tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75405813105913727572024-02-19T00:39:53.623-05:00Red White Black and BlueThe players get beat up on the field, we get beat up from the stands. Atlanta's take on local and national sports.MLThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10970910265176180621noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-8543690804175796802012-03-28T05:57:00.001-04:002012-03-28T05:57:28.171-04:002006-07 Good Call Hawks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjFG0t-GiogaaIHuNgEKTiLYjEqcLGbeXOub1tmJHlBtT44qUdIlTtp4PpKwfwRq1U7DHnerWnmH-jGiJJP0ay1LiODkf3x6w-IResoqcSVMGx7lntRWySj3mLGbUwsIX_2DdE-T179N6/s1600/hawksspurs.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjFG0t-GiogaaIHuNgEKTiLYjEqcLGbeXOub1tmJHlBtT44qUdIlTtp4PpKwfwRq1U7DHnerWnmH-jGiJJP0ay1LiODkf3x6w-IResoqcSVMGx7lntRWySj3mLGbUwsIX_2DdE-T179N6/s400/hawksspurs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721685443394702802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><div><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; font-family: Arial; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">The 2005-06 Good Call Hawks wildly exceeded expectations to finish the season with a 45-33 record to make the playoffs. Further, they were able to knock off the Cavs in the first round only to lose to the Pistons in the second round. The question is whether the 2006-07 team can build on that success.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><span id="internal-source-marker_0.9729365780949593" style="font-size: medium; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Once again, the depth chart is as follows:</span></span><div><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">PG - Chris Paul, Chris Duhon, JJ Barea</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">SG - Joe Johnson, Monta Ellis</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">SF - Andre Igoudala, Matt Barnes, Trevor Ariza</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">PF - Josh Smith, Paul Millsap, Leon Powe</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">C - Chris Wilcox, </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Zaza Pachulia, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; text-align: -webkit-auto; "> Chuck Hayes</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Al Harrington, last year's starting PF was traded to make way for Josh Smith. Further, Chris Wilcox was brought in to be the starting C, and Matt Barnes was brought in for wing depth. With fine tuning of the roster, the Good Call Hawks improve again to a record of </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">52-30 record, good for the 2 seed and the SE division crown. By comparison, the real Hawks went 30-52 and against missed the playoffs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Due to the Hawks entering into the playoff seeding, the Nets slide down to the 7 seed and face the Good Call Hawks in the first round. Both teams split their first two home games for a 2-2 tie heading back to Atlanta, but the Hawks take the last two games to win the series 4-2. The Hawks take Game 6 on the road by a score of 106-102. As was the forte for the Hawks during the regular season, they received a balanced scoring effort with 5 players in double figures, led by Chris Wilcox's 21-11 double-double.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">In the second round, the Hawks again play LeBron's Cavaliers. Due to the Hawks' superior record, the Cavs were bumped down to the 3 seed in the East, so the Hawks have home court advantage in this series. Like the first round, the teams each split their first two home games for a 2-2 heading into game 5. However, in a repeat of the first round, the Good Call Hawks go on to win the next to games to take the series 4-2. In game 6 won 109-100 led by Joe Johnson's 23 points on 9/14 shooting. Further the Cavs had 20 turnovers, 11 more than the Hawks, 13 of which were from Hawks steals.</span></span></div><div><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">The eastern conference finals is a rematch from the second round last year with the 1 seed Pistons meeting the 2 seed Hawks. The Hawks were obviously revved up for the rematch because they get a 4 game sweep to send the Hawks to the NBA finals for the first time since they moved to Atlanta. The vaunted Pistons defense was no match for the balanced scoring from the Good Call Hawks, who scored 112, 109, 102, and 92 points respectively. In Game 4 before a raucous Atlanta crowd, the Hawks jumped out to a 30-16 lead in the first quarter that the Pistons were never able to overcome.</span></span></div><div><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Finally faced the Spurs in the finals. Game 1 win - 114-95 with six players in double figures. Game 2 win 114-100 with 11 players at least 5 points. Game 3 loss - 97-88. 20 TOs from hawks and Duncan goes for 20-20-6 ast. Game 4 loss 97-95 behind another 20 point game from Duncan. Game 5 loss with Duncan going for 38 while Joe and Chris combine for 5-25. Game 6 win 106-104 with 6 Hawks in double digits. Game 7 loss 106-94. Tied after 3 quarters but the experienced Spurs took over down the stretch.</span></span></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com496tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-89410991909459791652012-03-26T10:57:00.000-04:002012-03-26T10:58:04.467-04:002006 Good Call Offseason<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U1k5u5cGqGGuyEp8X50e_VoB15sVKDs5i-C3mIQkg0zPn8uPw-cm9Ola2mpwtT2K2NNMpWlJ9hPuwLKTDJ52TjM0Y5K3i7WzqIOqzERIf9kMVtxz2WfywcllwZwGDrqPeKI05YzYHV8G/s1600/chris-wilcox-terry_63955.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U1k5u5cGqGGuyEp8X50e_VoB15sVKDs5i-C3mIQkg0zPn8uPw-cm9Ola2mpwtT2K2NNMpWlJ9hPuwLKTDJ52TjM0Y5K3i7WzqIOqzERIf9kMVtxz2WfywcllwZwGDrqPeKI05YzYHV8G/s400/chris-wilcox-terry_63955.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721679301048020194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><div><span style="font-family: georgia; ">Once again, let's start with the actual transactions done by Billy Knight and determine whether to keep those transactions:</span></div><span><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; z-index: 0; "><div><span><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; z-index: 0; "><br /></b></span></div>July 12 - </b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Hawks sign free agent PG Speedy Claxton - This signing was an absolute disaster and completely unnecessary with the guard depth on this team. Moving on...</span></span><div><br /></div><div><span><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; z-index: 0; ">August 22 - </b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Hawks acquire 2007 first round draft pick from Indiana for Al Harrington and John Edwards - Technically John Edwards is no longer on the team, but I don't think he was a vital cog to this trade since he was waived by the Pacers in the preseason. With Josh Smith getting better and the drafting of Millsap and Powe, flipping Harrington for what will end up as the 11th pick is a great deal for the Good Call Hawks.</span></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; z-index: 0; ">August 30 - </b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Hawks sign free agent C Lorenzen Wright - I'm definitely not a fan of this signing, but there is a small problem with the center position for the Good Call Hawks since Przybilla is also a free agent. In the 2006 offseason, he signed a 5 year $32 million contract, which I have no intention of matching due to his injuries problems.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>So, I need another center. Ideally, I'd like to upgrade from Zaza, but there aren't many decent centers that end up as free agents. There are some decents options in the restricted free agent market with Yao Ming and Nene, but Yao wasn't leaving Houston and Nene was overpaid for all his injuries. Nazr Mohammed also signed a 5 year deal for $31 million, which I am not eager to match. Finally, we have Chris Wilcox at 3 years and $19.5 million. While less years and some decent production, I'm reluctant to lock up that money when I have Monta, Josh, and Iggy all coming up for extensions in 2008. However, the remaining options are the proverbial pu-pu platter: </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Lorenzen Wright - 2 year $6 million, </span><span style="font-family: georgia; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Jarron Collins - 3 year $7 million, or </span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>Francisco elson - </span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: georgia; ">2 year $6 million. So I think we go a little undersized and pick up Chris Wilcox.