A fresh start
I know you didn't see enough of rookie point guard Jeff Teague against Portland. Who wants to be their lunch money that he plays big minutes against Sacramento tonight?
SACRAMENTO – Before you finish your sentence complaining about Jeff Teague not playing against Portland and Joe Johnson playing too much, chew on one thing.
What if you are not alone? What if you’re not the only fan base whose general manager, coach, star player, sixth-man and last man on the roster drive you crazy?
What, you thought you cornered the market on being ticked off?
You are not.
Our good friend Nire passed along this message earlier today (or last night or whenever, being out west throws off my equilibrium, even after all these years of covering the league):
It’s always funny to me reading Blazers fan blogs and seeing how not alone Hawks fans are in our neuroses. Blazers fans have their own Mike Bibby (Andre Miller), JJ (Brandon Roy), Josh Smith (Travis Outlaw), Marvin Williams (Martell Webster), Teague (Jerryd Bayless), Al Horford (Greg Oden), and Zaza Pachulia (Joel Przybilla). They even talk about Nate McMillan almost exactly like we talk about Mike Woodson. Seriously, it’s uncanny. I just emailed Big Ray a series of blog posts from BlazersEdge where you could just substitute in the Hawks’ player’s names and it would be a typical comment section in your blog. My favorites:
“Brandon has dribblexia”
“Oden needs to be further integrated into the offense—immediately!”
“This team has needed a defensive-minded off guard — not a floor general (i.e., Miller), midget shooting guard (i.e, Bayless), or athletically challenged off guard (i.e., Steve Blake) — so Kevin Pritchard not trading for Kirk Hinrich midway through last season is inexcusable in my opinion.”
But why be like everybody else when you can move on? This is the time for a fresh start for your team and for you as fans. The Sacramento Kings await tonight at Arco Arena. They’re a new challenge, something else to focus on.
Win another game out here and then you can really start getting crazy about what could be in this first month of the season. Either way, I’m moving on tonight. No more griping about Mo Evans seeing limited minutes against the Trail Blazers after playing so well up until that game. I’m done taking shots at Marvin because he can’t seem to find his groove.
It’s time for a fresh start (tip off is at 10 p.m., don’t be late).
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
861 comments Add your comment
Grandad
November 6th, 2009
2:02 pm
Rod f C P: What if you are both right.
I MUS WRITE
November 6th, 2009
2:09 pm
I dont always do rap music but when i do its got to be the “NO CEILING” mixtape by LIL Wayne- I swear this is the best mixtape i’ve ever heard hands down. This man is the best lyricist in the game period- This is a must hear-Dude is killn Jay Z on his own tracks-my god
” The pistol means bussiness that BYT_H should have a tie on”
O'Brien
November 6th, 2009
2:18 pm
I MUS,
I know some of us are complaining about minutes already, although we’re 4-1. But Woody does not change much during the season, so the way he is now is usually the way he is after 60 games. And we dont want JJ to be tired/worn down (or hurt) at the end of the season (or playoffs). Last year, JJ averaged 39 mpg, this year he averages 38 mpg.
And if Bibby gets hurt, Teague will have to get more minutes anyway, so why not develop him more from now.
Maybe we are nitpicking, but we are also looking big picture, and down the road.
kwooden1
November 6th, 2009
2:21 pm
SEKOU, you’re the only reason I started blogging and the only reason I read blogs. (This being the only blog I read) I’m certain that you will do very well at your next position and all of the ones after. You be missed here and hopefully you can stop by from time to time.
Take care and Congratulations!
kwooden1
November 6th, 2009
2:29 pm
What I’m seeing is that Woody isn’t playing Teague that much because he likes the line-up of JJ, JC, Bibby or JC and Bibby. He likes having another shooter on the floor and Teague’s shot isn’t there yet. Clearly Teague should be getting more minutes but I’m not overly concerned. Woody coaches every game by what happens during the game and not by planned agenda’s. Teague looks like a keeper and should be well into the rotation by the end of the season.
GO HAWKS!
