Bradley’s Buzz: Is there hope for the Hawks? Next question
How to stop LeBron James
Here, from ESPN.com, is the most fascinating nugget from a series so devoid of fascination that some bloggers have taken to writing about me: In Game 3, the Hawks fared best against LeBron when they didn’t guard him.
According to ESPN, LBJ made five of six shots against Mo Evans, five of seven against Joe Johnson, three of four against Mike Bibby … but only one of five when uncovered! So there’s your answer, Woody. Forget matchups. Forget double-teams. Just let him go. Really, how many more points can he score that way? Didn’t he just get 47 of his team’s 97?
From Paul Newberry’s Associated Press game story — I’ve said it before, but here it is again: Newberry, based in Atlanta, is the best AP writer in the country — is this priceless quote from LBJ: “There’s only a few guys in this league that can get into a zone like that, and I’m blessed to be one of those guys.”
For the record, LeBron is not the best player I’ve ever seen. But he is the second-best player I’ve ever seen. The best would be Zaza Pachulia. (OK, I’m lying about that.) Speaking of whom:
On his highly recommended Hawks blog Hoopinion, Bret LaGree assigns the blame for Zaza’s Game 3 ejection squarely where it belongs — on Zaza. Writes LaGree: “Pachulia’s reaction was completely uncalled for. Saying the right things after the game does not have anywhere near the equivalent value of doing those things during the game.”
(Speaking of Zaza: Perhaps he was just in a rush — the link is from Waiting For Next Year, a Cavs’ blog — to get to this postgame party. And what is it about Atlanta and postgame parties, anyway?)
More LaGree: “I suspect [Saturday] was Atlanta’s best chance to win a game.”
On SI.com, Bill Trocchi offers the same grim outlook: Cavs in four.
And this sobering Game 3 truth from The Human Highlight Blog: “[James] and his teammates came into the ATL and took everyone’s best shot — and still won by 15.”
Not everyone, however, is impressed by Cleveland’s utter domination of these playoffs. As you might expect, the contrarian is Gregg Doyel of CBSsports.com, who believes the Cavs aren’t good enough to win the NBA championship. I would respectfully disagree. I believe these Cavs are better than last season’s Celtics. I believe these Cavs will indeed win it all. But don’t tell any of my friends in Cleveland I said that.
OK, enough about the Hawks
On ESPN.com’s Insider (requires registration), Jay Jaffe of Baseball Prospectus offers a bunch of numbers that suggest the Braves aren’t going to make the playoffs. And which team, per Jaffe’s cipherin’, is apt to take the NL East? The Mets? Nope. The Phillies.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.From whom the Braves just took another road series. Whom the Braves, for all their early underperformance, trail by one game.
And here, from ESPN’s Inside Edge (link requires registration), is a scouting report on Derek Lowe, who’ll pitch against the Mets, who chose not to sign Lowe over the winter, tonight. The Inside pitch: Lowe is inducing fewer ground balls than in seasons past but is striking out more batters.
OK, enough about the Braves
Covering the Falcons’ minicamp for CBSsports.com, Pete Prisco offered this prognosis for the new man Tony Gonzalez: “[He] will win his first playoff game with the Falcons, and he just might help them do more than that.”
More from Pistol Pete, as he’s known in the trade: “I don’t usually condone trading second-round picks for 33-year-old players, but this one I can understand. Gonzalez is a weapon in the middle of the field, which will help [Matt] Ryan grow, but he’s also going to help show the right way for a young team.”
“Nerdish-looking writer” (i.e., me) gets linked!
Take it from a semi-professonal aggregator: It’s a strange sensation when you boot up the ol’ laptop in Cleveland’s ramshackle ritzy airport to find you’ve been aggregated.
Apparently my on-air appearance with the self-appointed Mayor of the City of Champions — I now know his name to be Bill Martin, though I assume he isn’t the Bill Martin who played for Georgetown in the ’80s — was deemed noteworthy by a host of Web sites. I was edified to see myself described as “a nerdish-looking writer” on BallHype and to find the video itself on The Big Lead and CursedCleveland.com and Deadspin, and to find links to said video on SI.com, Fan IQ and USA Today.
I even found my name on the Washington Wizards’ blog Truth About It, which also provided the video found below. A little history: It was compiled by Cleveland comedian Mike Polk, who, according to Cleveland Magazine, received death threats. So apparently I got off easy.
Watch Polk’s video. I think you’ll enjoy it. I know I did.
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108 comments Add your comment
Leland
May 11th, 2009
7:49 am
Dear Mr. MB–maybe, once again. Your pal, Leland
Leland
May 11th, 2009
7:56 am
Dear Mr. MB–thanks for your empathy. In that contribution I made to DOL’s blog, I merely pointed out once again the relation between winning and quiting. There was really nothing new in it. Your pal, Leland.
Leland
May 11th, 2009
7:58 am
Dear Mr. MB–quitting. Your pal, Leland
BA
May 11th, 2009
7:58 am
Terry Pendleton is ok, but Rocket Wheeler should be the next Braves manager, based on name alone-
http://minorsandmajors.com/2009/655/the-cody-johnson-dichotomy
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
8:02 am
Kudos, Leland. Is this twice for you?
MightyQuinn
May 11th, 2009
8:04 am
Man, you’re at work early! Appreciate your diligence to your profession! We will find out one of two things tonight. If the Hawks roll over and die, which I regrettably believe they will, we know they have no heart. If the Cavs coast and “let” the Hawks win, we know they don’t have a killer instinct.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
8:06 am
What can I say, MQ? The storm woke me at 4:30 a.m.
