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?
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227 comments Add your comment
jerrywest
December 9th, 2009
6:02 pm
Newkid,
Rod is Diesel. He’s too one of a kind to have a photo copy here.
Rod from College Park
December 9th, 2009
6:06 pm
newkid,
No. I am Rod from College Park. Maybe I need to meet this Diesel character. Apparently he knows how to evaluate talent in a basketball player. I know many guys who look good with there uniform on, and can shoot a jump shot if they are wide open, but what will they do when they are guarded. The thing that is funny to me about guys who support Marvin is what do they think he would do offensively if someone actually guarded him? What would he do if he was double teamed? I am in agreement with you about having one goal which is the trophy. Marvin is simply put the wink link. You don’t pay a guy 8 mill a year to be an average rebounder, a below average defender and a invisable man on the court.
Truth-Serum
December 9th, 2009
6:25 pm
Ken Strickland, as usual, you’ve twisted the facts. Like many, Ive had to drop down and crawl along in order to have exchange with you.Communication with you means discussing the irrelevant, exchanging insult and waiting for your two mistresses, (sautee and granddad) to come to your rescue when you start whining.
Thats pretty much it.
When you think you are articulating on a high level what you really mean is you’ve found a new way to insult Woodson and his accomplishments. Thats about the extent of a conversation any one can have with you. If there was no Woodson you’d be so quiet that you could hear a rat pissing on cotton down your hallway.
Get a life dude.
BTW The only thing Collins is good for is making a hamburger run. I wish we had kept Siler, he was a harder worker than Collins and would have earned some playing time. Collins hasn’t earned any playing time and is in no shape to play against Shaq.
Id rather see Randolf Morris gets some burn.Hes earned it.
Rod from College Park, I reread your post. I don’t disagree with you. Your points are very well taken and established. But like new kid, I just don’t think its time to stick a fork in him. Lets give him to the end of the year and see how he develops. Looks like we have the same time concern for Marvin’s games.
Daniel looks like you’ve got detractors. You must be on point.
KevinA, I humbly offer a difference of opinion. I like our guards and think they are a strength for our team.
JJ is # 7 in average among guards and # 11 in efficiency.- Thats amongst all guards both 1s and 2s.
Bibby is shooting 44% from the field and 44% from the three arc. Those are great numbers on any team. Those threes cant be easily replace and have kept us in, or won for us, many games. His wisdom and generalship on the court is priceless. Not many in the NBA can match is 3pt proficiency and nobody on the hawks can. You put him off the team, forget about the 3 !
Crawford is shooting 45% from the field and in a part time role makes the top 30 scoring list amongst all guards (1 and 2s)
The three of them have FT averages over 85%
I agree that Bibby leaves a lot to be desired in terms of defense and yes, there are fast guards in the NBA who are tough to cover, but we are adequate on defense with the other two and Woodson’s switching has help cover Bibby’s man when hes backed down.
Together the trio is worth 50+ points every night. That is a strength not a weakness. We are as good as we are because of our guards not inspite of. Tonight we face on of the best guards in the league in Rose, he may score, hes a lot younger and faster, but he wont stop our boys either.
Ill match our guards up with any teams.
shout out Mike is back!
Top 5 double double:
GP MPG PPG RPG APG/STPG/BLK/DblDbl
1
Chris Bosh , TOR
23 34.9 24.3 12.3 1.7 .5 1.1 19 0
2
Dwight Howard , ORL
21 33.1 18.4 12.0 1.7 1.0 2.0 15 0
3
Carlos Boozer , UTA
20 36.0 21.2 10.9 3.6 1.2 .5 13 0
3
Gerald Wallace , CHA
20 40.4 16.0 12.4 1.6 1.6 .8 13 0
5
Steve Nash , PHX
22 32.8 17.5 2.6 11.0 .3 .2 11 0
5
Zach Randolph , MEM
21 35.9 18.9 9.9 2.0 .9 .4 11 0
O'Brien
December 9th, 2009
6:30 pm
Mike Bibby struggles on defense, and he does not play the uptempo that would make the Hawks a more successful team.
However, its hard to replace his offensive contribution, and his knack for the big shot, especially in Woody’s (for lack of a better word) system.
One thing I am looking forward to tonight…is not having to hear ‘Nique. In my opinion, all ‘Nique does is repeat/reword whatever Bob says, and he also states the obvious. Plus his analysis is off sometimes. I wonder why they didnt replace him with Stinger?
Truth-Serum
December 9th, 2009
6:33 pm
“I just think he’s one of the few PFs in the league who can truly, effectively play center on MOST nights. Obviously it’s a struggle against the biggest and the best (Shaq, Dwight, Yao, etc). Fortunately, there aren’t all that many of those.”
Thats true, Ray but unfortunately we don’t face power forward masquerading as centers in the championship levels. True, horford is good for the day to day grind but when its time to take it to the highest levels in the playoffs he will face the Howards and Shaq’s and true centers. We arent trying to be average but great. Its advancing in the play off that Im concerned with.
KevinA
December 9th, 2009
6:51 pm
Truth-Serum, a post I made on the nest – semi related
By Marvin wanting to more aggressive may in fact him begging for the ball. Maybe he just wants to be included in the offense. What does Josh talk about? Our team needs to be unselfish. Both players may be in a polite way asking the guards to cut out the ISO and move the ball. Al may be wondering why he is the team leader in FG% and can rarely get the ball.
I love the added addition of Jamal but neither he or JJ plays within themselves enough or passes enough for team ball and ball movement on a consistent basis. Something I was worried about at the time of the trade for Jamal.
