Atlanta Hawks: Getaway day
There will be a blog hiatus for a couple weeks while I get away for some me time. There’s a chance I might drop in with a post if anything interesting happens with the Hawks but don’t count on that (either something interesting happening or me dropping in). Meanwhile the beat will be in the capable hands of Ken S., who will chronicle the Hawks’ attempts to pluck a center from the bargain bin.
I suspect not much will have changed with my blog people when I return. Truth-Serum will still be using his multiple identities to agree with himself that Al is a terrible defensive center. JeJe will continue to rip ASG for not letting J.J. walk and using all that cap space to SIGN FREAKIN’ LEBRON. And all of you will wonder how in the heck this squad is supposed to make a move in the East with basically the same guys suiting up.
Be easy until I get back, blog people. Remember, it’s all love and and it’s just basketball . . .
MC
(Note: Commenting is closed until Michael returns Aug. 2)
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1,155 comments Add your comment
Rev in Tampa
July 22nd, 2010
8:11 am
I’m still new to the blog, but I’m guessing Wood Chuck is one of the many identities of Truth-Serum.
dap01
July 22nd, 2010
8:24 am
With the 13th roster spot, do we go after a backup pg, sf or center? These are the same areas of weaknesses that we started the offseason with.
Anyway, which direction do we go?
Fundamentals
July 22nd, 2010
8:26 am
So we now have:
Teague / Bibby
Johnson / Ja Crawford / Jo Crawford
Williams / Evans
Smith / Powell
Horford / Pachulia / Collins
Not sure about Powell, but I pray he’s a high energy guy that loves D and loves rebounding. Hopefully he can clean up the glass and get points that way in the 2nd unit. At least he’s young. If we were going to steal a marginal Laker why not DJ?
I feel like we still need either a SF that can rebound, defend and shoot the 3 or a big to stop Dwight. What does Portland need in return for Joel and Rudy?
Melvin
July 22nd, 2010
8:33 am
Darius Miles is looking to make a comeback. Maybe a partial guarantee contract fits into the ASG Budget…
http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/07/21/darius-milles-itching-for-nba-return/
Fundamentals
July 22nd, 2010
8:40 am
Hard to believe Miles is only 29. Kid had skills, but wasted them on stuff outside the game.
Samuel
July 22nd, 2010
8:50 am
MAC TOWN,
You’re not serious are you. He didn’t really say that, did he. Hey maybe we could sign “MY BOY” Adam “Little Larry” Morrison. Damn scrubb made me look bad. Hey, but Powell is an upgrade over Randmo and Rio.
Sautee
July 22nd, 2010
9:24 am
Truth-serum said this:
“* When ever you hear the shout “woody lover” kinds of remind me of the KKK’s N_gg_r lover as an attempt to force people ignore truth by subjecting fear of being branded and dis-associated.”
This is racist B.S. and has NO place in a public forum.
Does anyone actually FEAR that they are being “branded and dis-associated” (sic) on a freakin’ sports blog? Anyone? Buhler?
No, no one fears that. It’s just racist B.S.
SMH
To take the fear and hatred fomented by racist idiots of the past and try to reframe that as some kind of threat on a sports blog is not only INCREDIBLY STUPID, but absurdly inappropriate.
kwooden1
July 22nd, 2010
9:29 am
I like ATL looking at Josh Powell. He’s a tough guy that can play down low and get some rebounds. He’s a good change of pace to Josh Smith at the PF.
Fundamentals
July 22nd, 2010
9:29 am
Why can’t we focus on basketball here? Racism has no place anywere, anytime!
Fundamentals
July 22nd, 2010
9:31 am
kwooden1 – he didn’t get much shot in LA during his time, but was supposedly a great locker room guy. I agree to the other bloggers he’s an upgrade from Morris and Rio…and bloggers know I supported both, much to my dissappointment. I look forward to seeing his contributions to the team.
Ken Strickland
July 22nd, 2010
9:38 am
REV IN TAMPA-different names, same negative mentality. I’ve now reached the point where I’m no longer willing to engage the negative minded individuals who frequent these blogs. You can continue the remainder of the off season whining and crying about wanting to get rid of RSund, MWilliams and All Star center AHorford, as well as the Hawks falling apart without MWoodson and/or Shaq.