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>This gives the team 11 players for $37,881,839, which is about $15 million under the salary cap. So let's see if there are any players to fill out the roster that are free agents. First, we'll pick up JJ Barea for some guard depth since he was an undrafted free agent. Then we'll beat Golden State to the punch for Matt Barnes for some additional wing depth. This gives us 14 players for</span><span>$39,730,097, which is over $13 million from the salary cap. Here is the final depth chart:</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>PG:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Chris Paul, Chris Duhon, JJ Barea</span></div><div><span>SG:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Joe Johnson, Monta ellis</span></div><div><span>SF:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Andre Iguodala, Matt Barnes, Trevor Ariza</span></div><div><span>PF:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Josh Smith, Paul Millsap, Leon Powe</span></div><div><span>C:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Chris Wilcox, Zaza Pachulia, Chuck Hayes</span></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-62311182513576830882012-03-21T05:59:00.000-04:002012-03-21T06:00:10.642-04:002006 NBA Draft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1ThAuCWxSE8H-R_jGjsiVqhzLmyNXZeKpO_b6p6atpKUd0wWEDZT29kgbZDQ6Nxd0FwtY6wei27AdXvSlTzsJulxXaBM1yq8bTiJpAALkm4ECvoNIflnO8M80FC8b8SsztqfKLthPGM7/s1600/millsap.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1ThAuCWxSE8H-R_jGjsiVqhzLmyNXZeKpO_b6p6atpKUd0wWEDZT29kgbZDQ6Nxd0FwtY6wei27AdXvSlTzsJulxXaBM1yq8bTiJpAALkm4ECvoNIflnO8M80FC8b8SsztqfKLthPGM7/s400/millsap.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720977417597292770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 218px; " /></a><div><b style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">With the 45-33 record from the 2005-06 season, the Hawks ended up with the 18th and 48th picks in the draft.</span></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: -webkit-auto; font-size: medium; "><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; ">The 18th pick presents the first pick since taking over as the GM of the Good Call Hawks where I will pass on the best player available. The best player would be Rajon Rondo with this pick. However, with Paul and Duhon already on the roster on rookie contracts, Rondo would just be ridiculous depth. Normally I'm fine with that idea, but knowing the personality of Rondo and the fact that he would never be able to get in front of Paul on the depth chart, it would probably be a problem. Duhon has the Coach K training from Duke, so he'll take his bench role in stride. Meanwhile, we'd have a moody Rondo messing with team chemistry. Plus, in the rules of this scenario, I don't have the option to simply trade Rondo down the line. Finally, the team really needs some talent down low to take it to the next level.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; ">So with the 18th pick, the Good Call Hawks take Paul Millsap. He can fill the same role that he did with the Jazz by providing some bench toughness, rebounding, and some scoring. Plus, this will be perfect for the later trade of Al Harrington.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; ">The next pick is the 48th, and we're once again picking from bit players. The only decent player left that was drafted is Leon Powe. If you go to the undrafted players, you can include Louis Amundson and Barea as options. Once again, we have the problem of a logjam at the two guard positions with Johnson, ellis, Paul, and Duhon. While I would prefer to pick up a center prospect at this point, there's not really any options. Therefore, I'm going to go with Powe. He was a quality backup starting in his first year. He's a bit redundant after taking Millsap, but the Hawks can go small with the second unit and play both together against certain teams.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Next post is the 2006 offseason.</span></span></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-14808301969988121842012-03-19T06:44:00.003-04:002012-03-19T06:50:21.911-04:002005-06 Good Call Hawks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzj_QawWdY9F0tAirdv4WnD6di3odSTzoRV0iuueINfI31GDZa6O-hKRfD9Emj0xx2yaS-HL2d6ziyxdThHliAAdER188zxtI6tCHHHENG0j2A4ks1zaPm-d-65rPxbo-9369rZnaG947W/s1600/slideshow_803491_hawks7.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzj_QawWdY9F0tAirdv4WnD6di3odSTzoRV0iuueINfI31GDZa6O-hKRfD9Emj0xx2yaS-HL2d6ziyxdThHliAAdER188zxtI6tCHHHENG0j2A4ks1zaPm-d-65rPxbo-9369rZnaG947W/s400/slideshow_803491_hawks7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715855354498727682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 11px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-transform: uppercase; background-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); ">POUYA DIANAT / PDIANAT@AJC.COM</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: georgia; ">Sorry for the brief hiatus. I was on vacation last week, but let's get back to the Good Call Hawks. After the 2005 NBA draft and the following offseason, here is the final roster going into the 2005-06 campaign:</span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div><div>PG - Chris Paul, Chris Duhon</div><div><b id="internal-source-marker_0.17503282614052296" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">SG - Joe Johnson, Tony Delk, Monta ellis</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">SF - Andre Iguodala, Trevor Ariza, Damien Wilkins</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">PF - Al Harrington, Josh Smith</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">C - Zaza Pachulia, Joel Przybilla, Chuck Hayes</span></b></div></div><div><b style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; ">We're only two drafts into this exercise, and there is already little resemblance to the actual Hawks team. The SF position is just as deep, but with completely different players. The only position that is exactly the same is the PF position. Well I say exactly the same, but we're moving Josh over to PF early knowing that he can't shoot enough to stay on the wing. In comparing to the actual 05-06 Hawks team, there is an upgrade at SF, a major upgrade at PG, and better depth at C. Long-term, Monta will be a terrific 6th man, but now he's just a guard fresh out of high school.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; ">While there wasn't much change in record for the 04-05 Good Call Hawks, this season sees a significant jump. Instead of going 26-56, tied for last in the Southeast division, the Good Call Hawks blow through the eastern conference in the simulation and end up with a 45-37 record, good for the 5th seed.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; ">This pits the Good Call Hawks against another rising team in the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs. The home team wins the first four games leaving the series tied at 2-2. The Good Call Hawks finally break serve in the 5th game, pulling out a thrilling victory in Cleveland before finishing off the Cavs in the 6th game to take the series 4-2.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; ">The Good Call Hawks then take on the reigning champions in the Detroit Pistons, who have the best record in the league. While the young Good Call Hawks put up a fight, the Pistons eventually take the series 4-2.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; ">So instead of going 26-56 and ending up back in the lottery again, the Good Call Hawks have a 19 win improvement and actually push last year's champions in the second round. Not back for only two offseasons.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap; ">The next post will try to keep the momentum going with the 2006 NBA Draft.</span></span></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-77133192702301126722012-03-07T06:23:00.001-05:002012-03-07T06:23:44.616-05:002005 Offseason<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTix2Rj6y_OoYJSvd0f0xoLc8r9gawL1g495Q3cc8BPVD_7v9H05C_LF5uEtQ8gwAWuDYfy3p6_L1HT-YVXIOQbkZOXoF9QZrT8E9XGv99Sfm_qTG7F9uuWnHHn-DHFeIroab00OvJJA1Y/s1600/johnsonpaul.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTix2Rj6y_OoYJSvd0f0xoLc8r9gawL1g495Q3cc8BPVD_7v9H05C_LF5uEtQ8gwAWuDYfy3p6_L1HT-YVXIOQbkZOXoF9QZrT8E9XGv99Sfm_qTG7F9uuWnHHn-DHFeIroab00OvJJA1Y/s400/johnsonpaul.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715796385956409202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 308px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); font-family: arial; font-size: 11px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Turenne/Cunningham/NBAE/Getty Images</span></div><div><span>Once again, if you don't know why I'm going through the moves made by the Hawks in 2005, please refer to</span><a href="http://redwhiteblackblue.blogspot.com/2012/02/good-call-hawks.html"> this article</a><span>.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>So now that we've gone through the draft, it's now time to try and fill out our depth chart. Now that we've gone through two drafts making the best picks, it's probably best of check out the depth chart to make sure the moves made the rest of the year make sense with the roster.</div><div><br /></div><div>PG - Chris Paul, Chris Duhon</div><div><b id="internal-source-marker_0.17503282614052296" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">SG - Tony Delk, Monta ellis</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">SF - Boris Diaw, Andre Iguodala, Trevor Ariza, Damien Wilkins</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">PF - Al Harrington, Josh Smith</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">C - Joel Przybilla, Chuck Hayes</span></b></div><div><b style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></b></div><div><b style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">With that information, the next question is whether the remaining moves during the Hawks offseason make any sense.