Atlanta Hawks: Players say Drew isn’t Woody 2
LD, second from right, moves over to Woody's spot (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
It wouldn’t be a bad thing in the larger sense if LD is another Woody. In the aftermath of the recent postseason disappointment, it’s easy to forget Woody led the Hawks to one of their better seasons after helping them rise up from their status as laughingstocks. But Rick Sund said the Hawks needed “another voice,” after all, so there’s some understandable skepticism when they hired Woody’s right-hand man to be the “new” voice.
Clearly Atlanta believes LD offers something distinct from Woody. The Hawks hired him after rejecting not just Woody but his entire program. Promoting his lead assistant means they don’t think LD got much of a chance to put his stamp on that program. And the Hawks are telling you that not only do they expect LD’s way to be better than Woody’s way, but that he’s the guy to guide them to the next level even though he’s never been in the head coach’s seat before.
Anybody making snap judgments about the legitimacy of those views is just guessing. Sund and ASG made their choice. LD gets his shot to win over skeptics. At some point it will become clear if he’s the right choice.
I talked to some players this weekend, and all of them said they expect LD’s approach to be different than Woody’s. Drew often ran the second-team offense in practice and was said to deploy creative sets, with one player describing them as a “fun” departures from the isolations. Another player said when things went badly for the Hawks, LD tended to be more of an “encourager” than a “screamer” and focused his energy on laying out a detailed plan for how the Hawks can get better.
The players have better insight into LD than the rest of us, and so it’s significant that he enjoys wide support among them. But they can’t be sure how Drew the assistant will work out as Drew the head coach. His relationships with players will be tested. Now LD has the final say on how the run the team, including playing time and touches, and players inevitably aren’t going to like some of his decisions.
It’s probably not much different than most real-life workplaces when your direct boss becomes the “big boss.” It happened to me at a previous job. I knew that when my supervisor became the department’s boss our relationship would necessarily change. Where once he would go into his boss’s office as my advocate, and sometimes privately agree with my gripes, suddenly I was griping to someone else about his decisions. We talked every day when he was my direct supervisor; when he became the department head and had wider responsibilities, sometimes the explanations came down through the chain of command, and sometimes not at all.
I knew that when he was promoted my boss had to put some of that “command distance” between us. I’m not saying I always liked it but I accepted the circumstances and did my job. It’s not an exact analogy, I know, but Hawks players now have to do much the same with Drew. It’s part of being a professional.
That raises another important point. It’s not just ASG, Sund and LD who are under pressure. The players have a lot to prove, too. It’s fair to critique Woody’s strategies, his management of the team, and his failure to bring along Rook’. But, in what’s probably a common NBA tale, the players whom Woody treated like pros and gave some degree of say in their working conditions eventually let him down (and that’s before you even get into the issues with his roster, which is another blog altogether).
The players credited Woody with creating a loose atmosphere that made it enjoyable for them to come to work but then they didn’t get serious when it was time to do so. Woody backed off from the long, hard and frequent practices players didn’t like and in the end they didn’t work as hard as they should. Woody gave them on-court freedom (especially J.J.) and instead of taking that trust and becoming a free-flowing offensive team, they became a selfish “get mine” kind of team–and resisted Woody’s efforts to get them to share the ball.
Now Hawks players get a replacement for Woody whom they know and like. The new voice in charge is a familiar one and the internal hire causes fewer disruptions and less uncertainty. As one player said, now it’s up to him and his teammates to support Drew by getting on board with his program, respecting his decisions even if they don’t like them and sacrificing for the team.
Otherwise, no matter if LD draws up better plays, holds all guys accountable and develops the next Rook’, he might end up just like Woody did in the end.
MC
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399 comments Add your comment
Grandad
June 14th, 2010
8:18 pm
I MUS WRITE:
“Grandpa- Hollar at me i got a connect on them blue diamonds.”
Now I realize I’m not the acutest tick on the hound, but “what”?
bigdave
June 14th, 2010
8:24 pm
“Grandpa- Hollar at me i got a connect on them blue diamonds.”
lol..
