[08] Flying High In The ATL-NBA Finals - Complete!

[airBerlin]

The Hawks Rumor coach thinks McLeod will be used in a trade soon, but he is a dumb son of a bitch, so this should be taken with a grain of salt.

Lmfao, that made me laugh.

Vs. Pistons W
@ Mavericks W
@ Warriors L
@ Sonics W
Vs. Pacers W
Vs. Bucks W
Vs. Nets W
Vs. Raptors W
@ Wizards L
Vs. Nuggets W
Vs. Hornets L
Vs. Suns W
Vs. Spurs L
@ Pistons L
@ Cavaliers W

Wow, looking at that list again, the end of the month is going to be tough. The last 7 games or so can really go either way, if you ask me.

[Cartar]

Vs. Pistons W
@ Mavericks L
@ Warriors W
@ Sonics W
Vs. Pacers W
Vs. Bucks W
Vs. Nets W
Vs. Raptors W
@ Wizards W
Vs. Nuggets W
Vs. Hornets L
Vs. Suns L
Vs. Spurs W
@ Pistons L
@ Cavaliers W

So, 8 game winning streak prediction from me

[Lamrock]

Game of the month coming up in a bit. Keep posting predictions everyone!

[Ipsofire]

Vs. Pistons W
@ Mavericks L
@ Warriors L
@ Sonics W
Vs. Pacers W
Vs. Bucks W
Vs. Nets W
Vs. Raptors W
@ Wizards L
Vs. Nuggets W
Vs. Hornets W
Vs. Suns L
Vs. Spurs W
@ Pistons L
@ Cavaliers W

[Lamrock]

Okay, I screwed up the schedule. I forgot to add the @ Suns game! Oh well. Won't count for or against the predictions. It just so happens that it was the Game of the Month so...

Hawks Game of the Month

Atlanta 134, Phoenix 129

Phoenix, AZ - January 6th, 2009. 11:43pm ET - The first Atlanta Hawks game with new additions McLeod, Smith and Szczerbiak (the trade was made just after the month's opener against Detroit, and they missed the game due to the physical) was certainly an exciting one. Going up against the run-and-gun Phoenix Suns, Wally Szczerbiak had 15 points, Joe Smith had 8 and 6, and McLeod, the team's new victory cigar (promoting Ellery Cochrane to 11th man) did not get a chance to play in the intense, down to the wire match.

The entire game was up-tempo, vintage Suns-style basketball. Phoenix led 34-30 after the first, and 71-62 at halftime. Former Sun Joe Johnson scored 11 straight points to open the third quarter, taking the lead, and managed to carry it over to a 101-95 lead going into the final period.

To start off the fourth quarter, the Hawks lost their momentum as Al Horford, the man guarding Amare Stoudamire fouled out with 15 points. STAT took advantage of that, scoring 15 of his 27 points in the fourth, and came one assist away from a triple double. With two minutes to go, and the Suns up by three, Wallyworld swatted a Steve Nash jumper, and dunked on the other end, triggering a 9-2 run. The Hawks made their free-throws, en route to a 134-129 victory. After the victory, Josh Smith, who had 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 blocks said "woot".

--------------------
Left, Al Horford posterizing generic rookie forward Pedro Carlos. Right, Wally Szczerbiak swatting a Nash jumper.

Mike Bibby, who may or may not have had his job saved by the trade, had 17 points and 9 assists, while his backup, Acie Law the 4th had nothing except 3 turnovers on 0-for-6 shooting in 13 minutes. Also playing poorly was Marvin Williams, who had just 7 points and 4 rebounds on 2-7 shooting. The Suns will visit the Hawks later this month, hoping to get sweet revenge.

