Atlanta Hawks: Trophy Talk
Is it really there for the Hawks to take?
There’s a feeling in the Hawks organization, from the players up to ownership, that the Eastern Conference playoffs bracket is more wide open than most assume and the Hawks can make a deep run if things come together. If that seems like silly talk from a group that hasn’t even won a second-round game and was a combined 1-6 against the Magic and Cavs in games that mattered this season . . . well, what’s wrong with the Hawks feeling confident? Beats the alternative.
They did win 53 games. They are the No. 3 seed. With those credentials, the Hawks can think big, and so that’s why the Lil’ Larry O’ Brien Trophy sits on the ledge of the eraser board in the locker room.
“That’s what it’s all about at the end of the day,” Woody said. “It’s not about just making the playoffs. These opportunities don’t come along very often. We don’t know what’s going to happen next year. The other 15 teams are thinking the same way, so why shouldn’t we? It’s my job to keep pushing them.”
No doubt the Hawks need to be pushed. They are 16-8 since March 1, a hair better than their overall winning pace this season, so you can’t say they faltered down the stretch. You can say they had issues with keeping their intensity level high and finishing games on the road.
Smoove said the Hawks now are ready to “bottle up their emotions” and bring it every night in the postseason.
“We have a sense of urgency,” Josh said. “Everybody is ready to play and prove we are ready. Everybody on the team has something to prove.”
That’s true. Woody and J.J. are on that list for obvious reasons. Rick Sund and ASG are on it, too. Josh, Marvin, Al, Bibby–all have different question marks to answer.
Don’t forget Jamal–I joked with him that he’s the new guy and if the Hawks flame out, he’ll get the blame. But, seriously, he’s in the playoffs for the first time in 10 years and he knows what critics were saying for those other nine:
“He’s a talented guy, but does he make people better? Does he win? Does he make teams better? Does he play defense? I’ve been screaming from the inside: ‘I am a winner!’ I just needed to be with the right group of guys in the right situation.”
This group of guys and this situation could be it. The Hawks have to show and prove.
“It’s a fun time–fun for the fans who have supported us all season long and now get a chance to watch us in the playoffs,” Woody said. “But for the players and us coaches, this is a serious thing. I think we have a chance to do special things.”
– First thing is first for the Hawks. They have to beat the Bucks before they can ponder their championship dreams.
“You don’t go in with that mindset necessarily,” Al said. “That’s the goal, but I think in the playoffs the margin is so slim you have to focus in on the moment, so the first round would be the most important thing for us and we can kind of move on from there. But you always look ahead as the goal being to win an NBA title.”
The Bucks, not surprisingly, are playing up their underdog status, saying they have nothing to lose, claiming all the pressure is on the Hawks . . . and so on, and so forth. Interesting that John Salmons is drawing on his experience with the 2009 Bulls, who pushed the Celtics to seven games before losing. Sound familiar?
The Hawks say they aren’t taking the Bucks lightly. Really, I can’t see why they would considering they had to go to overtime to beat them at Philips, lost at the Bradley Center when Bogut was in the lineup, and saw on Monday that the Bucks are still going all out without Bogut. All of those memories are fresh, too, since the Hawks and Bucks didn’t play the first time until Feb. 28.
“It’s not going to be an easy series,” Joe Smith said. “But if we go out and take care of business we will be fine.”
“Scott Skiles has them playing hard,” Josh said. “We can’t relax and think it’s going to be an easy series.”
– Hawks blog legend Sekou offers up this nugget in his series preview: “This is the first time in 12 years that the Hawks have entered the playoffs as a clear-cut favorite in a first round series.”
– I saw that some of my blog people jumped on Mo’s quote from before the Bucks game on Monday: “We won 50 games and we still underachieved. That tells you this team has so much potential.”
I know what Mo means and it’s good he feels that way but for anyone saying the Hawks should have won 60 games, slow down. For some perspective, look at this list. Only 40 teams in league history have won 60 games in a season, so if you do it puts you in elite company. Are you saying this Hawks team, playing to its maximum potential, should be included among that group?
Sure, you can go back and tick off all the games the Hawks should have/could have won if this or that had happened. But all teams can do that at the end of the year. And if you do that, you also have to cancel those out with the victories that easily could have gone the other way. The beauty of the 82-game schedule is, barring a catastrophic run of injuries or other unforeseen circumstances, you usually end up being what your record says you are.
