Atlanta Hawks: About last night
- A look at the plus-minus shows the Hawks dominated even more than the score suggested. Only a couple turnover-plagued, scoring-challenged stints by Atlanta’s subs prevented this from being a total beat down instead of a blowout (understandable since Chicago’s second unit is better defensively than the starters).
- The Hawks showed they meant business on the very first play of the game. Joakim Noah won the tip, but Al Horford stepped in front of a sleepy Derrick Rose to corral the ball. Horford powered over Rose before help could arrive to start Atlanta’s 12-1 run.
- “It seemed like that was a momentum booster,” Joe Johnson said. “I thought that was a game-changing moment in itself.”
- Chicago really only had one competitive stretch after that. Atlanta’s subs tried to pressure the Bulls early in the second quarter and it backfired. The Bulls scored six points off three turnovers as Taj Gibson, Omer Asik and Kyle Korver got them back in the game.
- The Hawks buried the Bulls in the last four minutes of the first half with an electric display of defensive energy and shot-making. Vladimir Radmanovic, playing in place of injured Marvin Williams, made two of his five 3-pointers (on five attempts) during that 18-2 burst.
- Atlanta didn’t let up after halftime. Joe scored on Js and drives, Jeff Teague set up Horford for an open jumper, Josh Smith scored at the rim on a sharp pass from Joe, Vlad Rad made another 3 and Smith scored on an oop from Teague. The Bulls, meanwhile, couldn’t score at the rim (Al had key blocks against Noah and Luol Deng) and couldn’t hold onto the ball against Atlanta’s swarming D.
- Zaza Pachulia finally got an extended stint and delivered with five rebounds, 3 for 5 shooting (including a couple nice finishes at the rim!) and a steal. Zaza works well together with Tracy McGrady, who is always calling for Zaza for pick-and-rolls. You can see that McGrady has learned that he can’t put as much mustard on his passes to Zaza.
- The Hawks never let Rose (3 for 10 shooting, five turnovers) find his rhythm. Teague rediscovered his defensive mojo. Atlanta blitzed Rose to make him give up the ball and surrounded him with their long bodies to cut off his space.
- “Get up on the pick and roll,” Teague said of the plan vs. Rose. “We sat back the first game and he picked us apart and made threes. So we brung it up and tried to get up on him more and let him see bodies.”
- “It’s not an individual effort with that guy,” Smith said. “You have to build walls in transition. We did a good team job on him defensively: crowding him, trapping him and giving him different looks.”
- When the Hawks move the ball like they did in this game, even an elite defensive team like Chicago looks a step slow. Those 32 assists on 47 field goals don’t even fully capture how crisp the Hawks looked.
- Once the Hawks started making shots, they started hawking the ball, getting steals, running the floor and everything came together.
- “That’s what it’s all about, playing together as a team,” Josh said. “Whenever we are that unselfish on the offensive end, guys are more willing to make that extra push on the defensive end.”
- “We were on a string,” Teague said. “We really got out in transition. That’s something we haven’t been doing lately. We’ve been halfcourt team the last couple games.”
- “On defense, we were right there,” Al said. “I think that’s what triggers our team, when we help each other.”
- Vlad Rad is officially out of his slump and eventually should approach his career norms. “Guys like him that get on a roll, they can just make shots in bunches,” Larry Drew said. “Every shot he takes, it looks like it was going in. He hit a couple early and you could see he was kind of feeling it.”
- Zaza took the credit: “He had Georgian food for first time today.” Vlad Rad: “Now I will eat at Zaza’s place for every pregame meal.”
- Even with the hot shooting night, Vlad passed up a couple open 3s. He’s such a clever player that sometimes it looks as if he over-thinks things instead of just letting it fly. And there are times when that cleverness leads to his teammates not being ready for his passes.
- This was the first game in which both Joe and Vlad Rad were making shots. It made a big difference.
- A night after attacking the rim with abandon, Josh was back to taking (and making) jump shots. But I’m wondering if fatigue didn’t play a factor in that. He used plenty of his juice for defense and finished with six blocked shots and four steals.
- In addition to his good work on D, Teague (6 of 8 shooting, 8 assists, no turnovers) finished strong at the basket while finding the perfect balance between attacking to score and looking to set guys up. “When Teague is aggressive like that, we are a different club,” Drew said. “When he is in attack mode, he gives us another weapon. He can turn the corner and finish on big guys. More importantly, it breaks their defense down.”
- About the only negatives for the Hawks were the six free-throw attempts (which hardly mattered with the way they were shooting 3s) and the 43-31 rebounding deficit (which mostly was due to their troubles dealing with Asik’s size ).
- By the way, the Hawks made all six of those free-throw attempts. Go figure.
- Marvin suffered that the team said is a Grade 1 ankle sprain in the first half and didn’t return. “It will probably be a situation where we are playing Vladi more at the three until we see Marvin’s status,” Drew said.
- The Hawks had the toughest schedule in the league to start the season. They came out of it with a 6-3 record and splits with Chicago and Miami.
- “Decent,” Joe said. “It wasn’t what we wanted it to be. Realistically we could have been 8-1. We let a couple get away. We have just got to try to validate this by stringing some more wins together.”
- “I think we did good,” Josh said. “It was still a little disappointing because we let a couple games get away from us. All in all I think we did a good job. We showed resilience and we played together.”
- “I think we did pretty good,” Al said. “There’s definitely a ceiling to do better. But 6-3, I will take it. It’s nine games in a short stretch of time, I will definitely take that.”
- “I think we did pretty good,” Teague said. “We let two slide. We wish we could get back. But it’s a long season. That many games in that short span, your body gets tired. I think we did a great job playing three in a row.”
- Atlanta’s schedule eases over the next week in terms of quality of opponent but the Hawks have to avoid slip-ups. “It’s not over with,” Josh said. “We have got to keep playing together. We’ve got to keep doing whatever it takes to win. We’ve got to stay focused and stay together.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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273 comments Add your comment
Grandmaster JeJe
January 8th, 2012
12:37 pm
FIRE LD
Grandmaster JeJe
January 8th, 2012
12:42 pm
Our interior defense vs. the Bulls’ bench was bad.
If Vlad plays at the 3, our big depth is razor thin. Ivan will need to play major minutes because Collins is beyond dreadful.
Sautee
January 8th, 2012
12:51 pm
Empty room, eh?
MsDee
January 8th, 2012
12:51 pm
Dang, just when Marvin starts the season’s off great, he seems to ALWAYS get hurt…why oh why, Marvin??
Sautee
January 8th, 2012
12:53 pm
JeJe,
We win by 15 and led by 29, and all you can do is b!tch about what we FAILED to do?
Did you expect that the Hawks would play that well? Did you even think they would win?
What WOULD they have to do for you to not find fault?
Just Joe
January 8th, 2012
12:56 pm
I owe Willie Green an apology. I said he was not capable of contributing. 15 of 23 from the field in his last four games, and as usual, almost never turns the ball over. Keep working Mr. Green.
tckr83
January 8th, 2012
12:57 pm
So frustrating… why can’t this team play like this every night? Chicago never stood a chance.
Blast
January 8th, 2012
12:59 pm
I’m glad they know they let two games slip away, but I like Hawks attitude, and that last comment by Josh.
U cannot let up. Their must be no slip-ups, especially against the bad teams.
Go Hawks, Go! Great win last night!!!!!
Astro Joe
January 8th, 2012
1:00 pm
FTTB, I have no issue with what Charles said and the only thing that can truly refute several of his statements is sustained excellence up to and including the playoffs. I never heard him say that the Hawks would never beat a very good team on a Saturday night. The overall tenor of this blog is mostly “we’re not good enough”. Barkley sounded like a common blogger the other night. Frustrated. Long-suffering. Glass-half-empty. Disappointed. Perplexed. Frustrated (yes, I said that twice for emhasis). I truly believe that most were more embarrassed to have our dirty laundry exposed than we were debating the uncleanliness of the laundry. It is hard to debate that we have some unsightly stains that make this a less than GQ-worthy team.
Just Joe
January 8th, 2012
1:00 pm
Go Falcons!!! 31-21. Falcons finally win a playoff game in what seems like an eternity. Not a Matty Ice win, but a Falcons win. Going to take a total team effort.
Ken Strickland
January 8th, 2012
1:03 pm
SAUTEE-We just have to accept that as Hawk fans, we will always have our share of HATERS and BASHERS who can’t see anything beyond their own NEGATIVE MINDED personal issues.
NCBravesFan
January 8th, 2012
1:08 pm
Awesome post, MC! Lots of good info. Hope you are feeling better today.
Let’s go Hawks!
Astro Joe
January 8th, 2012
1:09 pm
Strickland, kind of like you during the Woody days, huh?
real talk
January 8th, 2012
1:24 pm
Who will start for Marvin if he’s out? Have anybody heard anything?
Grandmaster JeJe
January 8th, 2012
1:55 pm
Sautee
JeJe,
We win by 15 and led by 29, and all you can do is b!tch about what we FAILED to do?
Did you expect that the Hawks would play that well? Did you even think they would win?
What WOULD they have to do for you to not find fault?
********************************
I see what you’re saying. Let’s play the same way from now on, with no interior defense from our bench and count on Vladimir to go 5-5 from 3 pt range.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 8th, 2012
1:58 pm
Ken S,
Give me a break. This is the same mentally fragile team as the last 3 years’ teams.
We have a sub-par coach. The only reason Magic said we are the sleeper team and commended LD is because they are great friends from the Lakers days.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 8th, 2012
1:59 pm
Get Well Soon!
MC! Sup? Great job and please take care of yourself. We need you to keep giving us rabid dogs the inside meaty bones.
Devil lover
January 8th, 2012
2:04 pm
“Chunky Barkley”…I can’t hear you!!!!
hawks_4_life
January 8th, 2012
2:11 pm
First off glad you are better MC. You can see what happens when you dont put out the regular stellar blog, us bloggers go nuts. Its a tribute to being spoiled. Now that our tough stretch is done, time to do damage Hawks. I guess Chuck’s “nice guys” comment stung a few people the wrong way.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
January 8th, 2012
2:26 pm
Hawks have to get past the 2nd round of the playoffs for me to start believing in them. Sorry.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 8th, 2012
2:28 pm
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
January 8th, 2012
2:26 pm
Hawks have to get past the 2nd round of the playoffs for me to start believing in them. Sorry.
********
STOP BASHING THE TEAM! We WON LAST NIGHT!
Section 303
January 8th, 2012
2:28 pm
If you were at the game last night, back me up on this: big obvation last night when Ivan Johnson entered game. F off, Barkley.
Josh did shoot more jumpers last night. Most were not bad shots, though. He shot many from just outside the L. That is not a bad shot for him to take. It’s when he settles for 20 feet or more jumpers that he gets out of his range.
T-Mac and Zaza have played well together all year. I enjoy watching T-Mac play. He is never in a rush and plays unselfishly. He is a much smarter player than I ever realized.
Good win last night. Team is so capable of being good. Still do not understand the pathetic effort shown on Thursday.
BoricuaHawk
January 8th, 2012
2:46 pm
Having been a Hawk fan for a long time, I must say I was floored when I heard we won last night. Hawks fans have come to expect the waves of this team. I think it’s a good sign that after a tough schedule this week, they can still have a game like this vs the Bulls. I am just disappointed that we lost 2 games we should’ve won. Great start Hawks!
Grandad
January 8th, 2012
2:49 pm
Josh said:
“We have got to keep playing together.
We’ve got to keep doing whatever it takes to win.
We’ve got to stay focused and stay together”
Okay – This is not about Josh;
it’s a typical Hawks statement;
therefore I ask; – why – ?
why do they continually make statements concerning;
*playing together / **(trust; a Hawks staple)
*doing what it takes to win
*focus
*staying together
It seems to me that our Hawks worry about this constanly.
More than most teams.
Teamwork, togetherness, trust, focus, selling out to win,
total effort to win, familial loyalty, etc;
these traits should be so natural that a player should never
call into question his teammates.
-especially a team that’s been together so long-
two guesses:
(1) a player making said quote questions his own motives
(2) there have been open lockerroom issues
____________________________________________
Sautee -&- ken S:
I’m neither a hater nor negative minded.
However the hawks schizophrenia has caused me to develop
a severe [but obscure] mental ilness known as:
Delusional Misidentification Syndrome / Fregoli Capgras delusion.
-basically-
I don’t know who’s who [Josh] are which team’s gonna show ?
Section 303
January 8th, 2012
2:50 pm
Brutus, I think I am one of Josh Smith’s biggest critics. I grow very tired of the poor shot selection, spoty effort, and pouting spells. He has all the tools. There is no question about that. And, he has played well these past two games. But, how long will that last? The guy is such a headcase, it is impossible to say.
No way you can annoit him as the team’s best player.
MattP
January 8th, 2012
2:50 pm
Brutus,
I agree, Josh has really improved the last 2 games. I am guessing the vets, Tmac and Stack, are working with him.Like 303 said, he did take jumpers last game but they were not bad. Before he use to just sit at the arc wait for someone to pass to him but now he gets inside more. Ivan is a great 2nd unit backup for Josh. I think we should just trade Al and try to get a Center.
Section 303
January 8th, 2012
2:55 pm
Anyone watching Ricky Rubio today? He is putting on a show against the Wizards. Can’t wait to watch that guy play inperson next Saturday. He is a top 5 PG already. Has a great sense of the game.
mykhalc
January 8th, 2012
3:20 pm
@303…totally agree with ya on the play of TMac and Zaza together. and you’re right…TMac is never in a hurry…best BB IQ on the team, hands down. i bashed his signing and am glad he’s proven me wrong…so far
SteveW
January 8th, 2012
3:26 pm
I don’t see the bad Big rotation – Even if Marvin and TMac are out – Rotate Al and ZaZa at 5, Josh and Ivan at 4, and Vlad and Stack at 3.
