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Even as I breathe a sigh of relief, I can't help but be a little peeved about a few things. Complaining about a win? Certainly not, especially an overtime win that saw our team captain lead us out of the ditch and back towards the road. This last game had a bit of a playoff feel to it, as did the one before. This time, however, the Hawks got it done. It left me thinking, however. Which is more important, worrying that the Hawks found themselves in another tight game towards the end of regulation, or happy that they found a way to survive overtime?
Initially, you'd have to say that what matters is the"W" or the "L." And you'd be right. And, unlike the game against Dallas, the Hawks didn't surrender the lead in a game they clearly should have won. No, they ground out a win over a tough team that was on a healthy winning streak, despite struggling for the duration of the game (except the first couple of minutes). So, I'll stick with being happy over being worried. And here are a few observations specifically about this game, and about the Hawks in general, that may have come to the forefront of your mind lately:
You can tell…
….When players are sold on a coach's ideas. The Bucks play like they are coached by a defensive-minded former point guard, who likes ball and personnel movment. So many cuts, backdoor screens, and things of that nature helped keep the Bucks in the game. Without Michael Redd, they don't have a tier one (or arguably, even a tier two) offensive player. An argument could be made for John Salmons, and he is indeed a good offensive player. But he's not going to give you 20+ points a night for the course of a season, and he can be streaky. So, the Bucks survive by moving without the ball, and making extra passes for easier buckets. On the other side of the court, they've become a defensively tough-minded team. Prior to them playing for Scott Skiles, Ersan Ilyasova and Carlos Delfino were considered to be non-factors on defense, and marginal on their best days. Not so THESE days. They may have foul issues from time to time, but both guys are clearly giving the effort, and they're doing it on every play.
Conversely, the Hawks don't seem to buy into the defensive precepts of Mike Woodson anymore. What happened? A team once known for getting wins by playing a suffocating defense, now finds itself as one of the more defensively inept teams in the league. Hawks commentator Bob Rathbun noted that Atlanta is in the bottom third of the League in defense. Why? Is the defensive concept an issue? Are the players not listening to the coaching staff? Can it really be attributed fully to one or the other, or soley to any other theory? It's not a matter of consistency. If anything, the Hawks are very consistent. They consistently allow penetration from the perimeter. They consistenly find themselves out of position, late on a rotation, or in a mismatch at all the wrong times. Josh Smith consistently makes the most plays and gives the most individual effort, while erasing a large number of his teammates' mistakes. The only inconsistent thing about the Hawks on defense is their committment to playing defense together. Here lately, even that has become a consistency….they consistently don't do it.
Iso Joe…
…Just really isn't the issue. Oh sure, it's a hot button topic if you're focused on who you want to blame for stagnant offense or a loss. As stated by folks like Niremetal have noted, the Hawks run a series of ISO plays. Sometimes is Jamal who gets the isolation. Sometimes Josh or Al. Are they all be design? I don't think so. I believe some of them, maybe many of them, are by default. We complain about personnel and ball movement, and then we get teased by seeing it for a while, then watching it disappear. I didn't get to see this game while it was being played, so I got to watch it on my DVR instead. As many of you know, the magic of DVR is you get to fast forward through commercials, hit "stop" and "play" as you please, etc. But there's nothing like "rewind." I rewound several series and I realized something: the Hawks have very little "stick-to-it-iveness." I'll explain what I mean in a minue. Some teams will pick and roll you to death. Others will run shooters off of screens and bomb away from the perimeter all night. Still others will pound the ball into the post and either continue to score there, or use the threat to pass out to open shooters. The Hawks? They are guaranteed to throw an ISO at you when the chips are down. Those teasing moments that occasionally last for the better part of three quarters, where the Hawks share the ball? They all have a common theme: the defense is either consistently allowing it, or simply can't stop it.
As many times as we've watched the Hawks share the ball and then stop, have we ever stopped and wondered why? It's because some teams, many of them lately, are reacting to it. The Hawks share the ball and move without the ball until they are denied. Then, they give up. And it happens from series to series. When we have the ball, our guys will usually try one back door cut, one screen, or some other move to a spot where they can be most effective. But when they don't get the ball, they stop right there and stay in that general area. If they set a screen, and the man with the ball doesn't get sprung free, they don't set another one. They don't keep moving! They don't try it again! There is no reset! And guess what happens next? Despite the fact that there may not have been a play called for it, somebody ends up with the ball, and they are all by themselves. Now what do you have? ISO. Paying closer attention to more recent games, I would say that there have been more ISO plays that happened by default, than there have been actual plays calls. The difference? When guys like Joe or Jamal are intentionally isolated with the ball, the chances are actually better that they will succeed, knowing what they have to do. Force a player into an isolation, and he has to think quickly on his feet, which can be easily negated by the lack of movement by his teammates. Between coaching staff and players, this problem needs to be mitigated. Opposing teams have apparently figured this out, and are exploiting it. Want the Hawks to stop doing something that is hurting you? Deny them for a possession or two. They'll quit doing it and go right to ISO plays or one-and-done jumpshooting.
Hey, wasn't that…
….Jerry Stackhouse? The 15 year veteran swingman that kept hanging around Atlanta throughout the summer, and prior to the season? Typically, most of us took one side or the other: "sign him now" and "no way!" In between, there was a lot of scoffing at the idea that Stackhouse could still play and contribute meaningfully. Even the steady reports of then-beat writer Sekou Smith were discounted out of hand. Some thought signing him might be a money issue, and we already had Mo Evans. Well, Hawks fans got to see firsthand what Stackhouse can STILL do in a REAL game, with real minutes. Did Stack get up for this game, or was he really that good off the bench? Only one observation truly resonated with me on the subject. It wasn't that he still has quicks. It wasn't that he could score inside or out. It wasn't that he looked smooth, rather than old. It was the response when Stack was mentioned to Hawks assistant coach Jim Todd. Todd's response: "we tried to get him here." What in the devil happened? The guy signed with Milwaukee. Milwaukee? What was more attractive about Milwaukee? I don't know what they signed him for, but I'd say they're getting their money's worth. Even though he's isn't shooting particularly well from the field overall, his season stats are proof that he can contribute well from the bench in 20 minutes worth of work. Spilled milk, maybe. But one does wonder what might have been.
Believe it or not…
….Brandon Jennings is lightning fast and a special player, but not really quicker than Jeff Teague. In fact, he didn't even look much better to me than Jeff Teague last night. Usually, the Hawks have all sorts of problems with very fast point guards who can penetrate. But Jennings looked like a rook. Was it because veteran guard Mike Bibby outmaneuvered him? Not really. Was he just having a bad night? Maybe. Most likely, Jennings found out that in spite of his 55 point explosion earlier in the season, and a number of very good performances…he's still a rookie. He has much to learn. He's gotten a lot of valuable experience with all the minutes he's been playing, as a starter. Yet last night, he looked prone to make mistakes on both offense and defense, didn't have a jumpshot that I'd write home about, and wasn't the budding maestro he appeared to be early on. In his last 31 games, he has only shot 50% from the field three times. The rest of the time, he has literally been nowhere near that shooting percentage. In fact, his 16 ppg have come with a shooting percentage that has come all the way down to 36.8%, with several performances that were 35% or worse. Is the kid talented? Absolutely. Does he have a future as a starting pg? I'm fairly sure of it.
But I wonder. If given the same minutes and shot attempts, would Teague do any worse, or any better? No, I'm not remotely suggesting that such a thing be done right now, or even this season. But having watched Jennings, I'm wondering if shot attempts and playing time aren't the bulk of the difference.
Call it like it is…
…Josh Smith carried us in this game throughout regulation, with some help here and there from Al Horford. When the Hawks needed a basket or a defensive play, Smith delivered more often than not, and even hit most of his free throws. His offensive rebounds late in the game were perhaps some of the most pivotal plays of all.
…Joe Johnson saved our butts in overtime. Unable to deliver during regulation, Johnson dug deep and scored nine of his points in the overtime period, including a HUGE three pointer, to seal the game for us. This is what your best player and go-to guy is supposed to do. Joe got the job done when it mattered.
…Jamal Crawford is struggling in a bad way. Some will point to his career shooting percentage, but I don't think that's it. He's slumping, and whether or not it's related to injury in any way is unknown to anyone but Jamal. One thing is for sure, though. The Hawks need their Super Sub to find his way back ASAP. These things happen, but down the stretch is a bad time for it. The only thing worse would be an ineffective playoff showing.
….despite some decrease in his whining, and being more focused on remaining effectively in play, Josh Smith is not in favor with the officials. While Joe Johnson has endured a lack of calls for years, Smith gets hammered on both ends of the floor. It seems that he will continue to serve time in NBA Referee Purgatory for the rest of the season, with no hope for absolution in sight. Maybe serving his penance with a more contrite attitude for the full season will help him regain some measure of grace next season. One can only hope.
It's just not going to get easier. Having passed a weakening Celtics squad for third place overall in the East, the Hawks remain two games behind division leader Orlando.
Atlanta faces another team that is hungrily chasing a decent playoff spot in the Chicago Bulls, who are smack in the middle of a tough fight for the fifth seed between them, Milwaukee, and Toronto. Last year's fifth seed, the Miami Heat, find themselves 9th overall in the East, and staring at the possibility of not making the playoffs at all. With Wade's impending free agency (as if you haven't heard this phrase 300 times too many already), that has to make Miami front office officals very nervous. But more on that in a later blog.
Here We Go Again
Atlanta won the last contest between the two teams, but that was in the Highlight Factory. The last trip to Chicago ended up with the Hawks slinking away from a shameful 3 point loss. Besides a masterful 40 point performance by Joe Johnson, the Hawks were unable to manage much help from other sources, as three of the Hawks' starters combined for a dismal 7 of 27 from the field, Josh Smith stayed in foul trouble, and the Bulls were the latest team to beat the Hawks all over the glass.
