Atlanta Hawks: Larry Drew is the choice for coach
Hawks pick Drew to be next coach.
The Hawks have decided to hire Larry Drew as their next head coach, people with knowledge of the decision said today.
Drew was Atlanta’s lead assistant for six years under Mike Woodson, who was let go last month. Drew and the team are working out the details of a contract this evening and the official announcement of his hiring is expected on Saturday.
Drew, 52, emerged from a group of finalists that also included Avery Johnson, Dwane Casey and Mark Jackson. Once Johnson agreed to coach the Nets early in the week, that left Atlanta’s ownership group and GM Rick Sund to choose from among the other three candidates.
This will be Drew’s first head-coaching job after he’s been an NBA assistant for the the last 14 seasons. He worked for the Lakers, Wizards, Pistons and Nets before joining Woodson’s staff for the 2004-05 season. Drew played 714 games over 10 NBA seasons from 1980-91.
“He’s very experienced, just being around the game,” Hawks guard Jamal Crawford said. “He’s very knowledgeable. I think he is prepared for a lot of different situations.”
When Sund decided not to retain Woodson, he said the team needed “another voice” after the team lost in the second round of the playoffs the last two years. The Hawks apparently decided Drew will have a leadership style distinct from Woodson while also having the advantage of established relationships with players and familiarity with the team’s issues.
“He knows the faults of our teams,” Crawford said. “It’s not like we are a bad team. Now we can continue to build; we don’t have to start over.”
Drew inherits a team that won 53 games next season and, among its core players, has all but Joe Johnson under contract for next season. But he will face some challenges as the Hawks look to break through after getting swept in the second round of the playoffs in consecutive years.
Drew is popular among players but now his role changes from sometimes-confidant to the person in charge of their playing time and involvement in the offense. He also will have to reprimand players for their mistakes while trying to maintain relationships and team chemistry.
“Everything is going to be a first for him,” Crawford said. “But I think it will be a little bit easier transition because he knows our team. He doesn’t have to come in and learn the different personalities, what makes people tick and how to motivate them.”
When the Hawks let Woodson go, among the concerns expressed by players and management was what they considered Woodson’s differing levels of accountability. They said Woodson didn’t rebuke certain players as often as he did others, leading to some resentment in the locker room.
The Hawks also want to move away from an isolation-heavy offensive approach that was influenced by guard Joe Johnson’s playing style. Johnson is eligible to become a free agent next month, and the Hawks still want to re-sign him.
A person with knowledge of Johnson’s plans said he’s still open to returning. But the person said the new coach would have to sell Johnson on relying more on his teammates in the offense and ensure him that locker-room chemistry would improve.
MC
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552 comments Add your comment
Ken Strickland
June 12th, 2010
8:07 pm
This is a comment from an article by Mark Stein of ESPN on the Hawks coach Larry Drew:
“Those who know Drew best say he’ll inject the built-for-speed Hawks with some needed offensively creativity and get them playing faster than the stubborn Woodson ever did. They also say he’ll reach Josh Smith and Marvin Williams like Woodson never could, and that knowing all their personnel so well gives him a head start no one else would enjoy.”
With our without JJ, getting more production from Marvin and JSmith, improving our overall DEF, especially at PG, along with making adjustments and utilizing strategy, will make us a better overall team in the long run. While everyone is so willing to believe the team will collapse without JJ, I beg to differ.
As a starter, Crawford can replace just about everything JJ provided except DEF. His DEF could be improved by having him play more SG, which will keep him from having to defend so many quicker, faster PG’s. All LDrew has to do is get more production from his bench to compensate for the loss of Crawford’s bench production.
With only Zaza, Evans, Bibby and Crawford under contract, we’ll have to retool our bench. We’ll need another backup C, PF, and preferably another PG. It’ll be interesting to see if Sund elects to go after a starter to replace JJ, if he leaves, or a backup to replace Crawford off the bench if he starts.
THIS YRS VERSION OF THE ATLANTA HAWKS, UNDER NEW HC LARRY DREW, WILL BE A MUCH MORE EXCITING TEAM TO WATCH, AT LEAST FOR ACTUAL FANS OF THE TEAM.
jroc
June 12th, 2010
8:13 pm
Good point Ken…That what the young hawks were missing exitement and production from their bench.With or without JJ the hawks will be stable.
