Post Dallas
Greetings, all-
Hope you enjoyed the game Saturday night.
My thoughts:
- No matter how the Hawks shot the ball, holding Dallas to 75 points in its building is an impressive feat. It’s Dallas’ season low.
- As I made mention in the game story, the Hawks played far better defense than they did against New York and perhaps their best in awhile. Dallas had their runs, but didn’t get that many easy baskets.
- Dirk Nowitzki is ridiculous.
- The Hawks, at times, moved the ball really well to get open shots. But it went stagnant at times – a decent number of possessions where one or two players touched the ball, or players jacking up jump shots early in the shot clock when better shots could have been worked for. They had 16 assists on 32 baskets, an OK number.
- Love him or hate him, Joe Johnson did what he does best, make a lot of baskets, many of them crucial. He took 24 shots to make 31 points.
Some extra quotes:
Mike Woodson: “[Joe Johnson] got off to such a hot start and then we hit the spell in the second quarter where we just couldn’t make a shot. We had some good looks, but to come in (at halftime) up one (was a good thing).”
On the first 20 games: “It’s been a good run. Our schedule was not favorable to start the season and we withstood it. We’ve just got to continue our winning ways on the road and continue our ways at home in terms of winning.”
Joe Smith, on energy level: “It was good, from start to finish. We came out first half, did a good job of building that lead. Unfortunately, we didn’t close out the first half in the way that we would like but I think in the second half we did a good job of getting back to what got us that lead, and we were able to maintain it the rest of the game. The energy was good and our aggressiveness was good.”
Joe Johnson, on Dallas going small: “I think it played a little bit to our advantage, playing small ball with me, Mike and Jamal in the game. I think it’s kind of a win-win for us. Tonight, I think we played pretty good defense. We made shots when we needed to. We got stops down the stretch when we needed to and we pretty much opened it up. We played like we had been earlier in the season.
A couple links:
My updated story with quotes. Jamal Crawford: “If you asked people, they probably would have thought we’d win [Friday] night and lose [Saturday]. It flip-flopped. The league is funny like that sometimes.”
“Great defense and even better offense,” Shawn Marion said of either the Hawks or Joe Johnson in the Dallas Morning News game story.
You may have seen this, but Toronto guard and former Georgia Tech star Jarrett Jack stopped during a game to tie his shoes while holding the ball. I’m not sure what’s worse, that he did it, or that the Bulls let him.
Game story from nba.com.
This is neither here nor there, but former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne was on my plane from Dallas to Atlanta. I walked past him and knew I recognized him, but didn’t know who it was until someone who was on our plane walked by him after we got off and said, “Safe travels, Coach.”
I suppose you can take away my sports writer card for not recognizing him (there are plenty of other offenses to add to the list). The kind of funny thing is that he and his wife sat in coach. I asked him a couple questions in case our Tech writer could use it. He was cooperative.
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218 comments Add your comment
Nicky
December 6th, 2009
11:01 pm
Medium Sized Ray – I refuse to use the adjective Big for anyone who congratulates that degenerate M. Vick for anything. Mayhaps you can stay on topic. This is a Hawks blog.
Brain Farting at the idiot club.
December 6th, 2009
11:04 pm
Vick Kick Butt In the ATL…This is still Vicks house!
Brain Farting at the idiot club.
December 6th, 2009
11:07 pm
Lopez will get that Azzzzzzza!
Horford better do some push ups. Lopez will take his lunch money. No body on the Hawks can stop him. Tell woodson to suit up if you want JeJe.
Lopez will show you what a center is about.
Brain Farting at the idiot club.
December 6th, 2009
11:08 pm
Al aint no super star, if he was he d man the center against a real center!
Brain Farting at the idiot club.
December 6th, 2009
11:11 pm
Where are all the Woody haters at? Its after midnight, don’t you guys come out of your caves looking for blood or something? Come get this silver bullet…..
Brain Farting at the idiot club.
December 6th, 2009
11:12 pm
OK its 11:11 I’ll be back.
Brain Farting at the idiot club.
December 6th, 2009
11:15 pm
Al is our center Lopez is their’s, Al is suppose to guard him.
Grandad
December 6th, 2009
11:42 pm
niremetal – You are correct sir: L. Bird is on record saying “his leaving had nothing to to with Knight”.
As for Coach Knight he is on the one hand as intelligent as any coach you’ll ever meet. However, on the other, he has a penchant for self destruction. It would be very difficult to find more than a few malcontents that give nothing but praise for the man. His grad. rate and the fact they were never on prob. under his watch speaks volumes.
