Atlanta Hawks: Wizards 107, Hawks 92

If JC2 is playing this well, it means JC1 is on the way out via trade…..

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If JC1 is out then can I have Carmello Anthony ? Although Im not against Chris Paul as the acqusition.Surely if there is anyone who could drive this new motion offense.Chris could do it

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I watched this one. It was not pretty. After the 1st quarter, the Hawks were pretty much awful.

Jordan Crawford was great. He hit some tough shots, including a deep three right at the first half buzzer. Like Michael said, it was easy to see he was gassed late in the 3rd. He kept fighting, though. I was glad to see that.

Zaza and Josh Smith played well. So did Joe, but Joe can go F himself. I still have no love for the guy.

Wondering….if Jordan Crawford keeps lighting things up, will Sund reconsider trading Jamal Crawford? The two guys are basically the same player. Why keep Jamal around, if Jordan can do a lot of the same things? Especially, when the Hawks clearly need some help at the defensive end.

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This is what happen when you bring scrubbs 2 your team, etan is a cool guy but he will not make the team.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!

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DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

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WHERE IS EVERYONE NOW???? I have been saying for months that we should have traded for McGhee or Hibbert. Both of them will be All Stars by the end of next season, watch!!!

As I said before I would have given JJ for McGhee, but at this point, give them JC2 and Zaza. That way they can trade Arenas for another C.

WE NEED EITHER A Center or SF!!!

It’s probably too late to get either of the two C’s I’ve mentioned.

Go for Bibby and Zaza to GS for Biedrins.
JC1 to Indiana for Dunleavy and Posey.

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Publix i like the bibby and zaza for biedrins, but im not sold on the dunleavy and posey for jamal.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!

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I’m glad that Drew is concerned about the defense, despite us being shorthanded . . . unlike 75% of the fan base, who are using “it’s just the preseason” excuse.

In preseason, I want to see individual guys do what they do best, or doing what they were brought in to do. If they’re not doing it, then they’re having a bad preseason. If they are, then everything’s all good. Wins and losses doesn’t matter to me as much as how individuals are playing.

So which guys are doing what they’re known for, and which guys aren’t?

It’s going to be interesting to see what Drew does, if he finds out that his team just isn’t a good “on the ball” defensive team. Because that IS a distinct possibility. At that point, what adjustments ( if any ) will Drew make?

By this time next week, I wonder if it will be “just preseason”, when MIA and ORL roll into town?

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LOL@ Section 303 . Playa, you still mad at Joe?

I’ve noticed that “it’s just preseason” works both ways. When the team doesn’t do well, “it’s just preaseason.” If the team DOES do well, “it’s just preseason.” When a rookie does well, “it’s just preaseason.” When JJ turns the ball over like he doesn’t want it, “it’s just preseason.”

I guess it means what you want it to mean.

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In preseason, I want to see individual guys do what they do best, or doing what they were brought in to do. If they’re not doing it, then they’re having a bad preseason. If they are, then everything’s all good. Wins and losses doesn’t matter to me as much as how individuals are playing.

With several guys out with injury, the only bright light on the court is Jordan Crawford. And people can talk all they want about how dude is getting inflated minutes in a “it’s just preseason” game. What I see along with those inflated minutes are high scoring and fairly low turnovers. And a lot of heart and effort.

Etan Thomas, Twin, and Josh Powell ain’t showing me much. Powell is rebounding ok, but that’s about it. I sure wouldn’t mind having Dampier, as unlikely as that is.

I wonder if Sund will or is shopping JC1?

Oh I forgot…Zaza is doing decently. He’s being physical. Wait, I thought we brought Etan in for that?

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Sorry hawks fans. They peaked last year. it is all downhill from here.

.
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Jordan Crawford in the last 2 games

50 pts ( 25 ppg )
12 assts ( 6 apg )
20 – 37 FG ( 54% FG )
50+ minutes

(( standing ovation ))

That a way to take advantage of all of that playing time. And I liked what MC said . . . “he didn’t look any different, regardless of who he was playing with”.

That’s the kind of bench player we need. A guy who will play his game at a high level, regardless of what starter or scrub he’s playing with. There are about 6 or 7 guys on this team who can’t say that.

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Big Ray I commented at half time that the Hawks should be on the phone with Dampier trying to get him in here. I didn’t like the Thomas and Collins signing when they were announced and I still don’t like them. Its mind boggling to me that our front office would sign two guys who have been pretty much useless for the last 4 years and expect them to some how start producing. There were some better options available and Sund went with the family dollar bargains. I though Dampier and Boone were the way to go.

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Hey Michael can you post a legend or a Key beside your article because I’m having a hard time trying to figure out all these nicknames like Twin JC1 JC2 Smoove LD I assume is Larry Drew. Maybe it’s me but trying to keep up with all these nicknames is confusing. Guess i’ve been out of the loop too long

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It’s just preseason.

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It’s just preseason…but I’m already interested in the Hawks. Jordan Crawford does seem to have a lot of potential. Sounds like it’s not a bad idea to let them have a complete day off to recharge and regroup.

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Truth ser um

Ok hate-ing ham get on your job and open a can of hate!

TROLL ALERT

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I can remember last year all the negative BS about Woody and I never ever was a part of the Woody bashing because I could see what only basketball minds could and can see. Woody did the best with what he was given to work with. On the other hand, Drew is trying to make the team play the way he wants instead of what is best for them and it is showing and will continue to show on defense mainly.

Last year the switching defense was smart and made sense because we dictated the action. Yes, when a big switch on a guard the guard would always try to take the big off the dribble or just simply get space and shoot a jump shot. This year on defense we are not the ones dictating things. We are simply being manhandled on the perimeter and down low because now it is even more obvious that Al and Josh are undersized. We hardly ever doubled last year but this year we will have to to compensate for Al and Josh being too small. As for the offense, seriously after watching tonights game it is not for the Hawks because the offense is very easy but these guys are just not intelligent enough to run it. When someone is overplaying the passing lanes go backdoor and set screens for the guy to go backdoor then popout and get the ball. We ran flex in high school and this offense has some flex principles but this team just does not get it, they continue to force passes. When they finally do get it it will be too late. We have a somewhat easy starting schedule but we will not get off to a slow start because of all these new schemes and lifelong backup coach as a starter.

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Honestly, people, I think it’s a bit soon to start complaining again. As I have said numerous times before, you can’t pull a great deal of information from these preseason games considering the cirumstances (limited number of rotation players, injuries, etc.). We won’t truly know how effective the Hawks are as a team in Drew’s new system until we are able to see the actual roster, with all starters intact, play a regular season game that actually counts. When the team is playing to win, and not just going through the motions like most veterans do during preseason, and guys are actually playing their true rotational minutes, we will be able to start making meaningful judgments of the effectiveness of the team. Before then, it’s essentially a lot of brainstorming. Injuries to starters and 6 missing rotational players are going to result in a significantly different team on the floor, so I wouldn’t pay a ton of attention to these games, other than maybe to get a sneak peak at some of Drew’s offensive sets.

