Some pre-Grizzlies talk
Hey, folks-
My apologies for not coming to you earlier. I was going to blog last night, then this morning and it’s just been one of those days.
Anyway, loyal blogger Nunna Yo Biznezz gave me a few questions he wanted asked in the locker room.
Here are the ones I was able to ask:
Of Al Horford: Will we see you playing power forward this year? Do you miss playing (and dominating) at that spot like you did in college:
1) “That’s a good question. That’s a good question. I don’t’ think it’s happened this year necessarily. Last year I played more forward with Zaza (Pachulia) in at the 5. I don’t know. We’ll see.”
(I’m guessing you can read into it, but it certainly sounded like he wouldn’t mind playing some minutes there.)
2) “See, in college we really didn’t have a center or a power forward. Me and Joakim (Noah) played both. Coach (Billy Donovan) never said, ‘You’re the forward, you’re the center. We just played. In college, it’s kind of like me and Josh (Smith’s) situation right now, except that with Joakim, we could switch. He’d guard the center sometimes. Sometimes I would. It just depended. Here, it’s just different.”
To Jamal Crawford: Did the team need you more or did you need the team more?
“I needed the team more. I needed the team more, but I think we can really help each other. I think that that whole playoff streak, they’ll help me get there. (No active player has been in more games and not played in the playoffs than Crawford) And then once we get into the playoffs, I’ll help them.”
(A great answer, and the last line is kind of, ‘Hey, did he just say that?’”)
To Josh Smith: What’s the difference between the Josh Smith of last year and the Josh Smith of this year?
“Just another year where I’m just growing as a player, maturing as a player, knowing how to play and just doing whatever it takes to win.”
(Not the most colorful answer, but honest.)
(I realize I’m opening a can of worms here, but if you have questions you’d like answered, give me a couple and I’ll try to get to the ones I like best.)
A few links:
First, I was reading ESPN’s Daily Dime this morning, which was a column about the merits of the San Antonio Spurs, when I came upon this:
“San Antonio has played only twice against the league’s six heavyweights (Lakers, Nuggets, Celtics, Cavs, Hawks and Magic)”
I imagine those of you who have followed the team far longer than I have must be amused. John Hollinger just puts the Hawks out there as one of the league’s six heavyweights and feels no need to qualify or substantiate it. I imagine that must make some of you giddy, and make others of you want to fire Mike Woodson and trade Joe Johnson, just out of habit. (kidding)
A way for you to save lives and get Hawks tickets (presumably).
This came up when I did a google news search on Hawks and NBA. It’s information on the betting line of tonight’s game. Just thought it was interesting reading and a different perspective, no more, no less. (This has nothing to do with what I wrote about David Stern the other day or my opinion on legalized NBA gambling.)
My quick two cents on Hawks-Grizz: It’s a game the Hawks can lose. They’re riding high, Memphis on paper looks like a win. But Memphis is long and athletic like the Hawks and on a roll. It’s cliche, but if the Hawks take this game lightly, they’ll be in some trouble. Just ask Al Horford.
“I’ve been paying a lot of attention to them. They’re a fun team to watch. They have a lot of athletic guys. They have a real good center and a solid point guard. They’re a team on the rise. They beat Miami in Miami and lost a close one to Boston. We know we have our hands full [Wednesday].”
Lastly, hope you read my story today on Mike Woodson’s contract situation. I don’t have a lot more to add to what I write, but consider this: Rick Sund could well have fired Woodson when he took the GM job two years ago, but kept him. That says something. You could certainly make the case that the Hawks ought to be re-doing his deal right now. Obviously, Woodson thinks so, as do many of you. But Woodson has often said the following about his situation now, that if he does his job, things will take care of themselves. I asked him about how he was basically betting on himself.
His answer: “I’ve always put the chips on me.”
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222 comments Add your comment
BONE
December 16th, 2009
9:27 pm
I’m Nicknaming Teague. He is Jeff Teabagger from now on. Posterizin’ folks.
Blast
December 16th, 2009
9:29 pm
Was worried about this game but nice to see Hawks come out and take care of business. Hawks are validating their claim to elite status with each and every game. Go, Hawks!
O'Brien
December 16th, 2009
9:41 pm
Didnt get a chance to watch the game, but I like what Randolph is doing in garbage minutes. 7 pts, 3 rebs, in 9 minutes. And Teague is still getting his minutes.
