Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls officially christened Most Valuable Player of 2010-2011 Reglular Season, NBA Playoffs series against Atlanta Hawks is Tough

Unfathomable.


It is official. The announcement has been made that Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls at 22 years 210 days is the youngest Most Valuable Player of the National Basketball Association since 1946 establishment.

The Chicago-born point guard had a breakout third season, averaging 25 points, 7.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds. After a summer with the U.S. National team, Rose made a significant leap in skill, assertiveness, and leadership on the court.

Almost similar to the last Chicago Bulls MVP recipient, Michael Jordan. He was the last Bulls player to win the award. He won it five times, with the latest being 1998. Earlier in the season, Jordan said Rose deserved the award.

Known for his quiet, humble demeanor, Rose raised eyebrows in late September when he told reporters his goal was to win the award.

"The way I look at it, within myself, why can't I be the MVP of the league?" he said. "Why can't I be the best player in the league? Why? Why can't I do that?"

=============================================================

NBA Playoffs Series Chicago Bulls versus Atlanta Hawks off to a hot start, score 56-53 Bulls 7:56 left

Hawks shake off Celtics loss, balanced-attack smack Warriors, Williams 22, Johnson 19

Hawks 115 Warriors 99

21 33 27 18

31 21 27 36

BOX SCORE


Good game. The Hawks love this style of play and excel greatly in these type of games, not so much the chaotic, no-defense, shoot-in-less-than-5-seconds type of offense, but the fastbreak passing, Josh Smith rebounding and igniting the break, Mike Bibby to Joe Johnson to Marvin Williams for the alley-oop BOOM! Thats what im talking about, this isn't quite Suns basketball, especially not anymore, but it was an interesting test for how we can be against them and in fast games in the future.

Marvin Williams scored 22 pts (10/13 FGs 2/2 FTs) leading the Hawks to a 115-99 victory at Phillips arena on Friday night. It was only two nights after a heartwrenching defeat by the Champion Celtics in a much anticipated, ESPN broadcast game, the only one of the Hawks season and the first in 5 years. We all know what happened in that game, but the important thing is how the Hawks bounced back, and who other than Marvin Williams would have a career night the night after a game like that. Marvin Williams 10-13 FG equals 76.9%, a career-high FG%, with 9 rebounds in 35 minutes. Joe Johnson was looking to bounce back in a major way after missing that game-tying free-throw, he did well with 19 pts (8/20 FGs 2/8 3pt FGs 1/3 FTs) 5 rbs 5 asts, Josh Smith was the assist man in this game, 14 pts (5/8 FGs 4/5 FTs) 6 rbs, and 7 asts.

IS there any logical reason why Al Horford only had 1 personal foul, yet played 29 minutes, and still scored 14 pts (5/9 FGs 4/5 FTs) 6 rbs 5 asts 3 blks ?

Acie Law 8 minutes ?

Mike Bibby had a Rondo-game (lol) 2nd led the team in rebounding ended with 7 pts (2/8 FGs 1/3 3pt FGs 2/2 FTs ) 8 rbs 7 asts.



so ESPN is the mainstream most popular sports news media, right? well, why do they make themselves look like such fools so often? see the way Mr. PAUL SEVERINO generalizes the Hawks on internet TV:

"The Hawks like many sports teams have multiple personalities, there's the "Bad Hawks" the team that plays on the road, just 6-8"

from what i understand, maybe im just nieve, a 6-8 road record isnt bad, especially when those wins have come against Orlando, New Orleans, Chicago, OKC, Washington, and Miami. Can't be mad at losses to Celtics, Cavs, Nets, Raptors, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio. Oh, yeah that Indiana game we should have won, but still.. all i'm saying is the Hawks don't deserve a reputation as a "bad" road team, they will have to earn that respect, and my sentiment is that they will this season.

Tomorrow is another "biggest test of the season" this is a 2009 PLAYOFFSHAWKS PREVIEW at Phillips Arena on Sunday. The Allen Iverson Pistons against the new-improved Mike Woodson HAWks, we wil see who prevails

Hawks impressive win over LeBron, Cavs, Bibby 24, Williams 19

Hawks 97 Cavs 92

24 14 28 26

31 16 21 29

BOX SCORE



Josh Smith swatted the potential lead-taking 3 pointer deep into the stands with such powerful emphasis, it was as if Delonte West got smacked in the face right by the Cavs bench, oh wait, that actually did happen. (right after that block, watch the replay)


The Hawks made a HUGE statement defensively in this game against the 2nd hottest team in the NBA, the Hawks played poised, Joe Johnson was so cool in the clutch down the stretch, its a beautiful feeling as a Hawks fan having this confidence in your team, that knowing sense that we can beat any team ESPECIALLY at Phillips Arena, and their timing couldn't be more perfect as we begin a 8-game homestead to bring the fans of Atlanta out for the Holidays.



Mike Bibby should be an undisputed all-star this season, leading the Hawks with his veteran leadership scoring, playmaking, even his defense has been exceptional, he and Joe Johnson make THE MOST LETHAL backcourt in the Eastern Conference, so they should both be all-stars this season, or vote all 5 Hawks starters to the all-star game, we one of 3 teams that have 5 all-star candidates (Lakers, Celtics). Mike Bibby played exceptional in this game, led the Hawks with 24 pts (9/16 FGs 3/8 3pt FGs 3/4 FTs) 6 rbs 5 asts, Joe Johnson scored 4 points in the first half, then 11 in the 4th for 17 pts (7/17 FGs 0/5 3pt FGs 3/5 FTs) 3 rbs 8 asts, and Marvin Williams got the the free throw line tonight! 19 pts (3/6 FGs 2/3 3pt FGs 11/13 FTs) 7 rbs 2 asts 2 blks, not bad compared to the last time these teams met, and how did our frontcourt matchup with theirs?

Josh Smith 12 pts (5/8 FGs 2/2 FTs) 8 rbs 1 ast 1 stl 1 blk

Al Horford 12 pts (3/5 FGs 6/7 FTs) 8 rbs 2 asts 1 stl 1 blk


There was one thing i didn't like about the ESPN Recap:

"The Hawks are trying to build their fan support after making the playoffs last season for the first time in nine years. Despite taking eventual NBA champion Boston to a deciding seventh game in the first round of the postseason, Atlanta seemingly has yet to convince many fickle fans that the Hawks are as much worth the price of admission as seeing a superstar such as James."

I don't think the 19,200 fans in attendence at Phillips Arena were all there to see LeBron, and although the Hawks are not yet in the top 10 fan attendence in the NBA, i think we should be doing a little better than "trying to build our fan support," that's disrespectful to me as a Hawks fan. But, i feel Joe Johnson, the way to earn respect of national media and the league is winning. We're doing pretty good at that right now. (Hawks 14-9, 2nd SE divison, 4th Eastern Conference)

This was a fun win, great win, now the Hawks must relax and pray on Sunday to get ready for the practice Bobcats on Monday, and the BIGGEST SHOWDOWN OF THE SEASON on Wednesday.

Hawks outexecuted down the stretch - Bosh beasts, Raptors win

Hawks 88 Raptors 93
21 29 15 23
24 22 23 24

We didn't have to lose this game.

Seems like every time i give Coach Woodson credit in a game, the next game the Hawks lose and Woodson is blamed for one reason or another, but in this game, Woodson is rightfully blamed.

and no one knows better than Brett LaGree at PeachtreeHoops, see how he breaks it down:

"With 3:32 left in the third quarter, Zaza Pachulia went to the bench. The Hawks were up 2, in no small part thanks to the 8 offensive and 9 defensive rebounds Pachulia had already grabbed. By the end of the third quarter, the Hawks would be down by 4 points. In the fourth quarter, the Hawks would never regain the lead. As a team they would grab, in the fourth quarter, just 7 defensive rebounds. Toronto would grab 15 fourth quarter rebounds, 4 of them offensive. Pachulia would never leave the bench."

Why, Mike? I was watching the game from home with friends and we were all saying "Wow! ZaZa is getting like ALL the rebounds!" but of course, Bosh was beasting, Al Horford can't contain that beast, and the Raptors won, like they were supposed to, but ZaZa could have definitely got a few of those rebounds, he has been outstanding in rebounding and defense since Josh has been out, he should have played more minutes than 0.

Now, after every game, everyone knows the coaches and players talk and give their analysis from their perspective, which is always an interesting thing, because analysis of the game is a whole different sport than playing, lol, and Mike Woodson is undoubtedly an expert, we cannot understate or undervalue the career this man has had with basketball, google him, but peep what Woodson said after the game:

"We hurt ourselves because we settled too much for 3s. We were just too selfish tonight. Sometimes those shots are appetizing and they look good, but if you're not making jump shots, you've got to get to the free throw line.''

Come on, the Hawks are the #1 3pt shooting team in the NBA, they were 6/13 in the 1st half, but in the second half went only 2/13, that does not mean the shots were bad or selfish, just not enough was going in, this was not a "get-to-the-line" kind of game, when you play a team like the Toronto Raptors, they are Chris Bosh and shooters, that is it, and Jose Calderon, who had 11 assists, but seriously, they are not a physical team, and surely Jermaine O'Neal doesn't make them that if/when he returns, no one cares.

Anyway, Al Horford has got to do better, Marvin Williams has got to do better, and we are on our way to Washington D.C., this way not a bad loss, the Hawks are still a better team than the Raptors thus far, and we will continue to prove that, especially after the return of JOSH SMITH.