Ken Strickland
November 6th, 2009
2:30 pm
KEVINA-I understand perfectly what you’re saying about distribution of shots. However, the unequal distribution of shots taken on our team is propotional to the unequal distribution of scoring ability on our team. You must factor in the fact that our OFF is designed to accomodate the outshooting ability JJ and Bibby, while addressing Bibby’s limited PG skills. Horford and Smoove just aren’t offensively talented enough to be consistent scorers on their own, and Marvin isn’t asked to do so in this OFF. If you replaced Bibby with Teague as the starting PG, you’d see an increase in shots taken and scoring from Horford, Marvin and Smoove.
The entire NBA knows Bibby and JJ are deadly shooters with range, especially when taking uncontested shots. They also know neither is as good at making contested outside shots. Our entire OFF is so much better when Teague and/or Crawford are running the point, instead of Bibby. They have the ability to quickly penetrate and collapse the DEF, which creates open scoring opportunities for everyone else. Bibby just can’t do that, especially on a consistent basis.
IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE THAT THINKS BIBBY COULD HAVE ATTACKED THE DEF THE WAY TEAGUE DID IN THE 2ND HALF AGAINST THE LAKERS OR CRAWFORD DID AGAINST PORTLAND AND SACRAMENTO? With Teague as our starting PG, we might be able to eliminate the slow OFF starts that seems to be plaguing us so far. Crawford can continue serving as our own version of the MICROWAVE and Bibby can be our combo PG/SG coming off the bench.
Crawford provides the major upgrade to our bench, while Teague would provide a major upgrade to our starting lineup. Can you imagine the problems Teague would create for the PG’s of the big 3 in the East? Even if we don’t start Teague, playing he and Bibby about 20-21MPG each would probably be just as effective.
kwooden1
November 6th, 2009
3:06 pm
Ken, I agree with your assessment of Teague’s abilities over Bibby’s but right now he’s not ready to start. The team trusts Bibby’s leadership and he takes and makes big shots. Bibby won games for the team last year and Woody wants that type of leadership on the court. Teague deserves more minutes and more time to develop his shot, but I think starting him at this point would be counter productive. I think Teague should be getting between 10-15 minutes a game and Bibby should be around 28-30mins. Bibby is effective enough on defense and penetrating for stretches, but he can’t do it for an entire game. Teague can get Bibby the rest he needs, while having time on the court to develop.
GO HAWKS!!
Ken Strickland
November 6th, 2009
3:25 pm
I MUS WRITE-you have me confused with someone else. I was the one making the point about why FLIP wouldn’t/shouldn’t be resigned. Apparently his ballhogging style alienated some of our key players. He had almost as many turnovers as assists, and he contributed very little without the ball in his hands. Don’t get me wrong, I liked Flip, and appreciated some of the elements he brought to the team. But apparently he brought some elements that weren’t appreciated by the team.
SAUTEE-I’m surprised you remember our resident psycho, TRUTH SERUM, making that totally insane statement to me, which turned out to be only one of several.
Sautee
November 6th, 2009
3:44 pm
Rod,
Excuse my ignorance, but what exactly have you PROVEN?
I KNOW that you don’t like Marvin’s game. Is THAT what you mean?
Rod, there’s no need for us to go round and round about Marvin. We think differently about him, but as you know, I AGREE with SOME of what you say about him, but I think you tend to over-exaggerate Marvin’s faults and belittle his contributions. I’m disappointed in him so far, and don’t think he’ll EVER be what we’d hope a #2 pick would be, BUT, he’s only 23 and will get better and contribute more as he becomes more experienced. You sometimes act as if he contributes NOTHING, which is not only untrue, but undermines your credibility on the issue, at least for me.
Marvin has already proven to all of us that he was picked too highly. THAT’S NOT HIS FAULT! No player can “choose” where he’s picked in the draft.
And believe it or not, Rod, I was NOT thinking of you when I wrote that post. In fact, you didn’t cross my mind in that regard until you posted. I was thinking of our long lost buddy Astro Joe, whose intransigence about Crawford was noteworthy.
dap01
November 6th, 2009
3:47 pm
Teague and Crawford play like guards should play. They can break anyone down and get to the basket, pass it to a big for an easy shot or get to the free throw line.
Nice to see.
Give Teague more minutes.
Sautee
November 6th, 2009
3:52 pm
Ken S,
Yeah, for an old guy, my memory is still pretty good. Although SOME things I’d LOVE to forget, if you know what I mean.
terrell barron
November 6th, 2009
3:55 pm
Imus, you sure about that? I thought Ken loved the trade. I know I did. Whoever complained about that deal are clueless. Ken is smarter than that. At least I thought he was.
