Crawford makes a great first impression
Hawks fans are going to get a full dose of Jamal Crawford this season and if first impressions count for anything, it should be an exciting show.
HAWKSVILLE – From the minute Jamal Crawford hit the door Monday all eyes were on the Hawks’ newest addition (well, so to speak).
And he didn’t disappoint, not that anything he could have done would have disappointed the crowd of players, many of them his new teammates, hoping to get a glimpse of him in Hawks’ practice duds.
“They’re going to be (expletive) good this year,” said a visiting pro from another NBA team. “You throw JC and Joe Smith and this kid [Jeff] Teague, and they’ve got some wrinkles now that they didn’t have last season. They were already a dangerous team and now they’re really dangerous. And knowing these fans down here and what they like, they’re going to love the style this team can play. They’re going to love JC.”
Crawford loves the idea of what this Hawks team could be. He was all smiles after playing a few pickup games with guys like Marvin Williams, Al Horford, Mike Bibby and others, for the very first time.
“If you look at us on paper, you know we should be pretty good,” Williams said, “but so far I’d have to say it looks even better than I thought. It’s impressive. It’s different. Everybody knows what Jamal is capable of. And Jeff can play, man. I don’t know any other way of saying it, he can just play. And it’ll be exciting when we get everybody in here and see how the pieces fit. I truly believe we are going to be one of the most explosive teams in the league.”
Crawford wasn’t even in scoring mode on his first day (training camp starts in one week but most of the main faces have already made it back to town or are on the way). He played the role of set-up man. “Everybody knows I can score a little bit,” Crawford said modestly. “I’m a good passer, too. I love to set guys up. I always have.”
A nasty no-look pass here, another wicked dish there and his teammates, not to mention everyone else in attendance, had seen enough.
Horford couldn’t contain his glee while watching Crawford break down a defender in the lane on one play. He let out a loud yelp when Crawford’s crossover dribble whipped from one side to the other. Horford calmed down just in time to catch the pass (yup, he was on the floor and playing in the game but clearly enjoying the spectacle) of Crawford shredding yet another ill-fated attempt to slow him down.
“I couldn’t help it,” a smiling Horford would say later. “It’s fun to watch him got o work on somebody. I’m just excited, man. Training camp is going to be so competitive and it’s because we have some of these [new] guys coming in that will stir it up. I can’t wait to get going.”
OTHER NEW FACES
Crawford wasn’t the only new face to open a few eyes Monday. Training camp invitee Courtney Sims made his first appearance at the John “Beans” Beckett Invitational and did not disappoint.
Sims is a solid 6-11, 240-pounder that didn’t seem at all out of place banging against the likes of Horford, Randolph Morris, Othello Hunter and Garrett Siler – the other true bigs on the floor for most of Monday’s action. Sims finished with authority around the rim and was as active as any big running the floor and getting his hands dirty in the rebounding battles on both ends of the floor.
“We’re going to have so many bigs now that things will change dramatically for us,” Horford said of he, Josh Smith and Zaza Pachulia, the men who shouldered the bulk of the low-post burden for the Hawks last season. “You go from playing three or four guys, with Solomon Jones, to having five or six quality guys that can play and that has to make a big difference for us.”
THE WAFER RULE
Day after day veteran free agent Jerry Stackhouse turns heads during these informal workouts.
I haven’t found a player yet that isn’t convinced that he could help this Hawks team this season as versatile specialists off the bench.
Whether or not that connection ever comes to fruition is obviously not up to said players or any of us around here.
But let me offer up a cautionary tale about watching a free agent dazzle on the practice court all summer only to find work elsewhere once training camp rolls around. Von Wafer [breakout season in Houston last year and ow a teammate of former Hawks swingman Josh Childress in Greece] put on a somewhat similar type of show last summer, wowing everyone with his shooting stroke from deep and his ability to finish at the rim without any regard for whoever and whatever might be in his way.
Wafer would have helped this Hawks team tremendously last year but a decision was made to go in a different direction (one that, it should be pointed out, helped net 47 wins). It’ll be interesting to see if the Hawks look past Stackhouse (for whatever reasons) and break the Wafer Rule.
It’s not my decision, my team, my money or my main concern right now. But I don’t know that I’d be able to rationalize not trying to sign Stackhouse up if he goes anywhere this season and plays half as well as he’s played since I’ve been watching this summer.
