PoppaFritz

Diesel, just thought I would bring your attention to the game tonight and some previous comments. "Everybody over the Timberwolves." "Another team that they should fear is Milwaukee. Last night, I saw a team in Milwaukee that if they ever reached their true potential, could beat the best of the league." The easts athletism is no match for the west in the playoffs, when it becomes more of a half court game. I'll leave it at that.

You don't honestly believe that New Orleans, Milwaukee, or Orlando could consistently compete with any of the top 4 teams in the West? The Kings, Spurs, Mavs, and Lakers would destroy any of them in a seven game series, shoot it would probably only take them 5 games, to win. The balance of power is in the West because they have the best big men. The East has some talented individuals but still their teams don't have the depth or size to compete in a series. As for the miracle Cavs and NY wins, it really doesn't mean much. The Lakers and Kings are veteran teams that won't start playing their best basketball until it matters most. And it seems that Minnesota who looses to everybody, beat your precious Magic, Wizards and played Indiana tough, not bad for being such a horrible team.

One thing that Hawks fans will find out soon enough is how weak the Eastern Conference is. The only team that could compete in the Western Conference is New Jersey and they would probably finish 4-5th. The Hawks and every other Eastern team will take their lumps on these West coast road trips. Teams like Pheonix and the Clippers would be contenders in the East but will struggle to just make the playoffs in the West, the balance of power is just so skewed right now. What the Hawks can't do is let any win on the road slip away, especially against Western Conference teams. Then they have to take care of business at home regardless of the team. One thing I have noticed is that the Hawks don't draw many fans for home games. Does the Atlanta community not support their team? It's hard to have a home court advantage when no one is at the Arena. Anyways, I wouldn't get to worked up over a few road losses, especially to teams in the Western conference, everybody is going to struggle for wins.

I agree that Theo does commit stupid fouls and lacks a polished offensive game but it is very difficult to find post players with the shot blocking skills of Theo and can run the floor like he does. He fits well with the Hawks personel, I think that his foul problems won't be as exposed when Nazr gets back. One big problem the Hawks have with trying to trade for any big men is that the only players worth any value to any teams in the league are JT, Big Dog and Shareef. There is no value for E-mail, or any other role players.

Posey has definetly started the season well. He absolutely killed the Blazers. Defensively he is strong and would add athleticism to the lineup. I don't think that we would want to pay top dollar to sign him or that we would want to get into a bidding war for his services. But not a bad idea to upgrade the lineup. One problem I see is that he isn't a great ballhandler and he wouldn't help in that area. So, far turnovers have been our biggest weakness and I don't see him being a realiable 2nd ballhandler. That would have to fall on Big Dog, but heck he's doing everything this year anyways!

I think it will be interesting if they both make the All-Star team and have to share the same locker room, again. I hope Big Dog follows up on his statement that he made, "I have no respect for him. If this was a street game, I'd be going up side his head when I see him." I would love to be in that locker room!

I just saw on espn.com that Shaq is going to try and return for the game against the Hawks. Not the best news to end a road trip.

Say all you want and get a life! Ok, at least I'm not on Hawksqwak 24-7. And Bruce Matthews was a fat bum, who cares if he could block some other fat f**ks, man you should find a new role model and live in the now!!!!

Man, I have'nt seen a positive post out of you for awhile. You got some problems at home? [censored], man! I agree that the Hawks don't look very good, I haven't watched the Hawks until this year but they are a poor defensive team in transition and a very poor passing team. This is going to really hurt them when they are playing against good up-tempo teams, like the Nets. Still, Big Dog showed me alot tonight. I think things will change for the better when they get more scorers on the floor, then JT won't have to take as many forced shots. They definately miss Shareef. Can't wait until they play the Bulls!!!

Interesting! I was thinking more along the lines of adult beverages rather than shootin' the s**t with the GM. I like your taunting the opposing team idea, I've had a history of that at Blazer games. So, I feel like I can bring some needed experience to Phillips Arena. Can't wait to get down there!

I will be attending my first Hawks games in December, Pheonix (Dec. 14) and Washington (Dec.17). I'm from Portland, OR and I was wondering where die hard Hawks fans go before the games? Is there anything near Phillips Arena?

