Atlanta Hawks: Life without Joe Johnson
Man, what a bad night in Toronto. For the Hawks, of course, but also for me. They blew a lead and I nearly choked on deadline. I didn’t file a postgame blog due to technical issues with my aircard in Canada and also time constraints after clearing customs and hopping the Hawks’ flight. Then I got home at 3 a.m. today and immediately collapsed on my bed. Then today I had to go to the office and. . . aw, forget it, I’m here now.
I missed Woody after the game (like I said, bad night) but apparently he was upset the Hawks didn’t block out when Turkoglu missed that free throw. Mo and Jamal thought Marvin didn’t step out of bounds when he corralled the ball and quickly threw it to Horford.
“I feel like they got rescued when they shouldn’t have had an extra possession,” Mo said.
I didn’t see the play live because Woody was blocking my view and I never saw a replay that was conclusive. The Hawks still had a chance to win if they got one more stop but of course Bosh hit that sweet stepback jumper over Al, whose defense on the play wasn’t that bad (”Great play,” he said). It looked like Jamal’s final shot attempt may have been deflected by Sonny Weems but Jamal said he didn’t think it was. He said he just couldn’t get a clean handle on the ball.
Mo thought the Hawks should have went to Al more because the Raptors couldn’t handle him. But Jamal said the Raptors started fronting Horford to make straightforward entry passes more difficult, and Al said he had no problem with the Hawks going to the pick-and-roll because that was working, too.
But that game is over and the Hawks move forward. The Hawks were off today and offered no update on Joe Johnson. He remains questionable with the sore Achilles’ tendon and Mo is listed as the probable starter against Charlotte tomorrow night.
So how did the Hawks look in their two road games without J.J., one against the worst team in the league and another against a desperate opponent?
“Of course can’t wait for him to come back,” Jamal said, “but we almost went 2-0 without him.”
“I think we did good,” Smoove said. “I think it shows the maturation and growth of the team. When someone goes out–especially Joe Johnson, our leader–then other people have to step up.”
Those other people were Jamal, Mo, Bibby. Teague added his name to the list in Toronto. Jamal especially looked much more aggressive without Joe out there.
On the one hand, you might say the Hawks could have used J.J.’s closing ability against the Raptors. On the other hand, would his presence have meant Jamal wouldn’t have had as many opportunities to explode off picks and make plays? Would Al have been free to catch the ball in the high post and go to work?
Then again, the Hawks only scored 19 points in the fourth so maybe those questions are kind of besides the point. Or maybe Woody didn’t use his bench-guys-other-than Jamal enough in the second night of a back-to-back, particularly after his main guys used so much energy rallying in the second quarter (man, Jamal was fired up during that spurt).
Defensively, the Hawks definitely missed Joe. The Raptors made 11 of 19 shots in the fourth quarter. Weems made a couple big shots. Turkoglu bullied his way to five free-throw attempts in the fourth. J.J. could have helped with those guys.
In the big picture, the Hawks clearly are a much better team with J.J. out there. They need him back, and fast. The Hawks are four games back of Orlando with 15 to play and tied with Boston. But we’ve seen a glimpse of what the Hawks looks like without J.J. and it wasn’t too bad.
MC
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109 comments Add your comment
O'Brien
March 18th, 2010
9:48 pm
AJ,
“I’m sure that title may produce top 5 clicks and hits for the year on this blog.”
But isn’t that the job of the media? To present material in a way so that they will have lots of readers and clickers? If the blog is getting a lot of hits, I would suppose thats a good thing for MC.
I dont think he should be concerned about how his blog or his articles might affect JJ’s decision to resign with the Hawks or not. Now when it comes to all-star berths, I think articles (and blogs) would have more of an impact.
Sure, they are fans who get swayed by media, but some of us fans know better. And regardless of JJ’s feelings, I would be surprised if JJ gets swayed by what he reads, or what he hears from fans.