The good news is that while the Hawks had all they could take of John Salmons while playing Milwaukee, they won't have to face either him again tonight, along with human pogo stick Tyrus Thomas. They also don't know how to deal with the tandem of Joe and Jamal, or Al and Josh, assuming Jamal's shot is on, and Josh isn't in foul trouble.
The bad news is that Derrick Rose is averaging 23 points and 6 assists per game against the Hawks. Even scarier is the fact that he has shot 52% over the course of his last 14 games (the entire month of February). Rose gets to the basket he wants to, and is either converting the shot or getting to the line just about every time. And while Tyrus Thomas may be missed in some ways, newcomer Hakim Warrick is a more heady hustler who provides Marvin Williams-esque stats off the bench, and is a more stable/solid defender. Mix in Joakim Noah's recovery from injury, and this could be trouble very quickly if the Hawks come out sluggish.
Playing an energetic and hungry team a mere 24 hours after a hard-fought contest is never easy, but nobody is going to have any sympathy for the Hawks. They'll have to dig deep, find the energy, and get another road win. Boston isn't guaranteed to falter forever, and Orlando could widen the gap any day now.
March 1st, 2010
2:27 am
If anyone needs sympathy, it's the Bulls.
Noah won't be playing tonight and Deng may not play either. Rose will play but likely won't be 100% after banging knees Saturday in Indiana. It'll be the 9th game for Chicago in 14 days.
Also, I'd take umbrage with the idea that Warrick is a better defender than Thomas. In fact, I don't think it's close. He's also not the rebounder or shot blocker Thomas is either.
Rose actually misses quite a few layups but makes up for it with a terrific mid-range jumper.
March 1st, 2010
6:38 am
will the bench get any PT @ Bulls?
March 1st, 2010
7:26 am
Jennings looks like a PG who relies strictly on athletic gifts and not on "IQ". I'll never understand why lottery teams draft on potential (like Jennings) and pass up on guys who can contribute "leadership" and production early in their careers (like Ty Lawson). Jennings may be better than Lawson in 2-3 seasons but that's a lot of potential playoff revenue while you wait for your floor leader to figure out the game. Hopefully, if Teague were given comparable time, he wouldn't be shooting around 35% in his last few dozen games. And I think Jennings spent the bulk of this game watching Ridnour from the bench… I wonder if Bucks fans were sitting at home yelling for Skiles to play him more?
What happened to Charlie Bell?
Ray, good point on the offense…. I assume "iso by default" means that the players are making adjustments vs. running a play by design? I guess that can work two ways (as I go back to a football analogy). If a QB needs to call an audible, he should. Of course, you hope that the QB knows how to read a defense and that the other players know the audible play that is being called. But if you have several plays tht can work, there is no need to stick to a given play if it appears the defense is prepared to stop you. Iso plays (IMO) are only bad when they become the dominant play over 2-3 minutes. I think they may have been an issue earlier in the season, but even MC, who has been tracking them, seems to only see about 2-3 per game. Assuming that we have the ball at the end of any of the first 3 quarters, that is likely going to account for some of those iso-plays.
Our offense becomes stagnant when we either forget to get the ball to Horford, Horford is out of the game or Horford is failing to convert his FGAs. While I like what Josh is doing this season, I hink Horford's more consistent half-court offense is more important to the team. Horford has been mostly very good this season but we would be fooling ourselves if we didn't admit to some "growing pains" associated with his new role in the offense. I'm not yet convinced that we can give him the ball in the "red zone".
Imagine, just for a second, if the Hawks had hung on in the Bay Area and converted 2-3 possessions against the Dallas zone. We're probably a handful of possessions away from feeling very, very different about this team.
March 1st, 2010
7:27 am
Carry-over from yesterday's blog:
OB, kind of a double-edged sword. Players are good enough to get playing time but aren't developed enough if someone gets hurt. I guess that means that they are good enough for 12-15 minutes now but nothing beyond that. Well, that may be true for Teague but every other bench player has been around long enough to know what to do. Joe Smith, Zaza and Mo better know what to do if there is an injury… they have all started previously and are not wet behind the ears. The question becomes, are they GOOD enough to keep the ship afloat, not "are they developed". If Terrapin Joe, Mo and Zaza aren't developed by now, well…
Back to the "these teams have been hurt" argument… what do you think extra roster expense buys you if not quality depth? Let's put it this way… if you could simulate a bench vs. bench tournament on NBA Live or NBA 2K or some other video game, who would finish in last place across the Hawks, Celtics, Magic and Cavs (again, bench players only)?
I applaud anyone who thinks that our roster is so good that with the right strategy and right line-up at various points in a game, that they could win a 7 games series against the Magic or Cavs. I ain't buying it.
Every component of this team is lacking in comparison to the teams ahead of us. Is our best player better than any player on the other 3 teams? Is Woody a better coach? Do we have a higher payroll? Do we have a deeper bench? Old schoolers say it's a big man's game… do we have the best big man? New schoolers say it's a PG's game, do we have the best PG? I have no delusions of grandeur here. I'm just enjoying a team that is above average, relevant and generally very exciting. I'd be much too frustrated if my expectations were any higher.
March 1st, 2010
8:16 am
Does no one see that the agent for Ilgauskas is using the Hawks to jack up the contract he will accept from Cleveland?
March 1st, 2010
9:07 am
The Real Hawk, the Cavs can't offer Z more than the Hawks. I have read a few reports that he is ticked off at the Cavs for trading him in the first place. I think that he may be making them wait (and worry) while he enjoys some days off with his family. With Shaq going down, he can make them sweat… but it's not a negotiating ploy, more likely a "how dare you trade me, now I'm going to make you worried about signing elsewhere" ploy.
March 1st, 2010
9:15 am
Good blog Ray,
I think it will be a tough game later because 4 of our starters played heavy minutes last night. However, the Bulls are banged up, so that might even things out a bit.
Although I don't agree with some of Woody's coaching, he has been preaching defense and rebounding from day 1. I don't know if the players are just tuning him out these days, or they believe they are good enough to outscore opponents, or maybe they think they can turn it on and off when they need to.
But they don't respond to him like they used to. And I can't help but wonder if it carries over to the offensive end too. I think he is preaching ball movement and sharing the ball more often than we actually see it.
I don't know what it is about NBA GMs. More often than not, their draft is based on potential (why else would Marvin be the #2 pick), but a lot of times, the coaches and GMs who draft these guys are not around when they realize their potential.
From the other blog,
Our bench might be better than the Celtics, but that's about it. Depth is an issue, because all year we've relied on Crawford. Now that he is struggling after his injury (26-84, 31%) his last 7 games, the games are tighter, and we don't get much from our bench.
Vets should be able to come in and play their part whenever their number is called, but I still think they should get more consistent PT to keep them ready.
"I'm just enjoying a team that is above average, relevant and generally very exciting. I'd be much too frustrated if my expectations were any higher."
That's probably why I get so frustrated, because I see the potential for more.
March 1st, 2010
9:19 am
Josh definitely earned the game ball last night. I'm also proud of Woody for pulling Bibby when he was playing just terribly on both ends. I'm still upset about the final play call of regulation, though – a pure ISO play with no off-ball movement, no screens, and no real effort to create an open look. Everyone in the building knew it would be ISO-Joe, and the Bucks were ready for it.
Doc said on the last blog that Joe shoulda driven the ball to the bucket, but as I said, there isn't a coach in the league who calls for a drive in that situation because you have to be absolutely hammered in order for the refs to even consider blowing the whistle (and we've seen too many games where a player DOES get hammered and no call happens). The answer would have been to run JJ off a screen, set a backscreen for Jamal, or quickly get the ball to the high post and work it inside-out, like the Spurs did back when Duncan was in his prime (today, it's usually a 2-man game with Manu or TP running a pick-and-roll – another play that we could have tried). Given that the Bucks, the fans, and Alfred E. Neuman all knew it was coming, it was almost inconceivable that the play could have led to an open look, but that's what the play call was anyway. ARGH!
In other news, I am also puzzled as to why the Hawks looked to Rio instead of Stack, assuming that Stack's interest in playing here was genuine (and there's nothing to indicate it wasn't). The crazy thing is that Mario is actually costing the Hawks the exact same as Stack would have, since the league reimburses teams for 3+ year vets so that they all cost the same as 2-year vets. Only explanation I can think of is that the Hawks figured that energy and hustle in practice is more important than getting an extra scorer off the bench. I think I would have gone with Stack anyway, but as you said, Ray, spilled milk…
March 1st, 2010
10:09 am
I think MC sees 2-3 isos in the fourth quarter, not for the entire game.
Also, JJ was 7-21 at that point, and Josh was 7-12. I would have thrown it in to him to either take the shot, or make the good pass he usually does, and get it back to JJ in a better position.
But think about all the last shots the Hawks have taken? They've probably been 90% isos just like the one JJ took last night.
And signing Mario should not have stopped the Hawks from signing Stackhouse. Stackhouse is a playoff veteran, who wanted to come here. All reports were that he looked healthy and good in workouts, and he is a guy who if he has to play starter minutes, he could probably contribute.
Since being signed, Mario has played 63 minutes total, including 16 minutes TOTAL for February. What kind of impact can we expect from him if he has to play extended minutes? At least Stackhouse might be able to contribute if needed. And Stackhouse would have given Woody another offensive option.
I'm okay with the Mario signing. I just wish the Hawks would have signed Stackhouse as well.
March 1st, 2010
10:26 am
There would be no reason at all to sign both Stack and Mario. Woody's rotation is not going to expand beyond 3.5 wings, and we already have that now with JJ/Jamal/Marvin/Mo. Having an extra wing in case of injury is nice, but unlike some people (read: Melvin), I'm not so down on Mo that I actually think Stackhouse would displace him in the rotation. Mo is a much, much better defender than the current model of Stackhouse, whose skills are mostly limited to scoring. Stack is too small and weak to guard 3s and too slow to guard 2s now.
