Coming to you from Boston

What’s up?

Just landed in Boston, quite literally. I’m sitting in baggage claim at Logan. (It’s not that cold here, actually.)

Anyway, nothing to throw at you, other than that I’m pretty fired up for Friday night’s tilt. I don’t know exactly what importance it carries for the Hawks themselves – I gather some of you are framing it as a “stand up to the bullies” sort of game – but hopefully I’ll get a better sense of that tomorrow before the game.

Anyway, I am going to shootaround Friday morning at the Fleet Center and wanted to bring you along, so to speak. If you want to give me some questions that you’d like me to ask, I’ll try to get to the best ones and give you answers hopefully before game time in another post.

It’s something I tried while covering and blogging about Tech last year. I don’t really remember how it worked out. I’ll give you some parameters or advice. A question like “Player X, which would you so your game resembles more – a vacuum cleaner or a black hole?” or “Player X, how do you sleep at night knowing you’re stealing money?” is probably not going to make the cut. I sense that these are questions some of you would really like to ask, but these are people I’m going to have to deal with practically daily for the next few weeks or months. Tough questions are fine, so long as they’re thoughtful and respectful.

Anyway, that’s about it. Sorry to post this so late in the cycle, but your deadline is probably about 8 a.m. (If this goes well, we’ll try it again another time.)

Catch ya later. Off to grab dinner and find my hotel.

P.S. I LOVE the passion you guys bring. Some of you probably want to check around for loose screws (ha ha), but great stuff.

160 comments Add your comment

KevinA

November 13th, 2009
1:11 pm

Mz. Hawkdafied,

That is a great question. I have no clue. I do agree with you that Woody is no master of minutes but Woody being Woody should be no suprise. Bench players do not get the same respect as starters. One bad rotation and your minutes may dissapear for a time. Even Evans who has played great finds it hard to find floor time. I also feel bad for Joe Smith and ZaZa. They also have been fine.

Daniel

November 13th, 2009
1:39 pm

Alright! Enough already! What the Heck are you guys going on and on about minutes for? We have played 8(EIGHT!!!!!!) 8, Eight!, 8 games!!!! This is a 82 game season. Jeff Teague has gotten more minutes than any other rookie pg on a playoff team this year!!! Za and Joe Smith have played plenty and definitely will tongight when the matchups favor it. Horford was going off. If Woody took out Horf last night all of you would be freaking out because he pulled him when he was hot. Remember the LA game and Joe Johnson?

What you are complaining about is just not true. One game in NY (a win mind you) after a 3 day lay off where Teague did not get into the game, is not a reason to sound the alarm!!!

Daniel

November 13th, 2009
1:45 pm

Just curious would you be happier with a Hawks loss and whatever imaginary minute distribution you have in your head gets met?

The argument for different minute distribution is based on developing a rotation for a long season and keeping starters fresh, right? Well, then you need to look at the season as a whole, look at where the minutes come from (home/away) when they come(after a break, on a back to back, etc..) and the matchups of that given team. Unless you look at those issues you have no business deciding what kind of rotation this team should have anyway, you are just being as narrow minded and stubborn as you accuse Woody of being.

No NBA insider even takes things like stats, minutes played, etc. seriously as trends until you have played at least 20 games.

Mz. Hawkdafied

November 13th, 2009
1:48 pm

LOL @Daniel. Now you see how I feel when you guys constantly discuss trades that will never happen. Okay I will leave the rotation and minutes alone and chillax. And nobody said take Horford out, what are you talking about?

Melvin

November 13th, 2009
1:50 pm

Daniel,

Are you saying the Jeff has gotten more playing time the Ty Lawson has with the Nuggets? I can’t look it up at the moment by I don’t think Teague has played more than Lawson.

MannyT

November 13th, 2009
1:55 pm

Melvin,

Ty Lawson averages about 22 mpg versus Teague’s 12 mpg.
In the head to head game Lawson played 27 mins while Teague played 16.

No surprise given Woody’s past history with rookies–especially rookie guards.

