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Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 104, Raptors 101

10:51 pm January 12, 2011, by Michael Cunningham

Raps couldn't stop Jamal. (AP Photo)

Raps couldn't stop Jamal. (AP Photo)

  • If you are going to play no defense and get into an freewheeling shootout like the Hawks did in the first half, it’s good to have Jamal on your side. I thought he was going to provide the answer to Jason Walker’s poll at Peachtree Hoops after just one day.
  • “I was a little concerned going into this game after what we’ve gone through in the last couple days in Atlanta with the snow and the ice of not being able to get the players on the floor and get some time in and get some shots up,” L.D. told reporters. “I was a little concerned that we would be a little rusty. Jamal, he came in that first half and really did a great job of getting us going and keeping us in it. Our defense I thought was really as low-energy as it’s been all year. But we were able to stay in it offensively because he made some shots.”
  • If you need a big shot, Jamal and Bibby are good choices. If you need to get stops in a possession-by-possession game like this one became in the second half, neither guard is ideal. That’s why you saw L.D. make offense-defense substitutions with those two and Wilkins and Mo.
  • Amir Johnson had gotten an and-1 on a pick-and-roll with Calderon vs. Bibby and Al for a 101-99 lead. But Johnson fouled things up when the Raps tried the same play again and he seemed less concerned with rolling to the basket and (for some reason) more worried about taking out Jamal.
  • He inexplicably committed an obvious moving screen against Jamal (who sold it well to officials) with 10.5 seconds to go. That left the door open for the Hawks, and Bibby busted through it. He curled around a double screen from Al and Josh to make a 3. I think it was the same play the Hawks used for a key bucket late in their W at Orlando.
  • Calderon thought he had a mismatch when Al switched off on him but really he would have been better off trying to swing the ball around and isolate one of Atlanta’s guards. Al played excellent D to get a piece of Calderon’s shot without fouling, then pulled back as the ball went off Calderon’s shoulder and out of bounds.
  • Officials originally awarded the ball to the Hawks Raps but overturned it after looking at the replay. “I was not sure [of the call]; that’s why I called my guys in,” L.D. said. “My players were indicating the ball went off them. I was actually preparing myself to defend on that end because I didn’t see what happened.”
  • After Joe made two free throws, the Hawks survived a pretty good 3-point look for Bargnani. The Hawks didn’t handle the Raps like the better teams have lately but they got out of Toronto with their fifth straight W and ninth in their last 11.
  • They can thank Jamal for that. He was most of Atlanta’s offense in the first half. When he stopped scoring in the third, the Raps came back. In the fourth Jamal made a 30-foot 3-pointer, found Al for a key fastbreak layup and craftily drew a foul from DeRozan on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws to give the Hawks a99-98 lead.
  • Jamal had 36 points on 23 shots with no turnovers. “He’s every coach’s dream when you talk about a guy who can come off the bench and get you going,” L.D. said. “He knows what I expect from him. When the team is not going well and we need productivity off the bench, he comes in there and I run plays for him to get us going and tonight he kept us around that first half and then we found a way at the end.”
  • About Jamal’s only real mishap late in the game was picking up a rare technical foul. He thought Barbosa hooked him on an and-1, and he had a point, but that’s a bad spot for a tech.
  • J.J. (26 points on 20 shots) was nearly as efficient as Jamal. He had five turnovers and missed some spot-ups but he’s got his floater working and really is showing a knack for finding space in the offense. He also suckered DeRozan into fouling him on a 3.
  • Josh was nonexistent offensively for much of the game while floating around the perimeter but then took Johnson to the post for a key basket in the fourth. He missed a 3-pointer with the Hawks down 93-91 but it was off good ball movement, in rhythm, he was open and he’s still the second-most accurate from there so hard to fault him too much.
  • Bargnani did a good job of challenging Al’s face-ups. His defense (and the two-foul rule) took Al out of his game as he too often held the ball while trying to size Bargnani up. Al and Zaza struggled to stay with Bargnani on defense but both guys rebounded.
  • Al and Smoove both tweaked their ankles but returned to the game.
  • Mo lately is making more of his spot-up jumpers. He’ll get opportunities so if he keeps that up it adds yet another offensive threat for the Hawks.
  • Wilkins has a knack for getting to the free-throw line, especially for a guy who isn’t much of a threat to score. He always goes hard to the basket.
  • Teague got some early run and was minus-7 in seven minutes. Sometimes he beats the first line of defense and then backs it out instead of trying to get to the rim for his floater or setting up a drive-and-kick.