On another note, everyone has noticed how impressive Jordan Crawford has been in the last couple of games, and he may truly end up being the diamond in the rough of the draft. Just for some basic comparison, think about how incredibly hyped up John Wall’s performance has been thus far in the preseaon and then take a look at these interesting numbers:

(Preseason Averages)

John Wall:
15.8 ppg (40.1% FG)
1.8 rpg
7.8 apg
35.8 mpg

Jordan Crawford:
21.0 ppg (48.1% FG)
4.0 rpg
5.0 apg
40.7 mpg

Now, aside from the fact that Jordan is playing around 6 more minutes per game, one could argue that Jordan has been the most impressive rookie in the preseason. We can’t really make too much out of these stats considering the levels of defense that these two guys are seeing is sub-par in comparison to what they’ll see once the regular season actually starts, but it just goes to show you that the media has a way of making a lot of players look significantly better than they are. I don’t think John Wall is going to be as amazing as some people expect, but I’m not taking anything away form him. However, if I had never seen either of these players play before and I used the preseason games as a reference, I might chose Crawford over Wall to be on my team. That’s just a thought, even though both of these guys are far from being superstars or even all-stars and have a lot to work on.

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@ABsoluteLY

I definitely agree with your last post. One other problem that you forgot to mention is that our current starting PG is a major defensive liability, as well.

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TRENT THAT WAS A VERY GOOD POST.

FINALLY SOME logic and reasoning.

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Absolutely: Are you talking to me Boy? You make no sense. The switching defense dictated what the offense did this mess dictates nothing, we just lay back and take whatever they give us like puppets on a string. What ignorant basketball mind you have. You sound just like that “Dumb Sund of a GM”

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This blog is filled with hypocritical idiots. Everyone swears they can see that Bibby should not be starter anymore due to preseason games and that Jordan deserves to be a rotation player in the regular season but these losses mean nothing. So, you can see Bibby is finished and Jordan is the truth but you can’t see overall as a team we suck bad and have taken a step back? That’s just ignorant. Either it means nothing or it means everything you can’t be stuck in the middle like your in a swamp, but that’s the Hawks current position stuck in positions

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On the topic of the switching defense, I can say that it is both good and bad. As ABsoluteLY said, it was essentially utilized for one purpose: to cover up defensive liabilities on the perimeter (Bibby and Jamal). Now, in some cases, switching can be useful to create mismatches in your favor, as well as to throw off an opposing team’s offense. However, as most of us have seen all too many times, it can also be used against you and ultimately hurt you in the long run. I think of switching more as a situational tool than a true defensive scheme. You can think of it sort of like you think of a zone. It is valuable in some scenarios, but your opponent can actually use it against you to turn the tables. I think it is wise to stick with traditional, straight-up man-to-man defense for the most part in the NBA, as long as you have the personnel to do so. Then, when advantageous, you can utilize other additional defensive tools like switching, but not all of the time.

In the case of the Hawks of the past, they essentially had to make a trade-off and go with the switching since they were going to be hurt either way. If they stuck with straight-up defense while both bibby and Jamal are in the game, the opposing offense would simply take advantage of those two. Yet, if they decided to utilize switching, they covered up flaws temporarily, until the opposing team or coach eventually realized how to use the switches in his team’s own favor to create mismatches that worked. That’s the basic jist of it. That’s the reason why the Hawks defense was not exposed fully until the playoffs. A lot of coaches didn’t have time to make the impromptu adjustments necessary during the regular season because they weren’t paying a great deal of attention to the Hawks, as they didn’t have the time. In the playoffs, the opponents had the time and quickly discovered mismatches that worked and exploited them. Now, the Hawks are deciding to go with straight-up defense, but they will continue to see breakdowns until they have the complete personnel necessary to run the defense. This means, we will eventually have to remove Bibby and acquire back-up big men that can defend. Before that happens, there will always be glaring vulnerabilities when you have bibby, jamal, zaza, powell, etan, collins, or any combination of those players out on the floor.

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TRENT excellent post once again, THE SWITCH DEFENSE IS NOT A BASE DEFENSE BUT RATHER A GOOD DEFENSIVE ADJUSTMENT WHEN IT BECOMES NECESSARY. THANKYOU for making sense once again.

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trent,

excellent posts. keep it up.

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after this game L.D. needs to find him atleast 30 mins of playing time.

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With Jordan Crawford playing well, unless Jamal is traded, I’m betting Joe Johnson is gonna be seeing alot of time at SF in the regular season.

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Fire LD

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darrell starks: man, you keep it short and sweet, and your points are valid.

Woody making philosphical jargon! Now that’s funny. That guy doesnt’ deserve to be heard by the public. His stubborness and the idiocy of the ASG is why we are where we are today.

Vava, excellent review of last night’s laugher. I am not sure anything would have been learned from last night’s effort. JC2 took the role of Joe and played 1 on 5. That turnaround 21 footer was hilarious! He drained that one and the whole crowd was in awe. But there aren’t enough balls on the court for both he and Joe. JC2 aint sharing the rock if he sees the bucket!

As we go forward, we still appear to be perimeter oriented. There is no defensive pressure of any impact. Someone said the JC2 kept up with Wall….uh, you better not count on JC2 to be our PG.
The deficit you saw last night will become more common regularly. JC2 played 5 feet away from Wall to keep him from driving, but it was of little effect. Wall can ball and deserves the hype he is getting.

Its only preseason, but there is no one on this blog who can legitimately say they liked what they saw from this team. You’ve got LD just watching them go through the motions, and I don’t think one move he made created any momentum.

I have no problem waiting for the full roster to be back and be judgemental then, but if you were playing last night and trying to make this roster, only JC2 and Zaza deserved more minutes for the next game.

That frontline of Washington won’t be that bad; they like to get up and down the court.

A side note: I was watching the feed through the Washington coverage and their promos had no shot of Arenas in them….kind of like the game last night. Arenas may truly be an afterthought, but man, that contract might be tougher to move than clearing Yao out in the paint.

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Fundamentals, the operative word was “good” which is different than the word “any”.

Zaza says that he wanted more playing time and then gets his lunch handed to him by McGee?

Time for all of these guys to step up. Everyone focuses on the end of the Woody era, but he arrived at some of those decisions for a reason… Zaza was NEVER going to provide the kind of interior defense that even a tired Horford provides. The back-up center to most All-Star centers get inconsistent playing time. Gortat was good 2 seasons ago when Howard still was dealing with stupid foul trouble… once Howard learned how to avoid those problems, Gortat became an after-thought (a well-paid after-thought). Maybe the reason Horford can’t get more minutes at PF is because the other center options can’t play effectively for more than spot minutes.

The Summer of SAMENESS is beginning to bear fruit, and it looks eerily similar to last year’s crop.

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Serious lack of an inside presence. J Mcgee was going crazy in the paint= Need help now. On a positive note J Crawford is ready to contribute now!!! When his shot selection gets better watch out. he already has the “Inner Dog” I just have different feeling about this guy. Teague and Ac Law I knew they were’nt ready for the NBA game -on top of the learning curve they cant shoot a lick .

