Hawks on a one-game losing streak – where’s the panic button?
Greetings, all-
I apologize in advance. I don’t have a ton of material today (”do you ever?” some of you are asking yourselves). I am not with the team – I am back in Atlanta, and the team went from Chicago to Minneapolis – and have been otherwise occupied with shopping for nephews (Clone Wars action figures) (that is to say, I was shopping for action figures, not that my nephews are four inches tall and made of plastic ) and spending time with my parents, who are here for Christmas.
Commander Cody. This guy was not easy to find.
Anyway, a couple select thoughts on conversation from the last blog. I don’t think Jeff Teague, at this point, would be a good option to play defense at the end of a game. If this were one-on-one, then, yes, Teague is a better option than Mike Bibby and perhaps Jamal Crawford. But he loses his man off the ball often. I didn’t get to ask Mike Woodson abut putting in Marvin Williams over Crawford, but I’d assume that the opinions being posited – defense over offense – make sense. (An aside – for reasons I don’t entirely understand, in the last few days, when Woodson has been asked about the team’s defense, two or three times he’s almost gone out of his way to mention that Teague and Crawford need to play better weakside defense.)
I don’t know, you can make a case for either lineup and, obviously, in hindsight, it looks like a good decision to stick with Crawford. But given that they were up four with two minutes left, I can certainly see why you’d want to go with defense. Williams, for his faults offensively against Chicago, was having a pretty good defensive game. And, obviously, you all know Woodson is a defense-first guy.
As for the iso-Joe stuff, as someone who likes watching team basketball, I’m not a huge fan of it like many of you. But, as I pointed out in a story I wrote today, I don’t think you can make the argument that it hasn’t worked this season. At least by the numbers, in the Hawks’ two other biggest iso-Joe games, Portland (home) and Dallas, they won. If Johnson had made one more basket at the end, it would have worked again. Granted, you could make the case that the Hawks would have won, and by more, if they hadn’t done it.
As for Minnesota, I’d think the Hawks take out their frustations of Chicago on them, but I have been known to be wrong.
A few links:
Derrick Rose wouldn’t mind Joe Johnson as a teammate.
ESPNChicago rated Jamal Crawford one of its top 10 Bulls of the decade. (It states Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said Crawford would never start for a winning team. It was interesting to me that Crawford was booed when he came into the game. Perhaps this is related? I looked for awhile online, but didn’t find a story about what the Reinsdorf quote was about. Does anyone know what the backstory? This doesn’t answer it, but is an interesting look at the post-Jordan Bulls.)
I want you to look at this page and, hopefully, you’ll see the same ad I did. Look at the bottom of the right-hand column. In my ad, it had jerseys of Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, LeBron James and … Al Horford.
No disrespect to Horford – he brings it every night, has All-Star potential and is cooperative to a fault with me and other reporters – but it caught my eye, as you might imagine. I’m wondering if maybe the ad leaves that space blank and fills in the spot according to whatever city it recognizes the computer being from. Or maybe Al Horford is a jersey-selling titan and I’m just not aware of it. Maybe some of you from outside Georgia can click on it and shed some light?
Here’s a question – name your top five Hawks of the 90’s.
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148 comments Add your comment
Melvin
December 21st, 2009
2:04 pm
Top 5 Hawks of the 90’s.
Dominique Wilkinson, Steve Smith, Mookie Blaylock, Dikembe Mutombo
(Shareef/Lattener/Willis) are tie for the 5th spot…
Melvin
December 21st, 2009
2:04 pm
Was I first??????
Big Ray
December 21st, 2009
2:13 pm
No harm if Al Horford gets a little jersey love.
Lemme see, Jeff Teague and Jamal Crawford need to play better defense. Ok, what’s new about that? Teague is a rook, and Jamal has never been known for his “D”. It’ll get better. Perhaps not demonstrably so anytime soon, but if they’re listening to Woody at all, it will get better.
Can’t remember the last time I saw a rookie guard that came into the league playing good defense right away….
Big Ray
December 21st, 2009
2:14 pm
Yes, Melvin. And second as well….
Mike
December 21st, 2009
2:30 pm
It’s Horford here in Florida. Maybe he is a jersey-selling machine. I was a bit surprised when I came up for a Hawks game to see that his jersey was as common as all the others combined there at the game. Hey, what’s not to like?
Sleepy
December 21st, 2009
2:59 pm
Jamals defense was no worse than Marvins in this game in case everyone forgot it Hinrich and Rose scored and tied up the game after we subbed out Crawford. Our play the other night with Crawford in the game offensively and defensively was much better than it was with Marv . Now that is not the case all the time but in these matchups Crawford gave us an edge because he has burned the Bulls in the past and they respect his game. Crawford had 29 the first time they met and has big games against them in the past at some point the coach has to do a little research on his personnel.
theZaZaguy
December 21st, 2009
3:10 pm
When they were giving out free t-shirts at the game a few weeks back, there were two choices. Joe Johnson’s number and Al Horford’s number. Seems to be pretty popular.
Clyde
December 21st, 2009
3:11 pm
Top five Hawks of the 90’s
Ken “The Snake” Norman, Rumeal Robinson, Glenn Robinson, John Battle, Ed Gray
FIRE WOODY
Clyde
December 21st, 2009
3:14 pm
Replace Glenn Robinson wit Tree Rollins
Hawk Str8Talk
December 21st, 2009
3:23 pm
The interesting thing about the comment about Crawford and Teague playing better defense. Fine, Woody – you can call that out, but I just worry that that’s going to be his reason for taking minutes away from Teague, yet it won’t be his reason for sitting Bibby or Crawford. I’d rather have Teague learning on the job for something he can get better at than telling one player – hey, that’s why you don’t play and never doing the same for Crawford or Bibby. In fact, Crawford has been getting starter minutes all season and I don’t see the consistency. And that lack of consistency is what I think ultimately can lose players. Not to draw us into an Acie Law debate, but young players need to see the words and deeds match and as we saw with Law – there were a few days where Law did well and they weren’t followed up with positive reinforcement (aka minutes, more responsibility), but whenever he made a mistake – it was a week or two of DNPs. You can ruin a player that way. So, if Crawford or Bibby are being judged by weakside defense, then there needs to be negative repercussions that Teague sees in order to understand that that REALLY matters – otherwise, it’s just a thing that’s said (or an excuse used to justify sitting the rookie that isn’t applied to other players). Since Woodson has gotten here, a few young players (particularly, Salim and Acie) have been treated in a fashion that others were not and I think that’s dangerous. Not sounding the alarm yet, but it’s certainly something to watch and be concerned about with regard to Teague.
SWAT Native
December 21st, 2009
3:24 pm
I got Horford, too, but I don’t think its a regional thing. I think that Horford gets more around the league love than any other Hawk. I love the car commercial where they show him dancing in the Hawks huddle.
Big Ray
December 21st, 2009
3:28 pm
Horford has earned his respect around the league and the media. And he’s only going to get better.
Mz. Hawkdafied
December 21st, 2009
3:51 pm
Happy Holidays Ken Sugiura and fellow Hawks fans!
