Horford on first All-Star berth: “It’s like a dream come true for me”
NBA Eastern Conference coaches voted Hawks guard Joe Johnson and center Al Horford to the All-Star team, the league announced tonight.
The Hawks last had two All-Stars in the same year in 1998, when Dikembe Mutombo and Steve
Smith both made the team.
It’s the fourth straight All-Star selection for Johnson but the first for Horford. The Hawks selected Horford with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 draft out of Florida and he’s already an All-Star at age 23.
“It’s like a dream come true for me,” he said. “When you’re playing basketball as a kid, you envision yourself making it to the NBA. And once you make it to this level, you work so hard to get to an All- Star level.
“It’s just a blessing for me to take part in this game.”
Johnson, 28, is the first Hawks player to reach four consecutive All-Star games since Mutombo from 1997-2001 (the game wasn’t played in 1999 due to the lockout). The Hawks acquired Johnson in a trade with Phoenix in August 2005.
“It means a lot to me to be selected as an All-Star again,” Johnson said. “It’s really a tribute to the Atlanta Hawks organization, and my teammates and coaches. I’ve put in a lot of hard work over the years, and over the summers, and it’s always nice to see it pay off.”
Hawks coach Mike Woodson also had lobbied coaches to vote for forward Josh Smith to make his first All-Star team but he couldn’t make an East roster that includes forwards Paul Pierce of Boston, Chris Bosh of Toronto and Gerald Wallace of Charlotte.
Rounding out the East reserves are Boston guard Rajon Rondo and Chicago guard Derrick Rose. Rondo, Wallace and Rose are also first-time All-Stars.
The All-Star game will be played Feb. 14 at Cowboys Stadium in Irving, Tex.
The 30 NBA head coaches were asked to vote for seven players in their conference: two guards, two forwards, one center and two players regardless of position. They were not allowed to vote for players on their team.
The West reserves include Utah’s Deron Williams, New Orleans’ Chris Paul, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol, Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant, Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki, Memphis’ Zach Randolph and Portland’s Brandon Roy.
The starting lineups, selected by fan voting, were announced last week. The East starters are Miami’s Dwyane Wade, Philadelphia’s Allen Iverson, Cleveland’s LeBron James, Boston’s Kevin Garnett and Orlando’s Dwight Howard. Starting for the West are Phoenix’s Steve Nash, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, Denver’s Carmelo Anthony, San Antonio’s Tim Duncan and Phoenix’s Amare Stoudemire.
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118 comments Add your comment
O'Brien
January 28th, 2010
3:26 pm
First?
rms
January 28th, 2010
3:27 pm
I am wit dat!!!
rms
January 28th, 2010
3:29 pm
dang it Obrien you beat me by a minute!
O'Brien
January 28th, 2010
3:37 pm
Congrats to Horford and JJ.
Josh was deserving too, but its hard to argue against Bosh and Gerald Wallace. However, I hope Josh uses the second half of the season to show coaches why they should not have left him off the team.
And for all the Horford haters, clearly coaches (who know the game) know the great job Horford is doing at center (despite being undersized, and despite playing out of position).
Win some, you lose some rms lol
hawksfan
January 28th, 2010
3:37 pm
Josh Smith was robbed.
NBA FANanatic
January 28th, 2010
3:37 pm
OMG!!!!! Josh Smith was ROBBED!!!!! No ONE on the entire Hawks team play Offense and Defense at the LEVEL he does!!!!!!!! Mike Brown and the Eastern Coaches need to be PIMP Slapped!!!!!!!!
IfYourNotFirstYourLast
January 28th, 2010
3:39 pm
WGAS if you are first? That is the stupidest thing. I just don’t get you people!
GeeMack
January 28th, 2010
3:46 pm
I think Josh should have made it, but if he gets his rebound up to 11 or 12 per game there is no way he is left off the team. Something to shood for the rest of the season.
JEWELL ROLLEN
January 28th, 2010
3:47 pm
congrats to al and joe. smoove. keep on doin’ what you do!
Rod from College Park
January 28th, 2010
3:50 pm
Why didn’t Marvin Williams make it? LOL
BBgenie
January 28th, 2010
3:55 pm
Smooth will turn a negitive into a positive. Playoffs MVP. Defensive player of the Year. Hawks in 77!!!!!!
Saab
January 28th, 2010
3:55 pm
You got to be kidding me, Bosh/Wallace. Folks are concerned about fan voting. Crap, these freaking coached can’t get it right either. Keep up the stellar work Josh. You are recognized. My recommendation is to scrap the entire competition. It serves no purpose. Star players risk the chance of getting injured. You got guys worth $100M dollars flying around like there is not a second-half to the season.
Good Grief
January 28th, 2010
3:56 pm
Honestly, im happy but im like most of you. If one guy should have made the all star team from the Hawks this year it should have been Josh Smith, and i’m not trying to take anything from what both Big Al and JJ give us. I just think on a nightly basis Josh has given the Hawks his all and without him on the floor this year I doubt this team has as many wins as they do.
drunk dawg
January 28th, 2010
3:57 pm
j smooth…if you read this, keep up the hard work…you will get it next year
k-money
January 28th, 2010
3:59 pm
Smith did deserve to there, but so does BOsh and Wallace. But, Hawks fans know how instrumental Josh has been to our team. If the “fans” hadnt voted in Iverson (what a f’ing joke) there would be a spot for Smoov who is actually deserving unlike Iverson. thats the problem with the all-star game.
jean
January 28th, 2010
4:01 pm
hortford is the least deserving of the big 4 and he makes it only cause there not many centers…..even thoe i think david lee should have made it…..its crazy how crawford is the go to guy on 3rd seed team and nooo alstar love
Melvin
January 28th, 2010
4:03 pm
Put me down for Josh was robbed as well. Derrick Rose????? No way he should have made the team over Josh… The coaches got it wrong with Rose and the Fans got it wrong with Iverson.
