Atlanta Hawks: Teague’s Time
Exactly when is he no longer 'Rook? (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
Still no word on what Rick Sund will do with Woody. Rumblings suggest it doesn’t look good for him, but you never know, so my Woody Watch continues.
Teague was a topic at locker clean-out day for the Hawks. During exit interviews, Woody told Bibby that next season will be Teague’s time.
“He’s getting older now,” Woody said of Bibby. “He might have taken us as far as he can take us. Teague, we probably have to give him first crack to see if he can do the job [next season].”
Woody said Bibby took the news well: “Mike is always about winning. He is the ultimate pro. He knows the dynamics of a team. He know he’s getting older. That’s no knock on him. Mike Bibby has had a great career. And make no mistake about it, we wouldn’t have gotten this far without Mike Bibby.”
Even if Woody’s not the coach next season, you can be sure the next guy will make Teague’s development a priority. It’s become a focus for the franchise, with good reason: Bibby is set to make $5.6 million next season, a hefty sum for a backup, but much more palatable if your starter still is making rookie scale ($1.5 million for Teague).
Read between the lines and it’s clear ASG’s Michael Gearon Jr. thinks Woody should have made it Teague’s time this season. Actually, you don’t even really have to read between the lines.
“He has extraordinary talent and is capable of producing now,” Gearon said of Teague.
Also: “Teague has a ton of talent, I would have loved to see him play more this year.”
I ‘m still not convinced that would have made a big difference for this season. Sure, 15-18 consistent minutes per game for a point guard who can stay in front of people would have helped, but the rest of Teague’s game is still pretty raw. Maybe I’m wrong about that.
But either way a long view was necessary here because getting ‘Rook more time this season definitely would have helped the team for next season, when the Hawks may need him for big minutes. From Gearon’s comments you can see management clearly was on board with that plan so Woody had the support to take a few short-term lumps to get ‘Rook ready.
Summer league should be good for Teague, though the comp can vary widely in those games. He will be one of the best guys out there, he’ll get lots of run and he should gain some confidence. More importantly, my plan is to let my bosses know how important this story will be so I can get a work trip to Vegas.
MC
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
200 comments Add your comment
Grandad
May 12th, 2010
12:41 am
nc – Don’t you think it was made clear to him what Mr. Gearon
just made public? These guys do talk, don’t you reckon.
I think Wdsn knew perfectly well the owners + Mr. Sund’s
intentions were to play Teague.
The man’s just stubborn as a mule.
northcyde
May 12th, 2010
12:59 am
True Grandad.
But like Ramon said. This team was rolling for most of the year, only playing bad in short stretches. So while they may have wanted to see Teague more, they also wasn’t going to mandate that Woody do it, and possibly mess up a good thing.
For a while there, Woody wasn’t playing Teague at all. So maybe the compromise with Sund and the owners, is that he’d try to work him 5 – 10 minutes a night, mainly if we’re ahead in the game in the 2nd quarter.
Woody is hardheaded, and I think a little superstitious. He doesn’t like change. And if something is working, that’s what he’ll roll with.
Big Ray
May 12th, 2010
1:01 am
MC ,
“it certainly can’t have anything at all to do with being 21-years old, playing two years of college ball and being drafted outside the lottery.”
Did I say that had nothing to do with it? That’s what we had with Teague at the beginning of the season. My question is are you saying Teague still looks raw, and why does he still look raw after a year in the league? And how about some more quotes from Woody:
1) “I don’t have to rush Teague. Bibby and Jamal have carried the load at point.”
2) “It’s tough on rookies when you don’t play a whole lot of minutes.”
3) “I thought he played pretty good for a guy who doesn’t get a lot of minutes.”
Just sayin’….
Ramon
May 12th, 2010
1:03 am
Lol @ Big Ray and MC’s spitting contest, great debates are the major thing that makes people love sports!