MightyQuinn
May 11th, 2009
8:14 am
Kind of a twist on “Make hay while the sun’s shining” huh?
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
8:17 am
Kind of. But I doubt I’ll be awake much longer.
Mac
May 11th, 2009
8:17 am
Didn’t the Sixers with Moses Malone and Dr. J make a run through the playoffs much like the Cavs are doing now?
MightyQuinn
May 11th, 2009
8:19 am
Mac: That would be Moses and his fo-fo-fo (4, 4, 4) playoff run
Mac
May 11th, 2009
8:22 am
That’s right. Now I remember. Thanks.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
8:24 am
Yes. But they actually went four, five, four. In 1983.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
8:29 am
Interestingly enough — well, interesting to me — Philly won only two of those 12 games by more than 10 points. Cleveland has won seven games (of seven) by 11-plus points.
Tom
May 11th, 2009
8:55 am
http://deadspin.com/5246162/feuding-reporters-briefly-enliven-terrible-cavs+hawks-series
Some of the Deadspin comments:
“America, get to know the a**holery that is Mark Bradley. A truly awful sportswriter.”
“Mark embarrasses Atlanta again…if this guy has kids, then i feel bad for them.”
“I haven’t seen a guy (Bradley) back down that quickly since the last commenter fight.”
“Bill Martin just pwned Mark Bradley. Good for him. F*** Mark Bradley, seriously.”
LOL, you look like a complete moron in that video and it’s great that everyone recognized it.
pensacola dawg
May 11th, 2009
9:36 am
Hawks will lay down they have showed thats what there about!
PMC
May 11th, 2009
9:49 am
Forget playing defense on stars in the NBA. Breath on them… it’s a foul.
Are the Cavs better…. obvioulsly… but NBA officiating is consistanly horrible. The call on Zaza should have been a charge and it didn’t take a replay to see that.
Also in town… why the hell does Don Waddell have a job 10 years after failing to provide a team with enough talent to win EVEN 1 playoff game???????????
It’s professional sports is it not? I get that we are a softball town and people are concerned with offending teams and getting thier credentials pulled, but you don’t even need a credential in this town for the quotes anymore. We’ve lost forever. Ok. The Hawks HAVE NO Superstar. We are UNINTERESTING NATIONALLY as a sports city. That’s why the professional sportscasters on Saturday were absolutely drooling on Cleveland. That’s where the ratings are.
We FINALLY have good people in place it seems like with the Falcons… we had a nice good long run with the Braves even though they came up short 3 times in the WS when they should have closed the series out. The Hawks did have a very good year despite how it’s ending. They Achieved up to thier level even though they should have won saturday night…. they aren’t good enought to beat Cleveland yet. The Thrashers are an abomination unto hockey. All we can do is hope for the best.
As far as city bashing, there are plenty of good and bad things about any city. I would hope tourists are finding the bar districts and nice places to go about midtown though our marketing has been less than stellar since the demise of buckhead. I am quite glad to not have to shovel out my car everyday in the winter to go to work but I’m sure there are plenty of very nice parts of Cleveland too.
Danny
May 11th, 2009
9:54 am
Mark feel special now that he is quasi-famous for a couple of days. With the way the newspaper industry is going, Mark will be a star in no time!
Tony
May 11th, 2009
9:56 am
I love how it’s turned into city bashing. I’m just waiting for some Ohioan to sink as low as the people from Atlanta and start talking Olympic bombing crap.
hawksfan
May 11th, 2009
10:03 am
the bottomline is the Hawks need antoher offensive/defensive weapon in order to go deep in the playoffs and to be able to compete. There may be no I in team but there is and I in LebIron he had 47 points saturday night ball hog the cavs would be nothing without Lebron
Mac
May 11th, 2009
10:04 am
That Philly team was clutch. I was a huge Dr. J fan. And of the two Mo’s (Malone and Cheeks).
Mark, uh, Bra, uh, Bradley
May 11th, 2009
10:06 am
I don’t know which is worse, a fumbling, bumbling Bradley or the Cleveland guy doing his best Letterman- if Letterman wasn’t funny.
Really BAD television. At least the girl anchor was smoking.
NUNNA YO BIZZNEZZ
May 11th, 2009
10:13 am
u know what mark?
they might win tonight.
only if..
1.woodson is fired,lol,just kidding..
but some of these things need to happen..
1.woody and crew change the matchups and put some size up against the cavs fron line..
2.play A low post game against the cavs and get them into foul trouble to open up the drive to the hoop game with An option to pass out for the 3 pointers..
3.BRING JOE OFF THE BENCH!
i’d start flip..joe is tired..joe is not handling the playoff pressure well at all,And he would be more comfortable with less pressure if he were to come off the bench..Ala Andruw jones not bAtting in the cleanup postition..
4.your bench is ready to contribute..lets give them more playing time..
let Acie penetrate the cavs defense to open up the perimeter game more..
have solo in at power forwArd with plAys called for him..
Assign specific one on one mAtchups for marvin to be on jAmes and mArio on williams the entire game..As long as jAmes and williAms Are in,marvin And mArio will be right in there with them..