Yet, in the final analysis his inability to maintain self-discipline
within himself is a paradox, given that discipline was a staple of his coaching philosophy.
What is odd to me, is that mr.w., seems to have none of the same coaching rudiments as CBK. ‘With one exception’ his attempt to *coach
[*used loosely] by intimidation and bullying.
Ken Strickland – Please do not put me in the category of
‘Horford critic’. I certainly am one who constantly wants
reenforcement [defensely] in the middle. But Al can collect rebs. whether @ the [4] or [5].
Just to throw a little kindlin’ on the fire; here’s anothe name for my
long, ath., high energy defender to roam the middle list. Joakim Noah.
Let’s go get ‘im. I feel like “Diesal” from the ‘Squawk”.
Do not forget [marv critics] when Al, Marv, or anyone else rebs. then someone is most likely blocking out. Although I have not watched specifically, I suspect Marv is a good blocker outer. Zaza is our best in that dept.! Zaza; very underrated, does alot of little things to help us win. He is an underutilized [traditional] post scorer. Many times he’s open and some of our guys (you figure out who) do not feed the post.
Grandad
December 6th, 2009
11:57 pm
JeJe and TS: you’re on. Big Al wears him out. Lopez can’t catch him.
Even if I prefer Al at the [4] he’s still the 2nd best [5] in the East.
And if you’re cOY continues to go with him why are you not supporting the cOY.
Ken Strickland
December 7th, 2009
1:09 am
GRANDAD-definitely didn’t have you in mind when I made that remark. However, you actually made my point for me when you said, “BUT AL CAN COLLECT REBS. WHETHER @ THE [4]OR[5]. So let him continue doing his thing at the 5.
What’s all this crazy obcession with BLopez? Isn’t he the starting center of the NBA’s worse team? Consider this comparison of stats:
LOPEZ/HORFORD
MINS-36.2/34.2, PTS-18.9/13.6, RB-9.2/9.8, BLKS-2.26/1.45, AST-1.7/2.0, STL-.53/.65, TO-2.74/1.3, FGA-279/195. FG%-.447/.569.
Since Lopez plays on the NBA’s worse team and is their primary scoring and rebounding option, his numbers, especially his OFF numbers, are obviously skewed compared to Horfords. There definitely isn’t a single team altering difference between Lopez’ overall stats and Horfords. And if he came here he definitely wouldn’t be a top scoring option, so his OFF numbers would definitely be lowered. When you take all of this into consideration, exactly what do we get from Lopez that’s so far and away above what we’re already getting from Horford that would improve this team exponentially?
I don’t understand why so many of you are so hung up on this OUT OF POSITION OR TRUE CENTER OR UNDERSIZED MESS. HORFORD IS GETTING THE JOB DONE BETTER THAN THE MAJORITY OF THE CENTERS IN THE NBA AND HE’S GETTING IT DONE DESPITE ALL OF YOUR LABELS, OPINIONS AND PERCEPTIONS OF HIM AND WHAT HE CAN AND CANNOT DO.
There are definitely some other things we can do to improve this team without having to trade anyone.
Grandad
December 7th, 2009
2:15 am
K.S.:
I’m perfectly happy with Big Al at the [5]. Reenforcements are what I am looking for. I suspect that I am looking at it from a different perspective.
Think about this: Al and Josh @ the forward positions, with a rangy athlete in the middle. Now that would force mr.w. to rely less on a perimeter/3 pt. shooting game. Of course Josh would have to be a slasher at the [3]. A real coach would demand that he only shoot off the offense and not launch 3’s.
We would still be able to play a 3 guard offense by returning Josh and Al to their old spots and playing Joe @ the 3.[or Marv]
Another thing a real coach could do is dictate to the other team which
team he wants on the floor by going Big or quick, rather than as mr.w. does which means letting the other team dictate to him [knicks].
None of this is anti Marv. I really like the young man in every respect. I do not think under the current set of circumstances that he will ever reach his full potential here.
As far as trades go, maybe Bibby will have to go before J.Teague will ever get his chance.
As we stand right now, I must agree with people, we are a 4 seed or worse. But it is time right now to challenge. Our guys are either in or nearing their prime. Treading water does not cut it. No more excuses about we are young. Those days are over. To quote a famous American:
“Git ‘er done” !
