enjoy the glory of our season. It’s about the Hawks, not about Ken Strickland whose sole NBA or for that matter any level of Basketball experience is what he’s read in the sport pages and heard on a blog sight.

You are pissing in the wind my brother. Woodson will be back next year. Believe that.
And yes, the hawks still need a center to get to the higher levels.
Everyone and his mother picked the hawks to win 47-51 games this year. That’s another no brainer. Stevie Wonder could see that. Now take down that picture of Rush Limbaugh.

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K.S. – I’ve been attemppting to draw his fire, but he keeps insisting that you and I are one and the same. I can recognize his adolescent
behavior [I'm starting to think he's in middle school] as well as his cunning mind. All this adds up to an underachiever. I’m certain of this due to his poor grammar, spelling, sentence structure, writing skill,
etc. which eminates within all his characters. His attacks on you are
completely immature and kinda hard to understand. His language reaks and for that reason alone, I agree, they [AJC] should at least put a filter on him. Perhaps that is why he is so enamored with Woody – he hears him curse on the radio or reads such boorish words from him in the paper and thinks that real men are supposed to act that way.
One last thing Sybil…give us your basketball resume.

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For all the grieving, Marvin is only taking 7 shots per game. 30-34 from the line. His minutes have been cut to 27 min per game instead of the normal 34. His .389 FG% is not good, but compared with JT’s .325 FG%? I think most of us agree we want JT to get solid consistent minutes so where is the love for Marvin gone. He will turn it around. In the meantime the big’s will continue to carry us. Besides Evans and Crawford are playing great in those extra 7 minutes Marvin has had taken away. No reason to panic.

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Ken, Ive heard you say how Woody should play the game the way you think he should. Has he taken your advice? Has he changed from what hes been doing for 5 consecutive seasons? Have you had discussion with him telling him to stop switching and play teague? Does he even know you? So

My point is hes winning doing it his way and thats what he is paid to do! That makes him a pro.

What do you get paid to do?

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KEVINA-I agree wholeheartedly. Remember, there are only a select few going out their way to make an issue of Marvin’s play, so just let Woodson deal with that issue.

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Ree Roe and Deez Nutz,

I have been advocating getting rid of the guy named Marvin Williams from the first day I started posting on this blog, which was about two years ago. I also was very outspoken about us not resigning this guy for 7 to 8 million per year this summer and most on this blog called me crazy. He is vastly overpaid, we win in spite of him. He brings nothing but rebounding from the 3 position to this team. Our record was better without him last year. He has never done anything in the playoffs. He can’t defend any above average players at his position. He brings nothing for us on offense. WE STARTED OFF GOOD LAST YEAR ALSO. OUR RECORD WAS BETTER WITH MO EVANS STARTING LAST YEAR. HE IS AN ABSOLUTE BUST. Remember Woodson and Rick Sund stated that they expected much more from Marvin after he signed the new contract. He has failed miserably. If you actually ever laced up a pair of basketball shoes it is not hard to see that Marvin is a below average basketball player with limited skills. You don’t pay those kinds of players 8 million a year. He was only able to score 13 points a game on our team because of the double and triple teams on Joe. If teams ever guarded him man to man, he would never score. My dislike for his game is nothing new. TRADE MARVIN WILLIAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Rod from College Park In another time and space I would argue to show patience with Marvin. I have been a fan of his for quite a while. Last game the Hawks called his number repeatedly to get him crunk but he responded like paschulia use to with turnovers and missed layups. He understands the game but is not able to enforce is skill level. He came to the pros after only a year of college and the expectations were high. We have invested a lot of money in him and you are right. The production doesnt match the ability nor the investment. I think this is in marvins head. Hes a part of the chemistry of this team, which is an exceptional team of loyalty and unselfishness. Im sure his team mates feel his pain.

In a pure GM mind set I think you are right on the money. He plays out the year and then Its decision time for him. I would not mind if we package marv with some one and went after a low post presence to set us up to be ready for the half court game than will surely happen in the finals level of the playoffs.

Good point.

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“Better with Jamal starting at SG over JJ…”

are you serious…?

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You got me! Typo. If you will notice I got it right at 2:54 PM.
I concede; I am not infallible. Still curious about your res___ oh never
mind, your credentials that validate you as an expert on all things Basketball. Another question; were you the towel boy at IU when Woody
played? I forgot, you played on the girls intramural team at ITT Tech.

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To those that don’t believe JJ could jet for the money next season, you may want to reconsider
“I’ve got some pretty good friends on that team,” Johnson said. “It’s always fun to be around them.”

The way things could unfold, I hope Mr. Sund has a plan “B”

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some times we reap what we sow

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If you will notice I got it right at 2:54 PM.

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The Truth ,

I don’t think there is any reason to doubt that JJ is a coveted player. Now, shall we take the next step in thinking? What will Sund do if faced with the very real prospect that JJ may leave?

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Big Ray

November 15th, 2009
7:40 pm
We’re well past the point of right and wrong, are we not? There are certain people you are never going to agree with, regardless of the subject of conversation. And with some, the subject never changes. So what is the point of engaging in conversation with them? You know the outcome before you type the first word. Just something to think about

Yeah, Ray, I always hoped youd be none partial like Sekou.
This is just a couple days of recent sampling, but it go on for weeks and months at a time.
Like you say you know what some people are going to say before they open their mouths.

Ken Strickland
November 4th, 2009
10:01 pm
TRUTH SERUM-you made the comment: “HE(WOODSON)HAS WON”. Since no NBA team has ever gone winless, you can make that statement about anyone that’s ever coaching in the NBA. Saying HE HAS WON is a whole lot different than saying HE HAS A WINNING RECORD. Woodson 1st Hawks team won only 13 of 82gms, yet he still won. Last yr Woodson’s team won 47 or 82, and was his 1st winning season in his 5yr career as HC.
You can’t take anything away from what he’s accomplished, especially when you consider what he faced when he started. However, if he deserves as much credit as some of you seem to think, you shouldn’t have to skew the facts and/or make out of context statements to justify it.
Ken Strickland
November 5th, 2009
3:06 am
(4)Woodson is stubborn, a creature of habit, and isn’t blessed with a lot of confidence as a HC. I say that because even with a deep, talented and experienced bench, he’s starting to revert back to his old habit of overplaying his starters, committing less time and effort developing his younger player(s) as the season progresses and limiting the mins of his bench beyond an 8 man rotation. Joe Smith, MEvans and JTeague are getting cameo mins regardless of how well the perform. There’s no excuse for JCollins and/or RMorris getting DNP coach’s decision after 5gms.