SirReal
January 28th, 2010
4:04 pm
No J-Smooth?!!!! i just knew we’d get the trifecta!!! Congrats to JJ and Horford though. They are deserving. i’m just glad to see the Hawks finally getting some well deserved respect and consideration.
JM
January 28th, 2010
4:09 pm
Got to agree with most, Josh got robbed. Only hope he goes on a tear to prove his doubters wrong. Go Hawks!
Melvin
January 28th, 2010
4:09 pm
Horford an All-Star. Somebody better keep an eye on Clyde. I’m not sure he can handle this news along with his boy Sean Williams being out of the league as well…..
Sautee
January 28th, 2010
4:09 pm
Somewhere truth-serum is losing his mind.
LOL!
GeeMack
January 28th, 2010
4:10 pm
Saab
Look at the stats Bosh & Wallace stats are a lot better than Josh and their team’s are winning.
I MUS WRITE
January 28th, 2010
4:12 pm
Careful Rod from Cp sumbody might think ur serious…. Congrats to Al and JJ.
Smoove was’nt robbed IMO- He’s been balln this year but David Lee is just as deseving, Now AI and Rose leave me scratching my head.
My goodness are we in middle school with all the Im first crap, is MC handing out gift baskets for posting first….Im disgusted lol
Kiki
January 28th, 2010
4:14 pm
Can someone please check on Truth-Serum and Clyde? After reading the news that the UNDERSIZED ONE has made it into the ASG they might have gotten a stroke or may intend to cut their veins.
I MUS WRITE
January 28th, 2010
4:15 pm
Melvin is Shawn Williams really out of the league? I must have missed that…. Clyde wont be around for a while he’s busy removing himself from Shawn’s crotch area.
Agreed Gmack-bosh and wallace deserve the nod over Smoove IMO…….
Joe's place Joe speaking
January 28th, 2010
4:18 pm
Wallace is garbage!!!!!!! There is no way anybody in their right mind would choose Wallace over Smoove when starting a team!! Maybe if Wallace was a small forward but no way would I pick wallace over josh is I was picking a team of 5. Josh is the best defensive player in the league on a top 5 team in the Nba!! Sorry Josh you deserve it!!!
Melvin
January 28th, 2010
4:20 pm
IMUS,
I think the Nets waive him a few weeks back….
Sautee
January 28th, 2010
4:21 pm
You guys KNOW what a Horford fan I am. And of course I’m delighted. That said….
I can’t help but wonder in a choice between many deserving centers (Lee, Lopez, Shaq) if it came down to the league wanting a Dominican born player in the ASG to help promote their diversity?
Of course I’m not saying that Al didn’t deserve it…. just wondering if his heritage (and the push by the league to widen their appeal) gave him a boost.
Then again, I personally think that his solid play wows opposing coaches. So, who’s to say?
Joe's place Joe speaking
January 28th, 2010
4:22 pm
Sorry I was a little upset as I wrote that last post. But Wallace is a 3 not a 4 and Smoove is a note exciting player as well. Allstar weekend is about showboating and Wallace is not exciting!!
Melvin
January 28th, 2010
4:25 pm
Sautee,
I dont think that played a factor but you make a good point. I think AL was the idea selection given Shaq reduce production/playing time and Lopez/Lee teams are losing.
Melvin
January 28th, 2010
4:27 pm
Joe’s Place,
Wallace not exciting!!! Uh, isn’t he in the slam dunk competition.
Hawks & Suns
January 28th, 2010
4:28 pm
up set smoove didnt make it, but bosh is a all star and wallace deserves the nod as well. on the west zach randolph does deserve it but paul gasol over chris kaman, really? gasol has played less than half the games up to date. Kamans stats are awesome to. Clearly because he is a Laker.
props al and joe
Clarence
January 28th, 2010
4:29 pm
Why is Dwight Howard’s name the only one that’s not in bold print?
d
January 28th, 2010
4:37 pm
Keep up the good work Josh! Find a way to get your Coach and team to figure out how to stop these quick guards from wearing out the hawks in the paint (i.e. parker, nate robinson). Do that and we beat everyone but Cleveland/Orlando. Then we pray the big man lurking on the bench is ready for that task in the post season.
JerryWest
January 28th, 2010
4:44 pm
Don’t worry guys. Garnett will sit out to rest his knees and Smoove will play.
Peter
January 28th, 2010
4:49 pm
Great for Al and JJ………….
Josh is improving all the time………BUT…..his foul shooting has to improve, if that does… his over all points average will improve, and he will be eligible soon.
But he is Energy and D when we need it so we like him anyhow !
The Hawks continue to improve, hopefully come playoff time they will be #1 healthy, and #2 really playing their best ball.
I see the energy starting the game, and the over all Offensive movement as the biggest weakness…..