I won’t be so quick to hit the panic button right now because so far this season, knock on wood, the Hawks have been resilient and bounced back from losing games and haven’t been on a long losing streak. They still have a shot at a 50-60 wins season as long as they continue to get back on the winning track as they have done thus far.
The Al Horford jersey as well as the Joe Johnson jersey is seen on a lot of fans at the games. Based on what I’ve seen at the games Horford’s jersey is selling a lot. I’ve seen groups of fans wearing it quite a few times. The Horford’s jersey is about to take over the Joe Johnson jersey before long, if it hasn’t already.
My Top Hawks from the 90’s:
1. Dominique Wilkins
2. Spud Webb
3. Dikembe Mutombo
4.Kevin Willis
5. Mookie Blaylock
Astro Joe
December 21st, 2009
3:54 pm
Top 5 of the 90’s? Aren’t we about to end the first decade of the 21st century in about 10 days?
From 2000-2009, top 5 Hawks include:
Este Batista
John Edwards
Dion Glover
Cedric Bozeman
Antoine Walker
Now top THAT!
Astro Joe
December 21st, 2009
3:56 pm
My bad, replace Antoine Walker with Donta Smith.
Mz. Hawkdafied
December 21st, 2009
4:07 pm
Oh, another thing concerning the Hawks jersey. I’ve seen more Josh Smith jerseys in the red at the games. I think it’s because of the great start to the season that Josh has had. But yep the Horford and Johnson jerseys are the biggest sellers based on what I’ve seen at the games this season.
theZaZaguy yeah they forced us to choose which free t shirt. Imagine the horror of trying to decide between which player’s shirt to get. I was wondering why the chosen players were JJ and Horford, well of JJ but Horford. But after going to quite a few games and observing. It could be concluded that JJ and Horford’s jerseys are the biggest sellers.
Astro Joe
December 21st, 2009
4:20 pm
I’m now thinking that John Edwards vs. “Bacon” Jason Collins may be a photo-finish for the starting center position. Dang it, and I almost forgot about “Popcorn Love” Lorenzen Wright. Geez, and y’all thought that we never had a legit center in the last decade… just shows you how backward thinking most are on this blog.
Mz. Hawkdafied
December 21st, 2009
4:37 pm
Astro Joe are you serious? LOL!
Fundamentals
December 21st, 2009
4:40 pm
Doc Rivers, Kevin Willis, Nique, Spud, Steve Smith – I’d also consider Mookie & Al Harrington. Too bad Tree had already retired.
Lithonia Lion
December 21st, 2009
4:42 pm
i’m under 20 yrs.old, so my credibility may not not there.(but i have listened to some 70’s and 80’s guys and seen some old film on youtube). HAWKS ALL 90’s TEAM!!!:
1.) HIGHLIGHT DOMONIQUE!!!
2.)Mookie Blaylock
3.)Dikimbe Mutombo
4.)Steve Smith
5.)Spud Webb/Jason Terry/Kevin Willis
Grandad
December 21st, 2009
4:43 pm
AJ – How about:
Dan Dickau
Tony Delk
Travis Hanson
Hanno Mottola- (I actually liked him as a role player)
*Cal Bowdler*- (almost trumps Batista but not quite)
Lithonia Lion
December 21st, 2009
4:47 pm
OOPS!, I forgot Doc Rivers(even though he know coaches our arch-rivals(BOSTON)) and one of the best Hawks centers ever in Jason Collier(R.I.P.)
Fundamentals
December 21st, 2009
4:54 pm
2000-2004
Motumbo, Shareef, Chris Crawford, Jason Terry, Jason Collier
d.carter
December 21st, 2009
4:56 pm
Hawks players of the decade:
14# Charlie Criss
Priest Lauderdale
Dallas Comegys
Chris washburn
tom mcmillian
Honorable mention: Sam pellom, Rudy Macklin, Roy marble
d.carter
December 21st, 2009
4:57 pm
almost forgot: RIP terry furlow
O'Brien
December 21st, 2009
5:06 pm
Thanks for the blog Ken.
In the game against the Bulls, towards the end of the 4th quarter, Marvin made a huge defensive mistake. If I’m not mistaken, he left Salmons wide open for a corner 3. That shot was huge, as the Bulls were making their run towards the finish line.
And Marvin does play solid defense at times, but when the game is on the line, its JJ who guards the premier SF/SG. And when was the last time Marvin made a key defensive stop/play?
And I agree that Teague and Crawford need to work on their defense. But there are times when Bibby is stinking up the joint, and Woody leaves him in. That being said, I can understand leaving Teague out, because he is a rookie. But I think Crawford should have been in the game.
I think another reason Woody didnt put Crawford in the game is because he did not need his offense. Woody knew the play was going to be iso JJ anyway(tongue-in-cheek).
Astro Joe
December 21st, 2009
5:07 pm
Ouch, y’all are bringing up some horrific nightmares. Who started this ugly trend anyway?
So I was just thinking, assuming that the best five players on the current team are (in no particular order): Bibby, Crawford, Joe, Josh & Horford… name someone from the “Woody Era” who you would rather have over any of those 5 players. For example, does Diaw trump any of those guys? Harrington? Speedy? Could it be argued that this team has the best 5 players of the Woody Era… with little to no debate?
Astro Joe
December 21st, 2009
5:13 pm
OB, Marvin is often guilty of leaving a potential threat at the 3-point line. I have yelled many times over the past 2-3 years “Marvin, don’t leave him out there” only to watch the nets splash 2 seonds later. I like his defense insode the 3-point line (in fact, I like it a lot), but he too often makes poor decisions when guarding guys out deep.
On the other hand, he did make a nice block on one of Rose’s drives late in the game. Rathburn and ‘Nique didn’t acknowledge who made the block, but I am fairly certain it was Marvin. Still, Crawford should have been in that game at the end.
Lithonia Lion
December 21st, 2009
5:14 pm
To add to your point Astro Joe, how about the top sixth men(bench) in the so called “Woody Era”?
Lithonia Lion
December 21st, 2009
5:20 pm
Yea, I think it was Marvin Williams with that key block againts Chicago.
Ashley
December 21st, 2009
5:20 pm
I don’t see any need to hit the panic button, bc the Hawks just aren’t “there” yet. You know? They still have some growing and working things out to do. I would really like to hear someone talk about Joe Johnson’s horrific last quarter against the Bulls though. I know he was super hot in the first half, but he was a BALL HOG in the second, and I think he cost us the game (well him and Woodson). When Joe is hot, he’s hot. But when he cools down, Mike Woodson doesn’t know when to put Jamal Crawford in to score for us and sit Joe down. Am I right?? Was anyone else as mad as I was watching the last part of that game? EVERY play Woody sent them out there with was designed for Joe even when Bibby got a really clear shot, he passed it to Joe to mess it up! Joe kept coming from the same side of the court trying to drive it to the basket four, five, or six times late in the 4th and IT DIDN’T WORK!!! But they kept trying! The same move! It was horrible and I hope Mike Woodson and Joe Johnson realized that after the game. I think the next article needs to be entitled, “Blinded by Joe?” Haha.
Astro Joe
December 21st, 2009
5:26 pm
I liked Mottola too and was sad to see him leave. Travis Hanson, though, he was straight bad… decent athlete but bad.
