A closer look
The Hawks' pursuit of veteran big man Joe Smith (left) won't end until he signs with them ... or someone else.
HAWKSVILLE - We’re going to start today’s journey with the answer to the most asked questions surrounding the Hawks these days.
Until you read, see or hear of veteran power forward Joe Smith signing elsewhere, the Hawks still have a shot at landing the free agent big man.
That’s truly the best (and only real) hope available on that front.
I certainly think it helps the Hawks’ cause that they’ve already completed negotiations and come terms with all of their in-house free agents, in case you missed it Marvin Williams was the latest late last week. Because now they can focus all of their attention on filling out the frontcourt rotation with the necessary extra bodies needed as they head into training camp.
As I detailed Sunday, the Hawks plan to take a closer look at several big men over the next few weeks to see who might fit best. It’s a wise move, what with the pickings being as slim as they are this late in the summer. Garret Siler and Jason Collins are surely large enough for the job but I’m not sure that either one of them soothes any fears about the Hawks’ lack of quality depth up front. Johan Petro, Stromile Swift and Loren Woods (another name I’ve heard is on the Hawks’ radar) don’t help me sleep any better either.
Maybe, as some of his staunch supporters have been suggesting to me repeatedly the past year, Randolph Morris deserves a shot to prove he’s the guy the Hawks need. He is under contract already. And he has shed weight better and faster than the dude from the Subway ads. One scout in attendance at Tim Grgurich’s recent camp in Las Vegas reported that he was impressed with Randmo’s quick feet and shooting touch – “I didnt’ think he could play until I watched him work in that environment,” my scout friend wrote in an email over the weekend. “He’s got a chance if he can get on the floor.”
Maybe this is the year, the final year of his two-year deal, that Morris shoves his way into Mike Woodson’s rotation … or maybe not. But with their options for a big man dwindling, I can’t see where it hurts to give Morris a chance. The Hawks have actually had some success with players like Morris, lightly-regarded players that turn into contributors (Mario West and Othello Hunter come to mind as recent undrafted rookies that made favorable impressions).
Hunter strikes me as another player capable of fitting into the mix for the Hawks come training camp. He’s probably a bit undersized, but since when has that ever stopped the Hawks from throwing a guy out thee (Al Horford and Josh Smith are always accused of the same crime of impersonating “true” big men). The reviews on his performance in the Hawks’ rookie/free-agent mini-camp last summer were surprisingly mixed. I thought he was fantastic. He definitely stood out to me. But several people who were also there suggested that they weren’t moved much by his showing. It’s always subjective.
ONE LAST THING, regarding another Joe (as in Johnson). I’ll admit to being perplexed at all the rancor over whether or not it’s prudent to explore contract extension talks with JJ’s camp. Why wouldn’t the Hawks want to lock up their best player for at least four more years (and that’s all the Hawks can offer since Johnson has a year remaining on his current deal, per league rules)?
A four-year deal in the $62-$64 million neighborhood (that’s an extension from what he makes now with the proper annual raises) makes plenty of sense to me. The question is how much sense does it make to JJ’s camp as they weigh the millions you can touch now with the potential millions that might (or might not) be available next summer, when he’d be an unrestricted free agent?
I know some of you are vehemently (I love that word) opposed to the idea of “4 More Years” with Joe in office. I just don’t understand why. We’re talking about a three-time All-Star that would still be in his NBA prime at the end of the deal. And if the fears of a potential lockout two years from now are realized, I’d much rather have the core of my team locked up going into the summer of 2011 as opposed to fishing around for players with so much uncertainty surrounding the league.
Just some thought to kick of the week.
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222 comments Add your comment
Melvin
August 10th, 2009
6:49 pm
Maybe Sund should call Golden State to see if they would do a Mo Evans or some type of package for Brandan Wright then sign a backup SF (Green, Carney, Korolev,etc)…
Samuel
August 10th, 2009
7:07 pm
Yes, they pretty much do. The difference is no more than two or three minutes. That’s pretty close. By the way, wasn’t Acie hurt a lot last year? Didn’t he miss like a whole week during crunch time for a Funeral or something? I mean, come on.You DNP argument still doesn’t add up.
