Atlanta Hawks: Knicks 102, Hawks 90
11:56 pm February 16, 2011, by Michael Cunningham

Felton isn't the only one who does this to the Hawks. (Christopher Pasatieri / Newsday)
New York–After all the hype surrounding this game, it came down to some basic, boring (and familiar) truths about the Hawks.
- A team like New York, which has penetrating point guards, threats to roll to the rim and 3-point shooters, can slice up the Hawks because the first thing leads to the other two. And the Hawks can easily be induced to take long jump shots, either because opponents force them to do so or, like tonight, the Hawks abandon the game plan after a few misses in close.
- Both things happened against the Knicks, and so the Hawks were subpar both on offense (aside from making 11 of 22 3-point attempts) and defense (48 percent shooting allowed, 18 fastbreak points).
- Defense was the real problem for the Hawks, who never could put together any kind of sustained run because New York would easily get an open shot and make it.
- “Every time we tried to [rally], they made a big three or a big basket,” Al said. “It was a little demoralizing. We stayed with it, but we just didn’t have enough tonight.”
- The issues, like most times, started on the ball.
- “They run a ton of pick-and-rolls and we were trying to figure out the best coverages for it,” L.D. said. “They do a great job in the pick-and-roll with Felton and then they have a guy who is a forceful roller with Stoudemire. You have to defend the guard, you have to defend the big guy on the roll and then they spread out with shooters. It makes it tough for us. “
- Sounds like he pretty much just described the Celtics. Or the Bulls. Or the Magic. Shoot, take away the roll man but add two of the best screen-roll ball-handlers in the league and it’s the Heat.
- “We just had more individual breakdowns on a lot of simple things [like] transition defense, closeouts,” Drew said.
- “It’s kind of hard to really help, especially when they are knocking down the jump shot like tonight,” Smoove said. “We gave up too much dribble penetration and then we helped and were scrambling from that point on.”
- I’m thinking I can save time by putting the above three quotes in a macro file.
- At one point, a New York hack sitting next to me asked: “So, basically, whomever Bibby is guarding scores?” Me: “Not always. Sometimes his man passes to open shooters when everything breaks down, and they score.”
- Later from the hack: “If this team had a different point guard they could be so good.” I told him it was supposed to be Teague, and he asked: “Is he hurt or something?”
- I couldn’t decide if my blog people would have laughed or cried if you had heard that conversation.
- Al never really could get on track, though he dismissed his beef with Stoudemire as a factor: “I thought it was something small to begin with that he tried to blow it up and run with it. I think it was just a lot of talk. He didn’t say anything out there on the court. I went out there and played my game and he played his.”
- For the first time I can remember, Al complained about his touches. That’s odd since there have been plenty of other games when the Hawks did forget about him for long stretches but tonight he was involved.
- “I started to get touches a little later in the game as opposed to early or the start of the second half,” he said. “I didn’t get touches in the post like that so I could really get established.”
- I thought the Hawks might have been able to keep up if they had stuck with the post-ups. Joe and Marvin got into good position by backing down their men. Smoove got some drives at the basket and Bibby some good spot-up looks when passes came out of the post.
- The Hawks had trouble finishing at the basket, though, and instead of keeping at it, they went to their favored jump shots. That approach also quickened the pace.
- “We want to think inside out,” L.D. said. “Once you show you can attack inside they have got to collapse, they have got to double team. We missed some easy ones and then we started settling for outside shots, jump shots. On the road, it can be your demise. When they pressured us and sped us up some, we didn’t handle it well.”
- “We was rushing and they were giving us the jump shot,”Smoove said. “We weren’t able to knock them down tonight.”
- Especially not Josh (6 of 16) or Jamal (3 of 11). The latter forced things at times, as he tends to do when back in New York (usually with better results). He jacked a jumper on the baseline while double-teamed after the Hawks got within 74-65. They never recovered.
- The Hawks enter the All-Star break in fifth place in the East, a full game behind Orlando
- “I think we will come back re-focused and ready to go,” Al said. “I don’t think we are playing our best basketball yet. We are starting to be a little more consistent, we just have lapses like we did tonight. I hope we can get there.”
- I’m off to L.A. tomorrow, blog people. I’ll get back to blogging when I get out there.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
374 comments Add your comment
K.W.
February 17th, 2011
12:06 am
3-6-11 Get Ready!
superiorblogman
February 17th, 2011
12:07 am
New York is barely relevant. As a six seed, playing Miami or Chicago, they will probably win 1 game in the playoffs. The Magic are not as good as they were last year. So, I can see the Hawks losing 4-2 if they are the 5th seed and winning 4-2 if they are the 4th seed. Finally, Devin Harris is the guy the Hawks should be after not Sessions.
slimjr
February 17th, 2011
12:08 am
cant defend the pick and roll. And all jump shots.Hawks are going to get drilled!!! Next…………………….
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
12:15 am
“I couldn’t decide if my blog people would have laughed or cried if you had heard that conversation.”
At this point, I think most of us are starting to shrug. That should concern the DASG.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
12:16 am
“For the first time I can remember, Al complained about his touches. That’s odd since there have been plenty of other games when the Hawks did forget about him for long stretches but tonight he was involved.”
KEEP COMPLAINING. WHINE YOUR ASS OFF UNTIL THEY START GIVING YOU THE DAMN BALL, AND QUIT PASSING IT WHEN THEY DO.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
12:19 am
“I thought the Hawks might have been able to keep up if they had stuck with the post-ups.”
Add this to your macro file, too. You could write this about every Hawks loss this year.
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
12:24 am
so, why are we trying to trade Teaue away? Maaan F-LD! Bibby was nice but he got KILLEd on pick n’ roll coverage! Always getting cought up on screens and always getting switched on a big. We wouldnt have neede his threes if JT was playing.
LD is starting to really piss me off. There is no reason Zaza, JT, and Powell shouldn’t be playing. Absolutely no reason.
Sessions is no better than Teague…i’ve seen Sessions play like crap all last season in minnesota. Trade away Bibby, JC1, and mo so that JT, JC2, and Pape(beasting in the DL right now) can flourish.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
12:24 am
Al “never really could get on track” because after he scored in the post on the first two possessions, the Hawks inexplicably (but predictably) abandoned him, stopped attacking Amare defensively, and instead started posting up Joe. Not that Joe was bad in the post, and that was a hell of a lot better than the jumpshot festival that ensued for the final three quarters, but considering how hyped Al was for this game and considering his early success, going away from him was asinine.
Grandad
February 17th, 2011
12:24 am
*[reprinted nfrom last blog]
Initially I was not for acquiring R.Sessions.
Upon 2nd glance;
anything to get the ball out of Joe’s hands!
Why oh why do we not feed AL?
LD talks about running the offense –> through–> Josh.
News-Flash LD – it only runs –| to Josh.
Before tonight:
FG atts.
Joe = 762 / [340 made]
Josh = 730 / [349 made]
Al = 615 / [350 made]
As a Coach I would look at this stat and say to myself;
self, your job depends on you fixin this.
And I wasn’t even good at ‘rithmatic.
If the Hawks bring in R.S. – 1st thang I’d tell ‘im:
“throw it to AL”
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
12:24 am
LD’s offense is difference but the player rotations are looking very woodpecker-esque right about now. I dont give a damn about standings right now, I just dont want to get blown away in the playoffs again. START JEFF TEAGUE! Get the kid ready for the POST SEASON. JC2 as well.Kid can score on ANYBODY. He’s also not as streaky as jamal. Trade Mike, Mo, and Jamal for SOMETHING…..ANYTHING.
Or just get us a new coach who is not biased and has not been with the team before because LD is clearly playing favorites right now.
Just a horribly managed game by LD tonight!
niremetal
February 17th, 2011
12:27 am
CFTSOC
Grandad
February 17th, 2011
12:28 am
Trade Joe Johnson / while we can !
ole hawk's fan
February 17th, 2011
12:30 am
This Hawks team reminds me of Mora(The Father) comments about “PLAYOFF!”………this team is so FLAWED……………that winning one game in the playoff this season will be a MIRACLE! There are TOO Many flaws for this team to be taken SERIOUSLY! The first mistake was signing ISO Joe for the MAX……………….didn’t he say when the deal was done, that he was going to recruit some players to ATL! Where are thos PLAYERS? JJ is at beast , Robin and Not Batman. LD should sit these Jump Shooters down and lose with the guys who will listen or run his system of offense. BREAK UP THIS GROUP, NOW!
Tweets that mention Atlanta #Hawks: Knicks 102, Hawks 90 | Atlanta Hawks -- Topsy.com
February 17th, 2011
12:32 am
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Grandad
February 17th, 2011
12:35 am
We had to quit going to Al.
This is Joe’s team – remember {?}
Then Josh gets pissed off at Joe and start launching.
Grandad
February 17th, 2011
12:37 am
LD may well have lost this team with his “idle” threat.
*[ "gonna bench________________" ]
Worldwide Clyde
February 17th, 2011
12:38 am
What’s the excuse tonight?
Grandad
February 17th, 2011
12:44 am
This team is good enough to beat “anyone” when they play *well & *hard !
Or as George O’Leary said:
” Play Hard, Play Smart, Play Together, and Play to Win ” !
—However—
If they do not adhere to the ..^..above..^..
they can get their ass kicked by anyone and will do so in [four] come play-offs!
rusty
February 17th, 2011
12:56 am
This team needs some one [jt?] who can run the offense,mb can’t. Need to take the ball out of jj’s hands the pg needs to run the offense. Mb can’t play his man causing our defense to completely break down. Ld has no feel for substitutions, holds no accounterbility & refuses to develope our young talent.
Big Ray
February 17th, 2011
1:01 am
Najeh Davenpoop is on fire.
hawks_4_life
February 17th, 2011
1:04 am
Just a question. How is it the same people that beat up on LD are the same that beat up on Sund. Is it bad coaching or a bad roster or are we just calling out everyone just for the hell of it.
NorcalHawk
February 17th, 2011
1:16 am
Players keep saying “we’re gonna get things figured out.” IMO they’ve already figured it out: they don’t match up well with most playoff contenders, let alone many other sub-.500 clubs. I get the feeling they’re just playing out the season, JJ raking in about a thousand dollars a point and JC1 bringing nothing to the table after his sparkling first season here. GO BRAVES……
Grandad
February 17th, 2011
1:18 am
hawks_4_life
Only recently have I been critical of LD.
I’ve been on Sund for quite a while now.
LD dissappointed me with his empty threat.
I am still in his corner.
Just in case you were referring to me.
The roster is un-balanced as we all know.
**Trade Joe**
Grandad
February 17th, 2011
1:22 am
NorcalHawk /// Co-Sign
They been gonna get thangs figured out for how long now?
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
1:22 am
“Just a question. How is it the same people that beat up on LD are the same that beat up on Sund. Is it bad coaching or a bad roster or are we just calling out everyone just for the hell of it”
Can’t multiple parties share the responsibility? I think Sund and the DASG deserve more blame than LD since ultimately the roster does prevent the Hawks from seriously contending, but at the same time, when what works for this team is so obvious and yet the team time and again goes away from that, some of the blame has to fall on the coach, as well as the person on the floor initiating the offense.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
1:27 am
Also, I don’t want to see Zaza ever again. Collins is better than Zaza at offense just by virtue of not screwing up, better at defense by far, maybe not as good a rebounder statistically but fundamentally sound enough to know how to box out, and probably would run restaurants better, too, if he tried. For every game here and there (like the one vs LAC) where Zaza miraculously doesn’t screw anything up, he has ten games like this one where he blows point blank layups and offers no resistance on D.
Grandad
February 17th, 2011
1:33 am
Najeh
Lucid point.
hawks_4_life
February 17th, 2011
1:39 am
Grandad
I was making a general comment based on my observation on the blog. To me its not that his threat was half empty its just that I feel he realize he dont have any better options. His comment was more out of frustration. Honestly as much as Im pulling for Teague there has to be some logical reason he doesnt play. Why would a rookie coach put his job in danger.
Nate ArchiBALL
February 17th, 2011
1:44 am
Another game where AL hasn’t attempted a free throw. No attemps in 3 of the last 4 games……All Star Al has become Jump Shot Al.
Ron
February 17th, 2011
1:49 am
“We had to quit going to Al.
This is Joe’s team – remember {?}
Then Josh gets pissed off at Joe and start launching.” – Grandad
“Al “never really could get on track” because after he scored in the post on the first two possessions, the Hawks inexplicably (but predictably) abandoned him, stopped attacking Amare defensively, and instead started posting up Joe. Not that Joe was bad in the post, and that was a hell of a lot better than the jumpshot festival that ensued for the final three quarters, but considering how hyped Al was for this game and considering his early success, going away from him was asinine.” – Najeh
These two posts are excellent ways of describing one of the team’s biggest problems on the offensive end. In summary, Al’s own teammates deny him the ball in the post (sometimes they deny him the ball all-together) and resort to jump shooting, Joe tries to carry the team and goes back to his isolation habits, and Josh becomes frustrated with his lack of touches and the team’s struggles and starts launching up shots in hopes to bring the team back. Really, this is nothing new though. This has been a problem for a very long time, it seems like it is clear to so many people, both casual and hardcore fans, alike.
Even my father, who has watched maybe 3 Hawks games in the last 10 years, pointed it out the last time he visited and watched the team play. What I want to know is whether L.D. sees this, and if he does, why he fails to address the issue. So often L.D. preaches about wanting to play inside-out and getting established inside first, yet so many times I see Al with great low post position calling for the ball and his teammates go away from him. Even when he (or Josh) is having success down there, the team quickly seems to abandon the idea for jump shots. The only guy that consistently gets the ball in the post is Joe, in fact, the only guy that consistently has plays run for him is Joe. Joe is a very good scorer, but there are other options out there, and the way our team is presently constructed, those options should not always be jump shots. We don’t have the personnel to be a great jump shooting team night in and night out. If our starting 5 was stephen curry, J.J. Reddick, Kyle Korver, Ryan Anderson, and Channing Frye, it might make sense to predicate the offense on jump shots since that would be the strength of the players, but with our team that is far from the case.
I get incredibly frustrated with the fact that we very rarely utilize our strengths as a team, and a lot of that is on L.D., since I have a tough time believing that the players just completely tune him out and do whatever they want out on the court. That is BS in my opinion, because if your players are able to do that to you without any consequences, then you shouldn’t be coaching at all. But, back to the topic of utilizing our strengths. We have arguably the most athletic frontcourt in the league, and some young players like teague who can really jet up the court, yet we play at almost the slowest pace in the league. We also have guys like Al who can play inside and outside, along with slashers like Josh and Marvin, yet we almost never attack the basket. The only strength that we continually play toward is Joe’s size. We post up Joe a lot, but other than that, we take jump shots the majority of the time, and the guy on the team who takes the second most jump shots behind Joe is Josh Smith, whose greatest strength is playing around the basket. I’m really starting to get fed up with L.D. saying one thing and then doing the opposite and pretending like the players just aren’t doing what he’s asking. If they aren’t doing what you’re asking then sit them down and put in someone who will do it.
I’m really glad that Al finally commented about his lack of touches. Maybe that will “shake the cage” as L.D. would say. It’s obvious that L.D. could care less what the media or any lowly bloggers have to say about the way the Hawks play, but maybe if one of his best players brings it to his attention he will make a concerted effort to change things. I hope Al continues to complain about his lack of touches in the post, and his lack of touches, in general. Al needs to start demanding the ball, and if his teammates don’t like it, that’s just too bad. We need to establish a presence inside, and we need to stop basing everything on jump shots. This team has weapons, they just fail to use them. The team plays to it’s weaknesses, rather than it’s strengths, and if the team they are facing on any given night is not good enough to beat the Hawks by themselves, you can rest assured that the Hawks will find a way to beat themselves, such as the way they did tonight with the poor excuse for an offense. The defense was bad tonight, no doubt about it, but even playing bad defense, we could have beaten the Knicks with just a smart offensive attack. Like others have said, giving the ball to Al in the post to get him established early and often would have done wonders for our offense tonight.
Ron
February 17th, 2011
2:03 am
On the topic of Jamal declining in terms of his contributions this season, it’s not necessarily Jamal’s fault. Jamal is not physcially-inferior or less skilled than he was last season. The problem with Jamal is what L.D. is asking him to do. Jamal is not a point guard, he’s a scorer, more specifically, he’s a an isolation scorer. That’s what his greatest strength is. The reason Jamal was so productive last season was due to the fact that Woodson let him do what he did best – score. Woodson’s “iso” system was perfect for a guy like Jamal, and Jamal flourished in it. In this new system, Jamal has a more difficult time and is far less productive because often he is having to focus on running the offense and trying to set up others, rather than just getting to play his game and score the way he is used to doing. Also, when Jamal is not isolating or playing point guard, he is basically used a spot up shooter. Jamal is a pretty good shooter, but I really don’t feel like his best asset is his stand-still shooting. Jamal’s decline is a factor of how he is being used.
If you really want to get the most out of your players, you need to play them to their strengths. As a prime example, look at Hedo Turkoglu the past couple of years. With Orlando, he’s great because he gets to operate with the ball in his hands and do what he does best. In toronto and phoenix, he was asked to play off of the ball and do things that he was not comfortable doing, which is why he struggled. You can change a player’s game and style of play when they are young and still developing, but you can’t get the most out of seasoned veterans like Jamal Crawford when you try to force them to play a different role than they have played their entire career. Crawford is a scorer, plain and simple. He can score in bunches and he can be really spectacular when he has it going, but when you use him as a point guard and spot-up shooter, you take away his strengths and he becomes just average, at best.
Just so people don’t get the wrong idea, I’m not saying Crawford shouldn’t be asked to do things like play defense. All players should be asked to defend, that’s a given. I’m speaking purely about the offensive end with regards to Jamal and what he is asked to do.
MsDee
February 17th, 2011
2:07 am
I have a question for yall, blog people. Which one would u choose if you could ONLY CHOOSE 1. Get Jerry Sloan as a replacement for LD with NO TRADE FOR THE SEASON or keep LD and make a trade B4 deadline?
Worldwide Clyde
February 17th, 2011
2:23 am
Same ole Hawks.
John Bluecorn
February 17th, 2011
2:28 am
Those of you saying that L.D. is simply being criticized because the angry fans want someone to blame for a loss and are starting to blame everyone have to realize that a lot of the criticisms of L.D. are well-warranted. While a lot of the issues associated with the Hawks and their lobsided roster are out of L.D.’s hands, there’s a lot of things that he does have control over which he has done a poor job with. For example, L.D. has done an absolutely horrible job of enforcing “equal accountability”, which was one of the premises of the “new regime” which he was looking to bring to the table when he was hired. L.D. basically plays the same players night-in and night-out regardless of how they are performing, and whether or not they make mistakes, he handles their minutes the same way.
For example, Bibby or Jamal could make every mistake in the world on the defensive end and be a combined 0-50 from the field, but L.D. would still play them their regular minutes and stick with them down the stretch. However, if Teague was in the game and played flawlessly on both ends for a short stint, I guarantee you that L.D. would still sub him out in favor of Bibby or Crawford.
Also, L.D. mentions in his post-game conferences what mistakes the team is making and how he wants them to get away from doing those things, such as taking too many jump shots as opposed to going inside. However, he does a poor job of enforcing that suggestion. Josh Smith, when he is having a bad night may take 10 consecutive jump shots, and miss them all, but L.D. would likely tell him to keep shooting, and if Josh was told to go inside and attack the rim and didn’t, L.D. would still stick with him and play him the same number of minutes, regardless.
Similarly, Mo Evans could play horrible defense all night against his assignment, yet when the game was on the line, L.D. would choose him to defend the other team’s best perimeter scorer in a lot of scenarios. At the same time, Damien could play suffocating defense against his matchups, but when the game was on the line, there’s no doubt that L.D. would sub him out in favor of Crawford or Bibby down the stretch (or even Mo if he needed a defensive stop).
L.D. has done a poor job with matchups and adjustments in my opinion. While L.D. is still better than Woodson when it comes to making adjustments, he’s even worse than Woodson when it comes to matching up. Woodson was at least smart enough to put his best interior defender (Al) up against the opposing team’s best post player, and put his best perimeter defenders (Joe and Marvin) against the opposing team’s best perimeter players. Too many times, L.D. puts Bibby on elite perimeter players who laugh while they abuse him, and L.D. puts Josh on guys who continually back him down and score on him in the post. I’m not taking a shot at Josh here, Josh is a great defender, but in the post, Al is much at defending players. Larry Drew has actually asked Bibby to defend guys like John Wall and Earl boykins, meanwhile asking Josh to defend guys like Scola and Amare who have had a lot of success against him, and very little against Al.
And, to top things off, Drew plays Bibby and Jamal together after complaining over and over about getting “exposed” off of the dribble. And, don’t give me that BS about him not having “better options”. When Bibby and Jamal are giving you nothing on the offensive end and getting completely torched on defense, any able-bodied man on the bench is a better option.