Lithonia Lion, I’m a BIG Josh Childress fan. I suspect that if Joe walks next summer, that he will put Jamal in the starting spot and bring Chill back over as our 6th man. And hopefully bring back Flip as well.
Christopher
December 21st, 2009
5:27 pm
I totally agree with Ashley. Joe Johnson’s effort in the second half of the Bull’s game was very reminicent of 2008. When you cool off, you must know when to give up the rock. The reason the Hawks have been so successful this year is because they’re playing team ball. Merry Christmas to all you Hawks fans…I hope Santa brings us all more playoffs! Ho! Ho! Ho!
d.carter
December 21st, 2009
5:30 pm
I could not agree more… Joe took several bad shots in the 4th quarter and doesnt know when to go to something else… To much damn dribbling
Lithonia Lion
December 21st, 2009
5:35 pm
I like chill and flip as well too, Astro. they, along with crawford, bibby and teague, would make for an ultimate backcourt.
FeudFinder
December 21st, 2009
5:36 pm
I will take 5 or 6 wins to every loss at any given day.
400hawkfan
December 21st, 2009
5:44 pm
Is it possible that no one has Jon Koncack on their list of the 90’s?
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 21st, 2009
6:19 pm
It’s becuase of the Portland win I raised concerns then and again now: 32 attampts for 40 points equals disaster and less than good bench management.
As you can tell I went well out of my way not to say poor coaching.
Must be this holiday spirit.
O'Brien
December 21st, 2009
6:36 pm
AJ,
Good point. Marvin’s height inside the rim helps. But to use a Paul Johnson analogy, PJ prefers when his offense needs to make a play to win the game, because offense is the Yellow Jackets strength.
Similarly, I think Woody should rely more on his offense to win the game, because except for Josh and JJ (when he puts his mind to it), defense is not our strength. I would like it to be, but I dont think we’re there yet. And its not like Marvin is Bruce Bowen or Ron Artest (version 2.0).
As far as JJ is concerned, my prediction is he will sign with Cleveland (if LeBron resigns with the Cavs). I dont see DWade leaving Miami, and if he does, I think he goes to his hometown of Chicago. Shaq and Big Z will be off the books, Delonte West has issues and is not close to JJ’s level, and Cleveland will spend whatever it takes to make King James happy.
Although the Hawks can offer more years, I dont see them offering the same money Cleveland does, especially since we have Crawford. And JJ next to LeBron would be sick.
Astro Joe
December 21st, 2009
7:03 pm
OB, I agree 100% with your prediction. LeBron and Joe in Cleveland together (and likely Wade and Bosh/Boozer in Miami). The funny thing is that Joe will get more media attention as LeBron’s side-kick than he does as the Hawks “main guy”.
Jody
December 21st, 2009
7:20 pm
O’Brien,
So if it comes to pass that JJ signs with Cleveland in the off season, what should the Hawks contigency plan be in your opinion? I think Rick Sund did a good job of having a contingency plan when he traded for Jamal Crawford when Mike Bibby was a free agent.
Astro Joe
December 21st, 2009
7:33 pm
Interesting to read Jamal discuss the philosophy of making simple passes and valuing the ball. When you take a look at his performance this season, you see that he has reduced his TOs per game by about 50% from last year. In some places, that would be considered “coaching up” a player. Around here, I’m sure it has absolutely nothing to do with coaching. Probably just the water in metro Atlanta.
Rod from College Park
December 21st, 2009
7:44 pm
O’Brien,
“In the game against the Bulls, towards the end of the 4th quarter, Marvin made a huge defensive mistake. If I’m not mistaken, he left Salmons wide open for a corner 3. That shot was huge, as the Bulls were making their run towards the finish line and Marvin does play solid defense at times, but when the game is on the line, its JJ who guards the premier SF/SG. And when was the last time Marvin made a key defensive stop/play?”
Your statement is correct. I am glad to see you coming around. I remember an argument last year concerning Marvin being our best perimeter defender. He never guards any good 2’s or 3’s in crunch time and is totally lost guarding 4’s in the post. He did make a block on Rose at the end of the game, but considering the fact that he did nothing else, should he be praised for that at 8 mil per?
Ken
December 21st, 2009
8:28 pm
Not expecting the Hawks to win every game but there are a few trends that are contributing to losing games they should win. Joe seems to become self-centered at times to the detriment of the team. That last 5 minutes against the Bulls is a case in point where he seemed to be playing one against five . What’s troubling is that coach Woodson allows it to continue. Joe might be the teams best player but no one player is above the team. Winning the game should be the goal, not making sure one player takes every big shot. If we can see this, what about the other team. Also, coach Woody is still not trusting is bench players enough even when they are playing well. I’m still not convinced he is the right guy long term because he seems to be slow on making in game adjustments and still has not developed a definite offensve identity with this team. These are the things that will be exposed in the playoffs when team weaknesses are magnified because more strategy is needed because of the nature of playoff basketball. This team has the potential to go to the Eastern finals if these things are rectified, if not, they will lose in the second round. Just my opinion.
Astro Joe
December 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
Why is it that Josh Smith fans can acknowledge his faults but still find him redeeming, but Marvin and Joe need to be flawless? If Marvin poorly defends the 3-ball it cancels his total worth as a defender? If Joe eneters a game red hot while his peers are struggling, he is selfish. WTF?. I guess none of y’all believe in the expression “put his team on his shoulders”… or maybe that only applies when you convert that game-winning shot… but if you miss that one field goal attempt, it is selfish. So the difference between being a hero and being selfish is rather or not the last shot goes in? WOW!
bigdave
December 21st, 2009
8:46 pm
Hands Down:
Mookie…
Plastic Man…
Andrew Lang (with that lil hook)
Hendu…
Ty Corbin…
bigdave
December 21st, 2009
8:49 pm
Astro its just a lot of hardcore Joe critics out there….
as it relates to Joe for them its damn if you do, damn if you dont…
foolish really.
Undisputed Champ!
December 21st, 2009
8:53 pm
Big Ray, I think Horford is a very popular person and would be a starting power forward on most teams. If he we had a real center Horford would be a back up to Josh. Horford is not as good as Josh. Also, Horford has peaked he is no better this year than last. Same game, get the rebound and put it back ala Dennis Rodman. He cant create his own shot off the dribble nor does he possess a skill shot.
He is a hard working person who is young and athletic. He is playing out of place so his game is not reaching the level that it could. Hes not a great player nor is he an allstar. He is a hard working player who is unselfish and part of this team.
We would be better if we could have a center. No Doubt. He will not get any better than he already is.If it werent for our guards his point totals would be down. He can play well against other power forwards playing center but he is not able to enforce when he is facing a real center.
STFU
December 21st, 2009
8:57 pm
Ken,,,, you dont want to use your last name any more hahahahhahajhajhahahhhhahahahahahah thahahahjah trying haha aa ha hhhhahahahah trying to get away from yourself? hahaha ha hha
Cant say I blame you hahjahahah, Good luck with thatl hahahaoiaoaohhiabhhhahahah
doc
December 21st, 2009
8:58 pm
truth, be wary of the backlash dude from yesterday’s post. you singled out the two lightening rods that have folks pretty well lined up as to who they are for and you go and place woody and josh on the same platter for serious accolades. some of the negative folks from either side might have at you. heh heh
wasted jj’s performance.