Let’s see what Solo is able to do over in Indy. So far, the “Woody whipping Boys” haven’t really supported anyones argument that they deserved more PT. We’ll see.
Ramon
August 10th, 2009
7:11 pm
Samuel, if you know about basketball you know ‘ISO’ leaves an offense not able to have TWO players on the blocks, that’s why its called ISO. So if he’s running ISO, and Horford is on the right block. Smoove can’t go to the left block, because that is Joe’s working room. And bringing the teams PF to provide help defense, would be counterproductive to the ISO. That’s how I know Woody isn’t telling Smoove to be on the block. Not trying to be smart, but that play is fundamental basketball. And that is also why you rarely see Smoove in position for offensive rebounds, unless he’s coming from the weakside for a put back.
KevinA
August 10th, 2009
7:13 pm
O’Brien,
are many bloggers who agree that Woody is not the guy to take the Hawks to the next level. His substitution patterns are too rigid, he lacks the ability to make in game adjustments (his idea of adjustments are play with more energy and intensity), all he knows is iso JJ and the JJ/Bibby 2 man game, and he refuses to play inside out/get our frontcourt involved
Al/Josh/ZaZa/Marvin are a year older and now play a little better. Did Woody rely on JJ and Bibby to carry the load because the the kids were not good enough? With all the young players and Woody we will find out the adjusted direction. Most of us realize the advantage of an inside out game. Will Crawford/Bibby/JJ pass the ball enough? Will Marvin/Josh and Al come through enough. This is what this year is all about.
JJ/Crawford/Bibby are used to jacking up over 3,000 jumpers. Time to cut that to 2,000.
Ramon
August 10th, 2009
7:22 pm
I will give Woody credit. Overall he’s done a great job. Its not many coaches (maybe 4-5) in the league who could’ve continued to improved every season in these circumstances. In my mind, Woody is 65-70% of a real good coach. Flip Saunders, Mike Dantoni, and others will never be able to have a defensive squad like Woody. But when you’re trying to improve, you do not look at the 65-70%. You remain thankful for that, but still concentrate on the 30-35% that is lacking. Not many times have I said fire Woody, (although I wouldn’t lose sleep). But everyone associated with this team from the owners to the Mario West, have to see how they can improve on areas. Speaking on improvements isn’t being negative, but hopeful. I see this roster (with more veteran front court bench help) being able to win the east honestly. I am one of the few who actually LIKES Horford at the 5, because I don’t see much difference in him and Mourning except for Mourning blocking ability.
KevinA
August 10th, 2009
7:23 pm
niremetal,Ray
Ya’ll have been jacking up the expectations of Crawford playing better than Flip did. There is a big difference between their past history. Flip was on his way out of the league and just wanted a chance. Crawford is used to jacking up many jumpers and missing a bad percentage of them as a starter.
If Crawford shoots his normal amount and both Bibby and JJ do the same and we starve the front court with attempts – does it become Woody’s fault? Flip shot 600-700 shots, Crawford is used to 1,100 shots.
If we agree the front court needs more shots – who gives them up? I see a chemestry problem potential. Do ypu?
O'Brien
August 10th, 2009
7:24 pm
KevinA,
I agree that this year will be interesting to watch. With Crawford on board, there is no reason for Woody to play JJ 40 minutes per game. And since Woody is a fan of Teague, he should get consistent minutes. Marvin can knock down the 3, so I hope we get him more shots. Give Josh the ball more (closer to the rim), and give Al some more touches.
Big Baby resigned for 2 years, $6 mil (It’s actually $5 mil, with weight incentives). I thought he would have gotten more money than that.
Anakin Joe
August 10th, 2009
7:27 pm
<strongAriose & doc, I’m headed to MicroCenter to pick-up a 40-inch PC monitor. Meanwhile, Ariose, you are a scholar and a gentleman. Keep up the tremendous work! doc, I’ll be satisfied to be the guy marking the stage so they know where to stand. Oh boy, duct tape and those 4? Have Mercy!
