Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 83, Magic 78
Here is my updated game story from the Hawks’ 83-78 victory over the Magic Thursday.
This time the Hawks responded.
After watching a 17-point lead disappear, the Hawks bounced back in the fourth quarter for an 83-78 victory over the Magic on Thursday night at Philips Arena.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak and was only the Hawks’ fourth win in the past 12 games. They head to the All-Star break with a much-needed victory — coming off a 1-4 road trip and playing their second game without leading scorer Joe Johnson.
“It’s a great way to end that [bad] streak,” coach Larry Drew said. “Coming into this game, again a little short-handed, I didn’t know what I was going to get from the team. … That 10-day road trip was a concern of mine. But I thought our guys came out at the start of the game and displayed energy.”
Holding a one-point lead, Willie Green scored seven points in the final 3:06 — including a 3-pointer and a floating layup as the shot clock expired — for the dramatic win. The Hawks put the game on ice with seven free throws down the stretch.
“Right now we are happy to get this win and go into the break,” Green said. “It’s a good all-around win. Even when they made a run, team have been making runs and we haven’t been able to get back in it. But tonight, everything was different.
“We got contributions from a lot of different guys. For me it’s just about picking and choosing when to be aggressive.”
The Hawks enter the All-Star break sixth in the Eastern Conference, 1 1/2 games behind the Magic for second place in the Southeast Division.
Josh Smith led the Hawks with a game-high 22 points and 12 rebounds. Jannero Pargo had 15 points, and Green finished with 14 points.
“We played like a desperate team,” Smith said. “There was a sour taste in our mouth losing three games in a row and coming back home we didn’t want it to be a let-down loss again.”
Dwight Howard, the NBA’s 10th-leading scorer, was held to 12 points, four in the first half. The Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy product was kept away from the basket for much of the night by Hawks center Zaza Pachulia. J.J. Redick finished with 13 points, including eight in the fourth quarter.
Pachulia, who also had 13 rebounds, helped hold Howard to three first-half field goal attempts. He said he relied on his experience to keep Howard at bay.
“I’m a big fan of doing the little things because they definitely help you during the game – keeping him above you or meeting him early – those things help you as a defender and the team as well,” Pachulia said.
If the Hawks had tired legs they didn’t show early. They ran the Magic into a deep hole in the first half. However, a 17-point lead would nearly be gone after the third quarter.
Smith scored the Hawks’ first seven points and 14 in the first quarter. The Hawks used runs of 15-2 and 14-6 in the opening quarter to take a nine-point lead, 29-20. Smith put an exclamation point on his quarter with a dunk over the Magic’s Glen Davis.
Pargo scored 15 points in the first half, including 12 in the second quarter, as the Hawks built a 17-point halftime lead, 47-30.
The Hawks held the Magic to a season-low 30 points in the first half. The Magic shot only 32.4 percent in the first half, and each miss had the Hawks off and running. How bad was it? The Hawks held a 21-2 advantage in fast-break points, converting 10 of 11 chances.
The Hawks scored only 11 third-quarter points as the Magic cut the lead to three, 58-55, by ending the quarter on a 16-3 run. A Redick 3-pointer on the Magic’s first possession of the fourth quarter put the finishing touches on the Hawks’ once-large advantage.
“Not to panic,” Drew said of his instructions once the Magic had tied the game. “That is something that we are going to have to get used to, get accustomed to, because this is the NBA. These guys are good. You are going to be in situations where you have leads and teams come back and you have to maintain your composure. I think we are getting better at that. I don’t think we are there yet, but we are getting better. We have to learn have to play through bad spells. We have to learn how to play through [opposition] runs.”
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194 comments Add your comment
northcyde
February 23rd, 2012
11:24 pm
Good win, considering the 3rd quarter collapse.
BLAH BLAHZAY
February 23rd, 2012
11:37 pm
Nice that the hawks still own Dwight & the Magic.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 23rd, 2012
11:37 pm
“If the Hawks had tired legs they didn’t show early. ”
The Hawks are 7-2 when they play a game the previous night (second game of back to back, or 3rd game of back to back to back). They are 13-12 when they have one or more days of rest. Maybe tired legs are good.
Rusty
February 23rd, 2012
11:47 pm
Fire that idiot LD.
falCans
February 23rd, 2012
11:48 pm
all hail #5
Grandad
February 23rd, 2012
11:52 pm
Magic are worse than our Hawks.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 23rd, 2012
11:56 pm
Well, this win guarantees no trade.
Only trade would be Pargo and a 2nd rder for Sessions or some BS
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 23rd, 2012
11:57 pm
Marvin has 2 points in his last 49 minutes on the court
Vino
February 23rd, 2012
11:58 pm
only if we can play the magic 35 more times….
Grandad
February 23rd, 2012
11:59 pm
Dwight just playin` out the string.
Will be traded after the All-Stern Game, played in ORL.
doc
February 24th, 2012
12:03 am
not a pretty game but a good win. glad i went though the last minute was painful to watch as teague twice and josh once clanged important free throws,
does anyone else think howard is not interested? just the same, the way zaza plays him collins is an after thought.
still unimpressed with vlad.
liked seeing ivan in there and think he is under utilized for his hustle and bulk. again he should have started against the bulls.
doc
February 24th, 2012
12:04 am
see gdad is on the same wave length.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 24th, 2012
12:07 am
I was thinking of signing someone last nite. Cost me this week. Should’ve owned Najeh.
Should have signed JON FREAKING LEUER
Grandad
February 24th, 2012
12:08 am
We cannot be winning games like this one tonight.
We need to lose our loseable games as we are approaching
Perry Jones territory in the draft.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
February 24th, 2012
12:08 am
FIRE LD
Grandad
February 24th, 2012
12:12 am
Tell me again;
why we re-signed Damp to a 2nd 10 day ?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 24th, 2012
12:13 am
My bad. Not playing Najehs team
Grandad
February 24th, 2012
12:14 am
doc
D.Howard totally -disinterested- has quit on his team;
or so it appears.
*[and from what I`ve read]
uga-brave
February 24th, 2012
12:14 am
22 shots, rebounds like a monster. letting him play the high post is a diaster..
the guy plays his arese off.
he cant go right. never could. cant shoot ft’s but he hustles his arse off.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 24th, 2012
12:16 am
M. Bradley commends us in new blog.
Guess northcyde was wrong about him only writing negative ish
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 24th, 2012
12:19 am
I see Pargo and Green as ROLE PLAYERS having nice games.
Marvin is doing nothing.
Northcyde, please explain
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2012
12:25 am
“does anyone else think howard is not interested?”
I got the same impression. Zaza played well, but if Dwight was trying, Zaza wouldn’t be snatching offensive rebounds out of Dwight’s hands.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 24th, 2012
12:27 am
Win doesn’t mean much. This team will lay down and quit on any given night.
OUR STARTING SF CANT EVEN SCORE. LOL
tyger
February 24th, 2012
12:35 am
Good job LD – 0-3, w/o 2 All-stars and no Kryptonite….
Hawks find way to win at home against rival…
Granted, this aint yo mommas Magic, but who cares…
We’re w/o JJ, Big Al and Collins…
I knew February would expose this fairweather team…
Both Marvin and Joe are M.I.A. – that’s a good thing…
Move on… let’s see what we’re made of – their soft…
Understandibly disoriented w/o JJ in NY…
Gritty group rallied behind non-Allstar Josh Smith in ATL…
ZaZa went toe-to-toe w/ DHoward all night for 4 qtrs…
Giving up on Marvin early was key…
Green, Hinrich, Radi all contributed in his stead…
It was beautiful and all we had down low was Josh/ZaZa…
There is a lesson there, if we can figure out what it is…
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 24th, 2012
12:40 am
Hinrich and Duck for BPA
SOMEONE PLEASE TAKE MARVIN.
uga-brave
February 24th, 2012
12:43 am
najeh, got the same thing. at the end he looked not interested.
uga-brave
February 24th, 2012
12:45 am
for crying out loud he should of taken that game over. the hawks scored what 20 point in almost 20 minutes.
johnny
February 24th, 2012
12:51 am
only 8 mins for T-mac as he was running the offensive smmothly with 3 assists? come on, the guy deserves more mins than Hinrich and Vlad
Buddy Grizzard
February 24th, 2012
12:57 am
LOL watch Zach Andrews THROW DOWN on Antoine Walker at the end of this highlight reel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkqa3P0kiWQ&t=0m59s
Hawks need to call Andrews up.
