TheTruth

Dude, Salim is not a rookie! Nor is he a PG. Just stop, now.

Acie struggles in large part because Woodson is our coach. He has transformed Acie from a dictator who will take over a game and stick a daggerin your heart, to someone who is scared to shoot and scared to make a mistake. Woodson has NEVER done a good job at developing players while here...Acie is a victim, in large part, of this. He never got consistent minutes for any extended period of time and Woodson NEVER hesitated to pull him after one mistake. That will shake anyone's confidence. As I have said, shed Woodson and bring in a real coach, who will teach Acie the ways and let him do what he did best in college (shoot, kinda like Bibby), and will take the time to develop him and not yank him after one mistake, then he will be fine. Maybe not All Star material, but good nonetheless.

Oh Lord...

Our bench is pretty pathetic. However, it also sucks that Woodson has done little to use the bench earlier on the season. Now that he needs them... But yeah, our bench still isnt very good.

Sigh. Our bench does indeed suck tho. We gotta find a way to infuse it with more offense and defensive talent. It's ridiculous.

With a new coach and a year of playing (but mostly spectating), he will be much improved next year.

Fact is, the easy answer to this is "Becasue it's Woodson" Both JJ and probably Bibby will play 35 or so mins tonight. Watch. While Richardson, Solo, and West barely play.

Quote: Quote: Mostly ease of schedule. This is my feeling but who cares? I just want the wins right now, baby! True, but it's an indicator of how our team is really doing. I think it is more ease of schedule. Why? Because we can't kill the teams we should be blowing out. Our offense looks hella better with Bibby here. Now, if only we could get our defense to show up every game.

Hmm, I thought the same thing we they acquired the Bostom 3 Party. Apparently, everyone has, by and large, managed to stay healthy. Now, their bench is pretty decent too. Ug...damn Celtics.

Depends on who the new coach will be... How are we acquiring the other guys you mentioned? And do re realistically have the money to resign ALL of Chills, Smoove and Elson? Seems like a stretch. I'd rather go after a tough Defensive minded Center (like Diop) than an Elson because Anderson is all offense no defense. That will allow Horford to split time at Center and PF.

Some really good replies to this topic. I created it with the vision of getting everyone to understand just how important this offseason is going to be for the Hawks. As for my own opinion? I have really come around to the fact that we need Smith here. He has not had a good coach to coach him up. A Larry Brown would be better able to do that, but as long as Woodson is here I sincerely doubt it. All we need is a quality DEFENSIVE-ORIENTED Center (because we dont defend the paint well at all) to backup Horford and play 15-20 mins a game. This will allow Horf to get about half his minutes at C and the other half at PF--which is ideal for now. That is what I would do. I know that David Anderson guy is supposed to be coming over next year as a Center, but he is a relative softie from the reports I read. He's all about offense and little defense (kinda like Okur). So it will be interesting to see what happens.

Yes I know about the salaries. It was just for comparison's sake. And yes, I too believe he can play Center. However, my post was just an argument for both sides as a "What Would You Do?" sort of thing.

