Earth to Josh Smith (and OK, here’s another hottie)
Before we get started in this week’s Countdown, this just in: You guys are a bunch of degenerates.
I received quite a bit of feedback following last week’s debut of the new blog format. Most of it was positive. Some of you don’t like my glasses. Some of you also blame my glasses, my hairline, the new blog format and global warming for Michael Vick being in jail, which I’m still trying to figure out.
But overwhelmingly, the comments in email, online reader postings and grocery store/canned food aisle shout-outs generally included two words: Lindsay Lohan. My half-joke about using pictures of bikini’d vixens as a tool for cheap page views brought readers together like nothing since that Tuesday when the garbage truck picked up the recyclables and Bobby Petrino.
So here’s the deal. As long as it doesn’t get me fired, I will TRY to provide you, the lowest-common denominator, with a picture of a female who has some direct link to sports and probably has a lot of wonderful qualities to offer this world, none of which you likely will care about or will be evident in the picture.
If I do this correctly, and carefully, and when my editor is at a very, very long lunch that includes several martinis (or these days, Boone’s Farm), I should be able to keep my job for at least another week.
Please welcome The Count, the new executive producer of The Countdown, and his long lost twin Muppet, Steve Belkin (right).
And now, with the assistance of my new executive producer, The Count (and his long lost twin from the Atlanta Spirit Group), here is this week’s Countdown (The Count. Get it? Countdown. Never mind):
10. World according to …
Josh Smith. Oy. I touched on this wonderful athlete/maroon (copyright: Bugs Bunny) in a column Sunday. Either he doesn’t realize how good he is, or he knows how good he is and he figures the rest will simply take care of itself. Either way, he’s regressing.
9. When in doubt, maul
Did you catch Smith’s act Monday night in Utah? He finished the game with 11 points (0-for-6 from the free-throw line), five rebounds and five fouls, before being ejected for a flagrant foul on Matt Harpring. In the last six games, Smith has averaged 10.8 points and 3.5 rebounds. Now, I realize not every NBA forward is capable of averaging 10.8 points and 3.5 rebounds. But I think only one of them recently signed a $58 million contract. I’m not saying it’s time for the Hawks to give up on Smith. But this is year five. We’re way past the oh-he’ll-come-around-eventually stage. Somebody needs to take a blowtorch to his butt, and quick.
8. Judge Judy would move this along
The Atlanta Spirit trial is in its second week in Maryland. Should this glorified spitting contest stretch into a third week, ownership has reached an agreement with the Cartoon Network to pick up the broadcast, just following the Thrashers’ game. Also, next week, they get to hit each other on the head with those big caveman clubs.
7. Coaching 101
Back to the Hawks: They trailed by 14 points at halftime, 22 in the third and would’ve lost by more than 19 (108-89) if not for the Jazz falling into uncontrollable laughter and hyperventilating on the court (which I believe is allowed in Salt Lake City only before 9:30, when the bars close). Question: Why did Mike Woodson put Joe Johnson back into the game with the score 93-70 in the fourth quarter? Has Johnson not quite looked worn out enough recently?
6. First mistake: Cutting Milloy
Lawyer Milloy is taking his ball and going home. But the Falcons never should have allowed that.
Thomas Dimitroff has something few general managers are afforded: the benefit of the doubt. But I’m just not feeling this decision on Lawyer Milloy. He clearly was beat up and beat down by the end of last season. And no, he can’t move like he used to. But the Falcons are going to miss Milloy’s leadership. Yes, he could be a difficult guy to deal with in the building, and he wasn’t happy about his contract. But he never let that affect him on the field. Every player on that defense, particularly in the young secondary, looked up to him. The Falcons’ defense is woefully short of veteran leadership. The team should’ve found a way to keep him around.
5. And now, for something completely different . . .
So I’m thinking: “LPGA. Oh yeah. I can get into that.” (Hang with me, doofus. This is what you wanted.) Aussie golfer Anna Rawson be smokin’. (You can find better pictures on that web thing, particular with high heels and, uh, where was I … ?) Did you see what Rawson said the other day on Australian radio? “The tour has got so much better with so many young stars and great players. But the mentality, unfortunately, amongst the media and the industry hasn’t changed. They still think we’re at 25 years ago, you know, when the tour was full of, you know, a lot of dykes and unattractive females that nobody wanted to watch. It’s totally changed but they still won’t give us TV time.” Take comfort, Anna. The Countdown is your gateway to the big time.
This is a picture of Anna Rawson and, more importantly, good journalism.
4. Goodbye, Junior; Hello, RBIs?
Garret Anderson will put up better numbers than Ken Griffey Jr. would have and there is far less of a chance that he’ll spend several weeks on the disabled list. Now ask me which guy the Braves’ marketing department would have preferred, because something tells me Ken Griffey Jr. Hall of Fame Bobblehead Night is so dead.
3. As the Boss would say, it’s the price you pay
Speaking of the Braves’ marketing department: What a bunch of weasels. OK, smart. But weasels. Individual game tickets for 75 out of 81 home games go on sale Thursday. The other six? Not so fast. Tickets to games against the New York Yankees (June 23-25) or Boston Red Sox (June 26-28) can only be purchased in multi-game packs (for now). Example: If you want a pair of tickets for a Yankees game, you must buy tickets to three other games – say, like, a Tuesday night against the Nats. But as a bonus, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll also be able to pitch that night.
2. Andre the Goof
Really, it’s OK to be fat, lazy and stupid as an NFL draft pick. But the trick is to not let anybody know about it right away. Even past Falcon flops like Aundray Bruce were smart enough not to act the part until AFTER they were drafted and signed a contract.
Meet Andre Smith, who did not graduate from the Wharton School of Business.
But Alabama tackle Andre Smith might’ve blown as much as $24 million by: 1) getting suspended from the Sugar Bowl for retaining an agent; 2) eating the state’s supply of Ding Dongs; 3) not working out; 4) pronouncing at the NFL Scouting Combine that he would not run drills; 5) changing his mind about running drills, only to leave Saturday without telling anybody. He has gone from a potential early first-round selection to a possible second-round selection, or maybe Burger King. Young kids make dumb mistakes all the time. But to make so many so early in such a short amount of time with so much on the line is not great foreshadowing. And by the way — what has his agent done other than get him suspended from the Sugar Bowl?