OK
June 12th, 2010
8:28 pm
Here is Sekous Article on in Drew case you haven’t seen it:
http://www.nba.com/2010/news/06/11/hawks.drew/
P.S Watch the vid, it explains drew’s interview process….impressive
jroc
June 12th, 2010
8:30 pm
Why do some of you fans feel that success of a team only mean winning championships.The Knicks haven’t won a title since the 70’s and they are still a top ten team in revenue and fan attendance.Something got to change hawks for the past few years management has put a good product out there for you fans to go see.Stop complaining fans and acting like a sidity woman that thinks she is all that.This how some of you sound “you gotta do this for me, you got do that for me Ooooo I want to see Lebron, I want to see Kobe,if you don’t do this you can’t get none”.Just Stop It Fanatics!
jroc
June 12th, 2010
8:39 pm
Drew’s interview process was very very impressive the guy showed management that the same offense will not be ran this year and demonstrated it for them.Thats Amazing! I can’t wait to see next seasons hawks. Gooooooooooooooooo Haaaawwwwkks!!!
drmaryb
June 12th, 2010
8:42 pm
HARD TIMES
You know it’s SO easy to spend other people money. For all the CHEAP accusers on the blog here,
HOW much mula dop you have. If you have $100.OO in your checking account? You are past broke and will more than likely be warming the couch on a Friday night. If, you are fortunate enough to own a couch.
Does that make you cheap or just broke? As a business owner, and many of you who support families can attest to this: it ain’t easy being resposible for all the bills!
Please be careful with all the personal attacks and name calling. Maybe ASG is really struggling to pay all the bills – yet we still have a very excitoing and competitive team. We should be thankful for that.
The Truth
June 12th, 2010
8:56 pm
Ken Strickland
There is one piece of unfinished business I have on my plate that I must address now. That is to wish and pray for your speedy and full recovery as well. As I learned about your medical challenge while on vacation monitoring the blog, I was not able to respond in a timely fashion. The recent drama from all the coach selection talks caused me to lose sight until now. I know you will approach this medical challenge just like you attack your blog subject matter, WITH FULL FORCE!!
Again, may God shine a special blessing you,
Sincerely
The Truth (a PK)
bigdave
June 12th, 2010
9:05 pm
since the sports culture of Atlanta and fan base is soo horrible and flawed, why do you “out-of-towners” “support”, cheer, route for the team that represents it?
folks love to hate and critique Atlanta, and usually know nothing about it.
bigdave
June 12th, 2010
9:22 pm
*”root” /support..
bigdave
June 12th, 2010
9:23 pm
follow..
drmaryb
June 12th, 2010
9:33 pm
Ken S.
Ditto that post from The Truth & IT will set you free! From fear and worries.
I for one have really enjoyed your source of insight and encouragement and more importantly -
Positive thoughts and words in regards to the new HC.
I personally, am NOT a negative person and have scrolling like a maniac to get past all the garbage and fake named bloggers to get to the reasonable and readable stuff. Always looking to see and hear what Ken S.
Has to say.
So, thank you for participating even when you have more important things to do and take care of.
Most of all take care of yourself and your Mind – Body & Spirit.
I wish I could cook you some stewed peeled tomatoes with corn and okra over steamed white rice to eat.
Oh and my famous corn bread and fire grilled salmon. That’s what you need, especially the cooked tomatoes which are excellent for fighting prostate cancer cells. I hope you have found the cook-book
for prostate health. I will google that and send you the link.
I Love you and keep fighting and praying for a speedy recovery.
-mary ellen-
Grandad
June 12th, 2010
9:55 pm
drmaryb:
Bein’ a tad bit on the jealous side,
I don’t know if I can tolerate other
bloggers callin’ you Mary Ellen.
We may have to reserve that one for
yore kin. Respectfully, G-Dad.
*[especially not ol' Hatter]
drmaryb
June 12th, 2010
10:32 pm
Grand-Daddy
Only for us! I’m your mary ellen and no one else’s!
I feel so LUCKY top have met you on here!
