Zaza, the Jazz and some links
Hey, folks -
Hope you are well.
Had a few things for you. I talked to Zaza Pachulia Thursday about his alley-oop pass to Al Horford in the Memphis game. (If you didn’t see it, he forced a turnover, started going upcourt and then lobbed to Horford on the break.) I’ll have that Q&A – not terribly newsworthy, but kind of fun and interesting, I thought – and then some stuff from Mike Woodson about Utah, my brief take on Friday night and a couple links.
Q&A with Zaza
Q: What happened on the play?
A: I took a couple dribbles and I saw that nobody was guarding me so I took it all the way. I was just trying to read the defense and Al Horford did a great job. He ran on the fast break and he was ahead of everybody. Rudy Gay was kind of in between and I just threw the ball up. Al is very athletic and I knew he was going ot get it. It was a great play. Al made it happen because he ran.
Q: When you let it go, did you think you might have thrown it too high?
A: It felt good. But still every once in awhile, I do those kinds of things. When I let the ball go, it was good. I knew Al was going to get it. Those are two people I’d throw the ball to (on an alley-oop), Al and Josh (Smith). Even if it isn’t (on target), if you throw the ball maybe left or right, they’ll catch it and dunk. … It was right at the rim, so Al just had to catch it and dunk it. It worked out.
Q: I’m guessing you don’t get to practice that much.
A: No, not lobs. I lob passes and I have done it before too, but not from that far away. Normally, I don’t bring the ball up. (I think this is my favorite line in the interview.)
Q: You looked really happy after that play?
A: It’s something that doesn’t happen a lot (note: he meant the play, not him being happy). People got excited. Fans liked it. My teammates liked it. It was an exciting moment.
Q: What’s next, going between the legs?
A: I don’t know. Next is Utah Jazz. (Second favorite line) That’s not a big man’s job. If it happens, it happens. Normally, a big man doesn’t do that.
Woodson on the Jazz
The question, asked by sideline reporter and Bayou legend James Verrett when the two of us met with Woodson Thursday, was if the Hawks already know what’s coming from the Jazz because they’ve done the same things for so long:
Woodson: They have, but they do it fundamentally. They do it better and harder probably than any team in the league. (Coach) Jerry (Sloan) basically coaches how he plays. He played hard and his players, they play hard. They physically get after you. If you don’t meet them head on, they will embarrass you.
James: So it’ll be a test of your toughness?
Woodson: Sure it will. Every time we play them.
My brief take on Jazz-Hawks
The Hawks have done pretty well in the two games they’ve played against pure point guards (Boston with Rajon Rondo and Dallas with Jason Kidd). Rondo had three points and nine assists, Kidd had three points and six assists, and from my vantage point, it looked like the official scorer in Dallas was on a mission to pad Kidd’s stats.
So, while a lot more goes into beating the Jazz (and Boston and Dallas) than defending point guards, that bodes well for the Hawks against Deron Williams.
(This is off topic, but did you realize that LeBron James is averaging 8.0 assists per game? That’s ridiculous. Though, as regards the point about Kidd, he averages 8.8 assists at home and 7.2 on the road. I think that would make for an interesting article. Assists are very subjective in my opinion.)
Anyway, the Hawks’ defensive field goal percentage in the last three games – 48.6, 50.6, 50.0. Part of it is that the games were blowouts – Memphis shot 55.6 percent in the fourth quarter – but they were shooting 48.3 percent through three quarters. Utah is one of the best shooting teams in the league and also does a good job at holding onto the ball, though the Jazz don’t rebound all that well.
Links:
Dime magazine thinks that Woodson has been the best coach in the league this year.
“…he has been able to keep everyone on the roster happy by keeping the focused on sharing the ball, defense and winning.”
Jazz notes from the Deseret News.
My story today about how the Hawks look at the multitude of statistical measures that have become increasing popular.
From the last post:
Coleco - I asked Marvin that around the Boston game. He said he didn’t feel pressure because of the contract, that he felt pressure last year playing for this contract. He generally seems to be pretty upbeat whenever I talk to him. For what it’s worth, he does as much extra shooting as anyone on the team, as best I can tell.