Terry Crews
June 14th, 2010
8:32 pm
pe pe pe pe pe pe Power.Give me my diamonds back!
dap01
June 14th, 2010
8:38 pm
Bibby sure talks big for the WORST guard in the NBA. He is the WORST defensive player in the NBA. The worst for 6 million. Sad.
Presto
June 14th, 2010
8:43 pm
Al having a big night….Career ave. 12pts
cp
June 14th, 2010
8:43 pm
I like what I hear from Drew. I love hearing how Teague has been here the whole time putting in the work. Drew said he is going to start on him immediately. Seeing guys who aren’t even under contract show up to his press conference says a lot about what the players think of Drew. If he installs the offense he is talking about, holds everyone accountable, has competition for spots, and develops Teague then I will be happy.
MaxxHawk
June 14th, 2010
9:00 pm
We need to come up with a new nickname for Larry Drew. “LD” is and will always be the nickname for Larry David and only Larry David. Maybe we call him “Larry D”
Grandad
June 14th, 2010
9:02 pm
I MUS / bigdave / Terry Crews:
I had to go look it up.
Now that was funny.
Obviously, Ive never had a need for any;
much like I never had a need for an XL condom.
Woody's Eyebrows
June 14th, 2010
9:10 pm
I like this hire more and more. I know he wants a more creative offense with more ball and player movement where “everyone on the court is a threat”, but what is his Defensive philosophy? Does he want us to always switch no matter what like Woody? Let’s hope not. That stuff doesn’t work in the playoffs against top tier teams. Hopefully Larry D will make better in-game adjustments than Mr. Potato Head AKA Woodrow. I would like to see some Zone and some different looks Defensively like what we saw in game 6 Vs. Milwaukee. We saw the versatility we possess Defensively for the first and last time under Woody in that game. Will Larry D utilize the bench and timeouts better than Woody? Will he strategize better than Woody and utilize matchups better? I sure hope so
Presto
June 14th, 2010
9:13 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQjY3M-X3h0&feature=PlayList&p=630BBC0F36EA914B&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=20
protect the rim
Woody's Eyebrows
June 14th, 2010
9:13 pm
Oh yea, and hopefully we can say goodbye to Marvin Williams’ starting role on this team. Hopefully Larry D will let Mo Evans beat out the Duck for the spot, something Woody never let Mo have a chance to do.
P.s. –
SIGN GARRETT SILER!!!
drmaryb
June 14th, 2010
9:16 pm
Sautee
I’m sorry, please accept my apology to you and the wife. I hope we never get into a debate. LOL!
But, you had already squashed T-Serum. He has no answer to your question and he has no link for you. I love all you real bloggers especially the logical and passionate guys that come with STATS & FACTS!
T-Serum is my dude. I love reading his posts, sometimes we say things in the heat of passion and may get carried away and say something that’s off base, but lying? That’s a strong word.
I love Horford – big time! He’s the only player on our team and most teams that has won two championships back to back!
Albeit in college – the character required to do something like that transcends levels!
Even, though T-Serum likes to razzle The Boss – I value his difference of opinions. As, many others.
Again, Sautee & Wife – I’m sorry for the rude comment!
Friends?
bigdave
June 14th, 2010
9:16 pm
who was at Drew’s press conference?
Presto
June 14th, 2010
9:18 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcSoL9iCM90&feature=PlayList&p=630BBC0F36EA914B&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=18
I hope this help you get your average up from 12 pts a game career wise Horford. Ive given up on trying to get you to play defense. That aint happening.
Big Ray
June 14th, 2010
9:18 pm
Nice to hear the new head coach talking about getting to work with/on Teague. That’s what is needed.
Equally nice to hear that Teague has stayed here to get some work in.
Still laughing at the idea that a coach getting a 2 year extension makes him a lame duck. If that’s the case, then Thibodeau and Monty Williams are lame ducks right out of the gate, and Coach of the Year Scott Brooks is a lame duck in Oklahoma City.
Still laughing at truth serum …..ol’ “hatter” just don’t give up… LOL
O'Brien
June 14th, 2010
9:21 pm
Coach Drew is talking a good game. Re-signing impending free agent Joe Johnson was a priority, as was getting Johnson to share the ball on offense. Forward Josh Smith will be positioned near the basket and not on the perimeter.
