Without Kirk Hinrich, the Hawks’ Round 2 chances take a hit
To the Hawks' chagrin, we might not see this matchup. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
UPDATED TO REFLECT KIRK HINRICH’S STATUS
Here’s where cold reality tends to descend. Two years running, the Hawks fought through Round 1, pronounced themselves full of confidence and vowed to make an even bigger statement in Round 2. Then they got swept.
Now they’re here again, and an even bigger chill has fallen: Kirk Hinrich, the man designated to defuse Chicago’s Derrick Rose, is listed as “doubtful” for the series with a bad hamstring. The only way for the Hawks ever to reach the Eastern Conference finals, a place they’ve never been, might be if the league grants them a bye.
Last spring the Hawks were swept so egregiously from Round 2 they fired Mike Woodson and promoted his assistant. That bit of personnel shuffling paid no dividends during a regular season that saw them slide from 53 victories to 44, but in Round 1 of these playoffs the new head coach found a way to do what his predecessor could not. Larry Drew beat Orlando, which had beaten the Hawks by an aggregate 101 points last spring.
The Hawks beat Orlando because they had better players — take away Dwight Howard, and the Magic would be the post-LeBron Cavaliers — and a sound defensive scheme. The Bulls don’t have one massive center, but they have Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer down low. Jason Collins will hold lesser value in Round 2.
Neither will the Hawks find the wing mismatches they exploited in Round 1. The Bulls’ shooting guard is Keith Bogans, who does more defending than shooting. He’ll make it harder on Joe Johnson and perhaps Jamal Crawford than the Magic did. Luol Deng is the small forward, and he’s the Bulls’ second-best player.
And then there’s Rose, the presumptive NBA most valuable player. The thought of him working against Jeff Teague, who didn’t log 10 minutes in the six games against Orlando, is terrifying.
At full strength, the Hawks are a fair match for the Bulls in size and skill. In terms of cohesion, the Hawks aren’t close. The Bulls went from 41-41 last season to 62-20 by committing themselves to new coach Tom Thibodeau’s vision. (Thibodeau made his reputation as Doc Rivers’ defensive coordinator in Boston.) Chicago ranked second among NBA teams in points yielded, first in defensive efficiency.
Loading ...Some might see the ouster of their nemesis as reason to call this Hawks’ season a success. Such a pronouncement would be premature. As nice as beating the Magic was, the Hawks had already proved they’re good enough to play beyond Round 1. The bigger issue — the reason Woodson was fired and Hinrich imported at great cost — has become Round 2. But now Round 2 seems, once again, a bridge too far.
The Hawks were counting on Hinrich to be their playoff stopper, and he fared well enough against Jameer Nelson. Without him, any expression of optimism is a flight of fancy. And that’s too bad. The Hawks were the No. 4 seed in 2009 and were swept by the 66-win Cavaliers, but three-fifths of the starting lineup was hurting. They were the No. 3 seed last year and were swept by the 59-win Magic. Now they’re in against the team with the NBA’s best record.
If there’s any sliver of hope, it’s that the Bulls are new to this. Chicago hasn’t been past Round 1 since 2007 and hasn’t won Round 2 since Michael Jordan took his sixth title, and these Bulls didn’t exactly overwhelm the sub-.500 Pacers to get here. But if there was one player the Hawks couldn’t afford to lose for this series, it’s the one they’ve lost.
I really liked the Hawks’ chances against Orlando because every matchup save one favored them. There were times in the Magic series when they functioned at a high level, but the Bulls have done that all season. The Bulls have achieved the mesh that has so far eluded the Hawks. But matchups and mesh won’t matter nearly as much as the results of two MRIs: The one done on Rose’s sprained ankle Monday turned out OK; the one performed Friday on Hinrich’s hamstring did not.
With Hinrich, the guess was that the Hawks would make a bit of noise before losing in six. Without him, they’ll do well to win once.
By Mark Bradley
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
143 comments Add your comment
NCBravesFan
April 29th, 2011
3:10 pm
First!
NCBravesFan
April 29th, 2011
3:15 pm
Mark: excellent analysis. The Hawks are playing with house money – no one is going to give them a chance in this series. Might as well play hard and leave it up to the Bulls live up to their headline billing.
If they can play smart anough and hard enough, this could be a good series.
Mark Bradley
April 29th, 2011
3:16 pm
Kudos, NCBraves.
BigTimeTECHFan
April 29th, 2011
3:17 pm
Hawks win in 6 if Hinrich 100%
Lose in 5 if not
Dr. Warren
April 29th, 2011
3:17 pm
Our best bet against Derrick Rose would be John Abraham.
BCC0224
April 29th, 2011
3:19 pm
2nd…? 3rd…? 10th…?
I think the Bulls win in five, though the Hawks could (bare with me here) take it to seven games, if they play with the same heart they did against the Celtics a few years ago. They played out of their minds in that series – there was no way ATL should’ve taking BOS to seven games, but they did, and scared the poo out of KG and the rest of the boys in green.
But if they don’t play w/ heart, go through the motions, and just go “oh well, we wasn’t supposed to win anyway…” it’ll be a repeat of what the Magic did last year. I honestly hope not.
Hewitt Fan
April 29th, 2011
3:21 pm
@Mark
Deng is garbage!They tried to trade him, but no one wanted his huge contract…i never seen a guy love Duke players more than you.lol..the Hawks can win if Drew continues to use a TRUE center at all times..Al is better than Boozer, Smith, if he plays, is better than Deng.Joe should eat Bogans alive.We clearly have more talent..the Bulls are a one man team.they struggled against a bad pacers team.They were built for the regular season, not the playoffs…They have no answer for Jamal…Hawks in 6..I think you would make a great Duke beat writer..
Mark Bradley
April 29th, 2011
3:21 pm
I think the Hawks could scare the Bulls. Just tough to see them winning four times.
J.J.M.
April 29th, 2011
3:22 pm
Hold up the bulls struggled with the pacers…arent the hawks better than the pacers?
Mark Bradley
April 29th, 2011
3:26 pm
Luol Deng has averaged 16.1 points for his career. Josh Smith has averaged 14.6.
Mark Bradley
April 29th, 2011
3:27 pm
The Hawks are better than the Pacers. But it’s not as if the Hawks blew out the Magic. And the Bulls are better than Orlando.
Time
April 29th, 2011
3:27 pm
Hawks in 6
You don’t worry about keeping Derrick Rose from scoring anymore than you did Dwight Howard. Let him go for 40 a night. Play good defense against the rest. And make some buckets and atleast try to post up Horford and Smith and work inside out.