Lastly, thanks to those who have offered up your kind words about my efforts. I sincerely appreciate all of them. It’s trite, but it means a lot.
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356 comments Add your comment
Daniel
December 18th, 2009
1:38 pm
nunna- I think it is because Woodson needed some time to let the Bibby/Johnson/Crawford rotation get worked out and the players settle into each other. Took about a quarter of the season, which is what I was saying all along.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
1:41 pm
Thanks Daniel, your point is taken.
I do want to add that you were very judgmental and critical of Joe Mama. You weren’t asking for clarity but you were defending Ken and admonishing Joe for his position. I may not agree with his view or know his experience, but that’s between he and Ken.
You are loyal and fond of ken based on your experience with him. Perhaps this is what Joe meant about playing favorites. I think you owe Joe an apology.
I do agree that Horford brings things to the game that Boozer doesn’t.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
1:43 pm
“nunna- I think it is because Woodson needed some time to let the Bibby/Johnson/Crawford rotation get worked out and the players settle into each other. Took about a quarter of the season, which is what I was saying all along.”
I do believe he said that at the beginning of the season that it would take time to set the rotations.
rms
December 18th, 2009
1:44 pm
nice story hoops coach!!!
Daniel
December 18th, 2009
1:47 pm
undisputed champ- I did apologize for his feelings of being “attacked” I think I made myself very clear. Also, this is a public format where opinions are shared and commented on. If his comment is not meant for me or anyone else to comment on, then this is the wrong format to post his opinions. I do not have an issue with anyone’s opinions about what I write as long as they don’t personally insult or use profanity. seems fair to me.
Fundamentals
December 18th, 2009
1:50 pm
I agree with the time needed to establish rotations. We’re lookin real good right now on all fronts. Even in the 2nd and 3rd string.
Sloan has been given some talented players, but so have others who have failed miserably. If Woody rolled off Sloan’s win-loss record for the next 15 years you’d probably say it was Woody’s players too.
If you really look 20% of the NBA’s teams have ruled the championships for the past 30 years. Lakers, Bulls, Celtics, Spurs as “dynasty” type teams. Pistons & Rockets as good teams that came at the right time. There’s not alot of variation here guys. It’s not like other sports where it changes all the time.
We’ve got a chance in the next 3-5 years to really make an interesting case for one or more championships. We haven’t been in this situation in 20+ years. Relish it, whether we lift the trophy or not. It’s good to be realistically in the hunt. That’s all we can really ask for.
No one is guaranteed a title shot based on their Day 1 roster. I still think Boston & LA will repeat unless we manage to knock Boston off. Shaq will fail like he did in Phoenix. Vince will fail as always and take Dwight down with him. This could be our year.
rms
December 18th, 2009
1:56 pm
was anybody watching the last game vs the grizzlies and the camera was on woodson trying to call teague. He trying to get his attention and called him “rook” about three times and then said “jeff”. He got his attention after that. I just thought it was funny to hear coach calling the jeff teague “rook”! I am sure thats the name he call him all the time even in practice.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
2:09 pm
Fundamentals I need to get a pen out to co-sign your last post. I feel the same way. Heres where we differ.
“No one is guaranteed a title shot based on their Day 1 roster. I still think Boston & LA will repeat unless we manage to knock Boston off. Shaq will fail like he did in Phoenix. Vince will fail as always and take Dwight down with him. This could be our year.”
I believe that destiny is in our own hands. Rumors of Shaq’s demise may be more a hope of your will than a reality. Vince has a full season to perfect the in/out with Dwight. Vince is a pro and an all star. You wont get anything less. Id rather not hope than the other team fails and falls down to our level where we have a chance. Id rather we raise our level, get a legitimate center and take our championship regardless of what the other team does or doesn’t.
The bottom line is can we stay healthy and how are we going to deal with Shaq/Howar?….. not to leave Boston out but Woodson has already proved he can match Boston well.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
2:12 pm
Undisputed Champ
10:55 am
Whats up?
Woodson has already done well, a point that seems to escape irrational conversation.
Astro Joe, no doubt your first premise is an accurate one. Keep in mind that Sund never completed a championship level tour with the Mavericks. He left them as a good team but not a great one.