Larry Drew isn’t horrible, but he has a lot of things that he deserves to be criticized for. Like tonight, for example, there was no excuse not getting Horford the ball in the post more, or for having Bibby and Jamal get caught guarding Gallinari (honestly, Jamal shouldn’t have even been in the game tonight with the way he was playing). There was no excuse for why Damien was never put into the game to help guard the Knick wings, or for why didn’t get to see the court for even a second to help defend Felton. There was no excuse for why L.D. continues to let these same problems occur over and over again without doing anything to change things, i.e. lineup changes, benching non-productive players, sitting players who disobey, etc.
I was behind L.D. 100% when the season started and really looked forward to what he could accomplish, but if he continues to let these same flaws slide, and continues to play favorites, while making empty threats, he will just be regarded as another poor coaching choice by Hawks management.
Nate ArchiBALL
February 17th, 2011
2:34 am
For all of the talk about not getting touches, what does Al do when he gets the ball? In 3 of the last 4 games ASA has not attempted a free throw……Doesn’t sound like he’s taking it to the basket when he has the ball.
15 games where he has attempted zero free throws
3 games with 1 attempt
11 games with 2 attempts
4 games with 3 attempts
Jump shots and jump hooks ASA doesn’t attack the rim.
James
February 17th, 2011
2:35 am
MsDee,
I’d make the coaching change over the trade. Since there aren’t a lot of available players out there, and we don’t have much to choose from, I don’t think we could get much in a trade unless we trade a forbidden “core piece”. Plus, I’m so tired of all of the bad habits and favoritism that has occurred under Woodson and L.D., I’d love to just get a fresh breath of air with a new coach that is totally new to the players and organization. Someone who will not play favorites and who will start fresh and develop the team the way he sees fit, rather than just base things off of what was done before.
I really think our players need a new coach, and Larry Drew was never really “new”. He had been around so long that I feel like the favorites were already way too comfortable with him and players just don’t seem to fear any disciplinary measures with him. The “comfort zone” needs to be broken.
A new trade with the same coach won’t do much unless the coach uses the new player in the right way. If we run the same system and play the same way, it won’t matter if we get Derrick Rose as our point guard, we’ll still struggle on the offensive end, although our defense would definitely pick up.
Unless the guy we get in the trade is a true floor general and L.D. lets him run the team the way the player thinks is best, then we will still have the same offensive struggles and still struggle to beat elite teams in the playoffs.
truhawkfan
February 17th, 2011
2:37 am
Some of these post are crazy to me because I know if they had won it would be a totally different story from some of these people. I know that some of you are fustrated with the team and I get that but me I am a real Hawks fan and I rock with them no matter what happens lose or win. Some of these bloggers are 180 fans meaning that when the Hawks win you right there on their on their side but soon as they lose you come up with any and everything about how bad they are and who come and who should go then they win again and you right there saying that was a good game and they did good. O.A.N GO HAWKS I still believe in you guys so after the allstar break show’em what you got.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
February 17th, 2011
2:46 am
@ MsDee. I would try my hand at Jerry Sloan. Show THU, FEB 17, 2011 the door. The players he has have already tuned him out. Maybe he would divy the minutes up better. Develop Teague and Jordan Crawford and turn Horf into Mailman part 2. Sloan just has more pedigree and more accomplished track record. THU, FEB 17, 2011 is scared to cut Bibby’s minutes and develop a viable young pg. He is scared to bench Smoove for not attacking the rack.
J-Stevenson
February 17th, 2011
2:49 am
truhawkfan,
A lot of people are just frustrated due to the fact that we see the same mistakes being made over and over again, and we know that these things are correctable. We see the same problems coming around over and over again to haunt us, whether we win or lose. People just don’t want to see the team fail in the playoffs again because of these same mistakes. We just want the players, coach, and management/ownership to make an effort to correct these things before they ultimately lead to another disappointing playoff exit. People want the team to improve and succeed, and it’s incredibly frustrating when they continue to fall due to problems that they could easily correct.
Personally, I wouldn’t complain if the Hawks played their best and just lost to a superior team that outplayed them. There’s no shame in that. But most of the time, the Hawks lose because of their own doing, and management is too passive to take action to correct the problems that the current players and coach are incapable of solving. There are a lot of people that bash the Hawks when they lose, but I think most of the people on here really love the team and just want them to succeed. If they didn’t care about the team, they wouldn’t take the time to post. Also, I think a lot of the bashing is just people venting their frustration.
J-Stevenson
February 17th, 2011
2:51 am
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
I co-sign your 2:46 am post. You assessment is spot-on in my opinion.
Roger
February 17th, 2011
2:55 am
MC,
I know this is probably beating a dead horse and this has probably been asked before, but can you ask L.D. why Horford doesn’t get more touches, specifically, in the post?
Anthony.
February 17th, 2011
3:31 am
“Truhawkfan” I’m flat out tired of “fans” like you. Guys that try and ride some high horse because your dumb enough to accept what the franchise and players gives you. That doesn’t make you a true fan. It makes you a complete idiot and a sheep to boot.
This team is full of losers that humiliate themselves OFTEN. Not only do they lack fundamentals, but they’re complete idiots also. The lowest basketball IQ’s BY FAR league wide.
vava74
February 17th, 2011
4:12 am
LD must go.
He has completely lost it.
Before the game he said that he would start the big line up UNLESS the Knicks went small with Amar’e at the C.
The Knicks started Mozgov and LD went for the traditional line up. WTF?
Unfortunately LD says all the rights things but then fails to implement them.
He has ZERO command over his troops. Did he go small to avoid the Al-Amar’e match up? What does that tell your adversary after all that talk?
I hate to say it. But it’s true. He deserved his shot and he deserves the boot.
Although Mozgov his hardly important for the Knicks, as the Pistons game proved, Collins give us a defensive mentality from tip off which we lack when we use our small line up.
Josh is a good help defender using his athleticism but he is not disciplined defender: he does not play D with his brain.
Hence although Josh gives away too much to quick SFs I think it’s preferable to use the big line up where he could – theoretically – punish the opposing SF inside and make up for his defensive on the ball shortcomings.
MsDee
February 17th, 2011
5:58 am
@James & Hawks Fan In New Orleans,
I also choose making the coaching change and honestly yall, I believe Sund and the ASG would make a coaching change b4 trading anyone, ANYWAY. Remember, the funds for a coach are different from funds to signing a player. The ASG are cheap enough to may a move of that sort than to mess up or break up the ‘core’. Even though I much rather like seeing LD on the sidelines than Woody, I just think the players truly needs a fresh new coach leading the way for them. Jerry Sloan WOULD get them over that hump. Jeff Teague, WOULD IMMEDIATELY start right off the bat causing Bibby to come off the bench. Jamal would sub Joe instead of Teague while moving Joe to the 3 position to then sub Marvin. Mo Evans will then be the sub for Joe and Bibby for Teague at PG. Josh for Josh and Zaza for Horford. I believe that would and can work for this team IF Jerry Sloan was or NEW HEAD COACH!! COME ON SUND, MAKE IT HAPPEN!!
AG
February 17th, 2011
6:09 am
A lot of good comments. The one I mostly agree is that I don’t mind losing to a better team. I just hate losing the same way. “Shot to many jump shots, abandoned going inside, could not defend the pick and roll, etc.etc.” We lose 80% of our games that way. Tell Josh to focus on his inside game, ask Marvin to drive, then work on his J, and most of all START JEFF TEAGUE!!! If that guy started, we would be the quickest team in the league! Also, if Smooth is off his game, play Powell.
AG
February 17th, 2011
6:14 am
Jerry Sloan WILL NEVER COACH IN THIS LEAGUE AGAIN Ms. Dee. Nothing the ASG can do to make that happen.
Willy
February 17th, 2011
6:28 am
The Hawks have tuned out there coach already! They’re too timid to take the ball inside – more turnovers than free throws – again!
JustAThought
February 17th, 2011
6:46 am
AG!……..I beg to differ, Jerry Sloan “might” coach in the league again, it just want be the hawks. Sloan’s too smart to put himself in the situation of having SA Sund or DASG as his boss.
O'Brien
February 17th, 2011
7:03 am
Total team loss tonight.
Although Bibby played well on offense (15 pts, 2 assists), the guy he was guarding played great (13 points, 11 assists).
I know the motion offense does not require a traditional PG, but we need one who can break someone down off the dribble, who can penetrate, who can get to the FT line (especially when the jumpers are not falling). Bibby is not the answer (and I dont know if Teague is either).
Props to Marvin. But what was Josh thinking taking 16 shots when his jumper was clearly off? And I’m disappointed that he had 5 rebounds in 40 minutes, playing PF. Unacceptable.
As for Jamal, I agree with Ron. LD is asking him to play backup PG, and thats not his strength. I think that has contributed more than anything to his struggles.
Hawks need a backup Center. ZaZa is garbage. In 5 minutes, he was -9. He just looks lost out there.
And of course, there is LD. I have been disappointed in him more often in these last few games. He says all the right things, but I am not seeing him back it up on the court. I wonder if he will make any changes after the AS break, because he cannot be happy with what he saw last night.
Cutty
February 17th, 2011
7:21 am
LD lost the game for us last night. How in the hell did he not go to Marvin Williams more. The guy was killing it last night going to the basket while Smoove, Bibby, JJ, Horf, and Craw was just chucking jumpers. Josh Smith was horrible last night. He is not a jumpshooter. LD should have fed Marvin Williams last night because he was the only one not just taking jumpers. Last night has nothing to do with us needing a center. We shoot to many jumpers. I was sitting there thinking “damn Josh Smith how many bad shots are you going to take before you realize you aren’t hitting on anything tonight”. LD just lets him do what he wants to do.
Tremaine
February 17th, 2011
7:48 am
LD say the same thing after every loss. “We got away from our gameplan.” He is the head coach and he can’t do or don’t do anything about it. Worthless! Bibby, hit a couple of shots tonight but I’m sure he probably gave up twice as many. The first game after the all-star break is a great time for TEAGUE to takeover. But I got a feeling the hawks are going to end up trading him without giving him a chance.
Trojan
February 17th, 2011
7:58 am
Great work MC. Bibby is killing the Hawks. Larry Drew is losing all credibility by playing him. Bibby’s defense is demoralizing the whole team. Bibby simply is not a pg. Teague with all his faughts would out produce him every day. I would rather see Wilkens play the point.
The Hawks are spiraling down fast with Bibby as the PG.
Hoops
February 17th, 2011
8:07 am
Here’s the trade that is realistic and would improve the Hawks:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4qawrz3
leo
February 17th, 2011
8:22 am
We need more than just a point guard. We really need a Center. I know some of guys love Josh, but he has to go. He cannot be coached. It rubs off on the team. We need to move Al to power forward. I was talking to my dad who made a good point about Larry Drew. It seems that he is saying all the right things about in-game coaching, but they are not listening. EITHER MANAGEMENT NEEDS TO SAY SOMETHING TO THE PLAYERS ABOUT RESPECTING LARRY’S WISHES OR FIND A COACH THAT WILL STAND UP TO THESE JUMP SHOOTERS.
terrell
February 17th, 2011
8:33 am
Boo said, “there is no reason “Zaza” shouldnt be playing”. Are you serious?
terrell
February 17th, 2011
8:35 am
This is Earth, calling Jamal and JJ. You copy?
RL
February 17th, 2011
8:39 am
Note:Jeff Teague should be starting,and he not getting enough playing coming off the bench either, also Josh Powell should be getting more min.
Mike is back
February 17th, 2011
8:39 am
MsDee , Grandad, and vava74, I hear ya on LD…dude is really starting to baffle me with this love triangle of JJ, Bibby, and Crawford…and these mind boggling rotations…we have seen this movie before…it ended bad the last time…and it’s going to end bad again…Unfortunately.
I had such high hopes for LD…I think Sloan coaching days is probably behind him at this point in his career…LD is picking up right where Woody left off with this entitlement BS…hold your starter accountable…the same way you do your reserves.
Yeah, Bibby hit some big 3s…problem is…he’s is giving up 4s…I want speak of Jamal and JJ…my point is this love triangle is specifically design for offense…so why does LD waste everybody time even mentioning word defense…the guys know it’s just lip service.
Only one guy in that group can play any defense and he has been MIA of late…However, this is your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd option on the team…hmmm…you think that might have something to do with the dysfunctional inconsistent performance of the your team…again hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
terrell
February 17th, 2011
8:40 am
Too many ME, ME, ME’s on this team.
terrell
February 17th, 2011
8:44 am
Marvin, as goofy and clumsy as he is, has actually been playing some good TEAM ball lately. Horford always does. Joe, Josh, and Jamal need to learn from em. If we play TOGETHER,we’re a pretty good basketball team. And btw, Zaza = the BIG stiff. Pays to be tall I guess.
ntrigue
February 17th, 2011
8:53 am
John Blucorn spoke the truth! I don’t understand how LD continues to make the same mistakes. Not playing Teague, Damien, or Josh P I just don’t understand. Let Teague run with the first team put Damien and Josh p in before you put in Mo. Bibby is a liability on defense he makes everybody work 3 times harder because of his deficiencys!
terrell
February 17th, 2011
8:59 am
LD startin to piss me off too. How in the hell is Zaza still gettin min? I’d play Pape Sy before I’d play that bum. And playing Jamal at point is killin his game. Can LD not see that? And give Teague some burn with the good players we have. Playing with Mo, and Zaza would make Magic Johnson look like a bust.
Tremaine
February 17th, 2011
9:08 am
terrell, Za Za was terrible last night. I guess he thought we was an offensive force. Lol! Am I the only one that think this team is worse than last year.
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
9:16 am
Last night’s game showed us what we already know
1) This is a severely flawed team with no center, no point guard, and a bunch of tweener SGs and PFs
2) LD is a horrific defensive coach WHO MAKES NO ADJUSTMENTS AND PUTS IN FLAWED DEFENSIVE LINEUPS THEN BLAMES OUR DEFENSE.
How do you put in Bibby Jamal Mo Smoove and ZaZa and expect to stop a team? Smoove doesn’t even block many shots anymore
THis team HAS NO POINT GUARD. Bibby is old as hell and is playing WAY too many minutes. Teague gets no minutes at all, but at least hit a 3. Just start Teague already or make this Ramon Sessions trade.
Trade Smoove for any serviceable center (hopefully) and trade garbage for any serviceable PG (Sessions, who had 30+ last night with 8 assists)
FIRE LD
FIRE SUND . are you GOING TO MAKE ANY MORE ROSTER MOVES BESIDES SIGNING GARBAGE BENCH PLAYERS WHO SHOULDN’T BE IN THIS LEAGUE?
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
9:22 am
LOL @ Josh taking jumpshots (even when he is playing at the 4 liek last night) and then still not knowing whether they’re good shots or not (he ASKED LD LOL)
What a joke
LOL @ you people who thought Smoove for K.Love was a bad deal. The guy has 50+ double doubles this year
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
9:24 am
ZaZa’s first half performance last night was some of the worst basketball I’ve ever seen. The guy airballed a 1 foot shot at the hoop.
Our bench is just plain awful. We should’ve started Collins so Marvin could’ve come off the bench
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
9:25 am
I guess Joe and Jamal have mailed it in for the year
Tremaine
February 17th, 2011
9:26 am
“GIVE TEAGUE A CHANCE” or “FIRE LARRY DREW”
Hoops
February 17th, 2011
9:29 am
The ASG need to make some moves before the trade deadline or this season is going to be a wash!!!
This core is not working!!!
Trojan
February 17th, 2011
9:30 am
Come on Sund.
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
9:31 am
Seeing that RealGM rumor of us going after a guard was some of the best news in Hawktown this season.
even if it’s BS
MAKE A TRADE
THIS CORE HAS BEEN TOGETHER WAY TOO LONG. IT HASN’T WON JACK AND ISN’T GOING TO WIN JACK
FIRE SUND
slimjr
February 17th, 2011
9:37 am
Gearon= must go
Sund= must go
LD= must go
Marsh mellow(Mike Bibby) must go
anyone else????…………………………….4.5 decades and no finals visit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will it be another 50 years??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
David Stern= There will be no Championships in Atlanta….Never……….I get it now Mr. Stern, The Fix is in……………..
STRETCH
February 17th, 2011
9:39 am
The Nets and Blazers have exchanged trade proposals and still are discussing a deal. Harris and veteran point guard Andre Miller are the main pieces, but more players are involved, multiple NBA sources said. It’s doubtful the Nets will trade Harris, who turns 28 in two weeks, straight up for Miller, who turns 35 next month.
Portland’s backup shooting guard Rudy Fernandez has been discussed, a source said. The Nets have talked about adding another big man so Joel Przybilla and his expiring contract also may be involved. If the Nets’ talks with Denver turn serious, Harris may be needed for that deal. Everything is up in the air.
A Western Conference source said that the Portland Trail Blazers are said to be looking at Sixers forward/center Marreese Speights. Philadelphia Inquirer
Tayshaun Prince has worn only one uniform as a professional, but he said he’s open to being moved — to the right situation. “It would be something I’d definitely look at,” Prince said after the Pistons’ 115-109 overtime win against Indiana on Wednesday at The Palace. “Who wouldn’t want be in that situation, to have an opportunity to play for another championship?” Detroit News
With the trade deadline a week away, there is still every indication that the Rockets will be very active in talks. They still seem very willing to take on contracts, still hoping their expiring contracts and young talent can bring help. They won’t do something just to bolster this season, but that was never the plan, anyway. Daryl Morey has always been trying to find long-term help. And it could come at any position. Houston Chronicle
All around the league teams are looking to “make” moves. But Sund is looking at “options.” I swear this guy has NO clue.
Im not a GM, but atleast i know this team is flawed and the possiblity now lingers that they dont even make it out of the 1st round this year. Folks…that is a real possibility now with Chicago playing the way they are.
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
9:40 am
LD is a SOFT head coach. He is TOO SCARED to call out players. He threatens making roster changes but never will, besides starting washed up Jason Collins every few games.
Teague will never start because he can’t even outwork MIKE BIBBY (the WORST starting PG in the NBA) in practice
LOL
This team is a mess
Then you have Josh Smith who thinks he has Paul Pierce’s shooting ability
slimjr
February 17th, 2011
9:42 am
lousy ownership=BEATDOWNS on National TV…”THE HAWKS ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!” Playoffs??PLAYOFFS??????
Hawks=Write off times 8 (ASGEEMen)
Gearon=GOT NO CLUE………………………………………………He can’t even buy a clue???????????????
Gdot
February 17th, 2011
9:43 am
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=62xzonf
Now here is a trade that makes sense for all parties involved. Of course Denver would need a pick but love this trade.
JayD
February 17th, 2011
9:52 am
As Jamal Crawford goes….. So go the Hawks.
Rufus1
February 17th, 2011
9:53 am
Developing Jamal at the PG….
This will be the proof that JC2 is LD’s PG of the future and that he has no intention of developing Teague.
LD is trying to turn Jamal into a PG and he is struggling. SG guard is low level fractions, PG is is calculus. If a vet SG is having great trouble learning how to be a PG in this league, what kind of struggles would a 2nd year players have.
I don’t know what you should expect from Teague when Jamal(a scorer) can’t score while at the PG position.
I will tell you what I would expect from Teague… Better dribble PEN defense, more attacking the basket and whole lot more fastbreaks pts.
The main problem between LD and Teague…
LD doesn’t value his skills and how they could effect the game. He only values players with very good jumpshots.
I do agree that if Jamal can learn the PG position and become a solid floor leader and still score, it will help the Hawks greatly in the playoffs.
What LD has done right….MARVIN
slimjr
February 17th, 2011
9:55 am
Gearon Loves his core..There will be no trades before the deadline..He is going to ride out this a flawed machine and watch it be destroyed in the PLAYOFFS????????????????????
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
10:00 am
Exactly, Rufus.
I’m so tired of these coaches and owners acting like Bibby is still a relevant player. ALL he is good for is contested jumpshots. I don’t care if his shots have fallen the last 2 games. MOST of his shots are contested and will suffer vs. better teams like the Bulls or Celtics
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
10:03 am
Sad thing is I don’t think anyone in the East is THAT good besides Boston (which has been hurt all year).
Get Sessions or Udrih here already damnit
Stephen Curry
Freshfromatl
February 17th, 2011
10:09 am
Man, sometimes I really just want to smack the living sh*t out of LD SMH. That dude is looking more and more like Woodrow, just standing on the sidelines with his arms folded.
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
10:10 am
LD says we are in a comfort zone at home
WE ARE IN A COMFORT ZONE IN GENERAL. WE’VE HAD THE SAME DAMN CORE FOR 6 YEARS
MAKE A TRADE
SUND WAKE UP. YOU ARE AN AWFUL GM. I HOPE YOU SEE THIS
Chris E
February 17th, 2011
10:15 am
LD needs to start the Big Lineup!!! Start Collins and play Teague at pg with the 2nd unit. With Collins in it helps clog up the middle so penetrating guards aren’t as effective. Plus Josh and Al keep can more easily help Bibby without gettting burned as much on pick and rolls.