Hey, I'm all for strengthening their bench. I think Nailon deserves a look but they should see exactly why he was released. I read that he got into it with Coach Silas on the bench during a game. This Hawks team is just forming their identity and to have distractions like that could really mess with their chemistry. I played 4 years of college basketball on teams with very immature, emotional players and when the coach is kicking players out of practice every other day it really starts to effect the team. Eventually, players can start to lose respect for the coaching staff. If Nailon has never had any other run-ins with coaches or teammates, I definately think he is worth picking up but the Hawks should do some research first.

I see one problem with aquiring Nailon. I think people underestimate the importance of team chemistry. There is no doubt that Nailon is a good player and would be a very effective backup but there is a reason that the Hornets let him go. Look at the Blazers or the Bucks last year. You can have all of the talent in the world but if you don't play well together or if there are negative attitudes, the teams play is bound to be effected. The Hawks are close to being a very good team, I would hate for chemistry to keep them from reaching their potential.

Word is this is just a precautionary measure, they actually caught it just in time before it developed into a stress fracture. If treatment goes well he shouldn't be out for very long. Better a few games than a few months.

Here are my preseason predictions for the Central Division. I ranked all the teams (1-8) and individually ranked their backcourts, frontcourts, and benches. I tried to have the lineups as up-to-date as possible. Sorry, for any mistakes. As for the Central, I see five teams making the playoffs with the Nets, Celtics, and 76ers out of the Atlantic. (possibly the Magic in place of the Pistons, we'll see) I think that the Hornets and Pacers depth gives them the early advantage in a very balanced division. 1). Hornets PG-B.Davis SG-D.Wesley SF-Mashburn PF-PJ Brown C-E.Campbell Bench-C.Alexander-Augmon-Lynch-Nailon-Magloire Outlook- Solid starters and deep veteran bench makes them my preseason favorite. Backcourt- #2 Frontcourt- #2 Bench- #2 2). Pacers PG-Tinsley SG-R.Miller SF-Harrington PF-B.Miller C-J.O'Neal Bench-Mercer-F.Jones-Croshere-Artest-Bender-Foster Outlook- Eleven players deep, a good balance of veterans and youth. In last years playoffs they took the Nets to a fifth game in the 1st round. May have begun to gel at the end of last year, which I think will carry over to this year. Backcourt- #4 Frontcourt- #3 Bench- #1 3). Bucks PG-Cassell SG-R.Allen SF-Kukoc PF-T.Thomas C-E.Johnson Bench-Ollie-Redd-A.Mason-Haislip-Gadzuric Outlook- Solid starters, solid bench, looking for chemistry after disappointing season. Talent alone should keep them in the top 4 teams all year. Backcourt- #1 Frontcourt- #4 Bench- #3 4). Hawks PG-Terry SG-Newble SF-G.Robinson PF-Abdur-Rahim C-Ratliff Bench-Dickau-Glover-Henderson-Mohammed Outlook- Best frontline in the East, they could finish as high as 1st or as low as 6th. How well they defend and health will determine their success. Backcourt- #6 Frontcourt- #1 Bench- #5 5). Pistons PG-Billups SG-R.Hamilton SF-C.Robinson PF-Williamson C-B.Wallace Bench-Atkins-Barry-Prince-Rebacca Outlook- Their bench was a strengh last year but with the injury to Don Reid, Williamson will probably have to start and weaken their bench. Also, lack of a superstar to carry scoring will hurt them. I think they played over their heads last year. Backcourt- #3 Frontcourt- #5 Bench- #4 6). Bulls PG-J.Williams SG-J.Rose SF-D.Marshall PF-Chandler C-Curry Bench-Crawford-Hassell-E.Robinson-Fizer-Baxter Outlook- Young and talented but probably too young to contend. D. Marshall was a huge pick up. Backcourt- #5 Frontcourt- #7 Bench- #6 7). Raptors PG-A.Williams SG-M.Peterson SF-V.Carter PF-A.Davis C-McCoy Bench-L.Hunter-L.Murray-J.Williams Losing Keon Clark hurts them alot. Their frontline and depth is weak. As Vince goes, so go the Raptors. Backcourt- #7 Frontcourt- #6 Bench- #7 8). Cavs PG-Wagner SG-R.Davis SF-D.Miles PF-T.Hill C-Illgauskas Bench-S.Parker-J.Jones-Boozer-Mihm Outlook- Lack of all around talent, especially not having a true point guard will keep them in last place. Miles and Wagner will have to really step up and Illgauskas must stay healthy. Even then this team is a long ways from contending. Backcourt- #8 Frontcourt- #8 Bench- #8