Buddy Grizzard
February 24th, 2012
12:59 am
PS I think we should trade Zaza.
Rocky
February 24th, 2012
1:12 am
Leuer > Lebron.
‘Nuff said.
Ronjo
February 24th, 2012
1:23 am
Nice win for the Hawks. I feel bad for the Magic right now, they really appear to struggle mightily when they can’t play though Dwight, and it’s seems like he already has one foot out of the door. As others have mentioned, I felt like Dwight looked relatively disinterested tonight. He wasn’t’ playing intensely, wasn’t complaining nearly as much I usually notice him complain when he’s in a big game and things aren’t going his way. He didn’t even complain to his teammates when they were making terrible decisions with the ball.
At any rate, if nothing else, this win should help the Hawks’ psyche going into the break. Losing 4 in a row may rattle the confidence of the team so much that they begin to doubt themselves. At least they were able to end the first half of the season on a high note. It will be interesting to see how the Hawks do after some rest once the season resumes.
Cris
February 24th, 2012
1:24 am
Pargo is out playing Kirk in my opinion. Trade kirk for a big and get ride of marvin. T-Mac needs more minutes.
Reno
February 24th, 2012
1:24 am
Enter your comments here
Reno
February 24th, 2012
1:29 am
I don’t normally comment, but I had to today. What NBA level coach doesn’t know what he’s going to get from his team on a night to night basis? Larry should demand effort consistency and heart from this team and yet they have none. Somebody please get a decent ball coach
Ronjo
February 24th, 2012
1:30 am
There’s one other thing I forgot to mention. The Pargo-Green combo is something the Hawks should look to utilize for scoring off of the bench more often. When they are off, they are off, similar to Jamal, but both of these guys can put points on the board on a steady rate when they have it going, and they both attempt to play defense, at the very least. With the way Vlad has been shooting and L.D.’s refusal to play T-Mac significant minutes, the team really needs as much offense as it can get.
With Joe and Al both out, Josh is basically a volume scorer. He’s taking a large quantity of shots and scoring at a very low rate for a big man, but at the very least, he can at least draw defensive attention on the block against opponents without solid interior defenders, which helps other Hawks to get easier shots. We are going to need offense from elsewhere to be competitive without Joe and Al though, especially if Joe is out for any extended period of time. I think the best bet for an offensive spark may be from the backcourt duo of Green and Pargo if they have it going. If not, the Hawks best bet is going to have to be to create offense from defense and score in transition.
hawks_4_life
February 24th, 2012
2:50 am
Just saw ESPN highlights and commentary of the game. All they focused on was Howard, you wouldve never know the Hawks won the game.
JOKES
February 24th, 2012
3:01 am
I want you to know that money talks. The people that are getting the most $$ is going to play….The others get the league minimum even when they show life it is suck out when the dollar bill calls ….LD is like a somebody trying to play with a rubiks cube. He does not have the method to figure it out with the rotation….This win still is just xxxxx. I want to see after the All-Star break if they are going to look @@maybe making some kind of moves to better the team or keep what they have and stop the bs. Hey Hawks there are 4 quarters. Will you stop half a$$ing with our money? Call the flames and the thrashers.
vava74
February 24th, 2012
3:29 am
We need to put forward a “Start Stack” campaign.
“Anything but Marvin” should be the undercard theme.
Andrew Lipham
February 24th, 2012
4:05 am
Magic get: Horford, Hinrich, Marvin, Zaza, 1st rd pick
Hawks get: Dwight, Turk
Andrew Lipham
February 24th, 2012
4:05 am
pg Jeff Teague
sg Joe Johnson
sf Hedo Turkoglu
pf Josh Smith
c Dwight Howard
vava74
February 24th, 2012
6:01 am
Andrew,
There are far better packages available than that one AND Howard has NO INCLINATION to sign with the Hawks. NONE WHATSOEVER.
vava74
February 24th, 2012
6:03 am
Rod FCP,
I guess that you will not be getting than new car and lost as well the house money.
Betting is stupid by nature – IMO – and betting in or against a dysfunctional and unpredictable Hawks ball club is twice as stupid.
Senator Blutarski
February 24th, 2012
6:35 am
—Ivan Johnson and T. McGrady should be getting more minutes and Marvin and Vlad Rad less minutes–many nights anyway, depending on match-ups, who has a hot-hand, etc.
filipino flash
February 24th, 2012
7:14 am
MC- is there any explanation why dampier is getting 10 day contracts and young bodies like mikell gladness and Keith Benson aren’t getting offers? Have the hawks given up on managing young talents?
Section 303
February 24th, 2012
7:39 am
Zaza was great last night. He and Howard were battling in the post. It was fun to watch. I thought Zaza was the game’s MVP. Howard was not much of a factor. Even in the Magic’s 3rd quarter run, he did not standout. They seemed to get back in the game with perimeter shooting more than post play.
I was expecting the Hawks to get killed last night. Was a great surprise. If they can hang tough until the middle of March, when there are some winnable games on the schedule, they might be able to make a push for the 4th seed.
Senator, what exactly did T-Mac do last night to warrent more minutes? Two easy shots at the rim and was totally unproductive. T-Mac is looking like just another big mouth (whinning about minutes) that cries, but does not back anything up. Sick of people like that. You’re going to call out the coach to the press and then come back and miss layups? T-Mac needs to realize we are playing in 2012 not 2002.
Fundamentals
February 24th, 2012
7:44 am
The Hawks have never managed young talent. This is the status quo. Get used to it.
Bad drafting.
No player development.
Put out a product that just starts to spark real hope.
Play like crap and blame it on tired legs instead of all of the above plus no heart and bad coaching. That’s my 30 years of watching.
Fundamentals
February 24th, 2012
7:48 am
TMac has failed in each opportunity to back up his whining.
Kirk, Tmac, Stack, Marvin, Damp, Collins, Vlad need to go. For almost anything.
Layups R Us
February 24th, 2012
8:17 am
Where was Marvin Williams last night ? The night before ? What a waste of $9 million bucks a year.
Layups R Us
February 24th, 2012
8:19 am
i like Pargo/Gree STARTING over Teague/M.Williams any day & all day !
vava74
February 24th, 2012
8:27 am
T-Mac was 0/1 from the floor but had 3 assists in 8 minutes, a period in which the lead increased by 6 points.
T-Mac is by far the Hawks’ best playmaker and is supposed to sit and watch Marvin start day in day out putting either awful numbers or when he does put some decent numbers on the board generally look like crap even though he is usually defended by the opposing teams worst or smallest defender on court.
Yeah, he could be over stepping by whining but LD has been using him less and less since Hinrich came back so he is right.
With JJ down, Marvin away one game and sucking when he is around, how can’t LD find a consistent 25 minutes for T-Mac?
How?
And how can you expect anything but a defeat against the Knicks when he matched up a short 6′3” Green with a long and athletic 6′7” Landry Fields??
And Hinrich – clearly struggling – matched up against a longer, much more athletic, and in top form JR Smith???
Ray
February 24th, 2012
8:31 am
Okay the hawks have won we not have a 20-14 record if I’m not mistaken that’s okay, but it seems like we’ll be limping to the finish line.
Here is one thing I will say for people talking about anyone starting over Teague well fine let’s say Pargo does start over Teague or even Kirk for that matter. Do you seriously think we’ll get the same production out of the PG spot with those two on the floor?
The answer no every time I’ve watched the hawks and L.D yanks out Teague it seems like every team no matter who it is goes on either a big or small run. Some of that has to do with old Kirk not being what he was at all last season and possibly part of the lockout too. So I chalk that up to partly L.D’s fault.
As for anyone suggesting Willie Green or Pargo over Teague/Marvin(okay honestly anyone can start over him) What happened when L.D brought Willie Green into the starting lineup what was his infamous line. Wasn’t it something like “I’m going to miss that production he brings off the bench.” Something to that affect so that derails any Green starting over anyone for right now.
Ray
February 24th, 2012
8:39 am
You know in one way I’m glad a number of people here are not GM’s even myself included.
