Live from Philips: The Hawks try to beat one of the NBA’s elite
From those halcyon days when the Hawks could handle a good team. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
If ever we needed a reminder that it’s not how you start but how you finish, the Hawks and the Celtics provided it. The Hawks finished third in the NBA East and were 4-0 against the Celtics, who wound up with the East’s No. 4 seed, in the 2009-2010 regular season.
Emphasis on “regular season.”
The Hawks got swept in Round 2 of the playoffs by an aggregate 101 points and were so mortified they dumped their coach and promoted his longtime assistant, which presumably made sense to somebody. The Celtics beat Cleveland in Round 2 and Orlando in Round 3 and reached the NBA finals. And now the Hawks, who were seen seven months ago as a rising power, seem in retreat, while Boston is doing as royalty always does — biding its time until the playoffs.
Seven months ago you’d much rather have been the Hawks than the Celtics, who were regarded as too old and too cranky. Now it’s hard to know what to make of the Hawks, who in the course of 13 games under new coach Larry Drew have managed to muddy the waters even more.
The Celtics arrived at Philips Arena to play the Hawks on Monday, and before the game a Boston writer asked Drew a question containing the E-word. And Drew flat-out admitted that his Hawks don’t deserve to be considered among the NBA’s elite.
“It’s a very difficult challenge,” Drew said. “In order to get to the next step, there has to be more of a sense of urgency with every team we play, not just in certain games.”
Then: “Good teams don’t take possessions off.”
Then: “We’re hoping to get to that level.”
Then: “I don’t know if you can teach it [elitism]. I think you just harp on it.”
Then: “If we were at that [elite] level, there were certainly a couple of ballgames we’d have won. We’d have toughed it out.”
Then: “You can see when the better teams reach a certain point in a game, they tighten it up. I don’t think we’re there yet.”
We pause to ask: Wasn’t the whole point of replacing Mike Woodson with his assistant of six seasons the feeling among ownership that the Hawks were only the right coach away from elite status? (Drew himself conceded Monday: “I think we have the personnel to get to that level.”) If so, why have these Hawks started worse under the kinder, gentler and presumably more innovative Drew than they did a year ago under Woodson?
The Hawks entered Monday’s game 8-5, having lost five of seven after a 6-0 start achieved against an array of opponents listed in Who’s Not Who. Of the Hawks’ eight victories, none had been over a team that holds a winning record. Worse, four of the Hawks’ five losses had come at home.
A year ago the Hawks were 11-2 after 13 games, and those 13 included road stops against the Lakers and the Celtics. Last season’s Hawks lost their first home game on Thanksgiving, their fourth on New Year’s Day. This time a year ago the Hawks appeared much closer to elite than they do today, which makes no sense when you consider that these Hawks are essentially those Hawks plus Jordan Crawford, Josh Powell and Etan Thomas. And Larry Drew.
In sum, the Hawks entered Monday’s game in dire need of a victory over somebody who can actually play. The schedule won’t always be so soft. Of the Hawks’ first six road games, only two had come against a team that made the playoffs last season, and one of those two was against Cleveland, which lost a free agent of some consequence over the summer. And Drew isn’t exactly working under a vote of the utmost confidence: He’s the NBA’s lowest-paid head coach and he’s working on a two-year contract.
Said Drew, speaking of his team’s uphill climb: “We’ll keep working at it. We’ll keep trying to get there.”
Good idea. Better hurry, though.
And with that, the floor is again open for questions, comments and reader submissions as to why Mike Woodson wasn’t so bad after all. I’ll be here all game, and I can already impart one snippet of information: Rajon Rondo, who destroys Mike Bibby, isn’t going to play. That’s the good news. The bad news: Rondo’s backup is Nate Robinson, who does likewise to Bibby. Pick thy point-guard poison.
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301 comments Add your comment
O'Brien
November 22nd, 2010
6:38 pm
Mark,
Rick Sund said he considers the team elite because they won their first round matchup, and they had a winning record against the final 4 teams in the East and the west.
Hewitt fan
November 22nd, 2010
6:39 pm
woodson was the worst coach in history
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
6:40 pm
Guess Rick Sund and Larry Drew need to talk, O’Brien.
Live from Philips: The Hawks try to beat one of the NBA’s elite – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Free NBA Videos
November 22nd, 2010
6:52 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Jamaaliver
November 22nd, 2010
6:56 pm
Mark, of the known candidiates or big name coaching options, who would you have like to have seen as the Atlanta Hawks coach this year?
I’m a longtime Jerry Sloan fan and was hoping for Former Hawks player and current Utah assistant coach Ty Corbin to get more than a token look.
Live from Philips: The Hawks try to beat one of the NBA’s elite – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | The Basketball Site
November 22nd, 2010
6:56 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
6:57 pm
I liked Dwane Casey. He’s the lead assistant on the Dallas Mavericks and had coached the T-Wolves.
F. Sinkwich
November 22nd, 2010
6:57 pm
WOW. A Hawks blog!!! Awesome!
Nothing more exciting than an NBA discussion in November, I say.
Well, December more maybe. No, wait, it’s exciting in January !!
February?
Nope, JULY !!!!!!!
Oh, that’s right, it never is.
Who made you do this, Mark? Have you no pride?
Jamaaliver
November 22nd, 2010
6:58 pm
@Hewitt Fan
Woodson was actually a solid regular season coach. But he showed he was unable/unwilling to make necessary adjustments during long playoff series.
Jamaaliver
November 22nd, 2010
6:59 pm
@F. Sinkwich
lmao. Nice!!! Well, we gotta do something to pass the time til Sunday…
Rajon Rondo / Rajon Rondo will not play on Monday night due to his hamstring injury with Nate Robinson getting the | Sporty Twits
November 22nd, 2010
7:00 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Welcome to Philips ArenaBoston Globe (blog)Rajon Rondo is not likely to play, although he is trying to give it a go now on his strained left hamstring. "I don't know (about playing). …Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks Free NBA Pic – Nov 22nd 2010OnlineSportsHandicapping.comLive from Philips: The Hawks try to beat one of the NBA's eliteAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)'The Association: Boston Celtics' to Debut Dec. 3 on ESPNNESN.comMaddux Sports (blog) -ESPN (blog) -bettor.com (blog)all 42 news articles » [...]
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:01 pm
Unless I’m going blind, Ted Turner is sitting at center court.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:07 pm
Folks, if you’ve ever had a hankering to see the Hawks play the Celtics in person … come on down. Plenty of good seats available.
F. Sinkwich
November 22nd, 2010
7:11 pm
“… come on down. Plenty of good seats available.”
SHOCKED !!!!!!
FIRE MIKE WOODSON
November 22nd, 2010
7:11 pm
FIRE MIKE WOODSON
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:12 pm
Free Tickets on Mark’s tab tonight.
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:12 pm
Enter your comments here
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:12 pm
Free tickets on Mark’s tab tonight
Rev in Tampa
November 22nd, 2010
7:13 pm
Mark,
No offense intended, but I am wondering if you are blogging in place of Michael Cunningham or will he have his typical gametime blog?
