mpeter]I agree with you about the past picks wrote:

I agree with you about the past picks; however, the Hawks have enough talent to win 60% of its games. The Hawks still do not: (i) know how to create offense when facing a tough defense; or (ii) play intense defense against inferior team. Well coached teams do these things. There are too many times when I watch the Hawks give the ball to Joe and the other four guys just clear out and let him "create". There are also too many times when the Hawks miss assignments.

The Hawks has several assets that are under-utilized:

1. T. Lue is the fastest man on the floor most nights. When Lue penetrates and attacks the basket, he can create space for cutters (Josh and Al) and shooters (Joe). Under the current coach, T. Lue starts the offense at the top of key (pass to Joe without even looking at the basket).

2. Josh Smith is better attacking the basket than he is at launching 15-20 foot jumpers. Josh could get more attempts at the fromt of the basket if they ran more pick and rolls between him and Joe, the other Josh and Marvin (they all have quick feet).

3. The Hawks have 18 Big Man Fouls that we waste on the bench. Sheldon, Zaza, Soloman and Lorenzen should be positioned as the four headed "center" monster. (Sheldon is now listed as "small forward"). Like the old Pistons, these guys can set the tempo and use their fouls to keep players out the paint (i.e, create team toughness).

4. Salim can put up points faster than most players (Allen Iverson is the only other guy who is faster). Salim can benefit from a pick and roll offense and he should definately be positioned as a three point specialist and last second shot man.

5. Mario is the only player on the team who has consistently matched Josh Smith's defensive energy. As a result, he should start. Good defense can make up for a bad offense. The following starters do not consistently contribute to the team's defensive energy, Marvin, Anthony and Joe.

All these things are factors that are controllable by the coach.

I totally agree. The coach is mis-managing his players. Im my opinion Tyrone Lue was more of a threat when he was with the Lakers because Phil Jackson usually know how to Maximize his althletes abilities. I really think the Hawks have enough talent to keep up with Orlando Magics or atleast have the same record.

mpeter]Last season, I posted the following message:

"As I said, I like the young talent. We need a better coach. The Hawks's young talent is not being maximized. How can you let Boris D. sit on your bench and then go to PHX and become a star?) How do you let Josh S. go down with an injury and the entire team forget how to play defense, get rebounds and block-out? There is no reason why Atlanta can't run the floor just like PHX with this young talent, especially in games where they are under-sized. Yes, the Hawks are on a 3 game winning streak, but they are not playing great basketball --1) too many long range shots wrote:

Last season, I posted the following message:

"As I said, I like the young talent. We need a better coach. The Hawks's young talent is not being maximized. How can you let Boris D. sit on your bench and then go to PHX and become a star?) How do you let Josh S. go down with an injury and the entire team forget how to play defense, get rebounds and block-out? There is no reason why Atlanta can't run the floor just like PHX with this young talent, especially in games where they are under-sized. Yes, the Hawks are on a 3 game winning streak, but they are not playing great basketball --1) too many long range shots; 2) mental lapses in the 3rd and 4th Qtrs; and 3) bad coourt spacing. Give me a new coach!! "

The Hawks are off to a 3-7 start and nothing has changed. Please save this franchise and FIRE THE COACH!!

Well the Hawks are 8 - 10 now and showing signs of improvements. I'm not too particularily pleased with the coach, but he can't take full blame of the Hawks situation over the last few years. After passing up on two marque point guards including Chris Paul and also passing up on Leug Dang, the GM needs to get fired first. Also the Hawks don't have anyone to assume true leadership on the court such as Garnett and Lebron do for their teams. However I really think the Hawks got a shot at the 7th or 8th spot on the playoffs this year. But, I don't think the Hawks will ever get pass the 1st round in the next few years unless they make some changes in Management first.