1. Twitterati
So I’m still following selected celebs and lesser beings. Think I told you. I dropped Brooke Burke. Never has somebody so hot been so boring. (”Thinking about taking a yoga class today. I need it! 11:38 AM Feb 21st from web.” Ugh.) Twitter of the Week comes from Rainn Wilson (“Dwight” from “The Office.”) “There is nothing funny about ADD, now called ADHD. It affects over- Hey look! A weird moth!!!!”
(LATE UPDATE: Also following “The Real Shaq,” and yes, it’s the real Shaq. He just sent this out: “I’m at the fashion sq mall, any1 touches me gets 2 tickets, tag me and say yur twit u hv 20 min.” Can you imagine the pileup in the parking lot?”)
(Yes. I am a Twit. Reach out and Tweat me at SchultzAJC. If you’re funny or obnoxious enough, I might make you a star, like Anna. But I make no promises about your legs.)
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86 comments Add your comment
Football Ken
February 24th, 2009
12:29 pm
Jeff,
The Josh Smith assessment is right on! Even the national media is starting see that this kid is not what we paid for. Can’t help but wonder if he is doing this on purpose (get Woody fired). Can’t keep blaming youth, but who would be willing to take his salary now? Agree about Lawyer Milloy too! Veteran leadership on a young team is key, especially if Brook is gone also. Although Van Gorder’s system is simple in NFL terms, I know we going to have a lot of busted coverages this year(right it down). Garret Anderson a player, wouldn’t be surprised if he racks in NL facing new pitchers who don’t know his weaknesses yet. The Andre Smith thing is sad. Saw him on the ESPN college football awards with parents, who seem to be a little out of touch with reality, can’t help but wonder if their influence (or their preacher’s) has him thinking the same way.
Mac
February 24th, 2009
12:37 pm
Another great effort, Jeff. But geez, I’m not a doofus for liking cheesecake, pal. And, by the way, it’s some gooood cheesecake.
AtlSouthside
February 24th, 2009
12:39 pm
The Hawks need a big man. When the jump-shots are not falling, the Hawks need a legitimate Center who they can feed the rock to. I like ZaZa’s hustle and I like Hortford’s energy, but they are not legitimate Centers. Woody needs to get creative with the line-up, as well…
Mac
February 24th, 2009
12:39 pm
Jeff, you can answer this. Peter King, one of the most well-regarded reporters covering the NFL, says Milloy is a lockeroom liability, the exact opposite of what we read in the AJC. Where does that come from and who’s right?
Bonhoffer
February 24th, 2009
12:41 pm
The Falcons have veteran leadership, it’s called coaching. Good coaching makes up for good, but not great, talent. See 2007 season vs 2008 season.
AtlSouthside
February 24th, 2009
12:45 pm
I agree that cutting Milloy is a mistake. Out of all the washed up players that the Falcons have signed, Milloy deserves more respect. After all, Milloy help mask Brooking’s lack of speed and missed tackles. Wouldnt be surprised if Milloy had more tackles for a loss than Brooking in 2008
Caedmon
February 24th, 2009
12:54 pm
Cecil Hurt, Tuscaloosa News, had a good article about Andre Smith and how he’s always been showered with praise, and never had to work all that hard to live up to his potential. I think it’s called spoiled athlete syndrome. It’s a great point for a guy who started in Tuscaloosa from day one with no questions asked. Looks like those days are over. Oh yeah, I prefer watching dykes with clubs.
REFMan
February 24th, 2009
12:55 pm
Good article but there’s some mistakes in the “Cutting Milloy is a mistake” portion of the article.
“the benefit doubt” should be “the benefit of doubt”
“and he and wasn’t happy” should be “and he wasn’t happy”
Jeff Schultz
February 24th, 2009
12:58 pm
AtlSouthside: I agree the Hawks need a legit big man. Fact is, tho, there’s not a lot of legit big men in the league. But I’m sure it will be a priority for Sund after the season …. Mac: I’ve known Peter for a long time, back to when I covered the Rams (in L.A.) and he covered the Bengals in Cincinnati. Great football writer and a friend. I have no idea where he got that. I read he wrote that Milloy is not a Mike Smith guy, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Did Lawyer wear on people sometimes last year? Yes. He was in a bad mood in training camp because of the contract and he tends to be a moody guy in general. (For the record, he was always great when I spoke to him, which was often, and never once punched me.) But he was far from a team problem. I know what other players in that room thought of him, and I know what he gave the Falcons on the field. …. Bonhoffer: That’s true — the coach is the ultimate leader. But you need leaders in the room, too. Not saying others can’t develop into that role, tho. … JS
Jeff Schultz
February 24th, 2009
1:09 pm
Caedmon: That’s sad if true. It’s going to be hard to break those bad habits in the NFL. … REFMan: typos fixed. Want a job?
AtlSouthside
February 24th, 2009
1:11 pm
Since the trade deadline has passed, of course there aren’t any big men out there… I felt that the Hawks should have made a move to acquire a BIG through a trade. We could afford to give a few players, without “losing” anything. A legitimate BIG is essential to championship success in the NBA… There is no benefit in having 5-6 SF players.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2009
1:12 pm
I’m not going to defend Josh Smith’s recent inability to get rebounds or hit free throws. There’s no excuse for either one. But I do think he would be a much more effective offensive player if the Hawks actually bothered to involve the forwards in the offense. Josh actually played pretty well yesterday except for the missed free throws — he was attacking the rim (which is why he got to the line 6 times in the first place), did a decent job on the boards in the first half, knocked down a couple of jumpshots and even got one of those blocks he used to rack up on a regular basis. If the Hawks would get him regular touches in the post they would be so much better as a team — he may not be a very refined scorer in the post, but he does a very good job finding the open shooter from the post position.