MC

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337 comments Add your comment

Ray

January 13th, 2011
7:50 am

We need to chill with all these trade talks man.

Steve Nash never going to happen 1. He’s like 37 that’s 5 years older than bibby 2. If he’s traded to another team he might automatically retire just to become a analyst for ESPN or something.

Carmelo Anthony never going to happen 1, Doesn’t like Atlanta 2. Trying to get close to NYC which would be either Boston, New Jersey, or NYC itself he’s stated that publicly.

Chris Paul(CP3) It’s just not going to happen no superstar or all-star like him would ever want to come here he’d feel like he was in a worse situation than before at least they’ve advanced past the second round if I remember correctly.

So there you have it.

O'Brien

January 13th, 2011
8:03 am

Great night for the Hawks. We won, while Chicago, Orlando and Miami all lost.

I think once Jamal accepted the fact that Rick would not mention the word “extension” to him, he decided he would let his game do the talking. He has been on fire.

ASG said they would go into luxury tax for the right player. If Jamal continues to play well, AND he plays well in the playoffs, shouldn’t the ASG go into luxury tax for him?

O'Brien

January 13th, 2011
8:07 am

@ Ramon,

With Josh playing more and more SF, his defensive impact on the game is not as dominant (notice how many times Al was the one caught in the pick and rolls last night). And although he is shooting better this season, he doesnt spend as much time in the post.

If the ASG was willing to spend money, they could keep Josh, resign Jamal, and use the MLE, the TPE and the bi-annual exception to upgrade other positions.

But when was the last time they used any of their exceptions?

In order to upgrade the team, I think it will have to be through trades. Bibby might be moveable this offseason because his contract will be in the final season, but other than that, Josh is our only other trade asset.

We could also do a sign and trade with Jamal, but that would mean the ASG would have to take pack extra salary, and I dont see them doing that (unless its for a draft pick, and a another trade exception).

I think our off-season will also be impacted by our playoff performance, so hopefully we go on a deep run that will encourage the ASG to spend more money.

It was not a bad pick

January 13th, 2011
8:16 am

Great game by Jamal, and Joe Max….We won, so i will try not to be negative, but Josh at the sf makes me sick….I am sick of Drew playing guys out of position…When we get healthy, we should start Marvin at the sf, Al at the pf, Collins at c…JOSH SMITH IS NOT A SF…

It was not a bad pick

January 13th, 2011
8:21 am

O’Brien

“Bibby might be moveable this offseason because his contract will be in the final season, but other than that, Josh is our only other trade asset.”

The Hawks have tried to move Josh before…They found no takers..Well, they could have traded him for Rip and Prince…But that shows you what kind of value a 6ft7 pf has in this leauge…Josh simply cannot help you in a half court type game…We should keep him and make him a super sub…He is currently the only tweener starting in the NBA….Odom, Milsap, Maxiell, and big baby are examples of what to do with a tweener..YOU BRING HIM OFF THE BENCH….

Toronto Raptors Morning Coffee Jan 13 | Slam Dunking

January 13th, 2011
8:27 am

[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]

Michael Cunningham

January 13th, 2011
8:30 am

@MannyT: “MC you got it reversed in the notes. Officials awarded ball to Raptors. Went to video replay to reverse it and award ball to Hawks after Al stopped Calderon.”

indeed . . . fixed.

Ra'mon

January 13th, 2011
8:39 am

O’Brien, the way I see it, if you only have two players who are close to All Stars (Josh and Al) and both are young enough to get better (some part of Josh’s game has improved annually), you trade neither of them, unless you’re getting back an All Star PG (All Star Centers are overrated now. I struggle seeing the Hawks having a better record with Lopez or Bogut in place of Josh or Al). I actually believe Marvin can be traded for Camby, if Marvin is ever healthy long enough. And Bibby’s expiring deal will be a better trade asset. Why give another team a bargain, when Josh is your best bargain?