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483 comments Add your comment
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
8:44 am
HGN_ Woody gave the Hawks fans 47 wins last year and a playoff series win. Has been a long time coming for us. So keep your shorts on.
Yung A$E
September 24th, 2009
8:54 am
we need to sign stackhouse but he will have to split minutes with mo evans. Im afraid that will make mo want more minutes and playing time. Hopefully coach woodson will play everyone . Hawks will go to the eastern conference finals
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
9:08 am
In response to Ramon’s much earlier question: I really, really like vava’s prediction, but I cannot say I am quite as optimistic. I do like this team to win 50-52 games. However, for this team to break the top three either Boston’s agining line up breaks down(likely!), The Shaq expierment blows up in Clevland (possible) or VC is so disruptive and Rashad is not the same player without the juice that Orlando takes a step back(doubtful)
I still see this team as a 4th place team, but a stronger 4th than last year if that makes sense.
I think Orlando made the best off season move wih Brandon Bass, no I did not like the VC move or the Gortat money, but Bass will be a big addition to that team.
Rasheed sounds great for Boston, we will see how Garnetts’ knees are and if Allen and Pierce have one more run in them.
I think Boston is the most likely of the top three to fall out if the Hawks were to move up. Not saying I am predicting that, but if I had to choose one it would be Boston.
vava74
September 24th, 2009
9:19 am
newkid,
Thank you for digging up the right portuguese words to wrap up your post!
I assume that your nickname is a bit deceiving, taking in consideration the contents of your post.
If I had known, I would have been more careful with the contents of my own!!
In summary, I would like to say that Holland is always nice, even in Autumn. If you do go, check out the area around The Hague and Harlem (southwest from Amsterdam). There are some very nice towns over there.
Amsterdam has extremely nice museums which should occupy you at least 3 whole days. The most obvious ones: the Reijks Museum (where you’ll find the best of the flemish masters), van Gogh’s Museum and Rembrant’s Museum (his former house), Anne Frank’s House, …
5 Js
September 24th, 2009
9:28 am
Enter your comments here
I can’t wait to see the impact that Jamaal, Jason, Jeff, Joe, and maybe Jerry (Crawford, Collins, Teague, Smith and Stackhouse) will bring to the Hawks!
Go Hawks!
GeeMack
September 24th, 2009
9:29 am
dos hawkquis
I agree with you. Orlando is a better team. Those who thinks there will be chemistry issues I beg to differ. Vince is a 10 year vet with an oppurtunity to compete for a championship. Veterans know how to adapt.
If any thing there will be more chemistry issues with the Hawks than the Magic. Young guys create chemistry issues, because they are still trying to make their mark on the league.
I see the Hawks as the 4th seed as well. I think as Hawks fans we are not looking at teams like the Wizards who are instantly better if Arenas is back healthy. Washinton has 3 bonifide all stars in their starting line up & a 7 foot defensive minded, shot blocking center. That averaged 10ppg on a team that featured 3 20ppg scorers.
GeeMack
September 24th, 2009
9:45 am
Daniel,
I think KG PP & Ray have at least 3 years where they can play at their current level. Daniels, Big Baby, & Perkins are all younger and able to spell those guys for long periods of time.
I think boston will a contender for the next 2 years.
The Cavs same thing they will be contenders as long as LBJ is there. Also they have over 30 million coming off the cap through Big Z and Shaq.
Hoops
September 24th, 2009
9:49 am
It will be interesting to see how a change in ownership affects the future of the Nets. Has the NBA ever had a non American owning a team?
rms
September 24th, 2009
9:51 am
Hoops: NEVER!!
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
10:04 am
GeeMack- I am going to respectfully disagree with you about Boston. Ray had a pretty lackluster season (by his standards) last year. KG’s knee problems have never been fully explained and are likely to be worsened over a season. Paul has always been a mystery to me; I have thought he was done before.
Now, let me be clear I am not saying this will happen to the Celtics this year. I am say IF (BIG IF) the Hawks were to crack the top three then which team would have to have fallen out. Of Orlando, Boston or Clevland… I am going with Boston as the most likely candidate. Who would you choose?
Mike
September 24th, 2009
10:08 am
There arent many roster spots left with 12 already signed and if we land Stackhouse that is 13 under contract. Meaning Siler, Hunter, Sims, Mario, Frank RObinson and Juan Dixon are all fighting for one maybe 2 spots. I’d like to see us find a way to drop Randolph so we can keep 2 of these young guys.