RaJaH
December 7th, 2009
4:04 am
If the hawks could get a real center, he would be on the perimeter defending guards just like Al.
niremetal
December 7th, 2009
7:28 am
If the hawks could get a real center, he would be on the perimeter defending guards just like Al.
Yup…although I think Al already is a real center.
doc
December 7th, 2009
8:02 am
Truth-Serum
December 6th, 2009
2:21 pm
Is any body going to mention that Allen Iverson is back with Philly?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/wires/12/06/2030.ap.bkn.76ers.iverson.1st.ld.writethru.0510/
truth the answer is …. only those that wish or want to risk being irrelevant?
Sautee
December 7th, 2009
8:21 am
Brain Farting at the idiot club.
December 6th, 2009
10:20 pm
“Creating a controversy where non exists is evil.”
Well…… if THAT’S true, then
So what about this, is THIS evil?:
Brain Farting at the idiot club.
December 6th, 2009
11:04 pm
“Vick Kick Butt In the ATL…This is still Vicks house!”
Brain Farting at the idiot club.
December 6th, 2009
11:07 pm
“Lopez will get that Azzzzzzza!”
“Horford better do some push u”ps. Lopez will take his lunch money. No body on the Hawks can stop him. Tell woodson to suit up if you want JeJe.”
We’re 14-6 with Horford at Center. Is it evil to make a center controversy where there is none? Woody sure likes Horford as his Center.
Lopez will show you what a center is about.
jeje
December 7th, 2009
9:36 am
Al iS NOT the 2nd best center in the East
1) Dwight 2) Brook 3) Jermaine O’Neal (everyone can hate on this guy, but have u seen him this year?), 4) probably Shaq
WHEN BROOK DROPS 30 AND 15 ON OUR SELF-PROCLAIMED SUPERSTAR ON SUNDAY, COME THANK ME FOR INFORMING U. WE WILL only beat THE LOWLY NETS BECAUSE IT’S A HOME GAME.
LOL. 30 AND 15 AND 4 BLOCKS AGAINST HORFORD. WHAT WILL WOODY DO? NOTHING. HE’LL PLAY AL 40 MINUTES A GAME SINCE OUR STARTING 5 IS APPARENTLY OUR BEST COMBINATINO OF PLAYERS VS. EVERY TEAM IN THIS LEAGUE
WHY THE HELL DOES ASG SPEND MONEY ON COLLINS IF HE IS NOT GOING TO PLAY?
FIRE MIKE WOODSON
AND LOL @ JJ TAKING 24 SHOTS FOR 31 POINTS. THATS WHY U NEVER HEAR ABOUT KOBE OR DWADE HAVING 17 THRU 3 QTRS. THEY DO IT BUT STILL HELP THEIR TEAMS AND THEIR FGA ARE LOW. JOE HAS TO TAKE 50 % OF THE SHOTS IN ORDER FOR HIM TO HELP HIS !@#$DAMN EGO
jeje
December 7th, 2009
9:36 am
DEVIN HARRIS = QUICK PG.
BROOK = BIG THAT WOODSON WILL REFUSE TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AGAIN
MARK IT DOWN. HAWKS LOSE ON SUNDAY
jeje
December 7th, 2009
9:37 am
DEVIN HARRIS = QUICK PG.
BROOK = BIG THAT WOODSON WILL REFUSE TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AGAIN
MARK IT DOWN. HAWKS LOSE ON SUNDAY.
jeje
December 7th, 2009
9:38 am
HARRIS IS SO QUICK THAT WE WILL JUST LEAVE BIBBY AND CRAWFORD TO ROT.
LOL @ THIS TEAM HAVING THE RECORD IT HAS. GARBAGE COACH WHO WEARS OUT STARTERS IN ORDER TO GET WINS.
WHAT A JOKE
THIS TEAM IS A TEASE
jeje
December 7th, 2009
9:41 am
LOL ROD FROM CP. MARVIN DOESNT EVEN MAKE JUMPSHOTS ANYMORE. USELESS PIECE OF TRASH. I’D RATHER HAVE RUBEN PATTERSON. AT LEAST HE ACTUALLY HAS SOME ATTITUDE IN HIS GAME. MARVIN DRIVES LANE, THROWS UP SOME WILD HOOK WHICH IS BLOCKED 0.43 SECONDS AFTER LEAVING HIS HANDS LOL. AT LEAST HE HASNT GOTTEN INJURED YET. 7.5 MILLION A YEAR TO GET REBOUNDS AGAINST A TEAM THAT DIDNT EVEN HAVE JOSH HOWARD. WOW
Dom 'the Don' Wilkins
December 7th, 2009
9:47 am
Wednesday night, Horfy goes to war with Noah. I can’t stand that little Chia Pet Hair looking gator. Horfy will dominate, HEAT CHECK!