Going into December 10-6. 4th in eastern conference.

believe that.

No Redd, Bogut, Hawks beat Bucks at Phillips Arena

Hawks 102 Bucks 96
24 24 19 29
28 20 23 31

BOX SCORE

Joe wanted to rebound well from the lowest scoring effort surrendered all season, and he did it not by scoring 30 points, but by scoring wisely, assisting well, and leading in every since of the word his team to victory with 15 points, 9 assists.

Al Horford led Hawks scoring with 21 points(9/12 FGs, 3/5 FTs), 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, 2 steals, he has been outstanding in the absence of Josh, Mike Bibby was good as usual, 18 points (6/14 FGs 4/9 3pt FGs 2/4 FTs) 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and Marvin Williams had an idential stat line, but a more efficient 18 points (4/8 FGs 1/3 3pt FGs 9/10 FTs) 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks.

"Flip-Switch" Murray was ON tonight after having been OFF for the past 3 games, although Mo Evans always steps up if and when Flip is OFF, and even some games where Flip is ON Mo plays big off the bench, we are going to soon start counting how many games we have both Flip and Mo is double figures, Sekou calls them "FlipMO Squad"

Busta Rhymes said no, lol.

In other news, this was the reunion of the the Hawks and Tyronne Lue, in which tried so hard to play well against his old number 10, Mike Bibby, but Bibby showed exactly why he was traded for, and why the Hawks were never successful with Lue, in that game. The Hawks are winning, and Hawks are being expected to win certain games and winning, this is such a far cry from even just last season, let alone the 2 seasons previous, even though Mike Woodson has been a fool more often than not in his head coaching career with the Hawks, but he deserves some credit this season, seriously, if the Hawks win 50 games, Mike Woodson Coach of the Year.

see you in Toronto.

Joe scores 30, Hawks beat Bobcats, though it should have been easier...

Hawks 88 Bobcats 83
24 19 20 20
16 31 15 26

Hawks win, but it was an ugly one.

the Hawks got off to another bad start in this game, allowing the Bobcats to race out a 13-4 lead in the first 5 minutes, and the 1st quarter score ended at 24-16.

In the 2nd quarter, the Hawks got right though. Starting it off with a Mo Evans 3-ball, the Hawks scored 31 pts in the 2nd for a 47-43 halftime lead.

3rd quarter problems started showing again, the Hawks are really lucky to win this game, if we had been playing any other team we probably would not have come back, but the Hawks scored a mere 15 pts in the 3rd, and the Bobcats led 63-62 going into the 4th.

4th quarter Hawks crank it up like we are supposed to, Joe goes to work like he is supposed to, scoring 7 pts, but assisting 2 HUGE 3-pointers back-to-back by Mike Bibby, after 2 Joe Johnson free throws, Bibby hits a THIRD 3-pointer on a Johnson assist, and the Hawks were up 77-73, but this kid D.J Augustine, who had been beasting for the Bobcats (hit 7/11 3pt FGs), hit 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions, making the score 79-77 in an instant. That's when Joe went to work, immediately after the inbound Joe Johnson launched a 3-ball, swish to make the score 80-79 with 4:13 left. Bobcats score to make the score 81-80 with 2:33 left. Marvin Williams, this kid is brand new this season, his improvement has been totally under the radar in the NBA. Marvin Williams, the 3rd leading 3pt FG% leader in the NBA, gets in position in his favorite corner, he gets a great pass from Maurice Evans and launches a 3-ball. Swish. 83-81 with 2:12 left.

It was a great game where it should have been a 10+ point win, but a few things could be learned here:

• Although Brown started probably the shortest backcourt of all time D.J. Augstine might be pretty good as a scoring point guard
• Marvin Williams is a significantly better player than this time last season
• Flip Murray is a great 6th man some nights, the element of cancer itself, frustration itself other nights
• Mo Evans is rock solid
  

No Josh, No Al, and even though Joe struggled the Hawks are too deep, Williams, Bibby & ZaZa Shine

Hawks 91 Wizards 87
26 24 17 20
28 16 26 21

With 6:27 on the clock and the Hawks up by 2, Caron Butler launched a 3. Bang. Joe Johnson dribbled down court and seemingly half-heartedly drove in the lane into traffic, the ball was stolen by Caron Butler. In transition, Butler looking, looking, pulls up for three. Bang. Now, with the score 79-75 Wizards up by 4 with 5:37 Woodson calls a timeout.

Oh, no Hawks, we can't have this happen again, its one thing for the Hawks to lose Al Horford in the 1st quarter of a game and lose, having not been prepared not to play with the starting PF/C, but the Hawks cannot get outexecuted down the stretch at Phillips Arena by the bottom team in the EC. Wait, that scene seems very familiar, oh yes, Last season, the Wizards had stared 0-5, and the Hawks had gained some attention with 2 convincing wins early in the season against Dallas (first game of the season) and Pheonix (sans Amare) both at Phillips Arena. I'm sure Hawks fans don't want to recall that because that was the Hawks first home loss of the season, by 11 points no less, despite getting 20,22,23 from Marvin, Joe, and Josh, respectively.

So, Woodson subs in Evans for Flip, and ZaZa inbounds the ball to Joe, and after an exchange of bricks and ZaZa's 15th and 16th rebounds, he hits 1 of 2 free throws and then Mike Bibby gets a layup to make the score 78-79, and after Nick Young misses an ugly wild shot, Joe Johnson abuses him off the dribble and shoots a turnaround 17 footer, it bounced up off the rim once, twice, and dropped in the bucket to give the Hawks a 80-79 lead. Blatche layup 81-80, Joe assists Evans for a 3 to make it 83-83. AND THEN we let Stevenson pull up for an uncontested-enough 2, Joe dribbles it down and fires off a bad pass that gets stolen, and the same stevenson hit another shot, almost hit a 3 but it was a 19 footer, score 87-83 with 1:05 left, Wizards bench celebrating.

At this point im thinking about that promise i made, lol, the future of me and this blog, i had wondered if i did shut this blog down if anybody would miss it, but i feel this. i do this for the love of the sport of basketball, i will always love basketball but i also do it for the lack of love my city and my team gets from the mainstream media, i cannot sit back and watch other people miscover the players and personell of this team, even if i was getting no comments and readers id still write to creative express what i, with this blog, have become a part of, and i want you, reader, to know that i appreciate the comments and feedback from this passion i express here, all my other sports/news bloggers, i appreciate u.

Sorry, i had to aggrivate some of those fuzzy emotions inside because this was an epic ending to this game, it was vindictive on the attitude and abilities the Hawks have this season, this is such a better team than last season.

After a mispossession on the inbound, Hawks passed it into the great Joe Johnson who stepped right into his shot and launched a 30 footer. Swish. 87-86. Hawks defense. Swarming, ball being whipped around, shot clock dwindling, Stevenson launched an ill-advised 30 footer that hits no rim, shot clock expires, great defense. Still not over, with 32 seconds left, Joe dribbles up the floor, he finds Marvin Williams in the right corner, steps right into his shot (its amazing, the way he shoots, that ugly form he used to hit that midrange semi-consistently last season, is the same form he uses for that three, of course). BANG. 89-87 Hawks, 25 seconds left. Wizards miss, foul Flip Murray, both free throws and game over 91-87.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

21 pts (7/14 FGs 6/6 FTs 1/3 3pt FGs) 14 rbs 4 asts 2 stls

Its beautiful i wrote that monday article praising Marvin, i felt he would be the deciding factor in this game and during this time where we are without Josh and Al, and Marvin stepped up big time, scoring and rebounds, and a nice assist night, all while defending Antwan Jamison, or, he was able to do it because Antwan was "defending" him, lol.

19 pts (7/22 FGs 2/8 3pt FGs 3/4 FTs) 8 rbs 8 asts 1 stl 2 blks

Joe Johnson was no slouch in this game, if 19/8/8 is below average that is quite something to say about that players ability, and Joe Johnson has that ability, he is a true superstar, great player, top 5 guard in the league definitely.



25 pts (12/22 FGs 1/4 3pt FGs) 6 rbs 3 asts

Bibby was good in this game, he played his game, took the opportunities that came and made plays, he did not distribute the ball especially well, but Joe did so thats fine, he played well.

4 pts 18 rbs 4 asts (1/4 FGs 2/6 FTs)

And of course the Zealous ZaZa, he played his heart out last night, much better than last game, i think he plays best when concentrating on defense and rebounding, he has some offensive post skills, but far and few often, let him average 6/6 off the bench, he is a very important part of this team.











So that was a good win, now lets dominate Charlotte on Friday and get ready for LeBron on Saturday, that is the big one.

Maann...Hawks better crank it up, Hawks lost all defense in Pacers drubbing, Joe Johnson is pissed

Hawks 96 Pacers 113
25 23 25 23
32 29 27 25

BOX SCORE

People of Atlanta, fans of the Atlanta Hawks and the NBA, its not quite time to panic, but if the Hawks ever play like that again against anybody it might be safe to start panicking. the Atlanta Hawks entered the game against the Indiana Pacers on a 3 game losing streak, all season, thus far, we had only lost to the Celtics (epic), and those Nets back-to-back losses (we really should have at least got 1 of those), so the Hawks were eager to get their swagger back and win another one on the road against a pretty good team in the Pacers.

