A New Year's look @ our Hawks

[Gray Mule]

Lorenzen Wright - Still able to give a few minutes of tough

defense and be a warrior inside when the going gets tough.

Shelden Williams - Has some great games and some not so

great. Still learning and growing into an NBA player.

Doorkeeper for the doghouse.

Marvin Williams - We begin to see just what he's capable

of becoming. Greatly improved from his beginning and

still a lot of improving in his future. He's getting

there. Should have an even better 2008.

Mario West - A player many teams overlooked in the draft.

If there was "A do over" then someone would have him on

their roster 'cause he would be drafted, maybe even late

in the first round. A real find for the Hawks.

Salim Stoudamire - Needs to spend more time driving to

the basket - where he has a nice touch - draws fouls and

is deadly from the free throw line. For some reason, he

can't seem to get his 3's to drop. Inside scoring could

help his confidence.

Josh Smith - Slow down - Play under control on offense.

Get mean going to the goal. Don't forget the 3's but

don't fall in love with them either. Watch out for those

"tickey tack" fouls. They can gut you out of a game in

a hurry.

Zaza Pachulia - His best defense is played outside. He

has quick hands, will steal the ball and close up those

passing opportunities. Sometimes accused of flopping

inside, but he gets his share of foul calls there and

can be a real headache when the oponent is in foul trouble.

Not a great center but neither is he as bad as some would

have us believe.

Tyrone Lue - When healthy, can be an asset. Hits those

shots under pressure. Has a tendency to kill the clock

on the offensive end while everyone just stands around

and watches. Needs to learn some plays and run them.

Acie Law IV - Injuries have slowed his development. Needs

for some of those "almost in" shots to start falling. He's

going to be good, given time.

Solomon Jones - Needs playing time - Let him out of the

dog house or send him to the D-league. He's just taking

up space down at the end of the bench right now.

Joe Johnson - Coach needs to realise Hawks can play without

him on the floor all the time. Needs to carp and complain

to the ref's more - He's getting fouled with few calls

going his way. Continue to be Hawks leader.

Anthony Johnson - Experienced P.G. Hawks have needed for

so long. Brings a lot to the table every game. One

of the main reasons Hawks enter 2008 with a winning record.

Al Horford - All we expected and more.

Speedy Claxton - A lost cause. If and when he ever comes

back from his multiple injuries, will he truly be "speedy"

any more? If he is, then great. If he isn't, then what

does he have to offer?

Josh Childress - A player who brings his "A" game every

time he steps on the court. Grabs his share of rebounds.

Moves without the ball on offense. Great garbage scorer.

Cleans up a lot of messes inside. Energy. Can hit the

outside 3 and is great from the line.

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Just my take on the curent roster. Many will disagree

with some of this and maybe one or two with all of it.

That's all right. This is just one fan's opinion and

opinions are like noses. Everyone has one and no two

are exactly alike.

So, as we enter 2008, what do you think of our roster?

[Gray Mule]

What? No one else cares to share their opinion?

As much controversity we see here on Hawksquawk, no one

cares to share their thoughts about our players??

Here's another question.

What will our record be come Feb. 1?? Can the Hawks

maintain their over .500 standing thru January? We

have a 2 game cushion right now.

[TheNorthCydeRises]

It's New Year's Eve. 80% of Hawksquawk is probably drunk or almost there right now. I'm out at the club, but not drinking.

I liked what you said about Salim. If he'd just do like Marvin, and concentrate more on his midrange game, while not forcing the 3, he'd be a much better player right now, and seeing playing time.

His floater when he goes to the hole is nice. But I think Salim is a lost cause for us. Everytime he gets a chance to really contrbute when somebody goes down, he just take advantage of it.