Atlanta Hawks: Getaway day

“It’s a new day with a new attitude. ”

I certainly hope so. If the Hawks are going to make moves this year it’s increasingly looking like it will have to be because of Drew and Teague. Everything I’ve heard about Drew so far seems positive. Let’s hope this translates onto the court.

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“in a worst case scenario, I see us finishing no lower than the 3rd seed.”

Again, I hope when y’all are formulating your expectations, you are taking into account the seeding system. For the Hawks to finish any higher than 5th, they have to hae a better record than either Miami or Orlando.

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The current interest and apparent progress of Garrett Siler might finally be justified. He could very well be one of those raw, but intelligent and very coach-able players that had the light finally come on. Having a player of YMing’s caliber take a personal interest in your development has got to be inspirational and a confidence builder.

I can certainly see him providing us with a lot more potential, and as much, if not more, production than possibly LDampier, JCollins or RMorris. And yes, I’m now convinced RMorris is a waste of our time.

I see the ASG waiting until they see what LDrew and LConnor can do with this team and its players before making a commitment to seriously upgrading our roster. That wait could end by the trade deadline, or it could end after the playoffs. And for those who insist on calling Sund and the ASG STUPID AND INCOMPETENT for not giving into Shaq’s demands and signing him, then the rest of the NBA’s owners, GM’s and HC’s must be just as STUPID AND INCOMPETENT, since not one of them has bothered to offer him anything.

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In the 06-07 off season, most Hawk fans doubted the teams ability to gain the 8th seed and make the playoffs. After making the playoffs and proving them all wrong, those same fans doubted their ability to win a single gm against the powerful Celtics.

In the 07-08 off season, most Hawk fans doubted their ability to win more than 40-42gms, get higher than the 6 or 7seed, and get past the 1st round of the playoffs.

In the 08-09 season we had most of these same Hawk fans doubting the teams ability to break the 50 win mark, get higher than a 5 or 6 seed and make it past the 1st rd of the playoffs.

Now, we’re in the 09-10 off season, and once again we have most of these same NEGATIVE MINDED “SHOW ME” THINKERS continuing to offer all of the SAME UNJUSTIFIABLE EXPLANATIONS AND EXCUSES for refusing to believe the Hawks can again make liar’s out them. YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER, BUT YOU CAN’T MAKE HIM DRINK. And the Hawks have been leading these horses to water for the last 3yrs.

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Truth, like I stated…I may have missed something…when I seen him…he was playing for NJ. Terrance Williams, Favors and Damion James was getting all the attention. He did have some bright spots on offense…either way…I don’t have problem with the Hawks inviting Siler to camp.

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BIG RAY-I don’t view us expressing opposing opinions as an argument, but obviously you do.

NAJEH-I know you were trying to make a point, but don’t put words in my mouth in the process. I HAVE NEVER SAID THE HAWKS CAN BE A TITLE CONTENDER WITH OUR CURRENT HC AND ROSTER, NEVER. What I actually said was we will be a much better overall team and playoff contender with our current roster and new HC, and I stand by that.

I agree with what REV IN TAMPA said about the team. We need to solidify our PG position and upgrade our bench, especially our backup SF, PG and Center. In addition, we simply have too many questions that need to be answered before we can become a serious title contender.

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Najeh raises a good point. It will be hard for the hawks to finish 4th or higher.

All 3 division winners are guaranteed a top 4 seed. I think both Miami and Orlando will have better records than the hawks, and even if we have a better record than boston and chicago or cleveland, we would still be 5th.

Which means we will play the 4th seed in the first round. And not have homecourt. Obviously its its all speculation, but the hawks will have their work cut out for them.

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Playoffs
The three regular season divisional winners in each conference earn a playoff berth and one of the conference’s top three playoff seeds based on regular season record. The remaining five playoff berths for each conference will be based on regular season records with no regard to divisional alignment.

Home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs will be based solely on regular season record, not playoff seeding, thus a divisional winner that has a higher playoff seed than an opponent will not necessarily have home-court advantage in the playoff series.

