Bring out your crystal ball…

Hawks go 7-3 next 10…

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Maybe not! Let’s Go Hawks!!

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Hawks go 8-2 next 10…

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Hawks will be around 7-3, 6-4 again. They will have some loses at home again that have you thinking….WDF????

But then go on to beat someone like DEN on the road to ease you mind back into thinking the Hawks are legit again. In other words, the inconsistent yet somehow well above .500 overall record will remain.

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My prediction: 7 Wins 3 Losses:

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: Loss

For a prediction – Jeff Teague will increase his minutes. In home games he will appear in both the first and the second half of every game but will only appear during the first half of at least three of the away games.

If I really wanted to win the contest then my prediction would be that Ken Strickland would find something to criticize Woody for after every game win or lose. But that is not my prediction.

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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.

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Won’t do game-by-games, but I’ll say 6-4 total. I’ll also predict that Josh will shoot better than 70% from the free throw line, JJ will have a triple-double, Marvin will have 1-2 games with 20+ points and 1-2 with 9+ rebounds (though not the same game), and Crawford will have a 35+ point night.

(But I also have an ominous feeling that we’ll see way too much Woody ball with low assist numbers…)

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Marvin for LVP!

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Chi: W
@Tor: L
NJ: W
Memphis: W
Utah: W
@Chi: W
@Minn: L
@ Den: L
@ Ind: W
Cle: W

7-3. Joe outscores LeBron. Bibby hits 5 threes in one game.

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So… for the people making a whole bunch of predictions, do you lose points for all that you get wrong? Or only gain when you get them all right?

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I’m just doing what ken asked, My mortgages aren’t up. Just for fun.

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If I really wanted to win the contest then my prediction would be that Ken Strickland would find something to criticize Woody for after every game win or lose. But that is not my prediction.

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LOL! Just kidding, between 0-10 and 10-0!

No seriously though 8-2!

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Chi: W
@Tor: L
NJ: W
Memphis: W
Utah: W
@Chi: L
@Minn: W
@Den: L
@Ind: W
Cle: W

7-3
I predict Marvin will average 8 points a game with two games scoring 20 points or more.

Joe will have no 30 point performances.

Al will have 5 double doubles.
Josh will have 4 double doubles.

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Predictions are stupid and boring…….I’ll check back when Ken posts his usaual “Hawks vs Bulls” blog. (Sorry Ken, I’m not hating on you, this prediction stuff is all relative nonsense). Nothing to comment on.

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I predict this blog is going to shyt

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Chicago – W
@ Toronto – W
New Jersey – W
Memphis – W
Utah – W
@ Chicago – L
@ Minnesota – W
@ Denver – L
@ Indiana – W
Cleveland – W

Joe Will break 25 4 different times and Smooth with 13+ boards 4 times.

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Lets predict which home games will be full and which ones will be empty. Well not reallly empty but you know what I mean.

I predict a sellout for the Cleveland game. A decent crowd for the Chicago game. And all other games will be empty.

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Predicts.

Win vs. Chi by (5 points) Al double-double, marvin 18pts 5reb Bibby 5ive fouls
Win @ toronto Al by (12 points) 20 points, joe 30,
Win vs. New jersey by (8 points)
Win vs. Memphis by (15 points) josh smith has double double with 5 blocks
Loss vs. Utah by (8points) joe johnson 15 points, Al Horford 5 fouls
Loss @ Chi by (2 points) buzzer beater missed by Bibby for three
win @ Minn. by (8 points) marvin williams 20 points
Win @ Denver by (4 points) Marvin holds carmelo under 25, Joe goes for 30 and Teague has 10 points
Loss @Indiana
win vs. cleveland by (10 points) Marvin 15 and 8 rebounds, Joe 28pts and 5 assist, Bibby 15

that is 7-3, josh smith will have a triple double, bibby will be held under 12 for 3 only three of the contest, Jamal Crawford shooting percentage will be an even 40% at the end.

is that too much predicting?

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Well I sure hope they don’t lose tomorrow against Chicago. I really hate when they lose at home. I don’t wanna have to go ham on another opponents fan. Because when their team wins, they really do try to rub it in. Waving around their Vince Carter t shirt and pointing at their Knicks hat talking about Knicks and David Lee. Yeah your team won but you don’t have to rub it in. I make sure they respect the Highlight Factory. This our house take that shiznick back to Orlando and NYC. You can celebrate when you get up out of the Highlight Factory. I don’t like the fact that the NY fans booed my team when they went to the locker room at half time either. ATL needs to show up for these games man and stand up for their team and arena.

