Hawks-Wolves thread
Hey, folks-
Kudos to those of you smart enough to figure out that I meant to ask for the Hawks of the decade about to end, not the one that ended 10 years ago. But, thanks to those who answered it. Maybe we’ll try Hawks of the 2000’s next week for real.
I’m trying to eat, do my game notes and study up on the game right now, so this will be brief. For what it’s worth, the Wolves aren’t as abysmal as they were at the start of the season. They started 1-15, but are 4-8 in their last 12 and 2-2 in their last four. Don’t know what you know about them, but coach Kurt Rambis is installing the triangle offense made famous by Phil Jackson in Chicago and Los Angeles. It obviously doesn’t work quite as well when Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan aren’t part of the triangle.
Obviously, players to watch are Al Jefferson, Kevin Love and Jonny Flynn, a rookie point guard whom Mike Woodson gave some props to.
Enjoy the game.
I’ll blog tomorrow from the plane to Denver, assuming the weather lets me get on it.
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215 comments Add your comment
northcyde
December 22nd, 2009
11:51 pm
Good business-like win for the Hawks tonight. JJ had another good game, Horford battled all night, and Crawford was instant offense, especially in the 2nd half. And I can’t forget about Bibby, whose shot was falling in that first half.
When all 3 are on like that, they remind me of those early/mid 90s Golden St teams of Tim hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin. Their nickname was “RUN TMC”( like the rap group RUN DMC )
Ironically, the first names of our 3 guards of Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, and Jamal Crawford . . . make up the name of RUN DMC’s DJ . . . Jam Master Jay ( or JMJ )
(( singin ))
“JMJ are the letters of their name
Gunnin and passin are the aspects of their game”
KevinA
December 22nd, 2009
11:57 pm
Game after game I say – give Big Al the rock – Tonight he got 15 attempts instead of the normal 5-7. Did he dissapoint? 7-16, 4 assists, 11 rebounds, 2 steals and a blocked shot.
Josh was in foul trouble yet again but in 20 min still chipped in the stat sheet. 5-6, 3 assists, 3 steals
Besides the fast start by the bigs and the great play by Al this was a guard night. From the beggining of the night our leader (JJ) showed he was willing to play pass first. When our team has 22 assists or more we do not lose, not even once. When JJ has 5 or more assists we have lost once. (Laker game) Both of these stats held up again and guess what – another blow out. More fun when on the road.
Like the Stinger said Jamal was the MVP, with Bibby a close tie between a few. ZaZa played more than the chicago and while he did not have big numbers we play tougher with less guard play.
I still believe JJ is the key to this team. When he passes early and often the entire team plays better. Look I love Teague, but his minutes need to come at the expense of JJ, Jamal and Bibby. Good game or bad we need ZaZa, Joe Smith and Rando Mo backing up our bigs.
To win against the best teams we need Marvin and Evans also. 5-16 in a blow out. They need to buy the guards a steak tonight.
KevinA
December 22nd, 2009
11:58 pm
JeJe – can you give us a rundown of your 10 game prediction and the current status?
ricknole
December 23rd, 2009
12:04 am
Might be a good thing that Josh was in foul trouble most of the night. Will need his engergy tomorrow (or tonight I should say) vs. Denver
RLP
December 23rd, 2009
12:13 am
Record for the ten game prediction:
Wins = 6
Losses = 1
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
12:17 am
KevinA,
I didn’t make a 10 game prediction. I don’t care about that crap. All I know is that Marvin is the best player on this team!
Superstar!
Wabe
December 23rd, 2009
12:21 am
Big game tomorrow night. It’d be impressive to watch the Hawks go into Denver and snag a win. Let’s see if they can pull one out.
Astro Joe
December 23rd, 2009
12:23 am
So, is it time to put to rest any thoughts of RandMo being a rotational player anytime soon? Dude looked lost on the court.
Has anyone seen much of Josh Smith on this road trip? Maybe he will show up (rested) tomorrow in Denver.
T’Wolves appear to be light years away from being competitive.
