Bring out your crystal ball…
Hey, folks-
Hope all are well. A few weeks back, after the Hawks reached Game 10, I asked you to predict the next 10. Some of you responded, and I am coming back with your winner. It is Dan, largely on the strength of a fairly prescient (I thought) prediction.
Here were the rules. I asked you to predict the Hawks’ record over the next 10 games (worth 10 points), the outcome of each game (one point for each game) and then to make a prediction (worth somewhere between 1-10 points, based on the likelihood of the prediction coming to pass).
Dan missed on the 10-game record (I think he picked 7-3; they went 6-4), got five games right, but correctly predicted that Josh Smith would have four double-doubles and Joe Johnson would have three 30-point games. For going with a combination prediction and giving a specific number for Smith and Johnson’s double-doubles and 30-point games, respectively, I gave him eight points for a total of 13. (Only Big Al correctly predicted the Hawks would go 6-4, but didn’t include the game-by-game count and also missed on his prediction, that Al Horford would have eight double-doubles and lead the team in scoring in three times.)
So, Dan, if you want to e-mail me (I e-mailed you, but I haven’t heard back from you), we can figure out some sort of award for your prognostication skills.
Looking back, some of you had a little bit too much Kool-Aid after their 8-2 start. Most went with 7-3 with a couple 8-2’s, one 9-1 and one 10-0. (Way to go strong, Ramon!)
Interestingly, five of the seven people who picked every game accurately forecast the Hawks losing to Detroit. Everyone predicted the Hawks to beat New York, and only Ramon called the Hawks beating Dallas.
Manny T came so close on a pretty strong prediction that would have won him the contest, that Marvin Williams would have a 30-point game. Marvin had 29 against Houston. I had scored that a 10 given the way he’d been playing to that point.
So, we’ll try this again. I’m asking for the Hawks’ record over the next 10 games, the outcome of each game (W or L is enough) and one prediction. Predicting the record is worth 10 points, each game is worth one point and the prediction will be judged somewhere between 1-10. You have to put it on the blog by tipoff against Chicago Wednesday.
A few things – you may have noted that New York beat Portland Monday night, though the Blazers were without Greg Oden and Nate McMillan, Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw and Nicolas Batum.
Allen Iverson came back Monday before a full house. He kissed the 76ers logo at center court when he was introduced before the game, but Philly lost. How do tyou think this turns out?
The Hawks are sixth in the nba.com power rankings. Would you say this is accurate? Where would you put them?
A hoopsworld.com story about Jamal Crawford.
What do you think the impact of the Tim Donaghy book and “60 Minutes” report will be?
Tell us what you think about the site
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227 comments Add your comment
Preist Lauderdale
December 8th, 2009
4:04 pm
Chicago – W
@ Toronto – W
New Jersey – W
Memphis – W
Utah – L
@ Chicago – L
@ Minnesota – W
@ Denver – L
@ Indiana – W
Cleveland – L
5-5
Either Bibby or Marvin will miss at least one game with a injury.
KevinA
December 8th, 2009
4:08 pm
6 players will be in double figures in points. Marvin!! I need you.
While I did not win the first contest I did predict the return of Marvin.
karry
December 8th, 2009
4:13 pm
The Hawks will go 8 -2 over the next 10 games. Josh Smith will have a game with at least 5 blocks. Jamal will have 1 game of at least 30 points.
1. Chi: Win
2. @Tor: Win
3. NJ: Win
4. Memphis: Win
5. Utah: Win
6. @Chi: Win
7. @Minn: Win
8. @Den: Loss
9. @Ind: Win
10.Cle: Loss
KevinA
December 8th, 2009
4:16 pm
Chi: W
@Tor: W
NJ: W
Memphis:W
Utah: W
@Chi: W
@Minn:W
@ Den: L
@ Ind: W
Cle: W
9-1 the win total
We will avg less than 16 pt shots per game instead of the 18.2 shooting 3 pt shots.
We avg 21.8 assists per game. During 10 game challenge we will avg over 23.
We will win battle of the boards. In total.
Our turnover rate is 12.0. During 10 game challenge we will avg closer to 10.
These extra possessions and efficiency will feed the big win streak.