5.pressure defense when inbounding the ball for the whole gAme,lets go full court press,And sub frequently..
thAts it..
u will not only win this gAme but u will even win gAme 5..its gonnA take them by suprise tonight,and will open up your teAm with the faith that u are not as stubborn as they thought,and you will even chAnge your gAmeplAn for which now u Are not doing..
u are the 2nd coming of greg knapp mr.woodson..
switch up on these cats..
And u,And the fans of atlanta along with mr.bradley,can thank me later..
truly a good friend to All,
mr.nunna yo bizznezz
p.s…if u don’t follow my advice,u will be out of A job come tuesday..
bye
Joseph
May 11th, 2009
10:17 am
Hey Mark, Agree Cleveland is the best this year, but I disagree, totally that ZaZa should not have been upset with yet another bad call. I saw the replay many times and I thought ZaZa was right including getting upset on the other end. We need more consistency from both Hawks and refs alike. This game might have been different without their “let lebron do what he wants” routine.
TROTTINGHOME
May 11th, 2009
10:25 am
HOW TO STOP LABRON???
WAIT TILL THE SEAOSN IS OVER AND HE GOES HOME…ER… WITH A RING.
Here we go again
May 11th, 2009
10:26 am
I agree, The 2009 Atlanta Vs. Cleveland Local Print Media And Television Journalist SmackDown In Lieu Of A Competitive NBA Playoff Series, presented by Fox 8 was really, really anti-climatic. The best line was Mark’s referring to Atlantans’ depression from “all the snow” we’ve gotten this past winter, and it doesn’t even appear that the other dude got the irony.
RFT
May 11th, 2009
10:32 am
Hawks fans should be proud of their team. They have shown growth and have made the playoffs two consecutive times. Building a championship team takes time and effort and maybe some luck in the draft. Unless of course you can obtain great free agents like the Celtics. This championship calibur cavs team was not built overnight. They have experienced loss and frustration and defeat in the past just like the Hawks are experiencing now. Hopefully the Hawks can learn and build from this painful experience like the cavs have.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
10:36 am
Nice catch, Here We Go Again. I was beginning to think everyone missed that one.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
10:37 am
And I don’t think we should be overly critical of this basketball team. It’s up against a demonstrably stronger opponent. There’s no shame in losing to LeBron James’ team. I’m guessing two other clubs will do the same before it’s over.
Dan
May 11th, 2009
10:48 am
We shouldn’t be overly critical? They’ve lost six games by an average of 17.5 points in the playoffs. Joe absolutely refuses to be assertive and be a leader. Bibby refuses to do anything other than shoot threes. Josh Smith refuses to listen to anyone and stop shooting mid-range and deep jump shots. Woodson has zero ability to design an offense to open things up in the half court. This team deserves a ton of criticism and have been exposed as the frauds they’ve proven to be in this series. The Cavs are demonstrably better, Mark, and as demonstrably better teams do, they’ve exposed the glaring weaknesses of its opponent. There is plenty of deserved blame to go around and it’s time for people to stop making excuses.
DZ
May 11th, 2009
10:56 am
Braves: playoff teams do NOT lose series to teams of the caliber of the 09 Nats, Pirates and Astros. I don’t care if it’s in April or September.
Zaza: this time of year, aren’t the refs supposed to be a slight more lenient with their calls. Emotions are high…
Tony Gonzalez: consider this, 96 catches, 1,058 yds, 10 TDs (as many as Roddy & Jenkins combined) and he had the likes of Tyler Thigpen, Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle throwing to him. BTW, Alge Crumpler had 1 TD catch last season.
Cleveland: hilarious video. I was in Cleveland around 1992 and went to an Indians game at old Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Talk about dumps! That city knows it’s priorities: the Browns, the Indians, the Cavs, RnR HOF, keeping the river extinguished, and then everything else.
.
rusty
May 11th, 2009
11:04 am
the hawks play like woodson coaches them,horrible. jj is playing no different then he did through out the season but worse. heis over hyped
,he always dribbles to much we will never have any flow in our offence.
woody let this go on all year, they dont have any offensive. js is not the player he was the last 2 years. this team is giving up, woody has to go
Hohnson
May 11th, 2009
11:11 am
Many people apparently do not know the rules in the NBA. ZaZa got plowed into but he was clearly in the restricted area. You many not like this rule but since it is the rule ZaZa was moronic to complain at all. Here is the rule:
An offensive foul should never be called if the contact is with a secondary defensive player who has established a defensive position within a designated “restricted area” near the basket for the purpose of drawing an offensive foul.
The “restricted area” for this purpose is the area bounded by an arc with a 4-foot radius measured from the middle of the basket.
The key words are “should never be called”
I am friends with people in Ohio and they find it quite enjoyable that Atlanta fans now complain how Lebron travels and gets all the calls, because that’s the exact thing they used to say about Jordan when he dismantled them every year in the playoffs. They feel like the karate kid. He took many beatings from Johnny but in the end he got his revenge with the crane kick. (Johnny really walked right into that in retrospect) Lebron is their crane kick.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
11:19 am
You are correct, sir. Zaza was indeed in the no-charge zone.
Reid Adair
May 11th, 2009
11:23 am
That Cleveland tour video is hilarious. ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS.
I thought the Hawks had a chance to win Game 3, and they didn’t. Unfortunately, I don’t see any chance of winning Game 4.