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
10:09 am
As far as Clevland goes, I see this year as their last real shot. I really expect LeBron to go to NY/NJ. Just my feeling.
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
10:10 am
Mike- I 100% support any effor to drop Randolph Morris from this team!!!!
GeeMack
September 24th, 2009
10:12 am
Daniel,
I would say the Cavs, because Shaq is on borrowed time. The one thing you know about KG Ray & PP they have always taken care of their bodies, and this is when it comes into play later in your career.
Melvin
September 24th, 2009
10:40 am
Considering there are no major injuries, I think Boston is the team to beat. Orlando squeak by them last season because they didn’t have KG. Had KG been healthy, Celtics would have repeated (Sorry Kobe but KG punks Gasol/Odom everything time). Now add a healthy KG, Rasheed and Daniels this year team could be stronger than the 2008 team. Cavs and Magic made some nice additions but i don’t believe they will be stronger than the guys in green.
Hopefully we will signed Stackhouse b/c I can see him in Boston before the season is over if we dont.
PDubATL
September 24th, 2009
10:58 am
Melvin, keep in mind that Orlando didn’t have Jameer Nelson in that series and Rafer couldn’t keep up defensively with Rondo. Were both teams healthy, I think it would’ve been a fairly evenly matched series. Either team could have had a shot to win in 7 (and as it was, both teams lost a game at home).
macaroni tony
September 24th, 2009
11:25 am
Melvin,
The Celtics maybe the team to beat but, I beat you that KG will not punk Artest. People better hope that he’s back healthy, and you want punk JS also. It’s ON: Go Hawks.
Sautee
September 24th, 2009
11:27 am
GeeMack,
“If any thing there will be more chemistry issues with the Hawks than the Magic. Young guys create chemistry issues, because they are still trying to make their mark on the league.”
This is my biggest worry about this team. If the frontcourt doesn’t see their touches increased, we WILL have chemistry problems IMHO, because they are all ready for a bigger role. Touches doesn’t necessarily mean scoring chances, but we need the ball to move more.
I sure do hope Joe, Bibby and Crawford are aware of this.
The Truth
September 24th, 2009
11:31 am
Ariose
Regarding your September 24th, 2009
1:58 am post:
This will be the code:
In that order
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
11:52 am
GeeMack- true that Shaq is larger, but PP has never been a physical specimen. I wonder how healthy Garnett really will be. I will give you Ray is always in peak form.
I could see the Shaq thing blowing up in Clevland, plus all the angst about LeBron leaving could add enough distractions to the team that they slip.
Can’t wait for the season to start
bigdave
September 24th, 2009
12:06 pm
Sautee…
in coach Woodson’s offense touches mean iso and try to score… by the time you figure out if you have a good look the shot clock is at 3 secs and the fun begins…!!
Hoops
September 24th, 2009
12:07 pm
Daniel,
Not to mention the D. West saga!
HGN /KEN
September 24th, 2009
12:16 pm
I sure hope Woody is not afraid to use his bench this year. I know that last year and the year before he had a lot of scrubbs and had been pressure to win. Regardless of that fact, and the fact that most of those scrubbs players are out of basketball or traded and are now scrubbs on someone else’s bench, I want to take the time to ignore facts and hate on Woodson anyway. Although I know Woody has increased win totals every year in the Hawks rebuilding, has given the fans an exciting and improving product, Id like to slander him anyway. Woodson I know you have done a great job and we are now a fourth seed and playoff material, but Id like to ignore that and say dont be scare of losing and give the Hawks and its fans a chance to win.Yes. you have already done that and the city and team appreciate you very much. Id just like to spread some doubt and ignorance and hate towards you. When you earn the forth seed and lose the second round im going to ignore the fact that you dont have a center and cant compete with out one at the higher levels. I will hate on you regardless, Coz thats what I do.
Hate
niremetal
September 24th, 2009
12:40 pm
The Rockets have figured out the secret to NBA success…playing “tag”
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6632311.html
vava74
September 24th, 2009
12:44 pm
We should not be worried about Woody. He is bound to either improve or be canned midway the year.