BWAF

Mz. Hawkdafied

November 13th, 2009
1:55 pm

Daniel calm your but down. This blog is filled with opinions. No opinion matters more than the other. now its okay to make an argument against what is stated. But I don’t think anyone commenting on this blog is an NBA expert. And sometimes experts are wrong. Never accused Woodson of being narrow minded. Just wanted to know where the depth went.

cp

November 13th, 2009
1:57 pm

lol terrell barron great post. The funny thing is that some on here just refuse to admit that the same thing Law went through is now happening to Teague… As you said he comes in and gives the ball to Crawford. Kevin A what ego shot is Teague taking? When I see him come in he penetrates and gets his teammates involved. Look at his assist numbers then look at his minutes. Then go look at our starting pg’s assist numbers. The young guy is better at setting up his teammates than our starting pg….. ray good comparison with the Hornets team. People keep yelling its only 8 games into the season but once again Woodson has done this before. Its not like he has a track record for doing anything different. Until i see some change I’m going to keep talking about it. And I don’t think Teague has played more minutes as a rookie pg on a playoff team, you might want to look that info up because I think its wrong.

Melvin

November 13th, 2009
2:07 pm

CP,

In the link I sent last night on Teague, Mo Evans talks about how Teague makes the game easier for him and his teammates. Bottom line, Woody refuses/fail to play any of his young PGs extended mins. It started with Salim, Acie and now Teague. Heck, can he at least give Teague some Royal Ivey mins. I bet he will produce more than Ivey… Just saying..

Daniel

November 13th, 2009
2:20 pm

MannyT in the Nuggets vs. Hawks game. 1) The Hawks won. 2) The Nuggets were playing the last night of a long road trip. 3) Lawson is the #1 pg off the bench, we have Crawford getting minutes there too.

Mz. Hawkdafied: 1) I was not directing my comments at you personally, just the tenor of the blog in general. So no disrespect. You know I think you always come with the good stuff. So, sorry if you felt I was giving you a hard time. We cool?

KevinA

November 13th, 2009
2:20 pm

Were just bored and pumped to see the 9th chapter in this years saga. I hope the bench gets all the minutes and go 100% FG% and have 60 assists. Better?

MannyT

November 13th, 2009
2:21 pm

Royal Ivey never seemed to fit in here. That whole start and sit thing was just weird. Looked like someone said Woody HAD TO start him…so he did.

Nevertheless, Ivey is still in the league (Philly) getting 9 mins/game at the bottom of the bench.

BWAF

Melvin

November 13th, 2009
2:26 pm

Daniel,
As for the Nuggest game, keep in mind that the Hawks just came off west coast trip and a back to back game with the Bobcats. So both teams should’ve had heavy legs.

MannyT,

The point I was making about Ivey was he got the consistent 5-10mis of playing time b/c he started. Give Teague that consistency and we will see better results.

KevinA

November 13th, 2009
2:34 pm

cp,

Kevin A what ego shot is Teague taking? That comment was about JJ and JC when they dribble, dribble, dribble and then shoot. Sry about the confusion.

In the Denver JT game he went 1-9. He should play like Rando – 83 assists with 80 shots. Key being more assists than shots. That makes everybody happy.

KevinA

November 13th, 2009
2:40 pm

Melvin,

I like Bibby starting but pull him after 6 min and give JT the next 6. If they did the same thing in the second half. He would at least get his 12 per. I do like Bibby fresh in the 4th qt if he’s hot. I think Jamal is so hot he gets those minutes. Woody loves a hot vet.

Melvin

November 13th, 2009
2:45 pm

On a side note,

If Josh has a monster game against the Celtics tonight on National TV and the Hawks win (considering the Hawks finished have a win record at the All-Star break) that may be enough to punch his All-Star ticket. Heck, a few extra high flying dunks and blocks he could be starting next to Lebron…LOL. This could be a coming out party for Josh…

Daniel

November 13th, 2009
2:50 pm

Teague is currently getting 12 minutes a game on average which places him around 20th league in minutes for rookies. Yes, Lawson is averaging more with Denver (who doesn’t have a Crawford type player). But, 12 minutes a game for a rookie pg? Is that not enough minutes? What is he supposed to get 20?
I just don’t see where Teague is suddenly this forgotten player because of the Knicks game.

