Atlanta Hawks: Hawks look to put season-worst loss behind
Vivlamore reporting.
The Hawks took a day off Sunday to lick their collective wounds after the worst loss of the season. The Warriors manhandled the Hawks on the way to a 115-93 victory Saturday night at Philips Arena.
“When they punched us in the mouth we did not respond,” Hawks coach Larry Drew said. “That was very disappointing. That was very disheartening.”
The Hawks (14-7) were all but out of the game by the second quarter. They trailed by as many as 27 points in the third quarter. Josh Smith was held to three points on 1-of-12 shooting. The defeat was far worse than the 13-point loss at the Clippers in the fifth game of the season, the previous highest margin of defeat.
“I told the guys after the game, this is one game,” Drew said. “We’ll look at it and see what happened. We are not going to let the snowball effect to take place. We are going to move on from this game as fast as we can.”
The Hawks struggled in nearly all phases of the game, Drew said. They shot 36.9 percent (31 of 84), were just 19.2 percent (5 of 26) from 3-point range, allowed the Warriors to shoot 49.5 percent (49 of 99), were outrebounded (54-45) and had fewer assists (32-21).
“I would like to say there will be nights like this but I think it has to do that it was self-inflicted tonight,” center Al Horford said. “We took a lot of bad shots and that affected the way we defended and the way we played as a team. … It was the type of shots. There were a lot of bad shots. It’s something we are going to address as a team.”
Settling for jumpers
Once the Hawks fell behind against the Warriors they began to settle for long-range jump shots. They took 26 3-point attempts and were 3 of 13 from behind the arc in each half.
“That is not acceptable, particularly when we are struggling and we need baskets,” Drew said. “There was a lot of basketball to be played, particularly in the third quarter. You’ve got to make things happen in the paint. You can’t just settle for jump shots and look for the home run. You have to learn how to chip away.”
Free-throw woes
The Hawks again struggled at the free-throw line, making just 26 of 36 attempts. The Hawks have the 28th worst free-throw percentage in the NBA at 70 percent. Only the Lakers and Nuggets are worse.
Tough schedule
Drew said his team will put the Warriors loss behind them – quickly. They must. The Hawks begin a stretch of four games in five days Tuesday with two sets of road-home back-to-backs separated by a day. They play at Washington (3-18) Tuesday, host Oklahoma City (19-4, division leader) Wednesday, play at Philadelphia (12-11) Friday and host Chicago (13-9, division leader) Saturday.
- Chris Vivlamore
LATEST NEWS
* A share of first place on the line vs. Bobcats
* Morrow to start vs. Magic, Pachulia warned for flop
* Smith on Smith: Steve says ‘travesty’ Josh never All-Star
* Video: Hawks look to sustain winning ways
* First place on the line vs. Heat
* Josh Smith named Player of the Week
* 3-pointers may be key to defeating Heat
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @AJCHAWKS
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
89 comments Add your comment
doc
December 16th, 2012
8:57 am
dad gummit lost a post with this post and it colsed me out
doc
December 16th, 2012
9:04 am
too funny then it wouldnt post my “first” with recap from other blog thay got trashed.
first
leave it at that.
High-sider
December 16th, 2012
9:28 am
2nd?
High-sider
December 16th, 2012
9:37 am
[This] Hawks [squad] is 28th [in the NBA] in FT shooting [%]? Mark Price [former Hawks shooting consultant/coach], where are you; this [Hawks] team needs your expertise.
Buddy Grizzard
December 16th, 2012
9:53 am
We may have seen the high water mark for this team prior to this game.
Buddy Grizzard
December 16th, 2012
10:01 am
“our ALL STARS, have been worse than the non ALL STAR Josh Smith in the playoffs. Care to explain?”
You mean like last year when Horford played only a fraction of the playoff games but still managed to score as many 4th quarter baskets as Josh and Joe COMBINED for the series?
