Category: Atlanta Hawks Blog

Atlanta Hawks blog

Should the Hawks add Ruben Patterson?

The Atlanta Journal Constitution (Sekou K Smith) blogs the following, about the Hawks:

Part of me could see the wisdom in adding a nasty veteran defender like Ruben Patterson, a grimy dude that can guard the other team’s best perimeter scorer and also get buckets when he feels like it. A guy with that skill set could be the missing link for a wanna-be playoff team. But that would mean creating a roster spot (somebody would have to be traded or cut to make room). Then again, why tinker with what has the makings of one of the most exciting and versatile young teams in the league. Even the Hawks’ most consistent critics have admitted that the Utah game showcased a team with the ingredients to be something special in time. How much time? That’s the kicker. You just don’t know how long it’s going to take for it all to come together.

Atlanta is doing better than expected this season, especially considering rookie Acie Law hasn’t contributed much yet, and Joe Johnson hasn’t shot well this season.

Shelden Williams carjacked at gunpoint

The AP reports: Atlanta forward Shelden Williams was carjacked at gunpoint Saturday before the Hawks’ game against Charlotte. Douglasville City Police said two suspects were arrested late Saturday afternoon at Arbor Place Mall in Douglas County, near Atlanta. The suspects were in Williams’ car and were attempting a robbery, according to an officer who answered the phone at the Douglasville Police Department. The officer, who declined to give her name, said one suspect was taken to a hospital after suffering dog bites from the police canine unit during the arrest.

Al Horford suspended 1 game for flagrant foul on T.J. Ford

Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford has been suspended one game without pay for committing a Flagrant Foul Penalty Two by striking Toronto’s T.J. Ford on the head, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President Basketball Operations.

The incident occurred with 1:32 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Hawks 100-88 loss to the Raptors on Tuesday night at Philips Arena. Horford will serve his suspension Friday against the Detroit Pistons.

InsideHoops.com: We agree with this. Even if the dangerous foul wasn’t intentional, a simple one-game suspension sends a message that all players need to be careful and simply cannot commit this type of foul.

Discuss this with other fans on the InsideHoops basketball message board.

Joe Johnson beats Wolves at buzzer

The Timberwolves lost a heartbreaker last night in Atlanta, falling 90-89 on a Joe Johnson fadeaway at the final buzzer. After falling behind by as many as 19 points in the first half, the Timberwolves rallied after the intermission.

Down 13 to start the third, the Wolves opened the quarter on a 15-4 run and took a 63-61 lead, their first of the game, on Marko Jaric lay-up with 1:45 remaining in the period.

The final quarter featured four ties and five lead changes, including four lead changes in the final 30 seconds. After another Jaric lay-in gave the Wolves a one-point advantage with :20.9 to play, Atlanta reclaimed the lead on a Josh Smith bank shot with :07.9 remaining. Another Jaric basket put the Wolves back on top with :02.8 to play before Johnson hit the game-winner.

Jaric nearly posted a triple-double on the night, tallying 18 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Craig Smith came off the bench to lead the Wolves with 20 points while Corey Brewer pulled down a career-high 18 rebounds in over 44 minutes of action.

The Hawks were led by Smith, who finished with 28 points, seven rebounds and seven blocks. With the win, Atlanta took the season series 2-0.

Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams get heated in practice

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports: The Hawks were in feisty mode Wednesday, a heated practice session that came to a head during a half-court drill in which Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams got tangled up and went nose-to-nose briefly, before they slapped hands and moved on. It was an energy boost that Williams relished, though he would turn his ankle later and sit out the rest of the session. He even applauded Johnson’s fire, telling him repeatedly that he loved seeing Johnson’s competitiveness boil over. “If everybody brings that passion to the game, we’ll be fine,” Josh Smith said. “We can’t just go hard like this in practice and not in games.”

InsideHoops.com: Sounds like good, competitive spirit. Hawks fans should be happy to hear the team has some intense practices.

Rookies of Month: Durant, Horford

Sonics guard Kevin Durant today was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for games played from the start of the season (Oct. 30) through November.

Among rookie qualifiers, Durant ranks first in the league in scoring with 20.4 points per game, fifth in rebounding with 4.4, and first in assists with 2.1.  He is also ranked second in the league in free throw percentage with .816 and third in steals. In addition, Durant also posted a pair of career highs in points with 35 and blocks with three on Nov. 30. vs. Indiana.

The Atlanta Hawks’ Al Horford was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played from the start of the season (Oct. 30) through November.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference T-Mobile Rookies of the Month were Houston’s Luis Scola, Milwaukee’s Yi Jianlian, New Jersey’s Sean Williams, Toronto’s Jamario Moon, and Washington’s Nick Young.

Run, Hawks, run

Atlanta is visiting Boston and it’s just the first quarter but what strikes me is how often the Hawks try to run.

Every fast break opportunity, they run. In the half-court they look questionable, though they’re cutting more than last season and hitting those cutters with passes, creating some easy baskets.