HawksFan11
March 18th, 2010
9:55 pm
ATL TOR
Total Rebounds 42 46
Offensive Rebounds 7 12
Turnovers 11 4
Fast Break Pts: 23 31
Biggest Lead: 12 15
Points in the Paint: 46 58
In the words of Mo & Josh in Mo’ Better Blues “da numbahs nevah lie”
kwooden1
March 18th, 2010
10:23 pm
I didn’t see the game, but I should have guessed if Marvin goes 1-10 then the haters are going to come out. Marvin’s still trying to find his way, it’s up to him in terms of how goods he’s going to be. He’s had good games and then some bad games. Right now I think his confidence is low, but the seasons not over and he’s got plenty more opportunities to get better.
As for Teague, I don’t think we should be surprised by his play, what should be disturbing is how well Acie is playing. I think Acie’s play could be an indictment on Woody and his staff. I think they are handling Teague correctly though, he’s just got a lot to work on. He was a SG/PG at Wake but not a guy that can create his own shot or finish over bigger players. I think 5 mins in the 1st and 2nd halfs would really help him grow.
GO HAWKS!!!
VenomSpitter
March 18th, 2010
10:25 pm
Yea Josh really needs to quit shooting the long jumpers it’s getting on my damn nerves. I don’t understand why he still does it.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 18th, 2010
10:29 pm
MC’s job, and really the job of anyone who operates a blog, is to give us sh-t to talk about, not to act as the pro-Joe or anti-Joe wing of the media. Of course, there’s a way to do that by just saying something outlandish knowing you will get responses — see Paul Shirley’s reaction to the Haiti disaster. That’s not even close to what MC is doing. I think this blog, like Sekou’s blog, gives us good talking points to start and continue discussions, which is exactly what a good blog is supposed to do. And let’s be real, among the reasons the Hawks will or won’t re-sign Joe, the titles of these blogs are pretty far down the list.
Big Ray
March 18th, 2010
11:47 pm
Funny stuff.
Woody sticks Horford on Bosh most of the night, and he practically shuts the all-star down, but it’s Horford’s fault that the people he isn’t guarding are getting layups. Somebody can’t see the forest OR the trees….
If Horford stays directly under the rim, in the paint, do you know what they call it? Defensive 3 seconds. Somebody call off the idiot watch , we’ve found the idiot…..
Hawks lost this game because they didn’t sustain the defensive intensity that it takes to win on the road against .500-or-better teams, and because they didn’t make the best decisions offensively, down the stretch.
Having Joe would have helped for sure, but we can’t guarantee a win like that, as we have lost to worse teams with JJ in the linuep.
Time to move on…
Big Ray
March 18th, 2010
11:57 pm
Bobcats game will be interesting…
The Truth
March 19th, 2010
12:56 am
Since it will come a point (very soon) when the idea of passing Orlando (for the 2nd seed) is so remote that it will not make any sense risking further injury trying to pursue them. It is at that point when perhaps we should just concentrate on beating the lottery teams (with mostly our bench players) and call it day. However, since we’re not quite there yet, the Charlotte game tomorrow is very important. Since this team is still one of the hottest teams in the East, they really don’t need any new motivation to play us hard. But the coronation of MJ as the new majority owner only adds more incentives for them to take a win; or as the case against Toronto, for the Hawks to give it away.
darrell starks
March 19th, 2010
1:51 am
Good game by the hawks even doe we lost the game, ball movement was excellent and i hope joe learn from this it will only make the hawks better come playoffs.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 19th, 2010
1:57 am
Its time for woody 2 make a change in starting line up, and have moe starting over marvin and see will marvin be more helpfull 2 the team coming off the bench, woody must make that change.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 19th, 2010
1:59 am
STARTERS BIBBY, JOE, MOE, JOSH, HORFORD.
BENCH TEAGUE, JAMAL, MARVIN, JOE SMITH, ZAZA
RESERVE WEST, COLLINS
STREET CLOTHES MORRIS
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
sam'l
March 19th, 2010
2:47 am
What exactly is the Bubba crew? Whoever they are, I think I agree with a lot of what they say..