Then of course the Achilles heel is Marvin Williams……. who’s lack of improvement, and production holds us back, despite the silly (BIG) contract they gave him.
Reggie
January 28th, 2010
4:50 pm
Like Al’s game but Josh Smith has been an all star this year. Really has matured.
hawkfan
January 28th, 2010
4:51 pm
Yes, Josh was robbed … plus his athleticism and leaping ability are perfect for All-Star game highlight moments so I dont understand why he was left out.
But I disagree with earlier comments discrediting D Rose. Having followed a number of his games this year, he is probably the best PG in the east. His speed and strength in the air are second to none, and his outside shot has been very consistent lately. Besides, he is the only true PG selected on the East squad aside from Rondo (I am not counting Iverson b/c IMO he should not even be an all-star).
Astro Joe
January 28th, 2010
4:51 pm
Congrats to Al and Joe. I think Josh should have made it… his 2nd half performance last night was OUTSTANDING! Hopefully, the Logo will be right and Josh Smith will get in much like Roddy White made it at the last minute.
BONE
January 28th, 2010
4:52 pm
Glad Al made it. But Josh deserved it more. Josh should mos def use this as motivation and bang on everybody.
True Hawks Fan
January 28th, 2010
4:55 pm
Josh Smith got robbed.
BONE
January 28th, 2010
4:59 pm
Josh is gonna unleash is anger on the Celtics
Clyde
January 28th, 2010
4:59 pm
Horford an Allstar?? They probably picked him for his lack of defense to make the game more entertaining cause the lane will be wide open. 15th in the league in rebounds/game, 26th in blocks/game, and averaging 13 points/game and your an All-Star????
Jsmoove is the heart and soul of this Hawks team and he got robbed.
KellieJenee
January 28th, 2010
5:05 pm
Congrats Joe and Al!!! You both deserve it!! Josh should have made the team, but what doesn’t kill you just makes you stronger. Keep doing your thing Josh, your time is coming!!
Now before we get to excited about all star weekend, lets continue to take care of business. We must sweep Boston and beat Orlando this weekend!!
Good Luck, I’ll be cheering you on!!
I love my Hawks!!
Native Son
January 28th, 2010
5:09 pm
I’ve been quiet pretty much all season, but this is right up there with watching another kid take your kid’s candy. You almost want to push the other kid yourself. The bias in pro sports has got to go. The second half belongs to you Josh, show them what you’re really made of, and get out of the ref’s ear. Remember Jay Bilas too.
fudd21
January 28th, 2010
5:09 pm
WOW! I know we are all fans and would like to see our guys on the All-Star team but I don’t see how anyone could say that Bosh, Wallace, or Pierce don’t deserve to be on the team. Have you seen the numbers that Bosh and Wallace are putting up and Pierce is still playing at a All-Star level.
Joe Speaking have you actually ever seen Wallace play? To call him not exciting I wonder if you have. The cat brings an energy level that no one on the Hawks brings with the exception of Mario and is athletic as anyone you will see.
BONE
January 28th, 2010
5:10 pm
The game against the Spurs shows that Josh has been our best player this year. And he gets snubbed.
rms
January 28th, 2010
5:13 pm
dang its a joke!! Chill out! Granted its not the funniest but its just for laughs. Anyway I think the perception of Josh being just a dunker and can block a few shots is what kept him from getting in. He is not known on a NATIONAL level for having polished offensive skills and putting up consistent numbers. Local fans that watch the Hawks on the regular attest to the fact that he is the heart and soul to our team when he is focused on both ends of the floor as long as the fouls are called in his favor!!!
blonju
January 28th, 2010
5:17 pm
CONGRATS TO JOE & AL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BUT,
josh’s numbers are lower because he’s only playing 33 minutes a night this year… the reason: we’ve won a lot of games in the 3rd quarter this year – if josh is on the bobcats, he’ll have the same numbers as g. wallace or better – come on people!! anybody arguing that josh is too immature or his numbers aren’t good enough, doesn’t know basketball.. speaking on his “immaturity,” josh smith: 7 technical fouls this year – dwight howard: 11 technicals!! everyone who has watched the hawks THIS YEAR knows SMOOVE was robbed.. make up for it in the 2nd half Josh – ATL loves You!! and ATL loves the HAWKS (despite the lack of fans at the arena) !! let’s support these guys for REAL in the 2nd half!!
Elliot Garcia
January 28th, 2010
5:18 pm
Al Horford is the man! Go Gators!
Hawks Hack
January 28th, 2010
5:24 pm
When Josh decides to “completely” and I do mean “completely” modify his game by “completely” removing the outside jumper from his game, he will be an AllStar. He is also very incossistent and also turns over the ball 3 times a game. I can’t wait to see him get in one day! Congrats to Big Al and JJ!!
blonju
January 28th, 2010
5:25 pm
just read some of the blog comments…
anyone who says bosh and wallace’s teams are “winning” has forgotten to note that playing .500 ball is more like “winning & losing” — the only reason bosh and wallace have better numbers is because they are on terrible teams with no supporting cast.. if josh was on toronto or charlotte, you can guarantee his numbers would be more like 20, 10, 5, 3, 2… are y’all kidding? we have the most well-rounded team in the east, and for that, Smoove gets penalized… eff bosh and wallace – the hawks deserved 3 all stars instead! we are a winning team!
blonju
January 28th, 2010
5:26 pm
hawks hack,
don’t throw out stats unless you verify them as true.. josh’s t.o’s per game are down to 2.0 this year and they’ve been around 1.9 to 2.1 all year – a full t.o. down from the last few years… oh yeah and his assists are at 4 a game! how many 4’s in the league have a 2:1 assist to t.o. ratio? he is maturing right in front of our eyes and that jumper will get better as he gets older… people just love to hate… like i love to hate everyone in the nba except the hawks!!