As we sit back from our couches being the Head Coach the only thing most people can agree with on this blog are two things because they are extremely obvious. Marvin Williams plus we need a C.
As far as everything else goes like which C we need to go after or what not. That’s where things get very iffy as far as I see.
vava74
February 24th, 2012
8:39 am
A tribute by an english music mag to Don Cornelius:
http://www.factmag.com/2012/02/23/soul-train-the-10-greatest-moments/
richie
February 24th, 2012
8:41 am
trade either marvin and hinrich or marvin and zaza to Cleveland for Varejao. A center that will rebound
Hawkwatch
February 24th, 2012
8:42 am
When is Larry Drew is going realize K. Hinrich is killing this team playoff hopes. He got to see the guy in no longer a NBA player. Play Pargo and J. Teague at the guard position as much as possible. Find a trade for Hinrich if there is a team in the D league that will take him. I know there are players in the D league that is better than Hinrich.
Dawg
February 24th, 2012
8:58 am
I just read an article on hoopshype rumors about Larry Bird and his vision for the Pacers. They are a good young team that is $15 million UNDER the salary cap. Hearing his plan and vision and then realizing we have the ASG and Rick Sund made me want to throw up. Our GM’s goal is to patch and pretend about a core.
ASG, the Hawks management and the Hawks coaching are jokes.
Ray
February 24th, 2012
9:11 am
We already know the entire Hawks Organization is a joke.
The arena they play in is a joke that’s why I’m better off watching at home and not there.
The first step to repair the Atlanta Hawks is not trading the players(that will happen later), but getting rid of who is at the top of it all.
Second step get us a legit GM the one from SA would be nice you know.
Step three get us an actual Head Coach not one the players want you don’t ever let the players run the asylum no matter what they do cause that means you’ll lose the entire team very quickly wants the ish hits the fan.
Step 4 Things that everyone says over and over again Dump Marvin Williams, Jason Collins, and Cap’n Kirk.
Step 5 try to find a way to get us a legit C go out there and get B. Mullins or Cole Adrich.
Step 6 even though most people will hate this if we can’t find a legit C slide Josh Smith to SF and Horford to PF and let Zaza play at the C
O'Brien
February 24th, 2012
9:15 am
Props to Najeh, who predicted Hawks by 5.
I am happy for the win. Hopefully this can be a springboard coming out of the AS break.
However, I think a big reason for the win is our mentality when we play them. We are a mentally soft team (imo), but after last year, the Hawks know they can beat the Magic (5 straight wins over them in the regular season, and we beat them in the playoffs). So even when the Magic make their run, we don’t panic. It also helps that the Magic depend on their 3’s, and its tough to win games that way consistently.
And I agree on Dwight. He looked out of it last night. It will be interesting to see if he gets traded before the deadline. ZaZa played him well, and we’ve beaten the Magic 2 straight games without Collins (which I think is the main reason Twin was signed in the first place).
KevinM
February 24th, 2012
9:23 am
Imagine the spew here had we lost to the Magic…..but they have some ‘magic’ over that team and it does look like D12 is going through the motions. Is it because Jameer is his main feeder in the post because the others have no problem jacking up shots. Put Josh on that team and you will see a 3pt shooting contest the entire game,
But there are still problems here and yes Buddy. Zaza reappeared last night. I wish he had that fire every night.
T-Mac is not getting his just due either….I wasn’t impressed with him during the losing streak, but he does see the floor well and as long as he doesn’t play the Marvin role, I am fine with him on the court,
I could accept Marvin at league minimum, but not at his current level. Prepare to amnesty him next year and clean up 2 years of a horrid mistake by Sund.
Going forward, i don’t see us breaking up this starting 5. Sund doesnT have it in him to get anything of value. This isn’t the Dominique led Hawks when we got Danny Manning….this team has peaked and is maxing out what LD gives here.
And how does ORL play better and look like a team when they aren’t playing us? I don’t like their makeu
atlanta hard head
February 24th, 2012
9:32 am
it seems that some of you dont have any love for the HAWKS, why are you even on the page making comments when every thing you say is negative Andrew lipham, i liked you comment, i’m with that, i thank thats a good move!!!.
vava74
February 24th, 2012
9:33 am
ONLY MAJOR CHANGE NEEDED IS COACHING.
The level of player talent in the NBA is fairly balanced. It’s the coaching differential than can make wonders.
CHI has a very good roster but they keep on wining with CJ or Lucas at the PG slot when Rose is down.
Thibs makes CHI click. Take Thibs and insert LD on CHI’s bench and they would be were we are: decent record but unable to be really competitive REGARDLESS OF HAVING ROSE.
Just Joe
February 24th, 2012
9:40 am
Trade Joe to Orlando before Dwight leaves. Turkoglu, Reddick & 2013 1st rd pick.
Flip Reddick to Minnesota…Beasley to Lakers…Trade exception to Denver…Chris Anderson to Hawks.
Still Laughing at Mike Bianchi
February 24th, 2012
10:00 am
how many more times do you think we need to beat Orlando before we have sufficiently payed back that seep 2 years ago?
Still Laughing at Mike Bianchi
February 24th, 2012
10:04 am
LD’s “Dwight Rules” succed again
Still Laughing at Mike Bianchi
February 24th, 2012
10:07 am
the blog title is “Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 83, Magic 78″ not “Hawks Desperatly Need Trades… Ideas?”
Still Laughing at Mike Bianchi
February 24th, 2012
10:07 am
me and atlanta hard head are enjoying ourselves
SteveW
February 24th, 2012
10:07 am
A 20-14 record, w/o 1 of your 3 best players for most of it, and your 6x All Star gone for some of it, is very acceptable to me.
We played the toughest schedule among the Top 8 in the East during the first half of the season.
We played a few more Road games than Home games, so that will be flipped also.
We are really sitting pretty if we seize advantage of it the 2nd half of the season. We also have two multi days off in the last month of the season.
Watch for the Hawks to surprise maybe the last half of the season. Hey, I’m already surprised. The talking heads already had us in the lottery when Al went down – even MC seemed headed a little that way (where is MC btw?).
20-14 – I’ll take it.
Shout to Pargo and Green – Those dudes have way exceeded my expectations. Both of them. Those guys have shown me they can play. Def. good backups in the NBA.
SteveW
February 24th, 2012
10:13 am
NYK, Chicago, Pacers, and Philly all played some of the easiest schedule in the NBA in the 1st half of the season. We’ll see how they do when the schedule tightens up on them.
The Hawks had played by far the toughest schedule in the NBA the previous 10 games, ending Sunday (including Sunday).
Dominique Wilkins
February 24th, 2012
10:19 am
Josh Smith to Toronto for Jerryd Bayless, Leandro Barbosa (both expiring contracts), and a 1st round pick. Get Thomas Robinson. Flip Marvin and Teague to New Orleans for Ariza. Then you take Tony Wroten or Damian Lillard with the 18th or 17th pick (whatever we get). We become instantly worse for the following season, but cap room opens up and we have a much brighter future with Robinson.
We then have:
Wroten/ Lillard
Johnson
Ariza
Robinson
Horford
Hell, I wouldn’t mind flipping Horford for someone also. I’m ready to completely blow this up and build for the FUTURE. Start with Thomas Robinson and a solid point guard in this draft (Wroten or Lillard)
TMACfan
February 24th, 2012
10:21 am
Guys, as much as we want, we aren’t getting a new coach anytime soon. We need to focus on getting a big man. And dumping Kirk and Marvin.
SteveW
February 24th, 2012
10:23 am
Hawks Strength of Schedule (SOS) last 10 games still tops in the League by quite a long way. Toughest schedule, much of it on the road the last couple of weeks, we’ll be ok in the 2nd half of the season.
TMACfan
February 24th, 2012
10:24 am
Yo Nique, Tony Wroten isn’t going to the NBA next season.
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2012
10:43 am
“Betting is stupid by nature – IMO – and betting in or against a dysfunctional and unpredictable Hawks ball club is twice as stupid.”
What’s so stupid about it? You either win or you lose. 50/50. If you really know what you are doing, you can also increase those odds. Actually betting on the Hawks is easy money as well. You get a game like last night every once in a while, but usually you can bet big against them when they play good teams on the road or at home, especially if they are on national TV, and ride with them when they play bad teams. If you are smart, and realize that Miami and Chicago are much better than any team in the east, you should be killing the books this year.