Although the events that transpired in that game, such as the injury of Al Horford in the first quarter (prayers and blessings from Heaven that he will be back for tonights home game), could not have been prepared for or easily overcomeable (new word), but they had soo many opportunities and each one of them were squandered away seemingly carelessly especially in the 4th quarter, PeachtreeHoops sums it up so sadly:

Without both Josh Smith and (for the final 41 minutes) Al Horford, Atlanta's primary defensive deficiencies shifted from limiting dribble penetration to keeping any Pacer over 6' 8" from doing whatever he wanted. Rasho Nesterovic scored 21 points. Troy Murphy had 19 rebounds. Jeff Foster had 12 points (5-6 FGA) and 5 rebounds in 22 minutes. Fox Sports South must have chosen not to show Roy Hibbert begging Jim O'Brien to put him in the game.

Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby did what they could offensively* but they barely combined to match Danny Granger's production. Acie Law IV took advantage of his late introduction to the game and fueled a run that got the Hawks within 7 with 7:59 to play. Atlanta had three chances to cut the lead further (four if you count Maurice Evans' missed tip on Joe Johnson's three-pointer) but could only muster an off-balance Marvin Williams jump shot, a Joe Johnson runner, and a Joe Johnson three-point attempt.

Al Horford tonight?

Al Horford is listed as day-to-day, but the question is, if he doesn't play who starts in his place? Randolph Morris? Othello Hunter? we need a banger down there, someone just to protect the paint, get rebounds and blocks, someone who only shot he will take is a putback. Also someone who will NOT shoot 0-6 in a critical game on the road while starting in place of the best forward on the team...oh wait, he is still starting, could we possibly start the worst frontcount in NBA History tonight?

Mike Bibby - Joe Johnson - Marvin Williams - ZaZa Pachulia - Randolph Morris

Mr. Morris has not earned my trust yet, he played a good game that one time in the preseason, but in all of his minutes thus far this season he has been an incredible liability, and his on-court demeanor he seems to be emotionless or careless, even if of course he cares and loves basketball, in not expressing that he will not be able to seize moments and opporitunities like a clutch, veteran player would.

(6-3) Atlanta Hawks are doing fine, This week in the NBA

The Atlanta Hawks started the season with a 14-point drubbing against the Orlando Magic, a game which Marvin Williams couldn't play in, serving his one game suspension from his Rondo-clothesline in game 7(single most priceless defining moment of the series), in Marvin Williams return, the home opener against the Philly Sixers, the Hawks won handily 95-88, but Marvin struggled to get his groove on offense (19 minutes 2 pts 1-7 FGs). But in every game since then? Marvin Williams is leading the NBA in 3pt FG at 64.7%(11-15).....UPDATE..thanks to those 2 losses to the Nets, in which Ryan Anderson was 3-3 from 3pt BOTH TIMES (that is the most disappointing statistic out of everything in those 2 losses) and because of that, RYAN ANDERSON is leading the league in 3pt FG at 66.7%,. this is a ROOKIE, and we do not expect or he had better not keep this up, because as of now, nobody else is threatening Young Marvin's 3pt FG%, and of course, Marvin may not keep up a 60+ 3pt FG%, but he has unlimited potential after working all summer with the new Hawks assistant coach Mark Price. We all know Mark Price is one of the NBA's greatest shooters of all time, and his time working with Marvin has been priceless. Jon Cooper, a freelance writer for Atlanta teams, wrote a great article detailing Marvin Williams' relationship with the 3pt shot.

The reason i am writing this praise for this Hawks season and Marvin Williams is because I, like many other previously shallow Hawks fans, hated on Marvin Williams. I felt he was disgustingly average, he did nothing special, and he would have been Chris Paul, i mean here we have a guy that will probably never be an all-star, we drafted instead of a guy that will always be an all-star, MVP-candidate, and if the Hawks HAD drafted Chris Paul in the summer of 2005 and we built around Paul-Johnson-Smith.. it is unfathomable to think what the Hawks would have been those 06,07, and 08 seasons, but its not outrageous to think the Hawks would be the best of the eastern conference, winning 60+ games, Hawks praised, Johnson MVP for going from PHX 62 wins to Hawks 62 wins, things of that nature, SOO we never gave the kid a chance from the day we drafted him, even before we knew Chris would be the Legend he is now, we knew we should have picked Chris Paul or Deron Williams.

right now Marvin Williams is averaging 13.1 ppg 5.3 rbs 48.8% FGs 67.4% 3pt FGs 76.2% FTs
if he can average at least 15 ppg 5 rbs 47% FGs 40% 3pt 80% FTs - he will be an intricate part to the Championship level Hawks when we get there, could be sooner than people think..

ESPN has ranked Atlanta Hawks (8) in the weekly power rankings; over the Rockets, Hornets, Jazz, Raptors, 76ers

The Journey of the Great Ronald "Flip" Murray by Sekou Smith

Great blog entry by the same man, Sekou Smith about the Ups and Downs of the NBA Season





THIS WEEK in the NBA, Hawks

1. Hawks VS Pacers (11/18/08) - the Pacers are in a rebuilding season but what they have thus far ain't bad. That boy Danny Granger is good, with potential to be great, i mean, i dont know how much greater a 25 year old 5th year player averaging 24.3 ppg 5.3 rpg 2.1 apg

the Hawks have to regain their defensive prowless, even without Josh Smith, the hawks are coming off three straight losses, twice by the Nets, we have got to reestablish ourselves at the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference by winning on the road, we must.

2. Hawks VS Wizards (11/19/08)- the Wizards are the worst team in the Eastern Conference, this should be easy, SHOULD BE.

3. Hawks VS Bobcats (11/21/08)- the second worst team in the Eastern Conference, we should practice dominating that team so when we go in for the next huge game, we can have that winner swagger, because..

4. Hawks VS Cavs (11/22/08) - Mann..if we had Josh Smith for this game, this would be a better game than that Boston game, and it still could be, but we have got to figure out how to tame the beast of LeBron, i truely believe only someone like Josh Smith, TayShaun Prince, Andrea K can at least slow him down, this is a HUGE game and opportunity to make a statement against a championship-level team and one of the best players in the world, unfortunately, Marvin Williams will be the deciding factor in this game, if he can bother James and hit a few three's, Joe Johnson will do the rest, Hope.

OTHER GOOD GAMES THIS WEEK:

(11/19/08)
Cleveland at Detriot
Chicago at Portland

(11/20/08)
Detroit at Boston
Lakers at Phoenix

Hawks REVENGE bid fails, Devin Harris unstoppable, the potential of Vince Carter may still exist, does our bench? Johnson still magnificent

Hawks 107 Nets 119

29 26 30 34

28 22 23 38

ESPN AP Atlanta Recep

The 2008-2009 Atlanta Hawks had one of the best starts of franchise history but they have also proved to be one of the elite teams in the league in these early tests, situations in games. Of course we had a great start of 6-0 but even with these three losses, it only proves the Hawks power more.

In this game, the Hawks came out defensively determined to stop or slow down Devin Harris, the same Devin Harris that had shredded Iverson-debut Detroit and their defense for a career-high 38 points, and unfortunately, the Hawks became victims of this new phenomenon of the Devin. I mean seriously, in his past 3 games, Devin Harris has averaged 33.6 ppg 4.6 rbs 6.6 asts, and it wasn't at the fault of the Hawks defense, although it seems like ever since that Boston loss, we have been playing less than the great we had been playing those games prior to that loss, it might just be New Jersey had the advantage in this 2 game situation with Harris beasting and Vince Carter rare vintage, but the Hawks must understand this was a playoff type test, back-to-backs are very indicative of the power, skill level of the teams, and we can't let teams figure us out like the Nets did in these 2 games.

But we certianly HAVE lost some swagger in the defensive department these past two games, so we are going to go after Indiana in dominating fashion, then beat Wizards in Atlanta, then Bobcats in Atlanta, then the next "biggest test of the season" is the return of Josh Smith against the Legend of LeBron, but we absolutely must beat these other lil' sub-par teams before we face the big dog.

Can We Fit NEW JERSEY NETS into the Nu East Order?

It will be interesting to see at what pace Devin Harris continues to impress and improve, Nets are looking real smart for trading for him, it will be funny if the Nets make the playoffs and the Mavs don't (which they wont, and they can blame John McCain). But, the Nets making the playoffs is beyond a longshot, its beyond unlikely, but it is not outside the realm of possibility, especially if Devin Harris keeps averaging around 30 ppg 6 apg, Vince Carter 25 ppg 5 rbs 5 asts, and i guess Brook Lopez should average about 15 pts 9 rbs, i think there's a guy named Yi on that team but i'm not sure, Nets got a few key bench players; Ryan Anderson, Keyon Dooling, Jarvis Hayes, lets look at the east, hypothetically:

1. Celtics
2. Cavs
3. Hawks
4. Pistons
5. Magic
6. Raptors
7. 76ers
8.

bulls, knicks, nets, bucks will all battle for that 8th spot, teams trying to make that Hawks-leap, lol it aint happenin, but good luck in the playoffs.


Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Devin Harris?


Over the last 3 games, Devin Harris is averaging 33.6 ppg 4.6 rbs 6.6 asts on 55.6% FGs 40.0% 3pt FGs 87.5% FTs, he has been playing the best basketball of his young NBA career recently. Can he join CP3 and Williams as the top tier PGs in the NBA? If he averages more than 22 ppg 6 asts, he's an all-star, no doubt, a place Deron Williams has not been yet, lol.