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
12:48 am
he secured a few boards… he also was active and got his hands on a few entry passes to the post. i believe the fouls come from a lack of time against a 1st team unit. kinda how Solo, takes some adapting. didnt see him get the ball on the offensive end. maybe thats a good thing? overall he wasnt (thaaaat) bad…
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
12:52 am
t-wolves a while away….
but i like there young bigs… Love… Hollins… and a young but not so young Al Jefferson…
Flyn showed some range which was surprising… and i think Ellington could be a good pro… would have passed on Rambis… but hey, someone had to coach them…
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
December 23rd, 2009
1:33 am
way to bounce back after a tough loss. let’s get it in
Denver – I saw them play the Hornet’s last week – wasn’t impressed but
JR Smith was a beast.
northcyde
December 23rd, 2009
1:48 am
Woody Q & A interview on nba.com
http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/steve_aschburner/12/22/woodson.qa/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1
Crashing the Glass
December 23rd, 2009
3:47 am
Damn, somebody get in front of Crawford-
http://crashingtheglass.com/2009/551/jamal-crawford-lights-baby-wolves
vava74
December 23rd, 2009
4:22 am
What a bunch of complainers… I couldn’t catch the game since the tip off time over here was 1AM and I was too freaking tired…
Looking at the comments, one can conclude that we were over matched by the Wolves… then we look at the box score and we simply see that it didn’t happen.
So the Wolves did not simply go belly up when down by a bunch of points… good for them!!! It shows that they are trying hard and fighting. Everyone in the league can win any given match. SO GET REAL!!!
About Love getting 19 boards: he is one of the major hustlers in the league. He was a college star and he has quickly understood that his lack of athletic skills must be compensated by his effort, specially on the boards. Jefferson is not a scrub either… If I am not wrong, there were a bunch of guys who wanted to trade for him during the off-season.
Also, it seems pretty obvious that the refs were giving us a hard time with fouls called on our bigs which meant that Josh was out of the game for most of the duration.
If anyone want to criticize anything, they should criticize the rebounding effort by our bench bigs which was not up to par. Al got a double double, 2 steals and 1 block so get off his back!!!
About Marvin, yeah, he looks clumsy but this time the Hawks were +-19 (the highest in the starting 5 with Josh) in his 30 minutes, while he got 6 boards, 1 stl and 1 block. Not spectacular, but not bad either.
WE ARE 20-7: MATCHING THE BEST START IN FRANCHISE HISTORY!!!! GET A GRIP PEOPLE!!!!
Clyde
December 23rd, 2009
5:18 am
Get a grip and FIRE WOODY
Fundamentals
December 23rd, 2009
7:52 am
Learned alot last night.
Josh is the catalyst to our team. Baby Rasheed needs to get a handle mentally. He seems to be the reason for the stink the past 4-5 games. We won, but you could tell something was off defensively. Without Josh, Al just can’t maintain the effort and energy. ZaZa, Randmo and Collins were absolutely ineffective against Love.
For those of you who opposed my praise of Randolph, I’m sorry. He just doesn’t look like he was able to handle it. His past 3-4 games have been difficult to watch after his flashes of brilliance early. Could be these minutes are real and those were garbage time.
Extremely happy with the win, but it just felt like Chicago relived with better results. No fun to watch. Hopefully Josh will have his mental edge for Denver.
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
8:24 am
Joe Mama,
You keep saying Sund should get a real center. Rick Sund himself has been on record saying that he likes Al at center (not PF). And could you share some ideas as to how Sund could acquire a center? Through the draft? No, we pick too low. Trade? Which team would give up their center, and who would we offer them in return?
And if you move Al to Power Forward, do you move Josh to the bench, or do you bring Al off the bench? For the record, I like Al at PF too, but based on our team as constructed, he’s stuck at center, and he does a great job.
Great win Hawks. But we have a big test tonight. Denver will be looking for payback since we ran them out of our building earlier in the season. Bibby’s defense on Billups will be key, and I hope Teague gets minutes against Lawson.
Josh needs to stay in the game, because we need his energy and defense.
Macaroni Tony
December 23rd, 2009
8:45 am
Good game, and I’m happy we got the win. I hope that we live up to the challenge with the Nuggets. I believe we could win, because they don’t have CB.
