Hawks Squawks: Heat 94, Hawks 76
Haslem part of Heat's bench beatdown of Hawks. (Curtis Compton/compton@ajc.com)
– The Hawks needed something extra from the bench on the second night of a back-to-back and with Jamal out and J.J. getting over his flu. But the Heat’s bench players outscored their Hawks counterparts 45-8, including 26-5 in the second half.
– With that kind of production from the Heat’s reserves, it hardly mattered that Dwyane Wade had a relatively quiet game with 18 points. “Their bench really beat us,” Smoove said. “Mostly when they had their run, ‘D-Wade’ was on the bench. We can’t let that happen.”
– That was bad, yet the most alarming part was seeing the Hawks sag their shoulders, scrunch their faces and seemingly throw in the towel when the Heat made its fourth-quarter run. “We had a lot of mishaps we don’t normally have,” J.J. said.
– Smoove looked particularly sour in the fourth. “It’s kind of frustrating when you don’t even give yourself a chance to win from the beginning,” he said. “I don’t think we really came to play.”
– The Hawks saw their three-game winning streak snapped and missed out on tying the 1993-94 team for most Ws before the All-Start break (34).
– After hearing a teammate talk about his plans for the break, one Hawks player said to another teammate: “It was like guys were already on vacation.” His teammate agreed.
– The Hawks needed someone else to score with Jamal (shoulder) a late scratch. Instead, J.J. was 7 of 21; Marvin was 3 of 11; Bibby was 1 for 6 on 3s, and Joe Smith, Mo, and Teague combined to shoot 2 for 8 in 41 minutes.
– The Hawks didn’t do much against the Heat’s zone D. “I like when teams play zone but we didn’t respond to it very well,” Woody said.
– Both teams played last night but only the Heat looked sluggish early. The Hawks came out challenging everything on D. Then the Heat’s bench took over.
– Udonis Haslem scored 10 points in the second, Dorell Wright had five in the third and Daequan Cook made all three of his 3-point attempts in the fourth. The Heat outscored the Hawks 27-12 in the fourth.
– “Just an awful fourth quarter,” Woody said. “We either ran out of juice or didn’t have the energy to get through it. They (the Heat) were laboring a little bit in the fourth quarter too but they found some energy somehow and got it done.”
– Interesting quote from Wade on Cook’s night: “Tonight versus a team that has a roamer in Mike Bibby, he was able to get into a rhythm with his shooting.”
– Woody wants the Hawks to come back from the break re-committed. “I think this will be good in the long term,” Al said. “We just have to come back refocused.”
– Iso-Joe wasn’t good tonight. Three possessions with a missed fadeaway 3-point attempt by J.J. (Mo rebounded, got fouled and made 1 of 2 FTs), a baseline layup by J.J. and a missed J.J. runner in the lane as fans grumbled.
– The Iso-Joe count in the fourth quarter of five games: 10 possessions, 11 points, one turnover, two missed shots by teammates and two offensive rebounds.
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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112 comments Add your comment
Melvin
February 10th, 2010
11:20 pm
Memo the Hawks management. Tonight was proof that they need to upgrade the bench if they are serious about challenging for a championship…
Rod from College Park
February 10th, 2010
11:47 pm
Melvin,
They need to upgrade the 3 and move the guy who should be a bench player to the bench. No Crawford, more minutes for Marvin more shots, same terrible production. Whoever these clowns are who state, we should run plays for Marvin, he should have played more minutes, this is what you will get. This is what the Hawks will look like in the playoffs when teams decide not to let Joe or Jamal beat them. I keep hearing this defense crap. We will note able to stop the Cleveland’s and the Orlando’s of the world. We will have to outscore them to win. WE NEED NBA LEVEL 3 who is able to score, hit the wide open 3 and defend. Bibby has looked bad this year, but guess what, Bibby does not make 7.5 million this year. Marvin is simply the weak link.
Lon Kruger
February 11th, 2010
12:25 am
now you see em, now they burnt off!
eyebrows
February 11th, 2010
12:25 am
where did i go?
Melvin
February 11th, 2010
12:41 am
Rod,
I still prefer Marvin as a starter as long as we could get another SF to come off the bench like John Salmons (I talk about him on the Fan Nest blog) and be the closure on some nights. Joe, Jamal, Salmon, Josh and Horford would be a pretty nice closing lineup. Three perimeter guys thats capable scoring and playing PG… Just my thoughts.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
February 11th, 2010
1:14 am
I was at my first Hawks home game in a while and can say for sure that fans lackluster energy did not help there cause. Nice sized crowd, just not nearly loud enough to make our presence felt. I agree Rod from cp, Marvin ain’t gonna get it, cuz he ain’t got it, lol.
Josh
February 11th, 2010
2:09 am
Tough tough game coming back home. The bench score differential was nuts. 45-8 is garbage. Hope they can get going again
Clyde
February 11th, 2010
3:27 am
Yall can blame the bench all yall want but the starters should have stepped up tonight and they didn’t.
Clyde
February 11th, 2010
3:35 am
The bench scoring was 45-8 because Miami gave their bench players more minutes.
Miami – Haslem 28 minutes, D Wright 28 minutes, D Cook 21 minutes, Arroyo 14 minutes, J Anthony 12 minutes
Atlanta – Evans 16 minutes, Teague 12 minutes, Joe Smith 12 minutes, Collins 4 minutes, West 4 minutes
Woody has to develop the players he has on his bench so they can contribute like Miami’s bench. I know he doesn’t believe in his bench but he can’t continue to run his starters into the ground before the playoffs.
Coach D
February 11th, 2010
5:36 am
MC,
Absolutely LOVE the ISO-Joe count! It would be great if the other Hawks moved without the ball just a little even when he’s in his ISO mode. Then he might be able to dish it off for a lay-up. This rarely happens, though which is why there is such angst among the Hawks fans about it. Keep up the good work!!!!!!
JeJe
February 11th, 2010
5:38 am
This bench is a complete joke without Crawford.
Mo Evans’ only offensive move is to shoot contested 3’s from the corner with that horrendous release of his.
That is our only bench offense, unless you want to count Teague’s inability to hit anything, whether it be a floater or a jumpshot. Make a freaking floater for Christ’s sake
JeJe
February 11th, 2010
5:38 am
It’s obvious Woodson looked past this game. Read the article about his hopes for after the break.
What an idiot. This will psychologically kill this team if we play Miami in the 2nd round, knowing that they can now beat us on our court.
There’s no excuse losing to a team of Wade, old@$$ J’Oneal, thug-Beasley, and scrubs
Astro Joe
February 11th, 2010
7:57 am
Is it possible that without Jamal, our bench simply sucks?