The moderator’s job is to find the top story of interest at any one time and push it further and that’s what he does. To his credit, he wonders why these guys don’t do better when it is obvious to anyone with a brain that the team has talent, wins games but somehow seems snakebit at the same time..
The only way the Hawks could have lost that game was to miss that rebound…..so this goes into the “we threw this game away” column. Unfortunately, the coach has a lot to do with this repeated futility.. ..but I guess that puts me on the “Bubba crew.” The quality of this blog is now approaching that of the Hawks “fans” kindergarten blog…..Not MC’s fault, ..
The only lesson to be learned is that Mo Evans deserves mo’ minutes.
.
Idiot Watch
March 19th, 2010
4:05 am
“Somebody call off the idiot watch , we’ve found the idiot….. Its Big Ray and the Horford apologist!”
Josh had to guard the Center because the Horford cant and wont. What kind of center wont play center and who said you have to stay in the circle? You patrol the paint, never mind you would not understand what a center is or how he plays his role.
One thing is for sure, Horford is lazy defensively. What a bum!
Idiot Watch
March 19th, 2010
4:10 am
And another thing, Big Gay, I guess your undying support for a center that refuses to play defense is costing us too many games. as Hawksfan11 point out and many other have expressed the same concerns. Here Big Gay, argue with this:
Hawks 3 7 5 0 = 15 layups = 30 points
Raptors 9 7 4 6 = 26 layups = 52 points
Josh aint the center Horford is.
Idiot Watch
March 19th, 2010
4:11 am
Im sure the bubba crew has accepted your application same
“the team has talent”, Yeah, one true all star.LOL
1
Idiot Watch
March 19th, 2010
4:13 am
The hawks were crushed in the pant as Hawksfan11 points out and you chose to ignore for an opportunity to hug horfords nutts.
Co-sign!
March 19th, 2010
4:14 am
HawksFan11
March 18th, 2010
9:55 pm
ATL TOR
Total Rebounds 42 46
Offensive Rebounds 7 12
Turnovers 11 4
Fast Break Pts: 23 31
Biggest Lead: 12 15
Points in the Paint: 46 58
In the words of Mo & Josh in Mo’ Better Blues “da numbahs nevah lie”
Joe Mama
March 19th, 2010
4:15 am
VenomSpitter LMAO!
vava74
March 19th, 2010
4:49 am
Reading the blog is getting to be a stamina exercise with so much scroll down action!!
Keep it going idiot and some day you will manage to trigger a serial killer into running you down and skinning you alive to use your “fur” as a trophy on a Santeria altar made in honour of Al!!!
vava74
March 19th, 2010
4:53 am
If you receive a couple of chicken feet tied with a red ribbon on your mail, start making your will and say goodbye to your loved ones (if you have anyone who can stand you)…
Basic B-Ball
March 19th, 2010
8:01 am
Josh HAS TO take those jumpers. I don’t have the stats but I don’t think he takes that many any more (relatively speaking). If Josh doesn’t take those jumpers, the D will simply lay back and clog the lane, preventing him from driving and preventing those sweet passes by him into the lane area.
Keep shooting Josh; it opens up the other parts of your game.
Ry
March 19th, 2010
9:12 am
Basic B-Ball – what are you talking about. They D can just lay back even with him shooting the long jumpers because the chance of him making a shot is very slim. I am not sure why all teams don’t just leave him wide open for jump shots all the time.
PMC
March 19th, 2010
9:22 am
so Marvin Williams was the #2 pick in the draft……..why?
He’s made a heck of a lot of money for a lifelong bench player. I’m not sure he ever even started a game at UNC.
Toronto Raptors Morning Coffee – Mar 19 | Slam Dunking
March 19th, 2010
9:26 am
[...] Hawks credit Weems defense, Horford fronting – Atlanta Journal Constitution I didn’t see the play live because Woody was blocking my view and I never saw a replay that was conclusive. The Hawks still had a chance to win if they got one more stop but of course Bosh hit that sweet stepback jumper over Al, whose defense on the play wasn’t that bad (”Great play,” he said). It looked like Jamal’s final shot attempt may have been deflected by Sonny Weems but Jamal said he didn’t think it was. He said he just couldn’t get a clean handle on the ball. [...]