That being said, the Cavs are the superior team. Far superior. Much more so than the Celtics were a year ago. Despite what some of the folks here say, I don’t think this team has regressed since last year.
d4dham
May 11th, 2009
11:25 am
Deny Lebron the ball. Assign a player to plant hid nose between the numbers on Lebron’s jersey – on the offensive and defensive ends. Even go to the restroom with him!
alsim
May 11th, 2009
11:27 am
Jordan did travel and get calls all the time – and not just against the Hawks.
some sense
May 11th, 2009
11:27 am
What’s not radical is that Cleveland is way better than the Hawks…e’body knew they were better…now we know they’re way better. A 7′3 guy spotting up all over the floor, smothering defense, a true penetrate and dish PG, SHOOTERS…haven’t even gotten to the monster yet.
So, the Hawks finish the season as fourth best team in the east…incredible improvement…maybe even top eight in the league.
BUT, as the Bard would say, it’s “next level” time in the offseason. Here’s radical…who can and cannot help the team to the next level.
Can:
Josh Smith
Marvin Williams
Al Horford
Mo Evans
Flip Murray
Josh Childress
Coaching staff
Can’t:
Mike Bibby – not a true PG…I like pentrate and dish guys…worse yet, a defensive liability. Getting on up there…let him go.
Joe Johnson – not good enough to be a team’s best player…trade value is good.
Hawks still suffer from what they did two years ago, limitations at 1 and 5.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
11:38 am
Joe Johnson: Trade value not so good, I’m afraid. He’ll be a free agent after next season.
I agree, Reid. I don’t think the team has regressed at all. It won 10 more games and reached Round 2. Don’t see a regression in that.
All I'm Saying Is...
May 11th, 2009
11:41 am
Mark: Let’s talk about what the Hawks can do to improve for the ‘09-10 season. What legitimate Center can the Hawks sign (or potentially draft) via free agency this year? That’s no knock on ZaZa or Al but Al is a power forward in reality and ZaZa is better suited to be a back-up. We don’t need a superstar just a defensive presence who can score a little (an Erick Dampier type in my opinion). Also, is there an up-tempo point guard out there we can sign (and finally rid ourselves of Speedy) who can come in for Bibby (who I think we should re-sign) and change the pace for us on offense? Finally, what is to be done with Acie Law?
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
11:43 am
Indeed, check out the free agent class of 2010, as ranked by The Scores Report. It’s pretty impressive.
Mike Woodson
May 11th, 2009
11:45 am
Fire me and get in Allen Iverson
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
11:48 am
There’s a center who might — I said “might” — be around when the Hawks pick in Round 1. He’s BJ Mullens, who played one season at Ohio State. He averaged 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds as a Buckeye freshman. He’s 7-foot, 275 pounds.
Now, do I think he’s the answer? I don’t, no. And let’s note that, for all those who complain Al Horford isn’t a center, Rick Sund believes otherwise. He thinks Horford, in today’s NBA, is absolutely a center. And so do I.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
11:49 am
Allen Iverson as coach? Now that would be intriguing. “Practice? We’re not talking about any practices!”
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
11:50 am
Oh, and I’d be surprised if Acie is on the roster next season. I think he’ll get traded.
Joseph
May 11th, 2009
11:58 am
I don’t think Horford should be a center and I do think the Hawks need a better dish type PG and a large center. I am undecided if Woody has to go because the team keeps improvin. STILL dont thimnk ZaZa should have been thrown out of the game. Reffeing needs help too!
Westurd
May 11th, 2009
12:03 pm
This core of this team (Joe, Josh, Marvin, Woody) have done too much loosing together….we have to make some moves and bring in some more heart and winning attitudes……….
Ohio_Cool_Cat
May 11th, 2009
12:03 pm
Pull out the brooms b/c the L-train & company are going to roll over Atlanta Hawks…i mean Pigeons!!! your players might as well have their bags packed, locker cleaned, some warm houseshoes, a robe, and a bowl of popcorn b/c they are going to be at home watching the playoffs at home. Make sure to have the DVR on to “Witness” a championship.
PMC
May 11th, 2009
12:10 pm
sorry I got it wrong. Thanks for the rules lesson though. Now I know.
MrHughes
May 11th, 2009
12:14 pm
I agree with the arguement that we are being overly critical of the Hawks. The Cavs are the perfect storm right now. The Mo Williams signing for them was more signifigant than us getting Murray or Evans. He’s the best pickup any team made in the NBA this year. He’s been huge for them. Also, you are talking about the MVP and coach of the year. They lost one game at home out of forty-two! That’s the epitome of dominance. They win by 15 at home. It’s hard to take that team to 7 games. LBJ was fantastic Sat.
As for the Hawks offensive sets… The Cavs are the best half court defensive team in the NBA. The Hawks best chance is pushing the ball and getting fast break points off of their own defense stops. That worked in the first half of game 3 and until the wheels fell off after Zaza’s ejection.
Speaking of Zaza, the calls in this series have been ridiculos. I understand LBJ is an MVP. But, its sad to see the Hawks get called for breathing on people while our guys get mugged on the other end of the floor. Star treatment is star treatment, but their should be some level of fairness. I think the Hawks will rise up tonight and play well. This team has heart. Hopefully tonight they make the plays. This is all part of our maturation. The only thing I hate is that we are basically three starters down because of all the hurt folks and Cleveland is not getting our best shot. But, that’s good because it’s a motivator for next year. Next year we can shoot for the conference finals if we continue to improve. It is what it is.
Above all, I love the job Mike Woodson has done with this team. Anyone talking about him getting fired after tonight just doesn’t get it.