SB
February 24th, 2009
1:24 pm
1rst time poster on this blog. You can put it on Josh but it’s the coaching. I do agree he needs to work harder and stop complaining. He could be a top 10 player in the NBA. But how hard would you work with 75% of the plays running through Joe and 10% going through Flip when he comes in. I like Joe but the ball didn’t go through Jordan that much. Woodson’s offense is horrible, his playing time for young players is horrible, his development of young players I don’t know what he’s thinking. Josh is not the only player that has quit on him. AC has quit, Marvin has quit, and the way Joe is turning the ball over and taking bad shots I’m not sure he hasn’t quit. The man still has growing up to do, but this coaching isn’t helping him. Let me start the give Mark Price a shot at Head Coach cheers. At least we’d have some diversity to our offense.
Fed Up w/ J-SMOOOOOVVVVVEEEEE
February 24th, 2009
1:24 pm
0 for 6 from the line. Committing a lane violation on the FRONT END of a 2 shot foul. Mindlessly chunking up brick after brick from 15+ feet out. It all points to a lack of concentration and all this overpaid chunk of wasted potential is concentrating on is that far new contract he just signed. Please tell me we couldn’t have gotten Stoudamire (bad eye and all) from the Suns straight up for him.
The ONLY optimistic viewpoint I can think of is that he was the same slacker last year until the playoffs, when he turned it on (and earned $58 million). Since we have a good shot at being the #4 seed this year even with his pathetic regular season play, maybe he’ll man-up and turn it on again for a playoff run that might last more than 7 games. I doubt it since he isn’t playing for a contract for a few more years, but we can always hope.
Hawks fan a teetering
February 24th, 2009
1:33 pm
Okay Jeff, not too bad. Not too bad at all. In fact, this might be your best work to date. Funny but yet critical when dealing with Josh. And I wish that somebody would deal with Josh. Not in a trade sense, but sit him down. He gets away with way too much for a player that’s been here, what 3 years? He’s some “power” forward all right. (sic) Hello, Rick Sundt, are you watching this train wreck?
And I fully expect to see you provide a picture of Serena Williams sometime soon. (I need a new desktop background.)
AtlSouthside
February 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
THE HAWKS DON’T NEED TO RUN PLAYS THROUGH JOSH SMITH…He has shown that he doesnt make wise decisions with the ball in his hands. The guy has a mismatch damn near every game, all he has to do is take the rock to the hole, the end results is points: from the field or from the line. He Josh took the ball to the hole like he is suppose to, he would average 20+ ppg., but instead he resorts to taking 15 ft jump shots like he is a SG. I’m quite sure Woody & staff have pointed this out to Josh… I’d bench him for a few games just to make a point. Hell, Mo Evans can put up 15 ppg…
TM
February 24th, 2009
1:38 pm
Josh Smith and I. Kovalchuk are the same type of players. They can make great plays that make you jump out of your seat. But, for every great play they make 10 horrible plays that kill your TEAM. I want to rip my hair out watching both and i could not imagine coaching them.
Falcons-should keep Malloy, he still has value in the secondary. not keep Brooking= value in the locker room, but not between the lines.
Braves- are bailing water with a thimble and the boat has a hole the size of batting helmet. good luck with that.
The worst off is the Atlanta Spirit- what in the hell-o are they doing. I read where their 3-4 year court battle may be continuing for longer? What the? Do these guys realize they are killing their teams and their sport in this city? Explain to me how a group of men spend hundred’s of million dollars and continue to loose millions of dollars and keep putting money into this company… and want to keep it and keep someone else from owning it. This does not even come close to logical.
Suggestion: solve your court problems and pick a plan and go with it because you have already lost the confidence of your fan bases.
Barry
February 24th, 2009
1:43 pm
Hey Y’all:
I saw the game against Portland and Utah and what I saw was very disturbing. What I saw was teams are attacking our middle with their center. It appears teams have figured to beat the Hawks beat them down low in the middle. If that is what the opposition scouting reports are saying and we have not been able to stop them, then we are in for a quick exit out of the playoffs if we get there. Josh Smith is tough, but he is not a center. He is a great forward. All the weight should not be put on him and Horford to contain the big centers in the leaugue even if these Hawks are strong and fast. These natural centers are better able to play their game against the Hawks, I am sorry to say. Zsa Zsa just is not the type of center that can do it night after night. In addition, he just does not have the overall game as a gamesaving center. I know last year we saw that and we did not make an effort to get a good big man in the off season. Noow we will have to pay for it because the good teams with an average center have fiured us out and we have not developed a defensive scheme to counteract this weaknes on the defense. We have a good team, but we need a good center to be complete. That’s it. I hope we make the playoff and still raise hell and “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!”.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!!!!”
Bonhoffer
February 24th, 2009
1:44 pm
I can understand that JS. Assuming they bring back Brooking, then they would have three veteren leaders on each line of defense. Abraham on the line, Brooking for the LBs, and Coleman in the seconday. That leaves a decling Milloy expendable.
Grahzny Bratchny
February 24th, 2009
1:50 pm
Can the Atl Spirit group not afford to fire Woodson and Waddell?
That Anna Rowson sounds like the Curt Schilling of the LPGA, but she favors Mickelson in a tight pink shirt.
SB
February 24th, 2009
1:51 pm
You guys have got to watch the games. Most of the times when he jacks these long shots, it’s with the shot clock winding down. This is what happens when you run iso’s for Joe every time down. He plays well in the post, when he gets it down their something good happens. He’s only 23. He dose make bad choices at times, but look at the big picture their offense only features Joe. So you are going to have young players do stupid things on offense when they feel they are frozen out. It happens in HS, in the NCAA, and the NBA. By the way Marvin and Al do it also, why is Josh the only name coming up. MARK PRICE for coach…….
AtlSouthside
February 24th, 2009
2:05 pm
SB, Josh jacks those long jumpers all the time…its not a shot clock issue, its a maturity issue. “Do what you’re paid to do….” Josh isnt paid $50+ mill because he is a jump shooter. He gets that kind of money, by playing great defense (which he does), and taking the ball to the hole. Leave the jump shots up to Bibby, JoJo, Marv and Flip… Mo Evans has a pretty nice all-around game as well
SB
February 24th, 2009
2:17 pm
AtlSouthside, I will respectfully disagree with you. He did make a three last night and was 5 for 8 from the floor. I do agree with you heeds to grow up some, but that will come with time. My whole point is with so many plays ran for Joe, Young players are going o make mistakes because they are not part of the plays. So when they get the ball they fill they have to do something with it. If we would run more or play more up tempo, I think the mistakes would be cut in half. Woody is a member of the dominate coach clinic. He learned from Bobby Knight and Larry Brown. That cycle only works for 3 or 4 yrs. Proof….. Larry moves around every 3 or 4 yrs. After 3 or 4 yrs Knight’s players have moved on. Get someone in here wanting to use Josh’s talents and not dominate the boi, and your complaints of him will go away.