Time
April 29th, 2011
3:28 pm
Hawks in 6
Dirk Norwinski
April 29th, 2011
3:29 pm
Was amazing seeing Barkley talk on Inside the NBA about the reasons the Hawks couldn’t compete – it was basically a list of energy, focus, and execution attributes. So sad to see how many bad habits seem permanent in this Hawks team. Hopefully they can rally defensively around shutting Rose down and making someone else beat them…
Hewitt Fan
April 29th, 2011
3:30 pm
@Mark
lol..so you would take Deng over smith?
Am
April 29th, 2011
3:33 pm
Com’on Mark. I hope you are not comparing scoring averages to argue a point. If so, please publish the entire stat line… Josh rebounds, blocks, and plays D better than Dang. 1.5 points per game doesn’t make Dang better at all! (Despite Josh’s poor decisions…maybe you should’ve pointed out turnovers
nola hawks fan
April 29th, 2011
3:35 pm
Mark – have you heard any word, rumor, inkling on how Kirk’s leg is doing? I cant find word one on the deal…
i think it all hangs on health of Hinrich. I was thinking about the matchups in this series as bullishly as you were in the Magic series. Hinrich (if ok) will give Rose fits. Al on Boozer, push. etc… Bogans shutting down JJ and/or Jamal? C’mon KY man… no way.
Hey at least we get to have the conversation right… good for ATL and ATL fans
Godfather
April 29th, 2011
3:39 pm
Nobody picked Hawks to beat Orlando, like nobody is picking them to beat the Bulls. These young Hawks obviously do not agree !! Go Hawks beat them all!
BullsFan23
April 29th, 2011
3:40 pm
I love how you have all predetermined that a healthy Kirk Hinrich means a series win for the Hawks. I have news for you, even if was 100% healthy Captain Kirk couldn’t slow down D Rose. With him injured….no chance whatsoever. Bulls in 5.
Mark Bradley
April 29th, 2011
3:42 pm
I picked the Hawks to beat the Magic.
Dr. Warren
April 29th, 2011
3:43 pm
Interesting match-up will be ex-teammates Horford and Noah.
Dr. Warren
April 29th, 2011
3:45 pm
I think Schultz picked the Hawks also. Which makes the AJC duo the only ones.
vdunkndunk
April 29th, 2011
3:49 pm
I think a lot depends on Hinrich’s health. He did a pretty decent job on Rose the first time they played after the Hinrich trade, and he provided a lot of shooting in the Orlando series. If Hinrich can’t go, I think it will really hurt the Hawks.
ncb34
April 29th, 2011
3:52 pm
i think that the pressure is on the bulls, the hawks have that “nothing to lose” attitude, if the hawks jump on them early, watch out. nobody wants to be the other team to lose to the hawks. something about this matchup i like? maybe i’m dumb.. but im not so sure this is already over.
Dirk Norwinski
April 29th, 2011
3:53 pm
If Hinrich can’t go, I think Hawks would be better off starting Teague. He could be the Jason Collins of Point Guards.
Hewitt Fan
April 29th, 2011
3:54 pm
@BullsFan23
sorry to tell you, but your Bulls are a one man team..we will not be defeated by a one man team..boozer, Deng?..come on..hawks in 6 maybe 5 if we play up to our potential..the bulls have the worst talent left out of anyone left in the playoffs!
J.J.M.
April 29th, 2011
3:55 pm
horford plays his best games against noah(wish we could get that every night) so we will have a agressive horford thats for sure
Yeah i want to hear you (Mark) defend Deng over JSmoove
April 29th, 2011
3:57 pm
too. The 1.5 pts per game stat is a pretty weak comparison.
Carlos Boozer / Boozer skipped Friday’s practice with the turf toe in his right | Sporty Twits
April 29th, 2011
3:59 pm
[...] area the Bulls are only 6-23, …NBA Odds: Chicago Bulls meet Atlanta HawksDonbest.comIn Round 2, the Hawks face a Chicago bear of an opponentAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Bulls will face Hawks in next round of playoffsChicago [...]
Antoine Carr
April 29th, 2011
3:59 pm
Mark: You imply Deng is better that JS because he has averages 1.5 points per game more. That is a little rediculous don’t you think. If points are all that matter why is Twin worth anything? Because there are plenty of things as important as points and you know it. I never really thought of it, but the guy that says you love Duke players no matter what might have a point. Mark I do like your blogs and generally agree with your views, but I had to throw that in.
Antoine Carr
April 29th, 2011
4:00 pm
where are my comments?
J.J.M.
April 29th, 2011
4:01 pm
It also doesnt help that there probably will be 50 percent hawks fans at phillips arena
vdunkndunk
April 29th, 2011
4:01 pm
Hinrich can’t shut Rose down, of course, but according to Nick Friedell on ESPN, Rose has said repeatedly that Hinrich guards him tougher than almost any other guard in the league because Hinrich knows Rose’s moves. Perhaps not coincidentally, the first time the Hawks and Bulls played after the Hinrich trade, Rose went 5-21 from the field and the Hawks won – not due solely to Hinrich, but still, if Hinrich is healthy it will give the Hawks a much better chance. If he can’t go or be effective, I’d say the Hawks are in trouble.
freshd
April 29th, 2011
4:02 pm
I think LD should play Teague for uptempo, and Wilkins to defend Rose in this series. The Pacers did a good job of sending double teams at Rose once he crossed halfcourt. If he gets in the lane he will kill you, so the Hawks should make him shoot jumpshots, and keep an eye out for the kickout to Korver for the three.
Antoine Dodson
April 29th, 2011
4:04 pm
You better hide ya kids, hide ya wife, and hide the Atlanta Hawks because Chicago is raping everybody out here
phoenix
April 29th, 2011
4:17 pm
Some of you must be kidding. Bulls a one man team. did anybody bother to watch that last game. As much as I love Hinrich, he does not stand a chance against Rose. Deng
Sorry Atlanta fans, the train stops in Chicago. No way can
guard Derrick, and I’ve always been a Hinrich fan. Deng is garbage???? You Bozo, I can’t wait till he slow down your best. I’m not going to bother to go toe to toe with all the players but leave I will leave it at this!!!! When Chicago turns on its defense you guys are toast. You have no idea. They will shut you down. You barely got by Orlando and they think defense is a woman’s deodorant.
h
Ossie
April 29th, 2011
4:19 pm
The Bulls could have easily lost 3 games to the lowly Pacers. I do think Chicago is a bit over-rated but definitely a better team than the Magic. If the Hawks have a chance in this best of seven series then we need 100& percent from every player on every possession and making the proper adjustments when needed. This will be fight ’till the end but i think our Hawks have more than the capability of beating Chicago. LETS DO THIS HAWKS!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 29th, 2011
4:19 pm
“if Kirk Hinrich isn’t at full gait — he was scheduled for an MRI Friday on the right hamstring he tweaked in Game 6 — the Hawks will have nobody to check the league’s presumptive MVP.”
