Mo Evans is out

Just one game into the season and Atlanta’s amazingly good luck with injuries looks to be running out.

First, there were the nagging injuries to several players that contributed to a lackluster preseason (and which subsequently seemed moot after Atlanta’s season-opening W) but there were no major issues. Now Mo Evans is back in Atlanta to have his right knee drained and will miss “several days of action,” according to the team.

The knee has been troublesome for Mo since last season, when he said he played through the pain. After starting summer workouts, he said he “felt something quirky going on” with the knee but he and Hawks trainer Wally Blase decided to wait a couple weeks “to see if it heals itself.”

“In hindsight we wish we could have gotten those three or four weeks back because moving into training camp I would have been able to go full go,” Mo said the other day.

Evans tried to push the knee too soon during camp–he said his competitiveness made him want to get out on the court–and had to back off when it swelled up. He looked to be moving really well in the final preseason game and Monday at Memphis, when he scored seven points on 3 of 3 shooting in 15 minutes.

His absence leaves L.D. with one less option on the perimeter. Mo is an undersized small forward but one of L.D.’s other options, JC2, is even smaller. The Hawks lose experience and defensive acumen with that exchange. Jamal could play more minutes but that’s still a significant drop off in D.

MC

110 comments Add your comment

Section 303

October 28th, 2010
7:26 pm

For some reason, I’m not that worried about this. For one, I would like to find out what we have in Jordan Crawford. For another, there are probably several players in the D-League that could replace Mo Evans.

This guy really fell out of favor with me when he talked about how he was “under valued” making 2.5 million. Whatever…

truthspitter

October 28th, 2010
7:26 pm

Yeah, gonna have to play Joe at the 3 some and give Jamal some more playing time. I doubt that this will mean more minutes for Jordan though.

truthspitter

October 28th, 2010
7:28 pm

Simply can’t put Bibby, Jamal, and Joe on the floor at the same time though. Teague, Jamal, and Joe is fine because Teague is okay on defense and Joe is okay on defense.

Hmmm

October 28th, 2010
7:33 pm

Enter your comments here

Michael Cunningham

October 28th, 2010
7:33 pm

@truthspitter: “Yeah, gonna have to play Joe at the 3 some and give Jamal some more playing time. I doubt that this will mean more minutes for Jordan though.”

could work that way . . . updated. H/T

Hmmm

October 28th, 2010
7:35 pm

More minutes for Joe at the SF spot, more minutes for marvin, more minutes for JC2 (YES!) Hopefully Pape Sy can get over his back issue and get some work in at the SF spot.

O'Brien

October 28th, 2010
8:03 pm

This could be a blessing in disguise for JC2. Play JJ more minutes at backup SF, play jamal more minutes at SG, and play JC2 more minutes at backup SG.

However, LD will have to figure out the combination, because Teague and JC2 in the game at the same time might not be a good thing.

O'Brien

October 28th, 2010
8:04 pm

I know this may seem like hindsight, but I’ve always said we should have brought in a legit backup SF.

Rev in Tampa

October 28th, 2010
8:17 pm

Watching Jordan & Teague struggle with the learning curve in preseason makes me doubt Pape will be ready anytime soon. I’m disappointed to see any disdruption in their rotation. The Hawks are most painfully thin at SF.

Rev in Tampa

October 28th, 2010
8:22 pm

**disruption

Najeh Davenpoop

October 28th, 2010
8:57 pm

Hopefully this means some Pape Sy in garbage time. It’s unfortunate that Mo Evans will miss time, but it’s even more unfortunate that Mo Evans missing time could actually be significant to the Hawks’ ability to win games.

RealSquawk

October 28th, 2010
8:58 pm

We would be so much deeper at SF if we could have just reconciled with Josh Childress.

honest_abe

October 28th, 2010
9:01 pm

wow @ 2 cents >>> you must be one of the reasons the blog has thinned out. you sounds like samuel’s brother.

KevinM

October 28th, 2010
9:16 pm

Back to tonight’s action, the Magic up 18 against the Wizards, and Tiger is in the building.

Orlando just looks ready.

KevinM

October 28th, 2010
9:18 pm

No matter what happens injury wise, Marvin has no threat to his minutes and by far the one who just has to come out and be ready to play every night……with the exception of Joe, that might be the most solidifed starter we have.

J from the A

October 28th, 2010
10:04 pm

“Simply can’t put Bibby, Jamal, and Joe on the floor at the same time though. Teague, Jamal, and Joe is fine because Teague is okay on defense and Joe is okay on defense.”

Right because last year Atlanta’s best line up (as far as plus/minus goes) was Bibby, Crawford, Johnson, Smith, Horford.

i_am_soulstar

October 28th, 2010
10:33 pm

The Hawks’ll be OK for a week without Mo. JJ’s time at SG will just have to be limited.

Hawk n the Ham

October 28th, 2010
11:04 pm

Let Zaza play small forward! ;)

Stuart

October 28th, 2010
11:12 pm

Unfortunate… maybe Etan Thomas can take Mo’s roster spot and play a few minutes next game so we can get a chance to see him…?

