Timberwolves at Atlanta Hawks: Game thread

Can’t wait to see Teague and Rubio go at it.

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T’wolves don’t shoot well and they commit a ton of turnovers. Stay between them and the rim and take your chances.

Heat Fan….Teague should blow by Rubio and this team doesn’t block a lot of shots (only 3.9 per game, 27th in the league). Big night for Teague!!! 25 & 8 is my prediction.

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ITS A TRAP!!!!

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Marvin in the starting lineup

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MC, What are your thoughts on Marvin to the 2nd unit and Rad in the 1st? Would it be positive or negative in your opinion.

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Tmac is out

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^^^ ever = very

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Smoove is avg 24 ppg in last 5, playing at superstar level

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And let me add I love DWade’s style of play” -SteveW-
________

However, this style of play does NOT lead to longevity.

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McDyess AFTER he blew out his knee. In his early years McDyess was a BEAST who attacked the rim. Al can’t begin to match that ferocity or athleticism, though he may have more intangibles (tipped passes, hedging, etc.).

It’s laughable that much of the blog treats him like they are disappointed that he’s not a savior. Who ever thought that he WOULD be? He was the third pick in a fairly weak draft. He is what he is.

Like you said, solid.
——-

Man everyone knows he’s solid but he’s been said to have more potential. Yet he is who we thought he was.

Marvin is terribly inconsistent and never delivers. So why do people get mad at Smith when he has to step up?

Why is it never a stupid shot when Al or Marvin flash their inability to anchor an offense by attempting and missing an off-balance, awkward shot or deferring/passing to Smith with the clock winding down?

It seems Smith gets penalized for having talent even though we know he would be better fit with a Kevin Love or Dirk instead of Horford or Marvin at the other forward spot.

You put Dirk or a Love or an Anderson or a tall shooter like that and Smith can thrive inside. Why does he get penalized when Marvin fails to step up like a Love or Ry. Anderson or he has to play at SF with Horford who is no perimeter forward like those 2.

Get Smith some tall guy with the skillset of dare I say a tall white shooter with the balls to defend and step up and not shy away from shots.
Seems there are no more Brian Cardinal’s coming along but a prime 6′9 Cardinal shooting 3s would’ve been great where Marvin has failed.

-Ryan Anderson (can defend and trail and balls to hit big shots)
-Dirk (can defend and trail and balls to hit big shots)
-Kevin Love (can defend and trail and balls to hit big shots)
- Jon Leuer, has his role changed and has not shot 3s because that would be perimeter overload and nobody crashing.

No Channing Frye, dude is terrible on defense. Just turrble.

No more pairing him with redundant limited iso players. Bench Marvin.

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Well Wishers!

MC! On behalf of everyone of your “blog peeps” – Get Well Soon!
________

Let’s Go Hawks! Get Well Soon also to Mr. Horford.

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Unless you mean Vivlamore is controlling this blog from the game?

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“Why is it never a stupid shot when Al or Marvin flash their inability to anchor an offense by attempting and missing an off-balance, awkward shot or deferring/passing to Smith with the clock winding down?”

It can be a stupid shot, but it happens so rarely with Horford, that its not a problem. I mean the guy only takes 9 shots a game. Sometimes, one of them may be a bad shot, and ultimately he does shoot 55%+ from the field. Marvin on the other hand, is awful. A guy his size should not be shooting 38% of his 2-pt attempts. That’s Vlad Rad bad, who is 28%. Pachulia is 41%. Those are the 3 least athletic guys on the roster.

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SWEET CHRISTMAS!!!

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Grizzard, Love did indeed have kaman’s lunch (kaman 0-10 shooting) last night. But kaman is not my first choice and love might be the best bigman in basketball right now. Okafor posted good numbers last night against love, numbers zaza can’t get to consistently.

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Al is a very SOLID center (per Sautee on the previous blog) but his inability to be active close to the rim limits his FTA vs FGA and his inability to hit his outside shot this year and lack of length (Kwame,Joakim level) made him a less than ideal center for this team.

He had other redeeming qualities (ie winning pedigree) but lets not pretend that many other centers have the TALENT to give this team a dominating identity on the defense and in the Painte.

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We just have to get a center in here

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Hawks being sloppy, call a timeout

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JOSH!!!

You Sir, are NOT a PG.

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I don’t like the start of this game by the Hawks.

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I think Josh is trying to prove to everyone he can be a point forward.

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Wes Johnson outquicking Marvin. f**k

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Wake up Hawks!!

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Good steal Teague.

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RYan,

I would try: firstrowsport.tv

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thats right Joe slam your fist, fonk these suckas!

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that boy Josh..

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Teague really misses a lot of layups doesn’t he…

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Yeah, he blows alot of plays at the rim it seems.

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Josh is giving us his all I don’t care what anybody say he should make the all star team!

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What are Ivan Johnson’s fouls per 48 minutes? 10.3?

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Sloppy play and cold shooting by the Hawks in that 1st qtr.

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Teague will be fine no worries about him. I would’ve started vlad over Marvin especially since Marvin needs to get his rhythm back!

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Why is Marvin playing SG when Green has been playing well… SMH

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Pargo is garbage… this guy is so bad.

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Zaza now has more points than Kris Kaman in last night’s T-Wolves game at New Orleans.

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Pargo with the great defense… Zaza picks up the foul switching.

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I love how Zaza stays under the basket and fights for every chance.

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Las Vegas Larry keeping the T-Wolves in this one.

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I think pargo is a great role player. I really like this team. We just need a couple of key players including a starting center. Bring Al off the bench, if he is still here.

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I have no problem w/ TMac taking his time. He is a difference-maker. These games will be irrelevant come playoff time. It’s a calculated gamble, but you certainly don’t want to burn him up in the 1st 3 weeks.

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Touchdown!

49ers ballin’. … YEAH!!!!!!!

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everyone driving but Josh.. i just dont get it.

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Looks like Josh turned off the switch, was a good 5 games. RIP the destructive Josh.

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Like 49ers, but hate to see Jim Harbaugh getting all the credit. Mike Singletary whipped that team into shape. He called out all the “punks” and wouldn’t tolerate their BS – mgt. didn’t have his back, but look at the results…Vernon Davis, Crabtree ballin, Defense fierce…that’s all Singletary, so what if he gave colorful interviews – he drew a line and demanded that players respect the game and look at ‘em now.

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TD Saints yeah

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LD’s getting outcoached by Gandalf [Adelman]. Saints up 32-29.

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Agreed!

“I have no problem w/ TMac taking his time.” -tyger-

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49’s just scored a TD with 9 seconds left.

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that’s 49ers^

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Thank you San Francisco ! ! !

49er’s win !

Saints fans about to jump off a bridge! ! !

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Hawks in a dog fight now.

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SORRY WATCHING NFL GAME 76ERS 52 WIZARDS 40 HALFTIME

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why cant he just go hard to his left? he does all that dribbling to set up a jump shot.. that aint falling tonight. drrriiiiive Josh!

