When players are made
Hawks rookie point guard Jeff Teague is turning heads already, and training camp doesn't start for three weeks.
HAWKSVILLE - First impressions amongst your peers in the NBA can go a long way.
For Hawks rookie point guard Jeff Teague, the buzz traveled from an impressive mini-camp in late July all the way through Labor Day and until now.
And it’s not just his Hawks teammates that have noticed. His point guard peers around the league, at least the veterans that have been on the floor with him this summer (and mainly in the past week or so at the Hawks’ practice facility), have noticed. And they see plenty that they like about the former Wake Forest star.
“The one thing that sticks out to me is that he makes shots,” said former Hawks point guard Anthony Johnson, who plays in Orlando these days but still calls Atlanta home in the offseason. “That’s going to go a long way here in the system he’ll be in and really in his career. If you’re a guy that can get shots, that can make shots and create shots, you’ve got the package you’ll need to be successful. And he’s got all that.”
Teague has all that and more from what I saw on the floor in back-to-back days last week. Not only is he super quick and fearless going to the basket (he dunked on a fast break in one game, getting up and down before Josh Smith could even turn to think about sending the ball into orbit), Teague can score in a variety of ways. He has a sweet pull up jumper in traffic, a push shot in the lane and can spot up from all over the floor and knock down shots as well.
Sure, you say it’s just pick up games in early September. Yeah, training camp hasn’t even started yet. But those first impressions are what count. And not one person left that gym on either day questioning Teague’s game. The veterans, the youngsters, the NBA stars and the guys looking for their next gig in Europe, they all agreed that Teague was even more impressive than they expected.
“He’s going to make things really interesting,” said Hawks forward Marvin Williams, a Tar Heel not prone to praising a Demon Deacon. “I just love that he’s been here all this time. It’s a clear indicator of where his mind is in terms of what he has to do this season. That’s the kind of attitude you want to see in a rookie or anybody else when they are coming into a new team. Plus, I feel like basketball players are made in the summer time. That’s when people are relaxing and doing whatever. The guys that put in the work in the summer time, that’s when it really shows in the season. Because the truth is you don’t really have time to work on your individual game as much as you’d like to during the season. And everybody can tell who’s done the work and who hasn’t. Jeff Teague has done the work.”
MORRIS, TOO?
One of the favorite punching bags around here, Randolph Morris has done his fair share of work this summer as well. In fact, I’d argue that no [Hawks] player has undergone a more radical physical transformation this summer than Morris, who has shed some 60 pounds from his 6-11 frame in an effort to break into the playing rotation in his second season with the team.
“The work I did was both mental and physical,” he said after a recent workout. “I was trying to get myself where I needed to be mentally and physically for the long season. Just as important for me is working for the short term where I can try to get on the court this year. It was really a two-pronged approach for me this summer like it is every summer. It was about working to get myself in the best shape possible for the upcoming season while also realizing that the guys that last in the NBA are the ones that take the best care of their bodies. The guys that have the longest careers are the ones that you see in the gym in the dead of summer, when there are no cameras and no fans around. That’s where the real work is done.”
I’m still not sure if Morris will end up in the plans (or the playing rotation) this season, but I have to give it up to him for the full body makeover he pulled off this summer. As a guy who could stand to shed a few pounds himself, it’s inspiring to see someone start from where he did and end up where he is now.
SIMS IN THE FOLD
Courtney Sims is now comfirmed as yet another training camp invitee for the Hawks. I’m hearing the total group will number at least 18 and possibly as many as 23 or 24. That sounds a bit on the high end to me. This is a team that already has so many roster spots set, there’s little need to add a ton of extra bodies to the training camp mix.
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253 comments Add your comment
Ken Strickland
September 12th, 2009
1:46 pm
BIG RAY-One more thing. I AGREE WITH WHAT YOU SAID. It would be foolish to say the Hawks have progressed independently without some positive guidance and imput from HC MWoodson. My argument has never been whether he’s contributed anything to the development and success of this team over the last 5yrs. My argument has always focused on challenging the extent or degree of influence his contributions have had on the overall development and success of the team and it’s players over the last 5yrs.