Ok, this is going to be kind of long... Some have begun to note Josh Smith's wild inconsistency ever since the All-Star break. Before I proceed, I will say that I love Josh Smith to death, but his future with the Atlanta Hawks, to the chagrin of many, is very much uncertain. Josh Smith is a game-changer. When he is playing within himself, he blocks shots, scores efficiently, plays around the basket, and rebounds well. He also defends the paint at a good clip. However, he can be turnover-prone, select terrible shots, let's his man blow by him so he can go for the block, man the perimeter too much, and sometimes doesn't seem to have his head in the game. By all accounts, he is a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. For all of that, we have a 6'9 PF who averages 17.1 pts, 8.2 rbs, 3.4 assists, 2.9 blocks, and 1.5 steals a game for a kid who is only 22! He is the very definition of a "do it all" type player. I guess you wouldn't know that he is shooting a much improved 45.2% on the year. He also allows less points when he is on the floor compared to when he is not. As good as that is, he is doing it all with a nonexistant head coach who does not know how to maximally utilize his players. Josh Smith is as good as he is, in large part, because he works his ass off with HOFers like Olajuwon and others during the offseason. The kid clearly wants to better his game. However, with his gifts, comes those gag presents you return after Christmas every year. It appears as though he doesnt listen to Woodson very much (altho Woodson doesnt really command respect from many), he continues to shoot those long jumpers, can be wild on the court with his play, does not play good man defense, and can go from 20 pts, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 TOs, on 8-14 shooting one night, to 10 pts, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, 4 TOs, on 2-10 shooting the next. This brings me to another issue: Josh Smith will be a restricted free agent in the offseason. Fact. He WILL be paid near max money--the only question is "By Whom?" Do you know the biggest reason why Smith might be let go this offseason? Think...Money? Inconsistency? Can't afford? Attitude? Nope... AL HORFORD Early this season, we wouldn't be having this discussion. Period. Al Horford is quickly turning into the player that every single coach wishes he had. He never complains about playing Center, doesnt ask BK for anything, goes out there and hustles every night, plays hard but is deeply concerned when his play adversely affects others (read up on the story on how humble and genuine Horfy was when he stayed over at the hospital when he unintentionally caused Ford to be rushed to the hospital after a hard foul), and is putting up double doubles while playing out of position, against stronger and taller guys, and as a damn ROOKIE. Horford knows about the rookie wall, but I assure you the rookie wall doesnt know who Horford is. Unlike most rookies, Horford never became well-acquainted with it. My sources have confirmed that they never slept together...the rookie wall was last seen trying to serenade Horford outside his Florida residence with a guitar and some cheesy love song, but Horford soon placed a restraining order on it after neighbors complained of def-tone singing and blood-boiling sounds from all who heard. My sources go on to say that the "rookie wall" isn't to come close to Horford within the next several seasons. Point is, Horford is a bona fide PF playing at Center because he has to. I guarantee the decision to keep Smith will all boil down to one thing: Is Horford going to develop into an AWESOME PF? If so, we need to make room so he can start. Or: With his great play at Center all year, and it's only going to get better after he likely adds some bulk and strength during the offseason, will keeping him at Center and developing him there be easier for the team to afford (it's not like real/traditional Centers are just crawling around the NBA now) and grab a Diop-like player to play backup C for 15-20 mins a game while allowing Horford 10-15 mins a game at PF? That is what it will boil down to. If we go option 1, Smoove HAS to be moved. Smoove is a natural 4. As long as Smoove is here, Horford cant start at the 4 (moving Smith to the 3 would likely be a disaster in the near term). We need help inside and a real defensive presence. Smoove would have to be traded for a Center...like Beidrins. With Smoove's upside, playmaking ability, and do-it-allness, it could be a deal that gets us over the hump. Here is what Biedrins is making this year: $2,636,696 And Smoove: $2,636,696 Again, I love Smith. With a real coach here, I think his TOs will go down and his BBIQ will go up. But adding a Biedrins-type player could be the shot in the arm for these young Hawks. They would have an emerging Horford at his natural position beating up on smaller guys, Biedrins will be in the middle (he averages a near double-double), and of course you have Marv at the 3, JJ mans the 2, with Bibby running the show. As I said, it really depends on how much they think Horford can play PF. If they think he will be an All Star at PF, Smoove will go and a full time Center (he MUST be defensive-oriented) will have to come in. If not, they will re-sign him, play a bulked up Horford at the 5, and roll with that. It's funny because the way I see it, Horford is the one that is quietly pushing Smoove out the door (at no fault of his own). I don't think ANYONE knew Horford was going to take over LIKE THIS. And he will ONLY get better. What you think?

Wiz played very well, but they couldn't hold off the Lakers.

Since when did Salim get hurt? That sucks. However, with Acie back and Woodson being the head coach, he would be racking up the DNPs anyway.

Catch the Celtics a little tired? If its going to be a question of fatigue, we would EASILY lose that battle. You are familiar with how much JJ, Bibby and Smoove play--especially recently. Unlike the Celtics, we dont have a deep bench to rely on...

I wish...channelsurfing is still AUDIO ONLY. Rawr!