Do you think Minny would give up Flynn for Teague, a 1st round pick, and Josh Powell?

Ra'mon

January 13th, 2011
8:41 am

O’Brien, I can’t remember Spurs, Lakers, or even Boston trading one of their best three players for someone short of a perennial All Star.

Peter

January 13th, 2011
9:08 am

Does anyone know where Damin James the Hawks first round draft choice of 2010 is ?

drmaryb (*_*)

January 13th, 2011
9:09 am

Great Minds Think Alike!

O’BRIEN said it BEST when he said this:

“ASG said they would go into luxury tax for the right player. If Jamal continues to play well, AND he plays well in the playoffs, shouldn’t the ASG go into luxury tax for him?”
____________________________

Have you ever thought of an invention and soon afterwards, your idea and invention is on a TV Info-Mercial? Being sold for $19.99? But WAIT! If you pick up the phone and order it now, they will double your order and throw in an unbelievable set of steak knives too?

Well, O’BRIEN just stole my idea and beat me to the punch! I have had an unbearable headache for two days straight now and woke up this morning and it’s still there, or I may have posted O’Brien’s comments during the game last evening.
But, I promise yall, I said the exact same thing to my husband last night during the Hawks game, re: Gearon’s statement that got him fined this Summer, when he said he would go into the L.T. for the right player. Jamal and his Agent heard it too. So, there will be no hometown discount going on this Summer. Jamal will be pursued and Gearon may have to pay dearly, twice for those same words.
David Stern and now Jamal Crawford.
________________________

So enthusiastic, double co-sign that O’Brien comment!!!!!!!!

rollow lawson

January 13th, 2011
9:20 am

Trade Marvin Williams for Chris Kaman straight up. That dude can play.

it was a bad pick

January 13th, 2011
9:22 am

Josh is 6′9 and he’s got super long arms don’t give me that bs

i_am_soulstar

January 13th, 2011
9:22 am

“If you are going to play no defense and get into an freewheeling shootout like the Hawks did in the first half, it’s good to have Jamal on your side. I thought he was going to provide the answer to Jason Walker’s poll at Peachtree Hoops after just one day.”

I was thinking the same thing after the first half MC. I was like damn, Jason Walker definitely talked this up. Nobody at the bar knew what I was talking about, but I’m glad someone felt me somewhere in ATL.

lewis

January 13th, 2011
9:24 am

jamal’s playing well now, hope he doesn’t hurt his back again

darrell starks

January 13th, 2011
9:49 am

When will LD wake up and understand that defense interior in the paint is what make the hawks good point blank period, collins have 2 starte every game, if collins starte this game they easily blow out the raptors but yet for some strange reason he continue 2 make dum decision and not starte him.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

darrell starks

January 13th, 2011
9:52 am

COLLINS IS THE ANCHOR ON DEFENSE LD GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE SAND.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

O'Brien

January 13th, 2011
9:57 am

@ Ramon,

I agree about not trading our best players. But I don’t think the ASG is willing to spend the money to keep everybody AND upgrade the team. Time will tell.

In the meantime, I don’t think anybody else has enough trade value to bring us back an impact big or an impact PG.

@ it was not a bad pick,

You said “The Hawks have tried to move Josh before…They found no takers.”.

Can you post an article or link where that was written? Because I think if the Hawks wanted to move Josh, they would have lots of options.

I do think Josh is a better PF than he is SF, and playing SF takes away some of his defensive impact.

However, I also think Marvin is the third best SF on this team (behind JJ and Josh).

Mike is back

January 13th, 2011
9:59 am

MC, Great point on Teague, dude is back to being indecisive again…I would love to hear what LD’s opinion of Teague performance of late.

GREAT WIN BY THE HAWKS…guys stayed together hung in there and stole one at the end.

MC, what are chances that the Hawks would be interested in a guy like Devin Harris…he got good size for a PG…seems like a GREAT FIT…for these long athletic HAWKS!!