</span></b></div><div><b style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></b></div><div><span ><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; z-index: 0; ">August 11</b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> - Hawks Sign Free Agent C Zaza Pachulia. As you might guess, there aren't many quality big men that are available through free agency. The only other decent option is Chris Anderson, but he was suspended from basketball from 2006 to 2008. Plus I think everyone in Atlanta loves Zaza, so I'm keeping him.</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; z-index: 0; ">August 19 - </b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Hawks Trade Boris Diaw And Two First Round Picks To Phoenix For Joe Johnson. While this trade was criticized because Phoenix did not seem to have any intent of matching the offer made by the Hawks, I can't change the deal per the rules of this exercise. Thus, we are only analyzing the deal as it was made. Diaw has had some decent years, but has also shown up out of shape over and over again. The 2006 first round pick was the Lakers pick, so you could bet that it wasn't going to be in the lottery. Plus, with the ability to draft with hindsight, the other pick hopefully won't be in the lottery either. Finally, looking at the roster above, Joe would fill the SG position nicely, and open up Iggy at SF. Therefore, I'm deciding to do the Joe Johnson deal again.</span></span></div><div><b style="font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; z-index: 0; "><br /></b></div><div><span ><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; z-index: 0; ">August 30 </b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">- Hawks Re-Sign Tyronn Lue. This would be a pure depth signing since we now have Paul and Duhon. With Woody as the coach, I would not even give him the option of not playing Paul, so I'm going to pass on resigning Lue.</span></span></div><div><span ><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></span></div><div><span >Next post we got to find out how this most recent round of decision making turns out.</span></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-57700878379407553322012-03-05T08:11:00.000-05:002012-03-05T08:12:21.345-05:002005 NBA Draft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3D7G6NWn4c0gDKf1k4fex4lXyjkpYVlgxqqpZroN5x-1S0wPMJKqw6K_DItkmjHCeVYU1eQHLSGDBLtyepDOc43T7mCG-Ni79xUthAEsqedscumMlRx93MR4vCN4R3tQDlkKTRTf-byo/s1600/2005nbadraft_display_image.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3D7G6NWn4c0gDKf1k4fex4lXyjkpYVlgxqqpZroN5x-1S0wPMJKqw6K_DItkmjHCeVYU1eQHLSGDBLtyepDOc43T7mCG-Ni79xUthAEsqedscumMlRx93MR4vCN4R3tQDlkKTRTf-byo/s400/2005nbadraft_display_image.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714155932558124722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 400px; " /></a><div><span>Now we are to the moment that most Hawks fans shake their heads about. The Hawks, already with tons of wing depth and in desperate need for a point guard to take the place of Lue, stand ready to make the second pick.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>In real time the potential of freshman sensation Marvin Williams was a real temptation. However, with hindsight, the real question is Chris Paul or the other Williams - Deron. There is a real temptation to consider Bynum as well considering the lack of quality big men on the Good Call Hawks (and in the league in general), but he had too many lost seasons to injury and is still trying to get out from the shadow of Kobe. So we are back to Paul or Williams. While some fans in Utah might have made the argument for D-Will in years past, those diehards are cursing his name for forcing his way out of Utah. Instead, the argument has pretty much sorted itself out through the years. There is still the chance that Paul's knee will simply give out soon, but his peak production and absolute control of his team leads the Good Call Hawks to take him with the 2nd pick.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's not much of an argument for the 31st pick either. Lou Williams is a good bench scorer, and Gortat is putting up some good numbers since finally getting some playing time, but the choice here is Monta Ellis. You can't rely on him to be your main scorer, but I think he would be incredible in the 6th man role where, if he's on, he joins the crunch time team as another dangerous scorer. Plus, with Iggy on the wing as well, you can move Monta to the weaker wing scorer if need be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, the Hawks have the 59th pick in the draft. There's not much in the last two picks of the real 2005 NBA draft, so we'll move on to the undrafted players. The cream of this crop is Kelenna Azubuike and Chuck Hayes. While Azubuike is tempting with his three point range, I think the clear choice is Chuck Hayes. Not only is he still in the league, but he gives the Good Call Hawks a bench player who can play some mean 1-on-1 defense on a post scorer, freeing up either Smoove or Przybilla to roam the lane and block some shots.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, in recap, we have Chris Paul, Monta Ellis, and Chuck Hayes taken by the Good Call Hawks. Next post takes a look at the 2005 offseason moves, including the infamous Joe Johnson trade.</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-70317308845351490472012-03-02T06:58:00.002-05:002012-03-02T06:58:43.483-05:002004-05 Good Call Hawks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielpz7EzF886nnHVEv3mlNs1xxlMk5Ud7hPfIjMbqSGPnShPpTtpK2k-48ehnS1LsOx6fjvc0FeVKMNKocgUqveP_ZW3OTdz5hcFUSNlaLvxRJhyphenhyphenLmwlrCrS1LsuPqwdYUlDV9pc41oaIJ/s1600/52237571_display_image.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielpz7EzF886nnHVEv3mlNs1xxlMk5Ud7hPfIjMbqSGPnShPpTtpK2k-48ehnS1LsOx6fjvc0FeVKMNKocgUqveP_ZW3OTdz5hcFUSNlaLvxRJhyphenhyphenLmwlrCrS1LsuPqwdYUlDV9pc41oaIJ/s400/52237571_display_image.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714156522130162210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 297px; " /></a><div><span>Now that we've gone through all the roster transactions, let's take a look at the roster for the 04-05 Good Call Hawks and find out the results of the season. First the depth chart I will use for the season:</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><b id="internal-source-marker_0.17503282614052296" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">PG - Tyronn Lue, Chris Duhon</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">SG - Tony Delk, Andre Iguodala</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">SF - Boris Diaw, Trevor Ariza, Damien Wilkins</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">PF - Antoine Walker, Al Harrington, Josh Smith</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">C - Joel Przybilla, Pedrag Drobnjak</span></span></b></div><div><b style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="white-space: pre-wrap; ">The first impression in seeing this roster is awe that the team won any games. The center position is rough, and so is the SG position. Since Jon Barry got traded for Lue pretty early in the season, I will just use him for the whole time. Since Walker was with the team about half the year, I used him for about half the games simulated. There was not too much of a dropoff since the PF minutes simply went to Harrington.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="white-space: pre-wrap; ">Despite the fact that the only changes were changing out some of the rookie picks, the simulation produced a slight increase in wins. In reality the Hawks record in the 04-05 season was 13-69. The Good Call Hawks went 17-65, which is still the worst record in the NBA. So there is an incremental change, but nothing severe.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span ><span style="white-space: pre-wrap; ">However, with another offseason and a chance to change the Marvin Williams pick, there is hope on the horizon.</span></span></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-73708925132487942392012-02-29T09:43:00.002-05:002012-02-29T09:44:56.141-05:002004 Offseason and Trades<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFamq7Pm9LA0SQPkuKg7Lng6k663UDwzaFqbWKlZZ86QcwbBkSesSvbTH-kaPdmYSE9r-id1LFqTHIyLXrBvs37rS4KVC1wMbJ_nOiBi_6ZFRfdR5n3ABla3i674wdYzD8vcQmIOPdN4kY/s1600/Collier.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFamq7Pm9LA0SQPkuKg7Lng6k663UDwzaFqbWKlZZ86QcwbBkSesSvbTH-kaPdmYSE9r-id1LFqTHIyLXrBvs37rS4KVC1wMbJ_nOiBi_6ZFRfdR5n3ABla3i674wdYzD8vcQmIOPdN4kY/s400/Collier.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714568606598046354" /></a><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">If you're confused as to why I'm discussing the moves made by the Hawks in 2004, please refer to </span><a href="http://www.redwhiteblackblue.blogspot.com/2012/02/good-call-hawks.html" style="font-size: 100%; ">this article</a><span style="font-size: 100%; ">.