I dont think Marvin was on Gay much, but then again, Marvin only played 17 minutes.
Hawks take care of business. Great job Hawks and Woody.
Rod from College Park
December 16th, 2009
9:51 pm
O’brien,
He was never on Rudy. Joe shut him down. Joe is our best man to man defender. I told ya’ll that last year.
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 16th, 2009
9:56 pm
ay guys….I see Marvin played only 17 mins and scored 4 points…I see that Mo Evans played 25 mins and got 13 pts.
Is Marvin still “not feeling well”….or is Woody starting to see that playing Mo more than Marvin is the way to go???????????
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 16th, 2009
9:59 pm
Joe…Bibby…Mo Evans….Teague….Smoove…..Crawford…..Horford….we have enough explosiveness, firepower, and athleticism to score with anybody……They question is…can we defend the paint against the bigger and “elite” teams???????
Kiki
December 16th, 2009
10:32 pm
Nice win!! and the bench was cleared again. Randmo is earning some minutes; he could help
RLP
December 16th, 2009
10:33 pm
Next Ten Predictions:
Hawks have won 4 Lost 0.
Also Lakers are going into OT against the Bucks.
Ken Strickland
December 16th, 2009
10:49 pm
Very good gm tonight, and everyone, and I do mean everyone, did an excellent job. While we played the same basic uptempo, fastbreaking style of ball during our earlier 7gm win streak that we’re playing now, Woodson is currently making far more extensive use of his bench and doing a much better job of managing player mins.
Unlike the past win streak where we overplayed our starters and fell into a lull, there’s no chance of that happening now because of the way the team is being managed.
RLP
December 16th, 2009
11:05 pm
I’ve discussed the importance of point differential before. After the Hawks blowout win tonight and the Lakers one point win as time expired in OT tonight the Hawks have moved past the Lakers into second place in the league with a point differential of +8.6 per game while the Lakers have dropped to +8.2 per game. The Celtics are a one point higher at +9.6 differential per game. And in fourth place at +7.0 per game is Denver. The Magic follow at +6.4.
Because the last few games have been against what could be characterized as lesser teams some might devalue their accomplishments. From my perspective I think this team is still young and are having to learn how to put away lesser teams. So far they are showing that they have learned their lessons well. Let us hope there will be some carry over into the very difficult schedule coming up in January. But of course we need to finish this year with some road wins after the Utah game.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
December 16th, 2009
11:15 pm
Great article Ken. It was impressive to read the box score and see JJ dominate in less than 30 minutes.
I concur Ken Strickland, Woody is doing a great job managing minutes. This will make a world of difference come playoff time. It feels great to be elite!!!
JeJe
December 16th, 2009
11:46 pm
FIRE MIKE WOODSON
MyView
December 17th, 2009
12:02 am
I’m confident that the Hawks have “turned the corner”. Sure they will have bad nights, but they are becoming a more consistent team. Winning is so new that I am exited about the upcoming road trip. 3 of the four games are nothing special on paper but I feel like the Hawks are about to play in a tournament. Sure that isn’t case but this road trip will tell us a lot. 2-2 is not good enough. Elite teams would go 3-1 or 4-0. A good team goes 2-2 with this road trip schedule.
I must confess that a win in Denver would qualify as a somewhat successful road trip no matter what if that were to happen. I would not be overly surprised however.
Hulio
December 17th, 2009
12:23 am
Check out Josh Smith’s new website. http://www.jsmoove.net
northcyde
December 17th, 2009
12:55 am
LOL . . . Woody didn’t coach this game any differently than most games this year.
Teague only played 3 minutes in the first half, partially because of the 2 quick fouls and the bad turnover.. Zaza only 5 or so minutes. But Mo got extended minutes because he was making shots.
The only difference in the last 4 games, and earlier in the year, is that the bench was routinely getting outscored badly early in the year. The bench as a whole couldn’t defend, Mo couldn’t make shots, Teague couldn’t make lay-ups, Zaza looked to be regressing, and it was up to Crawford to provide almost all of the offensive punch.
But in the last 4 games, the bench has been able to not only hold position, they’ve also extended leads. This gives Woody a lot more leeway on whether to give guys extended minutes or not. And when they extend leads in the 3rd quarter well into double-digits, it gives Woody even more leeway to leave them in.
