That time of year
It's that time of year again for the Mike Woodson and his Hawks. Training camp is just weeks away and the coach and his team are in the crosshairs.
HAWKSVILLE - For those of us pro basketball loyalists, we always know when it’s time to readjust the schedule to get ready for the NBA season.
Labor Day is my reminder.
I know that in the days immediately following the holiday players will start trickling back into town and showing up for voluntary workouts (go ahead and get your jokes about my Wolverines out of the way now so we can move on to basketball matters) on the track and at the Hawks’ practice facility.
It’s as much as a part of my late summer/fall routine as watching football on the weekend. So I’ll be making my way downtown all week to see who shows up and what kind of work they’re doing in anticipation of the start of training camp, which believe it or not is just roughly three weeks away.
The prognosticators already have an idea of what things will look like once the season starts and how the Hawks will do, for example, our friends at HoopsHype have the Hawks pegged for a return to the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
I prefer to wait until I actually see someone on the move before offering up any sort of hypothesis about where this team might be headed. So while I was standing over my grill Sunday afternoon, basking in the glory of a decisive win for my team Saturday and enjoying the neighborly ambiance of the world’s greatest bedroom community (neighbors bring over steaming hot crawfish pies and ice cold Arnold Palmers when they see the first sign of grill smoke in Smyrna), the conversation turned to the Hawks.
Specifically, the Ridge Road crew wanted to know who has to have the biggest year for the Hawks to continue their climb up the conference ladder and back into the playoffs and perhaps beyond the second round?
It’s a question, I explained, best answered by those of us that spend far too much time worrying ourselves with these things on a daily basis (if you’re reading this, you know who you are). So before I ask for your take, please allow me to offer my five-point answer:
MIKE WOODSON - the Hawks’ sixth-year head coach has weathered every storm that’s come his way thus far, which is a testament to not only his team’s continual improvement but also his ability to compartmentalize during tough times and rally his troops. But this season will provide perhaps the harshest spotlight he’s faced during his tenure. In each of his five previous seasons few people – fans, pundits or anyone else outside of the city of Atlanta – viewed his team as a playoff player. All that has changed in the past 16 months. Woodson’s entering the final year of his deal, which always adds a little extra drama to the situation, with oversized expectations. The roster is 11-deep with proven NBA players (Randolph Morris is still waiting on the chance to prove himself), the deepest the Hawks have been since Woodson arrived. The bottom line, this team goes where Woodson leads them.
JOE JOHNSON - In the same situation as his coach, in terms of heading into the final year of his deal (until further notice, of course), the Hawks’ captain and All-Star faces an interesting dilemma this season. As his younger teammates have matured and the veteran cast been upgraded, Johnson will have to decide how much of the burden he is willing and able to shoulder this season. Physically, the extended minutes have taken a toll the past two seasons, when his playoff performances weren’t consistently up to his own lofty standards. Crazy as this might sound; if his numbers decreased across the board (especially his minutes) I could see him having a better season than any of his first four with the Hawks.
JAMAL CRAWFORD - Anytime you fleece a team the way the Hawks did when they snatched Crawford from the Golden State Warriors for Acie Law IV and Speedy Claxton, folks expect big things. And Crawford has to deliver, whatever his role ends up being. If he “leads the league in scoring off the bench” as one Hawks’ staffer joked to me in the hours after the deal went down, we’d have some story. But if he just maintains his nearly 20-point scoring average this season he’ll make that deal worth it. Any concerns about Crawford’s fit on this team have been assuaged by multiple in-house sources this summer that insist Crawford developed an instant chemistry with everyone within the organization that’s dealt with him. If the on-court chemistry comes as easily, this could wind up being one of the Hawks’ best personnel moves in years. If not …
RICK SUND - You’ll be hard pressed to find anyone that isn’t convinced that the Hawks’ GM has done a masterful job in his first 13 months on the job. He’s made all the right moves and steadied the organization through one of their best seasons in years. But the toughest challenge comes this season. Sund will have to gauge the Hawks’ progress by the February trade deadline and decide if this team, as presently constituted, provides the best chance for long-term success or not. If not, he’ll have to pull the trigger on the right deal to push the Hawks over top (sort of like his predecessor did two years ago when Billy Knight pulled the trigger on the Mike Bibby deal). Gone are the days when the Hawks’ GM could simply suspend the franchise in rebuilding mode or just maintain. The next step is moving upward and onward, and that almost always requires a deft personnel move one way or another.