It also frees up Al offensively and defensively at the 4 and causes mismatch problems for the opposing team for a change. This is the best lineup for the Hawks and has proven in my opinion to be successful. Why?
Because now you have Marvin coming in off the bench to help JC1 with the scoring load. But both would be more effective with Teague runnin the point for the 2nd unit. You might as well play Teague now because the rotation that is being used has not worked. The 2nd unit is not giving the Hawks nothin and JJ & Bibby are playing too many minutes.
Teague can breakdown the defense and would serve as a change of pace. He can’t show his ability if he does not play enough. We still don’t know what he can do? The 2nd unit has to be Teague, JC1, Damien or Mo, Marvin and Zaza.
The starters need more help and less minutes. That will keep them fresh and eliminate their tendency to go jumper crazy. There are not many great Centers in the league so Collins can work. Look at who NY played with last night at C. Marvin is playing better but has not justified himself as a starter and is better suited coming off the bench.
In order for the Hawks to be competitive in the 2nd half LD will have to make adjustments and those aforementioned I believe are what needs to be done. If the 2nd unit learns how to run the motion offense as effectively as the 1st unit does it would make for more intense practices which will result in better gametime results by the 2nd unit.
Tremaine
February 17th, 2011
10:17 am
“FIRE LARRY DREW!”
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
10:17 am
Sund said we will not make a trade this season and will make a trade in the offseason if we don’t improve.
Wait for an average 2nd half of the season. The team is hardly more talented than the 7 or 8 seeds in the East- we just play our starters more minutes and inflate our record. We will probably suffer in April
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
10:20 am
If we had any coach besides LD or Woody and maybe Larry Brown, Bibby would no longer be a starter and players would be held accountable. Smoove wouldn’t be taking jumpshots and Joe would be benched if he played like this garbage.
11 points? Are you serious?
lewis
February 17th, 2011
10:22 am
Yeah, I expected Bibby’s regression, but didn’t realize our bench consisted of D-leaguers
Anyone else think JJ’s lost his legs?
lewis
February 17th, 2011
10:28 am
But i’m with Grandad on this one,
If you can get rid of Joe, you’ve got to. The best this team looked all year was in his absence. Joe’s contract will never allow for any type of bench depth unless we go into Ltax
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
10:28 am
How can JJ have lost his legs? The guy sat for 2 weeks earlier this year. If he has lost his legs, it’s his fault for working out all offseason and not getting rest.
This team is a mess. WIthout a trade this season will be over very soon
If ASG sells Thrashers, would they have more money to spend on this team since they can focus solely on it?
Hawks73
February 17th, 2011
10:28 am
The biggest problem with this team is a complete lack of heart and or desire to play at anything to championship level. I believe a lot of this is attributed to the long term contracts signed by “the core” of this team (Johnson, Smith, Bibby, Horford, Williams). All of these guys are under contract, overpaid, and highly unmotivated to do anything (other than show up occasionally for a “big game” and sleep walk through others).
This team has no fight what-so-ever, and other teams know this. If opponents come out strong against our weak fowl, they tuck their collective tails between their legs and pack it in. It’s truly excruciating to watch/support this team when the overall apathy is apparent (at all levels of this organization). Can’t wait for spring training!!!!
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
10:29 am
How can you get rid of JJ this early? You have to wait a few years. You have to also realize his annual pay increases EVERY year of this ridiculous contract.
At this point I’d take John Salmons for his contract over Joe’s. I’d probably take Salmons for $14M over Joe for 16M
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
10:30 am
Joe’s last 4 games in points:
11 14 11 6
wow
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
10:31 am
Lol @ People interested in spring training
Baseball sucks
EmirS.
February 17th, 2011
10:35 am
Gotta have a bench.
You can bring in Ramon Sessions or Devin Harris. But fact remains your still left with a weak bench. Your giving up 3 Hawks to get one player. Does’nt work that way givem our situation.
lewis
February 17th, 2011
10:39 am
JeJe,
it’s another hidden injury that could have stood in the way of JJ and $125 mill.
lewis
February 17th, 2011
10:40 am
EmirS,
You bring in Sessions, he and Twin start, Bibby, Damien, Jamal and Marvin come off the bench.
Chris E
February 17th, 2011
10:40 am
I think JJ may be hurt. But I don’t think Bibby is the biggest problem, its the rotation or lack therof. You can hid Bibby with the right personnel but if the 2nd unit loses leads or brings no energy when they come in its demoralizing over the course of a season for the starters. Look at the Lakers right now, they are experiencing the same thing. Poor bench play makes the starters press and gets them out of their game. Its a confidence and trust factor to me.
slimjr
February 17th, 2011
10:41 am
Enter your comments here
slimjr
February 17th, 2011
10:42 am
up next: Lakers than Phoenix……Double massacre…………………..
slimjr
February 17th, 2011
10:44 am
this 7 game rd trip may turn into 1-6……Just Brutal………………
EmirS.
February 17th, 2011
10:45 am
@lewis
Think about it first. To get Sessions, you will more then likely have to give up Jamal and Bibby. Or Jamal and someone else. The Cav’s are in a rebuilding process. They want pieces.
Chris E
February 17th, 2011
10:46 am
When JJ is moving and getting shots within the framework of the offense the Hawks are a better team. For all the talk by you bloggers Bibby has proven to be the best court leader on the team. He seems to understand the offense and runs it well. He just can’t be relied on o play so many minutes.
JC1 is not the answer at pg and until teague or another pg surfaces for the Hawks they are in trouble. People talk about effort and heart, I think the Hawks have heart but in a long season when you are playin too many minutes and not getting much of anything from the bench the best of players will begin to faulter.
JJ and JC1 not scoring is a major concern.
EmirS.
February 17th, 2011
10:47 am
Jamal “IS” your bench. Once you get rid of Jamal, you have no bench.
Westurd
February 17th, 2011
10:52 am
this is a mess…..can we please get someone on this squad with some juevos that isn’t just a mirrow of Woody. If nothing happends before the trade deadline then nothing happens with the Hawks. Mediocrity once again Hawks fans.
STRETCH
February 17th, 2011
10:52 am
Well if they dont make any moves this season, the need to bring a PG in and pick up a Center somehow this off-season.
They also need a sharp-shooter off the bench. Jamal is a creator for his points, but the Hawks need a pure shooter.
Cut ties with one of the “Big 3″ and get DEPTH…thats whats killing this team. JJ is stuck here, gotta swallow that pill. Horford is the franchise player so that leaves JS. I love Josh’s defense, but offensively…really, what can he do besides shoot 3 of 11???
Its obvious LD has no control over him and he is not going to listen to anybody. They guy has been in the league 8 years and STILL WONT LISTEN TO ANYBODY!
i_am_soulstar
February 17th, 2011
10:54 am
The case FOR Ramon Sessions:
1) Sessions boasts a 19.07 PER
2) Sessions makes just around 4 million a year
3) His estimated wins added are 5.7
4) In terms of player efficiency, he is the 8th best point guard in the league (That’s above Devin Harris, Rajon Rondo, Chauncey Billups, and Andre Miller)
5) He’s only 24 years of age
6) He is a clear upgrade over anything the Hawks currently have at point guard.
Fire away…
Chris E
February 17th, 2011
10:57 am
Sessions would be a good pickup, but who’s to say he will play max minutes. He is young and would have to learn a new system as well as mesh with the team. Everyone keeps talkin trade but that seems unrealistc to me with how ASG works.
People keep crucifying Bibby, Nash is a liability on defense but it doesn’t seem to hurt Phoenix. Ya’ll need to quit making Bibby the scapegoat!!! He is giving effort and producing. Without him last night the Hawks are blownout.
JJ has to be held accountable for his play the last 4 games and if there is no flow to the offense Josh has to shoot. He plays a lot with the enemic 2nd unit and with JC1 trying to run the point who else is there to score.
When the 1st unit runs their offense, plays defense and runs they are as effective as any team in the NBA. However when they don’t move the ball, get tired and have no help off the bench they are subpar at best.
You saw the game the other night: starters come out and play well, leave with the lead. Subs come in play lousy, lose lead and Hawks are down by 15. Starters come back in and instantly erase the deficit and build the lead back up. I don’t know what team some of you are watching but the starters are not the problem. Its the bench and poor rotations by LD!!!!!!!!!
Rufus1
February 17th, 2011
10:58 am
Defensive problems…
80% of defensive problems start at the PG position. Bibby’s defensive problems probably accounted for 50pts last night.
We are 8th in points allowed in the league. If we had a decent defensive PG, we would be in the top 5. If we Had Hinrick, we would be top 3.
If starting Teague would guarantee we would be a top 5 defense team, would LD start him?….Probably not. He thinks Bibby had a good game because he hit five 3’s.
Their 3 wing players had 48pts and seven 3’s and the PG had 11ast. They also shot 48% for the Game….Wow
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
11:01 am
Marvin said the bench role will take some adjusting. What does that mean? We change the starting lineup every game.
YOU CAN’T SWITCH JOSH FROM THE 4 TO THE 3 TO THE 4 TO THE 3 EVERY NIGHT
WE NEED DEFINED ROLES
Rufus1
February 17th, 2011
11:03 am
STRETCH
Bibby could be the sharp shooter if we get a PG.
Chris E
Stop looking at his points, the defense attacked him on 80% of the offensive possessions…He is killing our defense.
Double Zero Eight
February 17th, 2011
11:05 am
ASG is considering selling the Thrashers or finding
another investor. They indicated they are losing 20 million
per year.
If they keep the Hawks core together and don’t make
a significant trade, they will make a quick exit in the
playoffs this year. The fans will stay away next year
and they will be at the very bottom in NBA atendance.
Coupled with JJ’s contract, they will lose millions next
year. It is not looking good over the horizon for the Hawks.
ASG is terrible. There are too many owners. They can’t
go to the bath room without taking a vote. No wonder
they can’t agree on making a trade of any consequence.
I was flabbergasted when I saw a commercial last night
at half time promoting the Hawks as an elite team!.
Rufus1
February 17th, 2011
11:05 am
Jeje
Defined role are the difference between good and great teams.
Popavich told jefferson he had to change his game to fit around Duncan, Parker and Gino….Defined roles and DEFINED LEADERSHIP.
jeje
February 17th, 2011
11:05 am
Got to get rid of Bibby!!!
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
11:07 am
Bibby should have an Eddie House-type role
Trade Teague+a pick + Mo for Ramon Sessions and try get A.Parker or J.Graham
FIRE SUND
Chris E
February 17th, 2011
11:08 am
Oh by the way Collins started against Detroit. Some one said it right earlier, the Hawks need to play inside out. But I truly feel that both Al and Josh could help stop penetration better with another Big down low to box out, absorb the middle and rebound.
LD is too reliant on his starters and in that way he is too much like Woodson. With a lineup of Bibby, JC1, Mo, Josh and Zaza you are not going to keep a lead and your certainly not going to get one.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 17th, 2011
11:19 am
Kanye Shrug!
Chris E
February 17th, 2011
11:24 am
I agree that Bibby is a defensive liability but its the lack of size with Marvin in the starting lineup that makes it worse because when the pg breaks Bibby down off the dribble, Al and Josh collapse and help which opens up a layup or open jumper.
With Collins in, both Josh and Al don’t both seem to have to help as much or one would usually see fir to help rarther than both. This then allows for them to rotate better on D.
Every team has weaknesses and with all the talk Bibby will be the pg the rest of the season. So what can the Hawks do to minimize his deficiencies on Defense and maximize their strentghs on Offense.
Not just looking at Bibby’s points but his leadership. When Bibby is not in the game the offense never has much cohesiveness!!!!!!!! And since the Hawks don’t penetrate as much as they should or could they need a pg that can run the offense. Neither JC1 or Teague have proven that they can do that as effectively as Bibby.
NCBravesFan
February 17th, 2011
11:26 am
I had to laugh at the suggestion of getting Jerry Sloan here – ’cause we all know that 70 year old men who just ran screaming from one burning building like nothing better than running right to the next one.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
11:28 am
” Which one would u choose if you could ONLY CHOOSE 1. Get Jerry Sloan as a replacement for LD with NO TRADE FOR THE SEASON or keep LD and make a trade B4 deadline?”
Get Jerry Sloan, without question. I would like to know once and for all what this team’s ceiling is with a coach that can get the most out of the roster, and which players are good and which players are not. Unless the trade in question is something really lopsided in the Hawks’ favor, get the coach without question.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
11:31 am
And yeah, I realize there’s no way Jerry Sloan would ever agree to come here. A hypothetical answer for a hypothetical question.
ryan
February 17th, 2011
11:32 am
I don’t think its Drew so much i think the players are just not playing hard week after week there just not consistent enough like Boston or the Spurs .
Chris E
February 17th, 2011
11:33 am
If LD does not make any rotation changes after the All Star game he should be fired. You have to make adjustments in this league and as a coach you have to trust what you’ve got.
Teague must get more minutes and Bibby and JJ’s minutes have to be reduced. Bibby’s significantly for he to be effective. If you play Bibby and Collins 20 to 25 minutes a game and give Teague more minutes at the pg while Jamal takes some of JJ’s minutes the Hawks will become a better team instantly.
In JJ’s defense, moving from the 2 to the 3 is too much for him. To many Hawks are playing out of position when they don’t have to. You might as well change things up a bit. What LD is doing now is not working and by now everyone should know the definition of insanity!!!!
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
11:36 am
There’s no way Sloan would come to this joke city, be underpaid, and deal with people like Josh Smith.
He will never coach again unless he gets a lucrative offer from a team like the Lakers
FIRE SUND
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
11:39 am
“People keep crucifying Bibby, Nash is a liability on defense but it doesn’t seem to hurt Phoenix. Ya’ll need to quit making Bibby the scapegoat!!! He is giving effort and producing. Without him last night the Hawks are blownout.”
Nash completely transforms his entire team offensively. He more than makes up for his poor defense by getting everyone easy shots and making such a high percentage of his own. Bibby has nowhere near the offensive impact of Nash, so his poor defense is felt a lot more.
With that said, Bibby has played well the last couple of games on offense, despite being the defensive sieve he usually is.
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
11:41 am
Bibby is garbage. Whoever that Season Ticket Holder was who destroyed Bibby in front of Gearon Jr (per Section 303’s comments), God Bless You
Worldwide Clyde
February 17th, 2011
11:41 am
Free Jordan Crawford
Worldwide Clyde
February 17th, 2011
11:42 am
Bring Terry Stotts back
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
11:46 am
Fire Woody
I want Kruger back
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
11:47 am
For some reason the trade machine is crapping out on me, but I think the following trade would work and have a reasonable chance of being accepted by each team:
Hawks get Ramon Sessions, T-Mac (expiring), Ben Wallace, Tayshaun Prince (expiring)
Pistons get Jamal Crawford (expiring), Josh Powell (expiring), Etan Thomas (expiring), Mo Evans (expiring), and if necessary a pick from the Hawks (although it shouldn’t be necessary)
Cavs get Jeff Teague (rookie scale deal) from the Hawks and Chris Wilcox (expiring) from the Pistons
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
11:47 am
Bibby has had 3 years to lose weight and get in shape
He has done neither
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
11:47 am
THE 2 CRAWFORDS FOR JORDAN AND PIPPEN
Puzzled
February 17th, 2011
11:48 am
I live in the NE, so I only see the Hawks play wen they play NJ or the Celtics, unless they’re being nationally televised, which is extremely rare.
My question is, “Is Bibsters defense as bad as it sounds in the blogs?”
This team has the same core group as last season, and they have taken a step backwards. You still see the same overall characteristice from them, but they are not as good as last year.
MC, has LD shared with anyone why JT does not get more playing time? If they consider him to PG of the future, he needs to play. If he’s not the PG of the future, then they ned to get one in here quickly.
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
11:53 am
The Knicks are an awful defensive team yet played good defense last night.
O'Brien
February 17th, 2011
11:59 am
Chris E,
He is giving effort and producing. Without him last night the Hawks are blownout..
Bibby had 15 pts and 2 assists. The opposing PG had 13 pts and 11 assists. So who had the better game?
JJ guarded Felton some, but that’s because Bibby is so bad defensively. SO now we have one of our best offensive players, having to spend a lot of energy on defense chasing Bibby’s guy.
For the season, Bibby is averaging 10 pts, and 4 assists. Nash is averaging 17 pts, and 11 assists and 4 rebounds. Plus Nash gets a lot of FTs, while Bibby hardly ever gets any.
If Bibby was averaging what Nash was, then very few people would be bashing him the way they do.
Worldwide Clyde
February 17th, 2011
12:04 pm
Bibby is the worst starting point guard in the league
ryan
February 17th, 2011
12:07 pm
Najeh i like trade lord knows the Hawks need cap room to pursue home town star D. Howard and maybe Derron Williams .
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
12:14 pm
I’m not saying that Gearon doesn’t spend $$ and I dont’ think more $$ is the answer here…its the way he has spent $$ in the offseason.
Going forward, we need to solidify weakenesses in our lineup. We have more holes than we want to admit. But Joe needs help big time. Since he is who we are letting lead us, he needs a major influx of a player who contributes on both ends. Draft picks, one out of SMoove or Al, I don’t care, just get Joe some help in the backcourt.
Lewis, dead on correct!
IF you can get an offer for Joe, which I highly doubt…..consider him on the market also.
Larry’s taste in a PG sure looks like Felton doesn’t it? He just looks overweight and I don’t like him as a longterm answer. But Larry probably drools over him…..not a slashing guard but a guard who plays tougher and within offensive constraints.
I think we saw the real Hawks team last night against decent competition. The Detroit game just shows you what happens when the jumpers actually go in more frequently than the norm.
Chris E
February 17th, 2011
12:18 pm
JeJe you are either too emotional or somethin!!!! People forget that if Bibby did not come to ATL we never make the playoffs. That’s not to say that validates him now but I maintain he is not the reason they lost in the playoffs the last 2 years and Najeh your right Nash gives more offensively but last time I checked the Suns were under 500.
The Hawks are too small in the front court and they don’t have or play their bench. If Chris Paul came in tomorrow the hawks would be way better but still need a good backup pg and a Big. With CP3 we still get beat by Boston, Miami, Chicago and Orlando with Marvin in the starting lineup.
Horford and Josh can’t be responsible for holding it down in the middle. The Celtics play great Team Defense, so do the Lakers and Orlando. Jameer is not the greatest defender and Derek Fisher certainly leaves a lot to be desired.
When you do have a liability on Defense at pg you certainly can’t also have one at the Center position!!!!!!!!!
cp
February 17th, 2011
12:21 pm
@John Bluecorn , easily one of the best posts Ive seen on here………Its clear that LD talks a good game but doesn’t follow through with it…..I’ve yet to see any accountability for this bunch….LD talks about what the gameplan was but I see different on the court. If guys are shooting too many jumpers and not playing defense then why do you continue to keep them on the court. ..LD looks like Woodson… The vets get a long leash while the young guys get pulled after any mistake….Sticking with guys who are clearly off their game instead of trying something else……Like I keep saying, Bibby might make some 3’s but his defense is so bad that his offense does not make up for it… LD has to stop playing Jamal at the point. Its clear he is struggling at the position but LD keeps throwing him out there. Other than Jamal nobody on the bench really plays consistent minutes…New coach same problems.
I see that some folks want to move Joe. I would be calling up Houston or Dallas to see if they would be interested in Joe. At this point it couldn’t hurt.
dsee
February 17th, 2011
12:22 pm
Joe must go. You cannot tweak the team without scraping this season. Everyone knows the end results. Joe has value as a franchise face or as a championship piece. Additionally, send Jamal/Zaza to Orlando for J. Rich. (frees up next yr. cap space, Plus Orlando needs Zaza now.) Get rid of the backcourt while we can. Send Joe to NJ before Portland dumps their garbage on them.
lewis
February 17th, 2011
12:27 pm
If Jamal is our bench, then i guess we only have a bench 1 in 4 games.
ejh
February 17th, 2011
12:45 pm
Once again I say the Hawks need a way to get Sessions. Give up your first round pick and Teague and Mo evans. This guy was a 2nd round pick out of UNLV in 2007. In his second year he had a game where he finished with 44 points and 20 assists. And another game where he scored 25 points and had 22 assists. This kid is hungary to prove that he is going to be one of the best points in the league. How about last night against the lakers 32 points 8 assists in only 36 minutes and he did not even start the game. He was 13-15 from the foul line, that is more trips to the line than the hawks whole team against the knicks last night and at 6′3″ 195 he is big enough and fast enough to defend the opposing team point guards. Get the deal done ASG.
HoosierHawk
February 17th, 2011
12:53 pm
Whoever mentioned Heinrich- I am with you. Trade Jamal for Heinrich straight up. They get a good player, and are obviously rebuilding, so they get 10m in expiring contracts.