Clyde
February 11th, 2010
8:03 am
Joe its possible but you have to play them more to find out. And if they do suck why are they on the team anyway. And if they are on the team what is the coaching staff doing to make their players better.
O'Brien
February 11th, 2010
8:04 am
I know the Hawks did not get much from their reserves. But this was a team loss. The starters were struggling, and the bench was struggling. But in the 4th quarter when it mattered most, our staters gave us nothing.
JJ was 7-21, Marvin was 3-10, and Bibby 1-6 from 3 (Hawks were 4-19 from 3). Even if the bench had scored 15 more points, based on the score, that would still have been a loss.
Marvin had 3 or 4 good games in a row, and Crawford was out, so this was a great opportunity for him to step up. But what does he do? Go 3-10 (one of his 3pt attempts hit the side of the backboard), and collect 4 rebounds. Hopefully he will come back after the ASB and be ready to step his game up.
I was disappointed in Teague’s play as well. But hopefully he will continue to work on his game, and hopefully get more opportunities.
Melvin,
I think the Hawks need to upgrade either the backup SF position, or the backup PG position if they want to make a run at the ECF. And although I like John Salmons, I think the Bulls will only trade him for expiring contracts (because they want to make a run at a big name FA (JJ maybe)this offseason).
A backup SF I think is worth looking into is Chris Douglas-Roberts from the Nets. He was a second round pick, and this is only his second or third year, so his contract is cheap. He lost his starting spot to Jarvis Hayes, and rumor has it he is unhappy (who wouldnt be, when your team is 4-48).
Nets might also be willing to move Josh Boone. He can provide spot minutes at PF and Center. My trade idea is Mo Evans and a second round pick (or maybe a 1st rounder, since it will in mid 20’s) for Josh Boone and CDR.
Rock Preston
February 11th, 2010
8:22 am
Its Official!!! Marvin “Duck Butt” Williams is a bust. I cant wait for him to be on the next thing smoking outta the ATL. He is garbage!!
dap01
February 11th, 2010
8:27 am
What would it take to get Jarvis Hayes?
We need someone who can simply score or shoot off the bench. The Hawks have good bench players but with out offensive movement or offensive plays, our only hope for a bench is a great one on one player (Flip or Crawford).
Astro Joe
February 11th, 2010
8:33 am
dap, Jarvis is a FA in the summer… before that, it shouldn’t take more than a 6-pack and a box of Moon Pies… if the Hawks are willing to spend.
Clyde, I don’t think we need to see a lot of this bench to know that they suck. And it is counter-intuitive to think that playing these guys more would help the team. I could see if we were getting flashes of brilliance… but we’re not. Excluding Jamal, we get fairly consistent below average performance from these guys.
The Dogfighter Returns
February 11th, 2010
8:36 am
What’s up Sekou, how are you? Welcome back. It’s been a long time since we heard from you. I hope all is well. Welcome back.
F-105 Thunderchief
February 11th, 2010
8:55 am
Hi Michael Cunningham, whoever you are. Good blog. Smoove is the stupidest nickname I’ve ever heard. And, he’s my favorite Hawk.
Grandad
February 11th, 2010
8:58 am
Clyde is on target today. Why try to lay it on the bench.
Bench min. totals:
Heat=103/Hawks=46 (sorry Clyde just putting it another way)
I know Joe was recovering…but where was our Superstar in the 4th qtr.
Was the team on his back?
Josh: “Their bench really beat us” That’s not saying our bench lost it.
Josh: “I don’t think we really came to play” I know it’s right before bthe break, but, we’ve heard this one before. Many, many times! Not just from Josh either. Actually that’s inexcuseable from professional
athletes. As a coach, I would cringe if a player uttered those words.
It seems to be the mantra under Wdsn.
Finally, we have been saying all along, what if someone gets hurt and we need Teaguer? Well, last night we did.
O’Brien – don’t be disappointed in JT, had he been playing perhaps
16 min. per game all along, he would be further along and much more ready to contribute. Bless his heart, he seems to be playing as if to not make mistakes , rather than playing to make things happen.
jean
February 11th, 2010
9:04 am
crawford is the real all star on this team its a damn shame al hortford mad it
Clyde
February 11th, 2010
9:19 am
Astro Joe is they suck then why are they on the team? That’s why you should maximize your spending and draft picks so you can get a bench. Look at Miami’s bench for a reference.
If you spend too much on your starters your bench will suck.
The Truth
February 11th, 2010
9:28 am
And the blame prize to last night lost ultimately goes to Woody for not preparing his bench for a short-handed situation that always happened during a regular season. Teague has lost his swagger and looked lost on the court. For a rookie that rarely plays, he should have been motivated to prove. What is Woody thinking? He can just flip a switch and instantly, Teague will play like an All-Star. Collins is just used as a throw-in body to kill some time. Joe Smith has still not found his shot and is content to just being a Yoda-like (rah rah) bench player who makes cameo appearances; use up his fouls and sit-down. Remember, he was the hotly perused player we were after for months. Morris has still not been given enough of an opportunity to prove that he deserves another contract. What exactly did the Hawks sign-up Mario to do, their 400K three-second player? Mo Evans, the 1-trick offense player that he is, should officially be called Mr. Inconsistent.
The runner-up blame prizes should go to two starters, Bibby and Marvin. These two players should have stepped-up and did not. Both players normally play less minutes then the other starters so should have been the fresher players for this game. As previously been summarized about Bibby’s game, he hurts us on offense and defense. For the PG general on offense, he’s one dimensional with only his streaky spot-up jumper and on defense he’s aging and too slow. At times, Marvin plays like he’s still in training camp trying to find his game. Other times, he plays with some promise. But last night, he seems to be struggling with his timing and rhythm. For those that think he should come off the bench, may want to re-consider. His production (as it is) might suffer farther from cold starts. I’m not sure if his problem is more seasoning, lack of motivation or offense chemistry. He may need to be in a more structured offense system of picks and screens because he struggles to create on his own in Woody ISO system.
Grandad
February 11th, 2010
9:40 am
The Truth:
Great obsevation on Marv, needing to be in a structured system.
I’ve been saying for some time now, that Marv would flourish elsewhere.
Another coach would be able to find and utilize his strengths. He is
‘NOT’ a slasher. We have never tried playing him in the post. He would be a wonderful high post player. Nice face up jumper, plenty of length.
This way he would need only one dribble when driving to the hoop.
