Bobcats 88, Hawks 86

no buzz at all for the hawks in the league or the home town and now you can see why. We inexplicably get away from what gets us the big leads and settle for iso play and jumpers. Coach talks a good game but in the end still rolls with Mo and Bibby and Jamal in crunch time defensively – Front office is either mum or just standing pat and not making deals to improve the team’s chance of improving.

• Link
• Report this comment

Geez…I knew this would happen. I wrote a long post on tonight’s Town Hall Season Ticket meeting with Michael Gearon. Here it is, if you are interested.

Section 303

February 13th, 2011
1:40 am
Najeh, here I am.

I came home from the game and really wanted nothing to do with anything Hawk related. This team is a disaster.

Anyways…the season ticket meeting with Michael Gerron…

I have to admit this. I left the meeting kind of liking the guy. He seems like a good dude. He was kind of straight with us about things, but not as straight as Billy Knight used to be when he hosted these meetings.

Here are some highlights:

1. Gerron said that the Hawks are always looking into trades (he said this multiple times). As of right now, there is nothing that makes sense. He cautioned that so many teams in the past have made trades and gotten worse. He cited Orlando this year, whose record is either about the same or worse since their big trade. Also, Philly, back in ‘08, was seen as a team on the rise. Then they trade away Miller and Dalembert. Caused them to vanish from the scene (until last Tuesday, anyway).

2. He defended the ASG on the notion that they are cheap. The Hawks have the 7th highest payroll in the NBA (said this several times). He pointed out all the money they sank into Joe, Josh, and Al. He said the payroll grew with the team, which is what they planned all along.

3. Someone asked about a trade for a guard who could defend better. Gerron agreed that this was a weak area. But, again, said that they have not had a deal come their way that makes sense.

4. He praised Rick Sund for being patient and tight lipped. Pointed out that Rick Sund has made some good moves. Namely, getting Jamal Crawford for parts off the scrap heep (my words, not his). I still don’t like Rick Sund.

5. He said that he is frustrated that the city does not turn out to support the team at many games. Someone asked about the blowout losses at home. Gerron said that he truely feels part of the blame is lack of support. “We sometimes do not get the home court lift”. Hard to argue with that. He said that as a native of Atlanta he has seen all the teams struggle with attendance.

7. Also, he mentioned that Josh Childress simply did not want to play here anymore. He said that Josh saw himself as a starter. And, also mentioned that Josh hardly ever plays for the Suns now. I took that as a “told you so” comment towards Chills.

8. Said he likes the lineup with Twin starting.

If I remember anything else, I will post it. I really want the team to make some kind of trade. I understand the caution Gerron talked about. But, some teams have bettered themselves with deadline moves. They are not always failures.

Really, to me, I am going to lose a lot of faith if something is not done. I do not think there is a person who follows this team that does not think some type of change is in order.

One more thing…I see I did not write my #6 highlight. I thought it, but didn’t write it. Here it is…

6. Someone really ripped Bibby. The fan told Gearon that Bibby was “worthless” if he was not hitting his outside shot. And, that Bibby was a defensive disaster. Gerron told the guy he was being a little too hard on Bibby. That Bibby is a leader on the court/in the locker room. And, while he agrees that Bibby is not a “lock down defender”, he can still guard people.

What was funny about this was that Bibby was just out on the practice court before Gearon started. The court was split in half with a curtain. Bibby was on the other side shooting around. Would have been interesting had he been within earshot for the guy’s blasting.

Also…I never asked a question. Was not feeling it. And, besides, all my questions would have been about potential trades (like, are they going to make one). Gearon had already said, several times, that they have not seen a deal that works for them.

And, I realize I spelled Gearon wrong in my first post. It’s late and I am tired of being a Hawks fan at the moment. This lose was tough to take. I wish there was a pill I could take that would make me not care about this team.

Link Report this comment

• Link
• Report this comment

Reading Ken’s blog made me remember something else Michael Gearon said (and said more than once)….The Hawks, going into tonight, were 28-3 in games they led going into the 4th quarter. He pointed out that this was a major sign of growth. How ironic that tonight, after he said that, the Hawks blow a 4th quarter lead. A clear sign of a team in need of a shake up.

• Link
• Report this comment

Thanks for the post Section 303 – Gearon is not up for risking bring in a legit point guard or center and taking a step backward – it may get some backsides in the seats. I got love for Bibby but his time as our starter has come and gone its time for a definite upgrade.

• Link
• Report this comment

Now what my fear is! Is that we might’ve waited too long to make a move and noone is gonna want to come here when we atleast HAD some positive momentum going. But now we must DEFINITLEY blow-up this thing! My only prayer is that we just keep Al Horford! EVERYbody else is fair game! LET’S GO HAWKS!

• Link
• Report this comment

I said it last year & all this year.Joe Johnson sucks,I’m i the only one that see’s it.Joe makes Kobe & Lebron $ & he’s not close to a player like them.He’s a # 2 player,but we pay him # 1 player money !!! Trade this man for peanuts if your can,just get him off our books.How would u feel- if the star player sucks(the money man) & u had to be the player to carry the team.Cheated-When its time to play a ok or good team,Joe always let down.Dumbiest GM in the Game.Joe Johnson id Garbage!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

we should trade the whole team but joe and al for melo and nene. even if melo leaves and doesn’t sign an extension, we would be in much better position to contend for a title and not waste Al Horford’s career. if melo leaves, we suck next year and get a high draft pick to add a cheap, good young point guard of small forward then have the money to enter the cp3/d-will/dwight sweepstakes the following year to add to the joe/al/nene core. we can all agree this team isn’t going to win a championship unless we blow it up. I would be more than willing to watch a team have a bad year if it is an obvious part of a plan. joe makes too much $$$ to get rid of and would be a great #2 and Al is everything you could want in an NBA player. with competant GM, this franchise would be a winner for the next 10 years

• Link
• Report this comment

Joe Johnson Sucks !!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

nah…Josh needs to go too!! he’s part of the stagnation!!! Al needs to go too!!! but only ’cause he DESERVES better!!! find some damn leaders and get rid of these ‘excuses’ that take the court every nite…PERIOD!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

new name… the Atlanta Excuses!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Section 303, good stuff. Good to know what Gearon is thinking. Unfortunately, what he’s thinking seems to be the same excuse-making nonsense we have come to expect from this franchise. Bibby is not a bad defender, the GM made one good move in three years so he’s doing a good job, and blaming the fans for not showing up to see this also-ran team.

I wish you had followed up his comment on team salary and asked him why they choose to spend their money so unwisely. I don’t think those of us who follow the team closely are as disappointed with the willingness to spend (which obviously is there at least to an extent) as we are with the ongoing tendency to overpay for mediocrity. Really, other than Smoove, Al, Damien, and the players on their rookie scale deals, every player on this team is overpaid compared to other players in the league that provide similar production.

