Not too much to report in Hawktown as we hit Labor Day weekend.

A few little interesting items to send your way though:

- Remember Cenk Akyol? The Turkish prospect, whom the Hawks drafted in the 2nd round of the 2005 NBA Draft, is currently playing for his national team as they participate in the European Championships. Throughout their schedule, Akyol will be writing a blog for HoopsHype. If anyone gets a chance to see any of their games, I'd love to know how he plays. Who knows if Akyol will ever make it over for a shot at the NBA, but if he is playing with his national team in any capacity that has to be a good sign.

- Paul Forrester at SI.com did a little review of the Southeast Division's off-season progress, and he rates the Hawks pretty highly. I agree with most of what he has to say, though I don't know if I'd agree that Josh Smith has been on the trading block. I think the Southeast is going to be an ultra-competitive division this season, with all five of the teams relatively close in talent.

- Sekou Smith continues his series of off-season interviews with some of the Hawks players with a Q & A with Zaza Pachulia. Zaza has been killing it for the Georgian National Team so far this summer, and is currently trying to help them earn a spot in the European Championships for next summer.

Today we continue the series with third-year F Marvin Williams. How do you think these players will do? Leave your answers in the comments!

Marvin Williams

2007 Stats: 13.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 82% FT

2007 Highlights: A year ago, Marvin was coming off an MVP performance in summer league and everyone was looking forward to seeing how he would perform in his second season in the league. But, fate had other plans, and a broken finger sidelined him for the season's first 17 games. It took a little while for Marvin to work himself back into game shape, but once he got it going he had several good games. For my money, his best performance was the 23 points he dropped on Chicago in the Hawks excruciating 106-104 loss on Dec. 16. It was only his sixth game back, but Marvin showed off the promise Atlanta fans had been waiting for as he hit several big shots in the second half to keep the Hawks in the lead (one which they would ultimately blow in overtime, sadly). Other good efforts were 24 and 7 in a 98-85 loss to Washington on Apr. 13, and 23 points on 10-15 shooting in the season-ending win over Indiana.

What he needs to work on this summer: Marvin may have the prettiest looking shot on the team (Joe and Salim included), and he is already one of the best mid-range shooters in the league. The key for him for the future is extending his range further out to make himself a 3-point threat. Last season he made only 25% (13-53) of his attempts from beyond the arc, which in this writer's opinion is not only too low a percentage but also way too few attempts. Once Marvin adds more strength, I feel certain he'll improve in this category. 

Click here to see Marvin's video highlights!

Outlook for 2007-08: If Josh Smith is the hyper-aggressive type, making mistakes because he is constantly pressing the action, then Marvin is his exact opposite. Marv keeps mistakes to a minimum on the court, which is a good thing for the most part. But, as the saying goes, sometimes you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet. Marvin needs to show more aggressiveness in his third season, and if it leads to a few more miscues I think it is something the team can live with if it means having him dictate the action more often.

Since Joe Johnson and Josh Smith appear somewhat firmly cemented in the #1 and #2 roles on offense, Marvin has a chance to really capitalize on a lack of attention from opposing defenses and make teams pay with his shooting ability. If he starts out hot, other teams will have to start rethinking their defensive priorities, and any time you can create indecision on the part of your opponent you can do some real damage.

What do you think?

Today we continue the series with center Zaza Pachulia. How do you think these players will do? Leave your answers in the comments!

Zaza Pachulia

2007 Stats: 12.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg (2.8 offensive), 1.5 apg, 47% FG, 79% FT

2007 Highlights: The Hawks big man had several nice games for the Hawks, putting up 13 double-doubles to finish second on the team in that category. His best handiwork though came in a 100-97 win over Washington on March 7, when he popped for a career-high 27 points and 12 rebounds. His performance was particularly important considering it was the first game the team played after losing Joe Johnson to a calf injury that would eventually end his season. ZP had other gems as well, including 22 and 12 in a late-season win over Boston and 23 and 10 in a close home loss to the champion Spurs.

