RT3

Even if the Grizz happened to outplay us last night (hypothetically speaking) and win the game, and we played the way we did last night, I think many of us fans would not be complaining the same way as last year. We played a great game, and that's the way basketball should be played. The effort was there, the passing, lack of iso's, the defense, the rebounding. If we lost, it wouldn't be the same as last year, losing due to stupid turnovers, jumpshots, or poor defense, technical fouls. I think that is what frustrates us the most, knowing we should have one the game, but our team not playing the right way. Last night was very encouraging.

I was actually noticing the exact same thing watching the first half. The starters executed the offense close to perfection when they were in. They moved the ball around and found the open man. When Jamal came in, it seemed like they didn't run the motion offense anymore. Was either him taking his man one on one, or high pick and roll. However, he was scoring none the less, so I can't really question that part of it right now. I think it is still good to have someone like that who can create his own shot and put some points on the board quick. Time will tell whether it becomes a problem against other teams, but for now, I think it is a good blend of scoring. Who knows, maybe LD told him to go in and score points as he typically does to help the bench out. I think if he is in with the other starters he won't be doing one on one so much.

What is that dude with the mask on about to do to Joe?!?!?

Down 86-46 against the Bobcats. um, okay, the game isn't televised and it's not on the web so I haven't been able to catch any of it. Was watching earlier on NBA gamecast. I hope the Hawks are just experimenting again and playing the bench mostly. Still, down 40 against the Bobcats? After last nights performance?

I think in the new offense since Joe doesn't have to go one on one so much, he will have extra energy to play at a higher level on defense as well. He's one of our best defenders when he wants to be.

Ha that fan/kid was really annoying. Especially on all our free throws. But I'm glad to see the Hawks take the challenge tonight and come out with the win. Hopefully they can keep that type of effort up for all 82+ games. The offense looked way better, especially in the closing minutes where we actually ran some plays other than ISO. Josh Smith's 3 was a buzz kill, but other than that it was a great victory to turn our preseason around. If Bibby can hit jumpers like that, like the Bibby of the Kings days, then that will be huge for us. He was definitely feeling it tonight, although he had arroyo on him mostly who doesn't pose as much of a threat as other guards on offense/or defense. Good job nonetheless. Go Hawks!

Well said. None of the games has he taken the ball to the whole. He's settled for a ton of jumpers because he 'worked on his jumper over the summer'.. Also worried about them keeping Bibby on the floor. Seems like everyone can see he's done except for the Coaching staff. Even the Orlando commentators were talking about how the Hawks were able to 'hide' Bibby on defense through switches. This year he will be exposed and has been.

Great points man, and regarding you comments about competing against the Magic tonight, that is also exactly what I was saying about the Hawks having some pride in the other thread: http://www.hawksquawk.net/community/index.php/topic/352591-tonights-game-online/ Other people just say it's a 'preseason' game, but it's more than that if you are a competitor and on a winning franchise. We have been destroyed by the Magic in almost every game for the past 2 years or more. What did we show tonight? We showed that we are very far off from being able to compete with the Magic. If we don't make any trades this season for a center or point guard, then we have no chance of beating this team. Teague still has a chance to prove himself at point, but I highly doubt what he adds to the team will be enough to take us to elite status.

It's because we have no one in the starting 5 that can penetrate and make the defense work except for Joe Johnson. Bibby needs to come off the bench for sure. Nelson was creating on over half the opening plays because he was blowing by Bibby. Now LD has Jamal and Jordan in right now and the Magic Defense is scattering like crazy.

I hear what you are saying, but we have been getting killed by this team for the past 2 years or more, by huge point margins. I understand if they don't win, but what I said was if the get smoked again, then they have no heart (not if they lose). Have some pride regardless and let the Magic know that it's not gonna be the same this year. At least try and make it competitive regardless of who is in the game.

Even though this is 'just a preseason game', if the Hawks go out there and don't have anything to prove and get smoked again, then they have no heart,. period.

Chris Paul's competitiveness and leadership by itself would be a huge asset. We currently don't have anyone like that to run the team and push everyone to their full capabilities. None of our three captain's do that, and that's a huge thing we are missing.

Good point. I wish Hawks would at least be in talks about CP3 trades. We do have a lot to offer them, but I would think we would have to give up Horford or Smoove, and I'm sure Jamal would be packaged in there. I'd be willing to make it happen and lose one of our All-Stars for our beloved CP3.

There I fixed it for you. Powell might get to keep his J. The season will tell.

Can I get Bibby's spot. He can't even bring the ball up anymore.

WHAT!?!?!! Josh Smith Taking a really good charge! Joe Johnson playing the passing lanes! Jordan Crawford with a few great passes already. Hawks running! I'm pumped!

I think Smoove was assigned the role in hopes that he will assume more responsibility and hopefully act more mature since he is now in a leadership role. Could work, who knows.

Why isn't Joe Johnson an option in the poll? lol

Ha, this could be beneficial for us. Maybe Josh with get a few T's early in the season and then realize he can't complain like that anymore and it will help him mature into a great player (mentally as well).

Horford is the man. He has the most heart on the team and the best attitude. In a few years if we end up keeping him, he will be the leader of the team.

+1 You guys are just getting your hopes up. I did the same thing when CP3's name was brought up during the whole PaulSquawk thing over the summer. lol

WOW, the Hawks make it really hard to be a fan.