Looking forward to the game Saturday…I’ll have the grandson with me…GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ken Strickland

January 13th, 2011
10:06 am

I did a little research on DHarris, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I’d much rather have him than everyone’s beloved SNash, and here’s why:

1-27 yr old DHarris is 10yrs younger than SNash, which makes him a far better investment for our future.
2-MBIBBY—MPG-29.9 PPG-10.1 APG–4.0 SPG–.62
SNASH—- 32.6 17.1 10.7 .63
DHARRIS– 31.7 16.5 7.0 1.03
3-DHarris has shot more FT’s(211) than SNash and MBibby combined(146+37=183). That tells me he’s penetrating and drawing a lot more fouls, and getting to the FT line more as a result. Drawing more fouls on the opositions frontline definitely benefits our frontline, and the team overall. He also creates almost as many steals as Bibby and Nash combined(1.03-.62+.63=1.25). There’s absolutely no doubt that DHarris plays better DEF than Bibby or Nash, both of whom are proven DEF liabilities.

There are 2 ways we can approach a trade for DHarris.

1-Bibby($5.56M, MEvans($2.5M)
2-Evan(2.5M)s, Teague($1.177M), TE($3.6M)

O'Brien

January 13th, 2011
10:07 am

drmaryb,

Also, Jamal has been endorsed fully by LD. Last night, LD said Jamal is a coach’s dream, to have a guy like that you can bring off the bench. In previous articles, LD also said he hopes we bring Jamal back.

A couple years ago, Woody fully endorsed ZaZa, Bibby and Marvin, when they were free agents, and Sund paid to keep them (although that did not take us into luxury tax).

I would like to see the ASG pay Jamal, and then use the full MLE to improve the bench. But it’s not my money.

Peter,

Basically, the Hawks traded Damian James to NJ for Jordan Crawford and a second round pick. The second round pick was then sold to another team for $3 mil.

J from the A

January 13th, 2011
10:22 am

The Hawks cannot use their TPE on Harris.

Besides I don’t think NJ will trade Harris, unless it is for some blockbuster trade that brings a superstar to NJ.

KevinM

January 13th, 2011
10:30 am

So if the consensus is to keep JC1(which I promote wholeheartedly), and see if he will accept a Marvin-type salary, then sign him for 3 years and that opens the opportunity to move JC2, Teague, and Marvin. There is no justification to let JC1 go because of the cap.
Taking the cap into consideration, and it is the key to this roster going forward, you would think Sund would get a grandfather’d JC1 contract that won’t be impacted by the next CBA. I really don’t see a reason why you don’t get his deal done and work on the numbers from a different angle.
Move Marvin, Smoove, Teague (he isn’t going to get a chance IMO), and JC2, that is good ammunition to improve your roster. You are going to have to improve your 1/2 court game before the playoffs as so few fast breaks are found.
I hope Sund changes his fundamentals in that he makes a move to make during the season so he makes a playoff statement to the city and its fans THIS YEAR and not just have a status quo approach. 40 games in and you should know what is needed to advance towards the ECF. IMO, anything less than a true shot at the ECF is a season of mediocrity.

Hoops

January 13th, 2011
10:34 am

The Suns are probably getting ready to free up some cap space. The Hawks should pursue this trade:

Suns get-Jamal Crawford, Teague, and Mo Evans (all have expiring contracts that would free up 14.7M)

Hawks get-Nash and Dudley

When you first look @ this trade, you might say why would the Suns do this? They free up 14.7M to go after Chris Paul.

There are going to be several trades that are made this year before the trade deadline because there are several teams that are not playing as well as they were expected @ the beginning of the season. The Suns are one of them.

Hoops

January 13th, 2011
10:38 am

KevinM,

I agree with keeping JC1, but we may loose him if we don’t make a trade. Other teams are going to go after him because of how well he is playing. Nash or Harris would be the point guard that we have been missing. The question is what move do we make to win the Championship?

drmaryb (*_*)

January 13th, 2011
10:50 am

I looked at Devin Harris career stats and his age. He is 28 years old and has been in the NBA 6 years and has played in 444 games. That ’s an average of 74 games/year. IDK where he lost most of his time to injury, if it was all in one or two years? Total games missed is 48 in 6 years.