Traceman
January 28th, 2010
5:44 pm
Rose is the one who should be sitting at home but I thought it might go this way. This is the team I picked if you replace Rose with Smoove. When I picked my team, I said that Rose might get in instead of Smoove. You know the league didn’t want to give us 3 All Stars.
Lee and Lopez do NOT belong on the All Star team over Al. Lee’s numbers are inflated due to the system he plays in but Al has DESTROYED him head to head. In 3 games:
Al – 21 ppg, 14 rbg, 4 apg, 2 bpg
Lee – 13 ppg, 10 rbg, 2 apg, 0 bpg
Not even close. As for Lopez, no 4-40 team can have an All Star. Period.
I can see the logo’s prediction playing out as well if either AI or KG don’t play due to injury. That would be the right thing to do.
As for who deserves it more between Al and Smoove, it is irrelevant since Al and Smoove didn’t compete for a spot. The coaches had to vote for 2 guards, 2 forwards, 1 center and 2 wildcards. Al was the coaches vote at Center. Smoove should have made it as a wildcard over Rose all day and twice on Sunday.
Traceman
January 28th, 2010
5:53 pm
I agree with those who say Bosh and Wallace deserve to be there. In fact, Bosh and Wallace should be there ahead of Smoove AND Pierce. Smoove should have made it over Rose and an argument can even be made that he deserved it over Pierce based on the numbers but over Wallace or Bosh? No way.
Clyde
January 28th, 2010
5:53 pm
Take Al and Rose off and put Jennings and Smooth on then you have a All-star team.
FIRE WOODY
Trill
January 28th, 2010
6:06 pm
Hello All! I’m new to Hawks blogging, though I’ve been a huge fan since the late 80s, early 90s. Congrats to Joe and Al (I’m so sorry Josh didn’t get voted in..he deserves to be there! Without him, teams would average 130 points per game against us!)! If we can get the 2 or 3 seed, we will play for the Eastern Conference Finals! I hope the Hawks pay Joe what he’s owed (5-years $90 million – $18 million per year)! Rashard Lewis makes that kind of money and Joe is a far better player. We should also restructure Marvin Williams contract to pay Al Horford what he deserves. I never hated anyone in my life, but I absolutely hate Marvin Williams! Give Mo Evans half of Marvin’s minutes. Marvin gets his shot block at least twice a game, he trips over his own feet when driving to the hole (when he can actually find it!), he’s not a decent shooter (Al is more consistent than Marvin 17 feet in), and he isn’t a decent defender (anyone see him attempt to guard K. Durant?) Bibby had an off night against the Spurs which was a great opportunity to pick up the slack and he just didn’t come through (Al, Jamal, Josh, & Joe played their a*s off). $7,500,000 per year the Hawks are paying this bum….he’s practically stealing money like Peyton Manning’s back-up! He’s our weakest link and if he continues to play major minutes he will hurt us more than he will help us.
Let’s beat Boston! Go Hawks!
nunna yo biznezz
January 28th, 2010
6:11 pm
how in da heck does allen iverson get to start a all star game??
if this is his tribute year due to him retiring this year,ok,i’ll go with it..
but,it ain’t!!
but,im not just jumping on him,there have been plenty of wrong folks voted into the all star game because their fans wanted to see them in it..
i say,lets do like the NFL,and let the players vote the pro’s in..
and,i seen what a little coaching and playing time can do for a player like jeff teague can do…
ITS DA JEFF TEAGUE SHOW!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKS0Xii9tQc&NR=1&feature=fvwp
www.cuentameloto.com
January 28th, 2010
6:18 pm
All dominicans fans voted for Al he is the center of our selection we are very proud of him. We hope at least 10 minutes for him in the classic and you will see what dominicans can do. http://www.cuentameloto.com
Clyde
January 28th, 2010
6:20 pm
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ SMH
Chris
January 28th, 2010
6:20 pm
I know the fans voted but Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson as STARTERS, are you serious!?!?!?!?!?
Sautee
January 28th, 2010
6:52 pm
Clyde,
Apparently the coaches know something that you do not. Horford’s value is FAR greater than his stats.
Here’s a quote from Woody earlier this year:
“I remember last year after Al got hurt those two times … We were exposed. Al’s the one guy I feared going down.”
Al is a glue guy, whether or not he fits YOUR idea of a center.
niremetal
January 28th, 2010
7:05 pm
Hey, Big Al on TNT!
KSEE
January 28th, 2010
7:20 pm
Josh Smith for Defensive Player of the Year!
Joe's place Joe speaking
January 28th, 2010
7:31 pm
Melvin and fudd,
it’s not that he’s not exciting it’s just that Josh is on a better team and is a better all around defender (DPOY) and can bring any crowd to their feet. I sometimes can be a little byass so I apologize for my quick reaction to what I heard. So let me rephrase my comment, he is a good player no doubt about it but all things considering he is on a inferior team and does not affect his tram the way Josh does. That’s not sayingvhe doesn’t affect his team but Josh is on a top 5 team in the NBA and should end up being the Defensive player of the year. That makes him more deserving than Wallace in my opinion. I hope that clears it up for you.
bigdave
January 28th, 2010
7:32 pm
i think that Josh still has lingering image/maturity issues amongst coaches which cost him a spot… i disagree…
Joe's place Joe speaking
January 28th, 2010
7:33 pm
Tram: team.