What he needs to work on this summer: Zaza has long been known for his prowess on the offensive glass (he finished 17th in the league at 2.8 per game). Now he needs to round out his production on the defensive end better as well. The Hawks have had trouble in the past with giving up second chance opportunities, so the more defensive snags Hawks big men like Pachulia can get, the better the team will do.

Click here to see Zaza's video highlights!

Outlook for 2007-08: Zaza had a somewhat up-and-down season last year, losing his starting spot to Lorenzen Wright for a spell while recovering from injury. Still, he had several stretches of impressive play, especially right after the All-Star break. Though he is still just 23 years old, Zaza will be counted on to be one of the veteran leaders of the frontcourt for young guys like Al Horford and Shelden Williams.

With so many bigs fighting for playing time (the team still employs Lorenzen Wright and Solomon Jones) it will be interesting to see how all the minutes are divided. But as long as Zaza continues to pound away on the glass, you can count on him being out there for extended periods of time.

Today we continue the series with jack-of-all-trades G/F Josh Childress. How do you think these players will do? Leave your answers in the comments!

Josh Childress

2007 Stats: 13.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 50% FG, 80% FT

2007 Highlights: A slow starter his first two seasons in the league, Chills started out hot for the Hawks, making up for the absence of Marvin Williams by putting up 15+ points in four of the team's first seven games. Unfortunately, the injury bug hit him soon thereafter, as a stress fracture in his foot cost him 27 games the rest of the season. In 55 games, he still managed to have some pretty terrific performances. He put up a stat-stuffing 22 points, 12 boards, 6 assists and 5 blocks in a 102-100 loss to Portland on March 23, 23 points and a season-high 14 rebounds in a 100-96 win over Boston on January 15, and poured in a season-high 25 in a 99-76 pasting of Sacto on March 19.

Here is an interesting nugget I found while looking over his season, by the way. If you consider Chills a guard (and I do) more than a forward, then his 2.2 offensive rebounds per game was the best in the NBA amongst all guards. Pretty impressive if you ask me.

What he needs to work on this summer: Getting healthy (a recurring theme in these recaps, eh?). The Hawks need Chills on the court as much as possible, as he is the type of player who does all of the little things needed to get wins on a consistent basis. Josh's 3-pt FG percentage dipped last season from nearly 50% to 34%, but that's more in line with what most players typically shoot from long range. It's hard to think of one particular thing he needs to work on, as he has always struck me as a guy who is good at a lot of things but not necessarily great at any one thing. Basically, he needs to work on getting a little better at everything (not too much to ask, is it?).

Click here to see J-Chill's video highlights!

Outlook for 2007-08: Chills has kept a somewhat low profile on the Hawks offensively in the past, letting the game come to him and rarely forcing anything. It has served him well, as he has had very high shooting percentages in each of his first three years. However, going into his fourth season, I think he needs to assert himself more. Not in a way that will make him force things, but in a way that makes opposing defenses take more notice of where he is and, ideally, force them to think harder about double-teaming JJ.

Chill, like Josh, is playing for a contract extension, so it's important he play well if he wants to really get paid.

What say you?

If you've been reading Sekou Smith's articles in the AJC lately, you know he has been checking in with some of the Hawks during the offseason to see what they have been up to (so far he's interviewed Josh Smith and Josh Childress). It's interesting reading for sure, so make sure to check it out.

Both the Joshes have been busy this summer, but they aren't the only Hawks who've been traveling around. Marvin Williams is currently in Hong Kong as part of NBA Madness, an offshoot of the popular Basketball Without Borders program the NBA does during the summer.

From the press release:

"NBA Madness Hong Kong tipped off today with an opening ceremony took place at Citiplaza in Tai Koo Shing, Hong Kong.

