Atlanta Hawks at Hornets: Game thread
Jeff Teague will start at point guard for the Hawks tonight against the Hornets. Teague said he felt “fine” despite the sprained ankle that limited him during Friday’s win against Pistons.
“Jeff is a go,” coach Larry Drew said before the game. “He was moving around on it pretty good yesterday. He hasn’t mentioned that it is bothering him to the point that we have to limit him. We’ll keep an eye on him. Right now, he is a full go.”
Drew said he would split reserve minutes between Kirk Hinrich and Jannero Pargo.
“He has been playing really well for us,” Drew said of Pargo. “That’s why we got him.”
Hinrich, who played 31 minutes against the Pistons after Teague left late in the third quarter, said he is working to regain form as quickly as possible.
“I want to get my game back,” Hinrich said. “I feel rusty and I just want to help any way I can right now and get my rhythm back.”
* Austin Barker, a 17-year-old high school student from Mississippi scheduled for a bone marrow transplant this week, was the guest of Hawks trainer Wally Blase Sunday.
Barker, who is at Tulane Children’s Hospital, attended the game with his father and two friends. He received a hat signed by the Hawks.
The non-profit organization Sunshine Kids brought Baker’s situation to Blase’s attention. Blase worked with the Hornets to organize the outing.
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1,578 comments Add your comment
drmaryb.[*_*].
February 1st, 2012
9:02 am
“The AJC needs to provide better coverage. Why couldn’t MC blog from in front of his TV while watching the game.
Come on AJC.”
________
Do you work your job from home for free?
doc
February 1st, 2012
9:03 am
tough not having mc around. the guy was quality all the way. he really brought great content once the stern imposed delay was over. now this, with the season one third of the way done his efforts are undermined by ajc policy. he and big ray really built up the readership on the hawks from nothing. i know i was here the first day that sekou arrived, now maybe the last, soon.
i have been intimating something was amiss with the focus of the ajc on the hawks for awhile now and this just confirms it. the first headline notes for the hawks victory over the raptors was a box score; then that followed by an assoc press summation. this is worse than what they carried for the old southern league atlanta crackers that got feeds off the wire to fabricate the stories. this is not a good sign and hasnt been for a long while hawks fans.
vava74
February 1st, 2012
9:03 am
466 to go
drmaryb.[*_*].
February 1st, 2012
9:07 am
Couch Writer!
MC is a Beat Writer, not a couch writer. That’s what fans do. Besides, what would you have him write? The same things we see and write about? That would not be insightful, but redundant.
Let’s face it: The AJC is broke too. Print media is obsolete and the gadgets have taken over. A new source For revenue streams are hard to find, I suppose.
doc
February 1st, 2012
9:09 am
yup dmb, so true.
Hitch Village Raised
February 1st, 2012
9:22 am
Actually, the highest percent of “bubbas” live in extreme North GA about 45 mins to an hour from ATL, or somewhere like Forsyth County, Cherokee, County. Aint no counties that “white” in South GA. Atlanta is a city full of people not even from Georgia and Homosexuals. We dont claim you clowns nor care about the Hawks, and come see how many “Bubbas” in Savannah City Limits, F.uck the Hawks lol.
Hitch Village Raised
February 1st, 2012
9:29 am
People would rather read articles about the Georgia Southern Eagles than the crappy Hawks. Hawks are garbage.
Alex
February 1st, 2012
9:33 am
This is absurd. It’s still on the Hornets game thread? MC should be fired.
Alex
February 1st, 2012
9:34 am
Enter your comments here
Alex
February 1st, 2012
9:35 am
We should trade and get Varejao from the Cavs.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
9:37 am
Sekou gives the Hawks some props this morning, calls Joe and Josh worthy All Stars, LD a worthy COY candidate, and Teague a worthy MIP candidate.
Alex
February 1st, 2012
9:41 am
Where is MC?
Alex
February 1st, 2012
9:43 am
is Teague really eligible for a MIP??? He’s just getting into the league and this is the first season he has even had the chance to play decent minutes.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
9:44 am
Where are y’all getting all this “MC fired” stuff from? All I see on his Twitter are a couple of tweets addressed to someone asking him why he’s not in Toronto, and we already know why he’s not in Toronto. There was no AJC story for the San Antonio game either, only an AP recap, only difference being they provided us a new blog (with no new information on it).
