4th quarter

So far in this fourth quarter against the Sixers I’ve seen Joe in isolation 5 straight possessions. Whats going on Larry? Move the rock! The Hawks have 2 points (both free throws) to show for it. The other ones resulted in him passing to Bibby for an errant 3 at the end of the shot clock, an offensive foul on Joe, another missed shot off a late pass from Joe, and a horrendous jumper by Johnson. All the while the Sixers are finding it all too easy to stay in what was, not too long ago, an 11 point game. It’s not hard for defenses to zone into this. Have we not learned? Joe is clutch, but it helps to get the ball in space, he can’t create for himself one on three. At least not efficiently. Let Bibby take the ball up, hell let Josh. I’m tired of seeing Joe fight off a defender at midcourt, then again at the three, leading to him barreling into the lane to be met by two other Sixers. C’mmon Larry Drew, this is where your offensive strategy should come into play. This iso Joe does nothing good late in games for anyone on the team. It puts the rest of the team out of rhythm, offensively, while the constant ball watching influences their transition defense to lag.

Can I hear an amen? Excuse the brashness of this blog; I’ve had some drinks.

UPDATE:

Hawks squeaked it out, won by three. Josh Smith has 11 blocks in two games.

BOX SCORE NOTE:

Check out below where Jamal Crawford played and did not. I’ve felt this way about Jamal in the past, just never noticed it in the box score. Zing

Keeping the defense honest; preseason’s almost over y’all

Describing how new coach Larry Drew’s movement offense can create more open shots for Hawks players, Joe Johnson remarked, “It keeps the defense honest, man…Excuse me.” Excuse me? Johnson wasn’t apologizing about the new-look offense in Atlanta. Rather it was for inadvertently spitting on TNT reporter David Aldridge while giving a post-game interview, displaying how good manners can earn you $119 million dollars.

In all honesty, though, Johnson played a nice game holding Lebron in check for most of the closing minutes, scoring 27 on 11-23 shooting while dishing out six dimes and grabbing six rebounds, and most of all he had me watching an Atlanta Hawks preseason game in Portland, Oregon while the San Francisco Giants and the Oregon Ducks were playing on national tv; I gotta get with some of these Western teams, I guess. And, yes, now I’m posting about a preseason game. Well here are my thoughts on the upcoming season:

- The Hawks will be inconsistent to begin the season. A new offensive scheme, new defensive strategy, and a new front court to piece together. Plus, there is a good chance much of this time will be spent trying to incorporate Jeff Teague into the regular rotation. The good thing about this, though, is that Teague won’t be alone in learning the nuances of Drew’s offense. In fact, I think it will help in the long run (more on that soon). Last year, Joe Johnson went ISO 37% of his possessions and averaged less than a point when he did. Still, the Hawks managed the second best offensive rating in the league. I’d like to think this won’t change/worsen with guys like Marvin, Bibby, and Joe getting more open shots as a result of swinging the ball side-to-side occasionally and 100% more off-the-ball movement than last season.

- Defense will still be a big problem. Big news? Not really. The Hawks lack a true center, at least a proven one, who can stop the likes of Howard and Shaq. Horford is very nice, of course, but can’t hold all the responsibility for these guys. It’s just unfair. ATL’s perimeter defense is an even bigger weakness as long as Bibby and Jamal struggle mightily to stay in front of opponents. At least the Hawks will now have to take individual responsibility in Larry Drew’s less switch more pressure defense, leaving hope that younger players like Teague and J. Crawford2 will be encouraged to earn extra minutes from their defensive progression.

- Speaking about Teague a lil’ bit more, I really think he’s got the skills he needs to do well in Atlanta and the new game plan from the Hawks should treat him even better. Even if he’s not handling the ball, Drew’s strategy complements Teague’s style of play. His quickness should allow him to get out and run the fast break at the point with Horford and able to make clean cuts off the ball, through defenders into open space. Defensively, Jeff will give guys trouble and will only improve with time. Again, his speed will allow him to beat his guy to certain spots and break up passes. We saw flashes of this last year. None of the above can be said about Bibby, though I do think the old guy will play an important role once again this year. And as long as he’s finding the spots on the floor for open jumpers, I’m fine with him; he’s almost automatic.