Astro Joe
February 24th, 2012
10:46 am
Nothing like pinning your hopes for acquiring a savior on what you can get back for your least productive regulars
Melvin
February 24th, 2012
10:54 am
Northcyde,
“Holding a one-point lead, Willie Green scored seven points in the final 3:06 — including a 3-pointer and a floating layup as the shot clock expired — for the dramatic win.’
Good thing Willie was in the game instead of Marvin…LOL
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2012
11:07 am
Melvin,
“Good thing Willie was in the game instead of Marvin…LOL”
Vlad also hit a 3 in a key moment in the 4th quarter that Marvin would never make. Bottom line, keep Marvin off the floor, and we have a chance.
Just Joe
February 24th, 2012
11:17 am
Orlando is desperate. They’re one of a few teams that would be willing to take Joe Johnson. Turkoglu for half the money is a better value. Of course picking up a 2013 1st rounder and manuevering for Chris Anderson doesn’t hurt either.
Joe Johnson – Turns 31 in June. 42%-45% shooter. 34%-37% from 3. 17 pts, 4 rebs, and 4 assists potential in 35 minutes. Owed $89M over 4 yrs after this season.
Hedo Turkoglu – Turns 33 in March. 41%-44% shooter. 37%-40% from 3. 11 pts, 4 rebs, and 4 assists potential in 25-30 minutes a night. Owed $23M over 2 yrs after this season (second year is a player option).
Just Joe
February 24th, 2012
11:40 am
In the month of February we scored more than 90 pts in 2 of 12 games….more than 80 in 7 of 12. Now 21st in the league in points per game.
Currently 22nd in the league in rebounds per game…and dropping fast.
Can’t score. Can’t rebound. No future cap space. Unload Joe Johnson for anything!!!
Melvin
February 24th, 2012
11:43 am
Rod,
You know I’m all for trading that Dude. Get me Stephen Jackson back here for him….
Mike C
February 24th, 2012
11:54 am
@SteveW
Man, you are very hopefully about this team but I have my doubts, even if they are 20-14, their loss difference is up there with Bobcats and we dont have a winning record against .500 teams. I got a feeling if they dont do something, they will be “going fisihin” early.
Real Tmac fan
February 24th, 2012
12:13 pm
Section 303
” what exactly did T-Macdolast nightto warrent more minutes? Two easy shots at the rim and was totally unproductive. T-Macis looking like just another big mouth (whinning about minutes) that cries, but does not back anything up. Sick of people like that. You’re going to call out the coach to the press and.then come back and miss layups? T-Mac needs to realize we are playing in 2012 not 2002.”
@Section 303
Just shut the hell up. Tmac played 8 minutes ( half on defense) & got 3 assist & multiple pass to assist plays. Mcgrady is obviously the overall best player on the team. if Tmac got 25 minutes & was in the game at the 4th quarter, Hawks would be in aleast 6 games better
KevinM
February 24th, 2012
12:23 pm
“Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2012
11:07 am
Melvin,
“Good thing Willie was in the game instead of Marvin…LOL”
Vlad also hit a 3 in a key moment in the 4th quarter that Marvin would never make. Bottom line, keep Marvin off the floor, and we have a chance”
I used to agree with that, but the game we beat Orlando in Amway in OT, Marvin knocked down a sideline 3 pointer to keep pace and he made good plays in that game….forget about the 1/2 court 3 at the buzzer? Totally deflated that crowd until their late rally.
So as LD said, you never know what you’re going to get with these guys, and I expect ZERO moves from this ownership group/GM who truly have no idea what defines championship basketball. After 32+ years, Sund decides to go with the ‘Detroit’ model and not the Celtic or Laker model. What does that tell you?
And heads up, we have legit representation at the AS game this weekend…..our very own Stack will be replacing Joe in the all-stars shooting contest on Saturday. Congrats to Stack for that honor.
What other 14th man on the bench gets an all-star accolade in their retirment years?
KevinM
February 24th, 2012
12:26 pm
“TMACfan
February 24th, 2012
10:21 am
Guys, as much as we want, we aren’t getting a new coach anytime soon. We need to focus on getting a big man.”
And you think this is more likely to happen after this blog asking for a big man since Dikembe was here? Better enjoy Zaza and temp Damp and Collins manning the spot until they claim disability.
Mac-Town (#maconchevyrider)
February 24th, 2012
12:31 pm
NBA All-Star Weekend Participant Jerry Stackehouse > Marvin Williams
Mac-Town (#maconchevyrider)
February 24th, 2012
12:32 pm
Stackhouse*
drmaryb.[*_*].
February 24th, 2012
12:57 pm
Too Bad!
Too bad Josh didn’t get picked for that 3 point shooting contest. Maybe an awful showing would have been the cure for that stat column deficiency? LOL
Well Josh, better luck next time. If I were blessed with all your talent, I would LIVE in the paint – I mean really Josh?
Having said that, Josh is my favorite Hawk.
Fundamentals
February 24th, 2012
1:05 pm
Turk & Jackson are a cancer we don’t need.
We need a coaching staff that thrives developing young talent. Drop the aged wonders and build around the “core” asg will never let die.
Kirk derails Teague. Teague/Pargo are our best PG.
Joe/Green work well together.
SF is wide open. TMAC & Marvin don’t work.
Josh/Ivan may need some help.
Zaza, Twin need help.
LD needs to return to the model before Kirk returned and sign a big to help in Horford’s absence. Move Marvin, Kirk, Stack. Give Wilson Chandler some $ and trade for a big w Kirk & Marvin.
northcyde
February 24th, 2012
1:05 pm
Lol @ Melvin and Rod.
You mean like the last time we played Orlando, and Marvin made 4 threes, including a huge one in OT to tie the game back up? It may seem like a long time ago, but that last Orlando game took place just a mere 14 days ago. But only objective fans like KevinM will even acknowledge that.
And then T-Mac did his Willie Green impression the following game vs Indiana when he scored 7 points in the 4th quarter.
Drew obviously sees something in Vlad that no one else on the planet sees. As bad as Marvin has been this month, he still played better than Vlad. And unless T-Mac was hurt, he did nothing to see his playing time cut either.
No way would Vlad would play ahead of either guy, if we had a veteran head coach.
Fundamentals
February 24th, 2012
1:07 pm
Even Ivan has lost his Mojo. We need his attitude back.
Just Joe
February 24th, 2012
1:39 pm
You take any “cancer” (Turkoglu or Jackson) you can get in exchange for Joe Johnson and/or Marvin Williams. Take it and run. Joe Johnson getting paid $89M over the next 4 years is a slow painful death in itself. This ownership will never use the amnesty clause just to pay Joe to go play somewhere else.
Trade Joe Johnson as soon as you can.
Orlando for Turkoglu & Reddick.
Minnesota for Webster, Miller & Beasley.
Cleveland for Jamison & Parker.
Washington (with Marvin) for Lewis & Young.
Golden State (with ZaZa) for Ellis & Biedrins.
Detroit for B. Gordon & Villanueva.
New Jersey for Okur & Morrow (or Farmar).
stizz
February 24th, 2012
2:20 pm
I would dangle Marvin Williams to the Cavs. They’re only a few games out of the last spot in the east and they could view Marv as a guy who needs a change of scenery and one who could be a good compliment to Kyree.
aytunstoppable
February 24th, 2012
2:27 pm
enough with the johnson stuff already. All i can think of was the Kincks game. Did ya’ll not see how lost they all looked with joe not out there. He would have produced more than Willie did against them I tell ya what. Boy would i have loved to see joe back Lin down in the paint. So what if he’s over paid? So is Rashard Lewis, Amare, and some other thats the two i can think of right now. So is Hedo so just shut the hell up already. I rather have joe than some of the mad stupid stuff you guys are saying.
