As Cavs look to load up, J.J. says of Hawks: “We’ve got to be real scrappy”
Dallas– When the post All-Star game discussion turned to the best team in the East looking to add Amare Stoudemire, Hawks All-Star Joe Johnson let out a “Whew!” and smiled.
“They are just being selfish,” J.J. joked.
“They are trying to stack it, man,” Johnson said of the Cavs. “They are trying to do whatever it takes to keep ‘23′ (LeBron) there. And not only that they really, really are trying to shoot for a title. What they’ve got now, I think it’s a possibility, and getting Amare makes it even stronger.”
Does he expect the other East contenders to react to Cleveland’s move?
“Probably not,” he said. “A lot of the top teams, when you look at Boston and Orlando, they are pretty much set where they are at and feeling like they can win a championship with what they got.”
And what about the Hawks?
“I think we’re solid,” he said. “With what we got, we’ve got to be real scrappy and want it more than the next team. That’s the only way we are going to get over the top. We can’t come out relaxed or being too cool. We have got to come out and hit first every night.”
My translation: As it stands now the Hawks may not have the talent or depth to match up with the Cavs or Magic (the latter being the more pressing concern as a potential second-round opponent), so they’ve got to do it with effort and edginess.
The theme for the Hawks when they return from the All-Star break today is “refocus,” and J.J. said he’s ready to take the lead.
“Going down the stretch run, we really have to come together and find our identity and see what kind of team we want to be in the playoffs,” he said. “I can’t wait to get back and pretty much set the tone with what kind of team we want to be. We need to have a no-lose attitude, coming out and paying closer attention to detail and focusing in on what we need to do to position ourselves to get a good spot in the playoffs.”
The improvement likely will have to be internal since there’s been nothing to suggest the Hawks will waiver from GM Rick Sund’s stance that he would not make a major trade before Thursday’s deadline. Those moves have already been made as the Hawks built the core of the team through the draft (Al, Marvin, and Josh) and trades (J.J., Bibby, and Jamal). It’s stayed together through re-signings as the victory totals have increased.
Now the Hawks will see how far this group can go. Johnson said he understands the philosophy.
“We’ve been together for four or five years now,” he said. “Honestly, each year we’ve gotten better, we’ve gotten further. We are still growing as a team, we are still getting better.
“Who knows how good we will be this year? We’ve still got a lot more room for improvement. We’ve got to just keep working and know what’s at (stake).”
Meanwhile, Cleveland will get the headlines over the next few days as it looks to add Stoudemire. The Hawks will quietly try to get better with what they’ve got.
“The owners and Rick feel that way,” Horford said after the All-Star game. “We have grown in the short time I have been here. Hopefully we keep growing and keep developing.”
He added with a laugh: “Stay in the West, Amare.”
MC
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127 comments Add your comment
Melvin
February 15th, 2010
4:39 pm
UGA,
I said the other day if Mike Miller get bought out his contract that the Hawks need to sign him. I agree with you, we definitely need another scorer off the bench. A backup SF that’s a knockdown shooter and could score off the dribble would be ideal for this team.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
4:41 pm
Mike Miller through the waiver wire? I would take it if we can get it.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
4:41 pm
Why would Mike Miller get bought out of his contract? Have you guys heard something?
cp
February 15th, 2010
4:43 pm
UGA I would love to get a guy like Mike Miller. He would be the ideal back up sf for this team… I also read that the Bucks are trying to move Hakim Warrick. He could also be a nice sf to come off the bench…Its going to be interesting to see who gets traded, waived, and bought out the next few days.
cp
February 15th, 2010
4:44 pm
Daniel there was an article maybe 2 days ago that said Mike Miller is a possible candidate to be bought out. There were a few guys named. If I can find the article I will post it for you.
Ace
February 15th, 2010
4:45 pm
i believe we need to package marvin and zaza for a legimate center which will move al to the 4 and josh to the 3. not only will this make us a better team it will also make us be a better threat to a cleveland with amare and orlando. Or we need to trade marvin and another bench player [not jamal] for a better small forward. we really need to make a move before the trade deadline if we want to get to the east finals or finals. Marvin is just to inconsistent.