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YA GOT TO LOVE SPENCER HAWES 54- 42 76ERS

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WIZARDS PLAY ZERO DEFENSE , BRUTALL

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Observations so far:

1) Hawks missing Horford.

2) Teague looks fairly good.

3) Rubio is talented but needs to be reined in just a bit.

4) Joe looks pretty good. Has missed some shots, but has had some good looks, too.

5) Josh hit his last two jumpers. Now if he will just go down low. Nice work on the boards, though.

6) Love is the best big man on the floor. Bar none.

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60-47 76ERS

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SPENCER HAWES THE JAM 76ERS UP BY 13,

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Joe Johnson is single handidly causing the hawks to lose! Teague should be having ISO Teague he’s hot this is bad coaching!

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This is very poor coaching..LD is getting out coached..

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6 turn overs for turnover teague and we are only in the 3rd quarter

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rubio>teague

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Get A CENTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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The Falcons need a Firey head coach like Harbaugh!!!!!!!!!

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Josh has looked awful..

bench hasnt given much.. story of game.

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The Horford injury is starting to rear its ugly head.

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mini Jordan Teague

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LOU WILLIAMS THE 3 LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOU

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Vlad 0/3 from 3. 2 points TOTAL from the bench. Hmm… maybe depth is a problem.

The way the Hawks are playing it’s like they are so focused on keeping the Wolves off the boards that they have forgotten how to do anything else.

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EVAN TURNER ENTERS THE GAME

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71-58 76ERS

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The Breaking Point!

We finally got a PG … But, the coach does NOT know how to utilize one. Give the damned ball to TEAGUE!!!!

This team has so many bad habits. Use your fkg PG when playing against a great PG! Let the chips fall where they may. Live or Die with TEAGUE,,,,,,,,,,

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This is why you have to have a guy like Ivan. His energy keeps you in games.

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T-Wolves second night of a road back-to-back running the Hawks off their own floor.

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4th quarter and Love bricking shots but everyone on MIN has been making plays and mismatches.

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END OF 3RD QUARTER 76ERS 77 WIZARDS 60

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Come back with Joe, Josh, Teague, Ivan & Pachulia in the 4th. Win ugly with hustle, defense, and pounding the ball inside.

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STARTING 4TH QUARTER 76ERS UP BY 17

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we got dis….Vlad is awake

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LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOU THE 3

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Great comeback Hawks.

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effort..

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82- 64 76ERS 10 MINUTES 2 GO

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Even if they squeeze out a victory, their inconsistency is disturbing. They should be up by 15 against an expansion team at home.

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6 and 6 in 17 mins. is flat out production.

play and pay the man.

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Bring in Josh!!!!

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IVAN > ZAZA

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Hey AI, why don’t you find a 6ers site to post to?

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big shot there..

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Its been too long LD. Bring in Josh for Collins. He’s dragging.

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come alive Joe..

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JASON COLLINS LOOKS GREAT OUT THERE GREAT MOVE LAS VEGAS!

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pull it out.. you had nothing..

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AWESOME ONE ON 3 FAST BREAK WILLIE GREEN I CAN SEE WHY WE HAVE YOU IN THE GAME INSTEAD OF ZAZA

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Joe with the big 3.

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This would be a huge win. Come on Hawks. Finish.

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JJ for 3, he stepped into that shot

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Great block, Ivan!

Nice three, Joe!

Hawks might just squeeze this out!!

Let’s go, Hawks!!!!

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Hawks Dancers…slim in the front was bad

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This is why Josh Smith is not an All-Star. He shoots 4-for-12 against a losing team for 8 points and keeps his scoring average below 20.

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IVAN’s block party!!!

Defense!

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Ivan!!!!!!

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damn teague

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Ivan is simply amazing!!

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IVAN JOHNSON!!!!!!!!!!!

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Double Double for Ivan??

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IVAN JOHNSON FOR PRESIDENT

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So right, Dr. Mary. 1st unit is selfish, 2nd unit played great after a stumble and got us back in this game.

Ivan Johnson is cold blooded, man!

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Al who?

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Please have a multi-year contract in waiting in Ivan’s locker for him to sign as soon as this game is over….

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Ball GAME!!!

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good comeback

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great finishes tonight

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Debo YOU DA MAN!!!!! I gotta get me a Ivan Johnson Jersey LOL!!

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Good day for me….Saints lose and HAWKS WIN!!!!

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Where is Davenpoop?

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Great wiiiiiiiiiin!

Ivan is MVP.

He should start before Zaza or Marvin! Provide much energy for the starters!

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Can’t believe Ivan got respect from the refs on that call. Love was inside the circle and his feet were not set but I can’t believe they didn’t call a charge.

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Pacers rolling over the Celtics…The Celtics are DONE

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I said it last game that Ivan > Zaza. He proved it tonight.

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unbelievable, only offense we had tonight came from Teague and JJ and a little bit of Willie at the end. Smoove, Marvin, Vlad were all no shows, I am still in awe that the Hawks won. The difference maker tonight? Ivan Johnson definitely, bailing out the Hawks night in night out!!

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Didnt like how we played, but I’m happy for the win. I would trade LD and 2 second round picks for Rick Adelman right now.

I think Ivan got away with a charge there. But clutch FTs from him.

Also, why was Josh hanging around at the 3 point line? Shouldnt he be at the rim to rebound in case somebody miised (which is what Ivan did)?

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This is a better team with out Al. They are so unified and every body plays together. No one demanding to do anything but play hard and win.

Way to man up on an off night HAWKS!!

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Big Ivan got me believing in the Hawks again

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probably b/c they reward hard play and not knucklehead play and crying..

plus, hard to make a call there when it was a fluid strong move.. bodies bounce off that dude..

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but it was a charge..

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Why is Stack house on the team? couldnt we have kept Benson?

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“we gotta step it up..

i was the one to step it up”

w/ grill showing..

classic.

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Ivan just said the team had the mindset that this was supposed to be an easy game for them…..that’s amazing to me that they continue to think like that.

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Ivan with his first NBA interview.

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IVAN!

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horrible interview though

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Debo is a darn good name, especially after the interview that I just watched.

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ivan w/ the classic interview..

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lol @ big lou – agreed.

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Great Scott,

Stack is the Player Coach. That is the only reason they wanted him on the team. He pulls people aside and tells them what they are doing and what they need to do.

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Ivan makes ZAZA look even worse than he already is

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i wish the team was as HONGRY as Ivan is….I hope he doesnt change.

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Thunder destroying the Knicks. Up by 23. 70-47.

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And Teague got 20 points and 10 assists

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Wow, Ivan saved them. Amazing.

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OKC is giving the Knicks a good old fashioned BEAT-DOWN, 70-47 at HALFTIME.

70 points in a half?
Winning by 33?
Knicks with the SUPERSTARS and the RIM-PROTECTING CENTER?

