As Cavs look to load up, J.J. says of Hawks: “We’ve got to be real scrappy”
Dallas– When the post All-Star game discussion turned to the best team in the East looking to add Amare Stoudemire, Hawks All-Star Joe Johnson let out a “Whew!” and smiled.
“They are just being selfish,” J.J. joked.
“They are trying to stack it, man,” Johnson said of the Cavs. “They are trying to do whatever it takes to keep ‘23′ (LeBron) there. And not only that they really, really are trying to shoot for a title. What they’ve got now, I think it’s a possibility, and getting Amare makes it even stronger.”
Does he expect the other East contenders to react to Cleveland’s move?
“Probably not,” he said. “A lot of the top teams, when you look at Boston and Orlando, they are pretty much set where they are at and feeling like they can win a championship with what they got.”
And what about the Hawks?
“I think we’re solid,” he said. “With what we got, we’ve got to be real scrappy and want it more than the next team. That’s the only way we are going to get over the top. We can’t come out relaxed or being too cool. We have got to come out and hit first every night.”
My translation: As it stands now the Hawks may not have the talent or depth to match up with the Cavs or Magic (the latter being the more pressing concern as a potential second-round opponent), so they’ve got to do it with effort and edginess.
The theme for the Hawks when they return from the All-Star break today is “refocus,” and J.J. said he’s ready to take the lead.
“Going down the stretch run, we really have to come together and find our identity and see what kind of team we want to be in the playoffs,” he said. “I can’t wait to get back and pretty much set the tone with what kind of team we want to be. We need to have a no-lose attitude, coming out and paying closer attention to detail and focusing in on what we need to do to position ourselves to get a good spot in the playoffs.”
The improvement likely will have to be internal since there’s been nothing to suggest the Hawks will waiver from GM Rick Sund’s stance that he would not make a major trade before Thursday’s deadline. Those moves have already been made as the Hawks built the core of the team through the draft (Al, Marvin, and Josh) and trades (J.J., Bibby, and Jamal). It’s stayed together through re-signings as the victory totals have increased.
Now the Hawks will see how far this group can go. Johnson said he understands the philosophy.
“We’ve been together for four or five years now,” he said. “Honestly, each year we’ve gotten better, we’ve gotten further. We are still growing as a team, we are still getting better.
“Who knows how good we will be this year? We’ve still got a lot more room for improvement. We’ve got to just keep working and know what’s at (stake).”
Meanwhile, Cleveland will get the headlines over the next few days as it looks to add Stoudemire. The Hawks will quietly try to get better with what they’ve got.
“The owners and Rick feel that way,” Horford said after the All-Star game. “We have grown in the short time I have been here. Hopefully we keep growing and keep developing.”
He added with a laugh: “Stay in the West, Amare.”
MC
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127 comments Add your comment
Josh
February 15th, 2010
12:16 pm
man, this time of year is always interesting for the nba
JeJe
February 15th, 2010
12:28 pm
It’s really annoying to see other teams load up on bigs and we are stuck with the bare chicken bones. Does Dallas really now have Dampier/Haywood? I would kill for a player who will commit a hard foul and put a player on the ground. Even if Dampier semi-sucks/is average/overpaid, the guy will protect his teammates and the basket.
We are a soft basketball team. That’s the difference between ORL/ATL and Bos/CLE. Boston and Cleveland have rugged players who commit hard fouls, pick up technical fouls to psychologically mess with you (Delonte), and who look out for each other. We have no players on our team who scare opposing teams besides Jamal. Joe is good, but he doesn’t make other teams shake in fear.
We need someone like Ron Artest at the 3 who will scare other teams and bring the fear factor.
WE ARE A SOFT BASKETBALL TEAM. THAT WILL BE THIS TEAM’S DEMISE IN THE PLAYOFFS. WE ARE NOT UNDERTALENTED, BUT WE HAVE NO ONE TO COMMIT THE HARD FOUL. I’VE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. WE NEED TO OVERPAY IF WE MUST TO GET SOMEONE LIKE HAYWOOD–SOMEONE WHO WILL PUT A PLAYER ON THE GROUND. For example, when Delonte dunked on Smoove a few months ago, where was the return favor from one of our players? Are we just going to let the elite teams clown us?
I still think Boston would beat us in a 7 game series, because it’s all about adjustments, and I FEAR Paul Pierce and Rondo. We have no one on our team that other teams fear that much. Perkins scares me, watching him clog the lane. Horford is soft, Smoove is soft, Bibby sucks, Marvin is trash.
We need to get rid of Marvin somehow immediately
Ree Roe
February 15th, 2010
12:31 pm
Sounds good. Looking ahead, the month of March would seem to be the time we make a move in the standings for the division & the 2 seed. 4 game roadie starting in LA vs. the Clips on Tues, so let’s finish strong Hawks.
I really wish we could find another big man for the bench :-/
-REElentessly Roe!!!
GeeMack
February 15th, 2010
12:34 pm
That last quote by Al says it all. If the Cavs get Amare, the Hawks know they can’t match up with them.
MC I don’t care how scrappy a team is…if the other team has more talent and play with the same hunger and scrappiness you won’t win.
The Cavs are the hungriest team in the league, and the only team that can beat them in a 7 gm series is the Lakers.
I wish the Hawks could make a small move like adding a Maggette or Jamison to play the 3 with JJ & Jamal. That will give us a scoring trio that rivals any team in the league.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
12:46 pm
Great blog MC- I love what Joe has to say about the team and what we need to do to stay in the hunt. Let’s hope what he is saying translates into action.
Gee – adding a Jaimson would not constitute a “small” move by anyones standards. The Hawks don’t have anything to offer the Wiz for Jaimson outside of Josh or Al. Would you want to trade one of our core guys?
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
12:48 pm
GeeMack, adding an 18-20 point scorer is a small move?
Joe needs to stop forcing 2-3 shots per game that hurt the offensive flow. But that is not nearly as important as Bibby giving us a little better shooting and getting anyone from the bench to play better. And I think that guy ideally would be Zaza. Maybe the rest will help him play with the energy he used to show (especially on the offensive board). We need that old Zaza, the guy that battled hard for every missed shot.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
12:50 pm
The Cavs are certainly doing everything they can to try and keep Lebron but it also has the potential to blow up in their faces. Amare is not a defensive player, he doesn’t play well with Shaq, he is often injured and likes to be the center of attention (not happening with King Lebron). Plus, the team has won 13 in a row, seems like they are messing with a good thing. But, I understand Clevland is desperate as a city and a franchise to keep the one thing it has going moving forward. They are desperate and it shows. Desperation rarely breeds championships.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
12:51 pm
AJ- you are right on the money.
JeJe
February 15th, 2010
12:57 pm
The reason Bibby sucks now is not because of the addition of Crawford.
It’s because Bibby did not get in shape this past summer. He is severely overweight/too heavy to be a mobile point guard of a young athletic team. I said last summer 234,129,672 times: BIBBY SHOULD’VE LOST WEIGHT LAST SUMMER. He is way too big, cannot move, is clueless on defense (seriously, watch this guy on defense. He gets burnt on any play where the opposing point guard is within 15 feet of the basket).
