Atlanta Hawks Squawks Game 3: Magic 105, Hawks 75
– Presented with a chance to get back in this series, the Hawks instead checked out. “I wish I knew [why],” Woody said. “It’s very disappointing. After we played three wonderful quarters there in Orlando, I figured we would come home and really play at a high level, make a series out of it. We were so flat coming out.”
– Guess they shouldn’t have been so indignant at those questions about their heart and toughness after that Game 5 loss to Milwaukee. They rallied to beat the Bucks but the Magic are a much better team. Faced with that challenge, the Hawks have laid down in two out of the three games. Is there any way they won’t fold again in Game 4?
– At least Al still seems to care: “It’s frustrating. It really is. I’m not the kind of person that’s going to get out there and point people out. I will acknowledge it. I’ll let them know but you’re not going to see me cursing somebody out or things like that. They know what they have to do. And it’s just frustrating when the effort’s not there.”
– It was an ugly scene at Philips Arena. Fans let the Hawks know that competing and losing is a different deal than failing to show up for a home playoff game. The boos started in the first quarter, grew louder at halftime and reached a crescendo when the home team walked off the floor.
– After Smoove shot a jump shot, Woody barked at him to pass the ball. Smoove shot Woody a look as if to say, “Whatever.” That kind of sums up the way the Hawks played. They weren’t really competing but, oh well.
– J.J. acknowledged the “embarrassing” effort but then seemed to be saying “oh well” to fans who didn’t like it: “That doesn’t bother me and I hope it doesn’t bother anyone in this locker room. It’s about us in this locker room. We could care less if [fans] showed up.”
– That’s the Hawks’ leader, All-Star, and highest-paid player talking. And oh, by the way, he’s been pretty bad in the playoffs. He said he doesn’t think he’s costing himself money with his performance but I’m not so sure. He’s definitely raising more questions about his future with the Hawks.
– “It’s terrible to have a performance like that, especially individuals, [including] myself,” Joe said. “These guys look to me for guidance, and when you are playing like that, it is almost impossible for us to win. I take a lot of heat for this, a lot of criticism.”
– He doesn’t have to like the boos but better to say nothing at all than insult the paying customers. A professional basketball team that gives this kind of weak effort in a big game deserves to be booed. “We expected to come out today and play at a high level,” Woody said. “I’m sure our fans expected that. We deserved that. We didn’t compete today.”
– It’s amazing how quickly the atmosphere surrounding the Hawks has soured. It wasn’t too long ago that they finished a 53-win season and there was a debate about the futures of J.J. and Woody. Then they pummeled Milwaukee in Games 1 and 2 and it appeared maybe they were on their way.
– Ownership has pretty much said that the Hawks need to make a good showing in the playoffs or all bets are off. And then the Hawks struggle to beat Milwaukee in 7 games and now are on the verge of being swept by the Magic.
– Don’t get me wrong: Orlando is a better team than the Hawks and a bad matchup. That doesn’t mean the Hawks shouldn’t at least be able to deliver more than one victory and two-perhaps-three competitive efforts in their last seven games against the Magic.
– It’s about more than Dwight Howard, too. Yeah, he was beast in Game 2 but, think about it: He only scored 10 points over the final three quarters of that game and the Hawks took an 8-point lead. The Magic made their comeback when Howard was on the bench.
– This time, Howard was on the bench with two fouls and the Magic down 24-16. When he returned to the game in the second quarter, the Magic were up 38-24. The Magic’s bench players outplayed the Hawks’ starters over that stretch. That has little to do with talent and more to do with a team that is sharper than the Hawks.
– Watching the Magic run their offense and then watching the Hawks try to do the same is like seeing two teams who play in different leagues. “Offensively, the ball was stuck on one side of the floor,” Smoove said. “They’re a great defensive team. When you do that against a great defensive team, you just play into their hands.”
– How many times have the Hawks made similar comments this season? Why are they still saying it in the East semifinals? The stagnant offense has been an issue all season long but it was masked by the good offensive numbers and opponents who didn’t have the time to lock in on the Hawks for the regular season.
– Now it’s the playoffs and Scott Skiles and Stan Van Gundy, two coaches who push their teams to defend at a high level, figured them out. And when the Hawks have a tough time scoring, usually everything else falls apart, too.