W.R. Terrell
December 16th, 2012
10:13 am
I hope all of this hoopla about the “Smoove” being an All star will be laid to rest. Those games where he was hitting his outside shot was the beginning of the end. Last eve was the truth about the “smoove”, now LD can move on and give the young folks playing time so they can learn the rigors of the NBA. IVan can be as productive or moreso then the “Smoove” because he just wants to play ball. Mike Scott needs to show what he can bring to the table and Jenkins just needs playing time.
The “Smoove” is not capable of learning and the game last night was a clear reminder of what HAWK fans already know. LD needs to sit him for 5 or 6 games so he can see how the team functions without the “Smooves” nonsense. LD needs to coach now or his job is in serious jeopardy, sometimes one needs to see that players they hope will come thru just can’t. In a way the game was a crystal clear view of reality.
Duluth Joe
December 16th, 2012
10:18 am
Starting lineup should be set and not be musical chairs. Changing starting lineup confuses roles and players. The same player who is PF today, becomes SF tomorrow. Does he play close to basket and focus on help D? Or does he play out on perimeter? Josh needs to focus and know his role (Same for Zaza and Al).
Starting lineup: Zaza-Al-Josh-Korver-Teague
First off the bench: Lou for Korver.
Then bring in Harris for Teague.
First Big should be Ivan (for Al or Zaza). Then bring in Stevenson (for Josh).
Larry Drew needs to keep it simple and let the players know consistent roles and rotations as opposed to other team’s strengths.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
December 16th, 2012
10:46 am
Curry only had 12 against us in GSW and we still lost
FIRE LD
kuhndog
December 16th, 2012
10:47 am
Tough game move on, josh needs to keep his chin up and keep playing tough and in the paint. If josh cops an attitude then he will answer the question weather he needs to be traded. Like pop in San Antanio Drew needs to play the whole bench so all is ready and what happened to Pa Sy the french guy? I know he is back there but does he not want to play in the NBA?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
December 16th, 2012
10:47 am
Warriors got season swept by Orlando
SMH
Mookie Blaylock
December 16th, 2012
11:13 am
W.R. Terrell
December 16th, 2012
10:13 am
Good Post
Bob Few
December 16th, 2012
11:15 am
That was one UGLY GAME!!!!
Mookie Blaylock
December 16th, 2012
11:19 am
Watching Josh attempt to beat someone off the dribble with his slow a_ _ crossover and behind the back move where he almost throws the ball completely away is comical. Move that bum for a REAL SF and get another big.
One thing we all can agree on is the play of IVAN JOHNSON exceeds his pay, unlike All-Star Horford and All-Snub First Teamer Josh Smith. Josh is an imaginary flashy guard with mythological handles and jump shooting ability. Horford is the real mid range shawty. At least Ivan likes to get physical.
Mookie Blaylock
December 16th, 2012
11:27 am
Josh Romney needs to go
Nate ArchiBALL
December 16th, 2012
11:46 am
Warriors got season swept by the Orlando Magic – Fire Mark Jackson……..
Rusty
December 16th, 2012
11:52 am
Josh has to learn he is a good scorer but not a good shooter. He cant force his shots like he did last night. The short commings of LD are too many to list but the major problem is his ability to not keep a good lineup on the court consistently . Will he ever stop putting good players in his doghouse? Will he ever see that Lou & Harris backcourt will never work. He needs to keep JT on the court,he brings stability to our offense .i think JT can handle over 35 plus minutes a game. This team will win games inspite of LD.
Rusty
December 16th, 2012
11:55 am
I forgot to mention how easy he will give up on a game
Melvin
December 16th, 2012
12:05 pm
Look like they are starting rumors again in LA. Trying their best to bamboolzed another team (this time the Hawks) into a trade. Why in the heck the Hawks do this trade? This would completely undo all the progress that DF did last summer….