Jody
February 15th, 2010
1:04 pm
Waiting for the offseason to see what happens. If things hold true and the Hawks play the Cavs or Magic in the second round, I don’t see the Hawks advancing. Which means, in the offseason, I have a feeling that Sund will have to do more than throw money at JJ to keep him in the ATL. The question will become ‘what will the Hawks do to become a contender?’ I think Sund’s hands are tied right now, but in the offseason, things could change.
wayne
February 15th, 2010
1:09 pm
even the braves of old-the good teams of the 80’s made a deal when needed. if you don’t have enough to win you have got to make a move. the hawks can beat any team on a given night. they just don’t have enough to win night after night. d. wade would put them over the top.
O'Brien
February 15th, 2010
1:09 pm
JJ has a point though. I dont think the Hawks have peaked. They have been inconsistent at times, and against the Magic and Cleveland, its not that we were severely outmatched. Most of our issues can be improved upon. We need to be tough, mentally prepared, and focused every single game. And Woody has to learn to make adjustments.
AJ,
Mark Bradley made the point that Joe is taking more shots per game, and averaging less assists per game this season, which is interesting, because we have a much better team this year, with more options
Its almost like there are certain possessions where JJ is determined to take the shot, no matter how difficult, and no matter who’s guarding him.
Daniel,
Deaperation rarely breeds championships thats true. But it might. The Celtics were desperate for a championship, and they went out and got KG and Ray Allen. They’re paying for it now (high salary, and old players), but they did win their championship.
GeeMack
February 15th, 2010
1:18 pm
AJ
It’s a small move in terms of making headlines. If we got a Jamison the media wouldn’t be anointing us has the favorite to win it all. However Hawks fans would be really geeked by a move of that nature.
Daniel
I would deal one of our core guys for the right player. I have said all alone at some point the Hawks have to make the decision of who the best PF on this team: Al or Josh and once that is determined we use the other as trade bait.
Also Daniel it may seem desparate on the Cavs part, but teams are not in position to make a run at a title everyday. You have to take chance when the opportunity presents itself.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
1:19 pm
O’Brien- you are right about the Celtics, but they were a team that was going nowhere fast when they were able to bring in KG and Allen (plus being a “favored” NBA team). The Cavs are already winning they just don’t seem to know how to handle it both in the front office and on the court. The silly dances will come back to haunt them just like their “picture” taking.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
1:22 pm
Gee- would you trade Horford for Jaimson?
Yes, but why be desperate when you are already winning? And really the Cavs problem is front court scoring??? I mean if they were trying to get Nash I would understand.
Hawk n the Ham
February 15th, 2010
1:31 pm
I like to see Joe speaking as a leader, don’t see that in print a lot.
Good job, well done Mr. MC.
GeeMack
February 15th, 2010
1:34 pm
Nahhh…Jamison is to old right now. However 6 years ago maybe. To be honest with you I like Al as our starting 4 better than Josh. I would be more inclined to trade Josh than Al.
GeeMack
February 15th, 2010
1:36 pm
Daniel & Astro,
I know the Hawks don’t have a lot of wiggle room to make moves, but what deals could we make us a title contender this seasons.
vava74
February 15th, 2010
1:37 pm
Jamison would not be the answer for us AT ALL… good grief.
He is a jump shooting PF who avoids contact at all cost. Not a bad player but he is not what we need.
I understand how he could be useful for the Cavs, but not to us at the expense of anything but deep bench players.
He is 34 years old!!!
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
1:38 pm
Gee- “I would be more inclined to trade Josh than Al” – you just summed up the next 2-3 years of this blogs debate once Joe and Woodson are extended. For the record, I understand your point but I can’t see trading either one of them right now.
vava74
February 15th, 2010
1:38 pm
I would love to get Nocioni.
That would stir us…
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
1:44 pm
GeeMack, none! Seriously, when you enter a season spending $10M less than the teams ahead of you, there just aren’t a lot of in-season moves that can help make up the talent difference. We would essentially need for 1-2 of our players to be having an All-NBA type season. Just enjoy the ride and remember that we aren’t that far removed from discussing ping-pong balls and rather a college freshman is more likely to be our savior than a college sophomore.
dc3
February 15th, 2010
1:49 pm
we need to get a scorer trade marvin and a draft pick to the 76ers for andre iguodala
kwooden1
February 15th, 2010
1:50 pm
Fun time is over and it’s time to get down to business. What the HAWKS need is real production from Zaza, Smith and Evans. Those guys haven’t been showing up on the defensive end consistently enough. Clearly Crawford can score, so those guys need to be on the offensive and defensive boards and protecting the lane. When those guys play well, Atlanta is an elite team. To beat Cleveland and Orlando though the HAWKS need Horford and Smoove to really play big around the basket. The HAWKS have to double team in the post, commit to recovering on defensive and all 5 guys have to rebound.
GO HAWKS!!!
aDrummer
February 15th, 2010
2:05 pm
I read on other blogs that bloggers are saying that we need to fight for that second seed. But lets say (if) we are we re the 2nd seed i still think orlando will be the 3rd and boston 4th rite? or do the division winners get the top three? sorry if this has been answered already.
aDrummer
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
2:06 pm
OB, I saw Bradley’s blog and I don’t really care that Joe’s assist are down this year. The team is averaging more assists than last year, top 5 in offensive efficiency and top 5 in scoring int he conference. Joe could do better in specific situations but he ain’t the problem.
Chime
February 15th, 2010
2:10 pm
O.K….trade Josh straight up for Rondo…win/win for both teams. Bibby is burping dust, and face it you don’t want Al/Josh playing the three or five.Send Marvin/ZaZa to Philly for Dalembert.Play ball!
Truth
February 15th, 2010
2:32 pm
JJ looking to get the league max. He is the Kovy of the Hawks. Bwhaaaaaaaaaaa…..LOL.
O'Brien
February 15th, 2010
2:36 pm
Hawks just dont have the pieces to make a deal. Marvin is BYC, we’re not trading JJ, Josh, Horford or Crawford, and nobody wants Bibby, Joe Smith, or Mo Evans (unless we’re trading picks or taking back a large contract, which is not something the Spirit can afford). And we dont have any useless expiring contracts to get rid of either.
If we are going to trade Josh, it has to be for a (still) young starter who we will have under control for at least 2 years. Preferrably a good young center, or a major upgrade at PG. And I just dont see anyone out there who is willing to make that deal.
The best chance is for the Hawks players and coaches to step their game up. Marvin, ZaZa, Bibby, even Joe Smith all have room to step up for the second half of the season. And Woody needs to do a better job of making adjustments.
Based on everything, our best chance at improvement is from within.
delo
February 15th, 2010
2:49 pm
coach woodson try this lineup randolph morris center, al hortford power forward, josh smith small forward, jj shooting guard and jeff teague point. second unit joe smith or zaza center and power forward, marvin williams small forward, moe evans and jamal and mike bibby as guards. marvin williams and bibby will be more productive with the second unit.