Scoop
February 17th, 2011
12:54 pm
You can not fault the effort because it was there tonight.
We took what the defense gave us and did make an effort to post up and get inside, but as usual, we had to play 5-on-8 and the calls went against us. Bibby was the only guy to not show up tonight.
It was like the game was too fast for him.The Knicks made a concious effort attacking him, which either collapsed our defense or led to a layup under the basket. Even offensively, the Knicks hounded Bibby with ball pressure over half court and he had a hard time making a simple bounce pass on the perimeter!!!!!!!
When Teague entered the game with about 4 minutes left everything changed. Instantly, he was able to get to the basket on offense and played very solid defense against felton on the p&r. It now seems imperative to start Teague for our glaring, defensive weakness on the perimeter. I know LD is trying to support his player, but Bibby has got to swallow his pride and do what’s best for the team. We need some quickness in the starting lineup to help get things going in the paint, while also defending the p&r.
BTW the Hawks will win East and make it to the NBA Finals. Book it.
MaxxHawk
February 17th, 2011
1:03 pm
Yea, the Jeff Teague thing is just really difficult to understand. Why does the guy get no minutes? Bibby is tired and can’t defend anybody. I’m just hoping the Hawks wake up and start playing hard in the playoffs, otherwise we’ve got to make some moves and trade some guys, this team is complacent and doesn’t play hard enough. I’d like to see us keep Al, Josh and Jordan Crawford, everyone else can be moved, especially Marvin that bum has GOT to go he’s WAY overdue to be traded/released
Worldwide Clyde
February 17th, 2011
1:03 pm
At the start of training camp the coaching staff was saying if someone gave up a layup they would have to come out the game. What happened to that?
At the start of training camp Drew said Teague would play a bigger role for the Hawks. What happened to that?
Drew = Woody
Worldwide Clyde
February 17th, 2011
1:06 pm
“I’m just hoping the Hawks wake up and start playing hard in the playoffs, otherwise we’ve got to make some moves and trade some guys, this team is complacent and doesn’t play hard enough.”
We’ve been hoping and praying for 6 years on this blog and all we’ve got is disappointment.
lewis
February 17th, 2011
1:22 pm
“it was like the game was too fast for him”
One possession really stuck with me. Bibby and Joe got screened, and it was like they ran into concrete walls. Bibby in particular, trying to fight through it, just simply did not have it in him. He looked like a child bouncing off of a 350 lb man. Joe stopped short as well. So, as neither of our guards could/were willing to fight through the screens, a Knick walks around them for the lay in. They did this over and over again to Bibby, no adjustments were made.
Trojan
February 17th, 2011
1:30 pm
1. Bibby is the worst starting PG in the league. Actually he is MUCH worst than most 2nd string PG’s.
2. Bibby is the worst defensive PG in the league.
3. Our offseason plans are to let JC1 go and not replace him. The salary cap will be lower. We will get a couple of minimum guys, that’s all.
4. Larry Drew must be the common thread to lack of development of guards.
5. We have the poorest constructed team in the NBA.
6. We really don’t have hope for any better.
Trojan
February 17th, 2011
1:31 pm
Fire Sund, Fire LD!
Double Zero Eight
February 17th, 2011
1:37 pm
I am afraid we will be having these same conversations
this time next year!
Shake Something
February 17th, 2011
1:44 pm
People keep saying trade Jamal and Josh, but what I dont think you people see is that, if we trade Jamal, we lose our “ENTIRE BENCH”.You trade Josh and lose the only defense you have seeing as we dont have many good defenders. Package most of those guys on the bench in a trade with whatever draft picks(Useless in the hands of Sund) and find you 2 teams thats willing to take what you got and work out a trade.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4b7t3jf
This is what came up with, and you address both needs PG and Center,which allows starters to take our bench off life support by coming off the bench
Starters:
1-Curry
2-Joe
3-Marvin
4-Horford
5-Biedrins
Bench:
1-Bibby(Eddie House)
2-Jamal(6th MOY)
3-Wilkins/Sye(Or just rotate with Joe,Marvin & Josh,but the rookies get some experience)
4-Josh
5-Powell and rotate with Horford
Our bench can now bring some energy and has some actual usage
JeJe
February 17th, 2011
1:53 pm
Worldwide Clyde for Poster of the…
DECADE
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
1:54 pm
I’m reading Bill Simmons’ annual trade value column (interesting if not always accurate) and I came across this paragraph:
“it’s not life-altering to get 14-15 points, 5-6 assists and 35-36 percent shooting from a point guard. There’s never been a deeper crew of point guards — we go something like 20 strong, and that’s not even counting the Ridnour/Blake/Udrih types. Remember the days when there were so few decent point guards that Eric Snow and Howard Eisley signed $40 million deals? No more. Long gone.”
Pretty sad that when the league is that deep at point guard, the Hawks can’t even get those “non-life-altering” numbers from that position.
vava74
February 17th, 2011
1:55 pm
http://popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gameflow.cgi?date=20110216&game=ATLNYK
Our lead (small) in the first quarter went down the drain when Bibby left the floor and entered…
The UNDERTAKER (Jamal).
With Bibby on the floor JJ was assigned to Felton and probably that changed when Jamal got in (nire, please confirm).
Then, Jamal, who was having a monster game, AGAIN played a 17 minute straight shift to close the game.
Is anyone looking at stats in the Hawks organization?
Apart from a few (very very few) scattered games Jamal has been EXTREMELY ineffective in virtually all late 3rd + 4th quarter shifts that LD stubbornly gets him to play.
This has happened even on games in which he scores 16-24 points since he gets 80-90% of his points in the early part of the game.
Last night it was the double wammy: Jamal’s first shift (last 5 minutes 10 second of the 1st quarter and first 3 min 22 second of the second) produced a brilliant ± of -17!!!!!
I MUS WRITE
February 17th, 2011
1:57 pm
Enter your comments here
Rufus1
February 17th, 2011
1:59 pm
Jamal -17….Wow
That is because he is not a PG and PG is Hard.
terrell
February 17th, 2011
2:02 pm
Josh used to be Mr. highlight factory himself. LD’s turning him into Mr. jumpshot factory. The whole team actually.
terrell
February 17th, 2011
2:07 pm
it was not a bad pick could be right. Marvin might be the best sf on the team WHEN HE’S ON. Josh is a pf. PERIOD! He’s hanging out at the 3pt line more often than Bibby now. Gotta keep him in the post. And btw, Earth calling JJ and Jamal. You copy?
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
2:08 pm
Also in that column, Bill Simmons has some awfully nice (and maybe somewhat inaccurate) things to say about Smoove, aside from the Jersey Shore nickname.
terrell
February 17th, 2011
2:10 pm
Hawks win enough just to keep us interested. Guess that’s all the ASG wants to do.
Grandad
February 17th, 2011
2:14 pm
Lewis made an excellent point:
Joe;
plays such **Unremarkable Defense**
-yet-
he has the rep of being an exceptional defender.
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
2:17 pm
Did anyone notice what we started the 4th quarter lineup with down 13?
The same stale non-defensive JC1/Bibby to go with Joe/Smoove/Marvin…the smallest lineup we could put out there.
Why no post defender? How many times are you going to let someone drive down your throath without knocking them down…..
Enforcer needed for the Hawks because ours are on the bench.
What does that tell you about Larry’s refusal to make changes?
I see nothing he does that shows he’s a better game coach than Woody. Bibby got 35 frickin’ minutes as we continued to play from behind.
And don’t suggest for Sund to get fired; the puppetmaster Gearon is pulling all the strings here. Sund is being told what to do because there is no way my GM sits on his hands and watches this type of inconsistency in his 3rd season and game #55.
And folks, unknown to all NBA players who get interviewed saying we are 1/2 way through the season here at the AS break, we are 2/3 through the season and we still don’t feel any need to make a move of any significance as far as I can tell.
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
2:25 pm
terrell, Marvin isn’t the best of anything on this team. He isn’t the best paid, the best shooter, the best conditioned, the best hustler….he isn’t the best anything!
It was a colossal mistake that will haunt this franchise for many years. We are stuck having to watch the lowest rated starting SF in the league (when he starts), yet we continue to feel he has some potential yet untapped. Marvin is a 2ndary thought on both ends of the court for either coach he has played for….there must be a reason for it. Perhaps he doesn’t like to go inside and play tough. Perhaps he doesn’t like to scrap for loose balls. Perhaps he is just going throught the motions to make sure he doesn’t get hurt.
Marvin simply is not helping us win and move past where we are as a team under its current construction.
I sure would like to flip a switch and see all that talent we had that was going to make it hard to match up against us. Our record does not reflect how inconsistent we have been this year.
lewis
February 17th, 2011
2:32 pm
thanks for pointing out that article najeh,
Lol @ Al Horford #22 and Josh Smith #27 on Bill Simmons most valuable trade pieces.
Their contracts are spot on, not too big but well worth what they provide to the team.
Damn JJ’s contract. Shoulda just rebuilt around Josh/Al
mykhalc
February 17th, 2011
2:43 pm
memo to Al…this team has NEVER played its’ best basketball..PERIOD!!! it WON’T…for many reasons!!! and all seen over the past 3+ seasons!!!
superiorblogman
February 17th, 2011
2:54 pm
Portland is after Devin Harris not Ramon Sessions. Portland selected Brandon Roy, Aldridge, and Oden, all the correct picks just happened that injuries have derailed Oden and Roy, but they make the correct picks or get the correct players. Add Wesley Matthews and Camby in free agency. Add letting players like Outlaw go. If only the Hawks were not so worried about money they could just get the correct players. The Nets are said to want a big man out of a deal for Harris. I still think Jamal, Zaza, and a 2012 1st round pick for Harris and Humphries might get it done. I would also be willing to through Jordan or Teague into the deal if push came to shove.
Hawks get Devin Harris and Kris Humphries
Nets get Zaza, Jamal and a 2012 1st round or Zaza, Jamal and Teague or Jordan
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
3:26 pm
lewis, you are just spewing what I complained about all summer.
No way we would have ended up like Cleveland had Joe left; he is just a piece to the puzzle. Would we be 34-21 right now? Probably not, but we would have some salary flex to play with even if we never resigned JC1.
As of now, we hover at the cap going forward until further notice as we have to find a buyer for Bibby or Marvin / and Zaza to free up some resources.
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
3:30 pm
Let me throw a crazy trade out there should Melo go to Jersey….
Joe to the Knicks
Curry and Wilson Chandler to us…
Does that trade scenario pass the ‘trade meister’ machine?
That frees up mega cap room for the limited Hawks and the Knicks might be willing to listen…
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
3:33 pm
The NY media would kill the Knicks over that one wouldnt’ they?
ESPN says trade is doable, gives Knicks +3 and the Hawks -2….good for both teams…Dolan can afford Joe and his mega wallet.
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
3:38 pm
Rethinking that Sessions stuff – Sessions would help the Hawks in driving to the hole alot. I’m not sure he would help defensively.
Jeff Teague must either be on drugs, or LD has a major flaw in his coaching philosophy. And in this League right now, you can’t hide a major flaw, teams will exploit you ruthlessly.
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
3:44 pm
Another very spot on article on the Hawks by Hoopinion. I find them like MC, very non-biased.
It would be unfair to blame this loss entirely on Mike Bibby’s defensive shortcomings as he’s not to blame for the Hawks missing plenty of good shots while falling behind in the first quarter, Josh Smith taking nine more jump shots (making three), or Smith and Joe Johnson throwing the ball away on three successive fourth quarter possessions, effectively eliminating any question about which team would win the game but New York scored 102 points on just 92 possessions with the vast majority of those points coming from attacking Bibby or attacking the weaknesses created through the machinations involved in attempting to hide Bibby’s defensive liabilities.
Primarily, the Knicks attacked Bibby on the pick-and-roll. Bibby’s lack of mobility forced whichever player guarded the screener into double-duty: slow the ball-handler and recover quickly onto his man. Because, if the Hawks switched on the ball-screen, the screener could either roll Bibby into the deep post or pop and shoot over Bibby. Most often, Bibby went under the ball-screen, his help defender showed on the ball-handler, then quickly retreated to his man. This gave the ball-handler two options: 1) take an uncontested jumper or 2) attack Bibby off the dribble again in the hopes of drawing another help defender. And that second option created two avenues of attack for the ball-handler. He could attack in the hopes of either again drawing help off the initial screener or from off of one of New York’s spot-up shooters.
When Larry Drew attempted to remove Bibby from the screen-and-roll defense he did so by keeping Bibby on the court but assigning Joe Johnson to guard the ball-handler. Joe Johnson struggles mightily dealing with off-the-ball screens and had little success* dealing with the combination of Raymond Felton’s speed and the ball-screens inherent in the design of New York’s offense.
*Nor should he have been expected to have success in that situation.
Finally, as has been tried so often this season as the Hawks have been attempting futile comebacks or busy blowing leads in the fourth quarter, Larry Drew responded to the inherent defensive problems of playing a Bibby/Jamal Crawford backcourt not by removing one from the game in favor of a two-way player but by playing a 2-3 zone that roots Bibby and Crawford in space on the perimeter and drags at least one of Josh Smith or Al Horford away from the basket to deal with spot-up shooters.
One hopes that the All-Star break provides Larry Drew and the Hawks with the time to reflect on whether or not it is worth it, even given the limited options at his disposal, to work so hard to find a way to keep Mike Bibby on the floor for 30 or more minutes a night. It wasn’t worth it in New York and that on a night when Bibby shot the ball well (15 points on 8 shots), providing more of an offensive contribution than can be reasonably expected on a regular basis.
Larry Drew:
“They run a ton of pick-and-rolls and we were trying to figure out the best coverages for it. They do a great job in the pick-and-roll with Felton and then they have a guy who is a forceful roller with Stoudemire. You have to defend the guard, you have to defend the big guy on the roll and then they spread out with shooters. It makes it tough for us.”
Josh Smith:
“It’s kind of hard to really help, especially when they are knocking down the jump shot like tonight. We gave up too much dribble penetration and then we helped and were scrambling from that point on.”
Al Horford:
“Every time we tried to [rally], they made a big three or a big basket. It was a little demoralizing. We stayed with it, but we just didn’t have enough tonight.”
Overheard at Madison Square Garden with Michael Cunningham:
At one point, a New York hack sitting next to me asked: “So, basically, whomever Bibby is guarding scores?” Me: “Not always. Sometimes his man passes to open shooters when everything breaks down, and they score.”
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
3:49 pm
And on the Phoenix blogs, they want Marvin and 2 First Picks for Nash…
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
4:03 pm
What my eyes tell me:
That Bibby is to slow to start in the NBA at G
That Mo’ is a worse than he was 2 years ago
That Wilkens is a better ball player than Mo’
That Marvin was a terrible #2 pick. But if he would have been drafted #16 or 17, we would be saying what a solid role player he was, and how every team needs a Marvin type player etc.
That JJ played hard just to get an All Star spot
That JJ and Josh are enormously talented, but Al is our best basketball player
That Josh shoots to many jumpers, regardless of stats
That Josh does not respect his coach, but he is a student of the game
Just what my eyes tell me about the Hawks
Grandad
February 17th, 2011
4:05 pm
There are multiple ways to cover Bibby;
however, a Coach cannot cover for:
Bibby & Joe + Jamal + *Marv (oh yeah, Marv)
*[Marv is the slowest in the league at closing out]
**Marv never reacts to anything – he must think about it 1st.
***That’s why he catches a rebound at his crotch. (he’s a late jumper)
****You see it’s not “only” Bibby.
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
4:06 pm
More on what my eyes tell me:
ZaZa has regressed as a basketball player
Jeff Teague is not nearly as bad as some make him out to be
That Josh Powell is garbage usually
The Hawks are reminding me of the Utah Jazz
That LD is reminding me of Woody, but he sure seems to know Offensive alot better than Woody.
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
4:07 pm
Grandad – Good post
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
4:15 pm
“And on the Phoenix blogs, they want Marvin and 2 First Picks for Nash…”
As well as Marvin has played the last few games, the Hawks would be insane not to do this. Combine this with my trade idea for T-Mac, Ben Wallace, Ramon Sessions, and Tayshaun Prince that I posted earlier, and you would increase the Hawks’ ceiling by a full playoff round.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
4:16 pm
SteveW, can’t say I really disagree with any of that.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
4:33 pm
Realistic: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4ukp8yw
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
4:34 pm
Much less realistic but would be amazing: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4ktb26g with two picks going to Phoenix
I’m surprised Phoenix fans think Nash’s trade value is that low, to be honest with you.
O'Brien
February 17th, 2011
4:37 pm
Steve W,
One mistake Rick made was giving Mo Evans a player option for a 3rd year, but he probably had to in order to convince Mo to sign with us (and not Golden State).
And another mistake was giving Bibby a 3rd year. Next year, he will be making $6.2 mil. That’s a lot of money to pay someone who is best suited as a backup PG for a playoff contender.
I dont agree with the Marvin contract, but at least Rick can try and justify it by saying 1)Marvin was still young with lots of potential 2)He was coming off a very good year 3)He defends his position well.
And I dont think anybody expected ZaZa to decline right after signing his new deal.
O'Brien
February 17th, 2011
4:40 pm
Najeh,
If Phoenix was to trade Nash to the Hawks, I think they would want Marvin and Jamal for Nash and somebody else.
superiorblogman
February 17th, 2011
4:45 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4lf25mj
Add Teague or Jordan or a 2012 1st round pick
Feasible trade.
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
4:47 pm
And on the Phoenix blogs, they want Marvin and 2 First Picks for Nash
Kinda ironic isn’t it, that Phoenix wants 2 more #1 draft picks for one of the backcourt starters….last time Diaw went instead of predicting Marvin.
Nash doesn’t improve the defense; I wouldn’t do that trade. Nash isn’t worth what Joe Johnson was at a much younger age.
Phoenix should be content to get 1 #1 and a filler for Nash at this stage. They aren’t going to be in the playoffs as currently constructed.
And SteveW, we will continue to try to look like the Utah Jazz, only more limited than they have been since their big problem all these years has been the Lakers. We have had a problem with numerous teams and the list will be growing this playoff season.
tyger
February 17th, 2011
4:49 pm
Bigger question is what is the plan?
This ain’t working nor is it going to get any better. It’s beyond this player or that one.
What is the plan going forward?
Do you wait until the summer or blow it up now?
This current team may not make the playoffs. Certainly wont get out of 1st rd. and forget the 2nd.
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
4:58 pm
superior, I can safely say that Sund is the only GM who doesn’t use a computer these days. Billy King has probably seen the ESPN trade doctor and wouldn’t be obliged to give us 2 favorable salaries so we can get Harris and an expiring Humphries.
I wouldn’t think an extra #1 would do it either even if they could add it to entice Denver with it.
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
5:01 pm
You trade JC1, it should mean automatic major minutes for JC2, but I don’t see that coming together. JC2 is barely dressing now, so I wouldn’t expect to see him all of a sudden getting 25 mpg.
Moving JC1 doesn’t discount the minutes Bibby gets on the court. Larry would just throw JC2 and MAYBE Teague gets 10 minutes.
There are some serious questions once you eliminate JC1. Are we bringing Flip back for some bench scoring?
ag
February 17th, 2011
5:09 pm
I was looking at an interesting article in the Espn the Magazine, it showed area’s of the floor that team average %. It also gave the person with the highest percentage and the player with the lowest percentage. Two Hawks made the list! The Boss % at the top of the key is the best of all NBA players at over 65%. JJ made the list twice. First, from the corner 3pt (less than 24%), and the 3pt shot right center (21%). If ESPN the Mag has this info – our coaching staff should as well.
lewis
February 17th, 2011
5:30 pm
Yeah, i’m really not sure how I feel about Sund being an old-school, no computer, no college basketball GM, who if I recall correctly from some article last year RELIES ON FREAKING @#$@$ @)(8 HOOPSHYPE for trade rumors and news around the league. Not that I have anything against hoopshype, its a great resource for hardcore fans. Just not GM’s. I mean, my dad can barely send an e-mail but he runs a very successful real estate company. I do think there is something to be said for not letting the media influence one’s opinions when it comes to personnel decision, but Hoopshype, Sund, Hoopshype?
Sund is old-school, he doesn’t do anything fancy. He’s doing what the owners are asking him to do, and that’s to run this team on the cheap.
Sautee
February 17th, 2011
5:45 pm
KevinM,
If we trade JC1, then automatically Marvin goes to 6th man just to have scoring off the bench. We could start Damien at SF (which I’d be ok with).
Sautee
February 17th, 2011
5:48 pm
lewis,
If Sund doesn’t use a computer, then how does he read Hoopshype Rumors?
LOL!
lewis
February 17th, 2011
5:53 pm
Not sure, this is Rick Sund we’re talking about here. He admits to reading hoopshype and not having a computer on his desk.
Sautee
February 17th, 2011
5:59 pm
He could not have a computer on his DESK, but have it on a credenza behind him.