In his poker playing efforts concerning Woodson’s salary, he got called out and did not know that Woody was the quality of coach that he is, after all this is Woodsons first head coaching assignment. Now that its clear(should be after five + years) that Woodson is showing first tier ability, to have offered an 2-3 year extension at the current rates would now seem like a steal.
Right now Woodson’s hawks are writing history with what has taken place over these past 5+ years. Its a great story and a great epic that we are privileged to witness. Make no mistake about it. No doubt Woodson’s stock has risen and will continue to rise with each win.
I guess ESPN, and TNT have taken note.The coach’s polls have, and opposing teams have. This team is well coached and well prepare and has perfect unity and chemistry, a sign of an excellent coach. Those are facts, not opinions.
Let the naysayers , and prophets of doom continue to falsely prophesy.The more talent you add to the hawks the more Woodson utilizes has options and the more victories we achieve. – GO HAWKS.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
2:13 pm
Daniel
Never turn a bull lose in a china shop!
Idiot Watch.
December 18th, 2009
2:27 pm
Idiot Watch
December 17th, 2009
6:45 pm
“FOR THOSE WHO INSIST ON CLAIMING WOODSON IS COACHING THE WAY HE’S ALWAYS COACHED AND/OR IT’S HIS COACHING THAT’S MADE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN HOW THIS TEAM HAS DONE, PLEASE TELL ME WHY WE HAVEN’T ACHIEVED( SIMULAR) RESULTS AND CONSISTENCY BEFORE NOW” – Idiot!
2005 Roster
12 Kenny Anderson
20 Jon Barry
1 Josh Childress
40 Jason Collier
00 Tony Delk
13 Boris Diaw
14 Predrag Drobnjak
54 Obinna Ekezie
7 Tom Gugliotta
3 Al Harrington
36 Royal Ivey
10 Tyronn Lue
34 Jelani McCoy
2 Anthony Miller
15 Donta Smith
5 Josh Smith
44 Michael Stewart
0 James Thomas
8 Antoine Walker
42 Kevin Willis
2005-06
1 Joe Johnson
2 Al Harrington
3 Zaza Pachulia
4 Marvin Williams
5 Tyronn Lue
6 Tony Delk
7 Josh Childress
8 Jason Collier
9 Josh Smith
10 John Edwards
11 Salim Stoudamire
12 Donta Smith
13 Royal Ivey
14 Esteban Batista
15 John Thomas
2007-8
1 Joe Johnson
2 Speedy Claxton
3 Marvin Williams
4 Zaza Pachulia
5 Tyronn Lue
6 Lorenzen Wright
7 Shelden Williams
8 Josh Childress
9 Anthony Johnson
10 Josh Smith
11 Royal Ivey
12 Salim Stoudamire
13 Solomon Jones
14 Esteban Batista
15 Stanislav Medvedenko
16 Cedric Bozeman
17 Matt Freije
18 Dijon Thompson
19 Jeremy Richardson
2005 roster has 11 guys who are no longer in pro basketball
2006 has 8
2007 has 9
Where is the talent? Depth? Better question is how did he get better and better each year with this Shyt?
Ken Sugiura
December 18th, 2009
2:27 pm
On a completely different note, Jamal Crawford said something after shootaround that I found pretty interesting that hopefully will enhance my understanding of this team, and perhaps might be something for you all to watch in games (if you already weren’t aware of it.) He compared Josh Smith to Ray Lewis in the way he sets and orchestrates the defense, in addition to the way he plays and cleans up others’ mistakes. Let’s not get lost in the fact that, yes, Ray Lewis is one of the best defenders of all time in his sport and Josh Smith is not (at least not yet). In that respect, it might not be the greatest analogy. When talking to reporters, Jamal is always very positive about his teammates. But I didn’t really realize how much of a traffic cop role Smith apparently is playing.
Daniel
December 18th, 2009
2:30 pm
I am neither a bull nor a china shop.
Joe Mama
December 18th, 2009
2:37 pm
I’m not hurt, offended, yes.
I just think that your rules should apply indiscriminately. My experience with you is that this has not been the case.
