Hawks 93, Nets 84
11:01 pm March 23, 2012, by Michael Cunningham
- The Hawks have to take this W, a professional effort against a scrappy opponent, and move on to Washington. They have a small margin for error that was razor thin without Zaza Pachulia, a reliable rebounder and source of easy points (from free throws if not always layups) on a team short of both and needing both tonight.
- The Hawks never could quite shake the Nets because of Deron Williams, New Jersey’s offensive rebounds and their own bad possessions. Finally, Josh Smith went to work in the post and got to the line, the Hawks outscored New Jersey 31-15 in the period and they secured their fourth W in five.
- “Sometimes you have a game like this where teams trade baskets and [it's] team makes a stand defensively and creates some separation,” Larry Drew said.
- The Hawks did it in the fourth quarter, when they played solid team defense and really made the Nets work for their shots. New Jersey is not a good offensive team but it’s not like that always matters with the Hawks. That thin margin and all.
- This time Josh settled for jump shots long before fatigue became a factor. But then he scored 21 points on 14 shots in the second half, when the Nets couldn’t handle his athleticism and skill around the basket without fouling. He finished with his latest monster line: 40 minutes, 30 points on 25 shots, 12 rebounds, four assists against one turnover, two blocks and a steal.
- Drew on Josh: “I know he’s tired. I’ve been riding him. When we need baskets we put him in the post and he responds very well. When he attacks the basket he’s tough to defend. I tell him, ‘Don’t let people off the hook by settling for jump shots.’”
- Early in the game Joe Johnson was making 3-pointers and slipping in for his floater. Then he got his shot blocked on a couple drives in the second quarter and never really got back on track. But credit him for being noticeably more decisive with the ball in the first few games. He had four assists against no turnovers in the second half but he’s got to do better than two rebounds when the opposing wings are getting 15.
- Jeff Teague took the challenge against D-Will and struck the right balance of driving to score and driving to set guys up. Six assists with no turnovers and 17 points on eight shots. The three rebounds were a bonus, too, on a night the Hawks needed everyone to help.
- Kirk Hinrich finding his shot (4 of 6 on 3-pointers) has to rank high among the positive developments for the Hawks heading to the playoffs. Drew likes Hinrich for his defense but it doesn’t matter if he can’t score and kesp turning it over.
- Marvin Williams had a successful return with 11 points on eight shots and six rebounds in 26 minutes. If he can produce lines like that on a consistent basis then the Hawks wouldn’t need to rely as much on the does-he-have-it-tonight games of Vladimir Radmanovic and Tracy McGrady.
- Ivan Johnson’s seven rebounds in 21 minutes is a reason to wonder why Drew insists on starting specialist Jason Collins (two rebounds in 14 minutes). Ivan’s four turnovers and Twin’s zero points are reminders that, outside of Zaza and Josh, the Hawks aren’t getting many points from their frontcourt.
- You might have heard that D-Will is pretty good. “They always pose a problem because of Deron,” Drew said. “He’s always been a hard defend for us.”
- D-Will needed 20 shots for his 20 points but in the context of the Nets it’s hard to blame him for his high usage. Williams is impressive to watch and it’s no wonder there are teams with better talent eager to put him in control. “He can shoot it, drive it, post it, he’s strong and he has the green light,” Teague said.
- Jannero Pargo on the timetable for his return: “It depends on how I feel, but a week or so.”
- After the game, Teague nervously watched his little brother play a game for that other school next door at the Dome.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
151 comments Add your comment
i_am_soulstar
March 23rd, 2012
11:04 pm
fuhst
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
11:05 pm
2nd?
Najeh Davenpoop
March 23rd, 2012
11:05 pm
“If he can produce lines like that on a consistent basis then the Hawks wouldn’t need to rely as much on the does-he-have-it-tonight games of Vladimir Radmanovic and Tracy McGrady.”
We have been waiting for consistency from Marvin for six years. In other words, Marvin also has a does-he-have-it-tonight game.
Other than the two or three gimme shots he blew as usual, he was not bad.
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
11:05 pm
“Durant and Westbrook combine for 85 points!!! Nuts!!!!!!!!!!! Crazy!!!
High-sider
March 23rd, 2012
11:06 pm
3rd?
K.W.
March 23rd, 2012
11:06 pm
LOL MC “that other school.”
phil
March 23rd, 2012
11:06 pm
Fuhst?
Fire i am soulstar!!
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 23rd, 2012
11:07 pm
I bet if Marvin had been playing in that OKC/Minn game and Ridnour had been guarding him, he would have scored 8 points
High-sider
March 23rd, 2012
11:07 pm
Even JJ Barea goes for a triple-double – 25pts., 10rebs., and 14asts.!
phil
March 23rd, 2012
11:08 pm
MC, you do a good job here. I like your candor.
And i like it when LD tells Josh to stop shooting jumpers. At least he says it.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 23rd, 2012
11:08 pm
“Sometimes you have a game like this where teams trade baskets and [it's] team makes a stand defensively and creates some separation,” Larry Drew said.
No, this is pretty much every night. You claim you care about defense, yet we let awful teams keep games close
FIRE LD
Rev in Tampa
March 23rd, 2012
11:11 pm
“Zaza Pachulia, a reliable rebounder and source of easy points”
Not with the game on the line with an empty lane and less than five seconds left in the game.
phil
March 23rd, 2012
11:12 pm
5th in east means out in round one…
Rev in Tampa
March 23rd, 2012
11:14 pm
“New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady restructured the remaining three years of his contract, helping the team create $7.2 million in salary cap space this year, a source confirmed. As part of the restructure, Brady had his 2012 base salary reduced from $5.75 million to $950,000. The team then took the remaining $4.8 million, combined it with a $6 million roster bonus due to him, and gave him a $10.8 million signing bonus. Brady doesn’t have his salary reduced, he just receives the money in a different form. Patriots owner Robert Kraft, speaking at a community event on Thursday at Gillette Stadium, calling the restructuring a “win-win all-around” for Brady and the team.”
