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
TigerWoods
April 16th, 2010
11:05 am
First
lewis
April 16th, 2010
11:22 am
Defense wins championships.
Ric Roc
April 16th, 2010
11:45 am
Tiger,
We don’t do that here…
Beck
April 16th, 2010
11:55 am
I’m a little concerned that Marvin Williams didn’t show better in that last game. He was the only regular starter out there, played good minutes, and had a sub par stat line. What is it going to take for him to get going?
Exciting times. If we can stay focused on the Bucks one game at a time we should be able to have plenty of rest for the Magic.
Willy
April 16th, 2010
11:58 am
4th
JeJe
April 16th, 2010
11:59 am
THE HAWKS ENDED THE SEASON ON SUCH A HOT STREAK — THIS IS WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING. I MEAN, WE BEAT A CLEVELAND TEAM PLAYING ITS SCRUBS, WE LOST TO CHARLOTTE, LOST TO DETROIT (WITHOUT ITS 3 BEST PLAYERS).
WE HAVE FINALLY ARRIVED
Cannon
April 16th, 2010
12:09 pm
We have the talent to win this series in 5, however knowing how this team plays on the road, nothing would surprise me. The 1st two games at Phillips are must wins. We can’t be having any letdowns like last years game 2. Go HAWKS!
JeJe
April 16th, 2010
12:18 pm
THE HOME GAMES WILL NOT SELL OUT.
THE AVERAGE NBA FAN COULDN’T EVEN NAME 3 HEALTHY PLAYERS ON MILWAUKEE IF PUT ON THE SPOT. THE AVERAGE ATLANTA SPORTS FAN PROBABLY CAN’T NAME 1 PLAYER ON MILWAUKEE BESIDES JENNINGS.
WE DIDNT EVEN SELL OUT THE GAMES VS. D WADE LAST YR AND THE DAMN PREMIUM SEATS ARE NEVER FULL. U DO THE MATH
northcyde
April 16th, 2010
12:22 pm
MC . . . good write up as usual. I’ve been saying all year to let everything play out. This team started out great, then pretty much won 6 out of every 10 games the rest of the way, no matter who they played.
What impressed me most about the Hawks this year, was their ability to avoid losing streaks. We did lose 4 in a row during the Christmas – New Year’s holiday season. . . and 6 out of 8 during that time. Other than that, this squad didn’t have more than a 2-game losing streak all year. And everytime they’d lose 3 out of 4, they’d rattle off 3 or 4 games in a row . . or win 6 out of 8.
That’s why I’d always point this out whenever your colleagues, or people like K. Strickland, or even you ( one time ), tried to frame this team as playing “mediocre” ball, by stating that the Hawks were only “( insert worst record possibel )” since late December.
No . . the Hawks had a bad 2-week stretch, and didn’t play anywhere near like that the rest of the way ( even if they lost games that they should’ve won ).
The team didn’t panic, and Woody never allow them to panic.
vava74
April 16th, 2010
12:25 pm
Notwithstanding the above, with the playoffs ahead and a clean slate to start with, irrational thoughts start to sip in…
And I start to – against my will – overlook all the bad things that made me a realist during these past few weeks (since the defeats in Phoenix and in Oakland).
All of the sudden I start to look at our side of the bracket with an unfounded and idiotic optimism and think: “maybe we can upset Orlando and reach the ECF…”
vava74
April 16th, 2010
12:26 pm
The blog monster doesn’t like the first half of the post…
MC, do you have any special powers to retrieve my complete post?
Marcus
April 16th, 2010
12:29 pm
OK, just lets get to making some venison jerky out of John Salmons and krew.
Gilley
April 16th, 2010
12:31 pm
The thing is we blew 5-7 games, that we should have won if we executed. Not counting close games that the other team won but close games we gave away ourselves but thats okay. Woody has to motivate everyone to come out with the same mentality….Defense and hustle. You cant teach hustle…Its the effort and mentality a player has to have on their own.
PerryJacobson
April 16th, 2010
12:36 pm
I’m glad Woody has the Hawks talking championship trophy. The Gold Trophy is the only one that matters. I felt the same thing in watching the Hawks this season, that the league is wide open this year. There is no dominant team out there with overwhelming and overpowering talent. I realize that the western conference is fielding 8 powerful teams with 50+ wins, but there is no one single team that is imposing, not even the lakers, in my opinion. The lakers should be the favorites to repeat and win the title again, because they added Ron Artest who is a defensive gem of a player. Artest has been an all-nba defensive shutdown player for the longest time, which makes the Lakers clearly the team to beat. The lakers can be beaten though as the Hawks completely destroyed them the last time they faced them only a few weeks ago. You can say then, that the Hawks just about OWN the western conference. On the eastern side, the hawks have plowed through orlando, boston and the cavs with very little resistence. Only the cavs appear to be giving the hawks the most trouble, but i think the cavs may be eliminated so that the hawks wont have to face them. Im guessing that the hawks will play the miami heat in the eastern conference finals and should the hawks beat the heat and face either the lakers, nuggets, jazz, suns or mavericks in the finals, the Hawks would almost most certainly cakewalk through either of those teams. This is why i believe the hawks are going to win the world championship and the larry o brien trophy will soon be theirs. Go hawks.
vava74
April 16th, 2010
12:41 pm
Charlie Rosen @ msn.foxsports.com:
“HAWKS (3) VS. BUCKS (6)
Why Atlanta should win.
The Hawks might be undersized, but they’re extremely fast up and down the court, and even quicker to the ball.
Josh Smith is one of the most talented players in the NBA, and now that he has forsaken his inept 3-point shooting, his overall offense is dramatically improved. Also, Smith is an elite shot blocker and an underrated post defender.
