Atlanta Hawks: Bobcats 96, Hawks 85
Charlotte–The starters were -53 in this game, a number that’s enhanced by Zaza and Hinrich the entire third quarter alongside reserves. Over the final four games of the season Atlanta’s starters were -215.
- The Hawks finished with 44 Ws and a six-game losing streak. They were 11-20 after Feb. 5.
- The Hawks didn’t put much into these last four games. It’s still not a good look for a group with a history of taking that approach for games in which the outcome does matter.
- L.D.: “I was hoping it wouldn’t end like this. Those couple of games on the road, at Indiana and Washington, I was really hoping the guys would play at a high level but they didn’t respond to that. Now that this thing is over with, we have got to flip the switch. I am pretty confident we will do that.”
- The Hawks say they will be ready come Saturday.
- Al: No question. We were in a different situation since we already clinched. I felt like our focus shifted a little bit because we felt secure. We didn’t feel the need to go out there and play like that. Now it’s different. The playoffs are here and our minds are shifting towards that.”
- “We don’t have much of a choice,” J.J. said. “I am sure we will be ready.”
- “We will be ready for sure,” Jamal said. “Get some practices in, have the proper preparation, and we will be ready to go.”
- “What I saw these last four was not the team I saw a week and a half ago against Boston and two weeks ago against Orlando,” Drew said. “They turned the switch off. Now it’s time to turn it back on.”
- The end-of-bench guys gave a pretty good account of themselves again. Josh Powell, Damien, Etan and Pape Sy all contributed.
- The reserves played the Bobcats even after the starters opened the game nonchalantly. Then Al and J.J. returned in the second quarter and things went awry again.
- Drew finally threw in the towel for his starters after that. “I could have played them the second half but with the energy I saw the first half, it would have just been jeopardizing those guys,” he said.
- After halftime the Hawks made a game of it with their backups. Maybe this means the reserves can take some confidence into the postseason.
- “I hope so,” Damien said. “I don’t expect to get those type of minutes during the playoffs but anything is possible. We will see. All of the guys who have been getting these minutes the last couple games just want to play. At the same time, we have a good group, guys that have been here, guys that have experience in the playoffs. We have just got to find a way to keep winning.”
- Hinrich was the only regular starter to play after halftime and he finally had a positive run: 4 of 7 from the field and he kept Augustin in check. Hinrich appeared to have more pep than he had lately. “My primary focus at the start of that third quarter was to get Kirk in a rhythm,” Drew said.
- Zaza had 10 rebounds. Soon after he left the game in the first half Kwame Brown got going.
- J.J.’s jump shot is still missing. He’s been getting his post-ups and floaters lately but those won’t come so easy with Dwight roaming the paint.
- Josh wasn’t noticeable out there. He says the knee is good.
- Al logged just 10 minutes: “I thought I was going to play a little more but at the end of the day I needed the rest. Just looking forward to having a good practice tomorrow.”
- L.D. said the practice sessions over the next two days would be mostly about “mental work” without much in the way of contact.
- It’s come to this for the Hawks: Twin sat out while the normal starters played because he’s indispensable vs. Orlando. “The last thing we would need is for him to hurt the ankle again or something weird to happen,” Drew said.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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171 comments Add your comment
superiorblogman
April 13th, 2011
11:54 pm
Everytime I look at what other teams did during the trade deadline I hate Sund and the ASG more. For the same package we offered Washington we could have gotten Baron Davis and a lottery pick which could have been Derrick Williams. I tell you I hate Sund and the ASG just as much as I hate Larry Drew. Phuck them all.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
12:08 am
Pump – Faked!
I’m at the Q-Trip gas pump and just filled my hog for $80.
This little white guy just came over and said, “Mam can I have $5 for some gas? I have a car full of little kids and we don’t have enough gas to make it home.” I looked back and saw the little kids sad faces and gave him $10 for at least 2.5 gals., he goes inside , runs out and drives off w/o any gas. I backed up to his pump and it read $58.95.
I go back inside and asked Mark, “What did that guy in the red Tee purchase?”. Mark said, “2 packs of Kools.” Now, I feel like a jack-azz. My stomach hurts. I hope that guy runs out of gas and die of lung cancer, before he gets home. Next time, I will go inside pre-pay for his gas.
__________________
Lesson learned. Beware of the: “cigarettes-for-gas” hustle at these pumps. He pump-faked me at the three point line and drove to the basket for a poster dunk! I feel like a Hawk in the post!
______________________
SteveW
What’s up baby? Maane, I feel you on posting about these Hawks losses.
After my Al Horford tirade a few weeks back, after The Celtics win, I literally ran out of emotional gas and just have been posting for entertainment purposes only. I have nothing to add to the ASKG debacle from a solution’s perspective.
Like my 83 year old Auntie says, “I’m just eatin’ popcorn! Can you put a little Crown Royal in my cherry-coke?”
________________
Rehab is For Quitters!
This team quit in February, they need rehabilitation now.
After Joe said, “We are all jump shooters. It is what it is, man.”
At that point, They Quit! on Drew.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
12:09 am
MC, what’s the worst losing streak a team has ever been on going into the playoffs? I can’t remember the last time a team entered the playoffs with a six game losing streak.
Rusty
April 14th, 2011
12:10 am
Hate ld & sund
Grandad
April 14th, 2011
12:11 am
Mary Ellen:
God does not care what that fellow did with the money.
He cares that you loved your fellow man and gave him
money in a time of need.
God knew what was in ”your” heart & that is all that matters.
“But love your enemies, do good to them,
and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.
Then your reward will be great,
and you will be sons of the Most High,
because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked”
— Luke 6:35 —
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
12:12 am
The Hawks have depth, they just have a bad coach.
We tried to instill into marginal bench players the “power of 3 minutes”. I’ve seen Phil Jackson and Doc use this concept on occasion, like when Phil started Luke Walton against the Celtics last season in the playoffs. Or Doc using Robinson (a little different scenario) For 3 maybe 4 minutes of high, tough energy, any marginal player can equal a very good player on the other team.
This is how you spot use guys like Hilton or Etan. Maybe even Powell. You come in like a maniac for 3 or 4 minutes each half. It ups the energy level of the entire team. I mean the Hawks have:
JJ
Jamal
Josh
Al
Marvin
ZaZa
Kirk
Teague
Damien
No reason we can’t go 9 deep all the time. Against the Magic, you throw Etan and Collins in the mix as well. We have decent depth, just a very bad Coach.
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
12:15 am
By “we” in my last post, I meant when I coached a small Bible college team in the midwest for a few years, not the Hawks.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
12:15 am
* After The Hawks win over The Celtics ….
superiorblogman
April 14th, 2011
12:16 am
SteveW: What’s even more frustrating and leaves me with little hope is that 7 of the 9 players you listed have been in the league 5 years or more. With the exception of Al and Teague this is a veteran team of quitters and pieces that don’t fit together. There is no hope with this team outside of Teague growing and trades.
Buddy Grizzard
April 14th, 2011
12:21 am
“For the same package we offered Washington we could have gotten Baron Davis and a lottery pick which could have been Derrick Williams.” – superior
We couldn’t absorb Davis’ contract.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
12:22 am
Grand-Daddy
Thank You! I needed that encouragement. I would give anyone gas money in duress at the pump. That’s who I am. And, you are so right.
I guess, I took my Hawks disappointment out on him.
I take back the lung cancer, but I do hope he gags on those two packs of Kools. Had he asked me for cigarette money? I still would have helped him out. I just didn’t appreciate being jobbed.
superiorblogman
April 14th, 2011
12:29 am
Buddy Grizzard
April 14th, 2011
12:21 am
“For the same package we offered Washington we could have gotten Baron Davis and a lottery pick which could have been Derrick Williams.” – superior
We couldn’t absorb Davis’ contract.
Yes we could have. He makes $13 mill per and will only have 2 years on his contract when next year begins. We would have had to add a guy like Zaza and everything would be fine. You guys think just as weak minded as the Hawks organization. Baron Davis and a lottery pick is just thinking too bad for the petty environment that the Hawks foster
Buddy Grizzard
April 14th, 2011
12:31 am
“We have decent depth, just a very bad Coach.” – SteveW
Somebody was quoting stats the other day that the Hawks have a starting 5 that ranks I think 11th in the league but our bench ranks horribly. I agree with you SteveW, I don’t think our bench is that bad. I think it’s LD’s inability to properly utilize quality players like Jeff Teague that make our bench look worse on paper than it actually is.
Melvin
April 14th, 2011
12:33 am
Although I think getting rid of Woody was a needed decision but I was totally wrong in thinking LD would be an upgrade. At least under Woody, the Hawks played winning ball but made losing plays. Under LD, the Hawks don’t even play a winning style of ball. They look unorganized, unprepared and completely lost on the court.