I see a very good season ahead for the Hawks, and that’s what I intend to focus on from now on. The DEF black hole we’ve had the past 2.5yrs will be filled with JTeague at PG. His speed, quickness, athleticism and penetrating ability will also provide offensive versatility. Teams can’t double team JJ and expect to contain Teague’s speed, quickness and penetrating ability with just 3 players.
Teams didn’t worry about double and triple teaming JJ with Bibby in the gm, because they knew all he was going to do is launch 3’s, whether they double teamed JJ or not. Bibby’s offensive approach reminds me somewhat of former Hawk PG Mookie Blalock, but certainly not his DEF. Teague adds a dimension to our OFF and DEF we haven’t had in over a decade.
As far as the idea of LDrew addressing the OFF instead of the DEF is concerned, the moment he indicated JTeague would get consistent mins, and given every opportunity to become the starting PG, he immediately addressed the DEF.
With JCollins and JPowell on board, along with Horford and Zaza, we now have a 4 headed center to battle with the big boys, with Powell and Zaza being able to play PF. Let’s see, JaCrawford, JoCrawford, MEvans, MBibby, ZPachulia, JPowell and JCollins. That’s not a bad bench.
Macaroni Tony
July 22nd, 2010
9:46 am
@ Ken,
I agree with you, we still have a good team. I feel some of these other teams are good on paper.
Fundamentals
July 22nd, 2010
9:48 am
Ken, they’re never going to see any hope. I still want a report on what our guys are doing this summer? We’re banking on organic growth per se…what are they doing? We have no idea.
Who’s your 13th man? Everyone keeps chirping about Tolliver?
Fundamentals
July 22nd, 2010
9:49 am
Toni – everyone was better on paper last year and we “exceeded expectations” by absolutely underachieving with the talent we had last year. I think we have a shot if LD can get the most out of our talent instead of going Woodson on them. Woodson just never adjusted or tried anyting new to inspire hard play.
O'Brien
July 22nd, 2010
10:00 am
dap01,
I think a backup SF would be better. We already have Teague, Bibby, JJ, Jamal and maybe even Jordan who can play spot minutes at the point.
But with Marvin’s inconsistency, and Mo being undersized, I think SF is where we need to go. Maybe Damien Wilkins will sign for the vet minimum to play for his hometown team.
Truth,
I think Al Horford is a bonafide center, and you dont. So my 5 bonafide centers may not be your 5 bonafide centers. So, in your opinion, give me 5 bonafide centers in the league right now, and then we can talk about how they compared in matchups against Al.
Fundamentals
July 22nd, 2010
10:09 am
O’Brien – everyone will always hate on Al, but he did ask for help on D & rebounding? Maybe to give himself some minutes at the 4 spot. I say the 13th man is a C and let Joe Johnson and Marvin cover the small forward spot. Joe gets stuck guarding whomever Marvin can’t handle and Mo is alot more attractive at SG than SF. Joe, both crawfords, teague and Bibby can handle point.
Truth-Serum
July 22nd, 2010
10:23 am
O’brien
You think Al Horford is a bona-fide center? I think you are a certifiable NUT. Why don’t
you come over here and hug my NUTS since you seem to be a crotch-sniffing, man-odog
Nut-Hugger. Mine are sagging, sweaty and hairy, you should really love that because
mine are bona-fide too!
You PUNK! I hate YOU!
Rev in Tampa
July 22nd, 2010
10:31 am
Fundamentals asked – “I still want a report on what our guys are doing this summer? We’re banking on organic growth per se…what are they doing? We have no idea.”
This question caused me to remember two quotes from earlier blogs where MC interviewed Josh Smith and Al Horford. The contrast between their two attitudes is jarring.
In the blog post “Al Horford’s Summer” Al told us what he is working on: “Obviously [last summer] I developed a lot more with the pick-and-pop as far as pick-and-rolling and shooting mid-range. Now I’m going to work on putting the ball on the floor more and strengthening my counter moves in post. Those are two things I will really be focused on.”
In the blog post “Camp Chatter” Josh told us what he is working on: Smoove stopped by Philips and watched some of the practice. What’s he been working on this summer? “I have been looking at some of my old tape. I am still studying what I need to work on.”
MC’s interview with Josh was in July. What has he done since the season ended? Last Saturday I laid down on the couch to decide whether I should cut the grass or clean up the garage. My grass is still uncut, my garage is still disorganized, but I had a nice nap. One area of improvement that Coach Drew needs to work on is character building among some of his players.