Also, you should have told him to read this blog more often.

• Link
• Report this comment

i agree we are just above being mediocre…its time to make some changes…keep horford do whatever with everybody else

• Link
• Report this comment

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Atlanta Towing, Michael Cunningham. Michael Cunningham said: Bobcats 88, Hawks 86 http://bit.ly/fcFpOA [...]

• Link
• Report this comment

Amongst all of the talk about lineup changes, I don’t understand why Marvin always seems to get the short end of the stick and become the scapegoat for why the Hawks aren’t elite yet. Why does Marvin always get the criticism? Why is he always the first guy to get benched when things aren’t going well? Seriously, Marvin is not the guy hogging the ball and taking too many shots, he’s not the guy constantly dribbling out the shot clock and bricking jumpers at the end of the clock, he’s not the guy launching long two and three point shots with a guy in his face and air-balling them, he’s not the guy trying to be a hero and play PG/SG/SF/PF and pouting when things don’t go his way, he’s not the guy who is incapable of guarding his man and who is constantly attacked by opposing teams’ offense, Marvin isn’t any of those things. Marvin just goes out and does what he’s told to do. He’s not overly emotional, he’s not immature, he doesn’t take silly shots or make bad decisions, and he doesn’t fight with his coach or cause chaos in the locker room.

Why do you so many of you hate this guy? You would think that someone who is going to go out on the court each night and be happy doing whatever the coach asks him to do out there, even if it means getting less than 5 field goal attempts that night, would be someone that you’d want to have on your team. Instead Marvin is the guy who takes unwarranted criticism night-in and night-out without even knowing why and without even deserving that criticism.

I understand that Marvin is not the superstar that some people thought he would be when he was drafted #2 overall, but it’s not like he’s just some bum who has a negative impact on his team and gives no effort at all. It’s not like it was Marvin’s fault that he was chosen second, overall, in the draft back in 2005. Marvin may not be the most competitive guy on the team, but he still plays his role well. He is quietly one of the best perimeter defenders at his position and is one of only four players on our roster who are complete players, meaning they are effective on both ends of the floor. Marvin may not score a lot of points, or be anything close to impressive in any statistical area, but he couldn’t have a smaller role on the team as a starter than he already does. It’s not like Marvin gets to take 15-20 shots a night like Joe or Josh. I’m sure if Marvin had as many attempts as either of those guys, he’d probably be about a 15 ppg scorer like he was a couple of seasons ago. Just like Al Horford could easily lead this team in scoring if he had as many field goal attempts as our volume scorer, Joe Johnson. Opportunity can easily lead to increased production.

I truly believe that Marvin could be an impact player if he had a larger role on the team, but since he isn’t asked to do much on this team, he just does the little things that coach Drew asks him to do, and he does them without complaining. I don’t see any reason to criticize him for that.

What do you people want from him? Do you want him to go out and score 20 points each night? Take some shots away from Joe, Jamal, and overconfident Josh and see what Marvin is capable of. Do you want him to be a defensive specialist? He already does a solid job on the perimeter when defending and occasionally does alright defending the smaller power forwards in the post. Honestly, what do you want from Marvin? He’s not a point guard, he’s not going to get you 8-10 assists a night, in fact, he almost never even gets to touch the ball, so how is he supposed to score or assist with the usage rate he has. As far as rebounding, he does an okay job at that considering his minutes played and the fact that he plays a wing position. I really don’t know what you people want from this guy. Given his tiny role on the team, I think he gives you basically what he should right now. He defends is his position well, makes good decisions most of the time, doesn’t force many shots, and when his number is called, he just does what he is asked to do, whether it is to knock down an open shot, post-up, or try to shut down an opposing team’s player. If Drew gives him a larger role, maybe he will produce more, or not produce, but until he is given that opportunity, lay off of the guy.

If anyone should be criticized for the team’s lack of success, it should be management for giving the team a lack of capable personnel on the perimeter. (mainly, a capable point guard) After that, you can blame Drew for using the same fourth quarter lineups over and over when they constantly get burned on the defensive end with dribble penetration. Next, you can blame Bibby for being incapable of defending quick guards, and L.D. for asking him to do so. Then, you can blame Jamal for being incredibly one-dimensional and a huge liability when his shots are not falling. After that, you can shift your blame toward Joe Johnson for constantly thinking that he is the center of the team’s offense and thinking that every play must go through him and insisting that he must take the majority of the team’s shots, even when he has nothing going for him. Later, you can blame Josh Smith for never learning to play within his boundaries even after seven years in the league. Eventually, you can blame Marvin, but there are a lot of guys in line before him when it comes to throwing out blames for why the team is struggling.

• Link
• Report this comment

Black Baron: my thought on Marvin is that he would probably be a lot better off if he were traded – he will always be the guy who was drafted #2 ahead of CP here.

• Link
• Report this comment

Sorry Coach but this loss and many others this season is on you. If you cannot control your player and they refuse to buy in to your coaching and game advice, then you should resign before you are fired. The Hawks allow too many runs against average teams and always seem to fade in the 4 th quarter, why? You play the starters too long in the first 3 quarters so they have no stamina left in the 4 th quarter. Either play your subs more or improve the conditioning of your starters as it is clear that they are tired and have no legs or ability to take your coaching advice so they resort to shooting three’s to try to catch up when they allow those scoring runs.

• Link
• Report this comment

BLOW THEM UP! BLOW THEM UP! BLOW THEM UP!

This is a team meant to be a 6 seed in the conference and exit stage left in Round 1.

1. Bibby is old and is NEVER gonna be a starting PG for a legit contending team.
2. JJ is good, but not great. I always thought he was more of a Robin than a Batman
3. Marvin….at this point I hate to say it but he’s closing in on “bust” status.
4. Josh Smith is the ultimate enigma. Could be dominate but will NEVER be consistent.
5. Horford could be a great PF but plays with the passion to be good at center. I wish we drew up more plays for him.

I sure wish we would have made a run at Al Jefferson last year and can we finally just admit the “Teague” experiment is over.

Also, notice that Larry Drew said he has been harping on patience and shot selection but the guys “haven’t grasped that concept yet”. Here’s a piece of advice from a guy who has a lot more than 12 guys to account for, take away something precious of theirs (playing time) until they grasp your concept. Accountability can lead to results.

• Link
• Report this comment

Can we just state the obvious. The Hawks are not very smart. Shot selection is usually poor, don’t value each possession, take too many chances with the “spectacular pass” instead of the sure pass. And they don’t have a real leader. Joe is a follower. Al only leads by example, which is good, but every successful team must have an “in your face” leader. And Smoove, bless his heart, is the dumbest of all. He has no concept of “time and place.” He’s like a nerve ending just roaming around on the court with a basketball IQ of about 50. This team is so rudderless.