</span></div><div><br /></div><span>Now that the draft is over, it's time to take a look at the roster and see what other moves were made in the offseason. First, let's take a look at the other transactions that were done in 2004.</span><div><br /></div><div><span ><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); z-index: 0; ">July 15</b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> Hawks acquire Al Harrington from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Stephen Jackson. This was a sign and trade transaction. Assuming that Stephen Jackson probably did not want to play for a rebuilding team, and assuming that no other star would want to sign with a rebuilding team, I'm simply going to approve this transaction. Harrington had some good moments with the team.</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); z-index: 0; ">August 4</b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> - Hawks acquire Antoine Walker and Tony Delk from Dallas in exchange for Jason Terry, Alan Henderson and a future first round pick. I am not a fan of either Delk or Walker. However, I think Terry was getting tired of Atlanta at this point. Plus Terry is a great 6th man, but he was never the go-to guy. On the Mavs team last year, he was the second best scorer, but not the second best player. Trading him for a first so you can take a gamble in the first round with a rebuilding team I think was ultimately the right decision, especially when you factor in the later trade with Antoine Walker, despite the fact he was a good guy.</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); z-index: 0; ">December 23</b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> - Hawks Acquire Tyronn Lue From Rockets In Exchange For Jon Barry. This trade gets a shrug of the shoulders from me. I'll ok it only because I hate Jon Barry as a commentator. Plus this team needs a PG of some caliber, and no, Boris Diaw does not count.</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><b style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); z-index: 0; ">February 24</b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> - Hawks Acquire Gary Payton, Tom Gugliotta, Michael Stewart and a Future First Round Pick From Boston In Exchange For Antoine Walker. The Hawks immediately bought out Payton so this was essentially Antoine Walker for a first round pick, to which I reply, "YES PLEASE!" I don't even care that this pick was not in the lottery. So, to be fair to Billy Knight, the Hawks received two first rounders for Jason Terry, which isn't a bad haul.</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Finally, let's take a look at the free agent signings for the Hawks. Considering the full-on rebuilding mode the Hawks are in during the 2004 offseason, it is safe to say that the Hawks are not attracting any marquee free agents. However, there is one change I would make. Both Jason Collier and Joel Przybilla were free agents the summer of 2004, and were both on the Hawks roster the year before. Due to the tragic events surrounding Collier, I'm making the decision to resign Przybilla and not Collier.<br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Next post I'm looking at the new roster for the 2004-05 Atlanta Hawks and discussing the results of said roster.</span></span></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-46735676379634836392012-02-26T13:55:00.004-05:002012-02-27T06:59:20.825-05:002004 NBA Draft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjrJtyMvDudtKvhteSQA9eadCFhSDzZaLaO8Gi47jsUgnqSAYH7hgot3KYFZF9yJJF9nSGxE4TxlxCqSzQj9ooRxp08QNzf3pEuXRCuTFcpgjsbrJWPNmTV2v0z384Saxf4RBBNZpt8mU/s1600/Iggy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjrJtyMvDudtKvhteSQA9eadCFhSDzZaLaO8Gi47jsUgnqSAYH7hgot3KYFZF9yJJF9nSGxE4TxlxCqSzQj9ooRxp08QNzf3pEuXRCuTFcpgjsbrJWPNmTV2v0z384Saxf4RBBNZpt8mU/s400/Iggy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713530206285309842" /></a><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">As I stated in my last post, the beginning of this journey I am calling the Good Call Hawks is the 2004 NBA Draft. Let me remind you of what is going on with the Hawks. The Atlanta Spirit just announced the closing of the purchase of the Hawks on March 31st. The Hawks ended the season with a 28-54 record, good for 12th in the east, and was led by the trio of Jason Terry, Stephen Jackson, and Shareef Abdur-Rahim until Abdur-Rahim was traded to the Blazers for one day of Rasheed Wallace. Meanwhile the Pistons soundly beat the Lakers in the finals 4-1.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>At the draft, the Hawks have a pleathora of picks that are intended to be used as the backbone of the rebuilding team. The Hawks have the 6th, 17th, 35th, 38th, and 43rd picks in the draft. While the smart thing to do would be to trade up for the 1st pick to snag Dwight Howard, that is not an option due to the rules of the game.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 6th pick presents a tough choice, even with hindsight, but the choice to not take Childress is quite easy. Instead the choice is between Deng, Iguodala, and Al Jefferson. While I would normally lean toward the big man, I'm not a huge fan of Jefferson. He keeps ending up on poor teams, and I don't think it's a coincidence. That leaves Deng and Iguodala, who are actually quite similar. While Deng's offensive game is a little more polished, neither are able to carry the offense. Deng is a better shooter, but Iggy is a better defender so I am going to take Iggy with this pick.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next pick is the 17th, which also presents a tough choice. The options are Josh Smith, Kevin Martin, Anderson Varejao, or Jameer Nelson. I think Nelson is off the table pretty quick compared to the other players. Also, I think I would pass on Martin for the same reasons outlined with Jefferson. While he can pour in the points, it never seems to translate into wins. That leaves Smoove vs. Varejao. While Smoove tends to drive everyone crazy with his shot selection, I think he presents a much more versatile option than Varejao. Plus, I think a better team and more disciplined players surrounding Smoove will push him to be more disciplined himself.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next three picks are a little easier because there is not much talent left. The only two players left that have had any success by any standard are Chris Duhon and Trevor Ariza, so they will be taken with the 35th and 38th picks respectively. For the 43rd pick, since there really is no other decent alternative, I'm going to take the undrafted Damien Wilkins. For a rebuilding team coming off a 28-54 year, I think getting a Wilkins back invovled with the club will at least put some fans in couple of seats.</div><div><br /></div><div>So wrapping up, that's Iggy, Smoove, Duhon, Ariza and Wilkins.</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-60733048830052748772012-02-26T13:22:00.004-05:002012-02-26T13:51:12.915-05:00The Good Call Hawks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruFgGcYeuPQIs2plw5i38V2t6VbxcqNgzejiqCntbxYDazkDcxyGjm49kWheOAQ-wL4z8TxHiiL62g5nAmiNoHxPiNjL37q-tY3DYIQvUANiGrn0vXeCF-fy32nwGOtT-V1vRXfDhMLw-/s1600/nba_g_knight_580.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruFgGcYeuPQIs2plw5i38V2t6VbxcqNgzejiqCntbxYDazkDcxyGjm49kWheOAQ-wL4z8TxHiiL62g5nAmiNoHxPiNjL37q-tY3DYIQvUANiGrn0vXeCF-fy32nwGOtT-V1vRXfDhMLw-/s400/nba_g_knight_580.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713518154502125842" /></a><span style="color: rgb(171, 171, 171); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="text-align: center;">Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty Image<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "> </span></div></span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">www.whatifsports.com is an absolutely incredible site. The website allows you to put together any players from any era on the same team and have them play against other dream teams, or against any regular team. For instance, you can have the '95-'96 Bulls play the '85-'86 Celtics to see who would win in a 7-game series.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Someone told me about the website about two years ago, and it killed my productivity at work. Luckily my work put up a firewall that does not allow me to visit the site anymore, but I have gone back to it recently. First, let me say that I love pretending that I am a GM for a team. I buy Madden merely to play around in Franchise mode. So I will be using the whatifsports website to perform an entertaining experiment.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will be stepping into a time machine and traveling back to June 24, 2004, the date of the 2004 NBA Draft, and assuming the role of GM for the Atlanta Hawks. The reason I chose the 2004 draft is that it was the first draft after Billy Knight started the full-on tanking of the Atlanta Hawks in order to get some high draft choices. From there, I will assume the role of GM and control the destiny of the Atlanta Hawks with the full knowledge of the future of every NBA player.