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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533 comments Add your comment
rms
September 7th, 2009
11:16 am
Since I am first I say the Hawks get rid of that mediocre coach awful looking jerseys and find a real coach that can get the most out of their players who will have them playing a REAL half-court offense. Maybe that West coast trip will say a lot about this team pretty early and maybe we get to see our PG play meaningful minutes for a change and not DIE on the bench because he is not a veteran or because he made one mistake. BWAF (typical BWAF photo of Woody). Guess we might as well get used to seeing that this upcoming season……
rms
September 7th, 2009
11:25 am
By the way Sekou, should we be satisfied with just sneaking past Round 1 of the playoffs and getting beat in Round 2 or should we expect more? Me personally, I would be more satisfied with consistent play during the season versus last year when u didnt know what we were going to get with their inconsistent play and pull your hair out moments.
Dawgfan
September 7th, 2009
11:26 am
although hes a rookie, we NEED for jeff teague to step up. Hes everything weve been missing in a point guard: fast, quick, elusive, and will provide everything that Bibby cant: the ability to penetrate defenses, the ability to score, the ability to play quality defense, as Lebron so rudely exploited bibby during the play offs last year during pick and roll situations. Teague provides another scoring threat yet he also provides the abilty to penetrate and dish to our athletic bigs. Hes the opposite of Bibby. If Teague doesnt step up, then Crawford will HAVE to. We simply need another pure scoring threat that will compliment joe and take pressure off of him. If both step up, we are in for a good year
niremetal
September 7th, 2009
11:31 am
rms,
I like the jerseys.
Dawgfan,
You think Teague can cover LeBron off the pick-and-roll? Uh…ok. I think that’s asking just a tad too much out of someone who weighs less than one of Dennis Scott’s legs.
Back to the Open.
Mr. Phil
September 7th, 2009
11:31 am
Test
Dan
September 7th, 2009
11:45 am
Good Stuff, Sekou. Michigan beat Western, so Rose Bowl is next, right? GO STATE!! Mark Dantonio will put more distance between UofM and MSU this year.
I love the offseason moves. The Hawks problem over the years has been with the bench. They have their core group in place already. There was not a need to add a superstar. They just needed support players. This offseaon, they got ‘em. Smith, Collins, and Teague should all contribute thie year.
The Hawks are going to push for that #3 spot. Thinking….55 wins will give them a shot at it. And, I just believe that Boston’s run is about over. Those guys are getting old. No way they make it through the year healthy.
Dawgfan
September 7th, 2009
11:50 am
Niremetal,
no one can guard Lebron. And thats fact. But at least Teague is quicker thenBibby and will be able to at least move to certain spots on the floor, when Lebron would make his move, that Bibby couldnt. This should at least give our bigs enough time to help and at least foul the man, in stead of him letting him get 47 points in layups.
Vince
September 7th, 2009
11:51 am
The key for the Hawks this year is for Woodson to develop a sound 11 man rotation and a decent half court offense(I’m not sure if he’s capable). If he will use the 11 man rotation properly the Hawks could go into the playoffs healthy & rested which would be a great advantage. With the players they have the Hawks should win 50+ games and go to 7 games in the second round or make it to the third round–or give Woodson his walking papers. If he can’t accomplish these goals with this team by the end of his 6th year then he’s not the Hawks coach of the future.
Sekou Smith
September 7th, 2009
11:52 am
I don’t think a team or its fans should be “satisfied” with anything but championships, rms. But I think it pays to be realistic about what you’ve got. If you have a championship caliber team, expecting a championship makes sense. If not … just do your best to keep the expectations real (would be my suggestion).
After losing games the way we have the past two years Dan, a win over Western looks fantastic to me (we did lose to Toledo at home last season). I’ll take the Weedeater Bowl at this point. A winning record works for me. Seriously, I’m not going to be a dope at this point. In a year or two, however, my expectations will rise.
Eman
September 7th, 2009
11:52 am
It is simple!!! Josh, Al, and Marvin needs to improve their game to all- start level if the hawks are going to move in that top 3 in the east. It could happen but they have to have the work ethic needed to succeed. This team is load with talent and they are very young as well. The time is now and I feel that if those three improve we will be a elite level team this year.
Also, I want people to stop saying we need a big man because there are not that many quality 7 footers in the NBA this year.I want to see players play bigger than there size.
Jamaaliver
September 7th, 2009
11:54 am
The acquisition of Jamal Crawford will only work to maximum effect if he start next to JJ at SG and Marvin Williams is moved to the bench.
If Jamal can get you 20 ppg as a starter and Marvin can only get u 14 ppg as a starter……it seems an obvious decision.