Mmmmmwah! On the cheek. ; 0
jroc
June 12th, 2010
10:40 pm
One thing i don’t like about Atl is it’s transplants from other cities they are always hating on Atl Sports and their attitudes are rubbing off on some of Atl true fans.Cities like Detroit or Clevelad have the right to complain because some of their teams stink.I just can’t understand WHY most of you fanatics complain about teams that are pretty successful and make the playoffs.
ant banks
June 12th, 2010
10:45 pm
DRMARYB,
i conquer wit’ yo’ 8;24 post. further more, when we are winnin’ more road games, (since that is where our problems were) everyone will be talkin’ about how they were for larry drew.
DRMARYB,
please help me remember all of these names who were rippin’ the larry drew hire. when we are 12-4 in december.
Truth-Serum
June 12th, 2010
10:50 pm
Its said when you can put the truth in people’s face and they look the other way…Sautee, Im only going to show you this one more time. Then I will respond to the sane people Shaq was the number 2 Center behind Howard and announced that he would not play because of a thumb injury that he wanted to let heal. That opened up a spot to which Horford was selected. Hoford was next in line by voting but was better than a half million behind shaq and more closer to the middle of the pack among center during the voting. Here is the final voting. you can argue allnight long. The first two players in each category are usually a shoe-in to the allstar. But being third is not a lock. Especially since there wasnt much difference between the 3 place voting and 7th place (less than a hundred thousand. )
Now I know you have AL Horford curtain towel and drawls, but the reality is Hes was on the team because the coaches had to name a center to back up Howard and Shaq was next but thumbed out.
Centers: Dwight Howard (Orl) 2,360,096; Shaquille O’Neal (Cle) 856,056; Al Horford (Atl) 270,532; Andrea Bargnani (Tor) 265,024; Brook Lopez (NJ) 223,246; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 202,072; Jermaine O’Neal (Mia) 159,327; Rasheed Wallace (Bos) 131,084; Brad Miller (Chi) 102,994; Kendrick Perkins (Bos) 90,278.
Read more: http://www.insidehoops.com/all-star-voting-results.shtml#ixzz0qhGaXxax
N.D.T.K.A.
June 12th, 2010
10:52 pm
It is strange that some do not seem to understand the dynamics of Atlanta when it comes to sports as opposed to a Chicago Bulls, LA Laker, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks. Have many of the fans on this board ever tried to buy season ticket packages for the Hawks? If you are not early bird but still have a reasonable amount to spend on those tickets you will be sitting in the upper corners, behind the back board or about midway up in the middle, which from a viewers standpoint ain’t great seats(your watching the game on the lovely screen in Phillips instead of looking down on the floor with binoculars). Atlanta is a corporate city. A ton of the ticket packages are bought by corporate entities. These groups buy a ton of the ticket packages a pay less at a group rate. Like Arthur Blank talks about the luxury suites. Of course Phillips has the luxury boxes also but many of these companies buy the best lower level seats also. I know I have worked for 3 of said companies and regularly got the tickets the big shots didn’t want until playoff time or when the top teams play. This is why the attendance at times looks skewed. So when you see an announced sellout and not that many people are in the building, usually it is because the corporate buyers just didn’t attend. In those other cities corporate buys aren’t as large because people have been buying tickets for years and are third and fourth generation fans and will go to the games no matter what, so the seats are full. Corporate people don’t really have the ties to the team because a large percentage of them are not from Atlanta. I think with a consistent winner in Atlanta many would want to come with their kids and start a cycle similiar to what you see in the Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia basketball fan base.
Also the Hawks are a much better team when they run L. Drew will make them a better team if this is his philosophy.