• Link
• Report this comment

I am losing confidence in Larry Drew very fast. He is taking this team in a direction that will not make them succeed. No team can win in the NBA playoffs without defense and good guard play. The hawks are a bunch of jump shooters who play no defense. LD acts like John Wooden when describing Teagues weaknesses, yet he fails to mention that Bibby is the WORST starting PG in the NBA by far.

The Hawks have already peaked this year. And we have weak management that would say that the hawks really have no direction or future.

• Link
• Report this comment

Marvin Williams was not our worse pick, Sheldon Williams was. Marvin is not our worst player, our worst player is Bibby and who ever is playing center other than Al.

• Link
• Report this comment

Gearon= No trades due to lack of funds…
Hawks= Write off…
Mr. Stern= The fix is in. There will be no Championships in Atlanta ever………….

Man the Truth hurts……………

• Link
• Report this comment

the Marvin pick was the worst when you consider BK passed up on 2 allstars at the most critical position………..Tyrone Lue was the starter back then with speedy coming of the bench??? Are you kidding me…That’s D league stuff……….

BK also passed on the Rondo, Gay and Brando Roy for the slum lord Sheldon Williams!! Way to go Billy Knight!!! Your huge draft mistakes will cost this franchise for years to come……………………Decades……………

• Link
• Report this comment

It’s the coach job to get the team back on track when they start playing outside their offense. To say THE PLAYERS were taking too many jumps shots is only half the truth. If that was the case and as a coach you know it then why not pull them out of the game to make a point? A good team with a less than average coach spells 48 wins and maybe second round playoff run?? Not bad but if the Hawks want fans to really believe in this team then they have to put a product on the floor worth believing in!

• Link
• Report this comment

What a garbage team…..really time to blow it up. This is as good as this group can get, which isn’t worth anything.

Really hate being a native Atlantan who likes sports……..really tough.

• Link
• Report this comment

Ken/MC: Please write an article that illustrates the frustration of Hawks fans.

• Link
• Report this comment

What’s Mike Woodson up to these days?

• Link
• Report this comment

Black Baron you are absolutely right about Marvin Williams. He is only doing what the coach is asking him to do. He is the best defender on the team and he doesn’t do stupid things with the ball. LD just has him standing in the same spot (just like Woody). He is the best free throw shooter on the team and isn’t afraid to draw contact. I am for him coming off the bench but not with the trigger happy Crawford.

We have too many jump shooters on the team. That’s the problem I have with Josh Smith. He tries to play a finesse game. Last our starting center had 4 pts and 1 rebound. I don’t understand how sending Marvin to the bench for Jason Collins helps the team when Horf is the best center on the team. Smith can’t play the SF. He gets killed out there. Josh Smith is a poor defender especially on the perimeter. His blocks and steals drop every month.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hello, Coach Sloan……

• Link
• Report this comment

Good post Cuddy!

• Link
• Report this comment

LD did and excellent job coaching last night, his rotation was smooth he kept the line up big and kept horford at powerforward, but his biggest falt is putting bibby, jamal, on the court at the same time, thats the biggest weakness on the team with perimeter defense that strategy should be abandon from the playbook.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Trade every freakin body(not named Al), for any freakin body with a pulse. Sund should be on the phone right now trying to break this thing up. Time to build around Horford. Hell, I dont even care if it means rebuilding.

• Link
• Report this comment

We need to trade Jamal while we can get something for him….the JJ contract will be handcuffs on the organization for years to come……

• Link
• Report this comment

Joke Johnson lmao. “GIVE TEAGUE A CHANCE!”

• Link
• Report this comment

Can’t blame it on Coach Woodson now!

• Link
• Report this comment

Corrrection, Mike bibby is only 29 of 45 from the free throw line in 53 games for 64%; Joe Johnson is 146 of 179 for 81%. So our starting back court combined has only attempted 224 free throw attempts in 53 games, while Ramon Sessions is 208 of 250. He has made more free throws by himself than bibby and johnson’s 175 combined. And he has attempted 26 more free throws than our dynamic duo.

• Link
• Report this comment

Free throw line? What’s a free throw line?

• Link
• Report this comment

Oh Yeah if I might add he is only averaging about 26 minutes per game. Sessions does not shoot three’s, as he has only taken 1 on the season, what he does is drives and distributes the ball, ala Rajon Rondo, his three point shot will come in time. the only reason Milwaukee got rid of sessions is they drafted brandon jennings. Try and do the deal Rick Sund, or at least give cleveland a call.

• Link
• Report this comment

Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

• Link
• Report this comment

Hey JJ, I’m old school, if you prefer to call if foul line that is cool by me, but it was considered free throw line back in the day.

• Link
• Report this comment

We need to get under the cap for 2012 because you have home town star D. Howard , Derron Williams , CP3 2012 looks deeper than 2010 we need trade for expiring contracts .

• Link
• Report this comment

Oops… trade is here – http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4jxuhd5

• Link
• Report this comment

Enough with the core crap because obviously its not working look to 2012 free agency .

• Link
• Report this comment

Die hard fans want at least a long shots chance at a championship. We don’t have that and it is why Gearon’s logic fails. Change would at least show us that management was trying to go for it all, not just respectability (of which we here in Atlanta have had our bellies full of for too long with only 1 world championship-the Braves). You can’t fool us any more. If you are not working towards a championship contender every day you are not doing your job. Hey Hawks-you are not doing your job! Making moves is a risky business, but some risk is far better than boring your fan base to tears.

• Link
• Report this comment

You are allowing depression into your life by being a HAWKS fan. Don’t do that to yourselves.

• Link
• Report this comment

Joe Johnson is a bust !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lord help me & the hawks,because they’re killing me.

• Link
• Report this comment

I told yall that LD was all talk. He basically told you guys and the ASG what yall wanted to hear to get the job. NBA players won’t run a motion offense. NBA players won’t listen to a coach who makes a fraction of what they make. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith have ALL NBA talent but unfortunately have the minds of AAU players.

The whole Woody firing was just to save money.

We will finish somewhere between 4-6 and at this rate lose in the 1st round or for sure in the 2nd. LD knows this, Rich Sund knows this, and the team know this. We are right where we should be, nothing more, nothing less. Why all the moaning and groaning.

• Link
• Report this comment

It is very disappointing to see politicians which include Sund and the ASG lie to the people. At the end of last year they lied like they were in building mode to get to the next level, but what they actually did was resign Joe, resign there backup coach and moved him to head coach and that was All She Wrote. Now they lie like they are so in love with the core, which I believe, but what happened to those promises of building on the core? Don’t go to games and don’t believe anything they say.

• Link
• Report this comment

I havn’t watch this team play in a while because I don’t like the way they(JJ, JS and MW) play. When I watched the hawks by in the 70s and 80s, I never had any complaints about the way they played the game of basketball. The players(Armond Hill, John Drew, Eddie Johnson, Dan Roundfield & Tree Rollins) back then were more muture and professional than todays players.