Daniel

November 13th, 2009
2:52 pm

Melvin- I totally hope you are right about Josh, but I think it is still too early for the All-Star thing. He is playing great so far though. I am not arguing with you that Josh is playing All-Star calibre; I just have less faith in the national media and audience to notice it.

Grandad

November 13th, 2009
2:52 pm

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

1st – Samuel; weighing in on the Euro topic[I realize I missed a great deal of the discussion] but are you putting all Euro’s in the same category (skills). If so that would lead to a further debate:
1. T.Parker – quick
2. P.Gasol – not a stiff
3. Is Nash considered a Euro?
4. What about S. Americans?
5. Dirk…most assuredly an excellent player (agreed, no def.).
Just curious? > by the way > Gasol was the key player in the
Lakers championship. Not saying he’s better than Kobe
just that he was the missing ingredient.

Daniel > Some of that was for you. Pau Gasol one of the best
players in the league. Top ten? I didn’t say ability
I said players. Sometimes it’s not how much ath.
ability you have but how you play the game. The mindset
to submit yourself for the greater good. Just referencing
your remark about my ability to judge talent, and my idea
that more goes into it than pure ability. (”AI”)
Daniel, I did not intend this to be antagonistic.

Samuel again: KG did outplay Gasol (2 yrs. ago) and I must say I
rank K.Garnett as an all-timer.

My choice for a front line:
3- Battier
4- KG
5- Gasol
backups- Big Al, and Troy Murphy
Well rounded, multi faceted, team players.

Hawks best lineup:
*** 3 guard rotation *** ‘J.Teague would get significant min.’
4 – Josh…Al would back up
5 – Big Al…Zaza would play alot.
*** Bigger lineup when needed – Play Josh @ the 3, Al 4, Zaza 5
[Josh/slasher not a bomber]

Oh yeah Go Hawks
*one whole post and no critical remarks about “_____”

The Truth

November 13th, 2009
2:54 pm

Ken S

Thanks for the update. Nice to know our comments are being translated to the players and coaching staff.

Daniel

Good point; I love your passion of positive prospective. Yes, some bloggers are getting ahead of themselves as just winning is not enough. They want to win a certain way. They want the play to be cast a different way as it was scripted. But we all know this is not an actual acting play, this is live NBA Basketball. The coach in this case (not a director) has to adjust to real events as they happen. As previously mentioned, Woody, like most coaches, will go with the hot hand even if it is contrary to his plans. But we shouldn’t read too much into an isolated game until there is enough of a pattern. However, after witnessing the AC Law experiment, I can also relate to their concern though premature as it might be. Since Woody has a vested interest in Teague success, I do believe that during the course of this season, Teague will get an opportunity to make a difference in key games. But any extended playing time has to be earned and will not be automated. Playing under Woody, Teague has to be ready and play with a chip on his shoulder if he wants Woody’s attention. Instead of playing the “nice guy role” (as AC Law did), he needs to play mad or angry and impose his will. I’m surprise Josh hasn’t tipped him about this already since this was his past playbook. It’s called athletic arrogance.

Daniel

November 13th, 2009
2:59 pm

Grandad- Total respect. good post. Nash is not a Euro though. (Canadian, I know you know, but he has played only in the States)

question for you, I love Teague, you know that too. How many minutes is significant? Right now he is averaging 12 a game.

Melvin

November 13th, 2009
2:59 pm

Daniel,

It was just food for thought. If Josh keeps up the good play, we may
find his trip plays to Dallas for the All-Star game…

As for Teague, I would just like to see him play more during competitive games such as the Lakers, Knicks and Kings games. Woody tighten up the rotation and Teague sat the bench in those games…

littile dave

November 13th, 2009
3:01 pm

cant wait for tonight (tomorrow morning) ,its the first time i can watch the hawks on tv in england.they have never been on before, so its good bye to nba rip off .com GOOD TIMES

cp

November 13th, 2009
3:15 pm

Melvin I didnt see that link Can you re post it so I can read the article….KevinA ok I see what you’re saying now. In defense of Teague, I thought he got fouled at least 3 times going to the hole with no call. He does a great job of getting his teammates the ball so I’m not worried about his assist at all….. Law averaged more minutes than Teague has so far this year…The reason I want to see the kid get more minutes is because he does something not many of our guards do, penetrates and dishes the ball of creating easy shots for guys like Mo and Pachulia. Crawford is the only other guard who dies this.. Bibby is a spot up shooter at this point..