Fundamentals
December 23rd, 2009
8:48 am
O’Brien is on tap. Good job.
We need a good defensive stopper for our bench to relieve Al, preferably someone very big. Randmo is tall, but lean and suspect at defense, Collins is HUGE, but slow and ineffective at this point, Joe Smith is a perfect PF sub. We need a real big for defense and rebounding. Really nothing more. Not sure how we’ll get him. I’m guessing D-League or free agency if we have ~ 3-5 million to play with next summer when Chills contract drops and if we let Hunter,Randmo or Collins go based on their performance this year?
I think it’ll depend on how much Joe commands. Is he holding out for free agency for more money, for a definite look at our team & coach, for a better team? I think all 3 if possible. If we lock him up 5-6 years he’ll basically be a lifetime Hawk since Phoenix & Boston never game him a real shot.
Daniel
December 23rd, 2009
8:58 am
Fundamentals- What about ZaZa? He is better than Gortat. Also, and I can’t believe I am about to say this but…. RandMo looks like a legit big off the bench. Collins has been a bust so far this year, but what you are talking about is going to only be a league min. player so you are talking Collins’ level player there. Hunter is just hanging on and will be back in street clothes as soon as Joe Smith is ready. What about resigning Chills, letting Evans and Collins go. Try a Siler at 3rd string center and use the extra money to sweeten Joe’s contract offer?
Fundamentals
December 23rd, 2009
9:23 am
ZaZa needs another coming out party. He’ll probably get serious come playoff time, but so far this year he seems distracted and not as interested? I think he can be good, but not really a solid defensive option against real bigs. That’s why Joe Smith & Big Z and Wallace pounded him last year.
Randmo does show promise. Props to Woody for sticking with him last night. He looked misearable, but he did get some good minutes for learning against a very talented front court.
Collins will play what we need in the playoffs. He looks a little better each game. I agree he needs to get on a cardio and strength training program. I’m very unhappy with his contribution thus far.
I love Hunters desire and effort, but he’s just not what we’re dreaming he can be? We need bigs, not more wing players.
Joe Smith is doing the right thing if he is truly healthy. Sit and let kids develop. Don’t rush the comeback. We know he brings a solid offer.
Chills I would take back if we could. Evans is a decent piece, but not so much if Teague is going to be a gamer and we can keep Crawford & Joe.
I’m not sure if Joe wants sweetening? I think he’s holding out for knowing who the coach will be, who the team will sign and what our future will be. If the situation is right I don’t think he’s money hungry. Folks will probably beat me down for that, but I think he really has our future in mind by holding out. Also, I was critical of Joe early in that he wasn’t gelling with Crawford well. Past 10-15 games he’s settled in well. He’s accepted his role and actually noticed that he benefits from having Crawford in an important yet separate role.
Will Siler consider coming back to us? How’s he doing in China? I’m not sure he’ll be the immediate impact we’ll need? With that said if I was deciding today I would give him a shot over keeping Hunter.
I still really feel like we need Mario instead of Hunter. Mario brings solid D and toughness. Remember the night he gave Lebron fits. He’s scrappy, he’s tough. He brings toughness. I’m guessing we let him go to protect Teagues minutes. I can live with that, but I still love Mario. Why couldn’t he be 7′ with that build and toughness.
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
9:52 am
RandMo looks ok off the bench, but mostly in limited minutes, or garbage time. I think he would struggle if he got extended minutes.
Would it be possible for the Hawks to sign Marcus Camby (I think he’s a free agent after this season). Although he’s 35, He currently averages 9pts, 12 rebs, and 2 blocks per game. He could be our defensive center off the bench (and could help mentor Al). Plus he has a decent offensive game. I dont know about his price tag though.
Fundamentals
December 23rd, 2009
9:54 am
Camby was a pretty expensive, aged option this summer. I definitely thought he was worth a look, but we went on the cheap with Collins instead.
Question is can Randmo develop into a player that can handle 10-15 real minutes in any given game?