The first order of business for this franchise this summer is to find new owners, then GM and Coach…
With all that said, I still hope for post season success. At least to make it to the 2nd round. Maybe that’s the only streak (3 straight 2nd round apperances) the Hawks can keep intact this season…
Buddy Grizzard
April 14th, 2011
12:35 am
Superior,
The Hawks payroll for this year is $70,927,923. ANY salary we take on where the trade partner isn’t taking equal payroll back puts the Hawks into luxury tax territory, something you and I both know the ASG isn’t going to do. Zaza makes $4,251,250 this year, $4,750,000 next year and $5,248,750 in the final year of his contract.
Baron Davis makes $13,050,000, $13,950,000 and $14,850,000. I’m not understanding your math.
Jae Evolution
April 14th, 2011
12:44 am
What Lionel Hollins just did to Ish Smith, is something LD would NEVER do to Jeff Teague.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
12:46 am
How are we going to beat the Magic, w/o stellar rotations.
Will Teague Start all games?
Will Etan play?
Will we play inside out?
Will we pressure the defense and draw fouls for the penalty points?
Will we step up and make our FT’s?
Will we rebound?
Will we take care of the ball?
Will we rush all our jumps shots and shoot poorly?
Which Hawks team will show up?
Will we play with physicality and urgency?
Will ZaZa be doing the butt? The head-butt.
Will anyone decapitate little Jameer when he trolls into the paint and sit him on his arse? Knock that idiot out in the drive thru lane!
More importantly – Will we play lights out defense?
Will coach draw up a great game plan and make in-game adjustments?
Will we impose our will on the Magic?
Will …. Will …. Will … Will?
cp
April 14th, 2011
12:46 am
Other than not having to listen to Nique anymore, hard to be excited about the playoffs. I want them to play well but how often has this team just flipped the switch?
superiorblogman
April 14th, 2011
12:47 am
Buddy Grizzard
April 14th, 2011
12:35 am
Superior,
The Hawks payroll for this year is $70,927,923. ANY salary we take on where the trade partner isn’t taking equal payroll back puts the Hawks into luxury tax territory, something you and I both know the ASG isn’t going to do. Zaza makes $4,251,250 this year, $4,750,000 next year and $5,248,750 in the final year of his contract.
Baron Davis makes $13,050,000, $13,950,000 and $14,850,000. I’m not understanding your math.
WTF are you typing about? Bibby makes over $5 million this year, Mo makes $2.5 million, Jordan makes over $1 million and Zaza makes $4.25 million. Add all that up and you get what Baron makes. And we were at 69.400 or so before that trade. Kirk and Hilton added about $1 million.
Grandad
April 14th, 2011
12:48 am
• They were 11-20 *[after] Feb. 5
*[after Feb 5th]
*On Feb 8th Our Hawks were Blown Out by Philly !
*As stated before:
” I contend that something happened between 2/05/11 -&- 2/08/11 ”
** This team was rollin’ and the the the tires fell off,
and the transmission fell out, the steering wheel came off,
then everybody bailed out right before it went over the cliff.
” Feb 8th, The Day the Music Died ”
[technically Buddy Holly died on 2/03/59]
“February made me shiver/with every paper I’d deliver”
Drove my chevy to the levee & the levee was dry
Them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey & rye, singing…
This’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die
cp
April 14th, 2011
12:50 am
@Jae Evolution… What did he do?
Buddy Grizzard
April 14th, 2011
12:53 am
“WTF are you typing about?” – Superior
Oh my bad… I didn’t realizing you were daydreaming about the Clippers taking on Bibby’s salary. The clippers took back Mo Williams, a competent starting NBA guard. They were never going to trade one underachieving guard for an even bigger underachiever. Let me know when you wake up from your nap.
northcyde
April 14th, 2011
12:54 am
In other news . . . the Sacramento Kings may be playing their final game ever in Sacramento. I was watching this game earlier, and the Lakers were in full command in this game. Then the reserves kind of let Sac back in the game, and now the Lakers are down 3 . .and have only scored 8 points in the quarter.
Unlike the situation in Seattle and New Orleans, the Kings fans have come out in droves for that possible final game. I hope they pull this out. Hopefully, Kobe doesn’t break their hearts.
It would be poetic justice if he did though.
northcyde
April 14th, 2011
12:55 am
HAHAHAHAAHA. . .OH ISH . . .Kobe hit the 3 . . damn.
Jae Evolution
April 14th, 2011
12:55 am
cp – Grizzlies had the final shot with 20 seconds left on the clock to end the 3rd, Ish Smith was doubled and tried to split it, ended up turning the ball over and DeAndre Jordan was fouled. Lionel Hollins called Ish Smith over hugged him and asked him what he should’ve done in that situation, in the process letting him learn from his mistakes, something I’ve yet to see LD EVER do.
northcyde
April 14th, 2011
12:55 am
Damn Kobe . . that’s cold blooded. Come on Tyreke . . make the shot and send the Kings fans home with a great final memory.
Grandad
April 14th, 2011
12:57 am
SteveW
I didn’t have a catchy name for it but I always
asked [that's puttin' it nicely] my players to
give me 3 min and play as hard as they could.
(starters and bench)
Don’t think that would work in the pros except
on limited basis.
I sure got alot of mileage out of it though.
northcyde
April 14th, 2011
12:58 am
Grandad . .you’re right. Because that Philly blowout came out of NOWHERE.. The New Orleans blowout did too . . but the Philly blowout was totally unexpected.
Wow . . and Kobe plays perfect defense on Thorton and the Kings don’t even get a good shot off.
Kobe may not be Jordan . . but he’s damn close. A lot closer than what people give him credit for.
cp
April 14th, 2011
1:03 am
Thats good coaching Jae. I doubt we will see things like that from LD
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
1:04 am
Hopes and Dreams!
“ L.D.: “I was hoping it wouldn’t end like this.”
________________
Fear based thinking delivers more of the very thing you fear most.
That’s is the impetus of: The Law of Attraction.
A LOSER hopes he does not LOSE.
A WINNER expects to WIN.
J.J.M
April 14th, 2011
1:06 am
whats up with horford legs? can he not jump hight? I swear his vert is like 14 inches
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
1:10 am
If there is a small market in the NBA that really deserves a team, it’s Sac-town. I remember in the early 2000s when they actually had a good team and they had a better home court advantage than anyone else in the league. Sucks for those fans. They deserve better.
Grandad
April 14th, 2011
1:10 am
Our roster is horrible.
If our starters stink…..
then logic suggests that our bench does likewise.
I suggest that Hinrich isn’t so bad
and perhaps Bibby wasn’t either.
Sure they had / have limitations,
but, we’re so small inside that any
shortcomings [pun acknowledged]
from our guards could not be compensated.
No guard can stay in front of NBA caliber talent
all the time and eventually must have help
from the Bigs.
Likewise our *Bigs [mediums] were busy
fighting for their own lives.
[overmatched every night]
Add to that…we can’t rebound.
Defensively it was lose / lose every night.
Offensively *TJS every night due to being so small.
*[team jump shot]
Throw in an overmatched coach and it’s a wonder
we won…..ever !
Buddy Grizzard
April 14th, 2011
1:14 am
Jae Evolution:
What did Lionel Hollins do?
DMB:
Will Teague Start all games?
Obviously he should. He’s our best defensive point guard and Nelson will blow by Captain Kirk at will. LD will start Kirk.
Will Etan play?
Probably get a few minutes for extra fouls on DH. That’s pretty much what we signed him for.
Will we play inside out?
This is the big question. We’ve seen Smoove have some games where he worked inside and drew fouls. He looked like an All Star. If he floats outside the whole series, it will be a 4-game sweep.
Will we pressure the defense and draw fouls for the penalty points?
Hawks have been soft as a roll of Charmin all season at getting to the foul line. It’s either flip the switch or head to the summer home and wait for the agent’s call regarding the impending trade.
Will we step up and make our FT’s?
Hawks are a good free throw shooting team. If the Hawks made an effort to GET to the free throw line, it would be an advantage. Notice I used Hawks and effort in the same sentence there?
Will we rebound?
Orlando traded away most of its front court depth and added Agent Zero, who is about as athletic as Bibby at this point. If the Hawks make the EFFORT to rebound, they can outrebound the Magic. DH can’t get every board and we’ve got Horford, Smoove and Zaza who can get it done.
Will we take care of the ball?
If we start KH at the point, his assist to turnover ration has been a joke as a Hawk. Even with Teague’s inconsistency as a ball handler, he’s way better than KH. If LD doesn’t start Teague, he’s sabotaging any chance we have in this series.