Joined by local celebrities Bosco Wong and Charles Szeto, the opening ceremony started with the energetic dance performance of Silver Dancers from the 2007 NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs. The 2 celebrities also had a great time learning some NBA dance steps from the Silver Dancers. Thunder from the Golden State Warriors also staged a dunking show with the two celebrities.

Marvin Williams, a rising star of the Atlanta Hawks, received warm welcome by fans at Citiplaza while he encourages the NBA fans to join him in NBA Madness for the rest of the week. He also shared his experience in the NBA with the fans. DHL once again delivered the Larry O'Brien Trophy to the NBA Madness venue and the trophy was unveiled publicly for the first time in Hong Kong by Marvin. After the ceremony, Marvin played the free throw conga with the two celebrities and a top HKBA player and he knocked them all out!"

Marvin talks to the press at NBA Madness

Posing with the Spurs Silver Dancers and Thunder, the Warriors mascot

 

Recently I attended the first event following the final selection of the Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers. Being there and recognizing myself as “an A-Town Dancer” helped to further solidify reality for me - I made the team! I was still in shock after a nerve-racking yet fun-filled finals week, and that sense seemed to heighten when I found myself amongst the finest group of females Atlanta has to offer. This event included not only the A-Town Dancers, but also the ladies of the Falcons and the Georgia Force. We were all in attendance, ready for socializing and shopping. This year’s “ROCKSTAR Party” event took place in a trendy fashion hotspot, Fabrik. What could be a better environment for a bunch of lovely ladies to really let loose and get to know one another? After a speedy introduction, saying which team we represented and for how many seasons, I realized I was in a room filled with true “ROCKSTARS”. After hearing how dedicated these ladies were, from some being on a team for six consecutive seasons to just the amount of poise and presence exuded while introducing themselves. I am more honored and appreciative than ever to be labeled as a rookie.

It is so wonderful to witness women from different realms of the sports industry under one roof just hanging out and having fun. We weren’t divided into three separate sports teams, yet we represented one. As it should be, since we seem to share many of the same passions in life. I am looking forward to more events like this one; seeing how our schedules remain so busy, it is rare that there will be another event that we will be able to ALL gather together.

I am looking forward to the start of the basketball season. This is only the mere beginning…. did I mention being an A-Town Dancer has not sunk in yet? I am excited to have the time to get to know the other A-Town Dancers even better, whom I seem to have only met just yesterday. I also want to meet all the other amazing people affiliated with this organization. I can't wait to actually be in the middle of Philip’s Arena participating in a game or event, and to reach out in the Atlanta community and spread joy uniting all communities - to make people proud! Wow, this is the life of an A-Town Dancer, but of course I am speaking from two weeks of experience. I am sure the season will bring its own hardships between practices, appearances and games; but what I say to that is, “BRING IT ON”.

Thank you to all who put together the “ROCKSTAR” Party. What a great way to kickoff what seems like a fresh start. Let the games begin!!

- Hailey 

Today we continue the series with veteran point guard Tyronn Lue. How do you think these players will do? Leave your answers in the comments!

Tyronn Lue

2007 Stats: 11.4 ppg, 3.6 apg, 35% 3-pt FG, 88% FT

2007 Highlights: T-Lue's most memorable performance from 2006-07 has to be his game-winner in OT over New Jersey on Feb. 4. That wasn't the only instance of last-second heroics for the player they call "The Show" last season though, as he also nailed a game-tying runner at the buzzer against Cleveland on Nov. 7, forcing overtime in a game the Hawks eventually won to move to 4-1 on the season.

What he needs to work on this summer: Getting healthy. T-Lue has had injury issues throughout his career, and unfortunately had what started out as a great year derailed early on last season by groin issues and a knee problem that led to arthroscopic surgery earlier this summer. Lue is off the court for a few more weeks, but expects to be ready to go in time for the start of training camp.