I’VE BEEN AN ATLANTA HAWKS FAN LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW WE’VE CERTAINLY HAD WORSE HC’s THAN MIKE WOODSON.
Clyde
September 12th, 2009
2:10 pm
ROLL TIDE
dap01
September 12th, 2009
2:27 pm
Another thing that Sund has given this team is options. We now have several interesting trading pieces if he should ever choose to use them. We have draft picks, players overseas, players with reasonable salaries and contracts, we have young guys, we have veterans.
I also like Sunds approach to Woody’s contract. Sund has provided the veterans and options that Woody needed. Now let’s see if Woody can utilize them.
doc
September 12th, 2009
2:42 pm
samuel good to know man. you know where my heart is when it comes to that stuff. let him enjoy and be proud heh heh, just stay out of the way is my best advice. i know you got some talent there .. inherited … just like mine had.
keep us up to what is happening. maybe we can set up a bowl game between your sons team and sekou’s. oops shouldnt have gone there.
still got a good feeling about this season, even woody. look the target on his back is so big he doesnt have to worry about his next contract. just win baby and ill be talking up a 4 year contract right with samuel. heh heh
KevinA
September 12th, 2009
3:43 pm
Mercy,
Tiger just pounded a 3 wood 274 yards for an 10′ eagle putt.
KevinA
September 12th, 2009
3:47 pm
Nails the putt and takes the lead.
The Truth
September 12th, 2009
5:03 pm
RA
If I was an instructor grading your ability to comprehend my 1:58 AM post, I would have to, in all fairness, give you an “F” because you apparently failed to understand my main points. I’m not trying to be disrespectfully, but you seem to have no idea what I am talking about. As evidence by your response, you are suggesting (in lengthy details) my post was about comparing JJ to MJ is false. My post had more to do with raising questions about JJ basketball career goals as I was searching for the things that might be motivating him. The MJ reference was used simply because his hall-of-fame speech provoked me to think about him in the context I just described.
This was the driving statement that formed the basis for the entity post or did you miss this part:
“But it does begs questions to ask JJ about his basketball career desires”
This statement also moots your argument:
“Although not in the sense of expecting a similar fire to burn in his belly like MJ; yes, that would be unfair.”
Translation: It is unfair to compare MJ motivations and burning desires to those of JJ.
I am always open to dialogs about the things that I post but please don’t misrepresent.
MIKE WOODSON
September 12th, 2009
5:07 pm
Thanks KEN, that is the nicest thing that you have ever blogged about me. I didn’t know that you cared. (sniff, sniff)
RA
September 12th, 2009
6:07 pm
Oh, an F is it? I can live with that. I’ve scored worse when it counted more, and I’m sorry if I misunderstood you. I’ve been misrepresented in my life enough to where I wouldn’t do it to anyone else. I don’t know what JJ’s career goals are. I’ve never spoken to him. So I am by no means prepared to question his development or commitment to those goals much less compare such to another player, much less one that many would agree was the greatest of all time. The one thing that I do understand is that he has set a standard of excellence in his time in Atlanta. Now, we all know what MJ’s goals were, they were to be the best, bottomline, and we saw him, over the coarse of many years and many championships, time and time again accomplish his goals. My contention, and please let me be clear, is the fact that his success was not merely defined by the measure of his motivation or the goals that that motivation fueled him to reach. My contention is that MJ, and a lot of other athletes that achieved a high level of success had a great deal of help. MJ (using him only as an example, as you did), had great players around him and possilbly the greatest playoff coach in NBA history. Magic Johnson, who burned with an equal determination to be great, and whose goals were no less high, also had help, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Karem Abdul Jabbar. Isaiah Thomas whose committment to excellence was legendary was also added by the likes of Dennis Rodman, Joe Dumars, Vinny the microwave Johnson. My point is that along with the desire and along with the goals, you need a supporting cast and leadership at the coaching level to get where you want to go.
Now, I think the parts are in place. But I think that this is the first and only year since JJ has been a Hawk that we will actually get to see whether he’s the type of superstar that can will his team to greatness. Because of the youth of the team, the lack of experience at head coach, and the lack of veteran leadership, I feel that any question about Joe Johnson’s career desire’s up to this point have been premature at best.