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20 points and 10 assists and 8 TURNOVERS

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Great Scott,

I agree, I wish they keep Benson. I was just saying he is there for the coaching and not playing time. LD should have fired one of his lazy assistants and made Stack one.

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Buddy, okafor put up 16 & 14 against Love. Marvin +heinrich gets us okafor today

Great win tonight. This twolves team is gonna be good.

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Cut stack and lets get a player

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Marv and Hin> love

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“This team is better with out the locker-room drama that Al cause…”

WOW! did I miss when Al became a cancer to the team? TS, you really overachieve

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Blue Collar > delicate Al

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Ivan johnson said it best rebounding and fts

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Great Scott

20 points and 10 assists and 8 TURNOVERS

6 Turnovers actually! Stop being Negative and padding bad stats Troll!

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Complain all you want about Marvin, but I’ll take 8 and 8 in 19 minutes every game from him – that’s a 16 and 16 game for 38 minutes.

Ivan’s a beast – nothing else to say. He may save the season.

Josh with 4 blocks. Good

Teague with a 20 and 10 against a couple of good PG’s – I’ll take that – too many TO’s though. Rare for him.

Our schedule – The first time we have more than 1 nite off between games is Feb.16-17, we have 2 nites off on a long West Coast road trip. Indy and Miami keep getting the multiple nites off it looks like.

But the last month of the season, we get 3 days off in a row twice. That may help us if we make the playoffs.

A win is a win. Ugly, but I’ll take it.

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Where are all the Willie Green Haters from his first couple of games before he had even settled in?
You goons are so Negative. He is shooting lights out over the last 5/6 games and playing tough D.

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MattP I dont disagree with anything you said. every player will have an off night or 2. especially when getting a tough assignment.

The bottom line is this was a team, win. and these guys showed fight and no quit grit. It is a much better union that when players dont want to play this position or that position, or dont want to defend here or there.

Ivan Johnson is not as Tall as Al or as Heavy as Al but hes better than Al because of the attitude about the game. . It ,makes a big differences.

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Willie has been there for us. And Vlad’s 7 boards is good for him.

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I agree section. smoove has been all world for 5 games. Off tonight, and joe still passed to him for game winning shot. Ivan thankfully got the board and sank the fts.

Ivan johnson

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IF we get TMac back for 20 minutes a nite, we’re still going to be a tough team to handle. Just a balanced team right now.

Josh plays like he did before tonite – like he did the previous 5 games, he’s a handful and so are we.

JJ stepped up and scored 25 – that’s what the 18 million dollar man is supposed to do.

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Hawks are ahead of Heat in standings…

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Read my name! When was the last time our bench had 22 rebounds in a game? WIthout T-Mac too.

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“Maybe that other DLeaguer could come in and help us. 7-0 (supposedly), 265 playin’ well in DLeague right now”

Who is this Guy SteveW? Post a link if you would.

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The Middle!

Jeff’s middle penetration is money. Then right and last is left.

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SteveW,

Miami just played 3 games in 3 nights, and they lost all 3.

DMB,

I think its too early for a trade. But there is no excuse for not bringing in the best available FA center to work out/audition. Hawks can cut Stackhouse if they need to sign somebody.

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My understanding is that the Hawks will have to cut a couple of the non-guaranteed guys just to stay under the tax. Any kind of signing would cause us to pay the tax. I expect a trade within the next week.

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Black Beard saved the day

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OB – Yes, but they’ve already had 1, two nite rest, and are now taking a 3 nite rest after their 3-peat, whereas the Hawks had 1 nite rest after their 3-peat of games. And the Heat get 2 nites off after their next 3-peat in Feb. also.

Not complaining, just sayin’

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OB!

Wassup honey cakes!!! Hey, do you like the D-Leaguer: Chris Daniels? I’m intrigued.

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Great win. Too much criticism on this blog though. How about credit for all these guys stepping up and doing things to pick up their teammates Josh is not a natural scorer but he had 5 straight high scoring games. Off night tonite but he still stayed aggressive and rebounded and defended Ivan and Willie raise their games to cover so it’s all good. I’d rather watch a team like this than Miami anyday. Hawks will finish no worse than 4 seed if they keep playing D like this.

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OB – And Orlando is getting some primadonna treatment right now also – lot’s of multiple nites off right now.

But maybe it is all just objective, and sent into a computer or something, this scheduling thing. I don’t know.

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Dampier is available.

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Thanks Steve here’s the scoop and link.

http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/6482/chris-daniels

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I wouldn’t get too excited about this win. We barely beat a very poor team in our own home. Also, we needed Ivan to save us. If he wouldn’t have made some big plays at the end, we probably would have lost. I was actually disappointed with this game. I know we are less effective without Al, but we should still beat the most of the sub-.500 teams without struggling.

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MY BAD wrong link

http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/chris_daniels/index.html

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The Lakers had Chris Daniels in camp, I think expecting that Gasol trade with Paul to go through. Worth a look anyway

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TS,

Is the question too difficult for you?

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So Marvin “the curse” Williams gets the start huh? Wow! MARVIN STILL STARTIN. I’ve been saying it for years. lol. Btw, where was he in crunch time? Correcto. You got it.

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Ivan needs to teach the big $ players how to shoot clutch free throws.

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big ray, love was the best big man when ivan was not around. he nullified love on so many occasions tonight and made him work for everything and even put him on his arse a few times. it was a pleasure to watch the big guy get his quick hands out on the ball and his quick feet under guys in a flash. he also did just that to bosh the other night when he went off on everyone else. i got to give it to ivan, watched it from the phil tonight and the guy was huge in the comeback and steady enough to make the free throws when the game was on the line. very cool customer and if i were ld, i’d have him as a starter in a flash.

mr green was solid. now why was sloan in there at all? and still marvin cant get the court time with al injured.

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And props to JJ. he made some big shots down the stretch. That is what we need from him when we play the big boys.

Just Joe,

Hawks do not need to make a trade right now. Just cut one player (Sloan or Stackhouse), and sign a center off the scrap heap.

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Zaza 6pts, 5 bds, 1steal, 3-3 fgs v darko 0 pts & 2 bds

Okafor 6&8, kaman 7&1 v marc gasol 20 & 11

Still with emergence of ivan: marvin+heinrich for okafor

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Ron I dont think we missed a beat. Zaza did a double double in Al’s place last night and Ivan did a double double tonight. Sorry if this hurts your feelings but Al who? 12 pts 8 rebounds is not that hard if you consider more than 50 people do it every night in the nba. Al’s a nice guy and that was a nice picture of his wife’s camel toe that was posted.

But Zaza and or Ivan do better than Al because they not only rebound and put up 10/12 pts. they play defense and fight. We probably would have lost this game if Al plays because he would not have played defense down the stretch and would have been on the perimeter rather than the wing. .

Hey, why was time talking about a player who is not a factor. Maybe next year, or the year after he will be a better player. That injury is not easy to come back from. It may be years if ever that he can get back to 12/10 level.

In the mean while I like this team and its chemistry. you have to admit this team is a fighter and they get along very well, now.