This is the difference between a championship MENTALITY and what we have here in Atlanta.
SteveW
March 23rd, 2012
11:23 pm
Felt like Damp could have helped us for a few minutes tonite. But I guess getting Collins some burn is a good thing.
I know some guys on this blog don’t want Patric Young from UF – another small tweener with no offensive game. But I think that guy has the motor and athleticism to become better than Noah. Not as tall, but alot more beefy, and has a good motor. We could do worse than him in our frontcourt if he’s around when we draft.
18 games left for the Hawks. 8 games over .500. If we play .500 ball the rest of the way, we’re at 37-29. Not bad for all the injuries we’ve had. We just need to take care of business at Washington tomorrow. Utah has been ballin’, won 5 in a row. They rebuilt in a hurry after trading DeRon. That 4 man frontline they’ve got of Jefferson and Millsap starting, and Favors and Kanter off the bench is a load for 48 minutes per nite.
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
11:24 pm
Rev, at least they are consistent: 0-45 ECF visits……PAthetic……
SteveW
March 23rd, 2012
11:25 pm
JeJe – And have been blocked by Ridnour with an inability to post him up as well.
But on D, we are 5th in the League – can’t complain too bad. Especially with all of the OT games, which allow teams to get extra points on us.
Joe Johnson
March 23rd, 2012
11:26 pm
Restructure deez nuts Rev.
Melvin
March 23rd, 2012
11:27 pm
Grandad,
Are you watching my boy CJ Leslie play against your guy Thomas Robinson.?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 23rd, 2012
11:27 pm
“This is the difference between a championship MENTALITY and what we have here in Atlanta.”
Contracts don’t matter. Matty Melt could make $6,000 a year and it won’t do jack!@#$ because he is Matty Melt
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
11:29 pm
Total Rebounds Nets:45 Hawks:38
This will be the Hawks undoing come playoffs..yup…
They better fix this….
Melvin
March 23rd, 2012
11:29 pm
Hawks have to play 3 games in a row and all of their opponents have at least one day rest before the game. This schedule sucks….
SteveW
March 23rd, 2012
11:30 pm
I say we finish 3rd seed – now 2.5 games back of Orlando, and for some reason I think we may play the Bucks. The Bucks have been hot, and they’ve got alot of talent there – deep also. Anyhow, those things are not empirical data, safe picks – just gut feelings that are sometimes right.
And we beat Chicago in the 2nd round after beating the Bucks in 7. Beat the Bulls in 6. And lose to the Heat in 6 in our 1st ECF..
Oh well, we can hope can’t we?
Melvin
March 23rd, 2012
11:30 pm
Slimjr,
I didnt see your Knicks update tonight.
Rev in Tampa
March 23rd, 2012
11:31 pm
Joe Johnson you are a bit testy… or should I say testes.
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
11:31 pm
“Contracts don’t matter. Matty Melt could make $6,000 a year and it won’t do jack!@#$ because he is Matty Melt”
HaHaHa…
Good to see Green back in the NBA..He went MIA for a while
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
11:32 pm
Cause your one blog behind..Already posted an hour ago Sir…But nice try….lol!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 23rd, 2012
11:33 pm
You can’t restructure NBA contracts.
High-sider
March 23rd, 2012
11:33 pm
@phil
“Fuhst?
Fire i am soulstar!!” – phil
Dang, Phil, haven’t you heard of Ebonics?!?!?!
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 23rd, 2012
11:34 pm
“I just didn’t see energy tonight,” Woodson said. “We were a step slow from the very beginning. We’ve got to play at a much higher level than we did tonight.”
SteveW
March 23rd, 2012
11:35 pm
7 games in 9 days for these Hawks, 10 in 14 days – LD you need to rest them when you can.
But man, most people put us in the lottery when Al went down. Then JJ, Marvin, Green, Collins, Vlad, TMac, Pargo.
And here we are at 28-20. That’s a good record.
I mean we’re down Al, ZaZa, Pargo, and Vlad – and we still take care of business, even against a pretty bad team. But the Nets play way better on the road than at home. And they were missing Lopez, but still…
And Josh has come of age. At 26, he becomes the awesome beast we all knew he could be. I’ll take that back. He’s better than I ever thought he could be on a consistent basis. Take away most of his jumpers, and the guys elite.
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
11:36 pm
I just didn’t see energy tonight,” Woodson said. “We were a step slow from the very beginning. We’ve got to play at a much higher level than we did tonight.”
Close your eyes, sound like something Larry says all the time… LOL!
SteveW
March 23rd, 2012
11:37 pm
Najeh – I thought you could restructure max deals like JJ after 3 years. Part of the new CBA. Or did they take that out?
ahawk
March 23rd, 2012
11:37 pm
Hey you know Josh is playing mostly Great without him they wouldn’t be winning as many games as now. And I must admit when he is hot I don’t mind him shooting now. The problem is that when he is missing like crazy from outside he just can’t resist chunking them up. Tonight the other team could not stop him at all on the inside if he had taken it to the hoop for even half of those clunkers he could have had 10 to 15 more points and the game would not even have been close. When he is doing this Dominique sits in the broadcast booth cringing and shaking his head while he is saying Josh they haven’t got any shot blockers they can’t stop you and sure enough when he took it to the hoop no one could challenge him. Josh you are a really good player but if you would grow up you could be a great one.
Section 212
March 23rd, 2012
11:39 pm
Just got home. A win is a win. We are witnessing the maturing of Smoove before our eyes. Is it possible that Hinrich is slowly getting his shooting range???
SteveW
March 23rd, 2012
11:40 pm
Speaking of the Nets, they’ve got a billionaire owner, and an awful team if they don’t re-sign DeRon, and don’t get Dwight next season. I mean an awful team. And they traded some good picks to get DeRon as well.
But word on the street is DeRon is in Dallas, and it’s a done deal, at least in his mind, according to sources.