Ken Strickland
November 5th, 2009
2:05 pm
Coaching scared makes you react for the moment and use up all of your ammo early. Coaching for the playoffs allows you to conserve you ammo and position yourself to weather the assault until help arrives. In this case, that help will be Teague, JSmith and Collins. However, you have to let them know their help is needed by consistently giving them adequate mins, or just playing them period.

Ken Strickland
November 5th, 2009
4:16 pm
Doesn’t is seem like Woodson is more interested in protecting Bibby’s starter status than giving a young, quick, fast and talented PG the time and attention needed to make a difference with this team? We all saw how Teague got DNP coaches decision immediately after a solid performance in the 2nd half of a serious comeback effort against the Lakers. Isn’t this the same irrational decision he consistently made with ALaw right after a strong performance
Ken Strickland
November 6th, 2009
1:07 am
SAMUEL-well, well, well. Your 10:17PM post is a definite admission of your aware that Woodson is coaching scared, which is definitely due to his insecurities. However, are you insinuating that Woodson’s refusal to effectively utilize his bench is his way of getting back at GM RSund for not giving him a contract extension? HOW CAN OUR PLAYERS BE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP A CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBUR ATTITUDE, CONFIDENCE, AND TRUST AMONG THEMSELVES AND THEIR HC WHEN THE HC CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATES CONFIDENCE AND TRUST ISSUES WITH HIS PLAYERS?
Allow me to clarify something. I’m not saying that everyone that supports Woodson and recognizes what he’s done is NARROWMINDED OR BLIND. It’s just the select few that have a limited one way thought process when it comes to Woodson and can’t bring themselves to accept he’s flawed
Ken Strickland
November 6th, 2009
11:27 am
DO YOU THINK THE NBA WOULD HAVE YOUNG ALLSTARS LIKE CPAUL, DROSE AND DWILLIAMS PRODUCING THE WAY THEY ARE IF THEY PLAYED UNDER A HC THAT THINKS ABOUT THEM THE WAY WOODSON AND YOU THINK ABOUT TEAGUE? Teagie is ready to start, it’s Woodson and his love affair with vets, especially with Bibby, that’s not ready for him to start.
Ken Strickland
November 6th, 2009
6:29 pm
Bubba Crew Head Quarters
November 6th, 2009
10:21 pm
Heres an analysis of todays game from Ken Stickland,
I HATE WOODY, WOODSON, HATE , ANGER, MO HATE, I HATE WOODY,SOME MO HATE, STUPIDITY, I HATE WOODSON, HATE WOODY, BITTER, ETC. ETC, MO HATE
PAID FOR BY THE LOCAL KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN BUBBA CREW.
STAY TUNE FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS.
Play Teague
Ken Strickland
November 7th, 2009
8:30 am
I’m not saying it’s a certainty, but maybe, juuust maybe, last nights beatdown was the result of playing the last gm of a West coast rd trip, playing in 2 different time zones, AND WOODSON STUPIDLY AND UNNECESSARILY UNDERUTILIZING HIS BENCH AND PLAYING HIS STARTERS WAY TOO DAMN MANY MINS. WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE, IN THE CASE OF OUR BELOVED HC, MAYBE YOU CAN’T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS.
Ken Strickland
November 7th, 2009
9:12 am
Please, will someone explain why we went to so much trouble to sign Joe Johnson just to see him sit on the bench and get, at most, token mins?
Dude, get some help… soon.
Ken Strickland
November 7th, 2009
3:43 pm
Sund and the ASG has got to start looking at the longterm ramifications of Woodsons continued irrational actions. Like CP said, JJ will likely walk, and I’m certain Joe Smith will take the same attitude towards us that he took when he refused to resign with Cleveland, and for the same reason.
Woodson’s refusal to play Joe Smith and JCollins will make it much more difficult for the team to sign quality vet FA in the future. Players know what’s going on with various teams and HC’s, and will make their choices accordingly. Any productive vet that signs a decent one yr contract is looking for an opportunity to show he deserves a longer contract, or at least another decent one yr contract. What do you think the chances of that happening be if he thinks he might end up geting the ALaw treatment, like JSmith and JCollins have gotten so far?
That means that no quality vet will waste time signing with the Hawks, as long as Woodson is the HC, unless he has absolutely no other options. And what quality FA vet would have no other options? We’re in the 6th yr of Woodson’s tenure, and we’re still looking for him to act like he has the intelligence, ability or inclination to develop the PG of the future this franchise needs. Someone needs to tell him that MIKE BIBBY isn’t what the franchise means when there’s talk about PG of the future.
Before this off season, one of Woodson’s biggest excuses for over playing his starters, and not using his bench, was its lack of talent, depth and experience. Well, Sund added depth, talent and experience, and we’re still seeing the same old SH!T from Woodson. I guess that proves he was only using those issues as excuses to mask his limitations as a HC. TAKE NOTE RICK SUND!
CP-I’m not so sure having more players and talent to work with throws his gm plan off as much as it exposes his lack of one. Isn’t it a negative indictment for any HC, going into his 6th yr of tenue, when his veteran players are still complaining about their roles? AGAIN, MAYBE WE’RE SEEING WHY SUND REFUSED TO COMMIT TO WOODSON.
Ken Strickland
November 9th, 2009
2:51 pm

Woodson has demonstrated an inclination to force what he wants on the team, rather than doing what’s best for the overall team. That’s why he hasn’t received an endorsement from GM RSund or the ASG, or offered a contract extension. That alone should tell anyone with a clue, as well as those who continue attacking me for not singing his praises, that management agrees with my assessment that there’s something wrong with his overall coaching philosophy and approach, despite the teams 2 playoff appearances and annual increase in wins.