JEFF TEAGUE/JOE SMITH/JASON COLLINS - These three guys represent everything the Hawks have needed in the form of depth at their two most crucial positions the past five years. Just a rookie, Teague’s ability to adapt to the NBA game and assume a position backing up Bibby is crucial. If his assimilation comes off without a hitch, and we honestly have no way of knowing how it will go, the need for that third point guard won’t be nearly as urgent as it might be otherwise. Smith and Collins are known commodities in the NBA. You get a versatile scorer and defender in Smith, a veteran frontcourt performer that’s always played much bigger than his listed size. In Collins, the Hawks have a 7-footer capable of lending quality minutes in a situational role, particularly on the defensive end. They have to be the support system, along with Zaza Pachulia, that Josh Smith and Al Horford have had to work without the past two years.
You know what I think.
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532 comments Add your comment
Daniel
September 10th, 2009
8:48 am
rod from college park- I am really suprised that you sided with Truth Serum, et. al. I know that you and I disagree on Marvin, but you certainly have never come across as anything more than a passionate fan to me. Maybe I just misread the post from yesterday, but I didn’t really take you as the kind of guy that accussed people of being a racist/klansmen/bubba because they disagree with you. I am disappointed.
Daniel
September 10th, 2009
8:53 am
Melvin- The more I think about it, I am less convinced that Stackhouse would be a good fit. He would be behind Crawford and Evans on the bench, which would really limit his pt. Now, he may be content in that role and be willing to very sporadic minutes, but he doesn’t strike me as that kind of player. I could be wrong.
However, IF(big if here) Stackhouse took the vet min, was willing to a 3rd string role and was a good teamate, I don’t see how it would be a bad idea to have him on the team. I would rather have him than Flip, just because of size and expierence.
vava74
September 10th, 2009
9:18 am
Daniel,
I agree that Stack could be a nice addition under those conditions, however, I think that those same conditions will be made available to him by one of the main contenders with whom I believe he will end up.
Not only one of those teams would be giving him a chance to win a ring (albeit almost only formally) but also are more willing to pile up wages on their budgets just for safety than we are.
The Truth
September 10th, 2009
9:54 am
A good explanation to ISO JOE.
The article suggests that Woody preference for this scheme is by default. You may not agree but it is food for thought. Hopefully Teague’s ability to break-down a defense (ala Devon Harris) will add a new dimension and make the (ISO JOE) threat more complete. Let there be no misunderstanding, as long as Woody is the HC and JJ is a Hawk, ISO is here to stay. However, I would rather we ran multiple offensive schemes with ISO JOE being one of many. Maybe this year with the new offensive-weapons, Woody can do that. We shall see.
Melvin
September 10th, 2009
9:59 am
Daniel, If Stack come on board with the Hawks, I think it would be Mo Evans that will be out of the playing rotation and it could mean the end of Mario Hawks career as well. I can live with Stack and Siler filling out the bench. Not sure if we could sign Stack b/c we will be over the limit for players having the same initials… J.S. – Josh, Joe and Jerry…
BBgenie
September 10th, 2009
10:18 am
Big Ray, Stay the Hell out of Coach Woodson’s wallet, He’s GOOD. Trust me!! Also Mo Cheeks, is a Asst Coach for the Okla City Thunder, so he has a Job. But Damm, I understand the Right to Freedom of Speech and the need to kick peple when we think they are Down. Some of our fellow basketball brothers who are currently complaining about a Hawks team who’s record is 0-0. Is sad, You know who you are: undercover HATER’s. You will be the same(CLOWNS)looking for tickets, willing to pay above market value to be in the place (PHILIPS). When the Hawks start our push to the Top! I’ve been listening,watching, and observing how some sports people operate here in the ATL. I remember back in 2007, When we made the playoffs for the first time with a losing record 37-45. Their were people (Chuck Oliver) who were Mad as Hell that the Hawks were in the playoffs. I realized right there, that we are dealing with a different Breed of people. The type that President Obama is Dealing with as we speak. Remember what our Mother’s told us “If you don’t have anything positive to say” Keep your Pie Hole Shut!!!!! Hawks in 7!!!!!!
Melvin
September 10th, 2009
10:22 am
From Hoopsworld…
Atlanta: Sergiy Gladyr won’t even play in the NBA next season, but don’t be surprised to hear his name before the trade deadline. The Ukrainian shooting guard is an elite athlete with good shooting range.