Does anyone remember the success the Knicks had 10 years ago with the double headed monster of Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell? Crawford and JJ can be a matchup nightmare for every Eastern Conference team. A poor man’s Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in Boston.
real#1hawksfan
September 7th, 2009
12:10 pm
I agree Sekou, Joe’s minutes definitely need to come down in order for him to have a more productive year and playoff run. Crawford has to be able to maintain that 20ppg avg and take some of the pressure of off Joe that no has been able to do except maybe for Flip in spurts but he’s gone so Jamal we need you to step up to the plate every night and play just a lil defense. #3 spot here we come.
richbrave
September 7th, 2009
12:10 pm
Didn’t realize CRAWFORD was such a big deal, nor that TEAGUE was a rook. DUH! Well my NBA “q” just shot ahead two notches. Maybe I’ll soon be above floor level.
real#1hawksfan
September 7th, 2009
12:15 pm
By the way Sekou, did you get a chance at all to check out Al in the Americas tourney, if so did you see any improvement in his offensive aggresiveness. I saw him play at Adamsville in the pro am one game with Jsmoove and Mario he looked pretty good as did Mario. Speaking of which, is Mario West coming back, I know Woody loves him, but the roster is filling up and I haven’t heard anything about him.
Samuel
September 7th, 2009
12:17 pm
Good Blog Cuz,
I’m about to get it started on the Grill too. You already Know. Think I’ll go with the chicken, Grilled salmon, Roasted Corn on the cob and tossed salad.
My top 5 most important things this season:
1. Josh Smith.
For the Hawks to go to the next level (second round playoff win), we must have at least two AllStar level performances. IMO, Josh is the only other player capable of doing that. The sooner he understands that he can become an AllStar caliber player by doing what he does best(play great defense, score around the basket, and get out and fill the lanes on the break) and not trying to do what he can’t(shoot the three, dribble on the break and contest every call), the faster the Hawks will rise to that other level.
2. Joe Johnson
JJ is our best player, hands down. However, he must begin to understand that he cannot do it all by himself. It’s really very simple. he needs to pass the ball out of the double team quicker and be more aggressive going to the basket. He also needs to agree with reduced minutes, even if it means he doesn’t make the AllStar team. These reduced minutes will help the Hawks during playoff time.
3. Al Horford
Al Horford must score more. This will be his third year in the league and he still has a 10 ppg average. He needs to be more aggressive on offense period. He also needs to stay injury free as much as possible.
4. Mike Woodson
Woody is coming off his best season as a coach. He now has enough good players to lengthen the rotation. He will be fighting to keep “food on his family’s table” so I believe he will get the job done. Even though the Hawks have better personnel, I still don’t believe he has enough to win a second round series unless we draw Boston. That being said, we must have a better showing in the second round, whoever we play.
5. Jeff Teague
We really need this guy to come through,especially on defense. The Hawks acquired Jamahl Crawford and have Mike Bibby but we still could be lacking in perimeter defense at the PG spot if Teague doesn’t step up.
Also important is: Marvin’s health and continual improvement and Crawford’s ability to help with the scoring load.
mountain_jim
September 7th, 2009
12:19 pm
I want to see Marvin start playing with some FIRE. He has underutilized his talent every year so far. I also want to see some ability out of Woody to utilized the talent on this team for something like an offense this season. Woody is THE key to this season going as far as this lineup should go.
real#1hawksfan
September 7th, 2009
12:24 pm
Sam, I saw Josh play this summer in a pro am league and bruh I hate to tell you this but dude actually seemed to be working on his 3 point game, and from what I was seein, he aint improving. So I’m with you, if he can realize that he is not a 3 point shooter, or a perimeter player at all, he can make the All-Star team, dude is hella talented, but I get the feelin Smoove aint gonna stop shootin that 3 ball. Sorry
real#1hawksfan
September 7th, 2009
12:28 pm
Does anyone else beside myself think we would be better suited with Marvin coming off the bench? I know its not happenin cuz of the deal he just signed, but it just seems to me he would step his game up if he was challenged in that way.
Samuel
September 7th, 2009
12:29 pm
If he(Josh) doesn’t get it, we need to trade him. Maybe we can get Al Jefferson or Monta Ellis. Somebody do the math on that. Dang, I really hate to hear that.
MannyT
September 7th, 2009
12:32 pm
I’ll keep an eye open here, but I cannot pull the trigger on the NBA watch before the NFL starts.
As a guy who has been around for championships in other towns, I am not settling, but I don’t expect a Hawks championship this season. Sure it could happen, but I recognize that the peak for the Hawks in my memory banks was matched last season…2nd round of the playoffs. If they hold that playoff level, Woody gets a new deal regardless of the seeding.
Woody’s definitely on the spot as I think he has more of his team than the GMs team. He seems to thrive in the middle of the pressure cooker that typically wilts the crabs and crawfish this time of year
Given the team’s depth, I think it is so much more on him to make the right moves when guys are in ruts. I don’t put the pressure on the rookie or the seasoned vets. Coach has to find the right combinations to exploit the Hawks advantages. I think he has struggled with this in the past. Maybe he will see the light with more vets and another year of experience from his young guys.