Ken Strickland
November 9th, 2009
6:45 pm
TRACEMAN-to answer your question, YES. Right now, we aren’t a good DEF team, but we are a good OFF team. Despite it being early in the season, we have to judge a team by what it does, not what it has the potential to do. If a student has made A’s on every previous test taken, but makes an F on this test, do you record the F on this test, or an A, based on previous tests?
You can’t get better constantly living in the past. What Bibby did for us when he got here was fantastic, and started us on our way to consecutive playoff berths. But the team that he came to in the 07-08 season has matured, as well as the players, and we’ve acquired more talent. Teams recognized what he did for the team, and now know what he can’t do and have adjusted accordingly.
Why does everyone that abjects to the idea of replacing Bibby as a starter react as though I’m advocating we get rid of him? What he does for the team as a starter, he can continue doing from the bench. When we played Denver, they concentrated on attacking Bibby whenever he was in the gm because they knew he was our weakest link defensively, as does the entire NBA.
We don’t have a dominant BIG like DHOWARD, KGARNETT OR TDUNCAN, nor do we have a superstar like DWADE, KOBE, LEBRON OR PPIERCE etc. Therefore, we have to rely more on the team concept and take advantage of our abundance of speed, quickness, athleticism, versatility and depth. BIBBY HAS NONE OF THOSE ATTRIBUTES, THEREFORE HE LIMITS THE OVERALL OFF/DEF POTENTIAL OF OUR STARTING LINEUP. Since JJ is our only starter with one on one skills, and our other starters all have limited individual OFF skills, we need a starting PG that can help create easy scoring opportunities for them, and BIBBY DOESN’T DO THAT.
We need a PG with enough speed, quickness, lateral movement and aggressiveness to:
(1)pressure the ball and provide more protection for our frontline by making it more difficult for the opposition to make entry passes into the post.
(2)display enough speed, quickness and lateral movement to defend the quicker PG’s and prevent JJ from having to do so.
(3)have enough speed, quickness and lateral movement to make it more difficult for opposing PG’s to breakdown our DEF and attack our frontline.
(4)add more versatility to our OFF, and reduce our dependency on shooting longrange jumpers, by being able to penetrate and create easy scoring opportunities for others.
(5)create a consistent enough concern for the DEF to limit the double/triple teams on JJ.
(6)have the speed and quickness to get ahead of a teams’ transition DEF, after a missed shot, and going coast to coast if necessary.
(7)fight over picks and maintain position in front of the ball(PG) and eliminate the need to switch on every pick and roll, as well as subsequent mismatches.
BIBBY CAN DO NONE OF THESE THINGS, AND TO CONTINUE STARTING HIM WILL CONTINUE TO PENALIZE OUR STARTING TEAM.

KevinA
November 9th, 2009
7:02 pm
Ken,
I normally don’t do this much so don’t bite my head off. If Bibby is going to get his 20 min Don’t you think he works better with JJ? Because of his lack of mobility he fits with the first unit better? ZaZa, Evans and Joe Smith need a Crawford/Teague to break down the defenses and deliver the good pass.
If Bibby can’t be effective with the first unit why would you think he would be better with the second. I think we agree with one thing for sure. 15-20 minutes for Bibby is much better than 30-35. Bibby can be a deadly assassin in small stretches and should be used that way.
Ken Strickland
November 9th, 2009
7:06 pm

KEVANA-don’t lose sight of my focus, which is CONSISTENCY. I’m not being critical of Woodson because he hasn’t done the things I’ve been criticizing him for

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Big Ray

November 15th, 2009
7:40 pm
We’re well past the point of right and wrong, are we not? There are certain people you are never going to agree with, regardless of the subject of conversation. And with some, the subject never changes. So what is the point of engaging in conversation with them? You know the outcome before you type the first word. Just something to think about

Yeah, Ray, I always hoped youd be none partial like Sekou.
This is just a couple days of recent sampling, but it go on for weeks and months at a time.
Like you say you know what some people are going to say before they open their mouths.

In the last four days here is a sampling of his posting…It seems to me that he has a Woody for Woodson.

Ken Strickland
November 4th, 2009
10:01 pm
TRUTH SERUM-you made the comment: “HE(WOODSON)HAS WON”. Since no NBA team has ever gone winless, you can make that statement about anyone that’s ever coaching in the NBA. Saying HE HAS WON is a whole lot different than saying HE HAS A WINNING RECORD. Woodson 1st Hawks team won only 13 of 82gms, yet he still won. Last yr Woodson’s team won 47 or 82, and was his 1st winning season in his 5yr career as HC.
You can’t take anything away from what he’s accomplished, especially when you consider what he faced when he started. However, if he deserves as much credit as some of you seem to think, you shouldn’t have to skew the facts and/or make out of context statements to justify it.
Ken Strickland
November 5th, 2009
3:06 am
(4)Woodson is stubborn, a creature of habit, and isn’t blessed with a lot of confidence as a HC. I say that because even with a deep, talented and experienced bench, he’s starting to revert back to his old habit of overplaying his starters, committing less time and effort developing his younger player(s) as the season progresses and limiting the mins of his bench beyond an 8 man rotation. Joe Smith, MEvans and JTeague are getting cameo mins regardless of how well the perform. There’s no excuse for JCollins and/or RMorris getting DNP coach’s decision after 5gms.

Ken Strickland
November 5th, 2009
2:05 pm
Coaching scared makes you react for the moment and use up all of your ammo early. Coaching for the playoffs allows you to conserve you ammo and position yourself to weather the assault until help arrives. In this case, that help will be Teague, JSmith and Collins. However, you have to let them know their help is needed by consistently giving them adequate mins, or just playing them period.

