Othello Hunter, the losing streak
Hey, folks-
Hope you are well. I wanted to hopefully shed some light on the Hawks’ thinking in the release of Othello Hunter (some) and also the players-only meeting (probably not a lot more than what was in the story).
First, Hunter. This is Rick Sund’s answer to why the team made the move.
“Basically, it just gives us some options for the roster. Wev’e got a two-week grace period in which we can have a 12-man roster before we have to get to a 13-man roster. It allows us to be able to look at the waiver wires a little bit right now. We have the NBDL Showcase, which coincides with this time period, so all the D-League teams are in one place.”
My sense of things is that they’ll look hard at the Showcase, see if any other NBA teams’ cuts looks intriguing, and if not, they may well go ahead and sign Hunter back. Sund said there wasn’t anything in particular they were looking for.
Said Sund, “I think we’re pretty well-covered in all the positions. I’ve had some dialogue with Woody. We’ll see what happens in the next week and a half.”
I imagine some of you pull your hair out at the notion of the team being well-covered at every position. Certainly, the Hawks could be strengthened at some spots. But I’d say it’s unlikely that there’s someone out there in the D-League or about to get cast off from an NBA roster who’s going to be significantly better than what the Hawks have now.
What was interesting to me was that the Hawks didn’t have to let Hunter go to fish around, but it would certainly appear that budget has at least something to do with it. I asked Sund about why they couldn’t just add a 10-day player if they found one, or something to that effect, and he said, “We’re going to go with a 13-man roster this year.”
In fairness, I don’t think it is that big a deal. Some teams carry the full 15. Having more would help, certainly. If a player got hurt, then you could have someone to dress out who already knows the schemes. But, these are the realities of the league and the franchise. The Nets are, or at least were, leaving one assistant coach at home on each road trip to save money.
Joe Johnson on the losing streak
From Tuesday. Questions approximated.
Q: How is this losing streak different than those in the past?
A: It’s no different. We’ve just got to get back on track.
Q: What do you have to do?
A: Just get back to playing with intensity, having fun. That’s pretty much the difference. It seems as if we’re just kind of out there, just going through the motions.
Q: Do you think players have been reading press clippings about how good they are? (For the record, I didn’t ask that. Not that it’s a bad question, but I would feel very weird asking someone if they had been reading my stories)
A: I know they haven’t been doing that. I think we’re a pretty good team, but we’ve still got a long ways to go.
Q: How long do you think the team has been ‘going through the motions’?
A: I don’t know. I don’t know how long it’s been going on, but we just haven’t been playing up to our capabilities.
Q: You’ve played 43, 40, 45 and 38 minutes in the last four games. How are your legs?
A: I’m a little tired, but I’ve been doing this for awhile. I’ll be alright.
Q: The team has been settling a lot for jump shots. Do you see this as a problem?
A: I do think we have to get a little more aggressive, but we’ll figure it out.
My take on his answers and where the team is. Joe is not the most expansive player on the team, and I got the impression he was either on his way out the door somewhere or didn’t feel like talking a whole lot. I think it’s noteworthy that he conceded that the team needs to be more aggressive. Players, and I suppose all of us, don’t like to admit we’ve been doing something incorrectly. For him to own that, I think, says something.
And, I think, too, the fact that they decided they needed a players-only meeting is pretty significant. It’s the first one they’ve had this season and that, more than anything, is acknowledgement that something is wrong. I don’t exactly what was said – I think it was mostly, “We’ve got to get back to playing how we were before,” meaning defending well, rebounding and running.
We’ll see how things shake out against the Nets and this weekend. I think tonight is important, even if it’s the Nets, for them to establish the rhythms and style of play that has worked so well for them.
Gotta run.
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
337 comments Add your comment
Blast
January 6th, 2010
3:09 pm
About Joe and fans not filling the stands, I really don’t see what the fuss is all about. In most of the away games Hawks have played, those teams are not able to fill their stands either. Miami certainly did not in the last game, depite having the ‘mighty’ D Wade. Don’t think empty stands is solely a Hawk problem. I think it is a league wide issue, and a reflection of the sad state of the economy, and the fact that most fans will not pay to see their team feature a substandard game by a substandard roster.
Think about it for a minute. The NBA has 30 teams, and only 15 of those teams have a winning record. That is only 50%!