Dr. Warren
February 24th, 2009
2:22 pm
Bad habits in the NFL surely can’t be broken as easily as bad writing tics, “tho.”
Baltimore Bullet
February 24th, 2009
2:24 pm
Josh Smith is tremendously overrated. His theory on defense is to let the man drive to the hoop and then try to block the shot from behind for the highlight reel. He can’t shoot the ball as well as most kids (boys and girls) on a high school team. I wonder if he even practices free throw shooting. His attitude is a liability. About the only thing he can do well is pout. First team NBA pouter. He, and his coach, need to go.
mark
February 24th, 2009
2:41 pm
i think the players are just as frustrated with mw sorry azz offensive scheme as i am, no creativity. i been saying get rid of mw, he is out coached on a nightly basis.
otisfirefly
February 24th, 2009
2:42 pm
Yes, Josh Smith has the physical tools. No, the Hawks do not run a comprehensive offense to take advantage of him. Have you noticed how the offensive rebounds for the Hawks and their opponents look like a giant see-saw? The Hawks run the ISO so much the front court players are so far from the board, they never get an offensive rebound.
Now, when it comes to defensive rebounds the issue is with Smith and Horford. The Laker game is a great example of the lack there of defensive hustle and aggresion. I’m sure Coach Woodson doesn’t tell them, “take it easy on the defensive boards guys, don’t try too hard”. So what this is telling me is yes, someone needs to take a blow torch to Josh Smith’s behind. I know if I was making that contract I would be the hardest working skinny white boy fighting for rebounds in the NBA.
*Jeff* …… nice Tina Fey glasses!
Bernie Matt
February 24th, 2009
2:53 pm
17 points and 7 boards a night, At age 23. That’s all Josh Smith did. I bet Matt Harpring has never done that in a season. Quit crying, he went to the hole in a game that was a blowout and got hit in the mouth. It happens all the time in the NBA. If Josh had hit another brother, nothing would have been said. Bob Rathbum was clearly biased towards Matt Harpring even though Josh is the one in the Hawks uniform, and Nique just co-signed everything Rathbum said and he knows that that foul is supposed to happen in that situation to wake up the other guys.
Hey Nique, I see why you got traded for Danny. Them folks don’t have no respect for you cause you carry yourself like superslave. How is it that Magic Johnson has more business interest in this town than you do. Because he’s a man and commands respect. Wake up Brother!!
John
February 24th, 2009
2:54 pm
Smith did not retain an agent before the Sugar Bowl. His UNCLE had contact with an agent and he did not tell Saban about it. That is why he was suspended. People are acting like he is some sort of criminal for not working out at the combine. Smith has never been in any legal trouble, and by all accounts, is a good kid. He has made some mistakes but he is getting crucified in the media. Also, he weighed in at 332, which I believe is lighter than he was during the season.
Chris
February 24th, 2009
3:05 pm
That was nice of Josh Smith to continue with what I consider to be an abismal season (given his talent level) by trying to hurt someone who is more of a local hero than he will ever be. I’ve always been a huge supporter of J-Smoove, but what he did to Matt Harpring last night was a disgrace. Doesn’t he know to go after anyone on the court besides the one people in Atlanta love?
Joel
February 24th, 2009
3:11 pm
Josh Smith is completely inept. He could be so good around the basket buy he continues to shoot that UGLY jumper of his. I think he is regressing the whole team. And, coach, get them to bring some energy of someone else needs to try. You never see the Celts and Lakers take complete nights off like the Hawks.
Mychelfromatl
February 24th, 2009
3:14 pm
Jeff, when are you or the rest of the AJC going to start putting heat on Woodson. I mean my god…I’m sitting and watching the Hawks and these dudes don’t even seem to be in the game from the start. Mike Woodson run the worst offense schemes I’ve saw in all of basketball and he sits on the bench looking like he needs motivation!!!! Something is going wrong fast with this team and the blame shouldn’t be just on the players!!!
JR
February 24th, 2009
3:18 pm
The Hawks may not need a kick-ass coach, but they do need a coach who can put the right players on the floor in the right situations. They need a coach who has defensive and offensive schemes complementary to his players. And they need a coach who can change game strategy when the plan isn’t working. Does any of this sound like Woodson?
NRBQ
February 24th, 2009
3:23 pm
Hey….
Who you calling a doofus?
CHITOWN#1HAWKSFAN
February 24th, 2009
3:44 pm
Ok, Josh is a STUD!!! Last night the Jazz just coulden’t miss, Hawks were shooting a good % as well. The hawks problem is BIBBY did nothing!!! The HAWKS problem is they only have ONE PLAYER show up every night!! But last night NOBODY showed up!! Even after a few days off. Thats the HAWKS second biggest problem, only one player showing up every night. When JOSH was out MARVIN was KILLING IT. We just need to pick up the pace cause were SOO YOUNG we could out run most teams and the size woulden’t matter. PLEASE ATLATNA HAWKS TURN EVERY GAME INTO A HIGHLIGHT FACTORY!! I go to EVERY game in CHICAGO OR MILWAUKEE and they just don’t show up!! ONLY IN ATLANTA DO THEY PLAY TUFF!!!! COME ON HAWKS YOU HAVE THE 4TH SPOT…….You saw last year what we can do at home. Finish the year strong and maybe we’ll get a center next year…. Please just start to fast break!!!!!!!!!!!! BIBBY JOE MARVIN JOSH & AL ARE YOU KIDDING ME, WE SHOLD BE SCORING 115-120 EVERY NIGHT RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN. PLEASE, THE HAWKS #1 FAN STUCK IN CHI-TOWN!! NIQUE TRUE TOP 50
Jones
February 24th, 2009
3:44 pm
Why bash Josh Smith everyone on that team is not playing up to there salary besides Marvin willams sad to say how long are you going to make excuses for Joe Johnson he sucks he gets paid to dissapear at the end of games, plus he is playing below average also. Doesn’t even show up to the allstar game. Don’t forget shariff-abdul raheem, antoine walker,and several other unworthy hawks made it to an all-star game plus when you take over 60% of the shots you should score 30 everygame not 20!!!