I hope he does what he can to back it up. 2 other parts jump out at me from MC’s article;
By the end of Drew’s news conference, every player on Atlanta’s 2009-10 roster except for Johnson and Joe Smith had filed in to show support. So far, it seems like all the players like him a lot.
According to to people with knowledge of the team’s evaluations, management concerns involved Woodson’s entire program.
So maybe it was a house of cards after all.
Mike is back
June 14th, 2010
9:23 pm
CP, Steve Smith said on NBA TV that LD brought in five guys to run some offensive sets during his presentation, and Teague was one of the guys. Apparently, management was impressed. I want to see Teague actually given a chance to run the team.
I like what I’m hearing from LD, however I want to see who he adds to his staff. Maybe save for Mark Price…I’m hoping to see all new faces. Perhaps bring someone in like The Dream to work with our Bigs.
STEEL (Formerly VenomSpitter)
June 14th, 2010
9:27 pm
I just listened to Sekou on NBA Tv and I knew that alotta the players couldn’t stand Woody.
huh?
June 14th, 2010
9:39 pm
Did someone say house of cards?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GplxJW8ez-w
Truth-Serum
June 14th, 2010
9:41 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1qGjUXcjWs
Me Too Blue Ray!
Truth-Serum
June 14th, 2010
9:42 pm
Mary, Doctor. I’m humbled. Thank you. You and class are synonymous.
OK
June 14th, 2010
9:47 pm
You can all view the entire press confrence again here:
http://www.foxsportssouth.com/06/14/10/Hawks-Introduce-Drew-as-Head-Coach/landing.html?blockID=253580&feedID=4354
It’s way more in-depth than MC’s article, no offense MC.
OK
June 14th, 2010
9:58 pm
They cut out some of Rick Sunds points but they’re all in the article below the video.
Sautee
June 14th, 2010
9:58 pm
dr.maryb,
Friends indeed. No problem, as my daughter always says.
As far as the lying thing goes…if you KNOW something to be untrue, but keep saying it AFTER you know…..well maybe there are kinder words for that, but I call that like I see it.
It’s funny how within all the “stuff” that has gone on between T-s and me, HE is the one to call names, and get derogatory over a freakin’ difference of opinion on a blog. His 6:22 post is a good example. I’m glad to not carry that kind of misery around. I’ll call him out, but I will not stoop to that crap (pun intended).
drmaryb
June 14th, 2010
10:09 pm
Truth-Serum
I got your back like a “Bobby Knight Tight Red Sweater”!
Hell, I got your back like a “CHIROPRACTOR”. My #1 Passion and reason for living – Basketball runs a hard second! LOL!
Keep spitting your TRUTH!
They did it – it’s your turn now!
I’m gonna always speak my point of view – till the end! If no one like’ it, then keep scrollin’ &
rollin’ – like a river!
I we all agreed – there would be NO blog! Just a bunch of Yes-Men!
I always say, “Question Authority!”. If NOT, we’d ALL be slaves !!!!!!!!!!
drmaryb
June 14th, 2010
10:35 pm
Truth-Serum
Correction: IF we ALL agreed – There would be no BLOG, just a bunch of yes men!
I LOVE the Truth – Serum it’s like “Pheno-Barbitol”
Sautee
Thank you Sir – for being so friendly! I LOVE YOU!
Blue-Ray
(Sharper – Image ion 3D)
IF you endorse Sautee? That’s ALL I need to know! I will always follow your lead! You are MY man! Forever!
You and save lives for a living! And apparently, relationships too! I LOVE YOU too!
drmaryb
June 14th, 2010
10:37 pm
At that time of the MOTH? Women love pure DRAMA!
drmaryb
June 14th, 2010
10:44 pm
Grand-Daddy
I’m so glad you’re still a blogging fool! I didn’t get a chance to call Dr. Pigeon today.
Sorry, but my lobby was jammed packed ALL day today. Monday’s are always full throttle!
Tuesday, I don’t see patients, so – I will call him tomorrow and send that info to you!