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“it’s just preseason” but shouldn’t every new player be busting their tails trying to prove themselves like Jordan Crawford has? Shouldn’t players who failed all last year be struggling to prove they’ve improved and are ready for the challenge of a new year? Shouldn’t our vets be showing us glimpses of what they worked hard on over the summer?

Instead we see out of shape players showing no cohesion, no fire and we hear about their nagging injuries and fatigue daily.

A vet min guy basically makes more per day than the average joe makes busting his tail for a month. Something just don’t feel right when they don’t show you fire and determination. Just makes you feel sick.

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“Melvin
October 13th, 2010
10:04 am

KevinM,

Why would anyone defend Wall up close, when he’s fast as lighting and don’t have a great jumpshot? The object is to force your opponent to his weakest which is the jumpshot for Wall. Just like Rose, Rondo and other quick PGs that cause more trouble if you allow them to drive to the ball in the paint. So as a defender against those types of players, you play the odds and try to bait them into taking a jumpshot.”

Its called ball pressure defense, which for obvious reasons, cannot be played with this roster. Can Teague do it, because if he can’t, then how are you gonna stop anyone? You mentioned Rose and Wall yourself; guess what? The league is full of young PGs who will blow right by you.
I saw Wall hit plenty of jumpers and there was NO ONE who stepped up and applied pressure. There were no adjustments. And if you are going to argue that the games don’t count, why don’t you attempt to do things to keep you competitive for that game? So far, there has been little to be impressed by.

I am still waiting for any semblance of defense. We have been waiting to ‘visualize’ this team and see all the improvements. To me, and what I read and see, it looks just like where we were at the end of last season. Again, I ask, what can you take from these games if they aren’t even competitive and the roster is hampered. But there is no excuse for defensive pressure and effort.
I see Al hurt, Marvin DNPs, Collins hampered, blah blah blah. Someone step up and make up for the losses.

Wanna bet that anyone who job shadows what Sund does all day wouldn’t be impressed?

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My only hope now is that Nick the Quick can get Teague to show the confidence Jordan is showing. If those two could be developed into solid defenders who could run the PG for us we’d have quite the combo.

We have options, we have talent, it’s time to show it. Where is the leadership other than Al claiming he’ll have to find a way to let the guys know.

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Woody would of tried to destroy Jordan’s confidence

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I will give Drew a chance but if our D does not improve and if we struggle with the first few games then we ask are selves was it worth it getting rid of Woody .

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If Thomas has a non guaranteed contract then we need to let him go and sign Dampier.

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JC2 is #3 in scoring in the pre-season (10/12/10). If Amare & Carmelo score 20 points in their next game JC2 will lead the NBA in scoring. I know it’s a meaningless pre-season stat, but what was the Las Vegas odd on that?

http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Scoring.jsp?league=00&season=12010&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=

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TRENT-EXCELLENT POST. On Josh’s jump shot, he appears to be using more wrist and less arm and elbow with his shot. He also appears to be getting it off a lot quicker. If he develops a consistent mid range jump shot, he’ll become a load for anyone to deal with.

With Jamal, Marvin, Pape Sy and Teague out, and with 2 of our remaining starters playing hurt, we can’t expect too much from the hawks at this point. LDrew is doing the right thing under the circumstances, and that’s evaluating his potential backup players, especially Jordan Crawford and JPowell. Even though we’re 0-3 so far this preseason, I’ve seen and heard enough of the MOTION OFF, JTeague, JCrawford and HC LDrew to know we’ll be a serious contender this yr.

I’ve also seen enough of MBibby to know he’s still going to be a DEF liability, and limited offensively. Because of his contract situation, and his ability to make key long range shots, he’ll likely make the 12 man roster. With JJ, possibly both Crawfords, and Teague, we can afford to carry him.

I didn’t get to see all or last nights gm, but I saw enough. I loved the way Zaza took it to their bigs from the high post. I was also impressed with the way EThomas did the same in his limited attempts. If given consistent mins, JPowell can be more productive for us than JSmith was last yr. If JTeague can average 11-12PPG, and 4-5APG, plus the speed, quickness, penetration, and improved DEF he’ll provide, we’ll have a definite improvement at PG, as well as our perimeter DEF.

With PG JTeague, SG JJohnson and SF MWilliams, teams will have a much harder time penetrating our perimeter DEF and attacking our interior DEF. Although Jamal Crawford is flashier and plays more under control, Jordan Crawford’s ability to score, as well as his willingness to work at playing DEF, will make him a better option in the long run.

Despite how this preseason has gone for us so far, I’M NOT BACKING DOWN FROM ANY OF THE PREDICTIONS I’VE MADE, OR EXPECTATIONS I HAVE FOR THE HAWKS THIS YR.

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Vava, so you think its okay at this point to rely on a rook to provide the lead? You are okay with him being exhausted to not give him assistance and say its because 6 guys aren’t there? Are you talking about Teague/JC1/Collins/Marvin & Pape? Truthfully, your argument should have said 4 guys.
Again, I said the preseason is not a good parameter, but when you saw what I saw, there is reason to question what LD is doing. I don’t see any defense different than year’s past. You wouldn’t have known they worked on defense in practice.

Was there one point from 2:58 left in the first half thru the end of the game that told you the Hawks made adjustments to get back in the game? Is that not part of the preseason plan? Well, if you were a strong 53 win team, I would say, sure just everyone get down the basics and work on your weaknesses. That is not what I saw:

- I saw sloppy play from the core that was out there. Both Joe and Smoove were sloppy.
- I saw JC2 taking the ball and taking charge. I don’t argue he had little to work with as his best option was a 2 game with Etan.
- I also saw a Al that looked like he was very limited. Then why is he out there? I saw Smoove and I know he has issues as well. Then, put our new bench out there and have at it…..again, all I saw to give accolades to were Zaza and JC2.

I truly don’t care if JC2 is 10-10 or 1-10…they don’t count either way……its his decision making which is in question..he gets a pass i know…..so we play passive defense to cover our limitations I guess going forward.

It is what it is, and the team that is currently out there for this preseason has yet to play 4 consistent quarters. You would think with so many returnees, and you have Bibby out there who should be the coach on the court, you wouldn’t see the non competitiveness against the WIZARDS that we saw.

I like seeing the optimism between the huge cracks though……I know LD and Sund would agree that its only preseason too!

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Exactly!

The new NEED is interior defense and rebounding!
I and others, have been beating the Daimpeer Drum!

You Heard?

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Rose Colored Glasses: [part I]

When a statement is made about Zaza getting scooled by Mcgee;
[paraphrase]. It lends me the opportunity to explain.