The Hawks’ record says they are a very good team. Flawed? Yes. Inconsistent? Sure. That’s why they didn’t win 60 games. But they won 53 while dominating at home and that’s dang good.
“You have to acknowledge 50-pus wins is a good season,” Al said. “We are definitely not taking that for granted. That’s a nice accomplishment. But we now we have to move on to bigger things.”
– hawksdawgs at Peachtree Hoops makes the case for why free agent fans should adopt the Hawks as their playoff team. Nice take, but I immediately noticed a glaring omission. So did hawksdawgs, who shortly after posting that Tweeted: “I can’t believe I forgot to talk about @zaza27 in my reasons to root for the Hawks in the playoffs. I feel like a terrible person.”
MC
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155 comments Add your comment
Michael Cunningham
April 16th, 2010
5:35 pm
@MitchC: haha . . . no sorry necessary. everything you say makes logical sense. the Hawks will be underdogs in each round after the first, assuming the seeds hold to form.
however, as i said, nothing wrong with the Hawks believing they can do it. also remember, if the Hawks “only” make it to the East finals, it would be the first time they’ve made it past the second round since the franchise moved to Atlanta. that would be big.
Grandad
April 16th, 2010
5:49 pm
vava74:
As you know, I really like ‘Simmons’ / loved his book !
But, he can be a ‘prick’.
He wants ‘Joe’ on the ‘Clips’, I’ve heard him say as much.
Even in his book he slanted everything toward ‘Boston’.
So, don’t take all that he says as gospel.
His ‘Bibby’ remark was funny, however.
He also misses the point on “TEAM” sometimes, even though he
claims to understand the “secret”.
Remember, my convesation the other AM about
‘quoting Bible scripture’. I know you said you didn’t read the
Bible but did you catch my remark to you about [I cor. 1:10]:
being the perfect definition of team. I’m not proselytizing
just sometimes there is wisdom wherever it presents itself.
If you should read that verse, omit the salutation, & apply
the remainder to defining the team concept.
Honestly, this post has been about ‘Simmons’.
Just in case ‘DawgNole’ is watching.
I have an idea that Joe want to stay here.
I can’t say why? just a feeling.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 16th, 2010
6:45 pm
“If I’m not mistaken, thats $2 mil- $4 mil higher than the initial projections. That bodes well for the ASG, because if the salary cap is higher, then the luxury tax threshold is higher, so there is no reason for us not to upgrade our bench.”
Interesting take. My immediate reaction is that this is terrible news for the Hawks, because now more teams have the capability to sign two max free agents, making a Joe Johnson departure more likely than it otherwise would have been. The potential benefit of signing an extra $2-$4 million free agent (which more than likely would just equate to keeping Mo Evans) is outweighed by the chances of Joe Johnson leaving increasing.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 16th, 2010
6:57 pm
“With who the others team did it is irrelevant the fact is we had a chance to do it and didnt not because our players are not HOF’ers but because we made small mental errors down the stretch of close games .”
I don’t disagree with anything you said — the Hawks should have and easily could have won those games — but you are only telling half the story. If you are going to say those games should have been wins, then you have to take into consideration that games where the Hawks played like sh-t and still won — like the 6 point win over the Timberwolves or the buzzer beater win against Charlotte — really should have been losses. Like MC says, an 82-game season usually evens out these fluke wins and these coulda-been losses. Yes, the Hawks could have won a couple more games with better coaching (specifically a working offensive system) and more mental focus but by and large they ended up around where they should be based on their talent level. I’m not going to bother looking it up right now, but I bet the Lakers, Magic, and maybe even the Cavs had some games they lost that they should have and easily could have won.
Now if they make the same mistakes in the playoffs that they made in those losses and they end up underachieving in the playoffs because of it, then you will have a legitimate complaint. I’m holding off on judging this season (and Woody in particular) until I see this team’s playoff performance.
Grandad
April 16th, 2010
7:02 pm
More on ‘Simmons’:
I love reading his stuff]
Finals. Just know that we have decades of NBA evidence to back this up: You can’t win without chemistry. Which reminds me …
I can prove that chemistry matters:
*Group 1 (has it): Cleveland, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Atlanta, Portland, Milwaukee, San Antonio and Phoenix.
**Group 2 (doesn’t have it): Boston, Los Angeles.
***Group 3 (unclear): Orlando, Utah, Miami, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver.
Those are the 16 playoff teams. Thought that was interesting. We’re clearly gravitating toward some sort of Chemistry Era.