Lue has always been a reliable perimeter shooter and (in my opinion) an underrated distributor. Defensively, his best days may be behind him, so the more he can work on using his experience to overcome speed/height disadvantages, the better.

Click here to see T-Lue's video highlights!

Outlook for 2007-08: Tyronn Lue is well respected in the Hawks locker room and around the league (word on the street is his advice to his boy Kevin Garnett is what led KG to approve the trade to Boston). He is a veteran presence, a clutch perimeter shooter, and is generally the guy who keeps the team loose with his nonstop chatter and story-telling. While incoming PG Acie Law learns the ropes of the NBA, the Hawks will be counting heavily on Lue and Speedy Claxton to lead the team. But with Lue also going into the final year of his contract, he also figures to be a target of other teams looking to upgrade at the one for the short-term.

Today we continue the series with second-year post player Shelden Williams. How do you think these players will do? Leave your answers in the comments!

Shelden Williams

2007 Stats: 5.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 46% FG, 76% FT, 0.5 bpg

2007 Highlights: Shelden's productivity in his rookie season was quite parabolic (did I just blow your mind with that math reference?). He started out playing well, receiving a lot of playing time in the absence of various Hawks players, then saw his production dip severely when his frontcourt brethren came back healthier. The Landlord rebounded (figuratively and literally) late in the season though, taking advantage of increased floor time to win Rookie of the Month honors for the Eastern Conference in April. He finished the season with four straight double-doubles (and led all rookies in that category on the season), including 16 points and 17 rebounds in the season's penultimate game against Milwaukee.

What he needs to work on this summer: Shelden played most of last season as a power forward, but started to come on strong when he was switched to the 5. If he projects to play more center in the future (or really, wherever he plays), he needs to shoot better from the field. 46% FG for a big man is subpar. At times last year, Shelden appeared to be trying to do too much at one time (a problem for almost every NBA rookie). If he works on continuing to develop a few go-to moves and stays away from his weaknesses, his shooting percentages and scoring average should go up.

Click here to see Shelden's video highlights!

Outlook for 2007-08: Shelden got off to a good start this summer, playing well enough in Salt Lake City to earn All-League honors at the Rocky Mountain Revue. If he can build on the confidence he gained at the end of last season and this summer, he has a chance to earn more significant minutes in a crowded Hawks frontcourt. But with rookie big man Al Horford to challenge for time at center, Shelden will have to hit the ground running.

The Hawks have received many plaudits for their draft haul so far, especially given the way Al Horford and Acie Law performed during summer league play at the Rocky Mountain Revue.

Well, it turns out the members of the press aren't the only ones singing the praises of our incoming Hawks rookies. In a survery conducted during the NBA photo shoot for the 2007 draft class, both Horford and Law received high marks from their brethren.

In particular, Horford was voted the most ready to contribute, getting 29.5% of the votes (Law was fourth, with 9.1%), while Law finished second in the best playmaker category, getting 26.2% (Memphis' Mike Conley was rated #1 with 45.2%). It's a pretty cool little survey, I suggest checking it out.

Also, towards the end, the question of which NBA player do you look most forward to playing against, the answer is (of course) Kobe - but Josh Smith snuck in there with a vote as well, which is pretty cool (then again, so did Quentin Ross and JJ Redick, so maybe it's meaningless).

Here are some pictures from the photo shoot. Judging from the pictures, big Al looks happy to be back with his Gator boys...

Gator Boys in their new unis

With summer league play over (job well done Shelden and Acie, nabbing All-RMR honors - and Al Horford might have if he hadn't hurt his ankle), and nothing else really going on until the start of training camp in October, I thought this would be a good time to take a look at the Hawks roster and check out everyone's status on the team. It should be a good way to kill some time over the next few weeks and help bridge the gap until the season starts!

Today I thought we'd begin the series with one of the Hawks' biggest stars, entering fourth-year forward Josh Smith. How do you think these players will do? Leave your answers in the comments!