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All that support given to Mike Vick on Sunday and you telling me they can’t show up at Philips Arena. That BS.

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mz.hawkdafied,
u got to realize something,people had gotten these tickets the minute vick signed with the eagles..

the hawks are a playoff team,but,they are only as good as their coach will allow them to be..he holds the reigns to this horse..and he is constantly choking da life out of them,nightly,even when they are not playing..

and,within the last 2 years we see that..we see just what kind of coach he is.

he has a team who won’t listen to him.
he does nothing to develope his bench.
he does nothing to develope a young gifted point guard.
and he will let his starters get away with the same thing he tells the non-starters not to do by taking them out and decreasing their playing time..

he is biased..

and,he can’t coach..

vick was a legend in the time he was here.
we did not have no one whom the league feared and stayed up nights to counter on any team in atlanta,not even with deion or nique..

this guy won games that were out of reach for us,and he always gave u the feeling that with 1minute left and 99yards to go,that he’d get us into the end zone..you always had that feeling..

plus,we never had anything close to a rowdy crowd who gave the visitor rooting for the opposite team a hard time..and we did..shouts out to section 107-108!!

we gave them heck!!!!!!!

no respect for the visitors at all..in their face!! rowdy negros and wiggers!! we were all one back then..

in other words,u have contenders and pretenders..

we conteded and had big games and he showed up for all of them..

we don’t get that with da hawks..

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Well I sold my tickets for the Chicago game, so I’m sure there will be a good turnout for that one.

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NUNNA YO BIZNEZZ-Wow, you’d better watch what you say and how you say it, expecially when it’s about the COY. If I said some of what you’ve said, one of our WOODY LOVERS would have split into multiple psychotic entities and gone off on a tirade.

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. You like him as our HC, fine, I don’t, but don’t get bent out of shape with me just because I can present more logical and varifiable reasons in support my position than you. I’m not creating this stuff, he is, I’m just recognizing, instead of denying.

JERK-THEY’VE BEEN PRACTICING, DUH.

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Would some one explain to me what Woodson has done wrong? I thought we were doing great considering the level of talent and inexperience this team has.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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…

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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.

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Ditto and RLP

Great post.

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THE FEW, THE LOUD, THE HATER CREW!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Hawks go 6-4.

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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

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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

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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.”

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Indiana – thought Granger was out. Anyone with Pacer win might want a quick revise. lol

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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.

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From page AJC.com, Congrats Ken! Great article!!

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Correction. It’s Marvin’s 5th year.

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- 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

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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

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Knicks and Pistons are on a winning streak since they beat us. I guess we shouldn’t feel too bad about losing to them. Heck, even the Raptors are on a winning streak. I guess we should feel even better about a win over them…

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KevinA,

Dallas beat the Suns tonight. I guess we could add them to the hot list as well…

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8-2, Baby!

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

My “ONE” prediction:
Josh Smith will get a triple double.

By the way, what part of “ONE” prediction do you guys not understand?

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9-1..
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: WIn

Josh Smith will have 5 double doubles, Al Horford will have 7 double doubles and Mike Bibby will average 12pts.

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RLP I just reread my earlier pub about “doom and gloom” and found I had an error in print. I did not mean to call you the source of doom and gloom. That would be ken. Every one knows your writing is an asset. My bad.

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1. Chi: Win – Horford and Josh go 20-10, Teague sees minutes to utilize his speed. Inside game opens up perimeter for Marvin, Joe, Crawford & Bibby.

2. @Tor: Win – Tough Game. Bosh goes off big on us. Smoove fouls out. Horford has limited touches. Outside shooting barely pulls this one out. Folks will be all over Woody & Joe.

3. NJ: Loss – Harris burns us up with his speed. Teague sees limited action. Lopez is a beast against Horford & Josh. Foul trouble is an issue. Close game, but NJ seems to have our number at times. Did you watch last year? Yes they had VC, but Harris & Lopez kill us every time!

4. Memphis: Win – Back to the basics. Horford 10-10, Josh 20-10, Joe 30 pts, Bibby & Marvin 15 pts. Crawford 20 pts.

5. Utah: Loss – Deron will get the haterade going for Marvin. Boozer & Deron will be too much. Folks will criticize Woody. Marvin will struggle.