Will we play lights out defense?
This comes down to the individual players. If they decide to play with some pride and heart and bring the effort each game, we have the defensive talent to beat Orlando. Will they quit again?
Will coach draw up a great game plan and make in-game adjustments?
LOL?
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
1:15 am
Famous Last Words!
“ L.D.: “I was hoping it wouldn’t end like this.”
________________
That’s what Whitney said to Bobby.
That’s what Rhianna said to Chris Brown.
That’s what ABC said to Charlie Sheen.
That’s what Nicole Kiddman said to Brad Pitt.
That’s what the man on Death Row said to his Executioner.
That’s what my Mother said to my Father.
But, the outcome was inevitable, nonetheless.
When you play soft, you lose hard.
____________
Good-Night.
Grandad
April 14th, 2011
1:16 am
northcyde
Kobe has a fire burnin’ in his belly
that doesn’t even smolder in Joe’s belly.
Jordan & Bird had it too.
I expect that young Mr Rose has it as well.
northcyde
April 14th, 2011
1:19 am
That’s why Kobe is the “Black Mamba”. That was a cold blooded 3. No compassion for the Kings whatsoever. And the crowd knew it. No way the Kings were going to win in OT.
northcyde
April 14th, 2011
1:21 am
Joe has piece of unlit coal in his belly, compared to Kobe. JJ is by boy, and I’ll be forever grateful for him helping us to get back to playoff level. But Kobe’s mentality is on another level. JJ has only seen that level one time in his life . . Game 4 vs Boston.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
1:24 am
My Buddy!
Buddy Grizzard! You nailed every question with a sledge hammer.
There are no more questions that begs an answer.
Will The Hawks answer the bell?
______________
I believe Othello said, “Ask for not whom the bell tolls – it tolls for thee.”
Ahem … Cough … Ahem: The Death Toll
Get your popcorn ready, come Saturday night it’ll be on and poppin’.
TheAntiMe
April 14th, 2011
1:27 am
That’s right. No one got hurt and that’s a good thing. Although, now the Hawks players will not have the excuse that, we were all beat up and hurt with key injuries from the regular season so that’s why we stunk it up so bad.
Except for JJ of course who has already gone on record as stating that he “could (not) care less what anyone thinks” about how he or his teammates perform in the playoffs.
I’m just being grumpy though. Actually, I am hoping against all of the factual evidence that seems to be in place and will continue to hope that our Atlanta Hawks will do us proud.
Buddy Grizzard
April 14th, 2011
1:33 am
Marcin Gortat 21 points, 13 rebounds in Phoenix win over San Antonio. That’s what the Hawks will NOT be facing in the ORL series. Wow… Ginobli hyper extended elbow. Spurs out in second round to the Thunder?
tjhook
April 14th, 2011
1:37 am
Northcyde, you are so right! I was watching those highlights earlier this year. Can someone convince him to get that determination back AND more importantly, motivate his teammates.
superiorblogman
April 14th, 2011
1:38 am
Buddy Grizzard
April 14th, 2011
12:53 am
“WTF are you typing about?” – Superior
Oh my bad… I didn’t realizing you were daydreaming about the Clippers taking on Bibby’s salary. The clippers took back Mo Williams, a competent starting NBA guard. They were never going to trade one underachieving guard for an even bigger underachiever. Let me know when you wake up from your nap.
Buddy you are okay with me but you are being the average blogger who just wants to be right when he is wrong on this. Clippers wanted to get rid of Baron’s contract, Bibby’s contract expires next season. Get a grip dude you are just wrong and petty minded like the ASG and Sund
Buddy Grizzard
April 14th, 2011
1:48 am
Superior, somebody said the emergence of Blake Griffin has forced Donald Sterling’s hand. Because the Clippers are in L.A., they have a TV deal that makes the team hugely profitably if they win or not. So they’ve been mismanaged for years, and Sterling couldn’t care less.
Now the spotlight is on that franchise because it lucked up and got a budding superstar. If they get it wrong now, they get it wrong with a huge spotlight on the franchise. Trading a lazy, out of shape player like Baron Davis for someone like Mo Williams makes sense. Williams is hungry and eager to prove his worth outside of being LeBron’s sidekick.
You’re correct that Williams has one more year on his contract than Bibby had. The difference is that Williams can be expected to play at an NBA starting guard level for two more years. Bibby hasn’t played at that level for more than a season.
Buddy Grizzard
April 14th, 2011
1:55 am
By the way… anybody up for gathering for game one at Phillips Arena taco mac?
mykhalc
April 14th, 2011
2:30 am
Hawks ‘playoff team’ and play will mirror their season…PERIOD!!! LD will confuse us even more and ORL will tell the Hawks to take that 3-1 season series and have a nice summer vacation!!! KA BOOM is closer by the day!!!
Worldwide Clyde
April 14th, 2011
3:06 am
*yawn*
NUNNA!!
April 14th, 2011
5:37 am
Wow Grandad,
I too thank you for those words that u gave to Mary Ellen.
U never know who u else u touched with those words besides her and ME!!
Dr.Mary B.,others have been jobbed like that even worse..
God loved you because u are the kind hearted person that you are,and whatever u do..Don’t change!! Ok??
Keep that good heart,it gives me hope that in case of need or an emergency and im in no shape at the time to help myself that their are others like yourself out there that are out there..
God Bless..
O'Brien
April 14th, 2011
7:21 am
All we heard from LD was this team cannot just flip a switch and turn it on in the playoffs. But what did he say last night? “Now that this thing is over with, we have got to flip the switch. I am pretty confident we will do that.”.
Does he really believe it, or is just saying it because there is nothing else he can say?
Hawks record: 24-17 at home, 20-21 on the road. Very disappointing.
And what’s up with JJ? His 3-pt % after a hot January;
February: 33%, March: 30%, April: 23%.
If he doesn’t step it up, we wont make it to June. However, if Collins can slow down Dwight, we have a chance.
joe
April 14th, 2011
7:43 am
WOW, and I thought the Hawks couldn’t get any less relevant. Wrong again……
Willie Coyote
April 14th, 2011
7:44 am
Come on offseason. You can’t fire ownership so here’s hoping they do the right thing. Get together consultants that know what they are doing and go on a GM search. Hire the best person for the job and then sit back and let him do his job.
Section 303
April 14th, 2011
7:46 am
So, I was starting to feel confident. I was starting to think the Hawks had a chance. Reading quotes talking about “they turned the switch off. Now it’s time to turn it back on”, changes my mind. What a bunch of a$$holes.
Melvin
April 14th, 2011
7:51 am
So Hawks Game 3 (in ATL) on a Friday night will be broadcast on ESPN2. This is the only first round game scheduled to be shown on ESPN2 so far. My goodness, you talk about no respect. SMH
Geemack
April 14th, 2011
7:57 am
Memo to the Hawks:
You are not the Lakers! You can not afford to flip a switch. You should be trying to win every game possible. These are 9 games worse than last year..what a joke.
Trojan
April 14th, 2011
7:58 am
The Hawks have become totally irrelevant in such a short time. Larry Drew don’t have a clue and it shows in the whole team.
But Rick Sund, please protect our sacred CORE!
Geemack
April 14th, 2011
7:59 am
@ Melvin with the way the Hawks screwed up rating last year in the 2nd, they should be glad their on TV at all. We all know this series will end in 4 games 3 blowouts and 1 close game.
Section 303
April 14th, 2011
8:05 am
Someone put it well on here yesterday. He/she said that the Hawks season was “86 games….then BOOM!” Meaning the team should be blown up after this upcoming sweep at the hands of the Magic. I’m thinking they could not be more right.
Getting very tired of these same stupid quotes after games like last night. “we didn’t have energy…blah, blah, blah”. Now, they have their new quote “we turned the switch off”. Time to get new blood in here.
Whenever the lockout ends, the Hawks need to make major changes. You can’t keep these same guys here any longer. They simply do not get it. And, they seem to think they are more capable of handling big situations than they actually are.
Does anyone really think the switch is going to get “turned on” by Saturday? And, after we watch the Hawks get pasted on Saturday, will we hear/read quotes like “well, we’re just trying to get the swtich all the way turned on. Just wait until Game 5.”?
Was thinking of making the road trip to Orlando for Game 1. Not anymore. Not going.
Section 303
April 14th, 2011
8:07 am
Melvin, what have they done to earn any respect?
I tell ya…..I was upbeat about this series until I read Michael’s report. Then it hit me. It hit me like a ton of bricks. The Hawks have no shot in this series. If there is a bigger collection of dipsh#ts in an organization, I’ve not seen them.