A great example: Wednesday night, Phoenix at Utah. If the Suns lose, they land a 4-seed and a preferable matchup with Denver (which plays an open style that favors Phoenix). If they win, they jump to a 3-seed and a tougher matchup with Portland (more size, slowdown style, great crowd). General manager Steve Kerr heads to the locker room that night thinking, “We should bench the older guys [Nash and Hill], play our subs and settle for the 4-seed.” What happens? Everyone wants to play. Better yet, they’re excited to play. Kerr talks it over with Alvin Gentry; they decide to go for it and end up winning by 20. In their euphoric locker room afterward, Grant Hill tells Kerr the Suns have better chemistry than any team he’s ever played for. And he means it
Grandad
April 16th, 2010
7:04 pm
[
Najeh Davenpoop
April 16th, 2010
7:17 pm
I will take issue with one of northcyde’s statements though:
“LOL . . and those other teams won 60+ games, because they had at least 1 future Hall of Fame player playing at a high level on the squad.”
With the possible exception of the 2004 Pistons, every NBA champion in my lifetime has had at least one future Hall of Fame player playing at a high level on the squad, and most had two. You are implying through the above statement that since the Hawks have no future Hall of Famers, we should accept that they will never win 60 games. If there are no future Hall of Famers on the Hawks, then should we also do as Adande says and resign ourselves to this team being good but never great? Should we give up any hope of this team, as currently constructed, competing for a title?
I think lowering expectations for this team simply because successful teams in the past have been constructed differently is stupid. You have been one of the biggest critics of Hawks fans not showing up to games, and for the most part I agree with you on that, but if you imply through your own logic that the Hawks should not be expected to win a title or reach greatness, how can you expect fans to fully emotionally invest themselves in the success of this team?
The mentality that this team doesn’t have a future Hall of Famer so expectations should be tempered is EXACTLY what bandwagon fans who wear Lakers jerseys to Philips Arena have. Considering how much you criticize those people, I’m really surprised to see you making that statement.
vava74
April 16th, 2010
7:29 pm
Grandad,
thank you for bringing that extra bit from Simmons. Really great stuff that column.
I do know that Simmons has an hiden agenda sometimes, heck, everyone in ESPN seems to have a pet hatred against ATL.
For instance, now they all want him to leave, but if JJ does re-sign with us, you’ll see two types of stories and two types alone:
a. JJ made a huge mistake and lost his opportunity to join another star and win a championship.
b. The re-signing – without a sign and trade – will keep the Hawks at a mediocre level since JJ is not capable of taking us further than he did.
vava74
April 16th, 2010
7:39 pm
WTF are you talking about us not having a future HOF player?
If JJ keeps up playing like this for 4/5 years more he will be inducted.
What about Josh and Al who are still in the infancy of their careers?
What if they all stick together and do shock the world and win it all next year or the following and carry on to have multiple all star selections?
First and foremost, the HOF is a measure of media and popular appreciation NOT a definitive appreciation of quality.
JJ is by far a much more complete player than Reggie Miller who, although he was a very very good player, was not great and in the smar league of Kobe, MJ or even Drexler.
Also, his clutch performances have been blown out of proportion due to the fact that his best moments came at the Madison and before the NY press which always blows beyond proportion whatever they feel like to (like for instance Pat Ewing’s actual quality – very good, but far from great).
vava74
April 16th, 2010
7:42 pm
MC, forgot to thank you! THANKS A MILLION!
vava74
April 16th, 2010
7:54 pm
On possible HC replacements for the Hawks:
I never ever suggested Hubie, Eddie Jordan, nor Avery.
My sole suggestion was Laimbeer, although he may lack experience I sense that the fact that he played for the Bad Boys (who won two rings with a nosehard team first concept) under a great coach, allied with the fact that he won two rings in the WNBA, he MAY have what it takes to succed as a coach.
Since I don’t know what type of offense he coached, I asked if anyone followed the WNBA and saw his teams play in order to have an idea.
Back again on why I continue to complain about Woody:
I ask you just ONE question: name one team that won it all without a real ofensive scheme which goes beyond a succession of ISO plays (this includes Al and Josh’s isolation plays).
Name just ONE.
one the greats
Freshfromatl
April 16th, 2010
7:55 pm
Grandad,
If your comments wasn’t worth re-posting, they’re damn-sure not worth my time trying to look them up. Dude, you seriously thought your input was that important lol…really?
vava74
April 16th, 2010
7:56 pm
Hardnosed
Freshfromatl
April 16th, 2010
7:57 pm
*Fresh* ^^^^^
Grandad
April 16th, 2010
9:06 pm
Okay fresh;
*Rick Mahorn
*Jeff Bzdelik [has been hired by WF] too late.