Big Ray
May 12th, 2010
1:14 am
Northcyde ,
Some people will always speak without thinking. No way is Teague the automatic answer. I’d even like to get another young pg in here for both competition, and as a future option. Nevermind the still blindingly obvious fact that we should not even be having this discussion about pgs…talk about your equine carcasses…
If Teague becomes a starter next year, I have a hard time not seeing him put up the numbers you said would suffice (9 pts/5ast/3rb/1stl/41%FG). If he can’t, then ship his butt outta here quick.
I said late in the season that I understood why Woody kept him under wraps the way he did. I agree with the idea that Woody is superstitious and uneasy about any sort of change.
But his methods of getting us to 53 wins did nothing for us in the playoffs. Our #3 seed was worth nothing as we struggled mightily against a undermanned Milwaukee team and then got Rodney King-ed in the second, to the tune of an NBA record.
How did Woody’s magical “Jamal and Bibby handled the load at the pg spot” do in the playoffs? Or is that NOT Jamal that you’re burning in effigy?
That’s not to say that Teague would have saved the day. We had more problems than just that. We had no answer for Josh’s untimely lack of effort/focus/intensity, we had no answer for Joe Johnson’s suckage, we had all kinds of issues. But it might have been nice to have an option at pg.
We also had two veteran bigs on the bench that we didn’t use (But RandMo gets to play? LOL!). It was jacked up all the way around.
Big Ray
May 12th, 2010
1:15 am
Ramon ,
It’s fun. He ain’t afraid to engage, and I don’t back off easily. He IS the beat writer, I’m just a fan armed with an opinion.
Simpdawg
May 12th, 2010
1:16 am
Why is Rick Sund contemplating whether or not to resign Mike Woodson? Really, that’s why this franchise has a loser mentality. Rick Sund should have met with Mike Woodson today to tell him the Hawks plan to move in another direction with their head coach. Thanks for the memories, but you’ve coached your last game with this team!!!
Big Ray
May 12th, 2010
1:17 am
But like Ramon said. This team was rolling for most of the year, only playing bad in short stretches. So while they may have wanted to see Teague more, they also wasn’t going to mandate that Woody do it, and possibly mess up a good thing.
Gotta give them credit for that. Mark Cuban would have done something crazy. Guaranteed.
Big Ray
May 12th, 2010
1:21 am
SimpDawg,
We’re assuming that Sund is actually mulling this over. Fact is, we have no idea what he is doing, and I doubt he is sitting around and wondering what he should do. I expect something out of him by the end of the week, though.
Northcyde ,
I get the whole thing about Woody not having the security of an extension. But last I recall, HE signed that 2 year contract. If he wasn’t comfortable, he could have declined. Maybe he told Sund no way, and then when he got home, his wife chased him out of the house with a rolling pin, and told him not to come back until he signed the damn contract.
But he DID sign it. But since so many people keep saying other teams will approach him with job offers, what would he have to worry about, hmmmm? I mean, to hear some people tell it, dude is all that and a bag of chips, so why go around job-scared? I’ve never understood that conflicting argument…
Najeh Davenpoop
May 12th, 2010
1:23 am
“Teague . . just give us 9 pts . . 5 asst . . 3 rebs . . 1 stl . . 41% FG
I could live with that in your debut season as a starter.”
So, in other words, you want him to outperform Bibby.
Because Bibby had 9 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and less than 1 steal on 41% shooting, while playing the worst point guard defense in the league.
Personally I think your expectation for Teague is a little on the conservative side. 12 points, 6 dimes, 1.5 steals and 4 free throw attempts per game on 42% shooting is not unreasonable in my opinion, and I’d expect that scoring average to be 2 or 3 points higher if Joe Johnson is not a Hawk next season.
Ramon
May 12th, 2010
1:32 am
The biggest question is do we trust Sund to successfully replace Woody? It was Sund who was unable to work with McMillan after a couple of seasons (and he’s a pretty good young coach).
Grandad
May 12th, 2010
1:34 am
I think they have already told Wdsn.