Kelvin
March 19th, 2010
9:54 am
Marvin Williams is Pathetic!!! 2 points and 4 fouls for the number 2 overall draft pick. His defense is pathetic especially for someone of his length. Not to mention he couldn’t come up with the crucial rebound at the end of the game. Marvin Williams is a role player that needs to be coming off the bench. It still pisses me off when I think about the point guard we could have had instead of this guy. Thanks Billy Knight for such a wonderful draft pick.
Sautee
March 19th, 2010
10:19 am
Seems like somebody was mouthing off about Brook Lopez “destroying” Horford head to head.
Let’s review:
Since Lopez was drafted by the Nets, the Hawks and Nets have played 7 games. One of those, on Jan 30, 09, Horford was injured and did not play.
Here’s the averages for the other six games:
Lopez: 34:42 min. 14.8 pts. 8.5 reb.
Horford 31.49 min. 11.2 pts. 9.1 reb.
Wow, in MORE minutes Lopez outscored Al by a whopping 3.6 points!
Actually I’ve been told that going from 11 something to 14 something is NOT very much. Unless it’s Lopez vs. Horford in which case it’s HUGE. DOMINATING.
I mean Lopez DESTROYED Horford by over THREE points per game!
And rebounding. That which means SO MUCH to some that they would try to lie and publish false stat lines that were SUPPOSED to be centers only, but somehow had small forwards like Gerald Wallace in the list.
Yes, rebounding, where an undersized forward playing All-Star center OUT REBOUNDS a 7′ “true center”. Over a six game stretch.
But wait, I thought Lopez “DOMINATED” Horford.
Who was it that said the numbers don’t lie?
Basic B-Ball
March 19th, 2010
10:22 am
RY: Thanks for making my point. The other teams DO NOT
“just lay back even with him shooting the long jumpers because the chance of him making a shot is very slim. I am not sure why all teams don’t just leave him wide open for jump shots all the time.”
What they DO is come out to guard him, leaving the lane open for a pass and/or making it easier for him to drive.
KevinA
March 19th, 2010
11:00 am
Josh missed a couple of lay ups and Jamal missed a couple of jumpers coming down the stretch. We did not box out well enough and got beat to a rebound. But since the All-Star break we have played better on offense. Better ball movement and playing at a better pace. We have also been in every game that we have lost.
Josh has been off his game offensively the last couple, Marvin has been to spotty and Al still does not get enough touches – but all in all they are playing good. Not to their potential, but good. I still like our chances going forward.
Rufus1
March 19th, 2010
11:01 am
Acie Law…WOW 22pts OFF THE BENCH!!!!!!
2 Games 40pts…WOW
How good would we be with a young athletic PG like ACIE LAW on our team?
I am starting to believe Woody is the Problem.
jg
March 19th, 2010
11:01 am
Basic B-Ball,
I have never seen anyone up close to josh smith when he’s attempting to shoot a jump shot. And if I’m the coach of the opposing team and someone challenges Josh’s jumper–that defender would be pulled immediately.
As a pretty good jump shooter in high school–I would never ever put my team in a bad position by continually hoisting up jumpers after missing a few. That said–even if Josh makes one or two–if I’m the defender I can live with that–I know he can dunk so I’m not coming out too far for his crappy jumper. But keep in mind–if he does drive–I also know I can foul him and he can’t shoot free throws.
However I also know that he’s having one heck of a season as well–so he is doing a lot of things great; for example: block shots, make great passes, rebound both offensively and defensively, show heart, shoot his lefty hook and finally seems to be a great guy off the court as well.
Finally, If I were Woodson I would explain it to him every chance I get–you do not shoot the ball outside of 15 feet until you’ve perfected those shots in practice. Because the first time you do it in the game–you’ll be sitting beside me for the rest of the game.