The Hawks took Gladyr with their second pick in this year’s draft, and he did make it to the team’s minicamp. However, the 6-5 19-year-old committed to Bàsquet Manresa of the Spanish league in July.
Regardless, any number of lottery-bound teams would offer useful veterans for the chance to groom Gladyr. If Atlanta wants to continue their upward trend in the postseason, he could get flipped.
Of course, they could hang on to him and Atlanta fans can begin their own Ricky Rubio-style countdown.
vava74
September 10th, 2009
10:25 am
Melvin,
I disagree, Stack does not have the tools (defense and legs) to replace Mo in the rotation.
He also does not bring the 3pt shooting Mo brings (he is a streaky shooter).
At best he would be a safety in the event of injury by either JJ, Marvin or Mo, entering either as the reserve SG (with Jamal in the starting unit), or as the reserve behind Mo (if Marvin went down) or behind Marvin (if Mo went down).
Apart from Bibby (for which we do not have a good replacement yet), everyone must play at least adequate defense in order to be in the rotation.
Rod from College Park
September 10th, 2009
10:29 am
Daniel,
I actually have an opinion and stand by it. The gang mentality on this board is what I am referring to and nothing else. We have had civil conversations, and I can respect your opinion because you don’t resort to the idiot, Rod/Sam, dummy, you don’t know basketball comments that the Lunchroon buddies, BUBBA CREW do. It really is not that serious to me. All that other racist stuff is over my head. But the hating on anybody who does not agree with them is true.
Nire/Stating the Obvious,
“Yeah, it was a cheap shot. But after you gave up the pretense of being civil while I was in Italy by taking pot-shots at me and my so-called “lunchroom buddies,” I figured the truce was off.”
Honestly I never took pot shots at anyone. I responded to people who were addressing me. This obviously lets me know that your alter ego is Stating the Obvious, because he was the only one that I can recall really arguing with. I actually never even thought about you because most of the time you post, I don’t read it because I am not interested in salary cap and lawyer stuff. You actually are giving me too much credit with the Wodpress and masking your post crap. I have no idea what you are even talking about, and really don’t have the desire or the time to hide who I am from a bunch of dudes on a blog. I actually am not that computer savvy. LOL.
Ariose
September 10th, 2009
10:32 am
Ken Strick, Amen, I never had a problem with all of our forwards when BK was here. You can go back as far as you want in the old blogs. It was never an issue for ME. It’s not even an issue anymore now that wer have collins(the only REAL 7footer we have on the roster) BTW, Siler is offically listed 6′11(just like RandMo) so even if he joins our roster, we only have one true 7footer…….
As long as players are getting the job done, why do we need offical titles for them? As long as their darn good basketball players and have their heads on straight and they’re contrubuting to our team winning in a positive way, I don’t see how people could have a problem with it…..regardless of what position thay’re at.
Where’s the LOGIC indeed.
Sautee
September 10th, 2009
10:37 am
joe mama,
about this: “The Post is the most physically demanding spot and Powerforwards wear down and Like A.H. they may twist an ankle, pull a muscle, strain a groin.”
If Horford was SO “worn down” by playing this “most physically demanding spot”, then what explains that after the All-Star break, he was THIRD amongst Centers in double-doubles?
That doesn’t imply “wearing down” to me. And you can twist an ankle, pull a muscle, or strain a groin at any given time of the season. The game itself is physically demanding at any spot.
By the way, Yao is 8 inches taller and 65 pounds heavier than Al but that didn’t keep HIM from injury.
GeeMack
September 10th, 2009
10:46 am
Ariose & Ken
I don’t think the problem is with Horford playing center, but you must agree that he would be much more effective playing PF. I personally don’t think we can get to the next level with he a Josh as our 4 & 5.
Big Ump
September 10th, 2009
10:47 am
Ken, Ray 70 per cent of the time I don’t agree with you all, but I can say none of your post is racial. You got to treat Truth-Serum like a bad cold, it will eventually go away.
dap01
September 10th, 2009
11:01 am
BBgenie: Follow your own “pie hole” advice.
Melvin
September 10th, 2009
11:12 am
vava74,
I prefer Stack over Mo anyday. Mo is not that great of a defender and a slight better 3pt shooter but Stack has a better overall game. Compare the body of work of the two. End of story for me…
Ariose
September 10th, 2009
11:13 am
GeeMack, I have always aid that we CAN get to the next level that way IF we have the right people backing Al&Josh up. I think we finally do for once. Josh cant shot….Joe Smith can. Al & Josh lack legth for rebounding…..Collins, Zaza, and Maybe even Siler and RandMo can come in and alleviate some of those problems in spot minutes.
