DrReality

The way Woody is playing JJ and Al, you gotta wonder if he has a bonus clause in his contract. The article in todays paper talked about getting to 30 wins . . . a 'brindge too far,' makes me wonder if that's where he gets a bonus?

This time last year he was giving Josh and Josh all the minutes to help the develop.

If Bosh talks about wanting a trade, I say make an offer for him. There is still some question if he wants out or not, but I'd love to see him back in Atl.

Billy Knight, Atlanta Hawks GM

You can't fire coach Mike Woodson -- at least not if you have any shred of conscience. Not when you give him a roster like that. Yes, Joe Johnson is better than we all thought. But Marvin Williams continues to struggle while Chris Paul is clearing space in his trophy case for the Rookie of the Year award. Where is the effort? Why are Reggie Evans, Vladimir Radmanovic and Chris Wilcox being dealt at yard sales while Esteban Batista plays seven minutes a night? The Hawks' owners -- whoever they are -- need to act fast with Knight before he pulls an Al Harrington-for-Stephon Marbury out of his hat. Because you know that's coming.

Don't think it will happen . . . but it would be better if it did sooner than later.

I think it is critical for the Hawks to get a BIG man for the middle who can be an enforcer, ala Jackie Butler. Maybe Lang can develop into that? That being said, it will help ZaZa, Josh, et al while they continue to develop. Then he can roam and block shots, rebound, etc. A little muscle in the middle would make a huge difference and not wear ZZ down so much.

If Smith can make the improvement over the summer that he did last year, both physically and skills, he'll be better equipped to play the 4.

Interesting that this was Woody's mantra before the season. All of a sudden he comes back to it. We'll see if he means it.

It may very well be his job is on the line because of the 25 layups. But you have to think he has some responsibility in the matter because he has to have rotations that rest his guys. When you play the minutes they have been, defense gets to be very grueling. If they are going to play defense, Woody has to make a commitment to playing one or more of his bigs to spell ZaZal.

I wonder to what degree the article was about Al. Should add a little interest to the game today . . . if Woody means it or he's a paper tiger. If he is a paper tiger, I think it's his job.

AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2006 > March > 17 > Entry

N is for Nonsense!

By Sekou Smith | Friday, March 17, 2006, 03:50 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Since neither Hawks coach Mike Woodson nor any of his players can say it without the NBA’s Thought Police taking a bite out of their pockets, this $35,000 fine for complaining about the refs is NONSENSE!

It’s one of the taboo subjects about the league I’ve never understood. Neither Woodson (20 grand for his comments) nor Josh Smith (15 grand) said anything about any official by name, that was me. But the league, like most totalitarian regimes, ignored the details of the situation and reacted without any regard for the incident at the heart of this entire debate.

Derrick Stafford, I’ll write his name again for anyone wondering who we’re talking about here, is the one who was out of line Monday night in Milwaukee. Don’t just ask me, ask any of the people sitting courtside or in the first two or three rows at the Bradley Center that heard him blast Woodson for simply asking a question.

It was an outrageous response so early in a game to such a mundane question, Woodson only asked Stafford what it was Zaza Pachulia had done to receive a foul call on previous possession.

If a man spoke to me the way Stafford did to Woodson, whether it was at work or anyone else, we’d have a major problem. But the officials know they have the upper hand in this regard. Whatever admonishment they received for a lousy performance or even an honest mistake comes in private. So they don’t have to worry about public ridicule (the way everyone else involved does) when they screw up. It’s a preposterous policy to me, and one that has frustrated fans of the game for years.

Tell it!

Couldn't agree more. He'd make ZaZa better instantly. His energy and attitude along side our other young guys would be a hell of a addition. I think part of what has been an issue in several of our late, close losses is too many minutes for our key players. Butler could spell at either the 4 or 5. Adding him and a point guard from the draft would put us in the play offs.

Anyone hear any scuttle butt about Lang in practice?

AJC article addresses how Hawks get NO RESPECT from the officiating. I thought it was great to pull up the stats of JJ vs the other top scorers and how he has gotten to the line half as much. I'm not stupid enough to think it will get anything done, but the bottom line is it is hurting their product. Stern needs to pull his head out of his a$$.

