The new Hawks have a new problem: Too many players
Jamal Crawford (in white above the key) is one of many new Hawks. (Photo by M. Bradley)
Mike Woodson might have too many players. As problems go, this is among the better ones. Indeed, it beats the heck out of the issue Woodson faced when he arrived here in 2004 — having no players whatsoever.
“That team [the 2004-05 Hawks, who lost 69 games] was gutted,” Woodson said Wednesday, speaking before the grown-up Hawks were to open their season against Indiana. “We were in rebuilding mode. We counted on young guys to get better — Marvin [Williams] and Smoove [Josh Smith] and Al [Horford], and even Joe [Johnson] was young — and they have. And if they continue to grow, we’ve got a chance to be in the hunt the next three or four years.”
And they do. But first Woodson has to wrangle a roster unlike any he has had. He has to find minutes for 11 legitimate NBA players, and not many teams ever placate 11 men. So, Woodson was asked, can he?
“It’s something I haven’t done,” he said. “And I will not sacrifice games just to satisfy someone.”
Then this: “It’s important to get a rotation down, and I haven’t quite done that yet. You can’t find 30 minutes a night for 11 or 12 guys.”
Fun with numbers: The Hawks kept seven of their top eight players, drafted Jeff Teague, traded for Jamal Crawford and signed Joe Smith and Jason Collins as free agents. That makes 11 men, 10 of whom have professional pedigrees. And Woodson says of Teague: “He played well enough in preseason to earn some time on the floor. I’m going to play him tonight.”
But now the Hawks have six perimeter players — Mike Bibby, Johnson, Crawford, Teague, Williams and Mo Evans. As Woodson conceded: “It’s not going to be easy to play all six.” Especially if Johnson slides to small forward and takes some minutes there.”
More Woodson: “I wasn’t interested in bringing young guys in [this summer]. We needed veteran guys who’d fit a piece of the puzzle. Our draft choice is going to be our young guy now. And if [Teague] continues to do it over a long haul, he’ll get minutes. I’ve been pretty pleased so far.”
The interior riddle is simpler: Five men for two positions. Horford and Josh Smith to start, Zaza Pachulia and Joe Smith and Collins to relieve.
“It’s important for [bench] guys to know their roles,” Woodson said. “Jamal has got to score. Joe Smith has to defend and rebound. Jason Collins has to defend and give hard fouls and do the dirty work … You’ve got to play well enough to earn your time on the floor.”
There will be difficult moments ahead. Not everyone will work enough to suit him, and one or two will say so publicly. But that’s OK. So long as Woodson establishes a working second unit and eases the load on his starters, the increased depth will yield an increase in victories. Besides, it’s better to have good guys sitting than not have them at all.
“I remember last year after Al got hurt those two times,” Woodson said. “We were exposed. Al’s the one guy I feared going down. But having Joe Smith and Collins, that’s a help.”
It is. Still, it will take some time to assimilate these glad new tidings. The Hawks having too much talent: What’s next? The Thrashers having a glut at goaltender?
And with that: The floor is open for your questions, comments, song requests. I’ll be honored and privileged to chat with any and all of you during tonight’s game. Which I believe the Hawks will win by 23 points.
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206 comments Add your comment
Gilley
October 28th, 2009
6:35 pm
I always wondered why Woody never played young guys when the season was lost anyway. Thats how you would see what you have but he would rather overplay vets than to let young guys go out there and learn. Not like it would have cost the Hawks wins. I digress
I am predicting 50 wins for the Hawks and a Conference Finals appearance. Optimistic but thats my prediction.
Woody shouldnt play Teague just because he played good in preseason but because he is a good player and should be developed. Playing is how you are developed.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
6:36 pm
I’m predicting 54 wins and advancement to the Eastern Conference finals. Somehow I’ve turned into this raging optimist.
Belvedere
October 28th, 2009
6:36 pm
Primero! Hope this is the start of a special year for the Hawks.
Belvedere
October 28th, 2009
6:38 pm
Crap.. Make that tercero!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
6:42 pm
Uno, dos, tres … does it really matter in the grand scheme?