Doc Rivers, when you hear him miked up in these finals, tells his players repeatedly to move and share the basketball. Doc tells them to defend and reminds them about not getting technicals in the fourth quarter. Of course this is a players league where the best play. Doc is talking to Garnett, Pierce, R. Allen, and Rondo. Three hall of famers and a future hall of famer in Rondo. But these guys had to put aside any differences they had about being the man and playing team ball. Doc commands their respect. The issue about a coach was to get someone the team would listen to. Coaches remind players of the intended game plan on the floor and keeps their head in the game. Talent does win games but in the NBA playoffs there is a decided difference when most of the talent is about equal. Players have to respect the coach and listen to get to the next level. In the playoffs it is more about team than just talent. According to one of the links just posted, Marc Stein said Lebron stated to Gilbert that he would prefer a coach who had played the game. So in essence the coach does have a lot to do with the success of the team. It is a fact plenty of teams with talent achieve a lot less if they refuse to play together. Respect for the coach is the key to getting guys to listen. I’ve seen many a night of Mavericks basketball where Dirk, JT and formerly Shawn Marion have lit it up and still lose. Kobe lights it up on many a night and still loses. The coach matters and has to be respected period. Let’s hope the Hawks respect Larry Drew!!!
Truth-Serum
June 12th, 2010
10:55 pm
? I understand you need the players but coaching is a huge part of winning. If not why doesn’t every owner in the league put their little brother as coach & pay them $100K per year?
They should!
Truth-Serum
June 12th, 2010
11:00 pm
Theres only 2 people well 2 and 1/2 if you count bibby on the Hawks who can shoot. JJ and Crawford. The rest of them have to be set up at a certain spot to get a shot off. Changing coaches to me is like changing the labels on a can and thinking the contents are different. You must really have bumped your head if you think these hawks can be better than they were this year. There just aint enough talent. Their best player JJ was only a 3rd string All NBA player and no one else made the list. WTF?
Truth-Serum
June 12th, 2010
11:06 pm
jhan
June 12th, 2010
7:51 pm
Truth – how many titles did Jordan, Kobe & Shaq win BEFORE Phil Jackson was their coach? I understand you need the players but coaching is a huge part of winning. If not why doesn’t every owner in the league put their little brother as coach & pay them $100K per year?
You still did not answer the question. What was Phil’s record with out kobe and Michael?
Touche'
June 12th, 2010
11:08 pm
If not why doesn’t every owner in the league put their little brother as coach & pay them $100K per year?
Sund Just Did!
jroc
June 12th, 2010
11:29 pm
n.d.t.k.a
Chicago,LA,Boston and New York are corprate cities also.All sports franchises are corporate.Why do you think all these arenas in basketball are named after some corporate sponsor.The problem in Atl is that you guys don’t want to see the hawks play against teams without a superstar.Atl is a new city compared to Chicago,LA,Boston, or New York.Atl has 4 or 5 different downtown skylines and has one of the largest metro areas in the country.With a city with almost 5 million people in metro atl it is a shame that every game isn’t sold out.Who cares if you have to sit in nose bleed seats all nba ticket prices are high especially if you want good seats.You should just enjoy the nba experience.Stop making excuses and show up to your games.The hawks for the past few years have had better seasons then the knicks and bulls but those teams still outdraw you guys.Just show up and enjoy the games where ever you sit.
drmaryb
June 12th, 2010
11:33 pm
Ant Banks
(Ants on the Ground) -Larry Platt-
Yeah Ant man! (I will remember their names). Like muscle butt Leroy on “Fame”. LOL!
Teams always Rally behind a new coach.
We may hit the ground 15 – 0 especially if Joe is retained & we get a nice big @ #24.
If God blesses us all to be here still. IDK this old world is swirling around the toilet bowl right now!
I drive an old ‘99 LS400 it runs like a 747 on the highway & I am very frugal with my money. A really tight spender and collector of antiques, so, I really appreciate wise spenders.
I don’t like people that call others cheap … You may be talking about the millionaire next door who appears to not have a dime. I will drive my old car until the wheels fall off. To me, it seems like the world economy’s wheels are falling off – to me anyways.
That’s why, I keep saying Joe should have taken that 4 & $60 Million. Especially after his poor playoffs performance this season. He may NEVER see those numbers again. I mean what if he broke his leg or ruptured his achilles tendon? I’m just sayin’ look at the Center for Milwaukee – Ant B., he may NEVER be the same player physically nor mentally? (His name escapes me now – is it Bogut?)
That dude, had a career ending type injury. These UFA’s are all opting out to secure more years in the future, I.e. Tyson Chandler foregoing 12.6 Million next year to extend those checks. Boozer doing the same.