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:14 pm
MB is paying for 100 free tickets for the first 100 fans right MB?
Najeh Davenpoop
November 22nd, 2010
7:14 pm
The jury is still out on Drew. The verdict has been in on Woody a long time ago — he is a good motivator who is clueless when it comes to X’s and O’s and as a result will never get a team very far in the playoffs.
The fan in me hopes the Hawks break their losing streak against good teams, but my brain tells me that the Hawks are going to get murdered tonight.
5150 P.O.A.D.
November 22nd, 2010
7:14 pm
Sorry MARK I just can’t seem to find 1 penny of Interest in the NBA. Call back when the Hawks are in the Second round or when the NCAA league tournies start.
Hope you have a good night and enjoy.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 22nd, 2010
7:14 pm
The jury is still out on Drew. The verdict has been in on Woody a long time ago — he is a good motivator who is clueless when it comes to schemes, and as a result will never get a team very far in the playoffs.
The fan in me hopes the Hawks break their losing streak against good teams, but my brain tells me that the Hawks are going to get murdered tonight.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 22nd, 2010
7:15 pm
The jury is still out on Drew. The verdict has been in on Woody a long time ago — he is a good motivator who is clueless when it comes to schemes, and as a result will never get a team very far in the playoffs.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 22nd, 2010
7:15 pm
As for tonight’s game, the fan in me hopes the Hawks break their losing streak against good teams, but my brain tells me the Hawks are going to get killed.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 22nd, 2010
7:16 pm
As for tonight’s game, the fan in me hopes the Hawks break their losing streak against good teams, but my brain tells me the Hawks are going to get destroyed.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:16 pm
Celtics 8, Hawks 2.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 22nd, 2010
7:16 pm
Basically, Woody is like Dan Reeves. We just have to hope Drew is more like Mike Smith and less like Jim Mora.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:17 pm
Celtics 11-3
Najeh Davenpoop
November 22nd, 2010
7:17 pm
As for tonight’s game, I hope I’m wrong, but I think the Hawks get blown out.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:18 pm
Celtics 13, Hawks 3.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:18 pm
Let me note: The Celtics are missing two regulars — Rondo and Kendrick Perkins
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:18 pm
5150 P.O.A.D. How about when Tech stop losing to Kennesaw State
Najeh Davenpoop
November 22nd, 2010
7:19 pm
I only meant for that post to go through once, but the idiotic blog monster kept swallowing my post.
Ree Roe
November 22nd, 2010
7:19 pm
It should be “First home loss was on Thanksgiving, not road”. Another dismal start by the Hawks…
-REEtweet #Roe!!!
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:19 pm
Michael Cunningham is here, if that’s the question.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:19 pm
I should also note: The Celtics played a road game yesterday
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:20 pm
Mark
Have you started writing the game column yet??
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:21 pm
It’s 15-3.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 22nd, 2010
7:21 pm
The Hawks’ rebounding all year has just been atrocious, and against a team that starts KG and Shaq that is not a good sign.
J.J.M.
November 22nd, 2010
7:22 pm
you cant win without a real center
heartofdarkness
November 22nd, 2010
7:22 pm
One Hawk problem, Bibby ran a pick and pop with Josh, Boston’s entire team followed Bibby, Josh was alone at 18 feet or so, and Boston ignored him. So did Bibby.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:23 pm
Good sign: Someone other than Bibby has scored.
F. Sinkwich
November 22nd, 2010
7:23 pm
Let’s see….
DWTS is on tonight.
MNF anyone?
No, I think I’ll just fire up the family truckster and head down to the Arena, drive an hour, pay $10 for a parking spot, belly up to the ticket counter, drop a 100 bucks for two tix, pay $6.50 for each beer, have my ears bleed listening to over-amplified rap or whatever they call it, watch crap, then drive home on a Monday night.
Right.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:23 pm
Not so good sign: Shaquille O’Neal, who weighs more than my car, has six points and five rebounds.
heartofdarkness
November 22nd, 2010
7:24 pm
I think I hear Brunhilde singing in the upper deck.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:25 pm
Hawks have five points in six minutes and three seconds
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:25 pm
Trade Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams and Bibby for Carmelo and a center
Najeh Davenpoop
November 22nd, 2010
7:26 pm
“Not so good sign: Shaquille O’Neal, who weighs more than my car, has six points and five rebounds.”
A major problem with the Hawks is that they only have one guy who weighs more than your car, and that guy (Jason Collins) is mostly made of hamburger grease.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:28 pm
Mark, did i read the score correctly??
Sonny Clusters
November 22nd, 2010
7:28 pm
Deer spotted on North Avenue
By Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Paul Johnson had a little surprise for Georgia but the AJC has blown his cover.
Ree Roe
November 22nd, 2010
7:29 pm
Rehire Woody
-REE Roe!
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:29 pm
It’s 31-10
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:29 pm
if Ted is present i would assume that Jane is not.
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:29 pm
todd grantham, don’t “choke” on some doughnuts tonight
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:30 pm
I guess the me: Ted; you: Jane routine grew old.
Rev in Tampa
November 22nd, 2010
7:30 pm
Does the NBA have a mercy rule?
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:30 pm
The Hawks’ 10 points include three field goals — one each by Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby and Maurice Evans. Their four free throws: Two by Josh Smith, one each by Johnson and Bibby. It’s not good when I can remember every point
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:30 pm
todd grantham, hiw is that 3-4 defense working out?
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:31 pm
That’s not Jane. But he’s definitely accompanied by a female.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:31 pm
BBP, wait till Saturday night and make your judgement.
tom
November 22nd, 2010
7:31 pm
nate robinson just hit a three and is now flapping his arms like a bird.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:32 pm
Judy, perhaps? heh, heh
Sonny Clusters
November 22nd, 2010
7:32 pm
Ann Margret
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:33 pm
The famous Semih Erden scores for Boston
Sonny Clusters
November 22nd, 2010
7:33 pm
She’s 69 years old and has held up better than Stinky Wintes.
Chillin on Paradise Island
November 22nd, 2010
7:34 pm
Lol its OK Atlanta fans. We got the Falcons to cheer for.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:35 pm
dont know if you’re a fan Mark, but this will remind you the good old days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5YCQePkVfM
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:35 pm
Boston has trebled the score.
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:35 pm
Mutt Arrested on MLK Drive
By John Doe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Another mutt arrest for Richt, not surprising
J.J.M.
November 22nd, 2010
7:36 pm
sell the hawks and thrashers asap
jlewis
November 22nd, 2010
7:36 pm
Mark:
You and others wanted a more balanced offense, move it around, everyone touches, which is fine. However, Josh has the ball in his hands more than anyone, and I dont care what his numbers are, he makes bad and momentum killing decisions. Its no coincidence we are beating bad teams and losing to good ones, good teams are smarter, a Josh Smith weakness.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:37 pm
Boston leads by 26 points after 12 minutes. Whoa
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:37 pm
Playing the strangler tonight, perhaps.