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
10:03 am
Fundamentals,
Offensively, I think he can give you 10-15 minutes, and have a positive impact there. The issue with RandMo is on the defensive end, where he is a major liability.
Moneywise, Mo Evans, Joe Smith, RandMo and Collins will be off the books. But with the extra money for JJ, I dont see the Hawks spending much on their bench. However, we still have the rights to Chills, so I hope we either bring him back, or trade him.
Fundamentals
December 23rd, 2009
10:36 am
Randmo has offensive skills that could be a very nice assett in 4-5 years. He has to learn the defensive footwork to become what we need. Right now he just doesn’t have it. If he can learn where to be his D and rebounding will improve.
They should have some $$ for finding a decent option next summer. This summer was the first where folks actually wanted to come here. Next year that will only improve. We should be able to recruit a few folks to give us serious consideration.
Chills would be a nice option to add back, but I think he’s regressed while in Greece. From what I’ve been able to see he really isn’t much more for them than he was for us? He’d make a good replacement for Mo, should we not find a way to retain or decide not to retain Mo.
newkid
December 23rd, 2009
10:41 am
Late comment on last night’s game. Horford carried the front court scoring and rebounding load. In fact with Josh’s recent foul troubles and Marvin’s marginal offensive contributions, Horford has carried the front court load the past couple games. In a short time he has shown himself to be – both physically and mentally – one of the most promising young front court players in the league. The ‘Little Fundamental’ (as one writer has dubbed him) may be just the right moniker for Al. Sad we’ve not seen similar progression from another unnamed member of our front court.
Speaking of front courts and possible opportunities, last night Przybilla went down ‘hard’ for Portland. Don’t know how long he’ll be gone, but first appearances suggest months if not the entire year. With both he and Greg O on the DL, the Blazers are badly in need of a one-year rental (or two) for their 5 spot. We’ve got a surplus with both RadMo and the cheeseburger man behind Al and Zaza, and both are on expiring contracts. Could now be the time to put together a package (hint: a BYC Williams and RadMo) that might entice Portland to send us Nic Batum, Outlaw, and perhaps a future pick? Just asking.
Fundamentals
December 23rd, 2009
10:53 am
Sad to hear about more Portland troubles. They had such a nice thing going. I’m not sure Outlaw & Batum have as much promise for Marvin & Randmo. Depends on when and if Batum would ever come over. He’s not currently on their roster? What’s up with him? Outlaw has shown better shooting %, points & boards in past years. What’s up with him this year? Looks like he puts up Marvin type stats now? He’s young so there’s still a potential for improvement. All depends on your future outlook of Randmo? We did essentially give Przybilla away back in the day.
Fundamentals
December 23rd, 2009
10:57 am
Batum’s not on the roster for a shoulder injury? To what extent? What’s the deal.
df
December 23rd, 2009
11:17 am
why is josh so out of sync this week? his childish attitudes are showing again
ILL-logical
December 23rd, 2009
11:19 am
Got to put on hard hats tonight because ths nuggets will be bringing it for real. Randolph Morris has got potential IF he hits the weight room, gains some aggression-he didn’t look to happy about being thrown to the floor with no call by Kevin Love last night- and what probably won’t happen under the current incumbant head coach, gets some big man coaching from an Antonio Davis type. Both Josh and Al have endorsed him in print but they need to get in his ear about getting down and dirty and helping this team have an inside presence that contributes both heft and height, along with some good offensive skills.
Speaking of getting into someone’s ear, somebody needs to remind Josh that he is not helping the cause by bitching at the refs all of the time. Remind him that you cannot be the Defensive Player of the Year sitting on the bench or in the locker room. Ask Ron Artest.
Fundamentals
December 23rd, 2009
11:36 am
Definitely agree 100% there. Josh kissed his DPOY and possibly an All-Star bid with his latest antics. Lil Rasheed needs to take a minute and realize he’s ruining a good thing with his childish crap. Just when you proclaim him DPOY and most likely an All-Star it goes to his head.