UGASlobberknocker
April 14th, 2011
8:15 am
awful, pathetic, embarrassing. Lets make it 10 straight losses and get this nightmare of a season over with.
UGASlobberknocker, dreamer
April 14th, 2011
8:17 am
Has anyone seen the new Dwight Howard shoe ad, it was filmed in Atlanta and he represents his home as Atlanta. Not Orlando. When is his contract up.?.maybe we could get him to come back home.
One and
April 14th, 2011
8:26 am
done, Orlando will totall outclass them starting this weekend
a really embarassing team
UGASlobberknocker, dreamer
April 14th, 2011
8:26 am
MC, one good thing about this Hawks team this yr,..we had a great beat writer. You did a great job..despite the negatives..keep up the good work.
Double Zero Eight
April 14th, 2011
8:27 am
Larry Drew had no reason to be smiling for any reason
during the game last night. He had a wide grin on his
face during a couple of time outs in the fourth quarter.
We will be “put out of our misery” soon.
MsDee
April 14th, 2011
8:27 am
@UGA
I agree..getting Dwight in here and moving JJ out to the Nets would be a dream come true to us Hawks fans!! I too want LD out..no way he should have another season with the Hawks. I still kinda say, LD may not have been a bad coach, he just should not have started his 1st year with a team he has been on for 6 yrs. The guys know him too well to respect him enough. The Hawks needed a veteran coach. Remember, Josh Smith is the ONLY player left that has been here when Woody was 1st hired. Therefore, the Hawks, in 6 seasons, now 7 seasons, has had nothing but ROOKIE coaches..THAT’S SAD. We are an elite team but ONLY with an ELITE COACH!! Come on, ASG, do WHATEVER IT TAKES TO LAND JERRY SLOAN HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Double Zero Eight
April 14th, 2011
8:32 am
The Hawks do not have a “switch to turn on”.
They have no electricity. They can only “light
a candle” and pray not to get “blown out” like
they did last year. If they lose all 4 games by
an average of 20 points, they will consider that
a “moral” victory.
terrell
April 14th, 2011
8:42 am
The other day LD said we couldnt just flip the switch on and off, and now he’s saying he’s confident we will. Whatever Uncle Larry. Btw, Pape Sy is more athletic than #2 overall.
terrell
April 14th, 2011
8:45 am
Be happy they’re on ESPN 2. If it were up to me they’d be on VS.
Hawks fan
April 14th, 2011
8:48 am
John kuester Kurt rambis Byron Scott Flip Saunders and Larry Drew should all be fired as soon as their season is over I still would like someone to explain to me why the hawks fired mike Woodson after he won 53 games last year Larry Drew has accomplished a lowly 44 game and ended the regular season with a six game losing streak he obviously has lost whatever magical beans he sold the hawks organization on being that he clearly has not motivated Joe Johnson, Josh smith is back to jacking up three pointers from everywhere and for some reason despite having a very capable center in etan Thomas (I’m not that high on Jason Collins no matter how much Larry plays him) he has continued to force Al Horford to play out of position This is what the hawks fans have paid their hard earned money to see? please fire Larry and get a real coach as soon as they finish getting swept (or if we’re lucky enough to squeeze out a game or two) Atlanta deserves better than Larry Drew period
oldmike
April 14th, 2011
8:58 am
I am not as passionate as most of the posters here. Najeh, dmary, sect303, grandad stevw etal way to go. Sorry for you that this miserable excuse for an organization and this embarrassing collection of heartless gutless whining losers is what you are forced to root for. If either the organization or the players (forget the hapless coach) shopwed the same passion for the games that you all do we would have a title winning team. Maybe we all should gang together and buy out the (there is no word for how awful they are) ASG and run this team on our own. Til then the only way to get anything to change should there be status quo next year is to get the town to boycot a series of games. Wonder how the ASG would take to an empty house for say their home opener. We all know how JJ would feel. Peace out.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
9:12 am
My Buddy!
Yeah, Buddy G. I would love to meet some blogging fools at the Taco Mac this play off season. Let’s keep this dialogue going.
_____________________
NUNNA!
Thanks for the kind words. We have all been “that guy” at the pump. Either needing assistance or providing assistance. Once, I realized what had happened? I did sort of laugh, because the young fella
“got me”.
What he didn’t know was that, had I had it, he probably could have gotten whatever he wanted. Like a Hawks opponent trolling in the paint on offense. (LOL)
Hey NUNNA, I’ve run out of gas on 285 before and have been bailed out myself. I was being a blonde that day, not paying attention to details, like the low fuel indicator flashing in my face. Hey stuff happens.
We must never lose compassion, that’s what makes the world a better place.
Thank You and G-Daddy for reminding me of what’s really important.
One time I was leaving the club @ like 2AM in the city and this lady came up and said, “Do you have a gas can?” My girlfriend and I said no. The lady said, “My car ran out of gas just two blocks away and I’m 30 miles from home, please help me.” Honestly, we were a little tipsy and were waiting on our Cabbie as well. We gave the lady $25 and the next later that morning, we looked at each other and said, “I think we were scammed by that lady. We should have known she was in search of drugs or alcohol.”
But, that lady was good at her craft. She made a play and scored the basket. Bottom line, we restored her faith in humanity if even for one night. God does want us to help each other. You never know in what form Jesus will return, you really don’t.
________________
Well, here we are! 360 degrees since the FA frenzy and some of you predicted a 47-35 record and pretty much nailed it. Now we will see if the Hawks can actually “flip” that magic switch in round 1.
Either way, a change is gonna’ come.
Hopefully, it will start with the 8 feces throwing Orangutans packing their boxes and waving good bye! And continue on down to the end of the bench. Good writtens.
terrell
April 14th, 2011
9:19 am
I’ll explain it Hawks fan. The Hawks BARELY got by a hobbled Milwaukee squad in rd 1. Took em 7 games. Then they got embarrased by Orlando. Lost by an avg of 30 something points. Forget about the 53 REG SEASON wins. That Playoff debacle wqas totally UNACCEPTABLE. And LD sux, but is it fair to judge LD’s 1st year, based on Woody’s 6th? Just asking.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
9:22 am
ESPN 2?
Are you kidding me? Isn’t that where they show:
The McDonald’s All American High School Game?
There’s a reason, I stopped watching ESPN years ago.
terrell
April 14th, 2011
9:23 am
And will yall stop it with this” Horford playin out of position crap”. I’ve heard about enough of that. I’ve seen him get outplayed at pf a number of times too. Hell, he got manhandled by 6′5 Chuck Hayes for crying out loud. Josh is the best pf on this team. Al is the best center on this team. Point blank. Use Collins or Etan when necessary.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
9:36 am
If this team wants to have any shot in going deep into the Playoffs, Joe and Jamal need to combine for at least 45 points every game.
The problem with this team is Joe Johnson. The guy can’t even drop 20 points anymore. He is going against a weak defender (Jason Richardson) in Round 1, but look for another 12 point 4-16 performance from him.
The guy has been awful this year. There was a time 2 or 3 years ago where he was the 3rd best SG in the NBA but WASN’T THAT MUCH WORSE than Kobe or Wade.
Now he is
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
9:43 am
Can we please clear out this horrendous core and get a new coach (either of the Van Gundy’s)? Stan will be gone because Orlando is likely not going to the ECF
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
9:48 am
“So Hawks Game 3 (in ATL) on a Friday night will be broadcast on ESPN2. This is the only first round game scheduled to be shown on ESPN2 so far. My goodness, you talk about no respect. SMH”
At least we are not on NBATV. That is an ultimate sign of disrespect, since most people don’t get NBATV
And LOL @ LD’s comments about how he is confident. Hypocrite
Simjr
April 14th, 2011
9:48 am
up next Saturday night: Orlando by 22…..
LD stay out of the bottle this weekend….
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
9:50 am
Worldwide Clýde!
You woke up to yawn? You better stay off those sleeping pills. LOL!
Hey, how many FIRE ASKG Tee’s can a sister get for 5K? Fire up the screen print machines! -smiles-
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
9:51 am
@Joe-This is a new season once the playoffs start. Anything is possible. So playboy we are relevant.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
9:52 am
JOE JOHNSON, PLEASE WAKE UP
FIRE LD
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
9:54 am
@Terrell-Have you ever heard of win and move on. Well thats what we did last year and the year before. And should I go ahead and say this year as well. Go Hawks
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
9:56 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmPCjRL-32M
I want to see some damn technical fouls, flagrant fouls, and trash talking in this series
This team needs to quit being soft
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
9:56 am
@DoubleZero8-I dont know who your team is but the Hawks dont need another HATER. Get on the playoff bandwagon or get off. Your choice
Astro Joe
April 14th, 2011
9:58 am
Heaven knows I’m no LD fan and was a vocal critic of bringing in the lead assistant from the very, very beginning. But I do believe that it speaks volumes about the character of the players that they didn’t respond to their new boss. Seemingly, their new boss gave them more rope than their previous boss. These guys aren’t inexperienced players, they are mostly mature vets. And they took that extra rope and tied a noose for themselves (and LD). So while LD deserves more than his fair share of blame, let’s not pretend that these players (Joe, Josh, Al, Marvin, Zaza, Jamal, etc.) are faultless as a unit and individually. When gsome of the previous demands were removed, they acted like 13 YO boys away from home for the first time. I’m not sure that yet another head coach fixes their lack of maturity and professionalism.