Daniel
December 7th, 2009
9:56 am
Here we are after 20 games, so I like to look at the season in those kind of blocks. 14-6 is pretty darn good, actually has us on pace to win 56/7 games, which is honestly still better than I predicted. I don’t know if it will be enough to crack the top three in the East. What do you guys think?
I would like for the Hawks to go 14/15 wins again over the next 20 games, and I will now be watching more closely to a player rotation being developed. What are you guys watching for over the next 20?
jeje- the Nets are the worst team in the NBA at a historic level. You obviously know absolutely nothing about basketball, most certainly winning basketball. Please actually pay attention to the games, instead of just watching a sportscenter highlight and looking at the game stats. The Hawks are not a joke, you are.
Mike is Back
December 7th, 2009
10:16 am
KenSur, those are great questions pose to Woody…I thought he made some excellent responses. I think he is wise not to rush Teague…When you got big shot Bibby and Crawford…why not bring him alone slow.
Teague IS GOING TO BE A BIG GAME PLAYER…in my book…BUT I’M A TEAM GUY FIRST…and base on that Woody is doing a heluva job thus far.
There will be stretches where Teague will carries this team during the season…but first he go to put in work. I said Teague would probably handle the DNPs and spotty minutes better than the previous guys…I was right…the KID has charisma…you can’t teach that.
These, ain’t yo momma HAWKS FOLKS!!!
There is some TRUTH…IN THAT SERUM. lol
DOC, NC has reloaded…I seen the game between Kentucky and North Carolina this weekend…man they were competing at tournament level…that was a GREAT GAME. Kentucky was pushed to their limit…those may be THE TWO TEAMS TO WATCH.
It will be interesting to see GT and NC lock up…tell YO BOYS…they had better be ready…by mid-season NC might be unbeatable…and u no I’m with WF folk. Some much for NC dropping off…they don upgraded brooooooooooooo.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Truth-Serum
December 7th, 2009
11:40 am
Mike is Back – LOL…
Jeje, I cant see that there is anything Woodson can do to help Horford in his assignment(I guess he could suit up-LOL). Last time I checked Horford is our starting center and the best man on this team for the position. I think Collins makes the veteran’s minimum and his talent level shows why. Our best bet “is” with Horford. I agree that there is a large difference in Horford’s ability and Lopez’s. We cant hid from it nor mother Horford’s character. Our shortness in the post is a resounding message that opponents exploit. Its something we have to address if we will become serious contenders, and shielding Horford is to ignore the truth of this condition. In the loss against the knicks the opposition scored 60 points in the paint not because its a strong point for them but because its a weak point for us. I can see teams now strategising to get josh out the game and thereby insuring the high percentage low post baskets.
Our low post weakness is what will prevent us from getting to the higher levels. Horford cant hide from it, woodson cant, Sund cant, JeJe cant.
Good JobMV7
JeJe
December 7th, 2009
11:43 am
Daniel,
You are an f’ing moron. How dare you make any judgments about me. I’ve been to hundreds of Hawks games in the past few years and have posted on Hawks blogs for a very long time.
Who gives a sh*t if they are the worst team in the NBA at a historic level? We have lost to the f’ing Knicks, Hornets (sans Chris Paul), Bobcats, and Pistons, all while we were at full health or close.
But according to you, I don’t watch the Hawks games. LOL, and who the HELL are you, exactly? Brook Lopez destroys us every time he plays us, and we know that Woodson DOES NOT use his backup bigs enough or efficiently. Why don’t you look at Brook Lopez’s game log this year and notice he has 24+ points in a ton of games.
In addition, Devin Harris is too fast for any player on this team to guard. I am worried about that game and there’s a good chance we lose it.
IT’S MY OPINION.
Why don’t you go to another blog and go piss off
Ken Strickland
December 7th, 2009
11:51 am
DANIEL-14-6 is a winning record, but to focus on that exclusively and not consider the problems we’re now having is like falling in love with fools gold. You can’t use our current record to predict our potential won/loss record, and here’s why. After the 1st 13gms we were 11-2, but we’re 3-4 over the last 7gms, and we’ve completely stopped doing all of the things that led us to that 11-2 start.