Now I know Stack looks dreadful – but I got a feelin’ if you told Stack we need you to play hard, with energy, for 2 6-8 minute stretches per game the next few games, he would rise to the occasion.
If not, slide Josh down to the 3 some. We have more legit options than I can remember for a while – maybe since the 80’s
JeJe – I know what you mean about Collins – unless we’re playing Al Jefferson or D12, maybe Bogut, Bynum,etc. the guy looks pretty atrocious.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
January 8th, 2012
3:27 pm
Which one is worse?
The Hawks loss to the Heat or the Falcons Blowout to the Giants?
FIRE LD
FIRE MIKE SMITH
FIRE MATT RYAN
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 8th, 2012
3:28 pm
Well …
Looks like if this state, this city and these fans are gonna’ win any title this year? It will have to be up to The ASKG Hawks.
The Falcons SUX!!!
MattP
January 8th, 2012
3:34 pm
Brutus,
He has not been playing this good since High school because of his shot selection. And if Josh is the #1 voted all star for the Hawks why hasn’t he been an all star yet? Yes, he might be more voted in this year because Johnson and Horford have completely sucked.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 8th, 2012
3:35 pm
Ely > Matt
Spyro
January 8th, 2012
3:36 pm
Well, it looks like the Hawks are still the city’s most successful playoff team over the past five years…
mykhalc
January 8th, 2012
3:37 pm
yep…turned the Falcons game off in the 3rd…you could see where it was goin’…
Section 303
January 8th, 2012
3:37 pm
Sorry, I could give less than a sh#t about All Star votes.
Not saying Josh has only had two good games. My point is bigger than that. I’ve watched almost every game Josh has played with the Hawks. You can name one good play and I could counter with two bad.
Guy has the tools. He can be as good as he wants to be. Should table this talk until the end of the season. I’m not going to give Josh “best player on the team” props until I see it for an entire season.
Section 303
January 8th, 2012
3:43 pm
I’m not even a Falcon fan. But, seems like Coach Smith is trying to be a gambler without taking a gamble. Don’t go for it on 4th and short and buck your QB up the middle. Take a chance! Throw down field or run a real play. The Ryan QB seeks were total copouts.
No different than LD running iso-Joe down the stretch on Thursday night. Totally unimaginative and never works.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
January 8th, 2012
3:50 pm
Hawks have the worst owners but at least they can win a playoff series.
MattP
January 8th, 2012
3:54 pm
Brutus,
I was never hating on this blog. I said I agree with your comment and Josh has improved over the last 2 games. But for you to come in and talk about how many votes Josh had compared to other Hawks is a joke. Like i said, Johnson and Horford suck this year but how many All Star games has Josh been voted in?
Section 303
January 8th, 2012
3:56 pm
Brutus, I hope you’re right.
Josh should have been an All Star during 2009-2010 season. No coincidence that was the season he virtually banned the 3 point attempts.
Rufus1
January 8th, 2012
4:06 pm
The Bulls would trade our starting front line for their starting front line….
Najeh Davenpoop
January 8th, 2012
4:15 pm
Hawks are still the best team in Atlanta. BY FAR.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 8th, 2012
4:15 pm
Hawks #2 > Falcons #2
cp
January 8th, 2012
4:19 pm
It was a good win last night. It also showed why this team is so frustrating. They can be so good at times and then be so bad. And it looks like Gearon was right. I knew the Falcons game was over as soon as Ryan was stuffed on that 4th and inches
Rufus1
January 8th, 2012
4:21 pm
The only STAR to lead his team to a playoffs win in the past 5 years, is the OVERPAID Joe Johnson.
(I consider and NBA a series = NFL playoff game)
Chipper – 15mil
Matt- 13 to 16mil
Joe- 20mil = Money better spent
Astro Joe
January 8th, 2012
4:38 pm
Grandad, I think both Sekou and MC have reported that there have been lockerroom issues in the past with this core. And I will ALWAYS believe that a meltdown occured between game 3 and 4 of the Milwaukee series that lasted into the Orlando debacle. Given that some of the more prominent characters have since left the team (i.e. Bibby & Jamal) I think it is safe to assume that the issues rest between Josh, Al and Joe.
RA
January 8th, 2012
4:41 pm
I think the city of Atlanta better get behind these Hawks because as far as getting to the postseason and having ANY success there, they’re about the best shot we’ve got.
R.A.H.
January 8th, 2012
4:57 pm
Ok Hawks. Now it’s your turn. You have the talent, (not the coaching) now go out and win over this city. Don’t waste this opportunity. I just want a winner for this city.
Grandad
January 8th, 2012
5:09 pm
Astro Joe
“a meltdown occured between game 3 and 4 of the Milwaukee series”
I had forgotten about that.
It appears that they have PTSD over that incident.
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
5:14 pm
I keep thinking that this team’s fate will be determined by FTs at some point. Someone will be at the line with a chance to put this team into the ECF and the world will see if they can handle that moment.
hawksfaninthewest
January 8th, 2012
5:19 pm
great win by Hawks. great win vs team with best record in east last yr. a team that knocked them out of playoffs. who gave them a chance coming in 3rd game of back-to-back-to-back with the first two being OTs? especially after blowing huge lead in chicago and at home vs heat w/o james & wade. best win of season. to come to this game and gut out a big win. expected them to just have fumes but they made the bulls look like the tired team. as mc said the plus/minus shows they totally dominated. i give the credit to LD. woody would have never had this team ready.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
January 8th, 2012
5:19 pm
I would like to welcome all Falcons fans to the Hawks Blog. Come follow the best team in Atlanta.
HawkEye
January 8th, 2012
5:23 pm
Hawks have problems, but no where near as many problems as the Fal-cons. Defense was just atrocious.
richbrave
January 8th, 2012
5:24 pm
clyde:
You still ‘HAWKING’ those ‘T’s’ down at PHILLIPS?
richbrave
January 8th, 2012
5:26 pm
WIZZIES wet themselves once against the powerhouse WOLVES. Another high lottery pick on the horizon in D.C. Not that EG can figure who to select.
richbrave
January 8th, 2012
5:26 pm
FALCONS are not HAWKS that’s for sure.
Astro Joe
January 8th, 2012
5:28 pm
HawkEye, the team scores 2 points and you’re talking about the defense? WTF?
MattP
January 8th, 2012
5:31 pm
HawkEye,
The only points the Falcons had were because of the defense. lol
HawkEye
January 8th, 2012
5:36 pm
MattP
“The only points the Falcons had were because of the defense. lol”
True. But I think that’s the saddest part. When their defense plays better than their offense. lol.
Slimjr
January 8th, 2012
5:47 pm
CONGRATULATIONS FALCONS FOR DRAFTING A BUST QB……….
TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE MR BLANK!
START WITH RICH MCKAY!
Slimjr
January 8th, 2012
5:48 pm
BY FAR THE WORST QB PLAY IN FALCONS PLAYOFF HISTORY..
A FAILURE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS FOR ALL TO SEE! CHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Slimjr
January 8th, 2012
5:49 pm
AND THESE FALCON RETARDS GAVE MV7 SUCH A HARD TIME WHEN HE LOST A GAME?
YOU NUTS DESERVE MELT RYAN!
Slimjr
January 8th, 2012
5:53 pm
MR BLANK I WOULD SUGGEST YOU TRADE MELT RYAN AND DRAFT RG THE THIRD…I HEAR HES A MOBLIE ROCKET LAUNCHER! A PLAYMAKER..SOMETHING YOU’VE BEEN MISSING FOR A WHILE NOW…YA THINKS? SHEESH………………@#$%^&*……
HawkEye
January 8th, 2012
5:55 pm
Astro Joe
Yes. The defense scored the only 2 points for the Falcons. But tell me what’s worst. Scoring 2 points or giving up long drives and 24 points? I admit the offense was non existent and was in no way better than their defense today, but all the same, the defense still looked terrible. Missed tackles seem to plague this team. After that missed tackle on Hakeem Nicks, in which he marched downfield into the endzone, I turned the channel.
However, I stand corrected. Defense >>>>> Offense today.
Slimjr
January 8th, 2012
6:00 pm
here come the RYAN excuse’s^^^^^^^
Slimjr
January 8th, 2012
6:04 pm
mv7 is 5x> melt
Chris Chandler> melt
Jeff George> melt
Joey Harrington > melt
Et Al…> melt
mykhalc
January 8th, 2012
6:07 pm
bottom line is it’s on the players…PERIOD!!! BUT Smith neither inspires nor prepares his teams well AT ALL for the playoffs…PERIOD!!!
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
6:10 pm
Maybe it’s me ut I don’t think anyone can brag aout any of the local teams.
Every one of them got embarrassed in the last big moments/playoffs:
Braves – Choked vs Phillies, STL walks through the door.
Falcons – Giants clobber them. Never show up in big games.
Hawks – Bulls fans completely took over Philips and beat you by 20+. (Should we count last Thursday’s game since that was the next time you were in natl tv? Remember that?)
UGA football – Richt is a joke. Walsh LOL. Murray LOL. Without Grantham, it’s a .500 team at best.
UGA bball – Yeah, they’re a joke too. No bigs who can score.
Tech football- Blew a two TD lead to…. Utah?
Tech bball – Does anyone even care anymoe? They don’t even have a home, let alone a point guard lol.
Thrashers – Whoops nevermind.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 8th, 2012
6:13 pm
Scoring 2 points against ANYONE is far worse than giving up 24 points against ANYONE, let alone a potent passing offense like what the Giants have. Keep in mind even those 2 points are scored by the defense, so basically the offense might as well have taken a knee every play and it wouldn’t have been any different.
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
6:19 pm
Atlanta is strange. A city where people are touting a team that hasn’t shown any fight in the second round of the postseason and just got beat by Miami 2nd stringers. A QB that basically quit on your city and went to jail after never having won anything really, he’s “the best we’ve ever had”? Is this what you people brag about?
None of these team, NOT ONE, will win a championship in the forseeable future. You know it, and so do I. That’s not hate, just an objective opinion. So all of that is just a waste of time lol.
Astro Joe
January 8th, 2012
6:22 pm
HawkEye, it isn’t even a debate. An offense the produces 0 points is FAR worse than a defense that allows 3 TDs in the playoffs. My guess is that most defenses this weekend will allow at least 3 TDs. How many offenses will be shut out?
Slimjr
January 8th, 2012
6:24 pm
and a QB that quit TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I night add…………….
Grandad
January 8th, 2012
6:24 pm
Have I somehow blundered onto the Falcons blog ?
Slimjr
January 8th, 2012
6:24 pm
might^^^
Grandad
January 8th, 2012
6:26 pm
Trade Josh Smith for Andrea Bargnani … straight up.
Slimjr
January 8th, 2012
6:26 pm
THIS WAS AN HISTORIC LOSS….!
Slimjr
January 8th, 2012
6:27 pm
TRADE MISS UNIVERSE FOR D12
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
6:29 pm
Uhhh D12 has already said he doesn;t want to play for this sorry organization in this sorry city with these sorry fans.
LOL you people are waiting on a miracle but it isn’t going to happen. So like I said, waste of time bragging about one team or another, or trashing one player or another.
All of the coaches are soft, in over their heads, or stuck in the past when it comes to running their teams. The rest of the sports world is moving forward, but you guys are still talking about people that have moved on. Nique, Vick (his choice), Justice, Herschel, Cremins, etc etc. Let it go! Those days are over lol.
Slimjr
January 8th, 2012
6:29 pm
OUCH!!!! ^^^^^^^^
Ken Strickland
January 8th, 2012
6:30 pm
I see that some of you are concerned about the Hawks lack of overall consistency so far this season. Well, what do you expect under the circumstances. Before the Miami loss, the Hawks had already played 3 consecutive back to backs in only 8days(27-28, 30-31, 2-3), with one back to back against Miami and Chicago. Then they got one days rest before embarking on a stretch of 3gms in 3nights, culminating in 9gms in 12 days. Added to that is the fact they had to play the Bulls and Heat 2 times each during that stretch. No other team will come close to playing anything close to a stretch like that, let alone at the start the season, and we still came out 6-3.
We are only a couple of missed FTs in 2 gm from being 8-1. We’ve managed to do all of this with a new starting PG, and a totally new bench, except for Zaza and Twin, who seldom gets off the bench. I’ll take that type of schizophrenia anytime of the week. I remember last wk when Noah said their bench was the NBAs best. Well, after what our bench did to them last night, I wonder if he still feels that way. We’re now seeing Green, Radmanovic, TMac, Johnson and Pargo improve their contributions as they become more familiar with their teammates, our OFF/DEF systems, and their respective roles.
It takes time to intergrate new players who are unfamiliar with the team and its OFF/DEF systems, and a limited training camp and preseason makes it that much harder, especially for players like Green and Pargo, who came to us after training camp. The total absence of practice time so far during the season only makes it that much harder. Instead of looking for excuses, we need to start looking for explanations.
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
6:37 pm
Hawks 2nd round exit after blouw at home? Bring in old washed up T-Mac.
Braves collapse at home, miss playoffs? Fire the HITTING COACH. LOL
Georgia loses to every good team they play? Richt contract exntension (WTF)
Tech continually gets beat when opponents have more than a week to prepare? *crickets* But the fanbase is too soft to force changes.