TMACfan
February 24th, 2012
2:27 pm
LOL KevinM
TMACfan
February 24th, 2012
2:28 pm
I haven’t looked at the salary numbers but does Marvin and a 2nd round pick for Antwan Jamison work?
aytunstoppable
February 24th, 2012
2:31 pm
I swear we are the only fans that are complaining about a person that averages 17 a game getting paid like that. Pierce and Ray were getting paid 16 mil a year i think last year. And their production wasn’t even close to joes and joes had a down season so what the hell are you fools talking about seriously. just stop it,.
aytunstoppable
February 24th, 2012
2:31 pm
Baron Davis was getting paid like crazy and wasn’t doing what joe was so enough damn.
aytunstoppable
February 24th, 2012
2:36 pm
Most of you, me included, would have ripped the GM and owners worse than we are now if we had let joe walk and had Chicago in a better title picture. We would have been talking that mad stupid ish that they are cheap and bla bla bla. Get over it damn. Let the man do what he’s been doing and that ball. on his worst night he still guarentees 12-13 points. something that half the bench can’t even guarentee 2-3 nights in a 5 game span.
TMACfan
February 24th, 2012
2:43 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7kb93ek
This might be a dream trade but if we throw an extra draft pick in there, anyone think the Lakers will do it?
Sautee
February 24th, 2012
2:44 pm
“Did ya’ll not see how lost they all looked with joe not out there”
Actually, to me, they looked LESS lost than the last three games that Joe played. I’m sorry he’s hurt, but even when “supposedly” healthy, his nimbers have dropped off this year. That’s really bad news since the bulk of his contract is still to be paid, and going up the longer he’s here. The bottom line is that the ASKG brought Joe here to be Batman, paid him to be Batman, and he doesn’t have it in him. Sadly. Hard to believe looking back that they re-signed him for that much.
But unless you think that this team can compete for at least the ECF with just a tweak here or there (I don’t), then blow it up. And the first move would be trading Joe if you can.
aytunstoppable
February 24th, 2012
2:48 pm
I hate the owners I hate the Gm. i want a new coach too. I think marvin should go and we need a center. I want a championship goal not consistent in playoff goal. I want new owners and new gm too. i hate josh’s shot selection but I tell you right now after a decade of not mattering atleast were are in the discussion of maybe mattering. I rather us be where we are at now than be like charlotte with no hope but they have “young talent” and a stupuid as lottery pick, with as we know by watching this same franchise, Does mean jack crap you know and i know it. But i’m not gonna sit here and bad mouth the players going out there with something damn. joe brings the energy and zaza too the up and down guys are josh and marvin and if LD would just let the chains off of teague we’d be fine. btu enough of the joe bashing tell me right now who are we gonna get that even averages what he averages. no one that who because all of the other are locked up in contracts. That is just ignorant to even suggest trading him for hedo or anyone that Just Joe listed that would be a major waste and stupid ass trades because none of them can play a lick of decent defense either. so just stop that bs already damn.
W.R. Terrell
February 24th, 2012
2:48 pm
J. Pargo is looking for a starting job…lolol…..LD needs to be looking for a job and the HAWKS are tanked.
TMACfan
February 24th, 2012
2:50 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7kb93ek
This might be a dream trade but if we throw an extra draft pick in there, anyone think the Lakers will do it? If we get it done, I think we can make the ECF.
aytunstoppable
February 24th, 2012
2:53 pm
@sautee and you’re point like we ahven’t seent hat before when his numbers start dropping below 15 ppg then I’ll worry but as long as he is averaging what he is, can force doube teams, and there is no one else in the elague right now that si gonna give us what he does that is available. none of the players most of the people on here are talking about are stop gap solutions none of them get double teams at all and none average the points he does just that crap youa re telling makes no sense. and you don’t blow this up mid f***ing season either. blow it up in the off season then i’d be fine with it but why the hell do it mid season when we are as of now in the playoffs. we saw when what happens when you do that. look at who we just beat. they did that last year and what happened? we trounced their ass out of the first round.
Grandad
February 24th, 2012
2:55 pm
LD:
“I have to be pleased overall.”
-excerpt from Mark Bradley article-
If not already – that did it for me – right there.
What self respecting coach makes that quote;
after his team has just finished embarrassing him [LD]
in the previous 11 out of 12 games.
And he’s pleased – that says it all
Sautee
February 24th, 2012
2:58 pm
aytunstoppable,
So I take it that you are fine with this core, and think we just need to “tweak”?
Just Joe and I are only talking about trading Joe because we believe that the core has reached it’s ceiling, and Joe’s contract makes even minor moves problematic, since the ASKG is unwilling to go into the Luxury Tax.
And you can count me as one of those who thought we needed to let him walk, for THAT kind of money relative to his production. That’s my opinion.
aytunstoppable
February 24th, 2012
2:58 pm
I want them to amke moves and trades an we know whos should probably go but i don’t want no more push us back 5 year moves. atleast when joe got resigned it kept us even. it didn’t push us back 5 or more years. Why do you think amnesty ahsnt be used nor is it going to be used. not now. when he get down to 15 points per then they will amnesty him but til then suck it up.
aytunstoppable
February 24th, 2012
3:02 pm
Also mind you even if they did trade him they still wouldn’t have much if any cap space. Mainly because of Marvin and Kirk’s contracts. so trading him really doesn’t make any sense money wise and franchise wise. the core you speak of is Joe-Al-Josh-Marvin. marvin needs to go and al is a good trading piece if they can get a upgrade at center. but as far as I’m concerned Joe and Josh need to stay here same for al. the only piece in the core that should be moved is Josha nd Marvin. Joe and Al need to stay. and you get rid of josh and marvin that half the core gone. not a tweak.
aytunstoppable
February 24th, 2012
3:05 pm
@TMAC fan. I’d love that trade right there. hell throw in a first round pick and they might do it.
TMACfan
February 24th, 2012
3:05 pm
Trade Kirk, Marvin, and a first round draft pick to the Lakers for Pau Gasol.
For some reason, the Lakers like their first round draft picks ala Lamar Odom.
Buddy Grizzard
February 24th, 2012
3:17 pm
“They are a good young team that is $15 million UNDER the salary cap.” – Dawg
In the initial feedback to the most recent CHI loss:
http://www.hoopinionblog.com/2012/02/initial-feedback-volume-shooting-almost.html
I noted that:
“The Hawks are 5th in the NBA in future committed salaries at over $244 million. To manage that quarter-billion dollar investment in personnel, the Hawks hired a coach with no previous NBA head coaching experience. He looks as in-over-his-head as you would imagine he would be. Since Lenny Wilkens retired, the Hawks have employed Lon Kruger, Terry Stotts, Mike Woodson and Larry Drew as head coaches. Once Drew is let go by the Hawks, it’s hard to imagine that any head coach the organization has employed since 2000-2001 will be in any demand whatsoever by other NBA teams seeking to fill head coaching positions.”
Not only are the Pacers ahead of the Hawks in the standings while $15m under the cap, they have the LOWEST future committed salaries in the NBA at under $100m. Larry Bird is in the company of Buford/Pop/Presti among the best executives in the league.
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
3:23 pm
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but unless you’re getting D12 back for a package, I’m against any trade that includes Zaza. If you look at the price tags on bigs now, and then look at the production of Zaza since Al’s injury, Zaza is one of the best deals in the league contract wise, when not including rookie contracts. Compare Zaza’s contract to Haywood’s or Kwame’s. So I wouldn’t trade Joe and Zaza for Ellis and Beidrins. I actually wouldn’t trade anything more than Kirk, Marvin, and a 2nd round draft pick (with TMac if needed) for Ellis alone.
Big Ray
February 24th, 2012
3:28 pm
I always say I’ll take the win, but this victory was anything but sweet.
We won for a particular reason – Dwight Howard has checked out. Orlando is going to lose their second straight franchise center, it’s now just a matter of where he goes, and those places are limited.
I mean come on, just examine the facts:
1) Josh Smith has nice “ending result” stats, but shoots just 8-22 from the floor. He’s the only star in a Hawks uniform. 22 and 12 is quite nice, but it wasn’t enough to truly win the game. No one else is anywhere close to him in performance, really.
2) Rescued by Pargo and Green? Love that they’re playing well, but you can bet things would be just a hair different if a healthy Jameer Nelson is on the floor.
3) Zaza, the Hawks only available true big man, suddenly has a night wherein he stops the NBA’s best center cold on the floor. Love to give Zaza credit, and I will. But if Dwight wants to win, Zaza fouls out and Dwight goes off on us for 25-30 points and 18 rebounds.