Zaza is physically less gifted than McGee no doubt.
However, on Zaza’s behalf, he is what sports-writers call,
a “gamer”. Zaza is a Spartan Warrior. He must use his
experience, guile, touhhness, & savvy to out-compete
his opponent. He will lose the “athletic” matchup always.
McGee is (7 ft +), with a 13 ft w-span (exaggerated),
not to mention he can leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Zaza and players like him, need good teammates around them to
fulfill their potential. The definition of a role player.
Role players are valuable [Braves], always have been & always
will be. The “Team” doesn’t function with 12 Alpha Dawgs.
Marv, although somewhat athletic & physically gifted really
when you get down to it, fits that description.
[drafted to be an Alpha dog but was never one to begin with]
however, Marv could thrive as a role player. [L.Odom]
Even Bibby has devolved into that role.

Abrupt ending!

*[Part II] later

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Set it Off!

I loved what I saw from the Perimeter crew. The offense and
perimeter defense is set from the starters point of view.
Marvin is a near lock-down defender along with Mr. Johnson and
the two probable combos of Teague and Jordan.
That issue is done offensively and defensively.

The real issue is Interior/Post defense. Josh is an All-Star weak-side
defender, who alters shots and is skurring’ people inside.
Horford plays decent positional interior defense and can hold his
own (sans Howard & Bynum) when it really matters!

We have no viable back-up at center. Zsa makes a more decent
back-up, but only at the PF (where he can over-size/match from
the 4-spot!).

That leaves the glaring hole at the 5, when playing the bigger
and better teams (i.e. Magic, Celtics & if we come outa’ the East?
The Lakers!).

How do we get to the next level?

Shaq! (Out!)
Dampieer (Do-able!)
Melo (HOF-Wise & Post-Threat pressure & Defense when he cares!)
Miracle (!)

Sund … Bust a Move!

Were Waiting!

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We got The Point!

Teague & Jordon (Strength in Numbers!)

Center Stage!

We NEED a freakin’ PROTOTYPE Center!
Just One will DO!

Josh & Al are PF’s people and should split that position equally!
I say start your best back up Center!
Get Daimpeer! (He’s your Luc longley/Bil Cartwright) on THIS
Team!!!!

Aye Sund … Do The Damn Thing – Now!

Get us a Damned anchor! To settle this Ship! Go Big! Go Hawks!
(See Gasol/Bynum!). And, were Good! Unbeatable!

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What will make Sund realize that this team needs Dampier.

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northcyde I think you’re boy Varnado is playing overseas. I’m not a big fan of Dampier mostly due to his effort day in and day out but I know this team could really use his big body. His rebounding and shot blocking would really help this team. As O’Brien pointed out on the last blog, guys like Thomas and Collins would still be available now even if we couldn’t convince Dampier to come here. Josh and AL are going to have to play big minutes this year because the drop off when they leave the game is big.

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Going forward, we need to quess-timate just how LD plans to assimilate JC2 into the lineup. If the Hawks weren’t dealing with the Jamal contract issue, the possibility of JC1 and JC2 in dual combo-guard roles with JJ on the court could be offensively very explosive. Last year under Woody, we had a 2-man threat down the stretch with JJ and Jamal and that was very effective. Opposing teams effectively defended our 2-man threat by cheating on Josh while he camped-out on the perimeter and rotating and doubling both JJ and Jamal. With Jordon in the mix in a 3-man threat configuration, doing that would be difficult. Our offense we would have the potential of taking no prisons, perhaps our own version of the big-3 with a nasty dog in each one.

Unfortunately, however, the contract stalemate seems to be headed nowhere. If Sund didn’t see this situation coming then he was more naïve then even I imagined. To let this situation continue to fester will not be beneficial to the team. Yes, Jamal is under contract so Sund can make him stay this season even though he wants to stay long-term anyway. But Jamal still hold some aces because Sund can’t make him play well especially with a perceive injury. Other teams are not stupid; Jamal has enough history so they know his potential. He will maintain his value regardless. If Sund just holds on to him until the trade deadline, Jamal will likely just skate and play soft. If so, what benefit will that serve us if we are in a dogfight for a playoff spot? Yes (Yoda), a dogfight we will be in. If fans are expecting these eastern teams to just hand us another playoff seed just because we finished third-seed last year, then they are just as naïve as Sund seems to be. There are no guarantees the Hawks will even make the playoff. Since the Hawks got the best of most of the eastern teams, they will be more than motivated to play us extra hard every single night (in case you haven’t notice that in these preseason games we played already). Unlike last year, these eastern teams will be much better than expected.

Yes JC2 looks promising but we still need more to match the competition. Just replacing JC1 with JC2 will at best net us nothing but the same. It is delusional to expect JJ to play any better beyond his 20 plus PPG and defensive effort just because he’s 124M richer. What you have seen (from him) is what you are going to get (from him). Even in the LD new system, don’t expect a miracle. Remember our margin of loss against Orlando was historical. Looking at our current roster and from what I have seen thus far, yes Teague is emerging but we still need JJ+JC1+JC2 or JJ+JC2+something else to honestly say that we have improved.

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Another thing about Dalembert, he hasn’t missed a regular season game since 2006!

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Ramon

Nice trade and the machine says it works though according to Hollinger the advantage goes to the Kings which actually gives them the incentive. But there isn’t much offense gain but we sure has hell need the interior defense.

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@ Ramon . . . that would be my target for Jamal . . Dalembert.

Both are expiring contracts, so if the Hawks opt to, they can just let him fall off the books. But Dalembert would potentially change the dynamic of this team, because of his shot blocking/rebounding ability, and his ability to allow Horford to play the 4.

If the 2 young guys in Sacramento pan out ( Cousins and Whiteside ), and if Jason Thompson continues to improve, the Kings may very well have a need for another perimeter scorer like Jamal.

Honestly, that’s a no-brainer type move to me, if the Kings would take Jamal.

One more domination of us by Dwight Howard, may set a trade like that in motion.

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The Truth, also a trade such as that will leave another roster spot available. Allowing the Hawks to possibly pursue Stackhouse or another veteran wing who would sign for minimum.

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Rose Colored Glasses: [part II]

It’s about what fits for LD.
Mary Ellen, you mention Dampier, I’ll that opportunity to address
Mr Dampier. Upon studying up on the Big guy I came around on him
a bit. I’ll come back to E.D. momentarily.

LD needs a Big, I agree. If it takes Jamal to get one, so be it.
on the other hand, let LD & and Sund see exactly what they have
before they pull the trigger.

A Big for LD, 1st & foremost must possess a high basketball IQ.
earlier someone mentioned a long (7 ftr) which I’ve been calling
for since forever.
Now, for LD and for Mary Ellen, a Laimbeer prototype would not
be such a bad fit.

Now back to Dampier, I’m not sure LD wants him.
I think if he did we would get him. Ld must think that he’s not
much of an upgrade over J-Cheese.

For myself, Dampier does not fit my specs:
Yi, AA, Bargnani, & maybe Spencer Hawes are my touchstone.

Passing, offense, shooting and / or b-ball IQ, then it’s:
Bogut, Kaman, Hibbert, both Gasol’s, T.Murphy,
or rookie Greg Monroe most of which are not available.