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It is obvious that the Association set up the schedule to favor the Heat. One thing they did not schedule were injuries. Looks like this will be one of those seasons Wade will struggle to remain healthy.

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So, TS, no comment on D12?

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So, TS, no comment on D12?

Oh sure you need a comment on D12?

Damn we could have had D-12 til Al pulled that fckup azz trick chit and fcked up the deal. that mudder fcker.

How’s that?

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Great…..nice.

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Lakers or Clippers?

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Will Kobe hit 40 again?

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Thanks for the enlightenment Fawkers….I bet you’ve been holding that in for a year now

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Tebow and more so the press who is using it to elevate an otherwise very average player.

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LD’s Credit…

When is LD going to start getting credit for this teams success. Every game he is showing how bad a coach Woody was…

Great Job LD.

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Ever notice Patrioit have many players with long last names? Just an observation…

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“Sautee, really?

Tell D12 I said dont turn the ball over any more.

Thanks for pointing that out.”

No problem. Thanks for answering. I just wanted the blog to see your hypocrisy.

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Just back from the game. A shame the team played so miserably for close to 3 quarters, but as exciting of a 4th quarter as I can remember.

Nothing better than a comeback win thanks to 4 bench players and Jeff Teague.

Kind of makes up for blowint that 18 (or whatever it was) point lead in Chicago.

MC, when was the last time the Hawks won after trailing by as many as 18 in the 2nd half?

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Rufus1,

When is LD going to start getting credit for this teams success. Every game he is showing how bad a coach Woody was…

Great Job LD..

I think LD is a better coach this year than last year, and unlike Woody, he is willing to try different things.

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The Hawks are good enough to make the playoffs because teams like New York, Boston and Philadelphia aren’t as good as people think.

The Hawks aren’t going to make a trade because they don’t have the assets and they’re not going to take a bad contract for the sake of getting a better than average big man. I wouldn’t be surprised If they cut both Sloan & Stackhouse so that they can sign a Dan Gadzuric or Fesenko ..both dudes are big and should help on the boards.

The Key to the Hawks success is Tracy McGrady & Kirk Hinrich.

Tracy has being playing a passive aggressive role for the Hawks not pressing or really looking for his offense and he’s looking to set guys up and get them in the flow. I’m curous to see what he can do when Larry Drew gives him more minutes and a green light to play his game.

The health of Hinrich will also play a role because he’s a decent shooter and he can play lock down defense at either guard spot.

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You know, we get TMac and Hinrich back, maybe get Przybilla to give us 10-15 minutes per night, we could still be in good shape with this team. Green, Vlad, Ivan, those guys been playin’ some hoop lately off the bench.

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LD is doing a Good Job..

The Hawks play better DEFENSE.
Better OFFENSE.
The team has an Offensive and defensive plan.
He has put together a BENCH…and uses them.
He makes adjustments at the half.
He rides the hot player.
The team is tougher Mentally…

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As for the Hawks;
even an old cynic like myself has to give the team some props tonite.
Since this core has been together – they would have lost tonite’s game
in previous years.
We must begin to realize that LD can coach.
How good LD becomes long haul – who knows ?
However, right now it’s easily discernable that he is growing [as a coach].

* -right now I would not trade LD for an unknown quantity-

This team is becoming more and more, fun to watch !
_____________________________________________

We still need a Big !

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http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/chris_daniels/nba_career_stats.html

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“We still need a Big !” no, we need a Center.

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Puff, Puff, inhale, pass that chit back to Grandad.

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Hatter

Okay; Big = legit Big = legit 7 ftr = [4,5] = Gasol = Good enough for me!

-cannot inhale- sorry-ain’t got nairy a lung left-

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@JeJe, looking forward to another classic analysis of tonight’s engaging event with out Atlanta Hawks!

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REV IN TAMPA-I must have really hit that fool where it hurts. Did you notice how he resorted to a different name after each of my responses? Talk about a gutless coward, and one very sick dude. Did you see that really weak attempt to show that none of the things I said were facts? How utterly stupid does one have to be to say Horford isn’t actually ALL NBA because he was voted in by the writers. If what he says is true, then who in the devil does this retard think voted in all of the other ALL NBA players?

Based on his claims, I guess we have to discount all of the other players who were voted ALL NBA. This MENTAL RETARD, AND MENTALLY CHALLENGED INDIVIDUAL, is a perfect example of STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES.

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Ken I dont care what they say about you, you aint that stupid. I know most of the time you are just acting stupid so they will think you are stupid. That why your theme is stupid is as stupid does. You got them fooled. Keep it up!!! Good Job.

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Why is that guy giving play by play of the 76’s game? Who gives a F___K about what the 76′ers are DOING. He is on the wrong Blog! By the way …hiramsaint ………………….AINTS lose again.

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Terrible offense down the stretch again. WTF was JJ thinking by going iso then passing to Josh for a 3? Are they trying to lose the game?! Bailed out big time by Ivan scoring the last 4 points. I have zero confidence in this team offensively down the stretch. They showed it against Bulls and Heat and now T-Wolves. Cant see them winning a 7 game series with this offense if the games are tight.

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Enter your comments here

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bigman needed…don’t try to kill my Hinrich & Marvin for Okur & Morrow trade.

Nets are trying to play Okur starter minutes (30+). That’s crazy. One interesting fact though, Jefferson only had 3 defensive rebounds for the game. He was too busy standing by Okur at the 3 pt line. In stretches, he can neutralize the opposing center by drawing him out of the paint.

The best parts of my trade though: No more Marvin. Add 3 pt specialist Morrow. Clear an extra $4.2M in cap space for next year. Adding the 7 ft 3 pt shooting Okur is just a bonus. Gives us another look to throw at teams.

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Wow. T.S. is all over this blog these days. I was trying to read the reactions to the game, but he now comprises about 60% of the total comments It’s a bit crazy already. I gets he’s either really passionate or really bored, or maybe both.

At any rate, I agree with what Ron posted earlier about the Hawks making the playoffs as a 5-8 seed. I think that sounds very realistic. I expect them to defeat most of the losing teams and beat a few winning teams for a record that is between 34-33 to 38-28. I think that seems reasonable without Horford. Watch them so far, it seems like we are going to struggle against capable defensive teams unless we continue to hit outside shots at a high clip. Outside of Josh (who is an okay post-up option at best), and Joe, we have almost no one to throw the ball to in the post, and other than teague scoring on drives and Josh occasionally attacking the basket, we get almost no interior scoring. With that being said, we are going to have to continue to rely heavily on perimeter shots to score, and better defensive teams will make that difficult.

Also, on the defensive end, we now only have one guy to contest shots at the rim on a consistent basis (Josh), and not many good interior defenders. Zaza is okay defensively and Ivan definitely works hard, but he’s at a serious height disadvantage against most big men. With poor interior depth and lack of mobility from some of our big men (e.g. Collins), I expect Josh to pick up fouls at a higher rate and I also expect our team to give up a larger amount of points in the paint. I also expect our defensive ratings to drop from what they’ve been so far in the season.