Falcons blown out by Packers? No changes. Blownout by Giants? We’ll see.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 8th, 2012
6:42 pm
Section 303 on Rubio
“He is a top 5 PG already. Has a great sense of the game.”
LOL! The guy has a pretty ugly shot.
FIRE MULARKEY
FIRE SMITTY
FIRE LD
FIRE SUND
AMNESTY GEARON
GEARON YOU MAY BE LAUGHING AT THE FALCONS BUT THEY WERE THE 1 SEED LAST YEAR AND HAD A 1ST ROUND BYE. THAT IS PRETTY MUCH A PLAYOFF WIN SO STFU AND SELL THE TEAM. NO ONE WANTS YOU AROUND HERE
HawkEye
January 8th, 2012
6:43 pm
Astro Joe,
“HawkEye, it isn’t even a debate. An offense the produces 0 points is FAR worse than a defense that allows 3 TDs in the playoffs. My guess is that most defenses this weekend will allow at least 3 TDs. How many offenses will be shut out?”
I see your point. I almost flipped when I saw Roddy White bucking with one of the Giants players after a play. Like what have you done today?
Call me a stickler, but when I see a defense that a) cannot put enough adequate pressure on the opposing QB or b) gives up long drives and cannot seem to tackle well, It infuriates me. But at least they showed up today.
At the risk of sounding redundant, defense >>>>> offense today.
HawkEye
January 8th, 2012
6:45 pm
But enough about the Falcons. This isn’t a football blog. Back to what matters.
I think the Hawks will be a much better team come playoff time if they can effectively and consistently play defense.
Buddy Grizzard
January 8th, 2012
6:49 pm
“We should be 8-1.” – Grandmaster JeJe
True story.
MistaGamer
January 8th, 2012
6:53 pm
Well at least the Hawks have won “something” in the playoffs recently lol…
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
7:02 pm
What did I say that wasn’t true? Wake up and smell the fried chicken lol. Charles Barkley trashed your team for 3 hours on Thursday and all I saw on here was whining. WAAAAAAAAAAAAH Barkley is so mean WAAAAAAAAAAH
Buncha girls on here. Go drink some Coke and sweep those Waffle House floors.
HawkEye
January 8th, 2012
7:03 pm
If Teague and Josh can acquire the type of chemistry josh had with Bibby, look out.
What’s funny is I can remember when Josh was in the Dunk Contest about 7 years ago and people were wondering if all he could do was dunk. Hopefully his recent play will inspire him to continue to improve his game and hopefully inspire other teammates as well.
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
7:08 pm
You won’t be champions because you don’t support and demand more from what you have, and keep looking in the rearview. Overrating all of these players and coaches who pass through this awful sports town.
Vick is trash and always will be. Accomplished nothing in Philly or Atlanta. Yet these dumb Black fans won’t ever support Ryan and the stupid White fans and racists make excuses for Ryan. Guess what? Both sides are idiots and your teams will never win anything.
tidog
January 8th, 2012
7:16 pm
Ever wonder why Joe doesn’t attack the basket ? When Joe Johnson came to the league with Boston he was highlight reel. To his credit his game grew when he was traded the Phoenix playing with Steve Nash. Joe was still a highlight reel with the Suns until a horrible spill to the floor fractured his orbital bone. That fall changed his approach and aggressivness to his game and this is why Joe doesn’t attack the basket like the Kobe’s and Wade’s etc etc etc. A fall like he took is hard to forget.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 8th, 2012
7:16 pm
David Stern,
I loved Charles Barkley’s criticism.
The people on The Rude Awakening were trashing TNT for Barkley’s commentary.
SMH. He was 100% Accurate. Watch the video Smith.Leuer.Bogut posted earlier. Our offense is iso BS, no easy baskets, a bunch of nice guys, no leadership
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
7:21 pm
tidog,
Joe doesn’t attack the basket because he can’t beat anyone off the dribble. This isn’t rocket science. He’s a catch and shoot guy at this age, yet your idiot head coach gives him ISOs to win games? Who is he going to get past? LOL again, THAT is why your teams won’t win.
Strick
January 8th, 2012
7:27 pm
Someone shut David stern up
tidog
January 8th, 2012
7:35 pm
David Stern, I’m too busy having the cattle counted on my cattle farm in Costa Rica. Can’t eat right now.
Buddy Grizzard
January 8th, 2012
7:36 pm
“(2) there have been open lockerroom issues.” – G-Dad
The locker room issues have been well documented. Smith has built up resentment because he feels like he shoulders disproportionate blame while others are not held equally accountable. Think about when Drew yanked Zaza last year and criticized his shot selection… can you imagine being singled out for poor shot selection on a team with Joe, Josh and JC1? Think about the absurdity of that.
This year Drew refused to validate Teague’s strong start by declaring him the full-time starter. Teague responded by mentally checking out of a few games. But with their backs against the wall, staring at a 5-4 start and being completely out of the conversation regarding Eastern Conference contenders, Josh and Jeff showed up. And here we are discussing the Hawks and there’s no question they are a top-3 team in the east. The only question is, are they better than the Bulls after they nearly blew them out twice? Are they better than the Heat after they beat them with LeBron and D-Wade on the court and made a charitable contribution to the Heat with LeBron and Wade sitting?
Strick
January 8th, 2012
7:37 pm
Never would have thought this team would be the best in the city. Some has to do with the other teams taking steps back but a lot has to do with the hawks improving as well
Strick
January 8th, 2012
7:40 pm
MVP so far has been Josh. Hoping he stays focused and hungry
Buddy Grizzard
January 8th, 2012
7:41 pm
“Before the Miami loss, the Hawks had already played 3 consecutive back to backs in only 8days.” – Ken S.
Please stop making excuses for Larry Drew. All he had to do was instruct his team to foul on the inbounds with 5 seconds to play in regulation and Bosh never has the opportunity to hit that 3. We’d be talking about how the Hawks are 7-2, in control of the Southeast Division and obviously better than Chicago.
Strick
January 8th, 2012
7:42 pm
Buddy,
If players make free throws Drew isn’t even in that position.
Just Joe
January 8th, 2012
7:47 pm
I still give the Falcons the nod over the Hawks and Braves due to ownership alone. I think Blank will insist both coordinators be fired and give Smith one more year to get something done. Braves just fire the hitting coach and cut a couple has beens from the roster. Hawks hire the worst GM in the league and promote the assistant coach to head coach. Could you imagine if Blank fired Smith and hired Mularky? Wouldn’t the fans just love that move. But that’s the reality of being a Hawks fan.
Strick
January 8th, 2012
7:50 pm
Very good points just Joe, but I think around 5-8 is where the falcons are in the NFC. I think hawks are top 4 in the east
Rufus1
January 8th, 2012
7:50 pm
LD and Sund may be the best combination in this city.
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
7:54 pm
Hahaha my last post was 7:21. Looks like I hurt someone’s wittle feelings. No racist in me, just calling it like I see it with this racially divided city.
Blacks love Vick, white love Ryan. Neither side cares about a title, they just want THEIR GUY to prove everyone wrong. And the result is no championships for either one. LOL
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
7:58 pm
How many of you would beter everything you own on any of these teams reaching the semifinals of their sport?
Hawks – ECF
Falcons – NFC Champ game
Braves – NLCS
UGA or Tech – Any BCS game
Doubt it. lol
Just Joe
January 8th, 2012
8:00 pm
I will say that’s it’s nice, as an Atlanta sports fan, when everyone agrees that making the playoffs is not good enough. Before Mike Smith, never back to back winning seasons. What we’re wanting this Hawks team to do (make conference finals) has never been done while in Atlanta. There’s been some bad sports teams in this city.
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
8:02 pm
Hahaha 7:55 is angry isn’t he? Whites look stupid defending Ryan just like Blacks defending Vick. I dont care about either side. But still got nothing in that trophy case. As long as you are divided, expect to get embarrassed like this every season.
Strick
January 8th, 2012
8:05 pm
Under where did u hear that
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
8:05 pm
If that fight story is true, I’ll take Al and Teague’s side. The other faction is full of overpaid underachievers lol.
d.carter
January 8th, 2012
8:05 pm
@David Stern-dusky leave the little boys alone!
d.carter
January 8th, 2012
8:12 pm
I’ll take a dumb guy who can win playoff games, instead of a smart choke artist, May you and your meth lab go up in smoke!
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
8:18 pm
Nope, impersonator at 8:09pm. I will break it down for you slowly:
Ryan = Garbage. Vick = Garbage. Atlanta = garbage teams and garbage fans.
Anyone who disagrees with that = loser. LOL
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
8:21 pm
Another impersonator at 8:17 LOL
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 8th, 2012
8:24 pm
David Stern,
I loved Charles Barkley’s criticism.
The people on The Rude Awakening were trashing TNT for Barkley’s commentary.
SMH. He was 100% Accurate. Watch the video Smith.Leuer.Bogut posted earlier. Our offense is iso BS, no easy baskets, a bunch of nice guys, no leadership.
——
Hey I got a kudos from a respected fan? Should I post the other quarters, because Smith was making smart plays all day. Not 2 bad plays to 1 good play.
—–
Schultz to Fat Smith
I spoke to him the day following one bad shooting performance in the playoffs and he said, “I know sometimes I take shots I shouldn’t. But I’m not the only one in here who takes bad shots. I just get talked about more than anybody else.”
There is some truth to that. There’s also some truth to the fact that some of coach Larry Drew’s offensive sets leave Smith out in the corner, away from the basket, although that doesn’t mean he has to shoot from out there.
—–
marvin is garbage, we’ve tried to replace him with smaller players like Mo Evans, Jamal Crawford, Flip Murray. Now we’ve found Vlad who gives us a bit more size and shooting on the break and opens up our fast break.
But if Marvin is in when Smith is in… and then Smith shoots jumpers I dont complain. Marvin = no confidence, no balance, no competence in his shooting.
What are Smith’s other options on offense when he’s playing against bigger longer 4s like Bosh?
Iso jeff
Iso Joe
Iso Marvin / Marvin for 3 (psych) -_-
Iso Horford
Smith’s making the passes he’s getting stops but at some point, Marvin has got to be benched for someone who makes up for Smith’s weaknesses and capitalizes on WIDE open shots.
Hawks Fan Down Under
January 8th, 2012
8:25 pm
The problem for the Hawks is when all players are at their best Josh is their best player. He is a lighting rod for this team. But he is the most inconsistent player on the team. Its not a question of if but when he starts jacking up long j’s, throwing no look passes out of bounds and generally stinking up the joint.
Long term it’d be better to trade Josh because if he hasnt changed over 7 years (and he hasnt) then what makes you think he’ll change now?
But of course all of this doesnt matter while LD is still coach. He’s the first who needs to go.
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
8:26 pm
Hey angry people, I’m not white. Just calling it how I see it. Don’t get mad, get better teams and fans. LOL
KevinM
January 8th, 2012
8:30 pm
You know which guys I don’t complain about? Those guys that are making the minimum on this roster. They are part of the solution so far, and really haven’t been part of the problem.
The problem, if you can call a 6-3 team who just beat last year’s #1 seed a team with problems, you see our guys who have been together a while not playing well. I know the schedule is tight, but those are the guys you aren’t expecting bad perfomrances from.
I have seen Zaza looked like he never touched the ball on the offensive end before. I have seen Marvin as the Marvin that we know.
Joe, Josh and Al are supposed to be our constants, and they aren’t.
Zaza and Marvin should be doing more, and they aren’t, which means you can’t depend on them in big games.
I’m okay with the 6-3 to start the season, and we are a 5 seed right now. I just see what we have seen so often and that is inconsistent play from basically everyone on this team and no explanation for their inconsistent play.
To ‘almost’ be 8-1 is as good as saying we ‘almost’ had interest in CP3.
It didn’t happen.
Cedric
January 8th, 2012
8:31 pm
Go Hawks…
Just Joe
January 8th, 2012
8:36 pm
Howard wants no part of the ASG.
KevinM
January 8th, 2012
8:50 pm
It will be nice if KH can add to this roster. Then you might see more of the salary cap being spent on contributors.
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
January 8th, 2012
8:51 pm
“So If thats who Orlando wants to sign and trade Howard. I say”
“DO IT KNOW!”
I say “Do It Know” what? No? Hey, what do I no?
Now you know. ROFLMAO
Just Joe
January 8th, 2012
8:52 pm
Yes, it’s very clear that Howard is listening when he’s never once mentioned Atlanta as a place he’d like to play.
Otis would be run out of town if he accepted Al Horford and a 2013 first round pick for Dwight.
KevinM
January 8th, 2012
8:52 pm
Billy Preston, where are you hearing this about a concrete offer for D12?
I can’t believe Otis would call back if you suggested Al and a 1st only.
Our 1st round slots lately are not a lot of value where we are drafting.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 8th, 2012
9:02 pm
KevinM
Problem with Marvin vs Zaza, Zaza is a backup. Marvin is a starter and what complementary thing does he provide? He’s just there because we paid him too much and couldn’t afford another starter.
Just Joe
January 8th, 2012
9:04 pm
Smith.leuer.Bogut…..I found myself checking Leuer’s stats today. You call him a stretch 4, but I see where he’s only attempted 2 three pointers all year, and missed both. Is he just hesitant to shoot? Do you still stand by your assessment of Mr. Leuer?
KevinM
January 8th, 2012
9:04 pm
I know nothing; I just ‘think’ that D12 will cost a lot more than 2 pieces if one of the pieces aren’t Bynum.
I had not caught MC’s comments on it, so your post caught my eye as I am obviously getting in late on that talk.