Another abrupt ending! [part III eventually]

***Miners Comin’ Out! captivating***

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Northcyde, two seasons ago, when Orlando went to the Finals, Dalembert gave Howard a lot of problems in the first round. In fact, the Sixers were up 2-1 in the series before Hedo took the series over.

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* “I’ll that opportunity” {{{take}}} -I’ll “take” that opportunity-

One point I left out;
I left open the possibility that E.D.’s [B-ball IQ] could be a ?.

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ahem

Dalembert = low, low, low B-ball IQ, so I’ve read.

D-bear could and or would not run E.Jordan’s offense!

D-bear along with Brand helprd get EJ ousted = ouch.

If I’m LD, I’m sayin’…..nosiree!

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crap, “helped” -not- helrdndldmcvd or whatever the heck I typed.

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NORTHCYDE-If you really believe Woodson would totally embrace Jordan Crawford, then tell me why he was so against drafting CPaul or DWilliams? Why did he feel the need to publicly state his doubts about their ability to be effective NBA PG’s? In both cases he used their size, or stature, as the reasons for his doubt. He felt CPaul was too short and frail, and DWilliams to stocky and slow.

When you add this fact to his history of limiting the mins, opportunities, consistency and growth of every young guard he’s had in his 6yrs as HC, how can you make such assumptions? You certainly can’t say SStaudemire couldn’t shoot, or create his own shot and score. Yet, he still got the WOODY TREATMENT. Your exuberant assumptions about Woodson possibly treating Jordan Crawford differently than his predecessors is definitely not supported by any facts or history.

Your assessment of Woodson is very much like the COMPLETE AND TOTAL CONTRADICTION of him sitting in a studio as an analyst stating his preference for starting a franchise by drafting a PG. Yet as a HC, he proved himself a liar by showing a total disdain for rookie PG’s by dissing and then refusing to draft the 2 top PG’s available to him in that draft, and who ultimately became 2 of the NBA’s most prolific and productive PG’s.

And do you really think 6′9″ 230lb Jarvis Varnardo, a college shot blocker who went undrafted, would be able to improve our outside and interior DEF, or hold his own against the likes of DHoward? While most everyone else is claiming we need to get bigger and taller, you feel we’d be better off with someone smaller. Don’t we already have a starting PF that’s a prolific shot blocker and fits the Jarvis Varnardo mold? Why not just move Smoove to C and Horford to PF, shot blocking problem solved, right?

Come on NORTHCYDE, we have to go into this season competing with what we have, not with what we shoulda, coulda had. Varnardo wouldn’t have made us anymore of a finals caliber team than we already are. Horford, Zaza and Collins would have still been our top 3 bigs, and that’s that. All 4 of our centers offer us something different talent, size, strength and height wise, and it’s up to LDrew to use them according to match up situations and need.

Anyone that feels we could have gotten, or afforded, a center that possessed most of what these centers bring to the table collectively, needs to go back to indulging in fantasy basketball.

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Melvin, yea I know. That’s why I made sure to say that he hasn’t missed any regular season games since 2006.

@ Grandad, they say Dwight Howard’s IQ isn’t too great either. Patrick Ewing’s IQ definitely wasn’t that high either. And I know you remember hearing years ago that Kevin Willis’ IQ (nor Moses’) wasn’t too grand either. I know that it seems like Dalembert hustles on defense and on the boards. There aren’t too many good defensive C who have high bball IQ who are available.

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If JC2 were to develop into rotation status this year?
Keep Jamal.
Teague starts 2 the [1]
Jamal starts @ the [2]
Joe starts @ the [3]
Josh & Al @ the [4,5]

Marv becomes 6th man, JC2 backs up Jamal, Zaza et al inside,
and if Pape Sy actually exists he could be a versatile def stopper.
*[notice I didn't mention Bibby]

Small but talented starting line-up.
Talent on the bench.

Another miner just came up # 27!

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I’m worried that this is turning into the NY Knicks circa 2008-2009. Everyone jacking up shots and no one playing defense. A lot of players like playing offense in a “Run n Gun” offense, but forget about the defense.

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I’m glad that everyone is worried that Evan Brock & Charlie Chan
plus Hugh Downs & Ricardo Marsh are struggling on defense right now.

But the fact remains that they will not even be on the roster.

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I still don’t think there’s a slot for JC2 on the current roster. You throw him at the 1, Bibby just lost all his value and you owe him, gulp, 12M!

Like Grandad said, Dalembert wants no part of the PO! I quoted this 2 columns ago.

He doesn’t fit here IMO….did he ever make a difference in Philly in any scheme?

As for those wanting Dampier, are you telling me that if Shaq wasn’t a good fit because of the running potential, where does Dampier fit in?

What I am confused about is what is Houston thinking? They have a full roster of bigs, so they would have to package someone to make room. If he wanted Houston, he would be there already IMO. He would be a fair backup to Yao.

Anyone think Houston improves this year and ends up in the Elite 4 of the WC? You’re talking Phoenix, Denver, Utah with major changes, so that might open the door for the West to end up:

Lakers / OKC / San Antonio / Houston / Dallas / Portland / Denver / Utah (if Jefferson bombs, especially)

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A Crying Shame!

Grand-Daddy, you are spot on as usual! However, the guys
you mentioned are all under contract elsewhere. The ASKG
did nothing to get these guys when they were possibly
available. I’m looking only at who’s left.

You hit the nail on the head with Dalembert!
Ramon and others: read your scouting report on Dalembert!
Be Careful!

Dalembert is a major cpmplainer and whiner in the locker room!
A major Cancer on his team! The coaches there literally
begged this guy to stay away from the team and go away early
, often and daily.

Dalembert is an entitled, self-absorbed piece of garbage, who
refused to go near a BB in the off-season or do one single
thing to improve his low-post scoring and foot-work.

Go to the Philly Newspapers there are a ton articles and blogs
on how glad Philly was to see him exit the arena for good!

I don’t want him here, unless he is in the visitors locker room!
Besides, he is also under contract!

Sund, apparently doesn’t know how to make a trade ..
But, Dampieer is available and would be an upgrade over
anything we have! I am tired of hearing how much weight
Twin lost! If I had a million $$ I would have a Chef & Personal
Trainer living in my basement – I am NOT impressed, one bit!

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Those four Centers can do the job collectively?

Unless, we can roll all four of them into one body – what good
is what the do collectively? They will not all 4 play in the game
@ the same time!

All we need is one Luc-Longley or Bill Cartwright!
Rebound, Defend and Slow the rest down.

On this team? Daimpeer can do that as a Starter.
I won’t repeat my earlier roster fix for the two All-Star
PF’s we already have.

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Old Hat!

BB IQ maybe overstated to a degree. You listen to JWall
speak & his best friend who is a WR-? for the Redskins who
spoke at half-time last night? High IQ’s never entered
my mind!

These guys are ballers! Naturally gifted athletes who play on
pure adrenalin and instincts! Dampieer has been playing in the
Post prolly’ since he was 5 years old. Has probably seen every
offensive play imaginable. There’s nothing new going on here.