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-bolch-nba-20121216,0,7506796.story?%20track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fsports%2Fbasketball%2Fnba%2Flakers+%28Lakers%20+Now%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Runner-
December 16th, 2012
12:16 pm
@Melvin
Exactly, what the hell would the Hawks do with an aging center when this league as a whole is getting smaller and Al/Zaza can do just fine…
keith
December 16th, 2012
12:22 pm
Not in favor of this trade. However, f we have to part with players, i would rather part with Jeff Teague and Josh Smith. Then, trade for Eric Maynor of OKC. Maynor is the guy we should have drafted ahead of Teague anyway!
keith
December 16th, 2012
12:24 pm
Runner-
December 16th, 2012
12:16 pm
Al Horford did not do “just fine’ last night! We had NO leadership on the floor last night. Iwatched the 2nd half of the game and the team looked like the old “Mike Woodson led Hawks on the road.”
Duluth Joe
December 16th, 2012
12:27 pm
Melvin, Thank-you for the link.
The article upsets me and I hope people complaining about Josh’s play last night after one bad game (after he was just announced player of the week for Eastern conference) get it that Hawks go as Josh goes (flaws and all).
Melvin
December 16th, 2012
12:38 pm
keith,
Eric Maynor over Teague! You lost all creditability on this blog. We will remind you of your statement on Wednesday night when OKC comes to town….. Maynor! Man please…
Rod from College Park
December 16th, 2012
12:43 pm
“You mean like last year when Horford played only a fraction of the playoff games but still managed to score as many 4th quarter baskets as Josh and Joe COMBINED for the series?”
No, I mean,
Career playoff stats
Horford – 11.7 ppg, 8.7rpg, 47%FG, 76%ft, 1.1 bpg, 2.7apg
Josh- 15.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 42%FG, 70%ft, 1.9 bpg, 2.9apg
Which numbers look more like All Star numbers to you?
Rusty
December 16th, 2012
12:59 pm
Hey Keith your as stupid as ever,tho your boy Harris had such a great game.
lacsho
December 16th, 2012
1:34 pm
The first game I take my family too, we get blowed out. What a waste of good seats, but I can’t complain my boy’s had fun.
doc
December 16th, 2012
3:24 pm
hey slimj now what were you saying earlier in the week?
guess they left those magic rongs at home and are saving them for the playoffs.
what was it?
snore?
heh heh
statement game?
Big Ray
December 16th, 2012
4:05 pm
“When they punched us in the mouth we did not respond,” Hawks coach Larry Drew said. “That was very disappointing. That was very disheartening.”
Ever get tired of seeing that in print?
Big Ray
December 16th, 2012
4:06 pm
No, I mean,
Career playoff stats
Horford – 11.7 ppg, 8.7rpg, 47%FG, 76%ft, 1.1 bpg, 2.7apg
Josh- 15.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 42%FG, 70%ft, 1.9 bpg, 2.9apg
Which numbers look more like All Star numbers to you?
How about NEITHER of them?
Your uppercut needs some work, Floyd…..
Big Ray
December 16th, 2012
4:07 pm
Falcons made one heck of a statement today. Even have to give credit to Mike Smith. With his conservative a$$…
Big Ray
December 16th, 2012
4:18 pm
Horford – 11.7 ppg, 8.7rpg, 47%FG, 76%ft, 1.1 bpg, 2.7apg
Josh- 15.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 42%FG, 70%ft, 1.9 bpg, 2.9apg
Seriously look at those numbers. Nevermind that neither stat line looks like a real star to me.
Smith with 4 more points per game (2 baskets).
Horford with 5% better shooting from the field.
Smith with two-tenths of an assist better and almost one more block per game.
Horford with one-tenth of a rebound per game better and 6% better from the FT line.
Splitting hairs, much?
Dumb argument. I’ll bet there’s even a “shots taken” stat to at least partially explain the difference in ppg. Ooops, there IS.