By the way, no arms folded in that pic. Gotta have the arm folding for an official BWAF!
Ken Strickland
September 7th, 2009
12:32 pm
If the talent on this yrs team is properly utilized, players aren’t overplayed, the OFF is upgraded and we consistently play an uptempo style of play, we can easily capture the 3rd seed. I don’t think Cleveland will enjoy the same level of success they experienced last yr. WITH WOODSON MAKING A PUBLIC ISSUE AND DISTRACTION WITH HIS CONTRACT DEMANDS, IT REALLY BOILS DOWN TO WHETHER HE’LL COACH INTELLIGENTLY AND CONFIDENTLY, OR COACH SCARED AND LIMIT EVERYTHING HE DOES.
terrell barron
September 7th, 2009
12:34 pm
Jamaaliver, why break up the starting lineup? We need a spark off the bench. Crawford is that spark. I’m sure we’ll get to see Crawford and JJ on the floor at the same time at some point. But if it aint broke, dont fix it. Besides, we need Marvin’s length on the defensive end. With all that said, Woody wouldn’t bench Marvin for Chills or Evans, and I very seriously doubt ole stubborn azz would bench him for Crawford. And I have to agree with him, for once.
Doug
September 7th, 2009
12:35 pm
The quickness, athleticism, scoring ability AND playmaking skills of Crawford and Teague combined with the savy and size of Smith and Cliins give the Hawks something they have not had for years: Quality depth. Hopefully Woodson is smart and secure enough to use that depth over the course of the season! If given minutes Teague will be one of the best rookies in the league
real#1hawksfan
September 7th, 2009
12:37 pm
I think the fact that he’s a real fan favorite and happens to be from here is gonna keep JSmoove here through the length of that deal. I think Woody is probably the only one who ever really confronts Josh abut his game but Josh cant stand Woody so he aint gonna listen. Everyone else around him is probably a “yes-man” tryin to get a piece of that 10 mil per. Bottom line is if he ever gets his head together the sky’s the limit, I as a hawks fan really hope he does, cause stoudemire would look real good next to Joe and Horford.
real#1hawksfan
September 7th, 2009
12:41 pm
TB, if marvin actually used his length on the defensive end I would agree with you but lets be real, aint nobody in the league swallowin spit cause Marvin is checkn them.
terrell barron
September 7th, 2009
12:46 pm
Marvin is a pretty good defender. Like him or not.
rms
September 7th, 2009
12:47 pm
Ahhh, you’re right Manny T. Thats not an official BWAF, but you gotta admit he does look as if he is about to fold his arms any second now!!!!
real#1hawksfan
September 7th, 2009
12:53 pm
I like him because he’s on my team, I just would like him more if he’d step it up a little and I just think maybe a 6th man role would help motivate him to be the player everyone in the orginization seems to think he can be. I like him but I”m not satisfied with his contributions to what the Hawks are trying to bulid.
Chris Paul) Let me go throw up now. That name for some reason makes me sick.
UGA
September 7th, 2009
12:53 pm
Josh Smith is the most critical to me. If he just plays solid every night, we will be pretty dang good. We can’t have him hanging out on the perimeter for sure. We also need some one who can score on the block and I think the best player we have to do that is Marvin. I would like to see us post him up more on that left block and him score.
Sekou, Is there anyone out there un-signed that you could see helping with depth? If Teague can defend, then I think that helps with Bibby’s unablilty to defend the quicker PG’s. Do we need another wing to come in like a Gerald Green, Carney or one of the Graham twins who are un-signed?
terrell barron
September 7th, 2009
12:57 pm
Just like I figured, your’re still caught up in th eChris Paul thing. Let it go man, let it go.
real#1hawksfan
September 7th, 2009
1:03 pm
You’re right. Im tryin, its hard though man. Damn what could’ve been
terrell barron
September 7th, 2009
1:08 pm
Crawford is this years version of Flip Murray. We need him to come off the bench with Teague, Evans, Smith, and Zaza. Teague and Crawford would be tough to deal with. There’s no need to break up the chemistry of our younguns. Marvin is a part of the solution, not the problem. Stop hatin. And if you still want to blame somebody for passing on CP3, blame the Head coach. HE WANTED A VET, so the yes man had to get him a vet. Turned out to be a bad move(Speedy), but he was the best available VETERAN pg available at the time. I’m sure BK and Woody didn’t agree on the selection of Marvin,(I’m not sure, just assuming), but BK’s hands were tied. Woody had the ASG backing him up. Thats why BK is at home, and Woody is still around.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
1:09 pm
Sekou, Do you think you could interview guys like Bibby, JJ, and Mo Evans about the similarities/differences between Mike Woodson & their previous Head Coaches(Adleman/D Antoni/Phil Jackson)? I dont really want a personality profile, i’m thinking more of an X’s & O’s type of interview…
Rod from College Park
September 7th, 2009
1:09 pm
#realhawksfan, mountain_jim, Jamaaliver,
Totally agree. Marvin is the weak link on this team. If he played to the ability that we thought he had when we drafted him, we would be a top 1 or 2 team in the east. Jamal at the 2 and Joe at the 3, I am predicting will be our most effective lineup this year. Joe needs another true scorer on the floor with him to be more effective. Marvin by no means is a great defender like many on this blog will try to argue. Our problem in the playoffs was the inability to score, and Marvin has proved over his time in the league that he does not have the mentality or the game to be a consistent scorer in the league. I like Bibby(Teague), Jamal, and Joe, on the floor against Rondo, Allen and Pierce or Williams, West and Lebron ,as opposed to Marvin, who can not defend smaller players, and does not take advantage of his length on the offensive side either. You all would be correct.