HoosierHawk

October 28th, 2010
11:17 pm

We have a lot of interchangeable parts. I wouldn’t mind seeing Joe at 3, maybe even Josh at 3 Al at 4 Za at 5. The latter would be a poor shooting lineup, but if you had Jamal and Joe in and everyone cutting, I think it could work. But we need a legit stopper on D, and if you have to get someone for depth purposes, why not go SF. Mo is small anyway and expiring.

steve brown

October 28th, 2010
11:17 pm

I’ve had a bad feeling about Evans due to some recent quotes. Without a guaranteed contract I don’t think he would be on the team.

HoosierHawk

October 28th, 2010
11:18 pm

@ MC, do you think the hawks will sign a scrub to fill in? Or just change the rotation?

I thought Gilder didn’t look too bad in summer league. Worth a shot.

Any chance Powell could play some 3? Not optimal, but if we were desperat?

Grandad

October 28th, 2010
11:54 pm

Mr Cunningham

Which one is the regular blog now?

“Daily Hawks Report” or “News & Notes”

Decisions…Decisions?

You’re tryin’ to confuse those of us whom you deem dim.

Grandad

October 28th, 2010
11:56 pm

Les,

You’re over here too, I see.

cp

October 29th, 2010
12:20 am

I think the Hawks will be ok. Joe will be playing more minutes at the 3. Maybe we get to see Jordan get some pt.

Ryan

October 29th, 2010
12:27 am

Lol Al has one bad game and all of a sudden he is a scrub that needs to be traded? Al bangs with guys bigger than him night in and night out and the only the he has complained about is the same thing WE ALL complain about….the need for a legit big man. I do not think we should trade Al unless we could get a legit 7 footer.

lewis

October 29th, 2010
1:47 am

Baron Davis Chris Kaman Blake Griffin > Mike Bibby Al Hoford Josh smith

Big Ray

October 29th, 2010
2:25 am

Grandad ,

It’s a new thing MC is doing. Orlando D. Ledbetter is doing the same thing on the AJC Atlanta Falcons side of things. Basically, you get two blogs at once, and you can follow the daily news/reports stuff, instead of just following MC on twitter. It works out pretty good, and gives people more to read.

And yes, your friend the Hatter is now posting as other people. Again. What else is new?

Ryan ,

I agree. But it must be a legit 7 footer with talent. Memphis has about 3 legit 7-footers, and we saw one of them Wednesday night. His name is Hasheem Thabeet. He sucks, and he got beat down by Zaza. This is why I laugh every time somebody wails about needing a 7-foot center (as if any old one will do).

Honest Abe ,

Yep, you’re right. People don’t post as much when they have to wade through nonsense. But, just to show that you’re one of the real fans, the next time your handle shows up on this board, it will be a fool who is trying to pose as you.

lewis ,

You really think so? Blake Griffin is good, but he still has only played 1 NBA game. He’s not better than Josh Smith. Chris Kaman is taller than Al Horford, but Al took it to him last year. Mike Bibby and Baron Davis? No argument there….

Big Ray

October 29th, 2010
2:29 am

I would love to see JC2 get some burn, but it won’t be at the 3 spot. At least not against the Sixers. Mo’s absence may indeed result in more minutes for Jamal, but I hope it’s not at the expense of Marvin Williams, as it often was last season. If that happens, it should only be because Marvin is not playing well, and I hope that is not the case. I also don’t want to see Joe playing 45 minutes in this game, so hopefully guys step up and get the job done.

It’s a chance for Teague to get some good work in, as well. After all, it’s not very realistic to expect Jamal and Bibby to stay in front of Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday. In fact, I like this matchup less and less, the more I think about it. We need Teague to be on his game against these guys.

KevinM

October 29th, 2010
3:27 am

Oh boy, Steve Kerr just compared Jameer Nelson to Mike BIbby…..there might be some similarities, but Nelson > Bibby by far.

tbhawksfan

October 29th, 2010
6:33 am

We didn’t go to the Playoffs until Al got here. Been every year since. Al and Josh are both very good talents. Would only trade either in the situation of a clear upgrade. Those rarely happen so I’m perfectly happy keeping both. If Zaza produces, we’ll have one of the best PF/C rotations in the league. If not, finding a better first off the bench BIG is the way to go. Al and Smoove are keepers.

If Zaza and MW moth improve for LD and Teague comes through, things would look quite good.

Paddy

October 29th, 2010
6:40 am

Michael….if you can’t or are not allowed to print the players full name, don’t write the article ..Is it any wonder journalism is becoming a lost science. Please, no more “schoolyard” nicknames.

terrell

October 29th, 2010
7:12 am

No problem. Give JC2 Mo’s minutes. And fellas Howard only went for 21 and 10 on 7ft Javelle McGee last night. Exactly what we needed huh. NOBODY in the league can stop Dwight. So stop it with the “we need a 7ft to get to the next level” nonsense, cause they’re not doing any better than Horford is.

terrell

October 29th, 2010
7:14 am

Make that 23 and 10. My bad.

dukester

October 29th, 2010
7:25 am

@terrell of course no one can stop him but Tyson Chandler gave him the fits last year. If you are 7′ 0″ and mobile you can interupt Dwight Howard.
On the Al Horford trade subject who would you trade him for? I wish they would have made a trade during the summer I hate mid season blockbuster trades it will be january before they gel as a team.