‘The Association: Boston Celtics’ to Debut Dec. 3 on ESPN – NESN.com | Free NBA Videos
November 22nd, 2010
7:37 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
J.J.M.
November 22nd, 2010
7:37 pm
if im josh at this point I wish the trade rumors were true
Live from Philips: The Hawks try to beat one of the NBA’s elite – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Basketball Video Zone
November 22nd, 2010
7:38 pm
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November 22nd, 2010
7:38 pm
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Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:39 pm
I don’t know that I’ve witnessed a worse first quarter
Sonny Clusters
November 22nd, 2010
7:39 pm
Where are you seated? Court side?
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:39 pm
Mark
Take a break, it’s gonna be a long night
Dre
November 22nd, 2010
7:40 pm
You think Sund will make some moves after this game?
Blackberry Pie
November 22nd, 2010
7:40 pm
Mark
Take a break, it’s going to be a long night
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:40 pm
If you’re going to Athens sounds like there may not be time to see the good Mrs. Bradley in Kentucky for Thanksgiving.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:40 pm
Hawks have slashed the deficit to 22.
lottie-roddy
November 22nd, 2010
7:41 pm
…they peaked in ‘08
sad.
next.
Brandon from WR
November 22nd, 2010
7:41 pm
Boom!
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:41 pm
is the famous arthur treacher still with the hawks?
stizz
November 22nd, 2010
7:41 pm
This is pathetic. Thank God for management in the Braves and Falcons who actually want to win. When Marvin got taken out he was all smiles and handshakes like he did something productive. He and Nanak need to go ASAP so we can get a productive big man in here.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:42 pm
The Celtics have been lousy in second quarters, I should note.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:43 pm
Arthur Triche is the Hawks’ publicist. Arthur Treacher is the Hawks’ caterer.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:44 pm
If the Hawks have attempted to play defense, I’ve not noticed.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:44 pm
they better be pretty dang lousy for the Hustlin Hawks to draw near.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:44 pm
good one. and the Hawks are stinking up the place like dead fish.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:45 pm
Boston has 48 points in 15 minutes. That’s on pace for 154
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:45 pm
what the Hawks need is Brook Whitmire to cheer them on to victory.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:46 pm
kinda reminds you of Georgia’s defense, huh?
stizz
November 22nd, 2010
7:46 pm
I meant Jamal, this auto correct on my phone is ridiculous
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:47 pm
Speaking of defense: Celtics made 72 percent of their first-quarter shots
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:47 pm
although the Dogs should be able to take Tech sans Nesbitt.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:47 pm
The never-say-die Hawks have drawn within 21 points.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:48 pm
that’s totally offensive.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:48 pm
maybe try some treys?
J.J.M.
November 22nd, 2010
7:49 pm
lmao my friend text me and said some people walked out from the game
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:49 pm
This is going to tighten up.
Then again, it couldn’t get much worse
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:50 pm
sure sounds like the Hawks have taken a bunch of posessions off so far.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:50 pm
Hawks within 19!
Brandon from WR
November 22nd, 2010
7:51 pm
i would like to see big shot billups in a hawks uniform. mark, talk to mr. sund and make it happen.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:51 pm
thank goodness Phillips’s is close to Ruth’s Chris. but the steaks may seem well done with the way the Hawks have been smoked.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
7:52 pm
Hawks within 20.
J.J.M.
November 22nd, 2010
7:53 pm
sadly you cant fire the coach because its not his fault that the talent is not there
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:53 pm
the ghost of the famous Red Auerbach is haunting the arena tonight.
stizz
November 22nd, 2010
7:53 pm
Josh is high on talent and low on basketball IQ.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:54 pm
but alas, does anyone really care
Gravy Train
November 22nd, 2010
7:54 pm
We need to trade Bibby, Marvin and J Smith for a true big man. Millsap from Utah? How about a dinged up Yao? How about for Mello and Birdman?
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:55 pm
Hawks arent exactly winning friends and influencing people.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
7:56 pm
is that Steve Holman i hear retching on the radio?
J.J.M.
November 22nd, 2010
7:57 pm
hawks need a SUPER STAR not a all star…joe has clearly lost his game and is just enjoying his money untill then no playoffs and no filled up arena
IlliniDawg
November 22nd, 2010
7:59 pm
Bradley: perhaps no better time than to put forth once again my question(s) [It's really two things wrapped up into one]:
Remind me again why the hell this town has basketball and hockey teams? Because, besides providing a venue for transplants to cheer on their home side (Lakers, Bulls, Knicks, etc.; Flyers, Hawks, Devils, Bruins, etc.), I can’t come up with any viable business rationale for either of these teams.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:02 pm
Marvin Williams: Zero points, zero rebounds
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Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:03 pm
Marvin Williams: Two points, zero rebounds.
yodaddy
November 22nd, 2010
8:04 pm
I just don’t understand why the team comes out so flat…they have the best athletes they should be running around making it happen. Instead I see a bunch of slugs.
It’s time to shake this team up. Zaza, Powell, Marvin, Bibby, and Jamal Crawford should all be on the trading block…down by 24 at home is just unacceptable period and it’s the effort…jogging…no defense whatsoever, mindless turnovers, no defense…no defense….no defense
Blair Rasmussen
November 22nd, 2010
8:04 pm
Marvin Williams was awesome in HS..(the Tarheels signed him)
GT Alum
November 22nd, 2010
8:04 pm
Hrm, hope these are just difficulties adjusting to a new system that the Hawks are going to shake off. Looks like they’ve regressed to some extent. They have consistently taken care of lesser competition so far, but they haven’t been able to get over the hump against any team that’s really good.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:06 pm
Celtics by 22 at the break
IlliniDawg
November 22nd, 2010
8:06 pm
MB:
If a beat reporter types on a blog but no one is there to click on it or read it, does it still exist?
Bill Lambier was a bully
November 22nd, 2010
8:07 pm
true or false..??
IlliniDawg
November 22nd, 2010
8:07 pm
Just feeling kinda sorry for you. This is a terrible waste of AJC’s resources and your talent!
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:07 pm
Good question, IlliniDawg. Some beats are more heavily trafficked than others.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:08 pm
Don’t feel sorry for me. I like basketball.
Not that this necessarily constitutes basketball
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:08 pm
Mark, did you hear the one about Grandma Walton refusing a full body patdown at ATL?
All she could say to the TSA guy was “You’re not my John, boy” heh
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:09 pm
Great joke, Coach Todd.
OK, maybe not “great.” But I’m in the need for a laugh. Think I’ll crank up MoonPie’s “Son of a Preacher Man” on YouTube once again.
@ Illinidawg
November 22nd, 2010
8:09 pm
I was stationed at Chanute in 1987….
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:11 pm
And what do you offer a crowd (loose interpretation of the word) that has been entertained (looser interpretation) by that display of basketball (looser still)?
Yep. A command performance by the Atlanta Hawks drumline.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:11 pm
good, but not great. i needed a laugh too.
yodaddy
November 22nd, 2010
8:12 pm
forget the Luxury tax…we need to be in the luxury tax…Boston got 5 starters coming off the bench…we have Zaza….