Anakin Joe
August 10th, 2009
7:29 pm
Got me all flustered, I forgot to do the bold thing. :LOL:
Anakin Joe
August 10th, 2009
7:29 pm
We need a “WTF” smilie.
The Truth
August 10th, 2009
7:38 pm
This is brilliant, we make Morris the “MAN” as Sekou had suggested, he plays his Azz off and we lose him next year as a FA, just brilliant.
One idea I heard but won’t take credit for is to explore the possibility of playing Morris at PF since this is the position of need if we can’t sign Joe Smith. Morris got the kind of foot-work and offensive game that makes it possible, but he must improve his defense. In that case, it might be easier for him to match-up with a PF then a center where he seems overwhelmed at times. Then if Siler is good enough, we move him behind Zaza. Just a thought
CAUTION: This Big movement that’s going around the league has its weakness. It’s called “SMALL BALL”. Last year, we won many games going small to counter the size with quickness and it worked (so times). Last year, we went small with Bibby, Flip, JJ and a tweener frontline all on the court and had success. So, yes, I want some muscle too but will Woody play them correctly?
Anakin Joe
August 10th, 2009
7:42 pm
I wonder if Denver will make a move on Joe Smith?
Seriously, Loren Woods?
Samuel
August 10th, 2009
7:49 pm
I understand. I just don’t really believe all those ISO plays are actually intended to be ISO. JJ just makes them into ISO by holding the dang ball.
Look, I have never said that Woody had the best offense in the world. Even I will agree that he needs to get better but overall Woody is proving to be a pretty dang good coach. According to his last year’s record, he was in the top 1/4 in the conference and the top 1/3 in the entire league.
That’s all that matters to me.
Sure, you guys can bitc_ and moan about us not competing for a title but I consider myself a “realist”. We just don’t have the roster to compete on that level. Not yet. If we keep improving each year, then maybe we can. I have no problem with a two or three year plan.
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
7:52 pm
KevinA, That’s a possibility that I hope doesn’t become reality, for sure. Hopefully Craford will stbilize the bench offense even more consistanty than Flip did.
I also hope that guys like RandMo and Siler can earn Woodys trust even if we do pick up Joe Smith. I’ll tell you what though. If Doc Rivers makes Shelden Willams look like an all-NBA canidate up in Boston, it’s going to raise some questions about guys like Woody, Reggie Theus, and Kevin McHale. Woodson could be exposed to the natioal media for being too narow minded and not working with his youth enough…..not that I would be opposed to that lol. I think such accustions would help him grow into a better coach. I have noticed his growth since he first came to Atlanta. Especially his defensive Philosophy. Hopefully he continues to grow.
Ramon, Our “ISO-Joe” would be effective, even tolerable, if there was some other movement going on at the same time. Having all of our guys just standing there, staring at Joe only hurts us. It makes the defenses job MUCH easier because they can just stand there and rest on D, while not really paying attention to their man. Why? Because he’s not doing anything! He’s looking at Joe too. It’s really sad to watch on a daily baisis(I’m sure you know this already lol). I hope Rick Sund got the hint and is bringing in a offensive-guru for an assitant coach.
Jhan, WELCOME TO THE CLUB!!!!
Ramon
August 10th, 2009
7:52 pm
Anakin, I just thought of something.
Sund has a terrible history with big men, but is good at selecting point guards. And BK was pretty decent at wings and forwards, but terrible at point. Should they have partnered to be GMs of the team? Some good things could have been done then, lol.
Loren Woods, lol….
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
7:57 pm
AJ, Thanks for the compliment! ROFL!!!! I know right!!! Forget the duct Tape. IN THE WORDS OF ZELL MILLER “WE NEED SOME GUERILLA GLUE DAMMIT!!” Theres not enough mercy in the world!! Hehehehe!!
We need a “Lord Jusus I have seen the light!” Smiley LOL!!!
vava74
August 10th, 2009
7:59 pm
Why doesn’t anyone even consider the possibility that Woody is also improving?