Well, they do have somebody who can check Rose. He wears #0. The question is whether or not LD will play him.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
“Luol Deng has averaged 16.1 points for his career. Josh Smith has averaged 14.6.”
Pretty misleading stat there, since Smoove came into the league straight out of high school whereas Deng came into the league after a year of college ball. Smoove in his 2nd year averaged what Deng averaged as a rookie. Over the last four years their scoring averages are more or less identical.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
I agree with the series prediction though. Bulls in 6 sounds about right. Of course I also said Magic in 6, and we see how that ended up.
Hewitt Fan
April 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
@phoenix
Deng is a jump shot shooter, thats it…no D, No rebounds..the bulls are a good regular season team, they played hard every game, they were young and they have Rose, but this is the PLAYOFFS..if Drew starts collins or ZAZA we have a mismatch at 3 diffrent spots..hawks in 5 or 6
Ted M
April 29th, 2011
4:26 pm
Joe Johnson looks skinnier then he did 2 or 3 years ago. I wonder if thats why his production has fallen off.
the only way the Hawks win is if JJ averages 35/game.
GT Alum
April 29th, 2011
4:29 pm
Well, just winning a 2nd round game would be an improvement for these Hawks, so we’ll see what they can do.
MitchC
April 29th, 2011
4:30 pm
I’ve come to expect over the past two years that I’ve been on this blog, that Mark Bradley is usually wrong in his predictions. On this one, I think you’re right, but I dont agree about the number of games it will happen in.
I dont think the Hawks will get swept. I think there might be some interesting games, some of which will be won by less than 10 points, by the Bulls.
My call: Bulls in Five. Hawks will win one game at home, lose all three in Chicago, as well as one at home.
Cousin Vicker
April 29th, 2011
4:35 pm
Bulls will win Game Four to go up 3-1, and then it will be an slaughter in Game 5. So… Bulls in five, but the Hawks win a second round game!
hawkfan
April 29th, 2011
4:35 pm
Outside of DRose, I think the Hawks stil hold favorable (albeit slight) matchups vs. Bulls. Horford vs. Noah, Josh (if he plays smart) vs. Boozer, and Joe vs. Deng should favor the Hawks. But the key will be to keep Rose away from the paint. I expect pick-n-roll and fast break opportunities for the Bulls to be the biggest challeges, in which case Teague could become very valuable (if he is up to the task).
Although MB made a very valid point – Will the Hawks play as consistent and focused as the Bulls? With homecourt favoring Chicago, will the Hawks show toughness on the road?
teewest
April 29th, 2011
4:43 pm
Hey Markus ol Buddy ol Pal how bout a shout out for me there sport? Get my weekend started off right!! Come on Markeezy show some love!!!
Double Zero Eight
April 29th, 2011
4:45 pm
It will take a “perfect storm” for the Bulls to lose the
series to the Hawks. It is possible, but not probable.
Let’s hope the games are reasonably close and
entertaining.
jase
April 29th, 2011
4:46 pm
we need hinrich BAD. if not we gotta hope teague can step up to the plate. but it depends which jeff teague shows up. there is no middle ground with him. he is either full on or horrible. i still say hawks in 6.
MookieBlalock
April 29th, 2011
4:47 pm
It seems like the Hawks problems are obvious on offense. They slow everything down, lack movement and settle for iso-Joe and iso-Jamal. Everyone who watches the Hawks knows this. My question is why do they continue to fall into the same trap? When they penetrate, fast break or swing the ball quickly in the half court, they are successful. It drives me nuts that they don’t continue with what works.
ag
April 29th, 2011
4:50 pm
Funny how a lot of you think KH is the X factor for this series. Rose has gone ‘ham’ in two of the three games they played. The real X factor is Jeff Teague ( even if KH is not injured). WIll Woody-Lite play an 80% KH or a 100% JT. I think JT will have a good series.
Peter Vergot
April 29th, 2011
4:53 pm
The Hawks played great yesterday; however, to assume this type of play will continue against one of the NBA’s best defenses is probably wishful thinking. Never the less, the last two times the Bulls faced the Hawks, they appeared disoriented and played out of control. In both instances the Hawks were completely overwhelmed byt the Bulls. The match ups as most veteran NBA experts have stated clearly favor the Bulls…make it the Bulls in five.
hawkeye
April 29th, 2011
4:54 pm
If the Hawks don’t learn to take the ball to the hoop and not become a all out jump shooting team, I think they have a good shot. Boozer is hurting and so is Rose, so it should be interesting. I just hope that we don’t fall in love with the jumper, especially Jamaal and Josh. Have Joe post up and Josh post up and I think we can get the Bulls in foul trouble.
Ra'mon
April 29th, 2011
5:07 pm
Mark, I think the Hawks have a chance because, like the Hawks, Chicago are known for going 10 minutes without field goals against average teams that play defense. Aside from Rose, they have no consistent scoring option. Deng best play is the corner three or the elbow pull up jumper (ala Al). But those plays have to be set up by others.
I believe you let Rose get his points (remember Anfernee Hardaway scoring 45 points a lot in the 1st round), and don’t come to double. If you are able to stay on your man and box out, you’re always be in the game against Chicago. I would even consider playing man to man on Rose with Marvin Williams/Wilkins. Because Crawford can’t check Rose because of possible foul trouble. But Marvin can give Rose the jump shot and play off of him for the drive. If Rose beats you with jumpers, you weren’t going to win anyway.
BravesFan79
April 29th, 2011
5:17 pm
I said going into the the playoffs that the Bulls are a weak #1 seed. The REAL #1 seed is the Celtics!
If Atlanta plays SMART.. i think they can hang with anyone. Especially with my boy Crawford lighting it up! ; )
Poison
April 29th, 2011
5:36 pm
“Every Rose has it’s thorn”, and I”m afraid the Hawks are fixing to get stuck like a porcupine.