And ‘Melo is unhappy in NY according to ESPN Radio.
SteveW
March 23rd, 2012
11:42 pm
Maybe the Woody honeymoon lasted all of 5 games in NY.
Section 212
March 23rd, 2012
11:47 pm
“Melodramatic unhappy in NY” what a joke. He asked to join the Knicks. Perhaps Woody is treating him like he treated Smoove…LOL!
doc
March 23rd, 2012
11:49 pm
melo unhappy and george karl is still smiling in denver like a cheshire cat.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 23rd, 2012
11:51 pm
Yo Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde, my brother:
You gonna be distributing the FIRE WOODY T-Shirts at Philips next Friday?
I have been to many games in recent years but have never been so excited for a game (INCLUDING Playoffs)
SteveW
March 23rd, 2012
11:53 pm
Najeh – Here’s a Dec.8th summary of the new CBA from ESPN.com:
“A new “renegotiation and extension” provision allows an existing contract to be renegotiated so the player is paid a smaller amount over a longer period, but the player’s salary cannot decrease by more than 40 percent. Renegotiations previously could only increase a player’s salary.”
Now most people don’t expect a player to take a reduction in salary, unless it’s a DFish, Mike Bibby kind of situation, but you can restructure contracts to make them more cap friendly.
Unless they axed that provision somewhere along the line – don’t have time to follow the rabbit trail tonite.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 23rd, 2012
11:53 pm
Melo is STILL unhappy?
maybe it’s because Lin is more valuable than he is
Section 212
March 23rd, 2012
11:54 pm
For you Hawks critics out there, the Hawks have sustained the most injuries and played the most road games in the league…and they are in the middle of playing something like 10 games in 14 nights, plus this was the first time in almost 2 months they have played 2 consecutive games at home. I’ll take 8 games over .500.
Section 212
March 23rd, 2012
11:59 pm
Nice night for my fantasy team between Smoove and Durant,
doc
March 24th, 2012
12:03 am
yeah josh is playing like he did in 07-08 as a 22 yo when he avg 17 and 9 and had some huge games with a high point of 38. the guy should have never been overlooked for deng.
kerpal
March 24th, 2012
12:03 am
keep josh. he is playing really well. also, marvin williams played decently but he needs to take more advantage every time he gets the ball.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
12:03 am
“For you Hawks critics out there, the Hawks have sustained the most injuries and played the most road games in the league…and they are in the middle of playing something like 10 games in 14 nights, plus this was the first time in almost 2 months they have played 2 consecutive games at home. I’ll take 8 games over .500″
True but we could be so much better. Have given games away…Which team are you?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
12:05 am
Damn courtsideshawty is owning the league, but I plan to use all my remaining roster moves in the Playoffs
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
12:07 am
if Adelman or Popp were our coach, Smoove would never take a jumpshot, and he would be an MVP Candidate
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
12:26 am
Keith Benson just called up by GSW – he’s been doing really well after a slow DLeague start, and a 17 pt, 11 rb, 3 blck game against Brian Butch (pretty good DLeague C) got him the call up.
I was sure hoping he would be our 3rd C behind ZaZa and maybe a draft pick in 2012/13, with Al either being traded or going down to the 4.
I think Benson has some good upside.
Spyro
March 24th, 2012
12:27 am
if Adelman or Popp were our coach, Smoove would never take a jumpshot, and he would be an MVP Candidate
Hell, even Woody had his jumpers down to a good amount. He just didn’t give him the ball enough.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
12:28 am
And I’m still not against a ZaZa, Al, Josh, JJ, Teague lineup for next season.
And has anybody else noticed some good chemistry between Teague and Josh on the court lately? Really some good chemistry with a few of the players on this team. There playing some really good basketball with nice passing going on at times.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
12:30 am
If we can re-sign Josh, I’d trade Al and Marvin for Jefferson and Favors from the Jazz. We’d still need to re-sign Jefferson though – I think his contract expires after next season.
Jazz beatin’ Denver pretty bad last I checked.
Wendy
March 24th, 2012
12:32 am
In the 14 games since the all-star break, Kirk is shooting 47% overall and 46.5% from 3. I’d say he’s definitely found his shot.
Buddy Grizzard
March 24th, 2012
12:33 am
JC1 ballin.
Section 212
March 24th, 2012
12:35 am
Last!
Section 212
March 24th, 2012
12:38 am
Wendy – I think Kirk is slowly finding his touch….
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
12:40 am
Did Woody and Melo get into it during a timeout? What happened?
hawkfan
March 24th, 2012
12:40 am
so Utah is looking tough now, I don’t see us doing well next week and starting Sunday lose at least 3 games next week, so hopefully the teams under us keep losing too, and it’s funny how one loss and some knicks fans are already questioning woodson and lin’s limited minutes, deja vu ring a bell
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
12:43 am
We can’t even offer Smoove an extension this summer because these morons let Memphis sign him to an offer sheet and were too scared to offer the money
Buddy Grizzard
March 24th, 2012
12:48 am
Lakers just too big.
High-sider
March 24th, 2012
1:03 am
@Buddy Grizzard
“JC1 ballin.” – Buddy Grizzard
Very funny, Buddy Grizzard. [dripping with sarcasm]
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
1:13 am
Josh’s jumper is beyond reproach or replication…..
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
1:15 am
its that time of the month for Melo… Ignore him…
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
1:17 am
Two guys combine for 85 points in a game, is that a record for two teammates?
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
1:18 am
Wilt scored a hundred and bag over 20k groupies..
WILT WAS BALLIN FOR REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
doc
March 24th, 2012
1:21 am
stevew yeah i bet the jazz just jump all over that one bro.
doc
March 24th, 2012
1:23 am
kirk is 50% from three this month folks. cant sneeze at that, better than bibby and he does want a try to do defense.
Buddy Grizzard
March 24th, 2012
1:25 am
If the Hawks win at Washington and at home Sunday against Utah, they will be the 7th team in the league to reach 30 wins (Lakers reached 30 tonight by beating Portland).