Some coaches improve as some players improve… Woody has managed to get us twice in the playoffs and we have improved significantly every year. Give him a vote of confidence and he may surprise us with improved offensive schemes.
We faced tremendous hardships for a young team, losing J-Smoove, then Al, then JJ, then Marvin, then Al again and JJ again.
Listen to Sekou: JJ was playing hurt during the second half of season and in the playoffs. Don’t measure his quality out of one poor playoff run in which he was not in good condition.
Against Miami and then the Cavs we did not have Marvin and then lost Al (he played but was woobled).
We were overwhelmed and showed a bit of lack of heart against the Cavs but everyone (including here) were saying that we would be swept and with some many players out or hurt, it was too much…
vava74
August 10th, 2009
8:00 pm
wobbled
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
8:03 pm
Samuel
August 10th, 2009
8:03 pm
Somebody here mentioned the Collins twins. Yuk! If all we want is a “Goon”, how bad a job can Siler do at 7′300+. Hell, let’s bring back Esty. Now there’s a real “Euro Thug”4YOas_.
Hey, whatever happened to “Baby Shaq” from Greece?
Hey Joe:
http://hoopshype.com/players/jackie_butler.htm
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
8:04 pm
Lol@ Vava!
darrell starks
August 10th, 2009
8:06 pm
Sekou like i sayed morris can get the job done i have seen him play since high school and every since he went to kentucky for some reason he has lost confidence in his game but under the right coach his game will improve.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mystikal
August 10th, 2009
8:07 pm
RANDMO + CONTRACT YEAR = WEIGHT LOSS
Don’t believe the hype!!
darrell starks
August 10th, 2009
8:08 pm
Sund will pressure wooody to play morris but we all no woody is a confidence killer.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
Anakin Joe
August 10th, 2009
8:12 pm
Darn, Samuel, how are you going to send a link of a big ugly after the superior talent Ariose shared earlier? Man, Butler just cracked my new PC monitor.
Seriously, how far can Jackie Butler be if we’re looking at cats like Courtney Sims and Loren Woods?
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
8:16 pm
OOPS!!! I meant:
Hehehehe!!1
Samuel
August 10th, 2009
8:16 pm
Hey Starks,
He lost confidence because he was no longer bigger than everyone else and has to do a little work. Ever thought about that.
doc
August 10th, 2009
8:20 pm
whew i dont have any idea what you are talking about ariose. heh heh (got mine)
aj, strong leather there, isnt it? havent seen that style in a while.
niremetal
August 10th, 2009
8:21 pm
KevinA,
Come on, man:
If Crawford shoots his normal amount and both Bibby and JJ do the same and we starve the front court with attempts – does it become Woody’s fault?
I will eat my shoes if ANY of those three guys shoot as many field goals as they did last year. My guess is that the three of them will combine to shoot approximately the same number of total shots as JJ, Bibby, and Flip did last year. Last year, those three averaged 40.6 FG attempts per game. My guess is that this year, JJ/Bibby/Crawford will combine to average 42 FG attempts per game, and that Crawford and JJ’s FG% both go up. JJ and Bibby are both players who have shown a willingness to play a less featured role in the offense in the past – Bibby’s FG attempts last year were way down from when he was “The Man” in Sac town 3-4 years ago. JJ was the 4th option in Phoenix, but has repeatedly shown a willingness to cut his FG attempts when other teammates step it up. See, for example, the last half of this past season, when JJ cut his FG attempts, increased his assists, and shot a higher percentage while he was gimpy. Crawford has always been a chucker, something that I expressed concern about when we traded for him. But he has repeatedly said that he’s happy with being a role player here who will pass and facilitate for his teammates.
My guess is also that with Teague and Crawford in the fold, we push the pace and have a couple more possessions per game, so that 42 FGAs will be a wash.