UGA
February 15th, 2010
4:47 pm
I did read that Miller may get bought out (like Joe Smith last year- the Thunder bought him out and he signed with the Cavs). I mention Wilkins due to the fact that he can defend and I also remember him torching the Hawks a couple years ago. Hayes can shoot and has put up some numbers here lately. Miller would be ideal, no doubt.
My other concern is a back-up point. I’ve read Chris Duhon and Luke Ridnour are available plus they are in the last year of their deals.
Gilley
February 15th, 2010
4:49 pm
We have the talent we just need our players to play to the best of their ability and defensively like never before. Also, Joe Johnson has to be aggressive and they need to utilize Horford in the post more often. Stretch the bench so they can be used to contributing.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
4:51 pm
thanks cp- don’t know how I missed that one. I do like Mike Miller if we get him on the cheap. Hard worker, good team guy, great shot. I am just suprised he is getting bought out of his contract.
Ace- who is this “legitimate” center that we can get for Marvin and ZaZa? Also, you do know that our “illegitamate” center just played in the All Star game. Who is it that we are supposed to trade to replace Marvin at small forward? Just curious if you had any ideas. Otherwise you might as well say something like, we should trade Randolph Morris and Jason Collins for Dwight Howard and while we are it let’s trade Marvin Williams for Scottie Pippen in his prime, oh yeah let’s bring in Jordan from the waiver wires… yeah that’s what we should do.
Daniel
February 15th, 2010
4:59 pm
guys- not that I don’t believe you, but I can’t find anywhere that Miller is going to get bought out. Can you help a brother out?
All I'm Saying Is...
February 15th, 2010
5:01 pm
Hawks are stuck with who they have and will not be able to make a trade for anyone as we don’t have any players of interest given the re-upping we decided to do….and that’s not necessarily a bad thing if Woody will show some flexibility in his line-up selections and either…
GO BIG: Play Jason Collins and Al Horford together (rotating in ZaZa and Randolph) along with J-Smoove, JJ, and Bibby, putting Marvin on the bench with Crawford as the sixth man. That would be our big lineup and one featuring half-court sets with either JJ, Al or J-Smoove posting up somebody.
GO FAST: Spread and run the floor with a three guard line-up featuring JJ, Bibby, and say Mario along with Al and J-Smoove again with Marvin on the bench and Crawford our sixth man. We could also bring in Teague to really sprint the floor setting up Josh in space or Bibby to pop the three.
LET’S GO HAWKS!
ant banks
February 15th, 2010
5:02 pm
where are all of you guys who were callin’ for GARRET SILER anyword on what he is doin’? lol. NO TEAM has picked him up. and to think some of yall were pissed at woody and sund for not puttin’ siler on the team.
who was that sayin’ that the rookie point guard JEFF TEAGUE was ready to take over the reigns? i think that alot of us need to stick with our jobs and let woody and sund do theirs. lol
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
5:04 pm
Of course, Sund is on record as saying that he won’t add a 14th player. So while there will likely be 10+ guys bought out and half of whom could help the Hawks, we may just be riding with the squad we have.
ant banks
February 15th, 2010
5:07 pm
according to some to some of the regular bloggers JEFF TEAGUE and GARRETT SILER were suppose to put the hawks on the map. lol. are you effin’ kiddin’ me? the more and more i read some of the posts, i realize that alot of us don’t know what the hell we are talkin’ about.
i appreciate the wish posts or the opinion post, but some of the post are like I KNOW WHAT THE HELL I AM TALKIN’ ABOUT POSTS
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
5:08 pm
ant, but we have internet access to sites like Hoopshype, RealGM and Hoopsworld… WTF does Sund know about scouting players? He probably doesn’t even know how to use a PC.
ant banks
February 15th, 2010
5:12 pm
ASTRO JOE,
i think that sunds hands are tied. he can’t spend the big bucks. case and point: see the thrashers and kovy.
chills
February 15th, 2010
5:26 pm
ya’ll gonna need scrappy and scooby doo to get to the finals!
Any top 10 PG
February 15th, 2010
5:26 pm
We need one. Any trade involving JJ to get one is good with me. Our lack of a decent PG who can guard and distribute is a killer. We have lost more games to the lack of D from the point than having a better center or a Marvin upgrade. I am not a JJ hater, we just don’t know if he will sign and for how much.