I don’t know how much control Rick Sund has with this team but he could at least do a better job in the draft if nothing else. If he would just focus on team needs and intelligence he can improve this team tremendously.

I have had enough of JJ and JS is not far behind. I think from a personality standpoint Bill Laimbeer can make a huge different for this team. He will change the way these players approach the game of basketball. Bill doesn’t mess around and he believes in solid defense. He kind of remind me of Hubie Brown except Laimbeer believe in offense and defense. Laimbeer knows the way to success and he has 2 rings to prove it.

Changes I would like to see:

1 Hire Bill Laimbeer

2 Trade JJ and JS to Houston
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4c7hxtj

3 Draft Keith Benson-C in the 1st rd

pg-Aaron Brooks
sg-Kelvin Martin
sf-Shame Battier
pf-Al Horford
c-Luis Scola
I know this trade will never happen but I like it anyway. I will do almost anything to get rid of JJ.

• Link
• Report this comment

Look who have been the last three general managers of the hawks Pete Babock,Billy Knight,Rick Sund the hawks need to go get someone from a winning basketball team and fellow what the falcons have done.

• Link
• Report this comment

Zaza sucks. How many “and 1’s” did he muck up last night? He can not finish at all. The softest 7-footer I have ever seen. Why did we give his sorry a$$ a contract?

• Link
• Report this comment

It looks like LD learned absolutely nothing from Woodrow and its going to cost him his job…Going away from whats working, sticking with things that dont work such as the Bibby and Jamal back court, sticking with unproductive vets, and refusing to try something new to shake up the team…..Like Woodrow, LD seems to know during the post game what was wrong and what he should have done to fix it but for some reason doesn’t do the things during the game…..I was never a fan of Woodson but it was clear that he wasn’t the only issue….The players have been together for years and yet we still hear the same excuses now that we were hearing 4 years ago…Its time to shake this team up because these guys dont seem to care anyway……………Good write up Ken and 303.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Do you know if hiring the assistant to the fired head coach has ever worked?”

Off the top of my head, Jerry Sloan and Phil Jackson.

• Link
• Report this comment

I love the people still saying that Smoove took too many jumpers when he was MAKING THEM. This team’s problem last light was Joe and Crawford missing 18 of their 23 shots.

• Link
• Report this comment

i want this thing BLOWED UP by the end of MIA/BOS game…PERIOD!!!! the Atlanta Excuses ‘10-11 version…ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

• Link
• Report this comment

“I love the people still saying that Smoove took too many jumpers when he was MAKING THEM. This team’s problem last light was Joe and Crawford missing 18 of their 23 shots.”

Smoove could score 40 and take no jumpshots, but if the Hawks lose people here will still clamor for him to be traded and talk some bullsh-t about his basketball IQ and his maturity. It’s just the way it is around here.

• Link
• Report this comment

“This is a very common thing for fans to do, to rewrite history to make the old coach look better when the new coach is no better or worse.”

Co-sign. Sad but oh so true.

• Link
• Report this comment

LOL @ LD hinting at a lineup change then chickening out

What lineup change? Starting midget Mo Evans? How were JOE OR DAMIEN NOT ON STEPHEN JACKSON ON THAT LAST POSSESSION? WE ALL KNOW MO EVANS HAS NO WINGSPAN. JESUS

LOL TEAGUE CAN’T EVEN WIN THE STARTING JOB FROM BIBBY. THIS HAS TO BE AN ESPN HEADLINE BECAUSE IT’S A JOKE. TEAGUE CAN’T EVEN OUTBEAT PATHETIC OVERWEIGHT BIBBY IN PRACTICE

AND EVERY 3 BIBBY MADE LAST NIGHT WAS CONTESTED – WHAT A GREAT PLAYER!

• Link
• Report this comment

G-dad’s —way to early— 1st round draftpick: [for the Hawks]

Nolan Smith…..6-3…pg…Duke

He may very well be available when the Hawks pick.

• Link
• Report this comment

“G-dad’s —way to early— 1st round draftpick: [for the Hawks]

Nolan Smith…..6-3…pg…Duke

He may very well be available when the Hawks pick.”

Brandon Knight :\

• Link
• Report this comment

I_am_soulstar,

You are absolutely correct with the Portland trade using Jamal, Mo, and Marvin for Camby and Miller. It is a no brainer for both teams because first: Portland needs a SF and Marvin needs a fresh start, Jamal and Mo are duplicates for their current roster, but both contracts are expiring (13.3 mil). In a rebuilding mode cap space is what you need. A PG is the most pressuring need for the Hawks. Sure, Miller only has a year or two left, but he is clearly even at his age an upgrade over anything on the roster. Next, Camby is a defensive and rebounding presence and now that he is ready to return from his injury. These two could provide the fix that this team depersately need. In addition, Miller’s contract end before the 2012 season. Camby will have trade value because any big man who can block shots and rebound is always desirable. Moreover, Bibby’s contract ends as well.
This is a trade which makes sense on the court and financially. Finally, this trade gives the Hawks a legitimate chance for a championship run this year and a run for D. Howard after the 2012 season: Camby and/or Al or Josh could be traded for cap space along with Bibby’s 6 mil gone. 26-28 mil available to improve the team

Sund and ASG don’t sit and do nothing, you are losing fans by the minutes.

• Link
• Report this comment

“We ended up shooting more 3’s than we did getting to the free-throw line, and you just can’t do that.” Larry Drew.

Really coach? We just can’t do that?

According to hoopinion, the Hawks have attempted more 3’s than FTs 37 times out of 53 games. If thats the case, then they are doing exactly what LD said they can’t do.

Currently, the Hawks are 26th in the league in FT Rate this season. They were 23rd last season.

• Link
• Report this comment

Nolan Smith is not a PG and his ceiling is Duhon. I would rather not select another Teague like combo guard that does not really know how to play the position.

• Link
• Report this comment

TEAGUE CANT EVEN BEAT OUT BIBBY FOR THE STARTING PG SPOT

EVEN IF TEAGUE PLAYS WELL IN THE 2ND QUARTER, LD’S IDIOT SELF WILL NEVER STAR TEAGUE IN THE SECOND HALF

PRETTY MUCH, TEAGUE SUCKS
AND SO DOES LD

• Link
• Report this comment

It’s starting to look pretty grim for the Hawks! They peaked last year you genius Gearon….You missed the opportunity last summer to tweak this team and to take it to the next level… Your squad is toast with 30 games left! 1st rd. exit in humiliation……………..You have no bench dude!!! It gets an F-..That will haunt the Hawks. The unraveling has already begun……Wow…….Count down to playoff beatdown has begun 29,28,27,26,25….etc…

• Link
• Report this comment

myk,

I don’t think we can “re-acquire” Chills for a year after we traded him.