Joe Johnson can’t be stopped unless he’s two-timed, but JJ’s ability to deliver crafty passes to open teammates will shred Milwaukee’s defensive schemes.
Mike Bibby rarely misses the open shots generated by all the defensive focus on Josh Smith and Iso-Joe. Also, Brandon Jennings plays no discernible defense.
Al Horford can drop mid-range jumpers and is a scrappy rebounder and defender. He’s too quick and too active for the ancient Kurt Thomas to handle.
Mo Evans provides defense and perimeter shooting off the bench.
Zaza Pachulia is always aggressive at both ends of the court, and is far superior to Primoz Brezec, who moves into the backup slot in the middle with Andrew Bogut unavailable. In fact, Brezec is probably the worst big man in the league.
And Jamal Crawford is easily the NBA’s most explosive sixth man.
With Bogut down and out, the Bucks will be unable to take advantage of the Hawks’ lack of size up front.
Jennings is a rookie who will have difficulty make correct decisions under the increased playoff pressure.
Moreover, Atlanta’s superior athleticism should make the difference — especially since Milwaukee’s interior defense is now extremely vulnerable.
Why the Bucks could win.
Jennings’ warp-speed could leave Bibby breathless.
John Salmons has stepped up and become an authentic fail-safe scorer who could easily get JJ into chronic foul trouble.
Carlos Delfino is a streaky outside shooter who can spread the floor if his shots are falling.
Look for Ersan Ilysova to get increased playing time and more scoring opportunities. He’s too quick to be hampered by Evans’ defense, and too big for JJ.
Dan Gadzuric will more than match Horford’s hustle.
Charlie Bell is a versatile player who can do whatever is necessary to keep the Hawks competitive.
Jerry Stackhouse is a savvy veteran who knows how to score.
If all the Bucks bring their A-game, they’d have a chance of winning the seventh game.”
Benjamin
April 16th, 2010
12:45 pm
The math, in my opinion, is that NBA tickets are too expensive. In today’s time, it’s a sad statement that decent seats at a Hawks game would cost a middle class family of four the equivalent of half a week’s salary.
That said, I think we handle the Bucks before falling to the Magic in round two. And I’m fine with both results. We’re a good, but not great, NBA team.
vava74
April 16th, 2010
12:46 pm
A lot of praise for the players, as you can all see, but even so, Rosen considers an upset possible.
This is mostly due to our flawed game plan.
vava74
April 16th, 2010
12:55 pm
Bill Simmons @ ESPN (yes, I should be working, but I am not…):
“I think this spring could be the last stand for the Rejuvenated Atlanta Hawks
And here’s why: Joe Johnson is getting max money this summer to play in Chicago, New Jersey, New York, Clipperland or wherever. He’s irreplaceable for Atlanta obviously. Assuming Josh Childress returns from his Greek exile, that gives them Childress, Josh Smith, Al Horford, Jamal Crawford, Marvin “I Look Worse As a No. 2 Pick Each Season” Williams, Zaza Pachulia, Zaza Pachulia’s bacne, and Mike Bibby’s chalk outline next season. That’s a 42-win team. The window is right now. They can absolutely make the 2010 Eastern Finals … and then get swept, but still. The Eastern Finals!”
Mz. Hawkdafied
April 16th, 2010
1:04 pm
I say reach for the stars Hawks. Or better go get that trophy Hawks. Is the trophy really there for the Hawks to take? Heck yeah!
Who dat says the Hawks can’t get dat? Who dat? LOL!
Seriously though, I say go for it. Anything is possible.
Fresh
April 16th, 2010
1:14 pm
JeJe,
You have nothing else to do huh?
Michael Cunningham
April 16th, 2010
1:14 pm
@vava: i looked for the other half of your post but couldn’t find it?
vava74
April 16th, 2010
1:27 pm
MC,
If I try to post it again it says “duplicate comment”!
vava74
April 16th, 2010
1:30 pm
MC,
Sent it as an e-mail to you.
If you consider it worthy to be posted through you, I would appreciate it.
Michael Cunningham
April 16th, 2010
1:37 pm
vava74’s full post:
“A few quick notes:
There were only 40 teams reaching the 60 win mark simply because, like the Hawks, there were literally dozens of teams with talented and cohesive rosters like ours who lacked a talented coach to extract the maximum out of them.
We had the potential to reach 60 wins this season (or at least be closer – I predicted 57 wins during the off season), but Woody’s shortcomings as a coach deprived us of a “few” easy but crucial wins.
Obviously, we were bound to always lay an egg here and there, but if we look back, it is not difficult to find many winnable games amongst our 29 losses.
The above means that the full constellation – an ensemble of a very good roster and a very good coach – is an elusive event.
If JJ bails out on us, that elusiveness will hit us like a sledgehammer and we will be back to .500 ball, barring a major and miraculous trade involving what will remain from our core (an almost impossible target).
If we do manage to resign JJ and fine tune our roster slightly (I would even consider not making any change beyond getting another SF, whilst keeping Mo) and we hired a talented coach…
Then 60 wins would be clearly within our reach, much alike the 03-04 Pacers:
In the off-season, they re-signed Miller and J.O’Neal whilst losing Brad Miller BUT signed Rick Carlisle, allowing them to push their record from 48 to 61 wins.
Notwithstanding the above, with the playoffs ahead and a clean slate to start with, irrational thoughts start to sip in…
And I start to – against my will – overlook all the bad things that made me a realist during these past few weeks (since the defeats in Phoenix and in Oakland).
