The Atlanta Hawks, you know, our pro-basketball team here in Atlanta, currently sit atop the NBA power rankings. This should give Dick Williams plenty to talk about on next Sunday’s Georgia Gang. In fact, Coach Mike Woodson should probably be given a Nobel Peace Prize for this.
In case you missed that, let me repeat it: The Atlanta Hawks are, at least for this week, regarded as the finest basketball team in the best league in the world. The … Atlanta … Hawks.
“That’s pretty nice,” said Woodson, smiling as he spoke. And Woodson, as you know, is frugal with his smiles. But think about where this franchise and this coach have been, and where they are now: From 13-69 in 2004-2005 to No. 1 after Week 3 in November 2009. (And not just according to ESPN. The power ratings by John Schuhmann of NBA.com likewise have the Hawks at the top. Can the BCS be far behind?)
“I didn’t know that,” said Josh Smith after being informed of his team’s new lofty perch.
“It’s just Week 2, though,” counseled Randolph Morris, who was seated alongside. (Actually, it’s Week 3. But close enough.) “We want to be there at Week 50.”
Which would be shortly after Halloween 2010, which I don’t believe is what Morris meant. Still, you get the drift. It’s a long season, et cetera. But you know what? These Hawks might be No. 1 for a while yet.
Fell free to talk about this, or any other wondrous thing.
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For all his (many) faults, Billy Knight pieced together a damn fine core of young talent.
Imagine how much better they would have been with Chris Paul at PG right now instead of Marvin Williams warming the bench.
Damn fine job by Billy Knight indeed. It’s kind of hard to screw up all those lotto picks.
Just ask Golden State about how to minimize your picks and your trades.
or the la clippers.
the hawks are stacked this season! it’s going to be fun watching them shock the nba world.
how long before they give woodson the contract extension he deserves?
So long as the Hawks’ front office don’t make any bone-headed moves like trading Dominique Wilkins for Danny Manning during the midst of a playoff run, the team will be fine.
Ugh, I remember that.
Go see the Hawks practice at Oglethorpe University:
Friday, January 1
Friday, January 22
Friday, February 12
Saturday, February 20
6PM – 10PM
I think Mike Bibby is the key. There was a lot of chatter to move him out over the summer. For him to recognize that his role should change now shows a commitment to winning that makes the other (younger) guys realize that this is serious. You can have all the talent in the world, but if guys are just in it for the stats/payday, you still aren’t going to win much. Bibby embracing the role of mentor and example changed the demeanor of the team to one of much higher potential.
You’re right. Little stuff like that goes a long way.
I think a big key is the play of Smith. He has not been putting up threes and is playing great D. Also the pick up of Crawford helps with in the past only depending on Johnson for instant O. Also Harford looks more confident with scoring. Big question marks will Williams living up to his potential. Also if Atlanta can get Teague in the line up producing by the end of the year to speed up the offense and break Bibby they could go far.
Whatever happens they are fun to watch!
This is an open thread. Can we please talk about something else?
Sure, ESPN is about to air 24 hours of COLLEGE basketball. Discuss.
men…
Brian Kemp invented the Hawks being #1
The Ox is a Knicks fan.
but not BYU
Has anybody actually seen the original paper birth certificate of Harry The Hawk?
I hear he’s spent millions keeping it a secret.
I hear Deal and Beck have a conference call today “just to ask difficult questions like this, that the MSM just won’t ask.”
They should see if he has a license to shoot that T-shirt gun too.
“I hear Deal and Beck have a conference call today…”
Did Doug set up something for me that I didn’t know about?
I’m going to have to dust off my old 45 rpm of “Nothing Can Stop Us” and crank that jam, because I haven’t been this excited about the Hawks since the 1980s.
Tomorrow is the official “Buy Icarus a Drink” Day.
I’m soooo excited!
It should be a great time.
Are you going?
Perhaps.
You mean it’s not “Bring Your Own Booze” Day?
Yes. It’s bring (or buy) your own booze. And pour me some of it.
Something tells me you’ll break the bank.
The Hawks may start out in week two strong, but the new version of the Hawks will be just like the old version come playoff time – losers. This town is snake-bit when it comes to pro sports. We really ought to be grateful for our lone World Series. Our teams simply do not play with or even have a heart or the spirit to be winners.
Way to drag us all down David.
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