Josh career shots made in playoffs: 267 attempts: 635.
Playoff games – 46. Simple math – that means 13.8 shot attempts per playoff game for his career.
Horford career shots made in playoffs: 204. attempts: 430.
Playoff games – 42. Simple math – that means 10.24 shot attempts per playoff game for his career.
Considering that Horford shoots a better percentage than Smith does, maybe more shot attempts means more points per game.
Guess what? That’s a speculative argument as well, although it has more merit than comparing the career playoff stats of the two guys.
If you ask me, it only proves that neither guy is a star in the playoffs….
High-sider
December 16th, 2012
4:23 pm
[Is] Kirk Cousins just as good as RG3? I don’t know; I’m jus’ sayin’ [or askin'].
Kirk Cousins vs. [the] Cleveland Browns’ defense:
K. Cousins: 26-of-37; 329yds [passing]; 2 TD [passes]; 1 Int.
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2012121604/2012/REG15/redskins@browns#menu=drivechart&tab=analyze&pbp=gc-pbp-cd
Oh yeah, btw, [the] Falcons [Arthur] Blank [the] Giants, 34 – 0.
Grandad
December 16th, 2012
4:45 pm
Admitted I did not see the game last eve:
Here`s my beef;
Zaza 3 min. total playing time.
Perhaps he was injured, but with no mention, I must assume
`tis LD norm, off the wall coaching ?
Zaza is in four of the to five (five man combos) for highest (+/-) total.
(+/-) is a really good stat for looking at who plays well together.
By using this stat;
zaza should either start or be on the floor most of the time.
Would playing Zaza have changed the outcome last eve ?
Probably not !
Had Zaza played many / much / more / of Josh`s minutes
last eve would the game have been more competitive ?
Maybe ?
The point is – LD is Goofy ?
____________________________________________
Teaguer:
Someone said last nite:
“Curry is no better than Teague” … Ha
I repeat … Ha Ha
Curry was two rebounds shy of a Triple Double ! … 19 / 11 / 8
Yes he shot poorly from behind the arc,
he`s still a 45% (give or take) on three pointers.
Teague *Should* be the better defender !
If Jeff Teague is not an All-League Defender;
he should be traded;
as his offensive skill plus leadership are not top tier quality.
Grandad
December 16th, 2012
4:54 pm
Big Ray
“When they punched us in the mouth we did not respond,”
Hawks coach Larry Drew said.
“That was very disappointing. That was very disheartening.”
Ever get tired of seeing that in print?
-Big Ray-
____________________________________________
Then he follows it up with:
“I told the guys after the game, this is one game,” Drew said.
____________________________________________
That`s what gnarled up my hind-quarters !
G`Dad
High-sider
December 16th, 2012
5:28 pm
Over/Under:
[That] Adrian Peterson rushes for 2K [2,000 yards] this season. Has he [Peterson] rushed for 1,812 [yards] so far with two [regular season] games remaining?
If he [Peterson] rushes for over 2,000 yards and breaks Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record [of 2,105 yards], should he [Peterson] be named [AP] MVP, [AP] Offensive Player of the Year, [AP] Comeback Player of the Year or all three?
http://www.vikings.com/team/statistics.html
[I know I'm "off topic" in a big way.]
Buddy Grizzard
December 16th, 2012
6:19 pm
“Which numbers look more like All Star numbers to you?”
Josh definitely looked like an All-Star when he cost us our season by arguing with the ref while KG shot an uncontested jumper.
Buddy Grizzard
December 16th, 2012
6:33 pm
LMAO the Hawks offered the Lakers Josh for Pau LAST SUMMER and the Lakers TURNED THEM DOWN:
2) Gasol and Chris Duhon ($3.5 million) for Atlanta power forward Josh Smith ($13.2 million) and point guard Devin Harris ($8.5 million).
The Hawks called this summer to inquire about a Smith-for-Gasol trade.