His Career / Current Stats are solid, but not earth shattering:

PPG 13.2 / 16.3
APG. 4.9 / 7.0
RBG. 2.9/ 2.5

The last three games look great
NJ – PHX Devin’s Line was 15/11 in a Loss
NJ – Bulls Devin’s Line was 13/17 in a Win. (Pts/assts)

I pulled all those #’s from memory and may be off a little, but you gét the gist.
Can Devin help this team? Sure
Can Devin take us where we want to go? IDK

It all depends on how much we have to give up to get him and will that cost hurt/help this team. Boy, I sure wouldn’t want to be a GM – that’s a very tough job, IMO.

steve brown

January 13th, 2011
11:00 am

If this team has a heart and soul a large part of it is due to Jamal Crawford. I challenge everyone to name a player who has been more valuable to the team than Jamal. Losing him to free agency would be an abomination.

ILL-Logical

January 13th, 2011
11:17 am

Last night’s win-qnd it goes in the books as a win- was an example of the good and bad aspects of the Hawk’s relience on their front court.

When Jamal was hot the rest of the team stood around and stared and didn’t play good defense. When he went chilly, Joe tried to pick up the slack with a great deal less success. But the rest of the team was out of sync. while Bibby’s clutch three pointer put the dagger in the Raptor’s coffin; the team defense in the last few minutes kept the Hawk’s in the game.

The point is that against the better teams the Hawks must present a balanced attack and some sustained defense in order to maximize their chances of winning.
Hope eveyone survived Snow Jam 2011!

KevinM

January 13th, 2011
11:18 am

Im looking at teams that are struggling with their current roster. This is a reach, but perhaps that Mayo might be an option here. He is a combo type player, that has a jump shot and has some length. His contract is favorable and Hollins wants his GM to make a move.
I don’t like the Conley contract and he probably can’t be moved anyway, but Mayo doesn’t appear to have a true role on that team.
Knowing that Bibby isn’t going anywhere, I don’t see a huge risk here.
His contract: 4.4/5.6/QO7.4….he might be someone we can fit into this offense.
Other than Mayo, Monta has big numbers and I don’t think we can get Andre Miller or Chauncey.
Looks like this current roster is set for 50 wins, but going into this postseason with the same dependencies won’t get it done.
You see Boston and Orlando looking to add, and I wouldn’t put it past Miami to get someone else as well.

jlewis

January 13th, 2011
11:27 am

JJ is more valuable than Jamal, bigger, more consistent (when healthy) better defender. 4 time all-star, all NBA.

Harpie

January 13th, 2011
11:30 am

Josh Smith is an IDIOT with athletic ability. He needs a coach who will demand that he try to play the right way, or else sit his ass on the bench.

Mike is back

January 13th, 2011
11:31 am

Drmaryb, I agree on DHarris…It would definitely depend on the cost…I’ve never been big on stats…I agree stats are a good indicator…but that’s only half of the picture for me…I also look at style of play…does this guy style of play fit your system…in DHarris case…I think it does…so if NJ is actually shopping dude around…WE NEED TO SEE WHATZUP!!!

However, this is not a guy…I would go over board for…AJ is putting this guy on the trading block for a second time…first in Dallas and now in NJ…that tells me…NJ could be looking to move this guy regardless of whether they acquire Melo…I would love to have him as a Hawk…if we could get him at a reasonable price.

Harpie

January 13th, 2011
11:34 am

There is no way that Teague can be fairly evaluated with the amount and type of playing time that he gets. The Hawks are not giving the guy a fair chance; if he goes somewhere else, I hope he gets treated fairly, thrives, and comes back to haunt the Hawks!

Booo!

January 13th, 2011
11:53 am

THE ONLY RESON TEAGUE WAS -7 WAS BECAUSE OF ZAZA, JAMAL, AND THEIR POOR DEFENSE!

Teague scored four points in the first half and managed the game well while he was in there. Conversely, in the second half when the starters fouled up the game LD didn’t give Bibby the leash like he SHOULD HAVE.
Aside from those 2 3-pointers in the fourth, BIBBY WAS HORRIBLE. He’s the only PG in the NBA with worse defense than Calderon.

