buckeye242424

People, as you're well aware, they play 82 games. Bad nights will happen. I agree that it was bad timing, and it sucked...but I'm reading that you're playoff enthusiasm diminished after one game is nuts!!! We haven't been there for almost a decade, and one bad loss makes the playoffs (which we can still make) less attractive??? I don't get it...that's crazy.

Granted The Hawks played terrible last night, I get it. It's what every single post today has been about. However, how many people on this board would be jumping through hoops if at the beginning of the year someone told us we could have a two game lead with four left to make the playoffs? Everyone would be excited. Why is everyone so negative? Last night sucked, we blew a chance...but we didn't blow the season. I'm excited, optimistic, and thrilled that we can still be in the playoffs. I've been a Hawks fan for 20 years, the last 10 have been excruciating. I honestly believe the most dedicated Hawks fans around are a part of the Squawk'....there shouldn't be so much negativity, not with what is in front of this team with only four games left.

Not a big deal, but Atlanta/Orlando is in HD tonight for those that don't get it every night. I have the LP, and I'm so spoiled with High Def, that when the Hawks finally get an HD game I can see...I'm happy. Enjoy!

Marvin and Shell Head were just on ESPN first take debating their two respecting universities doing battle tonight. Sure, the actual Hawks were never mentioned, strictly NC/Duke...but it was nice to see a couple of our boys in Hawks gear on National TV...that doesn't happen much.

I think this trade would make sense - Shelden Williams for JJ Redick. Orlando has openly expressed the need for another big man to complement Howard. Atlanta is one of the worst shooting teams in the league. Both players are unhappy, and not playing many minutes at all. Both teams would get help in areas of weakness. Thoughts?

How can Georgia get shafted out of playing for the National Championship when they didn't even win their own conference? They lost to two non-ranked teams! It's not OSU's fault that they had a weak schedule this year and took care of business while everyone else stubbed their toes. Actually, it's a perfect year to have some cupcakes and back into the title game....they played Texas non-conference the last two years, and have USC in 08 and 09. OSU's only loss this year is to the team going to the Rose Bowl. Not too shabby... The Big 10 maybe be down, but it's still a BCS conference, period. Oh, and I wouldn't say we go to bowls and get crushed. To my knowledge, Tressel and company are 1-1 in NC games....with another chance coming. He has a winning record in all of OSU's BCS games.

I agree. Boston is going to be a good measuring stick this early in the season. Especially since we beat two of the best at home...Boston is on the road.

We beat one of the best teams in the league with our stud shooting 3-17. Let's not worry about his shot. 82 games, people will have nights like he did. How about the 10 assists?

I can't wait for this game either. JJ at an 89 and Smoove at an 84 will make the overall team rating much better. We were a 64 last year, worst in the league. I doubt that will happen this year. Sweet....

Like I said, if a point guard knocking down three's is our most glaring need, draft a shooter. If that was the case, why did we sign Speedy? I'm sure when BK signed Speedy, it was because of his shooting abilities. Not so. We all have seen his shot. Speedy was SUPPOSED to bring leadership, ball control, the ability to run the break, and get others involved. Not knock down 4 three's a night.

My point is that the Hawks don't need a PG with a main focus on the "3". If that's the case, we should draft Lee Humphrey at 3. Career % from 3 point range. Law - 33% Critt - 35% Conley - 30% Not much of a difference. Considering Conley's ONLY weakness is shooting, this is pretty good. His game suits the Hawks perfectly.

I'm well aware that the 3pt line is further back. I don't anticipate Conley taking many 3's as a pro. He doesn't have the range. Moreover, the Hawks don't need a PG with 3 pt. range. We need many other things first.

Creating space will not be a problem for Conley. There will not be many, if any, PG's quicker than he is. He can get around anyone. If anything, his ability to create space and open up opportunities for his teammates is a strength. For sure, it's not a liability.

The Cavs will be the Bulls of the 90's. Mark my words, this will be the weakest Cavs team LeBron will play on as a member. And, they're in the finals. For the next 5-7 years, players will be flocking to play with him in hopes to get a title. A Dynasty has been born this year. I feel bad for every East team b/c the Cavs (as long as Bron is there) will be representing us in the finals in the immediate future.