Sund has played his cards perfectly: since he has not extended him now, I am 100% sure that he has told Woody the following:
1. Here are the guys you were missing and kept asking;
2. Play them, spare the starting five and evolve our offensive sets;
3. If you improve from last season without resorting again to ISO-Joe and without reaching the playoffs with the starting five exhausted and if we have a good second round showing (not necessarily winning the series), we will extend you.
4. If you fail to improve your offensive schemes and continue to rely on ISO-Joe, we will fire you before the end of the year.
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
1:03 pm
you know guys, the people that blog about the Falcons are crazy!!! We have a couple of annoying posters (truth serum) but he and his many names doesn’t come close to the wackos over there. I love the Falcons, but it is painful to even read
I MUS WRITE
September 24th, 2009
1:59 pm
I think we finish 3rd behind Cleveland and Orlando, We are not a better team than Orlando but we should able to give Boston fits this year. Rasheed Wallace was’nt that big of an upgrade-at this point he’s a 6′11 3pt gunner ala Donyell Marshall
Courtney Sims will make the team, Siler,Hunter,Mario…UP IN SMOKE
Hell he might even get sum playinbg time,Collins and Morris are just insurance policies -Sims really has a decent game and size to match….Its gonna be hard for him to get minutes as the 3rd PF but when given the chance to play i think he will show alot better than SOLO/Morris etc….
Y are these folks questioning the production of Crawford……AC/Speedy=8.2 milli a year Crawford-10 milli…………………Wow 1.2 mill a year-uhhhm yeah ….GET OVER IT
Dos Hawkquis
September 24th, 2009
1:59 pm
HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING,
What if things don’t go as predicted for the Hawks? How many losses and by when would it take before you consider giving the Wooden one the proverbial axe?
Also, what would our record have to be to consider trading JJ? He may not re-sign with us, thus we get nothing for him. Trade him by the deadline and you may get some serviceable parts for him.
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks!! Stay thirsty my friends!!”
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
2:24 pm
Dos- I prefer not to think about a scenario where things blow up so badly for the Hawks that we trade JJ mid season or fire Woodson.
C’mon man that is just a downer.
IMUS- anything more than just a gut feeling about Sims?
Dos Hawkquis
September 24th, 2009
2:28 pm
DANIEL,
I hear you buddy, but I am the type of person who looks at both ends of the spectrum, preparing for the worse, but expecting the best. If the worse case scenario happens, I have an exit strategy, if the best happens, that was expected.
I think that too many times leaders are short-sighted and don’t have an exit strategy to what at first appeared to be a good idea. I just wanted to know what numbers would make people say that both have to go.
I still want the Hawks to go as far as possible.
BESIDES, I AM BORED AT WORK!!
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.”
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
3:37 pm
DOS- that is hilarious. I am going to stick with 52 wins. Team gets shaken up if it sub .500 and doesn’t make the playoffs. Unless like 4 of the starters have season ending injuries or something you may not over react. See what you have me doing talking about injuries… I am not going to get sucked in Dos…. Dang you.
Dos Hawkquis
September 24th, 2009
3:45 pm
I, Dos Hawkquis, being of sound mind and body, we would to recant all statements regarding the negative possiblities surrounding the Hawks!!
Sincerely,
Dos Hawkquis
#1 Hawk Fan since ‘85
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.”
rob
September 24th, 2009
4:25 pm
jj is overated
Dos Hawkquis
September 24th, 2009
4:31 pm
ROB,
I agree!! JJ is overrated and he is definitely not worth 18mil/per. With 5 seconds left on the clock, we are down by 1pt. JJ doesn’t want to take the last shot. JSmoove will, though.
Everytime that I suggest that the Hawks will be okay, if JJ opted out, people freak out and talk about his 3 all-star appearances and how “clutch” he is.
IF WE LOSE JJ, THE HAWKS WILL BE OKAY!!
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.”
rob
September 24th, 2009
4:36 pm
dwight howard takes on a mariachi band.
rob
September 24th, 2009
4:42 pm
por mexicans getting bullied by superman
rob
September 24th, 2009
5:05 pm
I mean poor
GeeMack
September 24th, 2009
5:22 pm
Dos Hawkquis
Man I wish I would have thought of that name a slogan first. I absoultely love it.
Dos Hawkquis
September 24th, 2009
3:45 pm
I, Dos Hawkquis, being of sound mind and body, we would to recant all statements regarding the negative possiblities surrounding the Hawks!!
Sincerely,
Dos Hawkquis
#1 Hawk Fan since ‘85
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.” Lol!