ATLSports
December 8th, 2009
4:27 pm
Prediction for Next 10 games: 8-2
1.Chi: Win
2. @Tor: Win
3.NJ:Win
4.Memphis: Win
5.Utah: Win
6.@Chicago: Loss
7.@Minn: Win
8.@Den: Loss
9.@Ind: Win
10.Cle: Win
Prediction: Crawford goes for 50 making him the first player to score 50 points in a game with four different teams.
Ken Sugiura
December 8th, 2009
4:37 pm
thanks for the entries. not much doing at practice today. teague continues to work with the first unit. i think eventually he’ll get time with the starting unit in bibby’s place.
RLP
December 8th, 2009
4:45 pm
KEN STRICKLAND:
You wrote:
It’s really revealing how some of you feel compelled to reference myt frequent complaints about Woodson and the negative impact his coaching liabilities and inconsistencies are having on this team. However, not once has anyone addressed and proven a single accusation as being wrong
And you have not addressed the main problem with your complaints – the team is winning at a franchise tying rate. Were the team losing then your complaints would resonate. If you are secure in your beliefs I see no problem with making you points a few times and then feeling justified in saying I told you so when your predictions come true. In the interim we have heard your comments, noted them and grow weary of the repetition that has not been born out by the evidence exhibited in the team’s play.
RLP
December 8th, 2009
4:57 pm
There has been a great deal of discussion on this blog about the amount of PT and the excessive amounts of time the starters are on the court. Over the course of the season these complaints may prove valid. But actually my remembrance of past seasons gives me the impression that the schedule makers have been fairly kind to this team this season.
For example nunna yo biznezz predicts that the team will lose the game Wednesday night because “…limited bench time,resulting in staters legs going out,and 40+minutes for jj,bibbs,and marvin.” I fail to follow this reasoning since the Hawks will be playing for the first time since Saturday night while the Bulls will have played Tuesday night in Chicago. Even if we did have three starters playing 40 minutes why should that be a problem IN THAT GAME?
From my standpoint so far this year the team has had plenty of time of between some games. In fact I wish they were playing a bit more often and we could spread out some of this time later in the year. Also these long stretches without games is awfully hard on the comity of this blog.
KEN S. Thank you for your prediction contest. It definitely helps provide a new area of comment rather than the same tired old dialogs that are characteristic of slow times on the blog.
Clemson2388
December 8th, 2009
4:59 pm
I will be going with 7-3 record
1. Chi: Win
2. @Tor: Win
3. NJ: Win
4. Memphis: Win
5. Utah: Loss
6. @Chi: Win
7. @Minn: Win
8. @Den: Loss
9. @Ind: Win
10.Cle: Loss
Joe Johnson will have 4 30 point games.
Al Horford will have 7 double-doubles
DITTO
December 8th, 2009
5:01 pm
grow weary of the repetition that has not been born out by the evidence exhibited in the team’s play.
Is it possible to say your view and then move on or is it necessary to repeat 17 times a day7 days a week. The reality is no one answers or tries to refute because A, the hawks are playing well, B, your argument is almost always about your disapproval of Woodson;s style of coaching which its not our purpose to change the way you feel I agree with the hundreds of people who find your constant complaining a drag and takes away from the beauty and excitement of a really good season. The best we’ve had in modern times. Please stop complaining and let us enjoy the season
Clemson2388
December 8th, 2009
5:03 pm
To J.Bonds, curious what you think the inexperience this team has is? Only possible person is Teague. Everyone else is plenty experienced. What Woodson has done wrong is managing players minutes. He has relied to much on starters and running the offense through Joe Johnson just dribbling. Needs to be more ball movement and subsitutions so we don’t wear out Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Marvin, and Horford like Woodson did last year…
DITTO
December 8th, 2009
5:04 pm
Yes thank you ken, its nice to focus on the hope of the season. Go Hawks!
theZaZaguy
December 8th, 2009
5:07 pm
I say complain away. Make as many specific predictions as you like and rant on. If they’re right then they’re right.
If we get to the conference finals, it’ll feel that much sweeter to have my love and faith in the hawks validated after mucking through all the haterade.
J. Bond
December 8th, 2009
5:16 pm
Mr. Clemson, yes teague is inexperienced, isnt josh23 and marvin also? Is it true that if they had went to college this would be there 2nd year?
Is he managing players minutes wrong? Post the spread sheet on who gets what minutes, so we can see who is being cheated. What wrong with running the offense threw Joe Johnson,I thought he was the captain and the most consistent and clutch player on the team.