*Tom Thibodeau
*’Doc’ [if he leaves Boston]
*Paul Silas
*Tom Izzo
*Steve Smith [might be my 1st choice if interested]
*Mike Budenholzer [San Antonio/asst. to 'Pop'](my 2nd, 1st choice)
*Eric Musselman [just seeing if you're awake]
A surprising dearth of retreads, don’t you think.
You probably never even heard of Budenholzer.
That would be my short list, off the top of my head.
W/o researching or gaging the interest of other interested coaches.
drmaryb
April 16th, 2010
9:41 pm
NorthCyde
We hired Lon Kreuger & Dikembe “Wagged his Long Finger” & Said, “I ALREADY WENT TO COLLEGE!
Then we hired Terry Stotts & Jason Terry Said, ” & I WASN’T IMPRESSED WITH HIS COACHING – EITHER!
When told that , Terry Stotts said, “I WAS NOT IMPRESSED WITH JASON TERRY’S GAME LAST NIGHT.
JET TERRY was on the next JET leaving Hartsfield-Jackson Airport & headed for Dallas.
We got Dallas #10 pick for the JET & drafted ACIE LAW. Dallas got the better end of that deal!
Before ALL that drama? We had the WINNINGEST COACH of the NBA! But that another Story for another time!
Here’ s MY POINT: Hubie Brown laughed at us when courted to replace LENNY!
DOc Rivers was coaching garbage in front of fans with Paper Bags over their heads! The Bag-Boys didn’t event offer – “Paper or Plastic?” At their check out lines!
Boston tanked that season to get more Ping-Pong balls in the Hopper – In hopes of landing Dwight Howard with a #1 Pick and ended up with #5 instead. We got Josh that YEAR @ 18th & Chills @ 6th.
McHale threw Bird a pass & sent KG to his alma mater & Buddy in Boston. We got
BELKIN. (Go Figure!). We tried to get Doc Rivers but he said No & Re-Signed with Boston.
Nobody wanted to come here! Player nor Coach! Sam Cassell was traded here & wouldn’t even board a flight. He forced a buy-out & re-signed with Boston. Much like “The Alien” did in Cleveland.
So, the Hell with all the so-called ELITE coaches who SNARKED at our Owners & No Talented Roster.
News Flash People! Elite Coaches DON’T rebuild! Larry Brown has been run from every where he has been – Even after winning a ring in Boston. He’s an azz that wears on the GM & Players in about 3 years max.
Mr. Woodson took that Challenge & has paid his dues! He DESERVES this JOB because he EARNED it the hard-way!
Mr. Johnson took that challenge when “B.K.” Refused the wicked hand shake at the courthouse!
Remember, that Law-Suit to Block his Trade?
Get on Board People! We are who they thought we were! A young talented team that re-built itself through the draft & had a 5 year plan to stay together! This Team will stay TOGETHER!
Whether times are Good – Or Bad.. Happy – or Sad!
Melvin
April 16th, 2010
9:53 pm
Interesting player rating for Eddie Johnson. I disagree with Bosh, Gasol and Roy rank higher than Joe.
http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/johnson/2010/04/15/the-new-top-25/
Pete
April 16th, 2010
9:56 pm
The Hawks will not progress past the SECOND round this year. Impossible to beat Orlando and/or Cleveland on the road. Ain’t gonna happen.
With ONE additional player, the Hawks could win it all………..for the next 3 to 4 years.. Kevin Durant. They should offer Okla. City their 1st round pick for the next THREE years and throw in Bibby…………for Durant.
End of Title drought in Atlanta.
JeJe
April 16th, 2010
10:02 pm
FIRE WOODY
drmaryb
April 16th, 2010
10:04 pm
Pete
What R U Smoking? (Save me a Hit!)
Durant isn’t going Anywhere! No GM trades him – He would be ran out of OKLAHOMA with death threats!
Super-Stars don’t Move in the NBA! That’s the NFL! No guarunteed Contracts & No Trade Clauses exist only in
The NBA & Baseball!
drmaryb
April 16th, 2010
10:19 pm
VaVa?
The WNBA? OMG! You just lost credibility – right there! Is that *ALL* You got?