Buddy Grizzard
March 24th, 2012
1:26 am
“5th in east means out in round one…” – phil
If 76ers win the Atlantic, yes. If Boston wins the Atlantic, no.
doc
March 24th, 2012
1:27 am
slimj not to ummm quibble but i followed wilt’s career pretty closely since he was my era and i thought he was held to 10000 total women with 1000 virgins. heh heh
wilt could also military press his weight of 295. now that was strong for a skinny looking guy.
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
2:04 am
Slimjr
Wilt + Al Attles = 117 pts … *[ Wilt 100, Attles 17 ]
Kobe + Smush Parker = 94 pts … *[ Kobe 81, Smush 13 ]
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
2:19 am
Top Ten Individual Scoring Games All-Time:
1. Wilt Chamberlain, Phi.March 2, 1962 vs. New York: 100
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. LakersJan. 22, 2006 vs. Toronto: 81
3. Wilt Chamberlain, Phi.Dec. 8, 1961 (3OT) vs. L.A. Lakers: 78
4. Wilt Chamberlain, Phi.Jan. 13, 1962 vs. Chicago: 73
5.Wilt Chamberlain, S.F.Nov. 16, 1962 vs. New York: 73
6.David Thompson, Den.April 9, 1978 vs. Detroit: 73
7. Wilt Chamberlain, S.F.Nov. 3, 1962 vs. L.A. Lakers: 72
8. Elgin Baylor, L.A. LakersNov. 15, 1960 vs. New York: 71
9. David Robinson, S.A.April 24, 1994 vs. L.A. Clippers: 71
10. Wilt Chamberlain, S.F.March 10, 1963 vs. Syracuse: 70
_________________________________________________
Wilt had 6 of the 10
Elgin does not surprise
Of the two Davids, I remember Thompson when he did it;
but I have forgotten about Robinson achieving the feat.
Hawks Fan Down Under
March 24th, 2012
2:33 am
“And here we are at 28-20. That’s a good record.”
Imagine if we had a good coach!!!!
tyger
March 24th, 2012
3:08 am
A win is a win…
Much rather run weak teams like Cavs, Nets, Wiz out, but…
We’re significantly short-handed so, at least we didnt lose…
Teague had a good game, this is the way he should play…
Pass first, penetrate, penetrate and dish, make FT, defend…
Be aggressive but play within yourself, you cant shoot so dish…
Hinrich is coming around…keep fingers crossed for playoffs…
Marvin looked rejuvenated, maybe he was just tired…
Now Green is rusty…such is Hawks life…
I like LD playing Collins, wish he would play Dampier more too…
Yes, Ivan is more active and productive stat wise, but…
Come playoffs, Collins and Dampier’s size will pay off, if ready…
Would like to see more Stackhouse/McGrady as playoffs near…
Wiz an opportunity to rest starters and let bench develop, but…
Have to have a killer instinct, get up 20 early, let bench take it home…
Buddy Grizzard
March 24th, 2012
3:51 am
I’m not looking past the Wizards… complete culture change with Nene on board, even if Denver did drop him like a bad habit.
jamesbiden
March 24th, 2012
6:57 am
Dont count on seeing tmac play muc or if at all even in the playoffs. Tmac has been in the doghouse since he called out drew the idiot rightly so. I just dont know why the Hawks didnt waive tmac and let him latch onto a contender elsewhere and we could have signed another player who could have used.
This idiotic saga is sad
Big Daddy
March 24th, 2012
6:58 am
Great win and I really like the way the team tightened up the defense and pull away in the 4th quarter. Teague had an excellent game, fighting through screen, penetrating and dishing to teammates and SMOOVE, what a game.
Being this short handed and playing this well tells us what this team is actually capable of doing. I know it is against a bad team, but let’s not forget how many people are out and what was accomplished here.
Tough weekend for the guys, with back to back to back games. LD is going to have to do a good job in marshalling their minutes are they are going to fall apart in the 4th quarter. Can’t wait for the Knicks to come in and the crowd can give Woody the Bronx cheer when he is introduced.
Admiral Crackbar
March 24th, 2012
7:32 am
I wuz worried about Jeff after he airballed the three at the buzzer the other nite but he shot a three in crunch time last nite and hit it. guess he isn’t the head case Woody thought he wuz after all.
Marcus
March 24th, 2012
7:50 am
me and Steve W. were kindred spirits re: renegotiated contract (if possible) for JJ and Kito Benson pickup on rebound. Something will have to give come next year, either Boss or Smoove will walk over money, PT, or just plain management decision.
Looking at some mock drafts, a lot of them have us taking the SF from Vanderbilt, presumably to take Marvin’s spot. Some of these same mocks have Fab Melo (C, Syracuse) falling past our projected draft position to the early 20s draft positions. With all the gnashing of teeth by the Hawks players to get a typical C and our passing over of the ‘Keith Benson project”, Melo would be hard to pass up if he is there. Depending on who is available when we draft might also dictate a draft-nite deal / domino effect on forcing LD/Sund/ASGs hand in regards to the future of Boss and Smoove. …
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
7:51 am
“7 games in 9 days for these Hawks, 10 in 14 days – LD you need to rest them when you can.”
_________
They can rest when they’re dead! No excuses people, they have 21 hours between games – rest then. These guys can pay someone to sleep for them. LOL! I just have no pity for the million dollar babies.
_______________
If anyone should restructure their deal, it is Marvin.
High-sider
March 24th, 2012
8:26 am
I didn’t realize that last night’s game against the Nets was the first [game] of a back-to-back-to-back [or three games in three days/nights] for the Hawks.
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
8:34 am
Melo is a coach killer! He gave George Karl “throat cancer”
in the locker room. Get a refund like “50 Cents” Melo, he ain’t dead yet. Woodson, next? LOL
If Woodson get’s “coach cancer”, he better do like Michael Jackson and “Beat It!” (sniggles)
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
8:40 am
What’s up with the wrong time on this blog.
vava74
March 24th, 2012
8:47 am
Still doubting Josh’s main cog status as the way forward for the Hawks?