Sautee
January 6th, 2010
3:12 pm
Gee Mack,
about this: “Here are the fact; Josh, Marvin, JJ, Horford & Zaza have all gotten better playing under Woody.”
I think a good argument could be made that Marvin AND Zaza have actually regressed under Woodson
Fundamentals
January 6th, 2010
3:14 pm
I thought Joe was smarter than to make such statements. He’s just begging for controversy. I was dissappointed in him for that. Yeah he needs cheering fans, but folks are hurting nationwide.
Maybe he should buy 200 season tickets and up the anty on Boguts stunt in WI?
Astro Joe
January 6th, 2010
3:18 pm
Lacsho, check out the game recap here. Biby entered the 4th quarter around 4:39 and the Hawks scored about 80 seconds later. The only reason I remember was because I was ticked off that we weren’t scoring and Woody kept our best facilitator on the bench.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=291229001
Fundamentals, I understand the role of the PG and why Bibby is in a unique position to provide this team with needed leadership. But even through that prism, I’m more than satisfied with Bibby’s performance this season. Frankly, I’ve been pleasantly surprised that he has been so willing to shoot less and pass more. After all, he hasn’t been in the traditional PG role too often in his career.
Daniel
January 6th, 2010
3:19 pm
Sautee- ZaZa has gotten better in terms of defense, rebounding and toughness. No question there. Marvin, well…. don’t know.
Blast, you are right on. The Hawks have actually increased their attendance this year when the league as a whole has lost attendance due to the economy. No, we don’t have Boston, LA, or Chicago level attendance, but to be honest we have not had that level of play from our team either. Joe should say that it’s his job(and teamates and coaches) to win games and EARN the fans.
Dang, Fundamentals, I think you got me riled up too.
Daniel
January 6th, 2010
3:21 pm
Astro- I agree with you 100% on Bibby.
Astro Joe
January 6th, 2010
3:21 pm
If we hired Coach X tomorrow to replace Woody and he improved the team’s record every year for 2-3 seasons, would he get credit for improving the team’s performance? So…
Fundamentals
January 6th, 2010
3:24 pm
I just had an epiphany on the fan nest. We should hire a bouncer for our 13th man. Big mean guy in a suit that we can send text messages to. When and if a player doesn’t give 100% we have the bouncer come out and kick them in the jimmy. Few swift kicks and the problem is solved either with better play or a kid in the ice tank. Could there possibly be a better investment?
Joe was looking for excuses for his lack of personal motivation. He gets the 1st kick, followed by Woody for not thinking of this earlier.
Fundamentals
January 6th, 2010
3:27 pm
I can admit Bibby’s play this year is better than last. I hoped Teague would develop so next season we could go 50-50 with he and Bibby and then use Bibby as a crafty vet on the bench in his final year.
Fundamentals
January 6th, 2010
3:29 pm
Astro – that’s what happened to Phil in Chicago. I honestly think Chi could’ve won 5-6 championships with or without a coach. Collins to this day hasn’t gotten any recognition for helping to develop Phil’s dynasty. Send Phil to the Clippers for a championship. Then I’ll declare him KING.
BYC
January 6th, 2010
4:06 pm
“Josh, Marvin, JJ, Horford & Zaza have all gotten better playing under Woody. The Hawks record has improved each year since he’s been the HC. The Hawks are on pace to have their best season in 10 years under Woody.”
If Woody’s coaching was the cause for the player’s improvement, don’t you think it would be consistent? Based on the last three seasons…
Josh: Amazing 07-08 season, much worse 08-09 season where he was jacking up jumpers, great 09-10 season so far
Marvin: Stats and percentages have gone DOWN every year starting in 07-08 (except for FT%)
Horford: Amazing rookie season, slight improvement in 08-09, much improved in 09-10
JJ: About the same every year, i’m not sure there’s much Woodson could teach him
Zaza: 07-08 OK, 08-09 worse, 09-10 back to OK
Acie, Teague (soon), Shelden, Othello, Randolph, Salim, Solo: Fading into oblivion or doing better on other teams
In the game Woodson is not a good coach either. He rarely makes adjustments and cannot draw up plays. He can’t use his bench and overworks his starters. When is the last time the Hawks came out of a timeout and scored an easy basket because Woodson drew up a sweet play?