When did Joe and Josh and Marv and Horford say they were worn out? Apparently I missed something. I thought they were doing good.
Big Ump
December 8th, 2009
5:17 pm
Ditto and RLP
Great post.
Truth-Serum
December 8th, 2009
5:18 pm
theZaZaguy Good post. Is hater aid served hot or on Ice?
Truth-Serum
December 8th, 2009
5:20 pm
THE FEW, THE LOUD, THE HATER CREW!
Truth-Serum
December 8th, 2009
5:21 pm
SHOUT BIG UMP!
DID YOU POST A PREDICTION?
Rufus1
December 8th, 2009
5:23 pm
Hawks
7-3
Josh 2 techs
Bibby 5 3pts in a game
2 loses to sub 500 teams
1 loses at home
Jamal a 35 pts game
Al 15 Rebs
JJ 10ast twice
MannyT
December 8th, 2009
5:29 pm
So close, yet so far.
As I work on my 1-900-PSYCHAWKS cred, I’ll stay away from a Marvin prediction for the next 10. However, I will give him credit for getting a career high in rebounds during this 10 as well as a home court career high of 29 between his less than stellar moments.
I’ll be back late tonight after I dry out the tea leaves, and my 5 footed rabbit. Better than the rabbit that loses a foot so someone else can claim luck
Ken, you know you are putting extra work on yourself for the holidays. The next 10 games takes you to the first of the home & home games vs Cleveland. That leaves a small window (during the holidays) to do the next 10.
As for their ranking, face it, the Hawks play like a +/- 5 (big margin of error) team. With a 6 ranking, over the next 10 games, they will look like the best team in the league at least once and like a middle of the pack team at least once. They did the same in this past ten. Detroit w/o Rip, Prince, Gordon, and a partial Charlie made them look really bad. They looked like world beaters against Miami. We must learn to enjoy the ride.
BWAF
MyView
December 8th, 2009
5:57 pm
I think that given what Tim Donaghy had to say, J Smoove needs to chill a little with the refs. He has always disputed a lot of calls, but he seems to argue more this season. Although I am a big Smoove fan, even I am starting to get irritated at all the barking at officials because I know it will accomplish more bad than good.
Speaking of Donaghy, I found that to be exhilarating television (I love conspiracy theories). And, the gambler in me was greatly amused at the “High” he must have felt, being able to bet on games knowing he had such control and inside info. The year in prison and the threats from the mafia not withstanding, I’ll bet that was the time of his life.
Ken Strickland
December 8th, 2009
6:19 pm
RLP-Go back to the 3rd page of the previous blog and read my 10:13AM post and you’ll see where I broached the subject of BUT WE’RE WINNING. And, since when is winning 3 out of 7gms, and losing to far lessor teams, and at home, is winning at a franchise rate. No matter how many games a team has already won, they’re no better than their last gm(s).
Nobody crowned the New England Patriots SB champions just because they entered the SB undefeated, or allowed the Cleveland Cavaliers to play in the NBA finals just because they finished with the NBA’s best winning record. Their fates were determined by what they did their last gm or series played. You keep using the WE HAVE A WINNING RECORD, which we do, as an excuse for justifying your stance. BUT WE’RE NOT WINNING NOW, AND THERE ARE REASONS YOU AND OTHERS WANT TO OVERLOOK. You can’t tell me you think we’re the same team that finished the first 13gms with a 11-2 record, and against much, much better competition than we’ve had over the last 7gms.
You can harp on our winning record and ignore the obvious all you want. But there’s absolutely no way in hell we’re going to continue winning on that franchise tying pace you’re so enamored with if we continue losing 4 of 7 and playing the way we have over the last 7gms.
Suppose over the next 20gms we continued playing poorly and at a 42%rate, our current rate over the last 7gms. Would you still be happy with losing 57% of 20gms(8-12)? Would you be willing to continue ignoring our poor play, as long as you can say we still have a winning record(24-18)?
Maybe that kind of thinking is why we haven’t seen any consistency, positive changes or adjustments over the last 7gms to correct our drastic dropoff in production and wins.
DJ
December 8th, 2009
6:23 pm
Hawks will go 7-3.