6. @Chi: Win – Blowout win to make up for Utah. 20-10 for JSmoove & Horford. Guards will shoot the three well.

7. @Minn: Win – Tough win as Joe, Crawford and Bibby try to carry us with outside shots. Horford and Smith will struggle.

8. @Den: Loss – Carmelo and Billups will be too much & folks will once again scream for Woody’s head and center/pg.

9. @Ind: Win – Easy win as the team focusses again and uses it’s strengths. 7 Hawks in double figures. Josh 20-10.

10.Cle: Win – Team will gel to make a statement, playing the tough D and fluid offense featuring an inside game. Smoove & Horford will use their speed to get by the beasts. Randmo, Collins and ZaZa will help defer the foul load on Smoove & Horford. Great team game with everyone contributing. Joe hits a floater over Shaq at the buzzer to overcome Lebron’s 40 pts (20 at the line from phantom fouls). Nice way to end on a good note.

7-3

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To me Marvin has played tentative and scared his whole career. There have been a few weeks where he really got aggressive, showed us what he’s got deep inside. It was awesome…then he gets hurt. He’s afraid to drive the bucket anymore because he does fall alot. Folks may be tough on his “awkwardness”, but the guy hit buckets, he got to the line, he did what we needed. He did it so much that he always ended up hurting himself. His strength, aggressiveness and durability can all be questioned, but not so much his skills. The kid has some great talent. He’s just gotta get a better NBA body and become comfortable enough to use it. He’s still a kid, as are many of our players. Folks expect so much of them. If we maintain our core there’s no reason we can’t have almost the same team in 5-7 years and be smokin people. Think abot our core under 25. What if we kept them till they’re all 30 and put out:

Teague – PG
Marvin – SG
Josh – SF
Horford – PF
Randmo – C

Crawfor & ZaZa would also still be playing in 5 years. You can’t tell me if that group got stronger and more experienced each year we wouldn’t be better each year? That’s totally negating the fact that we might still have Joe and pick up some draft picks. Future is bright people. Not that the present isn’t a must see already!

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Fundamentals WTF, Randmo starting center???

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Soulstar’s prediction: 8-2

Chi: Win
@ Tor: Win
NJ: Win
Memphis: Win
Utah: Loss
@Chi: Win
@Minn: Win
@Denver: Loss
@Indiana: Win
Cleveland: Win

Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford, Josh Smith, Al Horford all have at least 1 25+ game

GO HAWKS!!!

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The Hawks will have a record of 7-3 over the next ten games. The losses will come @ Denver, Cleveland at home, and then a game that we probably shouldn’t lose but we do, perhaps @ Toronto.

The Hawks defense will step up after seeing how effective they can be (via the Dallas game) and hold their opponents under 95 points in 7 of the 10 games. Al Horford will have 5 double doubles and Joe Johnson will have four 30+ point games. I think we might have to rely on our bench a good bit during the last portion of this 10 game stretch, but with our bench that is not a bad thing.

With all of that said, I hope my prediction is wrong and we go 10 – 0, GO HAWKS!!!!!

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Guys this is really an average team, how many allstars? Got a center yet?

2-8

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Truth-Serum,
Would agree that Marvin’s de facto niche has been as you described; however much more was/is/should be expected of him on the offensive end. If more weren’t expected offensively by the organization, the GM would not have implored him to spend the summer of ‘08 working on this his offensive game, particularly his three-point shooting. For what he’s currently bringing, a team need not pay $40M for 5 years. Bruce Bowen, in his prime years from 2000 through 2006, brought more tenacious defense (Marvin has generally been a better rebounder than Bowen) and more effeciency on the offensive end of the floor than Marvin, and wasn’t remunerated at near Marvin’s level (Bruce collected north of $4M only one year). Marvin’s getting Lamar Odom type money, but his production is more in the range of $4M to 5M per annum. This pattern of ‘achievement’ – if it continues – should be rewarded, but only with a ticket to more hospitable confines.

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RLP-no problems. It’s not hard to misread or misinterpret stuff on these blogs. I hope you’re right and I wrong as well. I didn’t make a prediction other than to say we’ll make the playoffs and reach the 50 win mark. Predicting what this team will do is one of the hardest things for me to do, considering the documented inconsistency. Talent and ability wise, I know this team has the ability to go undefeated the next 10 gms. But there just hasn’t been enough consistency, focus, structure, inclusion and trust both on the court and on the bench.