O'Brien
April 14th, 2011
10:00 am
JeJe, My keys to beating the Magic;
1) Collins has to frustrate Dwight.
2) Hawks must defend like their life depended on it
3) We need JJ and Jamal to give us 40 pts combined
That being said, I think Magic in 6.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
10:04 am
O’Brien, great 7:21am post
The keys to this series are:
1) Joe Johnson stepping the F up and actually showing up for once
2) Jamal off bench
3) Hinrich playing defense and hitting shots
4) Defense
The key to this series is JOE JOHNSON SHOWING UP. WE NEED 24 POINTS A GAME FROM HIM
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
10:04 am
Does anyone else feel like there are times when the 2nd teams are in the game (Marvin included), and he doesn’t try to step up and dominate? He is fine with doing nothing
2 FOR JOHN DREW
April 14th, 2011
10:05 am
@drmary ….. Good stuff !!!!!!!!!!
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
10:09 am
The Bulls and Thunder have rosters with players most of us don’t know much about. But they overachieve
Our team is full of underachievers.
NO ONE on this roster has overachieved since joining the Hawks
KevinM
April 14th, 2011
10:15 am
Buddy Grizzard, you’re on! Taco Mac is a good pre-game stop.
Tell me what time and I’ll have my #2 on!
I gotta say that if you had to pick a team who is out in the least number of games, you $$ would be safe on the Hawks.
Someone was questioning whether our guys could just turn it on after an 8 loss streak, which by the way is the worst by far of the season: it got me to thinking about Rocky and his battle with Clubber Lang. When did Rocky go back to Southpaw? After the 6th round…..
We are so far from having a switch that we can flip…then lights seem to just go out on their own for us….no one on this team can tell us why when something doesn’t go the teams’ way.
worse2first
April 14th, 2011
10:19 am
Coach says the team has to flip on the switch? How?
JJ and Al are sleep walking these days. JC is moribund in a contract year. Hinrich forgot how to play the point. Teague is disrespected. There is no offensive cohesion. Pass the ball to JJ or JC and never get it back. Reminds me how the team looked in Woody’s last days. Selfish play, blow outs, uninspired effort, tuned out non competitive play. Seems like they want to get LD fired.
Ah it all makes sense now. Until LD is gone and Rick Sund earns his pay this what I have become – tuned out.
O'Brien
April 14th, 2011
10:20 am
AJ,
Co-sign your 9:58. Which is why I think regardless of whether or not the Hawks make a coaching change, they should shake up the roster.
Slimjr
April 14th, 2011
10:21 am
My keys to beating the 2011 HAWKS:::JUST SHOW UP!!!!!!!!!!
KevinM
April 14th, 2011
10:22 am
JeJe, we have the least attractive matchup in the playoffs…compared to Denver/OKC….not even close. We might finish the season with a 12 game streak, and not the kind of streak you want to be reminded of…but if it causes major changes here, including sending LD to watch LDII at UCLA, then I’m all for it.
Being a UK fan, my expectations are higher than what Sund and the ASG deem as a successful season.
Coach Cal could come in and rep this team better than what we saw this past year.
The legend of Woody just grows with each passing loss and befuddlement of comments that spew from LD.
Slimjr
April 14th, 2011
10:27 am
LD; ALCOHOL AND BASKETBALL THE TWO SHALL NEVER MIX……………
THAT RULE ALSO APPLIES TO ALLSTAR AL AND THE REST OF THE SQUAD…..
YOU TOO SUND…………………RUN,DONT WALK…
GEARON KICK ROCKS…………………………………….
ICECOLD
April 14th, 2011
10:35 am
remember these hawks
sheldon williams
acie law
speedy claxton
othello hunter
anthony johnson
tyrone lue
Joe Smith
thomas gardner
randolph morris
lorenzen wright (r.i.p)
and Josh Childress
this team bench has gotten better and better…. and Im so happy the hawks got rid of these players because none of them was any good… next year.. Im sure we are going to add etan thomas, josh powell, marvin williams, hilton armstrong, zaza , kirk Hinrick ( or he might be the back up vet) to this list … all these players since 2008… all these players since the first playoff run!!!
they got rid of bibby.. now marvin should be next.. slowly changing the core… because to me the core to me is joe johnson josh smith and al horford… and im starting to think jeff teague too..
maybe add dwight!!!! ( lol.. i wish )
thats like
O'Brien
April 14th, 2011
10:38 am
From ajc.com;
With Orlando and Atlanta set to meet in the playoffs, Howard said the series is “all going to start with me” after the Hawks held him to his lowest shooting percentage against any team while winning three of four meetings this season. “The game that we won, I dominated that game and I have to dominate every game in order for us to beat these guys,”
He credited the Hawks’ length and realized while watching film of the games that he was sometimes impatient instead of taking his time when they pressured him.
“They did a pretty good job of having everybody in the paint and forcing me to throw the ball out or rush shots. So I look forward to the playoffs,” Howard said..
If Howard and SVG figure out how to handle Twin, then all we can hope for is that Dwight’s FT shooting is off.
The Truth
April 14th, 2011
10:38 am
“Al: No question. We were in a different situation since we already clinched. I felt like our focus shifted a little bit because we felt secure. We didn’t feel the need to go out there and play like that. Now it’s different. The playoffs are here and our minds are shifting towards that.”
Dear Al Horford
If you expect us fan to believe that piece of BS that came out your mouth, than you have less IQ than we gave you credit for. THE BOSS (LOL), you have been playing like a SOFT WATER BOY the last 6 games. Actually, I haven’t been impressed with your game since the Chicago win. So this notion of turning it back on doesn’t hold weight. Perhaps you need to check yourself into a clinic. You may be suffering from the “Joke Johnson” choke virus that usually comes out this time of the season. It is a highly contagious virus you catch when being influence by the host also referred to as the “JJ fools gold” phase2. Phase1 already killed the spirit of thousands of local sport fans last year in Atlanta GA. Phase2 could potentially be even worse.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
10:40 am
Had no idea LDII enrolled at UCLA
FIRE LD
KevinM
April 14th, 2011
10:43 am
Stack house says the Magic should have no issue with us.
Anthony thinks the Hawks can matchup and defen the 3 since we will single defend Dwight..
I think hack-a-Howard is not the worse thing. I’m sure the refs will be watching this closely.
I do know the reg season advantage means zilch.
Astro Joe
April 14th, 2011
10:47 am
If Dwight tries to dominate on the offensive side, the Hawks may win. He simply isn’t a devestating offensive player. I think he can average 30 points in the series and the Hawks could still win if they control the other players.
Slimjr
April 14th, 2011
10:49 am
Shop Allstar AL
Shop Josh
waive goodby to the invisible man
JC1 run dont walk
KevinM
April 14th, 2011
10:51 am
JeJe, that one move by LDII gave Carolina their moxie back. He has been dragging them down like Saul Smith kept Tubby’s teams from improving….Chris Duhon had zero interest being an understudy.
LD the coach might be a good #2 but he def is overmatched as a 1…..like sending Andy Roddick up against Nadal…..like sending Lenny Wilkens’ teams in Cleveland up against the Bulls in the playoffs…just overmatched all the way around. See the Jazz’ history against the Lakers in the playoffs.
Slimjr
April 14th, 2011
10:54 am
LD,BOB WIESS,MORA,N. TURNER. WADE PHILLIPS,COX= ROUND PEG,SQUARE HOLE…
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
10:57 am
KevinM,
I agree with your points but I don’t think Sloan was overmatched by Phil Jackson. The Lakers just have a far better and more complete roster than anyone in the league. Didn’t the Lakers destroy Utah 3 years in a row in the Playoffs? LOL
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
10:59 am
We need Collins healthy, but if Dwight is hitting his free throws, we may be in trouble. We need to get that Chant going with the “10, 9, 8….”