Truth-Serum
December 21st, 2009
9:29 pm
Doc! JJ performance wasn’t wasted. We did not get the win,but we were in the game in large parts because of JJ performance. He missed a shot that would have closed it out for us. Woodson drew a nice play to set up the shot. 95 out of a 100 JJ makes that shot. We lost that game and Deng beat us in the middle.The bulls are the #2 defense in the NBA 6-1 on the stretch? I’m good. We had a chance to work on time expiring offense and overtime strategy. This game makes us better down the stretch.
Josh is an future all-star who can only get better. They dont pull you right out of high school for nothing. Al is as good as he gets. I know he’s ken’s boy and very popular. I like him too, dont get me wrong, but I wouldn’t be truth serum if I did not put it out there.
By the way, I admire alot of your post. You have insight and courage and you present your points well. Keep up the good work. You have vision.
Truth-Serum
December 21st, 2009
9:31 pm
Im talking about Ken Sugiura not the Ken thats trying to distance his self from his self LOL
Sautee
December 21st, 2009
9:38 pm
“Also, Horford has peaked he is no better this year than last. ”
stat 08-09 09-10
Pts 11.5 13.3
reb 9.3 9.5
fg% .525 .580
ft% .727 .757
to/gm 1.54 1.35
Hate all you want. He’s better this year than last, and he’s only 23.
And like it or not, he WILL be our center for this year and very likely for the years to come. Too bad some can only see what he lacks, and miss all he brings.
Truth-Serum
December 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
Ok my bad, Hes making 1.5 more points and .2 more rebounds and .19 less turn over. Those are excellent points.
Good points!
Mean while back to the real world!
Truth-Serum
December 21st, 2009
9:50 pm
Where do they get these guys from?
Sautee
December 21st, 2009
10:01 pm
Wait! You mean you are Undisputed Champ AND truth-serum?
Who knew?
And, FYI, that improvement that you try to belittle is greater percentage-wise than Woody’s improvement in win % from year 2 to year 3 (26 to 30 games). So, just maybe Al’s doing something right. Or had Woody “peaked” in year 3?
Truth-Serum
December 21st, 2009
10:14 pm
Thats Mr. Undisputed Champ! to you.
Sautee
December 21st, 2009
10:16 pm
a quote from Coach Mike Woodson:
“I have to get him more touches,” said Woodson. “If we can get Al at about 12 or 13 points and double digit rebounds…then we’re talking.”
He getting 13.3 and 9.5. Pretty close to what Woodson desired.
My question is this: If that’s what the coach wants from him, who are YOU to say it’s not enough?
Hawks fan #1
December 21st, 2009
10:16 pm
Sautee, i guess he did not appeciate those overwhelming stats. Go figure!
doc
December 21st, 2009
10:19 pm
truth, jj’s effort was wasted in the sense we let it get away from us in the last 4 minutes. jj had a marvelous game where he did it right on both ends of the court clearly and scored the ball. still dont understand how he doesnt get more calls outside of the notion he doesnt take it to traffic but tends to fall away from it. if he got some more calls it would boost what i call the efficiency factor of points made per fg attempt. yes he missed a very close in shot which i have seen him miss before in similar situations.
keep up the courage.
aj, right now dont even consider comparing marvin and josh in the same breath any same breath. he does very little right and it is hard for me to not cringe when he gets the ball. i didnt feel that was about him last year and argued with rod several times as he hit on his pet peeve. i am mighty silent about him this year. as you know i said all last year chills is and would be needed, still isfor end of game situations that requires athleticism if you cant put crawford on the court forcing us into a situation of bibby and jamal on the guards. chills was the finisher anyway while he was here not marvin. we need him now.
Hawks fan #1
December 21st, 2009
10:20 pm
Sautee he makes a fair point, no need to get pushy. Hes just saying this is about all you are going to get from all. Hes reached his peak. I dont think he means anything personal to you. Why are you losing your composure, ? It just a point of view that you help him prove with your facts. Dont be a sour lemon.
keno
December 21st, 2009
10:20 pm
I think Woody depends on ISO-Joe a little too much but it’s really no different than what most teams do down the stretch with their best player in close games. It may help if his teammates actually moved without the ball instead of standing with their hands on their knees or waist watching Joe dribble. It seems like they are all content with it. I appreciate Joe’s 40 because without it, it was Charlotte all over again.
ILL-logical
December 21st, 2009
10:21 pm
“So if it comes to pass that JJ signs with Cleveland in the off season, what should the Hawks contigency plan be in your opinion? ”
While it may or may not be Cleveland, all signs point to Joe leaving after this season and if he doea , I would like to see Rudy Gay be brought on board because of his size,skill and youth. He is not as good as Joe today but in 3-4 years with the young Hawks he can be just as good on both ends of the court.
Grandad
December 21st, 2009
10:23 pm
TS:
Thats a good question: Where do you get those guys from?
Grandad
December 21st, 2009
10:26 pm
Does anyone remember Anthony Grundy?
Truth-Serum
December 21st, 2009
10:26 pm
Doc, the best and most consistent shot on the hawks is jj in the paint. He is almost unstoppable 12-15ft from the basket. Yes, I agree its what teams do, give the ball to their star with the game on the line and try to get him his best shot. Id live and die with JJ and that shot any day of the week. This time it rolled out 95% of the time he makes it.
Chill is a run and gun man but not a precision shooter. We will run and gun our way to the playoff. Id like to know what will we do then.
Sautee
December 21st, 2009
10:27 pm
HF#1,
Actually the sour lemons are the ones who, in the midst of our best season in a decade, can only bemoan the “lack of a true center” while on the other hand belittling those who question Woodson’s strategies for “not celebrating our joyful season”. It makes no sense.
You can’t have it both ways. I’d much rather celebrate what we have.
My Hawks glass is more than half-full, thank you. And I’m delighted to have Al Horford as the starting Center on my favorite team.
Was THAT too pushy, too?
Hawks fan #1
December 21st, 2009
10:39 pm
Sautee, I did not mean to challenge you. Its just weird to me when some one challenges your point how you get persnickety. Normal reaction would have been to address the counter view and search out what is true and acceptable. You just became nasty and resilient. I did not want you to attach me too. Have a good night. Sorry to bother you.
Sautee
December 21st, 2009
10:41 pm
Truth-serum,
Care to answer this post? Of course you can always try to use an alias to answer me, but most on the blog know that you’re doing it (again).
Can you step up?
Sautee
December 21st, 2009
10:16 pm
a quote from Coach Mike Woodson:
“I have to get him more touches,” said Woodson. “If we can get Al at about 12 or 13 points and double digit rebounds…then we’re talking.”
He getting 13.3 and 9.5. Pretty close to what Woodson desired.
My question is this: If that’s what the coach wants from him, who are YOU to say it’s not enough?