As for the 1st rounder, you are lucky if you get a starter in our range as of the last few years.
Billy Pilgrim
January 8th, 2012
9:06 pm
Orlando TURNED DOWN 3 #1’s plus B. Lopez before he got hurt.
But now you say Al + a #1? I say BS.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 8th, 2012
9:13 pm
I wonder if Gearon is laughing at the Falcons now.
What a snake and a loser
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 8th, 2012
9:18 pm
Smith.leuer.Bogut…..I found myself checking Leuer’s stats today. You call him a stretch 4, but I see where he’s only attempted 2 three pointers all year, and missed both. Is he just hesitant to shoot? Do you still stand by your assessment of Mr. Leuer?
====
I’m watching him play against PHO right now. He’s playing center! He’s setting middle pick and rolls and pick and pops.
He can’t trail and stop for 3s.
Can you imagine if he would start spotting up from 3s from center? Skiles would kill him. You got Delfino, Jennings etc doing that. They’d call him a soft white guy.
His job right now is posting up centers and rebounding etc… Surprising physicality.
But yes I stand by my assessment. If you replace tweener Marvin with a “competent” shooter like Leuer and let him trail and space the floor…he’d capitalize. Similar to Vlad.
But yes standing in a corner and shooting 3s is a different role from what he’s doing. Like that he’s trying to post up Lopez. Looks like Bogut was right Leuer is showing he can hang with centers.
Ken Strickland
January 8th, 2012
9:30 pm
It appears that my earlier comments have angered some of the more ANAL MINDED of the HATERS and BASHERS that frequent our blogs. It only goes to prove how much the truth hurts. I just LOVE IT when they respond by posting under my name, and make those childish comments and insults. It lets me know that I’ve hit them where it hurts the most, and that’s so doggone satisfying. Here’s another bit of intelligent commentary for you to get upset over.
If you look at the records of the teams that contain all of the centers most of you HATERS and BASHERS want us to trade Horford, what do you come up with. According to you ANAL MINDED HATERS, who insists on claiming Horford isn’t big, tall, strong, tough, or smooth enough, shoots too much from the outside, even though he’s the NBAs best at doing it, he should be traded immediately. But what have the so called true centers you what to trade him for done?
Has TChandler done for the Knicks, or Howard for the Magic, or Bogat for the Bucks, or Gortat for the Suns, than Horford has done for the Hawks? HELL NO! STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES!!!!!!!!!!!!
FreshFromATL
January 8th, 2012
9:33 pm
Smith.Leuer.Bogut,
Shut up.
Grandad
January 8th, 2012
9:42 pm
Now Hatter; you don’t really want to trade me ?
kwooden
January 8th, 2012
9:42 pm
A Grade 1 sprain sounds like it can be tough from what I’ve read, but it’s also the least severe. I hope Marvin’s back for tomorrow’s game because he’s been playing great on the boards. I watched part of yesterday’s game (NBA League pass last day) and the HAWKS were getting great shots from their offensive set. Vlad was on fire, but he was hitting open 3s. Hopefully these guys really think they can be competitive when the real games come during the Playoffs, because they definitely have the tools. You don’t get a tougher C/PF combination then the guys the Bulls bring and the HAWKS really held their own in the rebounding department. The starters really looked dialed in last night, if they can keep that focus they will be able to overcome nights that they’re not shooting the ball well.
GO HAWKS!!
Ken Strickland
January 8th, 2012
9:43 pm
The Hawks have 12 remaining gms in Jan, with only 4 against winning teams, and 2 back to backs. This is going to be a very interesting stretch of gms where the team can take control of its own destiny. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David Stern
January 8th, 2012
9:44 pm
8:36 LOL another one.
KevinM
January 8th, 2012
10:07 pm
Otis still says D12 has not backed down on his trade request, and none other teams have been granted to speak with D12’s agent, so not much has changed from the original statements.
I still say if you bring in Arenas, perhaps Otis at least listens to an Al offer, because it will start with Al.
Ken S, you make this month sound very promising for the Hawks.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 8th, 2012
10:08 pm
Wow Larry Sanders…
keepinitreal
January 8th, 2012
10:14 pm
I looked at our early schedule, with four games against Miami and Chicago, and thought we might start 4-5. So to be 6-3 with a split against both those teams feels pretty good. That was the toughest stretch we’ll have all year and now hopefully we can pad our record against some easier clubs.
What’s frustrating is we would be 8-1 with a 4-0 record against the Big Two if not for some terrible free throw shooting. Those games haunt you, because the battle for the 3-7 spots in the East is going to be fierce. The Pacers and Sixers are for real. The Celtics will get it together and make a run. The Magic, if they hang on to Dwight, are still very dangerous. The Knicks have star power that few teams can match. Throw the Hawks into that group, and you have five teams that I could see being within two or three games of each other at the end of the year.
It’s going to be a wild season at the Highlight Factory.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 8th, 2012
10:17 pm
I am going to start calling people “anal minded morons”. That is a great insult Ken Strickland.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 8th, 2012
10:29 pm
If you look at the records of the teams that contain all of the centers most of you HATERS and BASHERS want us to trade Horford, what do you come up with.
Michael Jordan’s first season how many games did his team come up with a W? 38 wins.
What does team record have to do with how good they’d be on this team.
If Miami is ahead of us then According to team record, Pachulia is better than every center not named Joel Anthony.
What kind of logic is that? The kind that makes you type in all caps.
Here’s my stance KenS.
- Marvin off the bench. Lacks size on the boards, lacks shooting on the fast break, lacks slashing on fast break, lacks shooting, slashing in the halfcourt.
– He simply cannot finish plays his teammates create for him.
This comes down to Marvin Williams not being a complementary piece at all.
And “shoots too much from the outside, even though he’s the NBAs best at doing it,”
Not sure if serious. A) He doesn’t shoot enough inside. He was not as dominant as was advertised inside. Many (not me) expected 20 and 10 ie Tim Duncan. I was the 1st to say he’s peaked as a scorer. Was I wrong?
B) Best in the NBA at doing what? Avoiding inside play and adjusting for his lack of size. Well we saw what happened in playoffs.
A traditional center would dunk it or lay it in. Hell, Collins drop stepped and dunked it off of a JJ double team once.
I have no problem with AL scoring inside. I am not gonna sit here and argue whether he can become Tim Duncan in the post. He’s like a stockier shorter Bosh he’s not that guy.
DREABABY
January 8th, 2012
11:10 pm
David Stern are u a racist Zionist Jew,u r sounding very ignorant.No one here voted for Marion Berry,and Ronald Regan is not a hero,he was a evil racist prick,just like u.And fyi,i am black and i agree Matt Ryan is a better qb than Vick,but i doubt if he will ever lead the Falcons to a super bowl because,he cant handle pressure.Who the hell are u calling racist,who the hell were the slave masters.U think just like your leaders,racist,evil,and sick in the head.
Grandad
January 8th, 2012
11:21 pm
For Ken S.
My *asseveration concerning the [5] Center position.
*[anal minded] I couldn’t help myself.
(1) D.howard ain’t comin’ – confirmed by *Lang Greene.
*(source)
(2) Al is for the 3rd time in two days;
our most effecient player [this year so far] and last.
Why all the contempt ? … I’m befuddled ?
(3) Having said …………… We still need a Big !
a. one who rebounds
b. or one who can score in the post
c. or a long rim defender
** It would be nice to get all three, but;
getting all three in one pkg would come with a price we cannot afford.
*** two starters for one via trade;
does not add up and even I can do that arithmatic.
DREABABY
January 8th, 2012
11:27 pm
David STERN NEEDS TO BE BANNED FROM THIS BLOG.TALKING BOUT ANGRY BLACK MEN,HE IS AN ANGRY WHITE MAN,THATS HATING ON BLACK MEN BECAUSE THEY DOMINATE THE NBA,AND ALL THE SKILL POSITIONS IN THE NFL,EXCEPT QB.AND,TO RESPOND TO UR COMMENT ABOUT WHY WE DONT VOTE FOR REPUBLICANS,CAUSE THEY DONT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT US.THE WHOLE FREAKING GOVERMENT AND ALL YOUR SECRET SOCIETIES,ARE RACIST PRICKS LIKE YOURSELF.DONT BELIEVE ME ASK TUPAC A ND MICHAEL JACKSON.OH WAIT THEY ARE DEAD,I WONDER WHO KILLED THEM AND BLAME IT ON SOMEONE ELSE,YELP THE SAME RACIST EVIL PRICKS WHO BLEW UP THE TOWERS AND BLAME IT ON THE MUSLIMS.GET THE PICTURE.U NEED TO EDUCATE YOURSELF BEFORE U OPEN UP THAT TRAP OF YOURS,STUPID PRICK.
SteveW
January 8th, 2012
11:32 pm
Jeff Teague is 3rd in the NBA in Steals per game. 1st in the NBA in the total number of steals.
Jeff is currently averaging more assists per game at 5.8 than Darren Collison, Brandon Jennings, Russell Westbrook, Ramon Sessions, Jameer Nelson, Kyrie Irving, Jrue Holiday, Jason Kidd, and Devin Harris.
Jeff has the 4th fewest TO’s per game among top 20 PG’s in assists, at 1.9 Turnovers per game
To put this in perspective, Rajon Rondo averages 4.1 turnovers per game, DeRon Williams 4.4, DRose 3.7, Steve Nash 3.6, and Kyle Lowery 3.2. And Jeff has 1.9 per game.
Not bad for Jeff. I’m glad for him.
W. R. Terrell
January 8th, 2012
11:33 pm
One of the best in the NBA (Josh Smith)? Lets see what the next 53 games look like. Eight years and what has been shown is nothing more then flashes of “POTENTIAL”, hence, the last two games and you’re gonna make him an allstar. I hope he does not continue with the outside shots but play bigman ball on the inside, rebound, do the dirty work and defend. I hope he gives the ball up to the point guard and run the floor, I hope he grows into a legitimate professional instead of a wannabe. The HAWKS are 6 and 3 after one helluva schedule but if you think all is well then I got some beach front property on 3 mile island I wanna talk with you about, I can offer you one damn good deal.
JaeEvolution
January 8th, 2012
11:46 pm
Grandad, I remember you would go on blog tears for Amir Johnson last year, whatever happened to your love for him? I would’ve liked to get him, but with his contract now he is no longer worth the price, seeing as we would have to give up someone like Zaza and take on more years.
W. R. Terrell
January 8th, 2012
11:47 pm
You really want two bad foul shooters as starters? Why, because they played highschool ball together? Al Horford gets better every year, his upside continues. Everyone is drooling over Dwight, when Orlando had talent Dwight only took them so far and he will not take Atlanta as far as Orlando. Stop wishing for a miracle because there are none available, just wish for the group that is there to play hard and earn their salary with style and dignity.
Wink
January 8th, 2012
11:54 pm
Josh has played well the last two games. He has helped get the team back on track. If Josh continues to play within his skill set he can trully help his team.
However, that is the RUB with Josh…will he play within his skill set? When he sticks to be a good help side defender, block shots, contribute offensively in the flow of the game, rebound and make the occassional jumpshot & assist he is an asset across the board.
When he takes a rebound and burst up the court and tosses up that little flip floater layup or jacks a 3…that’s what drives fans crazy!!! His after game interviews reveal a high basketball IQ in analyzing a game, but during the game he sometimes has brain freezes, which causes him to lose sight of time & score situations, as far as his agressiveness.
My belief is that he feels he has to take over in difficult spots in the game or during scoring droughts he has to make a play. One JJ does not step up to relieve this pressure from Josh and take on the burden of stagnant play.
Now I understand the true value of Jamal Crawford to this fragile team. His value was definitely not on the defensive end, but he was the only player on the team that had a SCORER MENTALITY!!!! This team does not currently have such a player in it’s Starting Five, until Josh takes it upon himself to do that, which is not a core skill he possesses, but he will TRY. Maybe unknown to us FANS Josh has ascended to the position of the player with the SCORER MENTALITY, Alpha dog with JJ dropping to 2nd in the pecking order, with Willie Green assuming the role on the 2nd unit.
So the question with Josh is whether he has taken on the role of Primary Scorer, looking to make his teammates better or is he Forcing the game, causing him to look out of control at the wrong time?
Big Crimson 75
January 9th, 2012
12:12 am
Show up Atlanta !!
This is the only Pro team in the city that’s gonna win a playoff series / game.
Go Hawks !! 8-1 would be nice, 7-2 also, they really blew the first CHI game more than the Heat game.
I like this Team.
Go Hawks
real talk
January 9th, 2012
2:18 am
If David Stern comes back on here while I’m on here, he gone hate me. Waitin to hear from u commissioner….
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
2:34 am
JaeEvolution
I still like Amir Johnson;
like him alot as a matter of fact.
He got that contract last year and good for him;
but he’s now *overpaid.
*[after the lockout & with the new NBA ecomomy]
He’s making way too many $$$ to bring him in.
Our Hawks must be frugal due to one huge share going to Joe.
**Besides – a player like Ivan Johnson can bring many of the same qualities.
Though not built the same they [Johnson & Johnson] are both fearless competitors.
Now; I think the Hawks need a player who can provide at least two
of the following three assets; which I mentioned earlier today.
*defensive rebounding / *low post scoring / *interior defense
As a spoof – sort of – to get our bloggers talkin’ hoops;
I mentioned a Josh for Bargnani trade.
In all seriousness, Bargnani has gotten off to an exceptional start this season.
He would provide “scoring” both inside and out plus he has the length
to protect the rim to a degree. [his blocks are up this year] back near his
career numbers.