Chris Murphy, Atlanta, GA
February 24th, 2009
3:45 pm
I may have to judge your blog like I do TV shows I’m unsure about, by the commercials and their intended audience. For ex., daytime TV shows: ads for Depends. Your blog: ad says “Goodbye to yellow teeth!” Jeff, I thought the Dawg fans didn’t like you?
Anyways, J. Smith is just another joke of a kid who should leave town just to get away from those he obviously easily impresses. He impresses opposing forwards’ agents by the numbers they have been able to put up vs. he and M. Williams.
Jones
February 24th, 2009
3:49 pm
Oh and for the record Matt Harping,Keith Brooking,and Chipper Jones are not all-time favorites in Atlanta I was born and raised right here and only to there high school do they mean that much. We respect them but Harping is not on the Hawks roster.
Schultz stinks
February 24th, 2009
3:55 pm
Too much cutesy. Nobody wants to read this crap in the sports page. Guess it’s easier than writing a real article.
WILD BILL
February 24th, 2009
4:14 pm
The Million dollar question is………….IS JOSH SMITH SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER???? I would bet the house he’s NOT! He needs a peek, a cheat sheet & a phone a friend! LMAO the Josh that left town went to Stanford, our Josh went where??? Maybe he got his GED but I need proof! Only in America, What a Country LMAO
Joe
February 24th, 2009
4:20 pm
Its takes a good coach to make a player great. Woody has affected Josh Smith’s growth, and is doing it on all our young players. He needs to go!! We have a run and gun, much like Phoenix once again…let them spread their wings and fly. I thought it was called the highlight factory??!!
Jeff Schultz
February 24th, 2009
4:22 pm
Najeh: If you’re criticizing the half-court offense, that obviously falls on Woodson. …. Hawks fan a teetering: Serena? Maybe. Liked her better about 7-8 years ago. But I’ll present your recommendation to the Board (which reminds me, I need to select a Board). …. John: Oh right. The UNCLE talked to the agent. I’m sure Andre didn’t know anything about that. What was I thinking? …. Mychelfromatl: I certainly have put heat on Woodson in the past, so much so that he pretty much didn’t talk to me for the final 3 months of last season. I haven’t put much heat on him this season because, frankly, the team has won. But that could change. …. NRBQ: Not you. Never you. …. Jones: I guess you about covered everybody there. Except for my all-time personal favorite: Alan Henderson. …. Chris Murphy: I lose track of who doesn’t like me, or why, or when, or whether they changed their mind.
country boy
February 24th, 2009
4:24 pm
Hello Jeffy boy. I for one have enjoyed the pictures of the ladies. You see the ol’ country boy’s wife checks the history now and again and the ajc sports section isn’t throwing up any read flags so far. Not like SI anyway.
Chris
February 24th, 2009
4:55 pm
JONES – I also was born and raised in Atlanta. Right smack in the middle of Atlanta. I’m a 23 year season ticket holder to Tech Football, Tech Basketball, and Falcons. Maybe to non-Tech lovers Harpring doesn’t mean much, but to anyone who has ever cheered for or gone to Tech, Matt Harpring and Keith Brooking are among the most loved ever. If you’ve forgotten, GT is about 2 miles away from where the Hawks play in ATLANTA. How can you say they are not loved in Atlanta? A more accurate statement would be they are not loved in Athens. I’m not going to even touch Chipper because I think it would be safe to say that during his time on the braves, he’s probably sold more jerseys than any other. People buy jerseys of the players they love to watch. All I’m saying is that Josh Smith isn’t making it easier for people in Atlanta to cheer for him when he’s going after players from other teams who have accomplished more in this city than he has. Maybe a comparison will help. Imagine someone like David Green (if he’s even still in the league) getting a cheap shot from a disliked D-Hall when he played for the Falcons.
PMC
February 24th, 2009
5:09 pm
Well done Schultzy! You do the world a service by bringing in the random hotties of the LPGA and of Womens Tennis, Yeomans work, exquisite journalism.
PMC
February 24th, 2009
5:13 pm
Sigh…. Chris Paul….. Sigh. If only Rick Sund were the GM then instead of a guy trying desperately to find the next Magic Johnson.
Craig
February 24th, 2009
5:22 pm
Schultz – I just posted a very long blog post on Woodson, would love if you gave it a read. Tuesday countdown is great and whenever you talk about the Hawks I know it’s gonna be a good read….
http://billyknighttookmylunchmoney.blogspot.com/2009/02/woodyplease-go-away.html
Bernie Matt
February 24th, 2009
5:27 pm
Chris,
Fu_ _ Matt Harpring and David Green. Jarvis Hayes did a much for UGA as Harpring did for Tech. But if Zaza or any other Hawk popped him in the mouth going for any easy lay up in a blow out, I say good job to the Hawk. You MF’s kill me with the racist bs, deciding your loyalt based on the color of the player rather than the Uniform he’s in now.
P.S.
If Vick comes back to the NFL for another team and plays the Falcons, I want them to lay som licks on his ass, just like any other player and he sold more jersey’s in the history of this town, you F’ing clown.
The UNDISPUTED Truth
February 24th, 2009
5:44 pm
Josh Smith is a PUNK who should be arrested for STEALING money from the Hawks.
Of course, “Da ATL” is filled with scumbags who still worship at the throne of a certain conVICKted felon, so it’s not surprising that so many folks are rationalizing Smith’s reprehensible act.
ant banks
February 24th, 2009
5:50 pm
jeff,
what was your stance on josh smith durin’ the summer? were you one of the ones berating the ASG for not signin’ josh earlier?
i have found that a lot of the people who are criticizing josh now, were the same ones who were rippin’ ASG for lettin’ it drag into the summer and not re-signin’ josh earlier.
some were comparin’ josh to ‘nique and that if ASG let him go it would be “cursed” again.
jsmoove is a head case!! get rid of him quick. trade jsmoove, craig claxton (expirin’ contract), zaza to the clippers for a camby
Bernie Matt
February 24th, 2009
6:12 pm
UNDISPUTED TRUTH,
Fu_ _ you too. “Da Atl” says, damn dem dead dogs Vick killed. Tell you how you can make it right. Kill your self and join the dogs. Afterall, I know you’ve got to be miserable living in the land with the BLACK PRESIDENT.