O'Brien
December 21st, 2009
10:43 pm
AJ,
We are on the same page when it comes to free agency. JJ/LeBron, and DWade/Bosh or Boozer is what I’m thinking too.
Jody, ILL-logical,
As much as I like Rudy Gaye, he is more suited to play SF, and I dont see Memphis trading him. As far as JJ is concerned, I think the Hawks would try to work out a sign and trade. That way JJ can get the money he wants, and the Hawks will get something back in return.
If we lose JJ for nothing, I think the Hawks will insert Crawford into the starting lineup, and try to restock the bench. I would like to see Chills back, but does Sund think highly enough of him?
If we lose JJ, I am open to trading Bibby (especially if CP3 or Devin Harris is available). And I am open to trading Marvin too.
Undisputed Champ!
December 21st, 2009
10:44 pm
Enter your comments here
Undisputed Champ!
December 21st, 2009
10:45 pm
You may lose JJ and Woodson.
Grandad
December 21st, 2009
10:48 pm
TS:
Did you really bemoan someone being persnickity?
How is it you young folks say ??? ROFL!
Sautee
December 21st, 2009
10:50 pm
HF#1,
Whenever you come back, please explain what I said that you thought was “nasty”?
I reread both posts, and do not find any “nastiness” or certainly none intended. So illuminate me please. I harbor no ill will against ANY here, even when I disagree. Thanks.
Jody
December 21st, 2009
10:53 pm
O’Brien, ILL-logical,
Interesting thoughts. You know, most folks would think the Hawks don’t have much flexibility to do anything in the off season. However, I think they have a few things in their favor, whether or not re-sign Joe Johnson.
1. Tradeable contracts.
2. A winning team.
3. A good city. (Many players have homes in the ATL.)
These factors played to the Hawks advantage several years ago when they landed Dikembe Mutombo. Perhaps they can use it to their advantage this off season to continue to improve the team.
Sautee
December 21st, 2009
10:54 pm
Truth-serum from Dec 7:
“If you dont mind, I wont bother you but Im going to try and connect with people who are excited about the direction the hawks are moving in and are joyfully dancing about this season.”
Undisputed Champ! (truth-serum):
“You may lose JJ and Woodson.”
Whatever happened to joyfully dancing about the season?
Grandad
December 21st, 2009
10:55 pm
Sautee you are not being nasty, just persnickity!
Sautee, I’m sorry, I can’t help it. He amuses me.
newkid
December 21st, 2009
10:56 pm
If Danny Ferry expects to sign JJ as LBJ’s sidekick, he’d better start making plans to bring on another expiring contract before the trade deadline. Otherwise, he’ll only be able to get JJ through a sign-and-trade, and there’s nothing on that roster we should want outside of LBJ (including a trade exception). Ferry will need to bring a 3rd team in as facilitator to make it work, otherwise look for JJ and LBJ running together in New Jersey if anywhere.
Cleveland? Don’t see it happening at all. Stage is far too small. The NBA needs those cats in a much larger market; those cats deserve a much larger market. With Wall, Lopez, LBJ, JJ, and a few fillers, the real opportunity to compete for the O’Brienn for several years rests in New Jersey – Brooklyn.
Slow spiral downward
December 21st, 2009
11:09 pm
what is a conversation with Sautee/Grandad?- (same pest)
answer: Slow spiral downward
Grandad
December 21st, 2009
11:23 pm
Syb – I’m proud of you. Really. A retort that was above board.
I accept my verbal lampooning. Good one. You make me smile.
Again, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Grandad
December 21st, 2009
11:26 pm
Sautee – sorry you got lumped in with me.
Merry Christmas to you and all you hold dear.
Sautee
December 21st, 2009
11:28 pm
Why am I talking to myself?
let me guess
December 21st, 2009
11:29 pm
Because nobody else will?
bigdave
December 21st, 2009
11:29 pm
wow… kings come back from 35 to beat the bulls in chicago…
Nate ArchiBALL
December 21st, 2009
11:35 pm
Don’t forget Alexander “Sasha” Volkov
Rufus1
December 21st, 2009
11:48 pm
Astro
I love your 8:45pm post.
The reason they can always find fault with JJ and Marvin, because they either expect too much or have not defined what their expectations. They also value style over substance.
Nate ArchiBALL
December 21st, 2009
11:48 pm
Ken Norman
Dion Glover
Ed Gray
Blair Rasmussen
Danny Manning
Nate ArchiBALL
December 21st, 2009
11:52 pm
Has Marvin Williams fully recovered from his back injury? Can this be the reason for his poor play?
northcyde
December 21st, 2009
11:59 pm
I guess we have to accept the JJ critics. He didn’t finish the job and win the game by himself at the end, so that opens the door for criticism.
FYI to the critics:
With 2:00 min left in the 4th qtr, JJ had 36 points on 15 – 25 FG shooting. He had hit 5 of his last 6 shots as well.
And people wonder why Woody was sticking to the ISO JJ offense?
Only Hawk fans would complain, when their star player is playing like a straight up SUPERSTAR.
Rufus1
December 22nd, 2009
12:01 am
If Joe leaves is WOODSON WORTH KEEPING.
We would have 18mil under the cap. With Jamal and J-chill we would still be a playoff team.
bfred
December 22nd, 2009
12:29 am
Astro Joe had it right – Johnson gets criticized for not being the kind of superstar who can carry his team when it needs it, then you want to give him a beating when he does? We see far less iso-Joe these days, which is a credit to Woody’s playcalling and the team’s maturity. The ball movement I’ve seen in recent games has been both impressive and unselfish.
This is a sincere question to you folks who obviously live and breathe this stuff – is it a foregone conclusion that the Hawks don’t re-sign JJ?
Grandad
December 22nd, 2009
12:58 am
Just because someone criticizes Iso-Joe doe not mean we are critics of Joe himself. One can run a play for Joe that would involve screening,
player movement, ball reversal, etc, with JJ being the end result. I was one of the 1st to come on board and proclaim Joe didn’t choke.
I certainly hope we keep him because I’m not certain we could get a comparable player to replace. Childress = trade bait.
KevinA
December 22nd, 2009
1:22 am
northcyde,
Only Hawk fans would complain, when their star player is playing like a straight up SUPERSTAR.
We can win with JJ being a superstar. We can win more and play better when we play as a team.
This includes Woody playing JJ and Al to many minutes. Losing our legs at the end of games sound familiar? Where were the minutes for Evans. We lost the rebound battle. Where were the minutes for ZaZa.
JJ needs his shots but they need to come within the flow of the offense – not him being the offense. Please tell me why this happens on the road. Why do we have to walk the ball up the court, why cant we push the ball and get into our sets quicker to allow time for a few passes. Was JJ to tired?
Our assists were down and the ISO ball left our players standing around. One game is not a trend but enough is enough. Let’s go back to Hawks ball.
northcyde
December 22nd, 2009
3:24 am
See, this is what I don’t understand. After all of the rest that the starters got in the previous 5 games, do you really have a problem with JJ and Horford playing 48 minutes in an OT game, especially when JJ is having one of the best games of his life?
We’re not even position to win that game, if those 2 guys don’t play that many minutes.