Hawks/Celtics Playoffs Rivalry Game 8 - Hawks superb but "the Truth" prevails; Hawks 102 Celtics 103

Truth Hurts

But just as the close and competitive as that game was, thats how close the Hawks are to the Celtics level

Box Score

The Hawks are earning some respect big time after this one, the whole world knows the odds were all against the Hawks, Josh out, second night of back-to-back, the significance of the rivalry that has become with us game the Hawks all the skill, energy, and adrenaline they needed to win. But, time was not on our side, its just not quite our time yet, it would have been TOO big a shock to the world, a little unbelievable that the Hawks would beat the Celtics in that circumstance, and then, if the Hawks did win, it wouldn't have been "Hawks WIN!" it would have been, "Celtics Lose" and people would be more reluctant to praise the Hawks, because now, they're just getting lucky, everyone knows they're not better than the Defending Champion Celtics, not yet. But with the game unfolding the way it did, it makes people give the Hawks credit like "Wow, that was a great game, hey, the Hawks are pretty good now"

The Atlanta Hawks VS Boston Celtics is the most exciting rivalry in the Eastern Conference right now, Although Kevin Garnett doesn't agree, (there are a number of reasons for that), the general public, sports fans vehemently agree, look at this infomation from the great Sekou Smith:

“A year ago a game between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks was hardly worth a second look. On Wednesday night, the telecast of the postseason rematch was the highest rated regular season game in Comcast SportsNet history.

The final half hour, which included Paul Pierce’s game-winning heroics, was the top rated program on Boston television, beating out network hits such as House and Law & Order. The game drew an estimated 245,000 households in New England and 163,000 in the Boston market alone.”

Yahoo! Sports behind the boxscore game review

AJC's Sekou Smith first loss recap

Eastern Rivalry Renewed: Hawks (6-0) VS Celtics (7-1)Preview

Atlanta Hawks (6-0) VS Boston Celtics (7-1)

Probable Starters
PG Rajon Rondo PPG 8.6 REB 3.9 ASST 6.3

SG Ray Allen PPG 15.5 REB 5.3 ASST 2.6

SF Paul Pierce PPG 18.8 REB 7.6 ASST 4.0

PF Kevin Garnett PPG 15.4 REB 10.0 ASST 1.6

C Kendrick Perkins PPG 5.4 REB 7.4 BLk 2.5
Reserves
Reserves
Tony Allen
Glen Davis
Eddie House
Leon Powe
Gabe Pruitt
Brian Scalabrine
Patrick O'Bryant
JR Giddens
Bill Walker
Sam Cassell

Injuries:
Paul Pierce (hand) will play
Rondo (body) will play

Probable Inactive
JR Giddens
Patrick O'Bryant
Sam Cassell

Probable Starters
PG Mike Bibby PPG 14.2 REB 2.4 ASST 5.6

SG Joe Johnson PPG 25.2 REB 5.2 ASST 3.8

SF Marvin Williams PPG 10.8 REB 6.0 ASST 1.3

PF Al Horford PPG 8.8 REB 8.8 ASST 3.2

C Zaza Pachulia PPG 4.2 REB 5.2 ASST 0.8
Reserves
Acie Law
Solomon Jones
Maurice Evans
Flip Murray
Othello Hunter
Randolph Morris
Mario West
Speedy Claxton
Thomas Gardner
Josh Smith

Injuries
Josh Smith (ankle) day to day
Speedy Claxton (knee) out

Probable Inactive
Josh Smith
Speedy Claxton
Thomas Gardner

Key Matchups
vs
Bibby was very vocal about the Celtics fans during the playoffs, calling them bandwagon fans. I am sure they haven't forgotten that so expect him to be booed early and often.

vs
Joe Johnson will try to get the best of his former team. He has been averaging over 25 points per game and it will be up to Ray Allen to try to contain him like he couldn't do in the playoffs last season in this game.

Honorable Mention
Kevin Garnett vs Al Horford
Al Horford's taunting earned the Celtics' Captain a fine when he retaliated with the so called gang sign in the playoffs. Expect KG to send him a message in this game.

Marvin Williams
Marvin is the biggest X factor of this game. As we all know Marvin Williams was suspended for the clothesline of Rajon Rondo in game 7 last season, he served his suspension and the Hawks are the best team in the East, with Josh Smith out, Marvin Williams must step up and take on some of the scoring load, have a breakout game of at least 18 pts 6 rbs to make his presence felt there.

Game Notes
The Hawks took the Celtics to 7 games in the first round of the playoffs, surprising many fans on both sides. They started where they left off in the playoffs with a 5-0 start this season beating the Magic, 76ers, Hornets, Raptors and Thunder with the first 4 teams all having playoff aspirations and the Hornets being favored by some to win it all.

The Hawks took a page from the Celtics book and are doing it with defense, holding teams to 85.8 points per game which is second only to the Lakers 84.4. The Celtics come in third at 86.75. They are limiting teams to 40.8% field goal percentage which is 3rd best in the league behind the Celtics 38.2% and the Lakers 39%. This should be a defensive battle and the Celtics would be very wise not to start slow in this game because they may not be able to make it up against this Hawks defense.

The Hawks are playing in the second of back to back games, having faced the Bulls the night before and the Celtics had the previous night off but are playing in their 3rd game in 4 nights.

Al Horford DOMINATES the Bulls in career-high scoring night; Hawks remain perfect

Now You Know, ESPN

Beautiful, virtuoso performance by the REAL 2007 Rookie of the Year, how upset are people gonna be as he continues to improve and people review his resume and wonder WHY he didn't win Rookie of the Year, and no disrespect to the player that won, but why would the NBA do that for a franchise that wasn't going to exist anymore anyway..?

Hawks 113 Bulls 108
26 29 29 29
22 30 22 34

Al Horford knows that with Josh Smith out of the lineup, he must be the defensive anchor on the team. He also knew he was more than capable to have big scoring nights, and he felt that itch from the tip with Gator-buddy Joakim Noah.

In the first quarter, Al Horford went to work immedietely on Tyrus Thomas, scores. Going to work against Joakim Noah, scores, going against Aaron Gray, scores + the foul, by the end of the first quarter Al Horford had 8 pts 3 rbs 3 blks. He continued his onslaught in Karl Malone-fashion, gobbling up rebounds, getting putbacks, making free throws, after halftime the score was 55-52, AL Horford had 16 pts 7 rbs 5 blks.

Mike Bibby also had a great game,scoring the first basket of the second half on an assist by Joe Johnson, did anybody see that running off-the-backboard layup by Marvin Williams in the beginning of the 3rdQ? That was impressive



FLIP MURRAY

MO EVANS

NBA.COM HAWKS VS BULLS RECAP

ESPN.COM RECAP

Only TWO unbeaten teams in the NBA; Lakers and Hawks, lets compare

The Atlanta Hawks are soaring, people. It is not an early fluke, these Hawks are more than for real, i believe we have an Eastern Conference contender in the making here, and they are not that far from being made.

Hawks 89 Thunder 85
22 16 20 31
14 27 21 23

11/09/08 - Atlanta Hawks (5-0) VS Oklahoma City Thunder(1-5) (See: Seattle Supersonics)
Sunday's game was the first full game without Josh Smith, a HUGE factor on both ends of the floor, and at first it took some getting used to.

The first quarter the hawks played well, outscoring Thunder 22-14, it was unfortunate that Thunder(do i say Thunder or THE Thunder? It sounds gay either way) lost Chris Wilcox to a knee injury, and i guess the Hawks had some sympathy for Thunder in the second quarter, getting outscored 27-16, making the halftime score 41-38.

After a defensively contestive 3rd quarter with Hawks outscoring Thunder 21-20, the Hawks really turned it up for the 4th quarter, keyed by a certain 6th man of the year candidate, Flip Murray, scoring 9 points in the 4th with two 3-pointers and a steal, layup. Joe Johnson scored 8 in the 4th to ice this team, and the Hawks grinded out a win to remain undefeated.



The 2008-2009 Eastern Conference Order of Power

Tier 1
Boston Celtics (6-1)-
Champions. Enough said.

Tier 2
Detroit Pistons (4-2)-
The Pistons should be in Tier 1 with Boston, but they're not. I, for one, am a believer in the Allen Iverson trade, he should make that team better offensively, but unfortunately these two games played so far have only proved Allen Iverson's defensive liability that comes with his offense. If Iverson learned to distribute the ball a little better and score his 20 ppg, the Pistons will remain a championship contender, if this doesn't work, obviously AI and Detroit will divorce, as Iverson is in his contract year.

