Hawks Squawks: Hawks 105, Jazz 100
Salt Lake City–Forget that Deron Williams and Andrei Kirilenko sat out with injuries for the Jazz. Remember that the Jazz had won 17 of 19, the Hawks had lost 15 straight in Utah and of course they were coming off that debacle at Golden State on Sunday night.
– “It’s big, especially with that long flight home,” Jamal said. “You don’t want to be sitting there thinking about a loss the whole time.”
– The Hawks showed resiliency in winning this one. They were down 85-79 and 95-94 but lots of guys made plays: Al (that blocked shot to stop a fastbreak layup), J.J. (that 3-pointer from the corner and a fadeaway jumper), Josh (blocked shot) and Crawford (the steal and two free throws).
– The Hawks went 2-2 on the trip. “It was a big win after an upsetting loss last night,” Bibby said. “We could have won 3 of 4 but .500 is pretty good.”
– Blowing that 18-point lead at Golden State tested the Hawks’ mettle. “After last night we could have folded it in,” Al said. “Especially with the last game of the road trip, we could have just came out with no focus.”
– “We did a good job of staying together when times got tough,” Bibby said.
– The Hawks came back from deficits in the second and fourth quarters. There wasn’t much of the panicked play that marred the end of the Warriors game. “I thought we were very composed tonight in the fourth quarter when we got down,” J.J. said. “We were able to not get rattled and made a run of our own.”
– The Hawks last won here on Feb. 13, 1993. “‘93? I was 15,” Bibby said.
– ‘Nique was in uniform that night. “I didn’t even realize that until today,” ‘he said. “Like I told them, records are made to be broken.”
– ‘Nique scored 43 points to beat the Jazz back then. “We had three ‘bigs’ hurt and I had to play power forward,” he said.
– J.J. poured in 28 to finally beat the Jazz again. “It fells great, man,” he said. “It’s been along time since the Hawks won in this building.”
– It wasn’t easy. The Jazz still gave a spirited effort and Energy Solutions Center is notorious as a tough place to play. “You saw the guy waving the little umbrella when I was shooting free throws?” Josh said. “They get under your skin, I’m not even going to lie. You can hear them. They are right there. They don’t stop the whole game. I’m glad I only have to play here once a year.”
– Marvin kept the Hawks in it early. Then Woody went to his bench. He got nothing until Mo gave the defense a lift and Jamal (4 of 8 on 3s) started making shots. “That was a total team effort by everybody who played,” Woody said. “That’s what we need the rest of the way.”
– After the offense bogged down in the third quarter, Smoove spoke up. “He kept harping on us to share the ball, share the ball and make it easier for each other” Al said.
– “I just noticed that we were passing the ball one time and taking a shot,” Josh said. “They were catching our misses and getting out on the break.”
– It was redemption of sorts for Jamal, whose technical foul late at Golden State was costly. It was awful timing for only his fourth career technical. “I rarely lose my composure,” he said. “I’ll take the blame for that loss. When good things happen I get credit so I’ve got to take blame when things go bad.”
– That and everything else about the Oakland meltdown was easier to forget after this rare W at Utah. “Yesterday was yesterday,” J.J. said. “We pulled together and got this one. That’s how we’ve got to think. That’s got to be our mentality: Whatever happened yesterday is yesterday.”
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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276 comments Add your comment
Najeh Davenpoop
February 23rd, 2010
9:55 am
The one thing Wade has that Joe doesn’t and never will have is elite athleticism. As far as pure basketball skills, I can see where Bucher is coming from. Johnson is not far off, if at all, in that respect.
Unfortunately, the difference in athleticism is what makes Wade an elite player and Joe just a very good one.
Hawk n the Ham
February 23rd, 2010
9:58 am
This is the time where the Hawks need to go on a run. The next 13 games are probably the easiest stretch of the schedule this year. If they can go on a 13 game win streak here, we could have a great chance at 2nd in the EAST
Mike is Back
February 23rd, 2010
9:59 am
Astro Joe, that wasn’t right bro. lol
However, guys like Nire use to say the same thing about Josh…he IS struggling right now…However, I see Teague giving up…HE’LL BE BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!
I stayed up pass my bedtime just to see how the Hawks would respond to adversity…I was not disappointed…they played with passion last night…THEY finally executed with precision down the stretch with the pressure on…guys was making excellent decision with the ball…great win.