None of these guys are selfish players. Anyone who says otherwise about JJ and Bibby hasn’t paid attention to their careers, and anyone who says otherwise about Crawford has to at least admit that Crawford has always been the one-eyed man in the kingdom of the blind. He has never even had someone of Marvin’s offensive ability to play alongside for a full season, much less someone like JJ. He’s talking the talk now, and I think that he’ll walk the walk when the time comes.
You also say:
Flip was on his way out of the league and just wanted a chance. Crawford is used to jacking up many jumpers and missing a bad percentage of them as a starter.
Funny. You make it sound like Crawford had something to prove and Crawford doesn’t. But Crawford himself said otherwise – he said he wants to prove that he can be a key piece on a winning team, which is something he’s never had a real chance to do considering the scrubs he’s always played with.
Flip was always and pretty much only a chucker when he was on the floor last year. Crawford will probably be the same this year. Over the course of their careers, each has averaged approximately the same number of FGAs per 36 minutes, with Crawford averaging a smidge more (14.1 for Flip and 14.6 for Crawford). Crawford has actually been slightly more efficient than Flip as a scorer (Crawford’s career EFG% is .469 and his TS% is .517, compared to .453 and .494 for Flip) and averaged both more assists and fewer turnovers per 36 minutes and per 100 possessions.
In other words, Crawford has facilitated more for teammates than Flip and has been a more efficient scorer than Flip when on the floor. So if Flip didn’t create a chemistry problem (and he obviously did not), I don’t see why Crawford would.
And of course, the most important point is that we have been DESPERATE for someone to take pressure off JJ in terms of 1) minutes, 2) scoring load, and 3) defensive pressure for three full seasons now. Crawford does that. Flip did not. That’s because Crawford scares defenders. Flip does not. I had a friend who was a Heat fan who told me after Game 2 that he hoped Flip would keep on shooting for the rest of the series, because there was a reason the Heat weren’t bothering to shift help defenders on him. I have the feeling he wouldn’t be so flippant about Crawford.
Given the way Woodson runs his offense, I honestly think that getting a guy like Crawford – someone who can take pressure off JJ in those 3 areas I listed above – was one of our top 3 priorities going into the offseason, along with re-signing Marvin/Zaza/Bibby and adding frontcourt depth. I don’t think it’s useful to say which was MORE important, because we needed to do all three in order to have ANY chance of running with the Big Three in the East. Getting Crawford accomplished one of those three things.
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
8:22 pm
Truth, I agree. Our “Small ball” won us quite a few games in crunch-time last season. Now you add Crawford to theat mix and it really gets interesting. I’m with you, I think PF is the ideal position for RandMo.
Samuel
August 10th, 2009
8:23 pm
http://dimemag.com/2008/06/the-return-of-shawn-kemp/
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
8:25 pm
Doc, lol. Looks like I was Still just as flusterd as AJ was hehehe!!!
niremetal
August 10th, 2009
8:25 pm
Samuel,
Estaban Batista was Uruguayan, not European. Just sayin.
niremetal
August 10th, 2009
8:28 pm
Ariose,
Our “ISO-Joe” would be effective, even tolerable, if there was some other movement going on at the same time. Having all of our guys just standing there, staring at Joe only hurts us. It makes the defenses job MUCH easier because they can just stand there and rest on D, while not really paying attention to their man. Why? Because he’s not doing anything! He’s looking at Joe too. It’s really sad to watch on a daily baisis(I’m sure you know this already lol). I hope Rick Sund got the hint and is bringing in a offensive-guru for an assitant coach.
Preach it, brother!
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
8:42 pm
Nire, YOU Preach it!! Can I get a witness! Can I get an Amen?!!!
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
8:53 pm
Nire, My only gripe with Crawford was his commitment to defense in the last couple of seasons. I don’t think he’ll have a problem defending in this system though. His perfomance the past couple of seasons had more to do with who his coaches were and the overall talent of the teams he was on, than it had to do with his ability to defend. On the Flip-Side, Murray has played for some really good defensive squads/winners over the last couple of years….At least, I hope thats the case, lol.
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
8:56 pm
“Darn, Samuel, how are you going to send a link of a big ugly after the superior talent Ariose shared earlier? Man, Butler just cracked my new PC monitor.”