AGain, always take the win. But it is what it IS….
Big Ray
February 24th, 2012
3:32 pm
Hawks are tied for the #5 seed in the conference, with Philly. Orlando is hardly out of reach (and going to fall as Dwight becomes less interested), same can be said of Indiana, though they are deep and show little signs of slowing.
Meanwhile Boston struggles for .500 and New York is closer to that mark, with it realistically in reach.
Oh, the Hawks will probably make the playoffs again….
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
3:34 pm
Big Ray, Josh had a bad shooting night outside of the first quarter. But he missed just as many in the lane and under the goal (thanks to D12) as he did on jumpers. But what other player on this teams goes 8 for 22 and still contributes with 12 boards and multiple blocks.
Grandad
February 24th, 2012
3:35 pm
Trade `em All;
`cept Zaza & Marv.
Reason:
Zaza is a keeper.
Use the amnesty clause on Marv in the off-season.
Acquire as many 1st round picks [pref.lottery] as possible.
Plus young vets – 23 yr old range.
Tank & clean house.
Find some hungry kids and a young and hungry, upwardly mobile,
innovative, ass-kicker for a coach.
I’m done.
______________________________________________
post script:
Make Zaza captain
TMACfan
February 24th, 2012
3:40 pm
http://the110report.com/2012/02/20/rumor-has-it-pau-gasol-for-anyone/
Let’s make a push for him!
Just Joe
February 24th, 2012
4:07 pm
aytunstoppable…trading Joe for some combination of shorter-term contracts only gives us more options to improve the team. Trying to build around Joe at this point, is about the same as making Kirk Hinrich your PG of the future. You won’t see Boston trying to build around the Big 3 anymore. Rondo is the future of that team (as currently constructed). Perkins for Green (last year) was another example of them recognizing that their talent had “maxed out” and now comes up short of what it takes to compete for a title.
prison mike
February 24th, 2012
4:17 pm
8-22 wasn’t great but it opened up things like off. boards for zaza and others. Dwhite was towing the line of goal tending and there was a chance of him picking up fouls.
TMAC,
I would like this team shake it up and do Joe and MW for Pau and MWP. Peace is terrible but we have to eat his contract.
Teague
Hinpoor
Josh
Al
Pau
Small backcourt but huge 3-5. Still gotta decent bench and can draft a swingman in a deep class.
LT
February 24th, 2012
4:18 pm
I have to give LD props for sticking with the guys with “Hot Hands” even though I didn’t see but the last 2 minutes of the 3rd quarter collapse.
TMACfan
February 24th, 2012
4:20 pm
@prison mike, I know Joe’s contract is bad, but if we can keep him AND get pau, then we would have:
Teague
Joe
Josh
Al
Pau
And a solid bench without the corruption of Hinrich and Marvin Williams. We could make a push for the ECF and maybe the Finals.
Only bad thing is we would be screwed to next 4-5 years with contracts.
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
4:22 pm
I don’t understand why Mike Fratello is never rumored to be a head coach for the Hawks. I really believe if he or Hubie Brown was the coach here for 2-3 seasons, the Hawks would be contending for the Eastern title even with this lineup. I couldn’t imagine either one costing more than 3-4 million a season to coach. And I know they would bring in a great coaching staff and training staff behind them. If Fratello lead the Hawks to a 60 win season in a conference that featured Bird’s Celtics, Jordan’s Bulls, and Thomas’ Pistons, I know he would do wonders with his playbook here. I even remember Fratello being a point guard’s coach who groomed young point guards into all stars, even in Cleveland.
prison mike
February 24th, 2012
4:28 pm
People that say Joe is untradeable…
By 13-14, teams will have support a payroll of atleast 53 million so teams like Charlotte and N.O. that have 20-25 million under 58 million at any given year HAVE to pay someone. So if you HAVE to pay, they might as well get an All Star caliber player.
Buddy Grizzard
February 24th, 2012
4:41 pm
“Oh, the Hawks will probably make the playoffs again….”
Yeah I wasn’t expecting Philly to drop back into the middle of the pack. So it looks like seeds 3-5 are up for grabs. The Hawks made it through the hardest part of the schedule with a winning record and are capable of contending for the 3 seed. I think no matter what happens at the trade deadline with Dwight, one of the middle-of-the-pack playoff contenders will fall back.
If Orlando trades Dwight, that’s one team ahead of the Hawks in the standings that will fall behind. If they keep Dwight, I seem him playing out the string in the same disinterested fashion we saw him play last night. Even if Orlando finishes 4th again and the Hawks 5th, that is an absolute dream matchup for the Hawks (especially if CHI finishes with the best record because we do NOT want MIA in the second round).
O'Brien
February 24th, 2012
4:44 pm
Ra’mon,
I know Hubie does not want to deal with the stress of coaching, so if I was LD, I would offer Hubie a job as a consultant during training camp and pre-season.
As for Mike Fratello, I think he has been out of coaching so long, teams might not want to bring him in.
Its like in the NFL, nobody has brought Brian Billick in for an interview. Dude was the OC in Minny with Randy Moss and Culpepper (sp?), and he won a SB in Baltimore. But he can’t even get an interview.
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
4:45 pm
Prison, You have young restricted free agents coming up. Why wouldn’t a team like Charlotte or New Orleans pay someone who was Joe Johnson just six seasons ago, instead of paying an old Joe Johnson who may have seen his LAST all star appearance?
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
4:47 pm
O’Brien, Fratello has only been out of coaching less than ten seasons I thought. Remember he coached Memphis after Hubie retired again (and after Hubie got the least of a roster into the playoffs in the deep West). Billick was rumored just to be a prick, and has a high price tag. I didn’t think the same was for Fratello. I just know basketball wise, Fratello and Hubie Brown are better than any coach they’ve had since Lenny Wilkins.
O'Brien
February 24th, 2012
4:48 pm
When JJ plays, one problem (imo) is everybody looks to him when the going gets tough (especially LD), but more often than not, JJ does not deliver against good teams.
For example, down the stretch, LD will go away from what’s working, and go Iso-JJ, and players will look to JJ to bail them out. I still think we are a better team with JJ, but based on the ROI (so far), I can’t help but wonder if Rick should have explored sign and trade options last offseason.
When JJ is out, I think players will try and step up (like Josh stepped up during Al’s absence).
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
4:51 pm
Fratello last 2 out of 3 seasons with Memphis was :
Memphis Grizzlies 2004–05 40 30 .571 0–4 record (Playoffs)
Memphis Grizzlies 2005–06 49 33 .598 0–4 record (Playoffs)
And neither of those rosters had as much talent as Josh, Joe, Al, and Teague combined. In fact Shane Battier was their main leader then. His last season they started 6-24, and he was fired, but that was Memphis playing ‘Moneyball’ one too many times.
O'Brien
February 24th, 2012
4:53 pm
As for Marvin, he was playing well early on in the season (if you ignore his salary and draft slot). But since February came around, he is back to his old self. Terrible. That being said, he is still a better SF player than Vlad (imo).
O'Brien
February 24th, 2012
4:57 pm
Marvin’s last 9 games;
25 mpg, 4 rpg, 31% FG, 6 ppg. Dude has no trade value.
Ra’mon,
For whatever reason, teams prefer the hot young assistant.
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
4:57 pm
O’Brien, Marvin ALWAYS start off the season playing decent, and then change. Its his trade value curse. Anytime he feels his trade value is going up, he goes and gets hurt. And then he’ll camp out until after the trade deadline, and then play good for 2-3 weeks. And stop playing well right before the playoffs, lol. This is an annual thing.
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
4:59 pm
O’Brien, I know they do. And that’s why Fratello, Jeff Van Gundy, and other coaches are sitting on the side commentating. You’d think teams would see the impact that Doug Collins had on the Sixers and would want to go after former head coaches with experience, compared to what Iavorani did as the ‘new hot assistant’.
doc
February 24th, 2012
5:03 pm
well i am glad to say that others saw what i saw and commented about last night. sometimes at the game you dont see the replays or things close up but certainly see flow within teams better and can look at the game how you want rather than always be guided to where the director wants your attention.
clark kent was in uniform last night for sure. if the trade deadline goes by he will still be preserving himself for the next contract and the next team rather than the one he is on. he is of the caliber that if he has an off year, by his standard, he can still command top shelf dollar and he knows it. he is in the drivers seat and we will watch clark rather than superman is my guess until the new season arrives. then we can resume to watch his histrionics which i deplore.