- How I see ‘em: The East is a beast this year. Don’t expect the hot start and the hype that the Hawks enjoyed momentarily last season. But I wouldn’t go much lower than the fourth seed in the conference. I think this team, while healthy and learning, is a consistent 50-win team, but it will be composure and intelligence which gets the Hawks back to the playoffs and beyond the second round. So no pressure, Hawks, but I think this Hawks team will make it further into the playoffs than they have yet been able to. Even if this only means a game seven in the second round. I’d honestly take that. Especially this year.

Who knows when I’ll be back with more. Deal with it.

Mike Woodson, or how eyebrows become your most creative move

Smart move, coach

Let it be known that there are plenty of Mike Wooson haters out there. The guy gets criticized more than any other coach who has taken his team to the playoffs this frequently. Some of it is well-deserved. But, one thing we all must keep in mind is that Mike Woodson, too, is stubborn. A Stubborn Bird at that and the success Atlanta has experienced over the past three seasons is owed greatly to Woody’s lack of creativity. Much of the griping about Mike stems from his inability to incorporate a system into the offense (yeah we’ve got the pick-and-rolls, iso-Joe and, more recently, Smoove is getting his shot to prove what he can do with the ball), but Woodson also is criticized for failing to develop any of the young draft picks into effective players. Doubters use the examples of Acie Law, Marvin Williams, Randolph Morris and Jeff Teague as starting points for Mike Woodson’s deficiencies.

I must disagree, though. While I’m not the biggest fan of Coach Woodson, I find it hard to argue with the results he’s gotten. Instead of forcing a 13-69 team to learn something new, Mike realized there was too much athleticism and potential on his squad to not just let them play. When he entered his job with the Hawks expectations were low and that probably provided him with quite a bit of leeway. He preached defense and saw an advantage with his long, athletic squad when he employed the switching defense the Hawks still use. And, on offense, he let the guys play. Not the greatest strategy by any stretch, but it paid off by molding players like Josh Smith into what he’s become today. Much of this improvement resulted after Joe came to Atlanta, but without that 13-69 season I don’t know if we still have quite the squad we have today.

The quickest way to rebuild is by playing to your talents, not drastically altering them. Now the Hawks have players like Mike Bibby, Jamal Crawford and Al Horford who are making Woody’s job that much easier, but one thing still remains the same – all the Hawks success has come underneath Mike Woodson’s uncreative, often frustrating style of play. Woody knew these young guys had the talent to beat the best, but they just needed the time and their first taste of the playoffs along the way. Good job Mike on your achievements so far. Hopefully he’ll be resigned, who knows, maybe  next season becomes another stepping stone for a Hawks team that learn something new.

Tunes for Woody:

A bench warmer’s wishlist

In lieu of Atlanta’s recent bench struggles I’ve compiled a list of things I’d like to see them do either for the purpose of improvement or just pure entertainment. Enjoy:

- Jamal Crawford once again displays his amazing handle only to finish with a dish to a wide open dunk for a teammate

- Joe Smith brings his rap game swagger on the court, gets three blocks

- Jason Collins being mistaken on the court for his twin, Jarron (sorry Jason)

- 3 Mo Evans’ two hand jams

- Mike Woodson calling a timeout to get Jeff Teague in the game

- The other team calling a timeout in an attempt to cool down Jeff Teague

- Joe Smith snatching his 10th rebound

- Zaza being interviewed at the end of a game (Game sevennnnnnNNNN!)

- Multiple towel whippings from J Smoove

- A chase down block by Jeff Teague

- Not one, not two, but three reach-in calls on Mario (wait this already happens)

- Marvin Williams does something off-the-ball and, because he is a starter, scores to give an assist to Zaza

Lotta Smoove pics, I know

There ya’ have it.

Takin’ notes in the Eastern Conference

Smoove sailin'

Already up 2-0 against the Bucks, the Hawks have matched all their counterparts in the East. Each series entitles different paces, different clutch performers, and different atmospheres, but don’t think the Hawks aren’t aware of what Boston, Cleveland and Orlando have done thus far. Simply stated, the Hawks are playing with as much intensity as any other playoff team.