O'Brien
February 11th, 2010
9:58 am
Grandad,
I remember when Boris Diaw was here, its like he was scared to shoot sometimes, and at other times, he just didnt seem involved. Maybe Boris Diaw is a simlar type of player like Marvin, in that they both need to be in a certain type of system to succeed. They need to be in a system where a coach knows how to utilize their strengths (although I’m not sure what Marvin’s strengths are, because he is so inconsistent).
STRETCH
February 11th, 2010
10:09 am
I dont care what they (management) are saying in public, they cant continue to fool themselves. Last night was the reality check.
1. Bibby is a liability on offense and defense.
2. Marvins been in the league how long? Long enough and he’s a proven bench player.
3. JJ is NOT a superstar.
4. Jamal is the MVP of this team and him not making the All-Star game is beyond common sense.
5. Getting outscored 45-8 by the MIAMI HEAT bench???? Folks this team is still growing and this year is NOT the year, not even close!
But management continues to fool themselves. And they are content with this team as it is. Blah, blah….BLAH!!!
Cleveland vs. LA in the finals. Besides the NBA is drooling of the possibility of Shaq and Kobe hooking up!
ATLFan
February 11th, 2010
10:15 am
I think the “500lb gorilla in the room” is that Al Horford cannot handle a legitimate center defensively. We struggle with every team who has a big guy. Jermaine O’neal, Dwight Howard, Shaq/lgauskas and others that don’t come to mind.
Preist Lauderdale
February 11th, 2010
10:16 am
Lon and eyebrows,
Great observations. Do you think the eyebrows had anything to do with the loss? Do you think shaving them was Potatohead’s way of protesting about not getting a contract extension yet?
Harpie
February 11th, 2010
10:19 am
The problem is BAD COACHING – Woodson SUCKS!
Mick
February 11th, 2010
10:34 am
Fire Woody, NOW!!!!
Ken Strickland
February 11th, 2010
10:40 am
Now all of a sudden the bench is to blame. Well, some of you are thinking just like Woodson. You think you can just ignore players on the bench for stretches at a time and them expect them to be ready, able and so excited about finally getting a chance to play that they will automatically go out and save the day. Why would you blame the bench for not producing and not the starters when they stink up the place.
When we’re not hitting our jumpshoots, or allowed to get easy fastbreak pts, we have nothing but ISO and one on one to fall back on. Woodson’s limited halfcourt OFF is a joke and the players know it, which is why they go playground whenever we’re forced to play halfcourt ball. Without Crawford, JJ is the only penetrator we have. This is when Bibby becomes a complete liabiltity, especially when he’s not shooting and hitting a high number of shots.
They just zoned us up and we just kept launching one failed jumper after another. In those situations, you make an effort to play inside out, not continue playing outside in. Last nights gm would have been a good time to play RMorris. Woodson is too stupid to realize that against a zone, it’s better to pass the ball inside, than trying to drive it inside.
When it comes to using strategy, making adjustments, changes, or thinking beyond his feelings and ingrained habits, Woodson simply isn’t up to the task. It’s obvious he doesn’t care about OFF, and it’s just as obvious he doesn’t know much about it either. Whenever we’re forced to play halfcourt OFF, and we go through these scoring droughts, we never come out of them. That’s because Woodson never trys anything different. He just gets angry at the players and the officials and stands on the sidelines with arms folded barking at both.
Even when we run a play, it’s usually nothing more that an isolation play, and the player ends up going one on one. Woodson is always crying DEF, while doing absolutely nothing to improve the OFF. Well, what if the other team is playing good DEF as well, and last night, the Heat brought it? They played 10 players 12 or more mins, while we played 8 players 12 or more mins. They wore us down and it showed in the 4th qtr.
We were playing the 2nd gm of a back to back, and JJ was weak, fatigued and ineffective. Yet, Woodson forced he and Horford to play over 44mins each and wore them out. If he could play JCollins he certainly could have played RMorris.
THE HAWKS ARE WINNING INSPITE OF WOODSON. COY MY A$$.
Melvin
February 11th, 2010
10:45 am
Tell them how you really feel Ken Strick…lol
Banks
February 11th, 2010
10:50 am
When I go to sleep at night I pray for my family and friends and I also pray that we trade Marvin WIlliams. He is a #2 PICK averaging 10 ppg. When he is wide open from the corner he hits the side of the back board. He gets is shot blocked by 6′3 Gaurds. I will personally drive this guy to the airport if traded. I can’t believe the Spirit signed him for 7.5 million a year and could not sign Kolvy for the Thrashers to a long term deal.
Banks
February 11th, 2010
10:51 am
Tayshawn Prince for Marvin let’s make it happen Rick Sund
Mike is Back
February 11th, 2010
10:57 am
Last night game was tough to watch…everyone was lethargic…it looked like we had mail this one in…When Cook flared up…I thought for sure Woody would come with Mario to keep from heating up…his threes and a lackluster effort on defense against JOneal…was the difference going down the stretch. We remained listless the whole game.
MC, I’m curious to know what exactly is Teague role when he is on the floor. He looks uncomfortable when he is out there. Plus, he is still playing tentative when he is running the offense. It would interesting hear Woody’s analysis of Teague development for the first half of the season.
I was surprise and disappointment by the team performance…I thought we would want to cement the half with a win going into the All Star break…Woody bares the burden of having a game plan to respond to adverse circumstances during the course of the season. Clearly, JJ was ill…why continue to play him???? Bench utilization will be a recurring theme in the second half of the season. WILL THE RESERVES GET ENOUGH PT TO BE RELIED ON IN THE PLAYOFF??????????
Despite their listless performance last night…it was a great first half. Here is hoping that the Hawks players have safe and uneventful All Star break.
Hawk n the Ham
February 11th, 2010
10:59 am
Start Teague. He needs to get the consitent minutes to become a good guard. Stephen Curry went triple-double with 36 points last night. I’m not saying Teague puts up these kind of numbers with consitent minutes, but he WILL become another Acie Law if he doesn’t get the burn.
Sid
February 11th, 2010
11:03 am
As Ive said before Jamal sets the pace for this team . We can start Bibby and play him 25 mpg but without jamal to change the pace we are subjected to 30+ minutes of the team playing at Bibbys pace and we just cant do it .
We had 15 and 12 points in the 2nd and 4th quarters and who just happened to be out that plays in those quarters ? We lost by 18 and who averages 17.8 points per game ?
We play a slow and deliberate style(1st and 3rd) with Bibby and fast energetic style(2nd and 4th) with jamal.
We really may have to try and make a move for a big . We have the perimeter contribution off the bench that we need but we have to find the inside contribution because we are in serious trouble in the postseason if Josh or Al get into foul trouble .
jamal – opp bench scoring
28-17 memphis
17-8 chicago
22-27 clipps
9- 25 OKC
19-32 Orl
28-14 Bos
25-30 Spurs
Now on average the rest of the bench scores between 5-10 ppg . We arent that far off we just cant consistent bench contribution from our backup bigs.