Cuz
May 11th, 2009
12:31 pm
Think I will watch 24 tonight instead of the game. I have no idea how 24 will end.
ChamberMaid
May 11th, 2009
12:37 pm
The Hawks have EMBARRASED the entire NBA and the Atlanta area with their listless performance on Saturday night. The Hawks showed no heart at all and settled for being down 3-0 when they were on their home floor and could have gotten back in the series. The Hawks are completely out of it now because they are going against history now to climb back in the series with Cleveland. Its not impossible for the Hawks to win the series because all they would have to do is win four straight games, one at a time. If the Hawks did that, irrespective of the fact that it is LaBron James and the Cleveland Caviliers (the team in the NBA this season with the best record) THE HAWKS WILL ADVANCE to the Conference Finals. Im so glag that the Lakers lost to the Rockets yesterday because that took some of the focus off the Hawks ugly performance on Saturday. All NBA fans would have focused on the Hawks loss but instead focused on the Lakers loss, whichi deflected a great deal of attention. I think the Lakers loss was more embarrasing because the Rockets were completely depleted of all their superstars and still beat the Lakers handily. The Hawks are not mature enough to advance to the next round.
Larry
May 11th, 2009
12:46 pm
Mark,
What do you think about signing Raymond Felton, he is a restricted free agent and the Bobcats have DJ Augustin. Then packaging Marvin Williams and Speedy’s contract for Tyson Chandler. I know it would be sad to give up on Marvin or the rights to Josh Childress. I would like Josh C to return, he would have atleast gave Lebron some trouble with length.
Skeezix
May 11th, 2009
12:48 pm
Hawks: Forget it; they are toast.
Braves: Long shot to make the post season; but both pitching and hitting is looking better.
Mac
May 11th, 2009
12:52 pm
Sure Horford is a center, but I sure wouldn’t mind seeing someone as big as, and as good as Robert Parrish in that spot. Seems like there used to be more of those, n’est pas?
Bravedawg
May 11th, 2009
1:03 pm
WHY WOULD WE TRADE ACIE LAW??? Because if one thing’s for sure, he hasn’t gotten the chance to exhibit whether he’s a capable NBA point guard or not. Mike Woodson has hamstrung this organization for what I can only hope is the last time (although I am certain it won’t be) by not playing Law enough and getting him some minutes. It would’ve been the perfect set up for him to back up Bibby for his first two years, getting some crucial on-court experience and playing behind a solid NBA PG. Then, in year 3 (this upcoming season), Acie could be given the starting PG role and Bibby would not be re-signed. Of course, this now won’t happen, because Woodson was too much of a dimwit to actually give the guy some time to show what he could do. Great job, Woody! You’re one heck of a coach!! Idiot.
championshipnow
May 11th, 2009
1:04 pm
We need a big who can play and intimidate (Shaq)!!! Trade for Shaq!!! He would be a great duo with Joe, not only will it help Joe’s game, but refs will give Joe his due calls with Shaq on the team. 1 collision in the paint and Labron will become a jump shooter and easier to defend!!!
sidewalk74
May 11th, 2009
1:18 pm
The Hawks are over matched on the floor, on the bench and in the coaching box. If we plan on beating teams like the Cavs any time soon things need to change. We need a true post player and a point guard that brings more to the game than the ability to hit a spot up 3.
homer
May 11th, 2009
1:19 pm
HAWKS IN 7
Dan
May 11th, 2009
1:20 pm
The day people stop dropping the asinine “We need a point guard and a post player” stuff will be a great day. Those guys don’t grow on trees. They aren’t readily available. Get over it.
Hohnson
May 11th, 2009
1:25 pm
Shaq won’t help. Did you not see how many jump shots Lebron hit on Saturday?. And besides, in his last game against Shaq, Lebron had 34 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. The only chance the Hawks will have of going anywhere in the near future is if Lebron does stop accidentally in East Cleveland and is murdered.
George
May 11th, 2009
1:27 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-Tf8ppM0m0
Love the you tube video you posted Mark. You’re quite the character!
However, I don’t think I will be visiting your city any time soon!
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
1:50 pm
I’ve been disappointed in Raymond Felton as a pro, I have to admit. (I also have to admit I thought he’d be a better NBA player than Chris Paul. Whoops.)
I don’t think Shaquille O’Neal has much left. Sorry.
Mark (not Bradley)
May 11th, 2009
1:55 pm
The Hawks HAVE improved every year. They finished 4th in the East and lived up to their seeding by beating Miami. It’s no disgrace to lose to Cleveland (or any other team seeded higher than them in the playoffs). They have NOT disgraced themselves against Cleveland.
Injuries to several starters have weakened them, but they probably would lose to Cleveland anyway. Having said that it’s my opinion that the one thing they could have done to make the games closer was accept the fact that superstars and their teams get the breaks on calls, especially at home. Sour grapes? Some, yes. But consider this – during one ten-game stretch this season Lebron James was called for ONE foul in a total of TEN games! And he was voted to
the NBA’s First team All-Defensive squad. Well, Mark Bradley could make that team if you never called him for a foul. And on offense during this series James CONTINUALLY pushes away Hawk defenders with his left arm whenever they try to play him tight, a tactic that often draws an offensive foul call on just about anyone else. The Hawks (like many other NBA players) get frustrated at the lop-sided officiating and let the frustration affect their play. This is quite a human reaction but one they need to train themselves to avoid or minimize if they want to advance deep into the playoffs against ANY team with a superstar.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 11th, 2009
2:01 pm
If Gregg Doyel says the Cavs won’t win the Finals, you might as well hand them the trophy and call it a day now.
