Atlanta Hawks: Quietly making their case for respect
Miami–Both before and immediately after the Hawks beat the Heat, L.D. and his players claimed to reporters not to care that they don’t get more buzz.
Don’t believe them.
Long after inquiring reporters left, and with most of the team already on the bus, a couple Hawks players and a staffer talked about the W. They speculated that stories about the game would focus more on the Heat losing than the Hawks winning. They joked that ESPN’s ticker would probably show the score, some stats for LeBron and Wade, note Miami’s losing streak and then flash the next score.
“And now on to Memphis!” one of them joked.
The truth is the Hawks, like all competitive alpha males, do want accolades and respect. To their credit, they’ve never complained that they deserve more of either. They understand they have more to prove. They beat the Heat with a tough effort but they are still just 5-9 against opponents with winning records (though they notably beat the last two on the road while Miami is now 2-5 against Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Orlando).
The Hawks are now a half-game behind Chicago for fourth in the East. Even if the Hawks keep rolling, they have to know that for many casual observers the lasting memory is that surrender to Orlando last spring. For those watching them closely now, games like that ugly loss to Houston, which immediately followed the stirring victory at Utah, make them wonder if the Hawks are for real.
So for now the Hawks aren’t publicly making the case that they should be in the conversation with Boston and Miami as true contenders. But they do notice that they haven’t gotten much love despite staying among the East’s top five all year even as the injuries piled up.
Will beating Miami change the perception of the Hawks?
“Maybe,” Jamal said. “But we like being under the radar, honestly. We kind of like creeping and doing our thing that way. Nobody talks about us. That’s good as long we we keep racking up the wins.”
“We are content with staying under the radar and just keep trying to play consistent basketball,” Smoove said. “We’ve been pretty good as of late. We are getting guys healthy and we are figuring out a way to play together.”
Of course all this respect stuff won’t mean much in the end. The Hawks will either prove their worth in the playoffs or they won’t and then earn praise or criticism based on those results. Right now this is all just fodder for discussion among NBA media, fans and–as that scene in the locker room late last night showed–the Hawks.
MC
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222 comments Add your comment
Blast
January 19th, 2011
7:24 pm
For years I’ve always liked that Hawks were not getting any press buzz. I loved them playing under the radar, especially this year. Respect has to be earned, not given if you are not Wade, Kobe, or LeBrat. And you get that respect by going deep in the playoffs. I do believe Hawks will play better this year in the playoffs.
Still buzzing from last night’s great win!
Guzman! Where the hell are ya?
ant banks
January 19th, 2011
7:24 pm
brandon roy OUT with double knee surgery. gred oden OUT with knee surgery. chris paul has KNEE ISSUES. marvin may not be such a bad pick after all. i would much rather have him now than brandon roy now and cp3 could break down any minute…
ant banks
January 19th, 2011
7:32 pm
the nets have pulled outta the ‘melo sweepstakes. denver is goin’ to look like a damn fool when this is ova’. the nets offered 6 players and 2 1st round draft picks for ‘melo and denver had to give up ‘melo, billups. now they may end up wit’ NATHAN!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
January 19th, 2011
7:43 pm
58% for Horford’s mid range percentage actually seems kind of low. If you had asked me I would have said he was converting somewhere around 65% of them. Either way, dude is unstoppable from mid range.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 19th, 2011
7:48 pm
When Josh said, “We are figuring out how to play together.”
__________________________
He was referring to the new offensive and defensive schemes under the new coach. Also, Josh at SF and Al at PF when Twin does not start.
Sometimes, you have to use your “Noodle”. Unless, you know nothing about the dynamics of this team and are a new fan.
Truhawkfan
January 19th, 2011
8:20 pm
I see where the Hawks are coming from when they say they don’t mind flying under the radar cause I think they want that feeling of people to doubt them so they can show up and show out and then think to themselves yeah it’s a rap to all that doubted them. LET’S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
January 19th, 2011
8:23 pm
From the previous blog:
“I’ll bet all of the JSmith distractors can’t say he can’t play individual man to man DEF after the way his worked against LeBrat.”