You have heard me and that is good enough for me.
As I said before, thanks for the opportunity to know you.
Fundamentals
December 18th, 2009
2:40 pm
Champ,
I’m a firm believer that Shaq is too old and he’s negatively impacted the Cavs. They do have 2 huge bigs, but we have speed, athleticism and team play that can overcome the Cavs. My main concern with the Cavs is the whistle and Lebron. I’m not worried about their bigs.
Dwight and Vince are a different challenge. I didn’t mean I wish they’d be out or injured to “bring them down to our level”. I meant that Dwight hasn’t really put it all together yet. Team him with an “All-Star” who has never proven he can win in the playoffs and you’ve got an unstable combo. VC is a great player, but he didn’t win with Jefferson & Kid. I don’t think he’ll be the difference this year.
I firmly believe the Celtics are our stiffest challenge. Yes we can beat them. I think we can beat all 3 if we play our style of ball. They all have trouble matching up with us as much as we do them. We’ve gotta keep growing each day. Our bench bigs are vitally important to knocking off the Cavs and Magic.
I think we have what it takes. We don’t have to rise to anyone’s level. We just gotta prove what we’ve got will work. And we will.
Daniel
December 18th, 2009
2:41 pm
man…. I will just leave it alon… too easy
Daniel
December 18th, 2009
2:42 pm
Fundamentals- I think Orlando presents are biggest match up problem. we actually have a similar talent make up to the C’s its just youth/energy vs. age/expierence.
Astro Joe
December 18th, 2009
2:45 pm
Strickland, your basic premise is wrong. An NBA Head Coach is first and foremost responsible for managing a winnuing team, NOT individual player development. If each of the 12 players had to subordinate their game for the benefit of the team, should the coach be fired? Isn’t that what we heard (ad nauseum) about the Celtics fromn a few years ago? It wasn;t about how well Ray, Pierce and KG played individually, but how well they blended and sacrificed for a title. I’m fairly certain that Lamar Odom could do more but that’s not what the Lakers neeededlast season. A great coach keeps the players focused on the team concept… team goals, team success. Also, I certainly don’t credit Woody exclusively for this team’s success. If the combination of several contributors/factors is working, why change any of them? I don’t want to see Sund leave nor any member of the nucleus of players. Keep the whole thing together until they start to roll down the hill.
Lastly, Strickland, have you been so fortunate in your life that you have only met highly motivated and successful people? Have you never met someone who seemed to avoid hard work, someone who operated below their abilities or someone who often chose the easy path to aovid breaking out into a sweat? I have not been so fortunate. And I am of the belief that just like in the real world, there are under-achievers who attempt to play pro basketball. When Salim, Shelden, Acie or Solo become anything more than fringe players, let me know. Every team needs players to fill seats 10-12… and those are the guys to do it.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
2:48 pm
There is a lot of weaknesses and handicaps that Woodson’s switching is covering up.
Josh’s game and Lewis’s game are different in style, technique and execution so I dont see that as a good comparison. Josh as a power forward covers up for the fact that we dont have a center to enforce the paint.
Josh is a power forward not a center. When he goes out of the game the road to the basket is green lighted because defending the rack is not a strong suit for Horford, who is more like a Dennis Rodman gathering rebounds from missed shots.
Not being able to protect the basket is a weakness and will be exploited in the half court game of the higher levels of the playoffs, coaches will run plays to keep josh out of the paint and force the Horford to face Howard or Shaq 1 one 1.
I sure hope he doesn’t tear an ankle or shoulder out of socket!
Fundamentals
December 18th, 2009
3:02 pm
I can definitely agree there’s a green light when Josh goes out. We’ve gotta work with what we have – that’s getting more out of Joe Smith, ZaZa and Randmo. Hopefully Collins will at least be an option for some defensive stands in the 1/2 court. We gotta get some consistent team D out of those folks and/or use their fouls to survive in the 1/2 court offense that will be presented during the playoffs.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
3:06 pm
Fundamentals You and I aren’t too far apart. You analysis is based on your “opinion” that Shaq is too old and slow and Orlando doesn’t have the chemistry. None of that is proven, so we are hoping that is the case.