Daniel

November 13th, 2009
3:15 pm

Congrats littile dave: I am a Liverpool fan here and we finally started getting the UEFA league on Fox Sports South. Of course just in time for Gerard to get hurt and the team play like $#%*#$. But, that is another issue.

Melvin, the three games you mentioned were also on the road. I hear you that you want more Teague in crunch time. So who sits then? Johnson, Crawford or Bibby? You know the guy is only 19.

cp

November 13th, 2009
3:15 pm

I meant to say Law averaged more minutes his rookie year than Teague has so far.

Daniel

November 13th, 2009
3:16 pm

Melvin- I am 100% with you on Josh.

Grandad

November 13th, 2009
3:26 pm

Daniel: It’s not so much the amount of minutes but the consistency
with which their dispersed. Example; 20 min. in a blowout, win or loss,
avgd. wi. 0 min. in a game with real live [game situations] could avg. out to 12 or so but would not be meaningful. He needs quality playing time with the 1st unit + Jamal/Zaza. Honestly I have discovered that the best way to go about that is to start a player and then you do not have to worry about it if the game is tight or “crunch” time. Plus thats when you want Bibby in the game anyway. To answer your question,
I would guess @ least 30 % of the game. After all isn’t he the future
if and when[whomever]decides to have championship aspirations and not settle for 4th place and 2nd round?

Melvin

November 13th, 2009
3:35 pm

CP,

Here’s the link to the Teague article i posted last night.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=14314

Daniel

November 13th, 2009
3:42 pm

Grandad- 30% of the game is roughly 12 minutes, which is what he is getting. Any concern about putting his development ahead of team goals? Should a 19 year old rookie be asked to play crunch time on the road in his first month in the NBA? Seems like your criteria for the most part are being met.

Daniel

November 13th, 2009
3:43 pm

I don’t think the team or the fans are settling for fourth place and the 2cd round.

Melvin

November 13th, 2009
3:55 pm

Daniel,

Maybe my post was a little confusing in regards to Teague. I just want to see him get more mins on a consistent basis, I was not saying he has to/should be in there at crunch time. But there are opportunities to play him during the end/start of the 1/2 and 3/4 qtrs. I wasn’t saying he should be rush into crunch time action unless he’s very effective during a particular game which is probably the rule that you can apply for every player on the team. Ride the hot guy to finished the game.

Mike is back

November 13th, 2009
4:04 pm

Ken what’s up,
My question to Woody…has he considered bringing Marvin of the bench to help him work through his struggles and regain some confidence.

Another question to Woody…would he considered a lineup of JJ, Bibby, Smoove at SF, Joe Smith at PF, and AL at center…or JJ, Bibby, Smoove at SF, AL at PF, and Zaza at center should Marvin struggles continue.

The reason I asked the question is that if Woody would to seriously consider bringing Marvin off the bench…unlike most…I think that Woody would have to go with a big to compensate for the loss of Marvin size and length…unless it’s a team like NY. Heh heh

My question to Marvin…have you considered going back to your mid-range game, penetrating and going to the hole more to get your rhythm back, perhaps that could help you get your mojo back.

My question to Joe Smith…what the biggest difference in the Hawks offensive scheme versus the previous scheme he has played in.

On the subject of playing time for the reserves and mixing up the rotations…I have read some very compelling arguments that are right on point. However, I cannot criticize Woody when the team is 6-2. I would have love to seen Teague matched up against Douglas…that’s not the last game we play against NY…it could still happen. Nor can I overlook the improved play by the team. Right now they are on pace to double their road wins…Al and Josh are getting more touches in the post…like I said about BIG SHOT BIBBY on the previous blog…this is a tough crowd.

I think tonight’s game is huge for the Hawks…one because they have been listless against the elite teams of the league in PRIME TIME. Two because Boston will definitely by out to send a message and remove any doubt about whether the Hawks can compete with them. Three the Hawks seldom get to play in the limelight…so I’m sure hoping the Hawks want to send a message of their own. If the Hawks can compete with Boston…then they can compete with anyone.