Hell, why not nominate yourself as GM & Coach?
Why isn’t Lambieer already coaching a NBA team?
Is 53 wins not enough for you? Only two Coaches in the East. Did better than Mr. Woodson!
drmaryb
April 16th, 2010
10:21 pm
VaVa
Doc didn’t even TOP that! He has Rondo & 3 Hall of Famers & Sheed!
Samuel
April 16th, 2010
10:27 pm
Yall crackin me up.
drmaryb
April 16th, 2010
10:34 pm
Larry Brown is like Parcells he wants to BUY the groceries! He wanted “Melo” & Dumars picked Darko!
They fought like “Pitt-Bulls”. Before, During & After that Ring in Detroit.
He battled “AI” in Philly & In the Media.
He was Isaih Thomas’ Coveted Coach & was paid like Ctazy-Money to go to New York & Fought with
Star-Bury like “A Crip -vs- A Blood” in Compton! Everybody was FIRED when he came & left.
Isaih was feeling Boobies & Brown was feeling for his Keys to the Car!
Let Mr. Woodson do his Job! He’s coaching to what his talent level is – without a penetrating PG nor a. True Center in sight! Do you see an experienced PG (JT0 is our future!) Or Center on that bench?
JASon
April 16th, 2010
10:37 pm
The Hawks are an assemblage of great talent, and many of our young players have gotten so much better over the course of the past three years. While our defensive game plan has its intrigue, our head coaching is simply not our strong point. I just think for the talent we have, we should be a frontrunner in contention, but we’re not- that’s not to say these guys can’t get hot and surprise the world.
Grandad
April 16th, 2010
10:43 pm
Pete – c’mon now. [drmaryb] is right you know!
You could throw in Teague, Marv, + Zaza & on top of
[3] 1st round pcks and they still laugh @ you.
Get serious.
Cedrick
April 16th, 2010
10:47 pm
I hope our HAWKS are ready to rumble in the playoffs this year because its looking like we not gonna get Joe Johnson back for next year. I believe if we have no J.J. our team will take a step backwards. Lets go ownership, keep our nice core together!!!!!!! You can’t build a fan base if you can’t keep are good players in the ATL!!
drmaryb
April 16th, 2010
11:02 pm
All the Haters
Do you really know how Hard it is to Coach a Mill&?
Arenas banks $20 Mill/Year – He can pay a BodyGuard to carry his Guns!
Sheed is so old – He puts the ball on Milwaukee’s Basket!
Mike Vick got a $130 Mill/Contract & he’s last to arrive & first to leave the locker room! (Something about he had to go and kill a dog?)
KOBE drove Phil to smoke more weed & seek therapy after coaching his BIATCH-AZZ!
Mr. Woodson had to change Josh’ s Diaper & Burp him after his bottle feeding for almost two years!
T.O. Brings the coach Tylenol every where he plays & leave!
Etc. Etc. Etc.
You think these players do everything they are told? Stop dreaming! Do your kids do evrything you tell them?
Come so far, move nowhere
April 16th, 2010
11:11 pm
Nobody doubts this Hawks edition is miles better than last year’s. Unfortunately, though it has moved miles, it’s going to end up at the same destination.
Second round exit.
drmaryb
April 16th, 2010
11:16 pm
Who’s My Grand-Daddy?
Hrello Poppy! I didn’t know you could do it like that? These cats are drinking & smoking bad weed on this blog tonight!
Hey Peeple! News Flash!
Durant is NOT walking through that door!
Michael is NOT walking through that door – JORDAN nor JACKSON!
ELVIS is NOT in the building!
Do you see where Iam going with this?
Just checking to make sure we are all sober!
The Hawks are who we THINK they are!
And that is pretty damn good – Coach Included!
drmaryb
April 16th, 2010
11:28 pm
Come so Far?
Keep Going!
(Why do you even watch the games?)
irishmafia116
April 16th, 2010
11:32 pm
Hawks ?champions? Put down the crack pipe and step away from the table
irishmafia116
April 16th, 2010
11:42 pm
“Woody”? lol As they say look it up -WORST record of any coach in NBA history who coached 100 games or more and you wonder where they would find a better coach?
Mike Woodson
Career 153 257 .373
[edit] References
1. ^ NBA Coaching Bio
[edit] External links
* NBA.com: Mike Woodson coach file
* Basketball-Reference.com: Mike Woodson (stats as a coach)
drmaryb
April 16th, 2010
11:46 pm
VaVa?
if Josh & Horford (out of his natural position & embracing the center position?) Are still in their Infancy?