1. Chi: Win
2. @Tor: lose
3. NJ: Win
4. Memphis: Win
5. Utah: Win
6. @Chi: Win
7. @Minn: Win
8. @Den: Loss
9. @Ind: Win
10.Cle: Loss
My prediction is Jamal Crawford is going to come off the bench for two 30 point games.
A CARING FRIEND
December 8th, 2009
6:31 pm
I understand that there are a lot of people here that support Ken. If you really care for him. You must ask him to get some help. I really dont think he understands how far lost he is.
RLP
December 8th, 2009
7:20 pm
KEN STRICKLAND:
Actually I don’t care what you think. It just seemed to me that you wanted a debate so i put my two cents worth into the blog for the enjoyment of all. I hope that you are wrong and I am right when I predict that the Hawks will win 7 of the next ten. If they do then I will again be able to refute your opinions with the FACT that they are on that pace. And maybe that is the difference between us. I am content to allow my opinions to be shown openly and honestly and be shown to be wrong if they are. You, on the other hand, proudly proclaim your opinions but are afraid to use those opinions to be the basis for making a prediction that will FACTUALLY be proven right or wrong.
In the meantime you and I will have provided some reason for amusement to those who come to this blog because they love the Hawks. I get exasperated when they don’t perform the way I want them to and I get high as a kite can fly when they demonstrate the potential I see in them. But what a great ride this season has been for me so far. I hope my dreams of the Hawks soaring high comes true rather than your prophesy of doom and gloom.
KevinA
December 8th, 2009
7:51 pm
Lebron dancing on the sidelines. Next time we play we need to send ZaZa and give him some GA love. When he is laying in the paint he should be reminded that dancing ain’t allowed in Hawksville.
Mink
December 8th, 2009
8:09 pm
1. Chi: Win
2. @Tor: Win
3. NJ: Win
4. Memphis: Win
5. Utah: Win
6. @Chi: Loss
7. @Minn: Win
8. @Den: Loss
9. @Ind: Win
10.Cle: Win
A Hawk will post his first triple-double of the year.
DITTO
December 8th, 2009
8:17 pm
TO THE PROPHET OF DOOM AND GLOOM
Just for the record.Most of the major sports pubs and media outlets projected this team to finish 4-7 seed and win 47-51 games. If they do that then they have reached what was expected. If they exceed that, then there is justifiable reason to summit Woodson’s name for Coach of the year which is consistent with the early polls that have published him as # 2 . Those are facts, not opinions.
There is more reasons to celebrate the hawks start and their rise, than there is reason to complain when they go through a shaky period. All teams including the top 3 go through 5-5, 6-4 periods
Its no certification that woodson’s style of play is non effective when they hit those skids.
The purpose of the season is to get the best possible seed and be healthy and prepared for the playoffs. I hope that there is not a lot of negativity, doom and gloom forecasting, clouding the saga of the season. its nice to have confidence that your team will be in the playoffs. That’s a change.
LET THE SEASON PLAY OUT, KEN WE’VE HEARD YOU.
THIS IS NOT THE WORLD CHAMPIONS, NOR THE RUNNER UPS.
This is a good team that has weaknesses and strengths like every team. Its coach Woodsons job to maximize our strengths and minimize our weaknesses. That’s not your job, Ken but Woodsons. This is a good team that is unified and behind their coach. They believe in him and his program.
I dont agree with RLP, I FIND YOUr DOOM AND GLOOM NEGATIVITY A TURN OFF AND DISCOURAGING. You arent funny, entertaining or interesting. You are the Rush Limbaugh. the prophet of doom, the messager of gloom for this page.
Having said that,I hope you have a nice day and I hope your holiday season goes well.
Go Hawks!!
my turn
December 8th, 2009
8:19 pm
Hawks go 6-4.
I MUS WRITE
December 8th, 2009
8:29 pm
Mzhawkdafied is you name Bella by chance?
icecold
December 8th, 2009
8:31 pm
1. Chi: Win
2. @Tor: Win
3. NJ: Win
4. Memphis: Win
5. Utah: win
6. @Chi: Loss
7. @Minn: Win
8. @Den: Loss
9. @Ind: win
10.Cle: win
the hawks go 8-2
josh smith.. leading scorer 3 games
jo johnson the rest
marvin williams will score 30 against the pacers
al horford will score – average a double double in thi stretch
j crawford falls into single digits 6 out of 10 games
icecold
December 8th, 2009
8:32 pm
can the prize be free tickets to a game!!!!!