The first track of SamRod's mind
September 7th, 2009
1:14 pm
Marvin sucks.
The second track of SamRod's mind
September 7th, 2009
1:15 pm
404 Error: Does Not Exist
kirkinga
September 7th, 2009
1:16 pm
Well Chipper Jones and Brian McCann for one…
Oh wait,uh, wrong blog.
Go Hawks!!
Ramon
September 7th, 2009
1:17 pm
Real, you do realize Bibby, when describing Smooth’s assets, described him as a great athletic player who has the ability to shoot the 3 consistently right? Truthfully, if you take away some of the ‘2 seconds on the shot clock’ out of his percentages, you will see Smooth is actually right at about 32% from deep, and that isn’t horrible. When KG came into the league, he shot worse than Smooth does. But over time his shot developed, and it was because he kept practicing with it. I’m for Smooth continuing to shoot 3s. He only averages 1.4 3 point attempts a game. So no one is going to sit here and tell me that we lose games because of less than 2 possessions a game. Especially when his defense probably spoils 5-6 possessions a game for the other team. So I say KEEP SHOOTING SMOOTH!!!
terrell barron
September 7th, 2009
1:24 pm
Whatever Rod. Did’nt mean to wake you up. haha
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
1:24 pm
I’m Worried about Jamal Crawford and Josh Smith. That is all…
RA
September 7th, 2009
1:27 pm
Sekou, great write up. It comes down to those five points, bottomline. This is what I would add. Everyone needs to know they’re role. Woodson needs to understand that there’s nothing that he can do about his contract. He needs to commit himself to the on-court performance of his team so that if he isn’t with the Hawks next season, he’ll be with somebody. Joe Johnson isn’t the type of player that can’t carry a team over the course of an 83 game season and through the playoffs. He’s got to have help, and he’s got it. He has got to see his role not only as primary scorer, but also as primary facilitator of the offense, even if that means letting it run through someone, or a few someones, else from time to time. Crawford needs to give other teams nightmares everytime he comes off the bench, and he can. Rick Sund just needs to keep up the good work, and I have no reason to believe that he won’t, and Mike Bibby needs to pass on what he’s learned about the game to Teague. Granted Bibby can’t be the slashing attacking gaurd that he was ten years ago, but Teague can, and with the right guidance, I think it could happen sooner than later.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
1:29 pm
I will say this again, I have no problem with Smoove leading the break most of the time. You guys are blowing that aspect of his game way out of proportion. He has more Half-cout “set-play” tunovers last season than he had transition offense tunovers(I can probably count them on one hand)… He has dribbled down the court to find a wide open JJ in the corner tons of times. He just draws so much attention b/c everyone thinks he’s going to embarass them at the rim.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
1:31 pm
Ramon, I agree!
terrell barron
September 7th, 2009
1:32 pm
Rod, has Horford played up to the ability we thought we had when we drafted him at #3? Did Chills play up to the ability we thought we had when we drafted him at #6? Did Acie play up to the ability we thought we had when we drafted him at #11? Stop hatin on Marvin. Draft status is an afterthought once you make it to the next level. Marvin is a part of this TEAM. Get over it man. And you think JJ was tied last year, let him go out there and try to guard the Lebron’s, the Pierce’s, the Rashard’s, and the Granger’s every night.
terrell barron
September 7th, 2009
1:33 pm
I meant tired, not tied.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
1:34 pm
TB, Exellent point.
Pop
September 7th, 2009
1:35 pm
Woody has to step up the most. If he’s a better-than-average coach, the Hawks will push the three teams above them and bury those below. If he’s not, the Hawks will be the same, or fall back and then it will be time for him to go.
terrell barron
September 7th, 2009
1:39 pm
Look out Ariose, Rod is on the prowl. lol!
niremetal
September 7th, 2009
1:51 pm
Great post, TB.
swatguy
September 7th, 2009
1:52 pm
SS,
It without a doubt, starts with Woody. He is the leader (I good one I think) and more so because there seems to be no “true”(developed and ready) leader on the roster. But without a contract, Woody’s authority is hampered. Without a contract, Sund has him on edge and thats not good for the coach/gm relationship area. Woody will have to rise to the top as a coach to survive this season.