How in the HELL can you argue 60 wins today?
They must be like that “David Chapelle” baby – slinging weed out of their diapers – on the corner of “TechWood Homes”!
Based on your post, Then HOW is it Mr. Woodson’s fault that we only won 53 games?
That is Ludicrous!!!!!!
I’m gonna call you – LUDA!
Big Ray
April 16th, 2010
11:58 pm
Bill Simmons has a sense of humor that I actually (usually) find pretty funny. He has some good basketball knowledge, too. He didn’t write the basketball bible though, and I won’t act like he’s the basketball messiah. He is what he is: decently paid for talking about stuff.
Still the exaggerations continue. You have folks saying Woody can’t get us anywhere (53 wins makes a liar out of you) and folks that act like he has no faults and is above criticism of any kind (bro-mance does NOT begin to describe it).
Perhaps more hilarious are the folks who claim to be balanced and act like they have the whole thing figured out (their perspective is more knowledgeable, factual, and rational than anybody elses’s). And what do they do? They exaggerate about what they read, while ignoring the balanced and informed opinions of others, while painting with a very broad brush over anybody but themselves. Sound like politicians? And they say blogging isn’t entertaining.
If Joe leaves this summer, it bodes ill for the Hawks in the immediate future. Like it or not, the first hit will be taken by Mike Woodson. Do you know why? Three reasons:
1) It’s not fair.
2) Nobody pays to see the coach on the sidelines, and the GM isn’t going to take the fall if he can help it.
3) Guys like Nate McMillan, Rick Adelman, and Jerry Sloan have shown what they can do when their best player is out, or when several key players are out, whether it’s temporarily or for the entire season. They’ve shown what they can do despite missing certain elements, or having disgruntled players (Sloan has dealt with both Kirilenko’s issues and Boozer’s issues). The Atlanta Hawks with no Joe is not a disimilar situation. Now put Woody in one of those guys’ positions and tell me if he can get such a team to a winning season, much less the playoffs. Then ask me what will happen when Rick Sund’s butt is on the line.
Organizational loyalty only goes so far. And even if you lose a top tier player, the losing only goes so far. Rick ain’t gonna do what Billy did (walk away). Woody has to concentrate on the playoffs, but in the meantime….he better be praying for Joe and his agent to stay put.
Here’s my prediction:
1) Hawks in 5.
2) Brandon Jennings learns a painful lesson as old age and treachery (Bibby) overcomes youth, exuberance, speed, and 37% shooting.
3) Wait a minute, doesn’t Teague shoot a couple of percentage points better than that? Nevermind, that wasn’t a prediction…
4) Josh Smith gets 59 open looks for jumpers in the first round series. He only takes 15, and hits 7 of them.
5) Joe scores 25 ppg against the Bucks.
6) Mo Evans ends up getting more minutes than Marvin by the second game.
7) Zaza head butts Kurt Thomas by the third game.
9) Truth Serum faints because Al Horford averages 16 ppg, 12 rpg, and 3 bpg. When he wakes up, he’ll change his blog name and then proceed to explain that the statisticians conspired to make Horford look like a better player than he is.
10) Vava74 will minimize the 4 wins and magnify the single loss.
11) I will rant and rave about Jeff Teague for three more blogs.
Big Ray
April 17th, 2010
12:00 am
I do not know how #8 turned into a smiley icon.
Perhaps I had better put this beverage down for the evening….
lewis
April 17th, 2010
12:07 am
from espn on horford…
Joe Johnson and Josh Smith have been with the Hawks since 2005-06 and have played a huge part in the Hawks going from Eastern Conference doormat to a fairly legit contender. But it wasn’t until Horford came on the scene in 2007-08 that the Hawks started drastically improving their win total and started making the playoffs. This has been a banner season for Horford, though not necessarily in the stats department. True, Horford has increased his scoring average every season to a career-best 14.2 ppg this season and he is rebounding at a career-best 9.9 rpg clip. He made his first All-Star team mostly on the weight of his ability to man the middle defensively for the Hawks and, thanks to Smith’s willingness to not take as many 3-pointers as in seasons past, has formed one of the better frontlines in the NBA. He’s gotten stronger at the rim on offense (hoopdata.com says he made 71.3 percent of his shots there this season) and developed a consistent 10-to 12-foot baseline jumper that is keeping the middle free for Smith and the rest of the Hawks as they drive to the basket. He’s also taken advantage of the Hawks’ addition of Jamal Crawford — another perimeter scorer like Johnson — who forces defenses to the outside and allows him more room to work. He’s nearly doubled his production as a double-double threat (he had 20 double-doubles in 2008-09 compared to 38 this season) and reached his preseason goal of becoming a double-double player. All of these accomplishments make Horford the kind of budding big man teams would love to build their offense around. Should Johnson leave this summer as a free agent, things won’t be so bleak for Atlanta as long as Horford is around.