They are giving his agent time to work
something out, probably with Philadelphia
which will give him an opportunity for
a graceful departure. In appreciation for
his years of service to the team. (classy)
Grandad
May 12th, 2010
1:41 am
I don’t care so much for stats as:
3-1 or better TO ratio.
continue to shoot FT’s @ 85% or better.
work on his mid-range shot,
[enough to keep the other guy honest]
* MOST IMPORTANT:
Guard the piss oughta the other team’s pt. guard.
Big Ray
May 12th, 2010
1:43 am
Najeh ,
Right on. I’m with you on the expectations for Teague, and I’ll be in line to toast him if he does well, or roast him if he stumbles on his own. But I can definitely go for those numbers.
Grandad ,
Agreed, that would be a classy way to handle things and as fair of a send-off as one could imagine.
Ramon
May 12th, 2010
1:45 am
You have to think though. If they are getting ready to give the team to Teague at the point. That must mean that they KNOW they’re going to still attempt to extend JJ. There’s no way they would want Teague taking over, along with a new SG also. With a new coach, I don’t really see that as being a bad thing. I like the idea of keeping JJ, long as we’re adding to the bench as well.
Reid Adair
May 12th, 2010
1:49 am
It’s time for Mike Bibby to be on the bench. If he can’t take it, then deal him too.
Big Ray
May 12th, 2010
1:57 am
I’d settle for a 2.5-to-1 Assist/turnover ratio, especially in the early going. Maybe even slightly less (2.2-2.5), as 3-to-1 is pretty hard to attain.
Starting NBA pgs who have a less than 3-to-1 ratio :
Tony Parker- 2.11
Mo Williams- 2.12
Brandon Jennings- 2.37
Derrick Rose- 2.14
Chauncey Billups- 2.3
Aaron Brooks- 1.89
Baron Davis- 2.85
Other mentionables (especially young guys) who got significant minutes and/or started at least 25 games:
Darren Collison- 2.11
Ty Lawson- 2.38
Stephen Curry- 1.96
Johnny Flynn- 1.51
Asking Teague to have that kind of ratio is a nice thought, but it’s also asking him to outperform every pg in his draft class, with far less NBA PT under his belt. Just sayin’…
Big Ray
May 12th, 2010
2:01 am
Ramon ,
I have no problems with keeping JJ here for a reasonable price, and under a different coach, with some serious changes to our offensive system.
I am also not convinced that Jeff Teague and Mike Bibby should be the only PGs on our roster. Give yourself options. Bibby is fine as a vet off the bench. He’s steady enough in that role, I think. But why just hand the reins to Teague? What’s wrong with some competition?
Here’s a wild thought: if JJ and his agent are determined to go, try and S&T his butt along with Jamal, to Chicago for Noah and Hinrich. Does that trade make sense for Chicago? They’d HATE to lose Noah, I’m sure. But maybe Joe is just that attractive to them.
Big Ray
May 12th, 2010
2:01 am
Bibby can take it. He’s already been told, as it is.
Ramon
May 12th, 2010
2:11 am
Big Ray, you have to remember Chicago (Paxson) is a hard business man. Do you remember just 3-4 seasons ago when he wouldn’t give away Deng in a package deal for KOBE BRYANT? And that was the only thing that stopped Kobe for being a Bull today. With Brad Miller a free agent. And with him knowing that Rose and JJ alone doesn’t equal anything but a number 5-6 seed. And I may be wrong, but wasn’t it Paxson who shipped Crawford out of Chicago the first time? I say why do any of that when you can sign a PG like Ridnour who is a free agent, or maybe even Felton. Or also, how about making an offer for Will Bynum.
By the way, if the trade would go through, i would attempt a first round pick, Jamal and Marvin trade for Al Jefferson and Ellington (or Brewer). And then I would sign me a new six man and Outlaw also.
Ramon
May 12th, 2010
2:12 am
Bibby already knew that going into this past season that his days were numbered. The question is how did he manage to get SUND (the same GM who’s about to choose the new coach) to give him so much money to return. lol.