NoleRick
October 28th, 2009
6:43 pm
No one in the National Media is giving this team a chance. I get the feeling that the Hawks are about to prove alot of people wrong. I live in Orlando and when they mention the Eastern Conference, no one every mentions the Hawks. Rise up time to re-shock the world!
Wink
October 28th, 2009
6:47 pm
Mark,
Woody want be able to handle the added depth. Game situations & matchup should dictate who plays. I don’t trust him to do have the things he says he will do. Example, Teague as I see it is the only one who can stay in front of TJ Ford on defense, he should already be counted on to get minutes tonight. Woody said he will play tonight. I hope so as he is needed.
Delbert D.
October 28th, 2009
6:49 pm
I played a little game last year. Anytime Zasa got any significant playing time, I’d double his minutes and it would come up with a double-double. Except for the times it came up with 8 fouls. Good guy to keep on the team.
hawkfan
October 28th, 2009
6:49 pm
Wow there sure are a lot of Hawks fans chatting it up! Nice post MB and I expect the Hawks to win tonight and I say Eastern Conference Finals as well!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
6:50 pm
I know Woody wants to play more guys. But when games get tight, coaches tend to shrink their bench. And that’s not just him. That’s every coach. You see it in the playoffs every year. How much did Daniel Gibson play for the Cavs in the 2009 playoffs?
Wink
October 28th, 2009
6:50 pm
Teague must play tonight to guard TJ Ford. I hope Woody gives him minutes as he stated. I just don’t trust Woody to do what he says he will do??
Robert Yates
October 28th, 2009
6:51 pm
I’ve watched nearly every game of this massive turnaround. It seemed like the day would never come that the Hawks could be called legitimate. Well, here we are. Now if we could just learn to win on the road…….
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
6:57 pm
That’s the next step, Robert. I believe it, too, will come.
J.J.M.
October 28th, 2009
7:03 pm
is granger out?
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:04 pm
Granger was doubtful. Introducing the starters in a minute.
Charlie Criss
October 28th, 2009
7:05 pm
WTF!
I just turned on SportsSouth. I got a test pattern and now the UT – Alabama game.
Great start to the season.
Maybe Kiffin will run a play or 2 before kickeing the field goal this time.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:06 pm
Granger is starting. Hansbrough not dressed. Imagine that.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:07 pm
I don’t want to be unduly negative, but … not much of a crowd here. Disappointing.
kevin
October 28th, 2009
7:09 pm
Where are our fans tonight lol
HawksV
October 28th, 2009
7:10 pm
Mike Bibby and Al Horford are the keys to how far the Hawks go this year!
J.J.M.
October 28th, 2009
7:10 pm
I hope fans go to games and support more this year…Last season i just went to the games when a huge name player came in town but this season ill support the hawks more.
mychelfromatl
October 28th, 2009
7:12 pm
On my way down to the arena. Hope the Hawks win big!!!!!
Ryan S
October 28th, 2009
7:12 pm
Is anyone seeing the game? I have an Alabama vs Tennessee replay…
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:13 pm
Maybe they’ve blacked it out because the game isn’t sold out. Ho, ho.
J.J.M.
October 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
josh looks smaller
Kurdt Kobain
October 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
Think the faceplant last friday on national tv has anything to do with the crowd? or lacktherof.
J.J.M.
October 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
the crowd doesnt look bad so far
Kurdt Kobain
October 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
or maybe its just a late arriving bunch typical of a lot of Atlanta crowds.
Hey, nice start.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
First bucket of the season: Josh layup off a JJ steal.
O'Brien
October 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
My TV also has Tenn vs Ala. What’s going on here?
A Blackout on the opening night of the season? I hope not.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
First opposing bucket: Hibbert follow off a T.J. Ford miss.
Ryan S
October 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
What channel are you all watching it on? My guide says SportsSouth but it is not the game…
Charlie Criss
October 28th, 2009
7:18 pm
Sportsouth isn’t even doing a crawl to let us know what’s going on.
I’m listening on 790. Fortunately I live inside the perimeter.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:19 pm
wow…crowd is dead
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:19 pm
The game’s on something. I just saw it on the TV here. But I don’t know what channel that was.
jacket3
October 28th, 2009
7:19 pm
It’s available on the Direct Sports package…although I am not going to pay the extra money to watch pro-basketball. College hoops are the best anyway…no prancin’ or dancin’, or struttin’ for that matter.