– Skiles didn’t have the horses to beat the Hawks, but Van Gundy certainly does. He never lets up on his team, either, and that’s important when Howard is the dominant personality. The Magic have a potent combination of talent, skill and coaching. “What I really like is the intensity,” Van Gundy said. “The guys never got big-headed. They came to play. They played hard.”
– Woody hasn’t been able to get the same kind of consistent effort from the Hawks, not even when they come back to Philips Arena for an important playoff game. Before the game he said this about his future being up in the air: “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone else, but it is what it is. I am sure we will sit down at the end of the season and talk about a contract. I’ve got a two-year deal, and I’ve proudly honored it. We’ve had a wonderful season. There are a lot of teams still watching us. We control our own destiny with these next two games at home.”
– After the game, Woody said: “Tonight was just unacceptable. I’ve got to take responsibility. I’m the coach. I thought we were going to come out and compete and we didn’t.”
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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201 comments Add your comment
South ga boy in the atl
May 9th, 2010
11:55 am
Ken- With all due respect, I like a lot of what you say but I’m afraid you always overvalue Childress. He’s a guy who was somewhat limited on the offensive end (no jumpshot) and he’s been hurt half the time over the last 2 yrs. And I doubt that playing against the scrub players he has gone up against over the last 2 yrs has improved his game. He’s lost 2 crucial yrs to improve his game in the NBA that he will never get back. I would like to have him back (at a reasonable price) to come off the bench but not to start.
darrell starks
May 9th, 2010
11:58 am
DRAFT SOLOMON ALABI AT PICK 24# AND SEND HIM 2 HAKEEM OLAJUWON SCHOOL THERE BOTH ARE FROM NIGERIA.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
Wabe
May 9th, 2010
11:58 am
Isn’t Chills in Greece?
Situation in Greece isn’t so great. I wonder if that’ll play a factor into anything Chills decides to do.
I know that seems like an irrelevant matter, but it’s possible.
Clyde
May 9th, 2010
12:02 pm
“I’d rather lose with players who care and show effort and potential than win in the regular season with selfish players who all of a sudden turn tentative, soft, and painful to watch when it counts most.” – Juan
Get the hell on Joe Johnson
FIRE WOODY
terrell
May 9th, 2010
12:03 pm
Horford’s a keeper. Everyone else is expendable. Plain and simple. Never thought I’d say that about Smith, but for some reason I dont think he’ll ever get IT. Maybe its just Woody’s dumb…? Idk? But as of today, I wouldn’t be that upset if we put a package together for Smoove(throw in Bibby and Marvin if possible) for a center and a pg. Move Horford to PF, start Jamal at sg, pick up a sf and a couple of bench players(with the $ we save from JJ), and move on. It’s not like we’re going to win a championship anytime soon. Dwight and Lebron aren’t going anywhere. Remember when you always had to get past Boston or Philly back in the day, or when the Bulls always stood in the way in the Jordan era? Well that’s how it’s going to be for a while. Maybe not as dominant as those teams were, but it’s going to be tough. Especially if Stern has something to say about it. Btw, is Woody still in town? And one more thing, there is no way in hell, I’d give Joe max $. He shoulda took what they offered the 1st time around. He’s losing $ as we speak.
South ga boy in the atl
May 9th, 2010
12:11 pm
Next let me defend Najeh from Mike (whoever that luckless soul may be) . Mike I feel quite certain that the ole proverb applies with you that “Najeh has forgotten more basketball than you will ever know. So you got something right huh that Najeh missed on. Here’s a cookie, now go stand in the corner of the Internet until I tell you to come out. You see, mike, if that’s really your name, when you put strong opinions out there and you do it hundreds of times over the course of a season, you migt occassionally be wrong. (oh yea I know mike, you are never wrong are you) Najeh does a lot of research and (here’s a tip mike) THINKS about something before he posts. Now he’s human and will sometimes be wrong. ( unlike a god such as you, mike) But, unlike you mike, he doesn’t try to rub some other poster’s face in it when he’s right and the other person is wrong. That’s called having some Internet class. Now, mike, why don’t you go down to walmart or target and buy yourself a “box of clues” and start thinking about what you will post in, say 2015, when you are right again and Najeh was wrong. Don’t worry you will have plenty of time.
vava74
May 9th, 2010
12:11 pm
Mitch,
Very good post. Don’t agree 100% but you are very close.