Mystikal
September 12th, 2009
6:08 pm
Ariose,
I wasn’t trying to come at you originally. I’d read a few people make similar sentiments. But I guess we do disagree, my reasoning for the MJ/JJ comparisons being unfair is not about the championships. MJ and Kobe are 1st ballot hall of famers and two of the best to “ever” play their position. That is not taking anything away from JJ, who is one of the top guards in the league today. I don’t believe the comparison if fair to JJ, who has some athletic ability and good size but can’t compare to Mikey. The desire/will to win is debatable, but honestly MJ is just a freak when it comes to his competitive nature. JJ took a backseat in his earlier days with Boston/Phoenix. MJ came in thinking he was the best and foamed at the mouth to prove it. Again, not taking anything away from JJ, but it’s comparing a true all-star to a top 5 amongst HOFers. Just see it differently.
Samuel
September 12th, 2009
6:16 pm
Josh Smith:
“I wanted to work more on my decision-making than anything. I handle the ball so much on the fast break and in transition that I wanted to make sure I’m thinking the game the way I need to be. I also worked on my handles and knocking down that mid-range jumper. I’m really not worried about the 3-point ball right now. We have so many guys on this team that can make that shot.
“I don’t have any business being out there this season with Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, Jamal Crawford, Marvin, Mo and [Jeff] Teague all doing work out there. I have to focus on working in the cracks and making sure that people respect my mid-range game. And if they don’t, we have to make them pay for not respecting it.”
Thank You GGEEEZUS!!!
Samuel
September 12th, 2009
6:20 pm
Cuz,
I like yalls QB. Real “heady”, athletic and confident.
KevinA
September 12th, 2009
6:36 pm
Samuel,
I read that also. Sounds good to me. Josh has a new plan. I wonder who has been talking to him. Maybe he reads the blog lol
Evans comments are well received. Bulking up for being more physical on defense. Somebody is thinking defense. Awesome.
It would be nice to know what the plan is for the rest of the team.
Blast
September 12th, 2009
6:54 pm
Keep the stories coming, Sekou!
I love what am hearing from Josh. Maybe he reads the blog?
Ariose
September 12th, 2009
6:55 pm
Mystikal,
I hear you. The last thing I want is for JJ to be something he isn’t. I’m not asking the guy to go out and average 37 ppg. Though I do want him to think the game better. He should be watching tape of guys like Michael Redd(don’t laugh). Redd is one of the least athletic SG’s in the leauge, but he’s always down in the paint drawing fouls and getting to the line. The same thing applies to guys like Andre Miller. There’s an art to them getting fouled and sent to the line so much. That’s m main gripe with JJ. If he can perfect the art of getting to the Free Throw line whenever his team needs buckets and get that down to a science, i’d have nothing more to say about Joe….literally there’d be nothing else to complain about.
I’m specefically speaking about when our team got off to horrible starts that cost us the game before it even really got started. We all know Joe can score. When we had that home-stand late in the season when marvin was out, Joe went for 30+ in nearly every game during that stretch. But when were down big and Bibbys J isn’t falling it’s pretty much dooms day for us. No one can buy a bucket and that includes Joe. He’s got to find a way to manufacture buckets to keep us in a game when nothing else seems to be working. It’s alll in his approach.
Someone suggested that we run the offense through Marvin. I love that Idea. Heres a guy who is a foul magnent and can work inside or out on the peremeter. I’m assuming his ball handling will also be improved this season. Maybe drawing fouls just isn’t in JJ’s DNA, but Marvin certainly knows how to rack them up. I’d rather have JJ on the peremeter reciveing wide open passes anyway. I think this is the next stage development for our team. Running the offense through Josh, Marvin, and Al, in addition to Joe. We’ll see what Mike come up with in the last five months.
Your move Mr. Woodson
Melvin
September 12th, 2009
7:16 pm
Sekou,
I like Michigan QB. He’s a player…
Blast
September 12th, 2009
7:16 pm
Angel McCoughtry for WNBA Rookie Of The Year!