I am not at all a Smoove detractor, but I had my doubts as to how well he could shift to SF. A year ago at this time I would have never guessed that he could start against good teams at SF without being a liability. When LD said in training camp that he would play Smoove more at SF, I was pretty skeptical. But give the man credit, he has greatly improved the two areas of his game — his shot and his lateral quickness — which I thought would be his biggest liabilities at SF. He did a great job on LeBrickashaw yesterday.
smithy
January 19th, 2011
8:28 pm
NJN will probably not be interesting in trades with Hawks because they want star power when they move to NYC. The Hawks will not trade JJ, Al or Josh for anything that NJN has. Next, Denver still wants to move Billups to make way the NC point guard. Maybe Marvin, MO, and 1st pick, they get a decent SF, cap space, and 1st pick, this is probably the best offer they will get.
Phoenix will not move Nash without Jamal as the prized piece of the deal. Unfortunately, the Hawks will not have any chance to resign Jamal without moving Marvin.
Mike is back
January 19th, 2011
8:35 pm
For all my fellow bloggers that watch ESPN…oops my bad…for ALL my fellow bloggers…that are stuck with watching ESPN…first off…ESPN ain’t all that and a bag of chip…no more.
ESPN reminds of me of TNT…THEY ARE VERY LAME…when it comes to the HAWKS folkS…You’ll need to get the NBA Channel.
Steve Smith…he might toss a LIL SAND…but in his heart…Steve Smith…is always showing some love to the Hawks…dude gotta keep his job…but everybody knows…Steve Smith love the Hawks…Just saying.
Doc, we don’t have to call Josh…Smoove any longer…if it makes U feel any better…NOW…we can call Josh…THE DIFFERENCE MAKER…I LIKE THAT…Cuz I been trying to say the same thing…EVER SINCE…forever.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER…his teammate are right about Josh…it is fitting…WITH A GUY…with such diverse skills.
Nire…EAT YO HEART OUT FOLK…BOO YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
slimjr
January 19th, 2011
8:41 pm
Marvin Duck Williams for Candice Parker yesterday….
Mike is back
January 19th, 2011
8:42 pm
Case you’ll…Don’t know Nire…He is the guy…Dude all but guaranteed me…Josh would never amount to nothing…a couple of years ago.
Now he…trolling on Big Ray blogs…but you’ll…DIDN’T HEAR THAT…FOR ME…lol
slimjr
January 19th, 2011
8:44 pm
it was a terrible #2 Lottery Pick!
Hey Marvina keep your big a@@ on the bench.. Good look…And the Hawks are 9-1 since your backside gave out……………………………………………………………….
slimjr
January 19th, 2011
8:47 pm
Bye Marvin…..We’ll miss ya! NOT………………………………………………………….
slimjr
January 19th, 2011
8:52 pm
The Hawks will have to win the East or make it through the playoffs to an ECF to gain the national media respect…They have accomplished neither in 20 plus years!!!
woodie
January 19th, 2011
9:30 pm
These Hawks are no better than one and done in the playoffs. Time for the Braves.
RLP
January 19th, 2011
9:48 pm
As I am writing this the Hawks are getting some help! The 76ers have taken the magic into overtime, , the Pistons are beating the Celtics, and the Rockets are beating the Knicks.
Talking about “Elite” teams seems kind of strange in the East. The Celtics are old will they be elite? The Heat have the superstars but can they meld? Chicago has surpassed the Hawks record-wise but do they have the needed experience. The Magic also tore up their roster and need to meld together. And the Knicks are coming on but have hit a bad patch. I think the East has five teams (excluding the Knicks) that are in a contest. Until proven otherwise I think the Celtics are “elite”. The Heat and the Magic have the potential to become “elite” because of their super star(s). The other teams, Hawks included are questionable. To me the most promising thing the Hawks have done is to hire LD as the coach. The team has soon signs of continuing the “incremental” change that has been discussed a lot on this blog. Twin, MW, Bibby, JJ, Al and Smooth are all better this year than last year because of “incremental improvement or better coaching or just working harder in the off season. I am more hopeful of a good playoff result than last year which is ultimately how this team will be judged.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 19th, 2011
9:54 pm
F-cking Sixers had a golden opportunity to beat the Magic in regulation and blew it by giving up a four point play.
O'Brien
January 19th, 2011
10:00 pm
What’s going on in Portland? it is being reported that Camby needs arthroscopic surgery on his knee. Ouch.
Rev in Tampa
January 19th, 2011
10:09 pm
Najeh,
As respects your comments about Josh making the transition SF; I made similar comments about Al not being able to transition effectively to the PF. I said his foot lateral movement was too slow, but I have changed my mind. I am impressed that both have been able to broaden their game so greatly. Their new-found versitility makes the Hawks a deeper team without adding new personnel.