Cleveland Cavaliers (5-2)-
The Cavs are the biggest wildcard for a championship contender, i mean, of course there is the LeBron Factor, which alone make the Cavs a CONTENDER, but who else on that team can make them a CHAMPION? Mo Williams is averaging 14.1 ppg 4.5 apg, doing a little less than what Mike Bibby is doing for the Atlanta Hawks, so does that put them over the top? Actually, Williams has made less impact than most thought he would, he just fell back into the shadow of LeBron instead of being a leader with him, which is why i'm not ready to declare the Cavs a championship-calibur team, just a contender.
But LeBron James is averaging 28.1 ppg 9.0 rpg 7.0 asts on 47% FGs 77% FTs, great, but not better than last season in any way for James, if he can just average 80% on FTs, he'll be MVP

Orlando Magic (4-2) -
Dwight Howard is averaging 22.2 ppg 13.7 rpg 4.0 bpg but that 48.5% FTs is abysmal even for Howard, i mean, come on, i thought the World victory that is the Obama presidency and the US Gold Medal might motivate this young brother enough to improve his FT shooting at least a little bit! No, not at all, its gotten much worse, and i think the rest of the team has disimproved a little bit too. Of course its only been 6 games, but Hedu Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis really sucking right now, Lewis shooting 40.1% FGs 28.9% 3pt FGs 71.2% FTs for 17.7 ppg, Turkoglu, last season Most Improved Player Award winner, shooting 36.4% FGs 30.0% 3pt FGs 83.3% FTs for 15.5 ppg. If these two guys dont step up not only will they not be a championship team, but they will not even be DIVISION champs, as the Hawks win the Southeast(YYEAAHH BOY!)

Toronto Raptors (4-2)-
Chris Bosh is the best PF in the Eastern Conference, and 2nd to only Amare Stoudamire in the NBA, no doubt about it. He is dominating averaging 26.7 ppg 11.3 rpg 2.5 asts 53.7% FGs 83.1% FTs, and his frontcourtmate isn't doing so bad either. A far cry from his career averages but Jermaine O'Neal is averaging 10.2 ppg 6.7 rpg but the 1.8 blks is what helps Toronto the most. The Raptors are rolling, i don't think they are much better than the Atlanta Hawks, but the Bosh factor alone is slightly bigger than the Johnson factor, outside of that Atlanta wins at every position. I really don't get it though, just because Toronto won 49 games that one season and has been a consistent first round exit ever since, people want to see this team as much better than the Hawks. I'll not argue that perspective for now, but when the Hawks win 49 games this season, we will be considered better than the Raptors, and our Mike Woodson better get COY.

Tier 3 -
Atlanta Hawks (6-0)-
We won't be here in this 3rd tier by the end of this season. The Hawks have a chance to be one of the top 5 teams in the Eastern Conference, and if the east if still considered "least" then we will be the cream of the crop on top. Joe Johnson is 3rd in the NBA in John Hollinger's PER which makes him statistically, the 3rd best player in the NBA, Josh Smith is starting to bloom into a superstar himself defensively, and if he ever develops into that 20 ppg scorer he could, should be at the PF position, a MISMATCH EVERY NIGHT for whoever we play...Al Horford will undoubtedly be a double-double beast increasingly in his NBA career (although he has not averaged that thus far, his first game without Smoove proved much). Marvin Williams is about as solid and getting closer to consistent as you can ask from the Small Forward position, he defends well, rebounds, slashes a little bit, and if he is a brand new 3pt shooter? He is looking like NOT the biggest mistake Knight ever made...even though he probably still is, unless the Hawks get to the Finals before the Hornets, we know our team, Hawks may win the division this season.

Philadelphia 76ers -
Miami Heat -

The remaining teams in the Eastern Conference I feel don't have a realistic chance at becoming great in the near future; Wizards - injury prone, Pacers - No D, Bucks - Bogut, Knicks - maybe suprise, Nets - sucks,

KOBE vs JOE


























Kobe Bryant - 24.4 ppg 5.6 rpg 3.4 apg 1.8 stls 0.8 blks 47.3% FGs 33.3% 3pt FG 78.6% FTs in 33.3 MPG
Joe Johnson - 25.2 ppg 5.2 rpg 3.8 apg 1.4 stls 0.4 blks 50.5% FGS 44.4% 3pt FG 78.9% FTs in 37.4 MPG

Lakers - 1st in defensive effeciency (88.5 points allowed), 1st in offensive effeciency (112.2 points scored)
Hawks - 3rd in defensive effeciency(91.5 points allowed), 12th in offensive effeciency (106.4 points scored)

the JOSH SMITH factor
through the first 3 games, Josh Smith was averaging 14.5 ppg 10.7 rpg 3.5 blks 2.5 stls, and although he has only played 3 games so far, his impact on the defensive end cannot be overstated. I mean, the first game of the season against Dwight Howard and the Magic in Orlando, what he do: 17 pts 10 rbs 5 blks 4 stls, granted, Dwight Howard had 8 blocks in that same game, but obviously we won 99-85. The Hawks have obviously always had this great defensive player, but its about time the Hawks became a great defensive team.

the BEAST of AL HORFORD
Al Horford has played 5 games of excellence at the center/power forward position. Playing slightly fewer minutes than last season due to foul trouble Horford is averaging 8.8 ppg 8.8 rpg 3.2 spg 1.8 bpg, but in Smith's absense, Horford rightfully so became the defensive presence that Smith usually is, posting a stat line of 8 pts 12 rbs 2 asts 5 blks, if he continues this aggressiveness, the Hawks will be alright while Smith is gone.

Marvin "lights out" Williams?
The official number on the season is 4/7 but Marvin Williams has shown a new confidence in that 3point stroke that has NEVER been there before. He was taking and making 3pointers with ease in the New Orleans win Wednesday night, if Marvin can shoot say, 38-40% 3pt FGs this season, (you never know this season) he will have deserved the 3 year 20 million extention he should be offered :D i know that's kind of mean, but that's real

Mike "SolidRock" Bibby
Mike Bibby is a solid point guard. He is a strong solid point guard, he is GOOD, GUARENTEED for about 14 ppg 6 asts every night. Sometimes he even has games like the Toronto game, 19 pts 12 asts, but those are about as frequent as a full moon, but you can count on good floor leadership, decision making(sometimes) with Mike.

FlipMo SQUAD!
Mann, who the f*ck is Josh Childress? Na, i'm just playing i miss the kid and his afro but Flip Murray and Maurice Evans replace him FINE! When the Hawks first signed Mo Evans I was more excited about him, even after we signed Flip Murray, i thought he would not be a big impact player, boy have i been pleasantly wrong. Flip Murray is averaging 12.4 ppg 2.4 rpg 2.2 spg on 41.2% FGs 41.3% 3pt FGs, Maurice Evans has averaged 8.0 ppg 3.4 rpg, combined, these two average 20.4 ppg 6.0 rpg 3.0 apg, i don't think Josh Childress would have provided that this season. Flip is clutch man, Flip can make plays, of course sometimes he may make the wrong decision, but thats not been that often yet. And there are some people that say, "oh well, you like him now, just wait until the trade deadline, you'll be trynig to trade him" I see no such future, i think Flip will continue to be a fire off the bench and he himself will average at least 10 ppg, and Mo at least 8 ppg, thats good enough for the Hawks to win some games

Did somebody say the Hawks had a bad bench?
ZaZa Pachulia, Acie Law IV, Solomon Jones, Randolph Morris, Mario West, the Hawks go 12 DEEP with EASE this season! and none of those guys are scrubs! Well, maybe ZaZa sometimes (especially the way he played in OKC, ugh), but our bench is very good and for the most part, does better than just hold a lead, ive seen our bench extend leads in each game played so far.

11/18/08-11/18/08 - the 2008-2009 Atlanta Hawks weekly predictions:

11/11 - Hawks VS Bulls in Chicago - Hawks 95 Bulls 88
11/12 - Hawks VS Celtics in Boston - Hawks 88 Celtics 87
(i know, i know, it hasn't been done yet, the possibility is almost none without Smith but i am keeping the realistic faith ;)
11/14 - Hawks VS Nets in New Jersey - Hawks 98 Nets 88
11/15 - Hawks VS Nets in Atlanta - Hawks 112 Nets 95

Hawks will be 9-0 by next Monday, believe that

Hawks burn Shaq-led Suns, looking sharp

100-96 Hawks

Marvin Williams scored 19 points (6/12 FGs 3/5 3pt FGs 4/4 FTs) 6 rebounds 4 assists 2 steals, Josh Smith had 18 (6/10 FGs 0/2 3pt FGs 6/11 FTs) 3 rebounds 1 assist and 1 block and the Atlanta Hawks spoiled Terry Porter's debut as Phoenix coach, rallying to beat the Suns 100-96 Wednesday night.

It was the second victory in two exhibition games for the Hawks, who also defeated Orlando on Monday.

It was a great and balanced effort, despite a dismal 1-9 shooting display by Mike Bibby, Joe Johnson was good, 14 points (5/10 FGs 2/3 3pt FGS 2/2 FTs) Al Horford was beast as usual, Coach Woodson had to tame him a lil' more than the other starters, 22 minutes, but he registered 10 points (5/6 FGs) 6 rebounds.

Shaquille O'Neal showed his championship dominance in minimal minutes, people hate on O'Neal for a plethora of reasons from his outgoing, goofy personality, to his perceived ego, or rapper swagger which he still shows from time to time (loved the Kobe freestyle, just jokes) but these Suns with Terry Porter are going to be a real contender even against or ESPECIALLY against the Lakers in the playoffs, but they will have to improve in 3 point shooting or they will become a lottery team, fans would leave and Steve Nash will become a free agent only to sign with the Spurs to try to win a championship...if these Suns don't start hitting three pointers, that's all i'm saying.














Good Game, i will reiterate my prediction, if the Atlanta Hawks go undefeated in this pre-season, i guarentee they will win 47-50 games this season, Bet.