Hehehehe!! Ain’t that the truth!
~Sir Links A Lot~
cp
August 10th, 2009
8:59 pm
From reading everything concerning the Warriors, they are already looking at Law as an expiring contract. They have had a few articles talking about how they are already disappointed with him..
Crawford is to KevinA is like what Marvin is to Sam. No matter how much you try to make a point about said player and even use the stats to back up your claim, neither guy wants to hear it. Nire great post but a few others have posted the numbers showing that Crawford is the better player but Kev is not having it.
wink
August 10th, 2009
9:08 pm
Samuel
Give me Phil & our 8 vs Woody & the Laker 8. I will take my chance with Phil. Because Phil will be a able to devise a defense over 48 minutes, that would put our 8 in position to defeat Iso Kobe in a playoff series.
Michael Jordan did not win championships until he learned to trust his teammates. Same with teams like the Spurs & Pistons. They trusted their teammates. Kobe did not win another championship until he learned this year to trust his teammates. It that is the formula for success then Joe & Woody will have to learn to trust the rest of the team. We spent this whole summer concerned about losing our free agents. They are all signed for a minimum of 2 years +, reason Joe can’t play alone. They are now back in the fold, we must involve them in the game to be successful. Iso Joe has to be expanded to include other sets.
niremetal
August 10th, 2009
9:13 pm
Ariose,
Amen! But I’m reserving my hallelujah for if/when we sign Joe Smith.
niremetal
August 10th, 2009
9:14 pm
Wink,
That was one of the best posts I’ve seen around here in a good while. Co-sign.
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
9:26 pm
Nire, lol. When/if he signs i’ll see your “hallelujah” and raise you with a “Glory!” hehehe.
Wink, I agree with Nire, exellent post. Joe needs to take it upon himself to realize that his talented frontcourt needs more touches. If for no other reason than to divert attention away from himself until he’s REALLY needed (crunch-time). Kobe even said he let’s his teammates get hot and that he defers to them early and often, so that the defense can’t focus all of their attention on him when he’s ready to take over. Now three years ago, Kobe wouldn’t have been able to say that. Geting Pau and having trust in his teammates is what turned his situation around in LA.
Anakin Joe
August 10th, 2009
9:30 pm
I wonder how many “trust your teammates” comments were made during the playoffs. Seems most of what I read was “when will Joe takeover”. Oh well.
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
9:42 pm
AJ, But if you remeber, he was TRYING to take over lol. The ISO-Joe wasn’t working. That’s all we had lol. Especially with Marvin and Horford Injured like that. And Flip isn’t a game-changer. When everyone had a good night in the playoffs, he was usually right there with it. When everyone was off in the playoffs, he was off too. Hopefully Crawford can be that 2nd undeniable force we need. When Joe is a No-Show and we need somone to pull us from the darkeness, hopefully craford can step up and provide for us.
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
9:45 pm
AJ, But if you remeber, he was TRYING to take over lol. The ISO-Joe wasn’ working. That’s all we had lol. Especially with MArvin and Horford Injured like that. And Flip isn’t a game-changer. When everyone had a good night in the playoffs, he was usually right there with it. When everyone was off in the playoffs, he was off too. Hopefully Crawford can be that 2nd undeniable force we need. When Joe is a No-Show and we need somone to pull us from the darkeness, hopefully craford can step up and provide for us.
Ariose
August 10th, 2009
9:46 pm
Ooops, lol
Sautee
August 10th, 2009
9:50 pm
Samuel,
If only JJ had the offensive imagination that Woody THINKS he has.
Woody is still the coach. Do you think that JJ holds on to the ball while Woody is telling him to pass? No, Woody is saying “make something happen” and Joe, while yes, an all-star, lacks the imagination necessary to dominate.
Or to effectively create for his teammates on a consistent basis. Way too many of his assists are made jumpshots bailing him out at the end of the shot clock.
Which is exactly why the double-teams are effective.
I’ll say it again. If Joe takes as many shots as last year we WILL have major chemistry problems.