Rev in Tampa
January 19th, 2011
10:12 pm
O’Brien,
drmaryb commented on the bad luck with the Portland big men earlier today. I think she called Portland the “graveyard of blown-out knees” or something like that.
Ra'mon
January 19th, 2011
10:21 pm
Josh Powell and Etan Thomas for Ben Wallace..
Jae Evolution
January 19th, 2011
10:27 pm
This blog is getting lame with these Marvin Williams attacks, did the guy not start getting hot before he went down…oh wait this blog is on him because he got injured, as if that never happens.
The Draft isn’t always going to go your way, some of ya’ll need to understand Marvin won’t reach this potential you all hoped he was going to, but you also need to understand he is an important part to this team regardless of where we have gone with his absence.
Worldwide Clyde
January 19th, 2011
10:31 pm
**yawn* Wake me up when the playoffs start.
jlewis
January 19th, 2011
10:44 pm
About the author of Al being underrated, i’m cool with that, but his article is flawed, when was the last time Al was double teamed in the post? lol, they play him straight up, only JJ gets the double team on this team.
Ken Strickland
January 19th, 2011
10:48 pm
OBRIEN-Other than taking one open 3pt shot, what did Jordan Crawford do offensively other than hang out around the 3pt line? His jump shooting, penetrating and finishing ability had to be honored, which gave JJ more room to do his thing. Unlike a large number of our fans, NBA teams do their research, and they know the capability of each player on every NBA roster.
Ra'mon
January 19th, 2011
10:51 pm
Jlewis, Josh gets doubled team on the post a lot.
ant banks
January 19th, 2011
11:13 pm
KEN STRICKLAND, ‘POOP,
anyone heard anything about javarris crittendon? can the hawks use him, if healthy? surely he would be cheap, which is a prerequisite for the hawks. lol.
Ra'mon
January 19th, 2011
11:14 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4jtron2
Atlanta gets:
M. Okur
C.J. Miles
Utah gets:
M. Williams
Zaza
and J. Powell
Utah gets:
M. Williams
J. Powell
no justice
January 19th, 2011
11:16 pm
I don’t get it! Hate on Marvin and love on Teague?
Najeh Davenpoop
January 19th, 2011
11:22 pm
About Al, I think the advanced stat-heads get a little ahead of themselves about Al because the advanced stats look at him very favorably (Bret LaGree from Hoopinion referred to him as a “superstar” yesterday on Daily Dime Live) but there is no doubt he is one of the league’s most efficient offensive big men regardless of whether he is at PF or C. The one thing he doesn’t do at an All Star level, to me, is play with his back to the basket in the low post. He’s good with his back to the basket but not a go-to option. If he develops a low post move that is as unstoppable as his mid range jumper he will be at the level his offensive stats indicate.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 19th, 2011
11:24 pm
“anyone heard anything about javarris crittendon? can the hawks use him, if healthy?”
Hawks don’t need another undersized combo guard. If they acquire anyone at Crittenton’s size, it would have to be a defensive specialist who can run the point better than Teague. Crittenton doesn’t satisfy either of those requirements.
Ra'mon
January 19th, 2011
11:27 pm
Najeh, also Crittenton can’t shoot, so LD wouldn’t play him anyway lol.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 19th, 2011
11:35 pm
Mike is Back
And, I for one am very happy. Ecstatic to have a real and vintage conversation with a classy Gentleman, who knows how to talk to a beautiful woman. And, like he has some damned sense!
Seriously, Mike – I enjoyed that “Smitty” comments! That’s my boy! I loved that Grant Long, Hindu, Deke, Mookie, Roshown McCloud, … Man, I know Smitty got love for the Hawks! Heck, he lives here. I used to have season ticket seats next to him, the wife and two boys. They look like Mini-Steves. They were 4 and 6 back then. Those boys are prolly teen agers now and driving.
Anyway, The older Hawks were a different type of cat, more personality for the fans. Today, not so much!
rusty
January 19th, 2011
11:42 pm
is there an atlanta dream blog open for these loud mouth women on this blog to go to so men can discuss basketball?
SteveW
January 20th, 2011
12:02 am
I think JJ and Al will be All Stars if they stay healthy. And Al isn’t is big of a shoo in as you think. Bargnani, Bogut (especially), and Lopez will all get a look.
The conventional wisdom around the League 2 weeks ago was that Bogut goes in over Al, but I say no way.
And Felton over JJ? Again I say , no way. And it’s a shame they’ll put in Bosh over Josh, but I think it’s a done deal.