I was fully behind this team and keeping things the same but this is simply not working…this team has too many holes it needs to fill.
Joe Johnson looks flat out terrible (Is he hurt???) he looks horrible…no energy whatsoever…shot off…no quickness…
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:12 pm
has Ted left the arena yet?
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:14 pm
I don’t believe Joe Johnson is hurt. Certainly he has taken enough shots.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:14 pm
last time Michael Vick was patted down all he could say is “why do you guys keep dogging me?”
IlliniDawg
November 22nd, 2010
8:14 pm
MB:
Been circulating that MoonPie video amongst my SEC friends up here [mostly Rebels and Volunteers and Tide - no War Damn Pidgeons or Gayturds are my friends!]. Absolutely the most hilarious thing posted on AJC sports in a long long time. Thanks!!!
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:15 pm
Think you’re reaching now, Coach G.
Billy Jack was a bad assss @ Todd
November 22nd, 2010
8:15 pm
Todd…it always bothered me that John Boy Walton was a sissy…..(and I hated the mom and grandma)…but I loved erin walton….John boy was a punk…yes..???
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:15 pm
John Boy Walton’s real-life parents were from Paintsville, Ky.
Billy Jack was a bad assss @ Todd
November 22nd, 2010
8:16 pm
stop it….put down the beer……
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:16 pm
ah, yes, i was in love with erin until i realized she was 50 years older than me.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:17 pm
Boston made only half its shots in the second quarter. Tenacious defense.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:17 pm
and you went to school with Tichard Thomas?
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:18 pm
Richard, pardon me
Atlanta Fawkers
November 22nd, 2010
8:18 pm
BRING BACK WOODY!!
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:18 pm
The Hawks snared 10 rebounds in the half. Ten, I say. Ten in 24 minutes. That’s one every 2 minutes and 20-some seconds.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:19 pm
No, I’m from Maysville, Ky. My parents were from Paintsville.
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November 22nd, 2010
8:20 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:20 pm
last time Wes Durham was patted down he said “damn man, you got some long arms.”
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:20 pm
…on the Ohio River…
Chillin on Paradise Island
November 22nd, 2010
8:21 pm
hahahahahahahahahaha. They need to stop airing that Hawks hype commercial on sports south because they call the hawks an elite team. I should sue them for false advertisement.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:21 pm
Let’s see what adjustments Coach Larry Drew has in store for us.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:21 pm
Maysville’s on the Ohio River. Paintsville’s in the Appalachians.
Jesse
November 22nd, 2010
8:22 pm
Horford is the only one who truly cares game in and game out. The others are content to take their money. The Owners should make the players give the fans their money back if they lose by 20 at home. People spend their hard earned money to come see the Hawks play, and if they play this bad they should get a refund. If your meal is that awful at a restaurant you send it back… and if it’s really bad they give it to you for free!
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:24 pm
I always liked The Waltons. Except when John-Boy left the show. and Grandpa died. and Grandma had a stroke. and Livy got tuberculosis. and Jim Bob got AIDS.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:25 pm
that’s what i meant
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:26 pm
Hawks down only 24.
IlliniDawg
November 22nd, 2010
8:27 pm
@Jesse:
And if the food never gets any better, YOU STOP GOING TO THE RESTAURANT! As long as gullible fans (or transplants supporting the visiting team) continue to buy tickets, there is no motivation for the cooks to serve up better food.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:27 pm
Love Charlie Brown Christmas and The Grinch, but The Homecoming is a must Christmas watch along with Its a Wonderful Life.
just saying
November 22nd, 2010
8:28 pm
The Hawks need another super star like Joe….what a pathetic joke of a super star and team.
No excuse for giving up 39 points. Lack of any effort. Just a joke.
Nique said they are “flat”. hahahahah. No they signed a above average player for super star money.
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:28 pm
to clarify, Jim Bob got AIDS from a transfusion during the war.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:28 pm
Folks booing. Unless they’re chanting, “Drewwwwww!”
J.J.M.
November 22nd, 2010
8:29 pm
quick question mr Bradley do you think the falcons can win out?
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:29 pm
As far as I can discern, halftime adjustments were to shoot more jumpers
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:30 pm
Celtics by 28. But that score misleads.
went cheap
November 22nd, 2010
8:31 pm
went cheap on the coach and gave all of the money to da ’supa sta’ who has been an average NBA player this season.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:31 pm
I don’t think the Falcs will win out. I think they’ll finish 12-4.
DHD
November 22nd, 2010
8:32 pm
Turned it off. MNF is coming on.
Al Groh
November 22nd, 2010
8:32 pm
Can someone show me where georgia techs practice fields are? I haven’t been able to find them all year.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:32 pm
I’m not thinking the Hawks will win out.
Whopper Dawg
November 22nd, 2010
8:32 pm
The good news is that this should not be unexpected. The bad news is that this is what you should expect for the next five years (Johnson contract, the mill stone gets heavier).
Hawks will have a first round exit out of the playoffs.
Smooth likes to watch
November 22nd, 2010
8:34 pm
I haven’t seen many players with the skill of Smooth just stand and watch the way he does.
J.J.M.
November 22nd, 2010
8:34 pm
I dont think the hawks will make the playoffs unless they use another excuse like “we still have to get use to the offense”
Joke Johnson
November 22nd, 2010
8:34 pm
i dont care
f u fans
gimme my $119 mil
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:35 pm
Boston 79, Atlanta 47.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:37 pm
Pretty awful when you hit a trey — to cut it to 29
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
8:37 pm
Mark, have you any idea on the YTD hits on the blog?
Chillin on Paradise Island
November 22nd, 2010
8:37 pm
If they have to, the Falcons are gonna win out. If they have everything clinched, then they might drop one or two games.
HawksHeckler
November 22nd, 2010
8:37 pm
Looks like Turkey is being served a couple days early at Phillips. That along with the watered down beer. Why not give Shaq what he wanted to come here??? I mean Collins Powell Thomas??? Come on mann…
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:37 pm
Yes I do, todd. And I’m very gratified by the patronage you all have displayed
Ted M
November 22nd, 2010
8:38 pm
What players look like they have quit the most?
Real Talk
November 22nd, 2010
8:38 pm
What a Shameful display of professional basketball by this joke of a team.I bet ASSG wish they had of snatch up The OLD MAN SHAQ right about now. Glad I didn’t invest any $ into this Franchise. I’m bout to switch the channel and finish watching NFL Monday Night Football as well as WWE Monday Night RAW
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:38 pm
Try naming one, Ted M. You’d be in the area
TruthSeeker
November 22nd, 2010
8:38 pm
This season has been way too predictable. Sund’s arrogant mentality that he didn’t have to do anything to improve the team over the offseason is coming home to roost. As a general rule in pro sports, there’s no static. If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. I see the Hawks being a .500 team this year and struggling to make the playoffs even in the awful East. We look terrible.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:39 pm
Hawks on a 7-0 run.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:39 pm
No more, I’m afraid
A prophet?
November 22nd, 2010
8:39 pm
Prophet: “Good teams don’t take possessions off.”