JORDAN Player of the Game: Joe Johnson: 25 Points, 10 Assists, 4 Rebounds, 4 Steals
MCDWYANE Shitass of the Game: Acie Law IV: 0 points, 1 assist, 3 turnovers, 0-6 FG

Top 5 Performers: (P/R/A/S/B)

Joe Johnson (ATL): 25/4/10/4/0
Amare Stoudamire (PHX): 27/14/9/0/2
Josh Smith (ATL): 23/7/2/1/6
Steve Nash (PHX): 19/2/11/2/0
Al Horford (ATL): 15/11/4/1/2

ATL 30 32 39 33 134
PHX 34 37 24 34 129

Notes:
- Only in a third quarter did a team (the Suns) score under 30 points
- Sorry again for not having this in the schedule. No points taken away or added for predictions after this point.
- Those are my terrible pics, taken with a cell-phone. Still working on improving them to Chaser's level
- Sorry if you misled into thinking that the trade was made right at the beginning of the month. The three additions to the team were activated in the third game of the month though.
- Five is my favorite number if I am listing things.

[Jing]

heh generic generated rookie.

good pics with the camera-phone, does it work better than a digital camera?

[Lamrock]

I think it depends on the camera in question, but I have certainly had a lot more success with my phone.

[The X]

you need to give those generics some nicknames, give them some character

I like that you validated your trade with breakdown from each team's perspective....too often do you see a trade of Stephon Marbury to team with cap room for a high 1st Round Draft pick, then no validation....you need to put a story or 'spin' behind it & show why it could happen....although granted no spin could justify a Marbury for a high 1st Round pick though good work though, & good to see some pics everybody loves Horford, when is he going to hit All-Star level?

[deihatein]

Vs. Pistons L
@ Mavericks L
@ Warriors W
@ Sonics W
Vs. Pacers W
Vs. Bucks W
Vs. Nets W
Vs. Raptors L
@ Wizards L
Vs. Nuggets W
Vs. Hornets L
Vs. Suns L
Vs. Spurs W
@ Pistons L
@ Cavaliers W

[Chaser7]

i like the deal, you didnt give up anything crucial (well except your draft picks), but you got a nice shooter and big man. You also gained a lot of cap space. However why is josh childress thrilled that cragih smith is gone? Am I missing something.

Also nice high scoring win over the suns.

[Tyler]

Vs. Pistons W
@ Mavericks L
@ Warriors L
@ Sonics W
Vs. Pacers W
Vs. Bucks W
Vs. Nets W
Vs. Raptors W
@ Wizards W
Vs. Nuggets L
Vs. Hornets W
Vs. Suns L
Vs. Spurs W
@ Pistons W
@ Cavaliers L

[Lamrock]

The X, Thanks for checking in. I agree that validating trades is a must. Even if the trade seems to be even, points-wise, it adds a lot of depth explaining it. Horford is averaging about 15 and 9, ans since he plays most of his minutes at Center, he could steal an all-star spot. If not, next year probably. Keep following!

Chaser7, In an earlier recap, Josh Childress said it was a travesty that Craig Smith got more minutes than him because Smith sucks.

[Lamrock]

The Atlanta Hawks Month In Review: January 2009

Starting off the month with a trade that sent underachieving bench players for expiring veterans Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak, and Keith McLeod, the Atlanta Hawks faced their toughest month of the season to date.

Starting out with a slow, grind-it-out win over the Detroit Pistons, the Hawks were absolutely demolished by the Dallas Mavericks as they awaited the arrival of their new players. An intense win over the run-and-gun Phoenix Suns saw their new bench players combine for a respectable 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

This was followed up by a nail-biter in Oakland against the Golden State Warriors before they were shocked by the bottom feeding Seattle SuperSonics edging them out.

The Hawks responded with three consecutive wins to bring their record back up to a strong 27-9 record, maintaining their .750 win percentage. This was short-lived however, as the Toronto Raptors shocked them in an overtime thriller the following night. Yet again, the Hawks recovered in a big way, defeating Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards by 20.