I JUST DON’T WANT TO SEE SHELLHEAD HAVE HIS CAREER NIGHT AGAINST US…that would be too much stomach. lol

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MannyT

November 13th, 2009
4:04 pm

Daniel, I put the minutes up there because Melvin made the inquiry.

I think Melvin made the key point. Give Teague some consistency like Ivey got. No need to start him. If Teague knows he gets 5 minutes in the 2nd quarter every game (unless he is making major mistakes) it will give him some of the consistency that players use to understand their roles.

(For example, in the Chills days, he usually came into the game halfway though the 1st quarter for Marvin.)

The minutes Teague gets in the 2nd half are based on how he plays and the situation.

This would be better than sometimes you play, sometimes you don’t…unless Woody is a psychologist. And if he is a psychologist, his methods have not done much for most of the younger players.

BWAF

Johnny Hazeltine

November 13th, 2009
4:15 pm

I’m just saying:

DO NOT resign Joe Johnson this offseason. While he has been great for the Hawks, they’d be in much better shape if they saved their money for the summer of 2012 when CHRIS PAUL becomes a free agent. You know he’s not coming back to New Orleans, and Bibby’s contract will expire that very same summer. Chris Paul can/should wear a Hawks uniform!

Johnny Hazeltine

November 13th, 2009
4:20 pm

Maybe the Hawks could sign McGrady for a two year deal while waiting for Paul.

Celts Win Again

November 13th, 2009
4:21 pm

Not only will the Hawks lose tonight, I can even tell you who will hurt them the most; Rhondo and just to tweak you Sheldon Williams.

KevinA

November 13th, 2009
4:25 pm

MannyT,

I am with you on JT consistent minutes at the same time in the 1st or 2nd qt. I would include Jamal, ZaZa and Evans. After the 1st set of rotations then play the hot or better players. I would think this would help with chemistry issues also. Your top 9 players at least get shot at showing up. I vote you for Woody for a day.

KevinA

November 13th, 2009
4:33 pm

Celts Win Again,

I think Rondo is great and glad Sheldon is playing good. If we bring our A game the win will be in question. We have lost like 9 in a row and the Celtics are very good but we are getting better every year. At some point soon the tide will turn. Over the next 4 years our core players will be in their prime. Yours will be in the Hall of Fame.

Grandad

November 13th, 2009
4:34 pm

Daniel: perhaps I should have been a little more specific “@ least 30 %”
maybe I should have said 33 %, or 1/3rd of the game. Hard #’s;
16-18m min. But I was trying not to put hard numbers on the premis.
Please listen carefully, his development WILL ‘enhance’ the Hawks
ability to reach and exceed team goals . Also, which part of my criteria about meaningful, quality playing time (30 %) is being met.
12 min. of mop up does not count.

I do not think our fans are settling either,that reference, was to our HC who publicly stated that we are not a contender (paraphrase). If we were considered a Title contender, then he would feel even more pressure. I’m really not certain, he ever wants to get to that level and have the pressure that goes with those expectations.
Wait…give him a 5 yr. contract??? This is what, his 6th yr., 7th yr.? How long does it take before the HC has championship expectations?

boston vs hawks

November 13th, 2009
4:34 pm

By Marc D’Amico
November 13, 2009
Celtics.com

When most people think about the Celtics and the Hawks, they think about Bird and Dominique defining greatness, to paraphrase Brent Musburger. Heck, former Hawk Doc Rivers might even think of those times when Boston and Atlanta are on the court together.

But most people isn’t all people. Those of you who are 25 years and under have another memory, one that’s much more recent.

The classic seven-game series Boston and Atlanta battled through during the 2008 postseason enveloped the term David vs. Goliath. It’s a series that remains fresh in all of our minds, especially for Generation Z fans. For them, that memorable series is what has defined their notion of Celtics vs. Hawks.

It’s probably the most heated rivalry the Celtics have in the Eastern Conference outside of their division, and it will be rekindled at 8 p.m. tonight on ESPN.

The core of both rosters will be there once again tonight, but there are some obvious changes to note. Boston has bolstered their lineup with three offseason acquisitions (Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels and Shelden Williams) who have added great depth and performed very well on the court. In Atlanta, the streak-shooting Jamal Crawford is now on board and Josh Smith has finally learned to play within his boundaries.