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:40 pm
Hawks down 31. Drew calls time
Real Talk
November 22nd, 2010
8:41 pm
All I got to say about Rick Snud is that Seattle/OKC didn’t get better until they got rid of his AZZ Nuff Said
pete babblecock
November 22nd, 2010
8:42 pm
heh, *I* could gm better than this
IlliniDawg
November 22nd, 2010
8:43 pm
MB:
Any chance that the dis-Spirit-ed Group might realize how much they screwed up and fire Drew before the situation gets much worse?
Texas Hawk
November 22nd, 2010
8:43 pm
Well, well well….. How does that team full of FORWARDS look to Sund and the Spirit Group tonight??? We are getting our heads beat in at home. I told you guys when they fired Woody to becareful of what your asking for……. Woody at least had these boys ready to play Boston at home for Gods sake!!!!!!!
stizz
November 22nd, 2010
8:44 pm
I will praise the day nate mcclouth and Marvin Williams leave this city. And shame on you Mark. Don’t you dare mention the Falcons on anything that has to do with the Hawks
Dan
November 22nd, 2010
8:44 pm
What is going on with this team?
Once "Recent" Reader
November 22nd, 2010
8:45 pm
Well first time on Hawks blog . . . as normally on Falcons. But sorry to say for fellow Falcons fans . …I’m a long time Celtics fan as I grew up in Mass. Was following on ESPN gamecast and it was looking ugly for Hawks.
Dan
November 22nd, 2010
8:46 pm
Marvin Williams has no business being a Hawk!!!!
Chips
November 22nd, 2010
8:47 pm
Mark you were here pumping the hawks a few weeks ago after their 5 or 6 win start and i said it was against crap opponents. This team is a joke and tonight shows that. But they sure strung your kool aid drinking self and several others along for a couple of weeks.
Nique's Revenge
November 22nd, 2010
8:47 pm
jon koncak doin anything? would be an improvement
Haha
November 22nd, 2010
8:47 pm
I told you several weeks ago this team was a joke. Keep paying Joe and the other losers. Morons
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:48 pm
Hawks down 85-56 after three quarters. But they’re a fourth-quarter team
Haha
November 22nd, 2010
8:49 pm
And they haven’t even played the heat yet. This is a .500 team by seasons end.
And you idiots, including you MB, drinking the kool aid after the first two weeks. Look at the opponents idiot!
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:49 pm
I wasn’t pumping the Hawks, Chips. Feel free to go back and look.
HawksHeckler
November 22nd, 2010
8:50 pm
Za Ha took down Baby. For what?? I like Crawford, but I cant get down with the number 55. Hawks may set a record tonight for fewest points. Josh is smelling his lip, some @#@#%$$ is about to pop off!!
TROTTINGHOME
November 22nd, 2010
8:50 pm
i THOUGHT it would be February before the free fall began… I was wrong …it already has.
Dan
November 22nd, 2010
8:52 pm
Mark, Do you sense any kind of pride on this team?
39-13
November 22nd, 2010
8:52 pm
That looks like a uga tech final and not one period of basketball. LOL
ant banks
November 22nd, 2010
8:52 pm
jordan crawford is a stud. 6 pts in 8minutes? keep playin’ him. hawks have come back to earth.
fools paid for this?
November 22nd, 2010
8:53 pm
Jokin Joe, Smooth and Starvin Marvin were sitting on the bench side by side. $180 million worth of crap on the bench. How in the hell could someone pay these guys that kind of money, with no championships, no appearance in the finals, no appearance in the divisional finals. And what fools would pay money to watch this?
Hard to believe these guys will make over $200K for showing up tonight. What a messed up society.
Texas Hawk
November 22nd, 2010
8:54 pm
WOW!! This is sicknening!!
Chillin on Paradise Island
November 22nd, 2010
8:54 pm
I cant believe i wasted 10 bucks on a ticket to a Hawks game this year. I could have watched a movie instead.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:55 pm
Tell me where I drank the Kool-aid. I was high on the Hawks last season, yes. But not this. Go back and check.
Nique's Revenge
November 22nd, 2010
8:55 pm
Hawks’ guide to the cham-peen-ship
1. get an all-star head coach (drew aint it)
2. get a superstar player (joke johnson aint one)
3. get a center. any decent center.
4. officially, publicly, sincerely apologize to Dominique for throwing him in the dumpster (clippers) back in ‘94, in the middle of our best season ever, when we had a legit shot for the championship
5. Blank buys the franchise
not necessarily in that order
all these things will help create a buzz in the city and make teams actually scared to play us, rather than ho hum time to pushover the hawks, a B-team. think about it. kobe want to play here? NO. lebron? NO. any superstar? NO. last superstar was Nique, who was slapped in the face. 16 years of crap, now can someone move us along to be a true contender?
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
8:55 pm
Hawks have slashed it to 27 points.
Texas Hawk
November 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
How the hell can we be playing so bad at home?? These are the goals we shoot on every day but these scrubbs shooting BAD!!!
Dan
November 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
Jordan Crawford is no stud, just look at how he plays, very hesitant, no real dribbling ability. Anyone can score in garbage time!!!!
Real Talk
November 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
I have been saying all along that this team, with the exception of AL Horford, is a joke, they play with NO HEART, PRIDE, or PASSION but you have people like BIG RAY who are fooled by them beating up on SCRUBS and barely winning against them. I blame ASSG once again for making DUMB decisions during the off seasons which led to the massacre you guys are watching unfold tonight.
fools paid for this?
November 22nd, 2010
8:59 pm
Jokin Joe, Smooth and Starvin Marvin were sitting on the bench side by side. $180 million worth of crap on the bench. How in the hell could someone pay these guys that kind of money, with no championships, no appearance in the finals, no appearance in the divisional finals. And what fools would pay money to watch this?
Hard to believe these guys will make over $200K for showing up tonight. What a messed up society. What is funny is these players would play for $400-500K per year. What else are they going to do, be medical doctors? If they win their division, then give them another $250K. Win the conference, another $500k. Win the title another $1million.
HawksHeckler
November 22nd, 2010
9:00 pm
Thats an Ugly azz suit Rondo has own. Za Ha can help him, he is a model right??
Willy
November 22nd, 2010
9:01 pm
Has the city of Atlanta ever had a good basketball coach? (GT included).
Tired of watching BAD Hawk TEAMS!!!!!
November 22nd, 2010
9:01 pm
I feel bad for Horford!! He just signed an to stay in ATL and get punished every game for the next 4 years!!! HAHAHAHAHA
JM
November 22nd, 2010
9:02 pm
I don’t know what the hell is wrong with this team. Glad its still football season! BOOO Hawks!
Dan
November 22nd, 2010
9:02 pm
I love Nique, but he is a lousy commentator
Nique's Revenge
November 22nd, 2010
9:03 pm
oh yeah 6. finally get rid of that ugly azz hawk logo, go back to the hawk in the circle and update it, something. mid-90s were awful for the hawks. lost Nique, got a horrible new logo, and bob rath-in-his-buns started calling the games. whyyyyy.