Come on ASG give us hope. We like that the team has become better but we really want a ring. And I dont think most fans feel we have a shot at a title just another good season.

terrell

October 29th, 2010
7:30 am

Yall ready to trade Horford because of 1 bad game? Wow! For who? If we do, it better be something like Horford, JC1, and Bibby for Melo, Nene, and Billups. Anything other than that is just dumb.

terrell

October 29th, 2010
7:34 am

Billups/Teague
JJ/Mo/JC2
Melo/Marvin
JSmash/Powell/Etan
Nene/Zaza/Twin
Now thats a squad.

The Real Hawk

October 29th, 2010
7:57 am

Why does this continue to happen in pro sports? Instead of having a qualified doctor look at an injury the decision is made by a “trainer” whos job is to get the player on the court first.
Waste of an offseason!

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
7:59 am

Blu-Ray
(High-Definition)

Said this in response to Honest Abe:

“Honest Abe ,

Yep, you’re right. People don’t post as much when they have to wade through nonsense. But, just to show that you’re one of the real fans, the next time your handle shows up on this board, it will be a fool who is trying to pose as you. ”

This is true. The troll jacked my I’d last night and re-posted his crap again on here at 10:01PM last night. I didn’t even know this blog was up until a few minutes ago. Yeah … It makes you just turn the Blackberry off do other things like sleep or call a friend. No Fun. (smh & smiling)

Hawks should wrap up another win tonight. I hate to see Moe out this week, but the flip side is other guys will get an opportunity to step up and shine!

Let’s Go Hawks!

Hawk n the Ham

October 29th, 2010
8:45 am

@ Paddy

This isn’t an article. This is a blog for Hawks fans. If you have to read the players full name, pick up the morning paper and read the Hawks articles. But if you want to have fun reading these little updates and conversing with fellow Hawks fans, you’re just going to have to get over your little pet peeve. If you’re just upset you don’t know what the nicknames are, ask someone on here. They will be happy to assist you.

Win #2 coming tonight!

dukester

October 29th, 2010
8:46 am

@Terrell yes I agree a trade of Al Horford for anything less than Carmelo would be silly. But I dont think the trade talk from fans come from Al having a bad game. I think it has more to do with signing him to an extension and him not wanting to play center. Mix that with Josh’s contract at PF then we have 20 mil or so per season tied up into 2 power forwards. And throw in that we really need a true center, I mean I think overall the fans love Al I know I do but would I be willing to trade him for a Carmelo and go sign Dampier the anwser is yes!!

Now that’s how I think most fans are feeling right now.

I would love a deal of Al Horford, Marvin and a 1st round pick.

Now like you said adding NeNe into the deal, I think that would become tricky as far as how much we have to give up for salaries to match. But I know I want something to happen because I dont think this is a title contending team.

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
8:51 am

Help Wanted!

The ASKG new Horford’s contract was due and payable today, 3 years ago.
What are they doing now? Sign him or what? They refused to sign or draft a replacement in the off-season.

Are they waiting to get him on the cheap after the CBA’s New Deal.
Why over-pay Horford, Marvin and Bibby so aggressively and then drag their feet with Horford and Jamal. Two bona-fide and proven talents worthy main-stays?

At some point, this team will need to enter the Luxury Tax to become Elite.
Now is the time! Why would Gearon make a fine-able statement:
“We will go into the L.T. For the right player?” And then, do nothing?

Let’s Go Sund!

dukester

October 29th, 2010
8:51 am

@Terrell And also terrell you were saying Jevale Mcgee didnt stop Dwight last night I would say he did. If Dwight only had 23 and 10!! Thats better than the 30 and 18 he got against Horford. LOL

Thats my point about Tyson Chandler or any atheletic 7′ 0″. You cant stop Dwight but you can slow him down. LOL

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
8:53 am

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
8:55 am

* why over-pay Zsa, Marvin and Bibby so aggressively ….

dukester

October 29th, 2010
8:57 am

@DRMARYB I couldn’t agree more. The hawks agressively went after Marvin Williams, Mike Bibby, Zaza, Cheeseburger Collins, Pape Sy(Went halfway around the world to buyout a contract on a player that nobody was going to draft. LOL) All that money adds up to be about 20 million a year in salary. And your dragging your feet on Al Horford.

My thing is you have to make better decisions man.

Rev in Tampa

October 29th, 2010
8:59 am

I’d love to see Cheeseburger get some minutes tonight. So far he has looked good in preseason except for his whif at LeBron.

wordsmithtom

October 29th, 2010
9:00 am

drmary, from the performance of Zsza, Marvin and Bibby on Wed, one could say they are not aggesssively overpaid. No, Zaza is not a big shotblocking presence….never will be, but he is active on the offensive boards and he can score. Bibby can still shoot, and LD’s new offense may give him added life. Marvin locked down Gay and added 15 points. What’s not to love?

The new CBA is a problem for GM’s. I hope they lock Horf up, just like you. But, if they don’t, and Stern does cut payrolls by 20-30% under the new agreement, WHO is going to get in a bidding war with us over him, and if they do, they’ll have to give something up to be able to sign him.