Mike Hunt
May 9th, 2010
12:12 pm
Hawks just plain stink. They will get no farther than the 2nd round with the current team (including coach).
darrell starks
May 9th, 2010
12:13 pm
TERRELL i like horford 2 but we still can’t over look what josh bring 2 the table.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
Jojo
May 9th, 2010
12:24 pm
Nire-
Orlando’s population is just as, if not more, transient than Atlanta’s. Hence, I think your logic is seriously flawed. “If you build it, they will come”.
terrell
May 9th, 2010
12:31 pm
I know Darrell, but he’s the only player that we could get anything for. Who’s going to trade for Duck or Bibby? And I dont think we’d lose too much with Horford in that spot. Highlights maybe? But that’s about it. A lot of missed free throws, jumpers, and temper tandrums wouldn’t be missed though.
VenomSpitter
May 9th, 2010
12:38 pm
Al is more valuable to this team than Josh is.
BOTTOM LINE
Geemack
May 9th, 2010
12:42 pm
I am disappointing in the Hawks ownership group for not issuing an apology about the disappointing play, and the horrible comments made by JJ.
DawgNole
May 9th, 2010
1:02 pm
As I wrote on Schultz’s blogs, some–the ignorant “Vick Supporter” and the pompous “niremetal” in particular–have criticized the Hawks’ fans. That’s way out of line given the history of this sorry franchise, which once again embarrassed the city on national television last night. No surprise whatsoever that the national media is taking the team, and in one case the arena’s atmosphere, to task. It’s about winning CHAMPIONSHIPS, and NEVER has the Atlanta version of this team made it past even the second round of the playoffs–IN 40-PLUS YEARS of competition–let alone won it all. And those shameful results can be applied to every other major pro team this town has ever fielded in nearly a half-century of play–the ONLY exception being the ‘95 Braves. No, Vick Supporter, niremetal, and others of your ilk, don’t lay this huge stinking egg on the fans. It’s about the players, the coaches, the ownerships, and the losing mentality that has plagued this town’s major pro sports franchises since their establishment in the mid 60s. It’s about a long and DISGRACEFUL history of performances that sadly have earned our city the pitiful but painfully appropriate label of “LOSERSVILLE.” And that’s all it’s about.
Simpdawg
May 9th, 2010
1:06 pm
I think the ATL fans should cheer for Dwight Howard, hell at least he’s from Atlanta. If Joe Johnson want to blame the Hawks crowd, then the fans have every right to boo his sorry a** and cheer for Dwight, because to me this team has quit on Mike Woodson, the Hawks organization and the fans.
Simpdawg
May 9th, 2010
1:09 pm
DawgNole I agree 100% with you.
dstdeelite
May 9th, 2010
1:10 pm
If D Wade’s name is brought up one more time, I’m going to scream. He’s not coming to Atlanta. He’s legs have more miles on them than JJ’s. Get over it!! Move on!!
glw
May 9th, 2010
1:19 pm
This series has definitely proven that 1. Joe isnt the man to lead this team. 2. Horford is the closest thing that this team has to a leader. This team should be retooled and built around him. A cheaper alternative could be found than paying Johnson max money. I always thought Horford could manage at center but if he’s to lead the team, he works best at PF. I agree with darrel, Solomon Alibi would be a good pick when the hawks pick and paired with Zaza at least will give us a bigger inside presence.
Lacsho
May 9th, 2010
1:21 pm
Mitch- nice post the only thing I disagree with is the part about them hanging in there through the rough times. Both knew what they were getting into. JJ wanted to be the man, but he didn’t know how too. Woody wanted the notoriety that comes with bringing a team out of the cellar. However, when face with adversity both were exposed, and in the long run Woody really hurt JJ. Woody and JJ killed the younger player’s confidence, and stunned their growth. I give them props for the progression of this team, but that’s it.
Nire- the comment about Atlanta’s fan base was very disrespectful. I’ve been on the blog for five years. Generally the people who make those comments always live out of town, or they never buy season tickets. I’m not a season ticket holder, but I do attend a lot of home games. With the economy in the tank, the fans that pay their hard earned money deserve the right to boo anybody that coaches like they have no common sense, and players that play with no emotions. The players get paid good money to do something they love. I work hard for my money, so if I see this type of behavior I will boo all damn day. People kill me when they start generalizing and stereotyping.