DaleM
February 24th, 2009
7:04 pm
Imagine how good the Hawks would be with a real coach.
.
dcarter
February 24th, 2009
7:28 pm
The Hawks arent trying to get any better obviously… The Lakers let Chris Mihm a 7footer go for a future draft pick….. The Kings cut Mikki Moore a 7footer and the Celtics just picked him up… On a team that cant get a rebound and has absoulutely no LOW POST idenity at all i wonder what the hell is going on.
I am the biggest Josh Smith basher in this town but dont start with the thug talk he hasnt been in any trouble with the law!!!! And that foul of MATT HARPRING of all people was nothing more than great acting!!!!! I watch the Bad boys for years that was nothing!!!!!
The bigger problem with the hawks is MIKE (the dictator) Woodson the official Gregg Knapp of the NBA… The hawks offensive game plan is horrible…. WE are the only team in the NBA that runs plays to get the ball too guys 30ft from the basket!!!!!! We dont take advantage of match ups in the post at all!!!!!! Believe it or not Marvin Williams should get the ball in the post because he is the only player who goes hard enough to the basket to get fouled!!!! I like Joe but i am sick and tired of watching him go thru his Harlem Globetrotter dribbling routine for 22 of the 24 second clock just to shoot a 20 foot fadaway jumper!!!!!
And last but not least if Josh Smith is stealing money Kieth (i havent made a play in 8 years) Brooking must be Jessie James!!!! And just to think we made the super bowl with him his rookie year,, WHAT IF WE HAD DRAFTED HALL OF FAME WR RANDY MOSS THAT YEAR…….
KNOW YOUR HISTORY YUNGSTAS,
Bubba
February 24th, 2009
8:41 pm
Sund is biding his time. Woodson? Josh? Both? None? Ask me after the season. Ask me after ATL and the Count finish throwing cereal at each other.
Hate to see Milloy go, but there’s safety talent in the draft and a prudent veteran signing wouldn’t hurt. I gotta give Dimitroff/Smith the benefit of the doubt. For now.
spotts
February 24th, 2009
8:52 pm
Way to suck up, Craig.
I don’t see who or what is going to give Josh Smith a wakeup call. Woodson won’t. Josh seems to be too arrogant about his abilities.
Rollins Tree
February 24th, 2009
9:00 pm
Josh Smith and the whole Hawks team will play up to their potential under a NEW HEAD COACH!!! It sucks the big wigs are letting Woodson stay this season and screw it up even more when if this was any other NBA franchise he would have been shown the door at All Star break. Our guys are not losers! Our coach is!
Legend of Len Barker
February 24th, 2009
9:07 pm
As the hot young star, Smith has a certain responsibility. He is far and away the most marketable thing the Hawks have. The NBA has even done a little marketing with him which is really saying something as the only 2.5 players in the entire league are Kobe, Lebron, and the .5 is whatever drama surrounds Starbury.
Free throws are a fundamental thing. Not to mention they’re FREE throws. CHARITY shots. They are the only shots that you can practice by yourself as the distance and guarding are the same every single time.
As Baltimore Bullet alludes, his defensive theory is awful. Instead of guarding his man straight up, he wants to be on SportsCenter. Let’s see him block that shot into the first row and spill somebody’s $8 popcorn! If Bill Russell had allowed you to get that shot off, he would block it all right. Tip to himself or a teammate. Because he was a team player.
Smith isn’t a team player. Well, unless it’s a one man team called Josh Smith.
To continue on to Mike Woodson, can him, too. He never seems to have any passion on the bench. His not being proactive and constant playing of Solomon Jones just proves that the goals and priorities are a little out of whack.
ray
February 24th, 2009
9:10 pm
Jeff,
Josh Smith does indeed have issues, and his last five games have indeed been horrible. Okay, so you say “it’s year 5.” Somehow, in your little story, you forget the 23 games that preceeded the last five, in which he averaged 18.2 points and 8.4 rebounds. Hmmm, where was the article on THAT, I wonder?
Yes, yes, I know. It’s not so popular to write how well a guy is doing when you’ve been calling him the most talented dummy in the game (you haven’t….have you?).
And here’s another take: if it were Joe Johnson with a streak of five subpar games, would you criticize him with the same fervor? Doubt it. How about Mike Bibby? Nope. And what did the point guard savior give us last night against Utah? It’s funny, when those guys don’t perform, ” they’re just tired” (despite the fact that Bibby should never be tired, he doesn’t play defense), and Joe takes possessions off on defense all the time. But then again, why wouldn’t he? He’s doing the job Bibby is supposed to be doing….
Ah well, some things never change. Josh still has issues at “year 5″ and people are still willing to paint him as the kind of player that destroys teams and locker rooms. Gee, you’d think we lived in Portland (5-7 years ago), New York, Detroit (’Sheed…says it all), or Indiana (Artest era).
Harpie
February 24th, 2009
10:35 pm
The Hawks will do nothing good until the GET A DECENT COACH!!!!!!!
Chris Murphy, Atlanta, GA
February 24th, 2009
11:12 pm
“Chris Murphy: I lose track of who doesn’t like me, or why, or when, or whether they changed their mind.”
C’mon now, Jeff, I know you’re just upset at the Ad Dept., for surely you remember every dart you’ve thrown UGA’s way. And we love you for it- this is Atlanta, not Athens. They probably slap your hands at the buffet table on game day at Sanford Stadium.