Retrieved from “http://hoopedia.nba.com/index.php?title=NBA_Conferences/Divisions”

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When MC was leaving for vacation, he said Ken S would be filling in.

Ken did a good job filling in after sekou and before MC, but I am very disappointed that he has not put a new blog up.

He could talk about the rumored Jason Collins coming back, Josh Powell signing, anything new on shaq etc.

I will stage my own silent protest. I will not post on this blog anymore. But I will be back when the new blog is posted.

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O’Brien, Sekou posted on Twitter, that a Hawks official informed him the Shaq situation isn’t dead, and they’re still exploring the possibilities of bringing him in. He just posted that today.

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Everytime I read the words “true center” I want to puke.

Dude went to the ALL STAR GAME. AS A CENTER.

Atlanta’s perimeter d stinks. THIS is the main problem. How can the Horford debate continue to rage on after, you know, he went to the ALL STAR GAME as a CENTER?

Also, to all the negative ninnies, how can any of you shade tree general managers say with certainty that the Hawks couldn’t possibly win a title with this group? Is this roster any less talented that the Pistons team that won a few years ago? Are we that much worse than the Lakers, who we held under 70 points in a game with this group on the floor at home?

The Magic are not unbeatable. There’s no guarantee that this Miami thing will even work. We have no idea how this roster will respond to Drew, they could take off. What we do know is Atlanta won a lot of games last season (and the year before) with this same “core” (sick of hearing that one too).

And seriously, AJC, this is pathetic. Put Big Ray on here, or the Ken Seg????? dude and get something posted. I’m embarrassed FOR YOU that there hasn’t been a blog in a week. I don’t begrudge dude going on vacation, but seriously you can’t tell me that you can’t afford to get someone to post something on this blog for a week.

PATHETIC!

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CP3 would love 2 come play for the hawks, rumors could be just rumors but if ASG was smart business men and would go over the luxury tax by 5mill at the most, don’t this so call owner ship no how much revenue that CP3 will bring 2 this franchise and more games would be sold out, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist 2 figure this out plus he would be the best player on the team 2 play along with joe who ASG over paid for and could be the other batman 2 CP3.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

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OK lets do my scenario let say the hornets want crawford, marvin, teagu, zaza, and a first for CP3 and okafor, maybe they bite for trade because MARVIN who is a starter and is only 24, they get a young teague at 22, plus a solid back up or a starter in zaza who is 25 plus the six man of the year and expiring contract in jamal plus a first the trade maybe just enough 2 get CP3 with out giving up josh or hord.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!

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Sorry our big 3 should be stated as (Joe, Josh, and Al)

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~~MAC-ToWN~~ (Area Code 478)

July 25th, 2010
11:19 pm
“I think people are greatly underestimating how much of difference having legit schemes on offense and defense will improve this team over woodson’s “only ISO on O and only switching on D…and never adjusting out of those if they dont work” game plan.”

Co-sign. Definitely don’t think people realize how much of a barrier the Hawks set up for themselves with the lack of a sound offensive/defensive system. They were playing at disadvantages 24-7. How is it advantageous to have your center on their PG? Or your PG on their C? Defensively, we were always out of place. Offensively, if the ball isn’t moving, someone’s working too hard to get points. Late in games is a different scenario, but throughout the game, one or two guys shouldn’t have to go exclusively ISO to get buckets. Both offensively and defensively, the Hawks *scheme* beat themselves.

People also keep mentioning how Milwaukee’s gotten better and Chicago’s gotten better, and no doubt they have. But, let’s get one thing straight, the Bucks took us to 7 because Skiles was working Woody on the sidelines – not because they had as much or more talent than the Hawks. In terms of talent, the Bucks were nowhere near the Hawks, and the same will hold true again this season. They’ve got a solid young core in place – but to anybody who thinks they leap the Hawks in wins this year – not happening.