Fire Woody
Sign and trade JJ
Bench Bibby or work him in with the JJ trade
Bring Chill back, and let Marvin come off the bench
Hire Mark Jackson
Sign a legit center, and a hard nose power forward to bring off the bench (he must have an attitude)
lewis
May 9th, 2010
1:22 pm
I’m a Hawks fan first. But now that they’re out, I think Orl is a good team to root for. I can’t stand how the league is catered to Lebron James, I think Mo is overrated and Antawn isn’t the solution. Stan Van Gundy is my favorite coach. Dwight represents the A.
Lacsho
May 9th, 2010
1:24 pm
DawgNole nice post
JeJe
May 9th, 2010
1:27 pm
Amen to lewis.
Gonna cheer for Orlando if we lose
northcyde
May 9th, 2010
1:33 pm
When MC says that the Hawks were booing in the 1st quarter, he’s exactly right. After JJ missed that 3rd jumpshot, the people around me started booing a little. After the missed lay-up in which he went hard to the hole but the lay-up hit the back rim, the boos and cusswords started flying. At halftime, the noise was deafening. And the mass exodus toward the exits started midway in the 3rd.
I’ve only been in a stadium in which the home team booed like that . . and that was a few years ago in Nashville, when the Titans fans booed Vince Young off the field.
JJ either made a comment out of frustration and emotion . . . or he purposely did it to burn any bridge linking him and the Hawks going into next season. Very uncharacteristic of that dude to make a stupid comment like that, after he played one of the worst games of his Hawk career ( arguably THE WORST, in my opinion ).
Josh Smith isn’t winning any hearts over either, although I thought he played much better yesterday, than he did in Game 2. But now, it’s almost like people are specifically looking for him to take plays off, in order to throw criticism toward him. If JJ has almost completely lost the fan base, Smoove had to lose about 50% of his support just because of the last 3 games alone.
If this team loses tomorrow night, I at least want them to go down with a fight. If they lay down again . . . wow. I’ll then have to see how the Magic play the rest of the way, and if they’re really just that good. ( which I doubt ).
Simpdawg
May 9th, 2010
1:33 pm
Rick Sund needs to start the interview process for hiring a new head coach. Here is a list of viable candidates for a new head coach. Avery Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy, Sam Mitchell, Dave Cowens, Mo Cheeks, Bill Laimbeer and Byron Scott. I like Bill Laimbeer, Avery Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy or Byron Scott. Let me know who you guys like as the Hawks next head coach.
northcyde
May 9th, 2010
1:40 pm
Lewis and JeJe . . . you guys need to go to a Fans 101 class. Orlando is a division rival. This isn’t some SEC alliance where you cheer for your SEC rival when they play a team from another conference ( which I don’t understand at all ). I’m a U of Tennessee grad, and I NEVER want to see Florida or Alabama win ANYTHING in football . . . and love to see Kentucky and Vanderbilt lose in basketball.
(( bleep )) Orlando. No way I’m cheering for a division rival . . a rival that has prevented us from advancing in the playoffs. Orlando fans wouldn’t cheer for us, if we were kicking their azz in a playoff series. You won’t see San Antonio fans cheer for Phoenix, or Utah fans cheer for the Lakers. And Boston fans damn sure ain’t cheering for Cleveland, if they get knocked out.
Don’t cheer for the Magic. If anything, cheer for the Suns.
Doug
May 9th, 2010
1:45 pm
Ken: You are right on the issues that firing Woody would solve…While I cetainly think that Marvin has many well documented weaknesses he would be much better in a different…any different type of offense. Bibby will have to actually compete…and a coach with a clue will play Teague as the starter. I also think that letting JJ walk or doing a sign and trade would solve a critical issue: Relieve the team of the emotional angst of relying on a supposed leader who is manifestly incapable of being either the player or the leader that such dependence calls for…also he is approaching 30 and the list of shooting guards that went south at about that age is startingly long
Mitch
May 9th, 2010
1:50 pm
Thanks vava and Lacsho…I appreciated your posts as well. Good points.
I think bringing Josh Childress back would be outstanding…his defense, toughness, hustle and finishing ability off the baseline are exactly what this team needs. I will never EVER forget games where the Hawks were getting blown out by 30 and Childress was still playing his heart out. He’s a winner.
I think if we can get a good center by dealing Josh Smith we should do it, although I am very curious to see what will become of Smoove if and when he accepts coaching. If I were coaching him, I’d keep him in the short corner away from the ball and tell him to step in on penetrations for dish dunks, or to crash hard from the backside on frontside shots, the way he did to win the Magic game…only that time he had to come from the 3 point line where his current coach allows him to camp out.