I agree the AJC policy sucks but y’all need some evidence to back it up when you say things like MC has been fired.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
9:45 am
“is Teague really eligible for a MIP??? He’s just getting into the league and this is the first season he has even had the chance to play decent minutes.”
That’s how most MIPs win the MIP award. MIP tends to reward players not for improving as much as getting substantially more playing time.
vava74
February 1st, 2012
9:54 am
Najeh,
Thank you for the link.
I have a much better one, one that explains why Ivey did not go the same evolutionary route that Rondo did:
http://allball.blogs.nba.com/2012/01/30/kevin-willis-enjoyed-himself-some-rookie-hazing-back-in-the-day/
You can blame Willis
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
9:58 am
Until Joe last night, no Hawk had scored 30 points in 30 minutes since… Rumeal Robinson.
vava74
February 1st, 2012
10:00 am
Najeh,
On MC being fired, I was joking and I followed that post with one where I shed some light on MC’s apparent state of mind which pretty much cleared the subject of the “firing”.
doc
February 1st, 2012
10:01 am
seemed like the hawks really enjoyed rook hazing back then as that was not long before the popcorn incident. crafty vets could haze but couldnt rebound or defend. we were awful and they were stealing.
vava74
February 1st, 2012
10:02 am
I still have a VHS tape of a Hawks – LAL’s game in which Rumeal scored 22 points (or something like that).
vava74
February 1st, 2012
10:05 am
doc,
poor Willis was already 85YO by then, what else did you expect him to do?
he was in full Stack-role that year and his “leadership skills” were in full display making sure that a rookie could not get a decent night’s sleep…
I would like to see Stack try that same stunt on Ivan
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
10:10 am
Haha didn’t know Kevin Willis was such a prankster. He doesn’t have anything on the late Lorenzen Wright with his popcorn though.
doc
February 1st, 2012
10:12 am
yeah vava, those were the farcical years of minimal payroll that was filled by nobodies to only pick up a paycheck to make the payroll commitment complete. anderson and barry fell under that entitlement program as well. man those teams were awful.
Melvin
February 1st, 2012
10:13 am
Joe 8pts in less than a min was very Reggie Miller like…
FreshFromATL
February 1st, 2012
10:29 am
SMDH. AJC has to be the worst run media outlet in any major city. SMGDH!!
Grandad
February 1st, 2012
10:38 am
Some folks seem to be confusing
Most Improved Player (MIP)
with the Comeback Player of the Year.
doc
February 1st, 2012
10:43 am
maybe mc is pizzed he went to detroit and san antoine and chris went to new orleans. heh heh
doc
February 1st, 2012
10:44 am
or was it milwaukee?
vava74
February 1st, 2012
10:57 am
doc,
there was definitively no one going to SA if I remember correctly.
I think MC’s travel arrangements will be defined by AJC when they check the “lastminuteoffer” sites for cheap flights…
Anything above $50.00 is a no go!!!
brigadierjerry
February 1st, 2012
10:58 am
rip mr soul train don cornelieus
Melvin
February 1st, 2012
10:59 am
Indy, Philly and Chicago have tough schedules this month. Hawks shouldn’t lose too much/or any ground against them. However, the Heat,Celtics and Magic will have a fairly easier month looking at the opponents winning percentage.
brigadierjerry
February 1st, 2012
11:01 am
i see more and more newspaper columnists going to online media such as espn yahoo sports networks. digital media is the way for awhile now
KevinM
February 1st, 2012
11:34 am
Now that someone has mentioned that Kenyon is seriously considering joining us, what does everyone think about him being able to help our guys in their current form?
Anyone see his totals while over in China?
mountain_jim
February 1st, 2012
11:35 am
Well my post earlier this morning taking issue with the AJC for not commenting or explaining this situation of non-existent coverage of last night’s game was eaten/suppressed.
Admiral Ackbar
February 1st, 2012
11:37 am
MC is GONE!!!
ITS A TRAP!!!!!
northcyde
February 1st, 2012
11:38 am
The AJC is gonna start telling MC to drive to all games 10 hrs or less from ATL.
Or worse, they’ll suggest that he take the Greyhound to games.
