I had a chance to visit this wreck of a place called Memphis lately. They have a pro basketball team there that has struggled to get more press than their college basketball team. In fact, if their pro basketball team had their college basketball team's following, they would be bigger than the Lakers. However, while there, I noticed all the changes that that franchise had made. I give them a thumbs up for getting Mayo. He may be special. I give them a thumbs up for making Gay the top dog. I even give them a thumbs up for going after Gasol.. After they traded the last Gasol, I gave them no chance.

However, in looking at that franchise I can easily say that they are better. So then I started thinking about our great team the Atlanta Hawks!!! Yes, we've had our playoff drought, but that was laid to rest last season. Yes, we've been the media punching bag, but that was laid to rest last season. Yes, we've been searching for an identity.... er.. . well, we're the team that took Boston to 7 games in the first round. So I guess that means that we are the Rocky of the league... and last year, was Rocky 1. If you remember, in Rocky 1, Rocky was a meat packer and a hack of a fighter who one day was given a chance to face the champ. At the beginning, Rocky the hack was a joke to the champ, but somewhere in the fight, the champ starts to realize that this hack came to fight. Well, yada, yada, yada, Kaboom, Kapow and Rocky loses to the champ on a decision. In the process, he gained the respect of the champ and the world. Well, that was the Hawks last year. So that makes this year the sequel. The question that I have for all Hawks fans is this... Are we better than before? Are we going to be able to stand toe to toe with the champ again but this time will our hands be raised in victory? Or are we worse off than we were? I watched the US play China this morning. I said to myself if that Wade and that James shows up in the East, then the Hawks are in trouble. In fact, there are a lot of eastern teams that have gotten better while we have just sat still. Are we better than before?

Let's see, we bungled the Childress negotiations and ended up losing him. We pick up Evans, Hunter, and some no name guy to replace Childress, Stoudamire, and Richardson. Speedy has made his yearly appearance and it looks like he's going back to his spot on the IL to cash his check. Oh yeah... Wood is back! What is it that is different?

1. Never fear, Bibby is here!!

I really want to see what Bibby can bring. I mean he has the experience. He's a run and gun PG. He can definitely help JJ fill up the stat sheet for 3PA. But the question is can he run this offense? We have guys on this team who can not create for themselves! Guys who make bad decisions when the ball is in their hands. Guys who hog the ball and run the one man isolation because of the coaches Offensive design. Will Bibby be a floor general or will he be another guy with his hand out looking to chuck the shot? I think the pressure for ASG to recoup some of it's 15 Million dollars will play a great role in weather we keep Bibby or not during the season.

2. The Maturation of Horford and Acie!!!

No true Hawks fan can be upset with the season that Horf put in. I mean he averaged about a double double without ever hitting the wall. He also brought something to the team that this team really needed: A winner's attitude. In the past, we brought in lottery picks who were proven winners... but then again, you're talking about a bench rider & coattail rider, a one trick pony, and a guy who was his team but was never given a chance to lead on this level. But Horf came in and really... he felt like a leader. With the lack of identity, I think he helped to inspire. Even so much so that he did his own coaching in the playoffs by requesting an inspirational film be made for his team! What's there to say about Acie. He was also a guy who is acquainted with leadership and hard work. At no time did I see Acie on the court acting like a rookie. Mentally, I think he has it. The question is: Does Horf have that next level when it comes to court play? Will he get better or was this the best that we could hope for? Will Acie step up and take over this team or will he fall in the background as a guy who just never made the transition?


3. Smoove!!!

The one thing you hate about the NBA is contract years. During the contract years of most players, they bring a little something extra. Then after the new contract is signed, back to that old familiar place. That's what is said about Smoove. It is said that he may go back to that familiar place. It is said that he's not like Brand and have proven himself over and over again. However, the question in my mind is What is that old familiar place with Smoove? Let's admit it, the holes in his game are huge. He doesn't shoot well from outside. He doesn't defend either position that well one on one... and there's question about what Forward does he really play? A new contract does not mean a new player. However, the question that we have is will Smoove become better this season. He's still so very young, but does he listen? Can woody coach him and does he want to be better than he is on his own?

4. Marvin's maturity!


Marvin has been working on his three ball! He said it wasn't by scheme, it was just that he didn't shoot many. Marvin let me help you... you shot 10 and you only hit 1. Marvin then referenced that he used to shot them in his first year. Marvin, at best, you were a 24% three point shooter. Well, wait a minute, Marvin also gained weight. He's now 245. with 7% body fat. I can believe he gained weight. That happens to me everytime I'm laid up watching the cartoon network without working out too. That happens to me when I'm chilling in Switzerland eating bun buns and chocolate filled trees too. I don't know where Marvin really stands or what he has done. The proof will be in how he plays. I know that this is his contract year so maybe he'll pull a tim thomas and try to impress the home crowd.


All in all, who knows if we've improved. I think Losing CHillz hurt us. I think Sund has tried to manipulate the fans by a quick signing of his free agent. That makes up for the 6 weeks of butt scratching. Moreover, I guess now we're supposed to think that because we're quick to pay Smoove more, he will automatically become superman. Who knows, it worked for JJ. Maybe it will work for Smoove too.

I do know this... after Rocky I, Rocky didn't give up on himself, but he became more resolute that he could be special in boxing. So he put that woman to the side, he began training right, and he dedicated himself to winning a championship. The question is what are the Hawks doing?