If we're filling out the last 3 roster spots given the guys under guaranteed contracts at the beginning of the year, the first spot should have gone to a wing, then a big man, then a backup PG. Signing two wings would have been a waste, especially with Woody as coach. So yeah, it was an either/or thing. I think the Hawks picked the wrong "or" though, unless Stack wasn't interested in coming to a team where he'd be likely to get many DNP-CDs.
March 1st, 2010
10:28 am
(And also, Mo is a more efficient offensive player than Stack, and when you're the 8th man (Mo's job), efficiency is more important than volume)
March 1st, 2010
11:00 am
Great points, I disagree with the Hawks not sticking to what they do, some NBA players and coaches are pretty smart, they know how to take away what you want to do by stepping into the passing lanes, etc., and there are only 24 seconds on the shot clock. Also, could it be Jamal is just going back to what he is? He will get more attention now and won't always face second line defenders anymore, coaches will make adjustments to make sure a better defender is on him when he comes in. As you saw with Milwaukee last night, they played Joe man up, so there was no dish to an open Jamal.
The defense, the reason I believe for that is Jamal is playing more, if you have League Pass and listen to other announcers, when Jamal is in the game the plan is to alway attack him, come on, Kyle Korver in Utah was lighting him up, they had to put Joe on him at the end of the game. For all the heat Marvin takes, he is the key to the defense, Jamal and Bibby are taking his minutes, which is making the defense worse. They cant defend their positions, there is no way your two guard should have to check 3 positions, he is getting worn out.
March 1st, 2010
11:24 am
Kind of funny to read the Braves blog where fans are irate that Cox has ignored the young, up and coming star pitchers and has named Derek Lowe as the season's starter. The similarities between Cox and Woody are striking.
Funny, it seems that Joe's game-tying shot has been lost in the noise.
March 1st, 2010
11:28 am
One reason I like Mario was for practice (not necessarily for PT during games). Guy goes all out all the time, and all the players speak highly of him and his hustle on defense.
As for Stackhouse and the Hawks, he had expressed an interest in coming here. However, once Red went down, he saw that as an opportunity to get more PT there.
That being said, it does look like the Hawks picked the wrong "or". Unfortunately, that happens often (draft and free agent wise) with our Hawks.
Sund also has to take some blame for not giving Woody a bigger option at the backup SF position.
March 1st, 2010
11:30 am
Good blog Ray:
1) I agree that a win is a win, but….
I do see the defensive issues developing; it seems to be a team chemistry issue. I know Woody gets a lot of the heat (some deserved) but at this point in the season a team that has bigger aspirations need to be working together more. That is on the players!!!!
Something is up with Jamal, his slump has lead to this up and down play of late, bottom line.
Astro- I hear your take on Zydrunis. Obviously, he can't get more from Clevland. But, making them sweat? What's the point in that? I would think a veteran would not be that petty. I think he is more peeved than just wanting the Cavs to sweat. I am starting to think he is serious about another team. Althougn, maybe he is working on something down the road… like a front office type job or something.
March 1st, 2010
11:57 am
ray, id take stack's 40% from the three line and put him, jamal, jj, josh and al in to finish games any day. a vet no less, one with the most seniority on the team outside of joe. mario? please such insipid and uninspiring front management. yes as i said on the other blog he would either be buried on the bench like all the other role players or in a suit because he isnt woody's boy.
the team's offense is awful to sit through right now, boring and no ball movement. the bucks moved it so well and that is what the good trams do to break zones or defenses of any kind. we forgot how to do it. you dont even have to move that much to do it just move the ball quickly until something opens up. we were lucky to win last night as we were outplayed except in the scorecard by an inferior team.
mighty fine blog guys, a lot of content, thank you all! you too, big gay guy!!!
March 1st, 2010
12:05 pm
ray as far as josh and the refs. …. his demeanor is better but the call of a foul on him on stack was so bad i could see it from the other side of the arena about halfway up and it was conclusive on the big screen. what gave it away is the ref anticipated contact and actually blew the whistle before the action took place. man officials are awful.
March 1st, 2010
12:23 pm
Great point JLewis, this is why i told my girlfriend she was crazy when she suggested that Jamal start at the 2 should Joe leave this summer. Defense wins games, plain and simple. Even when Joe's not on offensively, he can still make up for it on the other end with his above average perimeter defense. Like Woody says, those shots aren't gonna always fall. And if you look at teams that rely on great offensive players with below average defense (Golden State comes to mind), you'll see why its important to keep in mind.
That being said, that was excellent crunch time defense by Marvin and Mo last night.
I think Ilgauskas is more than likely going back to the Cavs. This whole thing about fielding offers from other teams is just his agent playing it safe so the NBA won't have any incentive to be suspicious. It'd be great if we could have him, but odds are, it won't happen. i don't think he's gonna let his personal feelings about being traded stop him from returning to the Cavs (unless he's the spiteful type and we have no idea).
And why, oh why, praytell, did we not sign Stack in the summer. This is not hindsight from now, this is foresight from the summer, when several Hawks fans (myself included), members of the coaching staff, and even some of the Hawks players (Josh Smith) thought he'd be an awesome addition to the ball club.
That one's gonna keep me up all night every night we lose from here on in.
March 1st, 2010
12:29 pm
In case you guys missed it from the other blog. This was posted by MC.
"@everyone asking about Stack: i wasn't here when all that went down but from what i hear Hawks basically thought J Smith would be a better fit than Stack on and off the court. Stack was interested but the Hawks never reached out. again, i wasn't here, but that's how i hear it played out"
March 1st, 2010
12:35 pm
nire, the point i was making he made no attempt to shorten his look at the basket and took a very awkward shot at best with the defender right on him. tragically, he made no attempt to create separation between him and salmons. if salmons is that good then get the ball to someone else by driving and dishing or if the space opens up then go to the basket. more than one thing can happen on a drive nire.
March 1st, 2010
12:41 pm
I share the opinion that if we had to choose between Joe Smith and Stackhouse, Joe Smith is the better fit.
However, the question is why not Stackhouse instead of Othello Hunter?
March 1st, 2010
12:57 pm
I actually liked the signing of Hunter at the time. My thinking was that we needed a combo forward given our lack of depth at both PF and SF. Of course, it turned out that all our forwards stayed healthy so we never really had a need for O, but it made sense from a depth standpoint (I vacillated over whether I preferred Hunter or Rio coming out of camp).
Speaking of which, it looks like Othello is playing over in the Greek league now. Looks like he did ok in his first game – 8 points on 4-7 shooting and 3 rebs in 14 minutes. The Greek League is one of the top 4 Euro national leagues along with Italy, Spain, and Russia, so it's good to see he's getting burn there.
March 1st, 2010
1:11 pm
In bad news, Gladyr hurt his hand and will miss 1 month. He was having a good rookie year over in the Spanish league before that. Akyol is having a great year in Italy; he's getting lots of burn in a top-tier overseas league after spending several years stuck at the end of a bench in the lower-quality Turkish league. And Chill, of course, is doing very well over in Athens.
March 1st, 2010
2:53 pm
Nothing about Hunter ever suggested to me that he was a combo forward. I knew that was how you felt, but what about his game suggested to you that he could play both spots? His ball-handling? His jumper?
So that's another former Hawks forward in Greece. Body count is rising…
March 1st, 2010
3:00 pm
Cam ,
I can understand you taking issue with the idea that Hakim Warrick is a better defender than Tyrus Thomas. After all, Thomas has the better stats (blocked shots), right? That part is true. But Thomas is so often in the wrong spot on defense. Warrick is more likely to "stay home" and bother his opponent by staying on him. Thomas wants to get the block, and that's if he is in the vicinity. Just my opinion though. I feel that Tyrus is a good weak-side defender who doesn't know what to do on defense when a blocked shot opportunity hasn't presented itself. That, I am underwhelmed by his rebounding, considering the athleticism that he has.
Here's the kicker: I don't think I'll be able to say this about Warrick vs. Thomas by the end of the season, or by next season. Why? Larry Brown will turn Thomas into a great team defender. Either that, or he will get him shipped out of town because Thomas won't listen. One or the other…
March 1st, 2010
3:14 pm
Doc ,
You're enjoying the heck out of that Truth-Serum-ism aren't you?
By the way, you nailed it right here: "you dont even have to move that much to do it just move the ball quickly until something opens up."
Precisely. Until something opens up. That would be the whole key.
Astro Joe ,
By "default", I mean that we tend to "end up" in an ISO of some sort. In this case, the players aren't necessarily making adjustments. It's more like they don't make adjustments. We'll share the ball and move around as long as it works. However, if we're denied this for a possession or three, then we automatically revert to one, maybe two passes, and whomever gets the ball will try a shot. On those nights that Horford goes 3 for 10 or 5 for 12, you'll see it a lot. We'll give him the ball, but then the guys will stand around. Horford may find himself in a tough spot, with no very good shot opportunity. But because guys are standing around, he also can't make a good pass without the risk of turning it over. So what does he do? Try to spring himself for a shot, which often turns out to be a bad one. Then you get the comments about him lacking a go-to move and all that.
Duncan and O'Neal always had go-to moves. But they were/are two of the best at passing out of the post. However, they always had either wide open shooters or cutters to pass it to, as they drew double teams. Al isn't good enough yet to draw a double team with any sort of consistency, so passing the ball MUST involve movement and spacing by teammates, not standing around. Otherwise, he gets forced into an ISO play, where risking a pass is too often worse than risking a bad shot.
Happens to Josh as well, though his "escapism" passing is helped by his athletic ability. He's quick and can draw a second defender better than Horford can (we saw this a few times against the Bucks, who couldn't contain Josh to save their lives), and he knows where his teammates are (standing around). Meanwhile, we will rail on Joe for ball-hogging. But the fact is, few in the league are better at getting shots off in seemingly impossible situations than Joe Johnson. So when he finds himself in an ISO situation, again…with teammates standing around…he has a much better chance at getting a shot off than he does at making an effective pass.