If JJ doesn’t blow that game wide open with that “superstar-like” shooting in the 3rd, he, Horford, and Josh Smith were all on pace to log close to 40 minutes tonight. JJ’s explosion broke the Grizz spirit, and Hollins didn’t even try to play his starters for much of the 4th.
And the reason why Marvin only logged 17 – 18 minutes, is because I think he just happened to be out of the game when JJ blew it open. In Woody’s rotation, Marvin always exits midway in the 3rd, with Crawford subbing him out. So when JJ’s explosion pushed the lead past 15, and Crawford & Co. pushed the lead to 20, there was no reason to bring Marvin back in . . unless Woody wanted to get Marvin his allotment of minutes. He opted to stay with Evans, who had to play 15+ minutes in the 2nd half.
doc
December 17th, 2009
12:59 am
jj had the perfect game tonight, awesome. also seems he has some charge in his legs showing up in steals which were few and far between last year. strips gay early and has a 4 or 5 steal game under his belt already.like him at the three spot which matches him up better against guys like gay also a three. crawford around allows us this luxury. go hawks.
honest_abe
December 17th, 2009
3:22 am
i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again. i dont’ mind being wrong on woody. if the hawks end up being the 1st seed i’ll gladly accept the fact that i judged woody prematurely.
still not 100% sure if he’s the right man for the job but its hard to argue with the results. he’s got these boys balling.
Clyde
December 17th, 2009
3:53 am
WERE ON A WINNING STREAK
FIRE WOODY
Crashing the Glass
December 17th, 2009
3:59 am
This was a really nice blog- liked the Horford stuff. Here’s some post Grizzlies talk-
http://crashingtheglass.com/2009/494/atlanta-hawks-mojo-working
Samuel
December 17th, 2009
6:38 am
My Woody needs a Job
Extend My Woody
Mychelfromatl
December 17th, 2009
7:44 am
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
SMH. No Homo.
Mychelfromatl
December 17th, 2009
7:45 am
Can we please stop calling Woodson “Woody”. Thanks in advance.
Fundamentals
December 17th, 2009
8:22 am
Excellent job last night. Memphis was no patsy. They have the potential to beat anyone. They’re much like we used to be. Once we got our foot on their throat they were easy to smother out. Great job on the interior D and motion on offense. Props to Coach Woodson for using everyone as if they were good players. Even when Memphis made some runs late he stuck with the bench guys. That pressure really helps them grow. You know the vets were comfortable with them in the game. They looked like vegetables on the sidelines at times. Totally relaxed with no fear the 3rd unit would let them down.
Only complaint about last night is Cheeseburger Collins didn’t get any burn time.
kwooden1
December 17th, 2009
9:14 am
Great WIN! Didn’t get a chance to see the game, but check-out the highlights. Zaza to Horford Alley on the break is nice! Sounds like great defense on a team that just gave Miami a beat down and Cleveland a sick feeling in their stomachs. Its good to the see the young guys get time on the court and the vets get some rest. I these games help Teague and Morris get more confidence. It would be great to have those guys ready go come March and April!
GO HAWKS!!
ILL-logical
December 17th, 2009
9:22 am
Went to the game and saw that the Hawks are a very good defensive team that can protect the ball and cover up their weaknesses-Bibby / Jamal- when it counts against a team that was bigger, as athletic and younger.Net net: a great regular season win.
Two things really stuck in my mind from the game: 1)Rudy Gay is really good and taller than listed; when Joe leaves, Rudy at 22 would be a very good replacement and 2) Memphis would be an ideal spot for Woodson if he doesn’t remain here becuse of the talent, 3 7 footers and a number of lottery picks, and proximity to Atlanta he wouldn’t have to uproot his family.
Astro Joe
December 17th, 2009
9:38 am
Funny, Woody’s calm demeanor now comes across as an ultra confiedent coach who knows he has a very, very good team. When we were winning fewer than 30 games, it looked more like someone who didn;t know how to deal with the losing. Funny how perceptions can change based on the on-court product.
So Abe, Woody has to get them all the way to the top spot before you consider him a good coach? Did I read that right?
Fundamentals
December 17th, 2009
10:11 am
I think Woody is never going to look satisfied while coaching. He expects, even during garbage time, for everyone to give 100% with no mistakes every minute, every night. Even when we’re up 30 he’s still coaching, trying to get the most out of the 3rd unit. It’s just his nature.