Yes we have proven that we can beat Boston.
Boston has also proved they can beat us.
Only one of the many publications and sports authorities picked us to be higher than a 4th seed, and they largely based that on the fact that we had only 1second tier all star and no legitimate center. Disagree or not, fact is this is the projections based on roster analysis.
Those are concerns that we take through the season and must find answers or deny the overwhelming projections.
Having said that. This team is well coached unified and has great chemistry.
I agree with you that the battle lines are drawn at the center spot. I think we need to solve that concern before we get to the finals. Right now we don’t have the right combination to take on Shaq and/or Howard in the middle.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
3:07 pm
I agree with your post@
December 18th, 2009
3:02 pm
Fundamentals.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
3:09 pm
Astro Joe , as usual, excellent post!
Fundamentals
December 18th, 2009
3:17 pm
Something I worry about most every game. My wife loves Horford, but even she can see he gets pounded night after night. That’s why I harp on developing the frontcourt bench players so much. They might not be the best answer, but they’re the only one we’ve got. Maybe we’ll get lucky with a big prospect through the draft, though it’s unlikely.
Trading or signing will be difficult since we won’t have alot of $$ to do anything with. Not sure yet which piece is expendable either. That’s why I keep praying for Randmo every game, every night.
Gortat would’ve been a nice piece over the summer. Orlando was smart to hold him close. I really didn’t see anything else we could’ve used.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
3:18 pm
Daniel , one of our strengths, as Fundamentals is stressing, is speed and youthful athleticism. We run and gun.
What fundamental knows and you may not be considering is that in the finals of the conference the run and gun will be out. Clock control, slow down and half court sets and isolation match ups will dominate. Our speed and youthful athleticism will be marginalized.
Hopefully Shaq will show his age, hopefully Howard with not connect with Vince, hopefully Boston will play old.
But just in case, Shaq has a lot left and Carter and Howard find a groove, we need to be prepared.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
3:21 pm
Fundamentals you are right on the Money, Bull eye! Some times teams keep players to make sure you don’t. I got a early dinner date fellows. It been really excellent conversation. I appreciate you and Ive enjoyed it . Ill check back later.
Undisputed Champ!
December 18th, 2009
3:24 pm
Fundamentals , final note, The big three are worried too, they like everybody else see we get better and better each game, hour and minute.
WE ARE DOING THE HUNTING!!!
Fundamentals
December 18th, 2009
3:27 pm
Well said Champ. I still feel like Vince will sell out as he always does. He’s great when it really doesn’t matter, but crumbles when its all on the line. Granted he’s killed us with game winners, but he’ll falter. Mark my word. Dwight is a mutant, but he isn’t quite ready to take it to the next level. He’s got some developing to do yet. Shaq has upset Lebron’s chemistry. He’s old. A nagging injury will slow he and Big Z down. We’re hunting alright. We’re out for blood.
Crashing the Glass
December 18th, 2009
3:39 pm
Just be glad we’re not the Raptors-
http://crashingtheglass.com/2009/502/raptors-republic
Fundamentals
December 18th, 2009
3:55 pm
We were the Raptors right before Woodson showed up and we started truly rebuilding. Sad – they’ve got lots of awesome pieces, just no cohesive unit.
Ken Strickland
December 18th, 2009
4:35 pm
ASTRO JOE-it’s obvious we have a difference of opinion on the matter, and I hold your disagreement in a much higher light than I hold some of these fools that are disagreeing just to promote whole lot of nothing.
You made the following statement: “AN NBA HEAD COACH IS FIRST AND FOREMOST RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING A WINNING TEAM, NOT INDIVIDUAL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT”. There’s no way you can use this statement or idiology to justify Woodson poor record of developing players. However, if you really believe that statement, then answer the following questions:
(1)Didn’t Woodson take over a team that was expected to lose far more gms than it would win, and didn’t he manage losing teams for 4 of his 1st 5 seasons as HC?
(2) After being presented with 7 high 1st rd picks, including 4 lottery picks(JChildress, MWilliams, SWilliams, AHorford), 2 picks in 04(JSmith/JChildress), 2 in 07(ALaw/AHorford) and 4 high 2nd rd picks(DSmith, RIvey, SStaudemire, SJones) exactly what do you think the ASG and former GM BKnight expected him to do with all of this young talent if not develop it?