Their agents are advising them to do it because this money may seriously NOT be there in 2012.
There are so many UFA’s now that Joe and others may feel the same financial pain that you, me and the real world is feeling.
These guys literally live on Fantasy Island – like “TATOO” (pun intended) saying to Carlos Monteban, “The Plane!”, as their private planes land at private air strips to play a silly game in every city!
You know we are living in the last days now – hell, we got a Black President so, you now it’s close! ROF. LOL!
JeJe
June 12th, 2010
11:45 pm
WE NEED A NEW STARTING 5 (ADJUSTMENTS) AND BETTER ASSISTANT COACHES. TYRONE HILL AND JIM TODD ARE USELESS. LET’S NOT FORGET BOB BENDER (ALL THE GUY DOES IS CHEW GUM AND WATCH KISS CAM. SERIOUSLY I HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM DO ANYTHING PRODUCTIVE OUT THERE).
CAN WE GET A LEGIT BIG MAN TO WORK WITH HORF AND SMOOVE? NO MORE OF THIS TYRONE HILL OR THAT SCRUB WHO SHAWN KEMP DUNKED ON
JeJe
June 12th, 2010
11:46 pm
alton LISTER
jhan
June 12th, 2010
11:51 pm
Truth – 102-62.
Michael & Kobe still never won without Phil.
What’s your point?
N.D.T.K.A.
June 12th, 2010
11:58 pm
Jroc,
I do go to many of the Hawks games and now since I no longer work in a corporate environment, I do it at my own expense. I also take my two sons who love Josh and Al. I will again look into buying season tickets if the Hawks put a competitive team on the floor. I have sat in nose bleed seats and also attended the first game ever played in Phillips with the Hawks vs. the Bucks. On the other hand I have sat on the floor, in the corner on the floor, and even in the suites. I am just stating the obvious. It takes fans time to get to where a Chicago, Boston or New York is. Most of the people here seem to diversify their time doing other things or else why don’t they attend the games? I have been to games where the company I worked for had hundreds of tickets, the whole section was empty. The company which is huge had less that twenty people at the game. Explain that Jroc, how often do you go and enjoy the experience of Phillips Arena and there is a decided difference in sitting on the floor and sitting in the nose bleed seats. I love going to the Braves games because you can always get great seats and see the game clearly from many different areas. It is not about the cost it is about the views in Phillips and the availability of the quality seats.
drmaryb
June 13th, 2010
12:01 am
DO DO BIRDS
The Bible describes an Ostrich as the dumbest bird that ever lived – along the beaches.
This bird cam out run a team of thorough bred horses, and when it gets to where it’s going – what does it do?
That’s right! It buries it’s head in the sand!
That’s what a running team looks like to me on a fast break, when it gets to the basket and turns the ball over or make a bad pass!
Careless ball handling is negated when you have a great PG! That is how important it is to have great guard play! The Hawks haven’t had that in 11 years, since Mookie left! Speaking of Mookie – he’s probably sitting home fat as hell. from smoking blundts and eating the munchies. LOL! I would love to hear what he’s up to?
I remember him getting arrested on a return flight from Toronto, Canada with an ounce of weed!
Man, those were the good ole’ days of Deke, Smitty, Grant Long, Mookie and Hindu and Lenny!
We haven’t balled like that since we had a PG & a Center!
N.D.T.K.A.
June 13th, 2010
12:06 am
Also Jroc, Think about this. Why don’t the Hawks just black out the games like the NFL does with the Falcons, if attendance is so low? Many times you here announced sellouts and Phillips is still empty?? Explain that.
Grandad
June 13th, 2010
12:39 am
Mary Ellen:
Call Dr Pigeon in Douglasville. (@ his business)
[chiropractor]
I don’t live there but he’s a friend.
You said you were a chiropractor – as is he.
Leave your business card/address/phone/E-mail;
not all just one or the other.
Don’t say for whom as anyone could pick it up.
He will know it’s for me as I’m his friend.
I would like to share my story.