And by effective pass, I mean a pass that is likely to arrive in a teammate's hands, in a place where said teammate can get off a decent shot. So in Joe's mind, if your teammates are STANDING AROUND, easily covered by their respective defenders, why pass it when you know you're the best on the floor at being able to get your shot off? Hence……
The ISO.
March 1st, 2010
3:19 pm
I think it never should have been about "Stackhouse vs. Joe Smith."
But then, you have to be committed to a 14th roster spot to even begin having that conversation.
On the flip side, there is much merit to saving that roster spot for later in the season, after you watch your team play for the first two thirds of the season. Because then you are liable to know exactly what your team needs down the stretch and into the playoffs. So in this way, it makes little sense to judge Sund harshly for such a move. After all, what if we're now able to sign a good player who can help?
And while I know this will earn me a flaming, what if we were able to sign "Big Z?" Having not seen such a thing coming, it would make us sound foolish for clamoring for Garrett Siler, Othello Hunter, or even Jerry Stackhouse (though I STIlL would take him in a NY minute, especially over Mario West, who is not even seeing the floor now…why'd we sign him back again?)
But hey. I know Big Z isn't coming here. My crystal ball said so. Wait….is this thing on?
March 1st, 2010
3:29 pm
ray, i know it is good for about two hits so i am at my limit but yes it was pretty funny and so childish that it was appropriate to use on occasion.
great teams have good ball movement especially if they dont have lebron. the year the C's won it all that was their mark and what rondo was saying the other day is lacking. they moved the ball and set ray allen up as he moved through screens in delicate patterns and it was fun to watch. us ummm not so much fun to watch and very unimaginative.
funny josh is the guy talking up ball movement not woody, jj or crawford. btw, where is bibby and some leadership comments from him. is he that far gone as a leader? is his ankle the issue?
March 1st, 2010
3:32 pm
I remember Sekou talking during minicamp about how Othello was running the floor and shooting from midrange much better this summer than last year. I certainly agree with you that I wouldn't want Othello playing serious minutes at SF, but we're talking about the 13th man here. What you need is a guy who can fill in at X position if worse comes to worst – ie if 3-4 guys get hurt, have that guy step up. Just look at Portland this year. At various points, they've had Miller at SG, Juwan Howard at C (actually, that's been true most of the year), and Rudy at PG. I don't think anyone would have pencilled any of those guys as being "combo" players capable of playing those positions, but each was capable of being a warm body at those positions in a crunch.
My view on Othello was that, in a crunch, he could play some mop-up minutes at SF if some combination of Marvin/JJ/Mo got hurt. It wouldn't be pretty, but it would be doable. He seemed quick enough to guard the SF spot, which is 50% of the game. The thing was, I thought an emergency combo forward was our biggest need, and given the options available (ie our training camp crew plus the dregs of free agency), Othello seemed like the best bet. I also said at the time that if he wasn't capable of providing "warm body" minutes at SF in a crunch, then we should have cut him and kept Rio.
March 1st, 2010
4:11 pm
"I actually liked the signing of Hunter at the time." -Niremental
Do you even watch basketball?
Maybe we should also consider using Collins at the 3, for "mop-up duty".
March 1st, 2010
5:21 pm
I told yall Horford wasn't gonna be able to hold his own on the defensive end when we drafted him.
March 1st, 2010
6:55 pm
And you were wrong.
March 1st, 2010
7:13 pm
You probably also thought Sean Williams would receive more PT
March 1st, 2010
7:56 pm
Who is the winningest (titles) HC?
What is the basis of his success?
The answer to these two questions contains enough info to conclude you are not right about coaching.
March 1st, 2010
7:58 pm
My biggest problem with ISO's is this: If you give the ball to a single player (not just Joe) and have them go one-on-one (or one-on-two) then you are not only allowing the opponent to basically rest 2 to 3 players, but you are NOT involving the rest of the team. Every basketball player alive wants to be involved in the game. If you set a couple of screens then the screeners feel like they were involved in helping the team score. Do you think anybody but the shooter feels that way after ISO's?
I can see it IF you are exploiting a mismatch, but too much of it and the other players start getting antsy. And apparently rolling their eyes.
I said in the offseason that the lack of touches by the frontcourt was a potential chemistry problem. The more games we lose, and the more ISO's we run, the closer that reality looms.
March 1st, 2010
8:03 pm
Phil Jackson.
The triangle offense, which implies tremendous amounts of ball movement and carefully orchestrated player positioning.
It was this offense that gave MJ and Kobe their rings. Not ISO heavy offenses.
March 1st, 2010
8:22 pm
Vava, ISO is NOT our primary offense. Y'all are like a dog with a bone. All of those missed shots by Marvin so far weren't on iso plays.
The other thing is that Joe averages close to 5 assist per game as a Hawk so he is not dominating the ball. It;s oaky to hate the play, just don't misrepresent the frequency of it's utilization.
Oh yeah, I'd love to see Phil execute the triangle without iso dominating players like Michael, Shaq and Kobe. How did Jim Cleamons do running the triangle without those guys?
March 1st, 2010
8:23 pm
Iso Josh in the post.
March 1st, 2010
8:31 pm
Vava, was that a triangle play when MJ pushed off on Byron Russell in the last Finals appearance, because it looked a whole lot like iso-MJ to win that game.
March 1st, 2010
8:36 pm
Lovely spin and teardrop by Joe.
March 1st, 2010
8:45 pm
The bench is holding their own so far.
March 1st, 2010
8:52 pm
So far, ALL of our assists have come from the frontcourt.
March 1st, 2010
9:05 pm
Yeah, it's role reversal night, Sautee. Backcourt can't buy an assist but is shooting a higher percentage than the frontcourt. Topsy turvy day.
March 1st, 2010
9:09 pm
And the frontcourt has more shot attempts than the backcourt, which isn't surprising since shooting percentages are volume-correlated. But hey, I definitely like this twist…
March 1st, 2010
9:12 pm
I guess when you have a 15 point lead, it's odd to complain, BUT:
There were two different times in the 1st half that we had two on one breakaways and instead of playing solid and scoring, we threw bad lob passes, one by Joe and one by Mario (though Mario was fighting the clock).
I just HATE wasted possessions. Even with a goodly lead.
March 1st, 2010
9:43 pm
Why did Mo powerdrive his own head into the floor. I mean, he could have broken his own fall on that play….
March 1st, 2010
9:44 pm
It's almost unfathomable that Josh actually had a ZERO rebound game last year.
This is certainly a different Josh.
March 1st, 2010
9:47 pm
Oh my, a second half sighting from Teague. Did Woody cut his eyebrows again…
March 1st, 2010
10:02 pm
This is Josh at his finest tonight. Dude's been beastin' all year, especially the last couple weeks, and ESPECIALLY tonight.
March 1st, 2010
10:05 pm
LOL @ Melvin…
March 1st, 2010
10:08 pm
Acie Law!!!!
March 1st, 2010
10:10 pm
Josh and Al have double-doubles. Marv and JJ are both 1 reb away with 3 mins left. 5 different players have at least 3 assists. Well-rounded game…
March 1st, 2010
10:18 pm
"Warrick is more likely to "stay home" and bother his opponent by staying on him. "
Ray, whatever you think of Thomas, Warrick is a terrible defender. The Hawks were running 1-on-1 plays for Zaza Pachulia against him tonight.
Zaza Pachulia, for crying out loud.
March 1st, 2010
10:24 pm
Wow, in the same game blog, I praised Joe and nire praised Josh.
Maybe we're both somewhat trainable.
March 1st, 2010
10:24 pm
My #2 team isn't having such an easy time on the road tonight.
And yeah…Warrick doesn't do D.
March 1st, 2010
10:26 pm
Heh…I've been praising Josh all year Sautee, but mainly on Hawksquawk where the hordes of JJ and Josh followers are about even. Round here, he doesn't have any regular haters anymore. And this year, it's tough to find too much fault with him without nitpicking. Same is true of of our other two All-Stars too (and yes, I said "other").
March 1st, 2010
10:27 pm
Starting frontcourt: 50 pts, 37 reb, 12 assists. Wow!
Yes, Chicago was thin, but those are good nimbers.
March 1st, 2010
10:35 pm
I said "nimbers" at work today. I think I almost got fired.
March 1st, 2010
10:37 pm
sweet one tonight though it is hard to believe we were up by 6 so late in the game. josh is a freak
good to see marvin and jamal stroking it a bit.
March 1st, 2010
10:45 pm
You first need a reliable offensive system, THEN you can use the ISO to bail you out of situations in which all has failed. NOT after just 2 or 3 missed shots coming after poor ball and player movement.
I distinctively remember the Bulls and the Lakers being bailed out of many jams by Paxton, Harper, Shaw and Fisher AFTER EXTENSIVE BALL MOVEMENT, including MJ acting as a decoy.
Instead of raising the Byron Russell – MJ ISO play, why don't you count the number of titles which MJ and Kobe won whilst playing mostly ISO under weaker coaches and weaker coaching systems??
The number is ZERO.
March 1st, 2010
10:46 pm
at nire …. Round here, josh doesn't have any regular haters anymore.
too funny man.
for anyone to say that and it is true, shockingly true, though he used to eb the lightening rod, it means he has almost been perfect. he has even toned it down with the refs. sunday he just squatted after a bad call at mid court until he got his composure then went up and talked to the ref. as soon as he gets respect and gets to the foul line his numbers are going to go up big time. also seems we forget he had a 70% free throw percentage until last year for his first years in the league. dont know why he got the yips.
March 1st, 2010
10:49 pm
Warrick looked like a rookie tonight. Maybe he hasn;t gelled with his new team yet. I was disappointed in his performance and just his overall vibe. He just looked confused and uncomposed. And I like his game and would gladly bring him to tthe Hawks. But something about watching him tonight made me question his B-ball IQ.
Speaking of which, good to see Teague and Acie dueling on the floor this evening.
March 1st, 2010
11:04 pm
doc, ankle injury. That was the popular theory behind all of his "yips" last season.