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
2:52 pm
I know that he has a championship ring and an ASG appearance, but I am not impressed with Rajon Rondo. I think that if he were playing with average NBA players and not future HOFers, he’d look a lot like Chris Duhon.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
2:57 pm
delo- Did you really just suggest that Randolph Morris!?!?! be the starting center and Teague be the starting pg??? OMG- oh heavens, I think I might just die from laughing, thanks for the comedy.
AJ- I agree with you on Rondo (overrated) Chime- I wouldn’t trade Josh for Rondo, ever. I would have to think long and hard about trading Josh for Deron Williams. I think you undervalue how good Josh is and can continue to be.
Frosgrim
February 15th, 2010
2:58 pm
Delo, that makes no sense. Josh isn’t a SF, he has no range and his handles are not good enough for the SF.
Second, Morris is a big body with no skills. Starting him would get us killed on the glass and in transition defense.
Lastly, you have six guys in your second unit. I bet we could win a lot that way. Along with that, Zaza can’t play PF, I have no idea why anyone, and this is persistant among casual Hawks fans, thinks Z can ply the 4.
GeeMack
February 15th, 2010
3:03 pm
Daniel
I with you not trading either, but I do see a situation where the Hawks will have to choose. Maybe not this year or next, but that time come. Great point though.
Astro Joe
I feel you. Good points.
vava74
Nocioni. Really? Not sure I see that one.
O’Brien
Can the Hawks make enough improvements to make a run at a title this season? Woody and JJ maybe gone next year.
Melvin
February 15th, 2010
3:09 pm
I read the Clips have Thronton on the trading block. They are looking for expiring contracts and draft picks. Would they take Mo and 1st rounder????
MsDee
February 15th, 2010
3:26 pm
Even though I would love to see a much needed trade b4 the deadline, I just dont see it happening so what O’Brien said makes sense. The upgrade has to come from within the team. I believe we have the team to beat ANYBODY!! Yes, I said it!! We could beat the Cavs and the Magic if we had a coach who would be creative and knew how to use the players he has on his team already. If we had Avery Johnson or someone else in that nature they would get the job done..NO QUESTION ASKED!!
niremetal
February 15th, 2010
3:27 pm
Melvin,
Mo is not expiring.
bigdave
February 15th, 2010
3:29 pm
Melvin…
id push the button on that trade in a heart beat…
Perry Ga would be a huge acquisition…
Melvin
February 15th, 2010
3:32 pm
nire,
i know zMo has a player option but maybe the 1st round pick would entice Clips to pull the trigger….
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
3:36 pm
Melvin, Mo has a player’s option next season at $2.5M. And there is probably 0% chance that he can get a $2.5M annual contract again in his career… so dude will surely opt-in. The only expiring contrracts we have are at the very end of the bench… Joe Smith, RandMO, Collins and Mario (excluding Joe).
ali
February 15th, 2010
3:37 pm
we should trade marvin and jj for iguodala ,Dalembert, and Thaddeus Young so we can have pig and small,,
mrtomdan1
February 15th, 2010
3:48 pm
MC-Great Article….
JJ is right-playing scrappy is the way- teams are “comfortable” when they drive inside on us. I bet if they begin to feel a little “pain” from the Hawks when driving inside, they would have second thoughts……
Barry
February 15th, 2010
3:50 pm
The Hawks are not going to be able to trade anyone due to the contracts. But even as they currently stand, they can definitely make a run at every team in the east. But they can’t do it playing one-on-one. When they move the ball, they have enough scorers, but not if they have to create their own shot. And they have the roster to play more big men. Joe Smith should play much more. They were much better earlier in the year when they actually had an entire second team.
GeeMack
February 15th, 2010
3:56 pm
AJ Daniel
Not sure I would call Rando overated. Remember they said the same things about Tony Parker. Look how he turned out. Yes he is playing with 3 future HOF’ers, but so did Magic and Bird. NO I AM NOT COMMITTING BLASEPHMEY, by comparing him to Bird and Magic. My point is KG ,Ray, & PP had never been past the conference finals. He was a major clog on that team and he’s gotten better.
Give the man his props.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
4:05 pm
Gee- You know Tony Parker passes the “eyeball” test and Rondo doesn’t to me. I give no Celtics any props man…. They can all fall in the ocean as far as I am concerned. HA!!!
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
4:06 pm
ali- so we can be as bad as the 76ers?
O'Brien
February 15th, 2010
4:19 pm
Melvin,
Aren’t the Clips trying to get someone to take Sebastian Telfair as well? Even Camby might be available for the right price. I like Thornton as a good option to have behind Marvin, but I dont know if Mo Evans and a 1st round pick in the mid 20s will be enough.
Rick Sund did a great job trading for Crawford, but his signings have not panned out the way we would have liked. Sund gave Mo 2 years guaranteed, and a player option for the 3rd. That 3rd year is costing us right now.
He gave Bibby 3 years guaranteed, and I can’t imagine seasons 2 and 3 being any better than this. Marvin got 5 years at $7.5 mil per, and here we are hoping he steps it up.
ZaZa got his 4 year deal, and he’s been inconsistent all year. We waited anxiously for Joe Smith to sign, and his jumper is missing. It’s not all Sund’s fault, but his signings dont look good right now. Hopefully, things will look up as the season progresses.
As for Rondo, I like his game. He defends, rebounds, and sets his guys up. I would like him on this team if Woody was not the coach. That being said, his contract is overpriced in my opinion.
He got all that money because his value was inflated playing along side 3 HOF and winning a championship. Now if he ever develops a consistent offensive game (must improve his jumper), he might be worth it.
UGA
February 15th, 2010
4:24 pm
The Hawks need another scorer off the bench. What if Jamal or Joe gets hurt, like the Heat game. We’re in trouble. We’re not trading any of our core players, which is fine with me. However, there are some players with expiring contracts that we could probably get through the waiver wire and a small trade. For example: Mike Miller, Jarvis Hayes, Damien Wilkins and Rasual Butler. We should be somewhat interested here. I like Mo, but he has problems scoring unless he is on.
Melvin
February 15th, 2010
4:35 pm
O’Brien,
I agree with your post. The Hawks are stuck in a tough spot cap wise. They committed a decent amount of money to keep their core guys together and don’t have enough assets to be players on the trade market. If they don’t improve this season along with showing potential to be in contention for a title next season then I think they will have to make some changes this offseason. If that mean trade some guys that they consider part of the core then so be it, as long as it makes the team better.
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
4:39 pm
Sorry, when I watch Rondo, I see a guy who often dribbles the air out of the ball, especially if his teammates are well-defended (because of his own shooting issues). He gets bailed out when he passes the ball with 2 seconds left on the shot clock by Allen’s quick release or Pierce’s ability to draw fouls. His defense is aided by the presence of Perkins and KG who erase his attempts to make steals out of the passing lane. I appreciate that he takes full advantage of the tools available to him (i.e. his teammates) but I don’t think that his Celtics success is readily transferrable to another team.