There are simply too many times certain players won’t trust teammates and share the ball, and there are far too many times Woodson won’t share mins equitably and trust the players sitting next to him. What kind of message does it send when your HC openly expresses and/or demonstrates his lack of confidence in his bench players. What does it also say when the GM addresses those issues and dramatically increases the talent level, versatility, experience and depth of that bench, and the HC still refuses to spread the wealth and trust while continuing to make excuses that’s been proven to be lies.

Maybe we’ve reach that point where Woodson has realized his WOODY BALL has hurt the team and will allow them to get back to what worked so well before he started limiting players mins and slowing everything down. What kind of strategy, coaching or logic tells you that against a losing team that plays no DEF, runs and shoots 3’s, and with your best all around frontline player ejected after 13mins, you play JSmith, Zaza, RMorris and JCollins, your frontline bench players, a total of 21mins(Zaza 16mins, JSmith 5mins)the entire gm. You take absolutely no action or make any adjustments to contain DLee, NY’s center, from pounding us in the paint to the tune of 17rebs and 18pts. Woodson’s dumbass coaching lost that gm, along with a few others.

How can we really become more consistent and expect to get better as a team and compete with the big boys with a HC that’s admitted he doesn’t pay attention to details, like OFF and MINS, has demonstrated he doesn’t employ in gm strategy and still won’t trust or use a drastically upgraded bench. Hell, this isn’t about predicting what the team will do, it’s about predicting what Woodson will or will not do to hinder the team.

If you see water coming out of your ceiling, do you concern yourself primarily with fixing where the water is coming out(ceiling) or where it’s coming in(roof). CAUSE AND EFFECT. If we get rid of our coaching inconsistencies and get someone that’s willing to pay attention to the details and employ in gm strategy, all of which are important to any aspiring top tier team, we can become a top tier team and a force in the NBA.

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Fundamentals- I really like your 9:32 break down. Good job.

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Haterade, like revenge, is best served cold. It’s an old Klingon proverb.

My guess about Marvin not dunking is that he was probably taught not to in the one year he played at Carolina. I have seen him dunk, and it’s really not that impressive. I only have dunk eyes for Smoove anyway. I declared my man-crush to him one day, unfortunately his Mom was right next to me. The others next to me told the servers that they should cut me off…Joke’s on them it was already the fourth quarter.

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Big Ray- That was hilarious.

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Daniel ,

I’m no good with predictions in games, I’ll leave that to you guys. As for #8, you can’t possibly be any worse than me, my friend. Oh, you did make the list later on…sorry, couldn’t help myself. Me and free time…bad thing…:)

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13) Daniel will realize he said 7-3, but what he wrote actually reflects 8-2. He wins the award anyway, as a consolation prize for getting railroaded in the jersey contest.

14) Predictions 1 through 4 repeat themselves. Again. And again. And again.

15)Hawks loss to Utah involves Deron Williams scoring 22 points, dishing out 12 assists, and grabbing 5 rebounds. Meanwhile Mike Bibby gets 10 points and 4 assists, while Marvin grabs 5 rebounds to go with his 9 points, sparking yet another re-hash of the 2005 draft debate. The usual suspects take the usual sides.

16)Prediction #15 sparks a repeat of predictions 5 through 7, but will soon be interrupted by predictions 1 through 4. AGAIN.

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newkid

I understand where you are coming from. Having Marvin as a 2 or 3 option would indeed affect the dynamics of this team. No doubt.

That said, there is a lot of intangibles that we should look at as we review Marvin’s contributions.

Before I begin, let me note that I do agree that Marv has a nice salary, I credit that to his agent.Sund also has to take some of the weight.

I perceive that Woodson offense and defense is predicated on minimizing weaknesses and maximizing strengths. The hawks work together well and role play well which helps cover up a lot of weaknesses.

As has been discussed before, JJ, Crawford and Bibby account for a lot of our offense, draw defenders from the paint and open up the low post for Horford, who, is not the best at creating his own shot.( ok Horford fans, I like the guy to and want to keep him).A lot of the rebounds that horford and zaza get arent necessarily because they over power anyone but often times its because they are able to claim territory that has been vacated by the defender going out to cover our guards.
(quote me on that sautee)

Why is this important?