Do you really think a D Harris, Rondo, Nash, Rose, etc would give the ball to Jamal if he is not hot? And yes would feed him and fan him when he is. When Al or Josh is hot – they would find a way to get them the ball and take advantage of their above the rim skills.
cp
February 15th, 2010
5:29 pm
Daniel I read it on realgm.com a few days ago. I tried looking for it but I’m not sure to work their archives but I will keep looking.
darrell starks
February 15th, 2010
5:49 pm
IGGY FOR MARVIN AND A FIRST? IF SUND COULD PULL THIS TRADE OF SUND GM OF THE YEAR.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
terrell
February 15th, 2010
5:57 pm
Jamison = 20 and 8. Marvin = 10 and 5. Lets make a deal. Marvin and a 1st for Jamison.
bigdave
February 15th, 2010
5:58 pm
ha..
if he could pull such a trade off he might as well run for president…
darrell starks
February 15th, 2010
5:59 pm
Look we need a center but if we can get igg instead of a big im okay.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
bigdave
February 15th, 2010
5:59 pm
people.
nooooooooooooooooobody wants Marvin G. Williams
darrell starks
February 15th, 2010
6:00 pm
JOE AND IGG ON THE SAME TEAM YOU CAN WIN WITH 2 STARS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!
Astro Joe
February 15th, 2010
6:05 pm
darrell, Iggy makes more than Josh. Marvin and a 1st wouldn’t get it done in terms of salary. Not to mention that Iggy would be a horrific fit on this team.
terrell
February 15th, 2010
6:05 pm
Gee Mack. So f we trade Horford, who plays center? If we trade Josh, and Horford play pf, who plays center? Horford is the 2nd best center in the East, and Josh was THIS close to being an all-star pf. Why trade either. If we trade somebody it better be either Marvin, Zaza, Evans, Bibby or a draft pick. Marvin and a 1st should get us something. Especially with a rebuilding team like Washington(Jamison), or GS(Magette). Got the feeling we’d regret moving either of the before mentioned. KEEP JOSH AND AL.
terrell
February 15th, 2010
6:10 pm
Hard to trade Marvin though. Have to wait till next year. Shoulda just let him play out the year before offering him a contract that he’d be insane not to sign. Must have one hell of an agent.
darrell starks
February 15th, 2010
6:26 pm
ASTRO YEAH YOU RIGHT BUT THE TRADE MACHINE WORK WITH MARVIN AND JOE SMITH FOR IGG BUT ASG WILL HAVE 2 SEND CASH?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
The Truth
February 15th, 2010
6:31 pm
Sund could have had Stackhouse for about the same money he spent on Hunter/Mario. Offensively, we would have had a more serviceable backup. When we hit those scoring droughts with all our inconsistent players, Stackhouse could have given us that scoring lift. But enough with the could have scenarios; it is what it is. We have not spent the backup money wisely.
NoleRick
February 15th, 2010
6:51 pm
Off topic, it was really cool to se Al play the 4 with D12 in the game. AL would be come much much better if we had a legitimate big down low.
tony
February 15th, 2010
7:41 pm
Here’s why we need to try to trade Joe Johnson to Toronto for Chris Bosh. We need a big man who can score and create havoc in the low post. We can’t and will not match up against Orlando, Cleveland, LA and San Antonio BIGS without a BIG of our own who can score down low effortlessly. What Bosh brings to the hawks is low post presence. He will force their BIGS to have play solid defense which will eventually wear them down and put them in foul trouble. With Bosh we now have someone who can hurt you in the post and someone(Crawford) who can hurt you from the perimeter. The hawks hadn’t had that since they been in Atlanta.
In 1976 the hawks took Washington Bullets to 7 games but lost to them in the semifinals. We couldn’t stop Wes Unseld from scoring in the paint and Elvin Hayes from the perimeter. Because Dan Roundfield wasn’t a good scorer, he didn’t force Unseld to have to play solid defense which would have eventuallly wore his fat behind down. All we had were perimeter shooters but no inside present. They had both.
In 1987 the hawks took Boston to 7 games but lost to them in the semifinals. Same senario. The hawks couldn’t whole down Perish and McHale in the post. Kelvin Willis like Dan Roundfield didn’t put enough pressure on them from an offensive standpoint. All we had were perimeter shooters but no one who was capable of putting pressure on them in the post. They had both.