Those two guys didn’t lose their legs at the end, we just couldn’t close the game out as a team. Because as much as people focus on JJ’s misses at the end and in OT, people fail to realize that Chicago shot 10 – 17 FG and went 8 – 8 from the line in the 4th quarter . . and scored 29 points.
That’s why we lost the game.
We had a 9 point lead with 4 minutes to go in the 4th quarter, and couldn’t close it out because we couldn’t stop Hinrich and Rose.
But back to JJ. Like I said, he was 15 – 25 FG with 2 minutes left in the quarter. But you’re going to “run the offense” and let someone else take shots? JJ was scoring off of isolation almost the entire game, but you want to run the offense, and let him get his shots there? Just for the Chicago game, that doesn’t make sense at all.
In other games, yeah, maybe you have a case . . but not in that game. Not when that guy was that hot.
Defense and rebounding fuel our running game. Smoove being in foul trouble in that game didn’t help at all. We’re not the same team defensively when he has to sit long stretches like he had to.
You just don’t take it out of JJ’s hands when he’s that hot, and pass it to other people who weren’t making shots either. There were only 3 other people who made a jumpshot in the 2nd half, outside of JJ
Bibby . . . Horford . . . and Zaza ( of all people ).
All that team had to do, is play some defense down the stretch, and they would’ve won the game.
Just like in Game 4 of the ATL-BOS series back in 2008, sometimes you just have to ride your superstar, and tell everyone else to play defense. You don’t do that all the time, but sometimes, that’s how the game goes.
Deng
December 22nd, 2009
6:04 am
You guys lost the game because you could not stop me in the low post. PERIOD. If you had stop me and push me out of the post you could have easily won.
Is that hard to understand?
Marcus
December 22nd, 2009
6:39 am
Ken,
no panic button over the CHI game specifically … but unfortunately, we still haven’t completely shaken the “losing to teams you are supposed to beat” bug yet. Record notwithstanding (our 19 wins only 3 game off the league-lead) that is the difference in putting us in conversations w/the current so-called serious contenders. Arguably, this game and the games @DET, vs. NYK, and 2nd half collapse vs. ORL on Turkey Day shows why we are in the 2nd tier of playoff challengers.
vava74
December 22nd, 2009
7:30 am
One of the factors which is making Horford’s jerseys popular is the Hispanic community.
Astro, you were on the money: JJ is not allowed to miss anything whilst Josh can go 2-12 and still be considered a hero.
People have absolutely no balance in their opinions.
Another one: “JJ got 40 points with too many shots”… pleeeease! He shot .500 from the field!!!! And was 5-7 from 3pt range!
Maybe people should focus on the fact that he only got to the line TWICE in 48 minutes… and this time NO ONE can say that he was not driving to the hoop!!!
O'Brien
December 22nd, 2009
8:15 am
I dont have a problem with JJ and Al playing those minutes. They were rested, and the Hawks would be off a few days until they play Minny.
What I didnt like, is that after Noah got his 5th foul, we went away from Horford. And I also dont like the fact that the only play we run for JJ is iso’s, or the 2 man game with Bibby.
That being said, we’re 19-7, and should beat Minny later. Go Hawks.
Did you guys see the Bulls highlights last night? The Bulls were up 35 points (79-44) in the 3rd quarter at home, against Sacramento. And the Kings came back and won. Unbelievable. I wonder what the fans are saying about Vinny lol.
Fundamentals
December 22nd, 2009
8:23 am
I was focussed on a total lack of effort on D and everyone eating popcorn while they watched Joe struggle on Offense late. He’s much better in the flow of the game. It’s not Joe’s game to drive the bucket looking for fouls b/c he doesn’t ever get foul calls. Funny how that works, but hey, he should be aware of it by now.
Daniel
December 22nd, 2009
8:37 am
OK- Easy one for me Ken:
Mookie Blaylock, Steve Smith, Dominique Wilkins(although he should NOT be a color commentator), Kevin Willis, Mutombo.
Daniel
December 22nd, 2009
8:42 am
bfred- I like your 12:29 post. I think you are right on the money. To answer your question is absolutely NOT a forgone conclusion that Joe won’t be resigned. In fact, it is far more likely that he will resign. In the NBA, your team can pay you more than any other team with less of a cap hit (Bird rule), which is why all this hubbub about Lebron and Wade leaving is way over the top. It is smart for a player of Joe’s calibre to go to free agency, they all do. The Hawks made a very strong offer at the begining of the season to demonstrate their interest in keeping him. Now Joe can just work the market to get probably 2-3 milion more per year. I think it is most likely that he resigns with the Hawks, particularly if the team continues it’s winning ways and makes a strong playoff push.
Fundamentals
December 22nd, 2009
9:10 am
I believe we’ll sign Joe. My question will be what do we do with our extra $$ when Chills contract drops and it’s time to resign free agents? We won’t have much? All we really need is a good defensive presence at center. I wish we would’ve nabbed Gortat or the Birdman this past summer and we’d be set.
All this talk of Lebron, Kobe and Wade moving around is mostly crap. Maybe Wade & Bosh. 2010 won’t be as big as it’s hyped due to the bad economy. Joe might be lucky to get his original offer if things don’t get better economically. It’s not a knock on him. I just think teams will be alot more frugal than folks think.
Daniel
December 22nd, 2009
9:15 am
Fundamentals- Gortat is WAY, WAY overpaid by the Magic and unhappy as a back up to Howard, why do you think he would want to be a 3rd stringer here? Birdman is not leaving Denver, they believed him and helped him recover his life and career, plus he is a folk hero in Denver. Have to think of someone else.
Daniel
December 22nd, 2009
9:16 am
believed in him
Daniel
December 22nd, 2009
9:17 am
Fundamentals- I hold out hope that maybe Chills will return as a Hawk, maybe I am delusional.
Astro Joe
December 22nd, 2009
9:25 am
Blair Rasmussen? Man, that’s a heckuva pull right there.
newkid, the expiring contracts of Shaw and Z won’t put the Cavs far enough under to bring in Joe? That’s like $35M (I think).
If Joe does leave the Hawks, you simply move Jamal into the starting 5 and bring back Chill. Those moves are salary=cap friendly, as we won’t have enough cap space to make a run at a legit star. Teague, Mo, Chill, Zaza and a serviceable PF (ideally Joe Smith) would be a good bench. And Teague would likely have the freedom to be a little more offensive minded with that squad.
doc, I agree, Marvin’s play is not defensible. But I was speaking specifically about his defensive abilities, which are still good (but not as good as last year).
Fundamentals
December 22nd, 2009
9:25 am
Good chance Chills may return. He isn’t exactly lighting it up in Greece. He really should’ve stayed here, but what do I know. He’d be an excellent team piece for us to add back into the fold.
Gortat is overpaid, but what other big was around this past summer? He’s too expensive now. I also hoped Anderson would’ve come, but he let us down too. Birdman will most likely never leave Denver, but he was up this past summer. I like his energy, attitude and D.