JW
April 29th, 2011
5:37 pm
The “first” thing started on the Perez Hilton sit…the site is like cheap TMZ if that is even possible. Teenage girls started it. If that’s not motivation to stop doing it, I have no idea what would
Mark Bradley
April 29th, 2011
5:44 pm
For the record: I never said Deng was better than Josh Smith. But someone made the assessment that Deng was “garbage,” and I noted the career scoring averages of players drafted in the same year.
@Hewit (and others)
April 29th, 2011
6:01 pm
First, I don’t really see Hinrich giving Rose “fits.” Coming from someone who is from Chicago and having watched Captain Kirk play, he will have a hard time against Rose. Hinrich is a lockdown defensive player against those that are slower than thank the likes of Rose, Westbrook or Rondo. But historically, he has had problems completely shutting down speedy, penetrating guards like Rose. Add to the fact that he is not 100%, it will be interesting to see how effective he is in shutting Rose down.
As for Boozer..he sucks at this point..plain and simple. Maybe he will get it together and we will see the 20-10 player we were supposed to get. But more interestingly is the thought that Gibson may get to start if Boozer is out with a “turf toe.” Taj may not be the greatest player in the NBA, but let’s not underestimate his defensive abilities. There was a stretch where he was just a wall blocking shot after shot when he started. And his rebounding abilities isn’t too shabby either. He will give Atlanta a hard time…more so than the Boozer that we have seen so far.
Deng..what can I say. He may not be as good as Josh Smith, but this is where you can say someone will give another player “fits,” He might not shut Smith down, but I’m sure he isn’t going to let Smith just own him. Deng can play some defense, even if it isn’t up to Smith’s level as you have thrown out.
Bogans vs Joe Johnson…..you do know your team plays a lot of isolation and takes a lot of jump shots (which, btw, was poor % wise against orlando). You do also know that it plays into the Bulls strength defensively. The Bulls take away the weakside movement and rotate to open players. They contest jump shots effectively. In fact, some pundits argue that the reason the Bulls won so many games was not because of Rose (which you keep pointing out is the whole team), but the Bulls defensive schemes. So I’m not sure where this idea that Bogans will have to do it all against Joe comes from, but it is fatally flawed if the Hawks think the same way when drawing up plans.
Joakim Noah will get owned? At least that is what I think I am reading. Listen, if you the opposing center is not Howard or Bynum, then Noah will not get owned…period. Do not underestimate Noah…he will wreak havok if you do. He is the player that does the dirty work to get the win…its akin to Rose being a duck floating pretty atop the pond while Noah is the leg fluttering wildly underneath to keep up…it’s not a fluke that he gets compared to as the poor man’s Rodman.
Anyways, I want this to be a good series, and I won’t be like everyone else and declare a winner..because I hate eating crow’s pie..so keep predicting…one of you from either side will have your words stuffed down your throat sooner or later. I’m just debating the fact that it will not be a walk in the park for the Hawks like you seem to believe
ag
April 29th, 2011
6:23 pm
For those on KH, in three games vs Bulls 5-16 fg 3-7 3pt 1-3 ft total 14 points or less than 5 ppg in 29 minutes. Rose went for 34 and 30 the last two meetings.
Teague 7-12 fg 4-5 3pt 4-4 ft 22points or 7 ppg in 29 minutes or less than 10 minutes per game.
KB
April 29th, 2011
6:36 pm
I love reading all this nonsense. If Hinrich plays. If Hinrich doesn’t play. Who is better than who. The Hawks were 6 freakin’ games over .500, and played a horrible Magic team. Nothing to be proud of getting past them. The fact is the Bulls should easily dispose of the Hawks in no more than 5 games. A sweep is more plausible. Time for Atlanta to focus on the Braves because basketball season ends in a week and a half for you. Go Bulls!
moorman
April 29th, 2011
7:07 pm
hawks still dont stop dribble penetration. since the nba dont allow you to beat up guards who penetrate in the playoffs anymore, rose gonna kill them. bulls in 5 games…..
Booo!
April 29th, 2011
7:28 pm
@Hewit (and others),
Youtube Jeff Teague. He is our only hope in this series’ period. The fans have wanted him to start the whole season, even after the trade for Kirk was made.
As far as Noah is concerned, Jason Collins also does dirty work so I think him leaning his big body all over noash and boxing him out will do the Hawks some good. Horford is always motivated to play against noah so that will be interesting.
I don’t have faith in our offense. My hopes rest soley on #0 showing up.
Hewitt Fan
April 29th, 2011
8:10 pm
@Boo(and the other guy)
JT should play, due to his quickness, but i think the key is Larry Drew..if he continues to go big, we have the clear advantage everywhere except pg and C, Noah is not really an offensive threat..ZaZa and Collins should be able to control him..Rose is their WHOLE team..I have no clue how we are going to try to contain him..I would double him and make those other guys beat us, which i seriously doubt they really can..Joe Max has to play like a superstar, Jamal will come up big..I stand by my prediction, after watching the Bulls and Pacers, I know the Hawks can beat the Bulls in 5 or 6 easily..They remind me of the CAVS of last year..A great regular season team, poor playoff team.
eddie long
April 29th, 2011
9:28 pm
deng fever ain’t no joke.
JoeyWin
April 29th, 2011
9:43 pm
Deng will make the all defensive team this year. To say he can’t play D is a joke! He will guard JoeMax and the Bulls will use The Def scheme that the Celtics us to give him fits. Hawks centers will not be able to keep the Bulls off the boards. They have size, but it is hard to box out your man when you leave your guy to help out DRose is driving to the bucket.
James on Pharr Rd
April 29th, 2011
10:09 pm
From the tone of posts, the entire fan base seems to have also strained a hamstring……. If the Hawks had been swept by Chi last year by an average of 25 points, what strategy would LD use come Monday? The answer to that question is how LD should coach this series.
Great Job (being very sarcastic)
April 29th, 2011
10:56 pm
It’s just a wonderful thing that the Hawks have been preparing for this situation by playing Teague and making sure that if they needed him during the playoffs he would be ready. Sort of like a George Hill or Gary Neal. Larry Drew and the Hawks will go out in 4 and never win a playoff series again. They mortgaged the future with by giving up Jordan Crawford who would have been a great replacement for Jamal (who will be leaving us after this series.) The ASG, Rick Sund and Larry Drew make me ill.