I am excited to watch the backcourt of Teague and Crawford next year. And maybe the Hawks will finally get in shape and run teams out of the gym.
I thought the female analyst yesterday (I am blanking on her name, can anyone remind me?) on ESPN was spot-on, even though the truth hurts. She kept imploring the Hawks to get some energy going, and wondered as we do why they don’t exert their athleticism. He comments on Smoove and Marvin were on the $$$, imo. Boy she really hammered Smoove for his lethargic spells…something that really needs to be further pointed out to him if he ever wishes to make the All-Star Team.
JeJe
May 9th, 2010
1:51 pm
JOE SAID THAT TOMORROW’S GAME WON’T BE AS LOPSIDED.
LOL! SO WE WILL ONLY LOSE BY 20??
northcyde
May 9th, 2010
1:54 pm
Peter
May 9th, 2010
9:04 am
JJ is correct…….. the Fans don’t have to show up, and guess what……..the Spirit will continue to go deeper into DEBT.
For an organization who lost over 10 Million last season……this is getting worse……..and the poorer the players Play……..The Poorer the team becomes.
JJ never really will get that I guess, his and the teams performance, are tied directly to how much money management, and the organization makes.
**************************
Peter . . . this team has won 65 home games the past 2 years ( 65 – 17 record over 2 yrs ). That’s tied for the best 2 year record in Hawks history. The Hawks have put a damn good product out on the floor these past 2 seasons at home. And the fans STILL didn’t show up.
JJ made a very dumb statement yesterday. He definitely should’ve kept his mouth closes. But from the other side, it’s not only the fans not showing up . . . it’s the fans showing up to cheer for another team ( or a superstar ), that is the REAL PROBLEM in my opinion.
The Hawks may have only 10,000 fans that are die hards and love that team no matter what. the other 8 – 9,000 simply go to Hawks games because . . .
- it’s the “in thing” to do at that time ( like going to a playoff game )
- their job gave them free tickets to the game
- a superstar is in town
- Chicago or New York are in town
It’s been plenty times over JJ’s career as a Hawk, that the team has played in front of 8 – 12,000 people. . even when they were good. Those comments he made stems from some of that feeling.
Like I said, he shouldn’t have said what he said. It was an ill-advised comment at the worst possible time ( especially with the garbage way he’s been playing ). But if you see where he’s coming from, I can see how he and the Hawks take an “us against the world” mentality.
doris burke
May 9th, 2010
2:00 pm
i don’t know why espn hired me. i’m a miserable commentator, under no circumstances should anything i say be taken seriously
bigdave
May 9th, 2010
2:06 pm
Northcyde…
who you supposed to be to tell someone who they are supposed to root for?? what type sh*t are you on? we dont have a heated rivalry with anyone.. this isnt Saints V. Falcons we’re talking. Orlando is a well coached (demands effort), skilled, unselfish, unified TEAM. they happen to have guys on their roster who personally ive been fans of for a long time who deserve to be champions. when my team is no longer competing i usually go with the roster that has guys from the south. thats just me. Orlando fits the bill. Jameer has a good story, given the tragic death of his father and is injury that robbed him of a career year last year. any ATLANTA native is going to root for their homeboy so you might wanna quit dog. if someone chooses to support another teams championship run that doesnt make them disloyal. even Brandon Jennings wished us well after his team bowed out. everyone isnt interested in supporting the queen..
if and when the Hawks are out.. ill be supporting Gentry’s bunch and the Orlando Magic.
DawgNole
May 9th, 2010
2:08 pm
northcycle writes: “Peter . . . this team has won 65 home games the past 2 years ( 65 – 17 record over 2 yrs ). That’s tied for the best 2 year record in Hawks history. The Hawks have put a damn good product out on the floor these past 2 seasons at home. And the fans STILL didn’t show up.”
_____________________
Why can’t you realize that it’s not about winning 65 home games in two years. It’s about winning CHAMPIONSHIPS, which the Hawks have NEVER come CLOSE to doing IN MORE THAN 40 YEARS of competion here in Atlanta! Win CHAMPIONSHIPS, and the fans will come–as will national media respect. CHAMPIONSHIPS, northcyle. CHAMPIONSHIPS. That, and that alone, is what it’s about. Forty-plus years is way beyond long enough for this city’s long-suffering fans to wait.