The Lakers said no thanks.
They would probably be a lot more receptive now.
Smith, 27, has helped Atlanta become one of the league’s surprises in what was supposed to be a rebuilding season, but the Hawks obviously covet the skill set that has made Gasol a four-time All-Star.
Lakers center Dwight Howard would almost certainly be amenable to playing alongside Smith because they were once teammates on the AAU circuit. They could even hold a joint media conference in July to announce the signing of long-term extensions.
Harris, 29, is somewhat expendable with Hawks starting point guard Jeff Teague off to a good start and would represent a major upgrade over the Lakers’ current backups.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-bolch-nba-20121216,0,7506796.story?page=1
Rod from College Park
December 16th, 2012
6:35 pm
“Josh definitely looked like an All-Star when he cost us our season by arguing with the ref while KG shot an uncontested jumper.”
What about when Horford missed a clutch free throw which would have sent the final game to overtime. Or maybe one of those 7 turnovers in game six in the playoffs would have changed the outcome of that game. See how easy that was?
At the Rim
December 16th, 2012
6:41 pm
Yea thats true Al blew the season for us last year when he funked out against Boston the the last game of the playoffs with 7 turnovers. He doesnt even handle the ball that much.
Yea, Josh makes Al a better player by setting Al up…. Al does not make Josh a better player.
Yea, Al Is still a loser defensively. His over and under is about 35 points less than Josh’s 70 to 36
Yea, Josh is better offensively because he creates his own shots and make others play better.
Yea, Josh is also better defensively because is +70 this year in the over and under… Al is a marginal 36
Yea, if anybody deserved to have an All Star promotional blog article written for them its Josh.
He carried this team on his back last year. I would not blame him one bit if he walked after ths year…he is being disrespected by Chris V and the AJC……
At the Rim
December 16th, 2012
6:47 pm
Hawks offer Al 4 times last year and go no takers. not even a slight interest…. Every body know Al doesnt play defense and has no offensive skill set.
The only reason his pct is high is because he is standing right under the basket. Over 15 nba centers put up + 50% from the field. You are suppose to. you are right under the basket.
Josh Is the only hawk this year being consider for the league MVP He is currently # 7. Deserving so.
.
Al is not on the list. deserving so. Josh is a leader. Al is a role player
At the Rim
December 16th, 2012
6:49 pm
Hawks offered Al 4 times last year and got no takers… even Al says he was “on the board”
At the Rim
December 16th, 2012
6:50 pm
Congrats to Valdosta State for winning the NCAA div II Football championship!
Buddy Grizzard
December 16th, 2012
6:51 pm
“What about when Horford missed a clutch free throw which would have sent the final game to overtime.”
The Hawks wouldn’t have been close enough for that free throw to matter if Horford hadn’t been playing out of his mind. Good effort though.
At the Rim
December 16th, 2012
6:53 pm
Have a nice day fellows.
At the Rim
December 16th, 2012
6:56 pm
What about the 7 turn overs in the final game of the plays from Al that cost us the game and the series?
What about injuring his self when we were closing in on the trade for Howard? If Al stays healthy Howard would be here playing with Josh and Williams now.
At the Rim
December 16th, 2012
7:00 pm
7 turn overs in the final game of the playoffs from Al that cost us the game and the series?
Grandad
December 16th, 2012
7:07 pm
I hope for all you guys,
that we trade every good player we get.
Because if we get two good ones, some of yawl,
can`t be happy.
All you want to do is fuss and fart about which is better.
*Actually:
Which is Worse !
Hell Fire & Brimstone if we ever had Five really good players ?
There would be “5″ camps;
with each camp tearing down the other four players !
Yawl know it, I do too !
____________________________________________
Some of you & you know of whom I speak:
Cannot or Will not critique or criticize w/o tearing down the other guy.
That is possible, you know.
Actually be critical of one w/o bringing up the foibles of his teammate.