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few rules to try and make this as realistic as possible, avoid pure speculation, and a few time-saving tweaks. I know that every move I change would have a domino effect on every other team, but to ensure that I make it to work every day, I'm not going to change every team accordingly. This will mean that players will play against themselves. For instance, I would take Andre Igoudala over Josh Childress with the 6th pick of the 2004 NBA draft. That means anytime the Good Call Hawks play the Sixers, it will be Iggy vs. Iggy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I'm not going to go through the schedule and simulate every game in order. To simplify, I'm just going to simulate a home and road game against every team. This will give a 58 game sample size. From there, I will figure out how many wins that equals in a 82 games season. This will probably skew the Hawks win total a little low most years since the West was much better than the east, and the Hawks play more games against the east, but I'm willing to live with that.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for trades, I will only either approve or veto the trades made by the Hawks. For instance, I will probably approve the Joe Johnson trade, but veto the Anthony Johnson trade from the '06-'07 trade. Similarly, if I no longer have the players from the Hawks that were traded, I will say it is vetoed unless the missing pla<span style="font-size: 100%; ">yer was inconsequential. I'm not going to step into pure speculation and try to swing trades that never occurred. There are too many factors to try and consider and there is no telling if the other GM would pull the trigger. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>As for free agents, I'm going to make a rule that I can't change the length or size of the contract. For instance, come 2010, I have to either take or leave Joe Johnson's contract. I'm not going to speculate that he would be willing to take less money due to his new teammates. Also, I'm not going to just give the Hawks every good free agent. If the signing makes sense for both sides and I think the player would take the deal, fine. However, I will veto free agent signings that make no sense (i.e. Speedy Claxton).<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know about you, but I'm excited! Monday is the 2004 offseason!</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-10267967477233668122012-01-27T11:38:00.004-05:002012-01-27T11:49:02.973-05:00Downside of NBA League Pass<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlThHt63auftQBhffVdbEqzS9eMCcXGs9-3F-L6iJcHOYRiMt90cyFVX8t84mbjeGRSTwIQo1P8sGTfS36ZVgmlKb7w9wULZZnYi6dJD-aovoOf09IG8ppuh-ihVae3QFDb3QCkvCKMGpp/s1600/johnson.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlThHt63auftQBhffVdbEqzS9eMCcXGs9-3F-L6iJcHOYRiMt90cyFVX8t84mbjeGRSTwIQo1P8sGTfS36ZVgmlKb7w9wULZZnYi6dJD-aovoOf09IG8ppuh-ihVae3QFDb3QCkvCKMGpp/s400/johnson.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702352983586102850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6534/ivan-johnson"><span>http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6534/ivan-johnson</span></a> </div><div><br /></div>You have to listen to the home announcers for every game. I just finished watching the Hawks-Spurs game last night and the Spurs announcers were more like cheerleaders. I could feel my blood pressure rising.<div><br /></div><div>Plus Sean Elliott clearly had not researched the Hawks this year. In critiquing Ivan Johnson's pick-and-roll defense, Elliott was making several valid points about how he shows for too long leaving the defense vulnerable to a quick pass to the big men. In making those points, however, Elliott attempted to contrast the age and experience of Tiago Splitter with the youth and inexperience of Ivan Johnson. This seemed odd since the two players are the same age (27). It became even worse when he kept saying that Ivan was fresh out of college while Splitter had international experience despite the fact that Ivan last played in college in 2007 and not only played in the D-League, but placed 3rd in the MVP voting last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sean, it ruins your perfectly good critique when you don't have the right facts. It's like going to a great concert and having the fire alarm go off.</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-81358351771239514512012-01-26T13:29:00.002-05:002012-01-26T13:53:51.298-05:00Hawks Schedule: Will they drop off?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Eh-nAZlyNEN9iirB1UjcLGGTd0sQjVbCCys5Itaij26LvOIdTlpN5enLbcWQ266K1JWvR_umr1Q0x_sYl0zfav36nOzE93UkB1t7i7VZHa56q93RLVK0gZ5gfW-qe6iDRa1nLnp-C9X1/s1600/tumblr_lxradklYmU1qcbsvxo1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Eh-nAZlyNEN9iirB1UjcLGGTd0sQjVbCCys5Itaij26LvOIdTlpN5enLbcWQ266K1JWvR_umr1Q0x_sYl0zfav36nOzE93UkB1t7i7VZHa56q93RLVK0gZ5gfW-qe6iDRa1nLnp-C9X1/s400/tumblr_lxradklYmU1qcbsvxo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702015637950224706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://idcf.tumblr.com/"><span >http://idcf.tumblr.com/</span></a> </div><div><br /></div>One of my favorite articles on <a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Peachtree Hoops</a> is the weekly round-up of <a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2012/1/24/2729509/nba-power-rankings-hawks-at-no-8-in-sb-nation-rankings#storyjump">power rankings</a>. Some commenters like to search for any slight against the Hawks to rage against the national media, but I like to get a quick glimpse of what other sports writers think of the Hawks. The consensus this past week was that most people were surprised the Hawks did not immediately fall apart without Horford, but that they will fall back in their record as the season goes on.<div><br /></div><div>Normally, this would be a perfectly valid analysis that has been true for Atlanta for the last 4-5 years. This year, however, there are a couple of factors that clearly play out in Atlanta's favor in the regular season. The first is that the Hawks actually have a decent amount of depth that will serve them well in the condensed season. Teams cannot afford to play their starters almost 40 minutes a night and expect them to not break down. With the veteran additions to the bench, Drew has done a commendable job of keeping everyone fresh. He still leans on Joe a little too much for my liking, but his 36.2 minutes per game is below his average from 2003-2010 when he was regularly flirting with 40 minutes per game.</div><div><br /></div><div>The second reason the Hawks' record will not fall back too much is the fact that they have fewer games against the West this year. The West is a bruising collection of good team after good team after good team. There are two divisions right now with only one team with a losing record. The Timberwolves are the worst team in the Northwest Division and they are 8-10. The East, on the other hand, is top heavy. There are six teams with at least 12 wins, and everyone else has 7 or less wins right now. By my count, the Hawks have 25 games remaining against teams that are .500 and under. While I don't think the Hawks will maintain their 10-0 record against these teams (especially since Boston and the Knicks are included), I also don't think it is unreasonable to expect a 17-8 record in those 25 games. The remaining 22 games are against teams above .500. Right now, the Hawks are 3-6 against those teams. Even if they maintain that pace, they will go 7-15.</div><div><br /></div><div>This would leave the Hawks at the end of the season with a record of 37-29. Thus, if nothing goes horribly wrong or horribly right, the Hawks will compete for home court advantage in the first round. I wouldn't call that dropping off at all.</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-61277360447275256242012-01-24T08:05:00.003-05:002012-01-24T08:26:53.185-05:00Atlanta's Fast Break<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP8e4u31c12vNspwGY0ke43H6pRckB-KbMgL6EyQtJW3WQuiW14b2QNHtCO0YKqVuEVEzxuzkzKQclt1cFOSrfWTsKYESkVSWF7QwGWkZxWb8NbPRuFKhOTa4b2RmqsoDAec1Rb0060-M/s1600/Teague.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP8e4u31c12vNspwGY0ke43H6pRckB-KbMgL6EyQtJW3WQuiW14b2QNHtCO0YKqVuEVEzxuzkzKQclt1cFOSrfWTsKYESkVSWF7QwGWkZxWb8NbPRuFKhOTa4b2RmqsoDAec1Rb0060-M/s400/Teague.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701189379733814226" /></a><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Jeffrey Phelps / AP </div></span><div><br /></div>For years everyone has commented on the fact that Atlanta has the wing and post players to run a very effective fast break. Josh and Al (even with a torn pec muscle) can outrun 99% of the 4s and 5s in the league. Marvin can get out and run, and Joe should know how to run the break from his days in Phoenix.<div><br /></div><div>However, the Hawks never had anyone to start the break. Bibby was too old and slow and Joe does everything in smoothly (aka in slow motion). This combined with the fact that both Woody and Drew preach grinding out every possession resulted in the following pace rankings from the 2006-2007 on: 21st, 19th, 24th, 27th, and 27th. Now that Teague has finally been given the reigns as the starting PG, you can start to see the Hawks starting to want to run a little bit more. The problem is this: they have no clue how to run an effective fast break.