I’m pretty happy w/ what we’ve got. I just think we need 1 more solid option in the form of rebounding and interior D to help Horford & Josh. It’s way to obvious that it’s a glaring hole when Josh gets in foul trouble. We desperately need a defensive option for when he’s out.
bigdave
December 22nd, 2009
9:28 am
so wait a minute… you think that Joe should stop driving the ball because he “should be aware of it by now” that he wont get a whistle? malarkey… Joe should continue to attack the basket, and score in the paint. his shot selection has been outstanding… i dont mind missed baskets in high percentage areas. Joe creates high percentage looks, and of course he shows you he can hit the tough ones every once in a while… you would appreciate his game more if he got a consistent whistle. you’re kidding yourself if you think he’s not “physical” enough…
that same night so called superstars like Brandon Roy (who Joe out shinned) in 42 mins can score 33 on 13-27 shooting but hit 6-8 from the charity stripe; 1 assist… im scratching my head here…
df
December 22nd, 2009
9:29 am
best hawk player ever – BIG JOHN K.
Daniel
December 22nd, 2009
9:34 am
Fundamentals- I would say that the answer is Joe Smith. but he is just hurt
Astro Joe
December 22nd, 2009
9:46 am
new kid, Shaq & Z combine for $31M (not $35M as I said previoously). Once LeBron opts out, Cavs will be around $20M-$24M under the salary cap… then they can certainly sign a max player and then give LeBron his max deal. At least that’s how I interpret the attached information.
http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/cavaliers.jsp
newkid
December 22nd, 2009
9:52 am
Don’t think so AJ. Even with Shaq and Z coming off the books, Ferry (unless he makes a few moves before the trade deadline) will be committed to $50+M (which includes the hold for LBJ) starting 1 July ‘10. Unless JJ signs a sweet deal that’ll pay him only $6+M in year one, Ferry will have to go the SNT route. The Nets, on the other hand, will be flush with cap space, the Wall Street ‘green light’ on an existing new facility just across the East River, possibly the draft rights to the most gifted and exciting college point guard in a generation, and soon a multi-billionaire owner who is reportedly ready and able to make the mega investments needed to create a winner.
Fundamentals
December 22nd, 2009
10:03 am
BigDave – you just aren’t figuring out what I have said repeatedly. Let’s break it down 1st grade style so you’ll understand.
Joe can drive the bucket. Joe can be physical. Joe can be an absolute superstar. He is almost every night. I love him. I respect him. He is our team captain.
Notice I said TEAM captain. No, don’t go off on a ball hogging tangent here. FOCUS! I said repeatedly that Joe’s teammates essentially hung him out to dry by not being invovled on either end of the court late. We rode Joe, but when he’s the only option every time down the D gets very easy for Chicago.
During the end of the game and in overtime Joe needed support so that we don’t go into the ISO WOODY BALL everyone gripes about. ISO WOODY usually means Joe gets forced into carrying the team against odds that any star would crumble under. He needed help, he didn’t get it.
It’s not Joes fault, it’s not Woody’s fault, it’s the TEAM’S FAULT! We play our best ball when everyone contributes, that way they can’t focus all their defensive effort on Joe. Ref’s aren’t going to give him the whistle when he’s in that situation. Never have, probably never will. He just doesn’t have the starpower magic to have Stern give him the nod. Maybe after we reach the finals that’ll change.
Got it? Now lets play our game and crush MN!
Fundamentals
December 22nd, 2009
10:05 am
Daniel, I love Joe Smith for our team. I know he’s going to be available, I just want a little more for situations like this. What happened to ZaZa bagging and fighting on D? He used to be a serviceable option, but not of late on D?
Fundamentals
December 22nd, 2009
10:06 am
Jersey’s got some nice pieces going into 2010? It’ll be interesting to see what happens there.
O'Brien
December 22nd, 2009
10:17 am
newkid, is it possible for Cleveland renounce the rights to LBJ to remove his cap hold, sign another big name free agent, and then sign LBJ to go over the cap? And if you’re the Hawks, do you give JJ a 5 or 6 year deal at $18 mil per?
One thing I dont get. JJ does not argue with the refs, he doesn’t show them up, is always professional, but yet he doesnt get any calls. (I can understand Josh not getting as many calls, because he whines too much), but JJ is a bonafide star (not a Superstar), and he gets no respect from the refs. It just doesnt seem fair.
Fundamentals
December 22nd, 2009
10:19 am
It’s definitely not fair that a kid with that much class can’t buy a break anytime during most any game. He’s got to wonder? I hope a trip to the finals will change that for him sometime soon.
Astro Joe
December 22nd, 2009
10:33 am
new kid, thanks, I always forget about cap holds.
bigdave
December 22nd, 2009
10:33 am
“It’s not Joe’s game to drive the bucket looking for fouls b/c he doesn’t ever get foul calls.”
so i guess you favor jump shooting Joe?
i dont disagree or necessarily agree with anything else you said there in your (1st grade) outline. didnt read a comment from you begging that Joe tends to shy away from contact. therefore, no need to feel as if i am directing comments to you. what was directed to you was quoted… from your post.
Astro Joe
December 22nd, 2009
10:39 am
Melky Cabrera? YUCK!
Daniel
December 22nd, 2009
10:47 am
Fundamentals- I don’t know what you are talking about with Za. He has been banging and REBOUNDING all year. The whole team looked lackluster against Chicago. But, I think we have what you are asking for already. Just one mediocre/bad game and a thumb injury to Joe Smith makes you feel like we need another big. I think we are good. Now, if you were to tell me that we could get a Millsaps or Bass to back up Josh, then OK, but that is not going to happen.
newkid
December 22nd, 2009
10:48 am
O’Brien, I’m rapidly approaching the limits of my understanding of the cap rules, so take this with a few grains of salt. If Ferry renounces LBJ, then signs JJ for say 5 years @ $80M ($14M in year one), that puts him at approximately $47M (assuming he doesn’t dump additional salary before the trade deadline). If he then tries to sign LBJ (who’s not now his free agent because of the renunciation) for something starting at ~$18+M (in year one), then he’s again well beyond the likely soft cap for ‘10, which I don’t think he’s allowed to do. Not only that, once he renounces LBJ, I don’t think he can offer him the 6th year in a re-sign.
Sure I’d consider signing JJ at 5 years for $80M, starting at $14M. I’d even add a team option 6th year. JJ would be 33 during his 5th year, and probably well into the downside of his career, so I wouldn’t give him the ‘player option’ for the sixth year without including PRETTY significant performance incentives in year 4 & 5. Wouldn’t want to do something that’ll make JJ harder to move in a trade.
Then I’d look to perhaps use JJ in a sign-and-trade for DHoward when Superman has his option year in ‘12.
O'Brien
December 22nd, 2009
12:06 pm
AJ,
Lose a Garrett Anderson, gain a Garrett Anderson. Yuck is correct.
thanks newkid. With the system set up to allow teams more leverage when it comes to resigning their own FA, it does make it unlikely that we will see big name FA change teams. But I will add, that if JJ decides to leave, I hope Sund can work out a sign and trade, because we can’t afford to lose JJ for nothing.
ILL-logical
December 22nd, 2009
1:07 pm
The Braves trade for Melky Cabrara higjlights the economic challenges Atlanta professional sports organizations face. There is simply no money to attract the requisite super star(s) to launch them into championship contention,so they continue to flounder around seeking a niche where they can afford the players they have and win with those players, if possible.