Now, it’s naïve to assume this same focus will carry over to another best-of-seven series, much less three more, but this string of two games have proven this is the year the Hawks think they can actually prove themselves as elite. Tonight, the Cavs dropped a game to the Bulls in Chicago (UPDATE: I hear some rolling thunder, too) and the Magic head to Charlotte Saturday, where the Bobcats were an impressive 31-10. The Hawks should know all too well not to underestimate teams in on their home courts (’08 playoffs, anyone?), but the Cavs game tonight can definitely be used as a reminder.

Looking ahead to Game 3 on Saturday, as well as whatever other series the Hawks may play in this season, one thing those birds have to remember to play with is purpose. Letting up on their intensity and game plan will immediately create a deficit in the playoffs, because the further into a series the harder it gets. Let’s show the Bucks we can hunt up North, too; let’s getta sweep.

That concludes my motivational moment.

Night.

Can I get a sweep?

Woody's got 'em, you got 'em, so use 'em

Game two was much of the same for Bucks fans. As for the Hawks, they did their business but struggled in two key areas. Lemme get that for you:

1 – Bench play

The Hawks’ bench shot 20% last night on 3 of 15 shooting (Jamal took 10). Other than the playoff atmosphere, watching the second unit last night eerily reminded me of the 05-06 Atlanta Hawks. These guys have to come in with roles and run plays that allow them to cling to whatever momentum we might have. Mo generally does well at this, never demanding the ball for a quick 3 and hustling for every second. The most ideal situation is to ask Crawford to become the facilitator, but it’s almost pointless debating this because I’m fairly sure his role is set in stone. Woodson views him as a starter and in no way expects him to stop taking shots, especially when he is the best scorer on the floor. Now, all I’m saying is doesn’t it seem a little counter-progressive to use your bench only to encourage Jamal to jack up more shots? He’ll get minutes with the starters, he always does, but when he’s on the floor with the likes of Zaza, Mo, Teague, Joe Smith, and very often Marvin, I’d like to see a different, more intentional offense with Crawford directing the floor space. A lot to ask from him, I know. The hawks racked up 22 fast break points last night. I’m not sure of the exact numbers, but very few were scored by the bench; that’s not their style and it’s not too far fetched to believe that they do indeed have a style at all. I like Marvin getting time with the second unit especially when he has games like last night – 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and a block. Someone other than Jamal has to get involved. It’s their floor too, dammit. Atlanta’s going to get behind fast against the Magic or Cavs if these bench woes continue. At the start of the second quarter yesterday it was 28-20. Four Minutes later with the bench on the floor it was 32-30 Bucks lead. I shouldn’t have to tell you what Mike Woodson did next (hint: it involves a time out and substitutions). If it means slowing down the pace for a few minutes I think we’ll be alright. Bench production with the Hawks is still going to come from the guards, but it doesn’t mean the other guys can’t be used more effectively.

2 – Protecting the glass

18 offensive rebounds and 29 second chance points. These are what kept the Bucks in the game for the first half even though it was mostly due to Ersan Ilyasova (7 offensive boards). Yes, you know him. Josh Smith’s wandering defense aided Ilyasova in getting right underneath the rim for every long jumper the Buck’s attempted, and there were a lot of contested jumpers being thrown up (the Bucks were 4 of 24 from behind the arc). Even with the switching defense, Josh has to learn when to stay put with his man on particular possessions. I’m not trying to take anything away from Josh, because he worked his ass off and had a monster game offensively and defensively, but allowing his man to literally get any position underneath the basket he wanted was wrong and stubborn. Instead of getting to the spot first he chose to sky for rebounds against the 6-10 Ilyasova (ambitious, but Lebron couldn’t do that). Don’t expect the Magic to be any easier, but I shouldn’t even have to say that. Still, Josh played a hell of a game and definitively he proved that it’s more often his intensity and focus which translates into team success for the Hawks. Soon he’ll be a bona fide leader. On second thought, watch out Lebron.