I also think that JJ is doing a fine job filling in the blanks: he has been stepping up when he needs to be a scorer but settling in better as a #2 guy when Josh is balling and the offense is going through him.
Last night JJ’s shot was off – way off – in the second half and he started to feed others.
Nice game by Teague who – I believe – is starting to show better floor recognition and passing skills.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
8:48 am
“http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/220037/Bulls_Could_Go_Deeper_Into_Luxury_Tax”
That’s not us
FIRE SUND
Rufus1
March 24th, 2012
8:53 am
The Bulls sell out every game…..That’s not us either.
Dawg
March 24th, 2012
9:02 am
If we had not sold the 2nd round pick, we may have been able to bundle a couple of picks in order to draft someone like Fab Melo who’s stock is falling in to the 2nd round.
Would someone please give me one reason to look forward to draft night? The draft night performance of our front office is not just bad. It takes great fore thought and skill to mess up as bad as we have drafted and managed our picks.
Can’t wait till we sell a pick again for a trade exemption that will never be used. Can’t wait to sign Collins next year as the back up center and “specialist”. Exciting times, being for Hawks’ fans.
Rufus1
March 24th, 2012
9:11 am
We are getting Killed on the Boards…
I want Marvin Back in the Starting line-up….I know JJ is scoring more efficiently at SF, but he doesn’t rebound well enough and it is KILLING us…I don’t think our offense has improved, but our rebounding is definitely WORSE(I don’t see an increase in pts)…. 5 offensive rebounds and most in the 4th Qt.
REBOUNDING IS A FORM OF DEFENSE!!!
I wait for your unreasonable HATE!
Mick
March 24th, 2012
9:18 am
Hey Cunningham, What’s with that “other school” comment? Man that’s “THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA. You better recognize!!!
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
9:19 am
FIRE LD
FIRE SUND
FIRE WOODY
FIRE ASG
FIRE MARVIN
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
9:21 am
“The Bulls sell out every game…..That’s not us either.”
We have 983 owners who consistently claim they are not afraid to go into the LT, yet they are allergic to getting embarrassed in the 2nd round, so no moves are ever made.
*******
“I want Marvin Back in the Starting line-up….I know JJ is scoring more efficiently at SF, but he doesn’t rebound well enough and it is KILLING us…”
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Marvin is NOT a starting-caliber player.
LD needs to grow a pair and confront Joe about his rebounding LIKE HE SAID HE WOULD BEFORE THE SEASON, YET NO ONE EVER MENTIONS.
I agree Joe’s rebounding is horrid, but Kirk is a very hard-nosed player who doesn’t quit unlike some players on this team, and our 3 guard starting lineup has been solid.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
9:22 am
Next year could be rough, as we will lose Kirk, Ivan, Joe’s salary increases, and the year after we will lose Smoove and ZaZa (someone is going to give ZaZa more money). Better hope we do something this year if GUYS WOULD STOP GETTING THESE INJURIES
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
9:23 am
The Blazers sell out every game.
1) It is f’ing Portland
2) That team sucks
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
9:32 am
JE JE-Why don’t you get off that negative BS? With limited resources to work with, Sund did an excellent job of putting together the deepest, most versatile and talented bench the Hawks have had in almost 2 decades. And Drew has done an excellent job of keeping his team competitive and in contention despite a daunting schedule and a constant rash of injuries to key players. Both need to be given credit for doing an excellent job.
I’m proud of the way our players, coaches and team have overcome these obstacles to maintain a solid position in the Eastern Conference standings. I like the fact that we’re showing consistency. No long winning streaks offset by long losing streaks. If we can get everyone healthy and functional come playoff time, we will definitely be a team to recon with.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
10:01 am
“JE JE-Why don’t you get off that negative BS? With limited resources to work with, Sund did an excellent job of putting together the deepest, most versatile and talented bench the Hawks have had in almost 2 decades. And Drew has done an excellent job of keeping his team competitive and in contention despite a daunting schedule and a constant rash of injuries to key players. Both need to be given credit for doing an excellent job.
I’m proud of the way our players, coaches and team have overcome these obstacles to maintain a solid position in the Eastern Conference standings. I like the fact that we’re showing consistency. No long winning streaks offset by long losing streaks. If we can get everyone healthy and functional come playoff time, we will definitely be a team to recon with.”
Sorry for the negativity. I realize I should be ecstatic about a team that has HAD THE SAME CORE FOR 5 YEARS STRAIGHT, an ownership which has shown NO dedication to winning a championship (they want to be competitive and entertaining…Go ask Gearon Jr), and a head coach who has no idea how to confront a player. If you think this postseason will be any different than past years, you really are a disillusioned ignoramus. There are people here who are hopeful we can win in Round 1, WHEN WE’VE WON IN THE 1ST ROUND 3 YEARS IN A ROW.
LOL @ “excellent job.” LD is one of the least talented coaches in the league, and we are beating up on cupcake teams right now. We got completely slaughtered in February (go look at all the games this team quit), and this is the same team that LOST 3 STRAIGHT HOME GAMES TO NON-ELITE TEAMS. To lose 3 straight home games in the NBA, there is something definitely wrong with your team.
We have a power forward who would be a superstar if one of these incompetent coaches could just ONCE get to him and convince him to stop taking damn jumpshots.
I guess I’m just AN ANAL-MINDED MORON
Dawg
March 24th, 2012
10:15 am
JeJe was negative but his comments weren’t BS. This group has done well in spite of horrible management. The biggest move that the FO could muster is selling of a 2nd round pick. It’s hard to be a Hawks fan.
I still watch them, I still pull for them, I still like them but ineptness surrounds this franchise.