The Denver Nuggets, who the Hawks defeated twice in Denver, came to Philips Arena and upset Atlanta, handing them their eleventh loss on the season. This was followed up by yet another home loss, this time at the hands of Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets Atlanta responded by finishing the month with 4 consecutive wins, leaving them with a strong 32-12 record, still good for tops in the Eastern Conference.

Record:
Month: 11-5; Home: 8-3; Away: 3-2
Overall: 32-12; Home: 18-6; Away: 14-6

Vs.
Win 82-75 - Smith: 16/9/5, Hamilton: 29/2/4 - RECORD: 22-7

@
Loss 122-104 - Nowitzki: 48/15/5, Smith: 23/14/4 - RECORD: 22-8

@
Win 134-129 - Johnson: 25/4/10, Stoudamire: 27/14/9 - RECORD: 23-8

@
Win 121-119 - Smith: 19/9/4/(4 blocks), Harrington: 24/5/3 - RECORD: 24-8

@
Loss 106-100 - Durant: 26/7/3, Johnson: 21/7/11- RECORD: 24-9

Vs.
Win 121-110 - Horford: 17/11/4, Granger: 25/7/4 - RECORD: 25-9

Vs.
Win 110-98 - Smith: 21/9/4, Villanueva: 19/10/2 - RECORD: 26-9

Vs.
Win 102-92 - Johnson: 21/4/3, Carter: 31/4/4 - RECORD: 27-9

Vs.
Loss 133-130 (OT) - Smith: 20/14/8, Jefferson: 33/5/6 - RECORD: 27-10

Vs.
Win 118-98 - Johnson: 45/3/8, Arenas: 36/3/7 - RECORD: 28-10

Vs.
Loss 116-110 - Iverson: 27/4/11, Bibby: 22/3/11 - RECORD: 28-11

Vs.
Loss 96-86 - West: 25/15/3, Smith: 19/8/4 - RECORD: 28-12

Vs.
Win 109-99 - Smith: 23/7/3, Nash: 24/7/8 - RECORD: 29-12

Vs.
Win 114-91 - Bibby: 19/3/5, Ginobili: 18/5/4 - RECORD: 30-12

Vs.
Win 104-94 - Bibby: 19/4/7, Hamilton: 26/11/9 - RECORD: 31-12

@
Win 105-96 - Johnson: 33/2/4, James: 24/8/6 - RECORD: 32-12

[Lamrock]

Around The NBA:

MVP Candidates: - P/R/A/B/S

1. LeBron James (CLE) - 27.7/7.5/7.7/0.7/1.3 - The numbers are here, the team is doing well, and its about time King James gets the award.
2. Yao Ming (HOU) - 27.0/10.4/3.7/2.0/0.3 - The Rockets are still strong at 30-17, and Ming the merciless continues to be healthy and put up big numbers. Can he lead T-Mac to the second round?
3. Dirk Nowitzki (DAL) - 29.2/8.9/5.0/1.1/0.7 - Dirkules and the Mavs have won an amazing 18 straight games to lead the league, and the German is leading the way. After the upset to Golden State, Dirk probably can't win another MVP even if he puts up 50/20/10 for an 82-0 team, but its still impressive.
4. Kobe Bryant (LAL) - 31.7/4.9/6.5/0.4/1.2 - The Lakers are slowly creeping up towards the top of the West, and Kobe has been why, putting up huge numbers every night.
5. Kevin Garnett (BOS) - 20.0/10.1/5.7/2.0/1.0 - He is putting up huge numbers as always, but the stacked Celtics are a slightly disappointing 26-16.