Josh/Marvin, the second dynamic duo on this team. They have the talent to be All-Stars. They are not tender-foots anymore and have to ascend as “grown men” in the NBA.
Zaza/JoeS/Collins/: Have to be as respected as any other frontline in the league. They do not have to be as good as the best. But they need to “bring the wood” everytime. Give no quarters and insist opponent bigs earn (what they get) every moment of the game.
Joe/Jamal, the other dynamic duo. Just play ball. Jamal may be the scariest scorer on the team and should make Joe better.
PG’s We need a third PG because the season gets long and Teague is a rookie spelling an older Bibby. Need another vet that can maturely convey Woody’s game plan effectively.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
1:52 pm
LOL@ TB, Marvin is the one who needs to watch out. I hope Rod never gets courside seats at a home game. We may need exrta security for Marv!!!
Hawksgirl
September 7th, 2009
2:00 pm
I agree with you ramon. Smooth does have a “bit” of potential on the perimeter. When he is fired up he can drain the threes and perimeter shots but if he has mere seconds to shoot he has to rush it. I say keep shootin the threes but not all the time and not when another player is open obviously.
As for marv, everytime he gets a good streak going an injury seems to pop up(you guys dont notice that?)
I like marv as a player and starter. He defends well in my opinion. Woody has to step up his rotation game too! If he rested players at the right time then we could win more games. If jj is obviously tired rest him like he rests bibby.
Just my thoughts…………………
The Flash
September 7th, 2009
2:05 pm
It is not the reduced minutes that JJ will have to buy into, it is the idea, contrary to Samuel, that he has to be double-teamed, or wait for the double-team, before giving the ball up. He needs to give it up when the flow of the offense demands it, when one can feel that others will get the advantage if the ball pops rather than stops. That will bring down his stats, but bring up this team’s potency. If, I am wrong, and such play would not bring up this team’s potency, then the improvement everyone sees is an illusion. Sure, this team needs JJ to pick his spots and to carry it sometimes. But, he needs to be the Kobe of last year, not the one of years past, in my opinion.
Ramon
September 7th, 2009
2:10 pm
Hawksgirl, I understand what you’re saying. But Smooth probably had less than 15-20 3pt attempt last season when someone else was open and he had time to pass it. Smooth rarely takes a contested 3pt attempt. And I would venture to say Flip, Bibby, Evans, and Joe had more ‘bad shots’ from behind the arc than Smooth had during last season. People see that he should be the best player on the team, so all he does gets magnified negatively. He shot 30% from deep (or .299) in 87 attempts. Rasheed Wallace had 319 3pt attempts just last season, and Smooth shot .80 higher than Sheed total. I’ll live with those numbers any season.
Hoops
September 7th, 2009
2:26 pm
HEALTH! I think the Hawks have to stay healthy to have a great year. Boston, Cleveland, and Orlando probably have better talent, but the Hawks can compete with them and actually win their share over those three teams in a 82 game schedule if they can stay healthy.
I also think the Hawks will have great chemistry and that will carry them past the Magic. The Magic have a lot of new faces to jell together to get back to the level that they played at this past season. If Boston and Cleveland have injuries, that could give the Hawks the opportunity that they need!
If the Hawks could swap Smooth for Al Jefferson, we may be talking Championship! That’s how close the Hawks are!
Ramon
September 7th, 2009
2:27 pm
I think we will see many stretches when its Crawford, Joe, Smooth, Smith, Horford finishing out the game next season. That would be my 4th quarter line up.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
2:44 pm
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/top_plays/2009/09/07/nba_20090906_hawks_top10.nba/
Some Sense
September 7th, 2009
2:53 pm
Sekou,
Nice job covering the Techmites Saturday.
RA
September 7th, 2009
2:57 pm
I’ve got to second HOOPS. The Hawks have got to stay healthy. They’re deep enough to where they can sustain for short periods after an injury to one starter, but if they should have injuries to two or three or if any of the starting five should go down for long period of time…
Samuel
September 7th, 2009
3:07 pm
Flash,
I don’t think I said wait for the double team. I said pass the ball out of the double team quicker. Make no mistake about it, he will be doubled and there is nothing wrong with that. All good players get doubled. That can be a positive if you utilize it correctly.
And I still think he will have to buy into his reduced minutes. It’s easier said than done to ask a guy to possibly get left out on All Star weekend. I believe he can still make the AllStar game even with a reduced scoring average if the Hawks really improve. Somebody has to come from here.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
3:09 pm
Guards: Mike Bibby, Jeff Teague, Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford
Wings: Marvin Williams, Maurice Evans
Bigs: Josh Smith, Al Horford, Zaza Pachulia, Joe Smith, Jason Collins, Randolph Morris
We are defenetly lacking in the Wing dept. Siler seems like a lock at this point. I’d go with Mario and Carney for the wings and just take the roster to 15. It looks like its going to at least 14 w/Maio and at least another big…
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
3:13 pm
Smoove for Al Jefferson is a horrible idea….sorry.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
3:15 pm
If we WIN, Joe and possibly some other Hawks will get the All-Star nod. Regardless of MPG.