Buddy Grizzard
February 1st, 2012
11:39 am
KevinM there is no question he could help us given the severity of our lack of depth in the front court. He’s well past his prime and in decline, but could undoubtedly give us better minutes than Jason Collins. A more interesting possibility is that New Orleans may buy out Chris Kaman, who has stated that he wants playing time. The Hawks have the greatest front court need among the upper echelon of teams, so this could be his destination.
vava74
February 1st, 2012
11:41 am
KevinM
February 1st, 2012
11:34 am:
“Now that someone has mentioned that Kenyon is seriously considering joining us, what does everyone think about him being able to help our guys in their current form?
Anyone see his totals while over in China?”
I am sure that we can find, but RandMo was averaging last year 28 and 15 (or roughly around that) in the CBA, so Martin’s averages over there are not of huge interest.
Ideally, Martin would fit in as our “PJ Brown” for our playoff run.
vava74
February 1st, 2012
11:44 am
ie. We cannot expect more than 20mpg and something around 6ppg and 4.5rpg, hopefully with shooting percentages above .450 and .650.
vava74
February 1st, 2012
11:49 am
Actually, I think that RandMo is ready to return:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXnXT8nBUP0
KevinM
February 1st, 2012
12:02 pm
Vava, wow, what a difference a league makes huh?
I was hoping for big things from Morris when he came here and convinced Sund he could help. We didn’t see it, but it never hurts to get him into training camp and challenge him again.
You just can’t teach size in any league, so I would expect Kenyon has some decent numbers himself.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
February 1st, 2012
12:02 pm
They updated the high school football signings page but could not update the Hawks Blog. No Respect.
Ken Strickland
February 1st, 2012
12:07 pm
Woodon deliberately kept Teague under wraps to protect Bibby’s role on the team. I have no idea whatsoever why Drew continued the same stupid policy, including continuing to use that stupid SWITCHING DEF to protect he and Jamal. We all heard the same lies and lame excuses about Teague, as well as their so called committment to DEF. How in the devil can either of these 2 HCs be committed to DEF if they stubbornly rely exclusively on 2 of the NBAs biggest DEF backcourt liabilities as their PGs, while keeping their quickest, fastest and best DEF backcourt player anchore to the bench?
After seeing the tremendous difference Teague’s speed, quickness, DEF, penetrating ability, and ability to create easy baskets for his teammates has done for this team so far, and under extreme conditions when factoring in this insane schedule, I hope everyone now sees why I was so hard of Woodson, and blasted Drew as well.
Due to circumstances beyond Drew’s control, he was forced to give Teague his 1st real opportunity to show what he could do. Under difficult circumstances, and no backup, he became our series MVP while going against MVP DRose and the Bulls, who led the NBA in wins and DEF. After that breakout series, he has continued to thrive and move this team forward under difficult circumstances(difficult schedule, limited training camp and preseason).
Now maybe everyone can see why I consistently made such an issue of Woodson’s STUBBORN STUPIDITY regarding his reliance on Bibby and and Jamal while ignoring Teague. I also made an issue of Drew’s STUBBORN STUPIDITY last yr for continuing Woodson’s stupid policy toward Teague, as well as continuing that SWITCHING DEF to protect Bibby and Jamal. I have to take my hat off to HC LDrew for breaking away from Woodson’s STUBBORN STUPIDITY, and maybe his own, and finally becoming a good coach that’s no longer holding the team back.
Teague still makes mistakes, just like everyone else, but he longer has to look over his shoulder after every mistake, or worry about being held accountable and admonished for every one he makes, like in the past. Adding Teague’s speed, quickness, athleticism, penetrating ability, scoring consistency, “DEFENSE”, versatility, and newfound confidence, has closed that big gaping hole in our perimeter DEF, and solidified our overall DEF.
Teague allows our starters to finally be able to concentrate on playing both team and individual DEF to stop the opposition, rather than concentrating on playing team and individual DEF to cover for 2 DEF liabilities.
KevinM
February 1st, 2012
12:31 pm
The 2 areas with room for improvement are SF and C.
Does Sund have any legit interest in improving those slots?
I like what T-Mac brings to this team and I wish it weren’t such a limited role. T-Mac’s one ‘oops’ to Josh was a highlight keeper.