Astro Joe
February 11th, 2010
11:06 am
If the Hawks hire your favorite available coach next season, how many members of our current bench would you be excited about returning? Speak louder… I can only hear the crickets.
Fredsj
February 11th, 2010
11:09 am
Don’t forget how Marvin made a crucial late-game simple put back a missed, flailing heave as he reacted to the contact that never came, despite Bob Rathbun’s pre-highlighht protestations.
He hits the front of the rim a lot, as well. Perhaps he needs to hone in on the back of the rim when shooting, since not doing so can cause one to shoot it short.
Lastly, he must have smallish hands as he doesn’t finish very well and often loses control of the ball when going up or he’s challenged.
Very annoying player at present.
Melvin
February 11th, 2010
11:11 am
Astro,
You know I’m all for upgrading the bench. Give me Jamal, Teague, ZaZa and bring back Chills. Then go out and sign some QUALITY depth fill out the bench. No more penny pinching reserves such as Mario, RandMo, and Collins.
Lacsho
February 11th, 2010
11:12 am
Truth & Grandad- Great post
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
11:29 am
Look the hawks have 2 get a center before trade dead line period, if not they do so pack your bags for the summer.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
The Truth
February 11th, 2010
11:30 am
PS
Enough of this talk about Atlanta does not support the Hawks. Case and Point; Phillips was packed last night. We endured the Cold Hawk and a slow A$$ MARTA to witness the poor performance and an All-Star performance by the Miami bench. This is not a good day for marketing and promotion.
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
11:33 am
Woody want be back next year he is 2 stubborn, he continue the same line up every night no change at all.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
Hawk n the Ham
February 11th, 2010
11:35 am
Sund should have stepped in during this 3 team trade between Rockets, Knicks, and Wizards.
I would trade Marvin and Bibby to the Rockets, to get Al Harrington in return from the Knicks.
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
11:35 am
This what happen when you never develop your bench, so how can us fan be mad at the bench play with no development at all from coach woody.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
11:40 am
Rick sund have 2 get a center and BIEDRINS IS THAT GUY.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
11:44 am
Hawks ham why would you trade bibby, marvin for al harrington?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
11:46 am
Marvin should be coming in of the bench with jamal the bench would be stronger.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
Hawk n the Ham
February 11th, 2010
11:49 am
It does two things. Forces Woody to make the PG of the future, the PG of now. And it is an upgrade of swingman from Marvin to Harrington.
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
11:56 am
I LIKE MO BUT WHY NOT TRADE MO AND JOE SMITH AND FIRST FOR BIEDRINS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
11:59 am
HAWKS ham our biggest need is center, just at the game watching the hawks play its very evidence that the hawks need a center and move horford 2 power ford.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
N-Trigue
February 11th, 2010
12:01 pm
We sat Josh 2 too long. He was took out close to the middle of the 1st Qtr and didnt come back to the middle of the 2ndQtr. During his absense teams always take advantage of us inside if he wouldve stayed in we wouldve had a nice lead at half time. Woodson sucks…Mario should get more time in games where are defense isnt working and I dont mean the last 1min of quarters!!!!
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
12:05 pm
This what im try 2 say defense give you easy transition points specially come playoffs when everything is half court, if you dont have that center who can controll the boards then point are hard 2 come by, BIEDRINS, HORFORD, JOSH WILL MAKE THE HAWKS THE BEST DEFENSE FRONT COURT IN THE NBA.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
12:10 pm
STARTER BIBBY, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD, BIEDRINS,
BENCH TEAGUE, JAMAL, MARVIN, ZAZA, COLLINS
RESERVE MARIO, MORRIS
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
12:46 pm
darrell,
the hawks knew what they was doing so yeah they will probably win tonight
KevinA
February 11th, 2010
12:48 pm
The bench did not lose the game. We were tied at 71-71 with 9 minutes left in the game. Two minutes later were down 10. Cook hits for 8 pt’s during this spell. Arroyo for 2. both are guards. We just don’t guard guards well with Bibby in the game.
Bibby, JJ, and Marvin took most of the shots in the 4th qt. And missed. Why we didn’t go to Josh – is a problem. He was the the best Hawk player on the floor and in the game.
Since Josh was snubbed for the All-Star game he has been on a tear. Fan em and feed em I say.
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
12:50 pm
To all Hawks fans hope and pray that they will win tonight……
Ramon
February 11th, 2010
1:03 pm
Darrell, that trade won’t work because of contracts. And also if you take Josh from being a 4 doesn’t his rebound and blocks per game go down?
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
1:06 pm
KevinA,
I see where your coming from and I do understand how it is that they did try to win and I understand that they did tie, but can we do……
KevinA
February 11th, 2010
1:09 pm
darrell starks,
Biedrins makes 9 mill a year, how would you fund it?
nunna yo biznezz
February 11th, 2010
1:10 pm
well well well..
i asked this question early in the year and it was ignored by all..what will this team do if,and once “crawdaddy”goes down??i said then,that we would be in trouble because woody would still play the starters 39+ minutes and not allow your bench to da squat…this team,and any good team has to get time on the floor for its reserves to gel and play well together when they are needed..
sund is probably not gonna do nothing as far as a trade for woody to make a point..
when sund stated last year at the beginning of the season that he would provide woody with a bench and he would not have to say like he did in the past,that he couldn’t go to his bench or not having one,woody did nothing to develope the likes of the players that sund got for him..
with the addition of jamaal,joe smith,collins and teague,woody still (with the exception of jamaal and sometimes teague)will not give these guys more time in the game..or to allow them to gel as a unit..
once the starters come out,5 more guys are to replace them..and on occasions when u see that your being out played in certain area’s,then you can go to your bench and bring in to counter what ever they are doing to u..
if they have bigger inside guys then u can bring in your randmo’s who also has a nice offensive game,and your collins who is a big body..
when u have a 6-5 to 6-9 scoring monster that your starters can’t handle,then u can bring in your mario wests,your mo evans on a decent night,or even your joe smiths for the 6-9 or taller scoring rebounder..
when u have quick or super fast guard who is running by your starters and your sixth man,and who is also getting off shots and no one to slow him down,then again you can put in your mario wests,or should i dare say it,JEFF TEAGUES…
i hate to say it,but with all the love that the ASG is showing woody and with them pushing sund to get woody whatever he asked for,such as,more players with experience because of his need to have them instead of rooks or 2nd year players,then,he in turn will play a “i got you what you wanted but u still lost”game on woody and the ASG,because im sure he told them what he felt they needed and they went with woody..
you may say,”yo nunna,thats crazy these men are professionals and that comment is just plain stupid”..ok,then ask yourself this,how many times have u seen this type of stupidity at your place of work?? HUH????
or among your friends???? HUHHHHH????