March 1st, 2010
11:13 pm
Y'all know that i am headed to Stone Mountain tomorrow to carve portions of the following in the granite. This just confirms my theory over the past few seasons. Anyone care to guess who the player is with the 10-second memory?
And here is where I tie Ray's observations about defense and isos together: What you see from the Hawks isn't always what Woody wants. After spending time watching this team at practice and shootarounds, and hearing how what Woody says from the bench plays out on the court, I think I can say that the Hawks aren't always a very focused group.
At practices I've seen Woody show a guy exactly what he wants him to do against a screen-and-roll, ball reversal, or whatever, then watch that guy do it wrong 10 seconds later when the Hawks run through the situation. "Where are you going?" is a common refrain from Woody during these sessions. I've heard Woody repeatedly urge his guards to get the ball inside to Smoove or Al only to see them passively pass it around the perimeter. Last night against the Bucks, I heard Woody yell at Josh four times to give up the ball and get inside when he brought it up but Josh instead tried to whip passes to the post (as noted above that might be because he doesn't want the Hawks to end up in iso).
March 1st, 2010
11:52 pm
well aj i tried to assure you all last season that once he was healed completely his game would rise to unprecedented heights again, including his free throws. the doc was right on on all accounts. heh heh
March 1st, 2010
11:53 pm
melvin, tell him it was true.
March 2nd, 2010
12:20 am
In February, Josh averaged 18.6ppg, 10.0rpg, and 5.4apg while shooting 55.4% from the floor. That's the highest rebounding average, highest assist average highest shooting percentage, and third-highest scoring average of Josh's career. Tonight was the second-highest rebound total for a single game in Josh's career.
He's been playing out of his mind. For the past month, he's been the team's best player, which saying quite a bit because JJ (23.7 ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.2apg, 49.6% shooting including 44.1% on threes and what must have been a stratospheric TS%) was playing at an All-NBA level too. If they both can sustain this until the playoffs and if Crawford and/or Bibby pull out of their respective funks, we will be a legit threat for the title.
March 2nd, 2010
12:50 am
uh i would like to see some of zaza strut come back as well as some of marvin's waddle before i say we can be legit nire. love the data. josh avg double double land is huge. it wont be long before he is a legit 20 10 monster. as soon as he gets the refs on his side with some foul calls he is golden. we need an inside outside game of josh and jj and/or jamal and now that al is getting consistent with his mid range game there are many more alternatives to the iso crap.
March 2nd, 2010
1:00 am
i think those were the numbers jj had coming here. man he and jamal stroked the free throws yesterday when we needed it. if he could only get into the lane to draw some fouls.
jamal seems to do better when he is both driving to the basket than standing and waiting exclusively for the ball. one compliments the other. his saying his shoulder didnt hurt except when driving seemed to take him off his game some is my opinion. he was doing both tonight.
March 2nd, 2010
3:41 am
When we ask for ball and player movement we are asking for a bit of Xs and Os, not random passing or running around.
When Woody asks for more ball movement he is asking for random ball movement since his "plays" can hardly be mistaken as such, in particular out of time outs.
March 2nd, 2010
3:48 am
Ray, I never claimed Thomas was a defensive stalwart, although he's pretty good around the perimeter. His help defense is an issue.
Thomas wasn't traded because of his defense, but because his offense was inconsistent, his work ethic was questioned, he didn't get along with Del Negro, and the Bulls weren't going to re-sign him. His job wasn't really taken from him. He got hurt and Vinny's a fool.
Incidentally, he's averaging 13 points on 54% shooting, nearly 8 boards and over 3 blocks in just 27 minutes in Charlotte.
March 2nd, 2010
8:54 am
Tyrus Thomas and Hakim Warrick are much alike: both are athletically gifted, have shown flashes of talent both seem to be underachievers.
Hakim has already "lost the train" and is destined to be a role player/journeyman. Tyrus may still get it done, provided that he listens to Brown and his "play the game the proper way" preachings.
March 2nd, 2010
9:19 am
Ray, I suspect that management (Sund) has seen a few dozen or so players in his 30+ year career and my guess is that this is not the first time he has witnessed players who can't stay focused.
If ANYONE has ever manageed adults, you can't tell me that they stay focused. Ever had a co-worker who "gets distracted"? I wouldn't put too much on unfocused NBA players…. I'd be willing to bet a mortgage payment that every occupation suffers from unfocused employees.
My point is that playing time should be disteributed based on practice habits and if a player can't retain a lesson that was taught 10 seconds ago, what willl he do when he enters a real game several hours later? Likewise, what does it tell the rest of the team if you play the "remedial" student major minutes? It says "we can veg out at practice and still get time". How is that good for a team?
March 2nd, 2010
10:08 am
Jamal is driving more? JJ with more floaters? Al shooting more? More attacks at the rim? Why is Josh getting more rebounds. Hard to believe it is just effort or some epiphany on tracking a bounce off the rim.
March 2nd, 2010
10:10 am
March 1st, 2010
7:58 pm
Nice post.
March 2nd, 2010
10:13 am
What if some players have reached the point where they feel that independently on how well the fare in practice, how hard they comply with instructions they still don't get any playing time or plays called for them whilst others are clearly struggling and continue to deserve Woody's trust independently of their production?
For every argument you make, we can easily present the opposite argument to favor an opposite view from what you constantly try to bring up.
Can't you sense anything brewing when it is Josh who is calling for ball movement and is emerging as a vocal leader in this team?
More, I'll give you a fact: Woody promised during training camp that he would give more minutes to the bench and would like the Hawks to share the rock more. What we saw: everyone seemed more focused at the start of the season.
As the season progresses and Woody continues to use his bench erratically, continues to call for a perimeter heavy offense and neglects to take into account bad performances by first teamers (or Craw) to shuffle his line ups or his plat calling a bit, we are witnessing a progressive loss of focus.
March 2nd, 2010
10:25 am
vava74 such a profound contrarian view that maybe points to the heart of the lack of focus. when jj or josh put the team on their shoulders, we win. unfortunately they are not quite top tier guys who can do it every game so woody misses the mark in putting the concept of them to the rescue rather than the team. guys cant sit on the bench and be ready all the time as starters cant give everything all the time. said it earlier in another blog. nice to win though and we have some studs in josh, jj, al and jamal just not elite players yet if ever. lower top tier suggested for jj yesterday and he is our top gun.
March 2nd, 2010
10:44 am
Co-sign doc. Or to mimic the man himself:
co sign doc
March 2nd, 2010
10:51 am
Vava, then Sund replaces him. And if Sund (who seemingly observes practices) thinks that relative to most coaches and players that he has observed, that Woody is doing as well relating to these players as other coaches that he deems to be "quality", then he offers Woody an extension and we have our answer. But the assumption that a coach who has a few months left on his contract would shoot himself in the foot by oppressing players who can definitively help this team above and beyond the guys who are getting playing time, doesn't hold much validity for me. Self-preservation is the first law and I simply don't see Woody declaring that "I will waste Player B because I like player A and I am willing to lose my contract because I like player A so very much". Sorry, I ain't buying it. More likely, player B needs to step up, earn his time and stay attentive and quiet.
I understand the frustration with some of Woody's coaching habits (player substitution, play calling, etc.) but I can't recall a time when I questionned his integrity. All coaches walk into a season or game with a set plan but if they deviate from that plan is that indicative of them lying or making an adjustment based on "market place conditions"? Again, if Woody's integrity is in question, I'd like to know why.
March 2nd, 2010
11:07 am
Vava, I am also fairly practical when it comes to qoutes. MC gets quotes from guys who speak to him. Josh happened to say that he was calling for ball movement and encouraging Crawford to shoot. I don't doubt it. But should we assume that he was the ONLY one calling for ball movement and encouraging teammates through their struggles? Did MC conduct a poll of all of the players or did he just capture a quote from one and ran with it? I think it was the latter. I'd bet that Horford was cwertainly encouraging Crawford and asking for ball movement. Just because MC didn't ask "everyone who encouraged Crawford please raise their hand" is no reason to conclude that Smith was the lone voice of reason. I think he was most likely the guy that MC went to (likely because he has been ballin' out of control). My guess… when the next Hawk is ballin' out of control, we'll likely read all kind of leadership-type quotes from that guy. And if so, does that mean that Smith has stopped being a more vocal leader? Of course not.
Lastly, please show me some month over month analysis that suggests that Woody is calling for a more "perimeter oriented offense". Because I truly do not understand how it is that everyone is so enthused about the performance of Horford AND Josh and yet think that we are still a perimeter heavy offense. So is your statement based on any recent observation or is it based on maybe 2008-09 data? Please point to how it is that Josh and Al are putting up better than ever numbers with Bibby moving into a secondary role and yet, Woody is moving to a "perimeter heavy" offense. Maybe I need to clean my glasses.
March 2nd, 2010
11:38 am
You are really one of a kind…
I NEVER EVER questioned Woody's integrity. I question his ability to overcome his fears and experiment more.
When the going gets tough, Woody sticks to what he knows and as the season progressed and we came out of the ASG, his notion of focusing and making a push for the playoffs was to play only 6 guys during the entire second half of the PHO game, being that TWO OF THEM WERE EITHER HURT OR STRUGGLING BADLY.
Then, after initially acknowledging that he was wrong, he recanted and said that he had made the right choice to shorten the rotation!!!
He also openly said that he is happy to rely on ISO play. PUBLICLY proclaimed his love for what should be a fall back plan instead of a primary option.
In relation to Josh:
Al Horford said CLEARLY that it was Josh who stepped up and asked (shouted) for more ball movement during the 4th quarter in Utah.
This has been – in the meantime – confirmed by MC as something which is "going on".
Coincidentally, Smoove is playing possessed right now: I am not saying that he is only doing good things, but he is clearly giving all that he is able to do, including vocally asking for more ball movement.
As for the perimeter heavy offense… well I don't have the stamina to argue with you extensively, but here it goes…
How many times do we see the Hawks revert to jump shooting and in many occasions even before our bigs even establish position down low??