Sorry this iPhone makes up words sometimes.
Joe's place Joe speaking
January 28th, 2010
7:37 pm
I would definitly choose Wallace over M.Williams though! We’d be championship contender for sure!
Imagine……….. Bibby , johnson, Wallace, Smith , Horford…. Ahhhhhh wishful thanking.
bigdave
January 28th, 2010
8:12 pm
wouldnt mind seeing the Hawks in throwback uni’s tomorrow preferably the one with the big Hawk on front… Joe can bring out the Jordan 6’s…
Melvin
January 28th, 2010
8:14 pm
Midseason grade on the Hawks by NBA.com. Nice…
http://www.nba.com/2010/reportcard/midseason/hawks/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1
Samuel
January 28th, 2010
8:17 pm
First,
Let’s get to the important stuff. Happy Birthday to me. 48 and counting.
I gotta agree with everyone in that Josh got robbed. I love the way Al is improving but Josh is having a better year and is the MVP to me. Nevertheless, Congrats to JJ and Al.
Woody=COY
Blast
January 28th, 2010
8:19 pm
Congrats to Joe and Al. Josh should have made it, but no way they would have 3 Hawks in the All Star game. One could make a case that Crawford should have been in too. Josh will be in next year.
Yeah, Horford making his second guest appearance on TNT.
Boston is just a bunch of floppers!
Go Hawks!
Blast
January 28th, 2010
8:22 pm
Also I strongly believe Josh will win an end of season award. Either Most Improved Player, or Defensive Player of the Year. His time to shine will come.
Melvin
January 28th, 2010
8:34 pm
Forget all the these wishful trades scenario according to an inside source. The Hawks dont need them…
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=15121
BONE
January 28th, 2010
8:37 pm
No Kevin Durant is gonna get most improved player. Josh could get DPOY. And Jamal Crawford is gonna get 6th man
kwooden1
January 28th, 2010
9:03 pm
Congrats to Al and JJ!!!
Happy B-Day Samuel
GO HAWKS!!!
BirdDawg
January 28th, 2010
9:29 pm
Allen Iverson is a starter but Josh Smith, one of the top 3 forwards in the East and top 7 in the league doesn’t even make it. What a freakin’ joke. Congrats to Al and Joe, but Josh should have been there before either of them. Keep ya head up Smoove and keep playing hard. You’ll get yours soon.
Blast
January 28th, 2010
9:52 pm
My post got chewed up, so here it is again.
Bone.
Durant ain’t gonna win no MIP in the league simply because he has not improved any better than last year. He has stayed consistent, that’s for sure, but he has not done anything to make his team elite. But Josh has.
If I were to bet, I would take Josh winning MIP over DPOY because you have Dwight Howard to contend with and Dwight is putting up crazy defensive numbers.
O'Brien
January 28th, 2010
10:20 pm
I dont think Josh will win any end of year awards, although he should be in the top 3 for DPOY voting.
And although I think he is worthy of being an All-Star, I cannot argue against Wallace, Bosh and Pierce. Pierce is averaging almost 19 pts, 5 rebs, and 4 assists, Bosh is averaging 24pts, 11 rebs, and Wallace is averaging 19pts, 11 rebs.
Hopefully KG will pull out so that Josh can get his spot. And Iverson should not be playing. Give his spot to Brandon Jennings. He is averaging 18 pts, 6 assists per game.
I hope Hawks can beat Boston and Orlando so that Woody can coach the All Star game.
cp
January 28th, 2010
10:21 pm
Congrats to Joe and Horford. Josh might still make it because I doubt Garnett plays with that bad knee. I can see KG sitting out and them selecting another fwd which should be Josh so there is still hope.
Blast
January 28th, 2010
10:22 pm
Also addressing your last post to me on the previous blog, Bone, or the one before it. You said if I was a real Hawks fan, how can I be so not negative when they lose?
My answer is that I Have been a Hawks fan since I moved to Atlanta 12 years ago. I have seen them through the Mookie/Steve Smith and Mutombo period. I have seen them start rebuilding with Terry, Raheem, Lattener and co. I have seen them grief over a dead player, and go through major ownership issues. What I am saying is that I have seen them go through worst times when they won 13 games, when Josh and Woody came aboard, then they drafted Marvin and traded for Joe and Bibby, drafted AL and signed Crawford. All those times, our arena was one winning teams knew they could come and get a win anytime. But not anymore.
Hawks still have half a game lead over Magic, their nemesis, for best record in the South East depending on how Magic fares tonight vs Celts, after the halfway mark. I have never seen that happen since I have been following Hawks. So what am I trying to say?
Hawks have vastly improved since I have been following them. For them to be competing for the division lead at this point is awesome! They are still a work in progress, so they are not going to win every game, especially if they come out indifferent as they did last night. But I can live with that! So long as it does not happen often.
That is why I am so positive about Hawks. They are not perfect, but they are improving! They have not been featured on national TV so many times in years! Now they are on ESPN and NBA TV almost every week? U think folks making those games don’t know what they are talking about? If that’s not major respect, then I don’t know what is.