Hawks start Training Camp with new Swagger

With pictures snapping during the start of the 2008-2009 season training camp, there was a new air among the players. Excitement, condidence, and high expectations flowed in communication verbally and physically, especially the starting lineup of this season's Hawks.

Mike Bibby - Joe Johnson - Marvin Williams - Josh Smith - Al Horford

We at playoffshawks have already analyzed the performances of each player induvidually and collectively last season, many other atlanta sports writers have done the same in more statistical detail, but now it is time for their play to speak for itself. I had a vision of the 08-09 Hawks playing like a well oiled machine, like the 04 Championship Pistons, no one-two scoring option, no LeBron, more like everybody plays in-synch and shares the ball, no one cares to average 20 pts or be the leading scorer, everyone just wants to win, sort of like the 08 Celtics... Now, NO ONE is suggesting the Hawks will go 66-16 this season and win the championship (that would probably cause The Rapture, and the world would surely come to an end), but this Hawks team is capable of winning 47 games, +10 improvement from last season, only a few things are dependant on that occuring this season:

1. DO NOT trade Mike Bibby at mid-season. We all know Bibby is an expirer, but for the love of God do not treat these players like just product. We all understand this is a business, and we all want to improve the team, but chemistry and leadership are the main ingridients to a championship, and though the Hawks may or may not even get to the Finals with this core, it is not outside the realm of possibility with Mike Bibby. Play Bibby the whole season, then decide whether not to give a extention, or let him go and sign another great, better point guard.

2. Josh Smith's leadership.

3. Joe Johnson's consistency.

4. Al Horford's swagger

5. Marvin Williams' continued development.

6. Bench

7. Coach

2008-2009 Season Preview, Atlanta Hawks, Eastern Conference Assessment Predictions

Southeastern Division:





Orlando Magic ( 52-30)


The Orlando Magic are better this season than they've ever been and the Magic are the #2 seed in the eastern conference and a legitimate championship contender at least the eastern conference. Alot of people are feeling that Micheal Pietrus, a 6-6 G/F with GS last season, will not be a significant upgrade over Maurice Evans. I think that Pietrus will be at least as good as Evans and start at SG to add stability to their team, consistent shooting and slashing ability that will make requirement-doubling Dwight Howard a big price to pay, if he learns to hit his free throws(68.6% FTs). Courtney Lee will be a good player, he will probably play sparingly, but will score and play defense. and Anthony Johnson is a highly underrated 34 year old point guard, he was always a veteran leader on the hawks and played strong and clutch down the stretch of those few and far wins, and he hasn't slowed down a bit, playing big minutes for the Magic. Kenyon Dooling was a decent guard (not PG) who could shoot but he was always a additude problem and felt he was better than he was, the Magic will not miss him, and the other best bench player, Kieth Bogans will be better in his place. Rashard Lewis (31) will be better, Hedu Turkoglu(29) will play better but score less points than last season, and Jameer Nelson(25) will be the Derek Fisher point guard leader, scoring and passing well, hitting free throws, and making good decisions.


and this is all outside the gold-medal DWIGHT HOWARD factor, whom will average
25.5 ppg 14.9 rpg 2.5 asts 2.1 blks 60.1% FGs 67.2% FTs
being the team leader offensively and defensively to make him an MVP candidate






Washington Wizards (50-32)
Gilbert Arenas is never going to stop talking, his perspective is one of the realist voices and he is one wildest personalities in the NBA, but his game is about to talk alot louder than he will. Gilbert Arenas is still the man on that team, he is going to adjust his game to fascilitate and score as great as he knows he can, but it all starts with GILBERT, it all depends on him if he can make the BIG three of Caron Butler, Antwan Jamison, and Agent Zero ALL all-stars and have their best season in franchise history, and the pieces around those three aren't too bad either. Deshawn Stevenson kept us entertained while Gilbert was gone, he made himself an important role player on this team, and now he has to adjust his play with Gilbert, he should score a little less but still hit make big plays and get Gilbert the ball for big shots. The young boys of the Wizards are gonna improve and play big minutes this season, Nick Young and Andrey Blatche. Blatche is already really underrated as a 22-year-old 6-11 small forward matchup nightmare on offense or defense, he is going to play more with 23-year-old Nick Young, the second year ROY contender. Brenden Haywood will be solid as usual, Etan Thomas is back so we hope they don't fist fight again, but if they share the center they'll both be solid, we're pretty dure Antonio Daniels is still there, but we don't care because in order for this team to be great its going to take the following:


Gilbert Arenas - 25.5 ppg 4.3 rpg 6.4 apg 44.3% FGs 36.7% 3pt FGs 80.1% FTs
Caron Butler - 20.3 ppg 5.6 rpg 3.4 apg 46.1% FGs 27.3% 3pt FGs 83.4% FTs
Antwan Jamison - 17.4 ppg 9.3 rpg 2.1 apg 45.3% FGs 36.4% 3pt FGs 74.2% FTs


Miami Heat (30-52)


Dwayne Wade is (probably) the best guard player in the NBA, he could very well be the second coming of Micheal Jordan, score 35 ppg this season, and lead the NBA-worst, used-to-be-champion Miami Heat to respectability and playoffs in 2009. Problem is, if he does he will need Jamaal Magloire and Udonis Haslem to play defense, the rookies, Mario Chalmers and Micheal Beasley to play their role, and James Jones to hit threes off the bench, i.e James Posey. And they can do it, maybe Micheal Beasley is as good as some say he is, he could average 17 pts 7 rbs and be the Rookie of the year, maybe Shawn Marion won't get traded even though he and Beasley are the same man Marion will play PF and average 17 pts 10 rbs, Jamaal Magloire will be reborn at 30 and averag 9 pts 9 rbs and Mario Chalmers starts and is rookie of the year candidate with Beasley averaging 10 pts 4 rbs 5 asts, i.e Rajon Rondo. Maybe James Jones is a 6th man of the year candidate and averages 10 pts off the bench and leads the league in 3pt FG%, maybe Alonzo Mourning DOESN'T get bought out to play for a real contender, and plays backup to Jamaal Magloire or Mark Blount......and plays his heart(no pun) out.


But in order for any of this to be a possibility, it all starts with gold medal Dwayne Wade, being the best PER player in the league and a likely MVP award winner averaging

Dwayne Wade - 33.4 ppg 5.4 rpg 5.4 apg 52.4% FGs 32.3% 3pt FGs 85.1% FTs

Charlotte Bobcats (27-55)




Sigh. Micheal Jordan, Larry Brown, and Bob Johnson is a train wreck in immediate unfolding. This is a team that looks good on the surface but when the surface is seen through you realize that this is a franchise that has not yet achieved respectability yet. Larry Brown is going to prove himself as a curse to young teams and give this franchise its worst record since its first year in business. D.J Augustine is a good player, but he will not be good until and only until he leaves that situation, he and Raymond Felton are going to beef, Adam Morrison is going to play big minutes and Gerald Wallace is going to demand a trade. Jason Richardson will remain good, averaging 20 ppg, but in the attempted development of Adam Morrison, Richardson will take less control of the team and turn Vince Carter, just not caring. Now, the focal point of the defense, and maybe one day the offense, Emeka Okafor, will also play up to his contract, he may have a career year, and he is the deciding factor on whether or not the Bobcats will completely suck or just be bad, if he's good (15 ppg 10 rpg) the Bobcats will only be bad, but its set in stone, the Bobcats will be at least bad. Sorry, fans.


Emeka Okafor - 15.2 ppg 10.1 rpg 2.1 bpg 52.1% FGs 67.8% FTs
Jason Richardson - 18.7 ppg 5.1 rpg 3.2 apg 44.3% FGs 38.1% 3pt FGs 71.2% FTs
Gerald Wallace - 16.2 ppg 7.1 rpg 2.1 apg 1.8 spg 43.2% FGs 78.2% FTs



THE Atlanta Hawks (47-35)




The Atlanta Hawks, its our year baby. I speak as a general basketball fan first, knowledge and realistic expectation second, and hometown fan bias last. And with that being said, i think the Hawks are going to increase their win total by at least 8, but im betting 10, and i'm going to explain why. The Atlanta Hawks spent the first 20 games of the season, tinkering with the lineup, trying to find the best players for positions and matchups, often Anthony Johnson and Tyronne Lue started at PG, when the Hawks got Bibby, they were 22-28. They took some getting used to on the road, when the Hawks went 4-11 before their first winning streak finished 11-7 for a 37-45 record and the #8 seed in the 'Leastern Conference'.This season, the starting center is no rookie, the PG situation is not unstable, joe johnson will not be injured and Josh Smith, the leader offensively and defensively for this team will have his best season yet again. Mike Bibby will be the good PG consistently the Hawks have lacked since Jason Terry, he will be the leader to improve his teammates with passing first, scoring second. Joe Johnson is livid he wasn't chosen to be on Team USA, he will play consistently great like he always has, and be a third time all-star this year.