You can say: It's not Woody's fault! Well, let me tell you: it is since we do not have enough offensive schemes and it is when he takes waaaaay too much time to call a time out AND DESIGN A PLAY to take out of a slump.
You know what happens when we start hoisting bad jumpshots and go into a drought? Woody may even call a time out but the play is INVARIABLY to give the rock to JJ and ask him to bail us out with an ISO play.
You even acknowledge how poorly we (Woody) reacted to a zone defense and you can still find the nerve to come back contesting that we do not rely too much on perimeter shots when the game is on the line?
March 2nd, 2010
11:45 am
I have just finished downloading the Mavs game.
I am going to watch it so I can come back to haunt you…
March 2nd, 2010
12:22 pm
punctuation you mean punctuation?
March 2nd, 2010
12:23 pm
Vava, yeah watch the Mavs game and tell me how many perimeter shots the Mavs took. Go download any tight 4th quarter contest and tell me how many times the defense tightened in the lane and forced the opposing team to make jump shots. Go and download a Mavs game where Dirk is posted in the block in late game situations. Oh, Dirk isn't a good example? Okay, how about the Lakers, is Gasol posting up for late game heroics? Not a good example? Ok, find one. My guess, in late game situations the opposing team is less apt to give up a 6 footer and the available shot is most likely going to be a jumper. And no, I'm not saying that it is an absolute… there are no absolutes in sports. But any NBA coach is certainly not going to allow for freedom of movement in late game situations.
If you read any of my posts after the Dallas game, you will know that I railed on Woody for not adjusting to the zone. But I also won't use 25% of 15-18 games to determine the effectiveness of a coach. That is akin to your boss using about 5 weeks of a 52 week year to determine your performance grade for the year. How'd you like that? I wouldn't.
March 2nd, 2010
12:28 pm
vava …
You can say: It's not Woody's fault! Well, let me tell you: it is since we do not have enough offensive schemes and it is when he takes waaaaay too much time to call a time out AND DESIGN A PLAY to take out of a slump.
what does he say in the huddle vava, something along the lines of give it to joe and he is going to take us out of our lack of ball movement and interest in playing an offensive scheme? yeah, i think you answered you own question, no?
March 2nd, 2010
12:32 pm
I'll stick to counting the number of passes before each shot rather than the distance from which the same are taken…
Also, you mentioned that there are no absolutes in sport. I agree, that is why 10/15% more of interior game or 2 or 3 passes more each possession may be enough to make the difference between winning and losing.
In relation to analyzing just 25% of Woody's performance… well, it's when it matters the most since these game are similar to what will happen in the playoffs.
I hope that I am wrong but I think we will be exposed come playoff time.
March 2nd, 2010
2:45 pm
I think the Hawks will win their first round matchup no matter who they play. But I look forward to seeing that second round series (which I think will be either Cleveland or Orlando).
And that second series will probably be the determining factor for what happens with Woody. If Hawks lose 4-1, he might get a 1 or 2 year extension. But if the Hawks lose 4-3 (or win the series), he gets 4 years (in my opinion).
March 2nd, 2010
2:47 pm
Vava, the question becomes is that "exposure" related to poor coaching or lack of player depth (as it relates to the roster payroll). Because if 7 of the top 8 teams are paying a luxury tax, that seems like more than just coincidence. Who knows, maybe there is actually a relationship between contending for a title and payroll.
Finally, I used to have my "preferences" when it came to this team… both in terms of player selection and coaching. But I have learned to enjoy the team even if they don't spend like I prefer, don't draft as I would or don't run the plays that I think would be best. After all, I'm a fan not a basketball expert. And the results of them doing it their way suggests that maybe they DO know what they are doing. Very good record with an average payroll, average coach and roster. Something is geting done right. Can it be beter, sure. But why get bent out of shape if "better" ultimately results in something less than a Finals appearance.
March 2nd, 2010
8:09 pm
OB, I don't expect any coach but the ultra-elite (think Phil Jackson, LB, Pop, etc.) to get a 4-year contract anymore. The owners are losing too much money to pay multiple coaches in the future (I think Dumars has his owner paying at least 2 coaches now). Sund will likely try to comvince Woody to re-up for 2 seasons and Woody will surely insist on 3. If I'm Woody, I would settle for 2 only if Joe is re-signed. Without Joe, this team will almost certainly take at least a half-step back (if not a whole big one). If Joe leaves, I want a 3-year deal so I have at least that long to bring the team back up with a new guy player in the mix.
March 2nd, 2010
8:19 pm
I can't believe that I am writing this but I am warming up to the idea of Josh playing some minutes at SF. If he can maintain his discipline and continue to spend large quanities of time ina point-forward position, then I could see him becoming a better version of Boris Diaw. If the Hawks could acquire a center like Marcus Camby (or even Brad Miller), then we could run many of the same sets as today, with Camby/Miller in the same spot as Marvin and Josh and Al staying in the same spot on the floor. The biggest downside would be defensively. While Al is not the shot-blocker that Josh is, he could still provide comparable weakside defensive help. And at various times during the game, Josh will move to PF where he can provide the support he does today. But it mostly comes down to Josh being able to do good things from the high post and resist any urges to shoot the ball. I previously could not see any good from Josh at the 3 but the way Woody is employing him now, makes me think that it could be a good thing for the team (with the right center on board).
March 2nd, 2010
11:19 pm
Cam ,
Taj Gibson is averaging 13.2 ppg and 10.3 rpg in just 29 minutes, in his last 9 games. What are we talking about here?
Tyrus Thomas lost his job, I repeat, lost his job in Chicago for 3 reasons:
1)He has had issues with more than one coach in Chicago. Del Negro is the latest. Part of this I blame on former coaches (Jim Boylan, for one) and GM J.Paxson. I agree with Sam Smith of Chicago: Tyrus was wasted there. But, I also wouldn't have traded the rights to LaMarcus Aldridge for Tyrus Thomas in the first place. Thomas is a well-documented head case up there for a while. Google some articles, there are plenty mentioning this subject. He was inconsistent on both offense and defense. I don't blame him for everything that happened there, but I don't cut him slack for all of it either. Players have to take some responsibility. I have nothing against Thomas, but clearly he isn't easy to coach. Like I said earlier, either Larry Brown will turn him into more than he's been, or he'll be in another dog house.
2) Taj Gibson is new. And when he gets to play consistent minutes (moreso now that Thomas is gone), he produces well for a rookie. Chicago is not a losing team, and a head coach of a winning team has no time to play favorites among his players. Especially "still a rookie" head coach. Del Negro is going with whomever he thinks gives him the best chance at winning. Although his injury derailed him to a point, it's obvious that Del Negro felt he would get more (and more consistent) production from Taj Gibson. Apparently managment feels that way, too. Thomas hasn't been able to show at any point in his career in Chicago, that he can do significantly more than Gibson is already doing.
3) The Bulls needed to clear cap space so they could make a big splash this summer. It's one reason why John Salmons is gone, and they like Salmons up there. Thomas is gone now for the same reason. That, and he's paid more than Gibson, who produces as much as he does. It is what it is.
I don't have anything against Thomas, and he's not on the Hawks' squad. So really, much of this is a moot issue. I can see that you're a fan, though. I look for him to have better times in Charlotte. He needed a change of scenery.
March 2nd, 2010
11:22 pm
Astro Joe ,
Interesting viewpoints on both the length of coach's contracts, as well as Josh Smith at the 3. I think you've got the former nailed, and I'm sure the latter will be met with heavy resistance, regardless of how plausible it may be.
March 3rd, 2010
12:50 am
"Taj Gibson is averaging 13.2 ppg and 10.3 rpg in just 29 minutes, in his last 9 games."
That's nice and he's played well recently, albeit against a soft schedule, but Thomas' job was taken away long before that recent stretch. And honestly, Gibson's rebounding is that high because Noah's been hurt. Without Noah, and with Thomas gone, the Bulls rebounding sucks as was more than apparent against the Hawks.
Gibson's a lunch pail player, and a nice one, but Thomas was at times a difference-maker.
"What are we talking about here?"
I don't know. I think I was objecting to the claim that Warrick is a better defender than Thomas.
March 3rd, 2010
8:50 am
Check out Woody on the Two Live Stews from yesterday.
March 3rd, 2010
10:02 am
Thanks for the link. Woody made a good point. The Refs should have called Kidd out of bounds since he made contact with Woody while he was standing out of bounds. Too bad they couldnt use replay to review it b/c that would have been a turnover for the Mavs and who knows what the outcome could have been after that miscalled.
March 3rd, 2010
10:32 am
woody, didnt need to be on the court stumbling back to get out of the way. certain calls are not going to go your way if there is a question. woody, you looked like a rook on that one. have you learned big time coaches dont need to stand on the court?
March 3rd, 2010
11:20 am
good point… LOL
March 3rd, 2010
2:52 pm
Astro Joe,
Glad you are realizing that. It's not ideal, but he can do it. Whatever Marvin does besides free throw shooting, and MAYBE 3 point shooting, Josh can do it better. Josh also has proven that he has the ability to adjust and excel where ever he is on the floor. He is a better ball handler, better rebounder, better assist man, penetrates better, finishes better, defends better, steals better, affects shots better, scores better, can post smaller me better, would space the floor better because you can not leave him open…….
March 3rd, 2010
7:18 pm
THAT'S what Horford needs to do against taller centers. Drive right by them from the top of the key.
March 3rd, 2010
7:48 pm
Why rush Bibby back into this game…
March 3rd, 2010
8:01 pm
Where's the defense? If it weren't for the rebounds we would be struggling…
March 3rd, 2010
8:04 pm
Is this Marvin's new begining?
March 3rd, 2010
8:16 pm
Off of topic but what a horrible idea. How low has the Nets franchise has gone???
From Howard Beck twitter, NBA scribe, New York Times:
"Nets offering reversible jerseys to ticket-buyers for game vs. Cavs. One side is LeBron. The other Jarvis Hayes. Discuss."