The intriguing thing about AB is his B-ball IQ . (considered very very high) !
Although his rebounding is deplorable.
If we could obtain Bargnani w/o giving up Joe, Josh, Al, or Jeff …
Toronto is looking for a pg … Kirk + Marv + Zaza … ?
I doubt Toronto would go for that ?
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
2:35 am
JaeEvolution
I still like Amir Johnson;
like him alot as a matter of fact.
He got that contract last year and good for him.
He’s now *overpaid.
*[after the lockout & with the new NBA ecomomy]
He’s making way too many $$$ to bring him in.
Our Hawks must be frugal due to one huge share going to Joe.
**Besides – a player like Ivan Johnson can bring many of the same qualities.
Though not built the same they [Johnson & Johnson] are both fearless competitors.
Now; I think the Hawks need a player who can provide at least two
of the following three assets; which I mentioned earlier today.
*defensive rebounding / *low post scoring / *interior defense
As a spoof – sort of – to get our bloggers talkin’ hoops;
I mentioned a Josh for Bargnani trade.
In all seriousness, Bargnani has gotten off to an exceptional start this season.
He would provide “scoring” both inside and out plus he has the length
to protect the rim to a degree. [his blocks are up this year] back near his
career numbers.
The intriguing thing about AB is his B-ball IQ . (considered very very high) !
Although his rebounding is deplorable.
If we could obtain Bargnani w/o giving up Joe, Josh, Al, or Jeff …
Toronto is looking for a pg … Kirk + Marv + Zaza … ?
I doubt Toronto would go for that ?
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
2:36 am
I have no idea why it posted twice ? ? ?
Rev in Tampa
January 9th, 2012
5:59 am
The Hawks have a very favorable schedule ahead of them. After playing the Nets on Monday they play the 6-2 Pacers on Wednesday.
The Pacers six wins were against Detroit, Toronto, Cleveland (OT), New Jersey, Boston, & Charlotte. They lost toDetroit and Miami (by 35 points). They are no pushover, but are certainly no top tier team. If the Hawks take care of business they should be fine.
Then the Hawks play Charlotte (again!), Minnesota, and Toronto before Jamal Crawford comes back to Phillips with Portland.
The Hawks play on ESPN against Portland after (hopefully) stringing together several wins. Overconfidence will be the Hawks’ mindset, so we need to prepare ourselves for the Hawks to be blown-out and for Jamal to to score 30+.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
6:44 am
TEBOW!!!!
PTL …
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
7:15 am
John 3:16
That’s what Tebow has painted under his eyes to deflect the bright lights. Here’s my point: Tebow threw for 316 yards. Why can’t Matt Ryan be like Tim Tebow?
“Just win!” -Art Modell”
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
7:20 am
Also … Tebow threw 10 passes for 31.6 yards each. Can you say divine intervention? Just WOW! A 5th round pick has out performed Matty and so many others.
Talent trumps Talk.
Rev in Tampa
January 9th, 2012
8:13 am
drmaryb.[*_*].,
I preached a sermon titled “The Apostel Paul and Tim Tebow” back in December.
I know of nothing so boring as listening to me drone on for a half hour, but if anyone is interested I provided the link: http://www.buzzsprout.com/101/38019-acts-22-22-23-35-the-apostle-paul-and-tim-tebow
Rev in Tampa
January 9th, 2012
8:14 am
^^Apostle
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
8:34 am
Boy Scouts!
“The Knicks are attempting to fix a problem that arose among opposing team scouts regarding their dissatisfaction with the new nosebleed seating at the transformed Garden, according to NBA sources.” -New York Post-
______________
Where does the Hawks “Boy Scouts” work from? Do they even have a talent scout on staff? Who is he?
More importantly, can he find us a usable back up center? You’re gonna pay Twin 1.25M to sit and wait to defend D12 three times a year? Really? D12 is a moving target because, he is likely to be moved by March. Just dumb management. Just go get Horford and Josh some help _ for the love of basketball!
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
8:43 am
The Sermon on the Mount!
Hell Rev in Tampa! Sup? How’s the girls doing? I’ll check out that link and get back to you – Thanks!!!
The Hawks defense is the biggest surprise so far. Oh! And the bench is very nice on defense too. There is no drop off in defensive plays when they come in. The starters seem very excited about their subs coming in and playing well.
The team chemistry looks like it’s on another level this year. Ivan is brutal out there, my only concern is foul prone. That may keep him on the bench – he is just a bull in the china closet. Hey Ivan, slow down a little and get your defense under control. He makes great, smart passes on the inside too.
Get rid of Twin, Sloan and (Stack?) next. That’s three spots hurting this roster. Call Kito?
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
9:46 am
* Hello
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
10:18 am
Um Bargnani For Zaza? No Way. Probably the response on both sides. They got the C of the future.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
10:20 am
Twin plays center when Horford….. can’t do it. #ANALBASHER
KCG
January 9th, 2012
10:41 am
I don’t understand all the hate on Al. I think is mostly one person posting as a lot of different people. It seems like whenever Josh plays good people want to bash Al. Al is the most consistent player on the team and plays hard every game. I actually like both Josh and Al and want them both to succeed together. And lets be real, Josh is a head case. If Al is challenging Josh at practice then thats good, somebody needs to be doing it. Even if they do butt heads sometimes, no one on this team has supported Josh more than Al. I remember one time being at the game when Josh was in his pout mode and not wanting to huddle with the team during a timeoout. Al was the only one that went and encouraged Josh to man up and huddle up with the team and Josh joined in. Everybody else including coach Woody at the time was like oh well, just let him pout. Al is the glue for this team. Check the team record when Al is hurt and when anybody else is hurt. Its night and day.
Rufus1
January 9th, 2012
10:44 am
Power Ranking
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/1/9/2693513/nba-power-rankings-2011-2012-miami-heat-oklahoma-city-thunder
Rufus1
January 9th, 2012
10:50 am
I know this is not a 66 game team….
I want to see how the perform against the ELITE in the EAST. This will tell what I can expect from them in the playoffs. Just like the Magic last year…..The Bulls fans sound just like the Magic fans did…..I think the Bulls are in TROUBLE if they meet the Hawks.
I think the Hawks have found the formula for the Bulls, just like the Magic and the Celtics
Rufus1
January 9th, 2012
10:51 am
how they perform^^
KevinM
January 9th, 2012
11:17 am
We better enjoy that ranking while we can. I don’t ever see us ranked any higher than that and ranked above all of LA and Boston?
We aren’t any better than Houston IMO. While we may have beaten MIA and CHI, we also lost to them, so while I give the Hawks a good grade for surviving at 6-3, they could have made a huge statement, and guys still wondering which team this is.
I will take us as a 5 seed right now and its early, but there is still loads of room for improvement. If you never played Zaza and Marvin again, I might be inclined to think we will have moved on from medicore players with up and down performances.
That would be 2 improvements to the rotation, and I am looking for guys who leave it on the court and help us win the entire time they are out there….getting involved with a high level of energy. These guys just seem to do it every once in a while instead of all the time. I guess the knowing that there is another game tomorrow is part of the cause of this.
I just would like us to develop an urgent mentality and not gear down when we just want to coast.
I will say this; this team has learned for the most part to beat teams they are supposed to beat, but those hairballs that come out of the team every once in a while………..
And like DMB said, there’s at least 3 roster slots that could be better immediately. Even if you brought in Arenas, a big man like Leon Powe, and a Brian Zoubek, that would be 3 better options IMO.
Blowout Win Boosts Morale, Energy | From the Highlight Factory
January 9th, 2012
11:19 am
[...] At the end of a physically and mentally draining stretch of games, the Hawks chemistry was surely going to be tested against the Bulls on Saturday night. The blowout win helped Atlanta pass with flying colors. (Note: the final margin of 15 points did not do justice to explain how much the Hawks dominated this game. Check out a full explanation from the AJC’s Michael Cunningham.) [...]
kwooden
January 9th, 2012
11:24 am
I watched most of the Bulls game again, and Twin didn’t play as poorly as it appeared when I watched the game live. He’s moving his feet well enough and seemed to be in good position to rebound, but the Bulls second unit was making shots. I think we can certainly get by with the guys we have, especially if Ivan is playing against guys that are 6′10″ and smaller. I think the guys need to settle into this aggressive schedule and expect to play tough games every night. Nobody’s a pushover and everyone is desperate for wins. The HAWKS have the capability to be success in the Playoffs, but right now isn’t Playoff time. Hopefully Marvin has recovered from the sprain and is ready to go tonight.
GO HAWKS!!
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
11:26 am
“Wins over Miami and Chicago in the same week? Don’t act like you’re not impressed.”
if you build it – they will come
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
11:30 am
Sorry Pachulia (backup center) performs his job and has more impact than Marvin Williams (starter).
Different expectations, and Marvin has failed. Zaza has to provide spark against backups or hold a lead.
Marvin is supposed to overcome our size with his scoring. Knock down open 3s. Play big. He doesnt do it and we ranked 28th in rebounding last year.
Bench him for Twin and we play 1 on 1 defensively and beat Orlando. First Jamal without any semblance of defense can outperform him then its Space Cadet Radmanovic who comes and outperforms him? Starting Marvin has been killing this team for years.
Enough is enough.
Ra'mon
January 9th, 2012
11:32 am
Al, Marvin, and three first round picks with the last pick protected top 3.
With this, you still can start Teague,Kirk, Joe, Josh, and D12. That’s a defensive Juggernaut that will be a nightmare for teams to score against in the half court.
KevinM
January 9th, 2012
11:33 am
Current list of active FAs that need a team…for those who think we could use one of these guys….http://hoopshype.com/free_agency.htm
I am sure there are a couple of D-Leaguers that are stepping up and looking to rise through the ranks, a la Sloan and Ivan.
Rufus1
January 9th, 2012
11:35 am
KevinM
Did you think we would be Orlando in the playoffs last year?
stop looking at the name on the front of the jersey and look at their entire team.
Boston- Old without any dept or size. Boston is fight for a 6th or 7th seed.
LA- A bad match-up for the Hawks with their size, but no supporting cast.
Houston- Always plays the Hawks tough no matter what the record.
Why do you discount the WINS against the Bulls and the Heat, but give Houston so much credit for beating the Hawks?
kwooden
January 9th, 2012
11:35 am
KevinM, Arenas is finished being a great player, now he’s just serviceable. (not to mention the off-court stuff that will never go away) I live in DC and have watched Arenas the entire time here, I thought the Magic were Stupid to make the trade. (it was liked they only watched old tape of him) I like Arenas as the basket player he was and a guy in the community, but not for this team. Hinich will be a great addition defensively when he comes back. (pre-knee surgery Arenas never played great defensive) I think the more we see of Ivan, the more we’ll worry less about extra big men. Ivan is the right kind of big guy for this team. He doesn’t hesitate, just makes smart basketball plays. Even when he turns the ball over, they’re aggressive basketball plays. Personally I would like to have Taj Gibson coming off our bench, but that’s not how this League works.
GO HAWKS!!
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
11:45 am
Josh Smith complete highlights 25 pts 6 blocks 4 steals vs Chicago Bulls 01/07/2012 HD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-UbIJQtAp8
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
11:49 am
^note who’s defending him.. We start out Small and go big with Vlad. Wings like Brewer and Butler can’t block him under the rim like they can when guarding him 1 on 1 like Asik/Noah/Gibson/Noah can.
And at that CHI’s bigs cant help their wings out in time either
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
12:00 pm
Al, Marvin, and three first round picks with the last pick protected top 3.
———–
oi vey now We got to start and rely on Vlad now? Anderson better come for that over too for that King’s ransom.
http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2012/01/ryan-anderson-not-just-some-random-guy-anymore/
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
12:07 pm
Are we playing these guys soon?
Boston- Old without any depth or size. We can go big and demolish them.
Smith at 245+ locked up Pierce last year and we nearly won with Joe out, Marvin playing the 2 guard. And Smith can now rim run on Pierce all day.
Heck we swept them playing small. They have aged out.
LA- Doubt they make it to Finals, healthy.
Houston- Always play bigger tougher lineups than the Hawks no matter what the record.
Ken Strickland
January 9th, 2012
12:08 pm
I knew at least one of the ANAL MINDED HATERS and BASHERS would respond to my last post, and as you might expect, it had to be that particular ANAL MINDED B!TCH who posts under my name. Have fun sweety.
GRANDAD-If you act like you are part of the ANAL MINDED group, I’ll have to call you aside and have a serious talk with you my friend. I don’t have any problems with anyone who might have issues with certain players. But I do have issues with anyone who focuses exclusively on what they think that player doesn’t do, or doesn’t do well, while making up crap and totally disregarding what they do well. Comeone, what else but an ANAL MINDED MORON would complain about a player being:
1-too short,
2-too mechanical,
3-too soft,
4-taking too many jumpshots, even though he’s the NBAs most efficient at it,
5-out of position,
6-less than a dominant rebounder and scorer,
7-less than a dominant postup scorer,
And then they trivialize and make fun of him being able to overcome all of these alledged shortcomings to become a consecutive 2 time Allstar and All NBA selection in his 1st 4 yrs. STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES, AND CONTINUES TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! or should I say, ANAL MINDED IS AS ANAL MINDED DOES, AND CONTINUES TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
12:19 pm
my gripe is with people saying he should get more touches.
Ken Strickland, what’s your assessment of Marvin Williams?
KevinM
January 9th, 2012
12:29 pm
“Rufus1: Why do you discount the WINS against the Bulls and the Heat, but give Houston so much credit for beating the Hawks?”