Hope you are doing well and have work.

• Link
• Report this comment

Looks like we traded the wrong SF?

• Link
• Report this comment

yo Sautee…how u bro??? things are good in san fran. hope u treatin’ that bass right!!! Chills would head back to Greece before headin’ back to ATL!!! he probably hates all things ATL at this point…probably flies thru CHA instead!! LOL but he would be better than MW!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

I like Nolan Smith also. However, his ballhandling skills isn’t that good and he turns the ball over alot. This is a weak yr for pgs in 2011. There are a few decent pgs that should be around in the second. I like Derwin Kitchen-pg 6′4 204lbs. He’s a good defender and he passes the ball very well.

I also like Darius Morris-pg. He might stay around for his senior season………if not he will fit perfectly in a hawks uni. Great assist guy and he is a terrific floor general.

We need to draft for need ONLY! We need to focus on a pg and center. This gm(Sund) has shown that he doesn’t know the difference between a pg and a sg. When was the last time this organization drafted a center? Over 14 yrs?

We need to draft Keith Benson-c. I really like this young man. He gives you something on both ends of the court and he has a very high basketball IQ. Centers who can score and defend doesn’t come around often.

We should roll with these two young men.

1st round Keith Benson-c

2nd roundDerwin Kitchen-pg

• Link
• Report this comment

In today’s Heat-Celtics game, LbJ handled the ball alot. But what does Rondo do? He took it upon himself to pick up LeBron full court whenver LeBron had the ball.

That is one of the things we need from Teague. Pick up the ball handler full court, but be good enough defensively to be able to get back in position.

• Link
• Report this comment

I agree with the blog from Section 303. I just care about this team so much and I wish that I didn’t. I am a true Hawks fan and I feel that they are not putting the best product on the floor. Trust me Mr. Gearon, if the Hawks build some kind of winning consistencey, the fans will support this team. They are not going to support this team when it consistently lows double digits leads and gets beat by 34 pts. The Hawks have to show their fan base that they are trying to be better. Right now I cannot say that they have a sincere desire to be better. I think they are satisfied being a ” middle of the road ” team. That’s how I see it!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Emir,

How about “clueless owners who love their core”

• Link
• Report this comment

_
(’,')
_ _ / /) other GMs
( (_`,–……_._,/ / \
\ ) `( ,__ ‘-’-)-’\ ))
(/ \ | ‘ 7,/` | /
\\ / / ( |
sund ” | ) | )
=’-’ =’-’

• Link
• Report this comment

Section 303,

Did Gearon mention anything about Teague?

• Link
• Report this comment

Al Horford is allergic to defense and gets knock around in the front court like a betch. Trade his sorry aisze.

• Link
• Report this comment

LD’s Contradiction…

You emphasize jump shooting in your offense…But complain about too many jump shots
You position even none jump shooters on the perimeter…but complain when the take the shot
You don’t play your best penetrators or people willing to attack the rim(Teague or JC2), but complain that Bibby, JJ and Jamal are not attacking the rim…. YOU WERE ON THE BENCH LAST YEAR, nothing has changed ..wtf LD

I don’t understnd what LD is hoping to get out of Bibby…..SO HOW CAN TEGUE UNDERSTAND WHAT HE WANTS FROM HIM. If Bibby can’t do the one thing he is known for, shooting…then why is he starting.

Football analogy…

You can’t learn to play quarter back on the side lines.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fire Sund

Fire Drew

Fire Michael Cunningham

Fire Al Horford

• Link
• Report this comment

Win with defense and rebounding LD…

With every close lose, we always seem to have Bibby and Crawford in late in the 4th qt….This doesn’t work.

• Link
• Report this comment

This is a boring azise blog page, Im out!

• Link
• Report this comment

We need some real talent who can become a star or superstar. Mayo is the only thing that out there for an attainable price that we have. Joe/Smith/Horford is not enough. Not enough at all.

For the ones who want Camby and Miller, we aren’t winning a title with them either. Their old and we flawed on the bench if we get them. This team is too flawed to be contenders this year or next. It will happen when Jordan is in his 3rd yr or 4th and that’s with an huge talent upgrade in a trade.

• Link
• Report this comment

I wish I was at that season ticket holder meeting. The question I would’ve asked him, would have been about not aggressively going after Shaq.

I would’ve loved to hear his explanation on why they didn’t make a major push to bring him to Atlanta. Even if he didn’t think that Shaq wasn’t an ideal fit basketball wise, I wonder if he even thought that a guy like Shaq would’ve brought out more fans to Hawk games?

The ASG not only seems to be somewhat clueless from a basketball standpoint, but also clueless about the demographics of Metro Atlanta, and what ( or who ) they would respond to.

Give Shaq the MLE ( or the rest of the money up until they reach the luxury tax level, and they may still may only pay a minimum L. Tax bill, if they needed to add a player or two to get to the league minimum.

Or if that Cleveland rumor was true about swapping Shaq for Marvin in a sign and trade, we’d basically switch their salaries, while also having room to add players, and stay under the tax.

Shaq ( even an injured Shaq ) > Powell, Collins, Etan, Sy, Wilkins

At least then, the would’ve generated a buzz around the team. Regardless of the “Shaq experiment” not working for Phoenix or Cleveland, we would’ve reaped the benefits from him here, regardless if we became a better team or not.

I would’ve loved to point all of that out to Gearon, and see how he’d react to it.

• Link
• Report this comment

One statement made by LDrew sums up the main problem with the Hawks, and it’s a problem caused by his own stubborn stupidity. “DREW SAID HE TRIED TO HIDE BIBBY BY MIXING UP SOME ZONES, BUT IT REALLY DIDN’T MATTER.” This extremely dumbA– comment ranks right up there with him acknowledging that fatigue had become a problem with Bibby, but then insisted he wouldn’t reduce his mins or do anything about it.

In some ways LDrew is rapidly becoming part of the teams problem, and is proving to be just as stubborn and stupid in some of his approaches to problems as Woodson was in simular situations, particularily when it comes to anything related to Bibby. If what you’re trying to do to hide an OFF/DEF LIABILITY isn’t doing any good, why not try to hide that DEF LIABILITY on the bench and go with something DIFFERENT? STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES!

LDrew must come to the realization that he can’t continue putting everyone else at a disadvantage by forcing them to wear themselves down trying to cover for a player who can’t handle his own OFF/DEF responsibilities. HOW IN THE DEVIL CAN ANYONE WITH A CLUE CLAIM TO HAVE ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN A PLAYER WHO, FOR THE LAST MONTH AND A HALF, IS REPEATING THE SAME FATIGUE RELATED PHYSICAL AND STATISTICAL REGRESSION HE EXPERIENCED LAST YR? AGAIN, STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES!