I HAVE SEEN BOTH..AND THIS IS NOTHING NEW..
WE ALL HAVE SEEN IT,AND IM SURE MOST HAVE DONE IT AS WELL..
ITS NOT FAIR BUT ITS LIFE..
AND,WHY DO U THINK THAT WOODY HAS NOT GOTTEN THE EXTENSION HE AND SOME WANTED HIM TO HAVE??
SUND IS PLAYING A WAIT AND SEE GAME THAT HE KNOWS WOODY WILL NOT WIN..AND THEN HE’LL GO INTO THE OFFICES OF THE ASG AND SAY,”WILL YOU NOW LET ME RUN THIS TEAM AND TRUST MY JUDGEMENT”,”I HAVE GIVEN THIS GUY EVERYTHING U WANTED ME TO GIVE HIM AND WE DID IT HIS WAY BUT WE STILL CAME UP SHORT”…
DON’T LOOK FOR A TRADE..IF WE DO GET ONE OFF ITS BECAUSE THE ASG OR WOODY MADE IT KNOWN TO EACH OTHER THAT WE NEED SUND TO GET US SOME HELP..
SUND..NOT “WOODY WHO DO U WANT”..IT WILL BE SUND,WHO DO U FEEL WE NEED..
JUST LIKE HE DID WITH CRAWDADDY..
WATCH AND SEE..
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
1:11 pm
ramon,
You are so right the trade won’t even work so they need to step their game up and do more than that
KevinA
February 11th, 2010
1:14 pm
I do like the idea of playing 3 bigs as an experment. Still have yet to see it.
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
1:15 pm
nunna,
So you really want to know if that question is going to be answerd
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
1:16 pm
KevinA, I still where your coming from
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
1:19 pm
Like I said to all Hawks Fans please hope and pray that they will win
Daniel
February 11th, 2010
1:20 pm
I don’t know nunna- what team doesn’t suffer a set back when the best 6th man in the league and your back up center are out, your all-star guard is sick and you are playing a second back to back? The Lakers? maybe…. anyone else?
Here’s a question for you. What would happen if our team played perfectly throughout the season? All the players were healthy and operating above their talent and we never lost a game? Or what if there were no hypothetical questions? What then?
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
1:22 pm
There will be able to have another try tonight will they
Daniel
February 11th, 2010
1:23 pm
darrell the reason you can’t trade Mo, Joe Smith and 1st rounder for Biedris is because the money doesn’t work, Golden State wouldn’t make that deal and Joe is on a vet min. deal which restricts trades. Good try though, it would certainly be a better team.
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
1:23 pm
like daniel said i don’t know either……
UNCLE RUCKUS
February 11th, 2010
1:24 pm
ha ha ha,what do you expect from a team of the so called athletic elite??
get some mo larry buds and some mo jerr west,in da game,and you will see just how great that this all american game will be..
and cut out all of the booty shaking music and put on some good old johnny lee cash doggone it,shucks..
and let some of these players who do play,do what they were born to do..
get off the court and into the kitchen at phillips arena,and shuffle up to the sky boxes and use that talent to get the food there faster,ha ha ha..
and as for you michael cunningham(if thats yo real last name,because the only cunningham family is the one from happy days not from the hood)..any way..old ruckus bets,that they love you down there at the ajc don’t they??
you walk around with yo pants sagging,talking yo this,and yo that!!
i bet they think that when you leave the mens room(and i don’t understand why you are still allowed to go in there when there are perfectly good toilets at the gas station)with all of its spring smelling fragrance from mr.charlie,smelling like a summer rose..DON’T THEY,MR.TIBBS!!
FIRE MIKE WOODSON,AND BRING IN SOME MORE MR.CHARLIES TO RUN THIS HEEYAH TEAM..
THEN,AND ONLY THEN YOU WILL SEE JUST HOW EFFECTIVE A CHANGE THAT THIS WILL MEAN ON NOT ONLY THIS BORING,DOWN TROTTING,BRING THE MAJORITY DOWN CITY..
TRUST ME..AND AS FOR YOUR MANLY LESS LOOKING NO EYE BROWS COACH,HIS PLAYERS,AND MOST OF THE FANS..
THEY ARE NEW…AND LIKE MY MASTERS ANCESTORS ONCE SONG TO ME WHEN I WAS A LITTLE BOY..”DON’T TRUST THEM NEW”,WELL,I SUPPOSE BY NOW U KNOW DA WODS..NOT WORDS..WODS..
PS,ALL YALL NEED TO GET A JOB!!
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
1:25 pm
Darrell do you now understand
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
1:27 pm
i don’t understand uncle ruckus
mrs.mitchell
February 11th, 2010
1:28 pm
tell me more
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
1:30 pm
RAMON josh can play the 3 plus you can always go back 2 marvin, josh, horford its only make the team adjustable far the line.
Far as the trade it will work the trade is only 5mill different
MOE EVAN 2.6MILL JOE SMITH 1.6MILL THATS 4MILL BIEDRINS 9MILL THATS 5MILL DIFFERENT IT DOES WORK PLUS THEY GET OUR FIRST.
GO HAWKS!!!!!
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
1:33 pm
Daniel restrict in basketball only mean matching the offer this not football.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
1:40 pm
IN 2009 THE LAKER TRADED CHRIS MIMS 2MILL FOR PAU GASOL 17MILL.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
1:44 pm
MY BAD THE LAKERS SEND CASH 2 BUT THE HAWKS CAN DO THE SAME.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 11th, 2010
1:49 pm
LAKER PAYROLL 88MILL THE HAWKS PAY ROLL 55MILL.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
Just Saying
February 11th, 2010
2:03 pm
mediocracy
1) Rule by those who are of average or below average competence.
2) see Atlanta Hawks
Daniel
February 11th, 2010
2:06 pm
darrell- because the league is paying for Joe Smith salary I believe he cannot be traded ( I may be wrong). As far as the Lakers getting Gasol, I hate to break this to you, but in the NBA there are all these restrictive trade rules and such but somehow LA, Boston, NY always seem to get around them. We all know the league makes exceptions for their “major market” teams. Still, you don’t answer the point that GS would not make that trade, remember our 1st rounder will be in the 20’s or so this year, not a lottery pick.