Shine blocka

The rest of the game was exactly what I want to see out of the Hawks. Unlike last years Heat series, I haven’t been concerned with our concentration. In fact, I don’t think the Hawks have played more than six minutes of uninspired basketball this series. The intensity is there; this is the most focused I’ve ever seen a Hawks team. Scary, I know because the raw talent is obviously there too.

Game three isn’t until Saturday, so expect a few posts concentrating on news apart from the actual games until then.

Go Bobcats!

Game one thoughts and looking ahead

In my opinion, the first half of Saturday’s game was the best basketball the Hawks have played all year. Defense was translating into offense and Atlanta’s aggressiveness proved they truly believed it was supposed to work like that. They tallied up 12 combined blocks and steals in the first half alone and held the Bucks to only 40 points on 41% shooting. Atlanta was consistently working the ball down to Horford and Smith who shot 70% from the field combined on 9 of 13 shooting. Playing the game inside – out made sense for several reasons (the most obvious being the absence of Bogut), but it forced a much faster tempo and the Bucks made several mistakes, as a result.

Easy Buckets

The second half saw many things change, though. One of which was the Hawks slowing down the game with more guard play. Josh and Al only took 3 combined shots in the third, while Joe and Jamal took 9 (on only 2 of 9 shooting). I understand getting other players involved is important, especially in the playoffs where any one guy can make the difference, but it’s hard to argue with some of the numbers:

- While playing inside – out, Joe and Jamal were a combined 8 of 17 in the first half.

- I understand going iso – Joe is needed on certain second half possessions, but ball movement shouldn’t be sacrificed for pull up jumpers. Atlanta assisted on 13 of their 24 buckets in the first half, but only got 5 assists on 15 makes in the second half.

- Too much dribbling by the Hawks gave the Bucks time to react and find their own tempo for the end of the third quarter and the rest of the fourth. The Hawks were their best when everyone was scoring. Go figure.

Game two should be fun. The Bucks should come out with a few less nerves and a little more confidence, but will it be enough to make the series interesting? It’s tough to say. Brandon Jennings might have a hell of a series, but it still looks like the Bucks will have a different contributor each night. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucks won at least a half of basketball for each remaining game.

Keys to the series:

- Get Jeff Teague in there. Bibby is needed, no doubt, but adding the quicker Teague into the rotation could help on defense. Jennings will not blow by him like he did to Bibby and Crawford and even if he does I fully expect Jeff to trail and swat it off the backboard. Logical, right?

- Al might have been overworked on offense in the second half, but he was mostly having to create for himself in the low block; this isn’t one of his strengths. Al is willing to work just as hard as anyone in the NBA. Get out and run.

- Let Josh Pass. Remember when you used to cringe when Josh dribbled the ball across midcourt? Well he’s still not the cleanest ball handler, but he see’s the floor too well not to let him pick apart defenses from the three-point line.

- Keep containing Salmons. This is the guy they go to in order win games now, so shutting him down like the Hawks did Saturday will go a long way in keeping the Bucks at bay.

Game 2 is Tuesday at 7 p.m. Go Hawks!

Big Game Hunters

The Atlanta Hawks reached one of their goals set before the season when they earned their 50th win Friday night against the Toronto Raptors. So, first and foremost, congratulations to Mike Woodson and crew for continuing this steady streak of improvement. Another goal was reached last night following the Celts loss to the Bulls (and the Hawks victory over the Bucks the night before) which gave the Hawks the number three seed in the Eastern Conference and their highest playoff seeding in the Mike Woodson era (I still feel uneasy referring to it as that). That leaves the Hawks with the number six seed in the East for the first round.

If the regular season ended yesterday Atltanta would be matched up with Milwaukee to start things off. Milwaukee is a team that, two weeks ago, I would have wanted to avoid in the first round. With the likes of a healthy Brandon Jennings, John Salmons, and Andrew Bogut, this is a group that can give teams like the Hawks (who they match up with athletically) serious problems. Alas, the Bucks season was presumably broken along with Bogut’s arm, and what a shame that is. Milwaukee was one of the hottest teams since the All Star break at 21-9 and Bogut was, obviously, a huge key to all of their recent success. Bogut’s been consistent with 16 ppg and 10 rpg, but has really stepped up the defense since the break improving from 2.2 blocks per game before the All Star break to 3.4 bbg since. Following Bogut’s injury, the Bucks have gone just 3-2 and are averaging 4 less rebounds and 1.5 less blocks as a team.