Rest easy……

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
9:03 am

dukester

I feel you!

To his credit, Marvin plays really good defense, but to get Melo who can also defend when he feels like it (ask Kobe?) I would do it. IDK about Marvin and Horford for Melo though? That’s a lot especially if you add 1st round pick, IDK about gutting our team.

I’m beginning to lobby against trading Jamal too. We really are a much better team with him on it.

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
9:11 am

wordsmithtom

My point is those guys were signed aggressively. And, Zsa had A great game the other night. He makes what? 4.75M/per? That’s a lot for what we’ve seen from him over the past three years not starting and last year played very, very little. Bibby makes 6M and that’s a lot for how little he was used with Jamal getting most of his minutes last year. We all know what Marvin has not been doing consistently. Hasn’t Horford earned the respect of an aggressive deal today?

I’m just sayin’.

wordsmithtom

October 29th, 2010
9:15 am

drmary, I see your logic and to a point I agree. However, those signings were done in a timeframe much different from this year’s expiring work agreement. Rules are changing dramatically for next year’s budgits, and GM’s have to adapt. It’s owner’s options, obviously, but when Stern says he wants to cut by 30%, that’s dramatic….and a real change in the way GM’s operate going forward.

wordsmithtom

October 29th, 2010
9:16 am

Or as John Maynard Keyes said: “I change my mind when the facts change.” Well, Stern’s push to cut has changed the facts going forward.

Astro Joe

October 29th, 2010
9:21 am

I haven’t looked at the schedule, so Mo’s absence may not be a huge issue. But considering that he is one of the few wing players on thie roster with some defensive ability, I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss his absence. Again, depending on which games he misses. Neither the 76ers nor the Wizards appear to have a SG who is indefensible by the healthy wings left on the roster.

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
9:25 am

wordsmithtom

That’s my point in the original comment. Sund, knew Al’s deal was due today 3 years ago, also he knew the CBA was up for negotiations 10 years ago.
That’s why I asked? What are the ASKG and Sund doing now?

These are not surprises. It is a GM’s job to plan for the future and not look surprised when Time is Up!

Astro Joe

October 29th, 2010
9:30 am

Paddy, this is a blog not an article. You can tell it is a blog because at the top of the page, it uses the word “Blog”. Blogs are more informal and generally are written for a specific community of readers. Articles are more formal… MC writes differently for each vehicle. Among the blog family, we know the nicknames and will gladly define them for new members of the community. But you may want to consider entering without throwing stones. That isn’t very neighborly. Or, you may leave and stick to reading the articles.

KevinM

October 29th, 2010
9:35 am

Me being Sund, I let Al go through the season and let the CBA dictate the new rules and then resign him to a matched contract offer.

Everyone here knows the cap is the enemy here, not Al or Sund. The ownership group is not going to exceed the cap and Al’s turn along with JC1 is coming up at a bad time. Yes, we saw Noah get resigned, but you haven’t heard Reinsdorf saying he wouldn’t exceed the cap.

Sounds simple to me, and I don’t think there is anything complicated about Sund.

Astro Joe

October 29th, 2010
9:50 am

Kevin, don’t forget that Horford could accept a 1 year QO and then leave as a UFA the following year (assuming the rules stay the same in the new CBA). There is an exit strategy for players who don’t want to stay with the team that drafted them that cannot be stopped by that team. Ben Gordon is a recent example… he couldn’t come to terms with the Bulls on an extension, accepted their qualifying offer during his RFA summer and then left as a UFA the following summer. Obviously, I don’t know that Horford would do that, but I don’t think that we should assume that he will stick around with a team that seemingly is struggling to take the next step. He will have the ability to walk without the Hawks being able to stop him. It will just takes 2 years.

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
10:21 am

Howard isn’t thge proble. Dude only averaged 12 attempts per game last season. Thats chump change. Conversely, Shaq is his preime averaged 24-28 attempts per game (Horford would really have nightmares then). Look if dwight dunks the ball 25 times on us thats ONLY 50pts. It’s not him, it’s his flunky teammates who are reaping the benefits of our Howard paranoia. Le that ogre get his buckets in the paint. We’ve got collins, Etan and Zaza who can play him straight up and just foul him. Put him on the line before he makes the shot. What is dwight a 60% FT shooter? 50pts then becomes 30 pts at BEST. HE is NOT the problem.

We have to shut down super scrubs like JJ Redick, Ryan Anderson, Brandon Bass, and Rashard Lewis(yes, I mean that 119 mill SCRUB). There is no reason they should EVER have open looks at the basket. Jameer Nelson sucks, Bibby is just makinghim look good. Give me 20 bucks and i’ll stick to the hobbit like glue. Most of his pts in the paint come from his defender worrying about what dwight is doing. SMH, it’s pathetic. When LeBron dunks on us it makes us play harder and focus more, but all of a sudden when Dwight does it we piss our pants and cant think straight. I dont understand it. Playing Orlando in anything but a Man D is just stupid. Doubling dwight is stupid because it doesnt work. Leave him alone and just focus on his sorry teammates.