BTW who exactly is that section that is always wearing the same color? It is behind the Hawks bench kinda but way toward the back under the balcony. I’m sure someone here knows. I remember the Milwaukee series last year when they did the “naw naw naw naw hey heyyyy goodbye”
Good stuff
Section 303
April 14th, 2011
11:10 am
JeJe, you have to try out to be part of that section. If you make it, I believe you get into the game for free. Not sure when/where you try out, though.
That section has always struck me as a wannabe IZZONE or Cameron Crazy section.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
11:22 am
Good stuff, Section 303.
I think their chant during Dwight’s FTs rattles him. It’s good to see that at least someone/some people in the arena actually have passion or care. I wish the whole arena was like that
JOEY1
April 14th, 2011
11:24 am
if the hawks can play good d on d howard and limit the perimeter shooters shot made we can easily win this series, but we have to have no show johnson actually show up and play with some heart , if jj shows up abd plays with heart as he did against boston 3 years ago , the hawks can make it to the eastern conference finals….but who on the hawks team really plays with heart minus zaza, teague and smith??????
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
11:25 am
@JeJe- The Bulls and Thunders have all stars what are you talking about. There may be 4 or 5 bench players that you dont know but you know the starters and the first guys that come off the bench.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
11:32 am
The Game Has Changed,
Ibaka, Sefolosha, Ronnie Brewer, Korver etc. don’t come to mind as big-name players, but they are all hella good and productive
We have guys like Smoove, Crawford, and Marvin who all underachieve quite a bit. I don’t think we’re less talented than either of those teams, 1-7 – especially Chicago
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
11:33 am
We have 2 All Stars (although I don’t think they really are good enough to be All Stars next year), Smoove, Jamal, Marvin, and Hinrich. That right there is enough to compete with either of those teams talentwise.
BUT THEY HAVE FAR BETTER COACHES AND NO UNDERACHIEVERS
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
11:38 am
For everyone talking about shaking up the roster, you are just spitting in the wind. We just need to add a center and a point guard. Not a guard yall say plays D and gives us 3 points a game. Mario West and Moe Evans gave us that. We need or should I say we need to keep our core
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
11:46 am
“And LD sux, but is it fair to judge LD’s 1st year, based on Woody’s 6th? Just asking.”
No, it’s not fair to grade a rookie coach on the same curve as a sixth year coach. But at the same time, LD’s preexisting familiarity with the strengths and weaknesses of this team give him a little less margin for error than if a rookie coach with no prior connection to this organization had been hired.
What I’m afraid of is that LD will never be able to succeed with this group due to his familiarity with them. His problems seem to be related to motivating players, not X’s and O’s. It would seem to me that it’s easier for a good motivator like Woody to make changes to his system and get his players to buy into those changes (if there was someone like Woody who was actually willing to change his system) than it is for a poor motivator with a good system to suddenly improve on his ability to motivate the same players who have already tuned him out once.
lewis
April 14th, 2011
11:48 am
Hawks fan
April 14th, 2011
8:48 am
John kuester Kurt rambis Byron Scott Flip Saunders should be fired along with LD at the end of the season
How can u put Byron Scott with those names? He is a great coach in a bad situation.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
11:54 am
If we are worried about what happens this summer, I’d try extend Damien for 2 years ASAP. He is a solid defender, has heart, and actually can hit jumpshots (contrary to what people believe).
Najeh, I don’t think Woody would EVER make changes. He NEVER EVER changed the starting lineup, even with Marvin sucking. It didn’t help Collins wasn’t in shape, but Woodson was NOT a good coach and his offfensive strategies (or lack thereof) was garbage
LD AND WOODY ARE GARBAGE
GET A VAN GUNDY IN HERE AND CONVINCE THEM THIS TEAM IS WILLING TO SPEND MONEY
ag
April 14th, 2011
12:00 pm
I disagree because most of those ooaches inherited bad teams, unlike LD. He should never have been hired. His career should have began with a bad team that he could help grow. I think LD should start Teague in the playoffs. Another sign of disrepect, he played KH more than the starters.. to get him going, when a player is clearly outplaying him, but is on the bench.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
12:14 pm
“Najeh, I don’t think Woody would EVER make changes. He NEVER EVER changed the starting lineup, even with Marvin sucking. It didn’t help Collins wasn’t in shape, but Woodson was NOT a good coach and his offfensive strategies (or lack thereof) was garbage”
I agree. I think I worded my earlier post wrong. What I meant to say was that if there was someone who could motivate players like Woody, but who was also willing to make changes and adjustments to his system unlike Woody, they would be more likely to improve as a coach with this group of players than someone like Drew.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
12:20 pm
“they got rid of bibby.. now marvin should be next.. slowly changing the core… ”
Why does everything with this team have to be “slowly”?
OKC had the #2 pick in 2007 and now they are legitimate championship contenders. CHI had the #1 pick in 2008 and now they are legitimate championship contenders. ATL had the #2 pick in 2005 and now they are in no man’s land. Not that I’m blaming Marvin for all the Hawks’ problems by any means, but the point is that it took four and three years respectively for those teams to go from the top of the lottery to the cream of the crop. It has taken our beloved Hawks six years to go from the top of the lottery to middle of the pack.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
12:23 pm
“If Howard and SVG figure out how to handle Twin, then all we can hope for is that Dwight’s FT shooting is off.”
Exactly. And if we should remember anything from the first round of the playoffs last year, it is that good coaches find a way to adjust their schemes to attack opponents at their weakest point when given extra days to prepare in the playoffs. Scott Skiles found a way to shred the switching defense in the first round and Woody barely counter-adjusted in time to avoid getting eliminated by the Bucks. Orlando will surely have a counterattack planned for Collins.
Wink
April 14th, 2011
12:27 pm
Playoff time…4 games to go…BOOM!
News Flash: Breaking News…..
Atlanta Spirit Group fires Larry Drew! In serious negoiations with Bobby Petrino to take over coaching duties… seems he has heard about the CORE and is familiar with the city. ASG quoted as saying “Nothing like getting a Quitter to lead a team of Quitters!!!
Wink
April 14th, 2011
12:30 pm
Any word on Woody…..have not seen or heard from him all season. Must have had an anonymous clause in his contract!!
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
12:51 pm
Orlando is vunerable. One reason ASG fired Woody (or did not renew his contract to be more precise) was, as Gearon said, a misutilization of Collins. I think he was referring specifically to the Orlando series, when Woody finally used Collins it was like wow, we can handle these guys. But Woody being Woody wasn’t about to shift mid stream. I’ve never seen another coach totally incapable of changing a strategy as Woody was. Imagine that, 2 terribly bad coaches straight for the Hawks (actually, alot more than that – last good Coach was Lenny).
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
12:59 pm
Anyway, we basically did our entire off season roster with Orlando in mind it seemed. Collins got fit. Etan comes in. We’re preparing for Dwight.
Now with Hinrich/Teague, I think we have a slight answer for Jameer, Arenas, Duhon, if LD will rotate properly. My concern is he does the Bataan death march with Hinrich and Jamal at Point, the Richardson’s and Reddick get hot from outside, as well as Turk and Anderson, and we are toast once again.
And I would feel alot better about this series with one more perimeter defender like Mo’ Evans. Can’t believe LD’s stupidity cost us not only JC2 and a 1st pick, just because he wouldn’t play Teague more at PG, but also cost a situational player for this series and the playoffs in Mo.
Now Mo’ was playing terrible, and LD for whatever reason couldn’t make himself play Wilkens (still can’t, weird). But I wouldnt’ mind having him as an option to run at the Magic perimeter guys on occasion.
LD has cost this team in so many ways…
BTW – I’m glad that Pig Miller trade fell thru with Houston at the deadline. ZaZa has been a beast since, or at least a beast for ZaZa’s standards.
Trojan
April 14th, 2011
1:01 pm
The Thunder are an example of what happens when you actually have a plan and try to CONSTRUCT a team.
The Hawks are an example of what happens when you go through the motions as cheaply as possible and hope for a miracle despite not really worrying about having drafts of forwards each year.
Kendrick Perkins could have helped the Hawks, oh, I forgot he makes more than the vet minimum.
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:02 pm
If LD had any sense as a HC we could have:
Had Teague playing 30 minutes per night on Jameer
Had JC2 playing 3 spot minutes per half at PG also
Had Bibby for long range shooting, leadership, and fresh only playing 10 minutes per game or so.
Had Mo’ as well as Wilkens for perimeter D.