Randmo is progressing. He’s lost alot of weight and improved his strength over the summer. Does he have the genetics for mass? Some do, some don’t. He looked a bit confused by the hard play in MN. They have some good front court talent. They’ll only get better. Question is will Randmo? Josh & Al like him, I think he can work well with them in terms of chemistry. I don’t think it’s Woody’s fault. Randmo knows without some real practice, coaching and weights he’ll be out of the league soon. This is his year to prove he’s worth investing in. He’s on the right track. Pressure’s on him to produce, not on Woody to develop him.
I pray Josh comes back with some mental toughness tonight. Without him they’ll blow us out of the gym.
Daniel
December 23rd, 2009
11:40 am
df- fair question. I am going to go with no it is not, because his overall play this year has been so mature. He has gotten the short end on a couple of calls, but he does let it affect him. I wouldn’t call it “childish”, I don’t think he is pouting, I do think early foul trouble takes away his aggressiveness and maybe confidence. Part of his learning curve that he is still working on.
Daniel
December 23rd, 2009
11:43 am
Fundamentals- I think you are being too hard on Josh there, its a couple of subpar games, it happens.
It is WAY TOO EARLY to make in plans with Randolph in the future. He is just now looking like an actual NBA player. The jury is still out on him. All his improvements have only given him a little benefit of the doubt, he is a LOOOONG way from being a player that you can count on for anything.
newkid
December 23rd, 2009
11:46 am
In November (I think) Batum had surgery to correct a torn labrum. Likely won’t be back until February. Batum was Portland’s best on-ball defender, and is still on his rookie contract. Travis Outlaw has an expiring contract, and is out recovering from a stress fracture in his foot. Won’t be back until sometime in January. Outlaw was Portland’s most potent scorer off the bench. Both Outlaw and Batum play the 3 spot.
Portland needs immediate help at both the 3 and the 5, especially the 5. Probably more likely they’ll move Outlaw before letting go of Batum, but Marvin might be enough of an inducement to give up both.
As Outlaw gets closer to returning to the floor a trade of the type I mentioned may make more sense to Atlanta; however Portland doesn’t appear to have the luxury of waiting as credible help is need immediately.
If we’re REALLY (are we really?) enamored with RadMo, we could re-sign him next summer; there’s likely not long-term interest in him in Portland. If we can use the remainder of his contract this year to help us produce more points at our 3 spot (i.e., thru Outlaw), and perhaps get a player like Batum who showed last year that he’s got major upside, then I’d think Sund has to consider it.
Fundamentals
December 23rd, 2009
12:09 pm
Not sure that I like it, but definitley worth consideration? What happens if Batum doesn’t pan out and Outlaw leaves after the end of the season? We’ve got Marvin locked…though people question whether that’s a good thing or not at times. I’m one that feels he has tremendous upside to his game and he fits well here in terms of our team chemistry and what we’ve been building.
Sorry to be so hard on Josh. I just thought he’d finally put that crap behind him. It’s not a few down games. He can have an off night and show the mental maturity to not let it get him down. He’s taken himself out of 3-4 games we could’ve won lately. Refs didn’t do it – he did it to himself. Each night he acts like that he sets himself up for another night just like it…until he wises up. Choice is his to make. He’s got DPOY and All-Star all over him. It’s whether he’s ready to grasp it.
I only push the value of Randmo b/c we essentially have nothing else to work with at the moment when you consider Collins and Joe are short timers here. I see your point in that he’s a short term fix for Portland since their centers will return next season. Randmo has a long way to go to attain his goal of credibility, but at least there’s now a pulse and signs of life.
Joe Mama
December 23rd, 2009
12:32 pm
O’Brien, those are fair questions you ask. I appreciate your asking in a very balanced and open tone. Let me respond to a couple of your questions.
During the course of last year campaign quite a few bloggers including myself felt that the hawks would be stronger and better able to take the game to the higher levels if we had a center. This was in direct response to the obvious, as was stated by TNT, SI, HOOPS, and ESPN.
Yes, It is clear that we need a center. Yes, Horford is a power forward. Between Josh and Horford I give the nod to Josh. I think his talent is superior, so if we did acquire a center Al could get minutes backing up the center and backing up Josh.