It's the "publics business" to know about DJ the basketball player not DJ and his driving record. It's not like he is going to be taking your kids through Drivers Ed. His ability to drive a car, has nothing to do with his ability to drive the lane. If you want gossip buy the "National Enquirer". To an extent I will agree that it is the public's buiness because his decisions have effected the entire Hawks organization. But whether alcohol or any other outside forces caused this accident is irrelevant. That's just people being nosey and focusing on things that should be between Demar and his employers the Hawks. Just because you play a professional sport doesn't mean that everything should be public knowledge.

Does anyone think that the signing of Ham and Grizzard are signs that the Hawks aren't planning on offering DJ a contract extension? Or are they just filling his void for the time being? Personally, I would love to have DJ back and see him make a full recovery with the Hawks.

What do we know? He was up late and got in a car crash, that nearly ended his career and took his life. Obviously, if you are in a car with friends at 5am, you're probably not returning from a church social. It probably wasn't the best situation or judgement to put himself in but who are we to judge. I really don't think it's the publics business to know the full story and we should just be thankful that he will eventually be ok.

The score after the 3rd quarter 88-71. The Heat have 18pts off of 18 to's. Eddie Jones has 20 pts. Not only are they not guarding anyone, they look really out of sync on offense. I haven't watched the Hawks until this season but is Lon serious about the offense they run? This isn't college. They enter the ball into Theo on the block like he is going to score and he is a poor passer. Why not post up Glenn or Shareef? They look like they are lost out there. They run a motion where they curl into the lane but no one is in a position to score. Their big men are horrible passing out of the post, if they even look to pass at all. I wish I could keep updating the post but I have to go, I'll have more thoughts later.

Everybody! Eddie Jones is going off in the second half. It's 83-62 with 4 min. in the 3rd. Not to many bright spots. They really aren't playing well together on the offensive end either. I'll try to keep everyone updated as it goes.

I'm watching the Heat game live on NBA League Pass and we aren't guarding anybody! 66 point in the 1st half is not acceptable. People are getting beat off of the dribble and when they help, they aren't rotating to the open man. If they don't start getting stops there is no way the Hawks are going to win.

I love the fact that everyone has lost coinfidence in DD after 3 preseason games. The NBA season is a marathon race not a sprint. I find alot of good things out of the start to DD's NBA career, at least he can pass the ball, which from what I've seen is a lost art when it comes to the Hawks guards. This team may self distruct if they don't play together and when your "back-up" point guard has an assist to turnover ratio like e-mail's it's time for a change. Dan has an incredible feel for the game that makes up for his lack of athleticism. This argument is a joke. If 20-25 games into the season Dan is still struggling with turnovers and shooting % then we should start to worry, 3 games into anyone's NBA career is going to be a struggle. The fact is e-mail has been in the league for awhile and Dan could average 2.4 assists(e-mails assists-per-game last year) in 10 minutes. Give the kid a break!

I agree with a couple people on this post, first e-mail isn't expendable, yet. It is very important to have a 3rd ballhandler. But, diesel is right, he is a cba player. You can't play point in the nba with any significant minutes (e-mail 27.6 min. per game) and average 2.4 assists and 1.86 to's. I don't really see what else he brings to the table other than being a bigger point. If we have to rely on Ira, Dion, and E-mail as secondary ballhandlers were in trouble (combined 5 assists per game). Let's hope DD starts taking care of the ball and things will be fine, he looks like a sure 5 assists per game in half the minutes of these other guys.

He must have been awful after the first 1 1/2 months, because .421 FG% isn't what you are looking for from a slasher/finisher. The 3pt% .330 is ok but not enough to stop teams from leaving him and these are his career highs!

I just compared Dion and Ira's stats from last year at nba.com and I found something a little concerning. Both players are poor perimeter shooters. When you are the 4th-5th option on the floor it is very important to be able to knock down the open jumper. They are going to be the player most likely to be open when teams double team and from what I've seen both players struggle from the outside. If one of them can step up and start knocking down shots, thats going to make everyones job easier.