How many more 20gm stretches can we expect to win 11 our of the 1st 13, including a 7gm winning streak? Right now we’re so inconsistent and confused we’re failing to be competitive against some of the NBA’s worse teams. And it would be foolish to think we’ve come out of our overall funk based on the win in Dallas. Remember what happened after we completely demolished Toronto?
Focusing exclusively on the won/loss record and ignoring the internal problems is like driving a car and ignoring it needs maintenance, or something is wrong, as long as it’s still running. You know something is going to go wrong if you don’t do something so why not address the problem before it gets worse and starts to affect other systems.
We’ve stopped playing the style of ball and making the moves that led to our awsome start. We’re now playing WOODY BALL, which has had a negative effect on every phase of the gm in which we were previously dominant, and we’ve become inconsistent and far too often noncompetitive.
WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR SOME TO RECOGNIZE AND ACCEPT THAT SINCE WE’VE STARTED PLAYING WOODY BALL, WE’RE NOW HAVING TROUBLE DOING THE VERY THINGS WE WERE LEADING OR NEAR THE TOP OF THE NBA IN DOING EARLIER?
Give it a rest!
December 7th, 2009
11:56 am
Yes, you!
Grady, Mental Staff.
December 7th, 2009
11:57 am
Ken, would you like to drop by for milk and cookies?
Give it a rest!
December 7th, 2009
12:00 pm
Its all about winning. Winning. Just win baby. win,win,win. Just win. do it. win!
Give it a rest!
December 7th, 2009
12:00 pm
Its all about winning. Winning. Just win baby. win,win,win. Just win. do it. win! Winning is not overrated. What the hell are we playing for any way?
Give it a rest!
December 7th, 2009
12:03 pm
Id rather play Woody ball than no experience or understanding “ken” ball.” Quit b!tching because Woody wont play”ken” ball. Woody is a proven professional, you are a mental case in denial.
Truth-Serum
December 7th, 2009
12:08 pm
Give it a rest! the best thing about this team is the way they stepped up on the road. This is a super plus and a Major improvement. You must have just got here so Ill share this post with you just in case you missed it.
Posted 14 November 2009 – 12:22 PM
Mike Woodson is the NBA Coach of the Year.
There are a variety of things that has brought this about:
- He coaches Joe Johnson like he’s a superstar, which in turn, brings out the max in the Hawks Captain. Yes, we all know that JJ doesn’t have the talent of the 4 or 5 superstars in this league, but Woody coaches him like he is. The offensive and defensive responsibilities he puts on JJ has made him a more dangerous player that other teams have to treat with superstar attention.
But more importantly, it has made him a more mentally tougher player. While the 3 point shot isn’t there so far this year, the Captain is grinding every night, doing all he can to lead his team to victory . . even rebounding the basketball. And on the defensive end, Woody doesn’t hesitate to put JJ on the other teams best perimeter player, to try to slow or shut him down.
Superstar responsibility = a more dangerous Joe Johnson.
- It is Woody that has told this team as a whole, to drive the basketball whenever they can. Josh Smith has most been affected by this mindset, seeing that he’s a highly efficient offensive player now. LOL . . let me say that again. Josh Smith is now a highly efficient offensive player. While Jamal Crawford loves his jumpshot, even he is driving the ball to the hole at a much higher rate than he ever has. This has led to his efficiency as a ballplayer increasing.
The Hawks are #1 in the NBA in points in the paint. Let me say that again as well. The Hawks are #1 in the NBA in points in the paint. This is a complete contrast to a team that used to live to jack up long jumpers. Even Captain Johnson has laid off the 22 footer, and looked to get in the painted area to take his shot.
- He has not succumbed to the pressure of playing Teague, ( a guy who simply might not be ready yet ), a lot of minutes off the bench. Because of veteran guards like Bibby,Crawford, and Mo Evans on the roster to compliment JJ, he isn’t forced to throw Teague right into the fire. He knows that he’ll need Teague before the season is over, but he isn’t going to force feed the kid either.
- He has managed the Hawks rotation as well as he ever has in his career. While not only succumbing to not forcing minutes for Teague, he has also coached games more sensibly. While having the ability to go 10 deep, he’s using his depth according to the opponent we play. He’s not feeling obligated to give guys a set number of nightly minutes. Instead, he’s dishing out the minutes ( especially in the 2nd half ), according to how the Hawks match up against the other team.
And when the fan base were calling for the reduction of Mike Bibby’s minutes, he stuck right with Bibby, and his numbers now reflect the shooting he exhibited last season in November, with Bibby shooting in the mid 40% FG and over 40% 3FG.