I mean, c’mon, it’s GOT to be somewhere if he reads Hoophype, right?
I think way too much is being made of his “style”. Like it matters, as long as he does his job. People will find something to b!tch about, no matter what.
And anyway his hands are tied unless Mikey has a change of heart about the “core”.
lewis
February 17th, 2011
6:09 pm
Lol his “style” –doing nothing in an attempt to maintain the status quo for teams unwilling to go into the Ltax (for 3 decades)
drmaryb (*_*)
February 17th, 2011
6:11 pm
Need 3 Tickets – Together!
If we could somehow get Kris Humphries hers, then Kim & Khloe Kardashian could sit behind the Hawks bench and cheer.
Now that is a show, I know the fans would come out to see.
The Boss is the only player this team has that could prolly get a “dime” and sit her in the stands. I heard Eva Longoria is freed up.
_________________________
Just Sayin’ … Since Sund isn’t trading for any roster talent, maybe the fellas can recruit their own fan base for home games.
Even MCI has a Friends & Family Plan.
Peter
February 17th, 2011
6:13 pm
Well Joe Johnson with another stellar “All-Start ” Type performance…..11 points…..gosh he fads so quietly in the bigger games.
Good thing he was paid all that money, so the team can’t improve. We have mediocre coming for years.
No center, no point, and no small forward…….wow 2 out of 5 is good ?
The Joke is the Spirit….they need to be run out of town with the Hockey team they messed up !
O'Brien
February 17th, 2011
6:14 pm
Rick said elite teams have homecourt advantage in the first round, and win the first round series. based on that, I think he may realize that the Hawks are not elite (after this playoffs is over).
I’m hoping we can win our first round matchup, but it is going to be a struggle (especially if we finish 5th).
myrak43
February 17th, 2011
6:28 pm
Jeff Teague has the potential to be a solid pg, but he needs playing time to develop. Playing time that he will never get in Atlanta. He needs to play for a bad team where he can get plenty of minutes. Where the Hawks are now, they can’t give Teague the minutes and wait on him to develop his game. We would loose to many games…… it would be beneficial for our future but not the pressent. the Hawks are not in rebuild mode. So we need to trade Teague somewhere where he can play. and in turn we need someone that is ready now. is it Sessions? I don’t know but he just dropped 30 and 8 on the lakers last night….. teague would never be able to do that right now. Sessions also average 8 ppg and 7.5 ast as a rookie with 26 minutes of play, Teague is not even ready to do that.
If we get Sessions as our starting point Bibby can come off the bench, we then can trade Teague for some front court help maybe revised that Jason Thompson trade. we would be a better team with more debth and a better starting five.
Sessions/Bibby
JJ/JC1
Smoove/Marvin/Wilkens
Horford/Powell
Thompson/ZaZa/Twin
Hell instead of only being one deep on the bench we are now three deep.
Looks like we can get sessions for a 2nd round pick and JC2. I say pull the trigger.
myrak43
February 17th, 2011
6:33 pm
link to sessions to atlanta trade rumor
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Cavaliers-to-trade-Jamison-Sessions-;_ylt=AhzJOlKqpE1BYgy98jua2Um3PaB4?urn=nba-322665
lewis
February 17th, 2011
6:43 pm
a 2nd round pick? give me a break
ag
February 17th, 2011
6:47 pm
myrak43, you say Sessions averaged 8 ppg 7.5 ast in his rookie year. You also pointed out his stats against the Lakers. Well, in the last game of the year, Teague scored 24 and dropped 15 dimes. By the way, every game that he has played at least 20 minutes, he has scored at least 10 points
superiorblogman
February 17th, 2011
6:51 pm
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
4:58 pm
superior, I can safely say that Sund is the only GM who doesn’t use a computer these days. Billy King has probably seen the ESPN trade doctor and wouldn’t be obliged to give us 2 favorable salaries so we can get Harris and an expiring Humphries.
I wouldn’t think an extra #1 would do it either even if they could add it to entice Denver with it.
See that’s my major problem with you people on this board, you think only one way. The Nets would save money in the long run. They would save between $6 and $7 million over the life of the trade. They would pick up a 1st round pick or a player that was taken in the 1st round also.
Slimjr
February 17th, 2011
6:52 pm
I’ll take Monique Minor over Kim K. any day of the week!!!!!! Yaza Yaza…Growl…….Bark!!!!! Look her up….LOL……
lewis
February 17th, 2011
6:53 pm
Hawks Players Don’t Want Trades?
Cavaliers guard Ramon Sessions could find his way to the Atlanta Hawks, according to a report by Ken Berger of CBSsports.com. The biggest revelation of the report isn’t Atlanta’s need for backcourt depth (reserve point guard Jeff Teague only averages 11.6 MPG). Rather, Berger writes that the Hawks are willing to spend up to, or perhaps even exceed the luxury tax threshold.
It’s one thing if GM Rick Sund wants to dig deep to get over the playoff hump against Boston, Orlando and Miami; but it’s worth noting that the team is currently 34-21 and the players aren’t pushing anyone to increase spending.
“We’re here and this is the team,” forward Josh Smith told HOOPSWORLD. “I think everybody has to stay focused and not really worry about the outside distractions—whether you’re going to get traded. We just got to go out and play with a clear mind and be ready. That’s when teams are at their best: when we’re just worrying about having fun instead of worrying about the negativity.”
Obviously the core group of Smith, Al Horford, Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, Marvin Williams haven’t propelled the team past the conference semifinals. Even last season’s addition of Jamal Crawford wasn’t enough to get to the conference finals—a level the franchise has yet to reach in Atlanta.
But while some see a stagnant team, the Hawks see themselves as a close-knit, battle-tested group.
“I think you can look at it both ways,” Crawford told HOOPSWORLD. “Hopefully we can go out there and prove our fans right—that we did the right thing sticking together. The one thing I know for sure is that we have continuity. We’ve stayed together so guys know each other and there’s no surprises. Hopefully that plays to our advantage.”
So rather than a group of new faces, first-year coach Larry Drew is teaching the same old Hawks some new tricks. Specifically, he made a focused effort to wean Atlanta away from isolation plays and push the team towards a motion offense.
“I just think it’s benefitted us as a whole, throughout the whole season,” Smith said. “We’ve been doing a good job of sharing the basketball. You really can’t zero in on one or two players if you play that way.”
By abstaining from isolation plays, the team has become less reliant on Johnson and Crawford. The pair have seen a dip in their field goal attempts and scoring averages, but Horford, Smith and Williams are all shooting and scoring more than last year.
“I think it’s new opportunities for guys who are confident, and now they feel like they have the freedom to shoot,” Crawford said. “I think guys play harder when they have that.”
The problem is, the Hawks old system may have worked better. Last season under Mike Woodson Atlanta ranked third in offensive efficiency (points scored per 100 possessions). This year, under Drew, the team has slipped to 15th.
The Atlanta Hawks players may feel comfortable with each other, but the team may have to make a move or suffer another early postseason exit.
For more on the subject, check out HOOPSWORLD’s Lang Greene and his take on the Hawks’ trade situation.
Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=18809#ixzz1EGOjGuvu
superiorblogman
February 17th, 2011
6:55 pm
myrak43
February 17th, 2011
6:33 pm
link to sessions to atlanta trade rumor
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Cavaliers-to-trade-Jamison-Sessions-;_ylt=AhzJOlKqpE1BYgy98jua2Um3PaB4?urn=nba-322665
I’m sorry but that is the dumbest thing I have ever seen. I would not trade Jordan Crawford for Sessions. Also no way I go a penny over the luxury for Sessions we are less than $300,000 from the luxury, it would have to be a trade that keeps under the luxury because he is not worth going into luxury for. You can get guys much better and stay under the luxury.
jfreak13713
February 17th, 2011
6:55 pm
Larry Drew is fine. I haven’t seen anything “yet” that would make me think he is the problem. Although other coaches in the league may be better and produce better results with same team I still look at the players as being the problem with this team. Give Larry Drew a TRUE leader on the court like Kobe Bryant and this team would be fine! In my humble opinion its time to break this core up. These guys can’t play together because there is no leader on this team (Al Horford excluded) that can demand the respect of the other players.
I would trade Josh Smith not because he a terrible cry baby who takes too many outside shots but because he would have the most potential to get something in return. Whether that be talent in return in the form of a PG or C and or possible draft pick for next year? Marvin and Joe Johson aren’t going anywhere because they are paid too much for their talent level. No offense Joe you are a great player but just not worth your salary.
I think the Hawks will look around during allstar break and hope they will take bold steps to improve this team. Its not about wining regular season games its about being able to compete in the playoffs. The Hawks are a good team and I do enjoy watching them play but they are not a Championship team. Not yet anyway.
O'Brien
February 17th, 2011
6:56 pm
Thanks Lewis.
“I think you can look at it both ways,” Crawford told HOOPSWORLD. “Hopefully we can go out there and prove our fans right—that we did the right thing sticking together. The one thing I know for sure is that we have continuity. We’ve stayed together so guys know each other and there’s no surprises. Hopefully that plays to our advantage.”.
Doesnt Jamal realize this is a bad thing? It’s like players, coaches and Rick are in denial.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=18809
lewis
February 17th, 2011
6:59 pm
Hawks Need To Trade Marvin Williams
By: Lang Greene Last Updated: 2/17/11 12:04 PM ET | 990 times read
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Despite the nonchalant nature in which the media and fans treat the Hawks, the fact of the matter is Atlanta remains one of the top ten teams in the league today.
This fact isn’t up for debate.
The franchise has a legitimate shot at recording their sixth consecutive campaign with an improved regular season record and barring an unforeseen collapse after the All-Star break will also clinch their fourth straight trip to the postseason.
So why exactly has the team failed to receive mainstream recognition despite possessing two All-Stars, a surefire All-Defensive team selection and the reigning Sixth Man of the Year?
Simple.
While the Hawks win a high percentage of their contests they don’t overwhelm anyone. The team rarely enjoys enough of a cushion to rest their starters in the fourth quarter during victories.
Winning big is a trademark of elite teams who routinely are able to run roughshod over lesser opposition and make it look extremely easy in the process.
The current iteration of the Hawks lacks a true killer instinct. They’re a team free flowing with excellent chemistry and great guys on and off the court. Unfortunately, the squad lacks the nastiness of a squad such as the Boston Celtics and as a result of the nonchalant following the team isn’t driven by the constant desire to prove skeptics wrong like the Miami HEAT.
Confidence isn’t the problem. Hawks shooting guard Jamal Crawford recently told HOOPSWORLD the team has their eyes firmly set on the Eastern Conference Finals – at the very least.
Money or the desire of ownership to stay out of the luxury tax isn’t a problem either. While Atlanta’s front office doesn’t ever intend on crossing into dollar-for-dollar penalty territory, the club has invested heavily into retaining key members of the squad’s core group (see Joe Johnson and Al Horford).
There are multiple problems plaguing the Hawks.
For starters, Al Horford continues to play out of position at center and although he just earned his second consecutive All-Star nod at the position, he’s undersized and the pounding down low continues to wear down his frame.
Secondly, the team has been searching for a point guard of the future for years. Veteran point guard Mike Bibby has been solid thus far this season, but struggling as of late. Second year guard Jeff Teague was supposed to contend for a starting role but has been planted on the bench due to inconsistent and unconfident play.
The point guard issue has been a sour point in Atlanta since the team selected small forward Marvin Williams with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2005 draft over Chris Paul and Deron Williams. Of course players don’t select themselves so the criticism has been unwarranted. Williams is a solid player, but will never pan out to be a franchise player like Paul and Williams
It’s clear to all parties who watch the Hawks over an extended period of time that the franchise needs one more piece to successfully jump into the top five discussion and become legitimate championship contenders.
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And this is why the club needs to take a hard look at packaging Williams (with picks and younger players) for the missing roster piece.
Now this is in no way a knock against Williams’ ability. The former University of North Carolina standout is an underrated glue guy on the team. On a roster with Joe Johnson, Horford, Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford who all need their fair share of field goal attempts, Williams continues to be the player who does the dirty work, rarely has his number called in the offense and yet doesn’t complain.
Plus there isn’t a player in the Hawks’ locker room who doesn’t like Williams off the court or his effort on the hardwood. Every championship caliber team has a player like Williams who handles the grunt work and connects the dots through their versatility.
But the problem for Atlanta is they’re one impact player away from making serious noise, however trying to acquire the missing puzzle piece often leads down the road of having to break up their big three of Johnson, Horford and Smith.
The Hawks absolutely cannot afford to package one of their top three players. It would be a case of addition by subtraction – or spinning the tires.
What the Hawks need to do is work the phones before next week’s annual trade deadline to see if there are any takers for the roughly three-years and $24 million still owed to Williams.
Throughout his tenure in the league Williams has demonstrated a strong ability to defend the wing and has averaged double-digit scoring (career-high 14.8 in 2008) in every season except his rookie year. Surely, as Williams’ contract becomes smaller his stock will rise around the league.
The Hawks’ best chance for sustained success down the road is acquiring a true center (not necessarily elite) allowing Horford to inherit the starting power forward position. Smith was originally drafted by Atlanta to hold down the small forward position so a move back to the wing would seemingly be free of many growing pains.
If a trade cannot be made, Atlanta has big bodies currently on the roster capable of making the above lineup shift a reality regardless. It’s very obvious the team plays extremely well when Horford’s able to log more time at power forward and with the way Smith is shooting the ball from the perimeter this season a full-time switch wouldn’t cause too much of a hiccup.
Unfortunately, Williams told HOOPSWORLD earlier this season he didn’t appreciate head coach Larry Drew’s decision to replace him in the starting lineup.
While Williams was professional in voicing his frustration, everyone sees an eventual bench role for him in order to appease Horford’s demands if he remains in Atlanta.
So instead of having a guy sulking on the bench in the future, it’s the time for the Hawks to make a bold move albeit an unpopular one in the locker room and finally push the team over the hump.
We’ve witnessed teams absorb much worse contracts than Williams and with so many franchises rebuilding it’s hard to fathom one of them wouldn’t take a flyer on a double-digit scoring, solid defensive and great character guy in the locker room.
Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=18799#ixzz1EGQ8Zshn
myrak43
February 17th, 2011
7:03 pm
ag, I can see Teague has talent. but that was one game he scored 20 plus games and that was the last game of the year against the Cavs when they were resting all their starters and mainly playing their scrubs. moreover it Teague had to play 48 minutes to score 24 with 15 dimes, although that is still nice. go look at Sessions stats, I can bet he has more that one game where he scored in the 20’s and had double digit ast. and not the last game of the year against scrubs. he put up 20 points and 24 ast his rookie year agianst the Bulls starters.
honest_abe
February 17th, 2011
7:13 pm
on the bright side teague hit a 3!! who cares if it was during garbage time. heh
myrak43
February 17th, 2011
7:16 pm
superiorblogman, I didn’t now if the Hawks go into the lux tax it would come out of you pocket. we need a point guard in the worst way. Session would be a serious up grade of what is currently on our roster.
myrak43
February 17th, 2011
7:20 pm
come on Honest_abe….. lest be honest for a second…. Teague is not that good. I watch almost ever Hawks game. and when he does get in the game he seems lost and scared. yea sure he is fast and can get to the basket but he doesn’t do it on a regular basis. sessions does and gets to the foul line. and that is something no one else on this team does. the more I think about he would be perfect for this team. because he attacks kind of like flip used to do, but he is more of a point than flip is.
Slimjr
February 17th, 2011
7:31 pm
Hey genius “Lang Greene”, the Hawks are a yawn because of one glaring problem you failed to mention. They are 9-12 against winning teams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lousy……………………
Lousy……………………….
How can anyone get excited about that dude?????……………Oh and one more thing, 33-21 against .460 opponents winning %= fools paradise= major beat down coming….Just hang in there. Lets see if you’ll still be calling this storied franchise a top ten, after another playoff meltdown….PLAYOFFS??????
Slimjr
February 17th, 2011
7:33 pm
Duck Williams was the worst EVER #2 lottery draft pick in Atlanta Hawks history……..enough said…………
O'Brien
February 17th, 2011
7:40 pm
From Chris mannix on twitter;
Every contender (Boston/LA/Orlando/Miami) would like to get Kirk Hinrich. But Hinrich’s $9 million salary makes him very tough to deal..
If the Hawks are willing, I think they could trade Jamal for him. And that would be a good shakeup. Kirk becomes our starter and a better defender, while Bibby stabilizes the bench offense.
But that would require the Hawks to add Hinrich’s salary for next season ($8.5 mil).
myrak43
February 17th, 2011
7:49 pm
Slimjr, yes Marvin was not a good choice at the number two over all pick, but he was not the hawks worst lotter draft pick. not even close. here a a few that where worst DeMarr Johnson 6th pick 2000, Shelden Williams 5th pick 2005 and AC Law 2007 with the 11th pick. just to name a few. Marvin is at least a rotational player if he was drafted around pick number 10 or lower he would have been a good draft pick. the others I named shouldn’t have never even been draft in the 2nd round.
ag
February 17th, 2011
7:55 pm
myrak43, the guy scored 24 pts 15 dimes IN A NBA GAME! Look at that roster they put on the court…IT IS ALMOST THE EXACT SAME THEY TROT OUT EVERY NIGHT NOW!!!! If you don’t beleive me, Hickson, etc were the one’s playing. I say give Teague an opportunity to prove himself. The last minute of the game against the Knicks, he blew past the defense without much effort and even added a trey. Out of his last 4 treys attempted, he hit three. Looking at the scouting report on Sessions, he appears to be a Jeff Teague with playing time.. i.e. poor jump shooter, quick penetrator, etc.
honest_abe
February 17th, 2011
8:01 pm
it’s called “sarcasm” silly rabbit.
ag
February 17th, 2011
8:02 pm
I do agree, if Marvin was a 15th pick, most of us would get off his back
brigadierjerry
February 17th, 2011
8:07 pm
Problem with WIlliams is that he was chosen #2. If he was chosen 10th or a lower pick no one would complain about him. He is not as bust however as some have mentioned.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 17th, 2011
8:08 pm
IF my Aunt were a Man?
She would be my uncle.
________________________
If Sund can package Marvin and filler for Nash and Grant? Then do it now. If this race horse had a little Jockey with a Big Stick, we could guide this thing to the finish line and make some noise.
The 4th Qrtr scoring issues would become a thing of the past.
Nash would amass 15 assists per night with our wings of:
Josh
Al
Joe
Jamal
We could run teams off the floor and play some defense with Joe, Josh, Al and Damien + Teague. In not ready to let Jordan go yet, but would throw Teague at phoenix with Marvin.
If we look at Sessions, I wouldn’t give up much more than Marvin and filler, but Sessions may really flourish with this team and them with him in a myriad of ways as well!
_______________________
With those two scenariosn any GM worth a Lap-Top and some Salt, should be able to get something done! Aye Sund! You Sir, got needs.
Fix your damned team’s roster. For the love of Basketball!
brigadierjerry
February 17th, 2011
8:09 pm
correction higher pick
brigadierjerry
February 17th, 2011
8:11 pm
drmary b do you feel the hawks are a solid point guard away from becoming elite?How would you feel about Andre Miller?Also if Hawks get home court advantage against the Magic do you like their chances because I do especially this year?
ag
February 17th, 2011
8:17 pm
they have to make a change. I really think Teague will be the player we need. He needs reps with the first team and he will develop. This is why I am starting to dislike LD, he says he is making major changes, starts Twin and gives Teague a big fat DNP…. Most fans really thought that was the change.
ag
February 17th, 2011
8:17 pm
This stage of his career Miller=Bibby.
myrak43
February 17th, 2011
8:20 pm
ag, teague had his shot. JJ Hickson is playing well now but he wasn’t a starter then. and the rest of that line up that night for the cavs Parker, Moon, Jawad Williams come on dude you are not serious and yes it is almost the same roster that they play now. and that is why they have the worst record in the NBA. Teague is just another Law or Salim. get over it. we just don’t know how to draft point guards. I remember Salim Stoudamire scored 37 points against Portland his second year in the league with there starters playing hell he almost one the game for us…… Where is he now. what I am trying to say is one game does not make a good player.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 17th, 2011
8:22 pm
I don’t really care if Marvin goes somewhere else and blow up!
We just don’t need him here – we never did. He is holding up our PG needs and always has, (regardless of who’s to blame).
Use Marvin now to get that serviceable TRUE PG! Hell, I would take
Earl Boykins or Rafer “Thug” Alston off his couch right now for Marvin and move the Jump- shooter Josh Smith to the SF permanently.
Insert Twin at Center and just roll with that. MJ won without any dominant Center for 13 years. Unless, you’d call Luc Longley and Bill Cartwright dominant. Michael did have Rodman, Kerr, Paxon and Tony Kukoc though. We would still need a rebounder and another sniper though.
Najeh purported a Ben Wallace and Tayshun Prince … Rip Hamilton is also out there and we may just have to nibble on the Luxury Tax a little.