Haven’t said all that, Bone, I ask you a question. Are YOU a real Hawks fan? ‘Cos all you seem to bring is doom and gloom. Nothing positive at all.
keno
January 28th, 2010
10:30 pm
Congrats to Joe and Al. They both deserve it. All star reserve voting involves picking two guards, two forwards, one center, and two wild cards. They don’t sit there and say I’m going to pick Josh because he should go ahead of Al and Joe. Al gets in because he was possibly the best option at center. Joe gets in because he is the best two guard. Rondo is arguably the best point guard in the east. You have to know that Bosh was going to be selected and coaches love Pierce. So, it really left the two wild card spots. I understand the Wallace selection because he has been playing very well and Charlotte has vastly improve (Joe was making it even though the Hawks were below .500). I do however question the Rose pick. Maybe Iverson and Garnett will sit this one out and open it up for someone more deserving.
Blast
January 28th, 2010
10:43 pm
In retrospect, I would prefer that Celtics lose today so Woody can have a chance of coaching the All Stars, but I would rather have Celtics win so Hawks can keep their division lead.
All Star coaching versus Division lead with a chance to catch up with the Celts? Give me the lead anytime. Hawks still have a chance to give Woody that job.
Big Ray
January 28th, 2010
10:46 pm
Happy Birthday to Samuel !
Hated to see Josh Smith not make it, but had a hard time seeing him voted in ahead of Bosh, Pierce or Wallace. Pierce was the incumbent and a leading scorer of the East’s second best team.
Glad to see Al make it, and I believe that coaches have a great deal more respect for him and his game than many of the fans do.
Josh makes it next year. Book it.
Melvin
January 28th, 2010
10:48 pm
Hoopsworld breakdown all-star selections/snubs to who could be coaching the east all-stars…. Good read…
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=15120
Blast
January 28th, 2010
10:55 pm
Win win situation for Hawks tonight. Celtics lose, Woody has a chance to coach the All Star game. Magic lose, Hawks keep their divisional lead.
What option would you prefer, Hawks fans?
Mike is Back
January 28th, 2010
10:58 pm
Nice, to see all the love for Smoove…he has raised game to ALL STAR level this season…now he needs to keep it there…I love the approach he has adopted…HIS TIME WILL COME!!
Congrads to JJ and AL for being selected to the East All Stars…I think it speaks volume of the body of work of BOTH INDIVIDUALS and the body of work the entire organization has put in. When we can honestly say that three Hawks players legitimately deserved to be on the All Star roster…we know this team is moving in the right direction.
I was hoping at lease two Hawks players would make to the All Star team…and they did…I can live with that…I was a little surprise with the out come…but HEY THAT’S THE NBA BABY!!
Everyone knows I am a huge Josh fan…but I think the coaches want to see…what we all want to see from Josh…More consistency on a nightly basis…regardless of poor officiating… always remain professional and perform at All Star level…let your body of work speak for itself…if Josh commits to that…then he will be a lock to make the All Star roster for many years to come.
However, I’m still holding out hope that someone want participate and Smoove name will be called…ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
January 28th, 2010
11:02 pm
This Boston-Orlando game worked out as badly as possible for the Hawks. Boston now comes into Atlanta p!ssed that they blew a big lead and lost, Orlando now ties the Hawks in the standings, and if the Hawks drop the next two they are entrenched in 4th place.
Mike is Back
January 28th, 2010
11:19 pm
nunna yo biznezz, nice link on Teague…I made reference to this very dunk on a previous blog…when I was calling Teague out and telling him he needs to get his SWAG BACK!!
The Jeff Teague we see now…is a shell of that guy…the skill and talent is still there…Woody has to find a way to get it back…before the playoff…it is not too late.
Brian
January 29th, 2010
12:39 am
First off, let’s remember that Joe, Al, and Josh weren’t necessarily competing with each other. Iverson and Rose do NOT belong on this roster, and THOSE are the ones who are blocking Smoove’s path this year. Secondly, let’s consider what the All Star Game really is about: bragging rights, showing off, and creating the season’s longest highlight reel. In this regard, I think Josh should have been picked over many of the other selections; he consistently makes exciting plays on both defense (nasty blocked shots) and offense (nasty dunks and drives). All we’ll see out of Allen Iverson are the nasty effects of age and knee fluid.
JASon
January 29th, 2010
12:43 am
Horford- great job, you earned it! I love watching this guy improve each year; he is my favorite hawk.
But if I may, I think Josh deserved it too. He is our most important player. When he is in there playing hard and fighting for rebounds we win. Like Rondo, he has great skills though he is not a great scorer. But for both players, that is beginning to change. Watch out.
jj
January 29th, 2010
2:23 am
I agree that KG will probably pull out but the media is hot for David Lee.If we finish strong Smooth might slip in.He is the really deserving and he is the Hawk on the rise.
KevinA
January 29th, 2010
2:24 am
Najeh Davenpoop,
Orlando is still a .5 game back. If we beat Boston we will own 2nd place in the East for at least 1 game. It will take a win in Orlando to hang onto it.
Happy for Joe and Al but for whatever reason the best player on the Hawks didn’t make it. The NBA and most fans still respect good offense over good defense. The Hawks rank 2nd in the league in offensive efficiency which is awesome. The Hawks rank 13th in defensive efficiency, just barely better than mid pack. Most Hawks fans would agree Josh is our defensive identity. He takes over chunks of games defensivily on a regular basis.