All of the sudden I start to look at our side of the bracket with an unfounded and idiotic optimism and think: “maybe we can upset Orlando and reach the ECF…”"
Section 303
April 16th, 2010
1:43 pm
Is it Saturday at 5:30PM, yet? The wait is killing me…Good for Woodson pushing for the ultimate goal. The Hawks can beat anyone. I don’t care what pundits or naysayers say. I know they can beat anyone. Go get it!
Shouldn’t be one poster on this blog that is not at Philips tomorrow.
Section 303
April 16th, 2010
1:47 pm
vava74, that’s a good post. Winning 60 is not easy, neither is winning 53. But, why the dig at Woodson? So, name the coach and put him as the Hawks coach the past 5 seasons. How many more wins, or loses, would there really be?
I understand getting on the coach. But, this fire Woodson stuff is just stupid. The guy is highly thought of around the league. If the Hawks do let him go, he will land somewhere else with no trouble. And, it won’t be Woodson who looks bad if that happens, it will be the Hawks.
VenomSpitter
April 16th, 2010
1:54 pm
Man hopefully Teague can turn out like Kevin Johnson.
If anybody has forgotten how good KJ was just watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqfRC9GEyYE
heartofdarkness
April 16th, 2010
1:57 pm
Will the Hawks make any adjustments during the course of the playoffs? They made few during the season and those changes they made seemed to reduce the styles they employed.
northcyde
April 16th, 2010
2:02 pm
Section 303
April 16th, 2010
1:47 pm
vava74, that’s a good post. Winning 60 is not easy, neither is winning 53. But, why the dig at Woodson? So, name the coach and put him as the Hawks coach the past 5 seasons. How many more wins, or loses, would there really be?
I understand getting on the coach. But, this fire Woodson stuff is just stupid. The guy is highly thought of around the league. If the Hawks do let him go, he will land somewhere else with no trouble. And, it won’t be Woodson who looks bad if that happens, it will be the Hawks.
*****************
Because that’s the only thing they can possibly put the blame on. There is no other possibility for our collapses, but the coach. When we lose, it HAS to be Woody’s fault, because he’s the idiot.
The Hawks finished a whopping 32 – 17 since they lost those 6 out of 8 games in late December and early January. And while they did lose a lot of winnable games, the won games that people didn’t think they could win either.
But ALL LOSSES are because of Woody . . . and ALL WINS are because of the players.
That’s just how it goes with Hawk fans.
northcyde
April 16th, 2010
2:03 pm
By the way . . . 32 – 17 is a .653 winning percentage.
Fresh
April 16th, 2010
2:07 pm
Man I’m tired of hearing about a new coach for this team. Somebody, anybody, give me the name of a coach that will do a better Job than Woodson with team. I’ll wait…
D Hawks
April 16th, 2010
2:12 pm
First of all, Go Hawks!!! I like the quotes that I’ve been reading from the team and the descriptions of the practice mood. Sounds like the guys are maturing and really get it this year. Let’s hope that translates into wins. My main concern is lack of focus and the fact that they will need to win at least 2 road games during the postseason to get to the NBA Finals. With the Hawks talent and the right execution, I think that is an attainable goal so the sky is the limit for this team.
I really get tired of so many folks blowing up the coach. Phil Jackson isn’t walking in the building folks. If there is someone out there who A, would have taken this job 5 years ago, and B, would have accomplished more than Woody, please name them. I don’t remember guys knocking down the door for this job. Let’s get through the postseason and see where we stand as a franchise then.
@vava74 – As for Rick Carlisle, he hasn’t exactly had great postseason success since ‘03-04 so are you saying it would have been different if he were here? If you’re gonna diss Woody for the 29 losses, then doesn’t he deserve at least some credit for some of the 53 wins? I don’t think Woody made all the bad turnovers and shots at the end of some of those road games. I totally get the coaching leadership angle, but you must always have great leadership on the floor as well.
northcyde
April 16th, 2010
2:12 pm
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.
26 of those 40 teams made the NBA Finals.
So unless people think JJ, Smoove, Horford, or Crawford are future NBA Hall of Famers, this was NOT a 60 win team.
Fresh
April 16th, 2010
2:21 pm
Just finishing checking out the ESPN Playoff simulation.
It predicted a Milwaukee Bucks/ San Antonio Spurs Final, with the Spurs winning it all. SMH.
Fresh
April 16th, 2010
2:22 pm
Oh Ya…
Still waiting on someone to name a coach that will do a better job…
SWAT Native
April 16th, 2010
2:25 pm
You can now get tickets for game 2 for $15 for the upper bowl per the Bargain Hunter:
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-bargain-hunter/2010/04/16/15-for-hawks-playoff-tickets-round-1-game-2/
northcyde
April 16th, 2010
2:26 pm
Fresh
April 16th, 2010
2:07 pm
Man I’m tired of hearing about a new coach for this team. Somebody, anybody, give me the name of a coach that will do a better Job than Woodson with team. I’ll wait…
*******************
They want Hubie Brown to be the coach, because he gives great analysis on Hawk games. Forget the fact that he’s 183 years old . . . that’s the guy that the want.
But there have been a lot of names tossed around to replace Woody.
- Terry Porter ( fired after one season in Phoenix )
- Eddie Jordan ( fired yesterday in Philly )
- MIke Fratello ( all-time 20 – 42 playoff record . . . losing his last 6 1st round matchups while posting a 2 – 20 record . . . I bet people didn’t know that )
- Avery Johnson ( lost in the 1st round to Golden St, despite having one of the top 10 teams record wise in NBA history )
But let them tell it . . . you could hire Bullwinkle or the Hamburgular, and they could do a better job with the Hawks, than Woody could.
northcyde
April 16th, 2010
2:28 pm
Actually . . . Fratello has lost his last SEVEN 1st round matchups . . . posting a 4 – 23 record over those 7 playoff rounds.