The most important move, is the use of the 3-guard lineup of Bibby, Crawford, and Johnson. He’s using this lineup as his 2nd half offensive catalyst and possible closing lineup. The 4th quarter dominance of the Hawks can directly be credited to this move. With JJ and Crawford being very good shot creators, and Bibby being a deadly 3 point shooter, it prevents teams from employing alot of double teams against the Hawks. He’s smart enough not to start this group though, because the 3 guards do tend to dominate the ball, which would lessen the touches of Josh Smith and Horford.
All in all, Woody ( at least for 3 weeks ), has been one of the best coaches in the league. Because of that, he gets my early vote for Coach of the Year.
Great job Woody.
You guys can find this on hawks squawk.
Truth-Serum
December 7th, 2009
12:11 pm
Give it a rest! You will find this is an excellent post too.
RLP
December 6th, 2009
8:32 pm
KEN STRICKLAND:
So do you continue to belief that the other people who read this blog but whom you are not addressing by these names are too ignorant or stupid to figure out exactly who you are talking about? I guess we should just agree to disagree on this point and go on to another topic.
From my standpoint I think each year is different and must be addressed based on what is going on in that particular year. This year the Hawks have acquired Jeff Teague, Joe Smith and Jamal Crawford who are significant components of this year’s team. As I pointed out earlier this team overall has performed (so far) at a franchise best level considering only their won and lost record. If you want to criticize all of Woody’s failures then you have to also give him some measure of praise for the team’s successes.
The team has won more games on the road than any other team during Woody’s tenure. They have had more significant wins against really good teams on the road than anytime in the near past. And yes they have failed to take care of business against some weaker opponents. I imagine it is very difficult to learn how to fit all of the teams features together easily especially when so many parts of that team are mixed up with new members. I would imagine that it has been especially hard for JJ since he has been the featured prime time player for so long. It is hard to change the role you have had for so long. I imagine it has been especially hard for Jamal Crawford coming to a new team and no longer being a featured offensive threat but instead being relegated to the role of sixth man and having a coach who is asking him to play defense. I imagine it has to be hard for Jeff Teague to come into the pro’s without knowing exactly what his status will be and how he will fit in. I imagine it must be hard for Marvin Williams to see his role diminished as JC gets more playing time at his expense. ZaZa has also seen his role change as he adjusts to Joe Smith getting some of the burn he would normally have received. Bibby’s role requires an adjustment with the arrival of JC also. About the only people who have not been adversely affected by the changing roles are Josh and Al. Both of them seem to have thrived with the arrival of the new personnel. So for all of the faults many perceive Woody having there are things going on with this team that does require a period of adjustment. And yet this team has shown a new level of maturity. Last year’s team did not adjust well to the injury to Josh and the loss in Boston that changed the perception of the team. This year’s team does seem to be doing a better job of handling adversity. Sure there have been a few bad games. The four game stretch that ended with the Knicks game is one example. But even here they won one game during that stretch that last year they would have surely lost. And before we forget the euphoria of the opening stretch how many of you remember that in some of those games the team would open very lackadaisical in the first half only to really tighten down the defensive hatches come the fourth quarter.
I continue to believe that this year’s team may have a chance to be very special. I am not claiming that they are an “Elite” team yet. I will claim that they are on the cusp of becoming an elite team. And you never know when lightening will strike in a bottle. Special years happen occasionally. So for all of you out there who come on this blog and only want to complain and gripe about JJ or Marvin or Woody or poor offensive execution remember that there are at least a few of us who are really more concerned about enjoying a team playing at times with great ball movement and a sense of joy and purpose. One that offers an emerging star in Josh and an undersized center with more heart than almost any player I can remember playing on this team. And if this team sets a franchise record for most wins who will appreciate it more? Those who spend the entire season complaining about the teams faults or those who take delights in its highlights?
honest_abe
December 7th, 2009
12:11 pm
winning is definitely the ultimate goal. win and i’m happy. but that doesn’t mean that i or anyone else can’t criticize some obvious faults.
if anyone thinks this team is going to continute the first 20 game pace, they are crazy. the hawks will win 50 games. if they overacheieved or had a competent coach they could possibly win 60. with woody their ceiling is mediocrity. these are one of those times when i wouldn’t mind being wrong.
the hawks are such fun team to watch when jj makes quick decisions and is a facilitator. they need to start gettin marvin more involved. he’s having some serious confidence issues on the offensive end.
mike vick is about as good as brad gradkowski. almost not quite. heh
Truth-Serum
December 7th, 2009
12:12 pm
I hope you enjoy the season!