Al is a leader because he provides an example that others should follow. In trying to find the article for Al’s quote I re-read the blogpost “Catching Up (again) with Al Horford”. It is very encouraging to see how Al puts the team above himself.
Ramon
July 22nd, 2010
10:32 am
Fundamentals, the 13th man, has to be Damien Wilkens. We need another SF. I would like to see Carney get a look also.
Truth-Serum
July 22nd, 2010
10:32 am
O’Brien
Now what? I’m bona-fide and ready to ride. You PUNK! Al Horford is a Tool and so are You.
Truth-Serum
July 22nd, 2010
10:43 am
I like posting under the elite blogger names, but I can’t handle it when they do it to me.
I am such a little faggit, I just need a lot of attention and since I have no job, and no loved ones,
this is the only I can come for attention.
I’ve got 17 people running around the empty spaces of my head and sometimes they
bump into each other. Who knows which one will post today, but O’Brien is a smart
ass bitch and he will be dealt with today.
Al Horford is not a bona-fide center, You PUNK! So, get off my nuts!
Ramon
July 22nd, 2010
10:52 am
Rev, I think you’re totally off basis here. Josh is saying he’s studying film and working on decision making and you say that’s selfish and lazy? I haven’t heard anyone around the team ever call Josh lazy. How many times has there been when Josh was the only player hustling in the first half of a road game? Josh takes his own initiative to work with Olajuwon, Calvin Murphy, Steve Smith, and other great NBA players. How is Horford being a leader by stating PUBLICLY he’s not happy with the position he’s playing? Horford is the best Center on this team. But he’s not the best POWER FORWARD on this team, so if he’s unhappy with play Center, where else does he think he will get playing time at? Horford is too slow to be a great power forward in this league. He may become a decent power forward, but all of his ‘goto moves’ will not work with a quicker defender.
Truth-Serum
July 22nd, 2010
10:53 am
Roll Call
Najeh, Saltee, Doc, Grand-dad will you guys come out and play with me.
I’m trying to stir up some ISH, but O’Brien doesn’t want to play.
I posted as drmaryb, but she won’t bite either. I think I’m losing my MoJo.
I hope you guys are not getting tired of me and my puppets already,
I’m working on some new material. I’ve been riding Al’s back long enough,
he doesn’t make me hard anymore. Not like Saltee does.
Rev in Tampa
July 22nd, 2010
11:03 am
Ramon, I think you misunderstand Horford’s position. He has only stated publicly (in as far as I am aware) that he knows it is best for the team that he remain at center. I think it is we, the fans, who have been wanting to push him away from center to make room for Shaq. Here is the quote from Al:
“We need to get another big guy, another center, that’s able to help myself and Josh out,” he said. “We need to have someone to come in and have an impact. I think that is the position we need if we want to be any type of contender in the East.” Al said he doesn’t necessarily mean getting a center to supplant him as the starter so he can move to power forward. Rather, it could be a scenario where the new center plays a lot of minutes and L.D. can mix and match from among the new guy, Al, Josh, Zaza and any other big guys Sund adds (a Jason Collins return is a possibility if he gets in better shape). “I don’t have a problem splitting time [at center],” Al said. “I played a little four last year with Zaza in the game at the same time and I thought that was good. I know I am going to still play the five.” He said he’s fine with that (it seems odd that an All-Star has to say that). He said he knows some fans and media seem to be more concerned about his position than him. But the way he sees it the Hawks have to play to their strengths, which includes a lineup with him at center.
Being in Tampa I don’t get to watch the Hawks often, but I distinctly remember several instances where Josh walked up the backcourt because he was upset at himself, someone on the team, or the refs. That is a character issue.
Rev in Tampa
July 22nd, 2010
11:06 am
*the entire middle paragraph in my last post was lifted out of MC’s “Catching Up (again) with Al Horford.
drmaryb (*_*)
July 22nd, 2010
11:09 am
Lying-Serum
Has decided to jack my I’d this morning and has posted more of his filth, so that he can have a conversation with me by himself. This is because I refuse to post with him after he told Grand-Dad to,
“Go Fck himself!”. I have NO tolerance for his foolishness and lack of moral aptitude.
You guys can play with this schizofrenic, narcissistic – sociopath IF you like.