Because the Hawks should have beaten the Bulls AND Heat twice to prove they are the better team…they let each team beat them because we get hit in the mouth and don’t respond. It’s an average thing. When the Heat beat us, we were convinced it was okay to let up. When the Bulls beat us, they let up. I just call that averaging out.
IMO, we play Houston in a 7 game, we don’t figure it out in time.
Rufus, we have seen this all too often. We mentally do not do the things we need to do. When we went into this week, I said we would learn alot about this team. What did we learn?
1) This team is still inconsistent despite whether a team is on a b2b2b or just sitting around waiting for us to come into their arena. We may be able to beat someone, but we aren’t sure if we’re going to show up. No one says that about the Lakers or Celtics even though the C’s have shown weaknesses lately.
2) Our leaders are still as inconsistent as they come; there is no hiding the fact our guys do not go out and show consistency.
3) Our bench might be the best we will ever have here because of our limitations. We have to contend with guys who may have never played another NBA minute if we didn’t pick them up, save for T-Mac.
Look, I want this team to either step up each night, show that they’ve learned from the past, and show they are worthy of everyone’s respect. I have never heard of a team that gets so dissed like this team. There isn’t an ‘expert’ out there thinking the Hawks have turned the corner.
I’m still not buying what Sund and Gearon are selling; if they wanted a championship team, they wouldn’t follow anyone’s model. They would go at this at all costs and get us higher than the 2-16 mark we’ve posted the last few years in the 2nd round.
I also said before, as much as I like the D12 talk and trying to getting us our first superstar since Dominique, I am willing to watch the same guys sprinkled with retreads and see if they can perform at least as well as last year. I don’t expect much else. Right now, we are seeing the best of what our 3 captains can give us. There is no further maturity coming. Our captains prefer to defer than attempt to take over a game.
As Sund has always said, we go as far as Joe takes us. That is your 124M answer to a question we could all answer and no way I give one guy that is not the best at his position to get that kind of money. Let the Knicks have him.
So what if Gearon has spent 124M on him; just don’t come out and say there are limitations when you do something as stupid as that. It is going to kill this franchise if something isn’t done in the near term. We won’t even be talking 2nd round in the near future.
Now you answer Rufus:
1) Does this team look like a contender?
2) Are we as good as all of LA or Boston in any situation?
3) Can Joe become a Dirk and take a team to the top? Dirk failed once before he succeeded, and you never heard Cuban cry about the cap.
You’re either all in or you aren’t……the ASG isn’t. And I am convinced we could win 40 games for the next few years, but why won’t we take that next step to be a top team? As I said earlier this year, I can see a diff team that we haven’t faced in the playoffs and they close out our season for one reason or another. Its the Braves syndrome.
This organization is not committed to anything other than the core. The GM and coach are in limbo here…..when do they get their security?
Enough from me, as I feel the same way after a win or a loss.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
12:31 pm
1-too short, to play PF
2-too mechanical, clumsy
3-too soft, to play PF
4-incapable of trailing the break or spacing the floor (redundant with Josh,Horford)
5-has no position
6-less than a competent rebounder and scorer,
7-less than a competent postup scorer
8-less than a competent shooter
9-less than a competent slasher
Marvin Williams loses his Perimeter Spot and minutes year in year out to Crawford, Flip Murray, Mo Evans. This year Ivan, & Rad.
The only reason we paid him is because Childress left.
The only reason we keep him is because he has negative trade value. That is we’ll get someone worse or unnecessary (ie Drew Gooden) if we trade him.
KevinM
January 9th, 2012
12:34 pm
Kwooden, I can see the same things you see as positives. I just can also see a time where an Arenas might be a good guy to put a few minutes in and feel confident with the ball in his hands. Does he make teams better? Not sure, because he was inconsistent in ORL and the Wizards was a very unique situation. If I was ORL, I wouldn’t have traded for him either; Rashard was filling a good role in ORL. Arenas didn’t improve that team’s standing.
Drew wants vets because he doesn’t like young guys, and I agree that KH might fill our void we have now.
I will say Willie Green is deserving of more chances as well as VRad. They have played good in spots, and you can’t always say that about vets on the end of their careers. Get healthy T-Mac; we will need you in Indy.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
12:42 pm
Because the Hawks should have beaten the Bulls AND Heat twice to prove they are the better team…they let each team beat them because we get hit in the mouth and don’t respond.
——
That came down to coaching and matchups
Miami
Instead of going big and forcing 6′10 aging Battier vs athletic 6′8 Smith. You keep Marvin in and now Battier can let his teammate guard Marvin and he’ll lock up aging Joe Johnson.
And not only was the Battier+Bosh Heat shooting 3s, and us doubling them but Then we are undersized on boards. Bosh was pushing Smith off the block and altering his shots 1 on 1.
Its stupid. Smith + Vlad/Ivan + Horford/Pachulia would have forced better matchups.
Rockets was worse. Budinger beat up Marvin. Instead of going bigger with Ivan or Vlad… Ivan had not played yet.
Budinger vs Josh Smith would have been a royal @SS whipping. But no, keep Marvin in. Keep saying Josh is not an advantage at SF.
Latest I hear we’re going small against the Nets and McGrady is set to replace Marvin.
Keep playing small and old and unathletic. Keep double teaming and getting outrebounded. Yeah lets Keep Smith out of the fastbreak and make him the PF trailer.
Smith at S, tall white guy shooting 3s (Leuer,Vlad) at PF = easy shots.
Where do the easy shots come from with old @zz McGrady starting. Does starting McGrady and Smith at the forwards make us better on defense? No.
Here is our choices:
Smith_Ivan (big, crash boards, rebound and pass ahead to PG and the wings on the break)
Smith_Vlad (big, easy shots)
Smith_McGrady (small
Would you want Josh on the wings pushing and dunking on guys on a break. or rebounding and passing to Marvin and then trailing the perimeter?
Guess we’ll see if we go small.
What would Ken say? Stupid is as Stupid Does.
KevinM
January 9th, 2012
12:44 pm
“”It’s no need to focus on anything else besides going out every night and playing hard. … “All that other stuff is up to the Magic and up to my agent. I’m going to be Dwight every night, have fun on the court, entertain the fans, block shots, run the floor, rebound, do whatever I’ve got to do to win. … There’s no need for me to get involved with anything else. I’ve said all I can say about it.”
Is D12 starting to sound just like Carmelo? Kinda similar, keeping his stance on where he wants to go…..
Is the last game vs. Sac an example of the ups and downs D12 will encounter until he is solid in his commitment to a team?
KevinM
January 9th, 2012
12:49 pm
Smith.Leuer.Bogut, you make it sound like its all coaching at this juncture is the reason for the inconsistency? I just say this group of guys need a true closer in the 4th and the simple need to mentally close out a good team. I can’t say whether CHI is as good as last year.
But MIA is better than last year…so is Indy, Philly should be, and ORL and BOS may be good enough as presently constructed.
When you see us ALWAYS going to Joe (surprise!), we end up with a hail mary type of effort.
Have we ever won a game on a out of bounds play to the post? Why not? We have an all-star there too!
Rufus1
January 9th, 2012
1:08 pm
KevinM-answers
Now you answer Rufus:
1) Does this team look like a contender? -Yes, because I don’t just look at the team. I look at the league. In this league the Hawks are contenders…Maybe not in the 80’s or early 90’s, but now.
2) Are we as good as all of LA or Boston in any situation?- Lakers, no. Boston and Clippers, yes we are better.
3) Can Joe become a Dirk and take a team to the top?- No, but Josh, Al and Joe can. Just like Dirk and Terry took Dallas to the top.
4)Dirk failed once before he succeeded, and you never heard Cuban cry about the cap.- Cuban probably lost 200mil over 10 years trying to win a TITLE and I find that STUPID. Winning a TITLE doesn’t make Cuban a SMART owner…..It is the “LAW OF AVERAGES”, it you spend that much on something, you will eventually get LUCKY.
Tyson- contract year
+
Barea-contract year
+
New Rule-Zone
+
Lakers- AGE
+
Pau- Girl friend problems
= TITLE
I am not making excuses for the win. Cuban, keep his team competative for so long, that he eventually ran into the “PERFECT STORM”.
“Past performances are not indicative of future success”
Nothing stays the same. You are either growing or shrinking and I think the Hawks have grown. This may be the year for our “PERFECT STORM”
northcyde
January 9th, 2012
1:36 pm
Great sermon Rev. And I like how you put your fandom out there about the falcons and dawgs, but still saying that you could root for Tebow . . . provided that he’s not playing either team.
To me, Tebow doesn’t even push his faith down people’s throats. People simply don’t like hearing the name Jesus in any way, shape, form, or fashion.
I always am amazed at how people who don’t believe in Jesus, still get mad at the mere sight and sound of the name. It’s. all good though.
No way could I root for Florida when Tebow was there. And I have never cared for the broncos. But I myself root for Tebow and the broncos these days.
We now return to Hawks Blog. . . already in progress.
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
January 9th, 2012
1:37 pm
“Instead of going big and forcing 6′10 aging Battier vs athletic 6′8 Smith.”
LOL @ Battier, growing two inches at the ripe “old” age of 34.
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
January 9th, 2012
1:41 pm
“if you build it – they will come”
Gold Club reference?
hawks_4_life
January 9th, 2012
1:41 pm
Some props from ESPN, 6th in the power rankings:
As soon as you figure out the Hawks, let us know. In a roller-coaster week, they looked like defensive juggernauts in monster wins over Miami (in Miami) and Chicago … and at other times like a dude fresh out of the D-League (Ivan Johnson) was their best player.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
1:57 pm
Invisible Man!
Did anyone notice how quiet and irrelevant Noah played in that last game against us? I’m wondering if Noah has issues with TT? It seems their personality should clash or, is TT’s (hyper-intensity), ala: Doug Collins, SVG, Carleisimo, and Larry Brown, is wearing on his new team? I’ve seen coaches like these have very short shelf lives.
Avery Johnson all comes to mind. These fiery personality coaches are great for rebuilding scrub teams from 13 wins to the play offs – but, soon afterwards a change has got to come. Today’s players are just not having it – they call it being “dissed” (disrespected).
Here’s my latter point: we had our intensive coach, Mr. Woodson, now we have the antithesis in Coach Drew. Who is the right coach for this team? Who is that guy to maximize the talent on this roster?
Go KevinM Go!!!
Sol
January 9th, 2012
2:01 pm
The Bootom line is Hawks can not go further with Al at center and Josh at Power forward, trade Josh and Kirk and upgrade the Center position. Also if the Hawks can trade Mervin they should.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
2:03 pm
Hind Parts!
The Falcons got kicked in their hind parts like a home invader in tough times.
Rufus1
January 9th, 2012
2:07 pm
Sol
What upgrade at center could we get for Josh and Kirk?
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
2:12 pm
for Ken Strickland
” My *{ass}everation concerning the [5] Center position.
*[anal minded] I couldn’t help myself ”
-a weak play on words-
I would think that I am and have been Big Al’s greatest advocate.
No, I have not gone over to the dark side, unless you count Mary Ellen.
I like bein’ on her side !
As for the Hawks – they bring out my schizophrenia / MPD:
(1) Coach G-dad
(2) Jack-ass G-dad (anal minded moron)
(3) ………………….
I thought there was more but I couldn’t think of any ?
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
January 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
“Also if the Hawks can trade Mervin they should.”
the magician? Oh, sorry, that’s Merlin. Who is Mervin?
Astro Joe
January 9th, 2012
2:22 pm
Someone’s bored.
If the Hawks went 65-1, someone would still suggest trading half the team to punish those who contributed toward the lost.
A 65% winning percentage is equivalent to a 50+ win season during a standard 82 game schedule. It is hard for me personally to get too upset about a 65% winning team that isn’t over the luxury tax and has one of the 3-5 lowest paid head coaches. Actually, it sounds like pretty good fiscal management if you look at it on a cost per win basis.
Rufus1
January 9th, 2012
2:26 pm
Astro Joe
Don’t forget we played the toughest schedule in the league and at 65%.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
2:28 pm
D-Game!
DUI bringing his D-Game today. Certainly one can decipher misspelled words from truly ironic statements. Hint, look for statements and leave the typos alone.
We all misspell words – the whole world is on Twitter feed. Pick your spots DUI and preserve your blog legacy. IMHO
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
2:36 pm
For Josh and Kirk ? [I love these kind of questions] ::
* Bargnani + + (perhaps Barbosa)
* Al Jefferson, Raja Bell
* Kaman, Ariza
* Monroe, -&- Detroit’s 1st round pick = ” Thomas Robinson ”
* Biedrins -&- [Curry or Ellis]
*JaVale McGee, -&- Singleton or Mack ….. (w/o Kirk in the deal)
These are only possibilities;
there are others such as Pau Gasol which might be do-able.
Still others where the orther team
does not have enough to offer in return when paired with a Big.
“ain’t this fun”
Astro Joe
January 9th, 2012
2:46 pm
Grandad, I doubt that most teams will trade there only center (or only center for the next year or two) for a non-center. Detroit can’t trade Monroe only to play Ben Wallace next to Josh. Javale is the only center on the DC roster. If you’re trading a non-center (Josh) for a center, I think you have to target teams with at least 2 serviceable players in the pivot (and that is a super-short list).
Rufus1
January 9th, 2012
3:00 pm
Grandad
Last year I would have done Biedrins -&- Ellis, but not this year. This team needs physical TOUGHNESS this year and Ivan, Kirk and Josh are our TOUGHEST players…In that Order.(IMHO)
I have been one of the toughest critics of Josh over the years, but I believe in him this year. He is our TChandler this year.