Love Josh but it makes me want to puke every time he even thinks about shooting that awful jumper.
KevinA
March 19th, 2010
11:13 am
Rufus1,
LOL, I have been waiting someone to mention the rise of Acie.
O'Brien
March 19th, 2010
11:20 am
KevinA, Rufus 1
As much as I like Acie, I wouldnt get too carried away yet. Remember, Marvin had 2 good games in a row a few weeks ago (against the Bulls and some other team), and what has he done since then?
I need to see Acie be more of a contributor (assuming he is getting PT) before I consider it as the rise of Acie. Plus when Rose gets back, he may not get much PT anyway.
As for Josh and his jumper, I think teams in the playoffs (especially the second round) will leave him open, tempting him to take those long jumpers. If he misses the first 1 or 2, I hope he gives up the ball, or drives.
Tim from EP
March 19th, 2010
11:47 am
its really a shame that Josh Smith doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Sure is offensive game is still developing. But he is the Hawks best passer, best at steals, most aggressive rebounder, best blocker…in other words he can find other ways to keep his team in the game besides scoring. At $60 million dollars JJ is way overrated to be paid as a scorer. JJ’s jumpshot is one of the best, but at 6′7, he is way too timid on taking the ball to the hole(see D-Wade) and he can’t beat anyone off the dribble (see Jamal Crawford). That’s why the ISO-Joe whether real or not is just so stupid. Joe Johnson is not even the type of player that you can iso. He is the Hawks most consistent scorer(although J-Smoove has a higher fg%), but he is not that good where he can carry a team night in and night out. However, I have seen Josh Smith keep the Hawks in the games the whole season. If the Hawks put around Josh Smith a young floor-general type PG, a cheaper-reliable scorer, and either a David Lee like PF-C(Horford?) or clog the lane type C. the Hawks could be right there with ORlando and Clevland
Tim from EP
March 19th, 2010
11:51 am
and then again, it could be the failure of coach’s ability to utilize the talent he has. I don’t care how buddy buddy you are with coach Woodson or how much of a nice guy you think he is, you can’t tell me you wouldn’t love to see this same team with someone like Avery Johnson or Byron Scott as the coach.
Rufus1
March 19th, 2010
12:04 pm
O’brien
All I am saying is the only constant in our teams player development is WOODSON. It has taken Josh 6 years to find his way and Marvin has yet to find his. The only players that come in a produce immediately are veterans from other teams….I don’t think that is by chance.
We never saw that kind of production under Woodson and how good would 10pts and 5ast look with a youg PG…WHO CAN PLAY DEFENSE!!!
Woodson’s history tells me that Teague will find his way in his 5th or 6th year…I don’t have that long to wait.
MsDee
March 19th, 2010
12:11 pm
Rufus1,
Yeah, its the coach!!
O’Brien,
I understand how you want to wait and see but I think Acie can continue this performance cause he KNOWS he will get the PLAYING TIME which gives him the nessecary confidence to be consistant thru his mistakes. And Acie is doing the right thing by playing well when someone is out cause that allows the coach to see a different side of you to maybe play great back-up min for Rose when he returns.
Now if Woodson could allow Teague to get a little more PT while JJ is out and Bibby with his minor injury, you never know what that can do for a player with Playing Time confidence.
J.J.M.
March 19th, 2010
12:16 pm
Im going to the game tonight. I hope they win.
MsDee
March 19th, 2010
12:18 pm
Rufus1,
Again, great point!! It took Josh 6 years under Woodson to show great improvement and Marvin, the verdit is still out on him. Chills was already showing more improvement b4 Marvin but Woodson still chose to go with Marvin giving Chills the right to leave the Hawks.
HawksFan11
March 19th, 2010
12:20 pm
Interesting aticle on the Hawks’ defensive woes.
http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/john_schuhmann/03/18/hawks.transition/index.html
On another note, I have become a huge fan of Josh Smith over the years watching him grow up in the league. He has clearly worked hard on every part of his game and it has paid off handsomely for the team.