If we just settle for perimeter shooting and playing solid defense, we will never get to the nba finals. We must get a BIG who can score in the paint and will create havoc against their BIGS if we’re ever going to get to the nba finals. Every team that won an nba title had a BIG who could either hurt you in the post or mid range. Bosh average 24 points and 11 rebounds a game. We need to sign that young man before someone does.
UGA
February 15th, 2010
7:52 pm
Per Yahoo: Portland ready to land Camby for Blake and Outlaw. TMAC to New York for maybe Harrington, Jeffries, Jordan Hill and Hughes. Interesting.
Sautee
February 15th, 2010
8:06 pm
Wow, it’s become a fantasy league blog in just a day.
Ken Strickland
February 15th, 2010
8:10 pm
ASTRO JOE-How can you offer such a detailed breakdown of Rondo’s alledged DEF liabilities, and at the same time defend Bibby, who’s probably the NBA’s slowest and most limited PG, both offensively and defensively?
DARRELL STARKS-How can you claim we need a center, while ignoring the serious problems we’re having at PG? Do you really feel Allstar C AHorford is hurting the team more than our rapidly declining PG MBibby?
AHorford’s 13.4PPG ranks 4th, 9.4RPG ranks 1st, 2.1APG ranks 4th and 1.22BPG ranks 2nd on the team. PG MBibby’s 8.9PPG ranks 6th, and is declining, 4.3APG ranks 2nd, just .4 assists ahead of PG JSmith.
Horford plays good DEF while Bibby play no DEF. Horford scores inside and outside while Bibby doesn’t even go inside and has been inconsistent with his limited outside scoring. Horford is a proven team leader and motivator, while Bibby far too often defers to JJ and Crawford. BIBBY LOVERS try to justify starting him by saying he runs the the OFF. Well, if that’s the case, then explain why we end up playing so much one on one and ISO Joe and Crawford down the stretch? Also, if Bibby’s doing such a good job of running the OFF, why has our scoring dropped from 107PPG to 98PPG, and why are we having so much trouble scoring in the 4th quarter of gms?
I just don’t see how anyone without an agenda can say Horford, and not Bibby, is the teams biggest problem.
Undisputed Champ!
February 15th, 2010
8:34 pm
I can seem to understand why so many people are saying that Horford is such a liability defensively. So what if he cant defend the lane. If all those guys who are driving on horford, dunking and show casing, if they ever miss you can bet HORFORD, will get the rebound. I like what ken Strickland pointed out about Horford’s defensive game. True, alot of guys feel comfortable taking the pill to the rack against him, but, did it ever occur to any one,
that Horford is “THE #18TH CENTER IN BLOCKED SHOTS!”
So for all you who people like Joe Mama, and Truth Serum, who think Horford is a joke and a defensive liability, lets see you argue with being the number 18th defensive center in the NBA.
Go Hawks!
Undisputed Champ!
February 15th, 2010
8:40 pm
Ken Strickland
February 14th, 2010
2:33 am
I just can’t believe how anyone with an actual basketball IQ could think Allstar center AHorford is a bigger problem for the Hawks…Among all centers, Horford’s ranking is: DD-10th, PPG-#12, RPG-#10, BPG-#18, SPG-#11
Blast
February 15th, 2010
8:44 pm
So many funny comments on the blog today. It’s way past hilarious! I see fantasy trading is back!
And the Cavs are mad desperate to keep LeBron.
Hawks can talk all they want. I want to see the action on the court. They have a favorable schedule coming up. They MUST take advantage of it. Total focus. Intensity. Team ball. Mad hustle. Bench must step up.
Is Crawford back healthy again?
Go Hawks! Can’t wait. Don’t disappoint!
O'Brien
February 15th, 2010
8:51 pm
Sund took a calculated risk when he signed Marvin to a 5 year deal at his slot price. He let the market set the price for Josh Smith, and it was reported (by Chills camp) that Sund told Chills to go find a better deal.
Why didnt he let Marvin play out the year and become a restricted free agent, and then the Hawks would have the right to match whatever offer he got? Was there anything that we have seen from Marvin that suggested that he would have a monster year and increase his contract value? Nope.