We have a coach because he cost the least. We draft 2nd round picks who would not have been drafted. We trade 1st round picks for Hinrich, when everyone knew they were going to get rid of Hinrich.
Rufus1
March 24th, 2012
10:29 am
JeJe,
That is the only prof. team in Portland…Just like OKC.
I like Kirk in the starting line-up, but we know JJ can guard SG better than he rebounds.
….REBOUNDING will be our undoing
Dawg,
I want a playmaking wing(Royce white, Tony Wroten or Deion Waiters)….
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
10:45 am
This is the only team I have ever seen that returns the EXACT SAME CORE EVERY YEAR and expects DIFFERENT results. The Lakers and Celtics have had the same core for a while (they have made more changes than we have), and BOTH HAVE WON RINGS.
WE HAVE THE EXACT SAME TEAM EVERY DAMN YEAR AND ALL WE DID IS GET OWNED IN THE 2ND ROUND.
You Should Stop Posting
March 24th, 2012
11:59 am
tyger
March 23rd, 2012
7:10 pm
Allen Iverson…
seasoned PG for playoff run…
sell 5,000 more tickets…
will more than pay for salary…
generate national interest in team…
PG is an issue w/o Pargo…
Al better than any big available…
will not shoot a game losing airball…
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
12:17 pm
NBA Draft Prospect Fab Melo
7,0 – Center – Syracuse
Melo showed great improvement in his second season for the Orange but his season ended early, when he was declared ineligible prior to the NCAA Tournament.
Pros
Has unique size that you can’t teach. Worked hard to get into better shape and is now a much more fluid, athletic and in-shape player. Excellent shot blocker who can play way above the rim. Could become one of the better shot blockers in the NBA in a few years. Good rebounder who averaged nearly 6 boards in only 25 minutes per game.
Has improved his free throw shooting and, although it is still way to low, it looks like he has the potential to become a solid free throw shooter. Has a lot of upside!
Cons
Needs to be more assertive and aggressive on the court. Foul prone and needs to learn the finer points of the game, especially becoming a more fundamentally sound defender.
Limited on the offensive end of the court and is not likely to be much of scorer at the next level. Not the most mature player and if he doesn’t put in the work he could be a major bust.
Projection: late lottery to mid first round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
____________
I’m sure some team will pick this player before he falls to the Hawks pick. But, if I were Atlanta, I would take this pick. If it works out great! If not, oh well … At least we tried and drafted a need as opposed to another PF/C or SF. We need size at all costs and, everybody knows we don’t spend wisely.
Now, IDK how The Orange are doing in this March of Madness, but if they do well or make it to the final 8 without this guy, then I may pass on him. Since his team did well without his play.
What do you think, Grand-Daddy? Do you take Fab Melo IF he is staring down your barrell?

drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
12:25 pm
Sounds like this Melo guy could track in the NBS like Andrew Bynum has … A project with upside. Listen, we’re not getting Dwight … we have to grow our own groceries – right?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
12:33 pm
“we have to grow our own groceries – right?”
Marvin Williams
Shelden Williams
Salim Stoudamire
Keith Benson
Solomon Jones
Acie Law
Josh Childress
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
1:04 pm
Yuck!
Ok Grandmaster JEJE. LOL … Do I have to eat my vegetables? That menu makes me want to throw up! Well, we got Josh, Horford and Tegue – right?
It is what it is … These fools can’t make a trade to save their lives!
Dawg
March 24th, 2012
1:26 pm
Those groceries were duds before they were picked. Fab Melo could be a great long term pick assuming he is coached properly after he gets here. Maybe Larry can then start yelling at Melo and he will not just pick on Teague.
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
1:45 pm
JE JE-This has nothing to do with intelligence or being ANAL MINDED. It has everything to do with attitude and approach, and yours always seems to be negative. You act like the things you mentioned and are using as your excuse only exists for you. Those are issues we all have to deal with, but you seem unable to deal with it from anything be a negative perspective.
You should know by now your approach isn’t going to change a damned thing. So, unless you really are nothing but a negative minded individual, lighten up.
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
2:04 pm
We can bitch and moan all we want, but at some point we have to reach the point where we accept the fact that our ownership is cash strapped. That’s a major issue that affects our GM, HC, and ultimately our roster. Once you accept that fact, you will then realize how fortunate we are to have a team that annually makes the playoffs and isn’t a one and done playoff team.
There are a lot of teams with tons of money to spend, like the Knicks, Pacers, 76ers, Celtics, Bucks etc, and they’re willing to spend it. Yet, yr after yr they still end up trying to catch us in the standings. Our Hawks have done a good job of fighing the odds, injuries, and a difficult schedule to still be a player in the Eastern Conference.
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
2:31 pm
Amen Kenneth Strickland!
I was thinking the same thing last night. The past two wins have been the most impressive, esp. Coaching wise because our roster is completed decimated.
I posted that Josh’s Jumpers didn’t bother me one bit, because Josh was balling his eyes out and is always looking to pass the ball. Josh is NOT a selfish player, neither is Joe or Al.
That type chemistry is what coaches dream about. Esp with Melo in NYC and most all other franchises. I like our team for what it is!
Let’s Go Hawks! Get Well Boys!!!!!!!
DawgNole
March 24th, 2012
2:44 pm
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
2:04 pm
We can bitch and moan all we want, but at some point we have to reach the point where we accept the fact that our ownership is cash strapped. That’s a major issue that affects our GM, HC, and ultimately our roster. Once you accept that fact, you will then realize how fortunate we are to have a team that annually makes the playoffs and isn’t a one and done playoff team.
_____________________
Forty-five years in ATL–and not even once past Round 2 of the playoffs. You consider that “fortunate”? That’s called loser mentality, and it’s the type of attitude that has permeated this city’s pro teams for nearly half a century. It’s also a major reason why the rest of the nation considers the ATL “Losersville” in terms of professional sports competition. You can never hope to win a championship here if you truly believe this city’s pro sports fans should consider themselves “fortunate.”