D-T-M
February 24th, 2009
11:34 pm
Hello. Josh Smith and Al Hoford are legitimate scorers in this league. The are not the featured offensive players in our half-court sets. Both command a double team in the post the few times they get a look. Watch the tape or the next upcoming games and you’ll see. That tells me that the league knows their potential. Does our coach? Our offensive sets are to perimeter oriented. Too much dribble, dribble, dribble by our guards. Feed the post and good things will happen. I see him and Hoford establish inside position only to be shunned for a Bibby outside jumper or a Joe Johnson iso. Josh is frustrated and rightfully so. We need a change on offensive philosophy. Can’t win in the NBA taking jump shots and playing one on one basketball as we do. Ask Dallas. Establishing inside dominance is the key and we have two potential studs in the post.
PD
February 24th, 2009
11:42 pm
You can count tons that don’t have a center. The Jazz in particular do not have a dominating big man. I agree with everyone about Woody’s ineptitude to use his entire roster efficiently. He is tearing these guys down by not giving them credit for their strengths. His best offense is ride Joe Johnson like a donkey in Haiti climbing a mountain on summer day at high noon.
Kentrell
February 25th, 2009
1:45 am
I understand that josh isn’t playin to his potential. but as u seen that game against jazz. the offense is horrible woody needs to be FIRED. The team needs to run MORE. the hawks are not a half court team. the same play every time (give the ball to joe and watch him dribble the shot clock out and shoot a bad shot at 1 sec) which is the reason why he is struggling these past couple of months. they need to run more pick and roll with bibby and smith, joe and smith, bibby and joe, find marvin in the corners for 3s. slow the pace with a dose of horford. Woodson dumb a## doesnt understand that the hawks have speed and athleticism. to get points on fast breakin offense. crash the boards and RUN. The hawks are not the 04-05 Pistons, woody needs to understand that. They need a coach who can make them work hard on defense and be hard on these players to play to there full potential and have a fast tempo offense. ALSO the only reason the hawks push the celtics to 7 games because they had uptempo offense at home where JOSH SMITH was so effective scoring over 20pts and 6rbs at home. then u go to Boston where Woody decides to run haft court slow tempo offense, and they get crushed. Jeff Schultz please reply
Renee
February 25th, 2009
9:45 am
Jeff – I am a female follower – love your humor. You’re the main reason that I renew my AJC subscription. The glasses are a little MetroSexual, but you pull it off. (Are you copying Dimitroff? Maybe even subconsciously?)Keep up the good work . . .
Jeff Schultz
February 25th, 2009
9:52 am
Country Boy: here I am concerned about getting too loose with some photos and the front of AJC.com yesterday has links to the S.I. swimsuit issue. So from now on, all bets are OFF! …. Craig: I’ll get to the post, promise. … Bernie Matt: I like the passion. But you’re on the border with some of your posts. Tone down the disguised the profanity, etc., or future comments will be deleted …. Ray, I just used that stat to illustrate recent play. Fact is, I could come up with stats to counter your stats, but it doesn’t really matter. Bottom line: Josh Smith is not the player he should be right now, and almost everybody knows that (in and outside the organization). … Chris: things get blown out of proportion. My relationship with most people over at Georgia in the athletic department is just fine. The funny stuff tends to com out of fan perception. Some Georgia fans think I’m anti-Dog/pro Tech, and Tech fans think I’m anti-Tech and Pro-Dog. Fact is, I’m not anti- or pro anybody. Just writing columns. I’d love to get all of those fans together in one room, let them come to some consensus, then get back to me. … Kentrell: I agree completely, Hawks definitely need to run more. That’s how this team is built — Bibby, Joe, Horford, Josh — its made to be a running team. But there also needs to be a better plan in the half-court but they’re too inconsistent.
Herschworld
February 25th, 2009
10:33 am
Schultz,
your such a hack…UH I do a top ten and it’s flakey and funny just like me UHHH…your like the andy dick of sports news except you suck harder, didn’t think that was possible…Why don’t you come up with something a little more orginal pal and not something david letterman does on a weekly bases…Top ten, why don’t you just pick one and do a story on it so you don’t ruin 9 other topics for the readers
YETTA
February 25th, 2009
10:38 am
HERE WE GO AGAIN; BLAME EVERYTHING ON JOSH. HOW CAN HE DO WHAT HE DOES BEST WHEN PLAYS GO BACK AND FORTH TO JOE AND BIBBY THE ENTIRE GAME. JOSH NEEDS THE BALL IN HIS HANDS AT THE RIGHT TIME AND UNFORTUNATELY BIBBY AND JOE SEEM TO WANT TO AVID HIM. MAYBE IT IS THEIR PLAN TO MAKE JOSH LOOK BAD SO HE WILL BE TRADED. I FOR SOME REASON BLAME THE COACH FOR DEPENDING ON JOE AND BIBBY TOO MUCH. THE TEAM IS NOT LOSING BECAUSE OF JOSH; IT IS LOSING BECAUSE JOE AND BIBBY DO NOT SHOW UP AT THE SAME TIME. THAT IS WHY JOSH TAKES THINGS INTO HIS HANDS AT TIME. WATCH THE GAMES AND YOU WILL SEE THEM AVAID JOSH AND MESS UP EVERTIME.
JSS
February 25th, 2009
11:05 am
Ha, Ha, Ha!!! The Andy Dick of Sports Journalism!!!
What a Hack!!!
Always posting pictures for the losers who can’t approach a real woman…
Fantasy Island re-runs are on cable… You bunch of immature creeps…
Hey Benny the Beaver, when do you go on vacation again?
For you morons who missed it, BIBBY has the flu!!! Josh is under illusion that he has to pick up the slack… Just play man, 18 feet and in… 2 long range shots a game…
Eric
February 25th, 2009
11:36 am
JOSH SMITH IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE PLAYERS IN THE ENTIRE LEAGUE. ARGUABLY ONLY TWO OTHER PLAYERS IN THE N.B.A. CAN FILL A STAT SHEET LIKE HIM, THAT’S KEVIN GARNETT AND JOSH HOWARD. YOUNGEST PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF THE LEAGUE TO REACH 500 BLOCKS, TOPPING SHAQ ONEAL. THE ONLY REASON I GO TO THE GAMES IS TO SEE HIM MAKE A SPECTACULAR PLAY AND HE NEVER FAILS. ON THE FLIP SIDE JOSH IS INCONSISTENT ON THE OFFENSIVE SIDE OF THE BALL. HE NEEDS TO STOP TAKING THE 3PT SHOOT, AND GIVE THE BALL TO THE POINT GUARD ON FAST BREAKS. MAKE NO MISTAKE JOSH IS STILL THE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER FOR THE HAWKS. WHEN HE IS OUT OPPONENTS KNOW THERE IS NO ONE TO STOP THEM FROM GETTING TO THE BASKET, SO FOR ALL OF YOU TALKING ABOUT TRADING THIS GUY FORGET IT!!!