I still expect us to be at or above average on both ends of the floor, which points to a record that is slightly above the .500 mark. Let’s see if that ends up being correct.

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P.S. Im also know as Sautee.

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T.S. What bothers me more that any thing is that you have been right on the money about Al. He is my favorite player, so it makes it hard for me to accept the Truth, but I have taken the S e r um. Its true. Al is a very average player nothing spectacular. His 12 pts and 8rbs have been easily replaced by Zaza 10/10 and then a double double from Ivan Johnson. So we really haven’t missed Al because these guys are very capable of exceeding what Al brought to the table. So if I seem obsessed with defense of Al, I apologize. No harm meant, I don’t know who this is that imitating me, Ill take it as flattery, but the truth is you are right on the money.

Now, I going to try and stop talking about Al because he is no longer a factor. I wish him a speedy recovery. I will try not to let my obsession with a player on the injured reserve affect whats really happening on the court today.

One more thing T.S. I guess Ive become pretty obsessed with you as well. I write about you as much as the Hawks. Im not gay or any thing, I dont think. Ive just got some issues I need to work out.

Enjoy your blogging and freedom of speech.

Go HA@WKS!!

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Grandmaster JeJe’s Observations From Last Night’s Game:

1) Can we please put this issue to rest: Marvin is a complete bust and may have the least upside of anyone on this team, perhaps including ZaZa. Don’t let his numbers fool you. Minnesota shrewdly put Wes Johnson on Joe, so that Luke Ridnour could guard Marvin. LUKE RIDNOUR! THE PLAYER CONSISTENTLY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORST PLAYERS IN THE NBA. What does Marvin do? Exactly what the Marvin Realists like Rod from College Park and I expect: He stands in the corner, and the few plays he tried to post him up, he had easy finishes at the rim, but lost the ball, ended up on the ground, or if he was lucky, he went to the free throw line. What a draft bust.

2) Kevin Love is amazing. I saw hints of Tim Duncan in his play. His offensive display is near impeccable and he is always going after the ball after every shot. Which leads to my next point…

3) When YOU GET THE REBOUND, IT ISN’T OVER YET. GUYS WILL GO AFTER THE BALL AND TRY STRIP IT. Good Lord, ZaZa.

4) ZaZa was horrendous. Awful defender, terrible rebounding.

5) Where the hell is Tracy McGrady? I saw Horford, with a torn pectoral muscle, at the game. T-Mac doesn’t even go to the games anymore. Do he and LD have a beef? I hope he is ready down the stretch of this season

6******) Our shots just weren’t falling in the 1st half. We had great looks. Vlad had great looks. We had good shots at the rim – they just were rimming out

7) Teague, if you are in the lane and there’s people at the basket, GO UP STRONG AND FINISH THE PLAY/GO TO THE LINE. He becomes too timid sometimes

Great free throw shooting. I guess we have been a little more rested lately.

9) Ice Cold Ivan! He is in my opinion one of the 5 best players on the team now with Horford out (Joe, Josh, Teague……?) I didn’t put T-Mac because I have no idea where this guy is anymore. All we ever hear is that he is out for the night. MC, is it possible to get some quotes from him?

10) Ricky Rubio can play. His jumpshot is ugly as hell, but he had TWO perfect behind-the-back passes. Only knock would be he dribbles wayyyy too much. Maybe it’s because players weren’t moving, but there was one play where he just ran Joe around the court for 15 seconds or so.

11) There was one point where (might’ve been after we got 71-53) a timeout was called and Josh was on the bench by himself, maybe with Horford, and Willie Green (might’ve been Sloan – can’t remember) was motioning for Josh to come be a part of the huddle.

12) How can Josh follow up 4-5 masterful games, some of the best basketball we’ve seen in 7 years, with such a shaky performance?

13) ZaZa was letting Pekovic go off on him. Pekovic looks like Kevin Love, but has tats and is probably about 40 pounds heavier

14) Joe in the 4th was on point. He and Ellington were going at it. I had a feeling Love would shoot a 3 at the buzzer

15) Officiating was ehhhh

16) Marvin sux

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REV IN TAMPA-isn’t it gratifying to see this young man develop? Teague had 6 turnovers last night and didn’t get discouraged, didn’t look to the sidelines after each miscue, didn’t hang his head down in disgust and didn’t play scared or stop attacking. If Woodson had been on the sidelines, and he made his 1st mistake, he would have reacted like someone pulled the plug and let all of the air out of him. When you consider how often he attacks the basket, it’s amazing that he’s managed to keep his turnovers to a minimum.

He’s also the reason the Hawks are among the NBA leaders in fewest turnovers per gm. He’s also made it very difficult for teams to run hard double teams on JJ, which is why JJ is attacking the basket with so much success, and doing so with far fewer turnovers than in the past. We’re now running more, getting more easy baskets, and scoring in the paint more. Unlike in the past when we had total DEF liabilities at PG, and opposing PG were killing our perimeter and interior DEF, we’re now able to maintain pressure on the the ball.

Have you noticed how well we now switch and recover on DEF? Bibby couldn’t stay in front of anyone, fight over picks or recover, and Jamal wouldn’t try. We’re getting a lot more steals than in the past, which is far more valuable than blocks. Unlike a block, a steal guarantees a change of posssession and lost scoring opportunity. A block doesn’t guarantee a change of possession or a lost scoring opportunty. We’re now tied for 1st place with Orlando and have the 5th best record in the Eastern Conference.

We’re doing just as well, or better, than most of the Eastern Conference teams that have a so called TRUE CENTER.

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What the F… ^^^

Anyways. Can LD teach these guys to start making free throws? They’ve cost two games already this year.

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Joe, okur could be a nice fit here. He was on the pistons team that won it all without a superstar, which is what we’re trying to do. It also has cap advantages. Im not sure if he’s the stretch the floor, bigman mismatch he used to be. This team needs inte

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I would take 5 Ivan Johnsons any day. If Joe Johnson had a little Ivan in him, he would average 25 points per game. Hope Ivan rubs off on these scrubs and whiners…

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Heat Fan was on point.

12 assists for Ricky

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“1) Can we please put this issue to rest: Marvin is a complete bust and may have the least upside of anyone on this team, perhaps including ZaZa. Don’t let his numbers fool you. Minnesota shrewdly put Wes Johnson on Joe, so that Luke Ridnour could guard Marvin. LUKE RIDNOUR! THE PLAYER CONSISTENTLY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORST PLAYERS IN THE NBA. What does Marvin do? Exactly what the Marvin Realists like Rod from College Park and I expect: He stands in the corner, and the few plays he tried to post him up, he had easy finishes at the rim, but lost the ball, ended up on the ground, or if he was lucky, he went to the free throw line. What a draft bust.”

CHURCH, TABERNACLE!!!!!!!!