I like the plan except for the first rounder. We can do better than that.

I love Batista. Goot a big heart and is not afraid to bang. Definately has a place on the Hawks.

Since Portland has Jack, Telefair and Blake, seems they might be trading partners. BK tried to make a deal for him in the last draft. He was drafted at 22. If we traded our first round for him, nother player or their second would need to be involved. His Ga Tech connection would be a good draw.

Erik Williams could double for Ben Wallace's twin brother. Got a mean streak too.

Jackie Butler is a stud. Young, still developing. Think he's a FA, could be a great sub and let him develop.

Anyone hear about Lang and how he has done in practice this week?

Dude, would you get rid of that disgusting picture. Give me a break. It's insulting.

Bosh is one of the few guys in the league that I'd give up one of our young talents for. Bosh, JJ, JS, et al would rock the house.

AHF . . . . . . do us all a favor and get rid of the disgusting picture. Even though this legal battle continues on, the Hawks have moved past this low point . . . . and you should too.

Great post. Puts things into perspective in terms of the struggles we are facing now. Obviously, the best days are in front of us. Gotta think there are at least a few teams our there that are envious . . . especially the ones with high salary caps.

If he sticks with us . . . .his best shot is to come to training camp and get into the system. If we draft a big, if David Anderson comes over, we could have a surplus of big guys. That'd be a switch.

Edwards is a servicable big man. Not a star, but given the right circumstances of minutes and rotation in the right matchups . . . he can meet a big need. It would be interesting to have he and Batman do some extra work with Lang in practice. They could all use it.

I'd go for that trade in a heartbeat. Maybe trhow in our second round. I've always thought that Salim was a west coast kind of player.

JB . . . . what you do base your emphatic opinion on. Have you seen the guy.

It is reasonable to think it would take a young big guy a couple years to mature. Like Diop.

One thing that I am impressed with about our bloggers:

1. So willing to take the optimistic side of bringing a new kid in. That's a good thing.

2. It's also pretty naive!

Gotta wonder if BK is checking this kid out for next year and beyond. Peace.

Interesting link from draftnet when he was drafted.

James Lang

Birthdate:

NBA Position: Center

College:

Class: HS Senior

Ht: 6-11

Wt: 305

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

High School: Central Park Christian

2002 Stats

Strengths: Has size and explosiveness. Lang is a wide-bodied post player who tips the scales at around 305 lbs. Will be able to bang in the league right away. Body could use some toning and trimming but it doesn't stop him from hurting those in his way. Plays with a tenacity that coaches beg for in their bigmen. Will be a force in the league in a few years. Surprisingly athletic and mobile for his size. Has no problem running the floor, as his stamina has greatly improved. Has great hands and utilizes his size effectively in the post. Has shown the ability to consistently score down low. Attacks the rim with a mean-streak that few players have. An excellent rebounder especially on the offensive end.

Weaknesses: At 305 lbs. Lang could still stand to lose some weight. Jump shot is nonexistent past 12 feet. Shooting touch must improve. Needs to play more consistently to be a major factor at the next level. His defense needs to be a little better as he will get in foul trouble because he plays too hard at times. Footwork can improve the most and take him to another level. College would benefit his long term potential, however, it's uncertain if he will decide to go that route.

Notes: One year ago Lang weighed around 350 lbs. With a strict diet and a lot of training, he showed his desire to improve by dropping down to 280 this summer before gaining some of it back. Was the third leading shot-blocker during the 2002 ABCD All-American camp.

HOW MANY GUYS GET CRITICIZED FOR PLAYING TOO HARD?

With some luck the kid may come around.

I wish Woody would give Batista more time. At least he isn't afraid to mix it up, dive for balls, etc.

This kid is still a pup and doesn't know what he's in for. Probably get his butt kicked in practice and then see what he's made of.

Would love to see him get a ring. Would match the one Woody got with them? Link on RealGM and I think SI.

Winning in overtime away is a big step. Doing much better on the road with their previous road on the west coast.

Gotta remember the road to maturity is one step up, two back, three steps up and one back. They are showing some moxy.