Sautee
September 7th, 2009
3:17 pm
Hoops,
If you were The T-Wolves would YOU do that trade?
Smoove alone is not NEARLY enough to get Jefferson.
Ramon
September 7th, 2009
3:28 pm
I wouldn’t trade Smoove for Jefferson. Not with Jefferson coming off an injured season.
Ramon
September 7th, 2009
3:28 pm
I would trade Horford and Williams, but not Smoove.
Smitty
September 7th, 2009
3:29 pm
It is amazing to me sometimes that fans do not see Josh Smith for what he is. he is a gifted athlete with superior leaping ability ie. shotblocking and rebounding. He is not a 3pt. shooter although he can be hot. he is, or has been immature and selfish. He is just the kind of player who can get a coach fired cause fans love his sensational plays but ignore the stupid things he does. Discipline is tough at the pro level. often, after 4 yrs. it is the coach that has to leave
Nick Henry
September 7th, 2009
3:31 pm
What’s a Smoove?
nside hfan
September 7th, 2009
3:32 pm
Can we run the pick and roll ourselves a little bit? If woody can make it happen, Hawks Soar.
cornpone, i know.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
3:33 pm
Michael Jordan Vs. Real Defenses
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5auPSMaD3vE
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
3:40 pm
Sautee, you can’t be serious…Seriously??? NO
Rick Sund would Laugh at you. Maybe for Amare but jefferson dude? The only other PF on the trade market that may give KG trouble is Amare. Jefferson is Shelon with better skills and a bum knee.
Hoops
September 7th, 2009
3:52 pm
Sautee,
I don’t believe for a second that the Timberwolves would take Smooth for Jefferson. I was just using that illustration to show how close, one player away, the Hawks are to being a REAL CONTENDER!
If you think the Timberwolves would even consider that trade, we could throw in Morris to make it happen!!! HA
By the way, the salaries will work and the ESPN Trade Machine says that this trade would add 7 wins to the Hawks.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
3:54 pm
This time theres footage of ‘Nique and the Hawks trying to stop MJ. JJ, take notes..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xJJNUkrdyQ
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
3:56 pm
WOW…..Idiots…tch..
Sautee
September 7th, 2009
4:02 pm
Ariose,
We’ll have to agree to disagree. Dude went for 23 and 11 last year before he got hurt. Don’t think Sheldon will EVER do THAT, do you?
23 and 11 for the same salary as Smoove. And he’s only 25.
The only other center with comparable stats was Howard.(20.6 and 13.8)
I think the T-Wolves would be the ones laughing, but that’s just MY opinion.
I’d LOVE to have him here, but we’d have to give up too much, IMHO.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
4:08 pm
JJ ad Bibby are soft. They need to hit MJ up for some advice it’s just sad nowadays…MJ never ran out of gas in the playoffs…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du-C-TvHqzA&NR=1
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
4:10 pm
But Jefferson, like Horford, is really a PF….and we have enough of those + he’s not athletic and is not a shot blocker. Whos going to clean up Bibbys spilled milk?
undisputed champ
September 7th, 2009
4:11 pm
swatguy
September 7th, 2009
1:52 pm
LOOks Like my TV is watching the same game as yours!@! In order for the Hawks to compete they must have a solid, assertive and intimidating post.You also need the ability to score in the post; otherwise the other 5 will rotate out to your perimeter and force guys like josh to the trey line. Hard to do that with ZAZA 3 in vertical leap and who 2008 field goal pct was 49%.I thought the dunk was the hightest percentage shot in the NBA,and lower the ball got in the post the higher the percentage.
There is not much difference in Collins and ZaZa except the price tag.
I also agree that the real leadership on this team has come from Woodson who has protected this team and applied authority when needed. He has also kept moral high and weathered the wave of immaturity from Josh. Yes He a pro coach no doubt, but with out that extention, as you mentioned his capacity to assert rule is diminished.
Yes. Im watch the same game youre watching.
undisputed champ
September 7th, 2009
4:12 pm
morale
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
4:12 pm
With Sheldon, I was just comparing the similar build(hight etc..) although Jefferson is a little bigger. He’s also only like a career 65% Ft shooter. Josh is at 70% for his career I beleive.
Benjamin
September 7th, 2009
4:22 pm
I honestly believe we’re a better coach away from contention in the Eastern Conference. While we’ve only got one star-quality player, we’re as deep 2-12 as anyone in the league in my opinion, and I still believe Horford and Josh Smith can become stars in their own right.