icecold
December 8th, 2009
8:45 pm
i see everybody putting that home game to denver as a lost… so im changing my prediction of that game.. they win hard games on the road… so i say they will win!!! by more then 10.. but they will lose against indiana at home.. one of thos bad shooting nights ..
icecold
December 8th, 2009
8:31 pm
1. Chi: Win
2. @Tor: Win
3. NJ: Win
4. Memphis: Win
5. Utah: win
6. @Chi: Loss
7. @Minn: Win
8. @Den: win
9. @Ind: loss
10.Cle: win
the hawks go 8-2
josh smith.. leading scorer 3 games
jo johnson the rest
marvin williams will score 30 against the pacers
al horford will score – average a double double in thi stretch
j crawford falls into single digits 6 out of 10 games
Truth-Serum
December 8th, 2009
9:08 pm
Co-sign on the Zaza and Ga love KevinA!
Now You Know
December 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
Unity in Hawksville;( Credit the best AJC writer! Ken Sugiura )
“It’s another year with the same group,” said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra. “They seem to just get better. It’s a blueprint that could actually be followed more in the NBA because it took them a long time to get to this point.”
“[Woodson] has been able to develop a team that can beat anybody at any time,” Houston coach Rick Adelman said. “You don’t always get that nowadays in the world of sports. You get one or two chances and you’d better do it.”
The cohesion that the team has developed is palpable.
Forward Jason Collins, an eight-year veteran, said the chemistry of the starters, in particular, was obvious as soon as he got to his first Hawks training camp in September. On defense, for instance, he saw players who knew their roles when the offense rotated the ball and innately trusted their teammates to do theirs.
“You could tell they’ve been playing together for a little bit,” said Collins. “That trust has to be there. The coach, he puts in great schemes and stuff like that, but it’s up to the players to execute them and you can see that the players really have that trust.”
Said Spoelstra, “They’re really on the same page. Their communication, I think, happens all with just eye contact.”
Swingman Mo Evans, signed as a free agent two summers ago, is starting to feel a camaraderie similar to what he felt as a member of the 2005-06 Detroit team that had the best record in the NBA.
“Guys are more confident and guys … you’re going to know what to expect,” Evans said. “We know that when we need a bucket, obviously you’re going to go to Joe Johnson, but we know what Smoove (Smith) is going to bring. We know that he’s going to be there. If I pressure up on a man and I get beat, I know that he’s going to be there to contest or block a shot.”
The rapport has spread beyond the court.
“A lot of times, you get people where they’re by themselves. On the plane, they do their own thing,” Bibby said. “But [with the Hawks] everybody stays together and has fun with it.”
“Everybody pulls for one another,” Evans said. “You’ve got to have that, especially if you’re going to be around a group of guys for eight months. I think that comes with teams being together for awhile.”
Truth-Serum
December 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
Hats of to you Ken Sugiura, great article and great leadership with you pick of blog titles. Thanks you are helping us enjoy a great hawks season! Ditto on you being a great writer. I get the impression that you are pro Atlanta and pro hawks. Thanks nice to read the uplifting.
Sekou who?
KevinA
December 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
Indiana – thought Granger was out. Anyone with Pacer win might want a quick revise. lol
Ken Strickland
December 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
RLP-I hope I’m wrong about my prediction and you’re right about yours as well. However, I don’t get the logic or meaning behind the statement you made about me being afraid to use my opinions to be the basis for making a prediction that will FACTUALLY be proven right or wrong.
I’ve consistently put my opinions out there and challeged anyone that opposes them to prove me wrong. Where’s the fear or apprehension in that? To try and separate yourself by trying to glorify your contributions as somehow being above and beyond anything I’ve tried to do is unjustifiable self glorification.
Here’s the real difference between us. For the first 13gms, the Hawks played as well or better than any team in the NBA, and that’s your focus. Over the last 7gms they haven’t come close to playing or matching their previous output or winning percentage, and that’s my focus. You said you don’t care what I think, and I believe you. That’s because you’re too busy soaring high above reality and being blinded by the clouds of denial to consider my focus.
I did a little research and found out Woodson had started using a short bench during our 7gm winning streak.
TEAMS # of players that played 10 or more mins.
DEN 8
NY 7
BOS 9
NO 10
POR 7
MIA 8
HOU 7
TEAMS # of players playing 10 or more mins last 7gms.