Marvin’s game is penetration, fallaways and set shot threes.Hes also a good ball handler and a capable defender who can dish. Those are the same things we expect from JJ, Crawford and Bibby(plays defense as best he can.-lol). If all four of them played that role the perimeter,and key would be like 285 in rush hour.

Shut down.

By default Marvin is forced off his game and must search for another way to contribute. He is trying to develop a baseline and an in/out from the corner 3 post. Its not his natural game but that’s what hes searching for so as not to impede on the games of the other three. His recent 17 rbs game was a result of his patrolling the baseline and claiming some of the turf vacated by the low post defenders rotating out to cover our guards.

What did he do when Joe was out last year and why that’s important?

Last year when Joe was down Marvin step into Joe’s role and showed that his is not only capable but can draw more foul calls than Joe, any day of the week. I believe that Sund took note of that for the future of this team, which may be why he got the contract. Just a thought

Marvins age and experience.

There are only three three players on this team with less pro experience than Marvin, out side of Teague, (Hunter, Morris and Horford.). Every human does not reach mental/physical maturity at the same time. Marvin’s best days and games are ahead of him.

What is needed from Marvin? In a clutch with a must need basket, its going to be JJ in the paint. No Doubt. With Crawford, JJ and Bibby keeping the engine of the offense fluid and performing, Marvin role is predetermined. He has quietly accepted this in the spirit of team unity and as a result the efficiency of his game has suffered. His team mates are well aware of this.

I agree with you for the most part. When Marvin was drafted we expected the second coming of Jordon. I just dont want you to lose the perspective of Marvin sacrifice and his up side.
Id like to lobby for more time for Marvin. Let the jury take a recess. Marvin played one year of college. I put him on the level as I would one coming fresh from high school. Before you say Josh, let me say the roles, game, and playing time is not comparable.

Their youth and maturity is.

Thanks for the shout out.

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You got it, Daniel !

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Truth- Good break down on Marvin. His contract is really very nice for the Hawks for his calibre of player, and will be valuable as a trade piece (NOT SAYING TRADE HIM) next year when he is not a BYC player. I think Ken did a very good job talking about Marvin’s problem, which is simply inconsistency. Some of it is due to his offensive role, but mostly it is due to his level of confidence and aggressiveness. I do agree he is young and still has room to improve, but honestly, he has been in the league long enough to not still be struggling with confidence.

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I dont think Marvin lacks confidence just fluidity in a changing role. Im sure Marvin knows he can play.

Thanks for the shout Super D! Hey, what ever happened to Snowman?

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Grandad and Sautee dont get dragged in. Ken, Grandad and Sautee are an three some!

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Daniel,Ok. Its going to hard to prove because nobody knows what goes on inside a man but that man.

Ok you strongly disagree with me that Marvin lack confidence. Point noted.

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Truth Serum ,

That was a nice post, and I agree with a lot of it. The only part I don’t agree with is the idea that a lot of the rebounds Horford and Zaza get are because the defender has vacated the area. Horford actually does power up against a lot of guys on the boards. But rebounding is not all about power.

It’s also about position. Zaza doesn’t overpower a lot of guys, but he gets good position, especially on the offensive glass. Horford also gets good position and blocks out. In fact, that is what has made Smoove a better rebounder this year than he was the last. This year, he is blocking out better and getting himself into better position to get rebounds.

In fact, there is an article in the Sporting News where Al Horford is ranked 35 among the 50 best players in the game today. I read the magazine version where another perennially good NBA big man called Horford a beast, somebody who crashes the glass hard. Can’t remember precisely who it was…

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Truth- word.

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Truth- word up, is what I meant. I am not trying to argue you out of your position, but just watching his body language at times during the game, he seems to get down on himself. As we both agree he has the athletic ability, he is mature for a young guy, and he works really hard. I just don’t think I can fully give his inconsistent play a pass, based on his place in the offense. Yes, it does effect him, but we have seen Josh grow into his role in the offense. and Al, too.

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Ray, Thanks, I thought I was clear that rebounds was about position, I used the word territory. Position is a default word where to me territory connotes combat.

Yes, there are many who have an opinion concerning Horford and there are a few who think is a very good player. So do I. I Just dont see him as a center but as a power forward and a lot like Dennis Rodman.

Yes, hed make my top 50 list too.

I would not call him a beast. Howard is a beast!