Samuel, I think that was me who used the phrase “Monkey in the Middle” lol. It shouldn’t be a problem this season though, we’ve got tons of length in reserve now.
VOTE FOR GERALD GREEN!!!! SPOT # 14 ON A HAWKS ROSTER NEAR YOU WHOOO!!!!
Ariose
September 10th, 2009
11:16 am
Melvin, Stack is done. Dawg, I KNOW you saw “The Dunk”. John Wall sent him into an early retirement at a Nike Hopps Summitt earlier this summer hehehe!!!!
Stack got NO LIFT on that “Block attempt” LMBO!!!
O'Brien
September 10th, 2009
11:36 am
Stackhouse is a SG. I dont think we need him. If the Hawks are going to bring in anybody else, it should be someone who can play SF (depending on injuries etc.), a 3d string PG, or another big (such as Siler).
AJ,
I watched the Braves game last night, and I had to wonder what was Bobby thinking. (He is like Woody in that he is set in his ways). I hope Frank Wren can convince Bobby to retire.
Daniel
September 10th, 2009
11:39 am
Melvin- No doubt about it, as an overall career Stackhouse is better than Mo Evans, but as Ariose not so subtlely put it he is not the player he used to be. As evidenced by the fact that he is still looking for a job. Although Ariose, I think I would prefer a veteran Stackhouse to Gerald Green as a 3rd string player.
Daniel
September 10th, 2009
11:42 am
GeeMack- I hope you are wrong that we can’t get to the next level with Al and Josh as our 4 and 5. This season will tell us a lot. With Al being due for a new contract next off season and Josh’s contract moving into the “more tradable” phase, Sund and the Hawks will definitely have to make that decision.
I like those two guys and with the added depth we have I am going to believe that they can get the job done. But we shall see.
Daniel
September 10th, 2009
11:43 am
Rod- I appreciate your response. I don’t see the gang mentality, maybe I am missig something.
Daniel
September 10th, 2009
11:46 am
Where is Korolev in this conversation? Is he going to be in camp? Is he going back to Europe? Seems like he would be a nice addition behind moe to provide that 2/3 off the bench, who can shoot. Seems like he has fallen off the face of the planet.
Daniel
September 10th, 2009
11:47 am
O’Brien- with Siler’s VERY limited skills and the fact that RandMo is under contract (which I HATE). I think his chances of making the team are extremely slim. He would be a nice piece in the developmental league though.
Melvin
September 10th, 2009
11:48 am
From Sekou Twitter…
****Music to the ears of Hawks fans worldwide. JSmith: “I’m really not worried about the 3-point ball right now. I have no business out there.” ****
Sounds like Josh is immature to me… yeah right….
Melvin
September 10th, 2009
11:52 am
Ariose,
I saw the John Wall dunk but do you really expect an pro player like Stack to put a valid effort to block a dunk during a summer pickup game? Not me. For what???
gwite
September 10th, 2009
11:56 am
I agree that the Hawks may need a “real” center in order to truly challenge the big 3. However, I also know we need a real center who is “better that Al Horford”…that the Hawks are capable of aquiring.
Just don’t think there is a realistic chance of that happening right now. I think anybody out there, right now, that we could get, is not better than Al.
jerrywest
September 10th, 2009
11:57 am
Merry Christmas Hawks fans.
Today I understand those monks who rejoiced when Ace Ventura left the monastery. (Ace Ventura – 2)
This should add 5 wins right there.
JJ will more likely to sign now.
This admission is a monumental breakthrough for him. I am very happy for you Josh.
With JJ & Crawford in the game, both of whom can score on anybody at any time unless they are double teamed, Josh wouldn’t have to throw up those buzzer beater 3s anymore.
Ariose
September 10th, 2009
12:20 pm
http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/slamonline-top-50/2009/09/top-50-josh-smith-no-40/comment-page-2/#comment-998415
BBgenie
September 10th, 2009
12:20 pm
Dap01, The truth hurts!!! HDI!!!!!
Ariose
September 10th, 2009
12:22 pm
Melvin, Lol u might be right about that. But he’ssupposed to be a role model to those kids at that summit lol! John wall was celebrating like he had just won the lottery hehehe!!!!!