NO 8(played more than 5mins)
NY 7(played more than 5mins)
ORL 8
DET 7
PHIL 8
TOR 10(played more than 14mins)
NY 8
DAL 8
What damn good does it do to improve the talent, depth, versatility and experience of our bench if Woodson isn’t going to do a better job of utilizing what we have? His way of dealing with fatigue seems to be slowing everything down, allowing everyone else on the floor to clearout and stand near the 3pt line and rest while JJ and Bibby play ISO and one on one. And isn’t that exactly what’s happening. Fatigue and an obcession to play WOODY BALL has really affected this team over the last 7gms.
Ken Sugiura
December 8th, 2009
9:23 pm
Ice cold – that’s a little more than I was thinking, but if there’s some way i can get them in my hands at the paper’s expense, then maybe we can make that happen.
by the way, the dan who won the first time is a middle schooler.
i have to say, i have no idea what’ll happen over the next 10. i don’t think they’ll go 5-5, but I could see it happening. I could also see 8-2 or 7-3.
Myview – I hear you about Josh. I think there’s a way to express your displeasure with refs without risking a technical. Jamal Crawford does it well. Josh is going to have to learn that.
KevinA
December 8th, 2009
9:33 pm
Denver losses. For some reason I like that.
Truth-Serum
December 8th, 2009
9:41 pm
Denver will be up for that game. We are not flying under the radar any more. Most teams get up for us and use us as a model and a measuring stick. We are getting national exposure now so watch out from every team.
Mz. Hawkdafied
December 8th, 2009
9:51 pm
I MUS WRITE , no my name is not Bella. I co-sign Kevin A too on the GA love. “Lebron, you just got knocked the fck out man!” LBJ better not bring that dancing to the A on Dec. 29th. I agree with Rick Kamla’s rant on that. Save the dancing for celebrating after you’ve won the championship.
kwooden1
December 8th, 2009
9:54 pm
From page AJC.com, Congrats Ken! Great article!!
O'Brien
December 8th, 2009
10:26 pm
I will give my predictions before tomorrow’s game, but on another topic…Marvin, Marvin, Marvin.
In the article on ajc.com, he says he wants to be more aggressive. Its his 6th year, and he is still talking about being more aggressive? In my opinion, Marvin just doesnt have it in him to be agressive.
And when he tries to force the issue, his shot gets blocked, or he misses, or he turns the ball over. What I would like to see from Marvin is for him to improve his FG% and 3pt %, and rebound more consistently.
O'Brien
December 8th, 2009
10:30 pm
Correction. It’s Marvin’s 5th year.
RLP
December 8th, 2009
10:30 pm
KEN STRICKLAND:
Maybe I misinterpreted your statement when you wrote:
“While I know this team is capable of winning all ten, this is a hard one for me because I don’t know which Atlanta Hawks team will show up over the next 10gms. Based on how we’ve played over the last 7gms, I will go with RON E’s 5-5 record, except I believe we’ll defeat Utah and pull another Knicks fiasco against Memphis.”
If so then I take it that your prediction is that the Hawks will fare as follows:
1. Chi: Win
2. @Tor: Win
3. NJ: Win
4. Memphis: Lost
5. Utah: Win
6. @Chi: Loss
7. @Minn: Win
8. @Den: Loss
9. @Ind: Loss
10.Cle: Loss
I originally misread what you were saying – if this is your prediction. I was calling you out on what I perceived to be an unwillingness to make a prediction. I apologize. I am happy that we do have a factual prediction predicated on your perception of where the team will be over the next ten games.
As far as the other use of facts I maintain my stand. The FACTS are that this team is on a pace to tie the season record for most wins. I agree with you that you cannot judge an entire season based on the results for one quarter of the season. All I am really claiming is that this team has an opportunity to do something really special. It seems to me that you are claiming that it will fall far short of that kind of goal because of your perceptions as to the weakness of the head coach.
Let’s up the ante. Prior to the beginning of the season I predicted that the team would win between 50 and 55 games for the season. What was your prediction? Based on what I have seen of the players, the coaching, and every other aspect of the team I am still confident in that prediction. I also think there is a very good chance that my prediction will fall short of where the team is going. I would love to see the team win 58 games and set a franchise record for wins. Preseason predictions are difficult because one never knows if some unforeseen changes will effect the team. Injuries or trades can totally change the reality on the ground. I base my prediction knowing that injuries are part of the game. However, in this case I know that some here argue (and I believe you are one) that in this instance an injury is more likely to happen because of playing time issues. I am willing to make an exception to my normal caveat about injuries. In other words I am predicting 50-55 wins regardless of any key injuries if they are based on overuse of the individual injured.