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Kaman is on an expiring deal and several playoff teams could use someone with his skills and size. Plus hornets going nowhere and wont resign him so kaman will get shipped before deadline. A first rounder is about all they can ask especially in light of kaman’s struggles this year. Hornets will not want to take on salary in a kaman trade so i dont know that we can realistically put a package together for him.

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Which lineup did we use in the home Miami game (3OT) in order to get back into it? Duck, Smoove, and Al were on the bench. I’m sure it was almost identical to the one we used when we recovered from the 71-53 deficit last night. Obviously Twin wasn’t in in the Miami game

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From csnchicago.com; This is what the Bulls say, despite having more depth in the frontcourt.

Bulls general manager Gar Forman made it clear before the Bulls first home game on Bulls Pregame Live that the team is actively looking to add a veteran big when the right fit presents itself..

What do the Hawks say, despite losing their starting center for the season?

“There is nothing been discussed [about a roster move],” Drew told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution..

Ken S,

Are you content to finish the season with ZaZa and Twin as our centers? Dont you think the Hawks should add somebody for emergency (especially with the short schedule)? And you do realize Al is out 3-4 months, so there is no guarantee he will return in time for the playoffs.

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northcyde, i thought ivan was in love’s pocket on defense. it was true for early in the game when love was 6 and 3 and stayed that way until josh came back on him and yhen late when he eas about 28 and 12. btw it is very hard to keep up with ibdividual stats at games and it takes away from knowing a bit more about the game ypu are attending. it is very hard to read the stats on the scoreboard when they flash them up there.

anyway love played pf with petro and mili at center for collins to guard. they both gave love a lot of attention snd it bothered love. i have now seen ivan shut down two all stars in love and bosh when called upon because those two guys were killing it. the two centers for twolves are perfect for collins as they are statues themselves.

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Bulls will most definitely lose Asik this year in FA, they got him as a HUGE steal in some draft and really has helped them, but he is going to demand big money in the off-season because he is one of the best defending and rebounding bigs in the league also he is unrestricted so he can go wherever he wants.

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Give me either the Russian (Mozgov) or Turkish (Asik) brute at C anyday over some of these guys.

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I would have loved to see that, especially now where he can just come in and do what we need a big man to do. I would like us to go after him at FA time but I can already see someone grossly overpaying. Big men get big time contracts no doubt in my mind Javale Mcgee is going to get Tyson Chandler money come signing time.

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Poor Marvin, folk still want him to apologize for accetping his draft position. Maybe in next year’s draft class, someone will politely ask NOT to be taken at a spot that may be too high.

ASG have made it clear that they are about providing an entertaining product to NBA fans in Atlanta, why continue to compare them to owners with different objectives (i.e. winning a championship). If Walmart wants to own the low segment of the marketplace, why compare them to Neiman-Marcus who is interested in dominating a completely different segment of the marketplace?

Don’t frustrate yourselves folk.

If you want to get frustrated, compare the bold and angry comments of Arthur Blank this past week with the hiring of the OC of the worse offensive team in football this past season. Now that is a front-office move worth shouting about. (The only thing dumber that J’ville hiring our middling OC as a head coach was the Falcons hiring their bottom feeder OC as our OC).

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AJ,

I don’t like the Koetter hire at all. Jacksonville’s offense last 4 years;

2008: 20th total offense (15th passing), 24th scoring.
2009: 18th total offense (19th passing), 24th scoring.
2010: 15th total offense (27th passing), 18th scoring.
2011: 32nd total offense (32nd passing), 28th scoring.

But MJD did lead the league in rushing, despite a rookie QB, and not alot of weapons on offense.

And I’m surprised Mike SMith is putting his eggs in the Koetter basket, because if the offense (and team) struggles next year, Smitty and Koetter will both be out of a job.

Najeh,

What do you think of the hire?

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I agree buddy about kaman, which is why im advocating for okafor.

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I think the Hawks should talk to Hornets about Okafor, he is a bad contract and if Kaman wants to sign an extension they don’t need Okafor that bad. We could send Hinrich and Zaza or Williams for Okafor and fillers. This trade will also help for when Horford returns.

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We are not beating any team in a first round matchup in the playoffs. Philly and Indy got way too much depth and are becoming good teams, Miami and Bulls are like Indy/Philly but boast superstar talent. Only team I can realistically see us beating is the Knicks but they won’t finish nearly high enough for us to play them.

Bulls
Heat
Indiana
Orlando
Philly
Knicks
Hawks
Boston

Maybe we can get 6th seed if we catch a few breaks, but it’ll be tough even then.

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“What do you think of the hire?”

I am not impressed or optimistic that he will be an improvement, but I give him the benefit of the doubt that he was hamstrung by the league’s worst starting quarterback last year and generally hasn’t worked with great personnel in the passing game.

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http://isportsweb.com/2012/01/13/josh-smith-and-jeff-teague-to-the-lakers/

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“Kaman is the starting center for one of the worst teams in the NBA. Zaza is the starting center for a playoff contender.”

Deron Williams is the starting point guard for one of the worst teams in the NBA. Derek Fisher is the starting point guard for a playoff contender. What’s your point?

We both know Zaza is only the starting center right now because Al is injured. Qualifying Zaza as a “starting center for a playoff contender” is idiotic. He has started for a grand total of two games. The last time Zaza started a full season for this team, they won 30 games and went to the lottery.

In any case, Kaman is starting out of position at power forward for the Hornets. Okafor is their starting center.

“You don’t take two players who have been substantial contributors on winning teams (Any combination of Zaza, Marv and Kirk) and trade them for a player who has only put up numbers on losing teams (Kaman).”
“Remember when the Hawks traded the rights to Pau Gasol for Shareef Abdur-Rahim? He had only ever produced on a losing team.”

Since you bring up Pau Gasol, you realize he never won a playoff game before the Lakers traded for him, right? He was the very definition of a player who put up big numbers on losing teams, and yet he elevated the Lakers from a borderline playoff team to a championship team.

Gasol isn’t the only one. There are plenty of players who spent years putting up big numbers on bad teams before going to a good team and contributing for them. Antawn Jamison spent years on terrible teams before going to the playoff contending Mavs and winning 6th man of the year. Zach Randolph spent years as a malcontent on lottery teams before going to Memphis and carrying them to the second round. Jason Kidd’s Mavs were one of the worst teams in the league, but the Suns traded for him and he got them to the playoffs, and the Nets then traded for him and he got them to the Finals.

I could go on and on but I am too lazy to look up more examples. The point is, it’s not like every productive player on a bad team is incapable of producing on a good team. Do you think Kevin Love wouldn’t contribute to a contender? Because so far in his career his winning percentage is around .300.

As far as the three Hawks you mentioned, evidently your definition of “substantial contributor” is very different from mine. Kirk isn’t a rotation player for this team right now. The Hawks have gotten off to a 9-4 start without Kirk in the rotation. He hasn’t “substantially contributed” to anything during his Hawks tenure other than holding Jeff Teague back from the starting point guard position that rightfully should have been his. Kirk is a good rotation player when healthy, but the Hawks have won without him and continue to win without him. He is expendable.