I saw that Cleveland tourism video for the first time last week. This is probably the 50th time I’ve seen it and it still makes me laugh out loud.
Blackwell
May 11th, 2009
2:08 pm
It’s way to soon to break up the core. They’ll be ok after they bet a 7 foot shot blocker.
Blackwell
May 11th, 2009
2:09 pm
Enter your comments here
My bad. I meant get not bet
keno
May 11th, 2009
2:20 pm
I don’t think trading Johnson is the answer. He’s a very good versatile player; he’s just not a vocal leader. I noticed that when Lebron or KG is not happy with something their teammate does on the floor, they get all up in their face and let them have it right then and there. Johnson waits to the post game to voice his issues but he always says “we” and never “I”. We don’t have someone like that. I think Bibby can go because he is too much of a defensive liability and Johnson creates his shots for him. I’d like to see more of an Andre Miller type point guard-aggressive and can really run the offense and read the defense. I’m not particular about Josh Smith. I don’t think he gets and I doubt he ever will as long as Woodson is the coach. It’s a shame that the whole arena is screaming at you because you are taking ill-advised jumpers. And I’m not buying the excuse that he’s getting it late in the clock. I saw that happen once and all the other times, there were at least 8 seconds. That’s enough time to drive to the basket or make the extra pass. Marvin is a toss up because he does have some range. He just needs to make a commitment to work on it during the off season. We really need a center and then Al can move to the 4. At least he’s shown a little more offensive range. I like Flip coming off the bench but I am not that impressed with Mo. It seems he has mental lapses on defense and he commits “dumb” fouls. ZaZa and Mario provide good energy off the bench. As for the rest of the team, they can kick rocks. Just wanted to leave my thoughts.
Blair Rasmussen
May 11th, 2009
2:23 pm
i have 2 questions:1. why is every one on this blog so high on Felton..He has been a complete bust..I would be pissed off if he is given a chance over Acie Law..
Blair Rasmussen
May 11th, 2009
2:24 pm
Mark Bradley, will Woodson be back next year?
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
2:28 pm
The only way Woody wouldn’t be back is if he takes another NBA job.
AtlFlavor
May 11th, 2009
3:11 pm
The Odds are this Series will carry on. The King sat out for 8 Days while the Hawks battled the Heat. Thats A Big Loss for the League. Celts and Magic are looking to head to a 7th game showdown which will idle the King for another 4 or 5 days. The Cavs want to END it tonight. But the King is no fool either. This is HIS league. You have to make Money. So a game 4 Win. No surprise. Hell Ill take it, for what its worth.
Blair Rasmussen
May 11th, 2009
3:18 pm
Mark, do u agree wit the majority of ATL, that woodson is the problem?
All I'm Saying Is...
May 11th, 2009
3:23 pm
The cure to the Hawks ills in 2009 is to trade for Tyson Chandler right now—it’s obvious that the Hornets don’t want him and he is exactly what we need.
I don’t care how much basketball knowledge there is between Bradley and Sund, Al Horford is not the answer at Center for the Hawks (and I love Al). He cannot match up with the top Centers (based on who is left in the playoffs) in the East (Howard, Ilglauskas, Perkins) or West (Gasol, Nene, Dampier, Yao) UNLESS THE HAWKS TURN INTO A RUN AND GUN, MIKE D’ANTONI STYLE TEAM and we all know that’s not going to happen.
The second thing we must do is get a point guard who can defend and one who can come in and run (like Spud use to do when subbing for Doc Rivers) giving us a change of pace from our starter. I like Bibby and think we should keep him and sometimes go with a three guard offense especially if we open it up on the offensive side.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
3:43 pm
Not anymore I don’t, Blair.
morris
May 11th, 2009
3:51 pm
hawks need to fired woodson and hire a coach that will get the hawks to that other level. 4 years and tnt barkley, barry, and countless of others saying the hawks dont run plays, the obvious weakness (josh shooting, vocal leader, meranstreak, etxc) is not addressed. when the coach is praising lebron and not be mad in public demanding more, and no one on the team check players amiring lebron, you have aproblem. hawks should get coach johnson who played for the spurs, he wouldnt be praising lebron so much, something need to be done. being sweep in the second round isnt an accomplishment!!!!
bakerman
May 11th, 2009
3:53 pm
Running game starts with defense and Hawks don’t defend.
Rollins Tree
May 11th, 2009
4:01 pm
ESPN said three times this morning the Hawks have no heart. Ouch. Very ouch.
David Smith
May 11th, 2009
4:09 pm
The hawks had a golden opportunity in this series to show that they belonged on the national stage as a team on the rise. We now have the dubious distinction of being the only team in playoff history to be blown out by 20+ points within two years (just horrible). This team needs a new identity from the owners on down to the players because as a long time supporter of this team i have never been more embarassed to be a hawk fan. I hope we can avoid being swept on our home floor to spare us the sight of seeing cleveland celebrate going to the conference finals while our players have to explain what went wrong yet again (and the sight of seeing our “statue” of a coach look dumbfounded once again). GO HAWKS!!!
All I'm Saying Is...