Section 303
April 16th, 2010
3:10 pm
Fresh, you’re never going to get that name. No one ever comes up with a better name than what we have. And, I for one, like what we have. Woody is a good man. I’ll take my chances with him.
Really, Saturday 5:30PM needs to get here. I cannot wait for this playoff run to begin! It is going to be a special one! We got a team on our hands that is going to make some noise!
LouFan
April 16th, 2010
3:11 pm
I am pumped for the playoffs and the way the Hawks are sounding, they are too.
“Smoove said the Hawks now are ready to “bottle up their emotions” and bring it every night in the postseason.”
This is the key factor guys. If they can stay focused and not blow leads or get upset at BS calls. They will be in good shape. I expect blowouts against the Bucks at home and a 5-7 point win on the road.
We might be a part of history fans. First time the Hawks go to the Finals in Atlanta history. SATURDAY HURRY UP!
Terrell
April 16th, 2010
3:29 pm
If we hire a New Coach like some want this team will struggle. There is no other coach that’s primed to be on the market next year better than Woodson. I heard one time to get Avery Johnson. I like him but he’s not different than Woodson he will push defense and the offense is just an after thought. Who will we hire hext year to coach if Woodson is the problem?
The Hamburglar
April 16th, 2010
3:45 pm
I run a Princeton offense. Just for the record.
Sleepy
April 16th, 2010
3:48 pm
So now the great Northcyde tells us that the only way we couldve won 7 more games is if somehow our players become future HOF’ers ?
4-7 @ Det – 4pt lead with one minute left 90-88 L
3-17 @ Tor – 4pt lead with one minute left 106-105 L
3-8 @ NY – joshs layup at the buzzer blocked 99-98 L
2-26 Mavs 2pt lead with a minute and half to play 111-103 OT L
2-21 @GS 2pt lead with a minute and half to play 108-104 L
and thats just POST all star break
you add in the clevland melt down in the home and home and the OT games vs the Bulls and Knicks and we have someone saying the only way we couldve won those games were if our players were future HOF players simply because the other teams had a HOF player ?
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 .
But I guess the only way they could do that is if they were HOF players ?
Daniel
April 16th, 2010
4:20 pm
Great job MC. I love the stuff coming out around this team. Taking an us against the world stance. The need to prove ourselves as legit star guys (Joe, Jamal). The young guns without fear (Al and Josh). The seen it all veterans (Bibby, Joe Smith). The energy, scrappy guys (ZaZa, Mo, Mario) and finally the much maligned high draft choice who finally shows up in a big spot (Williams).
It is now officially time to stop being rational nit picking fans (which I am one) and fully go all in.
Let’s Go Hawks—- we CAN win it all!!!!
O'Brien
April 16th, 2010
4:20 pm
I give Woody a hard time, and he has his faults. But since the playoffs start tomorrow, I’m taking a break from talking about our season. That’s in the past.
Come tomorrow, everybody is 0-0, and the slates are clean. I would like to see our players and coaches step their games up, and hopefully play 48 minutes of focused intense basketball. Let’s go Hawks.
From espn.com,
“The New York Knicks and other teams hoarding salary-cap space got some good news Friday when they were told at the league’s Board of Governors meeting that the projected 2010-11 salary cap will be $56.1 million”.
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.
VenomSpitter
April 16th, 2010
4:21 pm
Sleepy just put Northcyde on BLAST big time LOL.
Get em Sleepy
Fresh
April 16th, 2010
4:32 pm
Damn, it’s been 2 hrs and nobody still hasn’t came up with a name that would be a better coach. I think most of yall just talk to be talking I guess.
O’Brien,
I agree.
Grandad
April 16th, 2010
5:27 pm
Fresh:
That question has been asked and answered a dozen times on this blog.
I would rather not re-post the names again.
I have posted @ least a doz. names over several dif. posts.
Go back & look ‘em up.
I’m not trying to be rude.
MitchC
April 16th, 2010
5:29 pm
Michael, this Hawk team is a nice team, a solid team, but, unless they have a Cinderella run, they are not winning a championship.
I agree with what Mark Bradley said earlier today. The Hawks will win round one, fairly easily. After that, how is anything a guarantee?
Orlando won 59 games. If they are our second round opponent, as they likely will be, they will have home court advantage. The Hawks have not been a good road team this year. They well could go down in the second round.
Even if we get past the semis, Cleveland would be our likely opponent in the Eastern Finals, again, without home court, and with Lebron motivated to win a title. Are we really likely to beat him in a seven game series?
This doesn’t count what might happen even if we got past Lebron. Kobe, who has been to the Finals.. six times, again without home court, because the Lakers would have it in the Finals, if we got there.
No, Michael, none of this is happening. The Hawks will either lose in the Eastern Semis, or the Eastern Finals. This team is not beating Lebron James in a seven game series, even if we get there with him , sorry.
bigdave
April 16th, 2010
5:30 pm
im eager to see a focused, energetic, confident Hawk team. when our guys play with those characteristics we are unbeatable. when we give less than par efforts we are susceptible to our deficiencies… our group has grown… this is take 3… guys know what it takes… there is no need to give anything less. the motivation is there Hawks… embrace it (every game, home or away), and we represent the east.
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!
Grandad
April 17th, 2010
2:11 am
drmaryb:
My darlin’ bring it on. I’m old but I’ve been in the kitchen a long time. Matter o’ fact if, you gonna spend time in the kitchen, you’d
best be able to take the heat. But Ive discovered that if you cozy up to the the cook, it sure does make life tolerable. I was about to say it another way but it was gonna sound risque’.