Go Atlanta Dream!
What a turn around!
Melvin
September 12th, 2009
7:17 pm
Doc,
I’m starting the campaign early. JOSH for MVP….lol
Blast
September 12th, 2009
7:23 pm
About Joe not drawing fouls, Ariose. The refs are the main problem. They NEVER give Joe the calls he deserves. Joe is the most disrespected star in the league by NBA refs. If they gave him all his calls, Joe would go to the line 10 times a game. Joe never gets his calls, but Wade and LeBron get phantom fouls called for them. NBA refs suck!
doc
September 12th, 2009
7:28 pm
samuel too funny, just surprised you didnt trust him for getting the light to go on. the kid is a warrior.
melvin you know i love the kid. got your back.
Mystikal
September 12th, 2009
7:34 pm
Ariose,
I hear you and we both definitely agree that JJ can still improve parts of his game. Cosign on the driving to the basket and getting to the line more. I’d also like to see him use his post up game more. I believe he is one of the bigger 2 guards in the league at 230 lbs. Get down there and throw that wait against them, most 2’s don’t like much contact anyway..lol.
Ariose
September 12th, 2009
8:20 pm
Blast, I agree
Mystikal, Yeah he needs to get his big but down there and do some work lol. Also, I Wish JJ was 230 lol. But he’s a solid 240(Thats probably why he lost his vert heh!). It does benfit him though, because it allows him to play the Small Forward position from time to time.
macaroni tony
September 12th, 2009
8:48 pm
Josh Smith statement is music to my ears. I think that if you stay around the paint, then this may his first year to make it to the All-Star team. Let’s have a 20-10 season.
macaroni tony
September 12th, 2009
9:14 pm
Dang this interested, maybe LeBron can become a billionaire after all: Knicks offering LeBron his own TV channel? It seem like they’ll do anything right now!
Mystikal
September 12th, 2009
9:22 pm
Off topic, I was just thinking back to last year’s nfl draft. What if we’d have taken Dorsey like people were pulling for…. Oh well, TD did his thing and Matty, Burner & company ready to crank it back up tomorrow!!
terrell barron
September 12th, 2009
10:06 pm
Cant wait for the season to start. Teague will be the ROY if Ole Woodrow will give him some significant minutes. Put the house on it!
Astro Joe
September 12th, 2009
10:19 pm
Interesting words from Mr. Smith about “having no business being out in 3-point land” (to paraphrase). It provides more evidence to what I have long believed about Woody’s offensive style… he gives players a ton of freedom… maybe too much. Several have suggested that Woody’s offense handicaps players. But I saw Childress roam the baseline which seemingly was where he chose to be. In 2007, Marvin was a mid-range fiend. When he developed his 3-ball, he was able to utilize his new weapon without any big changes in the offensive flow. Josh learns some low post moves and he is able to utilize those skills. But the players are responsible for putting themselves in a position to succeed. When Bibby famously barked to Woody “well, get him (Smith) out of there (3-point line)” we all assumed that Bibby was telling Woody to change Josh’s assigned position in that play. Is it possible that Bibby was telling Woody “Josh insists on playing on the perimeter but you’re the f’ing coach and you need to make him move”?
Said differently, if Smith is true to his word and he is “no longer interested in hanging around the 3-point line”, how many of you truly believe that Woody will bark and say “dammit, Josh Smith, stop shooting mid-range shots and get your behind back there with Bibby, Joe and Crawford”? If Woody insists on playing Josh behind the line, wouldn’t that be the logical set of instructions?
Obviously, giving a cowboy too much rope so that he hangs himself (and the team) is a bad idea. But can anyone argue that Woody has not given players like Marvin, Josh and Al room to “find themselves”? And that they have been allowed to find themselves while making the playoffs in consecutive seasons?
Just another perspective.
KevinA
September 12th, 2009
11:14 pm
Astro Joe
Interesting Ideas. Wish we could find out. Would explain alot.
wink
September 13th, 2009
12:52 am
Ken Strickland wish I could have said it…well done.