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
12:13 am
Grand-Daddy
I am sure Joe is not going to the Clippers! LOL!
He walked away from Nash & Amare Stoudamire in Phoenix (2 hall of famers) & why do that to come to a
F#*@ked up situation in Atlanta? Owners in court & NO talent & to rebuild here?
See any Banners hanging in any rafters at Phillips Arena?
He did it because, “I want to play in the East to be closer to my family in Arkansas!
Now, my parents can come see me play.”.
When interviewed in New York several weeks ago, Joe did not rule out New York – Why?
Duuh! He’s negotiating a new & final Max – Contract! Joe is 27 years old & is looking for a minimum of 5 years. Heck, Gun-Toting Arenas is making $20 Million a year?
Joe stated, “I do not want to go back to a re-building team.”. That takes NY off his list right there.
Joe has built something here & he left a WINNING team with a PG – MVP & a HOF Center to do what?
TO SEE FOR HIMSELF THAT – HE CAN BE THAT GUY TOO!
And to All a GOOD-NIGHT!
Any Body know where Ray is?
Hawks Playoffs 10
April 17th, 2010
12:18 am
don’t falter in the 4th (or first) and if Joe is on his game = Hawks have a good chance of going far this year.
And if they want to improve their chances, play with a good bench. If they can rest Joe, Al, JSmooth and have the bench come in and pick up where they left off …. makes the game go much easier.
my pick for the difference maker in the post season: Josh Smith
Grandad
April 17th, 2010
12:21 am
Big Ray:
I’m gonna re-read your post a couple more times and try to figure out which category I fit in. I try to be open minded & My hero John Wooden
“the Master” preaches balance but your commentary hinted of “FOX News”:
“Perhaps more hilarious are the folks who claim to be ‘[balanced]‘ and act like they have the whole thing figured out (their perspective is more knowledgeable, factual, and rational than anybody elses’s). And what do they do? They exaggerate about what they read, while ignoring the balanced and informed opinions of others, while painting with a very broad brush over anybody but themselves. Sound like politicians?”
I kinda thought that was me.
Kinda pompous/arrogant/got it all figured out.
Maybe not. I hope not, anyway.
In school my teachers said I was slow.
My coaches said I was fast.
So I figured, I was just…’Halfast’!
Don’t go to bed too early ‘Big Ray’.
Grandad
April 17th, 2010
12:24 am
drmaryb:
I think Joe stays.
Bill Simmons wants him in Clipper-land.
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
12:34 am
Grand-Daddy?
You must have taken Metamucil & Geritol to squeeze out that Coaches Replacement List for Mr. Woodson?
We already had Rick Mahorn here. He was on the staff of Terry Stotts & hasn’t been seen since.
All of the “Bad Boy Players” who have coached? Have ALL failed!
Zeke
Mahorn
Lambieer is NOT even in the NBA
Who’s left?
Steve Smith? Is Soft & is NOT a Coach – he is a commentator, a husband & a Father to his children.
He has played with Egotistical Millionaires & I seriously doubt if he wants to travel to 41 cities to watch them sex women. Uuggh!
There are only 3e teams in the NBA the coaching carousel is a very small fraternity..
Why hire another untested, un-proven project – coach to lead our team.
The Hawks are a scrappy, cohesive, young group from Coach down to the 12th player.
Why start all over again with a new coach who still needs 2 starters & a better bench?
Were NOT done building – we are almost there.
Thrashers are for sale & Owners are still fighting!
The only thing stable is the starting five & the coach – So, why F#*K that up too?
Wink
April 17th, 2010
12:45 am
I don’t believe the Hawks have what if takes to win the Trophy. Things would have to really break their way like LeBron, Dwight & Rondo getting hurt and miss the rest of the playoffs. I am certain they will make it to round 2 and then their defiencies will surface.