Melvin
February 15th, 2010
4:39 pm
UGA,
I said the other day if Mike Miller get bought out his contract that the Hawks need to sign him. I agree with you, we definitely need another scorer off the bench. A backup SF that’s a knockdown shooter and could score off the dribble would be ideal for this team.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
4:41 pm
Mike Miller through the waiver wire? I would take it if we can get it.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
4:41 pm
Why would Mike Miller get bought out of his contract? Have you guys heard something?
cp
February 15th, 2010
4:43 pm
UGA I would love to get a guy like Mike Miller. He would be the ideal back up sf for this team… I also read that the Bucks are trying to move Hakim Warrick. He could also be a nice sf to come off the bench…Its going to be interesting to see who gets traded, waived, and bought out the next few days.
cp
February 15th, 2010
4:44 pm
Daniel there was an article maybe 2 days ago that said Mike Miller is a possible candidate to be bought out. There were a few guys named. If I can find the article I will post it for you.
Ace
February 15th, 2010
4:45 pm
i believe we need to package marvin and zaza for a legimate center which will move al to the 4 and josh to the 3. not only will this make us a better team it will also make us be a better threat to a cleveland with amare and orlando. Or we need to trade marvin and another bench player [not jamal] for a better small forward. we really need to make a move before the trade deadline if we want to get to the east finals or finals. Marvin is just to inconsistent.
UGA
February 15th, 2010
4:47 pm
I did read that Miller may get bought out (like Joe Smith last year- the Thunder bought him out and he signed with the Cavs). I mention Wilkins due to the fact that he can defend and I also remember him torching the Hawks a couple years ago. Hayes can shoot and has put up some numbers here lately. Miller would be ideal, no doubt.
My other concern is a back-up point. I’ve read Chris Duhon and Luke Ridnour are available plus they are in the last year of their deals.
Gilley
February 15th, 2010
4:49 pm
We have the talent we just need our players to play to the best of their ability and defensively like never before. Also, Joe Johnson has to be aggressive and they need to utilize Horford in the post more often. Stretch the bench so they can be used to contributing.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
4:51 pm
thanks cp- don’t know how I missed that one. I do like Mike Miller if we get him on the cheap. Hard worker, good team guy, great shot. I am just suprised he is getting bought out of his contract.
Ace- who is this “legitimate” center that we can get for Marvin and ZaZa? Also, you do know that our “illegitamate” center just played in the All Star game. Who is it that we are supposed to trade to replace Marvin at small forward? Just curious if you had any ideas. Otherwise you might as well say something like, we should trade Randolph Morris and Jason Collins for Dwight Howard and while we are it let’s trade Marvin Williams for Scottie Pippen in his prime, oh yeah let’s bring in Jordan from the waiver wires… yeah that’s what we should do.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
4:59 pm
guys- not that I don’t believe you, but I can’t find anywhere that Miller is going to get bought out. Can you help a brother out?
All I'm Saying Is...
February 15th, 2010
5:01 pm
Hawks are stuck with who they have and will not be able to make a trade for anyone as we don’t have any players of interest given the re-upping we decided to do….and that’s not necessarily a bad thing if Woody will show some flexibility in his line-up selections and either…
GO BIG: Play Jason Collins and Al Horford together (rotating in ZaZa and Randolph) along with J-Smoove, JJ, and Bibby, putting Marvin on the bench with Crawford as the sixth man. That would be our big lineup and one featuring half-court sets with either JJ, Al or J-Smoove posting up somebody.
GO FAST: Spread and run the floor with a three guard line-up featuring JJ, Bibby, and say Mario along with Al and J-Smoove again with Marvin on the bench and Crawford our sixth man. We could also bring in Teague to really sprint the floor setting up Josh in space or Bibby to pop the three.
LET’S GO HAWKS!
ant banks
February 15th, 2010
5:02 pm
where are all of you guys who were callin’ for GARRET SILER anyword on what he is doin’? lol. NO TEAM has picked him up. and to think some of yall were pissed at woody and sund for not puttin’ siler on the team.
who was that sayin’ that the rookie point guard JEFF TEAGUE was ready to take over the reigns? i think that alot of us need to stick with our jobs and let woody and sund do theirs. lol
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
5:04 pm
Of course, Sund is on record as saying that he won’t add a 14th player. So while there will likely be 10+ guys bought out and half of whom could help the Hawks, we may just be riding with the squad we have.
ant banks
February 15th, 2010
5:07 pm
according to some to some of the regular bloggers JEFF TEAGUE and GARRETT SILER were suppose to put the hawks on the map. lol. are you effin’ kiddin’ me? the more and more i read some of the posts, i realize that alot of us don’t know what the hell we are talkin’ about.
i appreciate the wish posts or the opinion post, but some of the post are like I KNOW WHAT THE HELL I AM TALKIN’ ABOUT POSTS
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
5:08 pm
ant, but we have internet access to sites like Hoopshype, RealGM and Hoopsworld… WTF does Sund know about scouting players? He probably doesn’t even know how to use a PC.
ant banks
February 15th, 2010
5:12 pm
ASTRO JOE,
i think that sunds hands are tied. he can’t spend the big bucks. case and point: see the thrashers and kovy.
chills
February 15th, 2010
5:26 pm
ya’ll gonna need scrappy and scooby doo to get to the finals!
Any top 10 PG
February 15th, 2010
5:26 pm
We need one. Any trade involving JJ to get one is good with me. Our lack of a decent PG who can guard and distribute is a killer. We have lost more games to the lack of D from the point than having a better center or a Marvin upgrade. I am not a JJ hater, we just don’t know if he will sign and for how much.
Do you really think a D Harris, Rondo, Nash, Rose, etc would give the ball to Jamal if he is not hot? And yes would feed him and fan him when he is. When Al or Josh is hot – they would find a way to get them the ball and take advantage of their above the rim skills.
cp
February 15th, 2010
5:29 pm
Daniel I read it on realgm.com a few days ago. I tried looking for it but I’m not sure to work their archives but I will keep looking.
darrell starks
February 15th, 2010
5:49 pm
IGGY FOR MARVIN AND A FIRST? IF SUND COULD PULL THIS TRADE OF SUND GM OF THE YEAR.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
terrell
February 15th, 2010
5:57 pm
Jamison = 20 and 8. Marvin = 10 and 5. Lets make a deal. Marvin and a 1st for Jamison.
bigdave
February 15th, 2010
5:58 pm
ha..
if he could pull such a trade off he might as well run for president…
darrell starks
February 15th, 2010
5:59 pm
Look we need a center but if we can get igg instead of a big im okay.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
bigdave
February 15th, 2010
5:59 pm
people.
nooooooooooooooooobody wants Marvin G. Williams
darrell starks
February 15th, 2010
6:00 pm
JOE AND IGG ON THE SAME TEAM YOU CAN WIN WITH 2 STARS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
6:05 pm
darrell, Iggy makes more than Josh. Marvin and a 1st wouldn’t get it done in terms of salary. Not to mention that Iggy would be a horrific fit on this team.