Daniel / Astro
Please read: Ken Strickland post
September 11th, 2009
10:21 pm
wink
September 13th, 2009
1:22 am
The one vote that counts on Mike Woodson’s contribution to this team success or development has belongs to Rick Sund and that vote has not been cast yet!!!
Question: Why is that I wonder?
wink
September 13th, 2009
1:26 am
The one vote that counts regarding Mike Woodson’s contribution to team success or development belongs to Rick Sund and that vote has not been cast!!
Question: Why is that I wonder???
Our superstar has an open extension on the table…all that is required is his okay…with all the team additions…question: Why has JJ not signed on the dotted line to secure “The Man” status???
The Truth
September 13th, 2009
2:13 am
RA
I feel you and resonate with your life experience as well. Thanks for the clarification. I should say amen to your comment as I never intended to suggest that career desires or will power was the exclusive element to a player’s success. MJ speech stirred me and reminded me of how the greatest of great player was born. In my opinion, what defined the man was his body of work but there were contributing parts that made him great. As you suggested and I also agree; there were a supporting cast and coaching staff that also contributed to his greatness. I would even say farther that these two are just a sample of many more. His character, his family, friends, fan-base and even his adversaries also contributed, if we really want to be complete; and there maybe more that I overlooked. In the context of JJ, I gave a spotlight to his career desires indirectly as a way to provoke thoughts about his motivation or will power because that aspect of him seems to be often overlooked as we tend to focus of the technicality parts of his game. Leadership is the exception as it gets discussed often with respect to JJ. Sports pundits have been unfairly questioning JJ leadership ability as of late, perhaps due to his laid-back demeanor. Of course I disagree, but it is what it is. Nonetheless, his will power and leadership ability are aspects of his character. But I agree as well, I don’t know the inside of JJ or his inter-workings, but I can look at his body of work which will be the thing that will ultimately define him as did MJ.
As we continue to discuss the Hawks aspirations of moving to the next level, the road that will ultimately get us there will likely go through JJ. With the enhancement of his supporting cast, and hopefully the maturation of our coaching staff, it will put a different kind of spotlight on JJ compared to the past when the expectations were so low for the Hawks. In addition to Woody wearing the label of “No More Excuses”, JJ might also be burden with something similar as well. As Kenny, Barkley and others have unfairly attempted to argue these things last year. To your point, perhaps they also prematurely judge the man without the full set of circumstances. But this is nothing unique to JJ, as MJ pointed out during his speech; he had his critics, trials and tribulations as well. But unlike other players, MJ used the challenges as wood to burn his fire. It will be interesting to see how JJ responds to his upcoming new challenges; I am sure it will be in his own unique way. We shall see
Ed
September 13th, 2009
2:40 am
Sekou, wipe that smile off your face. We know the maize and blue are back. One heckava game and now there’s already talk of going undefeated. Enjoy…
Big Ray
September 13th, 2009
3:11 am
Astro Joe ,
I have to say that’s an interesting perspective.
So Woody has given the guys possibly too much freedom?
And while you didn’t use the term “lax”, that’s what comes to mind. Woody doesn’t strike me as that type of guy. If he is being too lax by letting these guys have too much rope, then why does he bark so much? What could he possibly be yelling and scowling about all the time? Must be defense. And I can’t blame him there ….
It is entirely possible that when Bibby barked back at him, he WAS saying that Josh stayed out on the perimeter too much, and that Woody needed to tell him to not do that. How does that make Woody look any better? Basically, you changed the interpretation of that comment from “hey coach, you shouldn’t play Josh in that position” to “hey coach, Josh is playing in the wrong spot, and why am I having to tell you to get him out of there, when you’re the coach?”
And yet, your proposed interpretation raises a question or two:
Why then did Bibby pass him the ball, if he didn’t think that was where Josh was supposed to be? As I recall, Woody hollered at Bibby for passing Josh the ball. Bibby replied that Josh was open, and what else was he supposed to do? Then came the comment about where Josh was supposed to be on the court, and how it’s Woody’s job to tell him where to go, etc.
I find something else you said rather interesting, and thought-provoking.
You said, “But the players are responsible for putting themselves in a position to succeed.” That would seem to be in direct contradiction of what Bibby said. I think I know what you’re trying to get at, though. A player has to know his limitations. He has to know what places are his hot spots, and where he can be most effective. And he has to get there as often as he can.