The hawks are not on pace to have their best season in years… they are currently on pace to have the same season as last year or a slightly worse season. I seriously believe that most of year-to-year improvements are due to initially setting the bar low and the natural improvement of our young talented players. Woodson can’t motivate his players, develop his players, or outsmart opposing coaches in game. Isn’t that what a good coach does? Would Chris Paul be sitting on the bench getting 10 min per game if we had drafted him?
Lacsho
January 6th, 2010
4:10 pm
Astro, I was making a general statement. I agree Bibby has done a better job this year. What happened to Anakin? LoL
I sent Big Ray a text during the Heat game. During the first quarter Teague had his head band on and he was ready to play. By halftime the head band was off, and his body language looked real familiar (ala LawIv). If the team is getting blown out, shouldn’t the kid get a chance to place? I’m just saying
mountainman36
January 6th, 2010
4:12 pm
well ive not been a fan for too long, always liked the hawks, and basketball, but i just never watched. but the last 3 years ive been getting more into it.
i know we are all upset about losing 4 in a row, esp. since we were in those cleveland games…but lets not loose sight of our goals – this is the first real adversity we have had this year….we just need some time and the guys need support, and it will turn around. its not like Al and Josh and Joe have all of a sudden forgotten how to play……
as for Othello – i guess i see the reason, but wy make a move and then not pick up a better piece???
Fundamentals
January 6th, 2010
4:17 pm
We’ve got 2 weeks to pick up a piece. Most of the real gems might come around mid-Feb. I keep hoping we’ll try some of the D-League talent w/ 10 day contracts to keep us flexible in case.
Rules say we have to have 13 on the roster. Right now we’re at 12.
Sky isn’t falling, but we can’t appreciate a lack of effort.
Hopefully NJ will pay tonight.
cp
January 6th, 2010
4:29 pm
Why sign another player if he wont see the court? I hope they come out focused tonight and play with some heart. I don’t want to see another scrub have a career night against us. This is the what 3rd year in a row where Joe’s legs are tired before the all star break?.
jhan
January 6th, 2010
4:31 pm
Astro – agree with your take on Bibby. He is not the issue right now. It goes back to getting our young C & PF involved early in the game. Let them know they will see the ball on offense & watch how much better they rebound & play defense.
Fundamentals
January 6th, 2010
4:38 pm
If it’s not Bibby’s problem who passes the ball to C & PF on the offensive end? Isn’t it Bibby’s decision?
Lacsho
January 6th, 2010
4:40 pm
Honestly, the Hawks haven’t been the same since the back to back games against Cleaveland.
Ken Sugiura
January 6th, 2010
4:44 pm
fundamentals – I think you’ve lost it, re: your idea for the 13th man. Nice use of “jimmies,” though.
I’m in agreement with most about Bibby. I don’t think he’s the big issue right now.
as for what joe said about the fans – i think i’m paraphrasing fairly that he said he enjoys the fans, but the support isn’t among the best in the league, and they mostly show up in the playoffs – I don’t know that I disagree. There are a lot of reasons for why that’s the case – the team having such an awful track record, ticket prices, location, etc. – and I suppose a more diplomatic but truthful answer would take into account things like that, and he could also could have said something like, “I’d love more fan support, but we have to win big first,” but consider that he was about to play in front of a sold-out United Center, where the Bulls aren’t any more deserving of a sellout than the Hawks are. (Yes, they won the six titles, but Michael Jordan is a statue in front of the building, not on the roster) I imagine my perspective of his answer is different from many of you in that I’m not a Hawks fan, but I’d have to say that what he said – on its face – is true.
Fundamentals
January 6th, 2010
4:51 pm
I’m just ready for a good game tonight Ken. If I see some real effort again all will be forgotten.
I still say everyone is missing the point of Bibby being the coach on the floor, the team leader who handles and distributes the ball. If the problem is needing to run plays, to get the ball down low and run a more efficient offense then the burden lies on Bibby & Woodson.
Astro Joe
January 6th, 2010
4:53 pm
Fundamentals, Bibby’s job is to get the offense going, regardless of who is stroking the ball. Horford and Smith just proved the other game that they won’t shoot 50% each and every night. And players need to do their job, regardless of who is stroking the ball. I understand that guys may be more negaged when they are having fun with scoring and dunks… but it is a two-way game. If Jamal has another 50 point game (which will delight many in these parts), should we expect the remaining teammates not to play defense or set screens or do the other things needed to win? If someone gets smoking hot… feed him and fan him and the rest can’t sulk about it.