terrell
February 15th, 2010
6:05 pm
Gee Mack. So f we trade Horford, who plays center? If we trade Josh, and Horford play pf, who plays center? Horford is the 2nd best center in the East, and Josh was THIS close to being an all-star pf. Why trade either. If we trade somebody it better be either Marvin, Zaza, Evans, Bibby or a draft pick. Marvin and a 1st should get us something. Especially with a rebuilding team like Washington(Jamison), or GS(Magette). Got the feeling we’d regret moving either of the before mentioned. KEEP JOSH AND AL.
terrell
February 15th, 2010
6:10 pm
Hard to trade Marvin though. Have to wait till next year. Shoulda just let him play out the year before offering him a contract that he’d be insane not to sign. Must have one hell of an agent.
darrell starks
February 15th, 2010
6:26 pm
ASTRO YEAH YOU RIGHT BUT THE TRADE MACHINE WORK WITH MARVIN AND JOE SMITH FOR IGG BUT ASG WILL HAVE 2 SEND CASH?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
The Truth
February 15th, 2010
6:31 pm
Sund could have had Stackhouse for about the same money he spent on Hunter/Mario. Offensively, we would have had a more serviceable backup. When we hit those scoring droughts with all our inconsistent players, Stackhouse could have given us that scoring lift. But enough with the could have scenarios; it is what it is. We have not spent the backup money wisely.
NoleRick
February 15th, 2010
6:51 pm
Off topic, it was really cool to se Al play the 4 with D12 in the game. AL would be come much much better if we had a legitimate big down low.
tony
February 15th, 2010
7:41 pm
Here’s why we need to try to trade Joe Johnson to Toronto for Chris Bosh. We need a big man who can score and create havoc in the low post. We can’t and will not match up against Orlando, Cleveland, LA and San Antonio BIGS without a BIG of our own who can score down low effortlessly. What Bosh brings to the hawks is low post presence. He will force their BIGS to have play solid defense which will eventually wear them down and put them in foul trouble. With Bosh we now have someone who can hurt you in the post and someone(Crawford) who can hurt you from the perimeter. The hawks hadn’t had that since they been in Atlanta.
In 1976 the hawks took Washington Bullets to 7 games but lost to them in the semifinals. We couldn’t stop Wes Unseld from scoring in the paint and Elvin Hayes from the perimeter. Because Dan Roundfield wasn’t a good scorer, he didn’t force Unseld to have to play solid defense which would have eventuallly wore his fat behind down. All we had were perimeter shooters but no inside present. They had both.
In 1987 the hawks took Boston to 7 games but lost to them in the semifinals. Same senario. The hawks couldn’t whole down Perish and McHale in the post. Kelvin Willis like Dan Roundfield didn’t put enough pressure on them from an offensive standpoint. All we had were perimeter shooters but no one who was capable of putting pressure on them in the post. They had both.
If we just settle for perimeter shooting and playing solid defense, we will never get to the nba finals. We must get a BIG who can score in the paint and will create havoc against their BIGS if we’re ever going to get to the nba finals. Every team that won an nba title had a BIG who could either hurt you in the post or mid range. Bosh average 24 points and 11 rebounds a game. We need to sign that young man before someone does.
UGA
February 15th, 2010
7:52 pm
Per Yahoo: Portland ready to land Camby for Blake and Outlaw. TMAC to New York for maybe Harrington, Jeffries, Jordan Hill and Hughes. Interesting.
Sautee
February 15th, 2010
8:06 pm
Wow, it’s become a fantasy league blog in just a day.
Ken Strickland
February 15th, 2010
8:10 pm
ASTRO JOE-How can you offer such a detailed breakdown of Rondo’s alledged DEF liabilities, and at the same time defend Bibby, who’s probably the NBA’s slowest and most limited PG, both offensively and defensively?
DARRELL STARKS-How can you claim we need a center, while ignoring the serious problems we’re having at PG? Do you really feel Allstar C AHorford is hurting the team more than our rapidly declining PG MBibby?
AHorford’s 13.4PPG ranks 4th, 9.4RPG ranks 1st, 2.1APG ranks 4th and 1.22BPG ranks 2nd on the team. PG MBibby’s 8.9PPG ranks 6th, and is declining, 4.3APG ranks 2nd, just .4 assists ahead of PG JSmith.
Horford plays good DEF while Bibby play no DEF. Horford scores inside and outside while Bibby doesn’t even go inside and has been inconsistent with his limited outside scoring. Horford is a proven team leader and motivator, while Bibby far too often defers to JJ and Crawford. BIBBY LOVERS try to justify starting him by saying he runs the the OFF. Well, if that’s the case, then explain why we end up playing so much one on one and ISO Joe and Crawford down the stretch? Also, if Bibby’s doing such a good job of running the OFF, why has our scoring dropped from 107PPG to 98PPG, and why are we having so much trouble scoring in the 4th quarter of gms?
I just don’t see how anyone without an agenda can say Horford, and not Bibby, is the teams biggest problem.
Undisputed Champ!
February 15th, 2010
8:34 pm
I can seem to understand why so many people are saying that Horford is such a liability defensively. So what if he cant defend the lane. If all those guys who are driving on horford, dunking and show casing, if they ever miss you can bet HORFORD, will get the rebound. I like what ken Strickland pointed out about Horford’s defensive game. True, alot of guys feel comfortable taking the pill to the rack against him, but, did it ever occur to any one,
that Horford is “THE #18TH CENTER IN BLOCKED SHOTS!”
So for all you who people like Joe Mama, and Truth Serum, who think Horford is a joke and a defensive liability, lets see you argue with being the number 18th defensive center in the NBA.
Go Hawks!
Undisputed Champ!
February 15th, 2010
8:40 pm
Ken Strickland
February 14th, 2010
2:33 am
I just can’t believe how anyone with an actual basketball IQ could think Allstar center AHorford is a bigger problem for the Hawks…Among all centers, Horford’s ranking is: DD-10th, PPG-#12, RPG-#10, BPG-#18, SPG-#11
Blast
February 15th, 2010
8:44 pm
So many funny comments on the blog today. It’s way past hilarious! I see fantasy trading is back!
And the Cavs are mad desperate to keep LeBron.
Hawks can talk all they want. I want to see the action on the court. They have a favorable schedule coming up. They MUST take advantage of it. Total focus. Intensity. Team ball. Mad hustle. Bench must step up.
Is Crawford back healthy again?
Go Hawks! Can’t wait. Don’t disappoint!
O'Brien
February 15th, 2010
8:51 pm
Sund took a calculated risk when he signed Marvin to a 5 year deal at his slot price. He let the market set the price for Josh Smith, and it was reported (by Chills camp) that Sund told Chills to go find a better deal.
Why didnt he let Marvin play out the year and become a restricted free agent, and then the Hawks would have the right to match whatever offer he got? Was there anything that we have seen from Marvin that suggested that he would have a monster year and increase his contract value? Nope.
And now we are stuck with him until the offseason due to his BYC status. I hope he steps his game up this season, so that Sund can evaluate all his options this offseason. Because $7.5 mil is a lot to pay for a guy who gives us what Marvin currently gives us. Again, I know he is young, so there is still time to turn it around.