(3)Why do you think the ASG and GM BKnight made it public they intended to blowup the roster to acquire draft picks and build through the draft if they didn’t intend to have the HC do some serious develping of that talent?
(4) How can anyone believe Woodson did a good job when only 3 of those players are still on the roster?
What’s really stupid is how the staunchest advocates of Woodson’s contributions to the growth and development of this team(TRUTH SERUM, ROD FROM CP AND SAMUEL) are the main ones doing all of the complaining about the lack of development of the only 3 remaining picks on the roster(MWilliams, JSmith, AHorford). Isn’t it also ironic that the 2 players that seem to receive the most criticism from these individuals, JSmith and MWilliams, have the most tenue under Woodson.
We have a very talented, quality team and Woodson deserves some to the credit for that, but there’s no way anyone can say this team was built throught the draft or player development when 2/3 of this team is comprised of veterans acquired either though FA or trades.
There are certain teams like the Cavaliers, Spurs, Nuggets, Celtics, Magic, Lakers, Mavericks etc, that wouldn’t hire a HC to develop talent, but you can’t make that blanket statement about all teams, especially the Hawks in 04.
O'Brien
December 18th, 2009
4:48 pm
Although Woodson and the Hawks are flying high, I think Sund wants to wait until after the playoffs to see how the Hawks perform. We have depth and experience like never before.
What if the Hawks win 50-55 games, are the 3rd or 4th seed, and lose in the first round, or get swept in the second round? On the other side, what if we make it all the way to the NBA finals?
I just think Sund wants to evaluate Woody after the playoffs to determine if he gets an extension, and if so, for how many years.
As for the half-court offense vs the run and gun, because of our youth and athleticism, we are a much better team when we push the tempo. But as someone correctly pointed out, the deeper you get in the playoffs, you better be able to play defense and execute in the half court.
The problem is, the Hawks are not that good playing half-court. Is it Woody’s fault or the players fault? Probably a combination of both. And thats why I think Woody needs an offensive co-ordinator to help with our sets. (Woody himself said he doesnt concern himself with offense, he just focuses on defense and rebounding).
newkid
December 18th, 2009
5:08 pm
Grandad, Truth, Big Ray, looks like Bradley took our discussion from last night’s blog and developed an opinion piece around it. You guys consistently lead the pack.
Big Ump
December 18th, 2009
5:22 pm
Why does someone have to be called fools because they disagree with them? Something wrong with that picture. Like Big Ray said why keep throwing fuel on the fire.
Astro Joe
December 18th, 2009
5:29 pm
Strickland, I don’t care that Woody couldn’t win with a bottom 5 payroill team, or that he couldn’t develop Shelden nor Acie (while getting very good produuction from Smith, Childress, Marvin and Horford). I don’t care that 2nd rounders have failed (although Salim had 2 good seasons before he found his way sliding out of the league). If you are telling me that the Hawks are likely to return to a bottom 5 payroll that features 5-6 players on rookie contracts (and a bench of unproven 2nd rounders and undrafted players), then I would terminate Woody now and go hire an assistant coach to grow with the team (again). But if we are more likely to keep a group of young vets in the 23-28 age range, a middle of the pack payroll and a bench of proven vet performers, then we have seen that Woody can be very successful with those variables. Two years ago, Woody predicted a playoff berth when all of the pundits discounted him… he delivered. Last year, he said “home court advantage” and all of the pundits chuckled, he delivered. We are on pace for the best season in 12 years and you want to blame him because Shelden and Acie suck? The collective is on a roll, don’t break up the band.
Grandad
December 18th, 2009
5:51 pm
Ken Suguira & others:
Yawl do realize that Joe Mama is Sybil don’t you?
Grandad
December 18th, 2009
5:53 pm
Ken Suguira:
You come back and visit when you can.