• Link
• Report this comment

Okay, I like most of you wish I could take a pill and not care about this team. I promised to turn this team off if “the changes” were not made. I really don’t consider the ‘change’ of Twin in the lineup a change. Northclyde, I don’t think bringing Shaq in would have helped. He is hurt so much, we will still have the team we are playing with now.
The Hawks problem is they are a running team with Josh, Al, & Marvin. Shaq would have slowed them down, muich like Twin. Twin gives them little on the offensive end and is not a good rebounder. Yet we have a running team with the slowest point guard in the league.
The change is obvious, play Jeff Teague. Someone said the Jeff Teague experiment is over. When did it start? How many starts did he get? The kid has not had a chance. To take a page from Green Bay, well people were made when Rodgers became the qb. He sucked his first year, but he had to get that game experience. I am very harsh on Marvin, but he is what he is. I think ALL of the team will be better with an explosive point guard who will create problems going to the hole.

• Link
• Report this comment

KEN SUGIURA-What is your opinion on LDrew’s insistance on continuing to play Bibby major mins even though he’s deteriated to a point of becoming a total OFF/DEF liability? The fact is, Bibby has become so unproductive and inconsistent that he’s eliminated any risk of going with Teague. If he can’t bring himself to give Teague a chance, for whatever reason, why not start DWilkins at SG and move JJ to PG.

After all, JJ controls the ball and the OFF most of the time anyway, and often ends up defending the opposing PG. With Wilkins size, we could use the switching DEF as an effective DEF weapon, rather than a DEF gimmick to try and hide a DEF liability. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

• Link
• Report this comment

there is NO way PHO would punish Nash after all those years of service by sendin’ him to the Hawks!!! let’s keep it real…

• Link
• Report this comment

AG . . the HAWKS play at one of the slowest pace in the league anyway. Adding Shaq wouldn’t slow the team down. Fast breaks aren’t ran with centers. If you have Horford at PF and Smith at SF, our fast break may become even more lethal.

The main reason to add Shaq, is to strengthen the frontline overall. You can point out the cons, but the pros of adding Shaq, in my opinion, were greater. When he’s out hurt, we’d toss out the same lineup anyway. But when he is healthy, his presence may have made Horford and Smith even better players. Plus Shaq gets a team easy shots or draws fouls vs the opponent.

And once again, it’s also about knowing the demographics of Metro Atlanta. Shaq is still one of the most popular players in the league. He’s also one of the most visible. And the media loves that dude.

Shaq would’ve put butts in the seats, made the ASG more money, and had us on national TV more ( because the PERCEPTION would’ve been that he would make us a better team, now that we’d have a legit center ).

The pros outweigh the cons, IMO.

But I never expect Sund and the ASG to be creative in their thinking. The only way they were able to deal for Jamal and Bibby, is because those teams were losing and wanted to trim salary. Plus, Jamal and Bibby weren’t helping them win, so those teams didn’t lose any sleep by receiving “expiring garbage” for them.

The Luxury Tax and looming CBA may be the 2 things preventing the ASG from doing a similar move. Because if they do want to strengthen the team with another high quality player, they’ll have to trade Jamal for a player ( or two players ) who probably have multiple years remaining on their deals.

That means Luxury Tax in 2011 – 12. And that means the ASG/Sund will blink.

• Link
• Report this comment

LOL, it looks like TS is back again with another handle. Now he’s taking out his anger on Cunningham for banning him all of those times. Don’t hit yourself too hard on those padded walls, bud.

• Link
• Report this comment

Late in the game come crunch time should be JAMAL, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD, TWIN OR ZAZA. stay big at alltime and keep horford at powerford strenghting the hawks front court 2 bang in the post specially come playoffs when it count, this why regular season is important 2 do it now so the player can become use 2 one another.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

simply put…this team is NOT bein’ lead from the front office, from the bench, nor on the court!!! so why should the fans be expected to continue payin’ for a movie they’ve already see???!!!??? and seen it for the last 3 years. what has this franchise done up to this point in its’ history to deserve other than fleetin’ devotion from the fan base???

• Link
• Report this comment

“And once again, it’s about knowing the demographics of ATL. Add Nash to the team, and watch all of the White surburban fans flock to Philips Arena in March, just to watch him play.”

Haha… I didn’t want to be the one to point that out, but yeah, those Zaza jerseys in the crowd would change to Nash jerseys pretty quick.

• Link
• Report this comment

The only way i would trade jamal is that it have 2 be devin harris that would be a perfect trade.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

STARTER DEVIN, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD, TWIN
BENCH TEAGUE OR BIBBY, MOE, MARVIN, POWELL, ZAZA
RESERVE DAMIEN
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

JAMAL AND 1ST FOR DEVIN, MAKE THAT MOVE RICK SUND.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6bv84hb

• Link
• Report this comment

nothing has changed. still need a point guard and low post presence dont we?

all is good, hope same for u my friend.

• Link
• Report this comment

Sautee and Naj,
What exactly had LD done that’s better than Woody. We are in the same position. Our offense is the same. Wake up, the motion offense doesn’t exist. Watch the games.

Doc, I agree but don’t sell it as something it’s not. Yea, i’m back for now. Just don’t have the motivation to keep posting about the same thing. When I come back 3 weeks later: JJ will still be pounding the air out of the ball, Josh will still be taking 20 footers even though he’s unstoppable on the blocks, Jamal will still be shaking and baking at times, Bibby will still be hobbling along and spotting up, Al will still be hitting that 10-15 footer with consistency but not shooting it enough, Marvin will still be falling down and occasionally dunk real hard to remind us of his “upside” and LD will still be lying to the people about how things will change around here and wearing them cheap Grey or black suits.

I’ll see you in a few weeks.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Marvin will still be falling down and occasionally dunk real hard to remind us of his “upside” “…classic!!!

you know, i think that’s the one thing that has changed over the years. Marvin is on his a$$ a lot more than he used to be!!!LOL maturation or progress…i ain’t sure!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

“What exactly had LD done that’s better than Woody. We are in the same position. Our offense is the same. Wake up, the motion offense doesn’t exist. Watch the games.”

There is a vast middle ground between a motion offense and Woody’s I-don’t-give-a-sh*t offense. What the Hawks run now falls somewhere in that middle ground. I don’t think the Hawks run a motion offense any more than you do, but there is no doubt they share the ball better and get the ball in the post with more consistency (still not the consistency I would like to see, but light years ahead of last year).

• Link
• Report this comment

We need a center that knows how to finish and block shots like this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJnWw_KDgUM&feature=related

Zaza you can’t finish plays in the paint with layups.

• Link
• Report this comment

LOL Rusty . . I’m clueless because I don’t believe a guy who didn’t even function as a floor leader for his college team, can do it on the NBA level?

Call me clueless then.