If TMac is healthy, he could be a nice pickup for the Knicks.
In my opinion, the Hawks have 2 main needs, and I wish we could fulfil one. We could use a backup SF (Mo is too small) and a backup PG (West has no handles, no offensive skills, and regardless of whose fault it is, Teague does not seem ready).
Come on Sund and BASG. Lets see what you got…
o-dog
February 15th, 2010
8:53 pm
guys everyone is ignoring the fact that we need a center to play
upfront with the cavs/magic how can you be so blind. we also need to
move the ball and run this is what makes this team tick. in the
playoffs were going to have to take the ball to the basket and\
quit taking all those jumpshots. the bench that we have is not
being used properly, i thought we going to use joe smith/the twin
center.we don’t need to trade al or josh these are two good young
players. you get a center then both of these guys can play thier
positions. a center is our problem we have no low post game. our
new guard from wake forest does not get enough playing time.
finally, i would like to see some dog in the hawks/ a hungry
time that has nothing to lose.
Willie Lump Lump
February 15th, 2010
8:56 pm
I did not know there was 18 centers in the NBA, Wow!
O’Brien
Is there any thing we can do to help Hoe ford improve his inability to block anything in the middle? Are guys going to always run the ball down our throats? Why does it always seem that Hoe ford is such a gracious host at the basket? Will you or ken strickland teach him how to defend the basket?
Willie Lump Lump
February 15th, 2010
8:58 pm
Excellent points o-dog!
Willie Lump Lump
February 15th, 2010
9:00 pm
Among all centers, Horford’s ranking is: DD-10th, PPG-#12, RPG-#10, BPG-#18, SPG-#11
WTF IS THAT?
DING*
February 15th, 2010
9:04 pm
Enter your comments here
WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT ?
February 15th, 2010
9:07 pm
OUT OF ALL THE CENTERS IN THE NBA ONLY 17 OF THEM ARE BETTER DEFENSIVELY THAN HORFORD. ONLY 17 OF THEM BLOCK MORE SHOTS.
THERE IS SIGN ON HORFORDS BACK THAT SAYS “FREE BASKETS”.
Ree Roe
February 15th, 2010
9:11 pm
I’ll make a trade scenario based on the logic of some of these posts:
Trade F Marvin Williams & 5 First Round picks to Cleveland for F Lebron James
Trade F/C Joe Smith, C Randolph Morris to ORL for Dwight Howard
Trade G Mike Bibby & F/C ZaZa Pachulia to LAC for C Chris Kaman
Starting Lineup:
Joe Johnson
Lebron James
Josh Smith
Al Horford
Dwight Howard
Bench:
Jamal
Jeff Teague
Mo
Chris Kaman
I’m sure this trade is completely reasonable, well thought out & of equal value for every team. Let’s work the phones!
-REEtardely Roe!!!
Melvin
February 15th, 2010
9:19 pm
Daniel,
I posted the following comment on the Fan Nest blog on 2/13. It was a cut and paste from an article on Hoopsworld.
Melvin
February 13th, 2010
11:09 pm
“The losing situation might motivate Howard, Gooden or Singleton to accept a buy-out at a slightly reduced rate while Ross still has some value on the trade market if Washington wants to go younger. Ross, however, can veto any trade since he signed a qualifying offer over the summer. Mike Miller, Mike James and Fabricio Oberto are three more Wizards who might be candidates for a buyout.” – Hoopsworld
I wouldn’t mind seeing the Hawks persue Mike Miller and/or Drew Gooden if they are bought out…
UGA
February 15th, 2010
9:21 pm
Here’s who we trade for based on the needs of O’Brien: Get Ridnour and Damien Wilkins/Jarvis Hayes——send out Morris, Mo and West and a pick. I’m sure this could get done, I mean how lopsided was that Dallas-Washington trade??? Or the suggested trades for Amare? The guys I suggested are in the last year of their deal so it could work for us.
UGA
February 15th, 2010
9:25 pm
Spurs are trying to trade Roger Mason Jr. too………
Get It straight now!
February 15th, 2010
9:27 pm
Horford for Amare straight up!
Al Horford
February 15th, 2010
9:46 pm
Im having a basket give away friday night. No limit. meet me under the rim at the highlight factory. Bring a camera.
O'Brien
February 15th, 2010
9:56 pm
When will people realize that defense begins on the perimeter? Didn’t you read the article some time ago when JJ said the guards have to step up their defense, because a lot of times they left our bigs in bad situations?
Did you know that after Denver traded Camby (a former DPOY), their defense improved. Why? Because they got Chauncey Billups playing PG, and not Iverson.
Lets face it. Bibby sucks defensively, so guards get by him into the paint. And because of our switching defense, our bigs end up guarding the opposing guards sometimes, and sometimes, our bigs end up out of position.
Horford is not the problem. He is a part of the solution,
niremetal
February 15th, 2010
10:14 pm
O’Brien,
Why didnt he let Marvin play out the year and become a restricted free agent, and then the Hawks would have the right to match whatever offer he got?
This past year was Marvin’s RFA summer. The Hawks had the right to match offers this past summer, but would not have had that right if Marvin had just accepted the Hawks’ QO and played out this year as the last of his contract. And with half the league having cap space this coming summer, odds are excellent that Marvin would have commanded the price he’d gotten assuming he played at the level he did last year. Of course, now that Marvin is not playing at that level, it looks like he’s overpaid. But even granting that, he doesn’t even come in the top 25 most overpaid players in the league. Teams routinely pay Marvin’s salary (or a more) to sign long young forwards. Just look at the contracts that Jaric, Nocioni, Tayshaun, and Kirilinko. All are at least a little “overpaid,” at least (in the case of Tayshaun and Nocioni) if you just look at their stat lines.
Marvin’s contract is not crippling. It’s barely 10% of the luxury tax threshold. He is the 96th highest-paid player in the NBA, which means that, on average, each teams has 3 players who make more than Marvin. Isn’t that about right?
More importantly, his contract does not include annual raises – ie he won’t be getting $10M four years from now, which is how most contracts starting at $7.5M are structured. Marvin is a slightly above average player. We are paying him a slightly above average salary – the rate paid to most borderline starters in the league. It is what it is.
niremetal
February 15th, 2010
10:16 pm
*at least in the case of Tayshaun and Kirilenko
Tired of excuses.
February 15th, 2010
10:26 pm
Horford is not the problem. He is a part of the solution for the other team who has little bitty guys DUNKING over hoe ford. Yes any guard in the nba can out run another guard. All guards are quick and fast. What you want and expect out of your center is to be able to protect the rim against who ever comes against it. Most little bitty men dont run up against camby and lopez and howard and shaq because they now what will happen.
Most little bitty men run up against hoe ford because they see his slack defense as away to build up their points per game average, they see him as the solution to their problem.
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
10:29 pm
Strickland, Bibby plays about a third-less minutes and makes about half the salary of Rondo. Based on those two numbers alone, no one is putting them into the same category (it would be akin to comparing Mo Evans to Manu Ginobli).