May 11th, 2009
4:09 pm
Woody is not the problem but he does need to prove that he can effectively coach Josh Smith —not by yelling etc.—but by sitting his arse on the bench when does not play ball the right way.
As for the sparkling free agents in the class of 2010, all the Hawks need to do then is re-sign JJ and see if we can get Bosh to join up. And we can do both if we trade for Tyson Chandler now. Send them Marvin and Randolph Morris.
s to do some dealing/tweaking going into 2009…I know most people don’t like him, but why don’t we go after Rasheed Wallace—-his days are done in Detroit and he can play Center.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
4:10 pm
The Hawks actually do defend.
And that’s an easy thing for ESPN to say, and goodness knows that with all the talking heads on ESPN pretty much everything gets said at some point. But if the Hawks have no heart, what does that say for Miami?
Sometimes the other guy is just better. This seems that time.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
4:11 pm
Tell me again: When has Rasheed ever been a center?
j.carter
May 11th, 2009
4:17 pm
LMAO that video at the end of the page article was HILARIOUS! we all know we like and hate our cities, so why tak e it seriously, youkno. Im native born Atlantan and can say the Hawks are good, they’re not overrated, they’re just getting better. I like who the Hawks got but personally I find some of coaching suspect. Woodson is good but we need something else..
a1andonly
May 11th, 2009
4:18 pm
Well said CUZ. I love 24. Thats my $h*t!!
scott
May 11th, 2009
4:24 pm
If they want to trade Acie Law that is fine by me. He is a poor man’s Jason Terry, and I never liked Jason Terry’s “shoot first, pass later” style of play either. The Hawks need a point guard and they have one in Bibby. Keep him.
Keep Joe at 2 guard.
Keep Al at Center.
It is J Smooth that has got to go. When he hit the jumper in the first half of Game 3, I wanted to cry because I knew he’d take more ill-advised jumpers. And he did. we need to play as a TEAM, and as gifted as Josh is, he just cannot adjust to what is needed at the moment very often–he wants to do his thang. Let him do it elsewhere.
I also used to be in favor of getting rid of Woody, but not after this year. They proved that last year’s Celtics series was no fluke. give Woody another year. Maybe even two. He has slowly molded this team slowly into a a playoff winner. He deserves more time here.
K
MrHughes
May 11th, 2009
4:32 pm
Tyson Chandler couldn’t pass a physical earlier this year for the Thunder. And, he’s the answer? Tyson makes $12.75 million this year. Is Chandler really a better player than Tony Parker ($12.6)? Solomon Jones could spend a little time in the weight room and take alley oops from Chris Paul. It ain’t that hard. He’s a bad defender too. I’ve been mostly dissapointed in Chandler. If you are going to spend that kind of money, then you better get an impact player. That’s better than someone stealing money. Solo could do most of what Tyson does for over $12 million less as he still has stuff to prove. Greg Oden and Lamarcus Aldridge will make a little more than a 3rd of what Tyson makes next year. Younger players are the key. Felton makes twice what DJ Augustin makes. Who would you rather have? Don’t go for overpriced albatrosses like Felton and Chandler. The Hawks need to keep building around their youth. I expect Childress to come back as he likely misses playing in the NBA. Marvin will continue to develop and JJ wants to earn his next contract. They will resign Zaza! He’s earned that. Mike can go unless he takes a 75% paycut.
And, Amen to whoever said that about Josh taking 3s and long jumpers. He takes his shots at the worst times. No INgame IQ at all!!
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
4:35 pm
I agree on Tyson C., Mr. H. The Hornets liked him so much they tried to dump him.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
4:37 pm
It’s odd. People say, “If only Josh could shoot a jump shot he’d be Julius Erving.” But then they go nuts when he takes (and misses) one.
I guess the solution is to learn to shoot jumpers in private. And then never to miss in public.
O'brien
May 11th, 2009
5:03 pm
Mr. Bradley, I think Woody has taken the Hawks as far as they will go. 2nd round of the playoffs. One big reason is his inability to make adjustments.
“In this series we just haven’t made the adjustments,” Woodson said. “And you can blame it on the coach. I’ll take the heat for that. I think a lot of time it comes down to who wants it the most. And right now they’re beating us to the punch on pretty much everything that they want to do and what we want to do.”
A Tribe Called Quest
May 11th, 2009
5:03 pm
Why are we not doubling LeBron? Leaving Mo 10 feet back on him and everyone else standing around is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen.
Mark, any word about us signing The General Avery next year? Someone needs to step up and do what Ron Artest tried to do–sacrifice salary in order to retain/sign someone (Wiki that!)
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
5:07 pm
Woodson doesn’t like double-teaming as a general rule. But LeBron is such a deft passer and he’s so big and so strong he defies double-teams.
Give the Cavs credit. They’ve built the ideal team around him. A shooter in Mo Williams, a slasher in Delonte West, a banger in Anderson Varejao, a big man in Zydrunas Ilgauskas. And what a bench!
MrHughes
May 11th, 2009
5:08 pm
Thanks MB!