It comes down to Heart and Desire – Period!
We need SIZE and Effort down low!
That will move Horford to the 4 to compete with Josh for that
spot. They can split those minutes equally based on match-ups.
I doesn’t matter which one starts if we get a BIG CENTER.

We would be almost as BIG as the Lakers and Houston immediately!
Size does Matter in BB!

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BTW I would have at least tried like the dickens’ to
acquire all three players I mentioned above, in lieu of what
we got now!

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drmaryb,

IMHO Griffin will make the All-Star team this year. He’s a beastly boy.

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Sautee

I saw Blake’s line the other night!
29 pts, 9 rebs, 5 dunks in 23 minutes.

Dang!

And he plays PF with Kaman at C!
Del Negro as HC!

Watch out foe the Clippas’!
They may have surpassed the Hawks.

Oh! And Baron Davis at point.

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KevinM,

If Dalembert was with the Hawks, he would not be the kind of chemistry crusher that Shaq might have become. Also, over the past 4 years, he has been healthier than Shaq.

Plus, if we got Dalembert, it would be in a trade, so our salary would not increase, whereas Shaq would have pushed us closer to the luxury tax.

I’m not sure if he would be a good fit here, but I dont think he can be compared to Shaq.

northcyde,

Agreed about resting the starters to get ready for Orlando and Miami.

I remember last preseason, when Orlando blew out the Hawks, and the word was they wanted to send a message to ATL that they (Orlando) were still the class of the division, even if it was still preseason.

The last thing we want, is to blown out in a preseason game to Orlando and Miami. We already have quotes about the players still not trusting each other…

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For The Love of Sam!

Just google: sam dalembert, complainer, lazy and feast your little eyes!

I tried to copy and paste some stuff, but the Blog Monster is working O.T.

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Googled: sam dalembert, complainer, lazy:

Calling in Gay Weekly Award – Samuel Dalembert


For some reason I have a feeling that this won’t be the last time Sammy makes the list this year. Just a hunch there. Certainly, there will be other Sixers to appear on this list because they are such frauds. Yet, none are bigger than Slammin Sammy Dalembert. Sammy is riding the bench more and more, his defending skills have eroded to almost nothing, and he still looks unbelievably clueless on the court night after night. It’s almost unbearable. Now with the injury to Elton Brand, expect to see Sammy out on the floor even more, confirming to the rest of the world how poisonous he is to the team’s success.

Let’s tackle Sammy from two angles here because it’s easier to understand just how worthless this clown is when you look at two simple facts.

#1 – Sammy is simply not talented in any way, shape, or form. Let’s just get that out of the way up front. His career numbers are 8.3 points/game, 8.0 rebounds/game, and 52% shooting from the floor in 27 minutes a game on average. This season? Try 5.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 45% shooting from the floor in 25 minutes a game. And the Sixers are paying him 10.5 million dollars this year, with only 48 players in the entire NBA making more than this joke. In the next two years he is owed 11.3 and 12.2 million by the Sixers. Dalembert’s best year was last year where he averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds a night, which for 60 million dollars seems almost criminal. Really? 60 million dollars for that? I could stand at half court and heave up shots and score ten points a night. This guy has been a full time player in the NBA since 2003 and he hasn’t lifted one Basketball in the Summer to improve his game one iota. If you look up the word ‘stagnant’ in the dictionary it will have Sammy’s picture and career stats next to it. Guarenteed.

#2 – Even more egregious than his unbearable level of talent is the fact that Sammy doesn’t give two shia-ts about being a good player. How can we say he does? When you are in the league and don’t strive to improve then what are you? Seriously. People who are successful in this world are ones who look for advantages, look to educate themselves in their profession, whatever. Sammy? Sammy has the willpower of a homeless person. Sammy got kicked off the Canadian national team this past summer for NOT CARING. He didn’t fkn care. Do we need to say anything more? If you can’t make the Canadian basketball team as a starting NBA center then you might as well pack your bags and get the fck out of dodge. He has zero commitment to his job and we’re stuck with him for two more years. It’s sickening.

So thanks Sammy. Thanks for swindling the team with some ungodly 60 million dollar contract that should have you thrown in jail for essentially breaching, and thanks for not getting serious about helping this franchise win anything. You are a total disgrace to the Sixers organization. I’d feel better if the Sixers gave the money to Al-Q u e I d a to finance t e r r o r attacks than give it to you. And thanks for being an amazing candidate for this award you lazy pig.”

A Fan’s Perspective: Ramon, Wanna’ trade places w/this guy?
————————————–
Say what we will about Rodman or Artest, but one has NEVER
questioned their, hard work, commitment, heart or love for the
Game. And, those guys played for a lot less money than Sammy.

-drmaryeb The Entertainment Reporter-

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DALEMBERT AND DAIMPEER IS A BUST.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!

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Are the hawks in a position 2 make a move for andris biedrins ? IF SO BIBBY, ZAZA, AND FIRST, FOR BIEDRINS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

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For Ramon

Yesterday you asked about a remark I made regarding Al’s
statement & your subsequent comment.
Your query was about Josh & Bibby talkin to refs.
my response: [a day late]
“other than what’s acceptable in pulic discourse”
*G-dad Oct 12th @ 6:10 pm*
(runnin’ one’s mouth to a referee is unacceptable)
*per his Coach LD & league mandate

Try again, referees were a bad analogy = pineapples -&- coconuts.

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Burned Bridges!

darrell starks I hear you loud & clear on my blue-tooth
-smiles-

Problem with Chilly is:
That slow boat had already docked & anchored
in China!

Like Jamal, Chilly felt freezed out in Atlanta by
first Billy then Ricky. He would rather play in
Grecce or China, than to ever don a Hawks Uni
ever again. That bridge was totally burned by
both parties!

If Jamal continue his course of action?
He will land there too. We can’t say send him to
the Clippers Purgatory anymore, that team is shaping
up pretty well. If they can keep all their organic talent
and get Byron motivated again, they may have a
better team than our stagnant Hawks.

No, Chillz was never an option here. And, BTW
I would have done Shaq for Marvin straight up,
based on Marvin’s past 5 years performance in
it’s totality.

We have got to do better down low against the
perennial Championship contenders!

Boston
Lakers

We don’t have to size to beat either of those teams
in a seven game series and they are the measuring
sticks right now.

I could care less about year after next!
All we have is NOW! Right NOW we don’t have
enough of the right pieces down low!

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lmao drmaryb I see you’re on fire tonight. I’m with you, I don’t care what teams passed up Dampier. We don’t have enough talented bigs on the bench to be passing up guys. If it wasn’t for the Hawks the guys we picked up probably wouldn’t even be on an NBA team right now.

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Irreplaceable?

Marvin is tradeable – Not irreplaceable.
If we stay in the moment?
The Goal should be – Win Now!

Marvin is a constant only @ disappearing, I’m beginning
to wonder – is he all there between the ears. He looks
mentally slow/off to me.

He should have stayed in school to get that African Studies, BS degree.
He could have learned a lot about mental toughness
and heart from studying Mandela’s Real Life struggles!

