99PROBL3MS

I'm hoping we match Joe up on Melo regardless of what position he is playing. That is our only chance to slow him down. He would have Smoove in foul trouble before the game even tips off.

I agree. No way we would have got equal talent back in a sign and trade. Some people just can't get over that contract.

Through all the injuries this team still has the 7th best overall record in the entire league and is one off only 7 teams with a winning road record. I always knew that if he ever got healthy enough again that Joe could play at this high of a level. I'm glad Smoove has finally shown some maturity. I was afraid Zaza would have worn out by now but he hasn't. He just keeps fighting night after night (cue the Rocky theme). This team could have easily tanked.

Throw in the fact that Joe absolutely owned Paul Piece (a likely HOF guy) all night and he had a good game. If teammates made shots Joe would have easily had 5 or 6 assist but only he and Zaza played with a pulse offensively. I'll take my chances with the turnovers (which he won't have most nights) if I keep getting big 4th quarters. Zaza was our second best option offensively. That is what kind of night it was. Let that soak in.

There are only two guards in the entire NBA averaging more points on less shot attempts than Joe. If anything, he needs to be more aggressive and get more than 15 shots up a game. He really isn't playing bad at all. The more involved he is the better we play. When he scores 21+ we win over 80% of the time. That isn't coincidence.

I think Joe can dominate Allen in the post with his size and strength. If his jumper is on then there is no guarding Joe. Zaza has the size to bang with Gasol. He gets in trouble when he stats reaching and gambling. Thats how he gets those silly fouls. We WILL need twin for a little but tonight though in my opinion. Having Hinrich back to match up with OJ should help. I can't wait to see the Teague vs Conley matchup.

On paper the Hawks should take care of business and I think they will. The Grizzlies are a solid .500 team but I don't see them leaving Phillips with a win. On another note, if the Hawks handle business tonight and NYK upsets CHI, ATL takes possession of 1st place in the Eastern Conference. Thoughts on the game?

When Joe is on, we win. It appears to be that simple. We are 9-1 when he goes for 20+ with the only loss being that inexplicable loss to MIA without Wade and Bron.

I think we can and will win this game. I see LD taking the same approach he took against ORL in last year's playoffs. You play Dwight str8 up (in this case Duncan) and tt your best to shut down everyone else. I don't see us letting Bonner and company shoot open 3s off the double all night. I think ATL wins this one as long as Joe brings his A-game.

Not funny at all but then again I do have a nephew that is autistic.......

I called 94-89. If twin makes that last attempt he had under thee basket I would have nailed it lol.

This will be an interesting matchup. The Hawks and Blazers in my opinion are tter two biggest headscratchers in the NBA. They can both look like contenders one night and look confused the next. The Blazers haven't been hit by the injury bug this year (not yet at least). Marvin Williams has to show up. Gerald Wallace will probably draw the assignment of guarding Joe and Smoove must play smart against Aldridge to avoid foul trouble. Hopefully we can take advantage of Craw's defense when he is in the game. T-Mac should be able to contribute more tonight also. I have the Hawks wining at home 94-89 with Smoove and Joe continuing their great play in Horf's absence.

I don't think that was, the point. Lebron James is the only player with more attempts at the rim and a higher %age than Smoove. He has attempted 66 shots there and 67 shots from 16ft and out. There is something very wrong with that picture. Smoove is one of the NBA's best finishers but is hell bent on playing more outside.

I'm sure he will. If not him then what other guards from the east? Wade, Rose, DWill, Maybe Rondo but who else?

With Horford out and the Celtics struggling mightily, I think he finally gets his all-star bid this year. He and Joe should make it as coaches selections. He limited his outside shots kastnight and only took them in rhythm. With the playmaking ability of he and Joe, along with Teague, this can still be a dangerous team when Hinrich, Tmac and Marvin get back.

Willie Green quietly had 12pts also. Marvin should be back Saturday and Kirk in a couple weeks. They should be alright them. There is no telling on T-Mac.

LD got complacent with the lead Tuesday night and started the 4th quarter off with an all bench lineup. That is when Chicago started their run and stole the momentum. Horford atleast should have been on that floor.

He has been pretty bad tonight but I wouldn't go that far.

I see D12 as a longshot but would hope we do whatever it takes to land him if possible. I'd like to see this assuming little Buss is silly enough to swap Smoove for Bynum: Smoove + Zaza for Bynum + Barnes PG Teague SG JJ SF Marvin PF Horf C Bynum 6 Kirk Tmac Barnes Twin Vlad Rad Stack Rolle Sy We would still have a hole at the backup PF spot but C would become a strength. Horf and Bynum's games would compliment each other well. It would also make us a very good rebounding team.

Thanks for the vid. It shows the level of skill JJ still posseses. He needs to spend 99% of his time this summer working on facing double-teams. That has been a big problem for him. When teams play him one-on-one he has absolutely killed them. If he works on making quicker decisions against double-teams and being in attack mode at all times, he can return to elite status.

Liggins hopefully

So addition by subtraction could mean: ATL adds Rip Hamilton but loses 1) Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford 2)or Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford 3) or Joe Johnson and Josh Smith? That sounds more like Subtraction by Subtraction. It sounds like they are ready to get back into the lottery again.

The Lakers can make an offer but couldn't offer a brr package than Horf+ Hinrich +1st

Indeed. Dwight would be #1. Joe #2. I don't think a team in the league would have a better 3rd and 4th option than Smoove and Turk. I understand why thee Magic wouldn't want to trade him in the division, but would they really take they oft-injured Bynum over Horford? That team would dismantle MIA without them making major upgrades. Certainly wishful thinking.

Horford and Hinrich for D12 and Turkoglu would work as would Horford and Hinrich for D12 and, Nelson. PG Teague SG Joe SF Turkoglu PF Smoove C D12 Hawks Contenders