Id call Horford a Blue Collar Worker. Comes to work every day. No days off from him.

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8-2 with losses in Chi and Indy.

Although I love the game, Donaghy stated the obvious – the fix is in when it comes to the playoffs, its all about big market teams(or players) and long series. Not totally rigged but the NBA wants the most tv time with its biggest stars that it can get without being a total sham.

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So then Daniel with that in mind perhaps Marvins Metamorphosis is at hand. Im just saying Its to early to make a definitive conclusion about his ability or contributions. He doesnt hurt us. We just expect more.

So does Marvin.
Growth and Maturity come from an internal boiling. Josh did went through it and is still going through it to some degree. He boiled over and attacked Woodson when the real issue was hes need to find his role and stay with in it.

Its Marvin’s time now to go through it. Hell come out of it, advantage hawks.

Go Hawks!

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Ken S,

My predictions are 6-4 over the next 10, losing at Toronto, at Chicago, at Denver, and Cleveland. Also, I think Jeff Teague will have 4 games with DNP CD, and Horford will have 6 doubles.

As far as Marvin is concerned, for somebody who is 6′9″ and athletic, he sure gets his shot blocked a lot (sometimes by smaller guys). And he is very clumsy in the paint. I dont think that is related to aggressiveness.

Truth, Nice post about Marvin. However, as long as Woody/JJ/Crawford and Bibby and even Josh are here, Marvin will never be more than a 5th option. Consequently, I just hope that this is not how he will be for the next 2+ seasons, because at his price, he needs to be more consistent, regardless of his role in the offense (in my opinion).

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Truth- I agree with you completely that it is too early to write the guy off yet, but honestly it is getting closer. Still a lot of games to play this season, but I think that he needs to show improvement (with his consistency) this season.

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JM – Ditto!

RLP I hope hope you read my apology. It was an unattended miss print.

Daniel -Ditto!

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Prediction 7-3

WIN vs Chicago
WIN @ Toronto
WIN vs NJ (but it will be closer than we would like.)
WIN vs Memphis
LOSS vs Utah
WIN @ Chicago
WIN @ Minnesota
LOSS @ Denver
WIN @ Indiana
LOSS vs Cleveland

I guess I’ll have to be a little more creative in my psychic activity to win this thing.

Because it is too easy to go with a Marvin thing, let’s move on to a dormant daily double.

PREDICTION

Jeff Teague will have highs and a low. Yes the easy part of the prediction is tha he will get Woody’d. Teague will both get a regular season career high in points and in assists and a DNP in the next 10 games.

BWAF

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Truth-Serum and Big Ray,

Big Ray I will go ahead and make you correct on your prediction. Truth, while we do agree on many points such as Ken Strickland and the Bubba Crew, we don’t agree on Marvin. Marvin is a good rebounder and free throw shooter. That’s it. He is not a good defender. Notice this year whenever we have played a great offensive player who plays the 3 or the 2 Woody puts Joe on them because Marvin can’t get the job done (See Granger, Carmelo, Pierce, Carter……). His handles are below average. He cannot change directions while dribbling and is really too clumsy to ever develop excellent handles. He is only asked on this team to hit wide-open jump shots, or penetrate against defenses that do not check him. I don’t buy that maturity crap. If you are an above average player, you will step up to the challenge, and prove it. This is his 4th or 5th year in the league. How long will it take? He has no aggressiveness, no post game at 6′9 (with a 7 foot wingspan). Can you honestly tell me that if you substituted Danny Granger, Rudy Gay, or Stephen Jackson for Marvin in our starting lineup, they would be our 6 best scoring option? Marvin has proven in practice and in the games that he is no better than that, so why would Woodson run plays for him? We always hear this what happened when Joe got hurt last year mess. We were playing two of the worst teams in the league when that happened. He has done next to nothing in the playoffs for us. We could have given Matt Barnes 3 to 4 million a year to do what Marvin does. I my opinion we should cut our losses while or if we can.

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you know I didn’t think I was really controversial enough to merit a troller comment. Maybe, I am moving up in the world.

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TRUTH SERUM-I know I’ve put a knot in your shorts more than once because of some moronic comment you’ve made, and you’ve deserved it. However, there are times when you can be very insightful and contribute some thought provoking commentary. You rotate between the 2 postures, Which makes you consistently inconsistent, which is actually my main complaint with Woodson.