Ken Strickland
November 5th, 2009
4:16 pm
Doesn’t is seem like Woodson is more interested in protecting Bibby’s starter status than giving a young, quick, fast and talented PG the time and attention needed to make a difference with this team? We all saw how Teague got DNP coaches decision immediately after a solid performance in the 2nd half of a serious comeback effort against the Lakers. Isn’t this the same irrational decision he consistently made with ALaw right after a strong performance
Ken Strickland
November 6th, 2009
1:07 am
SAMUEL-well, well, well. Your 10:17PM post is a definite admission of your aware that Woodson is coaching scared, which is definitely due to his insecurities. However, are you insinuating that Woodson’s refusal to effectively utilize his bench is his way of getting back at GM RSund for not giving him a contract extension? HOW CAN OUR PLAYERS BE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP A CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBUR ATTITUDE, CONFIDENCE, AND TRUST AMONG THEMSELVES AND THEIR HC WHEN THE HC CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATES CONFIDENCE AND TRUST ISSUES WITH HIS PLAYERS?
Allow me to clarify something. I’m not saying that everyone that supports Woodson and recognizes what he’s done is NARROWMINDED OR BLIND. It’s just the select few that have a limited one way thought process when it comes to Woodson and can’t bring themselves to accept he’s flawed
Ken Strickland
November 6th, 2009
11:27 am
DO YOU THINK THE NBA WOULD HAVE YOUNG ALLSTARS LIKE CPAUL, DROSE AND DWILLIAMS PRODUCING THE WAY THEY ARE IF THEY PLAYED UNDER A HC THAT THINKS ABOUT THEM THE WAY WOODSON AND YOU THINK ABOUT TEAGUE? Teagie is ready to start, it’s Woodson and his love affair with vets, especially with Bibby, that’s not ready for him to start.
Ken Strickland
November 6th, 2009
6:29 pm
Bubba Crew Head Quarters
November 6th, 2009
10:21 pm
Heres an analysis of todays game from Ken Stickland,
I HATE WOODY, WOODSON, HATE , ANGER, MO HATE, I HATE WOODY,SOME MO HATE, STUPIDITY, I HATE WOODSON, HATE WOODY, BITTER, ETC. ETC, MO HATE
PAID FOR BY THE LOCAL KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN BUBBA CREW.
STAY TUNE FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS.
Play Teague
Ken Strickland
November 7th, 2009
8:30 am
I’m not saying it’s a certainty, but maybe, juuust maybe, last nights beatdown was the result of playing the last gm of a West coast rd trip, playing in 2 different time zones, AND WOODSON STUPIDLY AND UNNECESSARILY UNDERUTILIZING HIS BENCH AND PLAYING HIS STARTERS WAY TOO DAMN MANY MINS. WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE, IN THE CASE OF OUR BELOVED HC, MAYBE YOU CAN’T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS.
Ken Strickland
November 7th, 2009
9:12 am
Please, will someone explain why we went to so much trouble to sign Joe Johnson just to see him sit on the bench and get, at most, token mins?
Dude, get some help… soon.
Ken Strickland
November 7th, 2009
3:43 pm
Sund and the ASG has got to start looking at the longterm ramifications of Woodsons continued irrational actions. Like CP said, JJ will likely walk, and I’m certain Joe Smith will take the same attitude towards us that he took when he refused to resign with Cleveland, and for the same reason.
Woodson’s refusal to play Joe Smith and JCollins will make it much more difficult for the team to sign quality vet FA in the future. Players know what’s going on with various teams and HC’s, and will make their choices accordingly. Any productive vet that signs a decent one yr contract is looking for an opportunity to show he deserves a longer contract, or at least another decent one yr contract. What do you think the chances of that happening be if he thinks he might end up geting the ALaw treatment, like JSmith and JCollins have gotten so far?
That means that no quality vet will waste time signing with the Hawks, as long as Woodson is the HC, unless he has absolutely no other options. And what quality FA vet would have no other options? We’re in the 6th yr of Woodson’s tenure, and we’re still looking for him to act like he has the intelligence, ability or inclination to develop the PG of the future this franchise needs. Someone needs to tell him that MIKE BIBBY isn’t what the franchise means when there’s talk about PG of the future.
Before this off season, one of Woodson’s biggest excuses for over playing his starters, and not using his bench, was its lack of talent, depth and experience. Well, Sund added depth, talent and experience, and we’re still seeing the same old SH!T from Woodson. I guess that proves he was only using those issues as excuses to mask his limitations as a HC. TAKE NOTE RICK SUND!
CP-I’m not so sure having more players and talent to work with throws his gm plan off as much as it exposes his lack of one. Isn’t it a negative indictment for any HC, going into his 6th yr of tenue, when his veteran players are still complaining about their roles? AGAIN, MAYBE WE’RE SEEING WHY SUND REFUSED TO COMMIT TO WOODSON.
Ken Strickland
November 9th, 2009
2:51 pm

Woodson has demonstrated an inclination to force what he wants on the team, rather than doing what’s best for the overall team. That’s why he hasn’t received an endorsement from GM RSund or the ASG, or offered a contract extension. That alone should tell anyone with a clue, as well as those who continue attacking me for not singing his praises, that management agrees with my assessment that there’s something wrong with his overall coaching philosophy and approach, despite the teams 2 playoff appearances and annual increase in wins.

Ken Strickland
November 9th, 2009
7:06 pm

KEVANA-don’t lose sight of my focus, which is CONSISTENCY. I’m not being critical of Woodson because he hasn’t done the things I’ve been criticizing him for

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Did you say something Ray?

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ant banks

November 15th, 2009
9:20 pm

CLYDE,

enuff wit’ that “FIRE WOODY!” bs. that is so ‘07.

Not as long as Ken’s around.

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Excuse me…Ray? did you say something?

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Come on man, I think Ken Strickland has quit the “fire woody” stuff.

If anything, your target should be Clyde . Hell, if Clyde has nothing else to say besides “Roll Tide”, it’s “fire woody.”

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The dudes obsessed. I cant have a decent conversation with him because everything goes back to his obsession with Woodson. Dude. These are just the last few days of his post but hes been going on like this for over a year.

Get some help!

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Big Ray

November 15th, 2009
9:31 pm

Come on man, I think Ken Strickland has quit the “fire woody” stuff.

All of those post I just show you of Kens obsession with Woody were written this past week. Excuse me?

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Big Ray: I’m sorry, I’ll leave him alone. You said the blog monster ate yours; well Mrs Grandad censors my posts and would not permit my last one. He thinks I’m Ken Strickland but I’m not[hopefully it's obvious].
K.S. has his own distinctive style. I am the one who enjoys dangling the ball of yarn in front of him [T S]. I’ll try to stick to hoops from now on.
like a little kitten.

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TS: Personally I don’t want Woody fired right now.
Last year I could not have said that.
I do not think a new contract is apprropriate right now either.

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Correction, thats a recent four day synopsis of what kens favorite subject is.

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Truth-Serum ,

Okay. This is what I see from all of that: Ken still doesn’t like certain things that Woody does. I’d say he doesn’t like Woody much at all. But not once in those postings did I see where he said “fire him.” I’m just saying….

Now I see where he has mentioned Rick Sund needing to take note of what Woody typically does. I see where he’s saying that some of this same old stuff is why Sund hasn’t extended Woody.

I actually disagree with Ken on that particular subject, but I do so for technical reasons, not personal ones.