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November 22nd, 2010
9:04 pm
[...] Live from Philips: The Hawks try to beat somebody who's actually … [...]
Nique's Revenge
November 22nd, 2010
9:05 pm
Willy, yes, Cremens
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
9:05 pm
Boston has scored six points in the fourth quarter, which has 5:51 left. The lead has been trimmed by two points.
Dan
November 22nd, 2010
9:05 pm
Mark, how do you improve this team?
Nique's Revenge
November 22nd, 2010
9:05 pm
*Cremins
HawksHeckler
November 22nd, 2010
9:05 pm
Woody grew into a decent coach. Just stubborn as a Mule. He had the ballzz to stand up to Josh and keep a tight leash on these young rich folk. He got effort out of the SEVEN guys he played.
Said what?
November 22nd, 2010
9:05 pm
Dan
November 22nd, 2010
9:02 pm
I love Nique, but he is a lousy commentator
Have too laugh when Nique starts talking about playing defense….
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
9:06 pm
How do I improve this team?
More iso-Joe, maybe? More switching on defense?
todd grantham
November 22nd, 2010
9:06 pm
Mark, your salary should be based on blog hits. it would be in the millions, i’m sure
Dan
November 22nd, 2010
9:08 pm
Josh Smith, way to come out and play after the vote of confidence by the team.
Real Talk
November 22nd, 2010
9:09 pm
I have been saying all along that this Joke of a team with the exception of Al Horford has NO HEART, PRIDE, nor any PASSION about themselves. But you can’t put all of the blame on the players especially when the ASSG posses the same qualities.
Nite Owl
November 22nd, 2010
9:09 pm
Hi Mark. Long-time reader, very infrequent commenter. I appreciate your work very much.
I just stopped by to say that my unlimited optimism has finally found its limit. I have been a homer of all sports Atlanta (and the State of Georgia, for that matter) since I was eight years old, but I am done with this horrible collection of gutless idiots. I am beyond disgusted. My first “uh-oh” moment was the Bucks game, but I figured that was an anomaly.
I will be a sucker no longer. Unfortunately, the Hawks were the last bit of the NBA I could stand, so now I’ve written off an entire league.
So I’m off to follow the Falcons and the Thrashers (now that Dudley is in charge of personnel), two teams who have heart, guts, and brains. I’ll look forward to spring training with the Braves, March Madness, and the Stanley Cup playoffs.
But I will not waste another minute on the Hawks. Adios, muchachos.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
9:09 pm
I’m thinking the Celtics are going to hold off the Hawks.
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
9:09 pm
Salary? I’m supposed to have one of those?
IlliniDawg
November 22nd, 2010
9:14 pm
@Nite Owl:
Don’t understand your logic. Why give up on one crappy team with no quality leadership, overpaid talent, and no history of success (Hawks) to follow another crappy team with a lame front office, a deficit of talent, and an even bleaker history (Thrashers)?
Nique's Revenge
November 22nd, 2010
9:14 pm
yep. let’s not be duped any longer. Hawks are not elite, not even close, almost 2 DECADES without a superstar, tired, ugly philips arena in tired downtown, BOO. just watch the games vs. Lakers, Heat, etc. so you can cheer some superstars.
Al
November 22nd, 2010
9:17 pm
Why do people say Atlanta is a basketball town? Nobody really cares about the Hawks. Even tonight against an “elite” team they sold only 14,000 seats. Pretty pathetic. I am sure almost half are Boston fans.
matt
November 22nd, 2010
9:19 pm
Enter your comments here
HawksHeckler
November 22nd, 2010
9:19 pm
Huggy Bear was wearing a Celtic uniform tonight. I mean straight PIMP Slappeddd. POWWWWWW!
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
9:19 pm
Final score: Celts 99, Hawks 76.
matt
November 22nd, 2010
9:21 pm
Man, oh man does this team suck. Is it too late to bring back Woody?? Just a gutless performance tonight.
Tired of watching BAD Hawk TEAMS!!!!!
November 22nd, 2010
9:22 pm
Good Job Hawks!!! Way to lay down in the middle of the road so that big Boston truck could slide all over you to an easy win!!!!
Tired of watching BAD Hawk TEAMS!!!!!
November 22nd, 2010
9:22 pm
Scrubbs!!!!
skydawg
November 22nd, 2010
9:22 pm
Screw the Hawks and the ASG. You get what you pay for in an overpaid Joe Johnson and low ball salary, clueless rookie head coach.
Real Talk
November 22nd, 2010
9:23 pm
@ AL why would anyone with some sense would want to come out and support a team when their overpaid SELF PROCLAMED superstar ovenly stated “I could care less of FANS show up or not” Now, how are you going to bite the hand that feeds you?
TROTTINGHOME
November 22nd, 2010
9:29 pm
when does spring training begin?
Chips
November 22nd, 2010
9:33 pm
You said this after the 3rd win mark
Maybe these aren’t the Same Old Hawks after all
That’s kool aid talk if I’ve ever seen it
SteveW
November 22nd, 2010
9:37 pm
Some observations:
JJ has something wrong with him. He needs to take a couple of weeks off, and get it worked out, whatever it is.
Guys who said we didn’t need Shaq or Dampier were stupid, ’nuff said.
The toll of a tough training camp has messed us up big time in the regular season.
LD is on the verge of this team self destructing.
Yes, we are 8-6, but we have played one of the easiest schedules in the League. Our 2 PF’s (Horford and Josh) are playing great, but nobody else much – except Bibby.
Teague is in trouble. Jamal looks terrible. Josh Powell is not as good as Joe Smith (told ya’). Marvin has looked pathetic with a rare exception or 2. ZaZa has fallen off the face of the earth.
The Hawks stink. Wish they didn’t. We made need look at last year as a high water mark, unload everybody but Josh and Al and start over. I never thought I would say that. But it’s that bad, not just tonight.
Nique's Revenge
November 22nd, 2010
9:37 pm
also @ Al because ATL fans are tired of throwing good money after bad. hence $119 million joe
Boston blows out Atlanta right from the start – USA Today « CATALOGJUNCTION.INFO
November 22nd, 2010
9:38 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Live from Philips: The Hawks try to beat one of the NBA’s elite – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)
November 22nd, 2010
9:42 pm
[...] Read more: Live from Philips: The Hawks try to beat one of the NBA’s elite – Atlanta Journal Consti… [...]
yodaddy
November 22nd, 2010
9:42 pm
This team is so disappointing
Tim
November 22nd, 2010
9:44 pm
Hawks are perennial losers. They stink and their owners stink. This franchise is going nowhere. That’s unfortunate because this city would be better off with an expansion team or just no damn NBA team at all.
Real Talk
November 22nd, 2010
9:51 pm
The Atlanta Dream play with MORE HEART, MORE PASSION, AND MORE PRIDE. when do their season start? I just might buy SEASON TICKETS.
bgdawg
November 22nd, 2010
9:53 pm
tired of these lame losers i knew this was gonna happen when our biggest signing of the offseason was… wait for it… josh powell. thats the guy we added. while everyone was big on moves we had to be the team who said ” lets pay JJ 119 mil so he can be our star!” how’d that work out? avg 18 ppg has an avg at best 3 point shot, dribbles for 10 sec and throws up a shot. tired of these losers.