March 3rd, 2010
8:16 pm
We're being torched again by a PG… Ken Strickland will have a field day tomorrow…
March 3rd, 2010
8:24 pm
Reversible jerseys is an excellent idea. Who are they hiring to stich all those unsellable jerseys in the store to lebron's ?
I think CDR is sowing some of the sowing on the bench…
March 3rd, 2010
8:25 pm
Now that Truth Serum is not hearing us: Al is looking a bit worn out…
March 3rd, 2010
8:33 pm
Seems that Marvin is yet another (slightly) undersized PF…
March 3rd, 2010
8:36 pm
Simple: Eddie Jordan's Princetkn offense is primarily based on a lot of personnel and ball movement in the perimeter. That draws many switches which have been BAD for us.
That and this kid doesn't seem to be able to miss a shot…
March 3rd, 2010
8:43 pm
yeah, even if we lose – not out of the question – he will find another scape goat…
March 3rd, 2010
8:47 pm
It was no doubt that Crawford was going to take that shot b/c he was licking his hand all the way down the court
March 3rd, 2010
8:48 pm
about time Lou Willams (although he shot it from halfcourt)…:)
March 3rd, 2010
8:50 pm
Nice defense by teague, his fast hand helped and his dribble penetration kick out to Craw although not perfect, was effective.
March 3rd, 2010
8:51 pm
Hands helped get the stral
March 3rd, 2010
8:52 pm
Again nice D by JT0
March 3rd, 2010
8:53 pm
Was that pass from Joe Smith really too tall for Manute Bol???? (Geico Commerical)
March 3rd, 2010
8:54 pm
Sloppy play by Jamal…
March 3rd, 2010
8:56 pm
Even manute would have had trouble getting that
March 3rd, 2010
9:00 pm
LMAO at ZaZa… He did the cupid shuffle trying to bring the ball upcourt…
March 3rd, 2010
9:03 pm
Fortunately the Sixers have a very limited talent poor and are wearing out fast
March 3rd, 2010
9:15 pm
Iggy, Dalembert and Brand are all overpaid…
March 3rd, 2010
9:18 pm
I like Iggy but he seems to be an inch away from being actually good
March 3rd, 2010
9:20 pm
14pt lead with 2mins left and Woody is still standing. We he sit his @zz down. Before JKidd come out of the stands and hit him again…
March 3rd, 2010
9:22 pm
Look like Rod from CP has some explaining to do tonight…
March 3rd, 2010
9:26 pm
Agreed. I think this game was closer than it should have been but well I take every win that we can get…. The sixers was ready to party with Iverson but forgot they had to play a game tonight…
March 3rd, 2010
9:28 pm
Game ball goes to Marvin on this one.
Josh had a very good first quarter then went into "lets frustrate the bloggers to death" mode…
Craw had a pretty good game too but was a bit careless and shot happy at times.
March 3rd, 2010
9:28 pm
LOL Ray, they were at Philips.
This was like our early season blowouts. No starter over 33 minutes. Good game by Marvin.
Let's keep it up.
March 3rd, 2010
9:30 pm
Of course Rod will say that Marvin SHOULD play like that every night.
And there's some truth in that.
March 3rd, 2010
9:58 pm
I think that the problem with Josh's jumper is that he is trying to hard to shoot it with a perfect arch.
Some guys simply shoot better when they launch the shot flat and I think Josh is that type of player.
If you notice his FT shooting, he has been shooting slightly better when he launches them flat but with good rotation.
March 3rd, 2010
9:59 pm
Ray, agreed again. If Josh could hit the 15-17 footer (like Zach Randolph) consistently and handle the ball with his left hand like Lamar Odom he would be unstoppable…
March 3rd, 2010
10:35 pm
Yeah, that's true. Of course, you could make similar statements about the whole front 6 for the Hawks. Hell, if I were 6 inches taller, maybe I wouldn't have needed to go to law school .
Josh's stat line may not look as hot tonight, but dude did what we needed him to do. We don't need Josh to score 17-20 every night to win. We need him to fill in the blanks all across the stat sheet. I couldn't care less if he develops the mid-range game as long as he harasses the passing lanes, crashes the boards, and keeps opposing players' shots away from the rim. I think scoring more would make him less efficient, and its his remarkable efficiency this year that has made him (and the Hawks) as good as he (and they) are.
March 3rd, 2010
10:44 pm
Uh…I guess that's is (are). Heh.
March 3rd, 2010
11:05 pm
We are talking about things that Josh needs to do to improve as a player. As he gets older he's not always going to have the ability to jump over or out quick his opponents the way he's does now. And like Ray said, other coaches are going to find ways of keeping him out of his sweet. Like during the Miami playoff series last year. I remember Charles Barkley saying the Heat are not allowing Josh to dunk is the reason why he had some bad games. I think as he refine his skills he could become more effective on the court which will create better opportunities for his teammates which will improve the team as a whole.
March 4th, 2010
12:09 am
I can't disagree with the reasoning. I tried writing a big long post, but accidentally closed the window. Short version: Josh's shooting mechanics would need to be overhauled in order for him to develop any sort of consistency. Right now, his jumper has three flaws: He gets no elevation and doesn't even bend his knees deeply, which means his lower body doesn't provide much power; he leans back slightly and doesn't jump forward when he releases; and his shot has a "hitch" where he brings the ball up and behind his head in a stop-start motion before he releases. As long as those mechanics remain, it's tough to see any amount of practice giving him that kind of consistency (and really, does anyone doubt that he already has spends thousands of hours practicing his jumper during his career already?). And at this stage in his career, overhauling his mechanics might hurt more than it helps, since he's probably been shooting the same way for 10+ years.
A more likely way for him to make himself useful is to follow the Kurt Thomas model, and make himself an elite on-ball defender instead of just being an elite help defender. As long as Josh can do that and keep himself in the passing lanes and crash the boards harder than ever, there will be a niche for him even after his athleticism fades. And I think working on those things would be a safer and more fruitful bet for him than working on his jumper.
March 4th, 2010
12:10 am
*keep himself useful, not make himself useful. And in any case, I think that barring injury, he has at least 2-3 years left where he'll be able to play with his current level of athleticism, so all this stuff is (hopefully) pretty far down the road.


text:
compliance and coverage and need to take into account local migration patterns and sexual networks. After considering these factors, STD mass treatment interventions have generally focused on treating either specific subpopulations known to have high STD rates (such as sex workers and migrant laborers) or entire communities with high STD rates. A "selective mass treatment" program among female sex workers (introduced as an addition to a long-established screening program) in the Philippines had a strong initial effect on the prevalence of gonorrhea, but this effect dissipated after a few months because of high rates of reinfection (Holmes et al., 1996).
Recently, several authors have suggested that "epidemiologic" STD control may also be a worthwhile HIV intervention strategy (Wawer et al., 1995; Cates, Rothenberg, and Blount, 1996). The potential for bacterial and parasitic infections of the reproductive tract to augment the transmission of HIV (Wasserheit, 1992; Clottey and Dallabetta, 1993) makes this an attractive strategy in areas where HIV is highly endemic.
One STD mass treatment trial is currently being conducted among communities in Rakai, Uganda. Twenty-six villages have been randomly selected to receive the intervention: mass treatment of all consenting individuals aged 15-59 every 9 to 10 months with antibiotics, in addition to an intensive health education and condom distribution campaign. In 26 control villages, the population receives the health education and condom distribution campaign, but not mass treatment for STDs; people will be referred for STD treatment based on their symptoms or positive serologic test results for syphilis (Wawer, 1995). The sustainability of this type of mass treatment intervention has been questioned, however, given the high costs of the treatment regimens involved (Science, 1995). The trial may also provide further information concerning the nature of STD/HIV synergy in both asymptomatic and symptomatic populations.
When comparing a mass treatment approach with other STD treatment strategies, one should consider the estimated rates of reinfection and the feasibility of providing adequate clinic-based STD services within a population. In practice, a mass treatment approach may be best used as an initial, one-time intervention to lower overall STD prevalence, in conjunction with the establishment of adequate STD diagnostic and treatment services to sustain the reduction in STD prevalence over time.
The third set of interventions is tertiary prevention, minimizing the impact of complications of infection. The main components of tertiary prevention are clinical management of septic abortion, alarm and transport for ectopic pregnancies, the management of infertility, and cervical

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Bryan Cave
Court vacates $10.6 million malpractice judgment against Bryan Cave
A New York appeals court has vacated a verdict in which a jury found that the law firm Bryan Cave must pay $10.6 million for malpractice.
14 U.S. law firms merge in Q1 2012
It's steady as she goes for law firms so far this year when it comes to mergers and acquisitions. A survey released yesterday by legal consultancy Altman Weil Inc. says that 2012's M&A activity continues the rebound of law firm combinations that began in Q3 2010 and held firm through...
Bryan Cave and Holme Roberts merge
It's almost like reality matchmaking shows for law firms these days. A large number of firms have announced mergers in recent months—perhaps headlined by the union of Faegre & Benson and Baker & Daniels in mid-October.


text:
Nov 1, 2010
With economic growth returning to Guatemala after a relatively shallow crisis, its banks can return to plans being made prior to 2008.
Banco Industrial, the
countrys largest financial institution, has perhaps the
most far-reaching strategy.
In addition to defending
its local lead in assets, loans and deposits, the bank is again
working to expand throughout Central America and list on
Mexicos stock exchange, says Luis Fernando Prado,
director of the international division.
"Our goal is to expand
through Central America," Prado tells LatinFinance.
Already operating in Honduras, the bank opens in December in El
Salvador, after receiving the appropriate licensing this year.
Panama and Costa Rica are more distant possibilities for
organic or acquisition-based expansion.
Industrial is also considering several options to raise
funds for the expansion, as well...
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Sep 17 - 18, 2014 | Hotel Intercontinental, Medellín, Colombia
The only event bringing together the Andean region's most innovative corporate issuers, the growth...