I personally believe that Sund is doing his due dilligence here. And here is why:

1) Sund just got here. This will be his second full season with the Hawks. He still has to see what this team can do, particularly with the additions/subtractions he made. A hasty decision in either direction could be harmful.

2) Woody signed the 2 year contract that Sund (and the ASG) offered him. He did so, having to know that he might not get an extension until his contract was up. If he signed it, thinking that he would get an extension before it was more than halfway over, then his expectations were unrealistic. Similarly….point #3…

3) Last year was Woody’s first year with a winning record as a head coach. It’s admirable that the Hawks have improved their win totals every year he’s been here. But that’s also 5 years with only one winning record. The other years were improvements, but still losing records. I’m not taking away from his accomplishments, I’m trying to look at it from a purely objective, “numbers” point of view. Having said that, I think he’s a lock for an extension (and a nice one) if the team maintains a winning record and playoff appearance (although we still will probably have to win the first round, at least) again this season.

4) Tying points 1 and 3 together, I think Sund is doing the right thing by allowing Woody to work both years of the extension he was given, to prove that he can do more than just win in one season. And I think, at least based on what we’re seeing right now, that he is going to do just that.

5) I don’t think Woody wants to be anywhere else. Sure, the Hornets have a head coaching job open, but I doubt Woody wants to go there. I mean, coaching CP3 might be fun, but the rest of it is a crapshoot on a good day. Their GM hasn’t done much to help CP3 out, and Byron Scott was the first scapegoat. No, Woody wants to be here, where he got his first chance to be a head coach, and where he has put so much work in. If he and the team are decently successful, we’ll see him around for many years to come. If not, he’ll be sitting somewhere next to Scott, looking for a job. But I don’t think that’s going to happen, unless for some reason, this team implodes all of the sudden.

Getting back to Ken , I know he’s heavily critical of Woody. But he’s not calling for him to be fired. He’s just griping about the things he doesn’t like, that Woody does. An obsession? Possibly. I’ll let him answer for himself.

I don’t see a reason for the two of you to keep up your fights with each other, but I’m not in charge of either of you. It’s just considering how opposite you feel about the same subject (Woody), I can’t believe y’all are even addressing each other at all.

Ain’t no biggie, though.

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BIG RAY-point taken. I honestly didn’t realize I had a serious stalker until I scrolled down shortly after reading your comments, especially one so doggone deranged, WOW!!! You can bet I’m going to leave this psycho alone from this point on.

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Ray im on my way to bed, got a big day tomorrow. I am a Hawk fan, I come here because it is advertised as a hawks blog site. In reality it is a Woodson cell and Ken is the chief publisher. I find people like Rod and Samuel worth the conversation. Snowman was good too but he decided he couldnt take it so he went to another site to root for the hawks. .

You did not answer my question.How can you say the soup is good but the chef did a bad job? The building is great but the architect is an idiot? The Hawks are great but Woodson is a fool?

In reality I dont separate Woodson from the rest of the Hawks, hes is the teams leader and a part of the team. Id rather talk about something else, and I thought by humoring Ken hed move on to something relevant and uplifting but he keeps going back to woodson. So I ask… how much wood could a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood>?

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why in the hell are y’all psycho-analyzin’ ken? WTF? this is a Hawks blog, not a KEN blog. he is jus’ one individual who states his opinion. i like the fact that he believes what he believes and sticks to it. not jump on and off the bandwagon based on wins/losses.

dude doesn’t like woodson style, which i myself have some concerns with. CLYDE is fervent in his love for ‘BAMA and “FIRE WOODY!” i jus’ don’t think that it is appropriate now with us leadin’ the division and havin’ beat boston in boston. if we were 2-8, then “FIRE WOODY!” would be appropriate.

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There is a reason this site is dubbed ” Bubba Crew”

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My Joe Johnson theory:
He mysteriously signed wi. us leaving Phx. saying “he wanted to be the man”, also “he wanted to play pt. guard. Okay fine.What if he and or his agent cooked up a plan which would enhance his value for his 2010 contract. He could have made similar money and played on a better team in Phx. but he [agent] knew that playing 3rd or 4th fiddle would not parlay his next contract. So he picks a willing team [Atl] and comes here knowing he will be the best player in town with a promise to build around ‘Him’. he bumps up his stats makes the all-star team ea. yr. and here we are. Voila, MAX CONTRACT BABY. Uh Oh, enter Jamal crawford…
Now wait a minute here, I didn’t sign on for this. Jamal is looking too good. jamal is distributing the ball to our talented young bigs. Same thing wi. Teager [pre-season]. Whoa now, this team does not know their roles. Meaning who, Jamal? Are Josh and Al not supposed to expand their
roles? Don’t get me wrong; I think Joe is one of the top 20/25 players in the league. Is he worthy of a max deal? No. I disagree with K.S. on one pt. concerning J.Crawford replacing Joe. He [JC] is not an elite defender as is Joe. If my theory has merit, do I blame Joe for coming here? No. If he is showing no loyalty to the franchise that helped make his career, not to mention, his mates. Then, yes, that bothers me. Joe does seem to be acting different this yr. Maybe I’m nitpicking. If he really is cavorting with the enemy [Miami] then deal him NOW. Package him to N.O. for a real superstar. I read where CP3 had to arrange for a multitude of tickets for the ATL. game, family and friends. I’m not trying to rock the boat on what is a promising season. Just weighing in on all the Joe [cont.] talk. Just sayin’

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Truth Serum ,

Look at the stuff you write, my man. Seriously, do that. I’m not banging on ya, you know that. I hear you, tired of Ken talking down on Woody. You say that’s all he talks about. Well my friend, nearly all you talk about is Ken. Do you see where I’m going? One obsession looks like another to some people. Again, I’m coming to you straight up. I’m not hatin’, and I’m not telling you what to do. But it seems that you are letting somebody else’s opinion (no matter how steady) ruin it for you. Talk Hawks, baby! Don’t let noise bug you! It’s all good, trust me.

We can agree to disagree on methods, technicalities, and all the little things. I don’t agree with all that Woody does, but I’ll be the first to admit I don’t coach basketball, and the man is getting the damn job done. The way things are going now, I might have to just buy the man some new turtle wax for that chrome dome of his,

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You did not answer my question.How can you say the soup is good but the chef did a bad job? The building is great but the architect is an idiot? The Hawks are great but Woodson is a fool?