Reggie
April 30th, 2011
12:37 am
Im glad someone pointed out that Rose avg 32 points against us the last two times he saw us and was guarded by Kirk. The only person who can keep D. Rose in check is D.Rose, we have to keep the same type gameplan as Orlando…let Rose get his and contain Boozer and Deng (who killed Marvin this year). Stay big and start ZaZa to put pressure on Noah on the defensive end because Noah isn’t looking to score on set plays just rebounds and put backs.
JeJe
April 30th, 2011
1:06 am
“Mark, I think the Hawks have a chance because, like the Hawks, Chicago are known for going 10 minutes without field goals against average teams that play defense. Aside from Rose, they have no consistent scoring option.”
Excellent point
I wonder what the Teague situation is now
JeJe
April 30th, 2011
1:10 am
Even if Hinrich is out, it still beats not having Bibby. Teague >>>> Bibby defensively
Addition by subtraction
honest_abe
April 30th, 2011
1:12 am
mr. bradley: thoughts on the draft?
Sanity
April 30th, 2011
1:15 am
Can the Hawks win? Sure. Will they win? Probably not.
The Hawks need Jamal to continue hitting like he did against Orlando and for the Bulls to continue their poor Playoff shooting and for Boozer to extend his vacation from playing useful minutes to win the series. That is asking for a lot, but it is possible.
Bulls in 5.
Nunna!!
April 30th, 2011
1:31 am
I like hinrich but they never treat him like a true point..Smoove,Jamaal,JJ,and even Al get rebounds and either run the fast break themselves or pass the ball to Jamaal..And,for a starter he does not get hefty minutes at all..While u got JJ,Josh and other starters playing 40 plus minutes u get kirk with 25-20 if that!!
Therefore,with the exception of a couple of games when he was hitting his shots and 3 pointers,he was never a factor in games..
The game 6 job he did with da pressure on Dwight Howard,and the 1st game of the series and game 4 of the series he showed up in spurts.. he then went almost invisible..
This team is still not over bibby..
They don’t even give kirk the respect of being the floor general at all..
But to all the JT lovers,neither do they give him the respect due either..
LakeDawg
April 30th, 2011
1:40 am
Without Hinrich the Hawks are toast. Similar to the Magic series, where Collins could play Howard one-on-one and allow the other Hawks to shut everybody else down, Hinrich is the only Hawk who can play Rose one-on-one. Oh, Rose would still get his points, but Hinrich could slow him down enough where the Hawks could play straight up D. Now the only person who has a chance against Rose is JJ and if he has to guard Rose it takes away his offense and probably gets him in foul trouble. Another huge issue is Hinrich is the Hawks headiest player. He’s been the one to get the Hawks back into their offense when JJ and Jamal go a little crazy with the tricky dribbles and 3 pointers. Without Hinrich, this years Hawks are last years Hawks. I predict a sweep.
Justin
April 30th, 2011
5:29 am
Mark,
Why does the sight of Teague guarding D Rose terrify you? Because he’s top 10 in the NBA in steals per minute and by far the quickest player on our team? Because he scored 22 points in 19 minutes the last time he played Chicago? The only reason you can say that is because Larry Drew failed to give the man playing time and now the perception is that he’s a scrub. He’s not. He is inexperienced and the fact that Drew failed to develop him for a moment like this is by far his biggest indictment s a coach. But that is going to affect his offensive play more than his defense. I hate to say it, because I love Hinrich, but if this is the only way that Teague gets serious playing time in the series, the injury could be a blessing in disguise.
Justin
April 30th, 2011
5:37 am
Sorry, he slipped down to 18th by time the season ended. But still…
http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/steals/sort/avg48Steals/seasontype/2
Justin
April 30th, 2011
5:40 am
Oh, and Teague is 53rd in the NBA in blocks per minute. As a point guard. He’s 3rd on the Hawks in blocks per minute behind Josh and Al.
http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/blocks/sort/avg48Blocks/seasontype/2/count/41
So if being in the top 20 in steals and 53rd in blocks as a point guard is good defense, can someone please tell me what is?
Justin
April 30th, 2011
5:44 am
And Jeff Teague has a higher player efficiency rating than Jamal, Kirk and Marvin, and only Kirk had a better 3 point percentage than him on the team (not counting the bigs who took only a few 3 point shots all season).
Black lab
April 30th, 2011
6:21 am
What is latest on Kirk injurry?
RA
April 30th, 2011
6:26 am
Bradley, it’s always nice to have you at your usual cheerful self! It gives the universe a feel of constancy that it so often lacks. There is a sliver of hope, and he’s the man you’ve dismissed as an afterthought. Jeff Teague. Stop laughing and listen. If the thought of Teague on Rose scares you, the thought of Rose on Teague with an ankle that’s not 100% should at least give them pause. Teague is the fastest player on the roster. He’s shown an ability to close on defense and steal the ball. Then on those all too rare occaisions when he chooses to be agressive on offense, he’s shown an ability to be a force. Now, those are the positives mind you. On the negative side, he can be sloppy, he’s not been the playmaker that the hawks were expecting out of college, he’s show too much of a tendancy to defer on offense, giving up the ball instead of running the offence, and despite all of his talent, and he’s got a bloody lot of it, he seems to just fade into the backdrop when he’s out there. Also, he is at times a defensive liability when his quickness should make him an asset. All that having been said, he needs to be given the chance to prove himself. That heretofore has not happened. Jeff Teague has shown enough flashes to make me think that there could be a light there, but whethere it’ll shine in this series is anyone’s guess.
RA
April 30th, 2011
6:30 am
And for the record, the thought of anyone guarding D Rose at this point in his (probably hall of fame) career should be a little terrifying.
hawks fan
April 30th, 2011
6:55 am
MB, you didn’t exactly pick the Hawks to beat the Magic. You hedged your bet, like you always do. The Bulls barely beat the inept Pacers. They are playing like crap. we have as good a chance against them as anyone, especially if Hinrich plays.
cedric
April 30th, 2011
7:54 am
Teague has got to stay in front of Rose. We finally will get a chance to see Teague play consistent minutes. The series will ride on Teague.
Rufus1
April 30th, 2011
8:10 am
Deng=Marvin
If Deng played forn the Hawks he would average 10pts and 5rebs. He has the same game as Marvin, good at alot of thing but great at nothing. He is the Bulls 2nd scoring option, they run plays for him and he has a PG who gets him open shots.
Rufus1
April 30th, 2011
8:23 am
Bulls = Sixers(With Iverson)
The predict the Bulls will win because of energy and focus, but not SKILL…..Because the Hawks have better players even with Kirk not playing.