The Bulls have gotten better, but they didn’t get as good as *they* thought they would. You went from trying to land a Lebron/Bosh combo to settling on McGrady/Boozer? Throw in a Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer and it’s nothing to have your head hanging over, but I still don’t think they added the talent to leap-frog ATL. They got a poor-man’s Lebron/Bosh.

The reason I’m mentioning this is for a few reasons. I know many here are disappointed in Hawks management for their lack of aggressiveness (me included). I myself am scratching my head watching ASG take the route they’ve taken to fill out the roster. I too can’t get why they didn’t just draft a kid like Whiteside to add some depth and athleticism to the frontcourt when it’s obvious you’re not aggressively pursuing a BIG that will make a solid impact. Powell’s alright, I actually like the pickup. He’ll be a great energy guy. But, it’s hard to sell what you’ve done because you’ve essentially set yourselves up. You came away from the draft talking about getting some savy vets in here, but I personally don’t think Powell fits the bill. Again, I like the Powell pick-up, but considering how passive you were in the draft (selling pick #31 for $$$), one would figure you’d be a bit more aggressive in FA.

I mean, the Miami Heat have one of the best coaches of all-time ready to step in for Spoelstra if he can’t handle the situation. But, having one of the best coaches in the game didn’t stop Miami from getting everything they could out of FA. By the way, who in here really thinks Spoelstra finishes this season with the Heat? (that’s another convo).

The point, it’s tough for me to buy what ASG’s selling, because they come off as very cheap/deceptive people. I’d rather you tell me straight up from the get-go that you don’t plan on doing much to the roster for so-and-so reason as opposed to feeding me BS.

That’s why Hawks fans are mad. ASG has to make an effort to demonstrate that they’re serious about the Hawks winning more than regular season games.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYgSWGbEKsQ

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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAmFVAfhVv0http

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Ken Strickland

July 25th, 2010
9:47 pm

True. Worth noting that the rule was changed this year. Prior to this year what Naveh/Obrien was saying is correct.

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For all who say ATL. cant get CP3 without including JOSH or AL in a trade is wrong. They will trade CP3 if ATL agree to take OKAFOR. JA. CRAWFORD,1ST RD.PICK,ZAZA,BIBBY,MO.EVANS. That is what NO is looking for cap relief and draft pick. They not want to take HORFORD because could loose him in next year free agent class.They dont want Josh because of his rep as a hard head and the money he is still owe.

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How the hell does taking on Bibby and Zaza constitute “cap relief”? Some of these posts make my head hurt.

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Truth-Serum: “I see you have been quoting me”
“Therefore a gift”:

“Measure for Measure”

“Thyself and thy belongings
Are not thine own so proper as to waste
Thyself upon thy virtues, they on thee.
Heaven doth with us as we with torches do,
Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues
Did not go forth of us, ’t were all alike
As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touch’d
But to fine issues, nor Nature never lends
The smallest scruple of her excellence
But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines
Herself the glory of a creditor,
Both thanks and use.”

“Now, as fond fathers,
Having bound up the threat’ning twigs of birch,
Only to stick it in their children’s sight
For terror, not to use, in time the rod
Becomes more mocked than feared; so our decrees,
Dead to infliction, to themselves are dead,
And liberty plucks justice by the nose;
The baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart
Goes all decorum.”

“What’s your’s is mine and what is mine is yours.”

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WE NEED A CENTER

As expected, I co-sign with you on that.

Grandad/sautee

2 words….

Hawks basketball – I hope that isnt lost on either of you.