That said (now you knew there was a “but” coming) I just want to run down out of my seat and steal the ball from him myself every time he tries to run break. Hey MC, you fly with the team don’t you? Next time you catch Josh napping on the plane, do us a favor, sit next to him and softly chant: Give it up and get it back, give it up and get it back………
Ken Strickland
March 19th, 2010
12:27 pm
DICK LONG-Even though JJ is a SG he usually ends up playing the opposing teams PG. Why, because of Bibby’s lack of speed, quickness, lateral movement and overall DEF shortcomings. Against Toronto, Horford played Bosh, even though he’s their PF, and Smoove played Bargnani, even though he’s their center. Like the HORFORD HATER, you seem to be focusing on the stat sheet and who plays what position, rather than focusing on the gm and seeing who’s actually playing what player.
HawksFan11
March 19th, 2010
12:42 pm
This year is a bust for JT0, and for that matter, the reverse is also true. The team is at the point where the coach has to shore up his playoff run strategy and Teague just doesn’t figure into that plan. (yeah I know, I used the words “strategy” and “plan” in speaking about Coach Woodson).
All of the examples cited here about Acie Law making the most of his PT are right on point, that’s what you’re supposed to do when you get the chance; show up. Sadly, the same can’t be said for Jeff Teague this year. He’s had his shot, he showed what he can do and it does not contribute at this point. Coach can’t expriment any longer, he has to pick a direction and go with it.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no Teague hater, but I am critical of the PG position. IMO it is still the most important piece of the offensive puzzle. The kid show flashes, I was even hopefully impressed during pre-season when he ran the floor. But that was a long time ago and he seems to still be in pre-season mode.
With the post-season looming, and Teague’s demonstrated inability, thus far, to play the PG position in the NBA, the best position for him for the remainder of the season is on the end of the bench with Jason Collins playing Pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold, pease porridge in the pot nine days old.
O'Brien
March 19th, 2010
12:48 pm
Hawksfan11,
Thanks for the link. Interesting article.
An excerpt;
“Watching them closely, you will see that the numbers don’t lie. They get back slowly, allowing even the opponents’ big men to beat them down the floor. They don’t collapse into the paint when they do get back, so layups can be had when teams cut to the basket early in a possession. And they don’t identify shooters on the perimeter quickly enough, so teams can hurt them from the outside.”
As for Teague, his time will come. I expect him to get more minutes next season (unless Bibby finds the fountain of youth that Jason Kidd and Steve Nash found). Hopefully Teague will keep working on his shooting and defense, and make a big improvement this offseason.
Ken Strickland
March 19th, 2010
1:01 pm
How stupid does one have to be to think the center, particularly AHorford, is the only player or position required to play DEF? Why does the center have to be required to compensate for the DEF liabilities of a PG, rather than the other way around.
We’ve already seen how effectively that worked out when Denver got rid of their Allstar, NBA shotblocking leader and DEF player of the yr center Marcus Camby, and high scoring no DEF PG Allen Iverson. They replaced them with their Nene’, their backup center, and a DEF minded PG named Chauncey Billups. Bottomline, they became a better DEF team, and a much better team overall.
However, it does take a certain amount of INTELLIGENCE and COMPREHENSIVE ABILITY to grasp this concept, and based on your continued rants against Horford, you are obviously severely lacking in both areas.
MsDee
March 19th, 2010
1:05 pm
HawksFan11,
The reason why Acie is playing well is because of extended Playing Time. JT0 had no extented playing time whatsoever. Rose is out for quite some time, allowing Acie to play thru his mistakes and to improve on PG decisions. Teague had all but 1 start and still couldn’t get quaility mins out of him. Yeah, I know he picked up 2 quick fouls but why not leave him out there?? I would have thought Woodson would have loved that so that Teague would have been the one to put himself out the game by fouling out. I would have left him out there to play thru his mistakes in the 1st half. If he would have played well, allow him to play in the 2nd half..if he continue to play bad, no PT in the 2nd.