From an entertainment perspective who is more exciting to watch in the NBA. LaBron, Kobe, Nash, CP3? The kid nightly fills the highlight reels with his explosive athletism. I see him second behind Labron.
Clyde
January 29th, 2010
2:48 am
It would be good to see Woody coaching the All-Star team. He would have a real good look and the point guards he passed up on for Speedy Claxton.
FIRE WOODY
The Grapes of RATHbun
January 29th, 2010
4:26 am
Josh Smith is having a much year than Garnett or Pierce, not even close. Smith was robbed, but, sadly, I’m not really even suprised he was robbed. The NBA All-Star game has lost whatever credibility it had after this year’s debacle
vava74
January 29th, 2010
5:29 am
A very precise and humorous scouting report on both the Celts and the Magic:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/orlando-magic-and-boston-celtics-have-problems
MC, can you pass this on to Woody? I think he needs some highlights on how to beat the Magic
vava74
January 29th, 2010
5:47 am
As for JJ and Al being selected: it is perfectly fair: JJ is one of the top SG in the league (top 3 hands down) and Al is much better than his stats tell.
If Al played in NJ he would be averaging 25-15 easily.
People forget that he is only the 3rd of 4th option on offense AND the switching defense by drawing him away from the basket prevents him from averaging at least 3 rebounds and 1 block more per game.
Clyde
January 29th, 2010
6:28 am
I’m tired of folks making excuses for Al Horford. If he was in New Jersey my butt. If he was in New Jersey when they played the Spurs Duncan would dominate him again.
FIRE WOODY
dap01
January 29th, 2010
7:02 am
Josh is the heart of the team. Congrats to JJ and AH. Bibby is declining. Woodson hopefully can work Teague and bench to play a larger role in the 2nd half. If we are fresher at playoff time, we could beat anyone!
O'Brien
January 29th, 2010
7:41 am
Clyde, from the ajc article:
“I think he’s a really good player, and everybody agrees he’s pretty much a power forward that’s playing center,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy recently told the Orlando Sentinel. “He’s learned to use his quickness. I don’t think there’s any negatives with him.”
vava74,
I think JJ is the 3rd best SG in the league behind Kobe and DWade, although Brandon Roy is right behind him.
So JJ made 4 all star games during his 5 year contract. I wonder how Steve Belkin feels?
jg
January 29th, 2010
7:50 am
I really truly thought josh smith would get into that game too. I’ve always thought of him as good player with the potential to be great–this year he has been very close to great! He still has moments of taking bad shots at critical times–but he hustles every trip, wants to win every game and isn’t afraid of anyone. I like him a lot–Crawford too–they both are considered All-Stars in my opinion.
Need to definitely win tonight against Boston and some how find a way to have a chance in Orlando. Avoid a blow out–let’em know we can at least hang with them.
The Truth
January 29th, 2010
8:04 am
AL HORFORD IS A BEAST!!!!
CONGRATULATION
ALSO
THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION IS YES, AL HORFORD IS A CENTER!!! Does that finally means he is the second scoring option and gets more touches per game?
Astro Joe
January 29th, 2010
8:48 am
KG looked like a 89 YO last night against Orlando.
And for those who criticize Joe’s comments about the fan attendance during the regular season… there are still tickets available to the game tonight against the Celtics. The radio shows are giving away tickets. Come on… we can’t sellout a Friday evening game against the Celtics?
doc
January 29th, 2010
9:02 am
najeh lakers loom for the celts after us. they might be pissed but are on tired legs. yup they are against the wall but are definitely vulnerable tonight and again with the lakers. dont “entrench ” us too quickly into fourth as we just might win two in a row tonight and saturday. besides we got to beat the magic on our own anyway.
vava74
January 29th, 2010
9:39 am
As for Josh…
Well it’s a big shame since there are very few players in the league which can influence the game flow like Josh does.
Again, his intrinsic quality is higher than his numbers.
He needs to be more consistent (even within games), clean up his act with the refs and polish his offensive game a bit and he will become a perennial selection.
Astro Joe
January 29th, 2010
10:09 am
vava, I agree. I think that Smith needs to show that this is a “lifestyle change and not just a diet”. I have little doubt that he could be a fixture on the team if he continues his first half performance for years to come (and the Hawks continue to be a top 3-5 team).
vava74
January 29th, 2010
10:36 am
Clyde,
Your quality as a NBA talent assessment has one name: “Sean Williams”…
oops… should I say CBA or NBDL talent assessment?
Daniel
January 29th, 2010
10:45 am
I think Josh got left off the ballot because Kevin Garnett got the fan vote. If Bosh gets the starter spot, which he should have. Then Gerald Wallace, Paul Pierce and Josh Smith are your reserves. KG is not an All Star this year. He looks done.
drmaryb
January 29th, 2010
10:46 am
Hey FRESH!
Glad you like my humor. I don’t post very often – my business is very demanding these days.
But I like to check in on here from time to time to see what – Big Ray, Doc, Ken, Najeh, Rich Brave and ‘Nem are up to.
This blog can really get bogged down with drama and silly people saying silly stuff…So my Theoretic-ally and Realistic-ally humor was just another attempt at making you guys laugh and just trying to keep it light. Life is way too short to be so serious, especially about some lucky guys playing such a silly game.