Ramon
February 11th, 2010
2:13 pm
Darrell, what are you talking about? Gasol was traded for Kwame Brown, Aaron Mckie, the rights to Marc Gasol, Crittenton, and TWO first round picks. At the time Kwame was making 9-10 mil a year at the time. And Memphis also had trade exceptions that they could use at the time.
Ramon
February 11th, 2010
2:14 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3226203
rusty
February 11th, 2010
2:19 pm
darrell
what the hell is wrong with you? you want something for nothing. i know we have a lot of problems but our biggest one is the woodpecker.
Ramon
February 11th, 2010
2:31 pm
Darrell also, Gasol’s contract was 15.11 mil when he was traded not 17.
Ken Strickland
February 11th, 2010
2:52 pm
Man, I love this team, as well as the players former GM BKnight and current GM RSund have brought together. It has all of the elements needed to play an exciting style of ball, like we played at the beginning of the season when we won consistently and played our bench extensively.
Woodson’s inflexibility, insecurity, stubborness and one dimensional approach to coaching and dealing with certain players is preventing this team from being all that it can be. Any HC that would put his personal feelings, assumptions and hangups toward certain players ahead of the team itself isn’t worthy of being the HC. Woodson has openly demonstrated this propensity towards SStaudemire, ALaw, SJones, JSmith(Smoove), RMorris, SWilliams and now JTeague.
ASTRO JOE-When the season started, everyone, including you, Woodson, and a lot of so called experts, were on board in declaring our bench much improved. In fact, Woodson made a big deal of us adding JCrawford, JSmith, JCollins and JTeague. Our current bench is deeper, bigger/taller, more versatile and experienced than any bench we’ve had in over 10yrs, and certainly more so than any bench Woodson’s had in his 6yrs. Yet, he’s already forced the team back to the old habits of the past.
We no longer run consistently, we rely too much on ISO’s, one on one and shooting jumpshots, and our rotation has been effectively reduced to 8 players. Our scoring, assists and rebounding have dropped considerably, our DEF is inconsistent and we’re playing poorly at home. Yet, you’re still coming up with one lame excuse after another trying to defend Woodson. I GUESS WE NOW KNOW WHY HE MADE A BIG PUBLIC ISSUE, A WEEK BEFORE THE SEASON STARTED, OF WANTING A CONTRACT EXTENSION.
The fact that you think there’s noone else available that’s better than Woodson, or that can do the things he can’t or won’t do, says a lot about you.
Melvin
February 11th, 2010
2:53 pm
Darrell,
You make the same trade suggestion every week on this blog and someone have to remind you everytime that b/c of the NBA trading rules it won’t work. At what point will you stop reminding us that Golden State has the players the Hawks need and can’t acquire in your scenario to win a NBA Championship?
tyger
February 11th, 2010
3:09 pm
More Evidence of the Obvious…
Hawks maintain they will keep their core together. Which is an admission that they don’t have championship aspirations. They are content to make the playoffs and hopefully get to the second round. Last night is proof that a better 2nd rd playoff showing is not guaranteed.
This team is flawed. The re-signing of Bibby over has cursed them. Flip earned that spot. Now, the Hawks are being exploited out top again with an aging Bibby, while the Bobcats are making their 1st playoff push.
Mo Evans is lost. Woody doesn’t play Joe Smith or RandMo enough to be of any help when you need them. The Cavs and Magic continue to dominate, while the Hawks are falling back to the pack. They haven’t beaten anyone of any significance, other than aged Boston, who lost to the Hornets last night.
Without Crawford’s heroics, this team wouldn’t even be in the hunt. They couldn’t even hold home court against a mediocre DWade.
Home court has always been the salve to their wounds, but not now. The foundation is cracking and we’ve seen it before. They come out of the gates like gangbusters, but fade over the rest of the season. Woody’s substitution patterns continue to be horrible and teams eventually catch up to the tired 6. Come April when it counts they’ll be ragged again or injured and we’ll be SOL.
This roster needs tweaking, its not strong enough. Mo Evans has become useless and Teague isnt ready and ZaZa has never returned to form from 2007. They need another dynamic player whether starter or reserve.
They cannot rely solely on JCrawford to save every game.
Daniel
February 11th, 2010
3:20 pm
tyger- you do realize that the Hawks are right at the top of the Eastern Conference and the Bobcats are pushing for a playoff spot. The Hawks are in 3rd place in the East and a game and half behind Orlando, who plays Clevland tonight BTW. The Bobcats are only a game over .500. So I really don’t see what that has to do with anything. The Magic are dominating? you do realize they are only a game and half ahead of us. And your answer is to have Flip Murrary over Mike Bibby and have less Josh Smith/Al Horford so that we get more Joe Smith/Randolph Morris. Are you serious? Do realize how that take makes you sound?
Dukester9
February 11th, 2010
3:38 pm
I was at this game, it shows this team has no heart no spunk and its lead by JOE. I like his talent but everybody is talent in the NBA. Let him go to free agency, try to sign Wade get a center in here,(Dalembert) and use Marvin to get him. So sick of watching this shoulder shrugging team they are a 3,4,5 team waiting to get knocked out of the playoffs. Now if you cool with that Hawks then stay the way you are.
ATLFan
February 11th, 2010
3:39 pm
Enough of the talk of improving the Hawks’ bench. Even if it happened, WOODY WOULDN’T PLAY THEM!!!!
timbo
February 11th, 2010
3:51 pm
On a night like last night, the hawks need players like Mike Bibby and Marvin Williams to step-up. I don’t think neither player is capable. I hope Rick shopping is shopping at the trade deadline for some help.
Traceman
February 11th, 2010
4:09 pm
KevinA,
The bench was outscored 45-8 and we lost a significant amount of momentum every time they came in the game. They were beyond terrible. They weren’t the only reason we lost the game but they couldn’t have been much worse. The starters began the game playing reasonably well on both end and ended the first quarter up 27-20 but the bench blew that lead in less than 3:00 minutes. We were down 31-27 with 9:00 to go in the 2nd. After that, it was game on.
The game was a nip and tuck battle throughout the 2nd and 3rd quarters with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. We took a slight 4 point lead late in the 3rd only to see that blown in a heartbeat when Mo and Teague came in for Biby and Marvin.
J Smoove was the only guy I thought played well last night. He wasn’t spectacular but he gave a good all around effort for most of the night.
Al was terrible for most of the night and played as if he were intimidated by O’Neal. He passed up several open looks right at the rim. Attack the old guy young fella!
JJ tried but he looked a step slow after the first quarter. He was on fumes but Woody still played him 44 minutes. I thought the biggest mistake Woody made in the game was sitting Marvin late in the 3rd rather than JJ. JJ tried to put us on his back in the 4th but he just didn’t have the energy to get it done.