Former Energy MVP Sims Opens Eyes- Energy Hoopla – Iowa Energy Basketball Social Site
September 24th, 2009
5:37 pm
[...] It’s no surprise to those that followed the Energy that Courtney Sims is making a great first impression at the Atlanta Hawks training camp. Per the Atlanta Journal Constitution. [...]
SUPER NUTTZ
September 24th, 2009
5:44 pm
What is Wack is stumbling on to this ignorant bubba cult where this crew of Dic Breath haters, continue to call the Good work of Woodson with distain and hatred. The bottom line is the Hawks will finish fouth, bow out in the second round because they dont have a legit center and all you haters will still be here hating. Woodson will finish in the top ten of the coaches polls again this year, this cell of anti Woodson sentiment will continue only on this site. Woodson will get his extention and you guys will hate him more. Now, hate on.
SUPER NUTTZ
September 24th, 2009
5:47 pm
THE RADIO TELEVISON PERSONALITY WOULD BE A PERFECT FIT IN THE BUBBA BLOG CELL. HIS HATE AND THE BUBBA POSSES HATE IS ABOUT THE SAME.
SUPER NUTTZ
September 24th, 2009
5:47 pm
THAT IS IMUS
MannyT
September 24th, 2009
6:19 pm
GeeMack, that’s why he IS the most interesting Hawks Fan in the world
You can catch up if you start doing things like speaking French in Russian!
Niremetal, So it was the Houston Rockets that took all those kids harnesses from the the kiddie playgrounds. What will Mike Myers/Phillip do when he finds out?
BWAF
Ramon
September 24th, 2009
6:30 pm
Daniel, I can say you’ve made reasonable predictions. I will say though I think Cleveland has the greatest chance of all to fall to the 4th spot. Out of all of their moves, they didn’t add any consistent shooters. So there will be many games where you can double down the post (Shaq) and not worry about a deadly spot up shooter attacking you. Another thing is, Lebron has been healthy since he’s enter the league. And I don’t want to jinx the man, but its hard to believe he won’t end up having to miss at least ten games this season. Also remember Leon Powe will be out for a good while. So their depth at the 4 will be limited most of the season unless Hickson steps up.
Another team I think is overrated is the Celtics. The Celtics formula worked wonderful long as Rondo was a pass first PG. But now that Rondo’s attitude has caught up to Pierce’s, his demand for FGA will be a falling rock that starts the landslide. Rasheed and Garnett sounds great on paper, but neither really prefer to be on the block. So if you have Allen, Wallace, and Garnett both wanting to be around the perimeter to start their offensive stance, that leaves other teams at a strategic advantage when it come to rebounding. JMO
rob
September 24th, 2009
6:37 pm
mike woodson has only improve the hawk’s record every year so why hate?
espn
September 24th, 2009
6:46 pm
this year I see lakers againts boston or cleaveland in the nba finals
niremetal
September 24th, 2009
7:27 pm
Actually, I take credit for the Dos Hawkquis name, although my proposal was “Dos Hawquis.” But I might have to reneg on that credit if he keeps talking crazy sh!t about JJ, who has hit more than a couple big shots with the game on the line.
And when has Josh ever taken the last shot? I remember him throwing a tantrum when Woody didn’t give him the last shot once, and I think that was as close as he ever got. I also distinctly remember him passing to Bibby when he could have taken the last shot earlier this year (which was the right move). So where exactly is this evidence that Josh is fearless in the clutch and JJ somehow shies away.
Taking the last shot isn’t Josh’s game. He’s not a jump shooter. Even he’ll tell you that at this point. I can see an argument that Josh could/will a better all-around player than JJ if he plays a bit more within himself, but I’ll always rather leave the “last shots” for the shooters.
I MUS WRITE
September 24th, 2009
7:43 pm
Daniel-I just based that on his numbers from the D League from last year, 20/10 D League MVP. Thats respectable IMO…. Last year we had 5 guys on the roster that wouldnt give u that type production if they were over there so…..
espn
September 24th, 2009
7:57 pm
If Josh Smith can learn to shoot like JJ, he would be just like Lebron. Both Lebron and Smith dunk with power and both can block shots. So josh learn to shoot, so you can be the next Lebron!
niremetal
September 24th, 2009
8:01 pm
So josh learn to shoot, so you can be the next Lebron!
Yeah, because it’s that easy.