I did too answer it. I told you that was folly. If the team is good, then that is a reflection of the coach as well. Did I not say that?

Anyway, I was just hoping you and Ken could come to some agreement at some point, or at least spend less time hating each other.

But hey, this is no Miss America pageant, and nobody is rooting for world peace either!

Ant Banks ,

Agreed, bro.

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KevinA the funny thing is, it doesnt have to come to this. Give the man a fair contract, sign his favorite coach and let keep going up. Just that simple.

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Truth-Serum

November 15th, 2009
10:46 pm
KevinA the funny thing is, it doesnt have to come to this. Give the man a fair contract, sign his favorite coach and let keep going up. Just that simple.

He was offfered a fair contract. Dosen’t seem complicated.

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Big Ray

November 15th, 2009
10:35 pm

Your time sequence needs checking. Just so we are current. You have addressed the question.

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Ken Strickland ,

Like I said, some things are just better left alone. Or, if you respond, do so in a humorous fashion. Even the most dedicated vitriol throwers usually quit once their target stops reacting to being hit, or starts laughing at his attackers. Not worth getting worked up over for long periods of time. Of course, this IS advice coming from a bit of a hothead, so take with a barrel of salt, LOL!!

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KevinA , I dont think we should let woodson out of the state. The guys respect him and connect with him. They have brought into his style of play and they are winning with it. Out side of Phil jackson I dont know too many who could come here and have that kind of connection with these guys, let alone win. Wed be a fool to let Woodson go and breakup what we have going.

I also think that if Woodson is signed Joes not going any where, assuming he gets a fat contract.. They are pretty tight.

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seems like there is more than one obsessive around these parts, just saying.

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fair contract? I think hes right if when he says he can get a better contract than that. True It was good, but He can and will get a better contract. Question is, is it worth it to the Hawks to let him get a few more millions some where else, are stay here and concentrate on winning a championship. I hope Sund works these two issues out , Joe and woodson, and lets go after a championship.

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when he says

its lights out for me!

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Truth-Serum ,

I hear you. Justice on a blog? Well, one can certainly try. Maybe you’ll hear me as well this time: I don’t think Woody is going anywhere. And if these guys keep winning and getting better, then there is no reason for him to.

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I agree, let’s go get a championship. As for contracts, assuming Woody gets his, it will be better than 2 or 3 years.

If it’s Joe we’re talking about, I heard a little scuttlebut that according to whatever rules or whatever it was, all the Hawks could offer at the time was a 4 year extension, not something bigger. Apparently they can offer a 5 year contract extension at the end of this year, so it behooves JJ to pass on the first one, as any sports agent worth his Beamer would advise.

However, it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility that other teams may make a play for him. However, if the Hawks end the season on an exceptionally successful note, and JJ wants to stay, word may get put out that trying for him is a waste of time. The things that go on behind closed doors where these deals are done, are often unknown to us at the time of their happening.

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Ray an interview with Sund on 790 the Zone discussed some of that. It may or may not be all about money. You can look up and listen. Pod cast.

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Bitching?

November 15th, 2009
11:26 pm
We are 8-2 and yall are still BITCHING? Give me a break. STFU and enjoy the great bball being played.

You are mean. Check out the Boston blogs. They are arguably a better team and still have a great record. After 2 losses in a row they are none to happy. Rasheed was a hero and now he is a heal. Like Marvin it all comes down to a dozen missed shots. Doesn’t he have the same game? We are never as good as we think we are when were winning and never as bad as we seem when were losing. Why do you call it bitching, why not commenting. All is good.

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Ramon ,

Houston playing good and Spurs playing bad. Who could predict that.

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I’d like to see Josh get a nod for all-star, but my prediction is he gets the snub this year….but makes all NBA defensive squad, be it first or second team.

Stuffs the stat sheet and if you look at his profile on NBA.com, he leads the team in EFF rating (23.90) easily. Horford is second (21.40), then JJ after that (19.80).

Still, stuffing the stat sheet gets you nowhere when there are favorites who will get there by default, and other guys might be closer to those benchmark 20 and 10 figures.

Besides, truth be told, Josh is not a true all-star just yet, has to play like he has in his best games so far this season, more consistently first. We’ll see how it looks by the midway point, as to whether or not I shall start the hue and cry.

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Some of you cats need help, plain and simple.

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This is a bad franchise and they will fade when the big dogs start playing well.

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Anthony,

Kill yourself.

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houston is intriguing …. 36 mil of contract on bench with injuries to start the season, i. e., yao and t mac and they start off 6 and 4 with one close home loss to lakers at home.

rick adelman = COY?

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Does anyone else know how many other teams run the “SWITCH” defense that the Hawks employ? Has any team ever one a championship with this style of defense?

It creates horrible mismatches that teams can exploit. There was one game where Zaza was on a guard. It was atrocious.

“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.”

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The Hawks suck, thats why they are at the top of the standings right now. Only sucky teams are there. The hawks suck, which is why they made the playoffs the last two years. Only sucky teams make the playoffs. The hawks suck, this is why they are beating other good teams. Because the hawks suck.

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Truth serum for Most Diverse Personality of the Year

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Grandad for Oldest Blogger of the year

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Kevina for Asks Too Many Questions of the year

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Tonight will present an interesting challenge for the Hawks because they are playing a a very good team that they have played (and defeated) this season and who will be motivated for revenge.

The Blazers are on a roll and are a team with the size, athleticism and depth to defeat the Hawks, even at home.Aldrige always gives Josh fits; Roy and Joe is always a battle royal and now Andre Miller provides the Blazers with yet another historic Hawk killer along with Outlaw.

I guess this is the price of being good, everyone brings their best shot.

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this blog has turned very non-sensical. people postin’ and repostin’ stuff. there may be an occasional need to repost a comment to substantiate or debunck a person position, but to repost 3 days of material is crazy.

this obsession with KEN is insane. this blog used to be informative about a yr ago and fun. now. it has gone crazy. people postin’ under diffrent monickers. UGGHHH!!!

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I am have been a Hawks fan since early 80’s and root for them every year no matter what. However, I have to call out Woodson and the others who are saying that this team has been together for a year now and has matured and that is the reason they are now winning road games, etc. That is crap. The reason they are winning road games is because of Crawford. They have good nucleus of a team, but Crawford is able to come into the game and score when JJ is not shooting well or Josh Smith is taking stupid 20 foot jump shots.