It great we won 53 game and finished as the 3rd seed. However the expansion Thunder won 50 game and finished as the 8th seed in the West. The Thunder have a better team identity & a superstar in Durant. The accomplishment is great, my problem with this team is like that old saying ” it not how much you win or lose, it’s how you play the game ” . Their play is erratic. Win close game at home and excel at home, but that team does not travel well, as they are subject to getting blown out. It’s in our best interest to not lose home court advantage, especially against the Bucks.
If we advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, that would be amazing, but it want be because we won 53 games & finished 3rd, it will depend on how we play…value the ball, limit turnovers, take good shots & defend the paint and defensive rebound. Guys will have to play their respective roles and no Josh Smith leading the break at crunch time in the 4th quarter and hanging out at the perimeter. JJ will have to demand fouls by taking the ball to the paint & Crawford will have to make a ton of shots. The only given is that Horford will be Horford. Marvin and Bibby will have to make shots as well — this probably is a 50/50 proposition. One or the other will disappear in each game. Marvin can make major contribution on D, and Bibby will get dropped off at the rim by Jennings & Ridnour; which is why we need to protect the paint, which means Josh can’t be on the perimeter. Anyway, let the games begin and good luck to our Hawks.
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
12:46 am
Irishman
That is why ELITE coaches do NOT rebuild teams!
Mr. Woodson’s W/L records REFLECT re-building a team with NO talent in the first three years!
Hey bartender! No more GREEN BIER for the LEPRICON! Cut his azz off! & Call him a cabbie!
Grandad
April 17th, 2010
12:49 am
drmaryb:
You are well aware, I’m sure, of my displeaure with Wdsn.
However, until that time, there is not an opening for a HC.
my list was a response to that ‘Fresh’ fella.
My original response was that was to an old query that had been
answered doz.’s of times on this blog before. He then re-responded,
in a manner that compelled me to answer. Hence; my list.
I have stated that I wish “NO ILL WIIL” on Mr. Wdsn.
I have, nonetheless, lost confidence in his ability to bring
us a championship. I think he has maxed out his ability to
guide this team. You may notice, that I refuse to call him a coach.
I just really feel that he has reached his level of incompetence.
No hard feelings, I hope.
Grandad
April 17th, 2010
12:55 am
drmaryb:
My original response ‘[was that]‘ was to an old query that had been
Omit ["was that"], & hopefully that sentence makes more sense.
BONE
April 17th, 2010
12:58 am
http://www.stationcaster.com/player.php?s=87&c=672&f=47074
^^new interview wit joe, he sound focused , truthfully he dnt sound like he wanna go ANYWHERE
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
1:39 am
Grand-Daddy
I know who you are. I have read the entire blog today & ALL your past blogs – no worries.
But hey man, I got a JOB to do! I have to call you out & pull your hair on that coaches wish list.
That’s what I do! LOL!
I am having so much FUN on this here blog – Ribbibg all the TROJANS (pun intended).
I have to bring the heat & My “A*-Game tonight! It’s the PLAY-OFFS G-Daddy? The intensity level is raised now. LOL!
I am a fierce blogger & defender of the FREE world! I fight DIRTY & debating is my 2nd Love!
You are ny 1st!
Wink-Wink!
Fantastic Post tonight! Keep that heat coming!
Blue-Ray
(Clear – Image)
Are you on the Blog-Beat? Po-Po in the house? Get ‘Em Ray & Lock ‘Em Up – Throw away the Key!
Shift – Change! More qualified help has arrived! I got carpal tunnel from this fickle Black-Berry
Good-Nite.
LouFan
April 17th, 2010
1:40 am
@ Big Ray
Truth Serum faints because Al Horford averages 16 ppg, 12 rpg, and 3 bpg. When he wakes up, he’ll change his blog name and then proceed to explain that the statisticians conspired to make Horford look like a better player than he is.
Hilarious post.
By the way do people forget that Horford has a mean inside perimeter shot? Dwight learned that the hard way vs us the last game. Expect to see it in the playoffs.
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
2:10 am
Lewis
Thanks for that ESPN linked story on Horford. I love reading positively optimistic posts. I am so pleased with how far the Hawks & Coach have come. We still have a loong ways to go.
But, steadily moving in the right direction. I don’t know if we can win it all this year, but were def in the mix to make some noise. If we play hard? Let the chips fall where they may.
We still need 2 starters & a deeper bench at all five positions.
Marvin is def a bench type role player. So maybe we need three starters.
1,3 & 5 + 3 on the bench.
ECF? Let’s do it & go from there!