Josh Smith

2007 Stats: 16.4 ppg (second on team), 8.6 rpg (led team), 2.9 bpg (2nd in NBA), 3.3 apg, 1.4 spg

2007 Highlights: Josh had several terrific games in 2006-07: 28 points and a career-high 18 rebounds in a late-season win over Milwaukee, a near triple-double (missing it by a single point, of all things) in a rout of Sacramento on Mar. 19, or a stat-stuffing 26 points, 17 boards, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 3 block night in a win over Philly on Mar. 13.

For my money though, Smoove's best game of the year came in a win over Minnesota on Mar. 10, when he torched the nets for a career-high 32 points on 12-15 shooting. Smith took over the game, stepping easily into the role of go-to guy in the absence of Joe Johnson.

What he needs to work on this summer: Josh still turns the ball over too much, and needs to work on picking and choosing his spots for his jumper. A 25% rate on 3-point attempts is not going to keep defenses from sagging off on him to guard against penetration. It also appears that his future is at the power forward position, so developing some more low-post moves is in his best interest as well. Fortunately, that's exactly what he is doing, as he is working on his offensive game in Houston this summer with Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Calvin Murphy.

Click here to see Josh's video highlights!

Outlook for 2007-08: Josh's numbers have improved across the board in each of his three seasons so far. So what Josh Smith will we see during the 2007-08 Hawks campaign? Will we see an emerging player that stepped his game up in the absence of Joe Johnson towards the end of last season? Will he continue to be an aggressive player that attacks the rim with no regard for his opponent on offense and protects the rim like the '85 Bears on defense?

The arrival of a physical low-post defender like Al Horford should lead to improved defensive play from Smith. Horford's presence on the post will allow Josh to better defend his man on the wing and help out inside like always. On offense, it will be interesting to see if the improvements Smoove is working on this summer (plus the confidence he gained while JJ was hurt) leads to him firmly establishing himself as an offensive threat that teams have to respect on each possession. With him and the arrival of sharpshooter Acie Law, perhaps the days of teams double- and triple-teaming Joe Johnson are over.

The NBA released the schedules for 2007-08 today. I have posted all the relevant info on the site, check it out.

Taking a glance at it, here are my first impressions:

Ouch. That's five returning playoff teams and one most presume will easily snag one in this year's Eastern Conference, and if you look at the rosters, there are roughly three All-Stars per squad. But, as one of my co-workers said today - you gotta play 'em some time. I tell you what though - we start out 4-1 this year, it will be much more impressive than last season. December could be a make-or-break month for the team. With eight home games and only five on the road, the team will need to take advantage before the turn of the new year when they go on the road for 9 of 15.

* The team takes both West Coast trips during the middle of the season, heading out for two different five-game swings January 23-30 and another right after the All-Star break from February 19-25. I like this, as hopefully by midseason the team will have fully incorporated the new players and Al and Acie will be better adjusted to the level of play.

* This is perhaps a bit redundant, but worth noting - the Hawks play host to the three best teams in the NBA from 2006-07 in the season's first 18 days: the season-opener against Dallas on Nov. 2, Phoenix on the 7th, and the defending champion Spurs on Nov. 20.

* If I am skeptical about the beginning of the season, I will say that if we survive it and are in the hunt come the homestretch, I do think we have a favorable slate in April: home to Toronto, Philly, Boston and Orlando, and road games at Philly, Indiana, New York and Miami. Certainly no gimmes, but no games against Cleveland, Chicago, or Detroit.

* For those that await the arrival of the new batch of NBA superstars: Kevin Durant and the Sonics come to Philips on Friday Nov. 16, and fans will get their first glimpse of Greg Oden when the Hawks host Portland on Monday, January 21 for the traditional MLK matinee.

We'll get more in depth in the coming weeks, but for now, let's just start working on how to beat Dallas three months from tonight. Deal?