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GRANDAD-join with me in not responding to this extremely sick blog stalker. Like BIG RAY said, there’s nothing to be gained by adding fuel to the fire. Since we’re the ones this sick puppy likes to stalk, lets cease snd desist any further contact and continue discussing intelligent basketball with intelligent bloggers.

In tonight’s gm, Bibby will have his hands full with PG AMiller, who’s not known for his quickness and speed or beating anyone off the dribble, but is strong and very adept at backing his defender down in the paint and scoring. Once again, the key player for us will be Josh Smith. LAldridge has been a major problem for us, and there’s not a lot Smoove can do to stop him if he’s hitting that jumper. However, Aldridge isn’t known for having quick feet or DEF prowess, so Smoove can use his speed and quickness advantage to attack him going to the basket.

This is the type of team and matchup in which you wish we had an OFF set that would allow Smoove to come off screens and/or be in motion to force Aldridge to move around on DEF and/or play him away from the basket. With Smoove in motion, and using his superior quickness, speed and athleticism, Aldridge wouldn’t have a chance against him. This is a gm in which Marvin might end up being the difference.

It will be interesting to see if we can continue our dominance on the boards against another taller/bigger team, especially on the OFF boards. I believe we’ll win because they definitely can’t run with us, which is a big advantage. While RMorris needs to work on his DEF and rebounding skills, he’s by far our most polished scorer in the post. He demonstrated a very soft touch, fluid moves and a confidence is those moves that haven’t been seen from any of our other BIGS. That’s why I think he’d be more effective playing PF than center.

GOOD LUCK TONIGHT OUR HIGH FLYING HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Looks like Acie Law might be out of the league soon. He definitely wont get any time behind Felton and the kid from Texas.

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Some Hawks Love!!!

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/powerrankings/11/16/week3/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

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Pace: 97.3 (10), Off: 111.0 (2), Def: 102.8 (17)
Thanks in large part to Josh Smith’s improved shot selection and the addition of Jamal Crawford, the Hawks’ offense has been very efficient. But it was defense and rebounding (16 offensive boards) that got Friday’s win in Boston.

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/powerrankings/11/16/week3/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

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The Bobcats can make the playoffs this there, because Larry Brown will not tolerate Jackson’s nonsense.

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I am very nervous for today.

I think that this game will be a very important test, more than the Celtics game since I think we got them with their pants down thinking that the pundits were right and that we were not sufficiently good to challenge them. The surprise effect played a factor on that win.

Today is a completely different situation: we have now been identified as a dangerous team and we have already beaten Portland who have, in the meantime, made adjustments to their line up.

Not only will be looking for revenge but also will be playing differently forcing a different adjustments with Roy playing the SF position (he should be too fast for Marvin).

Now it is the moment to prove that we are mature enough not to be too carried away with our recent success and correctly address a game against a similar opponent. I think Woody will have to be very sharp today and that our guys must buckle up and play good defense.

I am also convinced that we should not be too carried away with our recent results: the Celts lost also against the Pacers showing that they are not 100% right now with KG still very tentative and missing Big Baby (I also think ‘Sheed brings less to the table than people think).

The next 8 games are crucial, being that only 1 should be a really really tough match (ORL).

If we manage 6-2 in the next 8 matches I will be happy and that should confirm us – finally – as a real ball club, even if we lose against ORL and one game away (DET?). Anything worse than that will be disappointing.

Nonetheless, we should aim to 8-0 since none of the other teams is beyond our reach and ORL will be playing in our turf.

On Woody: he has done a very good job so far. Yes he can be criticized for some things, however, I think he has managed Crawford’s integration to perfection (carrying forward last years module with Flip) and apart from the Lakers and Bobcats’ games, we have been seeing a good collective spirit.

I still think that our defense is sub-par during extended periods and that we have been lucky at times, however, we can only be happy with the 8-2 mark.

Marvin: I actually think that he has not been playing that bad, it’s his shot which is not falling. I think he is forcing it (Ken’s report that he is putting extra effort shows that he is trying to shake that off) and that his shooting motion is not correct right now.

He has a natural and fluid stroke (it is easy to see it when he shoots FTs) but he his too tense when he is shooting during game action releasing the ball too late most of the times, when he is already coming down.

Maybe it is just the law of probabilities putting a hand on him… if he shot 50% we would be averaging 125ppg and that simply cannot happen like I said in the past!!!!

I am sure that the minute that someone slows down and hits a slump he will come out of his. Right now he hustling and his contribution has been OK with some crucial rebounds and some good defense most of the time.

He has also shown a few nifty moves (the spin move against the Celtics was excellent and uncanny of someone called “duck” around here) and the cross over against NO from which he proceeded to “clank” the lay up. He will get it, trust me.

Also, there is a funny thing: there are a lot of guys asking that we trade him but in all conjectures they usually ask in exchange pretty good players… well, if Marvin is so bad, how can you hope to get good players in return??

Crawford in the starting line up/better than JJ: please, cut it and get real. Crawford is being consistently effective for the first time in his career precisely because he is not starting (he even recognized that he enters the game with a better notion of what to do because he has time to evaluate the game).

Also, JJ brings a lot of man to man and team defense that Crawford simply doesn’t. Crawford is a perfect 6th man: can create his shot, shoot from outside, mid range, drive, pass, has speed and is spectacular and electrifying.

Teague: I think that he his losing his confidence a bit (dribbling onto his foot while unopposed against NO) but he also had a very tough match up against B. Brown precisely because they have such similar games. Let’s hope that he has the opportunity to play against the slower POR back-court and show his stuff.

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Vava74,

Also, there is a funny thing: there are a lot of guys asking that we trade him but in all conjectures they usually ask in exchange pretty good players… well, if Marvin is so bad, how can you hope to get good players in return??

Because maybe there are some other people out there who still think like you. He will never improve on this team, I personally don’t think he will ever be better than 13 and 6, and really has never been that good. I”m sure Golden State would have considered it rather than getting Acie Law and Radmonivitz. Marvin has pretty much been the cause of many of our slow starts this year because Joe is a notoriously a slow starter, and the guy on the other side of the floor who is always left wide open (Marvin), can’t knock down or create his own shot. Also Peja, Granger, Wallace, Melo all have had big games on us, and in a traditional since they are all Marvin’s man.