And thanks to Simpdawg and Lascho for your comments. Nice to see someone else on here understands the big picture.
bigdave
May 9th, 2010
2:10 pm
” The Hawks may have only 10,000 fans that are die hards and love that team no matter what. the other 8 – 9,000 simply go to Hawks games because . . .”
where are you people coming up with this stuff. just sweeping statements and generalizations based on mere opinions. where is your empirical evidence?
Mz. Hawkdafied
May 9th, 2010
2:10 pm
Question, the only player that has come out insulting the fans is Joe. So why did he use the term “we”?
And if it is all about the guys in the locker room, then Joe just let the locker room down with his performance last night.
northcyde
May 9th, 2010
2:10 pm
The future of the Hawks is as uncertain as ever now:
- JJ may walk . . and NOT agree to a sign and trade
- if that happens, we’lll have to replace his production both offensively and defensively.
- Chillz may declare his intention to come back to the NBA, but may draw a contract so expensive, that the Hawks look to involve him in a sign and trade, rather than using his services
- Need to replace a coach
- Need to find a defensive center
- Still need to find a PG
- Need to find a spot up sharpshooter
- could use another solid rebounder
Mz. Spent way more than $1399 Hawkdafied
May 9th, 2010
2:32 pm
Didn’t boo the team nor Joe Johnson last night. :-/ despite feeling angry and ashamed that those wearing Orlando merchandise were given more opportunities to cheer, scream, and shout.
cp
May 9th, 2010
2:32 pm
Mitch her name is Doris Burke..
Joe had been throwing his teammates under the bus for years so it was only a matter of time before he got the fans too.
We have to make some moves this summer. The Hawks don’t have much to spend so they should focus on young cheap talent who might not have been given the opportunity to show what they can do.. If Mo opts out I say we should sign Gerald Green. He will be cheaper than Mo. He is still very young, shoots a nice percentage from behind the arc, hits his free throws, and unlike Mo he can actually finish at the rim in traffic.He is also 6′8 so he is bigger than Mo . Ive already stated how I want Travis Outlaw as the starting sf next year I just don’t see us being able to move Duck. Either way changes have to be made
Grandad
May 9th, 2010
2:46 pm
Co-sign Ken Strickland.
For all – Josh Childress is a restricted FA. We hold his rights.
We can re-sign or S & T. Greek economy would suggest he may look
to return to the NBA. New coach would enhance our ability to re-sign.
He is on record as being frustrated @ being locked in, thus becoming typecast as a bench player (6th man) on the Hawks [under Wdsn].
He naturally wanted to compete for a starting pos. As has been proven
over the course of time, there is no competition for positions or playing time under Wdsn. He locks in players for whatever reason and throws away the key, come hell or high water.
Now for my 1st sggestion of what I’m sure will be many:
*Mega *Blockbuster *Trade:
We Send:
*Josh Smith
*Marvin Williams
*Jeff Teague
We Get:
*Stephen Curry
*Andris Biedrins
*Corey Maggette
**Works on NBA trade machine
***We absorb Maggette’s contract
[offset by Curry's rookie contract & not having to deal with *Joe]
(*max contract)(same with CM’s age for GS)
gamble with Biedrins inj.,
we get future transcendent star [SC]to replace Joe.
Ship Bibby’s salary anywhere for a bag o’ doughnuts.
****GS is motivated by Josh Smith (age, talent, potential)
Marv (age, talent, potential) & Jeff (age, talent, potential)
All three fit GS model/system and Nelson surely realizes the
untapped potential. [once again/Wdsn]
Grandad
May 9th, 2010
3:32 pm
*[Mark Bradley's article]
Said Woodson: “I’m not here to coach effort.”
Loserville USA
May 9th, 2010
4:10 pm
The immaturity of this team is the reason why this team has peaked with its present players.
Joe Johnson: Go away. You’re no leader. Leaders step up when the team needs it. Max contract? Ha!
Josh Smith: You need someone who will motivate you not to be a complaining fool every time something doesn’t go your way.
Al Horford: You dribble down low like Wilt Chamberlain. Al, you’re no Wilt Chamberlain.
Marvin Williams: Quit being schizo. Either you’re good or you’re not. Mr. Inconsistent.
Mike Bibby: Just go away. Enough bad shots and dumb fouls. Retire. Crawford is so much better it’s not even close.
This team is poorly coached, out of control and immature.
I guess we should be thankful for the playoff appearances.