Merry Christmas
O'Brien
December 18th, 2009
6:10 pm
I heard this on PTI, and I couldnt beleive it. There are 4 guys in the NBA who are averaging 20 pts, 5 rebs and 5 assists per game. Those 4 players are:
DWade, LeBron James, Joe Johnson, and Tyreke Evans. The first 3 are understandable, but the rookie Tyreke Evans from Sac Town? Wow.
Rod from College Park
December 18th, 2009
6:40 pm
Ken Strickland,
I you are going to continuously throw my name in your diatribes please speak the truth. I am not a staunch Woodson supporter, I just feel like to continuously talk about how bad he is when he obviously has the team going in the right direction makes you look like an idiot. On the record I never bash anyone on the team except Marvin because he is the only player who gets regular minutes who is a thief. Everyone else on the team is doing what they are paid to do except
Marvin. I also don’t get overly excited about the regular season because the playoffs will expose all weaknesses, coaches and players. Woody will have to show that he can adjust in the playoffs for me to be fully sold. I can actually help him with one adjustment already. TRADE OR BENCH THE WEAK LINK MARVIN WILLIAMS. We can not afford to have a guy on the floor who can not defend elite players at his position, and is a self check on offense. We don’t need the Lebrons, and Pierces of the world to be able to totally leave their man (Marvin) and focus on double and triple teaming JJ. This is my one and only problem with the Hawks, and I personally feel it will be our downfall if it is not understood by playoff time. I personally think that Marvin will continue to play himself out of the starting lineup because he just really is not that good a player, which I have said since the day he was drafted.
Ken Strickland
December 18th, 2009
6:55 pm
ASTRO JOE-your last post seems to sum up why you support Woodson no matter what, and like to make excuses for supporting him. It’s apparent you and he think alike when it comes to developing young players and paying attention to details. However, unlike you, he seems to be making an effort to pay attention to certain details he once bragged about not caring anything about.
Despite all of this, if he continues to pay attention to details and improve overall as a HC, he should get what he wants, especially if he improves his decision making and use of strategy during the playoffs. In last yrs playoffs, he did a really poor job overall. We struggled in a 7gm series against a team we should have swept. We then got swept and embarrassed by a team we should have been more competitive against, even with our injuries.
Our starters had simply broken down from overuse and fatigue by playoff time. The injuries merely compounded the problem. Regardless of what Sund decides at the end of the season, I won’t complain about it. I’ll only complain about the negative things that’s done by whoever ends up coaching the team.
KevinA
December 18th, 2009
7:13 pm
http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-091218/daily-dime-live
Ken Strickland
December 18th, 2009
7:16 pm
ROD FROM CP-no matter how you make excuses or try to justify it, your issues with Marvin are strictly personal, period. Your pitiful claim that we can’t afford to have a guy that can’t guard elite players is a joke. How many elite players can Bibby guard, and why haven’t you made an issue of his DEF? And as far as Marvins OFF is concerned, he’s scoring 10.3PPG to Bibby’s 9.3PPG, so you can’t make that an issue with him and exclude Bibby. They’re also playing about the same MPG as well. SO WHY NOT TRADE OR BENCH ALL OF OUR WEAK LINKS, NOT JUST THE ONE YOU’VE DECIDED TO SINGLE OUT FOR UNEXPLAINABLE PERSON REASONS.
Ken Strickland
December 18th, 2009
7:27 pm
KEVINA-that was an excellent interview, and Woodson handled himself well.
bigdave
December 18th, 2009
7:33 pm
lets get it…
O'Brien
December 18th, 2009
7:34 pm
I didnt realize DWill is averaging 20 pts and 10 assists this season. I wonder what Woody thinks whenever we play CP3 or DWill. Does he wonder what could have been, or he is happy with Marvin and Bibby…
KevinA
December 18th, 2009
7:36 pm
Please no slow start tonight. The Jazz won’t let us back in the game so easy.
vava74
December 18th, 2009
7:40 pm
Matt Harpring: “JJ is one of the most underrated players in this league”
Melvin
December 18th, 2009
7:41 pm
Let’s get ready to rumble…..
BONE
December 18th, 2009
7:46 pm
Why does Josh feel the need to take LONG 2’s
Blast
December 18th, 2009
7:47 pm
Hawks active early on defence.