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night Marvin was dribbling down the court after a steal with two defenders in front of him. Josh was actually sprinting down the court on the right wing (instead of his usual trot), because the defender on the right wing was Brandon Jennings. I'm sure every Hawks fan was thinking this would be an easy lob. Instead, Marvin puts his head down and tries to bull his way to the basket. He luckily got the foul call, but instead of an easy lob and dunk he has to get his points from the free throw line. This is but one of many examples of how the Hawks are missing out on easy points night after night. I'm not saying the Hawks should become the Nuggets of the East, but there is no reason they should be squandering so many chances for easy points.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even worse, every time a play like Marvin's happens, it discourages Josh from running the court and encourages him to try and run the break. Ideally, Josh should be looking to get the ball to Teague as quickly as possible and then sprinting down a wing looking for a lob. Additionally, Teague needs to stop waiting for everyone and just take off. So many times he could simply run past the plodding big men of the other team and get an easy layup. There were several times last night when Teague slowly dribbled the ball up the court, allowing Bogut time to get entrenched in the lane, before trying to drive the lane.</div><div><br /></div><div>As much as I think Brandon Jennings shoots too much, Teague could take a lesson from Jennings' second half performance. He was in attack mode after every missed Hawks shot. At that point he could either dish for the assist, hit the layup because our big men were being slow, or circle around and dribble the ball back out. The more Teague attacks, the more the rest of the team is going to run with him. This is especially true if he sets up some lobs for Josh.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone loves lobs...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-554760544586379992012-01-15T15:30:00.004-05:002012-01-15T15:41:59.237-05:00How my Fanhood has been Saved<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE8kxaQnowp4SWT5_FLzL_ul9ZvfpCum83nTMGTqN1K_GTcjEamknwQajjFHe8-hg7vSgCd8zrF4c-elIPv-15GEOgcNLu5f2FAhWs9OhRIW60ZDGkLe1AwvkG_kSdTAd254QYjJ8-Sh7/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE8kxaQnowp4SWT5_FLzL_ul9ZvfpCum83nTMGTqN1K_GTcjEamknwQajjFHe8-hg7vSgCd8zrF4c-elIPv-15GEOgcNLu5f2FAhWs9OhRIW60ZDGkLe1AwvkG_kSdTAd254QYjJ8-Sh7/s400/images.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697961705836445058" /></a>Between NBA League Pass and DVR, I have been able to rededicate myself to the Hawks this season. I have not had time to consistently sit down and watch an entire games for many a year. Part of this comes from having a wife who does not watch sports, and the other part comes from moving to Jacksonville. Plus, as I get older I simply do not have 2 1/2 hours I can use for a basketball on a consistent basis. Thus, I was forced to look at box scores and highlights on nba.com.<div><br /></div><div>Now, however, the magic of the DVR can compress the average NBA game into a viewing experience of a little over an hour. Less if you fast-forward through free throws. Further, I finally sprung for NBA League Pass instead of only watching the nationally televised games and the games against the Magic and the Heat. This means that I now have lots of opinions about the Hawks and no one in Jacksonville to talk to them about, and, thus, the rebirth of my outlet for said opinions.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know you're as excited as I am. And by you, I mean the people reading this. And by the people reading this, I mean me.</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-78526542728660131442010-03-08T19:56:00.002-05:002010-03-08T20:18:54.558-05:00The Black Eye on Joe Johnson's Resume<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/files/2009/03/joejoe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 512px;" src="http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/files/2009/03/joejoe.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>So Joe Johnson is a great player. He's probably the third best shooting guard in the NBA behind only Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. However, even the best players in the league have off shooting nights. The difference between Joe and many of the other stars in the league is that he doesn't get the to the free throw line.<br /><br />Here are the average free throw attempts for the top 10 scorers: 10.1, 9.9, 9.8, 7.3, 9.0, 6.3, 7.3, 8.6, 7.2, and 3.5. Can you guess which one is Joe? The only other player below 7 free throws per game is the unconscionable gunner, Monta Ellis. In fact, you have to go down to the 29th highest scorer in the league, O.J. Mayo, before you find someone who averages fewer free throws per game.<br /><br />If Joe averaged 7.5 free throws per game, which would put him right in the middle of the pack, that would add an average of 3.3 points per game since he's an 83.1% free throw shooter. What his low rate of free throws means, however, is that he cannot recover from a bad shooting night. If Joe is cold, his only option is to keep shooting and hope he starts making the shots. By contrast, the other players in the top 10 can put their head down and get to the free throw line.Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-14565672179967332472010-02-23T14:26:00.005-05:002010-02-23T14:52:35.500-05:00Why would Ilgauskas sign with the Atlanta Hawks?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJ1fosjdZ8KNcNzR5oHtmJ-0T4sxYQlD4pJqcdHQBFwswMrbSQldRd1k95H1eH7Eqj6Wj0iOuut4-UYHb4fni7_7ztBTYysYwyHt57Z2yN_dsAA6zqFLnwueeSLaf4YZ0llnzWRud688I/s1600-h/Ilgauskas533.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJ1fosjdZ8KNcNzR5oHtmJ-0T4sxYQlD4pJqcdHQBFwswMrbSQldRd1k95H1eH7Eqj6Wj0iOuut4-UYHb4fni7_7ztBTYysYwyHt57Z2yN_dsAA6zqFLnwueeSLaf4YZ0llnzWRud688I/s400/Ilgauskas533.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441523256692371890" border="0" /></a>We all know that the Wizards are going to buy out Zydrunas Ilgauskas. We all know the Cavaliers want to resign him once he gets bought out. Reports are that the <a href="http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/ilgauskas-agent-denies-prearranged-320330.html">Hawks are going to pursue</a> Ilgauskas. I don't think there is any doubt that his addition would make the Hawks a better and deeper team. The question remains, however, as to why Ilgauskas would want to join the Hawks.<br /><br />There are the surface reasons of why he would not sign: he's been with the Cavs his whole career, LeBron gives him a better chance to win a championship than the Hawks, he knows everyone on the Cavs, etc. I think there might be a deeper, and more troubling, reason why Ilgauskas would not sign with the Hawks: the example of Joe Smith.<br /><br />Joe Smith drew the interest of several contenders this off-season to provide front court depth. One of the main reasons he signed with the Hawks, however, was the opportunity for more minutes. It certainly wasn't for the money since he is making the veteran's minimum. The Hawks only had three serviceable big men in the rotation and desperately needed the help. So how have the Hawks rewarded this choice? By playing him at least 10 minutes less per game than any other time in his career, excepting an 11-game stint with the Nuggets. I'm sure he's not exactly thrilled considering he averaged 19.6 minutes last year on a Cavs team that was better than this Hawks team.<br /><br />Out of the 6 teams with a better record than the Hawks, here is an example of players who are playing more than Joe Smith: Brian Scalabrine, Shelden Williams, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Price, Joey Graham, Anthony Carter, Anthony Johnson, Josh Powell, and Jawad Williams... to name a few.<br /><br />This is troubling because given the example this sets, why would any other older veteran want to sign with the Hawks after being waived or even in the offseason unless we offer them more money?Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-62714069037500169532010-02-22T19:33:00.003-05:002010-02-23T07:55:36.153-05:00Cursed Red?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtoyLZsHRC7K9gyXbB2h8ZfO5J3Q4oGJU-_oySXIQAUxapVN4ezNdg6EHlzqdWrtHtNHCHRNu9Tb6j1z1VCUBTf_OhmT3FEa_YW-HztUcZTNotTAfNwRolTsJb9sdVhTQ4zxLftNE1FtI/s1600-h/Road+Red.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtoyLZsHRC7K9gyXbB2h8ZfO5J3Q4oGJU-_oySXIQAUxapVN4ezNdg6EHlzqdWrtHtNHCHRNu9Tb6j1z1VCUBTf_OhmT3FEa_YW-HztUcZTNotTAfNwRolTsJb9sdVhTQ4zxLftNE1FtI/s400/Road+Red.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441231645100317842" border="0" /></a>In honor of last night's loss to the Golden State Warriors, here is the stat of the day:<br /><br />Record in blue road uniforms: 10-9<br />Record in red road uniforms: 3-5<br /><br />Also interesting to note, the Hawks went back to the playoffs when they switched from the predominantly red road uniforms to the predominantly blue.<br /><br />I'm not saying there's any causation here... I'm just saying.