What was your prediction prior to the beginning of the season? Since your perception of how the season is going provides you with more knowledge what have you seen thus far that may have caused a modification in your prediction? If there have been modifications I would assume based on the opinions you have been throwing out that you would reduce the number of wins you think the team will have. Are you willing to make or revise your prediction?
Finally just to call attention to what Ken S. stated as the terms of the 10 day prognostications your post failed to make any other prediction. I do want Ken S. to recognize your predictive skill if you should prove right in your overall and individual game predictions. I would hate for you to lose because you failed to take the third part of his rules into account.
northcyde
December 8th, 2009
10:41 pm
- Horford scores 21 pts and 17 rebs in a win vs Chicago tomorrow night
- Jamal Crawford gets hurt early in the Memphis game, forcing Woody to use Teague.
- He plays OK ( 5 pts – 2 asst in 13 min ), but is on the floor when Memphis goes on a 9 – 1 run to give them a 6 point lead. Hawks lose on a missed shot at the buzzer by JJ. All Hawks blogs/message boards go crazy, predicting the end of Woody and the Hawks ( even though we’re 17 – 7 )
- NOTE: Memphis matches up pretty well with us. If we’re missing shots, they’ll pull off the upset. In that game, Randolph and Gasol will have a combined 44 pts ans 21 rebs.
- Then the news comes down that Jamal will be out for about a week ( causing him to miss the next 4 games ). People are excited, because they figure Woody HAS TO PLAY TEAGUE NOW
- Hawks go 2 – 2 with Crawford out.
- Teague has 12 pts – 5 assists in a win over Utah, but plays HORRIBLY in the fllowing 3 games, forcing 30% of the fan base to fall off the Teague bandwagon.
- Smoove goes for 31 in the Utah win
- One of our losses comes @ Minnesota, causing the fan base to panic again
- The other loss will be @ Denver, in which they beat us by 17
- Marvin hits 7 threes in a win @ Indy
- Not to be outdone, JJ goes 9- 11 from 3pt land, scoring a career high 45 points, in a classic duel vs Lebron and the Cavs. Although Lebron will score 38 pts – 13 rebs – 12 assists, the Hawks beat the Cavs 127 – 122.
- Hawks finish 7 – 3 in this 10 game stretch
RLP
December 8th, 2009
10:42 pm
KEN S.
I will cosign kwooden1’s compliment. It is a great article. It also made me think about some other aspects of this team’s development that I do not think anyone has really recognized – management (primarily Billy Knight also used the draft to bring in some players who would not have otherwise been here. Would the team have been able to trade for Joe Johnson if Boris Diaw had not been drafted? Would Jamal Crawford have been available without Acie Law? I never understood why the Kings gave us Bibby for nothing but that trade was also very beneficial to the team. Apparently there have been some bloggers who like Royal Ivey and Stoudemire. But both were second round draft choices and I prefer the current roster. I thought Solo had potential but I like Joe Smith better.
I started this with no intention of using it to defend Woody but giving it some consideration the lack of development of young players complained about by many has really not affected the development of the team too much has it?
truly1
December 8th, 2009
10:49 pm
6-4
chi win
tor loss
nets win
mem win big
utah win
chi loss
min win
den loss
indy win
cle loss
Josh smith will have 6 double doubles
Joe Johnson will shoot under 35 percent in 6 of those games
I hope he doesnt though
teague will score more than 10 twice
Melvin
December 8th, 2009
11:07 pm
The Gizzy beat the Cavs and Refs tonight. My goodness, not only Lebron gets touch calls on offense, he also gets phathom calls on defense. I hope Woody watch this game tonight and observe how Memphis took advantage of Shaq in the pick n rolls. Impressive win for Memphis…
And out of all the years Billy Knight could have pick a 6-8/6-9 guy, why the heck didn’t he pick Rudy Gay…SMH… I’m on record yelling at the Fro’ during that draft to pick Rudy Gay. Dude didnt back down from Lebron at all tonight. Marvin step your game up…