Sweetheart, I’ll talk to you tomorrow, evenin’.
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
2:21 am
Blue-Ray
(Mega-Pixels)
Did you know the Hawks (Pete & Stan) drafted Jamal Crawford 10 years ago & on draft night traded his rights to Indiana?
Mmmmh! A 360 degree turn-around that he’s back here where he belongs!
We passed on Arenas too in one draft for some Lenny coveted Duke player who reminded me of that Duke guy in Houston? But that guy was a Bust!
B-knight built this team, but really missed on Deron & CP3. Didn’t he?
Clyde
April 17th, 2010
2:22 am
FIRE WOODY
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
2:29 am
CLYDE
Shut it down & Go to sleep baby.
You need your rest so you can come up with something original later on today.
We have a play off game tomm. @ 530pm on ESPN.
Get your popcorn & Cherry-Coke Icee & a comfy chair so you see your favorite Coach & Team play.
Love You Baby! -sniggles-
Clyde
April 17th, 2010
2:45 am
drmaryb hustlers don’t sleep
FIRE WOODY
Grandad
April 17th, 2010
3:12 am
drmaryb:
I really hate to dispute what you said to Big Ray but Chicago drafted
Chris Mihm then Cleve. drafted Jamal. Cleve. then traded Jamal to Cleve. for Mihm. We had just drafted Demarr Johnson the young man who got injured in the car wreck prior to Mihm & Jamal.
They went 6,7,8. We took Hanno Mottola in the 2nd round.
Grandad
April 17th, 2010
3:16 am
should have been: (the young man who was inj. in car wreck)
That statement needed to be in ( )’s.
He was not inj. on draft night.
Clyde
April 17th, 2010
3:20 am
Grandad u still up? You wasn’t down there at Freaknik were you?
FIRE WOODY
sam'l;
April 17th, 2010
3:27 am
1. Go Hawks…you can win if you play smart and focused. Yeah, you can beat Orlando and Cleveland. .
2. Count up all the blown games, add to wins and come up with more than 60 wins possible this year. That was my figure to begin with…sorry it started a non-ending controversy….
3. Woodson is obviously very important to this team. Watch and see how he adjusts to adversity, stops other team’s hot streaks, calls plays during timeouts. See if the team plays smart and focused throughout the playoffs. That means a lot..
4. Go Hawks! This is a great year for this team.
Clyde
April 17th, 2010
3:53 am
Woody = COY
FIRE WOODY
Grandad
April 17th, 2010
4:52 am
Clyde, I’m still awake, but I’m not downtown and I promise you, the reason I’m still up is no fun at all. Gettin’ old ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. But it beats the heck out of the alternative.
Hawks win NBA ha
April 17th, 2010
6:27 am
Only way that happen if they all died and Hawks would make Finals..But since cleveland Must win the O’Brien trophy are Bust labron James will be a Knick.It would be fun see Haeks get Labron James in a atlanta uniform.But that want happen cause owners n coach would have hemoroids attack….Look for orlando vs La Lakers in re-match of finals n upset for u Bucks in 5 over Hawks before empty seats n janitors!Oh and bye bye coach woodson also!
Hawks win NBA ha
April 17th, 2010
6:29 am
I sorry i should said hawks i hit e….But still Hawks will n should be black out here for non sale out why people show if team stinks under coach woodson n Friends
o.O-Mac-Town -Macon, Georgia- Westsider-O.o
April 17th, 2010
7:02 am
best quote I’ve saw on here = “The ancient Kurt Thomas”
ken
April 17th, 2010
7:07 am
The recent spat between Phil Jackson over the calls K. Durant gets just proves what we have suspected all along . There is such a thing as superstar status in which the referees gives these guys special treatment. Jackson has seen a lot of basketball and has used this to his advantage in winning 10 championships. M. Jordan clearly pushed off B. Russell to hit that game winning shot and everyone knows it but who is going to make that call against MJ. To me, there is a huge element of unfairness in this practice but who cares in our star-struck society.
hawks_4_life
April 17th, 2010
8:37 am
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Joe-Johnson-not-leaving-Hawks-;_ylt=AlnVA5yJkZdz6vDL.HL5BdCmxMEF?urn=nba,233148
lewis
April 17th, 2010
8:43 am
yeah, someone said it in an earlier blog and I wholeheartedly agree,
For starters, the NBA rewards those who attack the basket.
Second, the league is catered towards Lebron. It’s incredibly frustrating to play against elite players because the refs are subconsciously biased. Against an Atlanta team that often has trouble “bottling up their emotions” as Smoove puts it, hopefully the REFS don’t get the best of us.
If Lebron does not win a championship, he’s going to lose the Cavaliers organization and the league a lot of money. I’d just like to see JJ and Jamal get the same calls, but I know it’s not going to happen. Guarantee Varejao gets away with all of his annoying on-court antics. Guarantee Shaq gets whatever he wants in the paint.
NBA Playoffs – going to be fun to watch.
Good luck Hawks. I’m sorry I didn’t support yall from 1998-2007, but come on, i’m from Atlanta.
I tried to get Hawks Cavs tickets this year but they were in Atlanta while i was in Cleveland and in Cleveland while I was in Atlanta.
Sucks to be a Hawks fan up here, my friends wouldn’t even let me watch the 4th quarter when the Hawks second unit was destroying theirs in the last game — “I don’t want to see this garbage” — I missed all those sick dunks.
Stay in it Hawks. I saw nearly every game this season, even though we played miserably in some, they were all enjoyable to watch because the level of talent and athleticism on this team is through the roof and each player shines in a different light. Be yourselves. Attack the basket. Attack the boards. Move the ball around. Don’t overdo ISO to the point where it’s expected every play. One game at a time, one game at a time.