Most people are 50/50 on drafting this kid #3, from what I have read. I agree that this is a very lofty pick for Conley, however considering our past, I will give my reasoning on why we can't pass him up. 1. His stock seems to be dropping because his lack of jumper past 15 feet. Ok, well, that has been his downside to his game since I've watched him (a little in HS, and every game at OSU). I'm not going to lie people, he's not a great shooter, from the 3 pt line. However, this is his ONLY weakness. Not to mention, when the game was on the line - crunch time, he doesn't miss. He's clutch, which is just as important. 2. Quickness and explosion. Nobody in this draft compares to the athletic ability he has (point guard wise). His speed is going to create so many opportunities for the athletic swing players to get easy dunks and points. People want the Hawks to run, there's no one better to be a catalyst on the running game than Conley. He's freakishly fast. 3. Passing. Check out the assist to turnover ratio. His ability to find the open man, and not turn the ball over is crucial and a definite need for this young team. 4. Did I mention atheltic? Check out his wingspan, and his 40 inch verticle leap. There's a reason why he was able to score, not being able to shoot past 15 feet. He hangs in the air, mastered the art of the floater. He can use both hands in mid-air (something I'm sure he worked with Oden on when he couldn't use his right hand). He can finish at the basket with lay-ups over people a foot taller because of his long arms and verticle leap. Size is not an issue. 5. Scoring - Do the Hawks need a scoring PG? I think not. Conley is good enough to get 10-12 points a game by penetration and fast breaks. We don't need someone to light it up every night. We need someone to lead the team, take care of the ball, lead our breaks, and play solid defense. Conley fits that bill EXACTLY. As a matter of fact, he's better than perfect for the Hawks. It's a perfect fit. 6. 19. Not that we need another young project....but he's not a forward. He's a point guard. A point guard that has won his whole life, and is a leader still being a teen. OSU was 35-4 for a reason, and it all wasn't Mr. Oden. Which brings me to my final point on why the Hawks would be STUPID to pass on Mike Conley. 7. NEED - The most obvious reason. The Hawks need a young, talented point guard. Duh. We've been screwed over in the draft, well documented, by passing on francise point guards in the past. We've been called a laughing stock for passing on Paul and Willaims, etc. Well, here's another francise type player staring us right in the face. #3, #7, #205...I don't care. Take him when we an get him. He's there, it's a need, nuff said. 8. One more. We still have an 11 pick. It's not like our whole draft is based on one player. We're still going to get a great player at 11. Take Conley and move on with a smile. PG for the next 10 years, and he's damn good!!

Good. Send one of the few stars in the east out west. This only weakens the Pacers in the near future which increases the Hawks chances of the playoffs next year. Good riddance.

Very good points "Smoove". I agree with the fact that the Hawks need to win next year and make a serious push for the play-offs. This young talent won't be here forever, and unless we show significant strides, they will jump ship. That, and we don't have a first round pick next year, it's obvious. We need Conley and a big. Not another project.

Honestly, comparing the Hawks to the Spurs is kind of amusing, unless you're comparing a top three francise in the league to a bottom three francise in the NBA. You can't really do it. We're on the completely other end of the spectrum compared to San Antonio.

That's right, we don't have to make up any reasons...it's staring us right in the face. We all have watched francise type PG's fly right by us the past few years. We're already considering a laughing stock for the past decisions we've made in the drafts. Here we are AGAIN in the position to draft another francise type PG for the next ten years. We should feel lucky to have this opportunity, again. Take Conley at 3 and move on. No questions asked, this shouldn't even be debated considering our past!! This is a no brainer. Plain and simple.

I wouldn't argue with that. However, if we draft him, I'll shoot myself. We already have 26 other Corey Brewers.

I'm biased, of course...but Mike Conley Jr. is going to look and play great in a Hawks uni. I can't wait to see a player from my favorite college team go to my favorite pro team...don't you love when that happens??!!??

I watched Mike Conley Jr. play every single game of his college career, and most will disagree with this, but he was more important to the Bucks than Oden was. He is an excellent floor leader, extremely explosive, and quickness that can't be described. Defensively, he was up the near the top in the Big 10 in steals and has great hands. Now the downside. His shooting was inconsistent, as everyone knows. However, with the game on the line, his shots always seemed to fall. He is clutch. Also, his size can be in question, but his quickeness makes up for it. Taking him at three may be a stretch, but in my opinion (with the way we've been bitten in the ass passing up PG's before) we should take him and be happy about it. Our team would be in great hands the next ten years. He will be an excellent player, and leader.

Nope. Conley at #3. Don't make the mistake again. No brainer.

God! Can the bitching continue?! We're LUCKY to have a pick in the top 10, and people are still complaining?? Unreal. We were LUCKY to have the 3 and 11...Give me a break. Be Happy. Phoenix owned us, and we slipped away, only with a top three pick!!!

I agree totally! Of course I'm biased, but he is the real deal. He needs to improve his jumper, but he's the best available PG.