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The preeminent social affair for key players in the Latin American financial and capital markets....
Are populist governments like Venezuela & Argentina turning pragmatic?
In some ways
At a fundamental level, the issue is how to generate healthy returns in the medium to long term. Policy holders can see their fund go down over the course of a week or a month, but what we really should be looking at is returns over 20 or 30 years.
Daniel Schydlowsky, Peru's banking, insurance and private pension fund regulator
All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced. © 2014 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.


text:
Boards now cover the windows of a St. Albans mobile home after suspicious flames shattered the glass Tuesday night. Luckily, the place was vacant. But for firefighters it's déjà vu.
"Same place we were the other night for the barn fire," St. Albans Town Assistant Fire Chief Randall Swan said. "We've got some leads this time. State police fire investigators are here on scene now along with St. Albans City Police investigators."
Maquam Shore Road has become a hot spot for firefighters. Tuesday's blaze marked the third fire in the area in just over a month. The mobile home is the latest target, but back in May fire erupted at a vacant house two doors down. Then Sunday a barn in between the two charred properties also went up in flames.
"The investigators will be here first thing in the morning and hopefully they can determine what's going on here. They definitely have a problem," St. Albans Town Fire Chief Harold Cross said.
Neighbors say all the unanswered questions are fueling fears.
"That somebody around here is possibly making random fires," said Bob Corey of St. Albans Town. "Our family's driven by and seen fire trucks here and police cars."
Vermont state police arson investigators say all three of these fires were intentionally set and appear to be related, but investigators would not say if this is the work of a serial arsonist. But one family seems to be the target. Lorin and Robin Ladd own all three properties. They did not want to speak to us on camera, but said they're discouraged by the situation. The family's farmhouse is the only structure on this stretch spared from the flames.
Neighbors are worried what will come next.
"That it won't be contained here. That it might spread. It seems no rhyme nor reason," Corey said.
If you have information about any of these fires, you're asked to call police or the arson tip line. That number is 1-800-32-ARSON.
Related Stories:
Another suspicious fire at St. Albans property
Police: Barn fire a case of arson
St. Albans home destroyed in fire
Two other gubernatorial candidates shared the gazebo with Scott Milne and Gov. Peter Shumlin for Saturday's debate.
PO Box 4508
Burlington, VT 05406-4508
Primary Phone: 802-652-6300
Primary email: email@example.com


text:
Dell Home is promoting a super sweet deal on an Alienware M11x Intel Core i7 Dual 1.7 GHz 11.6" laptop that sports 3GB of video for only $1,199 plus free shipping! The Stealth Black machine is bundled with an Alienware Orion M11x Neoprene Sleeve, too! The low price is available thanks to the Coupon Code: "Q$Q4$MN1TF95CD."
As the most powerful 11-inch gaming laptop there is, the Alienware M11x Intel Core i7 Dual 1.7 GHz 11.6" laptop provides superior gaming power anywhere. Its 1GB NVIDIA 335M graphics provides the most powerful graphics capabilities of any sub 15-inch gaming laptop there is, while you'll get more than seven hours of battery life with NVIDIA Optimus graphics switching technology.
You'll be able to destroy and conquer with double data rate 3 (DDR3) memory that's engineered to support the powerful next-gen processors that are designed for faster speeds and higher bandwidths. It also features a 720p HD widescreen LCD display so you can experience every detail with amazing clarity. With Alienware Command Center, you'll get intuitive, user-friendly access to exclusive applications and controls, including AlienFX lighting effects software and the AlienFusion power management system.


text:
Metagraph is a declarative visualization library built on top of a Numpy-like library capable of deferred array computation.
Numpy's core concept is the dtype, a unifying way to think about structured array data. This structured description of data allows for translation of high-level, Python functions into vectorized, high-performance low-level loops. While this allows programmers to express a large number of structured array transformations at a high level, there are still some operations that are difficult to express, like LINQ-style queries and conditionals. Furthermore, even some of the possible transformations frequently require the selection of boolean mask arrays, as serializations of per-element conditional evaluation which can be used for later compacting or selection.
There have been many, many efforts to take Numpy one step further, and generalize the concept of Universal Functions, or provide easier ways for end users to write pseudo-Python code that becomes turned into Ufuncs on the fly or with little effort from the user. Some of these approaches include numexpr, weave.inline or weave.blitz, CoreFunc (part of CorePy), and Cython.
My view is that from an architectural standpoint, most of these tools either are subject to the tyranny of Numpy's broadcasting and iteration core, or they circumvent it altogether and implement direct C or C++ functions to access the raw data buffer. Both have their fundamental drawbacks. The former is generally bound to return an array or arrays of some size that scales with their inputs, thereby creating storage requirements for unnecessary intermediates, and the latter generally fail to implement the full Numpy slicing and broadcasting syntax intrinsically, thereby needing input data to be already a copy of the appropriate shapes.
A fundamentally different view of array transformations is to look at all of the core array operations - slicing, striding, concatenation, transposition, etc. - along with the core set of simple ufuncs and consider them from a functional programming perspective. From this perspective, all of Numpy currently operates in what can be termed "immediate" mode. That is, every function performs a transformation on concrete data, and returns a concrete return array or scalar.
However, an alternative formulation is to consider every array transformation (including slicing) as a generator that consumes an input iterator and returns an output iterator. In the same way that the well-known and powerful itertools library allows the programmer to "chain together" transformations into a pipeline, Numpy's ufuncs can be seen as generators that operate on iterators. Generalizing this to Numpy's "generalized ufuncs" (which allow arbitrary slices of input and output instead of operating on single scalars at a time), if the input shape and output shape of every generator ufunc is specified, then when they are chained together in a Numpy expression, it is possible to statically reason about the manner in which the data will be transformed. More specifically, one can know how to slice a dataset for parallelization, or decimate it for display. Additionally, one can take an expression graph of these Numpy generator ufuncs and compile the entire thing into a single C function that efficiently iterates, computes, and returns values of the right dtype and shape, without creating unnecessarily large intermediate storage arrays.
From an architectural standpoint, another term for a "generator ufunc" is simply a "procedural array". That is, instead of Numpy storing information about striding and slicing in the header of a traditional ndarray object, a procedural array stores the slice algebra needed to transform its upstreams procedural or traditional arrays' shapes into an output shape. It also stores a pointer to a fast transformation function, if one exists, which can be used by the runtime to stitch together a fast evaluation of an array expression graph.
As an aside, this entire approach is analogous to introduction of programmable shaders to computer graphics. Initially there were only high-level arrays operations that were applied across all geometry, with the rendering equation/lighting model applied at every single pixel or ray-geometry intersection. Eventually, this was turned around, and the lighting model was no longer primarily in the core renderer, but rather dynamically modified by snippets of shader code. With the Procedural Array approach, the Numpy core is no longer just going to walk a data array and apply simple functions at each point; it also needs to evaluate an dynamic expression graph and apply that at each point.
For more information, please email me at pwang [at] streamitive.com.
I gave a talk at the SciPy 2011 conference about Metagraph: video of the talk and PDF slides


text:
This is a bugfix release. The reason for the rapid release of the past two versions is down to a Debian developer reviewing the mosquitto package. This is a good opportunity to ensure that as bug free a version as possible is present in Debian.
Binaries will follow shortly.
The Mosquitto Python client was donated to the Eclipse Paho project in June of this year. As mosquitto.py has been very popular, I have been maintaining both code bases together.
With the Mosquitto project also moving to Eclipse it is now even more redundant to keep maintaining mosquitto.py so I would like to recommend that everybody currently using mosquitto.py move over to using the Paho Python client.
The current state of the Paho client is now available on pypi and can be installed using "pip install paho-mqtt".
To port code from mosquitto.py, you should change:
import mosquitto mqttc = mosquitto.Mosquitto()
import paho.mqtt.client as paho mqttc = paho.Client()
All error codes e.g. MOSQ_ERR_SUCCESS change to MQTT_ERR_SUCCESS.
The Paho module has a compatibility Mosquitto class that means a very simple (but not recommended for the long term) port can be achieved with the following line, assuming none of the error codes are used:
import paho.mqtt.client as mosquitto
I will keep applying updates to mosquitto.py until the Paho 1.0 release.
In time for the second day of Thingmonk, which I regret not being able to go to, version 1.2.3 of mosquitto is released. This is a bugfix release.
With the most recent commit, "Implement TLSv1.2 and TLSv1.1 support," everything that is planned for version 1.2 has been completed. If you haven't tried it out yet, now would be a good time to take a look.
Before the release is finalised, there still needs to be more testing done, particularly on Windows. If you use another platform than Windows or Linux, I'd be interested to hear if you have any problems with the 1.2 code. I will also be updating the packaging for all of the binaries that I build or contribute to directly, so there is still time for bug reports.
You can get a copy of the source at one of the links below, or through the mercurial repository directly on the 1.2 branch.
It's been a while since there has been an update here, so in lieu of one here are some interesting links I've come across recently. Add a comment to the post if you've done something cool not mentioned here! Work progresses on mosquitto 1.2.
Initial release of an MQTT-S gateway, written in ruby:
And some MQTT-S tools:
A Pinoccio/MQTT/sensor powered Theramin:
Voice controlled MQTT LED:
An MQTT notification plugin for Jenkins/Hudson:
This is a minor bugfix release that addresses some problems identified during Debian packaging.
This is a bugfix release.
Binaries should be available shortly.
This is a feature and bugfix release.
Client library
This is a bugfix release.
Source is available on the download page, the binary packages for Windows are available now and Linux builds will be available as soon as the various build servers complete their tasks.
Mosquitto 1.0 introduced the use of password files with hashed passwords but had no way to convert from the old plain text password files. This feature will be available in version 1.1 but if it is important to you then you can already get the updated code for the mosquitto_passwd utility at https://bitbucket.org/oojah/mosquitto/src/3b8ef11cf687