Mike Bibby - 14.5 ppg 4.5 rpg 6.5 apg 46.3% FGs 37.4% 3pt FGs 78.9% FTs
Joe Johnson - 20.3 ppg 4.2 rpg 5.2 apg 48.4% FGs 39.7% 3pt FGs 82.1% FTs
Marvin Williams - 12.2 ppg 5.2 rpg 2.3 apg 43.1% FGs 32.3% 3pt FGs 76.4% FTs
Josh Smith - 20.8 ppg 9.2 rpg 3.3 apg 3.1 bpg 2.1 spg 48.9% FGs 33.7% 3pt FGs 81.3% FTs
Al Horford - 14.2 ppg 10.4 rpg 2.1 apg 1.4 bpg 1.2 spg 51.4% FGs 80.1% FTs
bench

Maurice Evans 8.7 ppg 3.2 rpg 3.2 apg
Flip Murray 6.5 ppg 2.3 rpg 2.1 apg
Zaza Pachulia 5.1 ppg 4.8 rpg
Acie Law IV 4.2 ppg 3.2 apg
Jeremy Richarson 2.3 ppg
Randolph Morris 1.4 ppg 2.2 rpg



Southeast Division:

Orlando Magic (52-30)
Washington Wizards (50-32)
Miami Heat (30-52)
Charlotte Bobcats (27-55)
Atlanta Hawks (47-35)






Atlantic Division:

Boston Celtics (58-24)
Toronto Raptors (48-34)
Philiadelphia 76ers (50-32)
New York Knicks (24-58)
New Jersey Nets (18-64)



Central Division:

Chicago Bulls (44-38)
Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31)
Detroit Pistons (48-34)
Indiana Pacers (30-52)
Milwalkee Bucks (40-42)





1.celtics
2. magic
3. cavs
4. wizards
5. 76ers
6. pistons
7. raptors
8. hawks

GM Rick Sund signs Flip Murray, Atlanta Hawks starting to look like a team...

its a beautiful day in sports worldwide, the most beautiful sports event ever is in full effect, as is basketball for the USA and the NBA off-season

team usa is dominating in every game (except australia, we'll get them back later), it's too bad we didn't see Childress play with Greece to be dominated with the rest of them, that would make him home sweet home real soon, lol, but i hope Josh Childress is the star player and MVP of that team and league, so when he comes back to the hawks it would be monumental

the hawks are moving on without Childress for now though, GM Rick Sund continuing to explore the free agent market and make good decisions. GM Rick Sund recently signed Flip Murray, a 6'3 combo guard who played well in indiana and detroit, to be a veteran leader, scorer off the bench. Mike Woodson and Flip are on one accord (for now) and the hawks team is looking very strong for this upcoming season. There had been questions of team chemistry in the past, urgenct contract matters of important parts of the team and organization were rightfully a concern, after the resignation of the man that drafted and traded for all of the current hawks players of today, we chose someone we felt could make good decisions for the organization and team, and even though we have gone through the ludacris of Josh Childress, there seems to be some method to the madness after all.

This is a realistic opinion prediction of the Atlanta Hawks and the Southeast Division, i am a hawks blogger that believes Josh Smith is the best player on the team, Mike Woodson is the man for the job (for now) and the Hawks could win 45+ games this upcoming season, realisticly.

Southeast Division Alalysis:

Orlando Magic

Washington Wizards

Miami Heat

Charlotte Bobcats

this is actually going to be detailed analysis of the atlanta hawks of this season, , all factors considered:

coach Mike Woodson the hawks are better defensively than they have ever been, they play with a new confidence and swagger they gained in the playoffs, great home record, but also impressively winning on the road against teams that aren't supposed to lose to the hawks at home, earning the hawks some respect. believe it or not, Mike Woodson is not that bad. he actually has the favor and some respect of some of his players, and this team wants to be a defensive force, and believe it or not, mike was an intricate part of 04 Detroit Pistons championship defensive identity, hey if Doc Rivers can do it why not mike?

predicted team record : 47-35

Joe Johnson3x all-star

previous season stats: 21.7 ppg 4.5 rpg 5.8 apg 43.2% FGs 38.1% 3pt FGs 83.4% FTs

joe johnson is the leader of this team, mr. consistent has proven to be a top 10 SG in this league and one of the best all-around players in the nba. he improved hisp lay this season by increasing his FG and 3pt % by taking less shots and better shots, also formed a dynamic duo with Josh Smith, making plays for each other in the games, making opponents pay for double teaming him.
predicted next season stats: 20.2 pts 5.0 rbs 5.5 asts 48.2% FGs 40.1% 3pt FGs 85% FTs

Josh Smithall-star. dpoy.

previous season stats:17.2 ppg 8.2 rpg 3.4 apg 2.8 bpg 1.5 spg 45.9% FGs 25.3% 3pt FGs 71.1% FTs
Joshes improved shot selection and free throw shooting is what game him his first all-star selection and his continued improvement, focus on defense is what got him his first defensive player of the year award. after continuing to make his place in nba history as the first forward to average 3 bpg of all-time, and having an unstoppable in-the-paint game, josh also improved his game by being able to hit that 12-15 foot jumpshot, and he improved his 3pt shooting percentage, rightfully leading this young hawks team defensively and offensively.

predicted next season stats: 22.2 pts 8.3 rbs 3.0 asts 3.1 blks 2.1 stls 48.4% FGs 34.7% 3pt FGs 80.4% FTs

Al Horford

previous season stats: 10.1 ppg 9.7 rpg 1.5 apg 49.9% FGs 73.4% FTs

al horford and josh smith make the defensive identity of this hawks team, horford was one of the best rookies in the league last season and he proves his elite status in the east with improved play on both ends of the court, still playing the center position he has improved his jumpshot and led the hawks in scoring in 10 games this season, he is the leading rebounder on the team and 6th in rebounding in the league

predicted next season stats: 16.5 pts 11.3 rbs 2.0 asts 2.0 blks 50.4% FGs 82.1% FTs

Mike Bibbyprevious season stats: 13.9 ppg 3.5 rpg 6.0 apg 41.1% FGs 37.5% 3pt FGs 78.1% FTs

mike bibby is a solid point guard with good descision making skills, he has evolved as a passer because he elects to be more of a distributing PG first, scoring second. bibby is in the final year of his contract and he knows he wont be kept by the hawks so he is doing the best he can to help them win this season and in the post-season
predicted next season stats: 14.1 pts 4.1 rbs 6.2 asts 44.4% FGs 33.7% 3pt FGs 78.4% FTs

Marvin Williamsprevious season stats: 14.8 ppg 5.7 rpg 1.7 apg 46.2% FGs 10.1% 3pt FGs 82.2% FTs

marvin williams is a very bad player, he is very ackward inconsistent with no real specialty to his game, unless you consider a 12 foot jumpshot a specialty. he takes a step back this season with the improved play of josh smith and lack of josh childress, marvins minutes decline and so does his overall contribution to the team, he is not expected to be retained in the 09 off-season
predicted next season stats: 12.2 pts 4.3 rbs 2.1 asts 43.2% FGs 31.2% 3pt FGs

bench

Maurice Evans

previous season stats: 9.0 ppg 3.0 rpg 1.0 apg 48.1% FGs 38.8% 3pt FGs 71.2% FTs
mo evans turned out to be a great signing, bringing experienced veteran leadership, poise, and good shooting to the team, he is the teams 2nd most accurate 3 pt shooter, something childress could not provide, and he scores just as many points
predicted next season stats: 10.1 pts 3.1 rbs 2.3 asts 45.2% FGs 37.4 3pt FGs 78.3% FTs

Flip Murray

previous season stats: 9.4 ppg 2.0 rpg 3.5 apg 42.1% FGs 31.1% 3pt FGs 69.4% FTs
Flip Murray is pretty good for our team, he doesn't play as often because of his combo guard style of play, he is a pretty good scorer though, his veteran leadership is appreciated
predicted next season stats: 6.0 pts 2.1 rbs 1.3 asts

Acie Law IV

previous season stats: 4.2 ppg 2.1 apg

Acie Law wanted to really redeem himself this season, he did okay as the primary backup to mike bibby, but due to he splitting time with speedy claxton he did not get consistent minutes, acie law continues to be frustrated, he will be even more frustrated when bibby leaves and we sign someone else to be the starting pg
predicted next season stats: 6.1 pts 2.3 rbs 3.1 asts

Zaza Pachulia

previous season stats:
5.2 ppg 4.2 rpg

ZaZa is an intrigal part of this Hawks bench, he is our token foreign big man from the great republic of georgia, after being devestated by the war in his country, and due to the swagger shown in the playoffs, he is a fan favorite, and always brings aggresive play and good plays
predicted next season stats: 6.4 pts 6.5 rbs 2.3 asts 47.2% FGs 81% FTs

Randolph Morrisprevious season stats: irrelevent

this is a learning experience for morris, he is competing from the bench to be the starting center for the team when marvin leaves, he must lose alot of weight and become a more skilled passer, shot-blocker first, he will need to be a diop type enforcer center, not expected to be a scorer
predicted next season stats: 4.5 pts 3.4 rbs 1.1 blks

Jeremy Richardson
previous season stats:
Jeremy is a good role bench player, he is a SG/SF scorer, he is a good shooter, free throws, 3 pts, driving to the basket, and even a good defensive player
predicted next season stats:

Speedy Claxton
summer league stats:
predicted next season stats:


in conclusion, i am highlighting this hawks team because i see a eastern conference contender in the making, we got our big three, good PG (for now) and good center in the making, what will become one of the best benches in the league, i can see this occuring

Post-Playoffs, Newly Extended Coach Mike Woodson in-depth interview, Hawks future

This is a great feature of the Mind of Mike Woodson, and why he is in-fact the best coach for these Hawks in this position. Even if the team hasn't played up to potential and we just hadn't RUN the way the Hawks need to run to be an elite team in the east, WOODSON KNOWS DEFENSE, and apparently DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS (Congrats, Boston). If we can get an offensive great assistant coach to replace David Fizdale we will be a good team in the east. I will comment on a few things throughout this interview:

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By SEKOU SMITH

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/20/08http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/hawks/stories/2008/06/20/woodson_0620.html

The first-round playoff series between the Hawks and the Celtics was a turning point for both teams.