I don’t think we can beat Miami or Chicago without his DEFENSIVE presence. I think he has the Bulls big men “SHOOK”(Slang term: Scared), that is why they keep missing layups. He such a DYNAMIC SHOT BLOCKER….I think his DEFENSIVE presence is worth 5-7pts a game in addition to what he scores.
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
3:20 pm
Astro Joe
Of course – you’re right.
My list did not include contingencies;
for example:
(a) bringing in a 3rd team
(b) adding Zaza to the mix
Also a team like Detroit or Washington;
would not be considered a finished product.
Therefore, scenarios where they would be better in the long term
could be explored, e g;
” [Washinton (Wall + Josh)] = Lob City deux ”
All these maneuvers, stratagems, or gambits require a
forward [ ] outside the box [ ] thinking GM
with an innovative mind and a pair of brass nuggets.
____________________________________________
A team like Detroit;
I would overpay to get their # 1 pick.
even trading spots our # 1 + (player ?)
for their # 1 + (player with bad contract = Gordon)
* objective – draft Thomas Robinson
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
3:56 pm
“Instead of going big and forcing 6′10 aging Battier vs athletic 6′8 Smith.”
LOL @ Battier, growing two inches at the ripe “old” age of 34.
———
Shane Battier is [33 years old] So there’s still time lol.
Height w/o Shoes Height w/shoes
6′ 8.25″ 6′ 9.5″
- verified from draftexpress.com
———
“This phrase “if you build it they will come” is attributed to American President Theodore (“Teddy”) Roosevelt and the Panama Canal. I really haven’t found any evidence online that he actually said it.
What I do know is that the phrase comes from the classic Hollywood movie “Field of Dreams” starring Kevin Coster. However, the actual quote it “if you build it he will come.”
In the movie, Costner’s character hears a mysterious voice who says this to him. He builds a baseball field out of his corn field and ghost players from the past come and are watched by large crowds.
However, “if you build it, they will come” is how it is used today. It means that if something good is built, it will automatically create demand.”
—-
Sautee
January 9th, 2012
3:57 pm
AJ,
I was surprised at your reaction to Ivan Johnson (ashes on his feet, lol).
He seems like exactly the player you’ve been touting for three years now (Booker, Blair, Bass, etc.)
Was it just the too quick deification? (DUI should have fun with that one)
Or should his surname begin with a B?
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
4:03 pm
“Grandad, I doubt that most teams will trade there only center (or only center for the next year or two) for a non-center. Detroit can’t trade Monroe only to play Ben Wallace next to Josh. Javale is the only center on the DC roster. If you’re trading a non-center (Josh) for a center, I think you have to target teams with at least 2 serviceable players in the pivot (and that is a super-short list).”
Not to mention that list is horrid.
* Kaman, Ariza? *McGee?
——
Last year I would have done Biedrins -&- Ellis, but not this year. This team needs physical TOUGHNESS this year and Ivan, Kirk and Josh are our TOUGHEST players…In that Order.(IMHO)
I have been one of the toughest critics of Josh over the years, but I believe in him this year. He is our TChandler this year.
—-
My response: Somebody’s been listening to Chris Webber. Sorry, he’s our Shawn Marion. That is he’s too short to be the only rim protection. And playing small = no defense = Phoenix results. Playing big = clog the lanes on defense = championships.
Horford will have to hold his own down low like a center is supposed too.
And Vlad will have to be our perimeter 4.
sigh…
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
4:04 pm
Rufus1
My feelings about Josh:
Succinctly;
” he drives me stark ravin’ bananas ” !
If I were coaching Josh;
one of two things would occur:
(1) he would learn
(2) or he would be gone.
Rest assured;
there would be no more;
“if Josh would only”
or; “play up to his potential” !
Guaranteed !
It is my feeling that B-ball IQ can be improved through proper coaching.
Josh had a poor upbringing as far as his basketball education.
B-ball IQ is Josh ’s worst fault.
His stubbornness is the embodiment of his flaws.
____________________________________________
Yes … I was a hard ass when I coached.
____________________________________________
Not an indictment of LD.
He’s doing a fine job so far this year.
He’s even wearing tailored suits, I’m surprised no one has noticed.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
4:08 pm
And before saying Kirk is tougher than Smith lets see if his body can catch up with his mind because last year he was garbage until the playoffs.
And that was only because he did not have to cover SGs and did not make us smaller. Seems like Hinrich and his “defense” is only good for playing the PG now.
——–
MC:
Marvin Williams (ankle) not with team at Nets tonight and at Pacers Wed.
Rest of the World: Oh wow, the Hawks finally ditched tweener PF Williams? Only took 6 seasons.
Sautee
January 9th, 2012
4:08 pm
G-dad,
Samuel hasn’t been here to comment on LD’s suits. He would have noticed.
Astro Joe
January 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
Sautee, it was the label of “heart & soul” after a half of good play. I get tired of these “microwave popcorn” players… after 2 minutes they are ready for the HOF. You’re right, he is EXACTLY the kind of player I’ve been begging for us to sign for far too long. But before we deify him, let’s see if he can plaqy 3 consecutive games. Fair?
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
4:47 pm
Hangover!
Matt Ryan look like Tarzan … plays like Jane. Does that remind you of anyone on the Hawks?
Sautee
January 9th, 2012
4:48 pm
AJ,
Abso-freakin-lutely.
Rufus1
January 9th, 2012
4:57 pm
G-dad,
He’s even wearing tailored suits, I’m surprised no one has noticed…I have noticed, but that isn’t something I comment on…He looks like a real coach this year.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
Shot blocking is a skill and Josh is one of the best. Size is apart of the formula for a great shot blocker, but not the most important(see KwameB and KendrickP) + He is a weakside or help side shot blocker.
We have 2 get rim protectors Al(I will wait for your response.) and Josh. I think that have them close to the rim and Teague at the point, has made our DEFENSE very good.
JaeEvolution
January 9th, 2012
5:03 pm
No we are not going after McGee, look at this fool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FJHNwWOFY4&feature=player_embedded
yoursporthouse dot com
January 9th, 2012
5:04 pm
Granddad,
If you trade Josh, you’d better bring in another shot blocker or else teams will be constantly hanging on our rims at the Highlight Factory. People just come up with some of the craziest scenarios. There are 2 players I would take if I didn’t have Josh Smith and that is Dwight Howard and Tyson Chandler. If you don’t have them, be ready for layup and dunk drills all night.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 9th, 2012
5:13 pm
Every Raptors fan I know hates Bargnani. I don’t blame them, seeing as how he’s a 7 footer who stands around shooting jumpers and gets 5 boards a game. Please keep him far away from a Hawks uniform. It wouldn’t surprise me if he never made the playoffs.
vava74
January 9th, 2012
5:15 pm
Grandad,
You can on game 1’s thread or maybe on the post game blog:
I spotted the vast improvement of our bench wardrobe.
What I did not mention as well is that LD himself is looking bulkier and in good shape whilst last year he looked 70 years old.
Perhaps he was ill and lost a ton of weight last year and that is why he looked dressed like a beggar…
Najeh Davenpoop
January 9th, 2012
5:15 pm
I would rather have Amir Johnson than Bargnani, straight up.
vava74
January 9th, 2012
5:18 pm
Amir has potential. He could still become good.
That Gray dude they also have seems pretty good too.
yoursporthouse dot com
January 9th, 2012
5:21 pm
All these dudes you mentioning, watch how they get their sh*t punched in the stands by Josh.
Rufus1
January 9th, 2012
5:22 pm
“What I did not mention as well is that LD himself is looking bulkier and in good shape whilst last year he looked 70 years old.”-Vava
It is called money or the good life. The 1st year you payoff debt. The 2nd year you start living.
Ken Strickland
January 9th, 2012
5:22 pm
SMITH.LEUER.BOGUT-I think Marvin is perfect for our team. He can score outside, drive and get to the FT line, plays good DEF, rebounds farely well, can play multiple positions, score without having plays called for him, and be a very effective scorer when plays are called for him. Only those hungup on where he was drafted will be unable or unwilling to appreciate his current value.
Those who think we should start TMac need to give it a rest and try thinking for a change. You do not want your starting lineup depending on an injury prone, past his prime player who needs to have his mins monitored. If he’s having problems holding up as a sub playing mostly against other bench players, what makes anyone with a clue think he’ll do better as a starter playing against other starters?
Sautee
January 9th, 2012
5:23 pm
yoursporthouse dot com,
A curious fact: Horford had almost the same blocks per game average as Chandler last year. (1.0 to 1.1) though admittedly Al did it in more minutes per game than Tyson. But who da thunk it?
So far this year, Al’s blocks are up from his career avg.
Just sayin’
That said, I agree, that we cannot trade Josh without covering that aspect in some way.
vava74
January 9th, 2012
5:26 pm
AJ,
Ivan probably will not be the next Antony Mason, nor even the new Pose, but even on the few minutes he compounded 2 turnovers and 4 missed shots, we also saw a guy hustling against bigger players on D, boxing out as no one else in this team does.
The guy has excellent fundamentals trapped in a enraged but too small body. If this guy were 6′11 we could be talking about top 10 NBA talent.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
5:27 pm
Pain Threshold!
Marvin has a grade [1] ankle sprain, (mild sprain). A grade
[4] is a severe level. So how long will it take Marvin to return? LBJ only missed one game with the same injury, but it all comes down to pain the threshold level, which is different for everyone.
A stretched ankle ligament can be very sore if swelling is not reduced. Hopefully Marvin ’s foot was iced like a bottle of champagne and he’ll be ready for Portland, Indiana?
I’m impressed with TMac’s recovery from the leading edge treatment he discovered in Germany. I mentioned that because he only missed one game or, perhaps LDrew just sat him for precautionary rest. Joe never complains and is always suited and booted but, that thump joint is seriously painful.
Stay healthy my Hawks!!!
vava74
January 9th, 2012
5:29 pm
Ivan’s excessive aggressiveness is a byproduct of his frustration for being too small !
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
5:36 pm
Rufus1
Responding to last year’s ‘leisure suit” Larry moniker.
-dubbed by others-
yoursporthouse dot com
January 9th, 2012
5:38 pm
Sautee,
I agree, the only thing is when you have a 7 footer (Chandler) versus a guy like Horford, it changes the offensive players shot. If I see Horford in the lane, it won’t be too difficult to shoot over him. Chandler, I may be more apt to just kick it outside. If Horford can be bigger, we would be even better on D.
vava74
January 9th, 2012
5:38 pm
Oh, by the way I will be the one to call it:
Tonight and at Indiana will be 2x L…
Every single time they make us feel they are becoming elite, they lay a major egg and stab us in the heart.
Astro Joe
January 9th, 2012
5:40 pm
vava, again, I have NO beef with Ivan. He was in the D-league last year and has shown nothing but the promise of being a solid role player in the big leaues. Both he and Sund should be applauded. On this team, excessive aggressiveness is welcomed (Ias long as he doesn’t hurt a teammate).
Sautee, I think I wrote that I was hoping LD would get new suits from Santa. He is definitely looking more like an NBA head coach and less like someone wearing his older (and bigger) brother’s suits.
Najeh, Bargnani is playing quite well under Casey. I read a report that Casey has challenged him to do more than just score. He is not likely going to be a double-double machine but I think he is more complete this year than in prior seasons.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
5:47 pm
MSNBC
LOL! Washington Post reporting that Michele Obama is running The White House like Big Mama. LMAO!
Michele is no different than Hilary Clinton and Nancy Reagan, they did it too. High powered lawyers like Michele and Hilary can’t just sit on idle. Not while the whole wide world is trying to take your man down.
____________
Off topic, I know.
Astro Joe
January 9th, 2012
5:48 pm
If the Nets are still starting Damien James, then I would consider starting Ivan Johnson and let’s see those two “thick guys” do some SF battling. Sure, he’ll have 2 fouls after about 4 minutes of play, but it will be 4 fun-filled minutes.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
January 9th, 2012
5:49 pm
Hey this is too funny. http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhRh9a6MS9bwMLRuj8
vava74
January 9th, 2012
5:55 pm
They can’t start Ivan.
Most offensive sets have marvin at the wing for a 3 point shot and I can’t see LD giving three point shots to him, so we would be playing 4 on 5 on some sets.
All logic points to V-Rad.
Sautee
January 9th, 2012
5:55 pm
yoursporthouse dot com,
Excellent point.
LimeLight
January 9th, 2012
5:59 pm
All this talk about how Al is a weak defender and how Al’s attitude is detrimental to the teams play, seems to be the topic of discussion every day on not just this blog page but blog sites every where.
Many of the blogs agree that its very very easy to replace what Al brings. 12 pts 9 rebounds 2 tunovers,1 blk
That may be true I wont argue with you guys on that point because there are nearly 50 guys who can do that.
Where I will take an issue is many of you have said that Al has peaked an his game is weak and Al is soft. Again that may be true but what are you going to get for him in trade value? That is the question.
I agree, trading Al and bringing in an aggressive defensive minded center would certainly improve the Hawks.
Word has it that Al and Josh had a fight in the locker room and that is the source of this lack of team unity that Josh talks about. It appears that With Al’s refusal to own up to the center position and constant grumblings about playing the forward position, It not only has disheartened the team, but its caused the offense to be out of sync too many time.
So yea, I agree, Lets trade Al but make sure you get some thing back worthwhile. Orlando only has til the end of the season to get a deal for D12. After that he walks and Orlando gets nothing. At some point the offer Atlanta has on the table of Al, Teague and a draft has to look good, but Like Charles Barkley said, ” Atlanta should give Orlando what they want, and they want Al Horford.