Woody continues to struggle with in game rotation decisions…but he did a much better job in this game…great job. I’m still puzzled when the opponent puts their Big seven foot guys in the game…Woody doesn’t go with Collins when our Bigs are over match…why not preserve Josh and Al fouls for the fourth quarter…that way they can play loose and aggressive when the game is on the line.
Collins may be a foul machine…but he proven that he is savy enough to guard average Bigs like the one Utah had. The worst thing that could happen is that he fouls out of the game. Then he’s sitting on the bench like he always do…so what’s the difference.
GO TEAGUE…GO WF…AND GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
niremetal
February 23rd, 2010
10:01 am
That’s not even what Bucher said. He said that given Wade’s injury history and reliance on his explosiveness/athleticism, you could make an argument that JJ is a less risky target.
niremetal
February 23rd, 2010
10:02 am
And yes, I listened to the damn interview, or rather then first 5 minutes of it. Heh…
O'Brien
February 23rd, 2010
10:08 am
The one major concern with Wade though, is injuries. He is known to miss a game here, and to miss a game there. JJ hardly ever misses a game. And given the way Wade plays with reckless abandon, you just wonder about him holding up.
And what happens if he gets banged up and loses some of that athleticism? Which is kinda what Bucher was saying. Plus JJ can be had for a cheaper price than Wade.
Buf if I’m a team with cap space, looking for a SG, I would love to have JJ. He is the 3rd best SG in the game right now.
AJ,
I think Horry has 8 rings. But I agree with you. Sure, he made some big shots in the playoffs, but he was also fortunate to be on teams with The Dream, Kobe and Shaq, and Tim Duncan. Whereas guys like Barkley and Malone were doing it year after year.
DecDawg
February 23rd, 2010
10:19 am
The difference between JJ and D-Wade is more than just athleticism. The biggest difference is HEART and desire. And there’s just no comparison/argument there. D-Wade gets hurt risking contact and challenging on both ends of the floor. We’re still waiting to see JJ dive on the floor for a loose ball.
And primary jump shooters will always be less risky targets…you don’t need Bucher to tell you that.
Astro Joe
February 23rd, 2010
10:24 am
I’m not saying that I agree with Bucher (and I certainly don’t know the extent of his injuries) but I think what is more important is the “national” perspective on Joe Johnson. My sense is that in Atlanta this season, his stock is down… but I’m not sure that it isn’t up in other cities. After all, the rest of the nation just saw him starting in the ASG and sees him as the top scorer on a team that is competing with the Eastern Conference’s big boys. From the outside looking in, besides the fact that he isn’t a high-flyer, what is there not to like?
The Truth
February 23rd, 2010
10:26 am
For all the pre-occupation and criticism that Marvin and Bibby get, why does Zaza gets a pass? This guy has been playing horrible for most of the season since he got his new contract. Woody is losing confidence in him as it was obvious in the 2nd half, he did not play. In the first half, his poor performance cost us the lead. He is playing like a guy who has loss basketball focus. Perhaps he just wants to be a restaurant owner in the ATL. As I wrote some blogs ago, he never was a player with much athletic abilities. He mainly relies on his hustle and determination to compensate for his shortcomings. However, his contract complacency is manifesting itself in his lack of effort. Crawford terrific off-the-bench-performance (for the season) is masking Zaza’s sub-par performance. If this continues, Woody may want to consider a plan B at the backup 5 because Zaza is becoming a “Free-Loader”.
Astro Joe
February 23rd, 2010
10:29 am
I was just busting on Melvin with the Teague comment. I got him bent out of shape with Josh the other day, I figured I’d move on to Teague today (and go back to Josh tomorrow).
Teague will be fine… there is no need to force the issue.
So Duhon has been benched for Sergio in NYC. I wonder if he will be bought out since the Knicks aren’t going anywhere and they may want to give Tony Douglas the back-up PG minutes.
Melvin, back to you, where’s our TMac update?
terrell
February 23rd, 2010
10:31 am
Most up and down team in the history of sports! I swear if this team had a coach who had a clue, they’d be a lot better. Woody is still an idiot, and I’m not going to let one win against the Jazz D-League affiliate change my mind.
terrell
February 23rd, 2010
10:35 am
The Truth, I agree. Zaza and Bibby are becoming this year’s version of Speedy Claxton. Gettin paid for doing absolutely nothing. At least Speedy had an excuse for not playing.
terrell
February 23rd, 2010
10:37 am
WHEN WE MOVE THE BALL, WE’RE A MUCH BETTER TEAM. Why would old stubborn azz ever resort to Iso’s????