And now we are stuck with him until the offseason due to his BYC status. I hope he steps his game up this season, so that Sund can evaluate all his options this offseason. Because $7.5 mil is a lot to pay for a guy who gives us what Marvin currently gives us. Again, I know he is young, so there is still time to turn it around.
If TMac is healthy, he could be a nice pickup for the Knicks.
In my opinion, the Hawks have 2 main needs, and I wish we could fulfil one. We could use a backup SF (Mo is too small) and a backup PG (West has no handles, no offensive skills, and regardless of whose fault it is, Teague does not seem ready).
Come on Sund and BASG. Lets see what you got…
o-dog
February 15th, 2010
8:53 pm
guys everyone is ignoring the fact that we need a center to play
upfront with the cavs/magic how can you be so blind. we also need to
move the ball and run this is what makes this team tick. in the
playoffs were going to have to take the ball to the basket and\
quit taking all those jumpshots. the bench that we have is not
being used properly, i thought we going to use joe smith/the twin
center.we don’t need to trade al or josh these are two good young
players. you get a center then both of these guys can play thier
positions. a center is our problem we have no low post game. our
new guard from wake forest does not get enough playing time.
finally, i would like to see some dog in the hawks/ a hungry
time that has nothing to lose.
Willie Lump Lump
February 15th, 2010
8:56 pm
I did not know there was 18 centers in the NBA, Wow!
O’Brien
Is there any thing we can do to help Hoe ford improve his inability to block anything in the middle? Are guys going to always run the ball down our throats? Why does it always seem that Hoe ford is such a gracious host at the basket? Will you or ken strickland teach him how to defend the basket?
Willie Lump Lump
February 15th, 2010
8:58 pm
Excellent points o-dog!
Willie Lump Lump
February 15th, 2010
9:00 pm
Among all centers, Horford’s ranking is: DD-10th, PPG-#12, RPG-#10, BPG-#18, SPG-#11
WTF IS THAT?
DING*
February 15th, 2010
9:04 pm
Enter your comments here
WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT ?
February 15th, 2010
9:07 pm
OUT OF ALL THE CENTERS IN THE NBA ONLY 17 OF THEM ARE BETTER DEFENSIVELY THAN HORFORD. ONLY 17 OF THEM BLOCK MORE SHOTS.
THERE IS SIGN ON HORFORDS BACK THAT SAYS “FREE BASKETS”.
Ree Roe
February 15th, 2010
9:11 pm
I’ll make a trade scenario based on the logic of some of these posts:
Trade F Marvin Williams & 5 First Round picks to Cleveland for F Lebron James
Trade F/C Joe Smith, C Randolph Morris to ORL for Dwight Howard
Trade G Mike Bibby & F/C ZaZa Pachulia to LAC for C Chris Kaman
Starting Lineup:
Joe Johnson
Lebron James
Josh Smith
Al Horford
Dwight Howard
Bench:
Jamal
Jeff Teague
Mo
Chris Kaman
I’m sure this trade is completely reasonable, well thought out & of equal value for every team. Let’s work the phones!
-REEtardely Roe!!!
Melvin
February 15th, 2010
9:19 pm
Daniel,
I posted the following comment on the Fan Nest blog on 2/13. It was a cut and paste from an article on Hoopsworld.
Melvin
February 13th, 2010
11:09 pm
“The losing situation might motivate Howard, Gooden or Singleton to accept a buy-out at a slightly reduced rate while Ross still has some value on the trade market if Washington wants to go younger. Ross, however, can veto any trade since he signed a qualifying offer over the summer. Mike Miller, Mike James and Fabricio Oberto are three more Wizards who might be candidates for a buyout.” – Hoopsworld
I wouldn’t mind seeing the Hawks persue Mike Miller and/or Drew Gooden if they are bought out…
UGA
February 15th, 2010
9:21 pm
Here’s who we trade for based on the needs of O’Brien: Get Ridnour and Damien Wilkins/Jarvis Hayes——send out Morris, Mo and West and a pick. I’m sure this could get done, I mean how lopsided was that Dallas-Washington trade??? Or the suggested trades for Amare? The guys I suggested are in the last year of their deal so it could work for us.
UGA
February 15th, 2010
9:25 pm
Spurs are trying to trade Roger Mason Jr. too………
Get It straight now!
February 15th, 2010
9:27 pm
Horford for Amare straight up!