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
2:55 pm
DR MARYB-What’s up PYT? Teague has played with so much consistency that we’ve started to take him for granted. I remember the doubters who were making their feelings known about him before the season started. There were several who continued to use the old MWoodson’s HE’S NOT READY excuse for doubting him. Sometimes I wish he be more aggressive and take over when the team is struggling. But he just keeps forcing the players to run the plays.
Injury and fatigue wise, our players have reached the point where it becomes mental more than physical. It appears to be physical during the 1st half of gms, and they the mental part takes over and we make a surge.
With him at the controls, instead of Bibby, we haven’t seen anything even close to the number of ISO JOE’s whenever the OFF faulters.
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
3:00 pm
DAWGNOLE-You can’t seem to appreciate what you now have because you’re stuck in the past. What in the devil does 45 past yrs have to do with what our wounded and depleted is managing to accomplish now. Man, this yrs playoffs haven’t even started and you’re making an issue of past playoffs issues.
Big Lou
March 24th, 2012
3:12 pm
Why isn’t my response going through…
I’m not saying anything bad.
Big Lou
March 24th, 2012
3:21 pm
Lame.
I had a good retort to Ken’s comment, too. Oh well, I accidentally posted it in the cage forum. lol
Big Lou
March 24th, 2012
3:26 pm
Ken
You have to understand JeJe’s concern, though. The Hawks haven’t made any major changes for five years. I mean, at least with the Falcons, they changed coaches, added/removed players, and tried to get over the hump. All the Hawks have done is get rid of an average coach with a mediocre coach, and grab a bunch of ‘used goods’ from the land of misfit toys. Fans want a change, especially the ones who pay money to see the games.
Admiral Crackbar
March 24th, 2012
3:39 pm
no change is the new change.
bigdwarf
March 24th, 2012
3:40 pm
whats with all the negativity all the time.[did i spell that right].atlanta through and through
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
3:45 pm
Chris Wallace, Grizzlies GM, signed Arenas after reading a fan blog post.
Rick Sund has probably never interacted with a Hawks fan or fan of any other team in his pathetic career
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
3:49 pm
“Our Hawks have done a good job of fighing the odds, injuries, and a difficult schedule to still be a player in the Eastern Conference.”
No. That’s the thing – we’re not a player in the Eastern Conference.
The goal of every fan should be to win a championship. Why should I be satisfied that our arrogant and defiant front office flat-out refuses to build a championship contender? We have an owner whose only goal is to be competitive and entertaining. These incompetent owners are secretly thrilled we aren’t at full health, so NEXT YEAR THEY CAN BRING BACK THE EXACT SAME CORE.
Our GM has literally made 2 trades in his 4 years here. One of them was giving up like 9 players for Kirk Hinrich who has been OK.
Let it go. Everything I spit is the truth here and real cats can see that.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
3:52 pm
You expect me to be happy about a team that features a million guards and not nearly enough bigs?
A team whose 3 best players begged for more bigs in December and all we got was Fatazz Collins back and a million guards?
SMH
Anyone who disagrees with the words I am writing is AN ANAL-MINDED MORON
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
3:59 pm
“Forty-five years in ATL–and not even once past Round 2 of the playoffs. You consider that “fortunate”? That’s called loser mentality, and it’s the type of attitude that has permeated this city’s pro teams for nearly half a century. It’s also a major reason why the rest of the nation considers the ATL “Losersville” in terms of professional sports competition. You can never hope to win a championship here if you truly believe this city’s pro sports fans should consider themselves “fortunate.””
-DawgNole
Couldn’t have said it better.
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
4:01 pm
Mary Ellen
Fab Melo is a project.
No ! ;; I would not take him in the 1st round & probably not in the 2nd;
due to dealing one of our 2nd rounders away.
In our drafting range;
right now, after watching many, many games plus oodles & gobs of film;;
*’`Andrew Nicholson`’* St Bonnaventure – is the man.
6-9;; 250;; PF,C;; frame can add another 15 lbs;;
7-3 w-span maybe longer;;
43% from behind the arc
-but-
he`s a natural low post scoring threat;;
avg 18 pts -&- 8 rebs;; plus 2 blcks
*[a natural Center]
I am anxious to see his pre-draft measurements at the combine.
standing reach, plus max reach are two that I`m most interested.
Huge hands (10 inch)
-more to come-
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
4:04 pm
Mary Ellen
-post script-
Andrew Nicholson:
Canadian; Physics major; Highly intelligent
High-sider
March 24th, 2012
4:10 pm
Check out the link below for Jeremy Lin’s inspiration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7EnaUB2aQ0&feature=related
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:20 pm
Doc – Reasons Utah may look at that trade:
Al is a little better thought of around the league than Jefferson
Jefferson is about to become a FA, and probably want quite a bit of cash. Al is considered to have a very reasonable contract
Utah actually has a SF worse than Marvin many think – CJ Miles.
And they may not want to pay Favors in a couple of years – he’s going to command alot of money.
I like Al, alot. But Favors may have a little more upside than Al. He’s only 20, I think, and in a couple of years, I think he can be 18 and 10 good.
And if we can re-sign Jefferson, all the better. I could live with Jefferson and ZaZa at C, and Josh and Favors at PF, or putting Josh at the 3.
If we have to throw in a 2013 1st pick to do it, go ahead – let Favors be your 1st pick for that year.
DawgNole
March 24th, 2012
4:20 pm
Grandmaster JeJe (GM): “The goal of every fan should be to win a championship. Why should I be satisfied that our arrogant and defiant front office flat-out refuses to build a championship contender?”
_____________________________
Well done, GM! Too bad the obvious (45 years w/o sniffing a championship) seems irrelevant to dimwits like Ken S. Unless attitudes like his change, we’ll go another 45 w/o a championship. But hey, we should feel “fortunate,” right? What a lamebrain.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:24 pm
Grandad – how old is Nicholson? Sounds like an intriguing prospect.