HawksFan11
March 19th, 2010
2:10 pm
MsDee,
I understand your feelings for Teague, but what effect do you think that would have had on the rest of the team or outcome of the game? The Bulls have nothing to lose at this point in the season. Playing through your mistakes, the same old mistakes we’ve seen over and over again, is not allowed this time of year even in high school basketball. Let’s see how many players get to play through their mistakes in the NCAA tournament.
gwite
March 19th, 2010
2:32 pm
Acie Law, on his 4th team in less than a year, last year of his contract. Maybe he “finally” got the idea the idea that whatever playing time he gets, he better produce.
It’s only logical that if you produce, you will stay in the game longer, and will be put in games more often. But also logically, the opposite is true. This is especially true for marginal elite teams, fighting for higher playoff seeding. Regarless who the coach is.
Acie Law knows that his time to produce is “now”, regardless what his situation was with his last 3 or 4 teams. He now has less than a month to prove he can produce, or it’s very likely he’s out of the league. No more excuses.
Many of this years rookie point guards seem to get this. Ty Lawson got pt the first game of the season, and produced. Made a name for himself right off the bat.
Darren Collison, got virtualy no playing time the first 10 or so games of the season. Gets opportunity to play because of injury to Chris Paul, and PRODUCED. He got it. No looking for excuses to fail, but just stepping up when given the opportunity, whatever that may be.
George Teague needs to get it, and produce. No excuses.
MsDee
March 19th, 2010
2:45 pm
gwite,
Darren Collison and Ty Lawson both had opportunities early in the season b/c of injuries to their starting PG, Teague hasnt had that opportunity and if he had, Crawford would have taken all the mins so there is still no comparisons. If a rookie knew he was guaranteed extended mins, I believe they would produce but we will never know cause Woody was too scared to step out on faith and see early in the season. Its too late now cause throwing him out there now, this late in the season, is useless.
MsDee
March 19th, 2010
3:01 pm
In the beginning of the season, Woody should have allowed the 1st substitutes to backup their position and that way, in the 2nd half of the season, we would know who count on now. What I mean is the 1st sub in the games should have been Teague for Bibby, Crawford for JJ, Mo for Marvin, Joe Smith for Josh, and Zaza for Al..any subbing there after could be the same as it is now. If Teague didnt produce after about 4-5 mins, move Crawford to PG and bring JJ back in. If Marvin wasnt producing, sit him and bring in Mo or move JJ to 3, Crawford to 2 and Bibby at 1..so many options.
O'Brien
March 19th, 2010
3:03 pm
gwite,
Collison has been playing really well, but lets keep it in perspective. These are some of his game logs from early in the season.
Against Clippers, 17 minutes, 1-4 FG, 2 pts, 2 assts
Against Miami, 32 mins, 3-12 FG, 11 pts, 6 assists
Against Dallas, 20 minutes, 1-8 FG, 2 pts, 2 assts
Against, Spurs, 17 minutes, 1-5 FG, 4 pts, 3 assts
Against Indy, 1-4 FG, 2 pts, 2 assts
Those games came mostly when he was coming off the bench. Do those numbers look impressive to you? They sure dont look impressive to me for a backup PG.
However, since CP3 got hurt, Collison has been averaging over 40 mpg, and about 16 pts and 8 assists. See what a difference consistent PT and time with the starters can make?
I’m not saying Teague is capable of putting up those numbers. I’m just saying its a little early to be writing him off.
gwite
March 19th, 2010
3:14 pm
MsDee, no excuses. Produce. Now. That’s what the good rookies are doing.
Again, Collison had virtually no playing time. But when he got “thrown out there”, he produced. Lawson produced, 17 pts, over 50% shooting, Denver’s first game of the season. Yes, having the opportunity for extended playing time would be nice, but that wasn’t the case here.
Both produced. “Regardless” of the circumstances. Teague needs to produce, with “whatever” time he is given or in 3 years(or whenever his contract is up), he will be in the same situation as Law.