On a team that desperately needs another floor leader, he can’t even crack the rotation, despite Bibby struggling. A lot of you want to believe that Drew is the idiot . . but maybe Teague just isn’t the one.

People just want to see with their own eyes if he is or not. Drew brought in a special coach, one of the most aggressive and fearless PGs in the past 20 years, and Teague has still not impressed coach enough to consistently crack the rotation.

We don’t see the practices, but Teague must be underwhelming as hell in practice.

So it is what it is with him.

If he does ever get a shot to prove himself, he better take full advantage of it. And I’m not talking about him ballin’ during the midst of a blowout either.

• Link
• Report this comment

Just a Note

Hatter, hope you’re havin’ a good year.

• Link
• Report this comment

Ken Sugiura,

That’s one of the things that frustrates me about LD. He says one thing, but yet all the numbers say something else. And (imo), he has done a lot of talking, but not alot of doing.

Last year, the players tuned Woody out. And I’m starting to wonder if they have tuned LD out already.

northcyde,

I know its hindsight, but typical Hawks made the wrong draft pick. You have always said they should have taken Dejuan Blair (and he would have been a great pick for us).

But if they really wanted a PG, they should have gone with Toney Douglas. He was a senior PG at FSU, so he had more (PG) experience than Teague, but more importantly, he was 2 times All ACC on defense.

And with a team that already had Bibby and Jamal, maybe a defensive PG should have been the pick. Toney Douglas (whose brother Harry plays for the Falcons) ended up being drafted 29th, and gives good minutes to the Knicks.

I also agree that Bibby and Jamal should not be on the court together down the stretch, especially if one of them is off.

• Link
• Report this comment

**Mike Cunningham as a hawks writer ranks very high for its idiocy as well.

Its a sad day to be a hawks fan.

• Link
• Report this comment

And fire teague too!

• Link
• Report this comment

Fill in the Blanks………………………………………

• Link
• Report this comment

The Black Baron
“I truly believe that Marvin could be an impact player if he had a larger role on the team, but since he isn’t asked to do much on this team, he just does the little things that coach Drew asks him to do, and he does them without complaining. I don’t see any reason to criticize him for that.”

Your whole post is 100% right..the regular posters on here like to blame Marvin because they can’t accept that the Hawks messed up giving Joe that Max contract…Also for some strange reason they think Al is a center because he made the All star Team…The Hawks are 1 big man away from competing for a title..Bibby is not the problem…No point guard can stay in front of the best pgs in the NBA anyway, La just won with Fisher at PG, but they have Bynum and Gasol..We need a big man to protect the rim..i like Josh at the sf now…If he goes to the post early, he is a tough handle, Marvin is better, but we all know Drew is scared to put Josh on the bench..I think we should trade Jamal, JT, and 1st round pick to La clippers for Jordan and foye..That way we get a legit big and Marvin will be the focal point of the second unit..Lets face it, with Jamal out there, running the point lol..Marvin will not touch the rock…

• Link
• Report this comment

If you’re an Atlanta/Georgia Sports fan and want to talk with other fans, check out our NEW message board.

http://www.atlsportsnation.com/forum

We have team forums for the Falcons, Bulldogs, Hawks, Braves, Yellow Jackets, Thrashers, etc. Please register and post! Be apart of a huge site in the early days of existence. See ya there! We’re looking for posters, moderators, bloggers/writers. Join up if interested..

• Link
• Report this comment

As for LD and his tinkering and possible lineup changes, does anyone take him seriously (players, fans, media, front office)? Just reading his quotes, he sounds like a politician who doesnt want to commit to anything either way, so he leaves a lot of wiggle room in there.

From ajc.com;

Drew also said he’s still contemplating permanent changes to the starting lineup, a subject he first broached following the loss to Philadelphia.

“Let’s just see if we can regroup for these last two games before the break,” he said. “If we can’t and I still don’t like what I see then, I will look at possibly making some kind of change to possibly shake things up a little bit.”.

Huh? So if the Hawks play well and win the next 2 games, does that mean he wont bother with any timkering, because all is well?

C’mon Man. Even if the Hawks play well these next 2 games, their history suggests its only a matter of time before they struggle to score in the fourth, or give up a big lead and lose, or possibly get blown out.

• Link
• Report this comment

By your logic are you saying you would rather for us to have the 5 spot rather than the 4 and have home court advantage?

• Link
• Report this comment

LD’s Scapegoats…

Bibby and Jamal allow the Philly back court(Meek, Holliday and Williams) to score 51 points… And they score total of 11pts…
Solution= Bench Marvin and Teague DNP.

Result…
Back-up PG(Livingston)22pts season high… He keep the Bobcats in the game, so Jackson could hit the winning shot**(6′8 Jackson scored the last 4pts for Charlotte over 6′4 Jamal and 6′5 Mo, while 6′9 Marvin road the bench).** Bibby and Jamal had a total of 13pts…

17mil worth of veterans were outscored 73 to 22 over the last 2 games by 4 players making a total of 11mil(Journeyman, 2nd year player and two 2nd rounders)…WOW!

For those who think Teague is a waste….Jrue Holliday(Drafted 17th, Teague Drafted 19th) is a perfect example of what a young PG can start to become, WHEN YOU COMMIT TO DEVELOPING ONE!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Calling Joe selfish is way off base. The man is unselfish on the floor (when the offense allows him to be) and is not a jackass off the floor, aside from the one offhand comment he made during the playoffs. It’s not his fault the Hawks offered him a max contract. He would have been foolish to decline. And for all the people who (falsely) claim that players don’t want to play here, here is a guy who is in the top 5 at his position in the league who re-upped instead of bolting like so many others did this past offseason.

With that said, there is no question that his contract prevents the Hawks from doing much to improve. Of course the combined $20 million per year paid out to Marvin/Bibby/Zaza is much more harmful since those contracts are virtually untradeable and the Hawks get very little bang for the buck out of them, but at the same time those players’ nearly nonexistent trade values prevent them from being included in any meaningful trade discussion.

Of course I’m not in favor of dumping Joe just for the sake of dumping him, but the trade Grandad proposed (which I think was something like Joe for Kyle Lowry/Kevin Martin/Shane Battier) would bring back a SG who can match Joe’s scoring ability if not his defense and passing, as well as two players who would instantly be the best at their respective positions on the Hawks. No, the Hawks shouldn’t be looking to trade Joe, but I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to a trade like that. Long term it gives the Hawks a lot more flexibility, and short term it wouldn’t reduce the team’s win total by more than one or two if at all. You could even make the argument that the upgrades at PG and SF from that trade would more than make up for the downgrade at SG in the short term, and Martin does one thing a LOT better than Joe — getting to the free throw line.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Last year we averaged 101.7 ppg this year we average 96.9. How is that better?”