You can tell he means well when they interview him. The past few games he’s so relaxed, so happy, so content with the effort. He recognizes everyone and tries to make sure their contribution doesn’t go unnoticed.
I feel like he’s happy. Good things will come for everyone involved with the Hawks if we keep this momentum rolling. Conference Finals – Here we come!
Blue
December 17th, 2009
11:16 am
The starting 5 has more fluidity with Mo Evans in the line-up. Marvin’s a great kid and all, but I say let’s move him to 7th man and keep this bus rolling.
BILLY KNIGHT
December 17th, 2009
11:48 am
MY BUDDY IS DOING A GREAT COY.
Ken Strickland
December 17th, 2009
11:50 am
This stretch of gms is turning out to be what might be a defining moment in the teams future. We’re on an impressive win streak and although we’re scoring big, we’re also playing good DEF and not relying on scoring. Although we’ve played lesser teams during this streak, it’s not about who we’ve played but how we’ve played. We played lesser teams early in the season, and some we struggled to win and some we lost.
We are seeing the results of a HC that might finally be getting it, and I said MIGHT be getting it. You can’t become a championship calibur HC if you refuse to pay attention to important details or delegate that responsibility to an assistant. Paying attention to players mins, the bench and the overall OFF has suddenly made a tremendous difference in how this team, and certain previously neglected and/or ignored players, have performed.
Woodson seems to be finally maturing as a HC and catching up to the requirements of being a HC. Previously he seemed to be thinking more like he was still a DEF Coordinator, who shouldn’t be concerned about certain details like player mins, the OFF or development of the bench.
Although Woodson has done a very good job of coaching the entire team during this streak, I’m still not sold on everything at this point. I’ll reserve my opinion of how far he’s come in turning the corner after I see how he handles the team when we play Denver and the Cleveland back to back.
At this point, no NBA team is looking at the schedule and seeing us as as probable win. We’ve also given them a whole lot more to deal with besides stopping JJ and Bibby when they go over their scouting reports of us. In addition to the obvious bench players like Crawford and Zaza, they now have to factor in Teague, Evans, JSmith and even Morris.
Has anyone else noticed how much more difficult it’s been for PG’s to get the ball into their Bigs when Teague is in the gm? His on the ball pressure DEF forces the PG to spend more time concentrating on protecting the ball and getting the ball inside. His pressure DEF also tends to force the player posting up to give some ground and reposition himself so his PG can successfully make the entry pass.
I don’t think Horford can palm the ball, which would explain why he always holds the ball with both hands when he goes up for a jump hook. All other players that shoot jump hooks extend the ball above their heads before reaching the apex of their jump and use their wrist. Horford goes up with both hands and then at the last min sort of shortarms his jump hook. I believe that’s what gives him the impression of being mechanical.
BILLY KNIGHT
December 17th, 2009
11:54 am
I GET NO DAM CREADIT I PUT THIS TEAM TOGETHER.
Rufus1
December 17th, 2009
11:55 am
NBA Analyst
I wonder how much basketball they watch or do they even understand what it takes to win?
So many analyst picked the Hawks to regress as a team, even after we upgraded our bench.. Some picked Miami, Toronto, chicago and Washington to be better than the Hawks…..Could they have been more wrong.
Now that we proven we are one of the NBA’s elite team, these same analyst doubt we can win the East. They say the East is Boston or Orlando’s to lose….Really? Are they saying we have no shot to beat an old, slow and unathletic Boston team. We have not shot to beat a soft, 3pt happy and bad free throw shooting Dwight Howard Orlando team. I agree these teams offer different match-up problems, but to assume they are better…that is just crazy. What have they done THIS YEAR to be give the reservation to eastern conf finals?
I know some of these analyst are nothing more than JOCK SNIFFING FANS at heart and they spend the year creating there dream match-up….But this year I am Hoping for a HAWKS NIGHTMARE.
PS..Ken I want you to get an interview with JON BARRY.
BILLY KNIGHT
December 17th, 2009
11:59 am
KEN SUGIURA WHY NOT SHOW ME SOME LOVE SOMETIME COM ON MAN!!!!!!!
Dual Clips of Silver Bullets
December 17th, 2009
12:29 pm
For all you werewolves Bubba type featuring Ken Sugiura, and the whiners, I carry holy water, silver bullets and garlic, so step away from the Hawks, idiots!