Westurd
February 23rd, 2010
10:42 am
“Joe Johnson – The quietest star in the league” Can someone retire this statement from everyones vocabularies already…….does no one see the irony in hearing it said everytime he is on sportscenter. Whats the secret? Everyone knows he a star……….for real, he’s been in the league for 6 years already……geees
terrell
February 23rd, 2010
10:43 am
Dangerous Dan, a 7 game series requires adjustments. Woody and adjustments dont belong in the same sentence. It’s frustrating when you love a team so much, but cant stand the Coach? lol!
terrell
February 23rd, 2010
10:46 am
Westurn JJ’s been in the league for 9 years.
bigdave
February 23rd, 2010
10:47 am
co-sign Ric Bucher.
Melvin
February 23rd, 2010
10:55 am
Astro,
I didn’t hear anything surprising. I thought Ric was spot on with his analysis with the Hawks. And I said many of times that the Cavs act very immature. Then again, I was a little shock that he thought Derrick Rose would be the next great thing. Not saying that Rose is not good but I was thinking Durant will be that next superstar in line…
Astro Joe
February 23rd, 2010
11:00 am
Melvin, maybe he thinks Durant has already reached that level. I don’t know but I agree with you. Durant is scary good… given his age. I’m not totally sold on Rose, in fact, from the outside looking in, Rose and Westbrook seem pretty close to me.
jg
February 23rd, 2010
11:02 am
I have to admit the Hawks proved me wrong with their play last night. I wrote yesterday that I thought they would be blown out by Utah–cause I had seen it happen so many times in year’s past. But this team is a little bit different, thankfully! They actually showed some heart last night. Just when I thought they were going to fold–someone made a play.
That’s what this team has to get every night. No more let downs. This is a good team but not a good enough team to just throw their jersey’s out there. They CAN beat any team any where, but they CAN BE BEAT by any team any where. Face it, it’s just who they are! Hopefully come playoff time they’ll hit a hot streak and carry it through the Eastern Conference.
I really thought Josh Smith showed a lot of fight again last night. Yea he took a few ill-advised jumpers–actually made one or two–but I still scream no every time he thinks about launching it. There is a reason they are leaving you open out there Josh. You can’t hit it consistently and the big reason is that if they come up on you–you’ll go right by them.
As far as the post above that talked about no one boxing out on the three point shot in the fourth quarter…I’m right there with you on this…I’ve watched a lot of basketball in my life–boxing out has been missing in college and the nba for about 5 years now. Guys just don’t do it. They rely on their jumping ability. If the Hawks or any team for that matter would just not worry about the shot and “box” their man out–the rebound would be right there for them to grab. I just played at the high school level..but my coach would not allow you on the court if you didn’t “check” your guy out every time. You can win a lot of games by just not letting your man get the board. It would work in the nba too if players would do it.
Finally, I’m proud of the team for gutting one out last night. 2-2 trip still leaves a bad taste in my mouth because I truly feel we let two games go we should have won. Got to make up for it now at Philips…can’t afford many more letdowns.
Go Hawks!!
bigdave
February 23rd, 2010
11:04 am
Melvin..
yea he’s definitely good, Derrick Rose is a consistent mid range away from being plain filth. really a min queen james. i think he was speaking of his demeanor and approach (like Joe’s) relative to the other chest beaters. his ability to lead a team w/ par level talent to playoff contention.
bigdave
February 23rd, 2010
11:15 am
*mini queen James
i think what of course what separates Westbrook form Rose is surrounding talent, and scheme.
he potentially could achieve more than Rose. thats unless Rose gets Joe. i think their games are different, Rose is a perfect blend of power and finesse, Westbrook is pure athleticism. he’s learning to be a pro. he reminds me of a young Jason Kidd. a walking trip dub.
ill go with D Rose though..
Marcus
February 23rd, 2010
11:21 am
We have issues with the quick PGs: Seems like nobody on the roster, even Teague, could keep up with Steph Curry (GS) and Price (Utah). When they got in open floor off our misses, it was lights out, either layout, assists and/or free throws.