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
8:43 am
Grand-Daddy
Jamal drafted by cleveland & traded to Chi-town for Chris Mihm? I forgot all about Chris Mihm? I can’t remember him. My bad then. T hanks
Now Demar Johnsosn? I do remember that bust! I think Lenny was coaching Hawks then.
You are def a memory bank of information. A plethora of facts! That’s why I love all your posts!
bigdave
April 17th, 2010
8:55 am
coach K…?
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
9:19 am
Big-Dave
Coach K?
Dikembe said it best, “I ALREADY WENT TO COLLEGE.”
This is a grown man’s business! All of Coach K players are mediocre – if that? In the NBA.
Pro – Players are hard-pressed to play DEFENSE in the NBA. No ESPN highlights for playing Def.
Only for making Dunks!
Sorry, but if that’s All you got? Ill keep Mr. Woodson! No – Thanks. -smile-
Morrus
April 17th, 2010
9:22 am
Vote out the incumbents and start over
RT
April 17th, 2010
9:37 am
Hawks are one and done…… The NBA should be limited to only 3 months. Talk about a dragged on affair. Best NBA season was the one that was canceled. Talk about a bunch of Attention seeking, “Me, Me, Me” individuals.
Now, bring on College Football
hawks_4_life
April 17th, 2010
9:40 am
drmaryb
If you are Lebron you can make sportscenter playing defense. For someone who averages just 1 blk per game it seems like somehow it always makes the highlight. The thing that irks me the most is this guy is a lock to make the all defense team, even more so before Jsmith.
Josh= 1.60; blocks=2.14
Lebron= steals=1.64; blocks=1.01
Lebron is a great player but the NBA is trying to add more to his portfolio than it warrants. Outside of Howard I dont think anyone had a better season defensively than Josh atleast statistically.
mrATL88
April 17th, 2010
9:44 am
Marvin Williams will not be an Atlanta Hawk next season.
VenomSpitter
April 17th, 2010
10:06 am
Marvin needs to retire
hawks_4_life
April 17th, 2010
10:17 am
Marvin had playing time his whole career, look how he turned out.
lewis
April 17th, 2010
10:44 am
Marvin will likely get 10/5 in the playoffs.
But he can impact the game getting dunks around the basket, fast breaks, steals, rebounding and defense. (all the things Mo Evans does)
VenomSpitter
April 17th, 2010
10:47 am
Just some vintage J-Smoove: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RulFk_gwzgc&feature=related
with the wicked dunk
doc
April 17th, 2010
11:03 am
must be playoffs, dmb bringing her a game and big gay showing he still has his sense of humor while stating it as it is.
hawks in 5.
they wait to prey on the magic. woody found the solution in the last game! he finally read the ajc hawks’ blogs where it was all revealed to him like the tablet moses found on the mount or was that at the feet of nire?
nice lewis, now where is the detractors about a solid 14/10 center just continually moving his numbers upward in a guard dominated system?
jay dubu
April 17th, 2010
11:16 am
I don’t follow the rational for thinking that JJ will leave the Hawks after the season. He’s the headliner with the Hawks, can get the max contract, and finish what he’s credited with starting to build.
I don’t think a lot of the big name guys that are free agents at season’s end, will be changing teams.
It’s good conversion for the media, and blogs, but that’s about it.
Bosh is the biggest name hat will change teams. With the number of free agents, it’s still possible for a team to rebuild, and have a much better team next year.
James and JJ will both stay put, Kobe is already off the market, and
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
11:49 am
RT
You got off on the wrong exit! This is not a College Football blog! So, A “U – Turn” would be my suggestion for You.
Hawk-4-Life
You are correct! Blocks are ESPN worthy Big-Time. (Brain Fart). Yeah, I love the Blocks High-Lights!
Josh is very special when it comes to blocking! The Guy will be an All-Star next year &
A Super-Star if he keeps progressing. Smoove will work on his jumper next. Then watch-out world! This guy will be un-stoppable if not already!
Hawks in 4! It begins today!
I got my Drink & my 2-Step! Its On!
Ramon
April 17th, 2010
11:56 am
Off Subject, just a thought, would you guys consider the addition (via signing or trade) of Yao if it was available?
hawks_4_life
April 17th, 2010
12:25 pm
Ramon,
Considering his contact and the uncertainty of him being able to recover from this injury, its not worth it.
VenomSpitter
April 17th, 2010
12:28 pm
Hell no to Yao. Our offense would be slowed down wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 17th, 2010
12:38 pm
“Off Subject, just a thought, would you guys consider the addition (via signing or trade) of Yao if it was available?”
Depends on the price. I’m a big fan of Yao when he’s healthy and I think an offense revolving around him with Joe Johnson playing off of him would be really hard for defenses to stop. With his injury history though, it’s hard to justify signing him to longer than a 3 year deal at around $27 million, and not only would he probably want more but Houston would probably want Josh or Al in return, which definitely ain’t worth it.
JeJe
April 17th, 2010
12:44 pm
Every team in the West playoffs has 50+ wins. We won 53 after our 82 year rebuilding.