But, I have no interest in doing that. He is a FOOL and not deserving to have access to a keyboard much less a computer. Yall, have fun with this raging idiot, I have a business to run.
This blog was supposed to be FUN! It’s NOT fun anymore, when you have one
Douche Bag posting as 15 people and everyone’s I’d so he can have conversations with his own ignorant
Anal – Spinchter.
I saw a dog walking backwards today and I couldn’t tell if Lying-Serum was coming or going.
I’m out, Peace, I have to go save some lives today.
Ramon
July 22nd, 2010
11:13 am
Rev, that was AJC, but its another article (bad connection at work so can’t find it) where Al was speaking about wanting to play PF full time. He just made that statement this off season.
GMAN013
July 22nd, 2010
11:22 am
Just read this great story on Josh Powell!! Sounds like the Hawks got a strong leadership voice added to the team!!
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/columns/story?id=5121114
drmaryb (*_*)
July 22nd, 2010
11:40 am
* and I forgot to add: Bipolar and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
drmaryb (*_*)
July 22nd, 2010
11:47 am
Rev in Tampa
Re: @ 811 AM
Either you have divine intervention or you just catch on quick!
Either way, welcome to The Highlight Factory.
Rev in Tampa
July 22nd, 2010
11:48 am
GMAN013, thanks for the article. Josh Powell is certainly more than I expected. For those who have not read the article here is just a taste:
“No matter what it is, whether it’s the energy, whether it’s the confusion on defense, the confusion on offense or certain things, we just got to find a way to bring it together as a team,” Powell said of the Lakers’ struggles before the playoffs. He’s afforded himself the right to speak some harsh words, because his hard work helped create the championship culture in the first place. “Josh is one of the reasons why we were ready to win a championship because, these guys, they come in and they push,” (Lamar) Odom said.
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
12:14 pm
Why is Tyronne Hille still on the staff???
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
12:14 pm
Hill, not Hille.
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
12:19 pm
Josh Powell > Zaza, R.Morris, and Joe Smith
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
12:22 pm
Powell only got 9 min a game in LA, but look who he was playing behind. Great pickup imo.
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
12:25 pm
Josh Powell played in 65 games last year for the world champs. Morris and Joe Smith couldn’t even get off the bench for the Hawks. lol!
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
12:28 pm
A little worried about him struggling in LD’s offense after leaving the triangle though. However, it’s a helluva lot better than leaving the triangle for Woody’s offense. lol!
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
12:32 pm
How bout T-Mac for thwe vet min? Imagine a lineup of Teague/(a healthy)T-Mac/Joe/Josh/Al on the floor at the same time.
Clyde
July 22nd, 2010
12:36 pm
Is Josh Powell a center?
Power Up In My Pants
July 22nd, 2010
12:37 pm
Looks like Chicago wants T-Mac…
O'Brien
July 22nd, 2010
12:40 pm
Terrell,
One of the reasons Joe Smith could no get off the bench is because of woody. There were games (or halves) where Joe played well, but did not see the court for the next 3 games.
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
12:46 pm
I agree Obrien. But I’d still rather have a young Josh Powell over an old Joe Smith. He can backup Josh at pf. and play spot mins. at center.
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
12:48 pm
Yes Clyde, he’s listed as a 6′9 240 lb center, believe it or not.
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
12:49 pm
BTW, He’s also listed as a forward.
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
12:52 pm
Now get Damien Wilkins and we’d have 3 hometown guys on the team. (Smoove,Powell,Wilkins). Sorry Mario, your time is up.
dap01
July 22nd, 2010
12:57 pm
Josh Powell sounds impressive.
ILL-logical
July 22nd, 2010
1:59 pm
Will Josh Powell be the Alonzo Mourning fiqure that MC feels the Hawk’s locker room so desperately needs?
terrell
July 22nd, 2010
2:11 pm
Obrien, I just read an article that said Joe Smith fell out of favor with Woodson somehow. Haha! Doesn’t everybody?(Except for maybe JJ and Bibby)
Ramon
July 22nd, 2010
2:26 pm
Ill-Logical it seems that way.
107glenwood
July 22nd, 2010
2:38 pm
asg-if you are not gonna spend money, please sell the team. ASG,yall put the whole organation in a hole for years to come with that J.J max contract. Did yall forget that Al Hofford and Jamal Crawford will be F/A at the end of this season? SMH-Hawks fan no more.