I blame Mike Woodson. His swithching D and inflexible gameplan didn’t help. “It works, JUST PLAY HARDER” is not going to be baught into by grown men who have been getting their tails whipped by the same team for the past three seasons.

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
10:21 am

*Isn’t the problem

vava74

October 29th, 2010
10:31 am

TS,

When impersonating someone, if you want to be successful you should not go overboard. No one will buy it…

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
10:35 am

vava74, Im not TS. Was it my Horford nightmare refrence? LOL

KevinM

October 29th, 2010
11:09 am

Astro, if he only wants to sign a 1 year, then he can be traded next year…but this year, he has few options, unless Sund and the ASG are going to be ‘friendly’ to him.
So, Al could either do it the Smoove way or wiggle his way into a trade scenario. I would be content with either situation, as long as we get more length to slot in at the 5. The hardest position in the NBA to fill.

And, Dampier is going to 0-2 no cap limit Houston, for Yao insurance. Not a bad move….the Adelman system will work for his skills.

KevinM

October 29th, 2010
11:11 am

Big Ray, “Lastly the Hawks need a center and we should have never fired Woodson. More than half of his supporters no longer follow the hawks”.

You aren’t serious about the Woody thing are you? I didn’t think anyone that has been with this program for the past 6 years could ever say that.

The center part: no one in the Hawks’ organization is listening….that’s obvious.

vava74

October 29th, 2010
11:25 am

Hmmm,

No, I was talking about the bogus Big Ray post which TS posted at 9.38AM.

I guess that you were either distracted …

Nookah

October 29th, 2010
11:25 am

Al will be signed at some time. Sund is just doing what he is paid by the ASG to do and that is make the best decisions for the franchise (and that is relative). We all know ASG are not big spending owners and seem to be happy with putting out a competitive squad rather that really making the push for a Ring. So what do they do? They are conservative at best in signing their assets and are more comfortable making the market come to them.

It is for this reason they will be very cautious in signing Al especially with the utterings of Stern and the new CBA around the corner. Are they cheap or is this being prudent? It’s a fine line but being Hawk fans we see it as the former. All we are interested in is winning the big one and the ASG is more concerned on a return on their investment. Therein lies the dilemma for us as fans.

When all this is said and done, I agree with the overall sentiment, we need a centre, not necessarily a 7 footer and we need Al. There seems to be the feeling that once the player is 7 feet he is an effective centre (see Thabeet).

Hmmmmm, love your 10:21am post!!

Let’s be patient guys and hope Sund and the ASG do the right thing. The good thing is that as fans we have the right to be impatient!!!

Do I hear 2-0?

Go Hawks!!!

Nuff respect everytime!!!

vava74

October 29th, 2010
11:26 am

KevinM,

You were yet another victim of Tru th Ser um’s Big Ray impersonation… :-D

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
11:30 am

vava74, Oh lol, Yeah I missed that, my bad haha.

Nookah, Thanks!

Is Pape Sy even traveling with the team? MC?

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
11:32 am

vava74, Actually I DID catch that, I just ignored and forgot about it hehehe. Samuel is the one of the only Woodson fans that I can think of lol.

Truehawksfan

October 29th, 2010
11:43 am

I agree with Hmmm. When we play against Magic, we should focus on the other guys more and foul Dwight. There is no reason to let the other guys open like that.

vava74

October 29th, 2010
11:57 am

OUR PROBLEM with the MAGIC is a combination of TWO THINGS:

1. Inability to defend Jameer Nelson

2. Overreaction to Howard’s importance in the game (irrational fear).

tidog

October 29th, 2010
11:59 am

Whatever goodwill ASG and Ric Sund have gained with the Atlanta basketball fan base would surely be lost if they blow inking a Horford extension. There ain’t no piece out here that can plug into the core3 to replace Al.

Astro Joe

October 29th, 2010
12:01 pm

Kevin, I think it is a mistake to equate extending Horford to not seeking a center with more length. The reason we can’t compete in the 2nd round isn’t because Horford is 1-2 inches too short. Our poor 2nd round performances is as much about attitude and effort as it is about size and scheme. The first hurdle (toward becoming a true contender) is playing well on the road. I’m guessing that most teams that make the conference finals win around 25 regular season games on the road. And that takes mental and emotional focus, which hasn’t been a problem for Horford previously.

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
12:20 pm

vava74, I guess the fear stems from the fact that the Hawks are not used to another team completely DOMINATING them in the paint. We are always among the leauge leaders in points in the paint, and J-Smoove/Horford usually don’t have too much trouble shutting down the paint on the defensive end. We have to adjust. Accept the fact that Howard will get whatever he wants down there and move on. The Hawks have not been able to compartmentalize that reality and continue to execute….YET

LD’s offense seems to have Horf/Smoove operating in the high post more which may help since Dwight exclusively dominates the low post area. It’s only a matter of time before LD gets the Hawks to over their “Magical fear” lol. I cant wait.

Nookah

October 29th, 2010
12:23 pm

One bad game does not a season make. Al will be fine and he will make the necessary adjustments and the Hawks will be better off with his presence.