West Player of the Month: Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)
East Player of the Month: LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)

League Leaders:

Points Per Game: Kobe Bryant (31.7)
Rebounds Per Game: Carlos Boozer (12.4)
Assists Per Game: Deron Williams (11.0)
Blocks Per Game: Marcus Camby (2.5)
Steals Per Game: Dwyane Wade (2.5)
Field Goal %: Brian Scalabrine (58.6%)
Free Throw %: Jason Kapono (94.1%)
3 PT %: Dirk Nowitzki (50.8%)

Season Standings:

Western Conference:
1- 32-9 - Leader: Southwest Division; Western Conference; League
2- 34-13 - Leader: Northwest Division
3- 30-13 - Leader: Pacific Division
4- 28-15
5- 30-17
6- 26-19
7- 25-21
8- 23-21
--------------------
20-25
18-29
14-29
13-29
13-33
12-34
11-33 - Worst Record In League

Eastern Conference

1- 32-12 - Leader: Southeast Division; Eastern Conference
2- 30-15 - Leader: Central Division
3- 26-16 - Leader: Pacific Division
4- 26-17
5- 26-17
6- 24-18
7- 23-22
8- 22-22
--------------------
21-23
21-24
20-24
19-28
18-27
14-29
13-30

January Transactions and Rumors:

A three team trade sent Wally Szczerbiak, Joe Smith and Keith McLeod to Atlanta, Yi Jianlian, Speedy Claxton and ZaZa Pachulia to Cleveland, and Craig Smith to Milwaukee.

There are still a bevy of star free agents, led by Chauncey Billups still holding out for contracts. They mare running out of time to sign for the season. This is a serious "wtf".

Rumor is, the Atlanta Hawks may not be done dealing, and that a TJ Ford deal is not out of the question. There is speculation of a trade that would send Marvin Williams and an unnamed player to Toronto for Ford and an unnamed player. This would shift Mike Bibby to the 2, and Joe Johnson to the three.

I hope everyone didn't stop following. On the bright side, I noticed that this has surpassed 5,000 views.

[Oskar]

Well, I didn't stop. You are still on fire, pretty much, go for a 40 game streak so you have 70 wins, haha. Anyways, clean up some cap space and get yourself Billups. ;p Keep it up.

[deihatein]

I hope your unnamed player isn't Josh Smith. I hope its Mcleod and Williams for Ford and Kapono. That's just a prediction. Continue the good record lamrock.

[Chabalaba]

In the "Around The NBA" post you put Portland twice.
Anyways keep it up and continue the winning streak

[airBerlin]

Rumor is, the Atlanta Hawks may not be done dealing, and that a TJ Ford deal is not out of the question. There is speculation of a trade that would send Marvin Williams and an unnamed player to Toronto for Ford and an unnamed player. This would shift Mike Bibby to the 2, and Joe Johnson to the three.

I don't like the sound of that. :/
As someone has already said, you put Portland twice. You also put Phoenix twice as well.

[Lamrock]

Oskar, 70 wins? The Hawks? It would take a lot to get Billups this offseason, unless he accepted the MLE. I would rather get Arenas who is expiring. (Didn't opt out)

dei., No, it won't be Smith. He was the team's best player this last month. You may be close on your prediction though.

Chabalaba, Thanks for the correction. Fixed it now. And thanks for following. Hopefully I can light a candle to Dallas' 18 game winning streak.

airBerlin, Don't like the trade? I figure that Marvin Williams is going to ask for a lot, and I want to get something for him. TJ Ford is one of my favorite players, and Bibby is more of a two-guard anyway, so I think the small-ball would work.

Shit! Phoenix too? Ah well, its fixed. Replaced it with the freefalling Warriors.

[GoHornets]

Incredible to see the Mavs doing so well. The Bobcats are in their best season aswell.

The trade looks good if you think he will ask a lot money next season. But, Williams for a point guard. You already have Bibby. I don't know.

[Lamrock]

Hawks Front Office

Chapter 3: The Midseason

Liam Washburn was happy, and he had every right to be. Since he took over the Atlanta Hawks, the team with the NBA's longest playoff drought suddenly became part of the league's elite. Improving 12.5 wins over where they were last year coming out of the month of January, the Hawks are #1 in the Eastern Conference, and third overall. And yet...