I never like to celebrate an injury, but if the standings stay put (Miami still could drop to the 6th seed) Bogut’s absence makes the Hawks chances sooo much better. The Bucks lost a guy able to put up 11.5 ppg, 10 rpg, 3.5 apg, and 2.5 bpg against the Hawks. No one on their roster can fill that hole (other than maybe the points). Al Horford and Josh Smith averaged 28 ppg, 22 rpg, 5.7 apg, and 5 bpg combined against the Bucks this year with Bogut in the lineup for all of the games but one; look for that number to hold steady at the very least.

Of course counting out the Bucks could be bad for a couple of reasons:

1- These guys play defense. Its been a huge key to their success this season and don’t expect them to feel sorry for themselves. It’s their first trip back to the playoffs in some time. In fact, the Bucks ranked third in Defensive Efficiency this year (note number two and six on the list just so you know what the other potential first round match-ups might entail as well). This is how the Bucks get victories, which is even more apparent when you note they’ve only been winning games by a margin of 1.58 points (over the past 25 when they hit their stride this moved up to 2.90).

2- John Salmons. As much as I want this series to be an easy one for the Hawks, imagining a series playing out like the game between the two back on March 22nd is too good to pass up. That game had Andrew Bogut, granted, but it also had an unbelievable playoff atmosphere. Joe and Salmons ended the game trading buckets and finished with 27 and 32 points, respectively. Salmons has big game potential, but without other role players in place, I don’t see him being this effective for an entire series.

Possible Match-ups:

Al Horford – Kurt Thomas (Adv. Hawks)

Josh Smith – Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (Adv. Hawks)

Marvin Williams – Carlos Delfino (Even, though I desperately want to give this to Marvin)

Joe Johnson – John Salmons (Even)

Mike Bibby/Jeff Teague – Brandon Jennings/Luke Ridnour (Adv. Bucks, the Hawks lose track of Ridnour more than any other player it seems)

Side Note: Jerry Stackhouse is old, but still destroys the Hawks defense. I’m looking at you, Jamal Crawford.

More to come, I promise. Game tonight at 8pm in Atlanta against the Cavs to finish up the regular season. Lebron probably won’t play but it’s Atlanta’s last chance to get a win against them until the playoffs, maybe.

Here’s to hoping I didn’t jump the gun six hours early for this playoff preview. Bucks at Celtics, New Jersey at Miami, Chicago at Charlotte all tonight.

UPDATE: Jeff Teague’s first career double-double (24 and 15 assists)! I like it. Also, time not wasted; onto the Bucks.

Don’t tell me what I can’t do…

is the motto of a Stubborn Bird (as well as my friend Jon who’s out with a broken collar bone). The Hawks haven’t come out strong following the All-Star break, and that has left many people (including myself) to state the Hawks needed to do something about their bench. First and foremost, most believe this means a big-man. But Atlanta remained stagnant at the deadline while the likes of Haywood, Camby, Landry, Gooden, and Jeffries all got moved around. Still, it wasn’t that surprising the Hawks didn’t shop any of the current roster around. No one was really in the market for the long term contracts of Zaza (4.75 mil) or Marvin (7.5 mil). Plus the Hawks have every intention of resigning Joe at end of the season and shuffling around contracts could jeopardize their ability to do so. So don’t tell me what this current roster can’t do (at least not yet).

Is this legal in Europe?