<br /><br />UPDATE: After the Jazz game, the blue road unis are now 11-9.Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-23950473274948220252010-02-19T09:44:00.005-05:002010-02-19T20:35:04.329-05:00Teague's Potential<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CEx4JcUQFFm9ywuTUnJETLBMMH2v56ywW6L3R-ItLOrw6D5Fuko5C1eUAnhO5m_EBwSRBsQ1dPqKiNnTzMgSUVQucuBJ33rRIASezJCS9U7eNDu1mNv37CM7TM-ieRdVE143eK7jegsH/s1600-h/jeff-teague.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CEx4JcUQFFm9ywuTUnJETLBMMH2v56ywW6L3R-ItLOrw6D5Fuko5C1eUAnhO5m_EBwSRBsQ1dPqKiNnTzMgSUVQucuBJ33rRIASezJCS9U7eNDu1mNv37CM7TM-ieRdVE143eK7jegsH/s400/jeff-teague.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440124252131931010" border="0" /></a>I know it is very early in his career, and there is only a small sample size since he has only played a total of 447 minutes, but I was struck by Teague's steal totals so far. This was brought into focus on Tuesday, when Teague had 4 steals in 11 minutes against a Clippers team that had given up. Teague is averaging 2.43 steals per 40 minutes, which is rather impressive.<br /><br />This look at his steals per 40 got me looking at the rest of his averages per 40. Along with his 2.43 steals, he is averaging 12.1 points, 7.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. These per 40 averages, along with Teague's size and athleticism reminded me of another point guard: Rajon Rondo. Rondo is averaging 15.2 points, 10.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds to go with 2.7 steals per 40 minutes.<br /><br />This probably makes Teague look like a poor man's Rondo, but let's compare Rondo's rookie stats to Teague's for this year.<br />Teague: 12.1, 7.2, 3.8, and 2.43 with 34.7% shooting<br />Rondo: 10.9, 6.5, 6.4, and 2.7 with 41.8% shooting<br />Now the statistics look a little more similar. Rondo is a better rebounder. They both had horrible shooting percentages, but I have more faith in Teague's shooting ability. For one thing he has an 87.1% free throw percentage compared to Rondo's career 62.6%. Further, Teague hit 80% of his free throws in college and 42% of his 3s in college. Rondo, comparatively, hit 57% and 28% respectively. So hopefully Teague will continue to develop and become a serviceable point guard for the Atlanta Hawks.<br /><br />Personally I would like to see Woody do two things. First, encourage Teague to take open jump shots when he is on the floor. Teague was an aggressive scorer in college, but he looks way to deferential and, frankly, worried to shoot in his limited time on the court. A shooter has to fluidly catch and shoot in order to be effective. If concern enters their head during this process, it can throw off the timing of the shot. I believe this is what is keeping Teague's percentage down.<br /><br />Second, I'd like to have Woody sit down with Teague before every game and give him a list of the guards that he is obviously than. If anyone on that list is guarding him, he has the green light to drive past him. This will help to get Teague into the flow of the offense, and also give the 2nd unit an offensive option outside of "Give the ball to Crawford".<br /><br />But this is all coming from the guy who was <a href="http://redwhiteblackblue.blogspot.com/2009/03/campaigning-for-acie-law.html">calling for more minutes for Acie Law</a>. So take it all with a grain of salt...Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-27812698224041371762009-12-02T15:58:00.002-05:002009-12-02T16:01:17.769-05:00Breaking NewsI haven't posted in some time for various reasons. Many of them being frustration with my favorite football team(s). <br /><br />But breaking news is that Coach Mark Richt finally "saw the light" and let go Willie Martinez, Jon Jancek, and D. Ends coach Fabris. Best of luck to those gentleman in finding work (seriously).<br /><br />Overall great news for UGA. Let's hope we get someone of quality to replace Willie and think about using one of those vacant spots to hire a special teams coach. Tubberville comes to mind for D Coordinator. <br /><br />Go Dawgs!MLThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10970910265176180621noreply@blogger.com1556tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-60366432942276276622009-08-24T15:14:00.002-04:002009-08-24T15:37:31.353-04:00A few games out...a familiar storyThe Braves are *only* 4 games out of the wild card trailing only the San Francisco pitching staff and the Colorado Luckies. The question is: can the Braves overtake both teams? and if so, how?<br /><br />As to the first, the answer is most certainly yes. <br />As for the second, there lies our discussion.<br /><br />A few things have to go right for the Braves to surge into the wild card. Namely:<br />The Rockies and Giants have to split their remaining 6 games. With only 38 games remaining, the best chance the Braves have is to have the Rockies and Giants effectively ensure that neither team surges ahead allowing the Braves to make a come back. Either team winning a majority of those games would mean a tougher climb for the Braves.<br /><br />Relatedly, the Braves have to keep doing what was successful in the 90's: Winning Series. While an 8 game winning streak would certainly be great; a much more reasonable approach is to just keep winning 2 out of 3 and hope to sweep a series or two along the way. If the Rockies and Giants continue at their current winning % (average of 55.2%), they can be expected to win 21 more games this season. That means to tie them, the Braves would need to win 25 more games (or 66%, which is 2/3 of their games). Looking at the schedule, all three teams have similar schedules remaining with their opponents all having a winning % around 50%.<br /><br />In order to win each series the Braves need a few things to happen:<br />(1) Lowe needs to start earning his money. He has been arguably the weakest starting pitcher for the Braves over the past month. If he can pitch reasonably well the Braves have a chance.<br />Do I think will happen? Actually, yes I do. Lowe has shown signs of fatigue since mid-season due to pitching in Atlanta heat. With cooler weather coming up in September along with the possibility of extra rest due to Tim Hudson's return (see item 2), Lowe could be in good shape for the stretch run.<br /><br />(2) The Braves need to find a way to use Tim Hudson. Most pundits are mentioning the possibility of a 6 man rotation when Hudson returns and the rosters expand. This seems, to me, like the best way to utilize him. It would allow all our starters to pitch on extra rest including:<br />Kawakami: who is used to a 6 man rotation from his time in Japan.<br />Lowe: who, as mentioned above, looks fatigued and could use extra rest.<br />Hanson: who is surpassing his workload from previous years<br />Jurjjens: who is still young and whose arm we don't want to wear out.<br />The only person this might affect negatively is Vazquez who has been a stud all year. But he is a veteran and I think a little breather could help him as well.<br /><br />(3) The Braves need to get healthy. <br />We need McClouth's bat and legs.<br />We need Chipper's timely hitting.<br />We need Prado's grit.<br />(I never thought I'd say this) We need Garrett's clutch hitting.<br /><br />(4) Bobby needs to trust his pen. Relately, some key guys should be coming back.<br />Moylan, Soriano, and Gonzalez can't keep the bullpen together by themselves. Bobby is going to have to put Acosta and Medlen (who has looked dynamite lately) in more situations. Along with that Jojo, Buddy, and Parr (and perhaps even Hudson) could come back and help stimulate the bullpen.<br /><br />(5) The rest of the hitters need to keep on chugging. McCann, LaRoche, Infante, Diaz have all been swinging hot sticks lately. They need to keep the team afloat til the re-inforcements arrive.<br /><br /><br />I know this seems like a big list, but my homerdom thinks it's achieveable. Go Braves!MLThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10970910265176180621noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-87082053423660417412009-07-27T08:18:00.004-04:002009-07-27T09:25:45.849-04:00Upcoming Braves Schedule<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6PUY5vimlHkM5eb8bHYD-ZJBh4EuuOdemlK0_HgsDkLDHuSIXe2r8ZzOs6c3GRTJ1A_j-YERryZ_6kHb2fgn6BS_lc4Tq8I5QhBpRo6PHctBNgzm4hTOvBShv_51DNucQA_pInkyxjYC/s1600-h/kawakami.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6PUY5vimlHkM5eb8bHYD-ZJBh4EuuOdemlK0_HgsDkLDHuSIXe2r8ZzOs6c3GRTJ1A_j-YERryZ_6kHb2fgn6BS_lc4Tq8I5QhBpRo6PHctBNgzm4hTOvBShv_51DNucQA_pInkyxjYC/s400/kawakami.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363115979546049586" border="0" /></a>I've always looked ahead at the <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/teams/schedule?team=atl">upcoming pitching match-ups</a> for the Braves. Sometimes if fills me with joy... sometimes with dread. This year has mostly been depression because I would love the pitching match-up for the Braves, but it would always come with the caveat that was the Braves' offense.<br /><br />Now I look at the upcoming match-ups and smile. I feel like we have close to automatic wins against any pitcher that isn't an ace. Jurrjens vs. Ricky Nolasco? Feels like an off day. Vazquez vs. VandenHurk? Not a problem. Even when it's a tough match-up, I feel as though we have a chance. I mean if we can get runs off of Lincecum, why should I be worried about Kawakami vs. Josh Johnson or Jurrjens vs. Chad Billingsley?