Ken Strickland
December 7th, 2009
12:18 pm
“JEJE, I CAN’T SEE THAT THERE IS ANYTHING THAT WOODSON CAN DO TO HELP HORFORD WITH HIS ASSIGNMENT(I GUESS HE COULD SUIT UP-LOL)”.
TRUTH SIRUM-That statement explains your major malfunction, you’re basically a basketball illiterate. Woodson can start helping Horford by abandoning his beloved constantly switching DEF, which is basically an attempt to try and limit Bibby’s obvious DEF liabilities. That would allow Horford, Smoove and Zaza to stay with their man, rather than having to defend PG’s and SG’s out on the perimeter, which isn’t a requirement of any other center’s in the NBA.
How stupid does one have to be to recognize it would be far, far better for Bibby to be out front trying to guard a PG or SG, and you C’s and PF’s under the basket to back him up. I mean, what’s wrong with this picture.
Somehow, in your COY candidates mind, he thinks it’s better to have his C’s and PF’s, Horford, Smoove, Zaza and JSmith, out on the perimeter defending PG’s and SG’s, and his PG’s Bibby and Teague, under the basket as their backups trying to defend agaist PF’s and C’s, rather than the other way aroung. EVEN TO A BASKETBALL ILLITERATE LIKE YOU, THAT SHOULD APPEAR TO BE RATHER STUPID. It’s a shame that it hasn’t registered to your COY candidate.
Truth-Serum
December 7th, 2009
12:40 pm
I appreciate your reach out Mr Strickland, as well as how you view and interpret the game. I can accept that you have a view. I don’t have a problem with switching to compensate for the short comings of horford, Bibby or any other player. They all have strengths and they all have weakness. Part of being a team is accepting that and working together as a unit to minimize weakness and maximize strengths.
I’m OK with it. Switch as much as you like.
I support my team and its coach. I’m enjoying the season. I hope that you will find something uplifting to focus on.
Good luck to you and have a nice day.
jerrywest
December 7th, 2009
1:09 pm
Players want Woody’s contract extension:
http://www.celticsblog.com/2009/12/7/1189120/should-woodson-get-extension-hawk
Truth-Serum
December 7th, 2009
1:27 pm
Jerry West did those players check with Ken Strickland before demanding an extension for Woodson? Aren’t they aware that Ken is against Woodson? Sure ken is more knowledgeable than these professional players and know whats best for them. Arent they complaining about switching defense? You mean to tell me they happy with Woodson? I guess the Bubba crew needs to call a meeting!
The team and player view doesn’t matter what Ken says is________, I’ll let you fill in the blank
Truth-Serum
December 7th, 2009
1:28 pm
*they are happy with woodson
Joe Johnson
December 7th, 2009
1:31 pm
“Not at all, man. I’ve been in this situation before. You know, I’ve played through contract situations, so it’s nothing new to me. I just have to stay focused and play my game. But I know that there’s no added pressure on Mike Woodson.
Me and him talk a lot. So…we’re just two guys, man, we’re playing this thing out. And we’re just looking forward to getting wins and making this team a better team as much as possible.”
The voice of the sane
December 7th, 2009
1:36 pm
Even newly acquired veteran Joe Smith had some surprisingly good things to say about Mike Woodson and endorsed a new contract…
I’ve enjoyed playing under Coach Woodson since I’ve been here and he puts us in good situations to go out there and be successful as individuals and as a group. So, if they can get something done, I’m all for it.
Joe went on to reveal a hitherto unrevealed dimension of the Hawks head coach and agreed that that the feeling for re-upping Woodson was pretty much universal in the locker room…
Oh yeah. Yeah. I think so. Everybody likes and enjoys playing for him….He makes the game a lot of fun, even in practice. Pre game, before we take the floor, he kind of relaxes us a little bit.
Can you give an example of that?
Umm. He just jokes around with us a lot. I mean, you know, he kind of notices when we’re tense…and when things are tight in the locker room. So he kind of jokes or says a few jokes or will do something to certain individuals, or say something to certain individuals, where… it could lighten the mood a little bit.
But you can’t share any of those?
Naw….(laughing)
Go figure. Exuding an innate dignity, always respectful, Woody is going all Chris Rock on you, when he wants to. Who knew?