Ariose
September 10th, 2009
12:34 pm
Daniel, I think Green can still get a lot better, which is great. Athletically, he’s just as gifted as Josh Smith(He’s won a dunk contest too lol) We should sign him to a three year minimum deal and develop the kid. He’s ONLY 22 years old.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoiaKH1pptM&feature=related
Ariose
September 10th, 2009
12:43 pm
A lil MJ Story…
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/423/story/935297.html
Stating the Obvious
September 10th, 2009
1:13 pm
Melvin,
The problems with that is that talk is cheap and even if Josh does mean it, Woodson will keep drawing up plays that have him out on the wing anyway.
Melvin
September 10th, 2009
1:45 pm
STO,
He did say he’s not worry about the 3-pt ball right now, when the season start it could be a different story….Just kidding..
I expect to see improvements in Josh game this season. I think he’s going to have a big year. I’m glad this kid is a Hawk…
Ramon
September 10th, 2009
1:49 pm
Ariose, I’m all for signing Green. The only problem for me is who will groom him? Right now I may would prefer Stack in a Finley type role over Green, who still hasn’t played defense in the NBA. You and I both know, 2 blown assignments on defense, and Green won’t be playing again until the next summer league, lol. I know he may not have a jumper, but I still like West also. I would even consider trading Morris for a Will Bynum, to have as the 3rd PG.
Warriors just resigned their 3rd string PG. I guess that tells us about Law.
Ariose
September 10th, 2009
2:17 pm
Ramon, The Hawks should have drafted Will “The Thrill” Bynum when we had the chance. Instead we took Ryal w/cheese I beleive.
Just because he only does this like Five times a year….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv8acTpbTE8&NR=1
Sautee
September 10th, 2009
2:23 pm
Rep. Joe Wilson SHOULD be deeply ashamed. Whether you love or hate Obama is immaterial. The office of the President deserved more respect. Shame, shame.
BBgenie
September 10th, 2009
2:34 pm
Let’s talk about Rebounding and DEFENSE!!!!!!! STH. Stop the Hate!!!
Ariose
September 10th, 2009
2:35 pm
Sautee, What happend? DO you have a link? I didn’t see it.
Melvin
September 10th, 2009
2:42 pm
Ariose,
Go to MSN or CNN.com. They have full coverage of the incident on those sites.
Melvin
September 10th, 2009
2:51 pm
Ariose,
After looking at your link again at 2:17, I’m still wondering why there wasn’t an And 1 call on that play. We all know had it been DWade shooting that shot, the Refs would have call foul…
jerrywest
September 10th, 2009
2:53 pm
Enter your comments here
jerrywest
September 10th, 2009
2:55 pm
Congratulations Woody. It took you only 5 years to beat the Antoine Walker out of Josh.
niremetal
September 10th, 2009
3:04 pm
Rod,
Hate to break it to you, but I had far better things to do with my time in money when I was in Italy than post under an alias and pick fights with you. Far, FAR better things. But when you go after Ray and his “lunchroom buddies,” I was assuming that you were including me (and Sautee and Ken and Astro Joe and the other regulars) in that crowd. Am I wrong about that? Obviously not, since you just busted out “Bubba Crew” and “lunchroom buddies” on me yesterday.
So yeah…nice try.
niremetal
September 10th, 2009
3:06 pm
*again yesterday, not “on me”
GeeMack
September 10th, 2009
3:38 pm
Ariose & Daniel
This year will prove if Josh & Al are really able to carry the Hawks low post game to the next level. At least one of these guys should average a double double. that will give me more confidence against the EC big 3 Bos Orl & Cle.
dap01
September 10th, 2009
3:44 pm
Stick to Basketball, don’t take jabs at people when blogging about not taking jabs at people. The truth and opinions should not be confused.
Clyde
September 10th, 2009
3:47 pm
Have any of yall looked at the Memphis roster lately. With the addition of Iverson they’re a scary team.
ROLL TIDE
Ariose
September 10th, 2009
3:48 pm
I think everyone needs to watch this(In HD is best…)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h28w_mS-fs
…..Just let that marinate for a lil bit
If you still want the real Big Al…..smack yourelf….cuz you’re CRAZY
Ariose
September 10th, 2009
3:51 pm
Sautee, Thanks
Melvin, I was thinking about that too….JJ was robbed. If you think back to that Game 7, he was fould an AT LEAST three of the six three-pointers that he hit that night.
GeeMack, I agree.