Astro Joe, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Beating the Magic has a lot to do with our mental attitude. As soon as we get our heads right when playing the Magic we will be very competitive with them. Beating the Magic is all psychological now and they have us whipped in that aspect of the game right now. Before we take the court with those guys we seem to have already lost.

I hope LD can get our mental fitness up to par especially against the Magic. We need to transfer the same attitude we have when we play Boston, when we play Orlando.

I have a question for the more basketball savvy bloggers. How should we play Boston this year with the additions thay have made? Specifically more size in the paint.

Thoughts please….thanks

Go Hawks!!!

Nuff respect everytime!!

Big Ray

October 29th, 2010
12:29 pm

KevinM ,

That’s not me posting at 9:38 a.m. That’s the troll who realizing that he has no credible influence because he says the same three things every single time he posts:

1) He hates Jeff Teague

2) He hates Al Horford

3) He misses Mike Woodson

Oh wait, I forgot #4….he hates Mike Cunningham.

If you see an outright anti-Al Horford post with my name on it, you know it’s the troll. I guess it’s rough when people won’t pay you attention in life, so you have to go to a blog for interaction with the rest of society. Then, you have to try and tear somebody else’s credibility down by posting as them. Well, to be like someone else, you have to think like they do. To think like they do, you have to…well….be capable of thinking. Don’t be fooled by the troll. It’s how he gets his jollies these days. You know, ever since they stopped making garbage pail kids…

:lol:

Big Ray

October 29th, 2010
12:36 pm

Hmmmm ,

I certainly hope so. Because I’m sick of watching us come apart at the seams every time we encounter Orlando.

Here’s a funny thing: Washington used to get the best of Orlando when Brendan Haywood was still playing for them. Haywood gave Howard problems. But, Jevale McGee doesn’t. I guess there IS a difference between one 7 footer and another, huh?

Nookah ,

I say we play them the way we always have. Boston has added size, but if you recall, size was never the issue for them against us. Garnett is a 7 footer, everybody knows it. Kendrick Perkins has better lateral movement than Shaq or J O’Neal, and he has a great wingspan to go with it (and dude is 280 lbs). Big Baby is a dose in the paint as well. We have given Boston problems with our athletic superiority. We have to continue to press that advantage, and continue to get after them the way we have ever since the 2008 playoffs.

So really, Boston hasn’t changed much in how they match up against us, they just have more beef than before, but it’s not like they added anybody who can keep up with us in the full court game. More importantly, they lost Tony Allen, who was a defensive super sub. Oh, they’re still very, very good. But we can still beat them.

If only we attacked Orlando the way we attack Boston.

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
12:58 pm

Big Ray, Most def. I’d LOVE to have a guy like Tyson Chandler on our bench instead of Etan and Collins. That’s a guy who knows how to get under D12’s skin. But even with that it will be tough. Each time we send Dwight to the line, that means we have to walk the ball up the court and face Orlado’s pressure defence in the half court. That takes away forom the Hawks strength which is transition. Hopefully the combination of LD’s motion, mixed in with some sets + some ISO will be enough. As long as the guys buy into the schemes and we start to run them to perfection (and get guys healthy) Orlando will eventually have a serious problem on their hands.

Nookah, I agree with Big Ray. We just have to play boston like we always have which means RUNNING THEM INTO THE GROUND lol. If we run the way we did in the Memphis opener (did anybody get tired just watching that one really long sequence where we were running back and fourth?) we will be giving Boston even more headaches thean we have in the past.

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
1:04 pm

Last season I was watching some inside the locker room clips on NBA.com from the All-Star game. JJ went up Lebron and said “My patna dem” and gave him dap and then Lebron said it back and laughed. Well, I now know what they were refrencing LOL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxpc4LKsMXs

It’s kinda catchy

Hawks Fan In New Orleans

October 29th, 2010
1:14 pm

AWHH MAN MC!!!

Don’t give me this BAD news!
Our front court cannot function with the illustrious MO EVANS! Who is comparable to only D WADE and KOBE. He is UNDERVALUED and UNDERPLAYED! Get well soon you BASKETBALL BEAST you!!!

This Sixer’s game is gonna be that much harder.

Ken Strickland

October 29th, 2010
1:18 pm

UPDATE-The Dallas Mavericks have made Tyson Chandler their starting center, which means BHeywood, who was promised the starting nod if he signed with them, will be a backup. We might be able to interest the Mavericks in a trade for Jamal Crawford at the trade deadline. Having a starting caliber center like BHeywood would give us greater security and more options if Smoove or Horford went down.

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
1:19 pm

^LOL

smh, I told y’all we shoulda traded his butt along with Bibby this summer. I dont even have the energy to give Mo press anymore (positive or negative)

TRADE M&M

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
1:26 pm

If mike gives us more D I may change my stance though.

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
1:26 pm

Ken S

Unless Haywood demands a trade, do you think would do it? I mean trade a big who defends the paint for another small who’s idea of defense is a Church Fan (to cool his man down) and a mean stare on their way to the basket?

Besides, they have their own SMOY Jet-Terry who already does that.
Dallas needs defense not offense. But hey, if they do it? I’m all in!

BTW, how you doin’?

Michael Cunningham

October 29th, 2010
1:29 pm

@Granddad: “Mr Cunningham

Which one is the regular blog now?