Marvin had some nice moments but he had some terrible ones as well. His D was solid but we needed him to make his J’s last night with Crawford out and JJ sick and he didn’t come through. He needs to finish STRONG at the rim like he did on the dunk on Beasley rather than throwing up weak stuff like he is prone to do on occasion.
Bibby had plenty of good looks from distance and he couldn’t find the range. He HAS to make those shots with Crawford out and JJ sick.
All of the above said, we’re sitting at 33-18 at the All Star break and that ain’t too shabby. As Al and Woody said, we just need to come back from the All Star break refocused and I think we will do that.
Ramon
February 11th, 2010
4:32 pm
You know what I’m thinking. Instead of trying to go find the impossible (a center who can guard Howard in the playoffs) why not be more committed to finding an acquisition that will make the Hawks even MORE of a running team? The problem the Suns had for the longest time wasn’t the offense, it was just they couldn’t defend other teams wings. Cleveland lost to Orlando not because of Howard, but because they couldn’t close out on the wings/shooters. Well thanks to JJ and Marvin we are capable of playing good win defense when needed. So why not just penalize Orlando if they want to have Howard in the game. Make him sprint up and down the court on defense. On makes and rebounds have a three dribble rule where no player can dribble more than three times before passing. No team in the east can play with Atlanta when they’re running (except Nate Robinson). So fully commit to it. Any time a team tries to adjust to counter another team they end up losing (i.e. Dallas/Golden State).
Here’s another suggestion, why not try and call up Toronto and see if Calderon is on the block now. Evans, Teague and Morris (or a pick) for Calderon. Calderon has missed a few games this season, but he has still been shooting lights out 50% from field and 40% from beyond the arc. You are trading your point guard of the future (and change) for a point guard who can play now, and lead in the future.
KevinA
February 11th, 2010
4:54 pm
Traceman,
I also thought Woody’s substitutions was bad. Knowing Jamal and ZaZa were out he, should have had either Josh or Al in with the second unit. I don’t think you can play Collins and Joe Smith together. Woody gambled and lost.
West was a mistake. We still need a 5th guard.
Traceman
February 11th, 2010
4:59 pm
Ken S,
You are hilarious. If Teague, Smith and Collins come in and SUCK as they CERTAINLY did last night, it’s Woody’s fault for not giving them more PT. However, if they come in and play well, it is evidence that Woody should have been playing them more all along.
Our bench IS better than it has been in the last 10 years and the biggest reason BY FAR that the bench is better didn’t play last night. Zaza didn’t even play last night.
Take away Crawford and Zaza (as was the case last night) we have the worst bench in the NBA. Bar NONE. The New Jersey Nets’ bench would DESTROY our bench without Crawford and Zaza.
Joe Smith is an upgrade over Solo for veteran presence alone but there is a reason we were able to land him for the veteran minimum.
Collins likely wouldn’t be in the league if we weren’t so desperate for a backup Center with size.
Teague is a 19 year old rookie playing the toughest position in the game. He has no J and he isn’t strong enough to finish in traffic or to defend even the weaker PGs. He has a tremendous amount of athleticism, he handles to ball pretty well and he has a ton of potential but he was the SEVENTH PG taken in this draft for a reason.
Mo is a decent, solid veteran but he has to play out of position to get minutes on this team because JJ and Crawford are going to get virtually all of the SG minutes (rightfuly so).
In addition, what a JOKE trying to lump Smoove in with the likes of Salim, Acie, Shelden, Solo and Rand Mo as examples of Woody putting his “personal feelings, assumptions and hangups” in front of the team. EVERY ONE of those guys except Smoove are fringe NBA player AT BEST as evidenced by the fact that they are either sitting on the end of somebody’s bench or out of the NBA altogether. Smoove, on the otherhand, has FLOURISHED under Woody and he should be an All Star this year. As for Teague, the book is still being written but Woody has done nothing but praise Teague so far. He doesn’t play him much because he’s simply not ready.
Saying Woody held back or somehow mistreated Acie, Salim, Shelden, Solo or Rand Mo is like saying that Phil Jackson mistreats Adam Morrison or Jerry Sloan mistreats Kyrylo Fesenko or Kosta Koufos.
GeeMack
February 11th, 2010
5:11 pm
Some the people here are calling for Woody’s head, because he doesn’t play the way they would like. However the way the Hawks are playing is effective. The amazing part is with all the talk about an offensive system, see coaches that have very good offensive systems with good player, but the teams are horrible. Look at the Wizards (before the mess ups Arenas, Butler, & Jamison are all 20 point scoreres) Philly (Eddie Jordan’s so called Prineston offense AI, AI, Brand, Lou Will, & Young) Mike D’antoni (How great is his offense without Nash Amare & Marion).
Woody gets the ran through the mud around here for improving the team & winning. This is not a championship team as currently constructed, but Woody has them playing with the elite teams in the league.
Joe
February 11th, 2010
5:14 pm
The Hawks were hot the first part of their half way point schedule because of Crawford and Evans deadly shooting off the bench, Crawford continued, Evans shooting went cold, he could not hit a basket to save himself so the Hawks suffered some defeats, Crawford had to play more shooting guard in resting Johnson and coach could not depend on Evans to score. Evans need to find his eye again and start contributing to the scoring like he did earlier or the Hawks are going to be in trouble for the last half of the season and the starters and Crawford will have to play more minutes
KevinA
February 11th, 2010
5:14 pm
Not to mention woody played Josh 36 min. We were going on break – why not play him 44 like he played Al.
Traceman
February 11th, 2010
5:21 pm
Very true GeeMack. Woody never gets any credit for the good things he does but is it really a coincidence that first Flip and now Jamal are having the best years of their careers under Woody?
GS was trying to GIVE Jamal away and there were no takers. The BEST offer they got was Speedy Claxton and Acie for Jamal. Think about that. Now, under Woody, many think he should be an All Star. I could certainly make a STRONG case for him.
Flip was GREAT last year. He was so good that MANY questioned the decision to bring in Jamal in place of Flip.
Both Jamal and Flip have always been able to score but what they have never been able to do is score within a system where the team had success. Woody has found a way to emphasize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. I would argue that he has done that with an aging Bibby as well.
Woody is not perfect but he is FAR better than many give him credit for being and he is a legitimate COY candidate. If the vote were taken today, I think he would win.
Rod from College Park
February 11th, 2010
5:24 pm
ESPN is reporting that apparently Iverson and Kobe will not play in the All-Star game, and will be replaced by David Lee, and Jason Kidd.