No disrespect!
I’m dead serious. I’m done waiting on this guy to
crack an egg. Time to move on from this Marvin guy -
IMHO.

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While most of us have focused on the MOTION OFF, and are either enthralled or appauled by it, it seems that LDrew has installed another OFF option, the HIGH LOW POST. It certainly seems to be working well so far. Let’s see. We’ll enter the regular season with the following half court options, the MOTION OFF, HIGH LOW POST, PICK AND ROLL, and ISO.

It will be a complete change for our players, and to the opposition, to see the Hawks actually make an OFF change and/or adjustment during a gm.

CDOG-Apparently your love and admiration for Woodson is so strong that you can’t seem to remember last yrs 1st rd struggles against the Bucks, and the record setting beat down in the 2nd round by the Magic. For anyone that’s not blinded by their own personal issues, or lack of knowledge, they would have noticed Woodson’s total inability to get his players to play hard, or play any DEF. Hell, he couldn’t even get them to play much OFF for that matter.

HOW IN THE DEVIL DID YOU MISS THAT? THE PLAYERS TOTALLY QUIT ON HIM BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T WANT HIM BACK. HOW IN THE DEVIL DID YOU MISS THAT? WHERE WAS YOU FACE BURIED WHEN ALL OF THIS WAS GOING ON, AS IF WE DON’T ALREADY KNOW?

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Gotta’ run. Big sonagram in the early a.m. to see if my fifth grandchild is a boy or girl. Two of each so far. This breaks the tie. NYTOL.

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Richbrave ,

Congrats!

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Forever Young!

Richbrave, congrats! Those Grand-Chittlins’ will keep you
forever young!

KenS

I saw some really good things on offense last night from the starters!
I expect to see better spacing and more accurate passing
angles, once the team gels on offense. Give it 15 – 20 live
games.

Defensively, the effort has to make some strides among the
starters and bench players.

We will go to war, with what we’ve got – per Al!

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Drmaryb is on fire again, LOL…

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Fire Sale!

Blu-Ray
(Picture Perfect)

My fire is reduced to a flicker!
I’m done now.

I will be on your blog 1st thing in the morning.
Ready to go at it again!

-smiles-

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Truthspitter,

Our OFFense last year is what cost us most of those game..ISO JOE/JAMAL and switching DEFense ALL THE TIME. But now we have a coach who has put together a proven winning OFFense cause the Lakers knows how to share the ball, Boston knows who to share the ball, Orlando knows how to share the ball…you want to hate on LD?????????

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I think it’s virtually impossible for this team ( if healthy ) to be 15 – 30. But if things don’t go right, we could be 25 – 20, and fighting for our lives for positions 4 through 8 in the East.

In our first 18 games, I said that we’d go 14 – 4. We can’t afford to be 9 – 9 in those first 18, because the December road schedule may eat us alive. We need to at least have a little cushion, just in case these guys haven’t learned how to win on the road yet.

The problem IS defensively though. While I don’t agree with truthspitter’s “doom and gloom” prediction, I do agree on what is the main problem with the Hawks. And it’s not offense.

*************

I tried to post something earlier in the day, talking about how the good Dr was preachin’ like she was Juanita Bynum today. She’s been bringing the heat all day.

(( fanning her with an old cardboard Mahalia Jackson church fan ))

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Wrong MsDee.

All of those collaspes were coupled by horrific defense in which we couldn’t stop the other team.

A quality NBA team should be able to hold onto a 10 point lead, only score 16 in the quarter, and still win the game.

We would have a 10 point lead, and lose by 5, because we’d get outscored 31 – 16.

When teams like Boston and San Antonio go into scoring droughts at the end of games, their defense stiffens tremendously. That way, if they only score 17 in a quarter, they’re making damn sure that their opponent is only scoring 20 or 21 points, thus, the Celtics and Spurs would hang on to victory.

That’s what the Hawks need to learn to do. When things don’t go our way offensively, learn how to also shut the other team down defensively.

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Northcyde: think it’s virtually impossible for this team ( if healthy ) to be 15 – 30. But if things don’t go right, we could be 25 – 20, and fighting for our lives for positions 4 through 8 in the East.

In our first 18 games, I said that we’d go 14 – 4. We can’t afford to be 9 – 9 in those first 18, because the December road schedule may eat us alive. We need to at least have a little cushion, just in case these guys haven’t learned how to win on the road yet.

I thought we would go atleast 14-4 myself because I thought we would be better this year than last but I don’t agree with my early thoughts. This team will not be better than last years team until early December at the earliest, but that is the tricky part because that’s when the schedule picks up. We will be well under .500 going into All-star break. We will have 0 all-stars and guys will start wanting Drew gone because he will have messed up the team on the floor and off the floor when it comes to money and things of that nature. Al will start to not look so good as a FA, Josh will wonder if he will ever see an all-star game and Joe’s streak will be broken. Watch and see

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Truthspitter,

Why don’t you call the problem where it’s at? Is Larry Drew really making our team worse? Or is the situation above his head? Here’s a clue: he has about as much to do with the makeup of the roster as the last coach.

By the way, I think you’re wrong. We’ll have two all-stars, possibly three. I know you want to hate Drew for the decisions of those above him, but I think you’re taking it well out of proportion. But hey, to each his own. I don’t drink koolaide, but I don’t drink sour puss mash, either.

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Offense and defense consistency are big problems for the Hawks. But as we have seen in the playoffs, defense wins championships. Just ask the Suns.

However, I dont think the Hawks have the personnel to be a great defensive team. Good? Yes. Great? No. And that is why LD is also pushing offense, because I dont think the Hawks will be able to play lockdown defense like Boston could.

But if we can play good defense, and supplement it with good/timely offense, then we will be fine.

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* … Is not good enough.

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Jason

Marvin prolly needs a Nutritionist!
These guys need to stop eating them KFC Double Downs!

LOL! Delonte West was free-styling @ KFC while parked
ahead and waiting for his $56 order to come up & out!
Check it out on You-Tube!

Seriously, Marvin does seem to catch the Flu about this time
yearly.

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wordsmithtom

Hope you and the Family feel better. Yeah, I heard about the
nasty little bug making it’s hospital rounds.

Remember fellas:

Wash your hands,
Cover your mouth & nose when you/others cough/sneeze.
Don’t touch door handles & then your face.
Don’t kiss the kids – they’re nasty little things. (LOL)
Keep your sanitary pads close by. (He He)
Hand Sanitizers are great to keep around.
Tuck a handkerchief in your pocket. (Old Skool & Classy)

Be Well!

-a public service announcement-

Hey tom: what is a GOOG?

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Trade proposal #573

Jamal Crawford for Devin Harris STRAIGHT UP.
Only makes sense because we have Jordan Crawford

-AND-

we know that New Jersey is willing to part with Devin Harris from the ‘almost-four-team-trade’ of Carmelo.

Hollinger says both teams win totals increase, a rarity on the trade machine.

Bibby becomes our Jason Kapono.