_____________________________________________
Most 0` Yawl ain`t critics, you`re just mean.
Grandad
December 16th, 2012
7:10 pm
I ain`t perfect myself !
But I ain`t afraid to call you out neither.
ctrim
December 16th, 2012
7:16 pm
Steven A in the house lol
BravesFan79
December 16th, 2012
7:37 pm
While i think Drew is doing a good coaching job, BOTH of these games against Golden State he REFUSED to match offensive firepower with GS. Both times allowing Stevenson and Smith to brick shot after shot instead of bringing in Harris/ Lou/ Morrow sooner.
Rod from College Park
December 16th, 2012
8:04 pm
Big Ray,
“If you ask me, it only proves that neither guy is a star in the playoffs….”
No one asked you. Whether either guy has been a star in the playoffs was never the debate. Your explanation or whatever it was was truly one of the dumbest post I have ever read on this blog. Anyone who has ever played or coached in the NBA will tell you that players make their bones in the playoffs. So based on your logic, Horford is AVERAGING only about 4 less points per game than Josh in the playoffs for his career, which means not much as you say. Josh is averaging about 4 less points per game in the playoffs for his career than first ballot hall of famer Kevin Garnett. Josh must be right there with Kevin Garnett then, huh? LOL
Astro Joe
December 16th, 2012
8:54 pm
Sounds like shades of losing.
Felix
December 16th, 2012
9:35 pm
Hawks get blown out at home and the dogs can’t even beat little Iona.
jhan
December 16th, 2012
9:36 pm
Yeah Ray – nobody asked you what you thought!!
O'Brien
December 16th, 2012
9:37 pm
I think Josh is a better player than Al (hence the better career numbers – regular season and playoffs), but neither of them is good enough to be a #1 option on a title contending team.
I dont understand why some fans feel the need to belittle one of them, at the expense of trying to lift the other up. Are you a Hawks fan? Or are you a Josh or Al fan?
We should be Hawks fans first and foremost, regardless of the name on the back of the jersey.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 16th, 2012
10:15 pm
Every team can and does have one game like this. It is a problem if it becomes a pattern. Unless/until that happens, it’s foolish to overreact.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 16th, 2012
10:22 pm
I find it hard to believe that the Hawks ever showed interest in a Josh-for-Pau swap after the Joe trade was made. I certainly haven’t heard anything to that effect from anyone covering the Hawks — on the contrary all I have heard is that Ferry committed to keeping Josh after the Joe trade was done. That LA Times article sounds like a lot of BS.
Rusty
December 16th, 2012
10:38 pm
What about LD not playing Ivan in the Boston playoffs.
BIG DOG
December 16th, 2012
10:54 pm
Paul Gasol have disentranced in LA so in what way will he have any desire in ATLANTA, HA
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
SteveW
December 16th, 2012
11:02 pm
Before the game, if somebody would have said Stephen Curry is going to shoot 30%, have 4 turnovers, but have 11 dimes in 36+ minutes, while Teague would have 10 pts, 8 dimes, and 0 turnovers in 24+ minutes, I’d have said that’s ok – a #19 pick in Teague going against a #7 pick or so in Curry.
That’s what happened. Teagues not great, but he is the best PG we’ve had all around since Mookie.
But I had predicted 13 and 6 from him this season, with somewhere around top 10 in steals for him again. And that’s about where he’s at.
15 and 7 maybe next season, and that’s about his max. Not elite, but not bad for the 8th PG taken in the draft either.
SteveW
December 16th, 2012
11:06 pm
Only way I trade Josh to anybody is if he said he wouldn’t sign with us. Other than that keep him and build around him. Talent like that is hard to come by. Hometown kid besides. Got Josh, Al, Lou as the ATL connection, and I’m hoping they bring Dwight home also!
SteveW
December 16th, 2012
11:07 pm
Loved LD finally trying to get Teague some calls in the lane. Bought time.