Marvin Williams
December 7th, 2009
1:43 pm
Absolutely. He’s been a great coach for us young guys. I mean …if he’s not here….who knows what position we’d be in.
Will everyone say that?
Absolutely. I think you’re gonna get that answer from anybody around the room. We have a lot of faith in coach Woodson. You know, he really brought us along the way. We were 19 year old kids. We’re 24-25 now. We’re definitely playing some pretty good basketball. So, he’s a big credit to that.
Bubba Crew Chief
December 7th, 2009
1:45 pm
CODE BLUE, CODE BLUE, ITS COMING UNGLUED, CODE BLUE, CODE BLUE
JOSH SMITH
December 7th, 2009
1:46 pm
Yeah….I mean, he’s proven himself. And…he’s a good coach. He’s a good coach. He’s a players’ coach. You know, he works hard just like we work hard. And anybody who’s bettered their record every year that he’s been a coach deserves a contract.
Daniel
December 7th, 2009
1:51 pm
Ken- Obviously, you can’t take a 20 game stretch and turn it into the season record. Otherwise, we wouldn’t need to play the rest of the season right? I am more than aware of the obvious, but thank you for pointing that out. I tend to look at the season in 20 game blocks, because that gives a more accurate portrayal of the team’s ability than going on a game to game basis. It is arbitrary number, but works as it breasks the season down into quarters. I understand you think that Woodson is running the team into the ground. I got that. We will see over the next 20 then, I think the team will continue to play at roughly the same level, winning about 15 of those games. You think the team is bound for despair and destruction. We will see.
JeJe- Awww, did your feelings get hurt? I am so sorry. The profanity in your posts really makes you look like an intelligent basketball fan.
“who gives a **** if they are the worst basketball team at a historic level?”- well, everyone in New Jersey for one, Lawerence Frank and Jay Z probably care, David Stern definitely has taken notice, every single player on the Nets (including Lopez the magnificent). You do realize that points and rebounds in losing efforts from sorry teams are typically overinflated due to game situations? You have every right to your opinion and if you share it, I have every right to comment on it. and vice versa, but I did not level insults at you and I did not curse. So if you cannot conduct yourself in a more mature manner then I will ask you not to address me in the future.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 7th, 2009
1:55 pm
This is flat-out hilarious… can’t wait to see the full feature.
Grandad
December 7th, 2009
1:55 pm
TS: IF you go with a 3 guard line-up as you suggest then Josh and Al must be in yhe lineup. You keep calling for a center yet I don’t think you even know why. Al horford is not only one of the better Hawks but one of the better players in the league. His leadership far exceeds Joe or anyone else on the team with the possible exception of JS. His intangibles are off the charts. I would even go so far as to say that he is the ‘one’ Hawk that is untouchable. Even above Josh. [please no, I am not anti Josh] I truly believe he is the foundation of our franchise. His maturity sets him apart from Josh. These two young forwards are who Mr. Sund is going to continue to build around. Joe was a wonderful transition piece and I hope he stays…but these two young kids are for real and long term.
niremetal,Sautee,K.S.: (Nothing but respect, I hope that’s apparent)
Pau Gasol is considered a [4] I guess. But would you not welcome him?
Same with KG and Duncan. But they are all 7 ftr’s. They also have another big alongside. As for TD and KG they are centers [defense] pretending to be [4's] for their legacy (no disrespect). In these cases they each have a sidekick. Josh is a sidekick, just undersized. Therefore both Josh and Al are undersized. With one move we could be monsters at two pos.!
If we are going with a smaller lineup, yet not utilizing the speed which occurs in said matchup [KS] then we are playing checkers v. chess. Also by playing Marv [Once again, not anti Marv] alonside Al and Josh throttles our speed advantage. When playing Al and Josh together Joe should be at the [3].
This brings me to J.Teague – If we are going to try and win with speed and athleticism? Well, enough said, I reckon.
In all that I did not mention the peoples choice for cOY. I hoped that even they could figure out my point.
Daniel
December 7th, 2009
1:57 pm
honest abe- I am one of those people, and I am not stupid. For the record, I actually predicted 52 wins at the begining of the season. I think that is far better than mediocre. You don’t have to agree with me on how the Hawks season is going, but since we are both making predicitions it is really unreasonable for you to suggest that it is “stupid”. Especially when you think we win 50 games, the differenc is 6-7 wins, c’mon man that is not that huge of a difference when looking at the next 62 games.
Daniel
December 7th, 2009
2:00 pm
Najeh- thanks for the link, that was hilarious.