A General Manager is never quite satisfied with their roster. Coming into the 2009 offseason, the contracts of Mike Bibby, Marvin Williams, Wally Szczerbiak and Joe Smith expire. While this leaves the team with some cap relief, the team's high salary would mean that if both Bibby and Williams were resigned, the team would be facing luxury tax. Mike Bibby, a veteran and fan-favorite will likely stay, which would mean Williams, a sixth man who has been struggling lately would be the one on the way out. Washburn does not want to get rid of the former #2 pick for nothing, which creates a dilemma.

Holding a 32-12 record, the Hawks have excellent chemistry. Washburn has been talking with the struggling Toronto Raptors about Point Guard TJ Ford, which would push Bibby to the 2, Johnson to the 3, Smith to the 4, and have Horford replace Magloire at the starting Center position. They have been talking for weeks about the trade. Throwing guys like Josh Childress, Acie Law and Jason Kapono into different trade combinations, the process has been difficult and frustrating.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT?!", Washburn exclaimed as he saw that his tires were slashed one morning. He then noticed that on his windshield was a Knight chess piece.

After logging on to the internet once he got to work, he noticed that RealGM's top story was rumors of a Childress + Williams + Law for Ford + Bargnani trade. 'How do they know about this', he pondered as he sipped his coffee.

Washburn later met his team for practice, and after noticing his poor work ethic, challenged sophomore Acie Law to a game of 1-on-1. At the young age of 28, Washburn still had some basketball skills. Despite ending his college basketball career due to injuries, Washburn was still a solid 6'5" combo guard.

"Check ball", said Acie.

Washburn tried to attack the basket, but Law quickly stole the ball and turned around for an open 2 pointer. Washburn got the ball again, but again faced the similar result, but with Law dunking on him this time.

'Alright, time for a new strategy', thought Liam. This time, he faked the drive, before sinking a long range shot, making the deficit just 3-2.

Washburn blocked Law's next shot, then dunked to tie the game. Despite Law having an edge in speed and skill, Washburn used his size and range to overpower the smaller guard. Washburn defeated Law 11-8, finishing him with a fade-away out of the post. Law hung his head in shame as Washburn was congratulated by his players with high-fives.

Once, a 61 year old Pat Riley claimed he could do better than some of his players. While that claim probably wasn't true (despite the fact that his Heat were 15-67 that year, and half the roster were NBDL players), Washburn was able to make that claim and not get smirks.

When Washburn was hailing a taxi, he noticed Acie Law showed up. He asked if he wanted to split a taxi, and Law just flipped him off. In the car, Washburn thought 'have fun in Toronto, Acie'.

--------------------

God I am a terrible fiction writer. Oh well, enjoy.

[Chaser7]

Wait who allegedly slashed your tires, since it happened before the 1 on 1 game? Although I really disagree with your comments that Bibby is more of a 2. He is definitely enough of a passer and has the ball ahndling skills to be a 1. In his prime he was one of the best. Having him and Ford gives you a really small backcourt. Anyways, does this mean the trade has been completed?

[Psychoblue]

Don't sell yourself short: I hung onto every word and the Pat Riley line was truly a stroke of genius.

[Lamrock]

Chaser7, Read the first chapter, the chess piece has meaning. Bibby is a good ball-handler, and in this dynasty he averages a decent 7 assists, but if you have seen him lately, having him on the court at the 1 is like not having a point guard. This would give me a small-ball lineup, but teh Bibster is bigger than Ben Gordon. The trade is still in the works.

Psychoblue, Thanks for the comment! Coming from you, its an honor.

[Chaser7]

I've read the first chapter, I'm guessing it refers to Billy Knight getting revenge or whatever. Kind of a stretch to assume its him from just a small part in the first chapter a while ago. Or if I'm wrong I have no idea, because I didn't see anything else that refers to a chess piece in the beginning. And question why is it an honor to have it come form Psychoblue, I'm just curious. haha