I’d have no trouble with Josh taking jumpers if he tried to drive to the basket aproximately 2-3 times for every jumper he took. His first year with the Hawks Josh was much better at that. He needs to use all the tools [athletic skills] in his tool box. That’s what gets you to the line. Look at what the other stars we’ve seen in the playoffs do. Johnson, Wade, and Lebron all get to the freethrow line off the dribble drive. Draw the defenders and kick it out like Johnson does. If we had another player (Josh) that did that consitently Johnson would get more open looks. That’s the key!! That’s when you can say he’s grown as a player. Moreover, Josh doesn’t draw the fouls that he should on the opponents big men and isn’t as good a defender as he should. Blocking shots is great, but now you [opponents] know that you should use your body to sheild him from blocking the shot because Smooth can’t guard people one on one. Al has a drastically better post game offensively and defensively. He did the little things better at Florida than Josh does now. If Marvin and Joe can drive to the hole with bad wrists and ankles, then why can’t a healthy Josh? If he’d work on his shooting like Marvin and actually got better, then I would be okay with it. If Josh can dribble into the paint on the fast break like he’s Magic on Xbox, then why can’t he do it out of a half court set.
What’s worse is that he take the long shots in bad situations.
Imagine Steve Holman’s voice.
LBJ makes a 3, Cavs up 5.
Bibby crosses half court, passes to Joe. Joe passes to Josh on the wing. Josh looks, fires a 3 from the corner. Clang. Long rebound goes to Mo Williams who throws and outlet to James who slams.
Cavs up 7…
Time out Atlanta…
That’s a four point swing on foolishness. It’s a very common tale and classic Josh.
All I'm Saying Is...
May 11th, 2009
5:09 pm
If you all don’t like Tyson, suggest someone else. I’m a bit surprised at y’all’s comments, though, because Chris Paul was pissed when they tried to trade Tyson and was glad to take him back. And Tyson did not have any physical problems pre- or post-trade. And the fact that NO does not want him makes him available to us. You folks don’t know how to make deals.
And come on Bradley, Rasheed has played Center in Detroit’s rotation as well as when he was with Portland and Sabonis was out. Your ignorance is starting to worry me.
Josh needs to be able to make a jump shot consistently from a certain length (say, 12 footer) and not take any 3s period and then people would not be upset with him.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
5:12 pm
See, I see the upside in Josh more than the downside. (I’m a famous optimist, as you know.)
That’s the thing, All. There aren’t many centers. And Rasheed is, at least to me, much more of a power forward than Al Horford. Horfy plays with his back to the goal. Rasheed shoots 22-footers.
Mark Bradley Supporter
May 11th, 2009
5:14 pm
MB, loved the interview with the Cleveland news team. I think it’s funny how that guy wanted you on the air so he could attempt to roast you and yet the joke was on him. The Braves lucky in ‘95 world series? They just didn’t get it did they? I could sense the sarcasim throughout the entire bit, but I bet they thought they put you in your place, LOL. You rock Mark Bradley!!
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
5:16 pm
Aw, shucks, MBS. I’m blushing. But thanks.
Cuz
May 11th, 2009
5:24 pm
Mark, you and Spirit blogging tonight?
Jeff D.
May 11th, 2009
5:47 pm
Look, I feel Zaza’s pain here. He takes a beating EVERY night but this erruption started building from the tip off. He gets called for simply standing in Mo Williams way after a basket, meanwhile he’s been watching LeBron work the refs while lighting up the Hawks for 47. Hell yeah I’d be frustrated over a questionable call.
A Tribe Called Quest
May 11th, 2009
6:05 pm
ZaZa had a right to be mad. Joe Smith elbowed him, and Varejao was holding his jersey. That LeBron no-call on charging Bibby was a joke. You could see LeBron stop after running over Bibby. At that point he was thinking “wait? Is that a charge on me? No–wait, I’m LeBron. Fouls aren’t called on me” and then scored on the other end
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
6:17 pm
No, I’m not, Cuz. Can’t speak for my avian amigo, though.
Dodd's Legacy
May 11th, 2009
6:36 pm
Sorry, pal. Your attempts to inject a modicum of success into your appearance being sarcasm are nearly as weak as your appearance was. With your cracking, high pitched whiny voice, you sounded like a total puss that hadn’t gone through puberty yet. You embarrassed Atlanta.
You got owned, and linking everyone else’s columns under your own dateline and linking that video aren’t going to change that. Ridiculing another city’s economic troubles when your own employer is about to go Tango Uniform taking YOUR job with them is hilarious.
The Hawks had a good season, certainly better than the past few. They just ran into this year’s juggernaut. I still say they have to get rid of Woodson and get some competent ownership before they can take the next step forward. The Hawks can do it with new leadership.
Oh, and buh-bye, AJC.
.
NCBravesFan
May 11th, 2009
7:05 pm
You know usually it’s Southerners that don’t get ironic humor, which makes the MB appearance on the Cleveland tee-vee all the more entertaining.
The Mayor has no clothes.
MVP23
May 11th, 2009
10:18 pm
First, I’d like to thank you MB for your knowledgable perspective on this series. the ACJ has a very good writer and I wish you worked for the Plain Dealer.
Next, it was nice seeing all the great Hawk fans perspective on this series has it went on. Injuries dealt you guys a bad hand and good luck next season.
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
10:22 pm
Why, thanks, MVP. And I think the Cavs will win it all. (But I’m often wrong, as any AJC reader can attest.)
Shannon
May 11th, 2009
11:01 pm
Please tell me that the goobers running the hawks will fire Woodson !!!!!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
11:03 pm
Woodson’s not getting fired.
Shannon
May 11th, 2009
11:11 pm
I am a season ticket holder with three other guys and we have 6 tickets …… if he is back then I am done!!!
Olive Oil
May 12th, 2009
10:03 am
Is there hope for MICHAEL VICK?
Next Question.