The difference in scoring and offensive efficiency from last year to this year is mostly because the Hawks have fallen from 6th to 28th in offensive rebounding. According to Hoopinion and Hollinger, the tradeoff has been that the Hawks have had more people back ready to defend in transition, and the transition D has improved. The stats say they are assisting on a higher percentage of made baskets, and my eyes tell me they are getting the ball in the post more and are sharing the ball much better.

Anyway, we’ll see what happens in the playoffs. I’ve been saying all along that the commitment to better ball movement and getting the ball in the post will result in the Hawks scoring consistently in the playoffs when the pace slows down and the games get more physical, instead of becoming a train wreck like last year.

• Link
• Report this comment

“We’ve also gotten considerably worse at home. Whatever slot we end up in, I would think that we would need the home games to be somewhat guaranteed in order to possibly advance, wouldn’t you think?”

Each of the last two years, the Hawks dominated at home and treaded water on the road. Each of the last two years, the Hawks have won a road game and lost a home game in the first round. Each of the last two years, the Hawks got their asses beat just as badly at home as on the road in the second round (with the exception of Game 3 against the Cavs, which was somewhat close for the most part).

Long story short, I really don’t think regular season home/road splits matter that much in the playoffs, at least when it comes to this team. And let’s face it, if the apathetic crowd is really a factor in their home losses (as they like to claim) it’s not going to be that way in the playoffs, as each playoff game over the last three years has sold out and been loud as hell.

• Link
• Report this comment

Mike Bibby is in his PRIME. He is EXTREMELY athletic, is very vocal, and CONSISTENTLY makes 3’s (go look at his game-by-game log and you’ll see he CONSISTENTLY scores 20 a game).

Larry Drew is a player’s coach. He is also VERY vocal and has brilliant defensive schemes (we were up almost TWENTY vs. the EXPLOSIVE Bobcat Offense at halftime the other night).

Remember, even if a team goes on a MASSIVE losing streak, one should NEVER panic.

This Core has been to the playoffs 4 years in a row.

Since the last 2 years we made the 2nd round and got swept, our goal this year will be to make the 2nd round and win ONE game. Remember: elite teams are built during the regular season – there is no reason to OVERACHIEVE as that would be out of the circle for this team.

It’s all about BABY STEPS.

I HIGHLY disagree with Boston’s plan 4 years ago to get Ray and KG and win a title. That is NOT how it’s done – it is better to establish a 10 year process and HOPE to win a title rather than shooting for a title DEAD-ON

ELITE TEAMS ARE BUILT IN THE REGULAR SEASON

• Link
• Report this comment

“we like our core”

• Link
• Report this comment

Start playing like the Lakers and everybody, all of God’s creation will start to flock and crowd Phillips for Hawks games………And Gearon will turn from pale skin to green skin…LOL

• Link
• Report this comment

Just win baby WIN!………The flocking will come…..

• Link
• Report this comment

Prediction: Hawks will get crushed this coming playoffs as presently configure..That’s an easy one…..Stern will see to it..I get it David Stern…..

• Link
• Report this comment

^did not get the most out of this roster

• Link
• Report this comment

LOL @ people acting like Woody was not retained just because of that series.

WE GOT SWEPT 2 YEARS AGO VS. CLEVELAND. WHY DOES NO ONE MENTION THAT?

LBJ DIDNT FLINCH ONCE AGAINST US

IF U ALL REMEMBER, IN GAME 4, LBJ HAD TO HELP MARVIN UP AFTER MARVIN FELL BECAUSE MARVIN IS THAT FRAIL

FIRE SUND

• Link
• Report this comment

Hawks are 6 games (in the loss column) in front of the Knicks. However, we have a 7 game road trip coming up, so if we dont take care of business, the Knicks might pass us by the end of the season (especially if they are able to swing a deal for Carmelo).

• Link
• Report this comment

Just wanted to remind everyone what Rick Sund thinks. From an October 2010 ajc article on how Rick Sund sees the Hawks.

The way Sund sees it–and he said most GMs look at it the same way–the elite teams are those that earn homecourt advantage in the first round and advance to the second round.

“Fans may not understand and media certainly wouldn’t understand because they like the hype of all the moves in the summer,” he said. “But when you look at our club, we’ve got a pretty damn good club and a good nucleus given that we [operate] under the luxury tax.”.

That’s our GM folks…SMH

Ken S/MC,

WIll you able to do an article with Rick prior to the trade deadline? It will be interesting to hear what he thinks about the Hawks now compared to what he thought in October.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Would Laugh Of Course!

________________________

Now, where is my imaginary cookie?”

Haha sorry drmaryb, but that’s not it.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Najeh, you and I both know that Orlando team this year is not the same team as last year. Orlando changed their team completely. For better or worse, the team last year was the one that caused Hawks trouble. ”

The players that give the Hawks the most trouble on that team are Nelson and Howard, who were both there last year The Hawks would have probably lost last year’s series to Orlando regardless of who was coaching. But the primary reason they got blown out by historic proportions is because a) Woody refused to even consider the idea of going with a bigger lineup to take the load off Horford, b) Woody refused to even consider the idea of going away from the switching defense when it was clear Orlando had figured it out, and c) Woody refused to even consider the idea of letting Horford handle Howard by himself so that the perimeter shooters of Orlando wouldn’t be left wide open over and over again. Woody stayed the course with a plan that was a failure from the beginning, and the result was a lopsided destruction instead of a respectable defeat. And what made this even more egregious is that when the Hawks beat the Magic in March, they won primarily because Woody played straight up instead of doubling Howard for most of the game. Woody not only refused to make adjustments in that series, but he didn’t even use the winning strategy that got the Hawks a win against Orlando in the regular season. Yes, we can say “it’s the players” all we want and it will be true, but that doesn’t mean Woody is off the hook.

• Link
• Report this comment

Anyway, my point has never been that LD is a great coach. If you don’t think LD has done a good job, I can sympathize with you. But LD’s successes or failures are by no means a referendum on Woody as a head coach. Woody deserves credit for being a stand up guy and helping guide the Hawks from the cellar to the playoffs, but he also deserves blame for his complete and utter inability to make adjustments or maximize the talent on the roster.

WLOC

• Link
• Report this comment

This team needs hypnosis or something to boast their mental toughness.. Too many times they loose that mental edge and can not get it back..Hawks need a Garnett,Pierce, Allen type of guys who are not soft and easily imtimidated!
Start with “it was a terrible pick” one of the softest 6′9′ 240 NBA players I have ever seen…Get rid of that ish yesterday along with marshmallow at the point. Don’t let JC1 walk, trade his one dimensional arse outta here asap too…………

• Link
• Report this comment

Gotta make a change LD. Do something! Bibby/Jamal backcourt is killin us.

• Link
• Report this comment

You’d think from the comments here that the Hawks had a losing record.

• Link
• Report this comment