KEN SUGIURA-Your last comment and analogy was a bullseye, but there are people on these blogs that are more interested in promoting their personal agendas than hearing what makes sense. Often, these debates or opinions aren’t about being right or wrong, but which position makes more sense.

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The Hawks will go 7 – 3 over the next 10 games. Chi, Min, and Cle will be the three losses!

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out for the run 4k

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Rod ,

I was just having fun (but damn, you’re quick). It will be interesting to see how things shake out with Marvin.

Truth Serum ,

I hear ya. I think Horford has more offensive capability than Rodman ever did, but if he ever comes close to being the DPOY-level player that Rodman was EVERY year…I’ll be pleased. By the way, I feel that he is a PF as well. 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.

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Howard is so much superior to Al that there is no chance Al will ever become DPOY. Smoove has a chance because he plays at a different position.

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NEWKID:

That is the strangest analogy I have ever seen. If you use that analogy then I guess each season could be compared to individual cakes. In the case of the Hawks the baker at the time threw out everything in the kitchen and started anew. Each cake so far has been an improvement over the last one. We have even brought in a new baker. Ingredients have been added and deleted but so far the product has improved with each new cake. Sometimes during the baking of the cake new ingredients have been added. I would imagine that it sometimes gets harder and harder to find the proper ingredients. And to bake a perfect cake you not only have to be good but there is also an element of luck. You have to adjust to the lack of the perfect ingredient by using other ingredients that can overcome the lack of that one prefect ingredient that would put the cake on the winners stand. But is continues to be fascinating to watch the cake bake.

Great job.

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I predict the Hawks will go 9-1 over the next ten. The Den game is my one lost…we embarrass them…they will be looking for blood. I thought about going 8-2 because of LBJ…I’m calling that game against the CAVs too…Yeah, I’m out on a limb…no sense playing it safes. I would have said 10-0…no sense coercing Ken write a ten-page response. Heh heh

Teague is my one to watch…I look for Teague to get HIS FIRST double double through this next ten. You can see it in the last couple of games…the swagger is coming back…the confidence in the jump shot is coming back…one he gets it all back…LOOK OUT!!! The change of pace with Teague…adds yet another dimension to this high flying team!!!!!

I think 7-3 would have been more realistic…losses to Den,Utah, and the Cavs…but after I heard Smoove on ESPN speaking of the TOP THREE with a lot of humility and respect…I said what the heck…these Hawks know what they are about…they may be posed for another big run. HEARING MY HOME BOY SMOOVE SPEAK WITH A LEVEL OF DECORUM…made the old man proud. I don’t want to say too much…cuz I don’t want to jinks him. lol

KEEP REPRESENTIN SMOOVE…I SEE YA DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWG!!!!!

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Cut marvin some slack…with a team full of players that can score its hard for him to be consistent…heck, i think hes the 4th or 5th option on our team…what we really need him for is defense, hes the guy guarding melo and king james.

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TRUTH SERUM-I’m flattered by your admission that the few times you’ve made intelligent and insightful comentary is because you were attempting to converse on my level. Good for you.

I want to see if JSmith gets the ALaw treatment tonight, which usually happens after a bench player has a good gm. Bibby always seems to struggle against Chicago and the combination of size, speed and quickness of their guards. It won’t do much good to switch as he’ll be overmatched no matter who he ends up guarding. So, let him play his man straight up and let Horford and Smoove back him up.

Horford will definitely be motivated tonight, which could be a definite advantage for us. This could be an excellent opportunity to see whether RMorris can have another solid performance and provide an inside scoring option. That’s something we could definitely use when we go up against certain teams throughout the season, and it needs to be explored sometime during the season, why not now.

Another side note. When we play Cleveland, will JCollins be allowed to use his size, height and experience against Shaq at any time, or will he continue being wasted on the bench?

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What’s this the Hawks blog, or Paula Dean?

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Ken, you know good and damn well, we’ll keep switching regardless of the matchups.

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Newkid,

Rod is Diesel. He’s too one of a kind to have a photo copy here.

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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

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“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.

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The hawks better not lose this game or I’m gonna be PISSED THE F*CK OFF.

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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.

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Joe with his 1st shot

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The crowd is on their feet. All 25 of em.

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Yes this the offense that attract fans. -end sarcasm-

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What attendance

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The announcers sound sooo bored lol

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Dick (Johnson) joe on a good play

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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!!

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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….

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