Melvin
February 23rd, 2010
11:26 am
Astro,
TMac, scored 15pts in his 2nd game back last night. Are you saying the Hawks couldn’t use a guy that can put 15pts off the bench with the scoring droughts they have been having? BTW, his Jersey is a hot seller…Mo money, Mo Money – Damon Wayans…
Mike is Back
February 23rd, 2010
11:32 am
Astro Joe, I would be lying if I said I rather have JJ over Wade. That is a no brainier. However, if I’m the Hawks…I agree with ya…I resign JJ as long as the numbers are within in reason…now if JJ is demanding Wade kind of money…then that is a different issue. It is no question that JJ will be a sort after commodity…especially, with is his professionalism and level of decorum…those are traits, which tend to get overlooked by ATL fan…but not other teams around the league. Once LBJ and Wade commit…who is left…hmmmmmmmmmmmm.
When you compare JJ to the elite guards in the league…he is at the top of class…and that is without the benefit of fouls calls…once JJ starts to get the calls he deserve…he could easy be among the league leaders in scoring cuz he can make free throws. Plus, you have to dilute the team to bring in Wade…not so if you resign JJ. That is why I think Sund is right on with this one. Get JJ back in the fold and move forward.
Melvin
February 23rd, 2010
11:38 am
Westbrook is good but I don’t think he’s a different maker like Rose. The PG position is really becoming star-studdard again. Just look at the talent currently at that position and for the future. Now-(Paul, Deron,Rose,Westbrook,Tyreke,Rondo,Parker,Billups,Nash,Kidd,Harris,Nelson)and Future (Wall,Rubio). Rank them high you like… Did I missed a team PG???
tidog
February 23rd, 2010
11:43 am
Bibby is the stabilizing force for this team. It was good to see him out there in crunch time. the team responded much better to the crowd and the utah runs with him on the court. when the game was the line bibby, crawford, johnson, horford and smith were on the floor. good job CMW thats a tough unit to defend.
niremetal
February 23rd, 2010
11:46 am
Melvin,
This is a recurring theme. You talk about why we might want T-Mac, but not why T-Mac would have any desire to come here. Of all the teams in the league, this is perhaps the team where he would be the least necessary, since we already have not one but two high-scoring shooting guards. Yes, WE could use another off the bench, but T-Mac is not looking for a bench role or a role where he’s the second or third perimeter option on offense. He’s in the last year of his contract and needs to prove that he can still bring it as a top option in order to have any shot at a contract that exceeds the mid-level. He started and led the offense in his first game back in New York, playing on the world’s biggest stage.
Also, New York is not looking to buy T-Mac out, nor does T-Mac want to be bought out. He’s making $23M this year. A buy-out would probably mean him giving him $5M. Why would he do that at his age, knowing that he’s playing for the last significant contract of his career?
Someone like Salmons or Flip or Eddie House, sure. Those would be guys who likely would be very interested in coming here. But a superstar trying to come back from an injury and prove himself in a contract year is not going to come to the ONLY team in the NBA with 2 All-Star caliber players already playing at his natural position.
Astro Joe
February 23rd, 2010
11:47 am
I think it is a mistake to say that max money can only go to 8-12 players in the league. If that were the case, then sure, Joe is not a max player. But if a team like Chicago would say “Joe would make us a contender for the next 4-5 years and that provides maximum value to our franchise” and they give him a max contract, then what happens? Everyone compares Joe to Lebron, Wade and Kobe. But those guys make their money OFF the court. They are far wealthier than Joe because of endorsements, not because of their basketball salary. Compare Joe to Luol Deng or Iguodala, each of whom make around $13M. Joe is clearly the far superior player with proven individual and team results.
My guess is that the going rate for a 4-time All Star who is younger than 30 and is remarkably healthy is NOT less than a max contract, I don’t care what his name is. Seriously, if you have been selected to 4 consecutive ASGs, your team is likely a top 4 team for the 2nd consecutive year and you’re the team’s leading scorer, best on-ball defender and average 5 boards and 5 assist (or close to it) to boot, would you expect anything less than the best a team can offer in terms of salary? Man, I’d love to have a comparable resume in my work life… and be a free agent willing to live in just about any city for the best offer.
O'Brien
February 23rd, 2010
12:09 pm
AJ,
You know how the grass is greener on the other side. There’s probably Miami fans out there who complain about D-Wade.
I’m sure the national media and others outside of Atlanta speak very highly of Woodson and the job he has done. But us fans (me included) can be very critical of him, and would consider replacing him if the right person is available.
