Can anyone believe that the team with the best record in the NBA...

I feel it's believable, but hard to swallow that it's actually happening.

 

After today, yes.......

 

And I believe they'll be bounced somewhat early come playoff time. 2nd round is their limit imo.

 

All because of the resurgence of Josh Smith.


A true beast.

 

I think it is a tad surprising. I was expecting the Celtics to begin the season more cohesively, along with the Spurs. I don't think Atlanta will be one of the top teams when it's all said and done.

They are stacked at the guard position though. If his contract weren't so bad, I would love Jamal Crawford to be on the Rockets. He's a proven scorer and would be great for those times when we need a bucket. However, he is similar to Mcgrady in terms of needing the ball more.

Anyway, the Hawks are good, but we'll get them back.

 

He has about as much positive impact on the game as any player in the league when he's making good decisions on the offensive end, particularly when it comes to shot selection.

 

I think the key was drafting Al Horford. He is the anchor of that team. Just imagine if they had drafted Chris Paul or Deron Williams instead of Marvin.

 

I agree with you in that i thought the celtics was gonna start the season real strong. The spurs on the other hand i felt they are gonna cruise for the first part of the season like they always do. The lakers on the other hand, i felt they were gonna be really strong out of the gates.

 

You have three hands?

 

Jamal Crawford makes them a lot better

 

He could win 6th man of the year if he averages big numbers.

 

After years and years of mediocrity I suppose they have to get their's sometime.

 

Al Horford, Josh Smith, and Marvin Williams are just fantastic athletes. They're like Portland but they actually have a veteran leader in Bibby.

Heck, I'd cheer that team just for Zaza:

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I think its just their athletes all maturing and growing their game. Bibby still has some juice left (although I believe he's now just an average nba player), and while JJ is overrated, he's still pretty good and probably in the top 10 of the best 2way players in the league. I think the biggest addition has to be crawford. He's just a dead-eye shooter, and he gives their team another permiter option. They can put out a starting 5 of Bibby, JJ, Crawfor, Josh Smith and Horford- that's already a pretty good team. Then they still Teague, Zaza and Williams off the bench. pretty solid if you ask me. However, just remember the Spurs, Magic and Lakers all have suffered injuries (esp. Magic and Spurs). Once Gasol, TP/Manu and Jameer get back, I doubt the Hawks would be top anymore.

 

Me & Baller4life are two who actually follow them and watch them on a consistent basis. Yes, the talent has been there. The coaching is weak and most of the time Josh Smith's effort isnt always there. Joe Johnson is in a contract year before the mythical 2010 Free Agency period and he already declined an extension with The Hawks. So, no, Im not shocked. I still dont think they could beat Boston in a seven game series. But, again, I wouldnt be shocked. They have the talent. Just not the motivation or effort most of the time.

 

Josh Smith is putting it together. He finally realized he has to stop taking those jumpers. He is playing a lot smarter. Getting Jamal Crawford was huge for them because he gives them that spark off the bench.

 

Without Mike Bibby that team would still suck....he is the key.

DD

 

As somebody that follows the Hawks closely, I can promise you they wouldn't suck without him. Yeah, they kind of took off once they traded for him, but with the role he currently plays he's replaceable. He doesn't play defense, doesn't attack, doesn't provide much in terms of traditional playmaking. His role is basically to spot up, provide leadership and not screw up. JJ is the backbone of that team in every regard imaginable. Anybody that thinks he's overrated simply shouldn't speak about matters they know nothing about (not you, DD).

As a Hawks fan second, obviously I am happy to see them taking off. Mike Woodson is an underdog if there ever was one. He has increased his win total in each season he's been coach yet despite all that he's still had to deal with countless critics calling him out and suggesting he's not the right man for the job. He and Josh Smith finally appear to be on the same page. Speaking of Josh, his shot selection has improved noticeably. He easily led the league in DARED three-point attempts last year (should be an official stat) and what do you know? You eliminate the boneheaded three-point attempts and his FG% skyrockets up to nearly 60%. Go figure. It's only taken him six years to realize that.

 

At what point will you stop doubting Mike Woodson?