But in a way, that also sounds like the coach’s job to me. I figure a coach has to recognize where a player can best be utilized, and his talent/skills maximized. If not, then what do we need a coach for? I’m sure teams could pay a lot less money for a guy to just stand there and tell guys when to come in and out of games. Then we wouldn’t call them coaches. We’d call them Substitution Regulators.
Does not a coach draw up the plays, design the system, etc? (Didn’t you say “Woody’s offense works”)Sure, he can work with, or confer with his best players/team leaders and say, “Well, what do you think will work best”. After all, the game is fluid, and ever-changing. I think most coaches do, except the control freaks (Don Nelson). I know he does it with Bibby and Joe. He’s even quoted as having taken that approach. And I think it’s a good approach. But I seriously doubt he does it with Smith. So how does that idea of too much freedom apply to him?
I think you’re right, Joe. I believe that Woody does allow a bit too much freedom. The question is why ?
Like I said in an earlier post, the offense WAS good enough for 47 wins and a playoff victory (acknowledging your statement that the offense works). But if Woody is giving his guys too much freedom, then that contributes to the inconsistency of our offense. Not a good thing, and it certainly puts Woody in a bad light. Again, why ?
Obviously, giving a cowboy too much rope so that he hangs himself (and the team) is a bad idea. But can anyone argue that Woody has not given players like Marvin, Josh and Al room to “find themselves”? And that they have been allowed to find themselves while making the playoffs in consecutive seasons? ”
Here’s a counter question: Has anyone made that argument?
But getting to your point… If following this idea, I’d say that either he has either given each guy different amounts of opportunity to “find themselves”….or….those guys have taken advantage of equal opportunity, but at different levels. Perhaps the latter theory holds more water.
Smith is the most aggressive of the three, easily. So, he would naturally take more advantage of the opportunity to find his way. Hell, he’ll try anything once (or 87 times). Marvin, less so, and by a wide margin. Horford….well, sometimes it seems like he’s not had as much opportunity. But is that Woody’s fault, or the faults of his teammates? Or a combination of both? Or are we just going to say that it’s Horford’s fault, because it’s his responsibility to get himself in the best position to succeed?
Smith has experimented with leading the break, and shooting from the arc. But if we’re going to go with that idea that Woody has allowed these guys to “find themselves”, then shall we so vehemently blame Josh for his decision-making? We sure have in the past, have we not (we still do)? Perhaps we should change our tune and say “Well, Woody is allowing him to find himself, and that’s the problem” Hah. I won’t hold my breath on that one.
So, end question. If Woody is allowing too much freedom, as you suggest that maybe he is, then why does he do so? Because he’s a benevolent soul who believes in players finding their way (doesn’t apply much to Acie, does it?) or because he doesn’t have as good a grasp on the offense? Or is it something else?
Big Ray
September 13th, 2009
3:18 am
RA,
Thanks for the props.
Ariose,
I think that was a pretty good assessment of why JJ doesn’t perform on the level of some of his contemporaries. Of course, I also feel that he doesn’t have the explosive athleticism of guys like Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, and Wade. But I believe that you are right: his effectiveness is most certainly affected by his approach.
A key example is comparing him to Wade. Some will say that the difference is athleticism. Well, yes, it is a difference, but it’s not the main one in my opinion. Others will say that Joe has been the focal point of the offense and is the only absolutely legit threat on this team. Therefore he gets double-teamed alot. True. But how can one suggest such a thing and NOT say the same about Wade? He was on a less-talented team! How could he NOT be the focal point of the offense? Yet he led the league in scoring….
Before it’s seen as one, this isn’t a bash on Joe. Love the guy. But I think you have it right, Ariose. It’s the approach.
Big Ray
September 13th, 2009
3:30 am
Ariose,
The only other thing is health and team chemistry. They both have to be factors, though the greatest players seem to either overcome these issues personally, or exert their will with enough force to help themselves and their team overcome them. Case in point? Iverson was a guy who could will himself past such issues. Jordan was a guy who could will an entire team past them.