Dual Clips of Silver Bullets
December 17th, 2009
12:30 pm
Ken Strickland STFU! STREAK THESE NUTTZ!~!
Dual Clips of Silver Bullets
December 17th, 2009
12:32 pm
WOODY HASNT CHANGED IDIOT KEN, BUT YOU KEEP SAYING THAT SO YOU DONT SEEM AS STUPID AS YOU ARE. WOODSON HAS PROVEN AND IS PROVING HIS POINT.
THE ONLY THING YOU HAVE PROVEN IS THAT A EMPTY WAGON MAKES A LOT OF NOISE!
STFU!
Grandad
December 17th, 2009
12:33 pm
‘from previous post/blog’
my apologiess to Big Ump:
I was using your quote to prove a point. I re-checked for accuracy. The post was directed toward T.S. and not you. He references you often as did I. The quote was good and positive which I thought was my point. Sorry, you were offended and did not gather my intent.
Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to you and yours.
DITTO
December 17th, 2009
12:33 pm
KEN STFU!
DEZZ NUTTS
December 17th, 2009
12:35 pm
DIRECT DEZZ NUTTS
JOE MAMA
December 17th, 2009
12:40 pm
northcyde
December 17th, 2009
12:55 am
“LOL . . . Woody didn’t coach this game any differently than most games this year.”
I must agree, but Ken Strickland has to perpetuate the lie to save face from the five years of hate,ignorance and clear evidence that he not only doesn’t understand the game, nor has any coaching experience but he is an overall idiot and second in command on the Bubba Crew.
JOE MAMA
December 17th, 2009
12:44 pm
Ken Sugiura , Ill be glad when you go! bring on the next writer. I wont miss you one bit. See-ya
JOE MAMA
December 17th, 2009
12:46 pm
Oh yea, i agree with the other guys, Ken, STFU!
JOE MAMA
December 17th, 2009
12:49 pm
Astro Joe Excellent post!
Grandad
December 17th, 2009
1:03 pm
[Once again]!
Congrats, Kudos, Thumbs up, Cheers, Hats Off, and felicitations:
to Mr. W. (he has earned back capital letters).
Now, let’s go get a Big.
Mark Bradley said yesterday that picking up another player would upset chemistry. ‘VALID’ point!
LAL went out & got Gasol to put them over the top [08]. ‘Counterpoint’.
Collins was brought in for a def. Big in the play-offs. Let’s upgrade
over J.Collins and go for the whole ball of wax. (Champions)
[Noah] on the 2nd unit = upgrade!
Big Ray
December 17th, 2009
1:44 pm
Grandad ,
That works both ways, now doesn’t it? L.A. went out and got Gasol. Well, if there’s an all-star 7-footer out there for us, just ripe for the picking, then let’s go get him. Don’t know anybody who is dangling one right now, but what do I know?
On the flip side of the coin, Phoenix went out and got Shaq the same year. How did that work out? Cleveland got him for this season. Result? Jury is still out, but it didn’t propel Cleveland to the front of the “Big Three”. In fact, as it stands right now, they’re actually a tad behind US.
Getting another big, particularly one that’s actually serviceable apparently isn’t as simple as we make it out to be. More importantly, getting one that acutally helps make you better is the tough part. I hope we can pull it off. In the meantime…
Big Ray
December 17th, 2009
1:45 pm
I see Truth Serum is back in full force after a very short hiatus…
Sorting things out
December 17th, 2009
1:46 pm
I must agree, after reading guys like Ken Strickland, Grandad,JeJe and clyde, I have to ask myself, who opened a can of clown magic?
Big Ray
December 17th, 2009
1:46 pm
Grandad ,
I would LOVE for Noah to be on our team. I think Chicago knows better than to let him get away without getting something enticing in return, though.
Sorting things out
December 17th, 2009
1:52 pm
northcyde ,JOE MAMA ,Big Ray ,DITTO,Astro Joe, Rod from College Park I enjoyed your posts. Good writing fellows. Go Hawks!
Grandad
December 17th, 2009
1:53 pm
Sybil:
Lay off Mr. Suguira. There are those who will be glad when you go.
If K.S. is 2nd in command [curious] is Clyde Commander in Chief.
Now, slither back from whither you came.