Regarding the Hawks, the budget forces the team to develop the players they have into stars rather than importing another free agent like Joe.
The inherent challenge in this position is player development is neither a skill set that Woodson posses nor one he aspires to.
newkid
December 22nd, 2009
1:09 pm
Hold it. A new word is up. Marvin Williams is now to ‘definitely’ what Woody is to ‘huge’. Checkout the new Hoops World interview for details.
Boneyard Randy
December 22nd, 2009
1:34 pm
Priest Lauderdale! BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH BHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! ok, I’m done. BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH. for real now.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 22nd, 2009
1:41 pm
Joe Johnson will likely be resigned if the Hawks continue to have success. I’m sorry I’ve missed a lot of the blogging season guys. Hopefully after Christmas, I’ll be back more. My main thought so far this year: If the Hawks plan on getting to the Conference Finals, we HAVE to trade for a young and quick PG. (Not Jeff Teague) After watching Derrick rose tear us up, I came to the conclusion that we won’t make it with Bibby and Teague. We can’t have Joe always guard their quick PG and Bibby just doesn’t have it in him. I was thinking Raymond Felton would be a good fit if the Cats are out of it by the deadline. I’m not sure if the Nets have any interest in shipping Harris. If we want to make ourselves a true contender, we have to make a deal like this one. There’s my ramble, now back to the Braves blog to figure out what the heck Frank Wren is doing. Back tonight.
90's ROCKS
December 22nd, 2009
1:45 pm
90’s in no order:
Steve “Tricky” Smith
M-M-M-M-Mookie Blacklock
“No Flight In The House Of” Mutombo
Jason “The Jet” Terry
Hall Of Famer, “Human Highlight” Dominique Wilkins
Right Now
December 22nd, 2009
1:48 pm
Why are we talking about the future when we have a great chance to do something now, I only see the Magic as our biggest threat, lets DO IT NOW HAWKS
theZaZaguy
December 22nd, 2009
2:01 pm
DF wrote: best hawk player ever – BIG JOHN K.
John Kontract? Yes his kontract was quite big, but that was about it.
Speaking of obscure hawk centers. I saw Scottie Hastings on TV a few days ago. He’s an announcer for Altitude TV convering Denver games for the local Denver cable market. The only more obscure player I can think of is Dallas Comegys. whatever happend to him?
Now you know!
northcyde
December 22nd, 2009
2:25 pm
all time favs of the 90s:
- Eldridge “DJ Cas” Recasner
- “Plastic Man” Stacey Augmon
- Nique
- Kevin Willis
- Mt. Mutumbo
MGM
December 22nd, 2009
2:26 pm
LAST!!!!
merbertmoover
December 22nd, 2009
3:05 pm
its al horford and im living in hawaii baby….mmmmhmmm
Astro Joe
December 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
Mass Hysteria is consuming the Braves blog today. Seriously, I think some of those guys are about to implode.
Ill is right, as a city, we just can’t seem to acquire (or maintain) the pieces that lead to us being a legit contender.
SWAT Native
December 22nd, 2009
3:56 pm
Several people have commmented on how Joe Johnson never gets foul calls going to the basket. I think the reason is his style of play. Joe rarely blows by anyone with a big first step, he drives by banging into the defender’s chest. I don’t think you can bang the defender all the way to the basket and expect to get a foul when he hits you going up. Thh refs figure if you’re going to play physical they get to play physical, too.
bfred
December 22nd, 2009
3:57 pm
Atlanta seems like the logical place for Joe to be. I don’t think he wants to be a Dwayne Wade-style one man band in NJ, and conversely I don’t think he wants to spend the next five years in the shadow of Lebron James (although it’s sounding like they may not be able to afford him anyway). With the Hawks he gets to be a star and elder statesman on a young team with multiple years of championship potential. Not to mention that the hometown free agent cap discount means the team can afford to pay the guys around him a little more and keep the quality up. I just don’t see him wanting to be the lone ranger on a mediocre team for an extra $1 million per year.
O'Brien
December 22nd, 2009
4:54 pm
Ken,
I know that we’re only on page 2, but I was wondering if we’re going to get a game blog for tonight.
I look forward to the Hawks putting a beatdown on Minny. I wonder whats the spread? Whatever it is, Hawks cover.
bigdave
December 22nd, 2009
5:03 pm
what do ya say… a little of this tonight fellas?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5lVUZMZetg
Speedy Claxton is a lame
December 22nd, 2009
5:24 pm
top five
steve smith, mutombo, mookie, lorenzen wright, spud web
since speedy is finally gone i watch the hawks a lil bit. when they get rid of marvin williams then i watch them even more.
nunna yo biznezz
December 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
no panic button for me to push,but,woody pushed it..
i still see no reason to go with what got us into the win streak in the 1st place..
with the rest that the starters get in the 1st half,they play with extra energy in the 3rd period and simply blow our opponents off the court..and they play little or non in the 4th quarter..
they loved it,the bench loved it,i loved it,but,our coach kept them out there longer in the 2nd quarter and all through the 3rd,and even though it was a good close game,we could have blown them out,just like we did in ATL..
i don’t see the reasoning behind,pushing the panic button and not playing your full 2nd unit and letting your 1st unit rest and beat up your opponents in the 3rd and then let them sit out the 4th..
woody is playing not to lose instead of playing to win..
terrell barron
December 22nd, 2009
5:35 pm
Tyreke Evans = ROY
terrell barron
December 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm
Melvin, who in the h… is Dominique Wilkinson? lol!
Speedy Claxton is a lame
December 22nd, 2009
5:43 pm
top 6 of woodson era
josh smith, joe johnson, al horford, al harrington, zaza pachulia, and josh childress
KevinA
December 22nd, 2009
7:54 pm
If JJ has 15 pts and 11 assists we win by 15-20. He is our point guard. We need to play Jamal when JJ is not in the game. Offensive diversivity is the key. Al is like in the top 5 in the league in offensive efficiency, not matter who controlled the ball as pg – give him the rock at least 15 times. Same with Josh. We need to get our bigs off early and often and go back to Hawks ball. Lets push the darn ball. These kids are very good passers so many of these touches will not end up in shots if they recieve the ball early in the shot clock. No more slow motion, walk the ball up the court for a JJ ISO and a shot or pass late in the clock.
Blast
December 22nd, 2009
8:05 pm
Game blog up!!!!
keith
January 2nd, 2010
11:49 am
STARVIN MARVIN
DUMP MARVIN WILLIAMS and bring back JOSH CHILDRESS….
Childress plays defense, rebounds the basketball, and brings intangibles to a team.
Strarvin MARVINs’ INEPTNESS/INCOMPETENCE will be the downfall of this team.
Force Factor
January 6th, 2010
12:50 am
I read the your blog. it is very interesting story and i enjoy this so thanks for the posting this type of story i like very much………………….Force Factor
jean
April 27th, 2010
1:19 pm
jamal crawford named 6th man today at 3pm…http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/jamal-crawford-to-be-announced-as-sixth-man-of-the-year-today.php