SteveW
December 16th, 2012
11:08 pm
Meant Morrow not Al as a ATL guy. And Bout not bought. Tired
SteveW
December 16th, 2012
11:10 pm
Horfords usually going to play hard when going against his UF boys Lee or Noah.
SteveW
December 16th, 2012
11:12 pm
CViv – Are the Hawks playing some kind of record amount of back to backs in different cities this season? Was looking at the schedule, and we play a ton this season.
You’d think it’s a shortened season or something
SteveW
December 16th, 2012
11:14 pm
Gasol looks like he’s falling off a physical cliff. No thanks
Jae Evolution
December 16th, 2012
11:37 pm
I really hope Danny Ferry tries to re-connect with his boy JJ Hickson (Ferry drafted Hickson in 08′) whether through trade or sign him as a FA. He just grabbed 16 rebounds in 30 minutes against the Hornets and to compare that Aldridge grabbed only 3 in 37 minutes, damn.
Jae Evolution
December 16th, 2012
11:38 pm
Forgot to mention he also had 24 points on 10-14 shooting, even further he is also a Georgia boy and I’m sure Ferry has Hickson high on his list when the time comes.
Jae Evolution
December 16th, 2012
11:46 pm
Despite playing the 2nd fewest minutes among top 20 rebounders in the league, JJ Hickson ranks 10th with 10.2 RPG in 28.1 MPG. The 1st in fewest MPG among the top 20? Reggie Evans grabs 8.7 RPG in 21.8 MPG, I don’t know that guy has some Dennis Rodman in him.
Buddy Grizzard
December 17th, 2012
1:07 am
“What about LD not playing Ivan in the Boston playoffs.”
This and other retarded personnel decisions are what make me question if Vegas is fixing games. Man’s gotta get paid.
Rusty
December 17th, 2012
1:29 am
Buddy I’ve alluded this on this blog before in jest but who really knows.
Buddy Grizzard
December 17th, 2012
1:31 am
JaeEvolution for GM. Imagine if we get Mozgov and Hickson, re-sign Josh, Teague and Korver and find a small forward?
Buddy Grizzard
December 17th, 2012
1:59 am
Oh and re-sign Ivan of course.
W.R. Terrell
December 17th, 2012
6:23 am
The “Smoove” is no All Star and he has never made players better. He has talent and a ton of it but he’s like a cold soda on a hot day with no fizz. Too much credit is given to him and it’s undeserved. Before the year is out everyone will understand why there are no takers for this super talented young SF. Philly took an old Elton Brand who was injury prone and skill set fading over a young “Smoove”. How can anyone say the “Smoove” is a great defender when most of the players he guards have good shooting nights as in the case the other night at Golden state. I use to be a big fan of the “Smoove” but that was years ago. The HAWKS will be better off without him and as far as Al is concerned I can deal with his failings moreso then the “Smooves”. Woody was right in a lot of ways where Josh was concerned, especially about defense. I’m not a “Smoove” hater, I’m just tired of watching the same movie that he continues to show. He’s been Mr. “PO” for years and has not even come close to “TENTIAL”. That’s just a fact. Danny wants to showcase him for a trade which is failing and as far as Howard is concerned, yes, he played with Josh but he will not come to Atlanta as long as Josh is there or he would have this season when the opportunity presented itself.
vava74
December 17th, 2012
6:51 am
W.R. Terrell
December 17th, 2012
6:23 am
Go to your closest farmacist and grab some memory pills.
Josh has been playing really well during the period the Hawks won a ton of games since a not so good start.
Were there many “easy” games in the middle of that streak? Sure, but we also had good wins against some quality opponents with Smoove bringing it.
I think that last Saturday was a little flare up of a nagging Hawks’ typical condition: complacency.
Rome was not built in just one day.
Also, LD fumbled it:
The game got out of hand when Harrison Barnes lit us up in the second quarter, whilst being checked by Korver and Stephenson.