I’ll be in touch, G-dad.
drmaryb
June 13th, 2010
12:53 am
Grand-Daddy,
This is cool! I will do that on Monday. -smiles-
The Ayatollah
June 13th, 2010
7:13 am
MARC STEIN, ESPN
“But hanging on to Johnson is not Atlanta’s sole goal. The Hawks know they’ll have trouble spots to address even if Johnson stays this summer, judging by their embarrassing surrender in the second round against Orlando, when they absorbed a four-game sweep by a combined 101 points.
Pessimism reigns leaguewide about the Hawks’ ability to hang onto their All-Star swingman this summer, but I’ve been repeatedly told that there are folks in the organization that matter who would not be crushed if Johnson moved on, taking the fresh-start vibe to another level.”
The future could still be bright down the road without Mr. Johnson around. It seems that some in the Hawks organization believes so as well.
The Ayatollah
June 13th, 2010
7:23 am
bigdave
June 12th, 2010
9:05 pm
since the sports culture of Atlanta and fan base is soo horrible and flawed, why do you “out-of-towners” “support”, cheer, route for the team that represents it?
folks love to hate and critique Atlanta, and usually know nothing about it.
In other words, this NORTHCYDE character needs to shut his trap. Nicely done, nicely done.
The Ayatollah
June 13th, 2010
7:25 am
FORK TONGUE REVIEW BOARD
June 13th, 2010
4:55 am
There are times when arguments are clearly lies being spewed forth from the serpent like tongue of an emotionally charged blogger who owns a draw full of Horford Panties…
This almost certainly is referencing and describing the “TRUTH SERUM” person, who has yet to speak one bit of truth since I have been reading these blog posts. Never have I seen such an ill fitted name. This person would be better off naming themselves “LIE JUICE.”
Sam'l
June 13th, 2010
8:04 am
The only conceivable reasons to sign Drew would be:
1. If Joe Johnson had okayed this as a precursor to remaining on the team.
2. If he really did drop some amazing conceptual plans on his interviewers for the job.
Personally, I like what Cleveland did when they announced Lebron James would not have a hand in picking their coach. Anybody gonna ask Sund or that egomaniacal Gearon capitalist? Didn’t think so.
One other blogger wanted to know what Drew said that was so cool. So do I.
I think the Hawks blew this one. I also think that if Drew either didn’t not perform well as an assistant (based on the total lack of brains exhibited by the coaching staff) or if he was ignored by Woodson (another theory bandied about), he maybe should have taken some initiative and gone elsewhere rather continue in a losing role.
New coach in March……
Sam'l
June 13th, 2010
8:12 am
For goodness sakes Ayatollah……Atlanta’s media has always been small town. especially for its population. The announcers have always sucked…..look at Skip Caray and Steve Holman…….the Hawks could’ve been beaten by college teams in the past. Try to turn in an Olympic bomber and they accuse you of being the bomber….child killers….The friggin Housewives……violent senseless crime after violent senseless crime…the guards posted outside a multitude of city buildings…….mIchael dog killer vick……CNN…..i would be tempted to name Coca Cola a success story but is that stuff really healthy for you?
drmaryb
June 13th, 2010
9:17 am
SamL
Very very interesting editorial re: Atlanta Media. Idealistic, Intellectual, Mind – Mugging, insightful and
most of all – Accurate! The Coca-Cola perspective is down – right ORGANIC!
I Like It …I Like IT! (In the vernacular of Tyler Perry’s Mr. Brown)
Great Job!
Sautee
June 13th, 2010
9:38 am
Truth-serum,
Since you don’t seem able to understand, I’ll try again. The “voting” that I referred to (and that the article in Shaq’s team’s town – Cleveland referred to) was the COACHES vote. Even most casual fans realize that ONLY THE STARTERS are voted in by the fans. You keep posting the FAN vote like that matters. If you put so much stock in THAT vote then you obviously think Allen Iverson was the best PG in the East this year.
But the COACHES are the ones who vote ALL the reserves on the All-Star team.
And the COACHES voted Al ahead of Shaq.
How about a link to this “thumb injury” story. Odd that his hometown newspaper NEVER MENTIONED a “thumb injury” in the story about Shaq being left off the team. You’d THINK that would be prominent in their story, since….according to you…. that’s the reason for Shaq not playing.