<br /><br />Sure, the offense is not going to keep this many hot hitters at the same time, but at least I now have hope. Besides, <a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sweetspot/0-4-93/Watch-out-for-the-Braves.html">Rob Neyer believes in the Braves' hitters</a>. Of course he is a Royals fan... so one has to question his judgment somewhat...Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-56996408218678756752009-07-23T09:16:00.003-04:002009-07-23T09:26:11.602-04:00Organizational Development?Namely, what is going on with the Braves' development of position players. In recent history it appears that our minor league system prepares hitters to appear good right out of the bat and then fade off.<br />Jeff Francoeur<br />Kelly Johnson<br />Marcus Giles<br />Adam LaRoche<br />and many more to a lesser extent (Brandon Jones, Brayan Pena, Scott Thorman)<br />even prospects we've traded away:<br />Andy Marte<br />Jarrod Saltalamacchia<br /><br />The only hitting prospects that have 'panned out' to be conistently good players recently are McCann and Escobar. You could argue that Escobar developed more in the professional leagues in Cuba (and I would tend to believe that, as it appears in his attitude that he doesn't necessarily listen well to coaching here). So really, we're left with only McCann being a hitter that realized his potential. <br /><br />With uber-prospects Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman tearing it up at AA, the time is approaching when they will be called up. It seems that the Braves have a trend of bringing up people before they are truly seasoned, at the moment they either look ready or look like they have nothing "left to prove" in the minors. My wonder is if we'd be better off allowing them a full season of AAA in order to develop not just physically but mentally. Knowing they had a full season to work on various aspects of their game might prepare them more for the rigors of the MLB and help them understand the necessity of making adjustments. <br /><br />All too often the Braves use success in the minors, however brief, as a crutch to determine a players' readiness. Perhaps more prudence should be involved in helping the players mature and understand that the big leagues take constant tinkering and openness to change. Maybe forcing them to be patient and work on learning the game will lead us to more McCanns and less Francoeurs. And that is certainly a good thing!MLThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10970910265176180621noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-90287454981219536002009-07-23T08:45:00.004-04:002009-07-23T09:08:50.494-04:00Too Many Starters?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AToF4N4LPtOzTTy7mffpP9FnXjvk8W8CE-u2H51IDgWVsx8kEFxpyYiz-EB8Bcc05ezlVzCxrWcFJeyTJk-oNPNWOoXONvANtZHKbCd4OHndKuWq9c3QtzWIp7sIaFLGqL0n298SJonE/s1600-h/hudson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AToF4N4LPtOzTTy7mffpP9FnXjvk8W8CE-u2H51IDgWVsx8kEFxpyYiz-EB8Bcc05ezlVzCxrWcFJeyTJk-oNPNWOoXONvANtZHKbCd4OHndKuWq9c3QtzWIp7sIaFLGqL0n298SJonE/s400/hudson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361641146468742818" border="0" /></a>As everyone knows, starting pitching has been the Braves biggest (and arguably only) strength this year. And if Hudson's rehab goes well, that strength could get even better. The problem is that the Braves will have 6 good starters for a 5-man rotation. So the question for this post is, how do the Braves deal with this wonderful problem?<br /><br />The first option that has been bantered around is to trade one of the starters. With Lowe and Kawakami's longer contracts and the youth of Jurrjens and Hanson, the only trade option is Vazquez. Vazquez, however, has been pitching lights out for Atlanta and apparently loves Bobby and the Braves. Additionally he would have to be moved before the trade deadline, and Hudson won't be available until mid to late August. So that would mean the Braves would have to insert a questionable fifth starter for about 4 starts. Plus I don't think we could get equal value for him. I'm not too thrilled about this option.<br /><br />The second option is to move someone to the bullpen. Lowe has the worst ERA of the bunch, but I think everyone would agree it would be silly to move him to the pen. Jurrjens and Vazquez have been too good. So it comes down to either Kawakami, Hanson, or Hudson. I think if Hudson is ready to go the Braves will stick him in the rotation and not the bullpen. I would have agreed with Kawakami a month ago, but he seems to be gettting a feel for pitching in the majors and I wouldn't want to mess that up by shifting him to a new role. Hanson seems like the best prospect because he can come in and throw hard out of the pen, it will limit his innings this year, and he will still get some more major league seasoning. The only worry is that moving him back and forth from the pen will mess up his head. But come playoff time we're not going to have a 5-man rotation and Hanson would probably go to the pen then anyway, so why not give him some time to adjust before any possible playoff exposure. He could be our David Price. That is assuming that we make the playoffs though...<br /><br />The third option, which I like the most, is to simply go to a 6-man rotation. It would save some innings from Hanson's and Jurrjen's arms, help ease Hudson into starting, and probably help Kawakami who is used to a 6-man rotation from Japan. It would only really affect Lowe and Vazquez, who are used to the 5-man rotation. I worried about this option further taxing the bullpen, since it would give them one less arm. But by the time Hudson comes back it will be time to extend the roster to 40 players, which would give Bobby several more arms in the pen so he doesn't abuse the few we would have left.<br /><br />I'm in favor of the 6-man rotation. What do you think?Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-56052052934907624102009-07-22T09:18:00.003-04:002009-07-22T09:33:05.791-04:00Braves Infield Utility Players and Why the Hell is Norton Hitting?!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQdd7iG99puPx7MBCcKbDKmvKFYHkCbglNbkRA2a5DTnVO2ClhWaY4X6rhX7frpnquCik2jtV1Vyrcu8lYSx6rsLxK-JGKwQfHGIT6cQPjfx8T8iYadJx7kYOn1YiwX-LbpI1MDvvBKxv/s1600-h/Norton+fail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQdd7iG99puPx7MBCcKbDKmvKFYHkCbglNbkRA2a5DTnVO2ClhWaY4X6rhX7frpnquCik2jtV1Vyrcu8lYSx6rsLxK-JGKwQfHGIT6cQPjfx8T8iYadJx7kYOn1YiwX-LbpI1MDvvBKxv/s400/Norton+fail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361276887977753634" border="0" /></a>What is up with our utility players? They have been tearing it up... more so than anyone else in the lineup.<br /><br />If you take a look at the Braves batting statistics, the top three hitters in terms of average are Infante (get well soon!), Brooks Conrad, and Prado. Granted Conrad and Infante have done it in very limited stints and Prado is now our starting second baseman, but still! Combine them all and you have a very good starter.<br /><br />And then you factor in David Ross who has 11 xbh in only 104 plate appearances and you start to wonder: WHY THE HELL IS BOBBY STILL TROTTING OUT GREG NORTON TO PINCH-HIT?! I can't say anymore or I'll break my rule about only talking about hitters with an OBP higher than .350, but I'll just link to his <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3526">playercard</a>. It's scary...<br /><br />On that note, I should mention that I'll probably be posting more about the Braves since we have more members of the .350 club. Since my last post Ryan Church, Martin Prado, Brooks Conrad, Yunel Escobar, and Casey Kotchman have joined Brandon Jones, Brian McCann, Chipper Jones, David Ross, Omar Infante, and Matt Diaz. If you put Church in center (where he was last night) and Brandon Jones in left (where he was earlier this year) that's an entire starting lineup.<br /><br />I think my blog is inspiring the Braves, so I will continue to post.Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540581310591372757.post-16417051220323876652009-07-22T09:13:00.002-04:002009-07-22T09:16:29.438-04:00Quote from Chipper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGdXj_YymoNNFcTagCtE__fzyMWcAOw2hMM6Za8Cs9Nw-I6eH1977eM-YCHBtMXYpGHnD1L6Z1JHNIQSdWIbtasPEPDyc-3-l0sqNQKAxAsMyeydTaOJqDAgy3Dpz4DWzJ6ehF_lyOOxB/s1600-h/francoeur+mets.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGdXj_YymoNNFcTagCtE__fzyMWcAOw2hMM6Za8Cs9Nw-I6eH1977eM-YCHBtMXYpGHnD1L6Z1JHNIQSdWIbtasPEPDyc-3-l0sqNQKAxAsMyeydTaOJqDAgy3Dpz4DWzJ6ehF_lyOOxB/s400/francoeur+mets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361272680576754258" border="0" /></a>From the 7/20 Jeff Schultz <a href="http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2009/07/20/deadline-approaches-but-braves-not-in-all-or-nothing-mindset/?cxntfid=blogs_jeff_schultz_blog">article</a>:<br /><br />[Chipper] Jones said he’s encouraged. “The lineup is better. We don’t have [easy] outs any more,” he said.<br /><br />I wonder who he is referring to...Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17352215736406950631noreply@blogger.com1