How’s my baby?
Ken Strickland
June 14th, 2010
10:54 pm
NORTHCYDE-I certainly hope that wasn’t an attempt at trying to provide some sort of proof that it might be unrealistic to expect Teague to be able to get the job done. Unlike you, I just don’t see it as an insurmountable task. Even with Woodson’s limited half court OFF system, and his unwillingness to totally commit to running, we still managed to average 101.7PPG.
With LDrew’s commitment to running, we will likely increase that PPG total. I find it hard to believe that a PG with Teague’s speed, quickness and athleticism couldn’t match those projected totals in our OFF when our SG & PG managed to average 4.9 and 4.2APG respectively. Even our extremely slow, none penetrating, jump shooting PG MBibby managed to average 3.9APG, which is only 2.1 fewer APG than the projected 6APG.
It only takes 4-5 two pt field goals and 2-4 FT’s to average 12PPG, and that’s not a particularly difficult feat for an athletic penetrating PG playing in an uptempo OFF. He’ll be able to use his speed and quickness to score in the open floor, and his DEF to score off steals. If Bibby can score 9.1PPG, considering how limited and inconsistent he was last yr, why would anyone think Teague couldn’t use his skills to improve upon that by 3PPG?
The more fast breaks he runs and the more he penetrates and dish’s, the more assists he’ll accumulate. It amazes me at how many fans seem willing to use Woodson’s stupid bias against young PG’s to cast unsubstantiated doubt on Teague’s ability.
Before CPaul went down last yr to injury, his rookie backup, DCollision, was pretty much thought of in the same terms as JTeague. But his HC wasn’t as stupid and biased as Woodson towards rookie PG’s and gave him a solid chance to sink or swim. These are Collison’s bench and starter stats:
BENCH: GMS-39, MINS-15.9, PPG-6.4, APG-2.5, 3PT%-.325, FG%-45.5.
STARTS: GMS-37, MINS-40.3, PPG-18.8, APG-9.1, 3PT%-.429, FG%-48.5.
Now compare Teague’s bench and starting stats to Collison’s.
BENCH: GMS-71, MINS-9.9, PPG-2.8, APG-1.5, FG%-.387, 3PT%-.217
STARTS: GMS-3, MINS-30, PPG-12.7, APG-7.3, FG%-.444, 3PT%-.222.
You can’t tell me Collison waited until the very moment CPaul went down to injury to suddenly developed the ability to become the player he became. The difference maker was, he got a solid opportunity and the prerequisite mins to play the way he was capable of playing all along, which was something Woodson steadfastly denied JTeague. Every aspect of his gm increased with the increase of consistent mins and opportunity.
JTeague has proven, in my eyes, that he’s capable of performing the same feat as DCollison if given the same consistent mins and opportunity.
bigdave
June 14th, 2010
10:57 pm
tried to post some links to some Hawks coverage from 790 today. it says, “comment is awaiting moderation” . so in the event that it doesnt post check out http://www.790thezone.com/instantreplay/
MC on there.. Sekou.. and on Pollack’s show Shapiro asked coach Drew about the offense..
♥Mz. Hawkdafied♥
June 14th, 2010
11:07 pm
It sounds promising that the team feels that Coach Drew brings something different to the table. The team showing up for the press conference says a lot about their support of the direction the ASG/Rick Sund chose to go with the coaching change.
Some have commented that a bigger name coach would have perhaps help fill the arena. Well maybe. But, how many fans on this blog was a part of the Fire Woodson crew and despite this still attended games or even purchased season tickets the past 6 years? Yeah. You know you did. Why? Because the players are the guys/gals (go Atlanta Dream) are who drew you to the arena in the first place.
Anywho, just like Coach Mike Woodson moved on, this Atlanta Hawks fan is moving on to the Head Coach Larry Drew Era.
Go Hawks! Go Coach Larry Drew! Go 2010-2011 squad!♥
♥Mz. Hawkdafied♥
June 14th, 2010
11:16 pm
drmaryb, correction just a bunch of yes men and women. guys are not the only ones that visit this blog on occasion. okay, butting out now.
drmaryb
June 14th, 2010
11:21 pm
Ken S.