Hope the Hawks have a good season, they have the talent…if they use it correctly to be there at the end of the season….lets’ see how they do. Let us know 10 games into the season…we will know more about chemistry then. Enjoy yourself. Eat the press box food!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:20 pm
Good thing we’re doing this live chat, eh?
Game tied at 8 after 3 1/2 minutes.
Bone
October 28th, 2009
7:20 pm
damn the crowd is quiet lol
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:21 pm
It appears the game is on SportsSouth as advertised. At least it is now.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:21 pm
10-10
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
All those who say Horford would dominate at power forward: He just missed from the corner. But he scored earlier on a hook over Hibbert in the lane.
Charlie Criss
October 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
It is supposed to be on Sportsouth. I heard Rathbun’s voice before that pleasant sound that accompanies a test pattern.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
Hawks down 15-10. And not looking very good so far.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:23 pm
bad start…play some D!!!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:24 pm
Uh, oh. Josh just took a three and missed.
Then he stole the ball and dunked. He’s better on dunks.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:24 pm
fine josh for that jumper…bibbys d sucks
J.J.M.
October 28th, 2009
7:24 pm
horrible D
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:25 pm
It’s 18-14 Pacers at the first timeout. For a guy who was doubtful, Granger looks pretty spry.
Charlie Criss
October 28th, 2009
7:26 pm
Is anyone outside Phillips getting the the feed.
BTW, Alabama just picked off Crompton in the first, No Score
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:27 pm
Ha…I’m in bham and I am watching it on sportsouth
Ryan S
October 28th, 2009
7:27 pm
Charlie are you on ATT Uverse by any chance?
Charlie Criss
October 28th, 2009
7:29 pm
Yes
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:29 pm
Horfy misses another jumper. Troy Murphy dunks. Joe misses. Murphy hits. pacers up nine.
First man off the bench is Crawford. Then Zaza.
jacket3
October 28th, 2009
7:29 pm
Thanks Mark…SSHD it is. Really appreciate that update. So let’s see how they rebound from 8 down.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:30 pm
Josh big dunk. Yells afteward. Flagged for excessive celebration.
O'Brien
October 28th, 2009
7:30 pm
Ryan S,
I am on ATT Uverse, and my Sport South has Tenn vs Ala.
This is very frustrating. And I cant even hear the game on 790…
Bone
October 28th, 2009
7:30 pm
joe is terrible right now
Ryan S
October 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
I am too…I wonder if its an ATT thing…
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
Indy is just making shots….Josh should be able to shut down troy….O looks a little stagnent. I like the AL taking it strong
Kurdt Kobain
October 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
Where’s our back court? Seems like Al and Josh are the only ones who’ve shown up so far.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
Hawks down 27-20 at the second timeout. Crawford and Zaza in. Joe looks tired already. Or something. He has two points and just threw it away.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
Joe looks like he is trying to get the big guys going right now.
preston
October 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
I got the game on comcast sports south, and you can probaly watch it on line on justin tv
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
Joe have swine flu?? ha
Kurdt Kobain
October 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
Big guys don’t need going. They’re the only ones going.
Good sign that all Josh’s points have been off dunks and layups. Only one ill-advised jumper so far!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
First two Hawks to sit: Horford and Marvin. Joe now playing small forward.
Billy
October 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
people! these are the hawks! i can’t even remember the last time that they made it past the 2nd round. until they show me differently, color me skeptical.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:35 pm
Austin Croshere (sp?) = most annoying player in the league
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:36 pm
Joe hits as a SF. Then moves back to guard. Bibby out, Mo Evans in.
Granger has 11 of Indy’s 29. He’s pretty good.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:38 pm
Technical on Solomon Jones. Who now plays for Indiana.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:39 pm
Wow..this is a sloppy start
Bone
October 28th, 2009
7:40 pm
giving up 32 points in a qtr. this team is really average.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:40 pm
Zaza hits the floor. First time in the new season. Got knocked down by Jeff Foster.
jacket3
October 28th, 2009
7:40 pm
What a hit…looks like our friend Keith Brooking…
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:40 pm
When I said Austin Croshere earlier, I meant jeff foster..