The Washington Wizards and the 7ft 3in center reached a buyout agreement recently and the Hawks are apparently making a run at signing him in hopes of boosting their bench play. While there is no doubt something has to change with either the Hawks’ rotation or roster, I’m not optimistic this deal goes down. It’s been pretty much determined since the Jamison deal that the Cavs have every intention of resigning Ilgauskas for the playoffs. In fact, the Cavs just paid the $1.5 million Ilgauskas owed to the Wizards through the agreement in his buyout. Honestly, I’m mostly pissed that what the Cavs are doing is legal. Other teams such as the Mavs, Jazz, and Nuggets are also listed as pursuing Ilgauskas. I just don’t see the Hawks beating out teams like the Cavs and Mavericks for him at the end of the day. Both teams have every intention of winning the title this year, and have shown they will do just about anything to put together the roster that can. It’s nice to wish, though. Zydrunaus is averaging career lows in free-throw percentage, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks while putting up the worst shooting season of his career. And yet I think his presence would help us considerably. He would give the Hawks a noticeably stronger second rotation and could help spread the floor a lot more than is possible with Zaza. Also, Ilgauskas would add some nice experience (even though that only accounts for so much: Joe Smith). Ultimately, though, you have to wonder, “whats in it for Big Z?…”  Anyone?

Imagine their loneliness

Benched

Assuming the roster stays the same and the Hawks are faced with the task of creating identities for some of Woodson’s rotations, where will it come from? When looking at the Hawks plus/minus stats, you’ll see Jamal is the only player coming off the bench with a positive number (111).  This is even more discouraging when you consider the Celtics and the Magic both have ten players each in positive numbers, Cleveland has thirteen. Hell, even Charlotte has 12. Granted, these numbers vary greatly, and the Hawks starters have positive numbers around 300 for the most part, but it emphasizes there is little to no production coming off the bench. In order to have an identity they need something to run/they need a style. This is where Woody fits in. He has tried many things this year searching for a solid second-unit that can trouble other teams when they’re in, but none have been consistent (story of the season). But Woody’s problem is his inability to adapt to in-game match-ups. He goes into every game with a clear idea of what his starters should and shouldn’t be able to do and the rest seems as if he is just guessing. 90% of the time Woodson substitutes it is to rest the starters. As for the bench guys it’s best of luck to you and remember to foul first (Zaza’s philosophy). In order to have an effective bench you must have a separate game plan and be able to insert that game plan at the most strategic times possible.

Atlanta’s bench might not be deep enough to do this night-in and night-out, but for now I’d take it if it were 50-50. Sometimes I’m not sure whether Woodson knows what it is he wants out of his second-unit. And worse of all is when he abruptly pulls second-unit guys out for long periods of time after they have played solid minutes. Some games, Woody, Bibby and Marvin aren’t going to produce and no matter how much you play them they will still miss shots. Go with what’s working, not with what you want to work. Thanks, everyone, for letting me directly address Mike Woodson there. Now…

The Allen Iverson

So what can be done? Well for now, even towards the end of the season, I’d like to see Mike mixing up even the starting rotation once or twice. Put in Teague for Bibby, Jamal for Bibby/Marvin, Mo for Marvin, etc. Then we can have some guys who normally are playing bigger minutes coming off the bench and producing as a second-UNIT and not time wasters, as well as having other guys getting time with Joe, Al and Josh. It has its disadvantages like changing up a three year-old starting rotation, but there are worse things. The Hawks are in a tight race in the Eastern Conference,  but the Hawks’ schedule until the playoffs is weak and can provide some room for some experimenting. C’mmon Mike, doing it once ain’t going to kill you no matter what they say:

How about the clever headlines in this one, eh? Until next time,

Go Hawks!

All Stars, Trades and a Second Half

Joe Johnson and Al Horford will both be playing in tonight's All-Star Game

Sorry for the lack of posting folks. I know how much you all rely on this blog for everything Hawks, so I feel it’s necessary to apologize for this team falling off your radar since my last post.

In more important news, Al Horford and Joe Johnson will represent the Hawks tonight at the All-Star Game in Dallas. Al Horford will make his first appearance as an All-Star in just his third year in the NBA. He’s put up some of the most consistent numbers for Atlanta this year averaging 13.4 ppg (career high), 9.4 rebounds per game, 1.2 blocks and is shooting 56% from the field (another career high to this point). It’s hard to argue that the Hawks would be in the same position they are now without Horford taking responsibility for much of the little things that mean the difference between a win or a loss. Obviously this becomes even more important when considering he’s put up these numbers while being undersized and playing out of position. Horford is a coaches dream. I can’t wait til he learns a few more post moves and how to score consistently moving to his left; if so this guys easily becomes a perennial All Star. Basically, congrats Al.