Walt Frazier
February 24th, 2012
5:04 pm
The Hawks problem is: they don’t play “mean” on a consistant basis; they’re too comfortable-most games, and especially after a win.
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
5:05 pm
Doc, the crazy part is, he’s having a career year in rebounding (D12). And he still gets his number of blocks. You just don’t see him having fun like he used to there.
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
5:08 pm
Lakers just signed Rasheed?
Walt Frazier
February 24th, 2012
5:10 pm
The Hawks players seems to be compared to how most parents feel about their under achieving kids; you know they can do the work (homework & assignments), but they act complacent and move about sluggishly with attitudes; you have to prod them to produce good work. That’s why it’s so frustrating to watch this bunch.
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
5:10 pm
Walt, if the Hawks don’t play with enough intensity, game after game, that is a reflection of the coach.
RaJaH
February 24th, 2012
5:12 pm
To be honest, there’s not a realistic trade available that would make the Hawks contenders with the current mindset of this organization. Come to an understanding of what type of team you want and search for a president or GM (not the cheapest!) that will follow through with your vision and STEP BACK! From here on your job is making sure everyone understands that anything short of a championship is FAILURE!
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
5:14 pm
Knowing that Rasheed did come out of retirement, I’m sad to know we got Dampier.
Grandad
February 24th, 2012
5:24 pm
G-dad’s Trade O`the Day
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6v25cfr
Going to Philly:
Joe Johnson; Josh Smith; Jeff Teague
Hawks get:
Elton Brand – exp after next yr
Andres Nocioni – exp after next yr
Jrue Holiday – pg / big enough to play the [2]
Nicola Vucevic – Legit Big Man/Post; 6-11; 7-5 w-span; 9-5 st.reach
___________________________________________________
Motivation for Philly
This [possibly]-could-[maybe] put them over the top !
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2012
5:26 pm
“That being said, he is still a better SF player than Vlad (imo).”
Not so sure about that. Vald would never paly over 20 minutes in a game and not score. Again since they bot are not good players, ask yourself this question. In a big game, do you want Vlad shooting that wide open 3 pointer in the corner, or Marvin? Also ask yourself, would a team defensively be willing to leave Marvin Williams wide open or Vlad.
doc
February 24th, 2012
5:32 pm
ra’mon i couldnt see it on th tube as i was at the game but some of those blocks appeared to be going down and beyond their peak, did it look at all that way on the tube? yes d12 was not having fun nor protesting like he used to.
Just Joe
February 24th, 2012
5:33 pm
Gdad……what makes your trade even better is that Nocioni only has a team option for next year. He’s basically an expiring contract.
doc
February 24th, 2012
5:34 pm
rod, i have been underwhelmed with what i have seen from vlad thus far. he has not shwn up in any way since and early game or two to have meaningful minutes and he is a liability when it comes to bounds and d and should never be playing pf.
Just Joe
February 24th, 2012
5:35 pm
Again, I’m up for any trade that gets rid of Joe Johnson.
anphill2
February 24th, 2012
5:54 pm
If you replaced LD with Phil Jackson on the 2012 season, you get exactly 2 more wins??? This roster without Hortford, should be one of the worst in the NBA. Blow it up, wait 4 more years with the hope that our talent evaluation has improved?? One thing for certain is that our 2 previous GMs are probably the worst 2 in the NBA over the past 20 years, not counting Isaiah Thomas. Tweak the team by moving Teague and Josh or AL. (This is the only combo that ANYBODY would give up young promising or VET established all-star). Nobody WANTS 8M-MARVIN..Just sayin -
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2012
6:03 pm
doc,
“rod, i have been underwhelmed with what i have seen from vlad thus far. he has not shwn up in any way since and early game or two to have meaningful minutes and he is a liability when it comes to bounds and d and should never be playing pf.”
I totally agree with everything you said. I don’t think he should ever play power forward. He is a SF. I know you were at the game last night, you might not remember, but Vlad made a big 3 to pretty much put the game away, and he made a good defensive play on Howard as well. It’s not like Marvin’s D is anything to write home about. But at this point, if it comes down to seeing him or Marvin on the floor, I would prefer him. He at least poses some sort of offensive threat. That’s all.
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2012
6:08 pm
Also, I don’t fell that we will be able to get a decent big man via trade. With that being said, I feel like our only chance to upgrade this team for the playoffs, is to get another 3 who has scoring ability, and can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. That will make us a much better team in the playoffs. A guy along the lines of Wilson Chandler, or Stephen Jackson would upgrade this team tremendously, especially if Horford comes back. I really doubt that he will be able to return this year, but the 3 position needs a major upgrade. Teague, Joe, Insert a scorer, Josh, Zaza, would make us a decent threat against anybody in the east.
O'Brien
February 24th, 2012
6:13 pm
The lakers sign rasheed? I did not see that coming. But then again, they are desperate for bench help.
Hawks wouldnt want Rasheed.between rasheed and tmac, it would be anarchy, and LD might get overthrown lol.
Plus he would be a terrible influence on josh (imo).
TMACfan
February 24th, 2012
6:32 pm
HAHAHA Rasheed and TMAC over throwing LD
doc
February 24th, 2012
6:33 pm
yes that three was right below ke and though his stats say 37% from three he is 3 fr oast 17 and i dont remember him hot when he neds to be. the other problem is his total percentage is 35% so he gets worse closer to the basket or when folks are up close on him inspite of his size. he is a waste and though you might throw up yes i would rather a coach kick marvin’s ass and tell him he either plays harder or he will embarass himself right out of the league. no more protecting him by not playing marvin. i have cheerleaders that look better and guys in funny uniforms that dont trip running around and fly where he has never been to work the crowd up. catch my drift rod?
Slimjr
February 24th, 2012
7:13 pm
5-8 IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY= P-R-E-T-E-N-D-E-R-S…………………..
“Y-A-W-N”
LD YOUR PLEASED WITH THIS PAST 12 GAME STRETCH? YOUR FULL OF BS BUSTER!
BYE BYE LARRY LEISURE SUIT!!!!
PLAYOFFS? YEA RIGHT………
Buddy Grizzard
February 24th, 2012
7:15 pm
“One thing for certain is that our 2 previous GMs are probably the worst 2 in the NBA over the past 20 years, not counting Isaiah Thomas.”
I’d take Billy Knight over Otis Smith any day of the week.
Slimjr
February 24th, 2012
7:27 pm
I give Otis credit for this, he did assemble a team that went to the Finals in 08…
Hawks? Crickets……………………………..
Melvin
February 24th, 2012
7:40 pm
Rod,
I agree. I would much rather Vlad at SF than Marvin. He started earlier this season at SF when Marvin was out and did a good job if memory serves me correct. Also, I would like to see another wing player added to this roster that could create his own shot to score to take some pressure off of Joe. Stephen Jackson, Corey Maggette or John Salmons would fill in the 3 spot nicely….
I would have preferred Rasheed over Dampier any day of the week. I don’t even know why the Hawks waste a 2nd 10 day contract on Dampier and not play the guy…
Melvin
February 24th, 2012
7:52 pm
doc,
I think Marvin problems are deeper than not being aggressive and lack of heart. He really doesn’t have the skill set to be a good NBA player. I can’t recall another NBA player that was as clumsy and uncoordinated as Marvin. He seems like he doesn’t love basketball and it shows b/c his game has not improve since he came into the league except for his 3pt shot. He’s just a tall guy with a pretty jumpshot. For what Marvin makes and produce, I say give me Vlad at the vet min. Where some may see potential, I see lack of skill set in Marvin.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
February 24th, 2012
7:55 pm
*Yawn*
northcyde
February 24th, 2012
8:01 pm
Rod, Vlad has not only played 20 minutes and not score in a game ( the first Miami game ), he’s played in about 3 other games where he approached 19 minutes and didn’t score.
Making the case of T-Mac being better that.Marvin is one thing. But Vlad is arguably the 2nd worst player on the team.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
February 24th, 2012
8:12 pm
Raymond Felton almost made it to the all-star game last year under D’Antoni. Now he can hardly get playing time. Lin got waived a couple of times now he is a candidate for rookie of the year under D’Antoni.
