Lang Whitaker is many things - executive editor of Slam Magazine, a columnist for SI.com, and most importantly, a die-hard Hawks fan. For 2007-08 , Lang will be sharing his thoughts on the team in an exclusive column for Hawks.com. Check back every Wednesday throughout the season to read his latest musings, and read him every day at www.SLAMonline.com

"Out For Revenge"
by Lang Whitaker

OK, Hawks fans. We've had a few days to soak it in, the glory of finally returning to the Playoffs. Feels great, doesn't it? Like sitting in the sunshine by the pool (without a column due!). Against all odds, we made it, we're in. And we've had our moment to accept it and talk all about it.

Now, we've got to move on and get ready to face the best team in the NBA, and with as many positive emotions as we've felt over the last few days, there's a differing feeling I'd like to invoke in the coming days: Revenge.

Because something's been bothering me the last few days. It started last Saturday night, when the Hawks were sparring with the Celtics in the Highlight Factory. Close game, good game, until the fourth quarter when Doc Rivers went to his second team and allowed Sam Cassell to shoot at will. Cassell, of course, got hot and carried Boston to the win.

Fine. That happens from time to time, when one guy on his own carries a team to victory. (It doesn't normally happen with a 90-year-old guy, but it happens.) What I didn't like was the way the Celtics rubbed it in. They were all gesticulating wildly along the sidelines, and more than once Cassell celebrated by doing his dance that is supposed to hint that Sam has unusually large guts (if you know what I mean). I can't even really describe here what he did, this being a family website and all, but apparently Doc Rivers and the Celtics organization have no problem with Cassell doing it over and over in front of 20,000 people.

Don't get me wrong, because I like it when a player is spontaneous and enjoying himself on the floor. I even like watching Sam Cassell, the best mid-range shooter in the game. What I don't like is when a guy is trying to embarrass and show up another team, repeatedly. And when all his teammates start getting in on the yuks, well, that's just disrespectful.

Sorry if I'm sounding like Furman Bisher here, but watching the game, I got angry. And I'm hoping the Hawks players shared my feeling. The Celtics obviously think the Hawks are a team they can trifle with and have a bunch of fun against.

Well, I hope they feel continue to feel that way. And I hope the Hawks players feel the same way I do.

It took us a decade to get this far. Let's not let it the Celts go easy. Or with a laugh.

MAILING IT IN…

This letter comes from reader Missy, who writes…

Greetings! I am a huge hawk fan!!! I'm so excited that they are making it to the playoffs since 1997!! I was wondering if you knew whether or not Joe Johnson had a girlfriend or not or kids?? I have a huge crush and would like to know. I'm not a groupie or stalker, he is WAY out of my reach, I'm 29 and not exotic or thin, just a fantasy crush. :) Info please

Whoa! Wrong letter.

I meant to run this one from reader Mario, who writes…

ATL Is ME!!
What's up Lang my name is Mario from Raleigh, NC and I just have to tell you that I'm so proud of my guys and I haven't been this excited about the postseason in 9 years. I've had to listen to so much trash talk from my friends about my favorite team and over the years they'd say to me, "Why don't you switch and come join our squad?" I would have never thought of betraying my team because the Hawks are my favorite and will continue to be. I've been a Hawks fan ever since 1991 when we drafted my favorite player with the 9th pick in the draft, "The Plastic Man" Stacey Augmon. We look so good this year and I know that's going to carry on for years to come. I need to applaud the person or people involved who made the transaction of getting Mike Bibby to our team. WHAT AN EXCELLENT MOVE!! Though I hated to see Shelden Williams leave but I was so glad that we picked up the ball control and consistency that we needed at point guard. Bibby and Law are going to be a force for you other teams to deal with, so get ready! Our team is so strong and we've been playing that way all year so I definitely salute my team and all of the coaches. I can see the desire that we're playing with right now and it's been too long for the city of Atlanta not to be excited about basketball in their city. With the hunger that we're showing there's no way that Indiana, New Jersey or anybody else would be able to take OUR playoff spot from us! I think all we need to do now is to find a decent big man to hold down the middle and we're going to be sitting on top of the Eastern Conference next year. My dream is to get there and watch my guys in person, and I will make my debut in Phillips Arena in '09. BELIEVE THAT! I'm glad to see that my dude has left my favorite college team to join my favorite NBA team-Marvin Williams.

Gotta loves those Hawks and TarHeels.

I don't like the Tarheels, but we all like the Hawks around here.

Rise up!

Lang Whitaker is the executive editor of SLAM magazine and writes daily at SLAMonline.com. He can be reached at lang@harris-pub.com. The best email he receives each week will run in this column.