That post was, well – RICH!
Damn! STATS ^ FACTS don’t lie!
I am so excited to see JT0 play! Don’t the HC’s look at these things for the millions they make?
Man, that cancer ain’t got ISH to do with your brains! And, they said you got P.C.?
I say – get a second opinion! It ain’t true – your brain is just fine! -smile?-
drmaryb
June 14th, 2010
11:27 pm
Mz. Hawkdafied
-sniggles- I don’t know how to make those fancy hearts – sorry sister!
I stand corrected! What’s up home-gurl?
Most days, I could use a book end for that 1 – 2 punch!
drmaryb
June 14th, 2010
11:49 pm
Truth-Serum
Please don’t call SAUTEE any ugly names? He is a grown azz man – with a wife of 16 years and kids of his own.
He deserves the respect that I know you have for him. He loves to blog with you – because, you raise his game and get his IRE up! He will not call you a liar, IF you don’t piss him off!
Attack his ideals and NOT his character! Then, you will be like that movie Dwight watched to calm down from the Round 1 series: The Peaceful Warrior!
I will LOVE you more – IF you do that for me? -smiles-
cp
June 14th, 2010
11:59 pm
Mike is back I saw that on NBATV. According to a lot of the second unit guys, while in practice Drew always came up with some nice plays and guys were sharing the ball. I also thought it would be great if we could add a guy like The Dream to the coaching staff but I don’t know if he would be interested in coaching. He might just be fine with helping guys in the summer but it wouldn’t hurt to call him and see if he would like to try it. And once again I love it that Teague is here busting his azz trying to get better. I wish a few other cats on the team had better drive. We all know Josh and big Al do. I think this is a big summer for Marvin. He has to show that he wants it or its time to move on.
drmaryb
June 15th, 2010
12:03 am
JSS
Dang! I didn’t Bibby was that raw? He seems like such a different player than that?
I guess we fans, really don’t know what these players are up to?
I guess money does change people – huh? Seems like Bibby should have played against Ty Hill early in his career, I wonder if there is some bad blood there from back then or something?
I guess Mr. Woodson’s gruff-iness did rub off on the team’s personality – like that cliche says – huh?
Thanks for that 4th row live feed! LOL!
sam'l
June 15th, 2010
12:30 am
Not seeing any positives here……If Drew turns out to be a tactician who wins the respect of the team…..I’ll reconsider.
If things were as bad as pictured (players quitting on the coach) why are they still on the roaster and why wasn’t a change made sooner?
Maybe it’s time to get another hobby…….
cp
June 15th, 2010
1:08 am
I saw a video where Sekou mentioned the number of players who had problems with Woodrow. Maybe that’s why Pachulia and others were so happy Drew got the job……http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2010/06/12/20100612_GT_Hawks_coach.nba/
And seriously some of you guys are complaining just for the sake of complaining. If you’re not happy with whats going on just stop supporting the team and find something else to do. No need to come on here everyday bitching and complaining about the same thing. Its plenty of others on here who have accepted it and want to talk about whats next for this team.
HoosierHawk
June 15th, 2010
1:11 am
As much as I hate ISO Joe, that was a problem usually reserved for the end of the game. We were getting killed by Orlando way before that stage in the game. Looks like Joe wants to go and I’m fine with that, but we need to at least see what we can get for him with a sign and trade.
Trade checker shows that Joe + Zaza for Okafor and M. Peterson works. We get a good Center for a guy who want to leave anyway, and can play Al at his natural 4.
Tyson Chandler is leaning towards opting out, so what about a sign and trade Joe for Tyson Chandler (maybe a 3 way trade cause Joe won’t want to go to Charlotte). Move Al to 4, Josh to 3, have Marvin come off the bench, start Crawford. Chandler is less expensive than Joe so use the extra cap space to get someone who can create his own shot (John Salmons or maybe Jordan Crawford from the draft) off the bench.
I MUS WRITE
June 15th, 2010
1:56 am
LOL @ Grandad
Grandad
June 15th, 2010
2:12 am
Mary Ellen;
I tried to take a brief respite from the blog
because it was getting like golf. Not the blog itself
but the Hawks. Instead of providing past-time, I was
allowing things I had no control over, to tick me off.