FIRE WOODY
sam'l
April 17th, 2010
1:10 pm
Hawks in 4……
Ramon
April 17th, 2010
1:54 pm
I agree with all of you, I think the price would be too much for him. And I also think Al would end up playing more at C than he would. Just was considering the Centers who will be available in the next few years.
bigdave
April 17th, 2010
2:11 pm
drmary…
with all due respect, Coach K is an exception. just how much hardware does Long Kruger have? Mike Woodson has not demonstrated the ability to adjust, modify, or exploit. i m no “PUKE” fan and actually dislike the brand. however, i can’t ignore greatness. Krzyzewski has the ability to take above average talents, varying personalities and unify them under team concepts. this is evident in his basketball schemes… Woodson on the other hand, contradicts everything team. im not too sure that our defensive lapses arent a result of offensive frustration. just b/c a refreshing idea at a possible replacement head coach hasn’t presented itself, does not mean it isnt for the better or necessary. yes we have improved our (record) each year however, before i can credit Woodson with too much peripheral variables should be noted… personnel consistency, roster maturation, overall opponent decline. im trying to get to the NEXT LEVEL.. ya feel me.. i mean, have we really improved? at a point the same ole’ song gets quite played out. predictability becomes flaw. does the good out weigh the bad? i guess its personal preference. however, if a Hall of Fame talent at the head coach level wants to stay in ACC country at the pro level, you dont simply “wag a long finger” at it…
in the meantime… GO HAWKS.. GO WOODSON!
O'Brien
April 17th, 2010
2:12 pm
Marcus Camby, Brendan Haywood, Brad Miller, and Big Z will be FA this offseason too.
bigdave
April 17th, 2010
2:14 pm
in addition…
its not like we have NBA hard heads. we might have one of the best groups when it comes to “coachability” and off the field behavior. not to mention not to far removed from college halls…
northcyde
April 17th, 2010
2:17 pm
Sleepy
April 16th, 2010
3:48 pm
So now the great Northcyde tells us that the only way we couldve won 7 more games is if somehow our players become future HOF’ers ?
4-7 @ Det – 4pt lead with one minute left 90-88 L
3-17 @ Tor – 4pt lead with one minute left 106-105 L
3-8 @ NY – joshs layup at the buzzer blocked 99-98 L
2-26 Mavs 2pt lead with a minute and half to play 111-103 OT L
2-21 @GS 2pt lead with a minute and half to play 108-104 L
and thats just POST all star break
you add in the clevland melt down in the home and home and the OT games vs the Bulls and Knicks and we have someone saying the only way we couldve won those games were if our players were future HOF players simply because the other teams had a HOF player ?
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 .
But I guess the only way they could do that is if they were HOF players ?
*******************
If that’s the game you want to play . . . fine. But if you do that, you have to . . .
- Take away JJ’s buzzer beater vs Charlotte
- Take away Smoove’s dunk at the buzzer vs Orlando
- Take away the San Antonio game, in which we were down 4 with 1:23 to go in the 4th, but play great down the stretch to close the game out eventually in OT
- Take away the Milwaukee game, in which we were down 7 points with under 4 minutes to go ( and shooting horribly ), and then down 3 with a little over a minute to go . . . but came back to force OT and win the game ( because of great defense by Smoove and Horford and JJ getting hot in OT )
And that’s just after the All-Star break.
You add Crawford’s buzzer beater 3 pointer, Smoove’s dunk at the end of the Houston game, and a few other games, and you’ll see how we won a few other games that probably should’ve been losses.
See . . . we can play the should’ve, could’ve, would’ve game all you want. The fact is that the NBA seems to always balance itself out. A team is NOT going to pull out every close game they’re in. Fortunately for us, the Hawks are usually good enough to win a good number of those games, so that it won’t lead to long losing streaks ( like it used to ).
What Hall of Fame caliber players enables a team to do, is not be in too many of those close game situations in the first place. 60+ win teams usually have a tendency to win games going away, not be in dogfights to get a win ( or a loss ).
As of right now, there are some very good players on the Hawks, but no one worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. I believe JJ should be a 3rd team All-NBA selection this year, but even that is up in the air, depending on how people view him. Could JJ one day become a Hall of Fame caliber player? Sure. And when he does, you’ll probably see us win 60+ games.
But the 60 win threshhold is a number that is not easily achieved in this league. 60+ win teams in the past 15 years.
2010: 1
2009: 3
2008: 1
2007: 2
2006: 2
2005: 2
2004: 1
2003: 2
2002: 1
2001: 0
2000: 1
1999: 2 – strike year, but Utah and San Antonio had winning % over what a 60-win team would have
1998: 4
1997: 3
1996: 3
I was naive this year to believe that the NBA could have as many as 6 teams win 60+ games this year ( Cleveland, Boston, Orlando, LA Lakers, San Antonio, and Denver ). But I didn’t pay attention to history. History says that usually only 10% of the teams in the league ( 2 per year ) are going to win 60+ games.
And a good reason for that is because the teams that normally wins 60+ games, has a top 5 player in the league playing for them . . and is a future Hall of Famer.
bigdave
April 17th, 2010
2:19 pm
furthermore…
you can feel Duke pro’s have been “mediocre” pros if you’d like. you cant say they are ill prepared. coaching philosophies… destiny… franchises.. talent.. all play roles in a career.
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
2:21 pm
7 footers with agility are extremely rare. SHAQ is a Bohemeth an Aberration of sorts.
The taller you are, the longer it takes for the blood & oxygen to travel to the fingers & even longer to travel to the toes.
The fine motor skills are almost absent. That’s why it takes so long to develop the 7 foot basketball player.
Remember how mechanical, slow & predictable Dikembe’s low post moves were.
These guys also have a lot of foot injuries over time.
I don’t know fellas, they don’t make big centers like they used to. Dwight Howard is a physical specimen, A Beast! But how many of him are there out there?
Looks like we are going to have to go with what we got. It doesn’t seem fair that Cleveland has two of them on their team?
Is Dampier & Diop the best contenders can do? What is Horford – 6′ 10″? & how tall is Zsa Zsa?
drmaryb
April 17th, 2010
2:38 pm
Big-Dave,
I don’t know man? Coach K is an amazing Coach. But why would he leave Duke?