“Daily Hawks Report” or “News & Notes”

Decisions…Decisions?

You’re tryin’ to confuse those of us whom you deem dim.”

consider me among them. this change was made above my head so i’m still trying to figure it out, too.

Michael Cunningham

October 29th, 2010
1:29 pm

@HoosierHawk:” @ MC, do you think the hawks will sign a scrub to fill in? Or just change the rotation?”

i don’t think they will sign anyone since Mo’s return seems to be a matter of days.

terrell

October 29th, 2010
1:30 pm

Vava, I agree. Our perimeter D was a major problem when we played Orlando, or any other team that had a quick pg for that matter. However, I wouldn’t call 28 and 18 an overreaction. lol! Btw, the switching didnt help either. Cant blame Al when he was out on the perimeter hiding Bibby’s shortcomings.

Michael Cunningham

October 29th, 2010
1:35 pm

@ Paddy: “Michael….if you can’t or are not allowed to print the players full name, don’t write the article ..Is it any wonder journalism is becoming a lost science. Please, no more “schoolyard” nicknames.”

why would i not be allowed to “print” players’ full names? the tone of this blog is informal and conversational. i don’t use those names in the newspaper.

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
1:39 pm

BTW MC, I read the Hawks preview in the AJC…Niceness! ;-)

terrell

October 29th, 2010
1:40 pm

Come on Mary B. Jamal’s D aint that bad. As long as he and Bibby aren’t on the court at the same time, that is. lol! But seriously, he’s actually pretty good at anticipating when it comes to steals. I’ll put it like this. I’ve seen worse. Ever saw 2 time MVP Steve Nash play D? lol!

Gilley

October 29th, 2010
1:48 pm

Let the rookie play!!!!! He has proven he can contribute. Stop acting like Mike Woodson Larry Drew (Ryan Cameron Voice After A Player From The Opposing Team Commits a Foul) LOL

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
2:04 pm

Terrell

I wouldn’t let Jamal guard my yorkie! My yorkie yaps louder!
But hey, if you think Jamal is as good as ADT?

Then let him guard your house on X-mas Eve!

rof-lol!

Astro Joe

October 29th, 2010
2:13 pm

Wouldn’t Jamal and Jason Terry be redundant on the same team?

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
2:14 pm

Yeah, and I saw Nash’s dbe-digit assists too. LOL!

i_am_soulstar

October 29th, 2010
2:18 pm

Jamal’s defense is awful.

He needs to try hypnotism, because it’s like he can’t even wrap his mind around staying in front of his man or putting a hand in the face of the shooter.

If only he was Mario West on defense (someone’s gonna hate me for that). Not incredibly athletic, but mentally tenacious.

I take a few fouls a game if he’d just try.

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
2:23 pm

AJ

You reiterated my response in one sentence, whereas I took the scenic route.
I didn’t get that one either? Listen people, our roster is set.
If we didn’t make a trade during the free agency period, I doubt if we make one now.

Al said, ” I will go to war with what we’ve got.”

So, let’s get it on!
Play Ball!

O'Brien

October 29th, 2010
3:02 pm

Ken S, AJ, DMB,

Chandler has also been injured before, so I dont think the Mavs would trade Heywood unless they are getting another center.

If the Mavs wanted to trade Heywood, I assume they would want ZaZa as part of the deal to backup Chandler. We should trade ZaZa now while his stock is through the roof :smile:

Also, Heywood probably isnt happy being a backup center in Dallas, so why would he be happy being a backup center for the Hawks?

richbrave

October 29th, 2010
3:12 pm

MO is out? Brass decided to rest him after that freak show in ORLANDO last night, huh? Can you folks see what I’ve been sayin’ about the WIZZIES. Did they wet themselves against the MAGIC last night or not? Do you actually think ARENAS jacking up shots from all over the floor is going to change much for this moribund bunch? The D.C. franchise wants back into the top three for another prime lottery pick, and this time it better be an inside player.

I mean did you see YI, JAVALE and ‘DREY runnin’ from the post? It was absolutely comical.” I ain’t goin’ in there.” DAMN, where’s HEYWOOD when you need him? Far, far, away.

O.K. rant #1 done. I have more invective saved for the post-mortums of their tilt with the HAWKS, forthcoming shortly.

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
3:26 pm

Hmmmm…said:

“If mike gives us more D I may change my stance though.”

I hate to break it to you, but I seriously doubt Bibby or anyone else for that matter gives a “rat’s tail” about any of your stances.

Sorry, this is just an opinion blog. It’s not that serious. This crazy stuff is for entertainment purposes only. -smiles-

JoJo the Godfather

October 29th, 2010
3:32 pm

So who gets activiated: Sy or Thomas?…No need for Thomas against teams as small as Philly & Washington…Collins didn’t even lean forwatd in his chair the whole Memphis game. Is Pape Sy healthy enough to play in case of an injury or foul trouble?

i_am_soulstar

October 29th, 2010
3:40 pm

MMMMMMMoooookie

October 29th, 2010
3:59 pm

Where is Etan Thomas? Does anyone know?

richbrave

October 29th, 2010
4:00 pm

So the CELTS drop him and the bed-wetters pick him up. There’s a pistol-packin’ backcourt for ya’.