Just some FYI. Just heard it via the Knicks announcers. Nate Robinson has a sore knee. This is a game we should easily win. We have to find a way to keep our starters from playing 40+ minutes tonight. We should immediately stomp on their throat and win it easily. We are two games ahead of the Nets. We win today, and we create quite a cushion for ourselves. We are in the driver's seat--will we make it to the finish line on top?

Noah is indeed a big man...but he's no real Center either. We need someone a bit more imposing in the middle. Besides, it would cost a bit too much to even get the guy.

Quote: I usually click on channelsurfing right before the game starts, but after the broadcast initially comes on air. So if you have a 7 pm start time, click on it at 7:01 or 7:02. Don't wait too late to try to go to it. I haven't had any problems seeing some of the games via channelsurfing, when I've done that. Good idea. Yeah, sometimes I dont get back from meetings or doing homework in time to watch the start of the game. Usually I'm not able to even check channelsurfing until midway through the 1st or 2nd quarter. Like last night I was busy taking a 3 1/2 hour business law exam, so I didn't get back til 9:30. I will try your idea the next game and see what happens north.

Thanks guys, I will try those.

I wish I knew how to quote independently like that... Ok, I will address some of the things. 1) No one should absolve anyone of blame. The Hawks are a patchwork team with horrible management. Woody cant wield supernatural powers, but the Hawks are not the Heat. That is the truth. 2) Yes, we do have a collect F Job done here. Everyone from the ASG all the way down to the players. But for anyone, and I mean anyone, to give Woodson excuse after excuse or even intimate that he should stay if we make the playoffs proves to me how little that person knows about how subpar he is as a coach and how we can't get over the hump with him here. It's not personal or an attack to him, it's just the way it is. 3) Actually, a faction of even Squawkers still want Woodson retained even if we make the playoffs. Quite a few prominent ones at that...Making the playoffs should NOT be the sigh of relief for Woodson. If I were him, I would be polishing off the ol' resume... 4) I understand about not having a quality PG or tough defensive Center, but Woodson has NEVER done anything to develop his players--or at least to the point where they should be. He still underutilizes players, refuses to give some PT, plays some too much, has some of them doing things they shouldn't be, etc. These are things a coach controls, end of story. BK is as much at fault for acquiring the wrong players for tis team. 5) The coach is supposed to reign in his players just like a boss reigns in his employees. Woodson has shown that he has an ego that hampers his ability to coach. Woodson does not command respect, so it is not surprising that J Smoove continues to do some of the same stupid things. However, flip the coin. As soon as Acie Law makes one mistake, he yanks him off the court with a scowl. Hmm, he wont do the same with Smoove or others on a consistent basis. Go figure... If a coach can't reign in players, this isnt the right job for him. Go to college where you can bully young men. You have to be able to establish relationships and respect with these grown men in the NBA. It is what it is.

Or has Channelsurfing.net been showing nothing but AUDIO ONLY past 5 or so Hawks games? The site it the only way for me to watch them here at Emory, so needless to say, it has been disappointing. Has anyone else been getting live feeds from Channelsurfing? Anyone using any other free sites to watch the game?

Ug, it pains me how some people refuse to understand that although all of the problems northcyde you posted are true, you utterly refuse to place heavy blame on Woodson. Sadly, this is why our FO and coaching is what it is. They dont see things for what they really are. It's so sad. Woodson is not a good HEAD coach. Period. He has done the same old tired stuff game in and game out for several years now. Whether we make the playoffs or not, he needs to go. How some of you still want him here is beyond me. Some of you must have orgasms off to lackluster coaching or something. If you REALLY want what is best for this team, that means realizing that we have some major weak spots that only a competent head coach can address. Half of the stuff you posted is a direct result of the inability of the head coach to do his job to reign in his players. Being a head coach is more than looking good in a suit and drawing up plays northcyde... Good grief.

You right Anakin, but this is Woodson we are talking about. This idiot wont be satisfied until JJ ups his average to 45 MPG. He never managed JJ's minutes well, and his unwillingness to do so will cost him, and the team dearly if we limp into the playoffs. Like you said, all that idiot has to do is find a way to keep him or Bibby on the court at all times.