Sautee
February 24th, 2012
8:30 pm
Good evening, T-s. Are you here to falsely accuse me again, and shut down the blog?
Undisputed Champ
February 24th, 2012
8:33 pm
What taking so long to trade Jeff Teague and Al Horford.
Sautee
February 24th, 2012
8:42 pm
To answer your question, since you won’t answer mine, Horford cannot be traded until Mar. 1st because of his BYC status. I thought most informed basketball fans knew that.
BIG DOG
February 24th, 2012
8:45 pm
If LD was coaching soccer team over in europe he be missing right about now.
HOW IN THE HE!! IS MARVIN STARTING OR EVEN IN THE NBA SMH.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
BIG DOG
February 24th, 2012
8:54 pm
My opinion is that Marvin have no desire or disentrance in playing basketball.
So why is he even in the game or why is coach starting him there has to be some questions ask from the media or somebody, it’s like Marvin is part of the mafia and every one is scared to ask questions.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
soullrenaissance
February 24th, 2012
8:57 pm
LOL – right on BIG DOG – Marvin is garbage and Vlad is a hot mess. Besides that big 3 he hit last night, his game has been, ehh. Forget ’saving him for the playoffs’ we need to plat TMac more for better playoff seeding.
soullrenaissance
February 24th, 2012
8:58 pm
Oh yeah and LD is still behind the (8)
the sorry excuse for an NBA coach is satisfied with that horrendous stretch of losing.
soullrenaissance
February 24th, 2012
9:24 pm
…and if you guys are guessing that Im Drmaryb queen trollette and the puppet master for Illumination, you are absolutely correct boys.
O'Brien
February 24th, 2012
9:33 pm
Melvin,
For the season;
Marvin: 41% FG, 43% from 3, 9 pts, 5 rebs in 24 mpg.
Vlad: 35% FG, 37% from 3, 5 pts, 3 rebs in 17 mpg.
Both are in a major slump, but Marvin has better overall numbers, and is a better defensive player.
Dont get me wrong, I would rather Vlad at $854k instead of Marvin at $7.5 mil. However, we are stuck with both (for the time being), so taking salary out of the equation and just focusing on performance, I think Marvin is a better player than Vlad.
Fundamentals
February 24th, 2012
9:41 pm
Few remember Rasheed was a Hawk for one game. He refused to play here as do all other quality free agents. Folks may hate on Joe, but at least he came and tried. We’re just upset b/c we demand more of him. Maybe we should at least recognize the glass is/was more than half full when it comes to Joe. This team fails because it could never draft well, couldn’t attract quality GA, and has never developed or maximizes talent in 25-30 years.
We will rebound, make the 2nd round and be back to the same questions in June. We’ll pies away our draft picks, sign on the cheap and hope to meet expectations on minimum talent. That is the Hawks….PERIOD!
Fundamentals
February 24th, 2012
9:45 pm
Vlad needs consistent touches in an offensive system to be effective. I’d say Marvin does too. Teague doesn’t run the team like he did early when both did reasonably well. He’s tired, timid and in need of a boost. Showcasing Kirk absolutely derailed Teague’s confidence.
Shoot the Messenger
February 24th, 2012
10:00 pm
Teague has never run the team well because he doesnt understand the game. You guys are blaming every one for teague’s lack of confidence but Teague. Confidence doesnt equal brains.
kuhndog
February 24th, 2012
10:07 pm
I have never been a huge fan of J Smoove I liked him thought he was athletic,but I hated the way he whined.I was just on ESPN looking at stats and J Smoove ,he is in the top 20 in many categories,and in power forwards he is in the top 5 COME ON MAN smoove was right NBA “nothing but associates” I read lot on this blog but I don’t comment, but now I am I have been following the Hawks for 30 years and seen the ups and downs I still follow them.I will not spend all day playing tag blog its just like playing video games it consumes me.Josh should have been an all star David Stern not Rondo with his ball throwing antics,what a joke..its politics..but in the ATL im used to not getting any respect.
Ken Strickland
February 24th, 2012
10:15 pm
It appears LDrew has developed the same blind passion for Hinrich that he and Woodson had for Bibby. It doesn’t seen to matter to him that Hinrich can no longer beat anyone off the dribble, shoot or score, and his DEF has certainly slipped. He wastes too much of the clock out on the perimeter pounding the ball much like JJ did in the past.
Yet, Drew continues to consistently give him major mins while far more productive players like Green, TMac and/or Pargo get limited and/or inconsistent mins.
KevinM
February 24th, 2012
10:46 pm
Giving Kirk and Marvin adds up to only one reason:
Its all about who’s making the Benjamins.
Never will you see Kirk or Marvin get a DNP from this coach like he gave to JT how many multiple times?
Leave Kirk at the 2…when Joe comes back, make him earn his minutes back and let Pargo back up JT.
VRad, Marvin, T-Mac…you pick one…T-Mac probably does it best.
And we all know one category that Josh is not Top 20 in…..jumpers made in the ‘fried chicken’ zone.
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
10:52 pm
KenS How have you been? Haven’t seen you on here in a little while.
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
10:53 pm
John Wall just did best game of the night, lol.
Ra'mon
February 24th, 2012
10:54 pm
If Rasheed and TMac jettison LD, and throw Marvin in there with him, I may just be down for it.
Rusty
February 24th, 2012
11:52 pm
Fire the incompetent coach.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
February 25th, 2012
12:02 am
JT-Sura-Stephen Jackson-Rasheed Wallace
Najeh Davenpoop
February 25th, 2012
12:41 am
Sura came to the Hawks from the Pistons when they traded Sheed there. Sura and Sheed didn’t play on the Hawks together.
soullrenaissance
February 25th, 2012
2:06 am
Some lame took my handle and made a baseless accusation – I’m honored. About Sheed playing on the Hawks, I remember him playing one game and balling out offensively/defensively before being bailed out to Detroit were he promptly won it all.
LD is behind the (8).
vava74
February 25th, 2012
3:41 am
V-Rad is – unfortunately – just a different version of Marvin.
He has by far more bball skills but his focus and killer instincts are non existent.
Everywhere V-Rad has been he has done the same: looking between very good and serviceable sometimes and then disappearing for stretches and looking like a complete bum.
If Phil Jackson the ultimate motivator and master of head games could get him to perform consistently it’s certainly not mr. Larry “I don’t have a clue who to run a group of men” Drew who will.
vava74
February 25th, 2012
4:41 am
“…could not get him…”
vava74
February 25th, 2012
4:43 am
“… clue how to …”
damn typos
Stan
February 25th, 2012
7:21 am
Its startes with LD see how un motivated and no energy as he just sit on the bench wishing he was some where is
BIG DOG
February 25th, 2012
11:03 am
Stan it’s obviously LD have no talent evaluation on player’s, he should be fired at the end of the season, not a good coach just lucky with talent and some individual players, his rotation is awful and his lack of team preperation is non exist, any time your team is not compatible with getting blown out by 10points or more against good teams then there is a coaching issue.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
BIG DOG
February 25th, 2012
11:06 am
Hawks vs Magic Coach LD started Hinrich and Marvin your two worst players on the team beside Stack and Dampier SMH.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Sautee
February 25th, 2012
11:32 am
“any time your team is not compatible with getting blown out by 10points or more against good teams then there is a coaching issue.”
Oops. Poor San Antonio. Got a coaching issue I suppose since Portland beat ‘em by 30 Tuesday night. They should get rid of that bum Popovich.
Rusty
February 25th, 2012
11:41 am
TMac will be gone next year because of LD treatment. We don’t know how much he still has in the tank but we know now he still has skills. Fir that idiot LD.
Grandad
February 25th, 2012
1:55 pm
Rusty
Quote from Bill Russell: (to -Harry- himself face to face)
‘`Harry; [Gallatin] you’re a coward and everybody in the league knows it`’
drmaryb.[*_*].
February 25th, 2012
2:27 pm
yeah rod from cp! wassup baby boy? it seems to me that zaza is playing better with increased PT and consistent minutes. horford’s injury has allowed zaza to show what he got moving forward. zaza just playing solid, great at center.
Michael Cunningham
February 25th, 2012
2:45 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.