I gave YOU a link to back up my post. Now how about a link to this “story” about a thumb injury keeping him from playing in the ASG. Show me and I’ll hush about it. Otherwise I’ll assume that it’s another lie from you.
Sautee
June 13th, 2010
9:46 am
And BTW, Truth-serum, if you are talking about Shaq’s thumb injury that Glen Davis caused, well…. it happened TWO WEEKS AFTER the All-Star game.
So maybe he had TWO thumb injuries?
I guess I’ll know when you send that link.
Big Ray
June 13th, 2010
10:05 am
Sautee ,
Yep. The NBA coaches vote the reserves in. Al Horford was voted in by the NBA coaches, who respect his game big time. But I thought everybody knew that…You don’t get to the NBA all-star game by being horrible on defense while playing out of position. I thought everybody knew that as well…
lewis
June 13th, 2010
10:06 am
rofl @ cavs consideration of Mike Woodson
Big Ray
June 13th, 2010
10:07 am
All this noise about the fans. Are we here to blog about the fans or the team? Tried following some parts of this conversation and just couldn’t…
sam'l
June 13th, 2010
10:09 am
Childress 12 on NBA.com’s list of potential free agents…..
“Childress has until July 15 to opt out of his contract with Olympiakos Pireus in Greece. All indications are that he’s ready to come back home to the NBA after two seasons abroad. Atlanta still has right of first refusal on any NBA deal. A return to the Hawks would seem to make the most sense, adding another piece to the puzzle for a team trying to build a Finals contender. Childress is a long, aggressive wing defender with a nose for the ball and a knack for getting to the basket for his shot or to clean up the glass. If Atlanta doesn’t want to pay the price, there are plenty who will.”
Big Ray
June 13th, 2010
10:10 am
lewis ,
Why not? Tom Izzo won’t make up his mind (not that I blame him, a lot of risk involved) and the two hottest names in the assistant ranks are already gone. On the flip side, if the Cavs are worried about better ball and personnel movement…
lewis
June 13th, 2010
10:14 am
He just seems a lesser version of Mike Brown.
Neither proved to be solid playoff tacticians.
vava74
June 13th, 2010
10:18 am
Sam’l,
Our fellow blogger OK just showed above what Drew made which was incredible in his interview:
http://www.nba.com/2010/news/06/11/hawks.drew/
Just punch play on the video.
I am sold. A guy that goes the distance knowing that he is the underdog and uses all his resources like this is a guy hungry for the job and a guy who has the players behind him in the right way.
For the lazy guys around here:
Drew’s interview process was simple: he took 5 guys, including Tyrone Hill and Teague and showed in diagrams AND ON COURT his OWN offense and how it contrasted ISO-heavy Woody.
Big Ray
June 13th, 2010
10:18 am
Can’t argue with that. I’m just saying that the Cavs have to consider anybody looking for a job. Theirs is the most unstable of situations, not knowing whether Lebron will stay or not.
Big Ray
June 13th, 2010
10:34 am
Lewis ,
On second thought, is Woody really a lesser coach than Mike Brown? Woody never had Lebron. Or a frontcourt featuring three serviceable seven footers. Or a fairly deep backcourt.
lewis
June 13th, 2010
10:35 am
Well, they were both considered to be defensive minded coaches.
Neither teams played great defense.
Cavs had the Hawks beat though.
drmaryb
June 13th, 2010
10:36 am
Vava
Yes, I’m the lazy one, so thanks. I tried to view that video from my blacberry and it wouldn’t upload anything.
So, again … Thanks! Now, I am really impressed that he showed a live demonstration, to me that shows creativity _ something severly lacking as of late with our offense in general.
Reminds me of how Rookie prospect: Jim Mora, JR (I know he’s not literally a jr), wowed – then GM Rich MaCay for the Falcons HC job, when he rolled up like a trial lawter with volumes of reference books and inspirational qoutes from historical great coaches to get that Job.
Unfortunately, he chose to coddle Mike Vick & well, we know the rest!
But, my point is creativity in an interview was probably what put him over the top of Casey, regardless of the fact he came in with a low salary demand. To me that was prudent for the hawks to hire him in a WIN – WIN scenario for both sides:
Impressive & Affordable hire!
I like it – a lot!
Let’s Go!