SteveW
January 20th, 2011
12:05 am
Teague can shoot, and LD won’t play him, so that’s not his sole criteria. I do wish I knew about the Teague thing.
And Jordan Crawford went in because he dunked on LeBron in the viral video, plain and simple. Head game by LD. I liked it, good move.
superiorblogman
January 20th, 2011
1:13 am
Cunningham: What happened to that $2 million we sold that pick for this summer? This is a decent team and they get respect for doing the same thing over and over again, which is make the playoffs and go home in an unflattering manner. We still need to upgrade or starting PG position and get a legit starting C.
Grandad
January 20th, 2011
1:38 am
rusty
I know your ma’ma done tucked you in, but if I ever hear you talk
bad about the ladies again on this blog…I’m comin’ over to your
school tomorrow and get you out of ISS and then I’m gonna spank
your bottom.
I know your PE teacher, and I’ll ask him to have you run some X-tra
laps, then he won’t let you play dodge-ball either.
After that I’ll ask the lunchroom ladies [real nice like]
to make sure you don’t get any dessert.
So, behave yourself.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 20th, 2011
2:06 am
Rusty
Yes there is a women’s blog in the back room of yo Mamma’s trailer, right next to the bathroom, where her Meth-Lab is. Or, if your punk azz would move over and logg off this computer, she can log onto yours and get online, and then yall b!tch azzes can blog with each other.
______________________
And, stay out of Grown Folks conversation! Didn’t I tell you that last Summer?
What are you, deaf, dumb and blind?
superiorblogman
January 20th, 2011
2:31 am
The way that they claim to be putting this team together is ignorant and flawed. I have never seen a so-called elite team go and get a rookie PG and claim that he is going to push them to championship status. It’s almost impossible for a rookie to make a bunch of veteran all-stars and borderline all-stars fall in line. Teague was set up to fail, the Hawks need a veteran starting PG that the guys will respect.
rusty
January 20th, 2011
2:44 am
drmaryb (*_*) i can tell with that kind talk you’re nothing but ghetto trash. which strip club do you work in?
rusty
January 20th, 2011
2:46 am
drmaryb (*_*) = proof of the IQ gap.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IQ_and_the_Wealth_of_Nations
notice those nations at the bottom and those at the top.
hawks_4_life
January 20th, 2011
3:29 am
Whats with all the hate on the blog?
Jeff
January 20th, 2011
4:13 am
Adults like drmary b arguing with kids and stooping to their level, absolutely pathetic.
hawks_4_life
January 20th, 2011
4:27 am
Back to basketball anyone? Anyone?
Oldtimer
January 20th, 2011
5:17 am
Next game vs. Hornets is telling. It is easy to get up for a Heat team. How about proving you can defend your own home court. This team lost it to a middle of the road team like Houston. They have lost at home to Jazz and Suns. Until you can prove consistency at home, against average to good teams and convince fans, don’t talk about respect. Prove it to me.
Any team in the league gets up to play Heat. Show me you can beat a team that is trying hard like you, a team that will fight tooth and nail, then come back and tell me you are not soft. We’ll see tomorrow night.
Double Zero Eight
January 20th, 2011
6:53 am
Sund is content with the Hawks record. There will not be
a trade of any significance as a result. LD knows this
and is trying to mold his current roster into what he
wants it to be for the playoffs. The Hawks will get no
respect until they go deep into the playoffs. The Falcons
did not help their case.
cdog
January 20th, 2011
7:02 am
not really, they beat teams when they were short handed. they can’t beat miami when they are healthy also boston, chicago, and orlando. fans are being decieved by their performance.rick sund needs to improve the team so they can compete in the playoffs with the good teams.
slimjr
January 20th, 2011
7:14 am
“is there an atlanta dream blog open for these loud mouth women on this blog to go to so men can discuss basketball?”
LOL!
slimjr
January 20th, 2011
7:24 am
The Falcons played 9 teams with under .500 records! That horrific lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs confirmed what the national media new. The Falcons are pretenders not contenders. Throw that 13-3 record out the window..
The Hawks lost in similar fashion last season. A major beat down in the 2nd round of the playoffs..So throw the 53 wins out the window!! This team wont get the respect they are seeking from the media until they march very deep into the playoffs and make their first EVER CHAMPIONSHIP appearance. Maybe next century? 2111???? By that time Captain Kirk will be roaming the Galaxy in the Starship Enterprise!!!