Yes, its clear that Sund thinks Al is a center, as does Ken Sugiura, and many others. That doesnt make it so! I can see with my own eyes. Our first ESPN showing this year the announcer said, ” we are not fooled, horford is a power forward”. I could only laugh.
I’m not fooled either. Neither will the big three come playoff time.
What trade would I suggest? Who I would suggest in trade, would offend fans who are loyal above intelligence. I’m not going to stroke that fierceness. Suffice it to say that we have enough trade bait to make it happen with out ruining the chemistry we have.There is a history of good teams making things happen to get a center when it seems no center is available. If a GM is worth his keep, then he makes it happen. Miami did it last year when they went after who they thought was a legit center in J. Oneal. Real businessmen make it happen, others watch on TV.
Last year I suggested Lopez was a player to target, others have suggested Camby, still others have believe that we should invest in developing a center like Siler. The reality is there are options, if you have the power and the resources to make the move.
Just a note, I understand Horford popularity, and the value of his stock and the necessity from a business stand point to keep it as high as possible for trade potential. but just keeping it real:
K Love,
F-C 33:39 6-12 3-3 11off 19tot 15pts
AJefferson
F-C 33:13 7-12 3-6 8off 10tot 17 pts
A. Horford
C-F 40:47 7-15 2-3 6 off 11tot 16pts
Yeah, right. Lowe and Jefferson aren’t exactly superstar talent, but neither is Horford who is not a great defender.
Joe Mama
December 23rd, 2009
12:34 pm
Check that A. Jefferson is listed as center/forward.
Joe Mama
December 23rd, 2009
12:36 pm
Fundamentals , I have to agree that Josh is still a immature child in a superstars body. He will mature. In the day he matures and fully understands the game he will be awesome. His stock will continue to rise and no, he is nowhere near his peak!
vava74
December 23rd, 2009
12:39 pm
FIRE CLYDE!!!!!
Mike is Back
December 23rd, 2009
12:43 pm
ILL, yeah Smoove has digested lately complaining about foul calls too much, which really hurt his focus in the game and cost the team. He wants to be treated like the elite players in the league…but he hasn’t earn that level of respect yet…he’s struggling right now…hopefully this is only a glitch. lol
Heck, JJ still has not reach that level yet. JJ gets physical contact just about every time he goes to the hold…there were contact on the last drive going to goal in the Chicago games. Yet, he is mature enough to maintain his composure…no reason why Smoove can’t do the same.
Think AL continues to prove that except for a few elite Bigs…he can stand toe to toe with anybody in the pivot. I know Al is a PF… WHATEVER…that’s why you got to love his effort…Al does Yeomen’s work EVERY NIGHT against the best in the league. Al is WARRIOR…Did I mention every night…he’s only going better…WOW!!!!!!!!!!
It was THA DIFFERENCE…that broke the game open last night. HE’S DYNAMITE IN A BOX!! I may have beat that spelling up. lol…I heard that was Crawford new name.
DOC, I got a chnace to checkout GT…They are long and athletic…been a while since they were stacked like that…they look strong bro…WF don’t look to shabby either…THE ACC IS BACK!!
GREAT WIN…GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
vava74
December 23rd, 2009
12:43 pm
Joe Mamma,
Get real. We are 20-7.
Al played for extended periods without Josh next to him and Love and Jefferson are two of the best rebounders in the league. What do you wanted Al to do? Snatch 40 rebounds?? Keep Love and Jefferson under 10 points each? WE WON MAN!!!
Opponents also play if you have not noticed yet…
Fundamentals
December 23rd, 2009
12:44 pm
All three are very young players in their development stages. Difference is Love and Jefferson are the focus on a bad team where scoring is easy, Al is limited in his role on a contending team. I love what Al brings. I think he’s alot of the reason for our teams heart, tenacity and will to win.
I’d love to see a legit starting center, but you’ve done nothing but dodge the issue and bash Horford. Al & Josh in tandem are as tough as they come on D. It’s only when one gets injured or in foul trouble that a need for more shines. That more in my opinion today is for a solid bench defender.