When running, they look decent. Fast breaking lets them take advantage of the great athletic ability Josh Smith, Marvin Williams and other young Hawks possess. If they do it as often as possible they’ll be fun to watch and could pull off some wins here and there.

Hawks rookie Al Horford has serious board skills

Coming into the season everyone recognized that big, strong Atlanta Hawks rookie Al Horford had an NBA-ready body. But early in the young season he’s looking like an even better rebounder than expected. Here’s the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

I can’t remember seeing a player (rookie or not) go after rebounds the way Al Horford did last night. He was more than relentless. He was surgical (don’t know if that’s the right word or not) in the way he diagnosed his pursuit of the ball. To get 15 against anyone is something, especially for a guy playing his fourth NBA game. Marvin Williams articulated it better than anyone else could after the game when he said, “Al Horford is a beast. We’ve all said that before, but for a rookie to come in and get 15 boards like that is unbelievable.” I don’t know how you sit this kid down with Zaza Pachulia returning to action Friday night. I just can’t see it being a good thing, Horford going to the bench. I can’t see it.

After four games, Horford is grabbing an extremely impressive 10.8 rebounds in just 29.3 minutes per game.

Marketing 101

The NBA is selling its’ product by saying “where magic happens, so how are the 30 franchises doing in that area:

Atlanta – The Hawks, who won 30 games last year, are promoting themselves as the “Highlight Factory”. That slogan goes along with the new blue uniforms, which indicate that in Mike Woodson’s fourth season some significant progress is expected. I have no idea if that happens but the last time they won the season opener and missed the playoffs was 1984-85.

Boston – With the arrival of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen along with Paul Pierce, fans are told to “Think Big”. If one game is an indicator which it’s usually not but I think that slogan holds true.

Charlotte – In their fourth season, we’re told “It’s Game Time”. There were still a lot of empty seats last night so we’ll see if the fans buy in.

Chicago – I’m not really sure what the slogan is. A multi-media display before you enter says where a bunch of stuff happens. Maybe the “It’s Game Time” slogan is also in the Windy City.

Cleveland – After making the finals, the Cavs might not have the supporting cast but despite what the outsiders think, it’s “All for one and one for all”.

Dallas – There is no slogan on the website. Being a consistent winner a team probably doesn’t need anything like that.

Denver – Also does not have a slogan. The hot end to last season along with Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony is enough to sell the team.

Detroit – The franchise will spend all year honoring the 50th season. A big banner celebrating the history will be outside the Palace and on the website images of great players . The slogan is 50 Seasons of Hard Work. That’s True Blue Collar.

Golden State – After telling visitors that limited tickets remain there is no slogan just a nice visual of the spotlight shining on the building with the Bay Area in the background.

Houston- The website is multi-lingual so the slogan is “It’s Time”.

Indiana – Also is without a slogan, just the generic “It’s Game Time”, which is what the Warriors have.

LA Clippers – Not sure if it’s the slogan but when you enter the website, you have entered Clippers Nation, which is more than a state of mind but an art form.

LA Lakers – There is no slogan but this is the 60th season of Lakers basketball.

Memphis – In the wake of last season, the franchise wants to forget it. So therefore it’s the simple “New Game” in honor of the Newness in the GM, coach and new players. They also have a highly detailed presentation of the slogan.

Miami – I’m not sure if this is the slogan but Uptown is the place to be in their efforts to sell tickets and entertain the fans. Apparently Uptown is the cheap seats near the top of the Arena.

Milwaukee – Is also sloganless but the site can be read in Chinese now.

Minnesota – Expected to be a big rebuilding, they are urging fans to “See What They Can Do” and are using a Sweetwater Jones character as a gimmick.

New Jersey – “More than Just a Game”

New Orleans – Back in New Orleans on a full-time basis, the slogan is “Passion, Purpose and Pride”

New York – The Knicks do not have a slogan but do have a court outside the Garden on Seventh avenue.

Orlando – With the signing of Rashard Lewis to join forces with Dwight Howard, “The Time is Now” and be Bold, be Blue.

Philadelphia – You’d think you were getting messages from a teacher with this one “Inspiration leads to Accomplishment”.

Phoenix – In this era of nations, the Suns are a planet and when you enter the website, they ask “Are You a Citizen” and welcome you to “Planet Orange”

Portland – “This is Rip City” and “Rise With Us”. Those slogans come after we are a message that looks like the opening credits of a movie.

Sacramento – It has to be difficult to market this team and there is no slogan.

San Antonio – Four championship trophies. That’s all that’s needed.

Seattle – When the franchise is moving and you’ve invested a lot of time and money, it’s tough but the organization wants you to “Be Part of It”.

Toronto – “Canada’s Team”. Good One, especially when there’s no other competition in the country.

Utah – “Pure Adrenaline Rush”

Washington – A play on the royalty theme, the Wizards “Are Ready to Rule”