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Tonight we need to be humble and just play with energy. Being #1 in power-rankings is not good for this team. Teams are now noticing we are actually good and are not gonna have as many lulls. We need J-Craw to get minutes. If Marvin is sucking, taking his ass out IMMEDIATELY. I noticed against Boston Jamal played like 5 or 6 first half minutes. WTF. I would LOVE to season sweep Portland. I freaking hate this team

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DAP01-Crawford’s play and Smoove’s improvement are definite factors in our improved OFF and overall improvement. However, we can’t overlook Woodson’s decision to allow this team to consistently run and attack the basket, rather than rely so heavily on the slower, halfcourt, jumpshooting OFF of the past. There’s no way one can contribute our drastic increase in POINTS IN THE PAINT and FASTBREAK pts over previous yrs to the play of Crawford and Smoove alone.

Don’t forget, JJ has obviously made a conscience effort to attack the basket and score more in the paint, which he’s done. AHorford is also attacking the basket more, shooting his jumper less, and as a result, he’s scoring more in the paint. Pushing the ball and running more fastbreaks has probably benefitted him more than any other Hawk player.

Utilizing our bench more and playing our starters less is likely a contributing factor. Our improvement on OFF, and overall improvement as a team, can be contributed to multiple factors.

(1)Individual player improvement, particularly Horford, JSmith and Bibby, and Yes, I said Bibby. He’s made a conscience effort to be more of a facilitator than a scorer, and both Horford and Smoove have benefitted from his improvement in that area.

(2)The additions of Crawford, Teague and Joe Smith have had a tremendous impact on the teams overall production, versatility, depth and confidence. Our starters no longer have to manage their energy output due to having to play heavy mins, nor does the team have to play, as Woodson put it, a perfect gm, to defeat an elite opponent.

(3)Coaching decisions have also played an important part in our improvement. The decision to switch our style of play, which now gives us an actual identity, and expanding the rotation were major decisions.

(4)The improved confidence, decision making, maturity and adjustments in the way JJ, Bibby, Smoove, MEvans, RMorris and Horford are now approaching the gm are individual decisions and improvements that were made by the players during the off season. We’ve not only noticed their improvements and adjustments, we’ve seen the results, and that’s what I call ORGANIC GROWTH/IMPROVEMENT.

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Big Ray:

While you may not succeed at least you tried. Thanks for trying to moderate this battle.

I agree with some of you who are voicing restraint on this year’s season. While it is nice to be selected at the top of the chart by both Marc Stein and NBA.COM you are only as good as your next game. Don’t get too high over one victory (Boston) or too low over one defeat (Carolina) but stay on course. The season is too long to get too excited in November.

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Thank Ken, I agree completely. When are we getting a new article to blog? We have gone from blogging about the Hawks to blogging about blogging. When I blog, I do not like to blog about blogging or bloggers. I like to blog about the Hawks.

Maybe we will get an update from our new beat writer soon.

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Vava,

I don’t know whether you are giving us too much credit or under estimating the competition by suggesting that you will be disappointed with a 13-5 start (assuming we go 5-3 over the next 8). All 5 of our home games are going to be VERY tough (POR, MIA, HOU, ORL & TOR are all likely playoff teams) and we could certainly lose to ANY team on the road (as can ANY NBA team – ask BOS about IND).

I would LOVE to see us go 8-0 but I won’t be “disappointed” if we go 5-3. I think going 6-2 over the next 8 would be an INCREDIBLE achievement – one that would merit giving SERIOUS consideration to giving Woody an extension NOW rather than later. The Hawks start the season 14-4? Are you serious? WOW!

That said, I agree with the vast majority of your post, particularly the part about Crawford not being as good as JJ as a starter. Crawford may very well be every bit as good as JJ as a scorer but there is more to the game than scoring. Al Harrington and Corey Magette may be as good as JJ as scorers but they can’t hold a candle to him as all around players. Crawford is in the PERFECT role as a 6th man and that is EXACTLY where he needs to stay. Considering him as a possible replacement for JJ would be a HUGE mistake.

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Ken,

You’re right that Smoove’s improved play and Crawford’s arrival are not the ONLY reasons we are running more but they both have a LOT to do with it.

Since last year, Smoove is making FAR better decisions with the ball, he is rebounding FAR better, his assists are WAY up, his TOs are WAY down, he’s getting more blocks, he’s getting more steals and he’s taking as many shots as he took last year but he is making FAR more of them. All of those things contribute SIGNIFICANTLY to our ability to run.

We all used to cringe when Smoove got the rebound and started dribbling up the court rather than giving the ball to the PG. We all used to wonder why Woody wouldn’t make him pass it to the PG. Now I see why. Both Smoove and Al create nightmares for the opposition when they grab the rebound and take off up court – when they make good decisions. Both guys are doing a terrfic job with their decision-making so far this season and our fastbreak is awesome right now. Woody wants Marvin to do the same thing with regard to pushing the ball and he is starting to do it more as well. Once he gets it like Smoove and Al have, we will be even faster on the break.

If Smoove keeps playing the way he is playing, we keep winning and he can get back to being the 70% FT shooter he was before last year (he needs those extra PPG), I think he makes his first All Star game this year.

As for Jamaal, his job is to come off the bench and ignite the offense and that is EXACTLY what he does. Even if we get into our halfcourt set, Jamaal is liable to pull a J early in the shotclock or take it to the hole and that helps to quicken the pace. NOTHING about that guy’s game says slow it down and it is showing on the scoreboard.

I agree with you that Al benefits from the running a lot and his ability to go coast to coast with or without the ball as fast as any 5 in the league is yet another reason that our fastbreak has been so good. But like Smoove, we can’t run if he doesn’t rebound and he is doing a great job on the boards despite usually being smaller than the man he is guarding.

Actually, Marvin does a REALLY good job of running the floor on the break as evidenced by the highlight reel alley oop dunk he received from JJ during the last game. He also usually makes the right decision with the ball, we just need for him to get out of his current funk and play like he can.

JJ, Bibby and the rest of the guys contribute by making good decisions with the ball but Josh, Al, Crawford and to a lesser extent Marvin are the ones who REALLY make our uptempo game go.

LOL, I like the way you slid Teague’s name in there with Crawford’s and Joe Smith’s with regard to the “tremendous impact on the teams overall production, versatility, depth and confidence.” I’m sure Teague WILL have an impact on those things at some point, but you can’t put him in the same sentence with Crawford in that respect.

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