Bibby has a physical limitation in his ability to effectively defend. As a result, he played around 24 minutes/game in January… a significant decrease from previous seasons. Yet, you seem to ignore the fact that Woody has reduced his time on the floor. Unlike a player with a mental issue, Bibby really can’t get better at this stage of his career. The good news is that Joe and Jamal are capable playmakers, along with Josh who has recently excelled with his assists.
There is NO evidence to suggest that Woody is holding Teague down. To the contrary, there is far more evidence to suggest that Teague struggles in practice and can’t take advantage of Bibby’s poor performance. If Teague can’t find open teammates or hit jumpers over Bibby in practice, why would we be anxious to watch him fail in a game? Josh Smith had to “find his own way” after 5 years in the league in large part because Woody refused to sit him when he continued to make bone-headed plays. He didn’t correct the behavior and so Josh never learned. Why would we want the same problem from our young PG… the guy who is running the team’s offense and the first wave of our defense? If Teague isn’t get it done in practice, then I’m all for teaching him the right way until he is ready. Joe, Jamal and Josh are doing fine.
I’m much less worried about our PG play than I am the performance of our back-up bigs. It’s easier to scheme around a defensive liability than it is to scheme around the failure to rebound or defend the paint for very close to 48 minutes.
Al Hoford
February 15th, 2010
10:30 pm
Thanks for the defense OBrien, Maybe you can help me during the game. You play defense for me.
I going to improve on that #18th for center in the nba for blocked shots thingy. Next year, Im going to ask Josh if he will give me some of his blocks.
Keeping it real!
February 15th, 2010
10:38 pm
DD-10th, PPG-#12, RPG-#10, BPG-#18
There are only 12 centers in the NBA who score more points per game than horford
There are only 9 centers who grab more rebounds than horford
There are only 17 more centers who block more shots than horford per game
There are only 10 more centers who have higher double doubles than horford.
You cant win a championship with this kind of talent on your team.
GET REAL!
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
10:47 pm
How’s that working for NJ… having a big center like Lopez? Is it working any better for the Clippers with Camby? Surely Hasheem Thabeet is on his way to rookie of the year, right? Hello! Is this thing on? Please, somebody tell me that Biedrins or Dalembert or Brendan Haywood (pre-trade) were dominating the game for their respective teams. After all, once a team has a true center, they are well on their way to an NBA Finals appearance.
Ramon
February 15th, 2010
11:45 pm
Astro, the funny part about that is the team has a Finals center lol. His name is Collins and he was there twice lol. I guess Luc Longley, Ostertag, Bill Wennington, and others would be the missing piece to this Hawks’ puzzle that many others on this blog think the Hawks are lacking.
Its funny Shaq came in the league, and although his size and power was awesome. I remember a 6′10, 230 pound center outworking him in route to a sweep in the NBA Finals. If they say Shaq and Howard are one of a kind centers, why do they think its so easy to go and find ATHLETIC sizable centers who can guard Howard. I mean Howard is averaging a double/double and close to 14 rebounds a game. So when he goes 18/14/3 against us, he’s doing the same thing that he’s doing against every other team in the league also.
I wish some bloggers would learn all star centers aren’t TRADED but their drafted!
Jody
February 16th, 2010
12:04 am
I see alot of people like to throw out numbers as to why Horford is a legit center. However, it’s not all about the numbers, it’s also about the fit. I’m sure if the Jazz put Karl Malone at center, he would have still put up All-Star numbers. However, center was not the best position for him. The same could be said for many power forwards who have or could have played center over the years. Horford is defenitely a keeper, but he is a power forward and the Hawks do need more size up front. If they didn’t need more size, they wouldn’t reportedly be talking about the idea of getting Kurt Thomas. A switching defense and poor perimeter defense are not the major reasons the Hawks struggle rebounding the basketball. With that said, I don’t think the Hawks will or should make a move just for the sake of doing so. However, in the future, they will need to think about acquiring a guy who will give them more size IN ADDITION TO HORFORD AND SMITH.
Again, having better numbers doesn’t mean a guy is a better or true center. Mark Eaton was no where near the player Karl Malone was. But, he was a better CENTER. Sometimes, the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
tony
February 16th, 2010
3:15 am
Let me repeat myself. We need a enforcer who can dominate in the low post so we can put pressure on teams like Orlando, Cleveland, LA, San Antonio and Boston. The Atlanta Hawks have never made it to the nba finals because they never had a enforcer who could dominate in the low post. We had good centers and power forwards in the past who were go defenders but from an offensive standpoitnt they weren’t that good of a scorer. Yes, we had Moses Malone but not in his prime.
We need to send a package deal to Torondo for Chris Bosh. Bosh will give those teams that I mentioned earlier problems in the post. If we do this, we can get to the nba finals for the first time since the hawks moved to Atlanta. If we sign Bosh we will have no weakness from an offensive standpoint because Crawford will torch teams from the perimeter. Also Bosh boaster our already good defense. He average over 11 rpg and 1 bpg.
Send Joe Johnson and Joe Smith to Toronta for Chris Bosh.
PG-Mike Bibby
SG-Jamal Crawford
SF-Josh Smith
PF-Chris Bosh
C-Al Horford
vava74
February 16th, 2010
3:41 am
The pipe has been passing around heavily around here:
An expiring Bosh for an expiring JJ? Why would the Raptors trade an expiring contract for another expiring contract? Just for fun?
There are 18 C who are better defenders than Al Jair because they average more swats? Truth/JoeM/…/…/… Don’t lose any more credit around here. A funny act is a funny act if you don’t repeat it until it loses its punch.
Do you even know what is a switching defense?
Jamison is 34 years old. Why would we jeopardize our future trading away a 23 year old for an old
man?? One that does not even play SF? Would we start Josh at the SF slot? To shoot from outside? Or Jamison guarding quicker opponents? Lebron, Pierce, …
O'Brien
February 16th, 2010
7:19 am
nire,
Thanks for the clarification on Marvin. I hope he’s able to step his game up, because I would love to be having a conversation next year as to whether or not he’s underpaid. That would be great for the Hawks.
Its amazing some of the trade proposals on here.
tjhook
February 16th, 2010
7:53 am
Hawks should look at Eric Mussleman as an assistant coach. He’s a strong offensive strategist. He was on a good track coaching at Golden State (Sacramento) until he received a DUI. Was also a former Hawks assistant coach earlier in the decade.
terrell
February 16th, 2010
9:42 am
Bosh an enforcer? Please!. And where’s our bench with that lineup. Crawford IS THE BENCH. Did you see the game against Miami? And again, Josh Smith is not a sf.
terrell
February 16th, 2010
9:49 am
Tony, imagine Bibby and Crawford trying to guard the perimeter. It wouldn’t matter if we had Oakley and Laimbeer in the paint. Much less Bosh.
terrell
February 16th, 2010
9:52 am
Where in the hell is Acie Law?? Seriously. No wonder Woody went with T “dribble,dribble” Lue. And Anthony “I’m old enough to be your grandad” Johnson. lol!
darrell starks
February 16th, 2010
11:14 am
TONY no way you starte bibby, jamal in back court they will be eaten a live on defense.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
Ken Strickland
February 16th, 2010
12:30 pm
ASTRO JOE-This isn’t the 1st time you’ve used this POOR PRACTICE PERFORMANCE crap to justify your preference for not playing Teague more. Exactly how many practices have you attended this yr? Isn’t it funny how SStaudemire, ALaw and JTeague had no trouble excelling against Bibby and other teams PG’s during every one of their training camps and preseasons.