GO FALCONS!!!
Tim
November 22nd, 2010
9:58 pm
The Hawks suck something that rhymes with “box”.
STRETCH
November 22nd, 2010
9:59 pm
I love all my Georgia sports teams, and i will continue to support them, but i will say this much…IM SO HAPPY THEY ARE GETTING THEIR AZZESSS BEAT DOWN!!
So now the owners and management cant sell pipe dreams anymore. They have been smokin that good stuff and sellin it to anybody that would listen.
So now they and management will be exposed all this season. Maybe now they can dismantle what they can and get some HEART on this team!
When is that last time a team, ANY team in the NBA has wone a championship without a center? Can someone answer that question for me please?
Marvin (Super Duck)Williams, Jerk Teague and MILK Bibby with Josh(imma shooter) Smith and Joe (White shoes) Johnson and Lionel Drew (from the Jeffersons) as the coach???? WHAT A JOKE RICK SUND AND COMPANY!
RB
November 22nd, 2010
10:06 pm
Most everyone knew that signing Joe to a max contract was a grave error. Everyone except Hawks management! As a result they hired a coach on the cheap. This is going to be a bad team in a strong division for quite a while. I won’t be attending games this season and will watch few on tv.
Anthony
November 22nd, 2010
10:14 pm
You would think they would have some pride in being a professional but it aint happening. And they want fans to watch this? Cheap owners think us fans are blind and crazy. They wouldn’t pay the money to get a quality coach who the players might respect and play hard for. they need to sell the team to Arthur Blank who has a real passion for winning and will spend the money to do so. Our owners now are just a bunch of local country club wannabe owners who think they can play with the big boys. They’re happy telling everybody they own a team and can enjoy the perks. REAL fans know the difference. Get us somebody who knows what to do!!! Then you’ll see fans come out and support them. What ya;ll think? Am I right fans?
Russ's Revenge
November 22nd, 2010
10:19 pm
Current makeup of this team just ain’t got what it takes.
In other words, they’re a second-tier team that sux against the big-boys.
juice sourcer
November 22nd, 2010
10:20 pm
this team is a joke and we all knew it. they got killed by orlando and then paid JJ 120 frigging million. i will say again for the 100th time..JJ and the hawks have no heart…why should anyone care and pay 100’s to go see these losers play…can someone please answer this question?
juice sourcer
November 22nd, 2010
10:25 pm
why anyone would show up to see these guys play blows my mind…i went to one game…corporate deal against the bucks and the hawks got blown out…simply did not show up…this is seriously pathetic….its a joke that these guys are making millions and they dont give a crap…again why do the fans even show up? can someone please answer my question
Real
November 22nd, 2010
10:26 pm
@ anthony that’s what I’ve been saying all along.The Hawks Franchise has been making dumb decisions ever since trading Nique in the mid 90’s,drafting Pau Gasol and trading him to Memphis, and the dumbest one of them all passing over chris paul & deron williams.Somebody needs to sell this franchise to someone that wants to win Atlanta is too big of a Market for this
roger
November 22nd, 2010
10:26 pm
Are we in a 3 point shooting competition, no defense allowed, no rebounding allowed except for al, do the players have any rolls ? This sad we will never win with mr me josh smith . He can not shoot pass ,play defense, box out. He can dunk and leave his man to block a shot out of bounds . Please trade him and MARVIN And Teague for Carmello before it is to late!!!!!!!!!!!!
Russ's Revenge
November 22nd, 2010
10:30 pm
Horford is the only Hawk who gives a damn, or is worth a damn.. The rest are simply losers.
JJ is the biggest loser of all.
Eric C.
November 22nd, 2010
10:34 pm
46-36 this year with first round sweep at hands of Boston
king
November 22nd, 2010
10:47 pm
This is the problem with the Hawks. First of all you overpay Joe Johnson on this new contract. Are you telling me that you are willing to pay Joe Johnson more money than Lebron James? Big mistake. 2nd, they are not willing to resign Jamal Crawford. Jamal Crawford is a good player and I think they should cut Mike Bibby who is playing with one leg. Third, there is no size at all. I like Holford, but I think he is really a power forward than center? Josh Smith has no good post moves at all. All he is a slasher. Marvin Williams, he is pure garbage. He is overpaid and overweight. He needs to go to the bench. Then you have the NBA Governor Micheal Gearon. He does not have a clue how to run a NBA franchise at all. That is why he needs to speak to the Greatest owner of all time which is Dr. Buss who has 10 blings as a owner. More than any owner in team sports. Dr. Buss is the Owner of the 2 time defending world champs LA Lakers. He is willing to spend the money to win the bling. He has a great coach in Phil Jackson and great players on his team. My thing is that if you want to be the best you have to not only learn from the best, but beat the best. Boston is the best team in the east and the Hawks show me that they are garbage against the Boston. Hawks are soft and have no heart whatsoever. That is why the fans does not support the team and that is why the ownership will never ever win a bling cuz they dont have any heart either. It shows.
dashizz357
November 22nd, 2010
11:01 pm
Wow, it was all good a couple weeks ago! What did you guys expect…….. Woodson wasn’t as bad as you thought! It’s not the coaches, Phil jackson couldn’t coach this team, no leadership or all-star!!! Woodson sitting somewhere right now laughing, I am too!
Real
November 22nd, 2010
11:06 pm
@ King enough said I totally agree
Bangladesh
November 22nd, 2010
11:12 pm
Why the hell did Teague play only 10 min. Did he get injured?
Next Year....
November 22nd, 2010
11:24 pm
Sell this freaking team to somebody (Arthur Blank) that gives a damn!!!!!! JJ, Marvin, Teague, and possibly Crawford for Carmelo!!!! We all need to protest!!!! Put a big azz billboard in the middle of Downtown protesting that this trade be done immediately!!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2010
11:25 pm
Here’s the game column, if you’re inclined. It’s not complimentary, I should warn.
Peter
November 22nd, 2010
11:38 pm
Hey Mark……How is that Big man and point we have ? Good thing we have Marvin…..after that nice contract the numbers have gone down, and he looks like a ghost.
JJ what a big deal…add that to the Konkak deal and we have the movie Ground Hog Day !
OK so we have a bunch of soft players, and zero floor leadership…….please don’t tell me it is Big Money Joe ?
Stuart
November 22nd, 2010
11:52 pm
Blown out of the game…in the first quarter…
The Truth
November 23rd, 2010
12:31 am
Mike Woodson wasn’t as bad as you thought! It’s not the coaches, Phil Jackson couldn’t coach this team, no leadership or all-star!!! Mike Woodson sitting somewhere right now laughing,
Mike
November 23rd, 2010
1:19 am
Joe Johnson cashed it in after he signed his fat contract. The Atlanta Spirit Group can go EFF themselves. I’m officially no longer a Hawks fan. Too much inept management for me to follow my native Atlanta Hawks. And to think, they hired a guy who has NEVER BEEN A HEAD COACH AT ANY LEVEL! I’VE HAD ENOUGH.