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:41 pm
Josh with a steal. Foster fouls him, too. Hawks might be ahead at the quarter break.
Ryan S
October 28th, 2009
7:41 pm
On the phone with uverse tech support….
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:41 pm
Teague to enter. Joe sits.
Kurdt Kobain
October 28th, 2009
7:41 pm
Can’t keep giving Granger open looks.
Matt Winkeljohn
October 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
The Hawks don’t have too many dancers. Has the economy affected their roster? Numbers appear to be down from last season. What say you?
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
Crawford misses a three, then steals a pass and banks in a three at the buzzer. Tied after one.
Pretty nice play.
Kurdt Kobain
October 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
That was impressive.
J.J.M.
October 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
whoaaaaaaa
jacket3
October 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
Woah a hail mary….
Kurdt Kobain
October 28th, 2009
7:43 pm
Crowd looks like its filled in a bit. Or is that just the TV?
J.J.M.
October 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
hawks will be all over sport center top 10 tonight
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
The A-Town Dancers do appear to be smaller in number this season.
preston
October 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
Well one thing is for sure around Atlanta…….the expectations for this team is pretty high……there will be no excuses about the bench and rebuilding…………we are what we are at this point with this team and staff, and they better start tonight out with a win because woodson is already on a small leash without a contract extension…………a slow start to the season and Woodson might not make it to the new yr.
O'Brien
October 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
Ryan S,
Let me know what Tech support says
Ryan S
October 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
ATT Uverse is having technical difficulties with sportsouth…they are aware of the problem and it “should be fixed in no time”
mychelfromatl
October 28th, 2009
7:45 pm
Nice shot by Crawford. Crowd not bad for a Wednesday.
Charlie Criss
October 28th, 2009
7:45 pm
Ryan S,
Post what tech support tells you. I won’t call them since you are.
Bone
October 28th, 2009
7:46 pm
Can phillips arena get some better technicians. the ones they have are idiots
Michael
October 28th, 2009
7:47 pm
How come I’m getting the Knoxville Sports South signal? I’m currently watching the Alabama Tennessee replay!
I’ve been waiting all week for this game! Ridiculous!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:47 pm
Crawford’s shot was waved off after video review.
Those SEC refs again.
Bone
October 28th, 2009
7:48 pm
they’re callin too many fouls. Ruins the game
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:49 pm
Teague’s first NBA bucket: Steal and dunk.
And now Joe Smith from the corner. A real second unit!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
Let’s see if Jason Collins plays tonight.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
True that bone
Ryan S
October 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
Charlie,
I posted it above…they are aware of the problem and said it should be fixed shortly…however they probably would have said the same thing if I had called immediately at 7 and its been 50 minutes…so take it for what its worth.
Ryan S
October 28th, 2009
7:51 pm
Nevermind hahahh!!! It came on just as I sent that.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:51 pm
Hawks still down five, 8:54 until the half.
O'Brien
October 28th, 2009
7:52 pm
Finally, ATT Uverse has the game on!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:52 pm
And the seats have filled in — some. No longer an embarrassing turnout. Just mildly disappointing.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
7:54 pm
Here’s what you ATT Uverse folks have missed: Danny Granger lighting it up, Josh with a couple of dunks, Horford with some good work in the lane, Hawks playing poor D.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:54 pm
So….when will the starters go back in?
jacket3
October 28th, 2009
7:56 pm
Enjoy yourselves….gotta go to work so I’ll read your story in the AJC – MB.
Kurdt Kobain
October 28th, 2009
7:56 pm
And Zaza has missed several layups
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
7:57 pm
Indy just putting up garbage
preston
October 28th, 2009
7:59 pm
Teague does look very good and comfortable tonight for his first game….I am very impressed.
Bone
October 28th, 2009
7:59 pm
Teague is playing good
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
Starters back now. Teague just hit a triple off a JJ feed.
Hawks down five. Pacers already have 50 points, and there’s 5:51 left until halftime.
Miss Landers
October 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
You mean, Teague is playing well.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:03 pm
Marvin ties it with a three. Then Granger unties it. And Horfy hits a short J.