Regardless of who signs JJ this offseason, I think they will be getting good value for their money. Especially if he goes to the Knicks as Robin (Knicks want Bosh or LeBron to be Batman).
Section 303
February 23rd, 2010
12:10 pm
terelle, I’m sorry but comparing Zaza and Bibby with Speedy is one of the dumbest posts I have ever read on here. Where is there any comparison? Bibby is a starter and Zaza is one of the top bench players. Speedy faked an injury and took the club for millions.
Once Bibby starts hitting shots again (and he will) everyone will love him. The ripping of Zaza I just do not understand. What exactly do you want from him? He plays his role, as a role player should.
Calvin's Barber Shop
February 23rd, 2010
12:19 pm
Can we please take up a collection and buy Josh a real nickname?
Mike is Back
February 23rd, 2010
12:25 pm
Melvin, I gotta go with ya on Rose. After that last game in Phillips, Rose erased any doubts I had about his game. He looks Bigger when you see him at the game. I was blown away by his tenacity and brute strength…he didn’t care who was under the goal…he was going thru you or over you. On of most exciting young PGs I have seen in a while. I like Westbrook too…but I think Rose is easily the superior talent.
Sautee
February 23rd, 2010
12:26 pm
AJ,
Personally, I don’t think he’s worth max salary. That doesn’t mean someone won’t offer that to him. I think he’s worth 16-17M tops.
If he consistently took over games like the oft referenced Game 4 vs. Boston in 07, then ok, max money. But he does not. Plus, he still takes way too many “rests” on defense for me to think he’s worth the max.
That said, I think there have been plenty of players who received the max and didn’t necessarily earn it. Can you say Rashard Lewis?
And yes I remember the post you wrote about the Magic not getting to the Finals without him, but I still don’t think of him as a max player. JJ either. Or Wade.
My short list of deserving max players:
Kobe, LeBron, KG, Duncan, DHoward.
Westurd
February 23rd, 2010
12:31 pm
KG?………not anymore Sauntee.
darrell starks
February 23rd, 2010
12:32 pm
GREAT WIN BUT WOODY HAVE STICK WITH THE BENCH DEVELOPMENT, THEY STRUGGLE IN THE FIRST HALF BECAUSE THEY NEVER PLAY BUT ZAZA, MOE, JOE, TEAUGUE MUST PLAY MORE.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
Sautee
February 23rd, 2010
12:36 pm
Westurd,
I agree, but I was thinking about who got max money that I thought was worth it when they got it(or in the case of LBJ and DH when they get it). I guess I’d have to put Shaq-Daddy in there too, though he, like KG, is no longer worth it.
GeeMack
February 23rd, 2010
12:36 pm
Astro Joe
Is winning consistently, and playing entertaining basketball more important than winning a ring?
Traceman
February 23rd, 2010
12:47 pm
AJ,
You are 100% right about the max salary issue. Who says only 8-12 players get max money? There are 30 NBA teams and several of them have MULTIPLE guys making max (or near max) money (Lakers, Magic, etc). The players would have to be idiots to agree to a CBA with a salary cap where only 8-12 guys out of 400 or so are going to get max (or near max) money.
JJ is going to get max (or near max) money from SOMEONE this offseason and that someone should be us. We won’t have the caproom to bring in anyone of his caliber if he walks and odds of us finding a suitable sign and trade scenario with him is virtually non-existent. The teams that are pursuing him are going to have to offer him the max (or close) anyway so why would he force them to give up anything that would hinder their ability to win?.
BEST CASE, we might be able to do what PHO did and get a lottery protected first round pick and a project player the other team is not all that crazy about in a deal for JJ. But just as PHO did, we would take a SIGNIFICANT step back if JJ leaves.
GeeMack
February 23rd, 2010
12:48 pm
Astro Joe
I’m with you, JJ is a bonified star, and I diagree that he is not in Kobe, LBJ and Wade class. If you look from a skill stand point, he is on the same level as those guys. Where Joe fall behind them is charisma…that’s it.
It the Hawks want to get the results the Lakers have gotten they must put a better supporting cast around Joe. I think JJ can lead this team a title with the correct tools.
doc
February 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
gee astro maybe jj was worth all that we paid for him. do you remember the running arguments on that one?
northcyde
February 23rd, 2010
1:01 pm
People still talking about this sorry bench? That if they just got more playing time, they’d be better? Maybe you could say that for Teague ONLY, but not for the rest of those guys. The rest of those guys are veteran players who should be playing far better than what they’ve been playing.
