So after tonight's big (and that term is used only in relation to the point differential between the two teams) win over the T-wolves, the Hawks are sitting pretty at 42 - 29 guaranteeing themselves at least a .500 record. As exciting as that sounds (you know cause being average is ok) this is a marked improvement from last year where the Hawks squeaked into the playoffs with a sub-.500 record.
What you may be wondering is why there haven't been many posts recently after the Hawks recent surge into the upper echelon of NBA teams - ok maybe just NBA eastern division teams. Oddly enough, we haven't had many gripes with the Hawks or the way they have been playing recently. Sure there are the constants Josh Smith what are you doing moments, and the never gets old why is Woody using this lineup right now questions. But for the most part all has been quiet on the Hawks front in terms of complaints.
Over the past few weeks there have been some interesting things to take note of like the Hawks only losing one game since Marvin went down from injury leading many of us to wonder are the Hawks better off without him. There also is the rise of a new leader of the team in the ever-blossoming Al Horford. The unbelievable shooting of Flip Murray that keeps the Hawks bench from looking pathetic. Hell, even Mario West is getting playing time (and much to Speedy Ehlo's anger Othello Hunter still sits on the bench).
See most of these things are happening right under our noses and we have no complaints about them, but that does not mean there are no questions surrounding them. For example, now that the Hawks have seen what they can be without Marvin, I think they can take that money and maybe get a lockdown defender in the role of Mo Evans but better. Now that Horford has been shown as the vocal leader of the team does he have what it takes to become the true leader by his actions not just words? Can Flip really score 30 points on any given night against real competition? Will Mario West ever become a reliable NBA fantasy option?
All of these are food for thought and maybe even some late-night munchies for you to consider or even us to give you our insight regarding them. All in all, the Hawks have been playing well and if there ever was a time for the train to get rolling, with the Spurs, Celtics, and Lakers coming up, now is as good of time as any.
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4 comments:
NO. Absolutely not; the hawks are not better off without Marvin. I mean sure their winning right now but wasn't there another Eastern conference team that was short handed and was winning for the time being? Oh yea, that team up in Boston. Seeing as I'm a die hard hawks fan, I forget their name from time to time... But any ways, They were doing just fine without Kevin Garnett and then all hell broke lose. By no means is Marvin Williams as valuable to the hawks as Kevin is to that team, but still yet, he is an essential cog who fits in very well. Not to mention he is just beginning to blossom. Granite he came into the league in 05' but he was only 19 years old. I wouldn't even call him behind, in my opinion he's right on schedule. I mean, look at people like David West And Danny Granger; to similar players (in the respects of improvement every season) to Marvin. It's taken both of them longer to mature. All I'm saying is we should really think twice before we give Marvin the boot. He hasn't done anything wrong and is constantly improving. Do you really want to give up a "great"(I use this term very loosely) all around, blossoming player with loads of potential to get a "great" defender? Who will more than likely be closer to the end of his career than the beginning. I really don't think it's a good trade off for us. And, not to mention, at one point in time this season, werent we holding opponents to somethin like the second or third lowest ppg in the league??? So I really dont think we have any problems in that category. If anything, it's a mental thing. But thats all I have to say. By the way, I'm the same person that commented a while back from Louisville. I still visit daily and love the blog. Keep up the good work! I love having someone to discuss the hawks with.
I don't know about the Marvin thing but I am hoping, now that the winning season if official, the Hawks finish the season strong so they can get home court going into the playoffs.
Just to play devil's advocate:
David West, starting in his 3rd season, began averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds. He then went up year-after-year to his current 20/8 clip.
Danny Granger, starting in his 3rd season, began averaging 19 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block per game. He's now at 24 points and 5 rebounds, with the blocks and steals about the same.
Marvin, in his 3rd season, averaged 14 points & 5 rebounds - clearly below the other two.
Is Marvin improving? Of course. Does he have room to grow? Absolutely. But there isn't really a player I can think of to compare him to thusfar in his career. Someone mentioned Jermaine O'Neal to me once - and he pretty much sucked his first 4 seasons.
Maybe Marvin isn't in the right system? Maybe Woody doesn't develop his players well? Maybe Marvin simply hasn't peaked. I'm gonna actually go with all 3. With each offseason, Marvin has gotten better. I'm not saying we should dump him for someone else, but it certainly won't be an easy decision either way.
I love what you are guys are doing on this site. Keep it going. The Lakers win is huge for the Hawks. It shows what can happen on a given night in the Highlight Factory. We HAVE to figure out a way to play 48 minutes of intense basketball. We do that, and the sky's the limit! Go Hawks!!
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