Ryan S
October 28th, 2009
8:03 pm
Granger always kills us
Kurdt Kobain
October 28th, 2009
8:04 pm
Josh is playing like he wants that All Star bid.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
8:05 pm
Don’t leave his A$$ open! It is pretty simple.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:05 pm
Danny Granger has 17 points.
Hawks finally take the lead on Horford’s FTs.
Mink
October 28th, 2009
8:05 pm
Josh Smith is focused and playing unselfish, hustle basketball. Never thought I’d say that. He’ll get that all-star bid he wants if he plays like this all season. Let’s not jump the gun though..
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:05 pm
Great fast break. Bibby to Joe to Josh. Hawks up three now. More like it, I would say.
Just A Fan
October 28th, 2009
8:06 pm
Get Marvin in the flow and everything works out
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
8:06 pm
That was a nice fast break. They need to keep this uptempo going.
Mink
October 28th, 2009
8:07 pm
Well, so far no Iso Joe. If we keep these weapons hot, we’ll be tough to beat. Buckets coming from everywhere. It’s great to see Joe Smith stretching the D with that smooth stroke!
Mink
October 28th, 2009
8:08 pm
Love the Solo tribute. Loved that guy..
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:09 pm
Josh has 16 points.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
8:10 pm
That was a weak foul
Mink
October 28th, 2009
8:10 pm
Mark, do you believe this effort out of Smith? I’ve booed him before he’s been such a pouty punk, but he looks reborn. I hope it’s not just Game 1 adrenaline..
Ryan S
October 28th, 2009
8:11 pm
Joe is wondering if its too late to sign that contract…
Kurdt Kobain
October 28th, 2009
8:11 pm
trigger-happy refs
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
8:12 pm
that was a weak foul too…officials are a little touchy tonight.
O'Brien
October 28th, 2009
8:13 pm
Marvin cannot stop Granger. 20 points in the first half.
reedeak
October 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
Put Joe on Granger.
Just A Fan
October 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
Josh obviously wants to be an All Star this year
Just A Fan
October 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
Rio could’ve guarded Granger
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
I’ve never thought Josh was a bad guy. And he has it within him to be a great player.
Joe, on the other hand, looks out of sorts.
The Hawksta
October 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
Look at Josh Smith’s stat line. This dude is putting in some serious work! Oe Johnson well he dosn’t say very much… Plus I think Granger owns him damn man!
The Hawksta
October 28th, 2009
8:17 pm
Mark your right! Looks like everyone has it tonight but Joe?! All we really need him to do is stop Granger!
Bone
October 28th, 2009
8:18 pm
Josh is gonna be an all star
J.J.M.
October 28th, 2009
8:19 pm
wow ref miss that call
Bone
October 28th, 2009
8:19 pm
Joe is gonna be traded [if he keeps playing like this]
Ted Striker
October 28th, 2009
8:20 pm
AJC Homepage Lead-In states: “Mark Bradley live at Philips Arena.” Which is excellent. And it got me thinking.
I won’t be in Nola as I planned this coming Monday but in the past, I’ve strolled down Bourbon St and seen an occasional sign trumpeting “LIVE NUDE GIRLS!!!” Never once saw one reading “DEAD NUDE CHICKS!” (Thank goodness).
Blog on, bloggers!
Other Peoples Money
October 28th, 2009
8:21 pm
Hawks getting shalackadakled on the boards!!! Once again no perimeter D!!!
Scott
October 28th, 2009
8:22 pm
Mark – what do you expect with the crowd, the NBA is 5th in this city
CFB
NFL
MLB
CBB
NBA
Just A Fan
October 28th, 2009
8:22 pm
wow that’s probably one of the worst jokes I’ve ever heard
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:23 pm
Not the best of halves defensively. Pacers with 65 points. On the other hand, the Hawks have 66.
Is Willie Martinez coached basketball?
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:24 pm
There was a sequence late in the half where Joe dribbled for 10 seconds and shot. (And missed.) I’m hoping we’ll have less of that this season and more of what we witnessed in the first half — more shots for Josh and Horfy.
NCBravesFan
October 28th, 2009
8:25 pm
Hmmm, 65 points allowed at the half? Wow, they must still think it’s the preseason. Please let them know this game counts, Mark!