Yes it was a cute little heroic moment for Bibby, but we will get burned in the playoffs if he plays like that. I’m PRAYING for that New Jersey deal to go through so that we can have a shot at swapping Bibby for Devin Harris. He’s only 28 and he’s 6′3 200. He’s been to the finals and plays exellent D. He averaging like 16 and 7 right now. He can shoot and run the break well and we all know what kind of pressure he puts on a defense.

If were going to take a step forward this season WE NEED A NEW POINT GUARD. We actually need JEFF TEAGUE more than many people would like to admit. Everytime he attacked last night he got to the line. If LD keeps him in the game consistantly and allows Teague to do that, WE WONT NEED TO BE BAILED OUT BY STREAKY SHOOTERS JAMAL AND BIBBY.

Players like Harris and Teague may not the great shooter that Bibby is but with their ability to consistantly penetrate the defense THEY WILL NEVER COMPLETELY DISSAPEAR BECAUSE OF A COLD JUMPSHOT LIKE BIBBY WHO IS ABSOLUTELY USELESS WHEN HE’S OFF. Also, the offense will not be limited because our PG has to PICK UP HIS DRIBBLE JUST PAST HALF COURT AND COST US A TUNOVER BECAUSE HE CANNOT ADEQUATELY HANDLE THE BALL FOR A STARTING PG GETTING PAID (or stealing…whichever you perfer) SIX MILLION DOLLARS A SEASON.

I hope Rick Sund can see through the smokescreen and good vibrations from Bibbys nice little Jumpshot there at the end and realize that WE WILL NOT GET OUT OF THE SECOND ROUND WITH BIBBY AS OUR STARTING POINT GUARD. WE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE WON THAT GAME WITHOUT THE NEED FOR HEROICS AT THE END IF WE HAD A PG WHO COULD CONSISTANTLY SCORE THROUGHT A GAME AND NOT JUST LUCKILY GET HOT DURING THE LAST THREE MINUTES OF THE 4TH QUATER

That is all.

Booo!

January 13th, 2011
12:13 pm

“THE ONLY RESON TEAGUE WAS -7 WAS BECAUSE OF ZAZA, JAMAL, AND THEIR POOR DEFENSE!”

During that stretch in the first half Jamal got owned by Barbosa FOURT times! 1 close range jumper, 1 three pointer, and two layups by Barbosa (who had 26 pts) all while being checked by JC1. Then Zaza got burned by Barngani for a Layup.

The ONLY mistake Teage made in the first half was getting stripped by bayless for a dunk while he was trying to call for time. Not that it matterd if he was stripped or not because LD (in Classic Woodpecker fashon) was going to yank him and put Bibby and his “exellent” D back in the game.

You can cry all you want because Teague refused to give in to the Defense and take the Jumper, but the Kid got to the line, how can you logically blame him? Check the tape, it doesn’t lie.

STRETCH

January 13th, 2011
12:17 pm

GIVE JAMAL HIS MONEY!

The Truth

January 13th, 2011
12:22 pm

The way Barbosa exposed the Hawks repeatedly slashing in the lane and scoring is yet another example of the Hawks soft defense with AL and Josh manning the interior defense. If the Hawks plans were to exploit mismatches with Al and Josh in the paint, than they failed short of that. Both AL and Josh had pedestrian numbers against a sub-par defensive team. While Al seemed bothered with the length of Bargnani, Josh appeared to be rusty going back playing PF. His timing for blocking shots was also a day late and a dollar short. He was more interested in playing offense than defense. This yo-yo seesaw lineup rotation may backfire on LD from a playoff prospective. How long must we endure this experiment? The analogy of anchoring our defense with Al and Josh against the elite teams will be the equivalent of trying to cut red meat with a butter knife. LD needs to stop dreaming and wakeup. As late night indicated, even when the Hawks win with this lineup, they struggle most of the time. Isn’t that way Stevie Wonder?

The Truth

January 13th, 2011
12:26 pm

*Isn’t that right Stevie Wonder?

sam'l

January 13th, 2011
12:35 pm

Oh, so now there’s a Jamal bandwagon? You’re about a year too late. Oh, well join the club but don’t pretend you’re Einstein.

About the most creative player ever to wear a Hawk uniform.