As in my perception that the ASG had over-ridden
Mr. Sund’s decision. That type of thing happened to me
enough times in my career that I felt his pain.
Never once did I have any animosity toward LD.
Everthing I’m hearing him say is positive.
Regardless, he is not Woody. I know you & I differ
on that topic but change any change was necessary for
everyone’s mental hlth. [on this blog]
However, each time I tried to step away for a few days
my friends (community) & my passion (Basketball)
kept drawing me back in. Where else am I going to get my
B-ball fix in June. Usually I’m in the thick of my summer
program [b-ball] but retirement (unplanned) is not fun.
There are those who look forward to retiring – not so here.
This community keeps me in touch with my 3rd love.
[God & family = 1 & 2 of course]
anyway trying to take a blog break only gave me LESS to do.
In & out, G-dad.
Grandad
June 15th, 2010
2:15 am
I MUS – Everyday even old-timers need to get educated a bit.
Thanks.
Your alright.
Clyde
June 15th, 2010
2:30 am
As much as I didn’t like Woody, coaching wasn’t the only thing wrong with this team. We need more talent.
OK
June 15th, 2010
4:03 am
Hah! Nooo PPL bave been talking about Bibby, Eddie House and the thug-isms of TeamDime For years! They’re just getting older and being more responsible so it’s a little under the radar now! Them fools still on some wannabe mob type nonsense lol,.
O'Brien
June 15th, 2010
7:09 am
Sam’l,
Although I’m not a big fan of the Drew signing, one of the positives is he already knows what a lot of the issues are with this team, because he had courtside seats for every game. Knowing what the issues are gives him a head start with coming up with solutions.
Another positive is he already has a working relationship with JJ (which appears to be a good relationship). So he can help recruit JJ better than one of the new guys could (except for Avery Johnson maybe).
One of the keys for me will depend on his coaching staff. I hope he doesn’t bring back all the guys from last year.
Like you, I do have my doubts. But as a Hawks fan, I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
drmaryb
June 15th, 2010
7:32 am
Sam’L
Please go find yourself another hobby!
1. The post season is NOT over.
2. The draft is June 24th.
3. FA begins July 1st. (Duuhh – that’s the 1st day you can talk to a FA/UFA!)
4. LeBron is the lynch-pin to start this process, HELLO – Where will he sign?
5. If any GM mentions his name now? They will be severely fined!
Exactly, what planet do you live on? There will be NO player movements for ANY team, until these fundamental things happen.
Go – Figure where these people come from.
drmaryb
June 15th, 2010
7:37 am
Sam’L
And, even after all that? We need to know IF Joe will stay or go here. If he sign’s with another team, that team will need a S & T to make room on their roster (something about Cap & Trade?). And, we would have to agree or not to any trade or Joe walks for nothing in return!
That’s basic baskÞball 101 broken down for you by a female! SMH!
darrell starks
June 15th, 2010
8:25 am
CLYDE your right we need more talent i don’t care who is the coach, talent will be very important this off season.
MARVIN is at the bottom in the league at the 3 postion, i hope he is in some one back yard getting dirty as we speak, hopefully the hawks can trade him before the season starte.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
drmaryb
June 15th, 2010
8:26 am
Sam’L
I apologize – I mis – read your post.
I thought you said – Why haven’t the Hawks made a player move yet?
But, you said – Why haven’t Hawks made a player move sooner?
I agree with you 100 %. I was extremely irritated when we did nothing aþ the trade deadline and, nothing major in the last off season outside of SMOY! That’s why I hold the GM more accountable than Woodson, or just as! For his lack of player movement!
There should have been NO untouchables on this roster- especially Marvin! But, to Sund’s defense – Who knew Marvin would lay an egg? Childress situation was severely mis-handled.
But, let’s admit – Sam’L – we have no trade able parts on that bench except maybe Zsa or SMOY!
I guess we thought we would make more noise in these play offs!
Again, my bad! But this blackberry is almost impossible to read from & type on. Uuggh!
-smiles-