The Hawksta
October 28th, 2009
8:26 pm
@Mark! lol! Willie Martinez coaching the Hawks d! He wouldn’t get fired by the Hawks either! This southern gentleman thing down here get’s out of hand sometimes! Go Hawks!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:26 pm
I thought it was college football Where Every Game Counts.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:34 pm
Josh had 16 points and six assists in the first half. Also three steals.
On the other hand, he had one more rebound than a dead man.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:35 pm
Esteemed colleague Sekou Smith notes that Granger scored 20 points on Marvin Williams, who was taken 12 spots ahead of him in the 2005 draft.
NCBravesFan
October 28th, 2009
8:37 pm
Hey! They’re pitching a shutout so far! Go MB!!!
Atl Sports Fan
October 28th, 2009
8:37 pm
Man gotta love these steals.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:38 pm
Two more for Granger.
And Horford now has 16. On Hibbert. So much for him not being a center.
Smitty
October 28th, 2009
8:41 pm
Woodson has more players and a deep roster. he will either figure out how to use them to improve on last year or he won’t, in which case he will be gone. Selah. But I just remembered why it was so hard to watch them on TV. Does Hawks management have no other place to put Dominique but on the Sportsouth broadcasts as color man with Mr. Obnoxious. Dom’s dull,inane, self-serving, uncreative, repetitive analyses, all based on his experience(recall: he never won any kind of championship- the dogs went to the final four after he left-) are enough to turn off any viewer. He is plain awful. any suggestions? he makes me enjoy watching baseball, ugh.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:41 pm
Hawks had 19 points off the bench in the first half. And Crawford had none.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:42 pm
Joe hits a three from Horfy’s pass.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:44 pm
Horfy from Josh. Hawks by eight.
tjhook
October 28th, 2009
8:45 pm
Mark, what do you think about the Hawks reacquiring Stephen Jackson.(trade Marvin, please). The only issue he had was witnessing the deconstruction of the team (got him suspended one game)but that was because he was so focused on getting the most out of the moment. As a former basketball champion, Jackson understands why having a sense of urgency can improve a basketball team’s game.
Joe is probrably emotionally exhausted from carrying the Hawks’ banner (only consistent star on the team – everyone else is occasionally outstanding). Playing alongside a proven player like Jackson can be motivating because there is a peer to help legitimately push you and whose abilities you trust. Joe can’t trust anyone but Bibby right now and that’s trusting a guy with a great jumper and average athleticism. TRADE MARVIN! . . . but tell me how you feel.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:47 pm
Stephen Jackson has some baggage, as you know.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:48 pm
Joe’s got it going. He now has 15. Horfy with 18, Josh with 17.
And Granger with 27.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
Horford dunks. He has 20.
I keep thinking the Hawks are going to pull away any minute, but it’s still a five-point game. Four minutes left in the quarter.
Other Peoples Money
October 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
Not too many folk here. But the Hunnies are out in FULL FORCE!!! Golddiggers of the world UNITE!!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
8:56 pm
Mo Evans with five quick points. Hawks by eight.
Other Peoples Money
October 28th, 2009
8:57 pm
I would give 5 bucks to know what Bibby is looking at when he stares at his hand. He bites his nail after that.
Jmayne
October 28th, 2009
8:58 pm
This second unit is great, Teague, Crawford, Mo Evans, Smith, and Zaza. I never thought id say this, but the hawks have a bench!! Im glad i took the over. Winner winner, chicken dinner!!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:01 pm
Crawford has four fouls and three points.
Benjamin
October 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
I’m sitting in my office, unable to watch the game from this vantage point.
Is Danny Granger that good?
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
Solomon Jones with a follow jam. Lead’s only a point after three quarters.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:05 pm
Danny Granger is good. I don’t know if he’s this good.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:08 pm
Pacers tie on Earl Watson’s runner.
Benjamin
October 28th, 2009
9:11 pm
Also noting that Josh Smith is working on an 8 assist, no turnover night. While this news would normally excite me, I’m already dreading the next game vs. the Wizards where he turns the ball over seven times, four of which are no-look passes into the stands.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
And now Watson with a one-hop trey. Indiana leads by a point, 8:51 left.
bodean
October 28th, 2009
9:14 pm
Seems that Josh Smith still doesn’t know what a bad shot looks like….