Jeff Schultz
February 25th, 2009
11:50 am
Renee — Thanks. Metrosexual? I can accept that — although if you went through my closet you’d know I’m anything but that. …. Eric: you are so correct about Josh being a unique talent. I think that’s the part that frustrates people because everybody knows how good he can be.
JohnGTFan
February 25th, 2009
2:14 pm
Eric…Josh is not “filling up the stat sheet” anymore. And stats are overrated anyway. Most of his blocks are help plays…he’s not a good one on one defender.
WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!!!
February 25th, 2009
2:29 pm
Im not sure what hawks game everyone is watching but josh smith is still a defensive beast on the court , he plays hard on each and every play, and he plays with passion as everyone seen vs the jazz. Yeah, he might not be shooting good at the line right now but so. I look at the positives at what this kid does. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
JSS
February 25th, 2009
4:05 pm
Of course he is a help shot blocker… You have no real center…
Only thing Metrosexual about Schultz and Dimtroff is that haven’t had an original thought between the them in their lifetime…
Hey Benny, still waiting to hear when you are going to grace us with a vacation so my brain can get some real sports coverage?
Bernie Matt
February 25th, 2009
5:17 pm
Well, what do ya know! The league probably looked at that foul 6 ways to Sunday and in the end said it was just a good hard foul. Just like I said! I sure hope that BUM, Bob Rathbum, will apologize on the next telecast to Josh for making the foul out to be a murder.
And as for you Nique, like I said before STOP BEING SUPERSLAVE in this town and be a MAN. The brothers will respect you more, and believe it or not so will the OTHERS.
Bernie Matt
February 25th, 2009
5:19 pm
P.S.
Jeff Shultz,
Boy do you look bad for even making a story out of this. You remind me of that other Shultz, you know the one on Hogan’s Heroes.
crabapplejoe
February 25th, 2009
7:19 pm
Chris wrote: “Matt Harpring and Keith Brooking are among the most loved ever…. How can you say they are not loved in Atlanta? A more accurate statement would be they are not loved in Athens.”
A more accurate statement would be “they are not loved south of I-20″…refer to BernieMatt’s eloquent and measured response to you.
Kentrell
February 25th, 2009
7:51 pm
thanks jeff, finally somebody agree. pick and roll could be an option in the half court or run joe off some screens so he can get better wide open shot and get people involved. I seen too much woody goes with the iso with joe one on one post up. teams are too smart for that. all the opponents does is double when he moves with the ball. which is why the shot clock tics way down. screens with bibby dribble penatration kick out. EASY
Chris Murphy, Atlanta, GA
February 25th, 2009
7:55 pm
“Fact is, I’m not anti- or pro anybody. Just writing columns. I’d love to get all of those fans together in one room, let them come to some consensus, then get back to me.”
Heck, I know- I was just tweaking you because you’re so good at it! I email your columns during football season weekly to two buddies- one a UGA fan, one for Brigham Young (!)- because I find you know how to hit your spots. Or their spots.
But the Hawks- good gosh. Or should that be, good Josh- what happened to that guy? Certainly, he doesn’t have the coach that he needs, but he’s no pro, as in professional attitude. A pro doesn’t let his coach, his teammates or his opponent determine his level of effort, or knowledge of the game. As it is, the Hawks are out in round one if they keep to their present course.
Cheaters
February 25th, 2009
8:38 pm
I like your way of getting blog views instead of calling 18-22 year olds cheaters for using completely legal equipment like some other “writers” as the AUC. Seriously, how does your buddy Tmoore still have a job there?
Michael
February 26th, 2009
2:06 am
Did Malloy even get punished for his DUI? I mean Vick goes to jail for 2 years for killing dogs, which is very bad. Malloy escapes jail time and any suspension for something that might actually kill people? Assuming he pled guilty at some point for DUI, good riddance.
ERich42
February 26th, 2009
10:08 am
Josh Smith is not getting better at all. The blame lies between him and coach Woodson who to me is not the coach for this team.He does not have a clue on how to rotate and gel players to together to play to get the best out of them.
kool$kat
February 27th, 2009
8:18 pm
Josh Smith sux. Yeah, Harpring isn’t a Hawk. Wish he was, then I would have had a reason to watch. I’m not racist. Just like me some Tech players, and don’t like the NBA. (Sorry Mario, but you’re not getting enough minutes for me to be interested.) Hawks have been dead to me since ‘Nique was sent away. Trade for Jarrett Jack, or draft Favors next year after he leaves Tech, and maybe I’ll care again. Maybe.
kool$kat
February 27th, 2009
8:25 pm
Ya’ll gotta know the kat hates dawgs, and yeah I know ‘Nique was a Dawg…but he was ‘Nique!
By the way Dave, thanks for the LPGA update. Excellent journalism there!
bigeasy830
March 7th, 2009
1:17 pm
Crabapple Joe you are a joke and Bernie Matt is another white guy pretending to be black, ala VS2. These blogs are getting too pathetic for even me. I understand the AJC wanting to clean them up. But, don’t continue to threaten to band people just do it. If you are going to censor the blogs just do it. The post by Bernie Matt and Crabapple Joe should be removed if the AJC is going to censor the blogs. Don’t talk about it be about it. if you don’t like what I write band me too. Act like you are wearing Nike tennis shoes and “Just Do It”
Thomas didit
March 8th, 2009
6:24 am
why cant we pay players according to championship performance. we would try harder and might play to win and play to get paid.
Thomas didit
March 8th, 2009
6:28 am
Did you just read my blog. I sound like a NBA player. It made no sense. NO MORE MONEY AND HYPE, UNTIL A NBA PLAYER WINS A CHAMPIONSHIP. No championship wins, have them all start giving money back to the teams that they play for. YES SOUNDS GOOD.