Bryce IV
May 12th, 2010
2:25 am
I have to say, I’m not sure who this “Ramon” is or when he started posting on here, but I sure am glad that someone has finally seen the light. This guy’s posts are right on point. I agree completely with just about everything he posts. What amazes me is that almost no one else seems to have noticed the facts of his posts where I find them to be blatantly obvious.
You all act like Bibby is a washed up scrub with no ability at all. Sure, he has his liabilities on the court at this point in his career, but the fact of the matter is that he was the best possible option for Woody to start at PG, and Woody made the right decision starting him over Teague.
Also, you can’t deny that Teague’s minutes were decreased due to his lack of contributions during games. It’s not like this team was the GS Warriors or Sacramento Kings who were way below .500 and trying to look for an identity and develop players, those teams didn’t have much pressure to win. The Hawks have much higher expectations, and as someone has already stated here, the goal was to win by whatever means necessary, and quite frankly, Bibby’s presence on the court aided that cause more than Teague’s did this year, which is why Woody chose to go that route.
Obviously, Teague has much more upside than Bibby, but the Hawks could not afford to gamble with Teague most of the time. Typically, when they tried to gamble and use him, the results were negative and they had to resort back to Bibby or Jamal. Teague needs time to develop, but not all of that development must happen during live games. He could work on developing a consistent jumpshot without playing extensively during games by working during practice and in the offseason. Players can build upon their fundamentals and become NBA ready without starters’ or even role players’ minutes. Developing his jumpshot is one thing which would surely earn him some minutes.
yardbird
May 12th, 2010
2:55 am
Gearon and Sund should not get a pass here! As a season ticket holder, my view is that while Woody’s offense certainly stagnated in the playoffs and was suspect even when successful during the season, the playoff result was 100% predictable. After a 99-85 win in the opener of the 2008-2009 season, the Hawks have been dominated by their division rival, Orlando and primarily Dwight Howard, and management’s only response (aside from a late season prayer to lure Ilgauskus) has been to hope that internal growth from young players (Josh Smith and Al Horford) would overcome that domination. Forgetting that Howard was young and getting better at his game at the same time, and that Howard started with strong advantages physically and in talent. If you can’t win your division and can barely win a regular season game against Orlando, it is irrational to think you can turn the tide in the playoffs when the stakes are higher, notwithstanding the 2007-2008 series against Boston (which we caught by surprise).
Woody did a great job with the talent he had, though I agree with most that his offensive philosophy was suspect and it is time for him to move on and the team to hear a different voice. I wish him well in his future, and expect he’ll learn from the Hawks experience and have success, perhaps greater success, at his next stop. The Hawks should not make any other changes to the team that would likely be a step backward, even in the short term. That means resign Joe Johnson (preferably at a near max salary for only three years, as his production is clearly sliding over the last two years) or try to sign and trade him to a contender to get significant value in return, and not simply letting him walk unless that’s unavoidable. Elevate Teague’s role and either bring back (especially if Joe goes) or get value for Josh Childress. Most importantly, design the team to win our division before we worry about Boston and Cleveland: find some talented “bigs” to compete enough with Howard so Al and Josh can overpower Lewis, Gortat, Bass, etc.
Before Sund takes Woody to the guillotine (sp?), put a roster on the floor that might not get so demoralized from an inability to compete with Orlando, and get real, Joe Smith and Jason Collins do not qualify! I think the hopelessness had a lot to do with the debacle that this playoff series turned into.
truthspitter
May 12th, 2010
3:19 am
I saw all but maybe 6 games this year, and Teague had 2 good showing that was early season against the Lakers and the meaningless last game against the Cavs. I wonder if it is confidence or that he needs the ball in his hands a lot, or the fact that Ish Smith played the point at Wake more than Teague. I have my ?’s about Teague and I am not convinced that he is a starter a PG in the NBA. On the other hand, other than Wall I don’t think there is a draftable PG in this year draft with Teague’s ability. So, it was a good pick if Teague was coming out this year he would be the 2nd PG taking behind Wall and a lottery pick.