Grandad
November 6th, 2009
3:56 pm
K S: Another factor in shot distribution is thats the way Woody wants it. Joe has to make all-stars. Bibby is his guy. Remember when we first got Bibby; Woody – “If he doesn’t like the offense, then he can change it” which may be his most assinine statement ever. even if Bibby could probably improve anything Woody concocted(off.); you still don’t say that. Now I’m angry all over again. As for Teague…suppose for a min. Chris Paul was a rookie, I honestly believe he would be sitting as well. I actually heard some folks say Teager might be in the running for ROY. Well not now. AND goodness gracious sakes alive when (not if) we do challenge for the title it’s gonna be with Teague not Bibby running theshow. I’m not knocking Bibby either, you just have to let the pup on the floor NOW. Without exp. he’s not gonna be any more ready tomorrow,the next day, next wk., next month…you do not get exp. by osmosis. Sorry, I got carried away.
terrell barron
November 6th, 2009
3:56 pm
Btw, is Acie Law still in the league?
Clyde
November 6th, 2009
4:18 pm
We are going to regret re-signing Marvin, Bibby, and Zaza in the summer of 2010.
Truth-Serum
November 6th, 2009
4:56 pm
Man the things I will say and do just to get some attention around here! If it weren’t for Ken, nobody would exchange conversation with me at all! I hate Ken but I love him at the same time. I hate to love him and love to hate him. I’m a stalker’s nightmare or would that be daydream!
Grandad
November 6th, 2009
5:07 pm
I disagree clyde, Zaza may very well be the best bargain of the three. Bibby is a perfectly fine mentor for Jeff. Last and quite frankly Marv is our best trade chip. I’m not saying we should trade him, before you put me in the anti-Marv category. He has a great contract to keep or trade. We have not had a trade chip in quite a while. Somehow, we eventually, must find a big for a true championship run. Joe has to put his cards on the table before the trade deadline(with Mr. Sund). Then he [Sund] will know which path to take. Having them[Z,Bibby,Marv]under contract gives us both flexibility and the ability to compete; unlike the Knicks.
Sautee
November 6th, 2009
5:33 pm
Clyde,
Don’t they all 3 have affordable contracts? Any of the 3 could be a good acquisition for the right team, and all the more so, since they have reasonable contracts for this market. I’m not looking to trade any of them, but their contract status, in my opinion, would not impede their being included in a deal in 2010.
JeJe
November 6th, 2009
5:43 pm
BENCH MARVIN WILLIAMS. SEND HIM TO THE NBDL SO HE CAN LEARN HOW TO PLAY. HE IS NOT AVERAGING 14 PPG. LOOK AT HIS NUMBERS THIS YEAR, IDIOTS
cp
November 6th, 2009
6:15 pm
Ken S was one of the biggest fans of the trade for Crawford so I think he is being confused with someone else. I clearly remember him going in detail about how this trade was a steal for us and how Crawford brought an element to this team that Flip didn’t.
I hope we get to see Teague tonight for more than 5 minutes.
Ken Strickland
November 6th, 2009
6:29 pm
KWOODEN1-I don’t know what Teague has done so far that would give you, or anyone else for that matter, the idea he’s not ready to start now. If he’s not, he certainly won’t reach that point with Woodson giving him the ALaw treatment. DO YOU THINK THE NBA WOULD HAVE YOUNG ALLSTARS LIKE CPAUL, DROSE AND DWILLIAMS PRODUCING THE WAY THEY ARE IF THEY PLAYED UNDER A HC THAT THINKS ABOUT THEM THE WAY WOODSON AND YOU THINK ABOUT TEAGUE? Teagie is ready to start, it’s Woodson and his love affair with vets, especially with Bibby, that’s not ready for him to start.
Did you see the last 2 gms? While Crawford hit some key jumpshots throughout the gm, it was his penetration and attacking the basket that made the difference. Although Teague can’t hit the 3 like Bibby, how many can, he can do virtually everything else that Bibby can’t do. We all know Bibby isn’t going to get any quicker, faster, shoot any better or improve overall. So how is he going to make us better as a team playing 31MPG.