Lacsho
January 6th, 2010
4:56 pm
Fudamentals, you’re absolutely right about Mr.Bibby being the coach on the floor.
Astro Joe
January 6th, 2010
4:57 pm
Top 5 in fast break points. Top 5 in points in the paint. Top 5 in scoring. Top 5 in turnovers. Top 5 in point differential. Please, someone remind me… what’s the issue with the offense? Oh yeah… a bad offensive showing in Miami and at home against Clevelnad. Yeah… time to panic.
Fundamentals
January 6th, 2010
5:02 pm
Everyone should give 100% regardless of touches. You can’t tell me Joe, Jamal and Bibby don’t dominate the ball when we’re down. They resort to long jumpers at the end clock which turns into fast easy buckets for the opposition as we watch the long board come off.
Can’t fan without at least a spark. Some nights we’re fanning Nique’s “heat checks”. I’ll respect the “hot” shooter when any Hawk goes over 40 w/ 50% shooting. When’s the last time that happened?
Top 5 in what?
January 6th, 2010
5:03 pm
Last in defending the basket in the paint
Fundamentals
January 6th, 2010
5:04 pm
We play best when we play TEAM ball. Who here would vote the past 2.25 games were TEAM basketball? That’s been our focus the past few days. We haven’t been discussing the entire season. They didn’t go into a “players only” meeting to discuss their big win streak!
Astro Joe
January 6th, 2010
5:13 pm
Fundamentals, I don’t disagree… but ish happens. Dwight Howard gave up a career high to Roy Hibbert last night and fouled out. If he has another 2-3 games like that, should he be villified? It just so happens tha the players who have most demonstrated the ability to carry a team on their back are Johnson and Crawford… so when the team dgets down, their first inclination isn’t to pass the ball to guys who have never done that. I wish these guys would play a perfect 48 minutes over 82 games, but sadly, it ain’t happening. In the meantime, I’ll take what we saw for the first 25+ games of this season and will be more than satisfied (warts and all).
JeJe
January 6th, 2010
5:26 pm
No matter how this season turns up, no one on this team has ever been arrested, has personality issues, or is going to jail for guns charges
Westurd
January 6th, 2010
5:46 pm
Daniel,
I also feel better just by reading your earlier post! We are the ATLANTA HAWKS, the FANS……..trade JJ and Marvin and for Jordan and Pippen….or someone equally as ugly
welikebaseball2
January 6th, 2010
5:52 pm
Ken Sugiura: Did I read correctly that you said you’re not a Hawks fan?
Defenseless
January 6th, 2010
6:13 pm
Having said all that, we are still near the bottom in terms of points allowed in the paint. We allow more baskets at the rim than any team in basketball. We cannot defend the basket.
Defenseless
January 6th, 2010
6:17 pm
Chicago sold out because they were playing the high flying hawks, just like we sell when we play the lakers or boston or cleveland.
Duh
GeeMack
January 6th, 2010
6:23 pm
BYC
What do you mean by consistent? They had a winning record last season, and they have consistently played Hawks basketball this season.
We have seen them improve offensively and defensively. As far as individuals. You are correct some of the numbers are down, but team play has benefited.
Acie, Shelden, Othello, Randolph, Salim, Solo: Fading into oblivion or doing better on other teams
Is Salim in the league? Shelden is a role player we drated him as a starter. Otherllo can’t make a roster. Solo plays for a losing team in Indy.
Around here we praise guys like Larry Brown, Phil Jax, Avery Johnson ect. Phil has 10 titles and he still can’t get LO, Bynum, Sasha, Farmar, & Morrison to show up every night, but no one questions his motivation ability.
Larry Brown had could not get Sheed to show up every night as well, but because he had no nonsense guys like Chauncey, Rip, & Big Ben they covered a lot of his mess.
Don’t get me wrong I have my moments where Woody makes me scratch my head, but I give credit where its due. Woody has done a good job, with less talent than the teams we are chasing, and that should be commended.
Jody
January 6th, 2010
6:30 pm
Is that true? The Hawks are last in the league in points allowed in the paint? If it is, I wonder what that’s a symptom of?