Lopez ain’t leavin. Camby is too old to move in the fold as a starter. He’s one and done. Siler didn’t even get to prove he could dominate the pre-season or summer league. Too rough a talent.
No rose colored glasses here. If there was a sure fire business deal that could go down to improve this team without harming chemistry then state it now. If not, leave our boys alone and work within the system to improve it.
icecold
December 23rd, 2009
12:53 pm
i was right about the hawks and how many games they was gonna win through the ten game span…. so….. whats up… and any way… the hawks gon end up playing boston in the eastern conference simi finals.. which will be good for them…. josh smith and joe johnson will be all stars…
Daniel
December 23rd, 2009
12:57 pm
Mike- GT is LOADED, but we are not going to go anywhere unless Hewitt starts managing the team and not using all his time outs in the first 10 minutes of a half.
vava and fundamentals- I agree with both of you. People will always try to be smarter than the room. Decent players on bad teams will always have better numbers than good players on good teams. It is always easier to overvalue others talent and under value your own.
newkid- I like both Batum and Outlaw, but I don’t think we have enough to offer Portland (that I would want to part with). I keep holding out hope that this off season we could get Childress back in the fold, and he is better than Batum and Outlaw to me. Although Outlaw vs. Childress is very close, but we don’t have to trade assests for Childress. Just a thought.
Fundamentals- “RandMo has a long way to go to attain credibility, but at least he is showing a pulse.”– I think that sums it up just right.
Joe Mama
December 23rd, 2009
1:12 pm
Good post icecold! I agree, jj and Josh are allstars
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
1:13 pm
When it comes to complaining to refs, JJ and Josh are on opposite ends of the spectrum. I wish JJ would complain more, and I wish Josh would complain less. I just dont understand why 5/6 years in, Josh is still complaining about almost every (non)call. Cant Woody and JJ get it in his head that he needs to forget about it and move on to the next play?
Joe Mama,
I also think Al will be better suited at PF. And in Rick Sund’s defense, I think Sekou mentioned that he tried to get Kaman from the Clippers. But its hard to trade for a center without weakening another area. And with Woody’s guard oriented offense and a switching defense, our center (whoever that might be) will not be maximized.
I do like Lopez too, but the Hawks would have to overpay to get him.
Fundamentals
December 23rd, 2009
1:13 pm
Tonight should be alot of fun. They’re gonna bring it. A real playoff type test for our team. It’ll be interesting to see how Al & Josh respond to Nene & Anthony. Bibby & Chauncey is also always fun to me. Two very headdy guards.
I always love watching the Birdman do his thing. I wish his tenacity and flair was a virus that ZaZa and Randmo could catch. Petro usually puts together some good games against us. He’ll be one to watch.
Denver has dropped 2 in a row to teams that gave us fits. They’ll be hungry tonight.
How bout the feature on Woodson for COY on nba.com today! National exposure baby! Nice feature.
Joe Mama
December 23rd, 2009
1:28 pm
Ditto on the Fire Clyde LOL!
Fundemental, Lopez isnt going anywhere because we havent made an attractive offer. We could rent a center as well. Im not going to play GM. You can get any thing you want if the offer is right. We are not actively pursing a trade because as you say Sund is content with Horford as the center.
That doesnt mean a trade cant be made.
I also agree that Al can hold his own against most powerforwards playing center. You like most Al nut hungers miss the point. The point is the teams in front of us, the ones we will see in order to get to the title are the ones with centers playing centers.
We are sucessful because of youthful atleticism and sharpshooting guards. We Run and Gun, which is good enough to get us a seed and to the playoffs but not enough to win a championship.
Joe Mama
December 23rd, 2009
1:44 pm
O’Brien, I could not agree with you more your perspective. I concur with the switching analysis as well, with one conjecture, we run the switch to help our weaknesses in the middle and to help Bibby from getting backed down. Its a necessary evil.
Mike is Back
December 23rd, 2009
1:59 pm
Daniel, you took the words out of my mouth…I like Hewitt…I know his program has taken a hit with the early entries into the pros…However, no more excuses…if Hewitt can’t get it done with this team…then HE just can’t get it done bro. IT IS WHATITIZ!!!