The Hawks played the Bulls for 2 halfs with playoff intensity(2nd half of game 1 and the 1st half of game 2), the Bulls have played all year with playoff intensity. The Pacers shocked the Bulls with their playoff intensity, what do you think will happen when a better, bigger and more skilled team brings their “A” game..
Hawks in 6
PS.. Teague is the best PG for Josh, AL, Marvin and ZaZa, but Kirk is better for Joe and Jamal.
TROTTINGHOME
April 30th, 2011
9:01 am
Bottom line…Bull’s play better team defense….Hawks are toast.
Hosemaze
April 30th, 2011
9:29 am
I think Teague will be a good defensive cover he’s fast then throw Marvin on Rose, a little of Joe and then the bigs foul him hard like we did Dwight, a point gaurd will stop the penetrating you beat him up enough ask MJ play the old skool Piston defense on him you beat him dwn 2 games it’ll take away his jump shot to. This is why i like Drew as coach he’ll make the adjustments run him to the big boys, Collins, ZaZa and Thomas; put him on the floor first two games he’ll get home calls but make him pay to score. Ask MJ and Nique how those big boys hitting you everytime you penetrate feels then we play them everyone else straight up like Orlando. HAWKS in 6 this strategy see you in Boston.
GT
April 30th, 2011
9:30 am
Orlando was a walk over. The team that beat Atlanta two years ago would have beaten them this year, this is the same uniform, not the same team.
The Orlando game was a three point shooting contest. If we are going to play like that we need to bring Mark Price back, maybe get the kid from BYU and two other choirboys. Take the money you save and pick up a free agent like Howard to be your center and don’t even have a coach, who needs one for backyard basketball or a game of horse.
Chi has a coach, has a point guard that runs an offense, and plays great defense. They will kill us with or without Kirk Hinrich. If Atlanta beats Chicago the state of NBA basketball is at a all time low.
Time
April 30th, 2011
9:33 am
Ok, no Hinrich hurts. But the more I think about it the more I think it hurts the offense more than defense. The Hawks need to go into this series with the same philosophy they used against Howard. Let Rose go for 30. Just lock down everyone else.
Still say Hawks in 6
john
April 30th, 2011
9:40 am
I’m looking forward to this series, mainly to see if the Hawks play with any heart. I’d love them to pull off a miracle, but not gonna happen. I am, however, curious…why do people constantly refer to Josh Smith as a good defensive player? I love the kid…but come on already. He’s a VERY GOOD HELP defender (there is a huge difference). One on one defender…he’s awful. Sorry, got off track for a moment…I think Teague will actually welcome this challenge. Rose is obviously too much for him…but he’s going to gain so much from this experience…on the big stage…his future will be even brighter than it would have been. And no, I’m not saying losing Hinrich is a good thing, but there could be some down-the-road positives for Teague with this situation.
Hosemaze
April 30th, 2011
9:43 am
Put him on floor hard establish yourself Hawks he is a three year player who can get 30 penetrating and geeting to free throw line foul line his game inside -out take his blows counter punch by fouling him hard i mean hard enough not to get 3 point play outta it ,nothing dirty but hard like u did (Dwight the Hawks future Center) you saw his reaction. We’re talkin point guard here, who is there muscle Boozer pleaze scorer only. BIG BOYZ do your thing again. known of that up and under ESPN highlights you boyz be the highlights for the world to see and if we do see LB he will know lay ups are a NO NO against the HAWKS. Hawks in 6
The Red Clay Hound
April 30th, 2011
10:01 am
This could get really ugly now. Joe and Josh are prone to giving up when adversity hits….and believe me…its going to hit. LD just does not seem to have what it takes to make those guys play for 48 minutes.
If the Hawks lose 4-0 It will be easier to accept if they play hard each game. Just dont give up.
chi-town
April 30th, 2011
10:04 am
u guys are funny no way kirk can stop d rose the bulls have played great ball all year and if u no basketball one person cant do it its team effort hell mj couldnt do back n the day so good luck to hawks bulls are better joe johnson wont show up for entire series he didnt do it last yr and not this yr he raped the hawks with salarie yr tweets remind me of the falcons go n to superbowl lol
john
April 30th, 2011
10:19 am
chi-town…I wouldn’t get too excited..Bulls aren’t going to the NBA Finals, just like Chicago didn’t go to the superbowl…Boston coming out of the east.
????????
April 30th, 2011
10:36 am
Does anybody make there own decisions instead of listening to the E.S.P.N guys. Hawks win in 6. Noah is really not that good,Kover is just like the magic hangs on the corner,Boozier cant rebound with the Hawks. Other than Derrick Rose nobody has quick feet.
Madison
April 30th, 2011
11:02 am
The Hawks have the personnel. The issue is in order of importance: 1) ability to get set up on defense; 2) offensive timing.
They could have blown Orlando away if they had not too often waited too long to take the shot. They were constantly rushing to get a shot off in the last seconds of the shot clock.
The matter of most concern is the way they played defense, especially in the last game near the end. How many unmolested layup/dunks in the last 6 minutes. There were times when it looked like they were spectators at a Dwight Howard dunk exhibition.
That said, if they are coachable – and I think they are, unfold the offense faster and DEFENSE. They have a chance – maybe even more of one than you think, Mark. But overall, good analysis. Hate to lost Hinrich.
Kelvin Frazier
April 30th, 2011
11:03 am
Mark, I agree with everything you said. Without Hinrich the Hawks have no one to contain Derrick Rose. I the best we can hope for is that it’s not as an embarrassing four game stumping as last year’s second round matchup.
2 FOR JOHN DREW
April 30th, 2011
11:15 am
There is no excuse for Teague still being green !!! During the course of an 82 game season there are many instances where ( if you have so much faith,as LD says, in his young PG ) you could’ve been coaching him during the game. If need be, sat him next to you & instruct him during the game, then maybe insert JT strategically here & there to make sure that he gets it. Now I know the coach is into the game, but if JT being challenged even if he’s not in the game even by an asst. coach, he would be further along. And you know injuries are always just a play from being reality so the back-up or future PG whole purpose for being on the roster & and getting paid is to be fully ready when it’s time. This is w/o question one of the head coach’s duties. To now be forced to play JT b/c of KH’s injury, and that’s the only reason he will be playing, I blame the 2 head coaches for this predicament.