Sautee

January 13th, 2011
12:45 pm

Scoop,

about this: “Smoove is a black hole on offense. He is not MJ and any time he gets the ball the possession ends in a turnover or a bad shot. ”

ANY TIME, Scoop? ANY TIME?

That’s just a bit too hyperbolic to let slide. You mean he NEVER hits a shot? He NEVER has assists?

If you want to argue against Josh’s faults at least keep it real enough to be believable. Or say that it it your opinion. Either way, you need to keep it real.

Ken Strickland

January 13th, 2011
12:47 pm

TRUTH-Like too many of our fans, you’re blaming the symtom rather than the cause. Are you saying it’s Smoove and Horfords fault our guards can’t keep they man from getting into the lane? Are you saying they should be able to lock down their man, and at the same time, be totally responsible for totally erasing everyone elses poor DEF?

You put a PG that’s able and/or willing to play good perimeter DEF next to JJ, and our interior DEF will improve dramatically. And it would certainly help a lot if we gave significant mins to a PG that was active enough to draw a foul or 2 on the opposing PG. Teague drew more fouls in 3mins than Bibby drew the entire gm.

All of this BS about Smoove and Horford being the problem is just that, BS. Tell me, how long has it been since a team won an NBA title with a center and PF not named KPerkins/KGarnett, or PGasol/Bynum? If that’s your criteria for judging Smooth and Horford, then these are only 2 C’s or PF’s that can make the Hawks a championship team.

PEDRO EL GITANO

January 13th, 2011
12:48 pm

POR FAVOR RENUEVEN YA A JAMAL,ES UNA GOZADA VERLE JUGAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KevinM

January 13th, 2011
12:51 pm

Smoove is a black hole on offense. He is not MJ and any time he gets the ball the possession ends in a turnover or a bad shot. ”

He’s not even Chris Bosh..we don’t need high flying, we need players who cherish every possession. Don’t know who is going to inquire about him, but you need a big man in return. Not likely to happen.

KevinM

January 13th, 2011
12:55 pm

Wathching ex-Hawk Antoine Walker here in NBA-TV. I don’t see anything we haven’t seen before….3 point shot attempts….he doesn’t look like he could help anyone.
Anyone see this link showing the Hawks are 2nd in D-League callups? Well, they are modeling themselves after the Spurs, who are #1 in callups? http://hoopshype.com/dleague.htm

The Truth

January 13th, 2011
1:08 pm

Ken
Contrary to what you believe, in the NBA, there are occasions when an outstanding PG will break-down the best ball defender. PGs like Tony Parker, Chris Paul and others will expose the best of them. Don’t pretend this doesn’t happen when you know that is “The Truth”. Without question, Bibby can do a better job on ball defending his man. But Barbosa was breaking down any Hawk player guarding him including JJ. It wound have made a difference if the Hawks had an enforcer discouraging lane penetration.

O'Brien

January 13th, 2011
1:09 pm

sam’l,

We are not Jamal bandwagoners. The main reason why people have suggested trade him is because he was the most attractive asset that could be used to strenghten other areas (Center or PG).

Best case scenario would be to resign Jamal, and use the MLE and the TPE to get PG and frontcourt help. But thats alot of extra salary for the ASG.

O'Brien

January 13th, 2011
1:10 pm

The Truth,

Except for Dwight Howard, who else in the league is considered an enforcer (on defense)?

It was not a bad pick

January 13th, 2011
1:13 pm

O’Brien
“However, I also think Marvin is the third best SF on this team (behind JJ and Josh).”

I am glad to see that someone is finally seeing that Joe is not true sg..He is a sf..I would not say that Josh is better than Marvin at sf..Last night was perfect example…His shot is just not there…

JeJe

January 13th, 2011
1:16 pm

JAMAL HIT 3 FTS IN A ROW, THEN 30 SEC LATER JOE TAKES TECHNICAL FT AND BRICKS IT

LOL

JeJe

January 13th, 2011
1:17 pm

THE BLOG MONSTER HAS CEASED WITH ITS EVILNESS. THANKS, MC.

LOL @ BIBBY DOING NOTHING ALL GAME THEN HITTING 1 BIG SHOT.

I WAS WONDERING WHY HE WAS IN THE WHOLE 4TH

JAMAL IS THE REAL DEAL

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