But, these pieces would be worthwhile and sell some tickets to balance the books! We need to make some moves and try to win now!
This team like any other has a closing window of opportunity.
Being elite cost money.
It does cost to be The Boss! (pun intended for Al).
Rufus1
February 17th, 2011
8:38 pm
This article says the Hawks are 1.1 million under the cap
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/chris_mannix/02/16/trade.outlook.east/index.html
drmaryb (*_*)
February 17th, 2011
8:40 pm
Getting the Point!
brigadierjerry! What’s up Baby?
Absolutely, this team is and has been for 17 years in need of a PG. Since Mookie we hadn’t been to the playoffs for 13 straight years.
The PG is identical to a Football team’s QB. How can you run any type of offense w/o a facilitator on offense.
The Hawks are like a Bentley w/o a driver. Someone has to take care of the steering wheel. We don’t need rims and curb finders, but we do need a Big-Body, Transmission, Motor and a Gear-Shift. Right now, we got the base model with vinyl floor matts.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 17th, 2011
8:49 pm
Driver Wanted!
brigadierjerry,
Right now, if we put Teague behind the wheel of that Bentley, he would
need a stack of Yellow Pages to see over the hood, a drivers license and some defensive driving classes or, he will put that thing in a ditch.
Sometimes, Jeff looks sleepy. Hell, he might fall asleep behind the wheel and break his neck! (See DeMarr Johnson). Yall remember him?
He played for Lenny Wilkens, drove his own Mercedes into a ditch, hit a tree and broke his neck after falling asleep coming from a late night party. He wore a Halo on his neck not because he was an Angel, but because he was a dumb azz! Got waived here and played a few years for Toronto, The End of that story. He was in that horrible draft class with Brevin Knight. Can’t these guys afford a Limo Service when out on the town? Didn’t mean to go off on a tangent, but this team is all talked up.
Jae Evolution
February 17th, 2011
8:51 pm
Am I the only one who is 100% in agreeance that we should acquire Sessions, and give ourselves a backcourt player who could possible take Bibby’s starting spot or actually come off the bench and let Jamal play the 2 guard like he is supposed to?
I mean we truthfully have nothing to lose, we have a bunch of players at the end of our bench who are expendable and either don’t see any minutes or don’t deserve any. If we could give Mo Evans and a second round pick for Sessions (Who is only 24 years old…) That would be a huge steal for us. More backcourt depth, and also it frees up a lot of time for Wilkens, Marvin, and at times Josh Smith.
I say we try to get that trade ASAP.
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
9:08 pm
GSW is trying to deal Stephen Curry. I haven’t given up on that deal yet.
But what if we get Sessions or Curry, or Hinrich for that matter, and LD still goes with Bibby? What if the problem really is in LD’s aging PG DNA?
I like LD for going big on occasion, and for stressing the motion O. But with young G’s, he sure looks like Woody.
And Acie or Salim never looked as good as Teague looks on the court. Teague has potential. He’s a potential 15 and 7 guy with good D. Not elite, but better than anything we’ve had since Mookie. And a great fit for this team.
brigadierjerry
February 17th, 2011
9:10 pm
drmaryb
Good point.you know who would be a decent pickup who I hear is available is Jarret Jack or even Jose Calderon for the Hawks. Nash would be ideal and I think he would want to come. I actually feel Marvin probably would be better off somewhere else. I think he will flourish on another team. Also although I think it would happen would be great for the Hawks would be Billups. Even though he is past prime he can post up and hit big shots. Also if Pistons buy out Rip Hamilton that would give the Hawks great chance if they can get him and a decent point guard.
myrak43
February 17th, 2011
9:10 pm
Jae Evolution…. I am 100% in agreeance as well. I don’t think a 2nd and Evans would get it done though. more like a 2nd and Jordan Crawford
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
9:13 pm
Collins really does look ok out on the court. Not a rebounder, scorer, or shot blocker, but he does look like he’s in position on offense usually, and can defend most C’s in the League 1 on 1.
In a League with not a lot of C’s right now, I think you could win with him. Do I wish he was better? Sure, but he’s not a bad big body out there. Look how he fares against Bogut. He even makes Dwight work for his stuff.
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
9:16 pm
ZaZa looks like he gives more effort than Collins, but he looks like his BB IQ is about 1/10th of Collins. If we could combine ZaZa’s energy, and Collins Stanford fed brain, we would have a middle of the road NBA C on our hands. But it doesn’t work that way.
If we could put Bibby’s BB IQ and former fearlessness into Jeff Teague’s body, you would have Derrick Rose also. Just sayin’
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
9:23 pm
JC2=Flip Murray. And that’s not bad
K-Dogg
February 17th, 2011
9:27 pm
Man life sucks right now for me being a Hawks fan!!! he sad part about it is we still have alot of players that some of these teams in the NBA want and (knock on wood) soon enough someone will get hurt while others lose value and we stuck with this team being a 45-50 win team for the next 6 years not getting out of the 2nd round!! I think our owners expect us to still come out and see them play even though we know they stand no chance to win a chip!! I guess the Braves model of doing this and fans slowly going away has not taught us anyhting!!! You have to keep the fans 2nd guessing your product and the possible sucess you can have if not like all of us on here we only go to games to either A say he have been to this year or B. Go see otehr NBA superstars and its sad to write this b/c im a die hard Hawks fan!!!!!!!!!
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
9:30 pm
I’m not against getting Sessions, but can he stop the pick and roll problems we’ve got? I know he’s more aggressive going to the basket, has a good mid-range J, and can’t shoot a 3. But can he fight thru screens and defend his guy? Just wondering. I don’t think he can, but I haven’t seen enough of him to know for sure.
I have like him since he got in the League however, just never paid that much attention to that aspect of his game. I know he’s not a quick steal kinda guy, but don’t know how he is in half court D.
myrak43
February 17th, 2011
9:36 pm
SteveW…. he can’t be any worst at defending the pick and roll than bibby or JC1 or even teague.
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
9:38 pm
Not signing Shaq = No Buzz
Being beat like a dog by the Magic = No Buzz
Hiring Woody’s assistant = No Buzz
Getting slaughtered by mediocre teams on a regular basis = No Buzz
Not playing your past 2 First Picks = No Buzz
Having LD admit he can’t control his team = No Buzz
Watching Mike Bibby cost you games night after night with no hope in sight = No Buzz
ZaZa regressing = No Buzz
Signing Etan and Josh Powell in the off season instead of TMac, Stackhouse, Shaq, Dampier etc. = No Buzz
Continuing to play Mo’ over Wilkens = No Buzz
Josh jacking up jumpers, no fast break, and no spectacular shot blocking at the Highlight Factory = No Buzz
JJ being inconsistent = No Buzz
And ASG wonders why attendance is down 2,000 fans a game? Man, give us a reason to come out and support the team. Get some Buzz going!
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
9:41 pm
Myrak – I think if you put Teague out there 30mpg for 5 games straight, the kid would defend the pick and roll. Gotta get him some court time. If no trade happens, maybe he’ll get some mid to late March, because Bibby will be spent by then.
And it’s affecting Jamal playing the Point in a bad way also. If a 10 year vet doesn’t know if he’s to shoot or pass, how’s Teague supposed to know?
Rev in Tampa
February 17th, 2011
9:43 pm
February 24: Trade deadline, 3 p.m. ET
“A date that will live in infamy”
Rev in Tampa
February 17th, 2011
9:46 pm
The Hawks just aren’t going to make any trades. If we have not seen any urgency from the front office after the previous blowouts, last night’s loss is not going to make any difference to them. They sat on their hands when Shaq
Samuel
February 17th, 2011
9:49 pm
I’m much more upset that LD is not playing JC2 than JTeague. JC2 will be a player in this league cause he can shoot the rock.
superiorblogman
February 17th, 2011
9:53 pm
People on these boards come up with the dumbest shi+, where is your proof that Golden State is trying to trade Curry? Furthermore, if they do trade either of there guards it will be for a bigger guard and I doubt they want JJ’s contract, plus that would put us with 2 weak defenders at guard and 2 small backcourt players, we would be what they are now and are currently trying to correct. GSW would be better going after JR Smith, Afflalo, or someone like that in free agency this summer. It’s okay to hope but some of these dumb ass trades make no sense and are frustrating.
Rev in Tampa
February 17th, 2011
9:53 pm
Samuel,
I think Teague needs the priority in time because of Bibby’s issues, but I wholeheartedly agree that Jordan needs playing time too.
brigadierjerry
February 17th, 2011
9:53 pm
LD playing Jamal Crawford at the point doesnt make sense. That isnt his game. He is a volume shooter when he is on he looks great but he is the little girl with the curl can look real good or real bad. Crawford in a lot of ways is a bigger version of Nate Robinson can get hot but he is the type of player you want to play in limited minutes cause he will shoot you out of games and I have seen enough of him living in the NY area when he was on the Knicks.
K-Dogg
February 17th, 2011
9:53 pm
Yeah i was on the Shaq thing all summer!!!!!! I knew that would bite us in the a**!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
brigadierjerry
February 17th, 2011
10:00 pm
A good acquisition although probably wont happen but he is expiring contract for the Hawks would be to go after Nene. Good center
superiorblogman
February 17th, 2011
10:10 pm
Teague is not a PG, go look at his stats in college, he averaged the same amount of assist as turnovers. He was selected as a strictly upside guy. Thus, I would not give up on him yet, now if your draft scouts are that bad that they thought he would be ready to be an NBA starter already they are the ones that should be fired. Teague needs to be sent to the D-League if he is not going to get playing time. I would trade Jordan Crawford though, because I would have never picked him. He is small for a NBA shooting guard but so is DWayne Wade, the difference is Wade is truly gifted to know how to play basketball. Also, Wade played some PG for the Heat early in his career. Crawford needs to get a chance at the PG or be traded, because he is not going to be able to see the floor as a SG all the time because of his size. I hate this team.
Bibby= I actually like him because he is the only player that can get you into sets all the time.
Joe= I have been his biggest supporter but he is starting to piss me off. Too inconsistent.
Marvin=I like him coming off the bench until that is his permanent place he is being overly valued.
Josh Smith= Needs to be traded because he does not care to change for the betterment of the team.
Al= Really like Al, but he needs to be a PF and needs to work on some moves going toward the baseline.
Jamal= Can’t wait to see him go. Would rather it be a trade to get something for him but the front office sucks.
Mo= Despise this guy as a basketball player. He had the nerves to say he is underpaid, LMAO.
Damien= He is a keeper at the minimum pay scale.
Jordan= Don’t like him as a SG, built in mismatch with his lack of size. Hated it draft night and still do.
Teague= Doubt he will ever be a PG with a 2 to 1 Assist to turnover ratio, but we should not trade him until he is given atleast 24 minutes a night for atleast 40 games.
Pape= WTF sense did that make?
Josh Powell= Does not rebound so I am cool with him not being in consistent rotation.
Zaza= Worthless needs to be traded.
Etan= Just a few more months before he can hit the door.
Collins= He is a keeper at the minimum pay scale.
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
10:20 pm
Superiorblogman – This from the Sporting News, among several sources:
“Warriors point guard Stephen Curry is guarded by Bulls point guard Derrick Rose. Golden State has said it would listen to offers for Curry and the rest of its players. (AP Photo)”
This has been reported for weeks.
And I have no idea what the rest of your post was about. Maybe offer them Teague, JC2, and 2 first picks and see what happens. The salaries work.
JJ and Bibby wouldn’t be nearly as good as JJ and Curry.
Teague wouldn’t diminish GSW’s backcourt size by much, if at all in place of Curry.
But GSW has been shopping Curry for weeks, and said they want a superstar in return. But in effect 4 first picks may entice them. I doubt it, but it might. Sure would help the Hawks.
Maybe you were referring to another post or something.
rusty
February 17th, 2011
10:21 pm
Any one would be an improvement over mb. It’s not only his poor defense but also lack of taking over the offense. Thisnteam will never cut it with the ball in jj’s hands,the team has to run thru a pg.how anyone on this team can knock jt forth few min a game that he gets. In order to see whatnhe can do we need to play him at least 20 min a game with the first unit for the rest of the season. How could we be any worst off than we are now, he will force this team to play uptempo ball,get us easier baskets, not all jump shots & make the rest of the players to be held more accountable for their own man. Give him a chance & this team should get better,got to be an improvement. 8 min every 2 games proves nothing & any one in their right mind would play jc2 over mo
drmaryb (*_*)
February 17th, 2011
10:26 pm
Poor Man’s Wade!
I see jordan’s game and flashes of a rookie DWade. Let that dude play the PG. Why not? What have we got to lose?
Teague is NOT a PG never was. Has small hands and no court vision, does not know his position, nor where the team’s position is, nor does he know this motion offense. At least Josh is smart enough to see the plays before it happens, because he took the time to know where everybody is supposed to be. That was the GIFT Rodman had on the floor and his ability to know the physics of rebounding. Dennis could see where the ball was coming off the rim, five shots ahead of the game. And, was smart enough not to ever shoot the ball.
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
10:34 pm
BTW, for the folks that say JT was not the PG for Wake in ‘08-’09, but that Ishmael Smith was, Smith only played 22 mpg that season. JT sure looked like he was running that team that season when I saw them.
But Teague was drafted as an upside guy. He’s not a true PG yet, and may never be. Lou Williams and Jason Terry come to mind.
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
10:35 pm
And no other PG played significant minutes other than Smith or Teague for Wake that season either…
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
10:46 pm
Drmaryb – With the way LD plays young G’s all you see for a long time is flashes of a poor mans Wade. No JC2 sighting other than that blowout by Philly for a long time. 9 DNP’s in the last 10 games for JC2.
But that’s an improvement. JC2 played zero minutes in the month of December. Zero. None. Zilch.
Rookie development at it’s best by your Atlanta Hawks!
What do you think Popovich would have done?
And for those guys that wish we would have drafted DeJuan Blair, so what? He would have sat on the bench like the rest of the ‘Rooks’ in the Larry Brown, Woody, LD school of hard knocks.
I sure wanted DeJuan on draft day as well. But draft Landry? On the end of the bench with the Hawks. It’s not the players, but the Head coaching guys…
superiorblogman
February 17th, 2011
10:48 pm
Teague nor Acie Law could average atleast a 2 to 1 assist to turnover ratio in college. They were both bad picks if you are looking for someone to run your team. The Hawks do not know how to draft PG’s simple and easy.
SteveW
February 17th, 2011
10:51 pm
Oops!! I missed that Boston game in Dec. JC2 did play 1 game out of 17 in December. For 8 minutes. When we had nobody against Boston because of injury.
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
10:55 pm
String 1- Teague, JJ, J-smoove, Horford, Collins
String 2 – JC2, JC1, Marvin, Powell, Zaza
String 3 – Bibby, Mo, Wilkins, Pape, Etan
If we don’t make these changes we will not stand a chance in the playoffs.
P.S. Teague is a beast. Get over it. Stop hating.
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
10:58 pm
For the record, Josh Powell is the best backup Power Forward we have had in Atlanta probably over the last decade. He sure beats the heck out of Solomon Jones and Joe smith. He deserves playing time.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 17th, 2011
11:00 pm
From RotoWorld (a fantasy blog). So, take it for what it is:
________________________________
Ramon Sessions draws interest from Knicks, Hawks, Blazers

1 Comment
Feb 17, 2011, 4:26 PM EST
Kurt Helin
We’re members of the Ramon Sessions fan club. He’s not going to make you forget about Chris Paul, but he’s a quality point guard who plays within himself. He’s quick (clearly a lot quicker than Derek Fisher and Steve Blake after dropping 32 on the Lakers Wednesday), he’s good in transition and impressive on the pick-and-roll. Can’t really knock down the three so he doesn’t take them. Wish more guys would do that.
And the Cavs are finding a lot of trade interest from teams interested in acquiring Sessions, according to a tweet from ESPN’s Chris Broussard.
Sources say ATL, Portland, NYK among the teams interested in Cavs’ Ramon Sessions.
Atlanta makes a lot of sense. They start Mike Bibby at the point. He came into the NBA when Grover Cleveland was president. They wanted Jeff Teague to take that job away from him, but Teague has proven unable. They need a better option and Sessions game would fit well on offense with what the Hawks do (we mean he can watch Josh Smith take an ill-advised jumper as well as anyone). Not sure that Sessions pushes them past anyone in the East — especially in the playoffs — but he’s an affordable ($4 million this season, $4.2 million next) option.
The question is on defense — is he a better defender than Bibby? The numbers on Synergy this season say no, and Byron Scott has been frustrated with Sessions’ defense in Cleveland. But Bibby has such better big men behind him covering up his mistakes than Sessions we find it hard to compare. Basically, we’re not sure Sessions can be worse than Bibby.
As for the Knicks, Sessions makes a good fit as a backup to Raymond Felton or Chauncey Billups or whomever they have as the starting point by the end of next week.
Portland is looking at moving Andre Miller and if so Sessions would be a good fit, he could pick up a lot of assists lobbing the ball into LaMarcus Aldridge.
Where Sessions ends up depends on who can offer the best combo of picks and young players (or expiring deals) — the Cavs need to rebuild and you can bet they plan to deal Sessions to help that process.
________________________________
zblott – Feb 17, 2011 at 7:12 PM
Here’s why so many teams want Sessions:
http://www.behindthebasket.com/btb/2010/7/28/hey-nba-develop-this-young-pg.html
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
11:01 pm
Teague/Collins = Rondo/Perkins
Ray/Paul/KG = Big 3
Joe/J-Smoove/Horford = Big 3
It’s all about balance…
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
11:08 pm
Collins can’t stay on the court beyond 20 minutes. 6 fouls is the limit in the NBA.
DMB – how bout remembering Marvin Webster and David Thompson of the ‘75 draft…yes, it has been worse around here than what Marvin Williams came with.
Sessions? no thx….are you telling me there’s a NBA guard who can’t shoot a 3? Really? Andre Miller? Really? Talk about one less weapon in the arsenal.
northcyde
February 17th, 2011
11:10 pm
vava74
February 17th, 2011
1:55 pm
http://popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gameflow.cgi?date=20110216&game=ATLNYK
Our lead (small) in the first quarter went down the drain when Bibby left the floor and entered…
The UNDERTAKER (Jamal).
With Bibby on the floor JJ was assigned to Felton and probably that changed when Jamal got in (nire, please confirm).
Then, Jamal, who was having a monster game, AGAIN played a 17 minute straight shift to close the game.
Is anyone looking at stats in the Hawks organization?
Apart from a few (very very few) scattered games Jamal has been EXTREMELY ineffective in virtually all late 3rd + 4th quarter shifts that LD stubbornly gets him to play.
This has happened even on games in which he scores 16-24 points since he gets 80-90% of his points in the early part of the game.
Last night it was the double wammy: Jamal’s first shift (last 5 minutes 10 second of the 1st quarter and first 3 min 22 second of the second) produced a brilliant ± of -17!!!!!
*******
Tell it like it is vava. Popcornmachine.net is one of my favorite basketball sites, because you can see beyond a shadow of a doubt who was on the floor when things started to collapse.
People blaming Bibby. Blaming JJ. Blaming Smith. Blaming Drew.
When the common denominator has been the absolutely poor play of Jamal Crawford. I wonder if he’s watching the blog right now.
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
11:10 pm
Pulling the picture together for you:
String 1- Teague, JJ, J-Smoove, Horford, Collins
String 2 – JC2, JC1, Marvin, Powell, Zaza
String 3 – Bibby, Mo, Wilkins, Pape, Etan
If we don’t make these changes we will not stand a chance in the playoffs.
P.S. Teague is a beast. Get over it. Stop hating.
Teague/Collins = Rondo/Perkins
Ray/Paul/KG = Big 3
Joe/J-Smoove/Horford = Big 3
It’s all about balance…
For the record, Josh Powell is the best backup Power Forward we have had in Atlanta probably over the last decade. He sure beats the heck out of Solomon Jones and Joe smith. He deserves playing time.
KevinM
February 17th, 2011
11:10 pm
Okay, Melo details are going forward tonight…
“The proposed deal would be for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, Troy Murphy, Ben Uzoh and four future first rounders in exchange for Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Renaldo Balkman and Melvin Ely.”
Sad that we can’t get a shot at Chauncey…an 8 for 4 swap.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
11:13 pm
I don’t know how accurate defensive rating and defensive win shares are (they are team-dependent so they can’t be compared in a vacuum), but they paint a picture of Sessions as an average defender compared to his teammates. Average still beats Bibby, and the more important thing is that Sessions would presumably contribute enough on offense to offset any defensive problems he causes.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4ukp8yw
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
11:16 pm
Jamal is just a bandaid (his scoring when he is hot) that covers up deeper issues. The main one is player/personell balance on the floor.
By implementing my proposed player rotation a lot of these flaws will subside…..or at least the blowouts will…
northcyde
February 17th, 2011
11:17 pm
In the last 4 games, Jamal is 8 – 30 FG from the field ( 27% shooting )
Blame Drew all you want, but when people can’t make shots, can’t defend, and won’t play tough, it’s tough to blame the coach for all of those things happening at the same time.