He still has game in that body and him being younger than Kobe gives me hope that he will regain he will show us more than he has shown us thus far. He is still as good as Vinsanity and doesn’t demand minutes or shots. Its a good fit so far.
Zaza has covered enough for Al, and Ivan has stepped ahead of Collins in protecting the paint for us while we wait on reinforcements. How long we have to wait is the current question? I know talks really heat up around 2/15, so it won’t be much longer to know who we will go into the playoffs with. As we stand now, it looks like the wheels would have to fall off for us to miss even the 8th slot. We can compete with MIL/CLE/NJ/NYK if it comes to that near the end of the regular season.
Its interesting though to see how well Joe/Josh have played much better than what they showed prior to this 8-2 run.
Ken Strickland
February 1st, 2012
12:31 pm
I could see where RMorris and his inside scoring ability could be an asset in the playoffs, since halfcourt OFF becomes a premium. In the grand scheme of things, I could see adding RMorris’ inside OFF, and KMartin’s DEF and rebounding. I’d be more than willing to cut Stackhouse and Twin to add these 2.
the Hawksta
February 1st, 2012
12:34 pm
Wasn’t trying to offend you or the “drmaryb” Ray. Just sayin. I can appreciate good humor and a fine opinion anytime. No need for the “Lil” on your tag. My blogging comes and goes. Been on and off the blog 4 years now. I’m a writer at heart but sports writing gives me writers block. I’d rather read and enjoy like Angie.
vava74
February 1st, 2012
12:39 pm
KevinM,
Beyond size, which you cannot teach, RandMo has excellent offensive moves in the post.
I saw him as a potential Bad Boyz’ James “Buddha” Edwards for us: a big which could bring instant offense from the bench for short stretches.
Edwards was not known for his defense or his rebounding in those Pistons’ teams but he sure brought an immediate offensive punch in the paint, which is something that we desperate need as well in light of our perimeter oriented game.
Unfortunately, RandMo seems to lack something which also cannot be taught and that negates his pluses: he seems to lack heart/fire, which is something that is less noticeable when you are playing night in night out against guys who are 3 to 6 inches shorter than him in the CBA.
However, since I have a romantic approach to sports (mostly routing for underdogs) this type of reclamation projects hit a cord in me… so I would definitively bring him back once more for yet another run with us.
vava74
February 1st, 2012
12:48 pm
Ken Strickland,
Collins is a situational player.
He will be again invaluable if we match up with ORL and Howard is still there, in particular now that we are even shorter on long bodies.
Last year we had to launch 5 guys at Howard: Collins, Zaza, Horford, Powell and Hilton.
FIVE GUYS.
This year we are supposed to go against him only with Collins, Zaza and Ivan?
I can assure you that Kenyon will not be a factor against Howard. His toughness is more empty bravado and tats than real toughness.
Not that I would not like him to sign with us, but my expectations of his potential are realistic.
Finally, don’t even bring RandMo to the table if you want to preserve any kind of blog credibility now that your stock is soaring with Teague…
these guys are incapable of “forgiveness” and “hope” and only see in RandMo the slob that was in a suit 3 years ago 
I prefer to think that after he lost his excessive weight he was not given a fair shot at developing his game.
There were a number of games under Woody in which we looked befuddled against zone defenses and instead of being creative and putting a post presence on the floor, Woody shrugged and said that we could do little else than shoot and hope that the shots fell next time around !!!
KevinM
February 1st, 2012
12:52 pm
Vava, how about Morris vs. Ivan next year, winner take all! I would like to see those battles in camp and see if Randolph could keep up. Because it looks like either would be vying for the last big man off the bench if we keep improving the bench like Sund has this year.
And Big James went very well with Salley/Rodman in the heydays of Piston basketball. That was a well built team in those days and being an underdog for a long time, they came out of the pile in good shape.
Dumars / Thomas or Joe / Teague…..good battles would come from that.
I don’t think we could have kept up with their frontlines though.
vava74
February 1st, 2012
12:58 pm
KevinM,
We are far to soft for those days
Actually, EVERYONE is far to soft for those days. I would LOVE to put Howard in a time machine and make him play the Bad Boyz… HAH !!! I can guarantee you that he would not score 10pts in 10 attempts!!!