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:14 pm
He forced the last one. But he’s had a great game. We’ll forgive him that one.
Other Peoples Money
October 28th, 2009
9:15 pm
OH OH, Time to stop jerking around. Some crazy stats going on. Hawks with just 6 turnovers to Indys 20. Josh with TEN assist????
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
Bibby puts Hawks up two with a trey. Off Joe’s pass. Those two work so well together.
bodean
October 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
Tacky technical…. I’ve seen MUCH worse
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
Horford dunks home Joe’s miss but gets T for … something.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:19 pm
What did he do? Fluff out his jersey? Wow.
preston
October 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
18 turnovers for the pacers and they have still scored over 100 points against the hawks……..we look like we are pulling away from them now, but we cant win many games and be considered a top team in the east with this type of defensive effort……we are lucky that the pacers have made soo many mistakes or we would be in trouble with this game.
The Hawksta
October 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
Great steal by Josh! Chalk him up for another. We do need some rebounds and blocks the rest of the game though. Yes Granger miss the ticky tack tech free throw
bodean
October 28th, 2009
9:22 pm
Illegal screen….wish they would have called that one against the Cowboys….
The Hawksta
October 28th, 2009
9:22 pm
Too many whistles! Are these the replacement refs or what?
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:23 pm
Joe drives. Hawks up eight.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
Remember how I said Joe looked out of sorts. He has, er, 22 points.
The Hawksta
October 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
If Josh would just let go of the ball on the break he’d get it back for a dunk. He loves to dribble dribble dribble!
bodean
October 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
Hadn’t seen the whole game…how has the new bench looked?
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
Good, Bodean. Even though Crawford hasn’t done much.
Other Peoples Money
October 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
The Pacers are a decent bunch. But they are out of gas now. They get Dunleavy and Physco T back they are going to be trouble for alot of teams in this league.
bodean
October 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
Cool….anybody watching JJ’s minutes?
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
Hawks by 10 now. Joe has taken over.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
Through three quarters Joe had played 27 minutes, and he hasn’t come out this quarter. So he’ll end up around 40.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:30 pm
Well, Woodson was true to his pregame word. He played the bench. (Although not Jason Collins.) But the five starters are in now and have been for a while.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:31 pm
Raining at the World Series, I see. I’ve sat through a few of those games.
Philly leads 1-0. Utley with a homer.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:33 pm
Granger has 31.
Bibby answers with a trey.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:34 pm
I count three offensive fouls on the Hawks this quarter. Refs must be getting paid by the tweet.
Black Lab
October 28th, 2009
9:35 pm
I agree. They have too many players. Crawford did not get much time in tonight. Horford is a beast!
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
9:35 pm
Over now. Hawks by 12 inside the final minute. Wasn’t easy, but it counts.
Headed downstairs now.
TheHawksFan
October 28th, 2009
9:37 pm
Crawford can hang it up. He will never get more than 12 to 14 mins playing behind Joe. He needs at aleast 20 to 25 mins to get in a groove.
Kurdt Kobain
October 28th, 2009
9:39 pm
Well, it took them till halfway through the 4th quarter, but the Hawks did eventually turn on the defense.
jake
October 28th, 2009
9:41 pm
great win!!!we gotta an exciting team to watch this year.
keep it 100
October 28th, 2009
9:50 pm
GO HAWKS!!! GO HAWKS!!!!
NUNNA YO BIZNEZZ
October 28th, 2009
10:10 pm
i don’t see what all the excitement is all about..
joe johnson got nearly 40 mins..
josh still shoots out of his range(even though mark gave him a pass on one of those shots)..
woody is saying,that because teague played well in the pre-season that he deserved and got minutes tonite..well,that shows u that woody is not looking into developing his young guard,and he is a young guard “killer”..
othello was in a suit tonight!! he played well in the pre-season,doesn’t he get a chance for some minutes too??
same old hawks,but,different players..
look for this team,even though it is deep,to win at least 40 games this year..
this was just the 1st game..and woody has to change his coaching philosophy NOW!!
NUNNA YO BIZNEZZ
October 28th, 2009
10:12 pm
and don’t give me that,”they have to gel crap either”!!
they play like they are in jail!!
break out the defense fellas,and shut me up!!