Blame the players folks. But you won’t, because some of you still believe Teague solves all of this. But because LD refuses to play him, you still blame Drew, instead of just seeing that the team consists of 5.5 players.
And if one or two of those players are really off their games, we’re dead in the water.
********
As for JJ . . which JJ do some of you want? He was deferring to others all last game, playing “team ball”. If you want him to score more, he can’t defer to others. If you want him to play team ball, other guys will get touches and his shots will be down.
So which JJ do you want?
northcyde
February 17th, 2011
11:18 pm
Actually . . blame the ASG and Sund. They were the ones who hired the coach that you now hate, and did very little to upgrade the roster this summer.
Carlos
February 17th, 2011
11:19 pm
The Hawks have several problems, but one of the biggest is Josh Smith. People need to stop talking about how good Josh Smith is. He’s garbo.
Josh Smith’s ppg numbers are inflated because he gets more chances to do ill advised things than just about any other non-super star player.
Look at the amount of ill advised jump shot attempts he takes. Look at the amount of wild shots he puts up. Most guys on most other teams would have been yanked off the court. If you give most of the guys riding the pine on any random NBA team’s bench the chance just to get the ball and fire up 6 or 7 jump shots and a few wild attempts off post moves every game, their ppg would go up too, because hey some would have to fall.
Josh Smith on ball defense is not that great, and the help defense he’s noted for wouldnt even be a need if we had guards that could stay in front of their man or bigs that could handle other teams’ bigs.
Josh Smith’s highlight reel dunks have some of you blinded. This guy is not an All Star.
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
11:22 pm
Yo, my bad about the zaza comment earlier lol. I’m willing to bet if he got consistant minutes he would perform better though.
LD pretty much played only the starters + Jamal in the second half of that knicks game. They were clearly gassed. LD has lost fatih in his bench and I cannot understand why…..well yes I can. If he had, Bibby, JC1, JC2, and Marvin coming off of his bench he would surely sub more often right?
Basically, LD needs to take my advice and start my lineup of JT, JJ, Smoove, Horford, and Collins. Promote JC2 to the second string and demote Mike Bibby to the third string (or trade him along with Mo and Zaza smh…).
drmaryb (*_*)
February 17th, 2011
11:26 pm
Najeh! What’s up fella?
Did you see that link I posted on sessions. It was the first insight I’ve gotten on what his talents really are. But, he sounds a lot like a very young Steve Nash w/o a 3 pt shot. But we don’t need another 3pt shooter, we need a facilitating PG like a Nash.
Sessions would flourish with our athletic wings and guards.
I can’t see any Trade Machine stuff on this B-Berry, but Ramon looks like he can be had for what we have to offer:
All they want are expiring contracts and we got like 5 of those.
Hey, Dan Gilbert is “Throwing in The Towel”.
Let’s hope Sund has his “Catcher’s Mit” oiled up and ready to receive?
This Sessions guy sounds like a Poor Man’s Nash – And everybody knows we Broke:
______________________
Send Danny Boy, Marvin & Expiring Filler. (Not Jordan and Not Teague).
They can have Evans, Powell, Etan, Jamal and whoever else is expired!
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
11:26 pm
Here is a trade involving Smoove that I think would actually improve the Hawks…
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6xqj3mc
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
11:27 pm
LD needs to have Josh Smith on a 5:1 ratio. 5 post-ups/drives to the basket for every jumpshot you take. It’s that simple. If smoove breaches the ratio, the he automatically comes out of the game.
In conclusion, LD is whipped.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
11:30 pm
…for those of you who are insistent upon trading Smoove.
The majority of trades I see proposed about him on here are garbage for one reason or another, but that one (not my idea, saw it on a message board) would keep the Hawks good defensively while easily making up for the loss of Smoove talent-wise.
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
11:31 pm
I like that trade but we’re taking on too many guards. Ship Bibby and Mo to NY since thay are loosing two point guards. They wont mind lol.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
11:33 pm
“Did you see that link I posted on sessions. It was the first insight I’ve gotten on what his talents really are. But, he sounds a lot like a very young Steve Nash w/o a 3 pt shot. But we don’t need another 3pt shooter, we need a facilitating PG like a Nash. ”
I honestly have seen very little of Sessions in the NBA — I mainly know about him from his statistical explosion at the end of the season a few years ago that won me a fantasy basketball league — but in the link you posted, Andre Miller is listed as a comparison. From what I know about his stats and his game, that seems pretty accurate.
superiorblogman
February 17th, 2011
11:33 pm
Please stop discussing Sessions he is even more of a band-aid than Jamal was. Denver was once said to not really want Devin Harris. If that deal gets done, jump in and snag Devin Harris while giving them another 1st round pick. Jamal, Zaza, and a 2012 1st rounder for Harris. Try to keep Teague because Bibby will soon be off books and hopefully you can keep him for the veteran minimum after that.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4zpd5pu
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
11:34 pm
That Smoove trade would also allow the Hawks to trade Jamal for more help in the front court, since they would have a surplus of guards (as Booo points out).
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
11:35 pm
On second thought, it’s a tolerable trade. But I was never one for getting rid of smoove (as evidenced by my excellent lineup shifts
. I will never give Ty Lawson credit either. He just gets more PT. Teague will be better if given the oppourtunity.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
11:36 pm
“Jamal, Zaza, and a 2012 1st rounder for Harris. ”
You’re going to have to explain why anyone would want to trade for the 3 years and $13 million left on Zaza’s contract, considering he has looked like a bottom 5 player in this league this year. Besides that, I wouldn’t mind.
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
11:40 pm
I’m a big fan of Nene’s Game, but the guy gets injured A LOT….makes me a little nervous.
superiorblogman
February 17th, 2011
11:43 pm
Nene averages fewer rebounds than Josh Smith, fewer blocks than Josh Smith, fewer points than Josh Smith. He is very overrated by some people on these boards. I don’t like Josh as a basketball player but neither do I like Nene. I would rather hope that Kendrick Perkins, Tyson Chandler, Deandre Jordan or Marc Gasol some type of way get away from there current teams this summer. We can actually get a PG, I don’t think a good C is really out there to get, unless you think Kaman is good which I don’t.
superiorblogman
February 17th, 2011
11:47 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
February 17th, 2011
11:36 pm
“Jamal, Zaza, and a 2012 1st rounder for Harris. ”
You’re going to have to explain why anyone would want to trade for the 3 years and $13 million left on Zaza’s contract, considering he has looked like a bottom 5 player in this league this year. Besides that, I wouldn’t mind.
What do you ever explain? I will explain though, they save money over the life of the contracts. Would you rather have 3 years $4 million or 3 years $27 million if you didn’t want either? That’s a easy answer, now you throw in a 1st round pick and possible Jamal to replace JR Smith because they don’t like JR Smith’s attitude. I think it’s a very possible trade if the Hawks would reach out, and the best part they are not over the luxury.
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
11:55 pm
superiorblogman, Thats a nice trade. Too bad NJ has closed the door on Denver. I Really wanted Devin Harris.
Booo!
February 17th, 2011
11:57 pm
Ooops, just saw the hoopshype news. Love it! I hope sund has a brain! Get us Devin!
Big Ray
February 17th, 2011
11:59 pm
Some pretty good posts by Najeh, Northcyde, and Superiorblogman.
Slimjr
February 18th, 2011
12:07 am
“I don’t really care if Marvin goes somewhere else and blow up!
We just don’t need him here – we never did. He is holding up our PG needs and always has, (regardless of who’s to blame)”
drmaryb is right on pt!! Marvin cost us two hall of fame pg’s (CP3&DWILL) and future Allstar R. Felton!! He will always be associated with that #2 pick in 2005 that could have set up the Hawks for Championship type runs over the next decade maybe?
David Stern= The fix is in..There will be no Championships in Atlanta…never..I get it now Mr. Stern……
Marvin was “a terrible pick” for the reason stated above..Go git a real pg and ship Marvin outta here asap, yesterday……………………
Gearon
February 18th, 2011
12:13 am
Read my lips: There will be no trades! I love my core…We are elite at 33-21…..Bibby is in his prime at this time…We love JJ..That’s why I paid max dollars for him..Josh and Al are holding their own. Jamal will get back on track..He’s got 27 games to get ready for the Big Dance…Calm down Hawks fans, everythang is gonna be alright…
darrell starks
February 18th, 2011
12:32 am
Superiorblogman BAD TRADE NO WAY YOU TRADE ZAZA, this team already is horrible with no size you trade 6′11 ZAZA then your the smallest team in the nba, and with the hawks rank almost dead last in rebounding i say no 2 giving up ZAZA.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 18th, 2011
12:38 am
Every time coach LD go 2 that smallish line up the hawks look bad against good team, LD rotation was the worst all year last night 7man rotation was the woody of old bad, coaching with no game plan GET A BIG FAT F.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
February 18th, 2011
12:44 am
In other news, we now know what Joe is doing with all that max contract money.
darrell starks
February 18th, 2011
12:44 am
RANK 27 OFF REBOUND I BLAME THIS ON LD, every body want to jumpshots, COLLINS AND ZAZA are the only banger in side the paint and COACH LD NEVER PLAY THEM.
AGAIN OUT REBOUNDED NY 44 REBOUND ATL 38 THIS IS EVERY GAME.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
superiorblogman
February 18th, 2011
12:53 am
Josh Smith is the total downfall of the Hawks
You know Josh Smith is the downfall of this organization even more so than Bibby being the PG or the Marvin Williams pick. Let me explain. When Josh was drafted by the Hawks he was drafted as a SF. Rather or not the front office could foresee Josh gaining a lot of weight or his body filling out or him being a inconsistent perimeter shooter is debatable, but what is not debatable is Josh was moved to PF after they figured he could not handle the SF position. Then they select Marvin as the SF. Then Sheldon as the Center or whatever the hell that was. Then trade for Joe as the SG and Speedy as PG. That was suppose to be the team. The team was built around one guy not being able to pull his weight and that is Josh. It was done all wrong. You don’t build around a guy with faults as glaring as Josh. He must be traded he is the total downfall of this franchise.
Booo!
February 18th, 2011
12:56 am
WOW, Joe is an IDIOT.
In other news:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVfZCz0xd4o
Get Familiar
slimjr
February 18th, 2011
1:03 am
” Wed 02 vs Chicago
Fri 04 vs Oklahoma City
Sun 06 vs New York
Tue 08 vs LA Lakers
Fri 11 @ Chicago
Sat 12 vs Portland
Tue 15 vs Milwaukee
Wed 16 vs Denver
Fri 18 vs Miami
Sun 20 vs Detroit
Tue 22 vs Chicago
Wed 23 @ Philadelphia
Sat 26 vs New Jersey
Sun 27 @ Cleveland
Wed 30 vs Orlando
Well Mr. Gearon, looks like you won’t have to wait for the playoffs to see the wheels start to fall off the wagon..Your March schedule is going to be MADNESS!!!!!…Couldn’t happen to nicer guy…..
My remote will be busy…………LOL
You gotta love NBA TV! FYI, Chicago is rolling now. It does not bode well for the the Hawks..Can you spell steamroll????
Air Zaza
February 18th, 2011
1:06 am
For the Sessions lovers,
Sessions is a solid NBA backup.
But he is not a Point Guard, he is a Shooting Guard. He only looks like a PG because he is relatively small for a SG.
Sessions is gritty and will play hard all the time. He is not a good distributor. He is great at driving to the basket, but he relies on going to his right too much. When teams learn that they can overplay him and force him left, he can be neutralized. He has a solid mid-range jumper, but his real value is in driving to the basket.
When he has the ball, he does not put pressure on the defense. He avoids turnovers, but that is also because he does not make very many passes into the defense, electing instead to pass the ball around the perimeter. For most offenses that is the kiss of death, resulting in a lot of long jumpers as the shot clock winds down. Maybe that is Ok in the D’Antoni Express.
Defensively, he is slow to react. Other PGs eat him alive. He will steal some balls, but mostly he lets other teams work their offense. Net effect, his team shoots a lower than average FG% and the other team fattens up their FG%. It is not a coincidence that he has never played for a team to finish over .500 or make the playoffs. Of course that could all change if he is traded to Atlanta as being rumored.
I would not get too excited over his rookie 24 assist game. That was in garbage time at the end of the season for a pair of lottery bound teams with neither team playing any defense. Sessions also shot 43% 3FGA% his rookie “season”. Since then, he is under 15% 3FGA%, missing 47 of the 55 shots he has attempted.
northcyde
February 18th, 2011
1:07 am
@ Big Ray . . . I’m not worried about this team. Deep down, we all knew the type of team they are. Good, but not championship caliber. So I don’t expect them to play at a high level every night.
Every year around this time ( especially in the past 4 years ) the Hawks have played poor to mediocre. Then after the All-Star break, we go out West and still look mediocre.
But when we have that homestand in March, they always seem to pull it together. And we will beat some top level teams along the way. So unless this team freefalls during March, I’m not too concerned with them.
Even with Jamal, everybody knows that he’s streaky. One explosion of a game, and people will be right back on his jock.
When it comes to the Hawks, I just don’t expect them to be more than what they are. Same goes with management.
But anything can happen between now and the playoffs. People get hot. Other teams may lose a player. Just have to let it play out.
I just want March to hurry up and get here, so that I can see if this team can rise to the occasion against those top level teams night after night.
Grandad
February 18th, 2011
1:37 am
I’ve been lookin’ for some scouting info on Ramon Sessions.
*[Air Zaza seems to have looked elsewhere from where I did]
**(his info does not jibe with mine)
Comparison – Rod Strickland
Not bad…source – Brendan Bowers *[writer in Cleveland]
*(listed one source BrewHoop/Milwaukee)
Poor three pt shooter therefore does not attemt *[any] hardly.
Slasher & can get into the lane on anyone.
Excellent and willing passer.
Has played the [2] but a natural [1].
Played @ Nevada for Coach Fox…(this is from my recollection)
Energetic & willing defender – good size on defense for a pg
6-3 legit size (sometimes listed @ 6-4) *6-3 / true size
**Ability To Get To The FT Line ! … would be “invaluable” on the Hawks
Worldwide Clyde
February 18th, 2011
3:04 am
Time for some new t-shirts.
O'Brien
February 18th, 2011
7:58 am
Najeh,
According to your trade, Hollinger gives the Hawks +10 wins, while the Nuggets are -6 wins, and the Knicks are -9 wins. That being said, that’s way too many guards for the Hawks, and the more pieces involved is the more likely Rick will mess it up.
Let’s simplify it. A trade that works is Josh Smith and Etan for Nene and Anthony Carter.
Why would the Hawks do it? Nene would be better at Center than ZaZa and Collins, and Al could move to PF full time. Anthony Carter is old, but maybe he has enough in the tank to outplay Teague.
Why would Denver do it? Nene has a player option* for next season, and might not want to stick around for a rebuild if the Nuggets trade Carmelo. So rather than risk losing him for nothing, Nuggets get their starter at PF, and someone who can also play minutes at SF. I think George Karl would do well with Josh (and Kenyon Martin’s contract comes off the books this season).
* Hawks would need confirmation from Nene that he will pick up his option for next season before trading for him of course.
And they dont need Anthony Carter because they have Ty Lawson and Chauncey (if they trade Chauncey, they will probably get another PG back).
And they will still have pieces left over so that they can trade for a Center. Etan was just a throw in to make the numbers and roster spots work.
JoJo the Godfather
February 18th, 2011
8:42 am
I’m all for Sessions, but only if the cost is an expiring contract and a 2nd round pick. I’m not giving up Teague or Jo Craw, just so I can pay Sessions $8.8 million over the next 2 years.
Cleveland got Sessions along with Hollins and a conditional 2nd round pick for the cap friendly contract of Delonte West (basically a $4M savings) & Sebastian Telfair.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 18th, 2011
8:42 am
The reason I liked that trade though (it wasn’t my idea, I saw the link on a message board) is because it got the Hawks a dependable center while also taking care of the point guard position for the next ten years. I’m a fan of Ty Lawson. Trading Smoove makes sense if it means the Hawks can solidify two positions. I’m not so sure Nene alone is worth it considering his age and injury history, although Nene certainly beats some of the names that get thrown around here, like Gortat and Biedrins.
Air Zaza
February 18th, 2011
8:44 am
LOL, Rod Strickland. You can’t be serious. That’s like saying Josh Smith is Lebron James. Please man. He’s a good backup PG. Don’t make more of it than what it is. Teams are going to sag off of him like they do Teague and teams will be quickly shut what he likes to do down since players come to play v. the Hawks as they are a respectable team throughout the league. If he’s going to spot minutes with Bibby and share the starting role for this season. He’s not the answer. He’s basically on the same level with Sebastian Telfair with less PG skills, more size and athletic ability.
Air Zaza
February 18th, 2011
8:46 am
LOL, Rod Strickland. You can’t be serious. That’s like saying Josh Smith is Lebron James. Please man. He’s a good backup PG. Don’t make more of it than what it is. Teams are going to sag off of him like they do Teague and teams will quickly shut what he likes to do down since players come to play v. the Hawks as they are a respectable team throughout the league. If he’s going to spot minutes with Bibby and share the starting role for this season, fine. He’s not the answer. He’s basically on the same level with Sebastian Telfair with less PG skills, more size and athletic ability.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 18th, 2011
8:53 am
Also, I wouldn’t put a ton of stock into those win projections. There’s a lot more to winning that PER, and those projections are entirely PER-based.
Double Zero Eight
February 18th, 2011
8:57 am
The Hawks are not a priority for ASG right now. As a result,
there will be no significant trade. They are too concerned about
the money the Thrashers are losing. Drew knows that he is
pretty much stuck with the players that he has.
Many have posed excellent trade scenarios, but it
“ain’t gonna happen”. If any trade is made, it will be
a token trade to appease the fans but it will not be a
significant upgrade.
Air Zaza
February 18th, 2011
9:02 am
I remember David Lee PER was really high and KG was low last year. Also Kevin Love PER is much higher than Dirk. But who is a much better player?
slimjr
February 18th, 2011
9:44 am
“The Hawks are not a priority for ASG right now. As a result,
there will be no significant trade. They are too concerned about
the money the Thrashers are losing. Drew knows that he is
pretty much stuck with the players that he has.
Many have posed excellent trade scenarios, but it
“ain’t gonna happen”. If any trade is made, it will be
a token trade to appease the fans but it will not be a
significant upgrade.”
Right on Point! Gearon and his boys are losing their shirts with that albatross called the Thrashers.So Hawks fans will continue to suffer as their franchise hands are tied to make proper choices to take it to a championship contending level.. It’s just not going to happen with incompetent ownership….4.5 decades without an NBA finals visit.
I get it Mr. Stern.The fix is in….I get it now…….
Hoops
February 18th, 2011
9:57 am
You have to make a trade proposal that makes financial sense to ASG and to the other team. This trade helps all parties involved:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6fdsdnm
O'Brien
February 18th, 2011
9:57 am
I agree that we shouldnt put too much in PER. I dont think Denver makes that deal though, because even if they get Felton, Ty Lawson is still on his rookie contract, so I dont think they will give him up. And the Knicks wouldnt give up Felton and Toney Douglas.
Josh for Nene is a lot to give up. What if they throw in one of their first round picks that they get in the Melo deal?
Sautee
February 18th, 2011
9:58 am
Air Zaza,
Not a good distributor, but he had 24 assists in a game?
Does NOT compute, man. I don’t care if it was rec league, 24 assists is NOT “poor distribution”, LOL!
I’m not saying go get him, or that he’s all that and a scoop of ice cream, but 24 assists in a game does nothing to show me that he’s “not a good distributor”.
Do you not notice that Teague (for example) would have higher assist totals if some of his passes weren’t fumbled by less athletic teammates? So if Sessions had 24 assists in “garbage time” how many more would he have had playing with the big boys?
Like I said, I’m not on his bandwagon yet, but anyone capable of 24 assists in an NBA game is NOT a poor distributor. Period.
O'Brien
February 18th, 2011
10:01 am
Did anybody watch the Bulls and Rose beat the Spurs last night? Rose had 42 pts, 5 rebs, and 8 assists. When we play the Bulls next week, Noah should be back as well.
So JJ will have to defend Rose, while everyone rotates to try and cover up for Bibby. If Rose is on his game, Hawks could easily lose that game.
Hoops,
I think the deal Cleveland might take is Mo Evans and Teague for Sessions (no Josh Powell).
ejh
February 18th, 2011
10:04 am
To Air ZaZa
Derrick rose is not a great 3 point shooter either, but what he does is drive the basketball and make other defenders have to help leaving space on the floor for Kyle Korver and deng, while giving easy passes to boozer. Sessions can do those things and allow for Joe and jamal to have easy looks while distributing to Al and Josh around the basket. This kid has the intangibles to be not just a solid point guard in this league, but special.
the other trade the hawks need to make is trying to acquire Samuel Dalembert, he is a good defensive center and shot blocker, knows what his role is and would give the hawks more size. Move him to the starting lineup. Trade zsa zsa, and Marvin Williams for Dalembert and Reggie Williams.
slimjr
February 18th, 2011
10:13 am
Rose is going to dismantle the Hawks next month!! We see him three freaking times in March!!! Just OUCH!!!!