Rolando
May 12th, 2010
3:28 am
This is just plain disrespectful.
http://bit.ly/cC5MrH
People need to get over the Joe Johnson bashing already. The guy is human and was just caught up in the heat of the moment. Think about it, how would you like it if someone did this to you?
Joe
May 12th, 2010
4:23 am
Imagine if Milwaukee had Woody? Jennings would have never got in games! Fire him!!! FIRE WOODY NOW!!!
bumyoon
May 12th, 2010
4:51 am
Rolando… only responding to your post as it’s right above mine…. JJ deserved the bashing after his scrub play in 5 previous games as a #1 player for the team. Besides, it was painful to watch a single player dominate the ball for 10-15 seconds only to see him throw up bricks or turn it over when it finally got out of his hands.
If Woodson comes back, I doubt I’ll be watching the Hawks next season – it’ll be the repeat of the same thing: Hawks will win with pure talent, not because of game plan. Then they will enter the playoffs only to get blown out by a team with an actual plan and the desire to win a game. What I want to know is why Woodson kept the same crappy defense that led to wide open treys for Orlando the last three games.
bumyoon
May 12th, 2010
4:55 am
one more thing. NO team will EVER WIN a CHAMPIONSHIP with JJ as their #1 player.
jboi
May 12th, 2010
6:19 am
i love how everyone is pointing fingers now..bunch of fair weather fans. we arguably the 3rd best team in the east. we just match up horribly against the magic. we swept the celtics in the reg season. and they’re going to the conf finals. we’re still pretty darn young team. and Teague will be ready next year.. yall need to take a chill pill
Maxx
May 12th, 2010
6:23 am
Big Ray- The other young PG we need is C.J Watson
Ramon
May 12th, 2010
7:06 am
Bumymoon, people said the same thing about Chauncey Billups and Rasheed. They also said the same about Garnett (said he was too unselfish – Magic) and Paul Pierce. They said all four of them will never win a Championship with them leading the team. Now there’s not one of those four who I couldn’t see JJ being a better player than, and I can’t see Smoove or Horford coming close to matching their impact.
O'Brien
May 12th, 2010
7:11 am
First, let me be clear. I dont know if Teague is the answer or not, and I dont know if he is going to be a star or not. But the only way to find out is to give him consistent PT. If he struggles, then find somebody else who can do the job.
@Ramon,
“Big Ray, you have to remember Chicago (Paxson) is a hard business man. Do you remember just 3-4 seasons ago when he wouldn’t give away Deng in a package deal for KOBE BRYANT?”
I think you’re wrong. Kobe has a no trade clause, and if I’m not mistaken, he said he would NOT go to the Bulls if they could not keep Deng. So Paxson was unable to work out a deal to get Kobe and keep Deng.
I’m with you though. How did Bibby convince Woody and Sund to give him a 3 year deal when nobody was offering him 3 years? I would have preferred a 2 years, $14 mil, 3rd year team option (like what Andre Miller got from Portland), instead of the 3 years, $18 mil.
@Northcyde,
Bibby gave us 9 pts, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds. If I get those numbers from Teague, I will be ok with that. Because his defense will be better, he will push the ball more, and he will penetrate and get guys easy shots. Something Bibby doesn’t do.
“Woody was in the last year of his contract. Without the job security of an extension, why would Woody take a chance on Teague to give him extended minutes?” northcyde.
Why? Because he should have known that the GM and the guy who pays his salary wants to see Teague get minutes. He should have realized that Bibby was old, and a major liability (especially on defense), and Teague needed the minutes to se if hee was able to contribute or not.
How come most of us bloggers could see that Bibby was done, but Woody couldn’t? How come most of us bloggers could see that we will need other PG options in the playoffs besides Bibby, but Woody could not?
Although I should not be surprised at Woody. The same man who said “said “You could have never told me we would struggle to score points”
Are you serious Woody? There were about 15 games in the regular season where we struggled to score 19 points in the fourth quarter against playoff teams. But you didn’t know we would struggle to score points once we play these teams in the playoffs?