We need someone to come in and instill floor discipline, though. These Hawks, under the current regime, are too prone to making mistakes, and they don’t have an offensive system to work with unless they’re scoring buckets in transition. I put both of those at Woodson’s feet and feel like our success from the past couple seasons came largely in spite of the man rather than because of him. It’d be very hard to fire a person whom we’ve improved record-wise under the past several seasons, but I don’t think he’s the one to guide us to the next level.
O'Brien
September 7th, 2009
4:29 pm
Ariose,
If you ask all the GM’s in the league, would they rather have Al Jefferson or Smoove, I think most of them would choose Al Jefferson.
Samuel,
I agree with your points. And along with JJ buying into the reduced minutes, Woody has to buy in as well. It was Woody who said he knew how important it was for JJ to make the All Star team. Even if JJ doesnt buy into the lesser minutes, I hope Woody will do whats best for the team (and give JJ some much needed time on the bench).
Josh needs to give up the ball on the break. Give it to JJ or Bibby, and let them decide what to do. Too many times, the Hawks end up with a bad shot because Josh was leading the break, and he ends up making a pass that somebody wasn’t ready for, or he makes the wrong read.
Josh also needs to work on a mid range jumper (leave the 3’s alone). KG/McDyess are 2 guys who can hit that midrange jumper. Duncan can be unstoppable at times, especially when he is hitting the bank shot off the glass. If Josh masters the mid range jump shot, maybe it would then be easier for him to extend his range.
KevinA
September 7th, 2009
4:30 pm
The idea Crawford will avg. 20 pts a game is a little far fetched. For those who think Marvin can’t defend wait till you see Craw at the #3. When he plays he will get JJ back up minutes. Teague/Crawford will fight for the Bibby back up minutes.
For Crawford to score 20 pts he will need at least 1,000 attempts and play 35 minutes. Ain’t going to happen unless we sit Bibby a whole lot more. I don’t see him playing more than 20 minutes unless Teague flops. If Teague plays really well look for less than 20 minutes. Bibby is still the man in the house. He will get his 30 min.
If Al, Josh and Marvin have good years look for the more shot attempts to go to the front court. One more reason Crawford will not get as many attempts as he is used to. Nothing against Crawford, just saying.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
4:44 pm
O’Brien, That may be true(I seriously doubt it though), but swapping Al Jefferson for Josh Smith doesn’t make the Atlanta Hawks a better basketball team, It makes us worse in my opinion.
KevinA
September 7th, 2009
4:47 pm
Unless our offense changes Josh, Al and ZaZa end up wide open just below the key. How do you stop this? Make the shots.
I love Josh but Jefferson is better. He has a well developed post game. Josh in two years? I hope so. Thats when Josh will be 25.
Smitty
It is amazing to me sometimes that fans do not see Josh Smith for what he is. he is, or has been immature and selfish. Discipline is tough at the pro level. often, after 4 yrs. it is the coach that has to leave.
How about the missed shots of JJ and Bibby. Discipline is tough at the pro level.
How many games do we start 7-12 points behind because the back court is jacking up jumpers and can’t convert.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
4:49 pm
“Josh needs to give up the ball on the break. Give it to JJ or Bibby, and let them decide what to do. Too many times, the Hawks end up with a bad shot because Josh was leading the break, and he ends up making a pass that somebody wasn’t ready for, or he makes the wrong read.”
I want examples from last season. The date the game was on and who we were facing. Like I said, It didn’t happen more than a handful of times last season.
Check the #1 Play in my 2:44pm post. THATS what happend most of the time. Like I said, Josh lost the ball posting up in the half-court twice as amny times as he did on the break.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
4:57 pm
I love Josh but Jefferson is better. He has a well developed post game. Josh in two years? I hope so. Thats when Josh will be 25.
KevinA, True, but like I said, That doesn’t make Jefferson a better fit on this team. On this team Jefferson is redundant at this point. We’d just be swapping our shot-swatting hyper-athletic forward who’s only 23 for and unathletic forward with knee problems and occasional weight-loss issues…Jefferson is not a true center, so how does he solve any of our problems? Smith does a lot of things on the defensive end that Jefferson cannot do. Moving his feet and not being a liability on a pick n’ roll just happens to be one of them. Cleaning up for Mike Bibby is another…
KevinA
September 7th, 2009
4:59 pm
Instead of trashing Josh for missing 3 pt shots why don’t we heae some trash on Bibby and JJ not driving to the hoop or getting the ball to the bigs in a position they can score. Seems like thats what the best teams do.
Da Analyst
September 7th, 2009
5:02 pm
Woody need to improve his half court offense, which now its let Joe create his shot. Marvin is a pretty good jump shooter and is better creating his own shot off the dribble than Josh, so Woody need to call his nbr at the half court set-up more often. The JJ and Crawford sounds pretty good when Marvin or Josh gets into foul trouble or late into the 4th qtr. Teague is just what the doctor ordered for Josh and Big Al on the fast break. This could be the year Hawks make the eastern conference finals.. Daaaaaaaa Analyst
KevinA
September 7th, 2009
5:05 pm
Ariose,
I am with you. I would not trade Josh for Jefferson. I would Harford for Jefferson though – thats another discussion.