Basketball Jones
April 30th, 2011
11:24 am
Free Jeff Teague!!!!!!
Eric
April 30th, 2011
11:31 am
No one is going to stop Rose anyway so losing Hinrich won’t make much of a difference. Crawford will get more time at the point, which means more scoring for the Hawks. I’m probably the only true fan in Atlanta anyways, Hawks in 6. The Bulls looked awful against a Pacers team that hadn’t been in the playoffs in like 10 years.
NagoyaHawks
April 30th, 2011
11:36 am
It’s good the Hawks are flying under the radar. Hinrich is great but let’s face it, he got burned by Rose. There’s only one guy that can keep up and that’s Teague. The true grit coaching question for LD is if he will start him. If he does, this series will depend on if Teague will step up his game. I really like the idea of just giving Rose his shots, playing Teague on him, much like Collins on Dwight. It gives us a shot. No way you can play Jamal on Rose. If the Hawks hustle, make shots, pass the ball, they will win in five. If they do two of these things each time it will go to 7 games. Of course if the Hawks show up as usual it will be a Bulls sweep in four. There is an X-factor though. One is experience. This is the 3rd Hawks dance in the 2nd round in three years. The other is confidence. The Hawks killed their nemesis in 6 games. The Bulls, they are prepping for the Hawks. I am looking closely for a let down by the Bulls. Anybody else?
Harpie
April 30th, 2011
12:11 pm
You people who act like we would have won with Hinrich, but will now lose if we don’t have him are HILARIOUS! The Hawks will lose no matter who plays, mainly because they have an idiot for a coach. I’d love to see Teague play awesomely, and then tell Larry Drew to kiss his butt.
john
April 30th, 2011
12:16 pm
If you’ve watched the Hawks for more than 10 minutes, you know the problems for the Hawks extend WAY beyond Larry Drew!!
Dan
April 30th, 2011
12:18 pm
The Hawks are now among the final 8 teams left standing in the playoffs and these so called fans are trashing them. Only in Atlanta!!!
Eric
April 30th, 2011
12:23 pm
Deja vu, these are the same comments that were made before the Hawks vs Magic series. Drew can’t coach, Joe’s not a star, get rid of everybody on the team, sell the team. Then maybe they should sell the team to a city who can respect a pretty good product.
john
April 30th, 2011
12:24 pm
Dan…the majority of us love the hawks are in the 2nd round. However, we’re also realistic. This is the round they have to get through…hell, at least win a game in the 2nd round. Until the do that, nothing is going to change. And it would be different if they gave everything they had, every game. We all know that doesn’t happen.
Harpie
April 30th, 2011
12:26 pm
john – the problems extend way beyond Larry Drew BECAUSE of Larry Drew. He’s the coach, the one who is supposed to make an intelligent game plan, guide the players, correct their mistakes, have the players prepared to play ( yeah, he’s done a great job of preparing Teague, huh? He’s let himmostly rot on the bench ). Drew has taken a team full of talent and sent them backwards. He should be coaching recreation ball, nothing higher…
Eric
April 30th, 2011
12:49 pm
I guess Larry Drew had no game plan for Orlando and Dwight Howard, he was totally clueless. Then after game 5 when the Hawks got blown-out he made no adjustments for game 6, what a bad coach. Playing Dwight Howard straight up was a horrible move by Drew, it only advanced them to the next round in 6 games, right Harpie??? Welcome to the home of the worst fans in America “Atlanta”.
BYRDDAWG
April 30th, 2011
12:50 pm
Without him they will sweep us!!!
Eric
April 30th, 2011
12:56 pm
When the Hawks made the trade to get Hinrich Atlanta fans said it was a bad move, now we can’t win without him. The Sports IQ in this town is embarrassing.
john
April 30th, 2011
1:01 pm
Harpie….how long have you been a Hawks fan? Not long if you really believe that. I thought Drew did a heck of a job planning against Orlando. Say what you want, but you have to give the man credit. I even praised JJ for coming up big in game 6…and trust me, it is NOT often I give JJ praise!
john
April 30th, 2011
1:05 pm
And I get tired of hearing people say JJ would play better or Josh would play better with an established coach hell bent on discipline…WHATEVER. Josh Smith, who I am a big fan of, will ALWAYS take those ill-advised shots, cry to the refs, give up on defense, and get T’s when things don’t go his way. Noone can stop that. Noone can stop JJ from always wanting to go iso from 40 feet. Now, in saying that, I don’t COMPLETELY blame JJ…he came to an Atlanta team with 13 wins and practically had to do everything on his own. Kinda hard to get away from that after so long. But I love these Hawks, like all my Atlanta teams…it’s ok to talk with passion, negative and/or positive, as long as you stick with them. But speak with intelligence and passion, not ignorance.
Harpie
April 30th, 2011
1:32 pm
They wouldn’t keep doing that dumb stuff if the coach didn’t let them get away with it; he’s the one who is in control of whether they stay in the game or not. A smart coach teaches them that if they don’t try to follow the game plan, they come out of the game. The coach is the one who puts a stop to the nonsense – don’t you get it?
Eric
April 30th, 2011
1:47 pm
It’s not your fault Harpie your just the typical Atlanta fan (clueless).
Harpie
April 30th, 2011
1:52 pm
Clueless about what, Eric?
Harpie
April 30th, 2011
1:55 pm
Eric, you think someone is clueless for thinking that the coach should prepare, and be in control of, his team?
Eric
April 30th, 2011
2:00 pm
Well Harpie the Hawks must be mighty good, because that unprepared out of control team just advanced to the semi-finals in 6.
Eric
April 30th, 2011
2:02 pm
I think your making my case for me Harpie, clueless!!!
Harpie
April 30th, 2011
2:09 pm
Yes, and they advanced in spite of having a crappy coach. I didn’t say they are talentless – but, they would be do much better if they had a coach who knows what he’s doing.
Eric
April 30th, 2011
2:16 pm
Drew’s in his first year as head coach, and I believe there is only one other first year coache still remaining in this years playoffs. Harpie, you gotta give the man more than a 1 year curve. For goodness sakes the season is still not over for the Hawks.
john
April 30th, 2011
2:16 pm
Harpie…you really believe it’s all the coach when things don’t go well for the team? You know, no matter how well or how bad you gameplan, in the end, the players have to execute it. But think about this…Drew did something VERY bold…he didn’t double team Howard, easily the most dominant center in the league. NO OTHER COACH would have been brass enough to try that. Plus it’s his first year as coach. Then again, not like you could do any better from your couch, with your cheap light beer, cheap cigarette, wishing life was better.