And for all of you trying to hype up Mo Evans . . .
In the month of Feb., Mo is shooting 9 – 24 FG or 37.5% FG ( despite going 4 for 4 last night ).
That means that before last night’s game, Mo was shooting 5 – 20 FG or 25% FG.
Woody should decide on 2 other bench players, outside of Crawford, and make that his bench. If the 9th and 10th guys don’t play . . . oh well.
JeJe
February 23rd, 2010
1:03 pm
How does getting Ilgauskas help this team?
WHY DID WE SIGN COLLINS? WAS HE NOT SIGNED FOR THE SAME PURPOSE? WOODSON DOES NOT USE THE PLAYERS THAT SUND SIGNED. ILGAUSKAS IS UNATHLETIC AND DOES NOT FIT IN WITH OUR UP-TEMPO “OFFENSE.”
WOODSON DOESN’T USE SUND’S PLAYERS, AND SUND SUCKS ANYWAY EXCEPT FOR 1 TRADE
Traceman
February 23rd, 2010
1:08 pm
Sautee,
As a 9 year NBA veteran, the max salary for JJ WILL be within the $16M-$17M range to start per the current CBA. The guys who are currently making more than that all signed their deals under different rules. The reason the players agreed to the new CBA was so that MORE players could get a bigger piece of the pie. JJ will get his money from SOMEONE and rightfully so.
niremetal
February 23rd, 2010
1:09 pm
Calvin’s,
I think that doc’s favored term is the best: J-Smash.
Astro Joe
February 23rd, 2010
1:09 pm
GeeMack, winning a title would be great. But if it were easy, then more than 5-6 franchises would have done it in the past 30+ years. And I don’t want us to blow up the team every time we hit 50 wins and don’t go any further.
Sautee, most legit contenders have multiple max salary level players. If we assums that at some point, the ASG invests in another max player to make a legit run at a title, then Joe could certainly be that “second” max player. Like Gasol in LA, Pierce in Boston or Rashard in Orlando.
I just have that feeling that if we let Joe go because he is 90% of perfection and we demand something closer, that we will be sitting here in 3-4 years with a middling team and asking “why didn’t we just up the offer by $2-3M and avoid this run of first round playoff exits?”
Lastly Sautee, I think that you should allow yourself to consider that your scrutiny of Joe is far greater than any other “max-type” player and that if you watched them play 30+ games a year, that you’d likely find all kind of warts (like taking off defensive plays) that you don’t see otherwise. If all of these other players and coaches were so close to perfect, why on earth would the wart-filled Hawks be among the top 6-7 teams in the NBA?
Astro Joe
February 23rd, 2010
1:15 pm
doc, oh yeah. Classic blog debate. And I think we both know who came out on the losing end of that one. HA!
doc
February 23rd, 2010
1:17 pm
belkin wrong and bk right? do you remember that picture?
Traceman
February 23rd, 2010
1:17 pm
JeJe,
Comparing Jason Collins Ilgauskas is like comparing Mario to Crawford. Collins was signed to be exactly what he is, an end of the bench veteran big man with size who will play only in certain situations. Zaza is FAR better than Collins at this stage of their careers.
On the other hand, Ilgauskas would immediately provide a sizable upgrade over Zaza and become our backup Center. He can’t guard Howard or Shaq but he can draw them away from the basket with his perimeter shooting ability. He would also be one of the few options at Center who can shoot from the perimeter well enough to allow Smoove to SITUATIONALLY play some SF. We aren’t likely to ger Ilgauskas but he would be a HUGE difference maker for this team.
Melvin
February 23rd, 2010
1:38 pm
Nire,
You are coming in at the tail end of the T-Mac debate (after the trade). Astro and I initial coversation started prior to the trade deadline (Pre-Knicks) when I post a link that said the Rockets may buy him out if they couldnt find a suitable trade. In that link, T-Mac mention that he wanted to play for a contender if he was bought out (and money is not a factor). There lies the beginning to this long running debate between Astro and Me. Astro dont want him and I was all for bring him on board. I believe he would not have problems finding playing mins as Marvin and Bibby would have been on the bench during crunchtime while Crawford, TMac, Joe, Josh and AL becoming the closing unit.