The disrespect that Josh Smith gets from the NBA in general is really amazing. The kid can’t get any calls in the games, he might well be one of the most exciting defensive players the league has seen in the last ten years, and he can’t get any respect. David Lee has been good, but he should not be in over Josh. Jason Kidd????? I won’t even start.
Traceman
February 11th, 2010
5:29 pm
Joe,
It would be nice to see Mo get hot again from deep as that would take some pressure off Jamal to do virtually all of the bench scoring.
As for Crawford, he is actually shooting BETTER as the season goes along. He has been ON FIRE lately. I think the biggest reason for that is that he has grown more comfortable with his role and he is getting a LOT of one on one opportunities, primarily because of JJ.
Lacsho
February 11th, 2010
5:30 pm
Ramon- you are onto something. Why adjust to other teams, we should make other teams adjust to us. Therefore we need upgrade Zaza, Mo, and Collins.
Bibby would be stronger with the second unit. I’d run Bibby off of picks, and let Jamal do his thing. Teague would go to the IVEY role, and use him as a facilitator. We have enough scorers in the starting lineup.
cp
February 11th, 2010
5:40 pm
Last night was a great opportunity for Marvin to step up but once again he did not. Moving Marvin to the bench might not do any good either. I think a change of scenery is best for Marvin. His style of play just does not fit this system. I’m all for the trade proposal O’Brien has been talking about. I still don’t understand why we signed Mario when we have Mo Evans. Mario is Mo without the 3 point shot and to be honest with you Mo has been pretty bad this year . As far as the bench talk on here. I look at it like this. I know you have to take advantage of whatever minutes you get no matter how small or how many they are but its hard to expect guys to come in and play well when they barely play. IF we could get Boone and CDR from the Nets like O’Brien has been talking about then I think we would have a much better bench. The problem is our assets . I don’t think we have anything they want unless they just want to dump those guys.
Traceman
February 11th, 2010
5:53 pm
CP,
Marvin’s STYLE of play is perfect for this system, he simply needs to play up to his potential more consistently. At his best, Marvin is a long, athletic SF with a sweet J who is quick enough to run the floor on offense and also be a key part of Woody’s switching defensive scheme. That is when “good Marvin” shows up.
“Bad Marvin” gets lost for long stretches and doesn’t play as aggressively as he should when his shot is not falling. There are certainly other guys out there who would fit well in Woody’s scheme at SF but Marvin fits as well.
Grandad
February 11th, 2010
6:11 pm
Why in the heck do profesional athletes who have a 33-17 record prior to last evening need to re-focus. How can they be unfocused. It is
unfathomable that they seem to care less than we do. Bill Simmons calls that a sports crime when the home team cares less than the fans. Honestly, I want to say that Wdsn is to blame, and he is. However, these guys are getting paid more in one yr. than most of us will make in a lifetime and they mail one in. Police officers, firemen,
school teachers, doctors, air traffic controllers, can’t lose focus.
It’s their vocation/job/proffesion for crying out loud.
How in the heck do you need 10 days off from ‘playing’ basketball
to regain focus. Really, do the Lakers, Celts, Spurs have these inane quotes after games.
Astro Joe
February 11th, 2010
7:14 pm
Strickland, you’re right, I did think this bench would be good but I was wrong. You seem like an observant type, surely you have noticed that most of Joe Smith’s shots bounce off the front rim. He was injured early, so maybe he didn’t have his conditioning at first. But now? Maybe he will have a strong second half, but right now, he is Solo-esque. Have you noticed how slow Zaza has been on defensive rotations this year (not to mention his bricks off the rim on offense)? Maybe it was his hip and after whatever treatment he is now receiving, he will be back to previous form. But it’s fairly obvious that he has had a less than decent start this season. Mo Evans, other than that little streak earlier, he has been a more expensive version of Mario. Collins? He has gained so much weight he is only effective against the league’s heaviest player.
It’s one thing to say “wow, that guy was playing well, why isn’t he getting more time”. But let’s be honest, these guys are NOT playing well.
And yes, without Crawford, Marvin should have done more with those 3 extra shot attempts he received last night. Wow, he went froom 8 to 11 FGAs… I guess he should have yanked the ball out of Joe’s hands.
And since I haven’t seen anyone else ask this question recently, when will Josh Smith shoot over 65% from the free throw line? Or is that asking too much considering his draft position?
Wabe
February 11th, 2010
8:17 pm
I wouldn’t really blame Woody for the bench play. Truthfully, there isn’t much talent on the bench. Teams like the Magic/Lakers have players on their benches that could literally be starting on other teams. Guys like Ryan Anderson or Michael Pietrus or the solid gaurd combo in LA featuring Farmar/Brown are solid players to rotate into the game and get results from. Aside from Jamal Crawford, there really isn’t too much talent on the Hawks bench. Joe Smith and Zaza are decent at best. Teague isn’t there yet. And Mo Evans doesn’t impress me. Mario West was just signed from the D-League, and can occasionally bring energy and make a play on defense, but doesn’t have much of an offensive game.
We don’t have enough offense coming off of the bench. Jamal is basically a bench player playing starters minutes, so I’m excluding him from this discussion. Aside from Jamal, there’s really not much offensive firepower on the bench. Zaza’s a good energy guy, and Joe Smith has been alright, but hasn’t seemed the same since he got hurt (haven’t seen him hit a spot up jumper in a while).
I think if we could pick up another forward that can create for himself or another quality big to come off the bench to battle with the likes of Howard/Shaq, we’d be in great shape.
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
February 11th, 2010
8:34 pm
Dukester9
February 11th, 2010
3:38 pm
I was at this game, it shows this team has no heart no spunk and its lead by JOE. I like his talent but everybody is talent in the NBA. Let him go to free agency, try to sign Wade get a center in here,(Dalembert) and use Marvin to get him. So sick of watching this shoulder shrugging team they are a 3,4,5 team waiting to get knocked out of the playoffs. Now if you cool with that Hawks then stay the way you are.
……………………….
I agree 1000% with this Dukester guy. I see so much talk on here revolving around special “tweaks” and “adjustments” to what we already have as players and coaching. H3LL, I can even see where some of yall were coming from, and I even kidded myself into changing (or atleast considering) my views, but I’m going to stick with my original beliefs which are still proving to be true. I hope I’m proven wrong, but with this current coach and roster, we’re exactly the type of team as this Dukester dude is decribing. It’s just as simple as that.
Hawk Str8Talk
February 11th, 2010
9:23 pm
Here’s a link to a chat we did with Rick Sund and the bloggers before the Heat game last night…
http://www.hawkstr8talk.com/2010/02/grizzlies-heat-chat-with-rick-sund.html