The Hawks shook off the funk of a nine-year playoff drought by pushing the series to seven games, winning three dramatic home games. They energized their fan base and served notice that their doormat years might be over.

The Celtics pushed on to win the NBA title, No. 17 for a franchise neck-deep in championship banners. They completed a one-year turnaround from the worst team in the Eastern Conference to the best team in basketball.

It's a link that was on Hawks coach Mike Woodson's mind this week when he spoke with AJC Hawks beat writer Sekou Smith about the team's past, present and future:

Q. In a league notorious for copycat tactics, what will the rest of the league take away from what Boston did this past season and particularly the playoffs?

A. Their team is unique in that, and you can really go back to the Detroit team we had [in 2004], the foundation was defense and rebounding. In addition, you just didn't know where it was coming from on a given night. We just had different weapons on that Detroit team. And when they all were clicking we were incredibly hard to beat. Even when they struggled to score points they didn't get blown out and that's a product of a foundation built on defense and rebounding. What was also a given is that they had three guys that could get you in Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. You go in trying to figure out how you were going to stop those three guys. The Lakers caught all three of them playing well. We caught Paul and Garnett playing well and Ray struggled. In the end, I think people will look at the Celtics and realize that you can have three key guys and a nice supporting cast and build your foundation on defense and rebounding and you have a shot at winning it all.

PlayoffsHawks: We have our big three - Josh Smith, Al Horford, and Joe Johnson, in that order. Josh Smith as a SF/PF can score at will around the basket, he should be our leading scorer, shot-blocker, Al Horford at PF/C can bang with any bigs in the league, and he has a sick jumpshot, he's always been a beast defensively and with rebounds, but he should be our 3rd leading scorer. All-Star Joe Johnson has shown he is the great consistent player, now he needs to show that Steve Nash influence in how to make his teammates better, and still average 18-22 ppg, maybe 6 apg.

Q. What then becomes priority No. 1 for the Hawks in pursuit of that goal?

A. The first priority has to be [Hawks general manager Rick Sund] getting Josh Smith and Josh Childress back in Hawks uniforms. I don't even think you can think about anything else until you resolve that matter. From there we have to figure out our ninth, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th guys and who they are. Teams will pattern themselves after Boston in that regard. I think back to last summer this time when [Celtics coach] Doc [Rivers] and I talked about how his team needed to make a big move and not draft another younger player to take that next step. And they did exactly what he was talking about, and probably a whole lot more. I don't think it's to our benefit to add another young guy. We need some veterans to add along with our eight core guys. We're still young enough in certain spots, with guys three and four years into the system, that our core group will continue to get better next year and beyond. What we have to do is build around them, give them an opportunity to shine by putting veteran guys around them that know what it takes to win in our league.

PlayoffsHawks: Woodson is right on, trade Marvin Williams.

Q. More specifically as a coaching staff, what will you tweak and revamp in order to make sure you're growing along with your talent next season?

A. Having Mike Bibby go through veteran camp will be huge for our team. Bibby still doesn't know my system like I want him to know it. When we acquired him at the trade deadline I turned the ball over to him and he ran it the best he could, and he did a [heck] of a job with it. But going to veteran camp and learning what we're about is huge for him. I think as a coaching staff to go back to our offensive system and tweak some things is extremely important. And defensively we have to go back to how we played in those home games during the Boston series. And I know the playoffs is different, but being defensive minded from the first day of camp all the way through is what carried them. We've tried to build that in our players and they've gotten better. I'd like to think after a playoff round they know how they have to intensify their defensive approach to be successful. Although we made shots in the playoffs, it was our defense and rebounding that really held us together to win those playoff games.

PlayoffsHawks: Bibby will be much better for the Hawks next season, 12-15 ppg 5-7 apg, grooming Acie Law to soon takeover the starting position.

Q. Guys who had sporadic roles or production during the regular season seemed to come to life in the playoff for you. Zaza Pachulia and Marvin Williams both played crucial roles in the playoffs, as did rookie point guard Acie Law IV, albeit in limited action. How do you build on what they did in the postseason going forward?

A. All those guys, along with everybody, your game has to go to another level. Everybody across the board has to take their game to the next level. This is a very pivotal summer for Acie Law as far as getting him back going, and that starts really in summer league. Zaza coming back with a better mental frame of mind to accept his role and play is just as crucial. And Marvin building on his last two years and maybe taking that next big leap in terms of getting where Joe [Johnson] and Josh Smith and Bibby are in terms of being a consistent scorer has to take place. Marvin has to step into that role where he can be that third guy or even that second guy some nights that we rely on night in and night out.

PlayoffsHawks: the Hawks really do have a decent coach, if Doc Rivers then why not...

Oh, but we really do gotta trade Marvin Williams though, he is not a 2nd or 3rd man MAN! He is a complementary role player at best, and if he doesn't get a sick jumpshot he'll be useless, because he will never have a slashing game, we already got the best, Josh Smith. I'm glad Woodson reminded the world of ZaZa's role as a back-up big, he is a good role player, just not a good starter like the season the Hawks went 13-69. Acie Law is a starter in this league, but only if he learns to distribute, he scores well though.

Q. The one player everybody seems to be wondering about is Speedy Claxton. Where does he fit with this team right now and beyond?

A. I don't really know where his future is. We're still handling him from a rehab standpoint and we'll get a chance to sit down with him in the next couple of weeks and map out his position in terms of where he's going with our basketball team. I know he still wants to play. Our job is to make sure he's getting proper treatment and make sure he's ready to go. But only time will tell.

PlayoffsHawks: Speedy Claxton is cap space, that's all he is, in the off-season of 2009.

Q. You've lost David Fizdale from your staff to Miami. Is there going to be continuity to allow some of this growth and development you're talking about or will a new set of faces cause some upheaval there?

A. We'll be fine. We'll continue to teach and make sure guys know and understand what needs to be done. We'll interview some guys in Fiz's absence since he's gone to Miami. I have enough veteran coaches around me. We'll add another coach in Fizdale's position. I feel comfortable, though, with the fine coaches we have coming back.

PlayoffsHawks: get a great offensive minded assistant coach, anybody.

Q. With so much pressure on everyone last season to get to the playoffs in the fourth year, is there any sense of relief now with a new two-year contract that you can go about the business of developing some new chemistry, between players and between players and coaches, for the future?

A. Everybody is excited being back. We've gone through the tough times. When you start from the bottom trying to build a team its just not easy. I never experienced anything like what we went through. But in tough times you grow as a team. Last year going into veteran camp guys came back early and we built chemistry and carried that over into preseason and the start of the regular season. We felt that early on and then stumbled in January and February. I think the taste of the playoffs makes guys want to get back to camp sooner. I think the awful times are behind us. Expectations are always high when you're trying to win basketball games. That's just the reality of our sport. But if you don't want the expectations to be high you just shouldn't be a part of our sport. Blame it on whatever you want in the past, it's just a hard road to travel to get to this point from where we started. I've watched NBA teams go from zero to where we are today and I can't help but think we're going to continue to grow. I promise you I'm going to continue to demand and push our guys to play at a high level every night.

Alright.

The Hawks 07-08 season was a big step forward, the 7-game Boston Celtics series was a giant leap in the ranks of the best teams in the east, and now there's is no team, especially not the NBA Champion Celtics that we are afraid of or intimidated by. We will watch the Bulls, Knicks, and Heat as they try to ascend in the east next season, but the Hawks will not slip. if the Hawks sign a big 7-footer to start at center so we can move Horford to PF (DESANGA DIOP!!), i guarantee the Hawks will win 50 games next season and if by some crazy appointment, we meet the Boston Celtics again in the playoffs, i GUARANTEE we'll beat them boys. Now, thats a tough bet, yes? and it's not just because i'm a die-hard fan, shoot, i thought the Lakers were gonna beat the Celtics in the Finals, we all saw the Celtics step their game up through every round of these playoffs in 2008, but that Celtics swagger can be broken, and an new-old rivalry has already been reborn. The arrogance, entitlement of the Celtics (Hillary) against the young, swift, resilient Atlanta Hawks (Obama), we all know what happened in that battle don't we? LOL and maybe that ain't fair, but i don't care, and maybe it all happens opposite to my prediction, they meet again in #1 vs. #8 and the World Champion Celtics SWEEP the young Hawks like they should have done last year. But, our team is on the ascention, the Celtics have plateaued, yes, they'll be the best team in the east for at least 3-4 years, but the Hawks are flying for that number one spot, and seeing the Celtics celebrate that championship motivated and showed them that they are not that far away.

Peep this feature about the youngest Hawks, the 3 rookies by Jon Cooper of Hawks.com

The 2007-2008 Atlanta Hawks season recap, best told by Jon Cooper of Hawks.com

Here's a Post-Finals Q & A with ESPN.com Mark Stein who believes the Hawks were just practice for the Celtics