DawgNole
March 24th, 2012
4:26 pm
bigdwarf
March 24th, 2012
3:40 pm
whats with all the negativity all the time.[did i spell that right].atlanta through and through
____________________
Have you looked at the history of ATL’s pro sports teams? ONE championship in more than 150 seasons of competition. And you ask why all the negativity? Geez, the ignorance of some on here is mind-boggling.
The Truth
March 24th, 2012
4:29 pm
“Sometimes I wish he be more aggressive and take over when the team is struggling. But he just keeps forcing the players to run the plays.” Ken S
Ken, this type of observation you sited is called “constructive criticism” which I have also commented about Teague as well. It is this type of “special interest” comment that fuels these blogs because it provides value to Hawks fans they can’t find anywhere else. It is perhaps the primary reason they participate in blogging here in the first place to share their own ideas. Of course the daily trolls are the exception.
Constructive criticism, though, can cover a wide range of topics, “The Good”, “The Bad”, and “The Ugly”. Not only that; one man constructive criticism may be another man’s insult.
So, what we have here is drama 101 and the reason why some folks can’t get enough of these Hawks despite their shortcomings.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:31 pm
Now I’m for a championship every year, but I’m also not for making a change for the sake of change – only if it makes us better and moves us toward that goal.
One area I would disagree with some on here, I is feel, after seeing us play OKC, Miami, and the Bulls, Magic etc., is that we can make the ECF or beyond this year, even with Al hurt. I’m not saying we will, but I could see us doing it.
That last Miami game, in miami, when we lost 89-86, and were missing some folks, showed me we can really compete.
My only concern really is LD wearing our guys out so bad, we have nothing left.
Sorry, I can’t sneeze at 28-20 with the injuries we’ve had. I mean, what would the Lakers be w/Gasol, or the Heat w/o Bosh, or the Bulls w/o Deng? They’d still be good, but not as good.
That’s what losing Al is like for us. Bring them all on – it’s all just talk until playoff time anyway.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:32 pm
Tons of typos in last post – hope ya’ll get the drift…
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:35 pm
And it won’t surprise me if we lose tonite and win tomorrow – because it should be inversed – and that’s the Hawks way.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:38 pm
But I’m not going to panic if we lose the next 6, unless we have some more injuries to key people. We have a great April schedule with lot’s of rest. LD is just killing our key guys with playing time right now.
By the time Monday gets here, only 16 games left in the season, Wow!
HawkEye
March 24th, 2012
5:22 pm
One thing I’m very concerned about come playoff time is if Al does come back. LD cannot make the mistake of forcing him into the lineup like he did Kirk. Such a brash action could destroy some chemistry the Hawks currently have as well as put Al in jeopardy if he isn’t 100%.
For some reason, I’m very optimistic if healthy come playoff time, we can go far this year. Who knows, we may surprise the world.
HawkEye
March 24th, 2012
5:34 pm
I think the X-factors in the playoffs will be players like Green, Pargo, and Vlad. TMac is a seasoned vet so he will be ready. Ivan will be a big plus as well and even Collins and Damp could be helpful. I believe the biggest advantage for the Hawks will be Teague. We will need him to be aggressive to break down the tough defenses we will see in the playoffs.
The key from now until the playoffs is to get everyone as healthy as possible.
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
5:53 pm
“We may shock the world” – Slimjr’s doppelganger-
The playoff’s are chess match where the game really slows down.. Your team has been dissected, torn down. WEAKNESS are found out and exposed….Defense’s turn it up several notches to dictate and try to force you to make play’s that your squad has not been comfortable making during the regular season that will ultimately lead to multiple failures, which results in lost games and eventually a lost series….
Add to the fact if your undersized and getting beat on the boards, just adds more fuel to a smoldering fire…
Then compound that with inconsistent perimeter shooting, inferior coaching and the rest as they say is history… 0-45 years to an ECF visit….That is beyond belief..You cant smoke this one up….
But let not your heart be trouble because going into the Playoffs we already know that the Hawks will be out manned and out coached whether it be Miami or Chicago…….You can add whoever else you like to the list…..
There I hope you feel better now?
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
5:58 pm
Vulcan Mind Meld
______________________
Remember Grasshopper the regular season and playoff”s season are two totally different animals! Your half court game has to be really really good to defeat the Elites… So dont expect much change in results when they get here…..Comprende? Sir Senor!
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:09 pm
Si^^^^
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2012
6:19 pm
SteveW, I asked Larry Coon the CBA guru about restructuring contracts on Twitter a few months ago and he told me they couldn’t do it. Maybe he was wrong, I don’t know, but that’s what I was relying on.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2012
6:19 pm
MC your Cards better win today, because they are my only hope for winning my bracket pool.
ag
March 24th, 2012
6:20 pm
It is funny who LD stumbles on success. It was the injury to KH to force him to start JT – then it was MW injury that forced him to use KH and JT in backcourt. Also, with JJ out, he was forced to go to JS for his offense. Also, injuries to AH and Jason Collins (I don’t want to insult JC or JCII) forced him to play IJ
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2012
6:25 pm
These refs are really screwing Louisville.
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
6:39 pm
SteveW
22 yrs old … [Dec birthday]
Best footwork in the Post I`ve seen in a long, long time.
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
6:40 pm
SteveW
Atlantic 10 – Player of the Year; Sr.
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:56 pm
NeNe is a Beast on the Low Block!! Just punishes people…
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:57 pm
Jt will have his hands full with Mr Wall tonight…. I hope this does not get ugly?
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:57 pm
3 mins to liftoff!
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:58 pm
Game Thread: Hawks vs. Wizards!
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:58 pm
Firrrrrrrrrrrrrrst!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2012
6:59 pm
I hope MC isn’t celebrating too hard to give us a game thread.
All I need is Syracuse to beat OSU and I have a good chance of winning some money.
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:59 pm
Josh should drop 25-30 tonight!
Michael Cunningham
March 24th, 2012
7:11 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.