The same Harrison Barnes who lit us up against exactly the same SF opposition when they play at their turf.
LD should have gone big and let Smoove check Barnes.
Mind something, I WAS NOT A FAN of the big line up and of Josh at the SF slot and Horford at the PF slot BUT, it was working, so why go away from it?
Buddy Grizzard
December 17th, 2012
7:31 am
““Smoove” is no All Star and he has never made players better.”
Oh come on now… he increases Horford’s PPG by at least 4 with his assists. He has at least two nice entry passes that lead to layups or dunks for Horford per game. The chemistry between these two has been the most enjoyable aspect about the new-look Hawks.
vava74
December 17th, 2012
7:42 am
I don’t know if anyone read this. It’s not bball related but it’s a good read and an incredible story:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/highschool/news/20121212/ishemping/?sct=obinsite
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
December 17th, 2012
7:56 am
I missed the game I was in Rio. Heard it was bad. Warriors might be for real this year.
Jordan Rules
December 17th, 2012
8:37 am
Josh was 1 for 12 shooting. If he was 10 for 12 then that’s 20 more points to the team score. Josh is too inconsistent to be paid Kobe & LeBron money. Let him walk.
Astro Joe
December 17th, 2012
9:51 am
Buddy, that works the other way, too. Horford makes very nice passes to Josh for those 4 times/game that he finds himself lost in the lane.
Najeh, I suspect that call to the Lakers was made by Sund BEFORE he was replaced and obviously before the Joe trade. As I understand it, GMs start discussing trades months in advance and Ferry was hired sometime around June 24th or so. I think it is very plausible that Ferry called Kupchak a week or so after the Lakers were eliminated and looked desperate to add more athleticism and speed to their roster.
O'Brien
December 17th, 2012
10:10 am
Next off-season, I think the Hawks will be in a similar position as the Braves were this offseason. Money to spend, but guys being overpriced.
Because short of Dwight and CP3, who else is available worthy of our max space?
Astro Joe
December 17th, 2012
10:32 am
OB, hopefully, Ferry won’t feel compelled to give just anyone a max deal just because he has the cash. If you have $1,000, no one says you have to spend it on one item. Likewise, the Hawks could use upgrades across their entire roster, especially when you consider that 10 players can find contracts elsewhere. Also, Ferry could use that cap space to make a trade… like trading a 2nd round pick for a $4M salaried rotation-type player. I think we get caught up in the ONE guy… but we may have to look at a salary distribution that has 4-5 players earning a combined $45-50M as opposed to 2-3 guys.
Mike is Back
December 17th, 2012
10:35 am
The way this team is built…anytime we struggle with the 3 ball…it’s gonna be a loooong nite. I missed the game…so I can’t say much…but the word was GS had been playing good of late…and flying under the radar…just like the Hawks!
The way GS had been playing…I thought it was going to be tough game…I didn’t expect a beat down.lol
Josh is still going to have games where he struggles mightily…so will the rest of the team…It’s a loooooong season…one lost…shouldn’t over shadow…all the hard work…these guys have put in.
TIME TO GET BACK ON THE WINNING TRACK…GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slimjr
December 17th, 2012
10:39 am
So the Hawks passed up Mark Jackson for Larry Drew?
It figures…..
12-2. Good win..Greenbay is lurking look out..
Slimjr
December 17th, 2012
10:40 am
Josh feeds Al better than any guard on this team..
Al owes him some money…lol
Slimjr
December 17th, 2012
10:43 am
Rev, a lot of Hawk basketball this week..
Josh will recover this week and kick some tail..
Melvin
December 17th, 2012
10:51 am
The Warrior are just a bad matchup for the Hawks. They have active big men and good perimeter players with length. The Hawks couldn’t matchup defensively…
Slimjr
December 17th, 2012
10:53 am
So Orlando has swept the Warriors this year? Wow…