Anyway, the reason I say this is because we’ve seen better from JJ. He had his best season in ‘06-’07, where he averaged 25 ppg. I think he’s endured both nagging injury and some team chemistry issues since then.
RA
September 13th, 2009
9:30 am
The Truth, I couldn’t agree more. I’m looking forward to this season. It’ll answer a lot of questions, one way or another…
Sautee
September 13th, 2009
10:27 am
Ray,
You said this: “Horford….well, sometimes it seems like he’s not had as much opportunity. But is that Woody’s fault, or the faults of his teammates? Or a combination of both? Or are we just going to say that it’s Horford’s fault, because it’s his responsibility to get himself in the best position to succeed?”
OK, if we’re assuming AJ’s slant that the players themselves are somewhat responsible for getting to their “sweet spots” on the court (putting themselves in a position to succeed), then what do we say about Horford who routinely hustles down to the paint, often beating his man by several steps, only to be ignored?
What if Horford understands that his BEST advantage against usually taller and often bigger players is to outrun them? Has he not put himself in the best position to succeed?
I think he has, but my point is, that one can only do so much without the ball.
And I’ll repeat my contention that we could get Horford 2 to 3 easy buckets per game if the guards paid attention to his positioning. Al should be a 15 and 10 guy, but we need to take advantage of his footspeed.
So, as far as Horford’s being somewhat ignored, I’ll say the fault is a combination of Woody AND his teammates.
This does NOT excuse Horford for not having a “go-to” move, however. He needs that badly and would get MANY more touches if he had it..
KevinA
September 13th, 2009
10:38 am
It seems to me the offensive system Woody employs is not nearly as ridged as say a Sloan/Jazz system. I agree with the idea our plays are more like blue prints for movement, allowing players to make plays on their own.
Any offensive set has multiple decisions and opportunities with each pass. I don’t think Woody sets stiff parameters on each player according to their skill level or weaknesses.
JJ and Bibby are the two vets Woody trusts to add structure to what in the past has been the undisciplined free for all that is our offense. Examples would include JJ and Bibby slowing down the 1/2 court game and taking most of the shots.
This may have been be lack of trust, lack of chemistry and Woody’s way of controlling the green light. The good news – is the team is evolving.
When we have played well and have had long winning streaks the ball movement has been much better. How much of this ball movement is a result of Bibby/JJ making an effort to pass more, or Woody pulling the strings would be interesting to know.
As our young players have gotten better they are carving out their strengths and JJ and Bibby have started deferring to them more. If all the starters get the “green light” maybe we will see trends towards getting into sets faster and more passing to exploit the open opportunity.
KevinA
September 13th, 2009
11:07 am
Sautee,
And I’ll repeat my contention that we could get Horford 2 to 3 easy buckets per game if the guards paid attention to his positioning. Al should be a 15 and 10 guy, but we need to take advantage of his foot speed.
Excellent point. The million dollar question is Woody dictating the slow down of play or is it simply a fact that Bibby/Joe are more comfortable in a half court set. Or is this just a way of saving energy for the Bibby/JJ because of “to many minutes”.
Bottom line: We do not exploit the running skills of AL, Josh and Marvin at the expense of easy buckets on fast break opportunities. It will be interesting to see if Teague and Crawford can effect this dynamic and by how much.
This is a crazy idea but JJ and Bibby might be better suited to play with Joe Smith, Evans and ZaZa. While letting the speedy Teague/Crawford play with the younger legs of Josh/AL/Marvin. Hmmmm I would like to see a practice game. Which style of team would win. If Teague and Crawford played well – I could see the second unit winning.
Big Ray
September 13th, 2009
2:29 pm
Sautee,
I think that is a VERY fair and balanced analysis. Horford DOES need a go-to move in the post (in the halfcourt game in general), and his teammates and coach DO need to exploit the advantage of speed he has.
jerrywest
September 13th, 2009
2:44 pm
why doesn’t horford take the centers outside and drive by them? his mid range shots will be open almost all the time. thats money in the bank.
jeff teague
September 13th, 2009
4:30 pm
first to comment
Hoops
September 13th, 2009
5:26 pm
Hawks guard Maurice Evans has bulked up this offseason to prepare to face the league’s superstars.