There is two ways to look at it
April 30th, 2011
2:17 pm
Enter your comments here
Double Zero Eight
April 30th, 2011
2:19 pm
i posted during the regualr season that LD would be
forced to play Teague during the playoffs. Looks like
I was right.
john
April 30th, 2011
2:20 pm
Harpie…I bet you think Josh Smith is a very good defensive player too, don’t you?
Mutumbo
April 30th, 2011
2:29 pm
`
……… Go Hawks ………..
JeJe
April 30th, 2011
2:55 pm
All we hear about is how much Horford loves playing Chicago. He and Joe really need to be on their games in this series. I want Joe relentlessly attacking whoever is guarding him.
Horford needs to not back down from their frontline. I will never forget that article about how much he loves playing CHI and then he choked miserably.
The only thing that impresses me about Chicago is Derrick Rose and their head coach. We have a better more athletic frontline, a far better shooting guard, and Jamal + ZaZa are better than their best bench players.
LD better have a good gameplan.
ag
April 30th, 2011
4:13 pm
The Hawks will win in 6 if JT averages 30 minutes per game
eastern_conf_finals
April 30th, 2011
4:45 pm
I called for the Hawks to win in 6 against Orlando. This one is no different Hawks in 6.
Facts are Facts
April 30th, 2011
4:59 pm
Well its time to find out if the hawks are any better with all the bone head moves (and no moves). Outside of JJ, Jamal and Josh, (Jx3) the Hawks wont do very much. Horford has become dead weight since he force josh out to the perimeter. I watch countless players run past him in the post on their way to easy baskets with no attempt at defense from Al.
Chicago in 5. The hawks are worse this year that before. Instead of the continued growth led by Mike Woodson,(schultz’s favorite coach LOL) the hawks have regressed tremendously. I hope the hawks make the necessary changes in the offseason. Like getting a legitimate starting center. Moving Josh back to the 4 where he belongs,(why would you want him on the perimeter @ the 3 any way?) Get a point guard who can break down defense. Then the Hawks can compete.
Time for a change.
mike
April 30th, 2011
5:01 pm
conspiracy theories. league would like to big market team with mvp player on the roster to move on against i do not why everybody hated Atlanta team. league liked magic to fail because commish been very upset with Stan famous dictatorship tirade. so on series with Orlando refereeing been relatively fair. expect a lot of bad calls against Atlanta with Chicago that means bulls in 5.
Ted
April 30th, 2011
5:34 pm
The Hawks didn’t have a ghost of a chance vs. the Bulls to begin with.
Ace
April 30th, 2011
5:48 pm
According to Atlanta fans, Hawks don’t have a chance against anybody.
Get a Life
April 30th, 2011
6:26 pm
Anyone that post “First” is Lame!
yodaddy
April 30th, 2011
7:15 pm
We will surprise a lot of people….just watch.
Don’t be surprised if the Hawks take Game 1 in Chicago.
We really don’t have anyone to be exclusive on Derrick Rose but that’s why this is a team game. Jeff Teague, Damien Wilkins (yall forgot about him huh???), Marvin Williams and Joe Johnson will give Derrick Rose all he wants on defense. With Horford and Josh there to block and alter shots and Collins to take charges or make him pull up.
We saw how the likes of Darren Collison and AJ Price were steady carving up the Bulls defense and Danny Granger averaged 22 ppg. The Pacers (who the Hawks dominated) were ahead in the 4th quarter of every game against the Bulls. Say what you want about the Hawks but they are just a better team then the Pacers.
Good thing for the Hawks….Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford are better players and scorers.
Carlos Boozer has turf toe (which is a horrible injury for a basketball player because of the amount of starting and stopping, jumping, running etc. not to mention Turf Toe hurts). If you think Kurt Thomas can keep up with Al or Josh you can forget it.
This is the playoffs and you need talent. Kyle Korver, CJ Watson, Ronnie Brewer, Keith Bogans??? Man please….Marvin, Zaza, Wilkins and JC1 are better than those guys
chi-town
April 30th, 2011
9:13 pm
joe johnson man please only place hes take n hawks is to the bank
Jeewash7
April 30th, 2011
11:36 pm
Hey ATL. Wait until 40% of your arena has Bulls fans in it for games 3 & 4. Chanting MVP! Your blind faith is funny. Hawks in 5. Hawks in 6. Bulls in 3. Atlanta forfeits 4th game.
Reggie
May 1st, 2011
5:12 am
Hey Jeewash7..maybe you should worry about what your fans in your own arena are chanting…like in your first 2 home games vs the number 8 seed when everyone was chanting “THIS CANT BE HAPPENING”…a couple of nice bail out calls by the refs by the way.
Bulls Fan
May 1st, 2011
12:10 pm
Hewitt Fan,
Did you really say that Deng can’t defend? He’s the best defender on the best defensive team in the league! He routinely gets assigned the other team’s best perimeter scorer. He’s probably going to make the All Defensive Team. Oh and btw this year he averaged 18.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He’s a terrific all around player.
Bulls Fan
May 1st, 2011
12:34 pm
And for all the people doing matchups here…it’s a team game. With the exception of one half where the Bulls were lolly-gagging, they have dominated the Hawks this year. The Hawks don’t have the size to throw at Rose the way the Pacers did. The last the two teams played each other the Bulls blew your team out.
John Blitzer
May 1st, 2011
10:52 pm
Solid info! I wonder if this’ll show up on CoachWatcher. CW is the place to go for all the coaching info, news, and rumors. http://www.CoachWatcher.com
Live from Game 1: Is Round 2 winna-Bull for the hurtin' Hawks? | Mark Bradley
May 2nd, 2011
6:17 pm
[...] Chicago – Not many folks gave the Hawks a chance against Orlando. I was among the minority. Even fewer observers are giving them a prayer against the Bulls, and I admit I’ve joined them. I was prepared to pick Chicago in six, but without Kirk Hinrich I’m not sure the Hawks take a game. [...]
moby dick
May 2nd, 2011
10:10 pm
Im from nc and I usually root agaisnt atl teams but I have always liked the hawks alittle bit but when they got kirk hinrich they became one of my fav teams there starting 5 and 6th man are great. Hinrich is so much better then bibby I hope the hawks beat the bulls there gonna have to play with alot of heart and I hope teague steps up and your right there isnt middle ground with him. I hope they can just slow drose down some how.