I look forward to Rick Sund’s comments as to why Woody wont be retained.
terrell
May 12th, 2010
7:33 am
Why does Woody care if it’s Teague’s time next year? He wont be here. lol! At least I hope he’s not. And I’m sure Teague does too.
terrell
May 12th, 2010
7:36 am
Woodson’s always talking about player development after the season is over or during the summer. Too late now fool.
terrell
May 12th, 2010
7:41 am
Idk about firing Woodson, but keeping JJ? Joe wont know what to do in a real offense. This iso shi. is history.
Big Ray
May 12th, 2010
7:56 am
Bryce ,
You’re the latest to “not get it.” There is a difference between saying “Teague should have gotten more than 10 mpg” and “Teague should have had the starting job.” You and some others continue to exaggerate with little or no basis. Point out the people who say this and address them. Otherwise, leave the broad brush at home.
truthspitter ,
Teague had 5 games in a row in December wherein he received a consistant 20 or so minutes per game. He averaged over 8 points, 5 assists, and shot about 48% from the field. Look it up. I did, and posted it, and I’m not even the King of Research. However, what I posted was summarily ignored. Over and over. Facts can be inconvenient.
I agree that we have no idea if Teague can be starter material. We don’t even know if he can be backup material. Not after the year he just had, where he was kept mostly under wraps. Yes, we won 53 games. But this is a consequence of a decision made, pure and simple. The 53 games were great in the regular season. We stunk like cat poop in the playoffs. Worse than last year. That ain’t good. Not that playing Teague would have changed all that.
Joey
May 12th, 2010
8:04 am
Oh, MC, I thought rookie point guard are supposed to sit for games at the time, finally get to play , then get jerked out and glared at, or chewed out in front of eveyrone as he dejectedly goes back to sit. Then sit for 5 more games while the announcers joke about him being “in the coaches doghouse.”
Bet Celtic fans are glad that’s not Doc River’s blueprint for rookie point guards . . .
richbrave
May 12th, 2010
8:04 am
Staying away from all the finger pointing and blame game. Been down that road way-y-y too much with the WIZARDS. It’s played out for me.
Section 303
May 12th, 2010
8:11 am
Rolando, I can’t get to your link (its blocked here at school), but whatever it is, it is not disrespectful enough. Not planning on getting over Joe Johnson’s comments until he apologizes. Whether you agree with that or not…really don’t care.
As for Woodson…the Spirit needs to just fire him already. No need letting this dangle in the wind when everyone knows Woodson is fired. Mike Woodson is a good man. Hope he does well where ever he happens to end up. Even though I do not want him back, I think he is being used as a cop out for this series.
When players do not try and do not listen to the coach, the blame should fall on the players. It amazes me how so many will not hold them accountable for any of this.
Dap01
May 12th, 2010
8:14 am
Bibby would be a good 3rd string guard. Teague should start next year and we should have a good defensive PG behind him. Bibby is a spot up shooter with no other skills.
If Woody is rehired, Phillips will be empty next year.
DP
May 12th, 2010
8:16 am
I said before the season that I thought Jeff Teague’s development was critical to how far the Hawks could go. It is obvious that they had to have a point guard that could stay in front of somebody on defense and actually play point guard on offense instead of throwing the ball to Joe Johnson and camping on the 3 point line like Bibby. I doubt Teague was ready but think Woodson should have given him at least 20-25 minutes a game for the first half of the season to see if he could play, even at the cost of a few wins. Because it should have been clear that this team’s upside was limited without a point guard who could run the offense or guard anybody.
Joey
May 12th, 2010
8:17 am
You’re right Big Ray. Sometimes it just one matchup that swings a playoff game or series (see Rajon Rondo vs Mo Williams). What if Teague could have stayed in front of Jameer Nelson with his quickness, and the Hawks hold on to take game 2 in Orlando. Think they would lose by 30 at home two days later? Probably not, with Nelson’s confidence shaken and the Hawks sky high.