We MUST let the frontcourt grow up if we intend, even with a two or three year plan, to actually compete for a ring.
And that’s on Joe more than anyone because he has the ball the most.
Drewscrilla
August 10th, 2009
9:57 pm
sign JJto a 3 year ext
niremetal
August 10th, 2009
10:02 pm
Sautee,
Again, I don’t see how you can say any of that given the complete, total, and utter lack of off-ball movement in the Hawks’ “system.” And THAT is not on JJ. It’s on Woody.
I sent this email to Ray a few weeks back (h/t to Ariose on the link):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMnY4xJTzJk
It’s a mix of JJ highlights from this past year…
On every single damned “ISO” play on that mix, NO ONE else was actually open. I think people see JJ dribbling and getting doubled and they assume “well, if two people are guarding him, someone else must be open.” But of course, that isn’t true. Because if you’re doubled and everyone else is 15 feet away, you only have to have 2-3 defenders covering the passing lanes. And even if there is an open passing lane, by the time a 15-foot pass reaches your teammate, the defense will have enough time to get back to their original assignments.
Take a look at the play at 2:55 in the video. ISO JJ on the right block. Everyone else is on the perimeter on the opposite side of the court. For all intents and purposes, no one was moving but JJ. When the defense collapses, they do so in a way that makes sure that there are no easy passing lanes for JJ to pass through. In that case, there wasn’t even a open pass that JJ could make that wouldn’t have created a huge risk of a turnover. The only person decently close to the basket was Horford, and he was the “least open” player in terms of both receiving a pass and taking the shot.
Take a look at the last play, starting at 3:53. This time, JJ takes the ball at the top, and Bibby directs traffic so that the other players go on the far right side of the court. Bibby then sets a screen (and a damned good one) for JJ to go left. Miller switches quickly to cut him off from going left. Young recovers after a second and goes back to JJ. Miller peels off to cover Bibby again, and then doubles JJ right before he takes the shot. The shot JJ took there was awful – he was 30 feet from the basket. But look at what everyone else is doing. Nothing. They are doing NOTHING. Flip, Josh, and Horford are all standing around 5-15 feet away from JJ (I’ll get to Bibby in a second). No one moved when JJ was forced to go right instead of left. No one got open. Sure, JJ could have made a pass to Josh – the passing lane was open. But there was a defender 2 feet from Josh, in between Josh and the basket. In other words, Josh wasn’t open. NO ONE got open during the entire 10 second period where JJ was dribbling around. No one put themselves in a position to have a better look at the basket than JJ. The only one moving was Bibby, and his movement consisted of setting two screens for JJ. So again…what was JJ supposed to do? None of his teammates got “open” in the sense of having an open look at the basket. His choice ultimately came down to launching a 30 footer with two players within 3 feet of him (although neither was right in his face) or making a pass to Josh and hope that Josh could hit a desperation 3 from 25 feet away with a hand in his face. Given those two choices, I’d prefer to have JJ take the shot.
It’s a testament to JJ’s ability that he scores at ALL on those ISO plays. I admit that LeBron and Kobe might be able to make more out of those plays. But to criticize JJ for not making more out of them is absurd. Woody should realize that JJ is not Kobe and make sure that JJ’s teammates are in a position to help him out. If they aren’t, that is NOT on JJ.
Anakin Joe
August 10th, 2009
10:35 pm
Man, it must be good to be anyone on this team other than Joe and Woody. If Joe doesn’t pass, it’s because either he isn’t trustig his teammates or because Woody isn’t forcuing guys to move. Yet, there was this guy, had a huge afro, that use to move and find seams in the defense near the baseline. Guy shot like 55%+ from the field one season despite not owning anything close to a jumper. Maybe he was just being disobedient. Or maybe Woody decided that having an efficient player to roam the defense and seek openings was counter-productive. Who knows? But clearly, it is either the fault of Woody or Joe. I guess that’s why Joe averaged 1.5 assists during the season and why he was the lone player to score in double figures. Man, I hope we win more than 13 games next season.