I want to pose a question for you about your PRACTICE THEORY. Please explain how Bibby can mysteriously excel during these practices, yet his gm performances and production are steadily declining? And yes, his Mins are down, but that’s because his overall gm and his production are so bad, especially his DEF, Woodson has been forced to limit his mins and the damage he’s doing. The problem is, while Woodson has reduced Bibby’s mins, he’s refused to use those extra mins to develop JTeague and get more production from him.
After making an issue of those who claim C AHorford is our biggest problem rather than PG MBibby, only OBRIEN offered a comment on the subject. If fact, there were still comments about us needing a center and no mention of Bibby. Horford’s overall production is going up, while Bibby’s overall production is going down.
I know this is going to be very hard for all of you BIBBY LOVERS and HORFORD HATERS to grasp, but:
(1) if Horford and the rest of our frontline didn’t have to concentrate so much on protecting the lane from Bibby’s GATEWAY TO THE LANE DEF, they could concentrate more on defending their own man.
(2) if Horford and the rest of our frontline wasn’t forced to spend so much time on the perimeter guarding opposing SG’s & PG’s, the result of Woodson’s beloved switching DEF, they could do a better job of defending the opposing C’s, PF’s and the lane.
But of course, none of you BIBBY LOVERS and HORFORD HATERS can afford to recognize, accept or acknowledge these factors. Otherwise, you’d actually have to start dealing with reality and making intelligent responses, rather that the selfserving BS you’ve been offering.
Allen Iversion
February 16th, 2010
4:11 pm
Like ken said, Al Horford is the 18th center in the NBA as far as blocked shots and its Bibby fault!
From now on any one who think Al horford is playing out of position and is a poor defender will be call a hater. YOU CAN NOT CRITICIZE THE # 18th DEFENSIVE BLOCKING CENTER WITH OUT HATE!
HEAD DRAGON - BUBBA CREW
February 16th, 2010
4:14 pm
GOOD JOB KEN, NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO CRITICIZE HORFORD. SEE YOU AT THE NEXT RALLY.
MIKE WOODSON
February 16th, 2010
4:22 pm
KEN, HORFORD SPENDS MOST OF HIS TIME UNDER THE BASKET. ID LIKE TO KEEP MY BIG MEN UNDER THE BASKET OR NEAR THE LANE. DONT WORRY. ILL SPEND THE NEXT 4 YEARS TRYING TO DEVELOP AL INTO A BETTER DEFENSIVE PLAYER. ID LOVE FOR YOU TO COME DOWN AND HELP OUT. ILL PUT AL UNDER THE BASKET AND LET YOU DRIVE ON HIM. THIS OUGHT TO EMBARRASS HIM TO THE POINT HE WILL GET ANGRY AND START BLOCKING YOUR SHOTS. I KNOW YOU CANT PLAY BUT THATS MY POINT. HE S NOT EMBARRASSED BY ALL THESE MANY,MANY GUYS WHO ARE SHOW CASING DUNKS ON HIM, IM HOPING HE WILL BE EMBARRASSED BY YOUR FAT BUBBA CREW AZZ TRYING TO DUNK AZZWHOLE.
LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN COME DOWN.
Ken Strickland
February 14th, 2010
2:33 am
I just can’t believe how anyone with an actual basketball IQ could think Allstar center AHorford is a bigger problem for the Hawks…Among all centers, Horford’s ranking is: DD-10th, PPG-#12, RPG-#10, BPG-#18, SPG-#11
Ken Strickland
February 16th, 2010
6:52 pm
It seems I’ve hurt the feelings one of our more disturbed fans and caused him to use multiple and silly names to voice his/their objections. Oh, next time, try reading my comments more slowly, or get someone with reading comprehension to explain my comments to you before complaining. MY COMMENTS WEREN’T ABOUT CRITICIZING AHORFORD, IT WAS ABOUT MAKING A BIG ISSUE OF HIS “ALLEDGED” DEF SHORTCOMINGS, AND CLAIMING HE’S THE TEAMS BIGGEST PROBLEM, WITHOUT MAKING MENTION OF MBIBBY’S RAPID DECLINE AND HIS BLATANT OFF/DEF SHORTCOMINGS, MORON!
Try this on for size. Denver got rid of MCamby, the NBA’s DEF player of the yr and leading shotblocker, as well as high scoring PG AIverson(26PPG). They replaced Camby with Nene, his backup, and Iverson with CBillups. Nene is nowhere near the shotblocker and rebounder Camby is, and CBillups isn’t the scorer Iverson is. However, his overall DEF, especially his on the ball DEF, is head and shoulders above Iverson’s. If you can keep PG’s, SG’s and SF’s from consistently driving into the lane, you don’t need a prolific shotblocking center, idiot. The Pistons proved that as well.
MIKE WOODSON
February 16th, 2010
11:12 pm
Horford’s ranking is: DD-10th, PPG-#12, RPG-#10, BPG-#18, SPG-#11
Dezz Nuttz
February 16th, 2010
11:16 pm
Why yall hatin on my man Hoe ford? He blocked a shot…..once.
tony
February 17th, 2010
12:18 am
terrell, Bosh average 24.4 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists a game. Those numbers are the best in the league at his position. That’s what I call an ENFORCER my friend. We also will have a pretty good bench.
PG-Mike Bibby / Teague
SG-Jamal Crawford / Maurice Evans(GF)
SF-Josh Smith / Marvin Williams
PF-Chris Bosh / Morris Randolph
C-Al Horford / Zaza
You talked like Bibby and Crawford can’t defend. Think about this? Who can stop Jamal. If I remember correctly, didn’t Jamal lit up the heats for 52 points in just 39 minutes back in 07? You meant to say “Imagine teams trying to guard Bosh down in the post and Jamal around the perimeter.”
I don’t no how old you are or how long you been a fan of the hawks, but I go all the way back to the days of John Drew, Armond Hill, Eddie Johnson, Dan Roundfield and Tree Rollins. I have seen the hawks play in 8 straight playoffs games only to get knockout in the early rounds. The reason why the hawks can’t get to the nba finals is because they never had a BIG who could put pressure on the opposition frontline offensively. The hawks aways had trouble guarding players in the post but the opposition never had any problems stopping the hawks. Here’s a list of BIGS the hawks couldn’t contain in the playoffs: Jack Sikma, Robert Perrish, Wes Unseld, Kevin Mckale, Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, Shaquille O’Neal.
It’s time for the hawks to go out and get a BIG who create havoc against the opposition frontline. Chris Bosh is that BIG. STOP THE BLEEDING NOW!