Ramon
September 7th, 2009
5:07 pm
KevinA people don’t trash Bibby and JJ for that because they say that is in the ‘game plan’. So they’re not hurting the team.
By the way, just 2 seasons ago Matt Barnes shot just .293 from beyond the arc. Now everyone considers him a good perimeter threat, interesting.
cp
September 7th, 2009
5:14 pm
It’s a few things to me.. First Woodson has to install a better offense and learn to make adjustments.. Too many times teams would dictate how we play or abuse us on the pick and roll and there was never any adjustments made. Woodson always had the answers after the game but rarely during the game did he know what adjustments to make. We have to get some type of offense this season. I truly don’t know what offense we have been running other than ISO Joe.
Marvin has to get a mean streak. Dude is talented but seems to nice on the court. He has to show some fire as one poster said. Josh needs to work around the basket more and stop complaining after every call.
I would love to get another sf in here and Mario is not the answer. Carney can be had for a cheap deal. I think he would fit in perfectly here. Nice defender, athletic, and can hit the 3.
Ariose
September 7th, 2009
5:20 pm
Mike Bibby: Team Jordan Interiew(2008):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCJcwRZ7N8U
Ken Strickland
September 7th, 2009
5:21 pm
REAL#1HAWKSFAN-with Woodson publically questioning CPaul’s size, DEF skills and ability to hold up in the NBA, as well as his negative attitude toward rookie PG’s, what makes you think he wouldn’t have suffered the same fate as ALaw? Also, how can anyone make an issue of Marvin’s DEF ability with Bibby in the starting lineup?
ARIOSE-your 4:10pm post is sooooo on point. Look at the overall improvement of the Nuggets when they got rid of the scoring, ball hogging and NO DEF of AIverson and added the DEF and unselfishness of Chauncey Billups. I can see the same type of overall improvement taking place with the Hawks if we got better DEF and more OFF versatility from our starting PG. That would be a lot more effective in making us a better team than getting improved DEF play from Marvin.
There are many that feel we need a bigger, taller center with postup skills in order for the team to be more effective. Well, what good would it do if we continue running the same limited guard oriented OFF that places most of it’s emphasis on outside shooting instead of inside scoring?
The Truth
September 7th, 2009
5:23 pm
Sekou
It’s September: I haven’t gotten about your earlier comment regarding JJ contract extension. You said no need to get concern unless we get into September and we haven’t heard anything. Well we are going into the 2nd week of September and we haven’t heard anything. What’s up!!
KevinA
September 7th, 2009
5:27 pm
Ariose
JJ ad Bibby are soft. They need to hit MJ up for some advice it’s just sad nowadays…MJ never ran out of gas in the playoffs…
We don’t talk about this much. I agree with you 100%. Woody needs to a better job on pulling players for a breather anytime anyone takes a play off on defense. We have a bench now, no more excuses.
KevinA
September 7th, 2009
5:30 pm
Ken Strickland,
I can see the same type of overall improvement taking place with the Hawks if we got better DEF and more OFF versatility from our starting PG.
Agree on defense. Since JJ gets the ball most of the time are you really talking about JJ when it comes to off versatility?
Bill Heller
September 7th, 2009
5:34 pm
This team could make us forget about the Tree, Wilkens and Willis for a while.
Tony
September 7th, 2009
5:34 pm
What is wrong with people? Anyone who would suggest trading Josh Smith is an IDIOT!!!!!!!!!! There are only a couple of players I would hold onto:
Josh Smith-He is the most talented/gifted hawk we have. PERIOD!!!
Marvin Williams- If healthy, he provides you with stability and performance and still has reached his FULL potential.
Jeff Teague- He is the future point guard!!!!
Everyone else (yeah, that’s right!! That’s includes you Joe) you can get the heck out!!!!
Joe Johnson is not a star. Lebron, kobe, and D-wade are stars. You switch Joe with any of those guys and you tell me he would carry there teams?
Joe/Miami: They would have been an eight (maybe seven seed). With D-Wade they were fifth.
Joe/Lakers: Playoffs, yeah maybe the last seed if that. With Kobe world champs.
Joe/Cavs: C’mon people. You think Joe is a star. Lebron carried the cavs on his back to the nba playoffs. Joe/cavs would have beat the pistons that year.
You can get mad all you want. But Josh is the future not Joe. I have been a hawks fan all my life but I just don’t think we can win it with just Joe. Josh Smith is the key people not Joe Johnson, Sekou. Josh can control the entire game on both ends. Joe CANNOT DO THAT. Nuff Said!!
Holla atcha boy!!!!
Tony
September 7th, 2009
5:35 pm
I meant Marvin has NOT reached his full potential