As for Zaza… well, it’s funny to me that you criticize Kaman for being replaced by the supposedly Kwame-like DeAndre Jordan, when in many ways Kwame is almost identical statistically to Zaza.

Career turnover percentage: Zaza 16.9%, Kwame 16.7%
Career true shooting percentage: Zaza 53.9%, Kwame 52.4%
Career effective field goal percentage: Zaza 46%, Kwame 49.2%
Career rebound percentage: Zaza 15.6%, Kwame 14.5%
Career block percentage: Zaza 1.4%, Kwame 2.1%

DeAndre Jordan and Chris Kaman are both better than both Zaza and Kwame in most of those categories mentioned, and unlike Zaza, Kaman has amassed those numbers as a starter and despite being miscast as a primary offensive option for most of his career. If Kaman played the majority of his minutes against backups and wasn’t a go-to offensive option for most of his career like Zaza, presumably his efficiency numbers would be higher.

“Expecting him to be the go-to guy for the Hawks meant they wouldn’t be playoff contenders for years.”

But there’s the difference. I am not expecting Kaman to be a go-to guy for the Hawks. Sh-t, even Al Horford isn’t a go-to guy for the Hawks. In fact, one of the reasons Kaman’s efficiency numbers for his career are not that great is because too often he has been a go-to guy for the Clippers, which he doesn’t have the skill set to be.

Here, he’d be at best the 4th option on offense. His primary responsibilities would be rebounding and blocking shots, and he has done both better than Zaza over the course of his career. All I expect with a Kirk+Zaza for Kaman trade is that Kaman will be more reliable on offense and better on defense than Zaza, and I have no doubt he can do this based on his career track record.

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JJM if that trade went through I would officially stop repping this team, seriously.

22 year old up and coming PG and our best defender and the heart and soul of this team for a 31 year old soft ass Gasol. No.

Only trade I want to make with the Lakers would be getting back Bynum in return not Pau Gasoft.

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For the record I like Okafor as a player better than Kaman, but I don’t like him enough to have him eat $13 million of cap space for three more seasons including this one. Kaman is expiring and that makes him a much more attractive trade target.

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Najeh,

Kirk being injured could limit the Hawks trading options. If he was healthy, I think Hawks could trade him and his $8 mil expiring contract. However, with him coming off an injury, I think the only reason a team would trade for him now is for salary relief, which means Hawks would have to be willing to pick up salary (imo).

I can see it now. Hawks will finish 6th, lose in the first round, and Rick Sund will say it was a good season all things considered, because we were without Horford and Hinrich for a substantial part of the season.

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After losing to the Pacers in Indy, Celtics are 4-7. And with this crazy schedule, it will tough on their old bodies.

Philly and Indy are both 9-3. They have to be the surprise teams so far.

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Najeh, you prefer okafor as a player but go with kaman is the whole point and problem with hawks. We need to get the best players that fit the system. You think d12, noah and meeks will have any sleepless nights worrying about matching up with kaman for 7 games? They will look forward to destroying him. Okafor wont be a night off for the elite bigmen.

Weve got 3 yrs at 8 per in marvin. Okafor is 3 yrs 12 per. Not much difference especially with heinrich 8 mil coming off the books and the same money if zaza’s 4 mil is in the deal.

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As mediocre as LD’s coaching can be at times, you gotta give him props for benching Marvin in the 4th quarters. I doubt it even upsets or motivates Marvin.

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JJ Hickson;

I know he doesn’t play for N.O.
I was only throwing his name out as a possible acquisition.

Long; Strong, Aggressive, Big !

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Marvin is not better than Ariza

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well considering switches and covering bigs Smith and Leuer is good, Smith and Rad is allright, but Marvin and Smith is better than Smith and Ariza.

Ariza is too small. He’d be a bench player.

Teague
Johnson
Smith
Radmanovic
Okafor

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“The Hawks have gotten off to a 9-4 start without Kirk in the rotation. He hasn’t “substantially contributed” to anything during his Hawks tenure other than holding Jeff Teague back from the starting point guard position that rightfully should have been his. Kirk is a good rotation player when healthy, but the Hawks have won without him and continue to win without him. He is expendable.”

Gave up to 1st rd picks for Mr. Expendable? Sheesh..

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two^^^

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Eli is DA MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MISS MARY SHOWED UP!!!!

Ryan is a bust!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Marvin is better than Ariza . . . period.

Defense Rating:

- Marvin: 98
- Ariza: 104

Offensive Rating

- Marvin: 119
- Ariza: 106

PER

- Marvin: 19.8
- Ariza: 13.2

Total shot %

- Marvin: .536
- Ariza: .468

effective FG%

- Marvin: .476
- Ariza: .448

Total rebounding %

- Marvin: 15.1
- Ariza: 9.7

win score per 48 min

- Marvin: .222
- Ariza: .097

Ariza basically parlayed one real good playoff run with the Lakers, into a full mid-level contract. Ever since he’s gotten the minutes to put up decent numbers, he’s basically been an overrated player and shooter.

Marvin > Ariza

New Orleans wouldn’t even hesitate to deal that dude.

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“Weve got 3 yrs at 8 per in marvin. Okafor is 3 yrs 12 per. Not much difference especially with heinrich 8 mil coming off the books and the same money if zaza’s 4 mil is in the deal.”

Kirk + Zaza for Kaman would leave the Hawks with about $56 million in committed salary next year, to Joe, Josh, Al, Teague, and Marvin.

Kirk + Zaza for Okafor would leave the Hawks with about $69 million in committed salary next year, to Joe, Josh, Al, Teague, Marvin, and Okafor.

Marvin + Zaza for Okafor would leave the Hawks with about $61 million in committed salary next year, to Joe, Josh, Al, Teague, and Okafor.

The luxury tax line is $70 million this year. I don’t know exactly how the luxury tax operates in future years under the new CBA, but I think it’s safe to assume the threshold isn’t going to rise by very much. So a Kirk + Zaza for Okafor trade would mean the Hawks are bumping up against the tax line with only six players under contract, which almost certainly means they would have to dump someone’s salary before next season if they acquire Okafor.

So it’s either gotta be Marvin + Zaza for Okafor or Kirk + Zaza for Kaman. I personally think Kirk is more expendable this year than Marvin is, so short term the Kaman trade is better. For all of Marvin’s faults, he is a significantly better man to man defender than Vlad, and not having him would hurt against teams like Miami with good SG and SF depth. Kirk on the other hand hasn’t even played this year and shouldn’t ever start for this team with Teague having cemented the PG position.

But if the Hawks could find the SF equivalent of Ivan Johnson somewhere in the D-League, I’d be happy with Marvin + Zaza for Okafor too. I am just wary of proceeding with this season with nobody at the SF position who can even play average man to man defense.