But it’s time to move on. These guys have no guts. Quitters to the max.
South ga boy in the atl
May 9th, 2010
4:12 pm
Northcyde, I read in one of your earlier posts that you thought Smoove had lost about 50% of his support and fans were watching him more closely to see if he was taking certain plays off. You described me perfectly. I bought my No 5 jersey for about 70 bucks 3 years ago when I took my 2 sons to a Hawks game. I think he has made improvement in his emotional and maturity level in the last couple of yrs, but I didn’t like some of his play in these last 2 series so I decided to watch him specifically in game 3 yesterday. I really didn’t like what I saw. Besides the obvious of him reverting back to about 2008 with the launching all those long shots, his defensive effort was poor. There were times that he would work hard for a couple of min and then he would take some time off and barely guard his man but worst of all not box his man or make any serious effort to get a rebound. Pressure and stress will bring out the true measure of a man and Josh has not looked good in the last 3 weeks. Never thought I would say it but I think it’s time to trade Josh for a 5 and move Al to the 4. There’s no question of Al’s work ethic, and desire in stressful situations
terrell
May 9th, 2010
4:21 pm
GS wont trade Curry. No way, no how. Josh Smith and Nellie? Please. If Crawford was on his hot seat, what makes you think Josh wouldn’t be?
terrell
May 9th, 2010
4:50 pm
Phoenix gets
Josh Smith
Atlanta gets
Robin Lopez/Goran Dragic/Jared Dudley
Starters: Dragic/Crawford/Chills/Horford/Lopez
Bench: Teague/Bibby/Marvin/Dudley/Zaza
Coach: Bill Laimbeer
O'Brien
May 9th, 2010
5:15 pm
The Hawks have ceased meshing. Both Johnson and Al Horford admitted as much after practice Sunday. Said Horford: “The chemistry is OK at times … At times it’s not so good. At times we mesh, but sometimes when things don’t go our way we crawl in our own little hole.”
As if we didn’t have enough issues, this is from Mark Bradley’s blog on ajc.com:
“The Hawks have ceased meshing. Both Johnson and Al Horford admitted as much after practice Sunday. Said Horford: “The chemistry is OK at times … At times it’s not so good. At times we mesh, but sometimes when things don’t go our way we crawl in our own little hole.”
I thought Chemistry and continuity was our strong point? Isnt that one of the reasons why Sund resigned Bibby, Marvin and ZaZa?
Changes have to be made. I think Chills will opt out of his contract, and I think Mo Evans will opt out of his contract. I would love to see JJ resign with the Hawks, but I will not pay him $18 – $20 mil per year. I would offer him 5 years, $75 or $80 mil. Take it or leave it.
If he says no, then maybe he will agree to a sign and trade. If he doesn’t, then Rick Sund gets paid to be creative and figure out a way to improve this team. Although except for the Crawford trade, his 2009 offseason has come back to haunt him (resigning Marvin, Bibby and ZaZa, who all regressed).
VenomSpitter
May 9th, 2010
5:57 pm
Doesw anybody see what Rondo is doin to the Cavs. Too bad he wouldn’t get a chance playing for woody. Damn Teague could be Rondo.
terrell
May 9th, 2010
7:15 pm
Is Woody still in town?
slim
May 9th, 2010
8:36 pm
Bye-Bye Woody!!! Bye Joe Dynomite Johnson.. Josh attitude is toxic. Ship him outta here. He barely has an Highschool basketball IQ anyway!!! Kick rocks Dude..And Marvin, why you just don’t quit is beyond me. Your Atlanta Hawks are finally playing like you Mr. “Tin Man”!!!!!!!! You are a joke as a #2 lottery pick class of 05!! I wouldn’t watch you play a pickup game… We have ballers on the west side that would eat your lunch and take your change….Chump….
slim
May 9th, 2010
8:40 pm
Hawks should lose by 50 pts in game 4! Down by at least 23 at half. They should all call in sick on Monday because this is going to be brutal Monday night game! Josh Childress must be all smiles right about now….
slim
May 9th, 2010
8:41 pm
If Rondo played for Woody, he be riding the benched then traded in a couple of yrs!
slim
May 9th, 2010
8:45 pm
Josh does not get it and never will. He thinks hes a gift to the NBA! Winning that slam dunk contest a few years ago really set him back. His ego is huge and does not match his skill set!!! Ship his butt outta here asap!!