I mean its one think Coaching the kids who barely have enough money for pizza & beer. Those kids play with so much hunger (literally) and heart. They would walk through a wall – if it means getting drafted.
But, once the get to the NBA & see all the money, girls and stuff? It changes them & complacency creeps in. Its a lot harder Coaching Millies!
The Elite coaches have that instant credibility & player respect in the NBA.
I just don’t know. Look at Pete Carroll in College -vs- Pro Football.
northcyde
April 17th, 2010
2:50 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.
Lowering or tempered expectations? What were the expectations for the Hawks coming into the season? What did most fans expect this team was going to do? No one was talking NBA Title around here. People were talking about winning 50 – 55 games . . getting to the level of the BIG 3 . . and possibly getting to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in Atlanta Hawks history.
Those were the expectations.
The great thing about the Hawks, is that BK built the Hawks with the 2004 Pistons in mind. And Sund had sense enough not to completely mess up that vision, while also going out and getting players that could add to the mix.
The Hawks trump card in this playoffs, is that we have 2 really good guards who can also create and make their own shot. When playoff defenses stiffen, and the refs stop blowing the whistle for fouls, it’s going to be their ability to create and make shots that will save us . . . or kill us.
The reason why I criticize some of the ATL people, is because their excuse for not supporting the Hawks by going to the games, is that the Hawks aren’t good enough . . or don’t have a superstar player. Some of them act like this is a mediocre ballclub, especially at home. When you post a 65 – 17 home record for the past 2 years ( tying the best 2 year stretch in franchise history ), that is NOT mediocre basketball.
You and I both know that the Hawks aren’t quite a championship caliber team yet. But a fan base is supposed to be there for the team when they first start to get good, and build toward BECOMING a championship team.
They’re not supposed to wait and say . . “OK . . we’re going to wait until you become a LEGIT title contender, THEN we’ll support you.”
That’s the mark of a bad fan base right there.
RaJaH
April 17th, 2010
2:50 pm
I thought the second round draft pick the Hawks received from Houston (David Andersen) was for this year. I just learned from Draftexpress that it’s for 2011 and also top 40 protected.
2009-2010 BLOG FANTASY CHAMPION!
bigdave
April 17th, 2010
2:56 pm
“The Elite coaches have that instant credibility & player respect in the NBA.”
u said it right there… and he has that. remember Kobe (best player on the planet at the time) hand picked Coach K to come to that freak show and he eventually declined… and i’d argue that an NBA head coaching position is way more intimate than one in the NFL. after the prep level at times your coordinators are more involved with your day to day endeavors than your head coach. Pete Carrol isnt on the icon level that K is.. at least not on the east coast.. but we have a good group of guys here anyway..
as far as him leaving… this has all been hypothetical thats all we bloggers do is speculate even when we try to support our claims with statistical data. at the end of the day, we make 0 decisions…
northcyde
April 17th, 2010
3:00 pm
O’Brien . . . Marcus Camby was the guy I wanted over Jamal Crawford. But I don’t think the Clippers wer even thinking about dealing him at that time. If we could get him in the offseason . . wow. What a nice change of pace that would be. Bringing in Zaza and Camby ( playing his natural position ) off the bench . . while also being able to mix and match them with Smoove and Horford. It’s amazing the way Camby can still rebound the basketball.
That’s pretty much the dream scenario right there.
O'Brien
April 17th, 2010
3:08 pm
northcyde,
At the trade deadline, I thought Camby would have been a good target for us, but Hawks did not have any tradeable assets.
Playoffs are officially underway. Bulls 8, Cavs 8, in the first quarter.
Go Bulls, Go Hawks, Go Bobcats.
Section 303
April 17th, 2010
3:12 pm
Boys,
Leaving for Philips right now! Let’s go! Hope to see (and hear!) you all there! Go HAWKS!!! Can’t wait for this game!
northcyde
April 17th, 2010
3:18 pm
As far as college coaches go . . it’s no surprise to me that one of the only ones that have succeeded on the pro level, has been Larry Brown. And that’s because of his halfcourt defensive philosophies.
The guys with great offensive philosophies or gimmick press defenses have failed miserably on the pro level. They quickly find out that you need 1) players who can defend and players who can create and make shots . . . and 2) you have to be able to “manage” pro players, without doing all of the screaming that they did at players in college.
The college style of coaching simply doesn’t work in the pros.
bigdave
April 17th, 2010
3:34 pm
or a hell of a team… (see Pistons)
or a hell of a player… (see Allen Iverson)
by no means is Coach K’s X’s and O’s limited to the collegiate level.
id even make the argument that Woodson has shown the prowess of a Ralph J. Bunche Middle School head coach.
northcyde
April 17th, 2010
3:51 pm
Big Dave . . you do realize that the halmark of both of those teams . . was DEFENSE right?
That was instilled and perfected by Larry Brown. Even right now, the Charlotte Bobcats are the #1 defensive rated team in the NBA. And look where they are right now. They just don’t have enough offense . . or that Hall of Fame offensive player . . to see them get far in the playoffs. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t scare the hell out of Orlando.
But Brown knows exactly the type of players he needs to build a winner. That’s why he usually instructs management to go out and get those players. The rest of those college coaches are believers in their offensive “systems”. And when their “systems” fail on the NBA level, they don’t know what to do, and are usually fired shortly thereafter.
northcyde
April 17th, 2010
3:52 pm
Poor Chicago. Just not enough offense to compete with Cleveland. That’s why we can’t let this team get their hands on Joe Johnson . . no matter what the cost.