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With respect to all the guys who give us excellent insight and who dive deeper than my feeble brain, we can in fact moan and state the fact that Sund and the ASG are playing games that we don’t consider acceptable.
Going back to the employee #2 signing, I always thought that Sund would let the market determine the worth of our playoff underachieving 3rd teamer. I was surprised at their approach and while it may not show now, but it will in 3-4 years. Is their approach that this team will ‘rise up’ the 1st half of his contract? BTW, I see the Shaq approach going the same way we saw the Smoove negotiations go. We are allowing the rest of the league determine the market for Shaq. Not a bad move, but it could work against us should Charlotte make a play for him. And why can’t Shaq play a Alonzo Mourning role for us here and accpet a bench slot playing behind Al? I for one am not for trading a player to get him on our roster. I am for improving the roster elsewhere if it looks like we can win with Shaq/Zaza/Collins. I just don’t see why that isn’t possible. I still pine for Al Jefferson with our talent but I digress.
I am not going to delve deeper because this team is still young. What concerns me is the opportunity to bring in a vet type player who could help up get to the next level. I look at a couple of things:
1) What player(s) give the elite teams mismatch problems? My first thought was Rondo. Miami of course, but Brandon Jennings and Derrick Rose as well.
2) What team(s) can we go in and probably steal a game(or 2, which would have to happen) on the road. Reasons for this concern:
- we aren’t in a weak division ala Boston or even Chicago/Milwaukee
- as it stands today, we will be 3rd if we can hold off Charlotte.

So in looking at that approach, our seed will be determined by how well we do against Miami and Orlando, plain and simple. Isn’t that 8 games that we would need to at least a 2-6 record to compete for a better seed? We were 1-3 against both Orlando and Miami last year. Today’s lineup does not improve on that.
On a good note, I think that the games we play during the regular season against Miami and Orlando are at a playoff level re: scoring.
We scored 82.3 against Orlando (versus their 98.5) and 87.5 against Miami, and we blew out Miami in the only game we won. That sounds like playoff numbers and we simply have to do better than that.
If the ASG shows any concern about how we match up against the top teams, it hasn’t shown. But I will give you this:
- There’s no reason why we can’t split with Boston. I just think they got their confidence back this past playoffs.
- There’s no reason why we don’t turn the tables on Cleveland…enough said there.
- We can beat Chicago as we scored 105.8/game and took 3 of 4. I would be content with a split after their changes this year.
- Milwaukee has to be healthier this year and if they’re not, they have added to their bench and have a Michael Redd that can possibly help them late next year. I would be happy with a split here as well.
- I mention Charlotte and Detroit, who will compete with us just fine next year. We cannot continue to struggle with these teams to be an elite team.

So that leaves Orlando and the Miami Hi-Lites. In no way do I see us matching up with these teams as they stand today. I gotta think that changes are still coming for Orlando as they have spent an exorbinant amount of money and they are going to make a splash in their new Amway arena. Carter/Lewis play well against us, so they just might stay with them like we are with employee #2 for the playoffs.

There are a lot of good things with this team. Why is there such a defense from some here for a team that didn’t compete with ORL and CLE last year and now will fight arduously with ORL and MIA?
On paper, a lot from last year looks the same; the main diff is MIA and CLE.

The team that has built some serious depth is Milwaukee and its because of their injuries last year. But a Jennings/Bogut/Maggette big 3 doesn’t sound all too bad. I expect them to be fighting for a Top 3-4 seed because their division allows it.

LD does have a lot to work with, but he also has a lot that could work against him. Does he have a total buyin from this roster? We’ll see when things get tough during a losing streak.
Can we continue winning 34 out of 41 home games? I think we can, but we will have slippage.
The road results have to improve from 19-22. You have to have a .500 record to be considered a serious contender for just your conference alone.
But no one should say that this should not be an attempted run to the championship. I don’t like the makeup we have now, and something will hve to change for it to happen because you can’t let teams near your level get ALOT better while you stand pat and hand out bonuses to guys who simply went thru the motions all too often last year at least from my prespective.

I somehow must start thinking like the ASG/Sund to understand what they are building here. Perhaps they need to compensate me like they do with Holman/Rathburn and Dominique so I see nothing but greener pastures going forward.

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Chris Broussard on sports center this morning says,“Atlanta is looking like the front runner to land Shaq.”

um.. can anyone associated with the Hawks tell us how this is possible given what we’ve been told..

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