Evans said he weighs 225 pounds, but he is visibly bigger in his upper body.
“I wanted to spend my time strengthening my core, so I could prevent injuries and stay healthy. I haven’t had a history of injuries in my career, knock on wood, but I just felt like that was a great place to start for this season,” Evans told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“I lifted a lot of weights to build up my endurance so I can be a lot more physical when I’m guarding guys like Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant. Those guys don’t like to be touched. They’ll see the difference and notice it when we’re out there on the floor and they can’t get their way physically.”
Mo is getting ready! It sounds like these Hawks believe in themselves!
wink
September 13th, 2009
7:22 pm
KevinA
I will cosign your idea:
This is a crazy idea but JJ and Bibby might be better suited to play with Joe Smith, Evans and ZaZa. While letting the speedy Teague/Crawford play with the younger legs of Josh/AL/Marvin.
I would also add that if Teague were allowed to play with JJ, Horford, Marvin, Josh; give Teague the first 5-6 seconds of the shot clock to penetrate to the hole or pull up dish or take open mid range / free throw line jumper. We can always pull the ball out and give it to Joe with about 18 seconds on the clock. Tony Parker is the proto type example of this…TJ Ford, William with Cavs, CP3, Devin Harris, Rafer Alston, etc. Just try to force the early offense every possession inside 7 seconds for best shot at rim.
ILL-logical
September 13th, 2009
7:45 pm
Mo sounds like he is going to be the defensive stopper ,especially for 2 guards, in his comments. Wonder what that means for Mario?
Mink
September 13th, 2009
8:26 pm
Sekou, I know you’re ready for the season; acting like you are disappointed you have to go back to work. You can sense the excitement in your columns, haha. I’m right there with you. I’ve been a football guy for years and years, but I find myself ready for the NBA already, as excited as I am about UGA and the Falcons.
Ariose
September 13th, 2009
10:19 pm
Now this is a Sick JJ mix….its new too (^_^)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYOWnz1dbUo&feature=related
Astro Joe
September 13th, 2009
11:08 pm
I was eye-balls high in family activities today and had to watch the Falcnons game before checking out the ole blog (thank God for the DVR). Ray, thought-provoking, huh? I’m guessing that every play has multiple options, depending on the way the defense addresses the play. So maybe Woody barked at Bibby because Smith was not the best/only option. Maybe Bibby barked back because he thinks it’s stupid that passing to Smith on the perimeter would even be an option. It that scenario, they could have both been right. And maybe that’s one of the reasons Woody found it humorous.
Two pieces of evidence for my earlier point. Woody seems to be able to integrate new players and/or new skills into the offense without much complication. Think about how seamless Flip was integrated into the line-up. Think about how Marvin found plenty of opportunities to utlize his new 3-ball. Think about how Childress was able to carve out a niche on the baseline after his rookie season.
So what’s the Horford deal? He needs the ball and he’s not getting it. That’s where a coach needs to step in and run plays for a center. How about Acie? Acie couldn’t make shots (nor stay healthy). End of discussion. Could Woody be genuinely excited about Teague (as many believe) because he sees a guy who can make shots and easily blend his skill set with the other players?
Lastly, my post yesterday wasn’t an attempt to build a case for Woody as a perfect coach. He ain’t perfect. FARRRR from it. But it seems at least plausible to me that Woody has a few pet plays that are fully scripted that he leans on in times of trouble (iso Joe) while the other vast number of offensive possessions (possibly 75%+ in the regular season) are generic sets with plenty of ad lib options.
Lastly, if Woody is the control freak some believe, then why is Smith (after 5-6 years with Woody) under the impression that he gets to decide that he doesn’t need to play around the 3-point line? Won’t he be benched immediately for insubordination if he decides to employ a mid-range game? Shouldn’t the player with the most tenure with Woody be cognizant of his controlling ways?
niremetal
September 13th, 2009
11:26 pm
Ariose,
Ha – first time that I’ve heard a rap song that sampled Berlioz. And that mix was Fantastique