Defenseless
January 6th, 2010
6:30 pm
Phil has 10 titles= Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant!
Defenseless
January 6th, 2010
6:32 pm
I wonder what that’s a symptom of? NOT BEING ABLE TO PROTECT THE BASKET FROM UNDERNEATH IT–?DUH?
The Flash
January 6th, 2010
6:37 pm
If Joe occupies the ball in the fourth quarter in close games the guy who is going to be open is Josh from 12 feet, if the other team gets it right. That ain’t what you want. Either Smith has to be off the floor, which no one wants, or the team needs to run an offense. That’s the list.
KevinA
January 6th, 2010
6:43 pm
When team guys like Marvin, Josh and Al have to stand around and watch Jamal and JJ take over games what do you think they should do? Get more active? more physical? play with more intensity? Give me a break. If the guards don’t start doing a better job of facilitating early in the shot clock this team is going down. Selfish play is like a cancer that spreads.
This includes JJ wasting 6-7 seconds dribbling out of double teams only to waste another 4 setting up an ISO and then passing with little time left. Dude is a box of rocks.
For all the talk of Jamal being a great passer his assists totals are almost at a career low.
The worst part of the deal is both players have shown they can be extremely effective at driving and passing.
JJ and Jamal are the new Tracy McGrady. I understand why Adelman is refusing to disrupt his rotation for the highest paid player in the NBA and here are those reasons.
1. Quite simple, they are winning. Why create tension and controversy in the locker room for a player who has missed a lot of games?
2. Adelman has always liked ball movement and McGrady is a catch-and-explore player. The Rockets’ strength is their unselfish nature and tough defense. Why rock the boat for one player?
I do not want to jump on the “we need new guards” band wagon, but it’s not hard to think about it. Would Adelman put up with this style of play?
The Rockets’ strength is their unselfish nature and tough defense. Insert Hawks for Rockets when we play unselfish. This team can win but it starts with the guards.
Ken Sugiura
January 6th, 2010
6:45 pm
welikebaseball. yes, that’s correct. i think any beat writer would say the same of the team he/she covers. that’s not to say i don’t like the hawks or wish for them to lose, either. but it’d be hard for me (and most people, i’d think) to be a fan of a team and write objectively – good or bad – about it.
Wink
January 6th, 2010
6:57 pm
Ken you’re no Hawks fan, no problem I sure Joe does not show up at the AJC to support you, but you manage to get the job done.
Bibby is suppose to be the facilitator per our definition of a point guard, but from tip off when the Hawks win the tip, the ball is immediately given to Joe, by Bibby to start the game; watch for yourself when we tip against NJ in a few minutes.
Hawks should have reviewed the first 10 games of this season in their team meeting, then everyone of them would know what they are suppose to do.
Game time…relax and try to enjoy…we all know what is about to happen!!!
bigdave
January 6th, 2010
6:59 pm
lets get it…
O'Brien
January 6th, 2010
7:00 pm
KevinA,
As far as Jamal’s assists being at an all time low, lets remember that early on, he was passing more. But then Woody reiterated that he wanted Jamal to lead the league in scoring off the bench (which could lead to sixth man of the year award).
Lets remember how last year, Woody said he rode JJ and played him so many minutes because he knew how important it was for him to make the all star game.
These guards feel like its up to them to score too often, especially when things are going bad. Or maybe Jamal wants to overtake Joe for the scoring lead on the team. I do think Jamal can do a better job of passing and still getting his shots though.
This is a Brain on Drugs
January 6th, 2010
7:09 pm
Robert B.
Hawks lead the league in points allowed under the basket.
BONE
January 6th, 2010
7:10 pm
Whose ready to see the Hawks get whooped again.
BONE
January 6th, 2010
7:12 pm
Damn I see everybody from the local bruger king is at the arena 2nite LOL
BONE
January 6th, 2010
7:12 pm
Jumpshots already
BONE
January 6th, 2010
7:13 pm
“Atlanta has Nimbers” LOL @ Nique
KevinA
January 6th, 2010
7:14 pm
Why do our bigs out run the guards. Is that effort?
bOY
January 6th, 2010
7:15 pm
I LIKE IT WHEN ATL HAS NIMBERS!
KevinA
January 6th, 2010
7:16 pm
A three in the flow of the offense wheeeeeeeeeeeee