For me…it’s all just ENTERTAINMENT! Have fun and pay your bills I say! Whether these TEAMS win or lose…They are all Millionaires!
Anyway, have some fun on here! But more importantly…lets take care of our FAMILIES! Now, that’s REEL!!!!!!!!!!!
Freshmaker
January 29th, 2010
10:56 am
Cosign your 10:45, Daniel. That’s exactly it. Horfy got in because he’s a C (and a really good one), not because he’s “better” than Smoove. I like KG, but he’s missed a lot of time in the first half of the season, and shouldn’t be on the AS team in my opinion. If he wasn’t there then I think Josh would be on the team as a reserve.
vava74
January 29th, 2010
12:46 pm
Interesting stats:
http://www.nba.com/statistics/plusminus/plusminus_sort.jsp?pcomb=5&season=22009&split=9&team=
Look how the Cavs best 3 line ups do NOT include Shaq…
In relation to the Hawks, the best line up is by far (per minute – not accumulated) is Bibby, Craw, JJ, Smoove and Al, more than doubling the +- ratio of the starting 5.
I think Rod will be smiling if he reads this… This is in line with our typical Hawks game: our starting 5 starts slow and then we get back into the game with Crawford going crazy for a bunch of points.
Some combinations listed have far too few minutes played to be considered relevant (anything under 100 minutes).
vava74
January 29th, 2010
12:47 pm
J-Smoove » G. Wallace head to head per 48 minutes:
JS pts 21,67 : reb 12,2 : ass 5,56 : stl 2,16 : blk 3,1
W pts 21,24 : reb 12,5 : ass 2,18 : stl 1,83 : blk 1,38
I think it is safe to say that Josh wins the head to head hands down!!!
GeeMack
January 29th, 2010
1:05 pm
vava74
Never mind that G. Wallace is a sf that averages 18 pts & 11 rpg. If Josh had Wallaces points and rebound there is no way he’s not an all-star.
SWAT Native
January 29th, 2010
1:05 pm
Astro Joe,
As to the Hawks having trouble selling out a Friday night game against the Celtics, I’ve noticed that the Hawks have started raising the ticket prices for their big games this year. I’m going to watch the game on TV.
vava74
January 29th, 2010
1:11 pm
GeeMack,
Wallace is a combo forward who plays a lot of PF in CHA (look at Diaw’s stats and you will see that he cannot be seen as a guy who really plays the PF position).
Wallace’s numbers are better than Josh’s per game due to the fact that he plays a lot more minutes.
Rod from College Park
January 29th, 2010
1:31 pm
vava74,
I did not have to see that stats to tell you that was our best lineup. I told you before the season started that it would be. Our habit of starting slow and getting behing so early in games is due alot to Marvin starting. Joe is usaually a slow starter, and takes some time to get in the rhythm of the game. No other player in the sarting lineup is a scorer. I think you will eventually see Woodson be forced to start Jamal, especially in the playoffs, because we won’t be able to consitently play from behind agianst good teams.
Ken Strickland
January 29th, 2010
2:21 pm
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see the Spurs/Hawks gm, but a quick look at the box score told me a lot. Our HC’s philosophy seems to be if my favorite players aren’t hitting their jumpshots, just keep giving them mins so they can keep trying to pound that square peg into that round hole.
He just doesn’t seem to grasp the concept of trying a different concept, like inserting a player like RMorris, who can utilize his inside moves to help the OFF go inside out when outside period isn’t working.
All of you BIBBY LOVERS can’t come up with an excuse lame enough to excuse giving him 26+mins and getting nothing but zero’s accross the stat sheet. He’s getting worse as the season progresses, and Woodson is hurting this team more and more by trying to protect him and keep him in the starting lineup. He obviously wasn’t hitting his jumper(0-7), wasn’t creating scoring opportunites for others(1 assist), he obviously didn’t penetrate and draw fouls(0-0), and we all know he didn’t play any DEF. DO ANY OF YOU BIBBY LOVERS THINK JTEAGUE COULD HAVE DONE ANY WORSE IF HE’D BEEN GIVEN 26+MINS? WHY IS IT OK WITH ALL OF YOU BIBBY LOVERS IF WE LOSE GMS WITH HIM GETTING EXTENDED MINS AND STINKING UP THE COURT, BUT YOU WANT TO KEEP TEAGUE FIRMLY ENTRENCHED ON THE BENCH BECAUSE YOU HAVE THIS UNWARRANTED FEAR THAT WE’LL LOSE GMS IF WE PLAY HIM EXTENDED MINS? DO YOU SEE HOW STUPID THAT SOUNDS?
Bottomline, you and your beloved HC MWoodson want to continue giving extended mins to an aging PG that’s become inconsistent and whos overall production is declining as the season progresses, instead of playing and developing a younger, quicker, faster, penetrating PG that can actually put DEF pressure on the ball, and who will definitely get better as the season progresses, if given the same mins and support as Bibby. WHERE’S THE LOGIC?
Whoo Hoo! Two Hawks to Soar In All-Star Game | Parkside at Buckhead
February 1st, 2010
8:13 am
[...] Game, and two of our very own Atlanta Hawks have been chosen to play in this year’s battle. Guard Joe Johnson and center Al Horford will join other lead players on the eastern team to play against the Western team. This will be [...]