LD messed us up
darrell starks
April 14th, 2011
1:04 pm
Trojan there is nothing wrong with the hawks they have talent, it’s just that woody and ld just can’t coach.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
schmeckdawg
April 14th, 2011
1:05 pm
4 more games and the Drew experience will be all over. But at least he didn’t quit like his punk a$$ son!
darrell starks
April 14th, 2011
1:07 pm
If hinrich and marvin starte the hawks will loose the series.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
April 14th, 2011
1:08 pm
Teague and Collins have starte if the hawks are going have a chance.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:08 pm
Playoff roster if the LD destruction had not taken place:
Starters vs Magic:
Collins
Horford
Smith
JJ
Teague
And a great bench of :
Jamal
Marvin
Wilkens
Mo
ZaZa
Bibby
And JC2 or Etan depending on what you wanted to do.
Deep, situational, and physical against Dwight.
Now again, I know Mo was playing terrible before the trade. But I have a feeling that at some point in this series, we are going to say it sure would be good to have 1 more defender to throw at the Richardson’s and Reddick.
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:11 pm
Last time I saw Hinrich on Jameer, it wasn’t pretty.
Last time I saw Jamal on anybody, it wasn’t pretty.
Hope LD has sense enough to play Teague, but I doubt it.
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:13 pm
We are gonna need Marvin on Anderson and Turkoglo, because I don’t know who else we have long and lean enough to guard them. Josh and Al will have defensive problems against them.
And Bass may “Chucky Hayes” Al.
darrell starks
April 14th, 2011
1:16 pm
Not one time have i seen COACH LD curse a player out, the greatest player 2 play M.J. have been curse out by Phil Jackson, thats the different between a good coach and a weak coach, at least woody would pull a player 2 the side and get in there grill, but LD is so laid back that the hawks have become a soft team.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:17 pm
I think that’s the frustrating thing; we finally have Orlando in a vunerable position, and we may not have the Coach to exploit it.
And with a decent Coach, I’ve always thought we match up well with Chicago, and even the Heat.
Maybe LD is praying to God for wisdom. God will grant it. And the Hawks will be in the ECF. It seems like our only hope.
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:20 pm
Maybe Sund got Hilton as a throw in just so he can help defend Anderson a little bit, I don’t know.
And for those that like Teague and JC2, thank Pendergraft. I think we finally have a guy that can pinpoint talent maybe, at least guard play.
JOEY1
April 14th, 2011
1:20 pm
1 if the hawks can play good d on d howard and limit the perimeter shooters shot made we can easily win this series, but we have to have no show johnson actually show up and play with some heart , if jj shows up abd plays with heart as he did against boston 3 years ago , the hawks can make it to the eastern conference finals….but who on the hawks team really plays with heart minus zaza, teague and smith??????
O'Brien
April 14th, 2011
1:21 pm
I am ok with Kirk starting on Jameer. However, if it is clear from early on (first-second quarter) that Jameer is having his way with Kirk, then LD needs to go to Teague and see if he can provide a spark.
My fear is LD will automatically bring in Jamal to replace Kirk. If that happens, all we can hope for is that Jamal’s shot is on, because he will give up alot of points on defense.
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:22 pm
So we finally get a talent evaluator, and we trade one of his 1st picks that he drafted (JC2), trade another 1st pick (#18), and refuse to use another of his picks (Teague). Sad, if it weren’t so funny. Or stupid.
darrell starks
April 14th, 2011
1:23 pm
Steve W marvin is horrible Josh give you 10 times more of effort than marvin at the 3, plus you put josh on the block at smallforward he score at will all day, you put marvin in the post he fall and trip over his on shoes, marvin is clumsy.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:36 pm
Kirk, this is what we brought you here for – step up to the plate please!
Matchups:
C- Collins, Etan, ZaZa on Dwight – I think we know this matchup. We can at least slow Dwight.
PF – Al and Josh on Bass and Anderson – We are way more talented, but Bass the bruiser and Anderson the outside guy provide unique challenges for us.
SF – Josh and Marvin against Hedo – Again, I think Hedo provides a little bit of a match up problem for us. Nothing good coaching couldn’t solve however. Adjustments will have to be made during the flow of the game.
SG – JJ and Jamal vs. Jason Richardson and Reddick. J Richardson is a real enigma. The guys a player, but he hasn’t done well since the trade to Orlando. I think he’s a key to this series for them. If he’s the Jason Richardson he should be, Orlando is going to be hard to beat by anybody in the playoffs, including us. But if he’s still in a funk, we gotta shot, especially if Reddick doesn’t become Vinny Johnson junior.
PG – Hinrich and Teague against Jameer, Arenas, and Duhon. If LD will rotate this properly, we can neutralize this position. If LD let’s Hinrich and Jamal get destroyed by Jameer, then LD is just stupid.
Other role players: Wilkens, Powell, Hilton for us – maybe Sy but i doubt it – and Q Richardson and Malik Allen for the Magic. Probably about a wash.
So the key will come down to Coaching, specifically player rotations and enforcing your game plan on your players. And in those two areas, I don’t trust LD one bit. We have the potential to win this series, but LD hinders us.
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:41 pm
Darrel – I feel your pain. But do you remember the Chicago game we won? Against Hedo and Ryan Anderson, that’s the Marvin we need. Both of those long lean athletes will take advantage of Josh outside, watch and see.
And based on this year, I don’t trust Josh to take either of them on the low block either. He could, but I’m concerned Josh will try to beat Hedo and Anderson at their game. And he’s not nearly as good at their game as they are.
But yes, if Josh would play the way Josh should, he can have some match up advantages. Whether Josh will remains to be seen.
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:43 pm
I mean Orlando has a couple of 6-10, 6-11 guys who are deadly from long range. Perimeter defense is not Josh’s speciality, help and to a lesser extant man defense is. We better have somebody on the roster that’s long (6-9) with an enormous wing span than can guard those 2. Because a defense of hoping they miss for the entire series is not a good plan.
Section 303
April 14th, 2011
1:47 pm
SteveW, that’s a pretty good break down.
My concern with stopping Howard comes from the officials. Twin always has done decent work against Howard. Remember Game 2 last year (that’s the game the Hawks kinda-sorta tried hard in)? Twin drew two clear charges on Howard that were called personnal fouls on Twin. If the games are called that way, we have no shot.
If the games are called like the last game here in Atlanta we have a chance. Howard was in foul trouble most of the game (Twin drew 2 charges). He goes out. There no Gotat coming to back him up. The Magic are stuck with Brandon Bass or Ryan Anderson (the last game in Atlanta Anderson came off the bench for Howard in the 2nd quarter).
As a Michigan State Spartan alum, I love J-Rich. I agree with you, SteveW. J-Rich could possibly do some damage in this series.
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:49 pm
Last season Dwight and Jameer killed us. They opened up the wings and we were beaten in historic fashion, just as Woody’s assistant who is now HC has lead us to historic beatdowns this season (great having 2 history making coaches this close together isn’t it?).
But we can neutralize both those guys if we will I just hope Teague doesn’t turn an ankle, or we’ve got some real match up problems at the Point.
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
1:53 pm
303 – I agree about the officials. I remember last season the ‘Cats really pushed the Magic, because Larry Brown just went right at Dwight and got him in foul trouble. I am totally perplexed that Orlando didn’t get a backup C at the trade deadline. You would think they could’ve gotten somebody better than Malik Allen, but they didn’t.
It’s a shame officiating may determine this series.
And don’t you think the NBA wants LeBrat and Kobe in the Finals? $$$$’s all around.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
2:01 pm
@JeJe-We will have 3 all-stars next year.Josh cant get any worse and Joe should be healthy. Also those players you named are not big time but we all know them. So sit back and watch us shock the world the first and second rounds
SteveW
April 14th, 2011
2:03 pm
When I was to frustrated with this team to blog, I ran across an interesting theory I’m not sure was posted here. And I don’t think I buy the premise, but it is worth mentioning – it was from Bret LaGree if I’m not mistaken.
The theory went that Jamal and LD must have had some type of financial understanding. That even if LD was fired, since he’s only making like 1.5M next season anyway, that if he continued to play Jamal big minutes, even to the detriment of the team, that Jamal would make it worth his while.
Again, I don’t think I buy it, but thought it was worth mentioning. Anybody else see the article?
JOEY1
April 14th, 2011
2:04 pm
again this is the key to winining ther series-if the hawks can play good d on d howard and limit the perimeter shooters shot made we can easily win this series, but we have to have no show johnson actually show up and play with some heart , if jj shows up abd plays with heart as he did against boston 3 years ago , the hawks can make it to the eastern conference finals….but who on the hawks team really plays with heart minus zaza, teague and smith??????
Section 303
April 14th, 2011
2:06 pm
SteveW, your LeBrat/Kobe comment reminds me of my brother in-law. He won’t watch the NBA because he thinks it’s fixed. I pointed out to him, if that were the case, why have we not seen LeBron and Kobe in the Finals together? That’s the matchup everyone (not me, you , or anyone else on here) wants to see.