Just don’t understand why Woody didn’t try it. After a couple of games, he really had nothing to lose, right?
Westurd
May 12th, 2010
8:23 am
I know this is a Teague article, but I would give Woody a standing ovation for the work he has done here. It has been a painful and frustrating process, but even he has to realize it is time for both parties to part ways and move foward. Kudos Woody!
True Hawks Fan
May 12th, 2010
8:34 am
You can say what you want about the Atlanta Spirit Group, but you got to like Michael Gearon Jr.’s approach with the team. He really is working methodically to building a dynasty. He is sticking to sound principles. Read the article, “Sund takes time on Woodson, Gearon expresses disappointment” by Michael Cunningham. There is hope for the future guys. Hold your heads up high.
Section 303
May 12th, 2010
8:39 am
Dap01, I’ll be there, even if Woody comes back. So, the place won’t be empty.
ILL-logical
May 12th, 2010
8:41 am
Well, the fat lady has sung and it is time to assess the situation.
First, thank you Mr. Woodson for your service. It was not all a christal staircase but you made millions of dollars and will coach again,someday and somewhere else.
Second, thank you Mr. Johnson for your service. Hope you find succes with your next team but you have worn out your welcome here.
What is left is a financially and intellectually challenged organization that allowed the current state of affairs to grow and fester until it all was exposed in the most embarrassing display of any NBA playoff series in history.
And this group is deciding the future of th franchise.
Art
May 12th, 2010
8:51 am
There is no question, absolutely no question if Woody is coming back, Woody is done here in Atl. You may ask how does this random person know? Well I sat down in near the court on Monday game and two things happened
1) MR. Highlight Reel himself was talking to Jerome (The Bus) Bettis at halftime, saying 1) The team has no heart, 2) Woody is already done, after the Bucks series, the Hawks had to show something against Orl which they did not. I believe that it will be told to Woody this week or next monday
2) Rutherford Sydel (sp?) was saying the exact same thing. A little more taticalfully not as blut but the same message.
So the conversation on pro/con Woody really does not matter, it is already decided. He is done. So any talk about Teague time is shortsided because a new coach might not like the cut of Teague’s jib (a little old school)
Completely different topict but I think that Lebron’s trouble actually helps joe in free agency and helps with Atl fans if joe decides to come back.
NC Braves Fan
May 12th, 2010
8:55 am
The handwriting is on the wall with Woodson, based on Gearon’s comments. The team is not on the same page, and now we know that Woody is not on the same page with Sund & and the ASG.
You can’t unify the team with a fractured management structure. And you don’t say what Gearon said if you think you can correct the differences between Woody & the ASG.
That said, thanks Coach Woodson. You did a great job getting the team to where it stands now — which is a long ways from where it started!
i_am_soulstar
May 12th, 2010
9:03 am
Perimeter defense is one of the Hawk’s biggest flaws. Can we please keep JJ?? This will instantly improve our perimeter defense, eliminate the need for the switching defense, and overall, just make us a better team.
Summer league means nothing. NOTHING!!! Nevertheless, good luck Teague!
And we also must have a coach that can manage Josh’s personality. He’s matured, but he still sometimes has mental lapses. At the All-Star break, I thought we were all past the maturity issues with Josh, but perhaps he fooled us all.
Everytime Josh doesn’t get back on defense because he’s arguing with a ref, I die a little inside.
i_am_soulstar
May 12th, 2010
9:07 am
If we have and Teague and JJ, this will instantly improve our perimeter defense. And I’m sure Bibby will be great off the bench.
I’m not so sure I want a center, because that means moving Josh to small forward which creates another match up problem. He’s a great help defender, but he struggles guarding anything on the perimeter with handles. Horford’s guarding Howard wasn’t the problem in the Magic series if you recall.
How many times was Pietrus wide open in Game 4????? I came to the game on crutches and still almost got kicked out for “voicing my displeasure.”