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
4:14 pm

drmaryb (*_*),

“hate to break it to you, but I seriously doubt Bibby or anyone else for that matter gives a “rat’s tail” about any of your stances.”

“Sorry, this is just an opinion blog. It’s not that serious. This crazy stuff is for entertainment purposes only. -smiles-”

This doesnt change the fact of my original statement. Or the fact that despite the fact that no one “gives a rat’s tail” you still get on here give your opinion. You also obviously cared enough to grace me with your plaseant response. ;-)

It’s just like in grade school, someone says “nobody cares!” and I respond “I care!” end of discussion lol.

Maybe we should just all stop blogging right here and now since nobody cares. Who’s in? *Looks around, Kanye Shrug*

Go Hawks!….wait nobody cares, I forgot.

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
4:56 pm

Hmmmm ….

Well said and very true! Kanye Shrug? I like that!

rof-lol & kicking the couch! You got me pretty good right there!

-smiling-

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
5:02 pm

Hmmm ….

It’s like when Smoove throws up a 3 pointer and you scream …
Oh NO! (No he didn’t!) … And then – Swish! Nothing but Nets!

You wanna’ cover your eyes, but. You just gotta’ look and see!
You don’t want to care … But you do!

The Truth

October 29th, 2010
5:11 pm

Questions from Etan Thomas:

“Since living in Georgia this season I’ve probably seen more confederate flags than I had my entire life. Do people really still fly that symbol of slavery, evil and hate now in 2010?

Sad but true Etan, I’m told some Georgian embrace the confederate symbol as part of their heritage. Some southerners even claim that they see the flag as merely a symbol of southern culture without any political or racial connotation. Unfortunately, these folks have either been misguided or brain washed over the years. I suppose it’s a convenient way for making peace with a very sad period in our American history. But linking an evil supremacy ideology to an entire bloodline is a flat-out bone face lie and perhaps an insult to others who don’t believe in this cryptic form of hate. With that twisted logic, the Nazis’ flag, the swastika would represent the entire German heritage. The only groups that wear that symbol as a badge of honor these days are extremist groups such as the neo-Naz similar to our home grown kkk and their use of the confederate symbol. Yes, there is a difference between ideology and family heritage. By definition, an ideology is a set of ideas that constitutes one’s goals, expectations, and actions. So as an analogy, if my father or grandfather pursues a life of crime and prefers robbing banks and killing innocent people does not mean I automatically must do the same or condone his actions.

Sorry blog people, I digressed.

Read more: http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/thomas/2010/10/28/my-25-questions-to-begin-the-season/#ixzz13mKQo0N2

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
5:13 pm

drmaryb (*_*), Haha I Guess i’m cerebral like Kobe! :-)

I know exactly what you mean, I wish I didn’t care sometimes smh. Somebody told me they wern’t a Hawks fan yesteday and I was dumbfounded! I was like “and you were born and raised in Georgia!?” I was beside myself lol. He thought I was overreacting. Sigh, I can’t help it.

Ooh, and the Kanye shrug is big right now, everybody is putting it on their facebooks and txt messages LOL. PPL are even making songs out of it. Kanye wins even when he looses Haha!

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
5:18 pm

Wild Wild West!

in defense of DeLonte, he is Bi-Polar and that is a serious medical issue involving mental health. My heart really goes out to this young man, what if t were you with this condition.

I mean, I am sure he didn’t mean to bang LeBron’s Mother just to be disrespectful. I mean, it does take two. Maybe, she pursued him and you fellas know, things happen. I know he broke some Man – Law, but you can only blame Delonte for 50% of it. Apparently, it was an on going thing, so maybe they shared some real genuine feelings.

Here’s my point: Von Wafer was talking about Dude was off his MEDS, behind his back and I’m sure the team wasn’t very happy that he was added, after all they accomplished last season. Besides, Shaq and West played together last season, so Shaq may have been starting some ISH as well, we have all heard about Shaq’s Locker Room manners and his disruptive personality as well.

If the guys were picking on West, or if he was ostracized?
Then, he still deserves to have access to a professional work environment.

I’m just sayin’. He shouldn’t be bullied or teased incessantly – after all, that fool is packing an arsenal of fire arms.

Don’t look now! – RUN! Bob & Weave … Drop & Roll ….

LOL!

drmaryb (*_*)

October 29th, 2010
5:26 pm

Hmmmm!

Yeah I saw the shrug on my FB too!
Kanye is a stone trip! Dude is “Off Da’ Chain!”. IDK if dude is crazy or just arrogant? Prolly both!

I saw that new joint yesterday on 106 Park (BET) … New Song: Toasting a Drink
Anyway, I love your thick skin and sense of humor. I was testing to see if you were the trolle … I think not. (U got 2 much class)

-smile-

Hmmm

October 29th, 2010
5:49 pm

drmaryb (*_*), Thanks! I fugured you were troll hunting or something Ha! I’ve seen enough of your posts to know there had to be more too it than an insult ;-)

I haven’t seen the new Kanye joint yet but I’ve gotta check it out!