ASG
November 23rd, 2010
1:27 am
If you can’t get 8 people to agree on toppings for a pizza how do you expect them to agree on how to run an NBA franchise ? – they are bickering and fighting over control and money – the ASG’s experiment, i.e. the Hawks (Thrashers and Philips) , is exactly that….an experiment – they want to see how far they can go on the cheap – Joe is a great player but even the Heat are suffering from a lack of size – we have no size !!!!!
"E"
November 23rd, 2010
2:44 am
I know these players are not called PROS R U kidding me! COME ON MAN!!!! What a joke as a basketball team and they want people to pay money to come out and this that SH*T! please I rather spend my money at a strip club at least the women would play harder. lol
diamondd
November 23rd, 2010
3:11 am
I wish the hawks only the best, but with this kind of performance I dont know if I want to follow them anymore… Lets go Falcons, at least theres one Atlanta team playing at a respectable level…
J.R.
November 23rd, 2010
3:11 am
It’s real simple. You paid Joe Johnson way too much money. You could’ve gave Jamal Crawford half that and got you a better quality center than the duds the Hawks picked up. Do you really think ZaZa is legitimate? He’s a starter in Europe but this is the NBA. Why does Marvin Williams start? He’s average at best and I can’t understand how he’s on the court as much as he is. He disappears and has to be the most overrated starter in the league. NO TRUE CENTER NO CHAMPIONSHIP!
diamondd
November 23rd, 2010
3:14 am
If we had already reached mid season I would let fatigue carry excuses. But we are still (unfortunately) at the beginning…. is their objective to lose? how can there be zero energy and zero urgency????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GADAWG2
November 23rd, 2010
3:24 am
TRADE JAMAL CRAWFORD, I THINK HE COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THE TEAM, SINCE HE HAS NOT GOT A CONTRACT EXTENSION. I QUESS IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY FOR THESE GUYS, TRADE ANYBODY ON THAT TEAM THAT IS NOT COMMITTED TO WINNING. I DON’T KNOW ABOUT DREW AS THE COACH, HE, TO ME, LACKS THE FIRE IN HIS COACHING, TO MAKE BELIEVERS OUT OF THESE PLAYERS. THE PLAYERS ACT TO ME THAT THEY COULD CARE LESS, ABOUT WINNING, JUST THERE TO DRAW A BIG CHECK. LACK THE PRIDE, IT IS GOING TO TAKE TO WIN.
diamondd
November 23rd, 2010
3:24 am
I know the comparision to the lakers is not very fitting, but even after sooo many championship titles they still find the motivation and energy to keep winning, year after year, night after night… That said, shouldnt the hunger for a championship be sooo much bigger for the hawks??!??!?!?!!?!??! What are they playing for if its not to win an NBA title??
The incompetent management and players is a perfect recipe for disaster
diamondd
November 23rd, 2010
3:38 am
hawks fan for so many years… this is beneath contempt
diamondd
November 23rd, 2010
3:39 am
I know the comparision to the lakers is not very fitting, but even after sooo many championship titles they still find the motivation and energy to keep winning, year after year, night after night… That said, shouldnt the hunger for a championship be so much bigger for the hawks??!??!?!?!! What are they playing for if its not to win an NBA title??
The incompetent management and players is a perfect recipe for disaster
diamondd
November 23rd, 2010
3:39 am
I know the comparision to the lakers is not very fitting, but even after sooo many championship titles they still find the motivation and energy to keep winning, year after year, night after night… That said, shouldnt the hunger for a championship be sooo much bigger for the hawks??!??!?!?!!?!??! What are they playing for if its not to win an NBA title??
The hawks management and players is a perfect recipe for disaster
Snowman
November 23rd, 2010
5:43 am
I can’t stop laughing (give me a second)…I really can’t!!!…You ALL should be ashamed of yourself especially that knucklehead Schultz (does he still work for the sports section?) and I have been a little surprised at you as well Mark (I thought you had come around on Woody and then took shots at him early in the season).
Mark, you said it right in your column, Woody was 11-2 at this point last year!!! The Hawks swept the Celtics last season and who could ever forget the 7 game series we had with the Celtics under coach Woodson 2 years ago!!! Look the fans, the writers, and apparently the owners wanted a change and Larry is who was hired to replace Woody, thus be careful what you ask for Atlanta fans because you just might get it (by the way, Woody is still available and lives in Atlanta, it might not be too late to go to his house and ask him to save the season before it is too late however bring an attractive offer with you and an apology, hell he has feelings too…smile).
The real truth is Atlanta had taken what Woody had done for granted for the last 5 or 6 years. Given the ownership, the absolute below average general managing (and I mean the bottom 2 or 3 GM’s in the league…the new Elgin Baylor or Wes Unseld of GM’s) that has gone on throughout Woodys tenure and the complete debacle of player acquisition from the draft to free agent signing (and I know for a fact, if Shaq was offered a 1 year, 5 Million deal, he would be the starting center for the Hawks this year!!!) it’s amazing what Woody had done. Hell, it had not been done previous and he owns the NBA record for improving the team record for 5 consecutive seasons!!!
In closing, the Hawks were 53-29 and finished third in the East ahead of Boston and swept them 4 times last season. In the playoffs, the other 3 teams in the east (Boston, Orlando and Cleveland) just had better personnel, period!!! I think we beat the Celtics in the playoffs however we had to play Orlando and Red Auerbach could not have coached the Hawks over the Magic (smile)!!! Go get coach Woodson before it is too late and Philly, Charlotte, Detroit or the Wizards have grabbed him up!!!
diamondd
November 23rd, 2010
5:47 am
hawks fan for so many years… THIS IS SAD
Jo
November 23rd, 2010
8:04 am
Hawjs are done, that is what is happpening here. They have not bought into the LD system for whatever reason.
KILJOY
November 23rd, 2010
10:34 am
No heart, no leaders = no playoff wins. Insanity = keeping the same group and expecting a different result = Billy Knight!
bbgenie
November 23rd, 2010
12:32 pm
Now we all know why the players were so so so so Happy when LD was named HC. They knew Lary wouldn’t put a Foot/Leg up their Ass when needed. They knew LD would not yell at them when they didn’t play Defense. If their is one thing Coach Woodson did well ” Focus on Stopping someone” Take Pride in Defending the Home court! Now we have a Heartless, I could give a _uck Defensive Mind Set bunch of High priced Punks. That’s why Shaq didn’t sign here. And the Hawks haven’t even taken a West Coast swing yet. WOW!!!!!! Re-Hire Woody!!!!!!
Peter
November 23rd, 2010
1:32 pm
Gee Mark doe we need a center yet in your imagination….How about a heart ?
Why is JJ worth more than say $12 million a year … He is a life time 17 points a game guy without any leadership qualities ?
How come he fades in the big games, like last night ?
Seems like after signing he could care less.
BOB
November 23rd, 2010
3:27 pm
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