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Why we all love Ivan Johnson on this team:

Ivan Johnson: “My thing is, I don’t really watch basketball so I don’t know who anybody is,” Ivan Johnson said. “So when I match up against them, they are a regular player. I know the major players like LeBron [James], Kobe [Bryant], [Dwyane] Wade but all the extra ones I don’t know. Even if I did know them, I’m not going to be afraid. We are playing basketball.”

That says it all! Screw the prima donas!

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Okafor 12 & 10 career (7 seasons, never < 10 pts, never< 9.5 reb)

Bynum 10 & 7 career (6 seasons)

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Gasol help D is about as good as All NBA……. Crickets……..

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just because the trade worked on NBA2K12 and you can send the players to camp to get better doesn’t mean this works in real life.

I just looked it up. Okafor at 6″10 averages 8 pts and 8 Rebs this year. Kaman 10 and 7.

That’s not good enough to trade for especially when Marvin Williams averages 10 & 6 in less minutes. Zaza Pachulia averages 9 & 10 in 3 games as a starter not to mention he’s bigger than both of those “centers” you want to bring in here.

Those guys you want to trade for bring absolutely nothing to the table.

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Lol, aside from the Heat we have the worst set of Centers in the East hands down. I’m excluding Al Horford, but I dare someone to show me in the East to show me a set of CENTERS as bad as ours, we have every right to complain.

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yodaddy . . . I tend to agree. Trading two of those guys just to get one, is NOT an upgrade to this team, in my opinion.

Kaman isn’t the same player that he was 3 or 4 years ago, and Okafor’s worth is his defense, not his offense.

The question with Marvin is if his rebounding rate “fools gold”, or is it legit ( since his back is now fixed ). Marvin is much more active and makes more of a contribution these days, than he has in years past.

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“okafor has basically been a starter all of his life, while Bynum sat the bench his first year and has been slowed by injury. At full strength, it isn’t even close as to who is the better center. It’s Bynum.”

Bynum has played his career with kobe bryant, pau and odum to take pressure off in front court and phil jackson coaching. Bynum is coming into his own and looks like 2d best center in nba for now but how much is his success owed to having odum, pau and kobe. Okafor played with chris paul for a couple seasons but that’s all he’s had around him and he still put up elite numbers for his position

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“I’m excluding Al Horford, but I dare someone to show me in the East to show me a set of CENTERS as bad as ours, we have every right to complain.”

How can you exclude an All Star center???? But I’ll go down the line….Cavs, Pistons, Celtics (don’t even have a center), Bobcats, Nets, Raptors, 76ers, Heat. Then once you include Al Horford…only the Magic have a better center group because of Dwight Howard.

Yall act like the Hawks have a bunch of scrubs. Look at the Timberwolves center situation or the Mavs. Center is not the position of dominance like it used to be. Now it’s all about how good your point guard and power forwards are and the Hawks are good at one and great at the other.

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The most talent okafor has had around him was probaly at uconn when charlie vilenueva and ben gordon!

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Center is becoming a strong position in the east: monroe at detroit, hawes at 76ers, hibbert, javale mcgee, bargnani, noah, throw in bogut, lopez when he returns, even mullens on a scoring tear.

You have got to have center to be a contender

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Gee-Zus!

Ha Ha! I wouldn’t trade Teague and Josh for all the tea in China! Unless you’re getting a super-star in return @ center. Hella to the Naw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Whomever said;

“I’m excluding Al Horford,
but I dare someone to show me in the East
to show me a set of CENTERS as bad as ours,
we have every right to complain.”

answer = Boston !
____________________________________________

Smith.Leuer.Bogut

{{{ “How can you exclude an All Star center???? ” }}}
{{{ “-because he’s injured?” }}}

- Agreed – !!
You beat me to it.

____________________________________________

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“Center is becoming a strong position in the east: monroe at detroit, hawes at 76ers, hibbert, javale mcgee, bargnani, noah, throw in bogut, lopez when he returns, even mullens on a scoring tear.”

No it’s not man. Stop overrating these players. Al Horford as a power forward acting center dominates all those guys. Lmao @ Spencer Hawes and Byron Mullens??? can’t be serious man. Greg Monroe??? Cmon man. Noah’s contract makes him overrated and Bargnani??? No Defense no rebounding bargnani??? a 7 ft. shooting guard? And these guys putting up decent numbers on these horrible teams. They have to give the ball to somebody. Somebody has to rebound the basketball. Doesn’t mean they are good players.

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“The most talent okafor has had around him was probaly at uconn when charlie vilenueva and ben gordon!”

He played with Chris Paul man…inflated numbers…This year is more of the player he really is 8 pts and 8 rebs.

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ELI IS DA MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NEW YORK IS DRILLING GB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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WHAT AN ARM? A CANNON!!!! NEW YORK IS RED HOT!

CANNON? HOWITZER?…DARTS?……YEP

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“Derek Fisher has produced in the NBA finals. Chris Kaman has produced what exactly?”

Derek Fisher was productive in the NBA finals years ago. He is old and washed up now, and yet he starts on a team that is still in position to make noise in the playoffs. I am only pointing out that just because a player is on a bad team doesn’t mean he is automatically worse than a player on a good team. And anyway, Zaza has produced what exactly?

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Not sending out Zaza (heart and success and grit and size frustrates vs Dwight) before we play Orlando. And not before I jettison Marvin. for a stretch 4.

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Doug Collins for coach of the year! If his team keeps it up and they will….

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TOUCHDOWN NEWYORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just piling it on? Ya thinks?

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“He may be out for the season but he’s still under contract. The fact is that Okafor and Kaman are old, injury prone, and paid a lot more than Zaza YET Zaza has comparable #’s in games he’s actually started. Not to mention he’s physically bigger than those you mentioned.”

Al being under contract is irrelevant to a Kaman trade, since Kaman’s contract is expiring. By the time Al is healthy again, Kaman will either be re-signed as a backup to a more cap-friendly deal or he will leave as a free agent. Al being under contract is relevant to an Okafor trade, which is why I prefer Kaman over Okafor. Okafor is paid too much to be a backup, which is what he would be next year when Al returns. In the short term, though, both would be an upgrade over Zaza for this season.

Kaman and Okafor are not even two full years older than Zaza, so age is irrelevant. It is true that they are injury prone, and Zaza has been durable.

I went over in the previous post how Zaza is a lot more comparable to other backup centers — Kwame Brown is the one I chose to compare him to — than he is to Kaman. The last time Zaza started a full season, he put up 12 and 7 on 47% shooting with 2+ turnovers and the Hawks won 30 games. If you want to use two games against two below .500 teams to say the Hawks will be fine standing pat with Zaza for the remainder of the season, fine. I am using 6+ seasons of watching Zaza to say that while he will intermittently be a beast on the boards, his complete inability to help on D and his general clumsiness on offense will only be accentuated against starters. Kaman and Okafor are not All Stars but they have been better than Zaza for a long time now.

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No Billy Knight is gonna miss on picks again and again and again and again and again and again and again…….et al…….lol!

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