It’s gonna hurt like a bee sting…………………….3X……………………
lewis
February 18th, 2011
10:16 am
Rose is going to dismantle a lot of good teams, like the spurs last night.
He’s arguably the best point guard in the NBA right now, no point in worrying about it.
kwooden1
February 18th, 2011
10:17 am
I finally got a chance to watch this game and the HAWKS didn’t play that badly, the Knicks just played better. The bench had a bad stretch in the 2nd quarter which the Knicks used to get the lead, but the HAWKS could have overcome it but NY kept scoring. Obviously NY was attacking Bibby all night but I don’t think that was all of the problem. I did have a problem with the Bibby, Crawford combo during the 2nd but LD really never went back to that lineup after that sequence. I think LD could have used Wilkins and Collins during the game, but I’m not sure if that would have slowed down the Knicks offensive. We also could have gone inside more, but that might not have worked either. I still believe Jeff should have started and gotten 15-20 per game, which probably wouldn’t have made that much of a difference this game but at least he would have gotten some burn. LD really has some serious work over to do over the break because he’s got to get the bench to play better. Crawford trying to play PG and not trying to score clearly isn’t working.
GO HAWKS!
ATLSN
February 18th, 2011
10:19 am
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.
vava74
February 18th, 2011
10:22 am
kwooden1
Please check http://www.popcornmachine.net
Our small lead disappeared and the game went out of control as soon as Jamal got in DURING THE FIRST PERIOD.
Jamal played 8 min 33 second spanning last 5 of 1st and first 3′30” of the second and the point differential was MINUS 17.
KevinM
February 18th, 2011
10:58 am
kwooden, you know the problem with the Hawks right now? Every other team knows your weaknesses and they attack those weaknesses.
So what does Larry do in response? He plays JC1/Bibby/JJ/Smoove/Marvin to start the 4th down 13…now you tell me what happened in that quarter? Larry’s decisions cost us any chance to compete in this game. He threw in the towel after 3 quarters.
That to me tells me he isn’t much of a game coach. Not making adjustments to get back in the game. The Knicks are far from a top East team. It is simply inexcusable.
Larry must have had a plane to catch and just threw this one away.
And I agree with you as many do here; no way Teague does worse than Bibby with equal minutes. And I say Teague is as good as Ty Lawson.
Want to prove it? Fire this long term assistant we hired on the cheap as a stop gap, quit trying to fool the fans and saving a buck.
Gearon is the problem here, not the solution.
Larry will not develop a point guard as long as he is here. He will not make players better. Is anyone on this team playing better than last year? The exception is Jason Collins, who quit overeating. That isn’t coaching; that’s trying to keep a paycheck.
The problems with this team are many despite the record. Sund is a fool if he continues to banter that same jargon he threw out there a couple of weeks ago.
MC, please do not interview Sund anymore. I don’t want to hear his spew.
Rufus1
February 18th, 2011
11:03 am
Trade our 1st rd pick…
Trade our 1st rd pick + Mo and Damien for session and Parker. If he becomes our starting PG for the next 3 years, isn’t he worth the 24th pick or higher.
This will be the best team and the best finishers he has ever played with. He might average 8 or 9 ast a game with Joe, Al, Josh and Marvin on the floor. His game is going to the basket, we have no one that does that with regularity and we only need an average defender at the point…That has to be worth our 1st round pick.
Hoops
February 18th, 2011
11:08 am
O’Brien,
Sending Powell in the deal would be attractive to ASG because it would keep them out of L. tax.
KevinM
February 18th, 2011
11:10 am
Houston wants help to get on track for a playoff slot. WE NEED A PG!
Aaron Brooks can be gotten at 2.0M…..Houston willing to take on salary. While you are there, inquire about Battier…both are expiring contracts. Brooks is a proven version of Teague, and can hit a 3 if needed.
At least inquire Sund, earn you paycheck!
KevinM
February 18th, 2011
11:12 am
Can anyone explain how Dallas has 3 point guards better than what we have? Scouting? You think?
Mac-Town, Georgia (urban-macon.blogspot.com)
February 18th, 2011
11:55 am
lol@Najeh’s link
According to invoices attached to the complaint, Johnson ordered:
A 14 karat white gold rosary necklace, with 60 carat total weight enhanced black diamonds, for $29,980
A custom diamond Breitling Super Avenger watch, with black PVD coating, for $15,800
A black-coated stainless steel diamond bracelet for $7,500
A custom 18K yellow gold diamond grill, with enhanced yellow diamonds, for $4902
A macrame bracelet for $2,600 and bracelet for $1,800
An eight-piece diamond grill (bottom) for $5,900
Mac-Town, Georgia (urban-macon.blogspot.com)
February 18th, 2011
11:56 am
lol@Grilled out Joe Johnson
Mac-Town, Georgia (urban-macon.blogspot.com)
February 18th, 2011
11:57 am
tell Sund & Company to get off the poo poo…and get Sessions in here.
Rev in Tampa
February 18th, 2011
12:05 pm
February 24: Trade deadline, 3 p.m. ET
Another day closer, yet no activity by the Hawks. If we lose in embarrassing, blowout fashion to the Lakers on the 22nd and the Suns on the 23rd, does anyone think it will force the ASG’s hand? At this point, I don’t.
Nor do I have any confidence that Drew will keep his word and shake-up the line-up in any significant way.
Worldwide Clyde
February 18th, 2011
12:25 pm
Fire Sund
KevinM
February 18th, 2011
12:27 pm
Rev, no pun intended….but no faith in Gearon, Sund or Larry.
This is not a business striving to be the best. The best example of a decent company that would rather blame the economy, reduce the employee head count, and not be accountable for their average leadership.
Waiting for Gearon to come out and ask Hawks fans for more support and how they are losing 20M this year……
vava74
February 18th, 2011
12:28 pm
This is very simple:
There are a couple of games between now and the trade deadline.
Start Teague and nail Crawford’s ass to the end of the bench. Get Bibby and possible Marvin to come off the bench as designated scorers.
Teague would have 2 games to show SOMETHING and give or not Sund the push he needs to make a move.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 18th, 2011
12:30 pm
Of course, all that bling will go nicely with Joe’s monster truck.
KevinM
February 18th, 2011
1:00 pm
Hey MC, have you made it to LA-LA yet? Ready for a blog update….Have you seen any sign of Hawks’ management in hopes of possibly discussing the roster?
slimjr
February 18th, 2011
1:25 pm
Gearon, is going to have to step up his lame game if he expects me to acquire free tickets to come down to Philips…Right now its a waste of time…Yawn……… They fixin to get steam rolled by LA and Phoenix next week!! It’s going to be real ugly.Expect 20+ pt losses and their back to back too? Yikes!!! Let me take a peek at Monique Minor to calm down..Goodness Gracious! Is she related to drmayb by any chance? lol
Booo!
February 18th, 2011
1:52 pm
Yes, as If one Grill isnt already one too many. What is this halloween? Those aren’t even in style anymore,and that watch doesn’t look all that special… $16,000!!! I can find a nice expidition watch that looks just as nice for less than $100. And I have always thought Joe’s truck looked cool….but it’s not 2007 anymore like when we first heard about it. Gas prices have doubled since then smh….makes me cringe now.
Those comments from the Milwaukee blog are halarious though.
…&& $600 a tank! you know how many kids you could feed with that? Or how many times I could fill my tank up with that? JOE HOLLA AT YA BOI, GIVE TO THE NEEDY MAN! IM RIGHT HERE!IT’LL BE A TAX WRITE OFF! GET AT ME!
drmaryb (*_*)
February 18th, 2011
2:02 pm
Nuttie – Buddie!
Slimjr is my Nuttie-Buddie. Or is he T.S.? Mmmh …
Man you wild! LOL! With some smiles.
_________________
We will probably get Sessions for all this is worth. That trade will definitely improve the Hawks w/o giving up Jordan or Jamal.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 18th, 2011
2:18 pm
Jewelry Heist!
Perhaps the jewelry did not meet the expectations of the buyer?
Why would a sound business man create custom jewelry without a substantial payment/deposit of at least 50% up front, much less ship it without any payment made at all? Typically custom made jewelry would have no value to anyone other than it’s buyer, so, perhaps there is a non-returnable policy for it.
Bottom line is, Mr. Johnson should pay for the value of the precious metals and diamonds supplied to the design at best, if not for the unique design itself or simply return it to the supplier of it all.
Apparently, this is not a money issue since Mr. Johnson has plenty of that “mean – green” – Allegedly. Obviously, there is more to this story than meets the indiscriminate eye.
____________________
Aye Mr. Joseph! Pay Your Bill!
KevinM
February 18th, 2011
2:34 pm
I wonder what Marvin’s doing this weekend….he’s definitely not headed to LA.
Play a few video games, go to a couple of movies….get away from basketball so it doesn’t wear on him??
KevinM
February 18th, 2011
2:36 pm
Meanwhile, Chris Paul and Deron make appearances at the all-star festivities…what could have been…
KevinM
February 18th, 2011
2:40 pm
Things happen when you get together face-2-face:
According to realgm, the deal is getting done:
The trade would send Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Sheldon Williams, Melvin Ely and Renaldo Balkman to New Jersey, and Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy, Ben Uzoh and four first-round draft picks to Denver.
Denver would then try to unload Murphy’s contract on a third team, presumably using one or more of the picks received from New Jersey.
Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/211081/Report_Nets_Nuggets_Reach_Tentative_Agreement_On_Carmelo_Trade#ixzz1ELDFxvl1
KevinM
February 18th, 2011
2:44 pm
Shellhead looks like he is headed to team number 7 since being drafted in ‘06. FYI, the record is 12, so perhaps Shell is headed for that record.
4 1st rounders? Wow, not sure if there has ever been such a steep price?
drmaryb (*_*)
February 18th, 2011
2:52 pm
Melo-Drama!
Melo will never sign that extension for 65M to remain in NJ!
Why would he agree to rebuild at this stage of his career?
Final Destination is NYC! Why not? The desire in a man’s heart is what he will ultimately do. NJ will be de-boning their team for a 40 Game Rental at best, which is probably fine from their perspective if they van unload all those unwanted contracts at once.
___________________
Kanye Shrug!
Who cares, if it doesn’t concern my Hawks.
ryan
February 18th, 2011
3:00 pm
Man i wish we had an owner like the Nets to be able to get Mello away from the Knicks is impressive why can Atlanta get some rich Russian .
slimjr
February 18th, 2011
3:05 pm
“Shellhead looks like he is headed to team number 7 since being drafted in ‘06. FYI, the record is 12, so perhaps Shell is headed for that record.”
Can you believe, Mr basketball expert BK passed up Rondo,Brandon Roy, and Ruy Gay for that buster??..I personally would have drafted his wife Candice Parker! Goodness Gracious!..Talk about filling the seats…LOL
slimjr
February 18th, 2011
3:09 pm
790 the zone just mentioned the trade! It all hinges on Anthony committing to long term extension with the Nets….Mellow gonna end up like Ewing, Barkley, et al.. No rings, but a Hall of Fame player…..
ryan
February 18th, 2011
3:17 pm
We have got to find some way to get rid of ASG get a good owner like Blank i tired of Atlanta not having any buzz .
KevinM
February 18th, 2011
3:29 pm
DMB, The Nets are headed to Brooklyn in 2012, so they are basically in the heart of NY and now Melo might be part of a new Big 3:
Melo/Billups/Lopez
Not a bad big 3….The Knicks will never be able to top that offer unless they gut their entire starting lineup minus Amare.
JoJo the Godfather
February 18th, 2011
3:54 pm
Now that it looks like Theo Ratliff is out for the rest of the year, I wonder if the Lakers would want Powell back. Josh P for D Caracter works for me.
northcyde
February 18th, 2011
4:53 pm
We’re not making a trade.
Stop tormenting yourselves with the trade talk. No one wants our garbage. And the ASG isn’t going to add additional salary for next year.
Our roster is at capacity, so we can’t even add a player. LOL . . sad to say, but I wish we had Mario West back, just to throw out somebody who will play with energy ( even if it is reckless energy ) off the bench.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 18th, 2011
4:58 pm
KevinM
Yeah, but NJ will never play at The MSG and NJ will never have Amare for Melo to play with and NJ will never have Spike Lee waving his towel on their sidelines. There is a lot more to Melo heading to NYC than just to play with Billups (whom he already has had) or Lopez who is a nobody.
I never seen Lopez on anything, commercial, endorsement or an ESPN highlight reel. Why would Melo want to rebuild anything at this point.
He had a great team in Denver and they didn’t get it done there.
Besides, IF Melo was gonna’ sign a NJ extension? He would have done that a long, long time ago. He can virtually walk to MSG next Summer as a free man. A trade only benefits Denver, not The Knicks nor himself, unless you’re counting the 65M which he has already truned down many times. It’s about winning now. Not money and definitely NOT rebuilding anything. Melo is in his prime and it’s all about the ring now, not the Benjamin’ s. Also, CP3 is their 3rd piece after next year, allegedly.
Hey man, it’s all about doing what Boston did and Miami is doing now.
IMHO. Read my lips … Melo will not sign that NJ extension.
Booo!
February 18th, 2011
5:02 pm
dang northcyde,
your realist attitude just crushed the imaginations of many
I sm deeply sadddend by this….Mike Bibby and Mo Evans are love bad step children that nobody wants….it’s truly a shame. At this point, i’d just GIVE them away. Maybe LA will take Bibby?
Booo!
February 18th, 2011
5:03 pm
*like bad step children
drmaryb (*_*)
February 18th, 2011
5:09 pm
Besides, Melo will never see all of that 65M anyways, after Uncle Sam swoops in and takes his 35% cut or more off the top. The money is all relative to paying the luxury taxes on a disposable personal income tax
bracket anyway. Melo will still net a sizeable income AND play for whom his hearts desire.
Not to mention, all the off court mega endorsements and new shoe contracts Melo will get for just playing in a Knicks uniform at MSG!
That will more than compensate for any loss revenue he may incur.
NJ is like a Hawks Fan – Dreaming!
drmaryb (*_*)
February 18th, 2011
5:20 pm
Pimps and Busters!
The Pimps and Busters Award goes to these 8 guys:
“This situation is tearing up the insides of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. He doesn’t want to be the guy who allowed Atlanta to lose an NHL franchise for the second time. But he knows it’s a horrible situation created by horrible ownership, which he has called on the carpet before. There is no incentive for an outsider to purchase only the hockey team and keep it in Atlanta. There also is no market right now for the Spirit to sell both teams and the arena rights, even though both have been on the market for at least two years.
The Spirit admits in a current complaint against their former attorneys that they’ve been seeking to sell the Thrashers almost since closing the deal to buy them. How can somebody claim to be putting out the best possible product and at the same time be looking to dump it?
There’s a word for that: fraud.”
____________________________
This is just an excerpt from a Mark Bradley article about these ASKG – Pimps and Busters!
If these clowns do anything at all by the trade deadline it will be for Ramon Sessions in exchange for probably Marvin and some expiring contracts. If they are lucky, perhaps they can keep Marvin and ship out the other losers on this b!tch – bench.
Other than that, all I got for ASKG is a: Kanye Shrug!
ryan
February 18th, 2011
6:06 pm
Does anyone have any ideas how to get rid of ASG bring in owner that will create a buzz i am sick and tired of this D12 will be a Laker we wont get Derron Williams 2012 looks like 2010 with same boring roster .
drmaryb (*_*)
February 18th, 2011
6:21 pm
“Does anyone have any ideas how to get rid of ASG”
___________________
legally?
ryan
February 18th, 2011
6:42 pm
I don’t know boycott i am not saying anything drastic i wish there somebody local that had the money to buy the Hawks like the former owner of the Dream he was good owner built that team from scratch and the Dream went to the WNBA finals .
northcyde
February 18th, 2011
8:49 pm
I agree with drmaryb . . unless Jersey have a hell of a plan up their sleeves that they can sell Melo on. I can easily see Jersey overpaying for some young talent, or big name veteran free agents, to try to give off the perception that the Nets ( with Melo ) will be an up and coming team next season.
northcyde
February 18th, 2011
9:00 pm
With a Melo – Billups – Lopez combination already in place, I can see the Russian Billionaire grossly overpaying for young talent like Nick Young and Aaron Brooks. Then he’ll try to lure vets like Vince Carter and even a Tayshaun Prince to the mix.
I doubt even all of that would get Melo to sign with Jersey. The only thing Melo may be worried about, is how much of a cut he’d have to take when the new CBA comes out.
Sautee
February 18th, 2011
9:01 pm
drmaryb,
LOL, you make the ASKG sound like a disease.
I wish we had the right ointment to make ASKG fall away like some leprous sore.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 18th, 2011
9:26 pm
Diagnosis 101!
Sautee Baby … what’s up?
ASkillerG problem is DX: Hydrocephalous Elite-itis
(water accumulation on the brain from thinking they’re Elite)
______________________
ROF – LOL & kicking the couch!
______________________
Aye Sund! You Sir, got needs. Get a Life and fix your roster, Sir. You got D days and 15 hours till that deadline comes and goes – now go sell some tickets to that show!
drmaryb (*_*)
February 18th, 2011
9:32 pm
* 5 days and 15 hours.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 18th, 2011
9:39 pm
“Shellhead looks like he is headed to team number 7 since being drafted in ‘06. FYI, the record is 12, so perhaps Shell is headed for that record.”
Haha, I didn’t even realize this until you pointed it out. Shellhead is the new Tony Massenburg. (Who? Exactly.)
Najeh Davenpoop
February 18th, 2011
9:40 pm
““Does anyone have any ideas how to get rid of ASG””
The same way the Egyptians overthrew their dictatorship?
Najeh Davenpoop
February 18th, 2011
9:40 pm
I wouldn’t entirely be surprised if Billups asks for a buyout. He has gone on record as saying he doesn’t want to leave Denver.
O'Brien
February 18th, 2011
10:04 pm
Najeh,
Even if Billups does not ask for a buyout, he has a player option for next year, so what do the Nets do for a PG next season?
If I’m Melo, I dont think I would sign with Nets. They are giving up 4 first round picks, so there goes that opportunity to find cheap talent for 3 years, and Lopez is a good player, but he is not a dominant player.
And if Chauncey leaves, then what? If I’m Melo, I plead with the Knicks to sweeten their deal with Denver. At least they have Stoudemire already, and Felton is decent, and they already play in NY. And in 2 years, CP3 might try and work his way there (which is what he said he would try and do).
With the Nets, Melo would have to wait until 2012 before getting a chance to play in Brooklyn.
I would be very surprised if he signs an extension with the Nets.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 18th, 2011
10:26 pm
Rip Van Winkle!
He slept for 99 years and finally woke up after his life had passed him by.
I wish I could sleep for 99 years and let this world pass me by.
Aye … Can I get an Ambien with an indefinite extended release?
Rip Hamilton has been put to sleep in Detroit after delivering Joe Dumars a Championship Ring and has been nothing short of a model citizen on and off the court. There are no cracks in his game year in and year out!
Joe Dumars should be ashamed of himself for doting on a Brother like he has. That has to irk his teammates and should make every player in this league – irate!
Where is there any incentive to play nice and “Johnny Be Good”?
LeBron did the right thing when he bolted Ohio to satisfy his needs.
______________________
There is NO loyalty in Basketball.
There is NO crying in Baseball.
Melo should do Melo. Bump all that NOISE in Denver and New Jersey!
If that man wanna play at The MSG? I don’t have a problem with that.
Rip Hamilton is so beat down right now, that last week he said:
“I will give back a sizeable portion of my guaranteed 25M contract – Just to be Free! Don’t ever under estimate the Heart of a Champion nor the value of a man’s Freedom!
Like they say, “All the money in the world, can not buy you happy-ness!”
drmaryb (*_*)
February 18th, 2011
10:42 pm
“Does anyone have any ideas how to get rid of ASG”
___________________________
RAID! Kills Roaches Dead.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 18th, 2011
11:21 pm
“If I’m Melo, I dont think I would sign with Nets. They are giving up 4 first round picks, so there goes that opportunity to find cheap talent for 3 years, and Lopez is a good player, but he is not a dominant player.”
True. At the same time, the Knicks at this point are about to give up so much to get Melo (they would basically be left with Billups, Fields, Melo, Amare, Mozgov, and nobody else) that they are not going to be a serious contender any time soon either.
If Melo really wants to win, he should just say he’s not signing an extension with anyone. It will be a hell of a lot easier for him to land in a true contending situation if he just signs outright as a free agent wherever he wants to go instead of orchestrating a trade.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 18th, 2011
11:22 pm
New blog