Here’s my point. You’re right, Teague can’t shoot the 3 like Bibby, and probably never will, but does he need too? However, Bibby can’t consistently penetrate, breakdown DEF’s or create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. Between the two attributes, which do you really think would benefit this team the most. Bibby’s 3pt shooting ability or Teague’s ability to breakdown DEF’s, draw fouls and create easy inside scoring opportunities for Smoove, Horford, Zaza, JSmith and/or Marvin?
TERRELL BARRON-you’re right about that. FLIP took more shots than Chills(795 to 570), played fewer MPG(24.7 to 29.9MPG), yet barely managed to outscore him(12.2PPG to 11.8PPG).
truly1
November 6th, 2009
6:57 pm
Its mighty funny how everyone was complained about Joe johnson coming out of the game in the laker game. The media asked woody the question why did jj come out. Now Woody said in his mind I will teach you guys every since teague hasnt been getting minutes. WOODY SET ALL YOU GUYS UP THAT WAS COMPLAINING
bigdave
November 6th, 2009
6:59 pm
LETS GET IT…!! 3-1 ROAD TRIP!! LETS GO MAN!!!
truly1
November 6th, 2009
7:00 pm
Ken I dont know about starting but he should be getting real minutes for sure. What woody did is said ok since you guys was complaining I dont like to play rookies anyway so I going to give teagues minutes to JJ. I also think sekou was complaining as well
rms
November 6th, 2009
7:10 pm
trying to find sekou is about as hard as trying to find waldo? where is this dude at? Does he ever read his own blog and respond to some of the questions the fans ask? not saying that he can answer all of them but I am sure he knows more than we do.
O'Brien
November 6th, 2009
7:14 pm
I am okay with Teague coming off the bench. But he should play 10-15 minutes every game. The Nuggets are undefeated, but yet they find time to play Ty Lawson 21 minutes per game. Obviously, the Nuggets have blown people out, but still…
In 5 games, Lawson has played 26, 17, 22, 13, 28 minutes.
In 5 games, Teague has played 14, 9, 17, 0, and 5 minutes.
That being said, lets beat Charlotte, and get Teague some PT.
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
November 6th, 2009
7:17 pm
Is it a rule or something for the Hawks to always let the other team jump the gun and get the early lead. Why do we start so slow???
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
November 6th, 2009
7:18 pm
marvin had a nice block
O'Brien
November 6th, 2009
7:19 pm
I like Charlotte’s ball movement.
Also, this is where our depth is HUGE. Josh with 2 quick fouls…
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
November 6th, 2009
7:22 pm
I wonder will Charlotte put up a good fight for the 8th spot this year…
BONE
November 6th, 2009
7:24 pm
Nique said Heat Check lord help us
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
November 6th, 2009
7:25 pm
lmao@Rathbun was silent after he said it probably thinkin “not again”
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
November 6th, 2009
7:26 pm
lol@marvin williams literally “bird walkin”
such a duck
BONE
November 6th, 2009
7:29 pm
I don’t even know what to think of this game. I mean we always get outplayed by the bobcats.
J.J.M.
November 6th, 2009
7:29 pm
no idea why they start so slow
J.J.M.
November 6th, 2009
7:31 pm
whats the point of using a mouthpiece?
DecDawg
November 6th, 2009
7:32 pm
Good to see Woody try Crawford on Bell because JJ wasn’t having any success tryin’ to guard him…
bigdave
November 6th, 2009
7:33 pm
Flip…
J.J.M.
November 6th, 2009
7:33 pm
lol flip
BONE
November 6th, 2009
7:33 pm
finally teague is in
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
November 6th, 2009
7:35 pm
I hope Flip doesnt murder us tonight
Sautee
November 6th, 2009
7:41 pm
We gotta clamp down on D
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
November 6th, 2009
7:45 pm
so glad marvin didnt trip
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
November 6th, 2009
7:45 pm
man wdf is up with our Defense…..
J.J.M.
November 6th, 2009
7:46 pm
is josh hurt???
bigdave
November 6th, 2009
7:46 pm
come with Josh Woody…
BONE
November 6th, 2009
7:47 pm
Josh just has 2 fouls woody not 4 put him in.
J.J.M.
November 6th, 2009
7:48 pm
well that sucks
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
November 6th, 2009
7:52 pm
We’re making Charlotte look like a potent offensive team
Sautee
November 6th, 2009
7:55 pm
Awful defense, shooting too quickly on offense.