I forgot about Allen. I bet they still give Anderson first shot at backing up Howard (Bass starts, right?). Anderson is a good player, but the Hawks can match him. In fact, when Anderson has to guard Horford that’s a huge advantage for the Hawks.
Uh-oh……I’m starting to talk myself into thinking the Hawks have a chance in this series. I need to re-read Michael’s game recap and get those thoughts out of my head. Those “flip the switch” quotes just killed my attitude when I read them this morning.
Worldwide Clyde
April 14th, 2011
2:27 pm
I nominate Northcyde, Jeje, and Najeh Davenpoop for Blogger of the Year. Throughout the year they have had the best posts in my opinion.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
2:31 pm
Well well well. For the last 2 months most of you have been dogging my Hawks saying we dont stand a chance. Now all of sudden you are seeing the light. If yall are ready to start supporting LD now is the time. I am sick of tired of the fire LD talk. If thats the case fire the 17 coaches that finished with a worse record than the Hawks.
James on Pharr Rd
April 14th, 2011
2:42 pm
I cant believe I did not even consider Doug Collins as a potential Coach for the Hawks last year. He would have been a tremendous upgrade to Woodson.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
3:06 pm
Not Even Close!
Clyde is delusional as always. Comparing JeJe to the brilliance of northcyde ans Najeh Davenpoop is an insult in and of itself.
That’s the equivalent of trying to park a bicycle built for two between a Maserati and a Lamborghini. If it wasn’t so pathetic it might be funny.
But hey, when the Circus is in town – the Clowns do come out!
ant banks
April 14th, 2011
3:34 pm
sobberin’ news: since 1980, only 7 teams, SEVEN, have won nba titles: Lakers, San Antonio, Houston, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Miami. OKC has the only legit shot at bein’ the newbie. 5 of the 7 teams are legit contenders to win AGAIN this year. so it looks like outta 31 years, the same 7 teams have shots at titles.
WILL THE HAWKS EVER, EVER, EVER SNIFF A TITLE?
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
3:34 pm
My nominations for poster of the year:
Worldwide Clyde
Rod from College Park
Najeh Davenpoop
Brilliant posters.
Most obnoxious poster:
drMaryB. LOL getting cheated out of 5 dollars. You are a joke
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
3:35 pm
I’d say northcyde puts the most effort of all posters into his posts, but I disagree with a few points here and there. Definitely the most insightful
Damn I can post from my apartment on IE, but not FireFox. It is a weird day.
FIRE LD
Grandad
April 14th, 2011
3:35 pm
Please remember that Woodson had lost this team;
just as LD has lost [or never had] them.
Najeh is correct;
woodson was a horrible coach.
[no adjustments / same line-up / etc]
LD is also horrible;
too many line-ups, no consistency,
Collins only plays -v- ORL [ditto Etan]
while neither developed Teague.
Woodson was harsh;
but he did not have the players respect.
(one does not have to curse to demand respect)
Thibodeau came in and immediately “earned”
the respect of the *Bulls.
*[who became overchievers under his tutelage]
Woodson’s bullying nor LD’s -tepid- demeanor
have worked with this group.
I’m not suggesting this flawed roster would be
much better served by Red Auerbach as they
don’t seem to have the inherent will to win.
Neither am I declaring any love for the past two
coaches as we fans have been tortured & teased
by owners who from the beginning never have
mentioned the word championship.
I think we had it all wrong and we should have been
pulling for Belkin all along. Maybe he was a genius.
Right about now – lookin’ back – makes one wonder ?
ant banks
April 14th, 2011
3:39 pm
will still got 8 months left. why we discussin’ BOTY (blogger of the year)? kinda like arguin’ A-rod or Josh Hamilton for MLB mvp in May. imho. lol
dos hawkquis
April 14th, 2011
3:44 pm
I remember last year during the Orlando/Hawks series, Van Gundy told his team, “if we go out here and crush them, i guarantee that they will not show up for game 4. they will quit!”
I wonder is he telling them this now?
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.”
superiorblogman
April 14th, 2011
3:50 pm
If Larry Drew makes it to the arena the Hawks get swept as Kirk “backwards move” Hinrich and Jamal “ballhog” Crawford chop off the head of the snake, just happens that they will be chopping off there on teams head because it starts out front.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
3:54 pm
Rick Sund said in an interview 2 months ago that when you look at the 2 Finals teams last year, 9 of the 10 players were in their 30s.
He is basically saying we have no shot at winning a title
FIRE SUND
Rufus1
April 14th, 2011
4:02 pm
The #1 reason we win in 6 games…
THE MAGIC ARE NOT THE SAME TEAM THEY WERE LAST YEAR AND WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS TEAM!!!!
Jameer is trying to convince his new group that they can beat the Hawks, even though they haven’t. We are going to beat them up with are size and physical play.
The Hawks having mental lapses is nothing new, but we had no mental lapses against the Magic…..WE WILL BEAT THEM IN 6 GAMES!!!!
PS. The regular season does matter. We beat the Bucks in the regular season last year and we beat them in the playoffs(With the mental lapses), but we lost to the Magic…Same story the previous year(Heat and Cavs)
J from the A
April 14th, 2011
4:03 pm
Blogger of the Year: northcyde
Honorable Mentions:
O’Brien
Najeh
drmaryb (if for no other reason, I really enjoy her fantastically funny anecdotes and quips)
I am sure I am forgetting a few people that deserve honorable mentions, and perhaps snubbing a few more.
Troll of the Year: superiorblogman
Runner up: Itwasnotabadpick*
Sorry JeJe, but just when I am about to write you off as 100% troll, you screw around and say something insightful. I got it! JeJe is more of a spammer than a troll.
Spammer of the Year: JeJe
J from the A
April 14th, 2011
4:05 pm
ant banks
April 14th, 2011
3:39 pm
“will still got 8 months left. why we discussin’ BOTY (blogger of the year)? kinda like arguin’ A-rod or Josh Hamilton for MLB mvp in May. imho. lol”
According to many, the year [basketball year for the Hawks], will be ending within the next 10-14 days. Aye, me, I have a little more faith. The Hawks might actually still be balling come May!
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
4:09 pm
“Blogger of the Year: northcyde
Honorable Mentions:
O’Brien
Najeh
drmaryb (if for no other reason, I really enjoy her fantastically funny anecdotes and quips)
I am sure I am forgetting a few people that deserve honorable mentions, and perhaps snubbing a few more.
Troll of the Year: superiorblogman
Runner up: Itwasnotabadpick*
Sorry JeJe, but just when I am about to write you off as 100% troll, you screw around and say something insightful. I got it! JeJe is more of a spammer than a troll.
Spammer of the Year: JeJe”
FIRE LD
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
4:27 pm
J from The A
Hello there, you are a stand up guy and I love reading your contributions. Thank You for the honorable mention. Hey, I aim to entertain and bring humor to the blog.
I have come to the conclusion that every blogger makes a valuable contribution to the conversation. Some are excellent communicators and others are great at chants and rants. But, at the end of the day, we are ALL fans of The Hawks and that’s all that really matters.
The blog is fun and therapeutic. Especially after losses.
This is hands down the best blog of The NBA. We have the most insightful and intellectual posters of the Free World!
I’m out fellas! Yall have fun.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
4:42 pm
Getting Mine!
“Rick Sund said in an interview 2 months ago that when you look at the 2 Finals teams last year, 9 of the 10 players were in their 30s.”
_______________________
This is a very astute observation that I have made on here over many years. The thing about the younger players is that, their agenda is:
I have got to get mine first – attitude. They play for that 3rd and final big contract, after they have blown through all their money.
The 30 something players are focused on playing the right way, they have matured and begin to sacrifice their individual games for the betterment of the team goals, which is to win a Championship before the fat lady starts warming up.
These guys take less money to play on contending teams and for the most part, very few ever get to taste the champagne or kiss
The O’Brien Trophy.
_______________
Later.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
4:52 pm
@Ant-We sniffin now playboy.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
4:57 pm
@drmaryb-Every team wants to win the whole thing. But the reality is they wont. I am a big Braves fan and we only have won one. I just want the Hawks to at least do like the Jazz in the 90s, just stay competitive. Those 5 world series the Braves went to were some of the happiest days in my life. I attended a lot of those games. So lets just hope the Hawks remain in the hunt for the next ten years. NEVER GIVE UP
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
6:23 pm
@Grandad-Woodson was a decent coach. I think the owners forget what team they were running. The man improved every year. I think we could have had the best team in the East if we would have kept Woodson and added a center. That you cant argue. Yes we got put out in the second round but it happens. One of these top four seeds from each conferences will not advance this year. Thats why we play the game. We are what we are. We are a first or second round team