Joe Johnson will make his fourth appearance at this event, and every Hawks fan is hoping he has more chances than he’s had in the past to showcase his knack for knocking down impossible jumpers. Let’s face it, while Joe is no doubt deserving of his string of All-Star appearances, he has had the tendency to get lost in these rotations. Last year Joe played 21 minutes and went 0-4 from the floor. In fact, Joe did not manage a single stat other than 5 turnovers the entire game; basically he looked out-of-place in a game that begs for highlights and offense. But tonight, thanks to AI taking the game off, Joe will get his very first All Star start and we’re all hoping that means he will have a little more confidence on the floor. I mean, come on. In a game in which nearly half the possessions end in Iso situations, you’d like to think Joe would get his fair share of buckets. His performance last year was nowhere close to All-Star caliber, but I’d like to believe he’ll have more motivation to put his skills on display this year because of it.

Other than these two players, I could really give a shit about the rest of the game. Go East, I guess.

Now, stepping away from the wonderful distraction that is the 2010 All-Star Game, the Hawks still have 31 games left on the schedule while currently entangled in a back-and-forth battle for the second place seed with the Orlando Magic. The Hawks have gone 0-3 against them so far this year and are averaging an unimpressive 81 ppg against them while shooting a whopping 39.3%. The Hawks probably match up worse with Orlando than any other team in the NBA. It just so happens that they happen to be in our division. We have no answer for Superman Dwight down low and the defensive strategy of switching always kills us against this team who love passing the ball around the perimeter until the open man is found. Plus it helps that the Magic have shot close to season-best percentages against the Hawks this year: averaging around 45% from the field normally but over 50% from the field against the Hawks. It sure feels like those guys have no problem making every shot against Atlanta. Part of this domination I’d like to believe is mental, but the mismatches are just too glaring not to notice.

Going into this trade deadline I was hoping the Hawks might make an addition like a seven-foot Brendan Haywood or even a Drew Gooden just to take some pressure off the second unit (Zaza and Joe Beast). These are guys the Hawks are relying on to step up in the playoffs against the likes of Perkins, Shaq and Dwight and the addition of someone like Haywood would be a serious improvement to our chances, I think. But alas, both of those guys I mentioned got swapped for each other a couple days ago. The Hawks will more than likely have to manage with their current rotation, which can be unsettling when considering the match-ups we’ve had with Cleveland and Orlando this season. Who knows, maybe Zaza will take full responsibility for challenging those guys just as he unexpectedly did against KG two seasons ago. We can only hope.

There is some good news, though, going into this final stretch of the season. Of the 31 games left, 18 of them are against teams under .500. That is more than any other team in the NBA. These are games that the Hawks need to win and, really, they have to win them if they want a shot at taking the second seed in the East from Orlando. Such a feat could be the difference between Eastern Conference Finals and a second round exit. As the Hawks have proved over the past 3 seasons, there is nothing more important for this team then a home court advantage. Currently Atlanta is a game and a half behind Orlando for the division lead and holding onto a half game lead over Boston for the third seed. The Hawks still have two games left against the Cavs and one on March 24th against Orlando. Winning any of these could really boost this teams confidence going into the postseason. Or at least I’d like to think that.

Point to hammer home for the rest of the season:

-Rebounding. The Hawks’ rebounding rates have been steadily slipping this season to the point that they are pretty much even with their opponents on any given night. This isn’t encouraging when considering how important getting and preventing second chance opportunities are. That’s pretty obvious. With our current rotation I think this has to start with Marvin Williams. He is a 6-9 small forward who never looks fully comfortable offensively (either dribbling to the hoop and forgetting what it was he wanted to do exactly or hanging around the perimeter and getting lost among the rest), but he could easily use his size to beat his defender on the glass. Other than his rookie year, Marvin is averaging the lowest rebounding totals of his career at just over five per game. These numbers are perplexing because it seems that when he’s motivated the guy could easily average around eight per game (plus, he’s a smart guy). It’s all about being physical and that is no doubt a place where Marvin has struggled along with back-up, but much older, Joe Smith.

All-Star game starts around 8:20 tonight. Go Hawks