You called that one right Sir Charles.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 9th, 2012
6:04 pm
LMAO @ that video. I wonder if the guy in that video posts on one of these blogs. If you are going to tat the ATL teams logos on your arm you might as well waste some time posting on here.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
January 9th, 2012
6:10 pm
I’ve been talking about how bad Horford’s defense is for 3 years. Check my posts from 2010.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
January 9th, 2012
6:12 pm
Najeh I feel that man’s pain. Its hard to be a sports fan in Atlanta.
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
6:15 pm
yoursporthouse dot com
-for you and the Milwaukee Bucks roster guy-
*************************************************************
Also Najeh:
I’m intrigued by Bargnani;
but the original quetion posted was:
” what centers / [5's] / post players / would Josh, Kirk bring ? ”
* [paraphrase]
I listed some that I thought could possibly happen
within that scenario. period.
I failed to mention Noah.
I read an article today about everything may not be rosy
between he and Thibs ? ? ?
Would I love to have Noah – heck yeah – more than most any other.
Is it possible – probably not ?
My point is and was;
I was simply makin’ a list.
Scrutiny is fun too !
So, I’m not complainin’.
____________________________________________
Oh yeah:
-blocks ain’t everything-
Watch how often Josh has his back turned on defense
and cannot see the ball.
Explain why sometimes he refuses to help
and lets the [man with] ball go right by him.
then speaks of “trust”.
Also Josh must load up to jump.
Legit Bigs (even Kito) with *outstanding standing reach [*D of UI*]
do not have to load up nor expend as much energy leaping
as does Josh.
Thusly, causing Josh to be late when unable to load up.
Am I nit picking at Josh … of course !
Do they nit pick at Bargnani on the Raps site … of course !
Do yawl nit pick at Al … of course !
Do nits come from head lice … of course they do !
Pick away ! ! !
Am I callin’ yawl lice pickers, heavens nooo !
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
6:15 pm
Ken S said: I think Marvin is perfect for our team. He can score outside, drive and get to the FT line, plays good DEF, rebounds farely well, can play multiple positions, score without having plays called for him, and be a very effective scorer when plays are called for him.
——-
And yet we do better when a more confident player Vladimir is in.
How many plays are called for Vladimir Radmanovic?
What multiple positions does Marvin guard that we NEED help at. He’s redundant and does not complement anything.
I was referring to Smith,Vlad, Horford ,,, What does Marvin bring new to that table?
It has nothing to do with draft position. He specializes in nothing in particular and if he’s not shooting 3s over PFs and SFs he brings nothing complementary to the team.
Marvin is only perfect for a team that nobody can get behind. What SFs in recent NBA title teams could he take their place?
Shawn Marion – Bruce Bowen – Ron Artest – Paul Pierce – Tayshaun Prince
Josh Smith was picked #17 and he gets more criticism because he’s better than Marvin.
Vladimir Radmanovic gives the team size and perimeter shooting, Two things we’re lacking. \ (Collins -size, Crawford/Murray/MoEvans – shooting, Vlad – size+shooting).
When those guys were/are in the game who gets benched? Marvin. How can you say Marvin is perfect when we’re constantly trying to replace him?
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
6:15 pm
question not *[quetion]
terrell
January 9th, 2012
6:16 pm
Grandad, Gasol + Horford = free pass to the rim. lol.
Wind Sailing
January 9th, 2012
6:18 pm
“I’ve been talking about how bad Horford’s defense is for 3 years. Check my posts from 2010.”
Bad aint the word for it. I was thinking more like vacation cruising….Valet escorting to the rim… Then this Al has the nerve to ask to play another position.
Clyde's math
January 9th, 2012
6:24 pm
2012 – 2010 = 3
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
6:25 pm
Hum Bug!
“vava74
Ivan’s excessive aggressiveness is a byproduct of his frustration for being too small !” -vava74-
__________
Would that be like: Hummer Syndrome? A fat ride to over compensate for a small ride, (a pin prick). LOL
vava – va -boom! You know you were wrong for that – right? Getting ole’ girl all riled up over here.
Anyway, gotta’ love “Ivan the terrible”.
terrell
January 9th, 2012
6:27 pm
Teague/Joe/Josh/Vlad/Al
This just might be our best lineup.
terrell
January 9th, 2012
6:32 pm
A stretch 4 between Josh and Al is what we need if we’re going to keep em both. Vlad can hold that spot down temporarily. lol
terrell
January 9th, 2012
6:33 pm
Al, just man up, rebound the b-ball, and play some defense. Thats all we need from you. Thanks.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
6:34 pm
They can’t start Ivan.
Most offensive sets have marvin at the wing for a 3 point shot and I can’t see LD giving three point shots to him, so we would be playing 4 on 5 on some sets.
All logic points to V-Rad.
——
Wow, watching the replay and V-Rad just being 6′10 and moving his feet made Deng cough up the ball in an iso. Deng did not know how he’d get a shot over him.
And in the 4th quarter, Smith and Ivan and Zaza actually played together. Ivan was around the free throw line. Pargo posted up Josh and he was doubled, and then basically tripled when Korver left his man to prevent the first pass, Willie Green open and Smith skipped the pass for a wide open 3 Willie knocked down.
One time Willie Green set a screen on Jimmy Butler, Smith came off the screen and knocked down a FT line jumper he said he worked on over the summer. Helps when the guy guarding you doesn’t have the reach to alter your shot (as opposed to taller players who can crowd Smith)
I guess that was the Princeton offense was in effect.
Astro Joe
January 9th, 2012
6:37 pm
(If) Josh gets criticized more than Marvin (which is debatable) it is because Josh makes more money and makes repeated mental errors which most feel are more easy to fix than physical errors. It should be easier to pass the ball to the PG at the beginning of a fast break than it is to dribble through traffic (as an example).
Grandad, good point. My guess is that the Lakers blog probably have more than a few fans who claim that Kobe is a ball-hog and Gasol is toilet-paper soft. Yet, silly me would gladly carry their luggage off the plane if they were acquired by the Hawks. What do fans know?
Astro Joe
January 9th, 2012
6:39 pm
MC, go to Iberia in Newark. GREAT food and GREAT Sangria (since this is your last trip to NJ to cover the NBA).
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
6:40 pm
What They’re Saying!
“How can you say Marvin is perfect when we’re constantly trying to replace him?” -Leur-
________________
That’s what the republicans are saying about Mitt Romney. LOL
____________
WWAD? What will Arthur do about his birds? One thing is for sure, he won’t wait 7 years to make a change we can believe in, like some other people.
Arthur snatched Rich McKay up out of that war room – quick. Sund is over here planting sun flower seeds, waiting for a bloom and playing with his paper clips. Flowery Branch will be handing out about 35 pink slips next week. The U/E number will rise respectively for the 1% ers. Abraham, Turner, Perriea-sic, Baker, Dunta, DeCoud, Peterson, Dominique, Owens, Weems, Edwards … Them dudes is outa’ here.
Who will the Hawks let go? Collins, Stack, Sloan, Marvin, … Who are yawl tired of seeing walking through that door?
LimeLight
January 9th, 2012
6:46 pm
Yea, again I agree. The best thing the Hawks can do is move AL Hoford.for what we can get in return and find a more aggressive and willing center. The goal is to make the hawks a better team.
Can some one explain why Al is spending so much time on the perimeter? And Why are we still SWITCHING now that Bibby is gone?
We are Switching to help Al’s lack of effort on defense.
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
6:48 pm
terrell
Repeating myself:
” Teague/Joe/Josh/Vlad/Al ”
Best five combo (+/-) on the team.
LimeLight
January 9th, 2012
6:49 pm
terrell
January 9th, 2012
6:33 pm
Co-Sign!
Wind Sailing
January 9th, 2012
6:52 pm
Good point Terrell, but I dont think Al is listening or cares.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
6:52 pm
We can’t just “let Marvin go”. We owe him money. ATL has to decide whether they are $$$ committed to starting Marvin. Or if they’re willing to try him off the bench and see if it helps teams.
But looking back, I actually think Marvin is the biggest problem. I remember in December 2010 he was complaining about how he was a “proven starter in the league”, complaining when we wanted to go big against Orlando. We then beat ORL iirc.
It’s mind boggling.
——–
Response to:
(If) Josh gets criticized more than Marvin (which is debatable) it is because Josh makes more money and makes repeated mental errors which most feel are more easy to fix than physical errors. It should be easier to pass the ball to the PG at the beginning of a fast break than it is to dribble through traffic (as an example).
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No it’s not debatable. Our peanut gallery here is perceived differently from actual professional media articles. That being said, when’s the last time there was a Marvin Williams writeup? On his excuse on getting locked up on defense by Brandon Bass or Ryan Anderson when we went small. Not that I want a write-up. He’s a jack of all trades tweener volume shooter.
Now that I think of it I remember sports illustrated (I’ll try to find it) saying Marvin was not “tough” enough to play the power forward. Barkley be damned!
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
6:54 pm
LimeLight
You are full of hooey, sir / ma’am.
And you do not understand the game of basketball.
and that malarky about Al’s and Josh’s fistfight;
another bunch of hooey !
LimeLight
January 9th, 2012
7:03 pm
Grandad, Im sorry you feel that way, Yeah, Josh got in Al’s Face and Al tried to man up. JJ was with Josh and so was Marvin. Teague was standing directly behind Al. I dont know if he was going to catch Al when he fell or if he was going to jump Al or if he was on Al’s side.
Thats what Al this talk about not being together as a team.
On your other note. I know basketball quite well, and for quite a long time. Im Sorry you feel that way too.
Have a great day.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 9th, 2012
7:04 pm
Come on MC, give us that thread man, it’s 7PM – we suited and booted, we “ret” to play.
All jokes aside, I hope MC is feeling better and the weather is nice in Jersey Shore. I just love whuppin’ The Lil General and the billionaire.
Hawks win, not even a question.
LimeLight
January 9th, 2012
7:05 pm
*That’s what All this talk about not being together as a team.
Ken Strickland
January 9th, 2012
7:14 pm
SMITH.LEUER.BOGUT-When I answered your question, it wasn’t with the intent of getting into a MARVIN BASHING debate. Marvin can play multiple positions, and whether we need help at those positions or not doesn’t matter, the fact is he can do it, period. And what evidence do you have that shows the team plays better with Radmanovic in instead of Marvin. We certainly didn’t play any better against Houston, Miami or Chicago. Stop making up BS for the sake of trying to support a position.
You’ve pulled that same crap when showing support for a particular player you have a fixation on, like Leuer. It doesn’t matter whether what you say about Marvin and Rad is true or not, because Marvin will remain the starter and Rad will come off the bench, so it’s a mute argument.
Grandad
January 9th, 2012
7:15 pm
Astro Joe
Learned fans like ‘ yourself ‘ & Najeh know much and pay the bills.
I was only drawing a parallel between AB and the Raps blog
and Josh or Al and ourselves.
As for the Gasol correlation, I would drive to LA and pick him up.
terrell
January 9th, 2012
7:15 pm
Joe just said” this team will go as far as Jeff Teague can take us”. Wow! Shouldnt it be “as far as I can take them”??
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 9th, 2012
7:15 pm
Teague/Joe/Josh/Vlad/Al
This just might be our best lineup.
A stretch 4 between Josh and Al is what we need if we’re going to keep em both. Vlad can hold that spot down temporarily. lol
Al, just man up, rebound the b-ball, and play some defense. Thats all we need from you. Thanks.
——
CNNSI Scouts Write ups on Marvin…
“I don’t know if Marvin Williams will ever be able to overcome the fact that he was picked too high in the [2005] draft at No. 2, ahead of Deron Williams and Chris Paul. I would argue that Williams has maybe turned into a better pick than Andrew Bogut, who was No. 1 that year. It was a very promising sign that Williams developed his three-point range last year. The difference between shooting the three as opposed to the 17-footer has to do with the spacing. It becomes more difficult for defenders to either suck into the paint to help while still being aware of a shooter like Williams at the three-point line. The Hawks missed him over the second half of the year when he was hurt. He still doesn’t have a bread-and-butter move that will allow him to score anytime. He has developed as a catch-and-shoot guy, which makes him a complementary player. He’ll occasionally surprise you with a quick move off the dribble to dunk on you, so he’s an OK athlete. He can be a 17-to-18-point scorer eventually. At the other end of the floor, he’s a decent defender because he makes the effort.
-cnnsi, anonymous scout 2009-2010
“Marvin Williams is not tough enough to play as a big forward. He’s not quick enough to excel at the 3 and he’s not a great shooter. He doesn’t perform one skill at a high level. He has length and some skills, but he’s not going to blow by anybody. If there’s a size mismatch, he can take advantage of it by posting up the smaller 3s, and he might be able to go by some power forwards who are not as mobile. He gets his points in transition because he can run the floor, where his athleticism can compensate for his good-but-not-great skills. In certain matchups he’ll do well, but most of the time he’s out of place.”
-cnnsi, anonymous scout 2010-2011
Hawks4Eva
January 9th, 2012
7:16 pm
MC….where you bro…..get it UP!
Hawks4Eva
January 9th, 2012
7:17 pm
Looking forward to something to take our mind away from the misery that is the Falcons….
Hawks are the big show in town now….
Ken Strickland
January 9th, 2012
7:17 pm
DRMARYB-No one can go off topic as effectively as you baby. With 12 gms remaining in Jan, and only 4 against winning teams, what is your won/loss prediction for his month?
Michael Cunningham
January 9th, 2012
7:17 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.