All is not bad, the Hawks are moving in this direction of better balance. Over time our balance has become better. While Woody still gives JJ the green light he has pulled Bibby, Jamal and Marvin for bad shooting. As long as Al and Josh play well I think the trend toward better balance will continue. If Marvin has a few more good games the team would be where we want it to be. Dangerous from every spot on the floor.
I do not disagree our guards are great on offense.
If I was coach for a day – for an experiment
JJ, Bibby, Rand Mo/Joe Smith and ZaZa and Evans – why?
JJ and Bibby love the half court set. No need to pass low and they are an awesome guard combination.
After 10 min who would I bring in?
Josh, Al, Teague, Jamal and Marvin – why? This group is built to run and play up tempo.
Why it won’t ever happen? To many ego’s
Would love your thoughts and Kens thought’s.
These line ups play to the players strengths and get us to playing ten deep.
I realize this is out of the box thinking but would be fun to try.
Why do I feel the second unit might do better.
BONE
December 9th, 2009
7:02 pm
The hawks better not lose this game or I’m gonna be PISSED THE F*CK OFF.
Blast
December 9th, 2009
7:02 pm
Ken,
No new blog for tonight’s game?
KevinA
December 9th, 2009
7:06 pm
Truth-Serum,
True, Horford is good for the day to day grind but when its time to take it to the highest levels in the playoffs he will face the Howard’s and Shaq’s and true centers. We arent trying to be average but great. Its advancing in the play off that Im concerned with.
I agree with you and have passed many opportunities to tell you so. On the other hand Al can and will get better in the future. He will not be able to overcome his size against the stars but as he learns a couple more post moves he can cut the margin of difference. Like Josh two more years might make a big difference.
Unlike many I still have hopes for Marvin. Unlike many I have hopes for 6 players averaging close to 15 – 17 pt’s per game. Less stars and more balance. This group of players has that potential. Unlike many I think Woody can get us there. We are in a process with better days ahead. Best part – doing pretty good now.
bigdave
December 9th, 2009
7:06 pm
LETS GET IT…
BONE
December 9th, 2009
7:07 pm
Joe with his 1st shot
Melvin
December 9th, 2009
7:08 pm
I see Marvin has decide to wear an arm band tonight. Maybe that will make him more aggressive…
BONE
December 9th, 2009
7:08 pm
The crowd is on their feet. All 25 of em.
bigdave
December 9th, 2009
7:08 pm
is this John Barry… hating early?
BONE
December 9th, 2009
7:10 pm
Yes this the offense that attract fans. -end sarcasm-
bigdave
December 9th, 2009
7:10 pm
Mark Jackson talking about the attendance…
BONE
December 9th, 2009
7:11 pm
What attendance
BONE
December 9th, 2009
7:12 pm
Joe ball hoggin already
BONE
December 9th, 2009
7:13 pm
The announcers sound sooo bored lol
Ken Sugiura
December 9th, 2009
7:18 pm
started a game thread. sorry to get it up so late. been behind all day.
KevinA
December 9th, 2009
7:18 pm
Dick (Johnson) joe on a good play
bigdave
December 9th, 2009
7:22 pm
Mo Evans is a clown.
Ken Sugiura
December 9th, 2009
7:28 pm
teague and pachulia in.
Truth-Serum
December 9th, 2009
7:35 pm
KevinA, I appreciate you putting that out there. I think and hope you are right. Horford may grow into the part, but the flip is hes not there yet, which by default may mean were not quite ready for that run….
That balanced attack that you envision has been shared by many coaches. Its one way. It may or may not be Woodson’s way. Either way, its his job to choose how he will proceed. Ill support him whether he chooses my style west coast, balance attack, east coast, run-and-gun,motion,triangle, zone or a hybrid. Either one can be effective and they all require the right tools(players)to be efficient. It about game time. Im switching to my Laptop.
Excellent points KevinA !
nunna yo biznezz
December 10th, 2009
12:01 am
YO KEN,
HALF OF THESE CATS NEVER EVEN PLAYED KICKBALL!!
LET ALONE,THEY WANT 2 CALL THIS MAN, THE COACH OF THE YEAR!!
HA HA HA!!!
IM READY TO LET HIM TALK TO OTHER TEAMS NOW..
WHY WAIT TILL THE END OF THE SEASON..
HE DID WHAT HE WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE DONE ALL SEASON TONITE..
AND I BET U,100 DOLLARS THAT HE WILL NOT BE CONSISTENT,UNLESS LIKE I SAID,WE GET INJURIES,FOUL TROUBLE ,OR HE GETS 2 TECHS IN DA 1ST QUARTER..
WOW,NOW WOULDN’T THAT BE NICE!!
icecold
December 12th, 2009
11:38 am
toronto needs to be in the play offs so we can play them the first round. we need a team like toronto for a easy sweep for the first round. so we can rest our players for the second round… but i pray that the second round, we play boston again….. because they cant beat us with everybody healthy… i trully believe we are better then them.. only team i dont wanna play is orlando!!!! anybody else is fair game….
and by the way… im 2-0, and al horford had a double double in both games, yeah!!!… lol
icecold
December 12th, 2009
12:27 pm
also.. if the hawks didnt lose to three of the worst teams in the league…. (new york knicks, Charlotte bobcats, and Detroit pistons) we would only lost 3 games, ( and the hornets, i think that was another game we suppose to won) so really if we played at the level we played on against boston every night.. for the rest of this stretch, they should go undefeated!!! but who knows….