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Marv pockets his per diem and eats on the cheap.
Seriuosly.
Article [AJC] about he and Childress used to both
do the same thing and save their meal money.

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G-dad’s {{{Trade O’ the Day}}}~[when the season starts I'll stop]

Toronto gets:
* Jamal Crawford
Hawks get:
* David Andersen (former Hawk draft choice)[7-ftr]
** Leandro Barbosa – backup pg (pos starter) *upgrade def.
**(the Brazillian Blur) supposedly the fastest guy in NBA.

IF we must trade Jamal this makes sense.
Andersen fits LD’s offense.
Works on trade machine.

Honestly, this makes all kinds of sense.

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We can’t judge anything until all pieces are in place, playing consistent rotations for a couple weeks. It’s too early to judge anything other than JC2 should find some minutes this season, Marvin seems more comfortable in the new offense and Teague should be able to carry the load.

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Grandpa, I once saw Barbosa put up 21 in a quarter. Nobody stops him from getting where he wants to go. Anderson’s a bit limpid for my tastes. I want a 7 footer with an azz, not a 3 point threat. Barbosa probably not enough head up, so I’d take Anderson to get the Brazilian flash…. Imagine him running with JSmooth and Horf….scares the beatlejuice out of me.

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the end of the game lineup needs to be Jordan PG, Jamal SG, Johnson SF, Josh PF, and Al at C

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wordsmithtom

Had to add Andersen to make the trade work per CBA.

I’ve always like Barbosa as well.

He & Teague together would blind other team’s guards.
(with Joe @ [3])

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As I re-watched the Hawks Wizards game, I couldn’t help notice how poorly the Hawks defense was executed though it is still just preseason (thank goodness). Under Woody, the switching defense got exploded when the opponents staged match-ups to their advantage like putting their PG against our Center. Coupled this with a disappointing season last year and you got a fired coach. This year, the much talked about personnel responsibility of the “man-to-man” defense has created a new era in Hawksville. However, what I saw in the Wizard Hawks game was another exploitation of our new “man” defense that yielded the same bad result. The opponent with the ball would just come off of a double-screen while the Hawk defender would briefly get lost in the traffic trying to find him. The net effect would be an easy scoring opportunity for the opponent. This was a bread and butter play that the Wizards often ran and became a nightmare for the Hawks. Perhaps explain why Nick Young had a monster game of 24 pts. If we don’t figure out how to ball-defend properly, then our sloppy version of the man-to-man defense will cause us to yield the same results as the flawed switching defense.

I can’t believe I’m saying this but the best thing about a switching defense is being able to defend with even mediocre players because the opponent will always have someone in his face regardless. Whether it’s a slow-center on a fast-PG or a slow-PG on a fast-center, you have a chance of causing a deflection. But with a man-to-man defense, when executed poorly like the Hawks are doing, often the Hawk defender is literally caught “lost in space”. In this case, there is no chance of a deflection because for an instance, the opponent is unguarded with an easy look.

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Ken, the reason why the Hawks need ( or should ) get off to a great start, because our best stretch of winnable road games occur in those 18 games.

Hawks road schedule in Oct – Nov:

@ mem
@ phi
@ cle
@ min
@ orl
@ ind
@ nj
@ nyk
@ tor

You’re not going to find a more favorable stretch of road games that the Hawks will play all year, than those stretch of road games. If we’re going to be a elite or close to elite team in this league, the Hawks MUST go 7 – 2 at the minimum vs these teams.

Home games in Oct – Nov:

WAS
PHO
DET
MIL
UTA
DAL
MIN
BOS
WAS

Honestly Ken, we could arguably run the table at home against these teams. Only Boston, Phoenix and Dallas proved that they could consistently win on the road. A 7 – 2 record against these teams is a feesible record as well.

We may not go 14 – 4, but there should be no reason in the world for the Hawks to be anything less than 12 – 6. If we’re a legit contender, this isn’t much to ask from the Hawks at all, going into December.

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KevinM

That why I was very careful to say:

“But with a man-to-man defense, when executed poorly like the Hawks are doing”

Let’s hope they get their act together and execute it correctly

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@ The Truth . . . Some teams that we gave the most trouble to, cited the very things that fans hated about last year’s team, as the reason why we were successful against them.

Boston readily cited our “horrific” ISO offense as the reason why we were successful against them. Indiana cited our even more horrific switching defense as the reason why we dominated them.

What Drew will probably have to do this year, is simply go with what works. If we’re playing a team in which ISO plays will be highly successful, you ISO them to death. And if we’re playing a squad in which switching will disrupt most everything they do, then you switch everything.

One of the weaknesses of Woody was his ability to make adjustments. Woody was a Larry Brown-ish “set in his ways” type of coach. If Drew proves that he can adjust on the fly and go with what is working, it’ll validate him as a good coach.

One thing about it, these good defensive teams and coaches are going to come up with defenses against our motion offense, just like they did our ISO attack. When that happens, the coach and the players must be able to adjust.

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Watch that Heat roster and grab Patrick Beverly or Da’Sean Butler, whichever gets cut…That will be a hard decision for Riley & company…I’d love to have either…Beverly plays solid D and rebounds very well for a PG…Butler has serious potential as an NBA 3.

Grandad, I’d take Marvin Williams 2.0, I mean Julian Wright, over David Anderson in your proposed Toronto trade.

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northcyde

“If Drew proves that he can adjust on the fly and go with what is working, it’ll validate him as a good coach.”

That is exactly what I am hoping for; him being flexible. He must be able to adjust because there is good and bad in every scheme. Whether it’s switching or man-to-man or whatever, a good coach will find a way to exploit.

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JoJo the Godfather

I’ve always liked Julian Wright.
However, recently read some negative comments.
Attitude, willingness to work hard, whiner, etc.
On the flip side…I have no 1st hand knowledge of such.
I used Andersen for his contract #’s only.

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The wizards suck eggs. Also they should stop looking at the tapes that they recorded(of the Hawks games) and they need to tell their selves that they are stupied for doing that and that they can’t even when a basketball game playing me and my friends and family,because we will beat them so hrad that they wont be called the “Wizards” when my friends and family get done with them. Plus then they will be called the losers from D.C.

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drmaryb:

It’s a boy all 13 oz. of him.

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Freak Show!

My man tom said:

“Anderson’s a bit limpid for my tastes. I want a 7 footer with an azz,

wordsmithtom, I knew you were a little on the freaky side.
Ha Ha Ha!

Seriously though, I was telling G-Daddy the exact same thing about
Yi. Anoither 7′ PF with nothing to hold his britches up!

We got Marvin’s junky trunk (like Rick Mahorn), Marvin should
use that thing as a deadly weapon in the post.
A defensive stopper, I say.

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DrMary, I concur on MW. He’s got more azz than a freighttrain can haul. That’s why I suggested he be used in a H/L two man game the way they’re using Horf. (Second unit action???!!!) He’s got enough baggage in that cabbose to do some serious damage. I like him in the high post as well, as his FT% is stellar.
Again, don’t give me no 7 feet, unless they been eating high on the hog..

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