If prompted, both teams would probably claim that they are better now than they were a year and a half ago. It’d be hard to argue with that belief. The Celtics may be nearly two years older, but they’re as hungry and stacked as ever. Atlanta’s young nucleus of players is starting to develop and their bench has much more punch than it did.

Whether you believe that or not, one thing is for certain. Tonight’s game will allow two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference to battle it out in front of a national television audience. The C’s are currently the top seed in the East at 8-1 and the Hawks are right on their heels in the third seed at 6-2.

Make no mistake about it; this is a statement game for both teams. There’s a reason this game will be broadcast on national television. The Celtics made their statement in the TD Garden during Game 7 of that 2008 series. Let’s see who makes their statement in that building tonight.

Daniel

November 13th, 2009
4:36 pm

OK, so now the issue is when Teague gets his minutes, and if they are consistent… well, then I go back to it has only been 8 games, so it is impossible to make a determination about anything from a consistency standpoint.
Manny and Melvin: I do get where you guys are coming from, but there seemed to be more hysteria about minutes than was really warranted. Or maybe I was just being hysterical myself?

Peace everyone, chat again on Monday.
Go Hawks!!!

boston vs hawks

November 13th, 2009
4:36 pm

Ray Allen vs. Joe Johnson

Ray Allen is one of the top shooters in NBA history and Joe Johnson is cementing himself in as one of the premiere players currently in the league. Both of these players will play extremely important roles in tonight’s game.

Allen started out the season with a hot hand, but his numbers have recently dipped to 14.8 PPG and only 34.2 percent shooting from 3-point range. His shooting is key for the Celtics, not only because his threes provide a deadly threat to the defense, but also because Boston has seemingly become one of the most 3-point-happy teams in the league. They’re taking 25.19 percent of their shots from behind the 3-point line, which is the ninth-most in the league. But considering that the Celtics are a predominantly half court team and that three of their top nine players (Allen, Wallace and Eddie House) combine to take half of their shots from beyond the arc, it’s becoming a trend.

Allen is on the court more than Wallace and House, so his 3-point shooting is critical to the C’s. If Boston is going to continue their winning ways this season, he’s going to need to relocate his stroke.

Johnson can hit the deep ball, but he’s more of a do-it-all player. He’s a deadly scorer, he rebounds, he assists and he can play shut down defense when he wants to. He is the leader of the Hawks and, for the most part, they go as he goes. Although there is plenty of talent around him, defenses have a much easier time defending the Hawks when Johnson is off of his game. He’ll need to perform like the All-Star he is to give his team a chance tonight in the Garden.

These two shooting guards will be going at each other all night long, and their performances may be what leads their team to victory. Johnson will probably be defended by the likes of Paul Pierce and Marquis Daniels as well, while Allen will likely see plenty of time against the aforementioned Crawford.

bigdave

November 13th, 2009
4:36 pm

i hate this guy but… this was just brutal… somebody get Grady on the line…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSA_Di2vliU

boston vs hawks

November 13th, 2009
4:37 pm

All the stars have aligned for this matchup: it’s Friday night in Boston; the game has been selected for primetime on ESPN; the Hawks are already surprising many in the NBA; and, most of all, the rivalry can be renewed.

Boston is eight points away from being undefeated this season and Atlanta has already had impressive wins over the Nuggets and Trail Blazers and hung close with the defending champion Lakers.

This one could go a long way toward launching Atlanta into the top tier of the Eastern Conference, but the C’s want to ground these high-flying Hawks.

Celts Win Again

November 13th, 2009
4:37 pm

Nobody cares about four years from now, this is a win now league you plan to win four years from now and you don’t, you waste four years. You plan on winning now with an eye on the future. Wouldn’t LeBron look smart in Celtic green?

boston vs hawks

November 13th, 2009
4:39 pm

Yeah, I saw that Wade dunk last night.
Amazing!!!

bigdave

November 13th, 2009
4:43 pm

judging on our last few performances before a national audience on the road, im just hoping we show up…

Celts Win Again

November 13th, 2009
4:43 pm

boston vs hawks

November 13th, 2009
4:44 pm